bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D affects the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Si‐Yang , Shen Ting‐Ting , Xi Bei‐Li , Shen Zhan , Zhang Xian
Published: June 2020

Aims/Introduction

Chronic inflammation is an underlying feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but whether it contributes to chronic inflammation is unclear. We examined the effects of vitamin D on various immune markers to evaluate its contribution to systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, people with prediabetes and control patients without diabetes (n = 9,746). Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression. A stratified analysis based on total serum vitamin D was also carried out.

Results

Neutrophil count was a significant predictor of 1,5‐anhydroglucitol and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with prediabetes (1,5‐anhydroglucitol: β = −0.719, P < 0.001 and HbA1c: β = −0.006, P = 0.002) and patients with diabetes (1,5‐anhydroglucitol: β = 0.207, P = 0.004 and HbA1c: β = −0.067, P = 0.010). Lymphocyte count was a significant predictor of HbA1c in patients without diabetes (β = 0.056, P < 0.001) and patients with prediabetes (β = 0.038, P < 0.001). The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was a significant predictor of HbA1c in patients without diabetes (β = −0.001, P = 0.032). No immune markers differed significantly based on vitamin D level among patients without diabetes (P> 0.05 for all). Among patients with prediabetes, those who were vitamin D‐deficient had the highest NLR (P = 0.040). Among patients with diabetes, those who were vitamin D‐deficient had the highest neutrophil count (P = 0.001), lowest lymphocyte count (P = 0.016) and highest NLR (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The NLR is strongly influenced by serum vitamin D level. Given the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and elevated NLR among chronic disease patients and the elderly, our results suggest that clinical interpretation of NLR as a predictive marker of type 2 diabetes mellitus‐related inflammation should consider vitamin D level, age and pre‐existing morbidity.
Achieving Health Equity in Embedded Pragmatic Trials for People Living with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Quiñones Ana R. , Mitchell Susan L. , Jackson Jonathan D. , Aranda María P. , Dilworth‐Anderson Peggye , McCarthy Ellen P. , Hinton Ladson
Published: June 2020

Embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) advance research on Alzheimer's disease/Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) in real‐world contexts; however, health equity issues have not yet been fully considered, assessed, or integrated into ePCT designs. Health disparity populations may not be well represented in ePCTs without special efforts to identify and successfully recruit sites of care that serve larger numbers of these populations. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD‐Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory's Health Equity Team will contribute to the overall mission of the collaboratory by developing and implementing strategies to address health equity in the conduct of ePCTs and ensure the collaboratory is a national resource for all Americans with dementia. As a first step toward meeting these goals, this article reviews what is currently known about the inclusion of health disparities populations of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers in ePCTs, highlights unique challenges related to health equity in the conduct of ePCTs, and suggests priority areas in the design and implementation of ePCTs to increase the awareness and avoidance of pitfalls that may perpetuate and magnify healthcare disparities. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S8–S13, 2020.
Training the Workforce to Conduct Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials to Improve Care for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: Callahan Christopher M. , Torke Alexia M. , Alder Catherine A. , Broughton Jessica A. , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: June 2020

The National Institute on Aging IMbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease–Related Dementias Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory serves as a national resource for the conduct of embedded pragmatic clinical trials to improve the care of people living with dementia (PLWD) in partnership with the healthcare systems that serve them. Inherent in this objective is the need to train and support a cadre of investigators prepared to conduct this work now and in the future. The Training Core of the IMPACT Collaboratory supports the training of investigators to become experts in this field through three objectives: (1) curricula development and dissemination; (2) network generation and navigation; and (3) a career development award program. The innovative approach of the Training Core will require developing content and providing training experiences that recognize the unique challenges of research at the intersection of health systems, pragmatic trials, and PLWD and their caregivers. Ultimately, we seek to build the nation's capacity to conduct research that bridges the gaps between efficacy studies to effectiveness research to implementation science. Although foundational resources in the methods of each of these areas are already available, few actually focus on pragmatic trials embedded within healthcare systems that focus on PLWD. To bring new interventions for PLWD from efficacy to widespread implementation, researchers must build diffusability, adaptability, heterogeneity, and scalability into the design of the intervention. In achieving these objectives, the Training Core will utilize the network of investigators, institutions, and stakeholders represented in the IMPACT Collaboratory. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S21–S27, 2020.
Embedded Pragmatic Trials in Dementia Care: Realizing the Vision of the NIA IMPACT Collaboratory
Authors: Mitchell Susan L. , Mor Vincent , Harrison Jill , McCarthy Ellen P.
Published: June 2020

Close to 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (AD/ADRD). These high‐need, high‐cost patients are vulnerable to receiving poor quality uncoordinated care, ultimately leading to adverse health outcomes, poor quality of life, and misuse of resources. Improving the care of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers is an urgent public health challenge that must be informed by high‐quality evidence. Although prior research has elucidated opportunities to improve AD/ADRD care, the adoption of promising interventions has been stymied by the lack of research evaluating their effectiveness when implemented under real‐world conditions. Embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) in healthcare systems have the potential to accelerate the translation of evidence‐based interventions into clinical practice. Building from the foundation of the National Institutes of Healthcare Systems Collaboratory, in September 2019 the National Institute on Aging Imbedded Pragmatic AD/ADRD Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory was launched. Its mission is to build the nation's capacity to conduct ePCTs within healthcare systems for PLWD and their caregivers by (1) developing and disseminating best practice research methods, (2) supporting the design and conduct of ePCTs including pilot studies, (3) building investigator capacity through training and knowledge generation, (4) catalyzing collaboration among stakeholders, and (5) ensuring the research includes culturally tailored interventions for people from diverse backgrounds. This report presents the rationale, structure, key activities, and markers of success for the overall NIA IMPACT Collaboratory. The articles that follow in this special Issue describe the specific work of its 10 core working groups and teams. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S1–S7, 2020.
Engaging Stakeholders in the Design and Conduct of Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Dementias
Authors: Harrison Jill , Maslow Katie , Tambor Ellen , Phillips Louise , Frank Lori , Herndon Laurie , Epstein‐Lubow Gary
Published: June 2020

Embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) of nondrug interventions for Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD) are conducted in real‐world clinical settings and designed to generate an evidence base to inform clinical and policy decisions about care for this vulnerable population. The ePCTs exist within a complex ecosystem of relationships between researchers, payors, policymakers, healthcare systems, direct care staff, advocacy groups, families, caregivers, and people living with dementia (PLWD). Because the rapid increase of the number of Americans with AD/ADRD outpaces curative treatments, there is an urgent need to mobilize the power of these relationships to improve dementia care and address a mounting public health crisis. Stakeholder engagement in ePCTs is essential to generate research questions, establish the relevancy of trials to the intended end users, and understand the factors that influence dissemination and implementation in real‐world clinical settings. The process of including stakeholders in ePCTs for dementia is similar to stakeholder engagement in ePCTs for other diseases and conditions; however, the unique nature of embedded research, prevalence of caregiver and provider burden, and the progressive worsening of cognitive impairment in PLWD must be approached with additional strategies. This article presents key considerations of stakeholder engagement for ePCTs in AD/ADRD and main activities of the stakeholder engagement team in the National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory to move the field forward. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S62–S67, 2020.
Neuropsychological profile of amyloid‐positive versus amyloid‐negative amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Alves Luísa , Cardoso Sandra , Silva Dina , Mendes Tiago , Marôco João , Nogueira Joana , Lima Marisa , Tábuas‐Pereira Miguel , Baldeiras Inês , Santana Isabel , de Mendonça Alexandre , Guerreiro Manuela
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Patients diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at high risk of progressing to dementia. It became possible, through the use of biomarkers, to diagnose those patients with aMCI who have Alzheimer's disease. However, it is presently unfeasible that all patients undergo biomarker testing. Since neuropsychological testing is required to make a formal diagnosis of aMCI, it would be interesting if it could be used to predict the amyloid status of patients with aMCI.

Methods

Participants with aMCI, known amyloid status (Aβ+ or Aβ−) and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, were selected from the Cognitive Complaints Cohort database for this study. Neuropsychological tests were compared in Aβ+ and Aβ− aMCI patients. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to model the probability of being amyloid positive.

Results

Of the 216 aMCI patients studied, 117 were Aβ+ and 99 were Aβ−. Aβ+ aMCI patients performed worse on several memory tests, namely Word Total Recall, Logical Memory Immediate and Delayed Free Recall, and Verbal Paired Associate Learning, as well as on Trail Making Test B, an executive function test. In a binary logistic regression model, only Logical Memory Delayed Free Recall retained significance, so that for each additional score point in this test, the probability of being amyloid positive decreased by 30.6%. The resulting model correctly classified 64.6% of the aMCI cases regarding their amyloid status.

Conclusions

The neuropsychological assessment remains an essential step to diagnose and characterize patients with aMCI; however, neuropsychological tests have limited value to distinguish the aMCI patients who have amyloid pathology from those who might suffer from other clinical conditions.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia and genital Lichen sclerosus: Single‐center experience
Authors: Grassi Sara , Tadiotto Cicogna Giulia , Magri Francesca , Caterina Fortuna Maria , Caro Gemma , Pernazza Angelina , Soda Giuseppe , Miraglia Emanuele , Giustini Sandra , Carlesimo Marta , Rossi Alfredo
Published: June 2020

Background

Despite the incidence of Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) has been increasing in last two decades, the pathophysiology and trigger factors of FFA have not been yet fully understood.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe epidemiology, clinical and trichoscopic features and comorbidities of FFA patients, in order to improve the understanding of this disease.

Patients/Methods

A retrospective, observational monocentric study was conducted from 2003 to 2019. Data concerning epidemiology (age, gender, age of menopause, and age of FFA onset), comorbidities, current therapies, localization of FFA (such as frontotemporal hairline, occipital, eyebrow, eyelash, beard, sideburns, and body hair), presence of papules and sign of Lichen planus (LP) at skin, mucosae and/or nail were collected for each patient included.

Results

A total of 119 Caucasian, adult patients (8 men and 111 female) with FFA were enrolled in the study. Cutaneous, mucosal, or nail localization of LP were found in 16% of our subjects. Interestingly, 15 out of 119 subjects (10.61%) were affected by concomitant genital Lichen sclerosus (LS) and 5 out of these 15 patients (4.38%) presented both LS and LP in association with FFA.

Conclusion

Considering the high prevalence of LS in FFA patients in our case series, and the frequency of autoimmune comorbidities in both LS and FFA, it is possible to hypothesize an autoimmune process in both conditions. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the nature of the association between LS and FFA.
Carbon dioxide ablative laser treatment of acquired junctional melanocytic nevi
Authors: Köse Osman
Published: June 2020

Background

Junctional melanocytic nevi are common. Furthermore, surgical treatment of these nevi can be challenging due to scar formation.

Aims

The study aims to detect the efficacy and safety of the CO2fractional laser for treating acquired junctional melanocytic nevi and usefulness of dermatoscopy for the monitoring of the nevus.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 618 patients with 1545 facial junctional melanocytic nevi. CO2fractional laser was applied to 2‐month intervals until complete clearance was reached. The effect of the therapy was monitored by clinical and dermatoscopy. The Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores were used to assess the results.

Results

1320 nevi (85%) were treated in just one session. In addition, 120 (8%) and 75 (5%) required second and third sessions, respectively. Only thirty nevi (2%) need more than three sessions. Consequently, at the end of one‐year follow‐up, patients' (97%) and physicians' (95%) GAS scores were rated as excellent and good, respectively. Moreover, hyper/hypopigmentation, fibrosis, dimples, erythema, and scars were observed as side effects at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

CO2laser is effective in completely removing small acquired junctional melanocytic nevus. Furthermore, dermatoscopy appears to be helpful for monitorization of the nevi in the follow‐up period.
Treatment of idiopathic onychodystrophy with a 1064 nm picosecond neodymium‐doped:yttrium aluminum garnet laser: A retrospective study
Authors: Lee Yun Ho , Lee Heun Joo , Kim Won‐Serk , Lee Ga‐Young , Choi Young‐Jun
Published: June 2020

Background

Laser treatment has emerged as a novel treatment modality for onychodystrophy. Only a few small series have assessed the efficacy of laser treatment in onychodystrophy, most of which were case reports. The therapeutic effect of the 1064 nm neodymium‐doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for onychodystrophy has been demonstrated. Recently, the picosecond Nd:YAG (PSNY) laser has been introduced to improve various skin disorders.

Aims

The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of a 1064 nm PSNY in management of idiopathic onychodystrophy.

Methods

We present a case series of dystrophic nails treated with a PSNY for onychodystrophy improvement. Planimetry using ImageJ software was used to calculate lesion reduction and proximal clear nail growth. Clinical improvement was assessed using a 5‐point Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

Twenty‐five patients (11 males and 14 females) with a total of 128 nails (94 finger nails and 34 toe nails) were treated. The mean treatment number was 8.7 ± 6.2, and the mean total duration of treatment was 33.4 ± 34.6 weeks. The average proportion of the lesion area decreased significantly (from 65.9% to 46.6%) after PSNY treatment (P < .001). The mean GAS (3.16 ± 1.18) exhibited fair improvement, and there were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

The 1064 nm PSNY laser can provide fair improvement for onychodystrophy with a good prognosis at least during the follow‐up period and optimal cosmetic results in Asian patients.
Transdermal delivery of topical lidocaine in a mouse model is enhanced by treatment with cold atmospheric plasma
Authors: Xin Yue , Wen Xiang , Hamblin Michael R. , Jiang Xian
Published: June 2020

Background

Topical anesthetics are widely used in dermatology and cosmetology to alleviate the pain from nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, while the transdermal drug delivery is limited by the skin barrier. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a potential approach used for skin pretreatment to enhance transdermal delivery of topical medications.

Aims

To assess the efficacy of CAP as a pretreatment to improve the transdermal delivery of topical anesthetic.

Methods

First, we conducted ex vivo permeation studies on 30 mice with a Franz cell diffusion experiment. CAP irradiations of different intensity and duration were pretreated on the epidermal layer of mice before topical lidocaine applied, with the control group received no pretreatment. The amount of drug penetrated through the skin and drug flux were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Then, we treated 3 living mice with CAP followed by application of methylene blue cream (MB) and used skin biopsies to measure penetration depth by microscope. Last, we measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of mouse skin in vivo before and after CAP treatment to observe its effect on the skin barrier function.

Results

In the permeation study, the transdermal flux of lidocaine was enhanced to 1.97 times of the control samples by CAP pretreatment. We also observed that the accumulative amount of lidocaine varied with the duration of the CAP treatment in a biphasic manner. In the MB penetration study, significant amount of MB deposition was observed under the epidermis and deeper parts of the skin after CAP pretreatment compared with the control sample. A sharp increase in TEWL value was observed directly after the CAP treatment, but 30 minutes later, it began to decrease and recovered to baseline in the next 3 hours, indicating that the skin barrier property had been changed reversibly.

Conclusions

Our studies suggested that the transdermal absorption of topical lidocaine can be efficiently and safely enhanced by pretreatment of the skin with CAP. We believe that CAP could be used as an assistance to improve analgesia in dermatology.
Neuromonitoring Using Neurosonography and Pupillometry in A Weaning and Early Neurorehabilitation Unit
Authors: Siepen Bernhard M. , Grubwinkler Stephan , Wagner Andrea , Gruber Christine , Dickopf Alexander , Linker Ralf A. , Schlachetzki Felix , Baldaranov Dobri
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Long‐term surveillance of intracranial pressure (ICP) in neurological/neurosurgical patients during ventilator weaning and early neurorehabilitation currently relies on clinical observation because neuroimaging is rarely readily available. In this prospective study, multimodal neurosonography and pupillometry are evaluated for follow‐up monitoring.

METHODS

Sonographic neuromonitoring was used to noninvasively examine patients’ ICP during weaning and early neurorehabilitation. It allowed assessments of third ventricle width, possible midline shift, middle cerebral artery flow velocities, and bilateral optic nerve sheath diameters. Quantitative pupillometry was used to determine pupil size and reactivity. Other neuroimaging findings, spinal tap ICP measurements, and clinical follow‐up data served as controls.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients—11 suffering from intracranial hemorrhage, four from encephalopathies, and two from ischemic stroke—were examined for ICP changes by using neurosonography and pupillometry during a mean observation period of 21 days. In total, 354 of 980 analyses (36.1%) yielded pathological results. In 15 of 17 patients (88.2%), pathological values were found during follow‐up without a clear clinical correlate. In two patients (11.8%), clinically relevant changes in ICP occurred and were identified using neurosonography. Abnormal pupillometry findings displayed a high predictive value for absent clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal neurosonography may be a noninvasive means for long‐term ICP assessment, whereas pupillometry may only detect rapid ICP changes during acute neurointensive care. The study also illustrates common pitfalls in neuromonitoring in general, with large numbers of pathological albeit nonsignificant findings. Additional controlled studies should validate the influence of detected subtle changes in ICP on neurological outcome.
Effects of chewing exercises on the occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness in community‐dwelling Koreans aged 65 years and older: A randomised assessor‐blind trial
Authors: Kim Min‐Ji , Hong Jun‐Young , Lee Gihyoun , Yoon Taehyung , Hwang Se‐Hyun , Kim Hwan‐Hee , Jung YoungJin , Park Ji‐Su
Published: June 2020

Chewing exercises have been applied in clinical settings to improve the occlusal force and function of the masseter muscle in elderly individuals. However, the clinical relevance and effects of chewing exercises are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bilateral chewing exercises on the occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness in community‐dwelling Koreans aged 65 years. Forty community‐dwelling healthy elderly individuals were enrolled in this study. They were assigned to the experimental or the control group. The experimental group performed chewing exercises using medical equipment developed to facilitate such exercises. The chewing exercises were divided into isometric and isotonic types and were performed for 20 min/d, 5 days/wk, for 6 weeks. The control group did not perform any chewing exercises. The outcome measures were occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness, which were evaluated using an occlusometer and ultrasound device, respectively. A paired t test and an independent t test were used to evaluate the training effects. Within‐group comparisons showed that occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness improved significantly in the experimental group (P < .001 for both), while the control group showed no significant improvements (P = .098 and .130). Between‐group comparisons showed that the experimental group had a greater increase in occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness (P < .05 for both) compared to the control group. These results suggest that chewing exercises are effective in improving occlusal force and masseter muscle thickness in healthy elderly individuals.
Assessment of somatosensory changes in Chinese temporomandibular disorders arthralgia patients by quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhao Yanping , Yang Guangju , Xie Qiufei
Published: June 2020

Background

Somatosensory changes in Chinese temporomandibular disorders (TMD) arthralgia patients have not been fully studied by the latest technologies.

Objective

This study aims at assessing somatosensory changes in Chinese TMD arthralgia patients quantitatively.

Methods

Standardised quantitative sensory testing (QST) was performed on the pain sites and contralateral sites of 40 patients diagnosed with TMD arthralgia according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) before and after medication; similar measures were taken in 40 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Differences within and between groups were assessed through Z‐scores, two‐way ANOVA and loss/gain coding system.

Results

The pain sites of patients presented increased sensitivity to thermal stimuli and mechanical pain stimuli together with decreased sensitivity to mechanical tactile stimuli before medication (P < .001). Before treatment, 100% of patients had somatosensory abnormalities at the pain sites; the most frequent abnormalities were somatosensory gain to cold nociceptive, pinprick and pressure stimuli, and the most frequent loss/gain score was L0G3 (no somatosensory loss with a gain of thermal and mechanical somatosensory function; 70.0%). After treatment, although the clinical symptoms and signs of 40 patients disappeared, 80.0% of the patients' pain sites still showed multiple phenotype abnormalities. The most frequent loss/gain score was L0G2 (no somatosensory loss with a gain of mechanical somatosensory function; 35.0%).

Conclusions

Multiple phenotypes of facial somatosensory abnormalities were detected in Chinese TMD arthralgia patients before and after treatment, despite the disappearance of clinical signs and symptoms. Individual variations indicate a possible need for subgroup classification, individualised management and mechanism‐based treatment.
Sleep slow oscillations favour local cortical plasticity underlying the consolidation of reinforced procedural learning in human sleep
Authors: Menicucci Danilo , Piarulli Andrea , Laurino Marco , Zaccaro Andrea , Agrimi Jacopo , Gemignani Angelo
Published: June 2020

We investigated changes of slow‐wave activity and sleep slow oscillations in the night following procedural learning boosted by reinforcement learning, and how these changes correlate with behavioural output. In the Task session, participants had to reach a visual target adapting cursor's movements to compensate an angular deviation introduced experimentally, while in the Control session no deviation was applied. The task was repeated at 13:00 hours, 17:00 hours and 23:00 hours before sleep, and at 08:00 hours after sleep. The deviation angle was set at 15° (13:00 hours and 17:00 hours) and increased to 45° (reinforcement) at 23:00 hours and 08:00 hours. Both for Task and Control nights, high‐density electroencephalogram sleep recordings were carried out (23:30−19:30 hours). The Task night as compared with the Control night showed increases of: (a) slow‐wave activity (absolute power) over the whole scalp; (b) slow‐wave activity (relative power) in left centro‐parietal areas; (c) sleep slow oscillations rate in sensorimotor and premotor areas; (d) amplitude of pre‐down and up states in premotor regions, left sensorimotor and right parietal regions; (e) sigma crowning the up state in right parietal regions. After Task night, we found an improvement of task performance showing correlations with sleep slow oscillations rate in right premotor, sensorimotor and parietal regions. These findings suggest a key role of sleep slow oscillations in procedural memories consolidation. The diverse components of sleep slow oscillations selectively reflect the network activations related to the reinforced learning of a procedural visuomotor task. Indeed, areas specifically involved in the task stand out as those with a significant association between sleep slow oscillations rate and overnight improvement in task performance.
Beneficial effects of DAAs on cardiac function and structure in hepatitis C patients with low‐moderate liver fibrosis
Authors: Dalbeni Andrea , Romano Simone , Bevilacqua Michele , Piccoli Anna , Imbalzano Egidio , Mantovani Anna , Benati Marco , Montagnana Martina , Donato Angela , Torin Gioia , Monaco Cinzia , Cattazzo Filippo , Tagetti Angela , Paon Veronica , Ieluzzi Donatella , Iogna Prat Laura , Roccarina Davide , Ribichini Flavio , Capra Franco , Minuz Pietro , Fava Cristiano
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related chronic infection has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases. An altered morphology and function of both left and right heart have been described in HCV patients; however, the causality of the association is still debated. Ninety‐eight nonobese and nondiabetic HCV patients (59.5 ± 12.0 years; males 52%) with Fibroscan‐Transient Elastography assessed low‐moderate liver fibrosis that achieved sustained viral response at 12 and 24 weeks after DAAs (direct‐acting antivirals) participated. 56 were matched with 52 control subjects for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. A trans‐thoracic echocardiography was performed in each subject at baseline (T0) and repeated in all HCV patients after eradication (6 months later eligibility, T1). TNF‐α and IL‐10 were measured at baseline and at T1. A concentric remodelling of the left heart in HCV participants was identified, whereas tricuspidal annular plane systolic excursion, right indexed atrial volume, right basal ventricular diameter, inferior vena cava diameter and pulmonary arterial pressure were higher in HCV participants compared to matched controls. After virus eradication, left indexed atrial volume and all right cardiac chambers measures were lower than baseline. A significant reduction of TNF‐α was shown at T1, while IL‐10 did not change. This study shows a concentric remodelling of the left ventricle and structural modifications in the right sections in HCV patients compared to controls. Virus eradication with DAAs was associated with a reduction of the main right atrioventricular parameters indicating a direct involvement of the HCV in cardiac changes.
Effects of different forms of barberry root (Berberis vulgaris) on growth performance, muscle fatty acids profile, whole‐body composition, and digestive enzymes of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Ramezanzadeh Sara , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohammad , Esmaeili Noah , Rombenso Artur
Published: June 2020

The supplementation of fish diets with herbal medicines aimed at improving growth and flesh quality is an attractive subject in fish nutrition research. In the present study, the effects of barberry root on the growth performance, muscle fatty acids profile, whole‐body composition, and digestive enzymes of rainbow trout were investigated. A total of 306 rainbow trout fingerlings (15.55 ± 0.76 g) were fed various diets in groups including the control (C), BRP10 (10 g/kg of barberry root powder), BRP20 (20 g/kg of barberry root powder), BRE250 (250 mg/kg of barberry root extract), BRE500 (500 mg/kg of barberry root extract), and OTC30 (30 g/kg oxytetracycline) groups. After 56 days, the results indicated that fish fed the BRE250, BRE500, and OTC30 diets had significantly higher weight gain (592.23, 580.43, and 605.21%, respectively) compared with the other dietary treatments (p < .05). Whole‐body protein and fat content showed significant differences among fish fed the treatments and the control, displaying significantly higher and lower values, respectively, compared with those fed the BRP20, BRE250, and BRE500 diets (p < .05). Muscle in fish fed the OTC30 diet displayed a significantly lower content of omega 3 compared with those fed the BRP20 and BRE500 diets (p < .05). Although digestive enzymes revealed no special trend across dietary groups, fish fed the BRP20 diet presented the highest values of amylase (22 U/mg protein−1), trypsin (57.16 U/mg protein−1), and lipase (5.62 U/mg protein−1). Based on the current findings, barberry root is suggested to be a promising and strategic feed additive in the aquaculture industry as it promotes growth performance and improves flesh quality.
The Strategic Use of Scandals
Authors: Grolleau Gilles , Marciano Alain , Mzoughi Naoufel
Published: June 2020

Scandals are pervasive in many areas of society. We propose a characterization of scandals that explicitly considers their potential benefits to transgressors. Although scandals are frequently considered to be undesirable to the targets or transgressors implicated, we develop four rationales by which a scandal can actually be beneficial to them. First, a scandal can propel an individual, organization or cause into the limelight and generate low‐cost publicity that can serve the target’s interest, e.g., by increasing the visibility and salience of a particular issue or providing them a platform to spin the scandal with the megaphone of mass media coverage. Second, a scandal target can choose to play the role of altruistic or self‐seeking scapegoat. Third, a scandal target can use a scandal as a smokescreen to divert attention from other more serious issues. Fourth, a scandal can serve as a way to disadvantage competitors or rivals. For each rationale, we suggest some conditions of its success. Anecdotal evidence and real‐world examples are also provided to illustrate and support these rationales.
The effects of possible contamination by sample holders on samples to be returned by Hayabusa2
Authors: Shirai Naoki , Karouji Yuzuru , Kumagai Kazuya , Uesugi Masayuki , Hirahara Kaori , Ito Motoo , Tomioka Naotaka , Uesugi Kentaro , Yamaguchi Akira , Imae Naoya , Ohigashi Takuji , Yada Toru , Abe Masanao
Published: June 2020

Chemical compositions of materials used for new sample holders (vertically aligned carbon nanotubes [VACNTs] and polyimide film), which were developed for the analysis of Hayabusa2‐return samples, were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and/or instrumental photon activation analysis, to estimate contamination effects from the sample holders. The synthetic quartz plate used for the sample holders was also analyzed. Ten elements (Na, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Eu, W, Au, and Th) and 14 elements (Na, Al, K, Sc, Ti, Cr, Zn, Ga, Br, Sb, La, Eu, Ir, and Au) could be detected in the VACNTs and polyimide film, respectively. The VACNT data show that contamination by this material with respect to the Murchison meteorite is negligible in terms of the elemental ratios (e.g., Fe/Mn, Na/Al, and Mn/Cr) used for the classification of meteorites due to the extremely low density of VACNTs. However, for the Au/Cr ratio, even small degrees (1.7 wt%) of contamination by VACNTs will change the Au/Cr ratio. Elemental ratios used for the classification of meteorites are only influenced by large amounts of contamination (>60 wt%) of polyimide film, which is unlikely to occur. In contrast, detectable effects on Ti isotopic compositions are caused by >0.1 and >0.3 wt% contamination by VACNTs and polyimide film, respectively, and Hf isotopic changes are caused by >0.1 wt% contamination by VACNTs. The new sample holders (VACNTs and polyimide film) are suitable for chemical classification of Hayabusa2‐return samples, because of their ease of use, applicability to multiple analytical instruments, and low contamination levels for most elements.
The micrometeorite flux to Earth during the earliest Paleogene reconstructed in the Bottaccione section (Umbrian Apennines), Italy
Authors: Boschi Samuele , Schmitz Birger , Martin Ellinor , Terfelt Fredrik
Published: June 2020

Based on sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial spinel grains in the Bottaccione limestone section in Italy, we reconstructed the micrometeorite flux to Earth during the early Paleocene. From a total of 843 kg of limestone, 86 extraterrestrial spinel grains (12 grains > 63 μm, and 74 in the 32–63 μm fraction) have been recovered. Our results indicate that the micrometeorite flux was not elevated during the early Paleocene. Ordinary chondrites dominated over achondritic meteorites similar to the recent flux, but H chondrites dominated over L and LL chondrites (69%, 22%, and 9%, respectively). This H‐chondrite dominance is similar to that recorded within an enigmatic3He anomaly (70, 27, and 3%) in the Turonian, but different from just before this3He anomaly and in the early Cretaceous, where ratios are similar to the recent flux (~45%, 45%, and 10%). The K‐Ar isotopic ages of recently fallen H chondrites indicate a small impact event on the H‐chondrite parent body ~50 to 100 Ma ago. We tentatively suggest that this event is recorded by the Turonian3He anomaly, resulting in an H‐chondrite dominance up to the Paleocene. Our sample spanning the 20 cm above the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary did not yield any spinel grains related to the K–Pg boundary impactor.
Reworking the Social Determinants of Health: Responding to Material‐Semiotic Indeterminacy in Public Health Interventions
Authors: Yates‐Doerr Emily
Published: June 2020

Both public health experts and medical anthropologists are concerned with how health is shaped by environmental forces. This creates an important cross‐disciplinary alliance, yet crucial differences in how the two disciplines tend to evaluate health remain. In this article, I compare public health's “social determinants of health” framework with anthropological interest in the sociality of health and illness. I draw on ethnographic fieldwork in Guatemala's highlands, to unpack (1) “the social,” (2) “determinants,” and (3) “of health.” Ultimately, I show how the social determinants framework is deployed in ways that risk undermining its stated health justice goals, and highlight the benefits of an approach that does not know what health is ahead of doing research and which works closely with communities to respond to the effects of its own intervention. The article argues for the need to rework the emphasis on social determinants to make space for health's material‐semiotic indeterminacy
Single‐locus DNA barcoding and species delimitation of the sandfly subgenus Evandromyia (Aldamyia)
Authors: Rodrigues B. L. , Baton L. A. , Shimabukuro P. H. F.
Published: June 2020

Sandfly specimens from the subgenus Evandromyia (Aldamyia) Galati, 2003 (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) were collected between 2012 and 2019 from nine localities in seven Brazilian states, morphologically‐identified, and then DNA barcoded by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coi) gene. Forty‐four new barcode sequences generated from 10 morphospecies were combined with 49 previously published sequences from the same subgenus and analysed using sequence‐similarity methods (best‐match criteria) to assess their ability at specimen identification, while four different species delimitation methods (ABGD, GMYC, PTP and TCS) were used to infer molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Overall, seven of the 11 morphospecies analysed were congruent with both the well‐supported clades identified by phylogenetic analysis and the MOTUs inferred by species delimitation, while the remaining four morphospecies – E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi, E. lenti and E. piperiformis – were merged into a single well‐supported clade/MOTU. Although E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi and E. lenti were indistinguishable using coi DNA barcodes, E. piperiformis did form a distinct phylogenetic cluster and could be correctly identified using best‐match criteria. Despite their apparent morphological differences, we propose on the basis of the molecular similarity of their DNA barcodes that these latter four morphospecies should be considered members of a recently‐diverged species complex.
Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and The Third Man Argument
Authors: Fehr René Ardell
Published: June 2020

The Third Man argument, as it originated in Plato's Parmenides, is unjustly read into Aristotle. The Parmenides argument is briefly examined, followed by an analysis of the relevant Aristotelian texts, with a special emphasis on the commentary of Thomas Aquinas. Three different versions of Aristotle's Third Man argument are identified, of which none contain the essential infinite regress that characterizes the Parmenides argument. Finally, current scholarship on the Third Man argument, especially as it pertains to Aristotle, is reviewed. In this respect, I note that the overwhelming tendency has been to identify Aristotle's Third Man argument with that of the Parmenides, in spite of the fact that Aristotle only once articulates his version of the Third Man argument, and that this articulation is vastly different from its Parmenides counterpart. I conclude that contemporary Third Man scholarship must take this into account.
From the Field to the Laboratory: The Theory‐Practice Research of Peter J. Carnevale
Authors: Putnam Linda L. , Olekalns Mara , Conlon Donald E. , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: June 2020

As colleagues and collaborators, we reflect on the work and legacy of Peter Carnevale, currently professor at the University of Southern California, and recipient of the 2002 Jeffrey Z. Rubin Theory‐to‐Practice Award of the International Association for Conflict Management (IACM). We review Carnevale’s main contributions, including his work on time pressure and surveillance, strategies for mediation, emotions in negotiation, and the use and integration of distinct methods for studying conflict and negotiation. We share personal anecdotes from our time as PhD students and collaborators with Peter Carnevale, and we touch on lessons learned for doing science and mentoring the next generation.
Oral cancer stem cells drive tumourigenesis through activation of stromal fibroblasts
Authors: Al‐Magsoosi Mohanad J. N. , Lambert Daniel W. , Ali Khurram Syed , Whawell Simon A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumour progression and chemoresistance. Fibroblasts surrounding a tumour also promote progression and fibroblast “activation” is an independent prognostic marker in oral cancer. Cancer stem cells may therefore promote tumourigenesis through communication with stromal fibroblasts.

Methods

Cancer stem cells were isolated from oral cancer cell lines by adherence to fibronectin or cisplatin resistance. Fibroblasts were exposed to conditioned medium from these cells, and the activation markers, alpha smooth muscle actin and interleukin‐6, were assessed using qPCR and immunofluorescence. Stem cell markers and smooth muscle actin were examined in oral cancer tissue using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Adherent and chemoresistant cells expressed increased levels of stem cell markers CD24, CD44 and CD29 compared with unsorted cells. Adherent cells exhibited lower growth rate, higher colony forming efficiency and increased cisplatin resistance than unsorted cells. Smooth muscle actin and Interleukin‐6 expression were increased in fibroblasts exposed to conditioned medium. In oral cancer tissue, there was a positive correlation between expression of αSMA and stem cell markers.

Conclusions

Adherence to fibronectin and chemoresistance isolates stem‐like cells that can activate fibroblasts, which together with a correlation between markers of both in vivo, provides a mechanism by which such cells drive tumourigenesis.
Sequence and characterization of shuttle vectors for molecular cloning in Porphyromonas, Bacteroides and related bacteria
Authors: Jones Kevin R. , Belvin Benjamin Ross , Macrina Francis L. , Lewis Janina P.
Published: June 2020

There is a lack of shuttle vectors to be needed for investigations into the genetics of Porphyromonas gingivalis and related species. To better understand the prevalence of candidates for such tools, we have examined multiple strains of black‐pigmented anaerobes (clinical and laboratory isolates) for plasmids. As no plasmids were found in P. gingivalis strains, we have used the pYH420 plasmid, derived from P. asaccharolytica, as backbone to construct a shuttle vector in combination with pUC19 from Escherichia coli. Nucleotide sequence determination of the pYH420 plasmid revealed that it contained a gene with similarity to rep from plasmid pTS1 (isolated from Treponema denticola) as well as a homolog of mobA, a member of a gene family found on mobilizable genetic elements found in the genus Bacteroides. We constructed the pG106 and pG108 shuttle vectors using parts of the pUC19 and pYH420 vectors. This resulted in a vector with a multiple cloning site (MCS) in the lacZ gene enabling us to perform blue–white colony selection. The pG106 and pG108 shuttle vectors are electro‐transformable into E. coli, P. gingivalis and B. thetaiotaomicron, where they are stable. We demonstrated that these vectors were suitable in these species for applications of molecular cloning including complementation and gene expression studies. Using the pG108 vector, we complement the hcpR mutant strain of P. gingivalis and rescued its

‐sensitive phenotype. We also performed a gene expression study using the P‐glow BS2 fluorescent reporter gene and the ahpC promoter in B. thetaiotaomicron.
One Size Fits All? The Differential Impact of Online Reviews and Coupons
Authors: Ba Sulin , Jin Yuan , Li Xinxin , Lu Xianghua
Published: June 2020

Using a unique dataset that includes individually identifiable consumer online browsing and purchase data in the restaurant industry, this paper examines how individual consumer shopping characteristics and product characteristics moderate the effect of online reviews on individual consumer choice based on information search theory and signaling theory. We find that different dimensions of reviews have distinctive impacts on consumers with different information search needs and behaviors based on their shopping experience, inertia tendency and proneness to coupon promotions. Online reviews also influence consumers’ purchase decisions differently depending on the available information and signals indicated by the product’s ongoing coupon promotions and other signaling characteristics such as the overall price level. Specifically, the valence of reviews primarily affects the consumers who have more shopping experience, who demonstrate less inertia, or who are less prone to coupons, whereas the volume of reviews more significantly affects the highly coupon prone consumers or consumers with high inertia tendency. When the product is of low price or the seller offers a coupon for the product, the number of reviews plays a more important role in affecting consumers’ decision. This research not only enriches the online review literature by highlighting the differential effects of online reviews but also offers practical guidelines to sellers and platforms that wish to use online reviews together with coupon promotions to stimulate sales. Our research also highlights how companies can take advantage of the powerful combination of consumers’ shopping behavior data with online review browsing data to design timely and innovative marketing activities.
Product Fit Uncertainty and Information Provision in a Distribution Channel
Authors: Sun Monic , Tyagi Rajeev K.
Published: June 2020

Consumers of experience goods typically face some uncertainty about the fit between their tastes and the features of products being offered. Information technology has given consumers the ability to conduct research online about their potential fit with products before buying, and modern sellers the ability to disseminate product information to consumers. This study investigates a manufacturer’s and retailers’ incentives to disclose such product fit information to consumers when the manufacturer sells to consumers through competing retailers. We show that whether a manufacturer selling through retailers is more or less likely to disclose fit information compared to a manufacturer selling directly to consumers depends on the degree of retail competition. If the disclosure decisions are made before the manufacturer sets its wholesale price, then all channel members want to disclose fit information for low‐quality products, no one wants to disclose it for medium‐quality products, and only the retailers prefer to disclose fit information for high‐quality products. This disclosure conflict for high‐quality products can be resolved if the manufacturer can commit to a wholesale price before the disclosure decisions. The retailers also then prefer to not disclose fit information for high‐quality products. Regardless of whether the wholesale price is set before or after disclosure decisions, a mandatory product‐fit disclosure policy can decrease consumer welfare and social surplus, depending on the level of product quality and the degree of retail competition.