bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the combination of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser and microneedling for melasma
Authors: Karadağ Köse Özlem , Borlu Murat
Published: July 2020

Background

Melasma is a common, multifactorial, and recurring disease which is not easy to treat.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling in combination with Q‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (QsNd‐YAG laser) for treatment of melasma.

Patients/Methods

Fifteen female patients with epidermal or mixed‐type melasma on the face were included in the study. Patients were first treated with QsNd‐YAG laser, and then with microneedling containing mesotherapy products of biomimetic peptides, at the same session. Modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) scores were calculated before the first session and again 2 weeks after the last session. The same treatment protocol was repeated every 2 weeks for five sessions within period of 3 months of therapy. The evaluation was performed according to the before and after photographs taken from three angles including 90‐degree front and 45 degrees from left and right with the VISIA device.

Results

Of the 15 patients included in the study, the mean mMASI scores before and after treatment were 9.2 ± 5.7 (3.8‐23.1) and 3.6 ± 4.0 (0.6‐16.8), respectively. mMASI scores were significantly reduced after completion of the protocol. Six (40%) patients had “very good response,” 4 (26.7%) patients had “good response,” and 5 (33.3%) patients were “unresponsive.” Six (40%) patients were followed up for 1 year, and only 1 patient had a recurrence (6.7%).

Conclusions

In addition to the use of photoprotective measures, multimodality treatment including QsNd‐YAG laser and microneedling with mesotherapy products containing biomimetic peptides is effective to treat melasma and they work synergistically.
Topical application of autophagy‐activating peptide improved skin barrier function and reduced acne symptoms in acne‐prone skin
Authors: Lee Yoonjin , Shin Kayoung , Shin Kyong‐Oh , Yoon Seokjeong , Jung Juyeon , Hwang Eojin , Chung Hwa‐Jee , Hossini Amir M. , Zouboulis Christos C. , Baek Min Jeong , Baek Ji Hwoon , Chi Young Min , Lee Sangeun , Jeong Sekyoo
Published: July 2020

Background

Recent studies about the important roles of autophagy signaling in sebaceous lipogenesis and epidermal differentiation suggest potential benefits of autophagy activation in acne.

Aims

To investigate the effects of an autophagy activator on acne‐prone skin.

Methods

Autophagy signaling in human immortalized SZ95 sebocytes, normal human epidermal keratinocytes, and 3D reconstituted skin was examined. Effects of an autophagy‐activating peptide on sebaceous lipogenesis were measured by fluorescence microscopic analysis. The clinical efficacy in acne‐prone skin was evaluated through an eight‐week, double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled study. Changes in skin surface lipid compositions were further analyzed.

Results

In cultured sebocytes and keratinocytes, the investigated autophagy‐activating peptide increased LC3‐II expression, indicating a stimulation of autophagy signaling. Testosterone and linoleic acid treatment induced lipogenesis in cultured sebocytes and is further inhibited by the autophagy activator peptide treatment. Increased expression of differentiation marker proteins in cultured keratinocytes was also observed by autophagy‐activating peptide. In clinical study, reduction of closed comedones and the amount of skin surface lipids as well as of trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) were observed in acne‐prone skin after autophagy‐activating peptide application. In addition, reduction of squalene and increase in cholesterol were observed after an 8‐week application.

Conclusions

Topical application of an autophagy activator downregulated sebaceous lipogenesis and improved the skin barrier function. Considering the important roles of sebum and skin barrier function in acne pathogenesis, autophagy activation might represent a new therapeutic option in early forms of acne.
Cytokine storm syndrome in coronavirus disease 2019: A narrative review
Authors: Gao Y.‐M. , Xu G. , Wang B. , Liu B.‐C.
Published: July 2020

Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a critical clinical condition induced by a cascade of cytokine activation, characterized by overwhelming systemic inflammation, hyperferritinaemia, haemodynamic instability and multiple organ failure (MOF). At the end of 2019, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly developed into a global pandemic. More and more evidence shows that there is a dramatic increase of inflammatory cytokines in patients with COVID‐19, suggesting the existence of cytokine storm in some critical illness patients. Here, we summarize the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation of CSS, and highlight the current understanding about the recognition and potential therapeutic options of CSS in COVID‐19.
Species traits are better determinants of mobility than management in a species‐rich meadow
Authors: Rychtecká Terezie , Lepš Jan
Published: July 2020

Question

Inter‐annual species mobility within a community might support species co‐existence in species‐rich ecosystems. We asked how species mobility within a highly diverse grassland community is affected by species traits and how external conditions (management) affect mobility.

Location

Semi‐natural wet meadow in southern Bohemia, Czech Republic (48°57′ N, 14°36′ E, 510 m a.s.l.).

Methods

A manipulative experiment comprising mowing, fertilization, and removal of the dominant speciesMolinia caeruleawas established, in factorial design, in a semi‐natural species‐rich meadow in 1994. Rooting presence of all species was recorded in individual 0.1 m × 0.1 m cells grid within 0.5 m × 0.5 m permanently fixed quadrats. We used a 14‐year continuous time series to evaluate species persistence (ability to stay in a cell over time) in each plot, using the point correlation coefficient (V), and related persistence to different plant traits. At the community level we also determined mobility, as floristic dissimilarity of the individual cell and the whole 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrat across contiguous years.

Results

The differences in traits and mobility among species were remarkable: “sitters,” retaining their spatial position (e.g.Succisa pratensis, Carex umbrosa) had tougher leaves, usually had shoot generation overlap, a rosette and did not have effective clonal spreading; “travelers” (e.g.Lysimachia vulgaris, Lathyrus pratensis) changed their position frequently and had opposite traits. Of the experimental factors, only mowing affected mobility, increasing persistence, but all factors modified species mobility ranking slightly. Against expectation, species richness was negatively correlated with community mobility.

Conclusions

A high degree of mobility in species‐rich meadows does not necessarily enhance diversity. However, a functional differentiation between more mobile and fixed species can be expected within co‐existing species. Species mobility is highly species‐specific and less affected by management.
Targeted next‐generation sequencing of adult gliomas for retrospective prognostic evaluation and up‐front diagnostics
Authors: Petersen J. K. , Boldt H. B. , Sørensen M. D. , Blach S. , Dahlrot R. H. , Hansen S. , Burton M. , Thomassen M. , Kruse T. , Poulsen F. R. , Andreasen L. , Hager H. , Ulhøi B. P. , Lukacova S. , Reifenberger G. , Kristensen B. W.
Published: July 2020

Aims

We aimed to reclassify a population‐based cohort of 529 adult glioma patients to evaluate the prognostic impact of the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) central nervous system tumour classification. Moreover, we evaluated the feasibility of gene panel next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in daily diagnostics of 225 prospective glioma patients.

Methods

The retrospective cohort was reclassified according to WHO 2016 criteria by immunohistochemistry for IDH‐R132H, fluorescence in situ hybridization for 1p/19q‐codeletion and gene panel NGS. All tumours of the prospective cohort were subjected to NGS analysis up‐front.

Results

The entire population‐based cohort was successfully reclassified according to WHO 2016 criteria. NGS results were obtained for 98% of the prospective patients. Survival analyses in the population‐based cohort confirmed three major prognostic subgroups, that is, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)‐mutant and 1p/19q‐codeleted oligodendrogliomas, IDH‐mutant astrocytomas and IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas. The distinction between WHO grade II and III was prognostic in patients with IDH‐mutant astrocytoma. The survival of patients with IDH‐wildtype diffuse astrocytomas carrying TERT promoter mutation and/or EGFR amplification overlapped with the poor survival of IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma patients.

Conclusions

Gene panel NGS proved feasible in daily diagnostics. In addition, our study confirms the prognostic role of glioma classification according to WHO 2016 in a large population‐based cohort. Molecular features of glioblastoma in IDH‐wildtype diffuse glioma were linked to poor survival corresponding to IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma patients. The distinction between WHO grade II and III retained prognostic significance in patients with IDH‐mutant diffuse astrocytic gliomas.
An international survey on clinicians' perspectives on the diagnosis and management of chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction and enteric dysmotility
Authors: Vasant Dipesh H. , Pironi Loris , Barbara Giovanni , Bozzetti Federico , Cuerda Cristina , Joly Francisca , Mundi Manpreet , Paine Peter , Staun Michael , Szczepanek Kinga , Van Gossum André , Wanten Geert , Lal Simon
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) and enteric dysmotility (ED) are small intestinal motility disorders defined by radiological and manometric criteria. In the absence of consensus guidelines, we surveyed opinions on the diagnosis and management of CIPO and ED among experts from different countries.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was circulated electronically to members of the European society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and United European Gastroenterology. Only responses from participants completing all required components were included.

Key Results

Of 154 participants, 93% agreed that CIPO and ED should be classified separately. Overall, 73% reported an increasing incidence of CIPO and ED, with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome the group with the largest increase in referrals (37%), particularly in the UK (P < .0001). The majority (95%) find diagnosing CIPO and ED difficult. Notably, antroduodenal manometry, a test mandated to diagnose ED, is infrequently used (only 21% respondents use in >50% cases) and full thickness biopsies were reported to seldom influence medical treatment, nutritional management, and prognosis. Respondents reported that very few treatments are useful for most patients, with bacterial overgrowth treatment, prucalopride, and psychological therapies felt to be the most useful. While only 23% of clinicians felt that parenteral nutrition (PN) improves gastrointestinal symptoms in >50% of cases, 68% reported PN dependency at 5 years in the majority of cases.

Conclusions and Inferences

These data highlight the difficulties with diagnosing and managing CIPO and ED and underscore the urgent need for international, multidisciplinary, clinical practice guidelines.
Food supplements and diet as treatment options in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dimidi Eirini , Whelan Kevin
Published: July 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder affecting 5.7% of the general population. Most patients relate their symptoms of IBS to foods they consume with diet being the most frequently reported factor impacting their life. However, although some foods may trigger symptoms, others may provide symptom relief. Indeed, several foods and diets have been investigated for their effectiveness in relieving IBS symptoms. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial in 160 patients with IBS demonstrated Aloe vera not to be effective in improving IBS symptoms. The aim of this review is to discuss the evidence on the effect of food supplements and diets in the management of IBS. Specifically, this review examines the evidence for aloe vera, peppermint oil, probiotics, fiber and prebiotics, healthy eating, the low FODMAP diet, and the gluten‐free diet.
Lycopodium root meristem dynamics supports homology between shoots and roots in lycophytes
Authors: Fujinami Rieko , Nakajima Atsuko , Imaichi Ryoko , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: July 2020

Roots have played a pivotal role in the conquest of land by vascular plants, yet their origin has remained enigmatic. Palaeobotanical evidence suggests that roots may have originated from subterranean shoots in some lycophyte species. If this hypothesis is correct, it would follow that the roots and shoots of extant lycophytes share fundamental developmental mechanisms.

We tracked meristem dynamics in root and shoot apices of Lycopodium clavatum using a thymidine analogue and expression patterns of histone H4, respectively. Then we compared the meristem dynamics of roots and shoots to identify developmental similarities.

Both apical meristems contained a quiescent tissue characterised by a low frequency of cell division. Actively dividing cells appeared in the quiescent tissue during dichotomous branching of both roots and shoots. As a result, the parental meristem divides into two daughter meristems, which give rise to new root or shoot apices.

These striking similarities in meristem dynamics provide new neobotanical data that support the shoot‐origin hypothesis of lycophyte roots. Although Lycopodium roots may have originated from subterranean shoots of Devonian lycophytes, these shoots may have changed into root‐bearing axes in other extant lycophyte lineages.
The spatio‐temporal biosynthesis of floral flavonols is controlled by differential phylogenetic MYB regulators in Freesia hybrida
Authors: Shan Xiaotong , Li Yueqing , Yang Song , Yang Zhongzhou , Qiu Meng , Gao Ruifang , Han Taotao , Meng Xiangyu , Xu Zhengyi , Wang Li , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2020

Floral flavonols play specific pivotal roles in pollinator attraction, pollen germination and fertility, in addition to other functions in vegetative organs. For many plants, the process of flavonol biosynthesis in late flower development stages and in mature flower tissues is poorly understood, in contrast to early flower development stages. It is thought that this process may be regulated independently of subgroup 7 R2R3 MYB (SG7 MYB) transcription factors.

In this study, two FLS genes were shown to be expressed synchronously with the flower development‐specific and tissue‐specific biosynthesis of flavonols in Freesia hybrida.

FhFLS1 contributed to flavonol biosynthesis in early flower buds, toruses and calyxes, and was regulated by four well‐known SG7 MYB proteins, designated as FhMYBFs, with at least partial regulatory redundancy. FhFLS2 accounted for flavonols in late developed flowers and in the petals, stamens and pistils, and was targeted directly by non SG7 MYB protein FhMYB21L2. In parallel, AtMYB21 and AtMYB24 also activated AtFLS1, a gene highly expressed in Arabidopsis anthers and pollen, indicating the conserved regulatory roles of MYB21 against FLS genes in these two evolutionarily divergent angiosperm plants.

Our results reveal a novel regulatory and synthetic mechanism underlying flavonol biosynthesis in floral organs and tissues which may be exploited to investigate supplementary roles of flavonols in flowers.
Anxiety and oral lichen planus
Authors: Liao Honglin , Luo Yuxue , Long Li , Peng Jiakuan , Qiu Xuemei , Yuan Peiyang , Xu Hao , Jiang Lu
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the association between oral lichen planu(OLP) and anxiety.

Subjects and Methods

This study included 174 OLP patients and 174 healthy controls. We assessed anxiety by Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and recorded OLP lesion type and severity. t test and analysis of variance were applied for continuous variants and chi‐square test was performed for categorical variants. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis were used for multi‐variable analysis.

Results

he SAS score of OLP patients was higher than that of healthy individuals. There was no significant difference in SAS score between the OLP subgroups, obtained according to age, type, and severity, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed gender was the only factor that affected the SAS score of OLP patients. Compared with weakly anxiety‐related groups, the SAS score and female ratio of highly anxiety‐related group were obviously higher. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that males were less exposed to highly anxiety‐related types than females.

Conclusions

OLP patients tend to be more anxious compared with healthy individuals, and female patients are more anxious than male patients. There might be two types of OLP patients: weakly anxiety‐related or highly anxiety‐related. These results highlight the significance of psychological counseling in OLP disease management.
Occipitocervical Fusion via Cervical Pedicle Fixation Assisted with O‐arm Navigation
Authors: Wang Yu‐cheng , Zhou Zhang‐zhe , Wang Bin , Zhang Kai , Chen Hao , Chen Kang‐wu , Mao Hai‐qing
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical outcomes of occipitocervical fusion (OCF) using cervical pedicle fixation with assistance of O‐arm navigation and present its clinical feasibility.

Methods

From January 2015 to December 2016, eight patients with a variety of diagnoses were surgically treated with occipitocervical fusion using cervical pedicle screws under O‐arm navigation. All patients received full workup consisting of clinical and radiological assessments. Perioperative parameters including operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, surgical outcomes were recorded. Postoperative data were acquired resorting to the scheduled follow‐up 3, 6 and 12 months after their discharge and annually afterwards. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scores and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scale were used to evaluate neurological function. The accuracy of screw placement was classified according to a modified classification of Gertzbein and Robbins. The fusion status was evaluated in reference to the Bridwell's posterior fusion grades.

Results

The patient cohort comprised of five males and three females, with the average age of 51.9 years (range from 18 to 74 years). The patients all showed indications for OCF and were performed with polyaxial screws through cervical pedicles. The average operation time was 274 min (range from 226 to 380 min), with the intraoperative blood loss of 437.5 mL and the blood transfusion volume of 481.3 mL. The average follow‐up time was 23.5 months (range from 17 to 32 months). All patients exhibited radiographic evidence of osseous fusion by X‐ray and computed tomography (CT) at the final follow‐up. No neurovascular complications were found during the follow‐up time, and the clinical symptoms were observed to be significantly improved in all the patients. Thirty‐four cervical pedicle screws were implanted within the eight patients, with the accuracy of cervical pedicle screw placements as 94.1% (32/34), among which, two pedicle screws were found to broken through the cervical pedicles that were evaluated as Grade II.

Conclusions

Occipitocervical fusion via cervical pedicle fixation assisted with O‐arm navigation is a feasible and safe procedure with a vast range of indications.
Safety of bioelectrical impedance analysis in advanced heart failure patients
Authors: Roehrich Luise , Suendermann Simon , Just Isabell Anna , Knierim Jan , Mulzer Johanna , Mueller Marcus , Eulert‐Grehn Jaime‐Juergen , Hummel Manfred , Starck Christoph , Potapov Evgenij , Knosalla Christoph , Falk Volkmar , Schoenrath Felix
Published: July 2020

Background

Cardiac cachexia and frailty are major complications of advanced heart failure (AHF). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) may provide valuable information regarding fluid balance, muscle mass and prognosis. The main concerns regarding the use of BIA in AHF patients remain arrhythmias and electromagnetic interferences with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Reliable data regarding patients on continuous‐flow ventricular assist device (cf‐VAD) remain scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of BIA in AHF patients on pro‐arrhythmogenic therapy with an implanted CIED and/or with a cf‐VAD.

Methods

We prospectively performed 217 BIA measurements in 143 AHF patients at risk of severe arrhythmias due to inotropic support/a history of ventricular arrhythmias and/or treated with CIED, including 104 patients with an ICD, CRT or pacemaker and 95 patients with a cf‐VAD. All patients were under continuous Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and clinical surveillance for 24 hours.

Results

No adverse events were observed during the 217 BIA measurements: No rhythm disturbances were documented in the telemetric monitoring during or within 30 minutes after the measurement. CIEDs showed no malfunction, regardless of the location measured or the device manufacturer. In particular, no inappropriate shocks were observed. No alarms, flow disturbances, or malfunctions of the cf‐VAD occurred during or after the measurements.

Conclusion

We consider BIA a safe measurement with major clinical relevance in our cohort of AHF patients, despite an increased arrhythmic potential on inotropic support or the presence of implanted electronic devices (ICD, CRT, pacemaker and cf‐VAD).
Effectiveness and safety of high‐power and short‐duration ablation for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in atrial flutter
Authors: Kwon Hee‐Jin , Lee Seong Soo , Park Young Jun , Park Seung‐Jung , Park Kyoung‐Min , Kim June Soo , On Young Keun
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite many studies on new tools and strategies for cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation, there is an unmet need to improve the CTI ablation procedure. Recently, high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation has been widely used for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HPSD for CTI ablation in atrial flutter (AFL).

Methods

Eighty‐four patients who underwent CTI ablation with or without simultaneous PV isolation between January 2018 and February 2019 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. We compared procedural characteristics, periprocedural complications, and recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) between the HPSD group (50 W for 15 s) and conventional group (30 W for 60 s).

Results

A total of 84 patients were divided into the HPSD (n = 42) and conventional (n = 42) groups. Bidirectional CTI block was achieved in all patients and 95% achieved bidirectional block after the first‐line ablation in both groups. Although there was no difference in the total number of ablation lines between the two groups (1.17 ± 0.7 vs 1.38 ± 0.8, P = .067), HPSD ablation significantly reduced total ablation time compared to the conventional group (236.0 ± 85.6 vs 534.2 ± 235.2 s, P < .001). One pericardial tamponade was reported in the HPSD group. During the mean follow‐up of 9.3 ± 4.8 months, CTI‐dependent AFL recurrence occurred in one patient in the HPSD group. Recurrence of ATa developed in 14 patients with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that HPSD CTI ablation is safe and can shorten procedure time.
Are developing countries accumulating sufficient total factor productivity to sustain their economic growth and job creation? Empirical evidence from the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Abou Hamia Mohamad Ahmad
Published: July 2020

This study contributes new evidence on why the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has failed to create decent jobs for decades. The growth accounting exercise reveals that the region suffered from an acute total factor productivity (TFP) deficit in the 1990s; it improved remarkably in the 2000s, before deteriorating significantly in the period between 2010 and 2017. Throughout the three subperiods, the region’s growth relied heavily on capital accumulation. The severe deficit in TFP and the heavy reliance on physical capital for decades impaired the region’s ability to sustain economic growth and to create decent jobs in the long run. The study recommends more government interventions in knowledge accumulation as a critical precondition for employment generation in developing countries.
Erosion‐initiated stromatolite and thrombolite formation in a present‐day coastal sabkha setting
Authors: Paul Andreas , Lokier Stephen W. , Sherry Angela , Andrade Luiza Lessa , Court Wesley M. , van der Land Cees , Dutton Kirsten E. , Head Ian M.
Published: July 2020

Laminated microbial mats and microbialites have been documented from a variety of coastal marine environments. This study aims to provide the first detailed descriptions of intertidal pools, along with their hosted thrombolite and stromatolite structures, from Abu Dhabi, and to propose a model for their formation and evolution. It is proposed that the development of pools within the upper intertidal zone was initiated by localized erosion of the laminated microbial mats during high energy events. The removal of the protective mats permitted erosion of the underlying unconsolidated sediment to produce erosional scours that continued to develop to create the pools observed today. The margins of the newly‐created submerged environment were colonized by a cyanobacteria dominated microbial community. The precipitation of aragonite cement, associated with the cyanobacteria, stabilized the pool walls and cemented the microbial communities to form stromatolitic and thrombolitic fabrics. Syndepositional cementation was further enhanced by the precipitation of marine cements as a result of evaporation‐driven Ca2+ and Mg2+ supersaturation. Erosion behind and below the cemented pool wall eventually resulted in rim‐collapse and the formation of the observed pool margin parallel thrombolite bands. Successive generations of lithification and erosion increased the area of the pool with the earliest thrombolites eroding and becoming increasingly isolated. In summary, the resultant microbialites developed through the complex interplay of erosion, abiotic early lithification and microbially‐mediated processes, and represent a continuum between unlithified laminated microbial mats and domal microbialites. These features are most likely produced during a sea‐level scenario of stillstand or transgression and, as such, may be useful as a diagnostic tool to elucidate the onset of transgression. The newly proposed model for stromatolite formation has significant implications for the recognition and interpretation of similar structures observed in the fossil record.
Could cross‐reactivity rescue Foxp3+ regulatory T cell precursors from thymic deletion?
Authors: Usharauli David , Kamala Tirumalai
Published: July 2020

Thymocytes that bind with high affinity to peptides displayed by MHC class II (pMHC‐II) are deleted while low‐affinity binders differentiate into naive CD4+ T cells. However, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) seem to defy this binary choice as their precursors require high‐affinity interaction with pMHC‐II for maturation in the thymus. Here, we rely on the antigen‐specific interpretive framework, SPIRAL (Specific ImmunoRegulatory Algorithm), to propose that Tregs escape thymic deletion by forming dyads with IL‐2‐producing T cells via antigen cross‐reactivity. This interpretation reconciles contradictions related to Treg ontogeny in the thymus and their role in modulating antigen‐specific immune responses.
The TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis—Head‐to‐head trials comparing different biologics in psoriasis treatment
Authors: ten Bergen Lisa Lynn , Petrovic Aleksandra , Krogh Aarebrot Anders , Appel Silke
Published: July 2020

Psoriasis is a T cell–mediated disease with autoimmune characteristics modulated by genetic susceptibility along with environmental triggers. Inflammatory pathways marked with excessive production of cytokines IL‐12 and IL‐23, drive differentiation of pathogenic T cell responses resulting in TNF and IL‐17 production. These cytokines are an integral part of the TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis, which is responsible for maintaining inflammation in psoriatic skin. Our improved understanding of the immunopathogenesis led to the development of biological drugs in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe disease. Biologics have revolutionized the management of psoriasis, highlighting the central role of TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis in the physiopathology of the disease. Still, psoriasis usually requires long‐term treatment, aiming to fully remove psoriatic lesions without experiencing adverse events. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of all 27 available head‐to‐head trials investigating the efficacy and safety of systemic and biologic therapies in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis vulgaris, as it is thought to provide more useful knowledge than placebo intervention alone. According to our evaluation, inhibitors that specifically target IL‐23 or IL‐17 are clinically more beneficial than inhibitors of IL‐12/IL‐23 and TNF. More informative results might be obtained by comparing these more efficient biological agents to each other. In addition, newer therapies for psoriasis using small‐molecule drugs may represent important advances compared to well‐established biologics as these are less expensive and orally administered.
The relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease and skin measurement parameters
Authors: Öksüm Solak Eda , Gökçek Gözde Emel , Kartal Demet , Kalay Nihat , Çinar Salih Levent , Savaş Göktuğ , Borlu Murat
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between skin parameters and CAD.

Materials and Methods

The study included 50 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease as the patient group and 45 volunteers without any known coronary artery disease as the control group. The participants' skin TEWL, pH, temperature, electrical capacitance, sebum, and elasticity values were measured using noninvasive methods at the forehead, back, and forearm.

Findings

Skin temperature was significantly higher in the back and forehead regions in the patient group. No difference was found between the sebum values of the patient and control groups at the back and forehead. A significantly higher result was obtained for the forearm area. The pH was significantly lower in the patients' forearm, although the obtained values were within the normal range. The TEWL was significantly higher in patients in all three regions. In terms of flexibility, R2 was significantly higher in the back and forehead regions of the patient group, and the R6 was significantly higher in the patient group in all three regions. In addition, there was no correlation between skin parameter and SYNTAX score increase measurements.

Conclusion

It can be suggested that skin sebum and TEWL measurements can be accepted as cheap and noninvasive methods of predicting CAD.
Financial intermediation, trade agreements and international trade*
Authors: Nguyen Duc Bao , Vaubourg Anne‐Gaël
Published: July 2020

Using a gravity model on a data set of 69 developed and developing countries over the period 1986–2006, we show that the trade‐promoting role of financial intermediation in the exporting country is mitigated when this country faces low exporting costs, that is when there is a regional trade agreement (RTA) between this country and the importing one. We also establish that this mitigating effect is reduced in financially constrained sectors, for which the role of financial intermediation remains crucial. Finally, we find evidence that the same trade‐boosting effect and the same interaction with RTAs prevail for financial intermediation in the importing country.
Evaluation of microwave ablation for local treatment of dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma: A pilot study
Authors: Salyer Sarah A. , Wavreille Vincent A. , Fenger Joelle M. , Jennings Ryan N. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) as a modality to induce tumor necrosis within distal radial osteosarcoma (OSA).

Study design

Pilot study.

Animals

Six client‐owned dogs with distal radius OSA confirmed by cytological examination.

Methods

Dogs underwent computed tomography for surgical planning before general anesthesia for fluoroscopy‐guided ablation. Computed tomography was repeated 48 hours after MWA, before amputation. The ablated tumor was evaluated with histopathology.

Results

Six dogs underwent MWA of distal radius OSA. A lower power setting (30 W) was selected for the first two dogs to avoid collateral soft tissue damage. The power was increased to 75 W for the last four dogs. The temperature was maintained between 45°C and 55°C (113 °F‐131 °F) at the bone/soft tissue interface. Tumor necrosis varied between 30% and 90% (median, 55%) according to histopathology. No intraoperative or periprocedural complications were observed.

Conclusion

Microwave ablation induced variable tumor necrosis and did not induce immediate postablation complications in these six dogs with distal radius OSA.

Clinical significance

These results justify further evaluation of MWA as a potential modality to treat primary bone lesions in dogs.
The infected diabetic foot: Can serum biomarkers predict osteomyelitis after hospital discharge for diabetic foot infections?
Authors: Crisologo Peter Andrew , Davis Kathryn E. , Ahn Junho , Farrar David , Van Asten Suzanne , La Fontaine Javier , Lavery Lawrence A.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate serum biomarkers to monitor high‐risk patients for reinfection of bone. Thirty‐five patients were prospectively enrolled with moderate to severe diabetic foot infections with suspicion of osteomyelitis. Bone samples were obtained for culture and histology. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were compared using χ2 square test. Biomarkers (white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 weeks after treatment initiation and evaluated for correlation with reinfection of bone. After 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment, ESR at 73.5 mm/h (sensitivity 62.5%, specificity 100%, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.7839, 95% CI 0.54‐1.00, P < .01) and IL‐8 at 15.09 mg/dL (sensitivity 42.9%, specificity 92.0% AUROC 0.6286, 95% CI 0.36‐0.90, P = .0496) were associated with reinfection of bone. An increase in IL‐8 from week 0 to 6 >0.95 mg/dL was associated with reinfection (sensitivity 71%, specificity 72% AUROC 0.7057, 95% CI 0.49‐0.92, P = .04). An ESR change from week 0‐6 of −16.5% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 86.4% AUROC 0.7403, 95% CI 0.48‐1.00, P = .02), CRP (‐)74.4% (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 91.3% AUROC 0.7174, 95% CI 0.40‐1.00, P = .04), IL‐6 (‐)49.9% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 76% AUROC 0.7371, 95% CI 0.47‐1.00, P = .04), and IL‐8 29% (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 56.0% AUROC of 0.7343, 95% CI 0.54‐0.93, P = .048) were associated with increased risk of reinfection. Pilot data suggest that serum biomarkers (ESR, IL8 and IL6, MCP‐1) may be correlated with developing osteomyelitis and could be used to monitor high‐risk patients for reinfection.
The Judas Iscariot Syndrome and Its Implication for Accounting Educators
Authors: Peprah Williams Kwasi , Ganu Josephine , Dei Daniel , Balila Edwin A. , Balila Jolly S. , Lopez Glenda Joy B.
Published: July 2020

The study is qualitative and applied the appreciative inquiry approach to address the "Judas Iscariot syndrome" of misappropriation and wrong assumptions among accountants and treasurers. It is believed that Seventh-day Adventist universities integrate faith and learning in their educational curriculum to cause a behavioral change. There seems to be a gap between knowledge, values, and the practice of accounting and financial management. From the biblical perspective, Judas Iscariot was the treasurer among the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, but he was said to be a thief (see John 12:4-6). This study utilized a semi-structured, self-developed, open-ended questions in interviewing ten accounting educators at Valley View University, Ghana from the Oyibi and Techiman campuses and based on the triangulation method and the 5-D cycle approach of appreciative inquiry (Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Delivery). The study revealed that in order to generate positive change, self-discipline, truthfulness, and conscience to duty must be inculcated into the current accounting education to make the student dream to have contentment. The achievement of contentment is based on a design of biblical and ethical discussion, sharing of examples and personal experiences, truth writing and telling, and audiovisual presentation. The study recommends that accounting educators must live an exemplary life, mentor students, use ethical simulations and debates to instill self-discipline, truthfulness, and conscience to duty. A roadmap of Christian Behavior Change for Accounting Educators is developed.
Path Integral Methods for the Probabilistic Analysis of Nonlinear Systems Under a White-Noise Process
Authors: Di Paola Mario , Alotta Gioacchino
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the widely known path integral method, derived from the application of the Chapman–Kolmogorov equation, is described in details and discussed with reference to the main results available in literature in several decades of contributions. The most simple application of the method is related to the solution of Fokker–Planck type equations. In this paper, the solution in the presence of normal, α-stable, and Poissonian white noises is first discussed. Then, application to barrier problems, such as first passage problems and vibroimpact problems is described. Further, the extension of the path integral method to problems involving multi-degrees-of-freedom systems is analyzed. Lastly, an alternative approach to the path integration method, that is the Wiener Path integration (WPI), also based on the Chapman–Komogorov equation, is discussed. The main advantages and the drawbacks in using these two methods are deeply analyzed and the main results available in literature are highlighted.
Flattened structural Luneburg lens for broadband beamforming
Authors: Zhao Liuxian , Yu Miao
Published: July 2020

A conventional structural Luneburg lens is a symmetric circular gradient-index lens with refractive indices decreasing from the centre along the radial direction. In this paper, a flattened structural Luneburg lens (FSLL) based on structural thickness variations is designed by using the quasi-conformal transformation technique. Through numerical simulations and experimental studies, the FSLL is demonstrated to have excellent beam steering performance for the manipulation of flexural wave propagation at desired angles.
A new coumarin compound DCH combats methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilm by targeting arginine repressor
Authors: Qu Di , Hou Zheng , Li Jing , Luo Liyang , Su Shan , Ye Zichen , Bai Yinlan , Zhang Xinlei , Chen Guanghui , Li Zhoupeng , Wang Yikun , Xue Xiaoyan , Luo Xiaoxing , Li Mingkai
Published: July 2020

Coumarin compound DCH combats methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
infection via inhibiting bacterial arginine repressor.
Deep learning–based cell composition analysis from tissue expression profiles
Authors: Menden Kevin , Marouf Mohamed , Oller Sergio , Dalmia Anupriya , Magruder Daniel Sumner , Kloiber Karin , Heutink Peter , Bonn Stefan
Published: July 2020

Scaden enables robust cell type deconvolution of complex samples across data types, using a deep learning–based model.
Chimeric apoptotic bodies functionalized with natural membrane and modular delivery system for inflammation modulation
Authors: Dou Geng , Tian Ran , Liu Xuemei , Yuan Pingyun , Ye Qianwen , Liu Jin , Liu Siying , Zhou Jun , Deng Zhihong , Chen Xin , Liu Shiyu , Jin Yan
Published: July 2020

Chimeric apoptotic bodies promote M2 polarization of macrophages to modulate inflammation.
Efficient flapping wing drone arrests high-speed flight using post-stall soaring
Authors: Chin Yao-Wei , Kok Jia Ming , Zhu Yong-Qiang , Chan Woei-Leong , Chahl Javaan S. , Khoo Boo Cheong , Lau Gih-Keong
Published: July 2020

An ornithopter hovers, darts, turns rapidly, and pulls up from a dive by blending paraglider, airplane, and helicopter characteristics.
Characterization and Genome Sequence of the Mycobacteriophage Donny
Authors: Colston Lauren E. , Segura-Totten Miriam , Shanks Ryan A.
Published: July 2020

We report the discovery of the novel bacteriophage Donny, a
Siphoviridae
virus that infects
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. Donny has a genome length of 69,691 bp and a G+C content of 68.5%. Donny shares 99% and 93% nucleotide identity with bacteriophages Acadian and Baee, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium innocuum Strain ATCC 14501
Authors: Cherny K. E. , Ozer E. A. , Kochan T. J. , Kociolek L. K.
Published: July 2020

We report the complete genome sequence of
Clostridium innocuum
ATCC 14501, which was isolated in 1962 from an appendiceal abscess. At that time, the isolated strain was designated
C. innocuum
, given its suspected lack of virulence, but recent reports suggest that
C. innocuum
is an emerging pathogen.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of
Mansonella perstans
Authors: Chung Matthew , Aluvathingal Jain , Bromley Robin E. , Nadendla Suvarna , Fombad Fanny F. , Kien Chi A. , Gandjui Narcisse V. T. , Njouendou Abdel J. , Ritter Manuel , Sadzewicz Lisa , Tallon Luke J. , Wanji Samuel , Hoerauf Achim , Pfarr Kenneth , Dunning Hotopp Julie C.
Published: July 2020

The 13,647-bp complete mitochondrial genome of
Mansonella perstans
was sequenced and is syntenic to the mitochondrial genome of
Mansonella ozzardi
. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome is consistent with the known phylogeny of ONC5 group filarial nematodes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CMC-115, a Clinical Strain from an Acute Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Patient
Authors: Adenikinju Adenike , Jensen Roderick V. , Kerkering Thomas M. , Garner Dorothy C. , Rao Jayasimha
Published: July 2020

We report the complete genome of clinical strain
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
CMC-115, which was isolated from an acute ventilator-associated pneumonia patient. Illumina sequencing reads were assembled using Geneious to yield a 6,375,262-bp circular chromosome that exhibited an unusual ferrichrome receptor in the pyoverdine synthesis locus and the absence of type 3 secretion system genes.
Examination of 189
Campylobacter
Species Isolates from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study
Authors: Risteen Riley G. , Hazen Tracy H. , Michalski Jane M. , Poly Frédéric , Tennant Sharon M. , Rasko David A.
Published: July 2020

We have examined the draft genomes of 189
Campylobacter
species isolates from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, in which
Campylobacter
species were identified as significant pathogens.
Complete Genome Sequence of Broad-Host-Range Staphylococcus aureus Myophage ESa1
Authors: D’Souza Roshan , Filippov Andrey A. , Sergueev Kirill V. , He Yunxiu , Ward Amanda M. , Goglin Karrie , Vashee Sanjay , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Fouts Derrick E.
Published: July 2020

A potentially therapeutic Twort-like myophage, Esa1, with specificity toward
Staphylococcus aureus
was isolated from lake water. We report the complete genome sequence of ESa1, assembled using both MinION and Illumina MiSeq reads, consisting of 153,106 bp, with 30.3% GC content, 253 protein coding sequences, 4 tRNAs, and 10,437-bp direct terminal repeats.
Detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of Mesozoic sedimentary basins in south-central Alaska: Insights into regional sediment transport, basin development, and tectonics along the NW Cordilleran margin
Authors: Fasulo Cooper R. , Ridgway Kenneth D. , Trop Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2020

The Jurassic–Cretaceous Nutzotin, Wrangell Mountains, and Wellesly basins provide an archive of subduction and collisional processes along the southern Alaska convergent margin. This study presents U-Pb ages from each of the three basins, and Hf isotope compositions of detrital zircons from the Nutzotin and Wellesly basins. U-Pb detrital zircon ages from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Nutzotin Mountains sequence in the Nutzotin basin have unimodal populations between 155 and 133 Ma and primarily juvenile Hf isotope compositions. Detrital zircon ages from the Wrangell Mountains basin document unimodal peak ages between 159 and 152 Ma in Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous strata and multimodal peak ages between 196 and 76 Ma for Upper Cretaceous strata. Detrital zircon ages from the Wellesly basin display multimodal peak ages between 216 and 124 Ma and juvenile to evolved Hf compositions. Detrital zircon data from the Wellesly basin are inconsistent with a previous interpretation that suggested the Wellesly and Nutzotin basins are proximal-to-distal equivalents. Our results suggest that Wellesly basin strata are more akin to the Kahiltna basin, which requires that these basins may have been offset ∼380 km along the Denali fault. Our findings from the Wrangell Mountains and Nutzotin basins are consistent with previous stratigraphic interpretations that suggest the two basins formed as a connected retroarc basin system. Integration of our data with previously published data documents a strong provenance and temporal link between depocenters along the southern Alaska convergent margin. Results of our study also have implications for the ongoing discussion concerning the polarity of subduction along the Mesozoic margin of western North America.
Defining glaucomatous optic neuropathy using objective criteria from structural and functional testing
Authors: Iyer Jayant Venkatramani , Boland Michael V , Jefferys Joan , Quigley Harry
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims

To identify objective criteria from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and perimetry that denote a useful, specific definition of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma for comparisons among glaucoma research studies.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of adult patients with glaucoma from nine centres on five continents evaluated de-identified physician diagnosis, OCT and perimetry results for 2580 eyes (1531 patients) in an online database. Each eye was graded by their glaucoma specialist as either definite, probable or not GON. Objective measures from OCT and perimetry, derived from an online consensus panel comprising 176 glaucoma specialists globally, were compared against the three diagnostic levels.

Results

Diagnoses were 54% ‘definite’, 22% ‘probable’ and 24% ‘not GON’. Using only OCT data or only field data had inadequate specificity (<90%). The best definitional choice for data from either the most recent or the preceding OCT/field pair had 77% sensitivity at 98% specificity and consisted of abnormal OCT superior or inferior nerve fibre layer quadrant with matching, opposite, abnormal Glaucoma Hemifield Test.

Conclusions

Objective criteria to define GON are practical and may be useful for comparisons among clinical studies to supplement subjective clinical assessment.