bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Free Speech and Schools as Public Spaces
Authors: Dhingra Neil
Published: March 2020

Free speech jurisprudence is caught between crediting the First Amendment rights of students when they resemble adults or restricting such rights when students seemingly act as children. In Morse v. Frederick (2007), the Supreme Court ruled against Joseph Frederick and his “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” banner because Frederick's speech seemed valueless as an adult act, as it lacked any discernible political value. In this essay, Neil Dhingra uses Hannah Arendt's thought to argue that schools should not be interpreted as political spaces but as social spaces where educational authorities should exercise forbearance as students such as Frederick learn to exercise their free speech rights. In particular, students will practice their First Amendment rights by exposing and exploring the discrepancy between appearance and reality, through dark forms of humor, and in forming different types of friendship, all of which schools are unlikely to be able to manage or interpret. Recognizing these unruly and quasi‐humorous forms of First Amendment practice helps make sense of Frederick's banner. Dhingra argues that in order to create space for students to develop freely — that is, without being subject to excessive scrutiny or succumbing to the danger of conformity, or both — schools should show a wide but not unlimited tolerance to speech like that of Frederick, which may otherwise be dismissed as childish and valueless “gibberish.”
Approximating Whiteness: Race, Class, and Empire in the Making of Modern Elite/White Subjects
Authors: Gaztambide‐Fernández Rubén , Angod Leila
Published: March 2020

This essay takes up the messy relationship between whiteness and eliteness at the site of elite schools under conditions of global racial capitalism and empire. Rubén Gaztambide‐Fernández and Leila Angod theorize this relationship by describing the slippery ways in which whiteness and eliteness co‐constitute each other and by tracing how the relationship between eliteness and whiteness is both historical and spatial. They argue that, in the twenty‐first century, the entanglement between eliteness and whiteness produces a particular affective configuration and that elite schooling has become the key mechanism for producing what they call the elite/white subject. Gaztambide‐Fernández and Angod trace the making of the elite/white subject through three processes: the unhinging from time/history; the unhinging from space/land; and the obfuscation of whiteness/eliteness through the production of a particular cosmopolitan affect. They do this by looking specifically at how non‐White subjects are invited into eliteness, always in a paradoxically precarious approximation in which whiteness, and therefore eliteness, can always be revoked. The ongoing collusion between the particular spatial and historical dimensions of the production of eliteness obfuscates the ways in which becoming elite always requires an approximation to whiteness and how both whiteness and eliteness must be constantly produced and secured.
Aquatain AMF efficacy on juvenile mosquito stages in control ofCulex pipienscomplex andAedes albopictus
Authors: Kavran Mihaela , Pajović Igor , Petrić Dušan , Ignjatović‐Ćupina Aleksandra , Latinović Nedeljko , Jovanović Miomir , Quarrie Stephen Alexander , Zgomba Marija
Published: March 2020

Aquatain®mosquito formulation (AMF) is a silicone‐based monomolecular film, which has recently been approved for use in the European Union. The physical mode of action based on lowering water surface tension prevents mosquito larvae/pupae respiration. Additionally, AMF disables gravid females from landing on the water surface and obstructs the natural oviposition process. Due to multistage effects on mosquitoes, AMF could be a product of choice for defined water body and container breeders such asCulex pipiensL. complex, principal vector of West Nile virus in Europe, and the invasiveAedes albopictus(Skuse) (both Diptera: Culicidae), vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of AMF, to determine the susceptibility of the immature forms ofC. pipiensandA. albopictus, and the persistence/longevity of the product to suppress the eclosion of adults. AMF achieved high mortality rates of juvenileA. albopictusandC. pipiensunder laboratory conditions. However, in the fieldC. pipienslarvae showed higher susceptibility to AMF thanA. albopictus. Pupae of the two mosquito species were highly susceptible to the presence of AMF. WhenC. pipiensjuveniles were exposed to AMF in the wild, effects lasted for 21 days in densely covered water bodies and 56 days in water recipients with less vegetation. In both breeding sites, natural habitat and artificial water recipient, the two mosquito species with high impact on public health in Europe could successfully be suppressed by application of AMF (1 ml m−2).
Effects of high CO2 on mating success, mating duration, and sperm transfer in the West Indian sweet potato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus
Authors: Nunohiro Ayame , Kumano Norikuni
Published: March 2020

Most terrestrial animals live in natural atmospheric conditions, but some are also adapted to low oxygen (hypoxic) or high‐carbon dioxide (hypercapnic) conditions, such as in social insect nests, soil, caves, wood, and decaying material. Although it is possible that individuals adapt their behaviour to the environmental condition of their habitats, mating behaviour under ecologically possible ranges of CO2 has not been well studied. We compared walking activity, duration of mating behaviour, and sperm transfer ability in the West Indian sweet potato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in high CO2 (10 000 p.p.m.) vs. normal atmospheric conditions (laboratory air, ca. 800 p.p.m.). We found that high CO2 enhanced walking activity and mounting frequency. Under such circumstances, we predicted that enhanced activities under a high‐CO2 environment would increase the risk of sperm competition, which induces an extended copulation period and an increase in sperm transfer. However, weevils shortened the mating period and did not alter their sperm transfer ability under high CO2. These findings are, as far as we are aware, the first report of the effect of ecologically relevant high CO2 on insect mating behaviour under mass‐rearing conditions. The effect of ambient conditions on mating behaviour and sperm transfer is discussed in relation to the intensity of female refusal behaviour directed against males.
Digital Module 12: Think‐aloud Interviews and Cognitive Labs https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Leighton Jacqueline P. , Lehman Blair
Published: March 2020

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Jacqueline Leighton and Dr. Blair Lehman review differences between think‐aloud interviews to measure problem‐solving processes and cognitive labs to measure comprehension processes. Learners are introduced to historical, theoretical, and procedural differences between these methods and how to use and analyze distinct types of verbal reports in the collection of evidence of test‐taker response processes. The module includes details on (a) the different types of cognition that are tapped by different interviewer probes, (b) traditional interviewing methods and new automated tools for collecting verbal reports, and (c) options for analyses of verbal reports. This includes a discussion of reliability and validity issues such as potential bias in the collection of verbal reports, ways to mitigate bias, and inter‐rater agreement to enhance credibility of analysis. A novel digital tool for data collection called the ABC tool is presented via illustrative videos. As always, the module contains audio‐narrated slides, quiz questions with feedback, a glossary, and curated resources.
A retrospective comparison of phenobarbital and levetiracetam for the treatment of seizures following cardiac surgery in neonates
Authors: Thibault Céline , Naim Maryam Y. , Abend Nicholas S. , Licht Daniel J. , Gaynor J. William , Xiao Rui , Massey Shavonne L.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of phenobarbital and levetiracetam in a cohort of neonates with seizures following cardiac surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single‐center study of consecutive neonates with electrographically confirmed seizures managed with antiseizure medication after cardiac surgery from June 15, 2012 to December 31, 2018. We compared the safety and efficacy of phenobarbital and levetiracetam as first‐line therapy.

Results

First‐line therapy was phenobarbital in 31 neonates and levetiracetam in 22 neonates. Phenobarbital was associated with more adverse events (P = .006). Eight neonates (14%) experienced an adverse event related to phenobarbital use, including seven with hypotension and one with respiratory depression. No adverse events were reported with levetiracetam use. The cessation of electrographic seizures was similar in both groups, including 18 neonates (58%) with seizure cessation after phenobarbital and 12 neonates (55%) with seizure cessation after levetiracetam (P = 1.0). The combined cessation rates of phenobarbital and levetiracetam when used as first‐ or second‐line therapy were 58% and 47%, respectively (P = .47).

Significance

Phenobarbital was associated with more adverse events than levetiracetam, and the two drugs were equally but incompletely effective in treating electrographically confirmed seizures in neonates following cardiac surgery. Given its more acceptable safety profile and potential noninferiority, levetiracetam may be a reasonable option for first‐line therapy for treatment of seizures in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Effects of hippocampus‐sparing resections in the temporal lobe: Hippocampal atrophy is associated with a decline in memory performance
Authors: Wagner Kathrin , Gau Karin , Metternich Birgitta , Geiger Maximilian J. , Wendling Anne‐Sophie , Kadish Navah E. , Reuner Gitta , Mayer Hans , Mader Irina , Beck Jürgen , Zentner Josef , Urbach Horst , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Kaller Christoph P. , Foit Niels A.
Published: March 2020

Objective

In patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with a nonlesional and nonepileptogenic hippocampus (HC), in order to preserve functionally intact brain tissue, the HC is not resected. However, some patients experience postoperative memory decline, possibly due to disruption of the extrahippocampal memory network and secondary hippocampal volume (HV) loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of hippocampal atrophy ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of the surgery and its relation to memory outcomes.

Methods

Hippocampal volume and verbal as well as visual memory performance were retrospectively examined in 55 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 30 ± 15 years, 25 female, 31 left) before and 5 months after surgery within the temporal lobe that spared the entire HC. HV was extracted based on prespecified templates, and resection volumes were also determined.

Results

HV loss was found both ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of surgery (P < .001). Postoperative left HV loss was a significant predictor of postoperative verbal memory deterioration after left‐sided surgery (P < .01). Together with the preoperative verbal memory performance, postoperative left HV explained almost 60% of the variance (P < .0001). However, right HV was not a clear predictor of visual memory performance. Larger resection volumes were associated with smaller postoperative HV, irrespective of side of surgery (left: P < .05, right: P < .01).

Significance

A disruption of the memory network by any resection within the TL, especially within the language‐dominant hemisphere, may lead to HC atrophy and memory decline. These findings may further improve the counseling of patients concerning their postoperative memory outcome before TL resections sparing the entire HC.
Mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in three horses identified on computed tomographic examination
Authors: Lawson A. L. , Carslake H. B. , Kane‐Smyth J. , Maddox T. W. , Talbot A. M.
Published: March 2020

Three horses that were presented for computed tomography (CT) examination of the head and cranial cervical spine in which marked mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament of the dens was identified on CT examination are described. There are currently no reports of mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in horses in the literature. Although the significance of this finding to the presenting clinical problems in the cases described remains speculative, an association between mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament and compatible clinical signs merits further investigation. The purpose of this case report is to describe three cases with mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament as identified on CT examination.
Ecological risk assessment of species impacted by fisheries in waters off eastern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chih‐Yu , Wang Sheng‐Ping , Chiang Wei‐Chuan , Griffiths Shane , Yeh Hsin‐Ming
Published: March 2020

An ecological risk assessment was undertaken using productivity‐susceptibility analysis (PSA) to determine the relative vulnerability of 52 species caught by fisheries in the waters off eastern Taiwan. Overall, eight and 20 species were classified as having high and moderate vulnerability, respectively, and the remaining 24 species were classified as having low vulnerability. The species with the highest vulnerability scores were caught mainly by longline and gillnet fisheries, highlighting the need for improved data collection to facilitate a more detailed investigation using more quantitative methods. The data quality analysis indicated that the quality of data was classified as “moderate” for economically important species. However, many species were considered data‐limited and thus collecting high‐resolution catch and effort information and conducting biological studies, especially relating to age, growth and reproduction, are recommended to improve the reliability of outputs from data‐limited assessments such as PSA.
Critical land change information enhances the understanding of carbon balance in the United States
Authors: Liu Jinxun , Sleeter Benjamin M. , Zhu Zhiliang , Loveland Thomas R. , Sohl Terry , Howard Stephen M. , Key Carl H. , Hawbaker Todd , Liu Shuguang , Reed Bradley , Cochrane Mark A. , Heath Linda S. , Jiang Hong , Price David T. , Chen Jing M. , Zhou Decheng , Bliss Norman B. , Wilson Tamara , Sherba Jason , Zhu Qiuan , Luo Yiqi , Poulter Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Large‐scale terrestrial carbon (C) estimating studies using methods such as atmospheric inversion, biogeochemical modeling, and field inventories have produced different results. The goal of this study was to integrate fine‐scale processes including land use and land cover change into a large‐scale ecosystem framework. We analyzed the terrestrial C budget of the conterminous United States from 1971 to 2015 at 1‐km resolution using an enhanced dynamic global vegetation model and comprehensive land cover change data. Effects of atmospheric CO2 fertilization, nitrogen deposition, climate, wildland fire, harvest, and land use/land cover change (LUCC) were considered. We estimate annual C losses from cropland harvest, forest clearcut and thinning, fire, and LUCC were 436.8, 117.9, 10.5, and 10.4 TgC/year, respectively. C stored in ecosystems increased from 119,494 to 127,157 TgC between 1971 and 2015, indicating a mean annual net C sink of 170.3 TgC/year. Although ecosystem net primary production increased by approximately 12.3 TgC/year, most of it was offset by increased C loss from harvest and natural disturbance and increased ecosystem respiration related to forest aging. As a result, the strength of the overall ecosystem C sink did not increase over time. Our modeled results indicate the conterminous US C sink was about 30% smaller than previous modeling studies, but converged more closely with inventory data.
The influence of irrigant activation, concentration and contact time on sodium hypochlorite penetration into root dentine: an ex vivo experiment
Authors: Virdee S. S. , Farnell D. J. J. , Silva M. A. , Camilleri J. , Cooper P. R. , Tomson P. L.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To establish whether irrigant activation techniques, namely manual dynamic activation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and sonic irrigation (SI), improve the tubular penetration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) into root dentine when compared with conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Secondly, investigate if increasing NaOCl concentration and/or contact time improves the performance of these techniques.

Methodology

A total of 83 extracted human maxillary permanent canines were decoronated to 15 mm, and root canals prepared to a size 40, .10 taper. Root dentine was stained with crystal violet for 72 h and embedded in silicone. Eighty specimens were randomly distributed into 16 groups (n = 5) according to the irrigant activation technique, NaOCl concentration (2%; 5.25%) and irrigant contact time (10 min; 20 min). All activation techniques were used for 60 s in the last minute of irrigation. Additionally, three teeth were not exposed to NaOCl to confirm adequate dentine staining had occurred (i.e. negative control). All specimens were subsequently dissected, observed under a light microscope and NaOCl penetration depth (µm) determined by measuring the average width of bleached dentine using ImageJ software. Statistical comparisons were made with paired and unpaired t‐tests, anovas followed by post hoc Tukey’s and Dunnett’s tests, and a general linear model (α < 0.05).

Results

Overall, NaOCl penetration ranged from 38.8 to 411.0 µm with MDA, PUI and SI consistently resulting in significantly greater tubular infiltration than CNI (P < 0.05). The deepest measurements in the coronal, middle and apical segments were all recorded in the MDA; 5.25%; 20 min group and the least in the CNI; 2%; 10 min group. Increasing either irrigant concentration or contact time resulted in significantly greater NaOCl penetration depths for all techniques and segments of the canal (P < 0.05). However, when irrigant concentration and contact time were increased together, a significant interaction effect between these two independent variables was observed on overall NaOCl penetration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Agitating irrigants with MDA, PUI or SI, as well as using greater irrigant concentrations or contact times, potentiated NaOCl penetration into root dentine. However, longer durations of NaOCl exposure at lower concentrations resulted in similar depths of tubular penetration as those achieved at higher concentrations.
Combination of N, N′‐dicyclohexyl‐N‐arachidonic acylurea and tacrolimus prolongs cardiac allograft survival in mice
Authors: An Ke , Qin Qing , Yu Shengnan , Xue Mengjiao , Wang Zhenzhen , Lin Qingru , Ma Yunhan , Yan Guoliang , Mo Sirui , Chen Yingyu , Zhang Liyi , Zhong Jiaying , Qi Zhongquan , Xia Junjie
Published: March 2020

Current immunosuppressive agents for organ transplantation are not ideal because of their strong toxicity and adverse effects. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel immunosuppressive agents. The compound N, N′‐dicyclohexyl‐N‐arachidonic acylurea (DCAAA) is a novel highly unsaturated fatty acid from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Radix Isatidis. In this study, we systematically investigated the toxicity, immunosuppressive effect and mechanisms underlying the activity of DCAAA. The toxicity tests showed that DCAAA treatment did not lead to red blood cell hemolysis and did not affect the liver and kidney functions in mice. The lymphocyte transformation test showed that DCAAA treatment inhibited lymphocyte proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. An in vivo cardiac allotransplantation experiment showed that DCAAA treatment could suppress the immune rejection and significantly prolong the survival of cardiac allografts in recipient mice by reducing the proportion of CD4+ T cells in the spleen and grafts, concentration of interferon‐γ in the supernatant and serum and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the grafts. Moreover, a combination treatment with DCAAA and tacrolimus had a synergistic effect in preventing acute rejection of heart transplants. In vitro molecular biology experiments showed that DCAAA treatment inhibited activation of the T‐cell receptor‐mediated phosphoinostide 3‐kinase‐protein kinase B pathway, thereby arresting cell cycle transition from the G1 to the S phase, and inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. Overall, our study reveals a novel, low‐toxicity immunosuppressive agent that has the potential to reduce the toxic side effects of existing immunosuppressive agents when used in combination with them.
Knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals and students regarding recovery: A systematic review
Authors: Gyamfi Naomi , Bhullar Navjot , Islam Md Shahidul , Usher Kim
Published: March 2020

This review was conducted to synthesize and critically appraise the literature on knowledge, attitudes, understanding, perceptions, and expectations of mental health professionals (MHPs) and mental health professional (MHP) students' regarding recovery. A systematic search in Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase as well as Google scholar and web‐based repositories was conducted. The searches were conducted using a combination of key terms: “mental health professionals”, “students”, ‘knowledge’, “understanding”, “perception” “attitude”, “expectation”, “recovery”. After screening and quality assessment, the review included 29 studies (18 quantitative, 8 qualitative, and 3 mixed‐method studies) published in English, from January 2006 to June 2019, and was analysed systematically using a mixed‐method synthesis. The findings revealed that there is increasing evidence (especially among MHPs) of knowledge, attitudes, understanding, perceptions, and expectations regarding recovery. However, there are disparities in how MHPs perceive and understand recovery. While some understood it to mean a personal process, others explained it as a clinical process. In addition, there was limited knowledge among the MHPs and MHP students regarding the nonlinearity nature of the recovery process and expectations regarding recovery. The implications from these findings are the need for more in‐service training for MHPs, and examination of the curriculum used to educate MHP students. In particular, they should be sufficiently informed about the nonlinearity nature of the recovery process and how to develop hopeful and realistic expectations for consumers throughout the recovery process. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (Registration No: CRD42019136543).
The effect of submicron grain size on thermal stability and mechanical properties of high‐entropy carbide ceramics
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xiang , Yan Xueliang , Lu Yongfeng , Nastasi Michael , Chen Yan , Cui Bai
Published: March 2020

(Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C high‐entropy ceramics (HEC) with a submicron grain size of 400 to 600 nm were fabricated by spark plasma sintering using a two‐step sintering process. Both X‐ray and neutron diffractions confirmed the formation of single‐phase with rock salt structure in the as‐fabricated (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C samples. The effect of submicron grain size on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of HEC was investigated. The grain growth kinetics in the fine‐grained HEC was small at 1300 and 1600°C, suggesting high thermal stability that was possibly related to the compositional complexity and sluggish diffusion in HEC. Compared to the coarse‐grain HEC with a grain size of 16.5 µm, the bending strength and fracture toughness of fine‐grained HEC were 25% and 20% higher respectively. The improvement of mechanical properties in fine‐grained HEC may be attributed to micromechanistic mechanisms such as crack deflection.
Cardiac anatomy pertinent to the catheter and surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cox James L. , Churyla Andrei , Kislitsina Olga N. , Chris Malaisrie S. , McCarthy Patrick M.
Published: March 2020

In the 1980s when surgery was first introduced for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), one would often hear comments like “Every little old grandmother has AF. Why on earth would you operate on someone like that?”.
Atrial fibrillation burden and subsequent heart failure events in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices
Authors: Tanawuttiwat Tanyanan , Lande Jeff , Smeets Pascal , Gerritse Bart , Nazarian Saman , Guallar Eliseo , Cheng Alan
Published: March 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist but little is known on how AF burden associates with subsequent episodes of HF.

Objective

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the short‐ and long‐term association of AF burden with subsequent episodes of HF events in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods

Patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices with at least 90 days of device data were included in the study. Time‐dependent Cox regression with a 7‐day window was used to evaluate the association of short‐ and long‐term AF burden with subsequent HF events. Each patient with HF was matched to two control patients without an HF event based on age, gender, year of implant and CRT defibrillation capability.

Results

In our cohort with 2:1 matching (N = 549), 183 patients developed HF events and 275 (50.1%) had AF over an average follow‐up of 24 ± 11 months. A 1‐hour increase in short‐term AF burden was associated with a 3% increased risk of HF events (HR, 1.034; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012‐1.056; P = .01; HR for 24‐hour = 2.23). In contrast, the association between long‐term AF burden and subsequent HF events was not statistically significant (HR, 1.009; 95% CI, 0.992‐1.026; P = .373).

Conclusion

A 24‐hour increase in AF burden is associated with a more than two‐fold increased risk of HF events over the subsequent week while the long‐term AF burden is not significantly associated with HF events.
Identification of lncRNA‐associated differential subnetworks in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by differential co‐expression analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Gan Cai‐Yan , Wang Wei , Liao Lian‐Di , Li Chun‐Quan , Xu Li‐Yan , Li En‐Min
Published: March 2020

Differential expression analysis has led to the identification of important biomarkers in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Despite enormous contributions, it has not harnessed the full potential of gene expression data, such as interactions among genes. Differential co‐expression analysis has emerged as an effective tool that complements differential expression analysis to provide better insight of dysregulated mechanisms and indicate key driver genes. Here, we analysed the differential co‐expression of lncRNAs and protein‐coding genes (PCGs) between normal oesophageal tissue and ESCC tissues, and constructed a lncRNA‐PCG differential co‐expression network (DCN). DCN was characterized as a scale‐free, small‐world network with modular organization. Focusing on lncRNAs, a total of 107 differential lncRNA‐PCG subnetworks were identified from the DCN by integrating both differential expression and differential co‐expression. These differential subnetworks provide a valuable source for revealing lncRNA functions and the associated dysfunctional regulatory networks in ESCC. Their consistent discrimination suggests that they may have important roles in ESCC and could serve as robust subnetwork biomarkers. In addition, two tumour suppressor genes (AL121899.1 and ELMO2), identified in the core modules, were validated by functional experiments. The proposed method can be easily used to investigate differential subnetworks of other molecules in other cancers.
Distinct clinical features and serum cytokine pattern of elderly atopic dermatitis in China
Authors: Wang S. , Zhu R. , Gu C. , Zou Y. , Yin H. , Xu J. , Li W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Elderly atopic dermatitis (AD) is a newly defined subtype of AD stratified by age‐related clinical pictures.

Objectives

To analyse the clinical features and molecular profile of elderly AD patients in China, comparing with infantile, childhood and adolescent/adult AD.

Methods

A total of 1312 patients diagnosed by Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria of AD from Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China, were divided into four groups by age (2–18, 19–40, 41–60 and >60 years), and clinical features were evaluated by questionnaire and physical examination. Serum total IgE, eosinophil counts and various cytokines were further analysed in some of the patients and healthy controls.

Results

Elderly AD showed significantly higher male/female ratio and rural/urban ratio than other age groups, and more than half of elderly AD first appeared after 60 years old. Skin lesions of elderly AD were more often seen in the trunk and extensor sites of the extremities. Level of serum IgE and eosinophil counts were significantly lower in elderly AD than those in other age groups. Serum levels of IL‐4, TARC, IL‐17A, IL‐6, IL‐22, IL‐33 and TSLP were significantly higher in elderly AD patients than those of healthy controls, indicating a mixed Th2/Th17/Th22 inflammation.

Conclusions

Elderly AD demonstrated unique clinical characteristics compared with other age groups and showed mixed Th2/Th17/Th22 skewing, indicating a unique pathogenesis for elderly AD.
Marshall and Warren Lecture 2019: A paradigm shift in pathophysiological basis of irritable bowel syndrome and its implication on treatment
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C
Published: March 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), has often been considered rather inappropriately as psychogenic in the past. Though psychological issues are important comorbidities in a proportion of IBS patients, the evidences are far from enough to label this condition as psychogenic only. In the recent past, evidences are emerging that underscores the concept supporting pure psychogenic theory of IBS and suggest this disorder to be rather microorganic. Accordingly, a move of Rome IV Committee attempting to delete the term “functional” and designating these to be disorders of “gut‐brain interaction” rather than that of “brain‐gut interaction,” it emphasizes the importance of the gut over the brain in the pathogenesis. The introduction of the concept of multidimensional clinical profile in Rome IV requires attention to diagnostic category of FGID, overlap, severity, psychological issues, and physiological dysfunction or biomarkers; this attempts to recognize clinical variability and multidimensionality of pathophysiology and management of these disorders. The recognition of the biological factors in the pathogenesis of IBS is a significant paradigm shift in the recent time. This is somewhat similar to the progress in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease from psychological factor to acid to Helicobacter pylori infection. It is expected that in the near future, therapeutic modalities targeting the different pathogenic mechanisms of different subtypes of IBS may bring revolution in management of the disorder.
Oral Health, Diet, and Frailty at Baseline of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Bassim Carol , Mayhew Alexandra J. , Ma Jinhui , Kanters David , Verschoor Chris P. , Griffith Lauren E. , Raina Parminder
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Poor diet due to poor oral health was proposed as a potential mediator of the association between poor oral health and frailty. This study explores the cross‐sectional associations between poor oral health, poor diet, and frailty in Canadian adults, aged 45 to 85 years, and then tests whether the expected oral health–frailty association is changed by taking into account the pathway through poor diet.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

The baseline wave of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a nationally representative population study.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 28 738 community‐dwelling participants, aged 45 to 85 years.

MEASUREMENTS

We characterized poor oral health (cumulative count of 24 items of oral health problems), poor diet (scale of poor food consumption from 7 healthy foods groups), and frailty (cumulative frailty index of 76 items). Regression‐based path analyses were used to investigate associations between poor oral health, poor diet, and frailty, adjusted for age group, sex, income, smoking, living alone, education, physical activity, social support, and dental visit.

RESULTS

Poorer oral health was associated with low income, smoking, low physical activity, low social support, and no dental visit. There were associations between poorer oral health and poorer diet (effect size β adjusted = .40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .20‐.61) and between poorer oral health and increased frailty (β adjusted = .85; 95% CI = .68‐1.02). The indirect effect through the path of poor diet was approximately 0.01 (95% CI = 0.01‐0.02) (ie, explaining ∼1% of the effect of poor oral health on frailty).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor oral health was associated with poor diet and frailty. Each additional oral health problem was associated with an increase of approximately 1 frailty index point, even after full adjustment for poor diet. The indirect effect of poor oral health through poor diet was modest. Though poor oral health was associated with poorer diet quality, a more direct effect of poor oral health on increasing frailty may be indicated. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:959–966, 2020
Physical inactivity and excessive sucrose consumption are associated with higher serum lipids in subjects with Taq1B CETP polymorphism
Authors: Campos‐Perez W. , Perez‐Robles M. , Torres‐Castillo N. , Rodríguez‐Reyes S. C. , De la Cerda Trujillo L. F. , Navarro‐Muñiz E. , Lopez‐Lizárraga C. R. , Llamas‐Covarrubias I. M. , Martinez‐Lopez E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Dyslipidaemias result from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including diet disequilibrium and physical inactivity. Among the genetic factors associated with serum lipids, the Taq1B CETP polymorphism has been investigated. The B1 allele has been considered as a risk factor for dyslipidaemia because of its association with greater CETP levels and higher serum triglycerides. The present study aimed to determine the role of the Taq1B polymorphism with lipid and anthropometric variables and its interaction with diet and physical activity.

Methods

In total, 215 subjects were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Diet intake was evaluated using a 3‐day food consumption record and physical activity was determined in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations. The Taq1B CETP polymorphism was determined by allelic discrimination.

Results

Subjects with the B1B2/B2B2 genotype, who had a sucrose consumption ≥5% of the total kcal day−1, had higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) [165.55 (142.21–188.89) mg dL−1 versus 200.19 (184.79–215.60) mg dL−1; P for interaction = 0.034] and low‐density lipoprotein [99.29 (75.52–123.05) mg dL−1 versus 128.64 (113.59–143.69) mg dL−1; P for interaction = 0.037] than subjects with the B1B1 genotype. Subjects who did not perform physical activity and had the B1B2/B2B2 genotype showed significantly higher levels of TC [177.48 (161.36–193.60) mg dL−1 versus 194.49 (185.43–203.56) mg mL−1; P for interaction = 0.033] than subjects with the B1B1 genotype.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that subjects with inadequate environmental factors carriers of the polymorphic genotype had higher serum lipid levels than subjects with the B1B1 genotype.
Pannexin‐1 in the CNS: Emerging concepts in health and disease
Authors: Yeung Albert K. , Patil Chetan S. , Jackson Michael F.
Published: March 2020

Pannexin‐1 (Panx1) is a large pore membrane channel with unique conduction properties ranging from non‐selective ion permeability to the extracellular release of signalling molecules. The release of ATP by Panx1 has been particularly well‐characterized with implications in purine signalling across a variety of biological contexts. Panx1 activity is also important in inflammasome formation and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory molecules such as interleukin‐1β. Within the central nervous system (CNS), Panx1 is expressed on both neurons and glia, and is thought to mediate crosstalk between these cells. A growing body of literature now supports the pathological activity of Panx1 in contributing to disease processes including seizure, stroke, migraine headache and chronic pain. Emerging evidence also reveals a physiological function of Panx1 in regulating neural stem cell survival, neuronal maturation and synaptic plasticity, with possible relevance to normal cognitive functioning. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the roles of Panx1 in the CNS, with emphasis on how putative signalling properties and activation mechanisms of this channel contribute to various physiological and pathophysiological processes.

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Effective combination therapy with high concentration of Minoxidil and Carboxygas in resistant Androgenetic alopecia: Report of nine cases
Authors: Nilforooshzadeh Mohammad Ali , Lotfi Elaheh , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Zolghadr Sara , Mansouri Parvin
Published: March 2020

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is widely characterized as the main reason of hair loss which most of the time it has been reported in adults regarding dermatological consultation. Also, it is broadly believed that the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles could be usually different at the age of onset.

Aims

Over the last decade, detecting and understanding newer genetic basis in AGA lead to provide better therapeutic approaches. We have highlighted on an evidence‐based method to treat AGA whose incidence is increasing significantly in our country.

Patients/Methods

In this study, 9 adults with AGA including 5 women and 4 men, age range of 25‐55 years, were treated with a combination of minoxidil (20%) by micro‐needling and carboxytherapy mediated by needling. All cases had a normal physical development. Hair numbers (density) and diameter were calculated using trichograms before and after treatment. Hair growth was assessed by the pull test as well.

Results

Our results showed that combination of high concentration of minoxidil and carboxygas extremely can increase the level of hair growth.

Conclusion

Our treatment effects on the terminal follicles using needling make sticky follicles become progressively smaller as a result of mechanical forces.
Direct Welfare Analysis of Relative Price Regulation*
Authors: Vickers John
Published: March 2020

The paper synthesizes and develops the welfare analysis of regulating relative prices, for example price differences, of which banning price discrimination is a special case. Welfare results are derived directly by convexity arguments using functions of welfare levels. The method is also used to obtain results about effects on consumer surplus.
Improvement of oral cancer screening quality and reach: The promise of artificial intelligence
Authors: Kar Ankita , Wreesmann Volkert B. , Shwetha Vineeth , Thakur Shalini , Rao Vishal U. S. , Arakeri Gururaj , Brennan Peter A.
Published: March 2020

Oral cancer is easily detectable by physical (self) examination. However, many cases of oral cancer are detected late, which causes unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Screening of high‐risk populations seems beneficial, but these populations are commonly located in regions with limited access to health care. The advent of information technology and its modern derivative artificial intelligence (AI) promises to improve oral cancer screening but to date, few efforts have been made to apply these techniques and relatively little research has been conducted to retrieve meaningful information from AI data. In this paper, we discuss the promise of AI to improve the quality and reach of oral cancer screening and its potential effect on improving mortality and unequal access to health care around the world.
What drives the spatial wage premium in formal and informal labor markets? The case of Ecuador
Authors: Matano Alessia , Obaco Moisés , Royuela Vicente
Published: March 2020

This article investigates the incidence of agglomeration externalities in Ecuador, a small‐sized, middle‐income developing country. In particular, we analyze the role of the informal sector within these relations, since informal employment accounts for a significant part of total employment in the developing countries. Using individual level data and instrumental variable techniques, we investigate the impact of spatial externalities, in terms of population density, local specialization and urban size, on the wages of workers in Ecuadorian cities. The results show that spatial externalities matter also for a small developing country. Moreover, analysis of the interaction between spatial externalities and informality shows that, on average, workers employed in the informal sector do not enjoy significant benefits from agglomeration externalities. Finally, by investigating the possible channels behind spatial agglomeration gains we show that the advantages from agglomeration for formal sector workers may well be accounted for by better job‐quality matches and, to a lesser extent, by learning externalities. For informal sector workers, our findings also suggest possible gains from job changes, which offset a penalty for remaining employed in the same occupation.
Epidemiology of childhood malignant mediastinal masses and clinical factors associated with intensive care unit admission: A Singapore experience
Authors: Lee Shawn HR , Oh Bernice LZ , Kimpo Miriam , Quah Thuan C
Published: March 2020

Aim

Majority of mediastinal masses in children are malignant. These masses are complex to manage as they have a risk of compression to surrounding structures. Many of these children have to be managed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Hence we sought to evaluate the local epidemiology of malignant mediastinal masses in children and their clinical presentation, and identified factors associated with ICU admission so that at‐risk patients may be identified early.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of institutional case records of 56 children below 18 years of age from 2000 to 2015 with a malignant mediastinal mass. We collected data on their presenting symptoms, clinical signs, radiological investigations, treatment and correlated these factors with admission to our ICU.

Results

Lymphoma was most common diagnosis, comprising 37 children (66.0%). There were 6 patients with neuroblastoma (10.7%), 3 patients with germ‐cell tumour (5.4%) and 10 patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (17.9%). Overall, 21 patients (37.5%) had to be admitted to the ICU. Almost all patients (98.2%) were symptomatic on presentation, of which lymphadenopathy was the most common (69.6%). Factors that are significantly associated with ICU admission are stridor, pericardial effusion and need for pleural drainage.

Conclusions

Malignant mediastinal masses in children in our institution range from leukaemias and lymphomas to germ cell tumours and neuroblastomas, of which almost all are symptomatic. These children have a risk of cardiorespiratory collapse and many of them require intensive care. We identified factors that are associated with ICU admission, with the aim of early intervention of at‐risk cases.
Australian hospitalisations for Kawasaki disease, 1993–1994 to 2017–2018
Authors: O'Brien Kathleen
Published: March 2020

Aim

To estimate and describe trends in hospitalisations for Kawasaki disease in Australia.

Methods

Analysis of the National Hospital Morbidity Database for separations with a principal diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, 1993–1994 to 2017–2018. Limited to persons aged 0–19 years.

Results

Over the period 1993–1994 to 2017–2018, there were 6368 hospitalisations for Kawasaki disease among people aged 0–19 years; 433 same‐day (6.8%) and 5935 overnight (93.2%). Among overnight separations, 15.8% were for children under the age of 1 year and 58.7% for those aged 1–4 years; 60.3% were for males. The hospitalisations rate has increased from 5.2 per 100 000 population in 1993–1994 to 12.4 per 100 000 in 2017–2018. The ratio of male to female hospitalisations was 1.5:1.

Conclusions

Kawasaki disease is uncommon among Australia children, but its incidence is increasing. As there are no known preventable risk factors for the disease, prompt identification and treatment remain crucial to minimising the risk of cardiovascular sequelae.
Matrix effects of the hydroethanolic extract and the butanol fraction of calyces from Physalis peruviana L. on the biopharmaceutics classification of rutin
Authors: Domínguez Moré Gina Paola , Feltrin Clarissa , Brambila Paula Freire , Cardona María Isabel , Echeverry Sandra Milena , Simões Cláudia Maria Oliveira , Aragón Diana Marcela
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) categorizes active pharmaceutical ingredients according to their solubility and permeability properties, which are susceptible to matrix or formulation effects. The aim of this research was to evaluate the matrix effects of a hydroethanolic extract of calyces from Physalis peruviana L. (HEE) and its butanol fraction (BF), on the biopharmaceutics classification of their major compound, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin, RU).

Methods

Rutin was quantified by HPLC-UV, and Caco-2 cell monolayer transport studies were performed to obtain the apparent permeability values (Papp). Aqueous solubility was determined at pH 6.8 and 7.4.

Key findings

The Papp values followed this order: BF > HEE > RU (1.77 ± 0.02 > 1.53 ± 0.07 > 0.90 ± 0.03 × 10−5 cm/s). The lowest solubility values followed this order: HEE > RU > BF (2.988 ± 0.07 > 0.205 ± 0.002 > 0.189 ± 0.005 mg/ml).

Conclusions

According to these results, rutin could be classified as BCS classes III (high solubility/low permeability) and IV (low solubility/low permeability), depending on the plant matrix. Further work needs to be done in order to establish how apply the BCS for research and development of new botanical drugs or for bioequivalence purposes.
1H NMR metabolomic profiling elucidated attenuation of neurometabolic alterations by lercanidipine in MCAo model in rats
Authors: Gupta Sangeetha , Sharma Uma , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R , Gupta Yogendra Kumar
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with limited therapeutic interventions. The current study explored proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR)-based metabolomic approach to elucidate the effect of lercanidipine on neurometabolic alterations in transient model of ischaemic stroke in rats.

Methods

In the present investigation, male Wistar rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) for 2 h followed by reperfusion using intraluminal filament method. Rats were randomly divided into three groups as vehicle-treated sham control, vehicle-treated MCAo control and lercanidipine-treated MCAo. Vehicle or lercanidipine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 120 min post-reperfusion. The rat brain cortex tissues were isolated 24 h post-MCAo and were investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy through perchloric extraction method.

Key findings

A total of 23 metabolites were altered significantly after cerebral ischaemic–reperfusion injury in MCAo control as compared to sham control rats. Lercanidipine significantly reduced the levels of valine, alanine, lactate, acetate and tyrosine, while N-acetylaspartate, glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, creatine/phosphocreatine, choline, glycerophosphorylcholine, taurine, myo-inositol and adenosine di-phosphate were elevated as compared to MCAo control.

Conclusions

Present study illustrates effect of lercanidipine on neurometabolic alterations which might be mediated through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and anti-apoptotic property in MCAo model of stroke.