bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations for stakeholder engagement and COVID‐19 related clinical trials’ conduct in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Brown Brandon , Haire Bridget , Babalola Chinedum Peace , Ndembi Nicaise
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to determine how stakeholder engagement can be adapted for the conduct of COVID‐19‐related clinical trials in sub‐Saharan Africa. Nine essential stakeholder engagement practices were reviewed: formative research; stakeholder engagement plan; communications and issues management plan; protocol development; informed consent process; standard of prevention for vaccine research and standard of care for treatment research; policies on trial‐related physical, psychological, financial, and/or social harms; trial accrual, follow‐up, exit trial closure and results dissemination; and post‐trial access to trial products or procedures. The norms, values, and practices of collectivist societies in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the low research literacy pose challenges to the conduct of clinical trials. Civil‐society organizations, members of community advisory boards and ethics committees, young persons, COVID‐19 survivors, researchers, government, and the private sector are assets for the implementation and translation of COVID‐19 related clinical trials. Adapting ethics guidelines to the socio‐cultural context of the region can facilitate achieving the aim of stakeholder engagement.
A rare cause of newborn central cyanosis
Authors: Wałdoch Anna , Sabiniewicz Robert , Kwiatkowska Joanna
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are rare congenital vascular anomalies. They are usually associated with congenital hemorrhagic hemangioma. The hemodynamic effect of fistulas depends on their size, as well as the location. The most common manifestations include central cyanosis, ischemic stroke, murmur over the lung fields, cardiomegaly and, less often, heart failure. We present the case of a child who was admitted to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects due to central cyanosis and heart murmur.
Maxillofacial injuries in pregnancy following domestic abuse: A challenge in management
Authors: Agarwal Padmanidhi , Chug Ashi , Bhatt Sumit , Kumar Shailesh , Jain Kanav
Published: August 2020

Domestic violence against women remains one of the most difficult obstacles in the growth of civilization. The maxillofacial region is commonly involved, and injuries are complex to characterize and manage due to diverse presentations, underlying physiological changes and sometimes an association with pregnancy complications, creating a challenge for the operating surgeon. This case report discusses the clinical presentation of maxillofacial injuries sustained by a pregnant woman who also had obstetric complications. The management of such trauma by a multidisciplinary squad led by the maxillofacial surgery team is outlined. Increasing awareness among oral healthcare providers for the early identification of interpersonal abuse along with timely intervention and adequate referral is important. Close monitoring and follow‐up are also mandatory.
Dental students' experience and perceived confidence level in different restorative procedures
Authors: Hattar Susan , AlHadidi Abeer , Altarawneh Sandra , Hamdan Ahmad A. S. , Shaini Firas J. , Wahab Fouad Kadim
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Graduating confident students who are able to flourish and develop in their future careers is an importance outcome of the dental education. This study aims to evaluate self‐perceived level of confidence of fifth‐year dental students in different restorative‐related tasks and the relationship between their clinical training and its corresponding confidence.

Methods

Fifth‐year graduate dental students (n = 202) were asked to fill a questionnaire that rated their level of confidence in different clinical restorative dentistry tasks. Additionally, they were asked about the number of times they performed tasks prior to attempting the equivalent competency and in which sub‐specialty they felt the most confident.

Results

Completed responses were received from 120 students giving a response rate of 59%. Students felt the most prepared and confident in direct restorations and simple endodontic treatment, and they seemed less confident in indirect restorations and complex endodontic treatment. Regarding the steps of indirect restorations, students expressed least confidence in crown preparation compared to impression making and try‐in procedures (P < .05). Students rated their confidence highest in operative dentistry, followed by endodontics and lastly fixed prosthodontics.

Conclusion

The results highlight the areas in which students exhibit the least confidence. Enhancement of student clinical skills and directed exposure is necessary to raise the level of perceived confidence which will reflect positively on their current and future professional performance.
A multiorganism pipeline for antiseizure drug discovery: Identification of chlorothymol as a novel γ‐aminobutyric acidergic anticonvulsant
Authors: Jones Alistair , Barker‐Haliski Melissa , Ilie Andrei S. , Herd Murray B. , Baxendale Sarah , Holdsworth Celia J. , Ashton John‐Paul , Placzek Marysia , Jayasekera Bodiabaduge A. P. , Cowie Christopher J. A. , Lambert Jeremy J. , Trevelyan Andrew J. , White H. Steve , Marson Anthony G. , Cunliffe Vincent T. , Sills Graeme J. , Morgan Alan
Published: August 2020

Objective

Current medicines are ineffective in approximately one‐third of people with epilepsy. Therefore, new antiseizure drugs are urgently needed to address this problem of pharmacoresistance. However, traditional rodent seizure and epilepsy models are poorly suited to high‐throughput compound screening. Furthermore, testing in a single species increases the chance that therapeutic compounds act on molecular targets that may not be conserved in humans. To address these issues, we developed a pipeline approach using four different organisms.

Methods

We sequentially employed compound library screening in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, chemical genetics in the worm, Caenorhabditis elegans, electrophysiological analysis in mouse and human brain slices, and preclinical validation in mouse seizure models to identify novel antiseizure drugs and their molecular mechanism of action.

Results

Initially, a library of 1690 compounds was screened in an acute pentylenetetrazol seizure model using D rerio. From this screen, the compound chlorothymol was identified as an effective anticonvulsant not only in fish, but also in worms. A subsequent genetic screen in C elegans revealed the molecular target of chlorothymol to be LGC‐37, a worm γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunit. This GABAergic effect was confirmed using in vitro brain slice preparations from both mice and humans, as chlorothymol was shown to enhance tonic and phasic inhibition and this action was reversed by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Finally, chlorothymol exhibited in vivo anticonvulsant efficacy in several mouse seizure assays, including the 6‐Hz 44‐mA model of pharmacoresistant seizures.

Significance

These findings establish a multiorganism approach that can identify compounds with evolutionarily conserved molecular targets and translational potential, and so may be useful in drug discovery for epilepsy and possibly other conditions.
Regulatory roles of circRNAs in adipogenesis and lipid metabolism: emerging insights into lipid‐related diseases
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Xing , Deng Yuan , Cui Qingming , Zhu Ji , Ren Huibo , Liu Yingying , Hu Xionggui , Zuo Jianbo , Peng Yinglin
Published: August 2020

Disorder of lipid metabolism has become an urgent health problem that brings about a variety of metabolic syndromes, including hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue dysfunction, diabetes and obesity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of emerging RNA molecules with unique structure and extensive effects, have been verified to participate in various biological programs through distinct mechanisms, especially in lipid‐related processes. In this review, the biogenesis, characteristics, and functional mechanisms of circRNAs are discussed. Furthermore, the methods for circRNA identification and expression profiles of circRNAs associated with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism are described. Additionally, we emphasize the regulatory roles of circRNAs in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and lipid‐related diseases. Finally, the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of circRNAs is highlighted, showing potential for the clinical application of circRNAs in the treatment of lipid‐related diseases in the near future.
Inflection point in climatic suitability of insect pest species in Europe suggests non‐linear responses to climate change
Authors: Grünig Marc , Calanca Pierluigi , Mazzi Dominique , Pellissier Loïc
Published: August 2020

Climate change and globalization affect the suitable conditions for agricultural crops and insect pests, threatening future food security. It remains unknown whether shifts in species’ climatic suitability will be linear or rather non‐linear, with crop exposure to pests suddenly increasing when a critical temperature threshold is crossed. Moreover, uncertainty of forecasts can arise because of the modelling approach based either on species distribution data or on physiological measurements. Here, we compared the predictions of two modelling approaches (physiological models and species distribution models) for forecasting the potential distribution of agricultural insect pests in Europe. Despite conceptual differences, we found good agreement overall between the two approaches. We further identified a potential regime change in pest pressure along a temperature gradient. With both modelling approaches, we found an inflection point in the number of pest species with suitable climatic conditions around a minimum temperature of the coldest month of −3°C. Our results could help decision‐makers anticipate the onset of rising pest pressure and provide support for intensifying surveillance measures, particularly in regions where temperatures are already beyond the inflection point.
Asymmetric response of soil methane uptake rate to land degradation and restoration: Data synthesis
Authors: Wu Junjun , Chen Qiong , Jia Wei , Long Chunyan , Liu Wenzhi , Liu Guihua , Cheng Xiaoli
Published: August 2020

Land degradation and restoration profoundly affect soil CH4 uptake capacity in terrestrial ecosystems. However, a comprehensive assessment of the response of soil CH4 uptake to land degradation and restoration at global scale is not available. Here, we present a global meta‐analysis with a database of 228 observations from 83 studies to investigate the effects of land degradation and restoration on the capacity of soil CH4 uptake. We found that land degradation significantly decreased the capacity of soil CH4 uptake, except the conversion of pasture to cropland where the soil CH4 uptake rate showed no response. In contrast, all types of land restoration significantly increased the capacity of soil CH4 uptake. Interestingly, the response of soil CH4 uptake rate to land degradation and restoration was asymmetric: the increased soil CH4 uptake rate in response to the land restoration was smaller compared to the decrease in CH4 uptake rate induced by the land degradation. The effect of land degradation on soil CH4 uptake rate was not dependent on the time since land use change, but the CH4 sink strength increased with the time since land restoration. The response of soil CH4 uptake rate to both land degradation and restoration was predominantly regulated by changes in the soil water‐filled pore space, soil bulk density, and pH, whereas alterations in the substrate quantity and quality had negligible effect. Additionally, the effects of land degradation and restoration on soil CH4 uptake were strongly related to the mean annual precipitation and soil texture. Overall, our results provide novel insights for understanding of how land degradation and restoration can affect the CH4 sink strength of upland soils, and more importantly, our findings are beneficial to take measures to enhance the potential of soil CH4 uptake in response to global land use change.
The Skeptical Embodiment of German Idealism: Jean Paul and theClavis Fichtiana(1800)
Authors: House Michael Kirkwood
Published: August 2020

Jean Paul Friedrich Richter's literary production consists almost exclusively in ravaging attacks on his time's diverse attempts to provide coherent systems of knowledge. This article examines how he develops this pervasive skepticism into a critical method and applies it in arguably his most devastating and humorous take down, the satirical infiltration of Fichte's subjective idealism in hisClavis Fichtiana(1800). His method consists primarily of “extreme embodiment,” in which he attacks a position by means of a parasitic infiltration, carrying its logic to the extreme, and revealing the humorous absurdity when a subjective system confronts the concrete immediacy of bodily existence. In this way, Jean Paul offers both a local critique of the dangers of an idealism abstracted from concrete reality, and a broader intervention into the rapid proliferation of late Enlightenment “systems of knowledge” that compromise particularity and individuality in favor of unified systematicity.
Baubo, Truth, and Joyful Philology in Nietzsche's Die fröhliche Wissenschaft
Authors: Tevebring Frederika
Published: August 2020

Towards the end of the introduction to the second edition of Die fröhliche Wissenschaft, Nietzsche suggests, “Vielleicht ist die Wahrheit ein Weib, das Gründe hat, ihre Gründe nicht sehen zu lassen? Vielleicht ist ihr Name, griechisch zu reden, Baubo?” German intellectual history had traditionally depicted truth as a veiled goddess. Nietzsche's assertion that the mythical Baubo, known for exposing herself to the goddess Demeter, could lend her name to truth is curious. By replacing the solemn goddess of truth with the joking Baubo, Nietzsche parodies conventional science's earnest uncovering of facts. In particular, he is targeting his own field: philology, the field that has given itself the task of uncovering and explaining precisely such ancient names as Baubo. This article unravels Nietzsche's associations around the name Baubo and argues that he makes this name the matrix for the new relationship to truth and knowledge introduced by Die fröhliche Wissenschaft.
Poetics of History, Logics of Collapse: On Heidegger's Hölderlin
Authors: Hoffmeyer John W.
Published: August 2020

The question of Heidegger's Nazism has been raised and reignited across the history of the philosopher's reception. Scholarly accounts of the relationship between Heidegger's philosophy and politics abound, but relatively few focus their attention on the substantial connection between Heidegger's reading of Hölderlin and the ideology that facilitated his choice to follow Nazism. Those who acknowledge this connection generally tend toward careless confusion of Heidegger's interpretation and Hölderlin's actual thought, despite ample evidence that Heidegger's reading amounts to a radical distortion of the poet's words. This essay accounts for Heidegger's misreading through the apocryphal poem “In lieblicher Bläue,” which Heidegger mistakenly attributes to Hölderlin. This is followed by a critique of Heidegger's interpretation through an exposition of Hölderlin's theory of Greek tragedy and the poetics of his late hymns. Theory and praxis alike stand opposed to Heidegger's aesthetic enterprise, and they defy any attribution of proto‐Nazism to Hölderlin himself.
Chaos ruined the children’s sleep, diet and behaviour: Gendered discourses on family life in pandemic times
Authors: Auðardóttir Auður Magndís , Rúdólfsdóttir Annadís G.
Published: August 2020

This study adopts a feminist critical approach to explore how parenting was understood during the COVID‐19 restrictive measures in Iceland. Iceland has been known as a front runner in gender equality, and women’s participation in the workforce is high. Data consists of 97 stories that were collected during the peak of COVID‐19 in April 2020 using the story completion method. The stories were thematically analysed. Most of the participants were university‐educated women. The themes demonstrate the power of neoliberal discourses in framing parenting. Parenting during a pandemic, especially mothering, is constructed as an overwhelming project that requires detailed organization and management. There is also resistance to neoliberal governmentality through redefining successful parenthood. Furthermore, the gendered nature of domestic work is questioned, especially the traditional, inactive father who prioritizes his own needs only to fail comically in the domestic sphere. The study contributes to our understanding of gendered parenthood in neoliberal, pandemic times.
The business of care: Private placement agencies and female migrant workers in London
Authors: Farris Sara R.
Published: August 2020

This article presents the results of a qualitative research project on private domestic and care placement agencies in London. Although there is a paucity of empirical studies on these private actors, they have become increasingly important in the domestic and care sector in the UK. In a context of growing commodification and marketization, the article shows how domestic and care services constitute an extremely profitable ‘industry’ in which large companies are increasingly investing. Drawing on content analysis of agencies' websites and in‐depth interviews with agencies' managers/owners, migrant workers and key informants, the article sheds light on these intermediary figures' marketing and business strategies as well as on the ways they contribute to establish the language and practice of domestic and care work as a business. Furthermore, it highlights the employment conditions and selection criteria established by these private agencies for female migrant workers, particularly in a context in which commodification/marketization is expected to foster more professionalization. The article thus fills a significant gap in the literature on domestic and care work, gender and migration by analysing the ways in which for‐profit recruitment agencies have become important players in the care industry.
Wear‐Off of OnabotulinumtoxinA Effect Over the Treatment Interval in Chronic Migraine: A Retrospective Chart Review With Analysis of Headache Diaries
Authors: Ruscheweyh Ruth , Athwal Bal , Gryglas‐Dworak Anna , Frattale Ilaria , Latysheva Nina , Ornello Raffaele , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia , Sacco Simona , Torres Ferrus Marta , Stark Catherine D.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To quantify wear‐off of the response to OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) treatment over the treatment cycle in chronic migraine at group and individual level.

Background

OnabotA administered quarterly is an effective treatment for chronic migraine. However, some patients report that headache recurs before the scheduled follow‐up injection.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review performed in 6 university outpatient centers or private practices specialized in headache treatment, 112 patients with a ≥30% response to OnabotA who completed headache diaries over 13 weeks after OnabotA treatment were included (age [mean ± SD] 45 ± 12 years, 82% female, headache days/month at baseline 24 ± 6).

Results

Compared to weeks 5 to 8 after injection, headache days/week increased significantly in weeks 12 (+0.52 ± 1.96, 95% CI [0.15, 0.88], P < .009) and 13 (+1.15 ± 1.95, CI[0.79, 1.52], P < .001), demonstrating significant wear‐off of the OnabotA effect. Similarly, acute medication days/week significantly increased in weeks 12 (0.38±1.67, CI [0.06, 0.69], P ≤ .027) and 13 (+0.83 ± 1.76, CI [0.49, 1.16], P < .001). At an individual level, 57 patients (51%) showed ≥30% wear‐off by weeks 12 and 13, and 28 patients (25%) showed ≥30% wear‐off already by weeks 10 and 11. Age, gender, OnabotA dose or cycle number, or headache center did not predict individual wear‐off.

Conclusions

These data show that in clinical practice, on average the response of chronic migraine patients to OnabotA injection shows a clinically significant wear‐off from week 12 after treatment. About 25% of the patients experience wear‐off even by weeks 10 and 11. It must be noted that wear‐off detected in a real‐world study on OnabotA responders can be due to wear‐off of a pharmacological OnabotA effect or a placebo effect, or to regression to the mean effects. This wear‐off phenomenon may negatively affect quality of life of chronic migraine patients under OnabotA treatment. The best way to counteract wear‐off remains to be determined.
Emollient structure and chemical functionality effects on the biomechanical function of human stratum corneum
Authors: Berkey C. , Kanno D. , Mehling A. , Koch J. P. , Eisfeld W. , Dierker M. , Bhattacharya S. , Dauskardt R. H.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Cosmetic emollients are widely used in skincare formulations due to their ability to 'soften' the skin and modulate formulation spreadability. Though emollients are commonly used, little is known about their effects on the biomechanical barrier properties of human stratum corneum (SC), which play a critical role in consumer perception of formulation efficacy. Accordingly, our objective was to provide new insights with a study involving fourteen cosmetic emollient molecules with widely varying structures, molecular weights, SC diffusivities, topological polar surface areas (TPSAs), viscosities and chemical functionalities.

Methods

Mechanical stress in the SC was measured in vitro using a substrate curvature measurement technique. Stress development due to SC drying was measured before and after topical treatment with cosmetic emollients. Emollient diffusivity and alterations to lipid content in SC after treatment were measured via ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. The maximum penetration volume of emollient in SC was characterized to elucidate mechanisms underlying emollient effects on stress.

Results

The application of all cosmetic emollients caused a reduction in SC mechanical stress under dehydrating conditions, and a linear correlation was discovered between emollient penetration volume and the degree of stress reduction. These molecules also induced increases in stress equilibration rate, signalling changes to SC transport kinetics. Stress equilibration rate increases linearly correlated with decreasing intensity of the νCH2 band, indicating a previously unknown interaction between cosmetic emollients and SC lipids. Stress and penetration volume results were rationalized in terms of a multi‐parameter model including emollient molecular weight, diffusivity, TPSA and viscosity.

Conclusion

We provide a new rational basis for understanding the effects of cosmetic emollient choice on biomechanical properties affecting SC barrier function and consumer perception. We demonstrate for the first time that emollients very likely reduce SC mechanical stress through their ability to take up volume when penetrating the SC, and how molecular weight, SC diffusivity, TPSA and viscosity are predictive of this ability. As cosmetic formulations continue to evolve to meet the needs of customers, emollient molecules can be selected that not only contribute to formulation texture and/or spreadability but that also leverage this novel connection between emollient penetration and SC biomechanics.
The cellular origins of cancer with particular reference to the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Alison Malcolm R.
Published: August 2020

Stem cells or their closely related committed progenitor cells are the likely founder cells of most neoplasms. In the continually renewing and hierarchically organized epithelia of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine, homeostatic stem cells are located at the beginning of the cell flux, in the basal layer of the oesophagus, the isthmic region of gastric oxyntic glands and at the bottom of gastric pyloric‐antral glands and colonic crypts. The introduction of mutant oncogenes such as KrasG12D or loss of Tp53 or Apc to specific cell types expressing the likes of Lgr5 and Mist1 can be readily accomplished in genetically engineered mouse models to initiate tumorigenesis. Other origins of cancer are discussed including ‘reserve’ stem cells that may be activated by damage or through disruption of morphogen gradients along the crypt axis. In the liver and pancreas, with little cell turnover and no obvious stem cell markers, the importance of regenerative hyperplasia associated with chronic inflammation to tumour initiation is vividly apparent, though inflammatory conditions in the renewing populations are also permissive for tumour induction. In the liver, hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells and hepatic progenitor cells are embryologically related, and all can give rise to hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. In the exocrine pancreas, both acinar and ductal cells can give rise to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), although the preceding preneoplastic states are quite different: acinar‐ductal metaplasia gives rise to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia culminating in PDAC, while ducts give rise to PDAC via. mucinous cell metaplasia that may have a polyclonal origin.
Porous chitosan/ZnO‐doped bioglass composites as carriers of bioactive peptides
Authors: Biernat Monika , Ciołek Lidia , Dzierżyńska Maria , Oziębło Artur , Sawicka Justyna , Deptuła Milena , Bauer Marta , Kamysz Wojciech , Pikuła Michał , Jaegermann Zbigniew , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia
Published: August 2020

In this study, we aimed to assess whether the composite of chitosan/ZnO‐doped bioglass can be applied as a suitable scaffold for the incorporation of bioactive peptides. Material of a porous composite with 1:1 ratio of bioglass:polymer was produced and used as a matrix for delivery of peptide. A peptide with the PEPTIDES sequence (Pro‐Glu‐Pro‐Thr‐Ile‐Asp‐Glu‐Ser) was chosen as a model peptide. Microstructure and pore sizes of chitosan/ZnO‐doped bioglass were assessed. Open porosity and pore sizes of the composite were suitable for enabling the migration of cells and ensuring the easy delivery of nutrients within the implant. In addition, composite showed bioactivity and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Peptide alone did not have any cytotoxic activity on human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Also it did not show any antibacterial properties and did not cause hemolysis of red blood cells. The peptide incorporated in composite showed a rapid release in the kinetics profile. The obtained results indicate that there is the technological possibility to incorporate peptides in chitosan/ZnO‐doped bioglass scaffolds. Such biomaterials have potential application in bone tissue engineering.
Ocular manifestations of dermatological diseases part I: infectious and inflammatory disorders
Authors: Al Akrash Lamia S. , Al Semari Mohammad A. , Al Harithy Ruaa
Published: August 2020

Skin and eyes share a common embryological origin from the embryonic surface ectoderm. Ocular manifestations are one of the most important and common associations of dermatological diseases. Currently, there are few comprehensive reviews of the ocular manifestations of dermatological diseases. We have reviewed more than 40 published articles related to the ocular manifestations of the most important dermatological diseases. The search included Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2019. This review was divided into three parts including infections, inflammatory, genetics, connective tissue, autoimmune, neoplasms, and drug‐related disorders. We excluded metabolic, endocrine, and nutrition‐related dermatological diseases. The relationship of ocular manifestations and dermatological diseases is important to recognize for appropriate management since many dermatological diseases can manifest initially with ocular findings. In this part, we summarized the most common and significant ocular findings in infectious and inflammatory dermatological disorders with appropriate referral recommendations to ophthalmology.
Trichoscopic features of tinea capitis among primary school children in north central Nigeria
Authors: Olarinoye Gboyega M. , Katibi Oludolapo S. , Ilesanmi Omotoyosi N. , Fayemiwo Samuel A. , Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , George Adekunle O.
Published: August 2020

Background

The myriad of coexisting risk factors for tinea capitis (TC) in parts of Africa makes it common among schoolchildren from this region. Diagnosis ideally involves microscopy and culture of scalp scrapings, which is not always feasible in resource‐poor settings. Small‐scale reports have identified trichoscopy (dermoscopy of hair and surrounding skin) as a cheap, quick, and simple tool for evaluating TC. We sought to describe the trichoscopic features of TC among Nigerian children.

Methods

A total of 204 children with clinically diagnosed TC had trichoscopy of their scalp lesions and culture of scalp scrapings. Trichoscopic features and culture results were noted.

Results

Perifollicular scaling (78.4%), interfollicular scaling (69.1%), and black dots (44.1%) were the commonest trichoscopic features. Others include regrowing hairs (18.6%), comma hairs (14.7%), broken hairs (13.2%), corkscrew hairs (3.4%), zigzag hairs (2.5%), and peripilar casts (2.0%). All children with comma, corkscrew, and zigzag hairs, as well as most with black dots (88.9%), broken hairs (88.9%), and regrowing hairs (77.5%) had positive cultures, irrespective of the isolated dermatophyte. Comma hairs were specific for Tinea infection with positive culture of dermatophytes. The presence of black dots in combination with individual features like broken hairs, regrowing hairs, perifollicular scaling, or interfollicular scaling also had a high specificity for positive cultures.

Conclusion

In the management of children with TC, trichoscopy is useful as a diagnostic tool, especially where access to laboratory evaluation is either not instant or unavailable.
Prevalence of dental anxiety in children and adolescents globally: A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Grisolia Barbara Monteiro , dos Santos Ana Paula Pires , Dhyppolito Izabel Monteiro , Buchanan Heather , Hill Kirsty , Oliveira Branca Heloisa
Published: August 2020

Background

Dental anxiety (DA) negatively impacts oral health–related quality of life, and patients with DA usually require more dental treatment time.

Aim

To describe the global prevalence of DA in children and adolescents and to examine the influence of individual factors (age, sex, and caries experience) and variables related to DA measurement on pooled prevalence.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analyses of observational studies published between 1985 and 2020 (PROSPERO CRD42014013879).

Results

Searches yielded 1207 unique records; 224 full‐text articles were screened, and 50 studies were used in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. No study was considered as having high methodological quality according to ‘The Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool’. Overall pooled DA prevalence was 23.9% (95% CI 20.4, 27.3). Pooled prevalence in preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents was as follows: 36.5% (95% CI 23.8, 49.2), 25.8% (95% CI 19.5, 32.1), and 13.3% (95% CI 9.5, 17.0), respectively. DA was significantly more prevalent in preschool children (one study) and schoolchildren (two studies) with caries experience and in female adolescents (one study). The scale used for DA assessment was shown to influence pooled prevalence in preschoolers and adolescents.

Conclusion

DA is a frequent problem in 3‐ to 18‐year‐olds worldwide, more prevalent in schoolchildren and preschool children than in adolescents.
Self‐activated persistent luminescence from Ba2Zr2Si3O12for information storage
Authors: Xiong Puxian , Zheng Chibin , Peng Mingying , Zhou Zhihao , Xu Feifei , Qin Kexin , Hong Yiyu , Ma Zhijun
Published: August 2020

Till now, many doped persistent luminescence (PersL) phosphors have been investigated and found various applications in such as bioimaging, photocatalysis and information storage, but introducing PersL emitters into a proper host is mostly complex. In this research, a self‐activated PersL phosphor Ba2Zr2Si3O12(BZSO) is prepared by solid state reaction. By adding NH4Cl, the self‐activated PersL intensity is evidently enhanced. The trap depths and concentrations are examined by thermoluminescence spectra. Meanwhile, Bi3+ions are introduced into BZSO and show wide band photoluminescence (PL) from 300 to 600 nm. Moreover, the PL of Bi3+is tunable under excitation by 265‐350 nm lights. Furthermore, as a proof‐of‐concept design, we designed a patterned quick response (QR) code based on the self‐activated PersL of BZSO, and the information of “South China University of Technology (SCUT)” can be read out by the code scanning technology. Bi3+‐doped BZSO phosphors are suggested to provide potential applications in information storage by its self‐activated PersL, and to excite researchers to study the tunable PL in Bi3+‐doped phosphor.
Enhanced energy storage density in Ca and Ta co‐doped AgNbO3 antiferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Chao Wenna , Yang Tongqing , Li Yongxiang , Liu Zhifu
Published: August 2020

Ca and Ta co‐doped AgNbO3 antiferroelectric lead‐free ceramics were fabricated by rolling process technique, and improved energy storage properties were obtained. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra indicate a single perovskite structure for (Ag1‐2xCax)(Nb1‐xTax)O3 ceramics. The dielectric performances were also investigated, showing that increasing the content of Ca and Ta from 0.1 to 5 mol% gradually decreased the temperatures of the phase transition of monoclinic M1‐M2 and M2‐M3. This proved the enhanced antiferroelectricity stability associated with the enlarged low temperature phase transition region. The obtained (Ag0.90Ca0.05)(Nb0.95Ta0.05)O3 ceramics exhibit an enhanced recoverable energy storage density (3.36 J/cm3) and efficiency (58.3%) with good temperature and frequency stability. The same composition shows excellent charge and discharge properties with a discharge current as high as 91.5 A and fast discharge speed (150 ns discharge period). All these merits demonstrate that AgNbO3‐based antiferroelectric ceramics are competitive with other lead‐based and lead‐free dielectric capacitors, which are promising candidates for dielectric energy storage applications.
Evaluation of a psychoeducational intervention compared with education in people with Parkinson's disease and their informal caregivers: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Navarta‐Sánchez María Victoria , Ambrosio Leire , Portillo Mari Carmen , Ursúa Maria Eugenia , Senosiain Juana M. , Riverol Mario
Published: August 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of a psychoeducational intervention compared with an education programme to strengthen quality of life, psychosocial adjustment, and coping in people with Parkinson's disease and their informal caregivers.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study was performed with repeated measures at baseline, after the intervention and 6 months post‐intervention.

Methods

The study was carried out at seven primary care centres from 2015‐2017. A total of 140 people with Parkinson's and 127 informal caregivers were allocated to the experimental and the control groups. The experimental group received a 9‐week psychoeducational intervention, whereas the control group received a 5‐week education programme. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to test differences in quality of life, psychosocial adjustment, and coping between the experimental and control groups and over time.

Results

Patients and informal caregivers in both the experimental and control groups showed significantly better psychosocial adjustment at the post‐intervention measurement compared with baseline data. We also found significantly greater quality of life in patients and coping skills in caregivers after the end of the interventions in the experimental and control groups. Nevertheless, no significant differences were identified on the outcomes at the 6‐month post‐intervention measurement.

Conclusion

The effect of the psychoeducational intervention was not different from the effect of the education programme. The strategies applied in both interventions followed a group approach led by a multidisciplinary team covering information about PD, healthy lifestyles, and social resources. They might be easily sustained in Primary Care to improve care for people with Parkinson's and informal caregivers.
Low levels of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Andean communities of Ecuador
Authors: Felix Camilo , Baldeon Manuel E. , Zertuche Federico , Fornasini Marco , Paucar Maria Jose , Ponce Liz , Rangarajan Sumathy , Yusuf Salim , Lopez‐Jaramillo Patricio
Published: August 2020

The major burden of hypertension (HTN) occurs in low‐middle‐income countries (LMIC) and it is the main modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Few population studies on HTN prevalence have been carried out in Ecuador where there is limited information regarding its prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of HTN and its association with socio‐economic, nutritional, and lifestyle habits in urban and rural Andean communities of Pichincha province in Ecuador. The authors studied 2020 individuals aged 35‐70 years (mean age 50.8 years, 72% women), included in the Ecuadorian cohort of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, from February to December 2018. The hypertension prevalence (>140/90 mmHg) was 27% and was greater in urban than in rural communities, more common in men, in individuals older than 50 years of age, in people with low monthly income and low level of education. Higher prevalence was also observed in subjects with obesity, and among former smokers and those who consumed alcohol. Only 49% of those with HTN were aware of their condition, 40% were using antihypertensive medications, and 19% had their blood pressure under control (<140/90 mmHg). These results showed low levels of awareness, treatment, and control of HTN in the Andean region of Ecuador, suggesting the urgent necessity of implementing programs to improve the diagnosis and management of HTN.
Body mass index trajectory across childhood and subsequent risk of elevated blood pressure
Authors: Fan Hui , Zhang Xingyu
Published: August 2020

We investigated the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) trajectory across childhood and the subsequent occurrence of elevated blood pressure (BP) in the Chinese pediatric population. The study cohort from the China Health and Nutrition Survey comprised 1484 children, each of whom underwent three BP and BMI assessments during childhood and had a non‐elevated BP during the first childhood assessment. A group‐based trajectory model was used to identify four distinct BMI trajectories across childhood: lean‐stable increase, medium‐marked increase, heavy marked decrease, and heavy marked increase. Elevated BP in childhood was as defined in the China's national BP reference for children. Covariate‐adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of BMI trajectories with elevated BP. Overall, 27.6% of all participants between 3 and 13 years of age during the first childhood assessment developed elevated BP during a mean 6.5‐year follow‐up. Compared with participants in the lean‐stable increase group, those in the medium‐marked increase and heavy marked increase groups were more likely to have elevated BP (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], OR [95% CI]: 1.46 [1.08, 1.96] and 5.29 [2.44, 11.48], respectively; Ps < .05). The OR for the heavy marked decrease group was not statistically significant (OR [95% CI]: 1.58 [0.80, 3.13]; P = .192). In summary, distinct BMI trajectories conferred significantly different odds of elevated BP upon children, thus underscoring the importance of weight management in early life.
Comparison between unattended automated office blood pressure and conventional office blood pressure under the environment of health checkup among Japanese general population
Authors: Sakuma Hirofumi , Nakagawa Naoki , Horiuchi Kiwamu , Hayasaka Taiki , Maruyama Keisuke , Sawada Jun , Minoshima Akiho , Fujino Takayuki , Takeuchi Toshiharu , Sato Nobuyuki , Osanai Shinobu , Hasebe Naoyuki
Published: August 2020

Unattended automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement has been endorsed as the preferred in‐office measurement modality in recent Canadian and American clinical practice guidelines. However, the difference between AOBP and conventional office blood pressure (CBP) under the environment of a health checkup remains unclear. We aimed to identify the clinical significance of AOBP as compared to CBP under the environment of a health checkup. There were 491 participants (333 females, mean age of 62.5 years) who were at least 20 years old, including 179 participants who were previously diagnosed with hypertension. Mean AOBPs were 131.8 ± 20.9/76.6 ± 11.7 mm Hg, and CBPs were 135.6 ± 21.6/77.3 ± 11.5 mm Hg. There was a difference of 3.9 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 0.8 mm Hg in diastolic BP between AOBP and CBP. In all participants, SBP and pulse pressure, as well as the white coat effect (WCE), increased with age. The cutoff value used was 140/90 mm Hg for CBP and 135/85 mm Hg for AOBP, and the prevalence of WCE and masked hypertension effect (MHE) was 12.4% and 14.1%, respectively. Even in a health checkup environment of the general population, there was a difference between the AOBP and CBP, and the WCE was observed more strongly in the elderly with a history of hypertension, suggesting that a combination of AOBP with CBP may be useful in detecting WCE and MHE in all clinical scenarios including health checkups, and help solve the “hypertension paradox” not only in Japan but in all over the world.
Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in tumour‐bearing mice
Authors: Liu Quan‐Wen , Li Jing‐Yuan , Zhang Xiang‐Cheng , Liu Yu , Liu Qian‐Yu , Xiao Ling , Zhang Wen‐Jie , Wu Han‐You , Deng Ke‐Yu , Xin Hong‐Bo
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of the cancer‐related death in the world. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) have been characterized with a pluripotency, low immunogenicity and no tumorigenicity. Especially, the immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory effects of hAMSCs make them suitable for treating HCC. Here, we reported that hAMSCs administrated by intravenous injection significantly inhibited HCC through suppressing cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis in tumour‐bearing mice with Hepg2 cells. Cell tracking experiments with GFP‐labelled hAMSCs showed that the stem cells possessed the ability of migrating to the tumorigenic sites for suppressing tumour growth. Importantly, both hAMSCs and the conditional media (hAMSC‐CM) have the similar antitumour effects in vitro, suggesting that hAMSCs‐derived cytokines might be involved in their antitumour effects. Antibody array assay showed that hAMSCs highly expressed dickkopf‐3 (DKK‐3), dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3). Furthermore, the antitumour effects of hAMSCs were further confirmed by applications of the antibodies or the specific siRNAs of DKK‐3, DKK‐1 and IGFBP‐3 in vitro. Mechanically, hAMSCs‐derived DKK‐3, DKK‐1 and IGFBP‐3 markedly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of Hepg2 cells through suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and IGF‐1R‐mediated PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, respectively. Taken together, our study demonstrated that hAMSCs possess significant antitumour effects in vivo and in vitro and might provide a novel strategy for HCC treatment clinically.
Cardioprotection by isosteviol derivate JC105: A unique drug property to activate ERK1/2 only when cells are exposed to hypoxia‐reoxygenation
Authors: Mohammed Abdul Khaja Shameem , Rayadurgam Jayachandra , Faiz Neha , Jovanović Aleksandar , Tan Wen
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we have investigated potential cardioprotective properties of Isosteviol analogue we recently synthesized and named JC105. Treatment of heart embryonic H9c2 cells with JC105 (10 μM) significantly increased survival of cells exposed to hypoxia‐reoxygenation. JC105 (10 μM) activated ERK1/2, DRP1 and increased levels of cardioprotective SUR2A in hypoxia‐reoxygenation, but did not have any effects on ERK1/2, DRP1 and/or SUR2A in normoxia. U0126 (10 μM) inhibited JC105‐mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and DRP1 without affecting AKT or AMPK, which were also not regulated by JC105. Seahorse bioenergetic analysis demonstrated that JC105 (10 μM) did not affect mitochondria at rest, but it counteracted all mitochondrial effects of hypoxia‐reoxygenation. Cytoprotection afforded by JC105 was inhibited by U0126 (10 μM). Taken all together, these demonstrate that (a) JC105 protects H9c2 cells against hypoxia‐reoxygenation and that (b) this effect is mediated via ERK1/2. The unique property of JC105 is that selectively activates ERK1/2 in cells exposed to stress, but not in cells under non‐stress conditions.
Ubiquitin‐specific protease 19 blunts pathological cardiac hypertrophy via inhibition of the TAK1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Miao Rujia , Lu Yao , He Xue , Liu Xuelian , Chen Zhiheng , Wang Jiangang
Published: August 2020

Ubiquitin‐specific protease 19 (USP19) belongs to USP family and is involved in promoting skeletal muscle atrophy. Although USP19 is expressed in the heart, the role of USP19 in the heart disease remains unknown. The present study provides in vivo and in vitro data to reveal the role of USP19 in preventing pathological cardiac hypertrophy. We generated USP19‐knockout mice and isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) that overexpressed or were deficient in USP19 to investigate the effect of USP19 on transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or phenylephrine (PE)‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy. Echocardiography, pathological and molecular analysis were used to determine the extent of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, dysfunction and inflammation. USP19 expression was markedly increased in rodent hypertrophic heart or cardiomyocytes underwent TAC or PE culturing, the increase was mediated by the reduction of Seven In Absentia Homolog‐2. The extent of TAC‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, dysfunction and inflammation in USP19‐knockout mice was exacerbated. Consistently, gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function approaches that involved USP19 in cardiomyocytes suggested that the down‐regulation of USP19 promoted the hypertrophic phenotype, while the up‐regulation of USP19 improved the worsened phenotype. Mechanistically, the USP19‐elicited cardiac hypertrophy improvement was attributed to the abrogation of the transforming growth factor beta‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1)‐p38/JNK1/2 transduction. Furthermore, the inhibition of TAK1 abolished the aggravated hypertrophy induced by the loss of USP19. In conclusion, the present study revealed that USP19 and the downstream of TAK1‐p38/JNK1/2 signalling pathway might be a potential target to attenuate pathological cardiac hypertrophy.