bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re‐imagining the Global Colour Line: The Bolt Case and the Politics of Whiteness
Authors: Jose Jim
Published: April 2020

This paper revisits the controversy generated by a series of publications in 2009 by prominent Australian journalist Andrew Bolt. The overall argument is that the controversy generated by the Bolt case contributed to a reimagining of a twenty‐first century version of the global colour line. Bolt's articles rested on a “racial grammar of whiteness” that enabled him simultaneously to assert and mask the hegemonic naturalness of whiteness. A racial grammar of whiteness mediates what people take to be the norm in representations and writings about the natures, roles and attributes of whites and non‐whites in social situations and the social relations appropriate to them. It enables such views to be presented as just so much common‐sense. Demonstrating this racial grammar at work is important because his articles appeared to echo an earlier era's narratives about race, power and privilege that were themselves informed by the global colour line, and which culminated in the now defunct White Australia Policy. The paper explores how those echoes were given substance within Bolt's articles and the subsequent court case about them, and how this contributed to a reimagining of the global colour line.
Vagotomy and subsequent risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide register‐based matched cohort study
Authors: Liu Bojing , Wanders Alkwin , Wirdefeldt Karin , Sjölander Arvid , Sachs Michael C. , Eberhardson Michael , Ye Weimin , Ekbom Anders , Olén Ola , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: April 2020

Background

The vagus nerve provides essential parasympathetic innervation to the gastrointestinal system and is known to have anti‐inflammatory properties.

Aims

To explore the relationship between vagotomy and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its major categories: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

A matched cohort comprising 15 637 patients undergoing vagotomy was identified through the Swedish Patient Register from 1964 to 2010. Each vagotomised patient was matched for birth year and gender with 40 nonvagotomised individuals on the date of vagotomy. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IBD using flexible parametric models adjusted for matching variables, year of vagotomy, birth country, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbidity index.

Results

We observed 119 (0.8%) patients with vagotomy developed IBD compared to 3377 (0.5%) IBD cases in nonvagotomised individuals. The crude incidence of IBD (per 1000 person‐years) was 0.38 for vagotomised patients and 0.25 for nonvagotomised individuals. We observed a time‐dependent elevated risk of IBD associated with vagotomy, for instance, the HR (95% CI) was 1.80 (1.40‐2.31) at year 5 and 1.49 (1.14‐1.96) at year 10 post‐vagotomy. The association appeared to be stronger for truncal than selective vagotomy and limited to CD (HR was 3.63 [1.94‐6.80] for truncal and 2.06 [1.49‐2.84] for selective vagotomy) but not UC (1.36 [0.71‐2.62] for truncal and 1.25 [0.95‐1.63] for selective vagotomy).

Conclusions

We found a positive association between vagotomy and later IBD, particularly for CD. The finding indirectly underlines the beneficial role of the vagal tone in IBD.
Cannabidiol improves survival and behavioural co‐morbidities of Dravet syndrome in mice
Authors: Patra Pabitra Hriday , Serafeimidou‐Pouliou Eleni , Bazelot Michael , Whalley Benjamin Jason , Williams Claire Michelle , McNeish Alister James
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose

Dravet syndrome is a severe, genetic form of paediatric epilepsy associated with premature mortality and co‐morbidities such as anxiety, depression, autism, motor dysfunction and memory deficits. Cannabidiol is an approved anticonvulsive drug in the United States and Europe for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. We investigated its potential to prevent premature mortality and improve associated co‐morbidities.

Experimental Approach

The efficacy of sub‐chronic cannabidiol administration in two mouse models of Dravet syndrome was investigated. The effect of cannabidiol on neonatal welfare and survival was studied using Scn1a−/− mice. We then used a hybrid, heterozygote Scn1a+/− mouse model to study the effect of cannabidiol on survival and behavioural co‐morbidities: motor deficits (rotarod and static‐beam test), gait abnormality (gait test), social anxiety (social interaction test), anxiety‐like (elevated plus maze) and depressive‐like behaviours (sucrose preference test) and cognitive impairment (radial arm maze test).

Key Results

In Scn1a−/− mice, cannabidiol increased survival and delayed worsening of neonatal welfare. In Scn1a+/− mice, chronic cannabidiol administration did not show any adverse effect on motor function and gait, reduced premature mortality, improved social behaviour and memory function, and reduced anxiety‐like and depressive‐like behaviours.

Conclusion and Implications

We are the first to demonstrate a potential disease‐modifying effect of cannabidiol in animal models of Dravet syndrome. Cannabidiol treatment reduced premature mortality and improved several behavioural co‐morbidities in Dravet syndrome mice. These crucial findings may be translated into human therapy to address behavioural co‐morbidities associated with Dravet syndrome.
Reduced Siglec-7 expression on NK cells predicts NK cell dysfunction in primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tao L , Wang S , Yang L , Jiang L , Li J , Wang X
Published: April 2020

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-dependent inhibitory receptors on natural killer (NK) cells have been found to contribute to NK cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of MHC-I-independent inhibitory receptors on NK cells in HCC remain poorly defined. In this study, we analyzed the expression of the MHC-I-independent inhibitory receptors sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-7 and Siglec-9 on NK cells by analyzing the peripheral blood of 35 HCC patients and 63 healthy donors. We observed that HCC patients had lower frequencies and total numbers of NK cells in the peripheral blood. Importantly, both the expression levels of Siglec-7 on NK cells and the frequencies of Siglec-7+ NK cells were significantly reduced in HCC patients, which was accompanied by a decrease in activating receptor and an increase in inhibitory receptor expression on NK cells. Moreover, Siglec-7+ NK cells expressed higher levels of activating receptors and displayed stronger effector functions, compared with Siglec-7− NK cells. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that reduced Siglec-7 expression predicts NK cell dysfunction in HCC patients, suggesting that Siglec-7 may be a potential marker of functional NK cell subset in HCC patients.
Health insurance transitions and use of fringe banks: Evidence from the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Fitzpatrick Anne , Fitzpatrick Katie
Published: April 2020

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased health insurance enrollment, potentially improving financial security. We test whether this insurance increase relates to changes in use of “fringe banks” (e.g., payday lenders, check cashers, and pawn shops). Using the panel structure of the Current Population Survey (CPS), we link 5 years of a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)‐sponsored supplement to March CPS data. We find declines in fringe bank use, specifically fringe credit (e.g., pawn loans), associated with new insurance coverage with larger declines for households affected by the ACA's Medicaid expansion. These results suggest that health insurance reduces reliance on these controversial financial products.
Efficacy and safety of evogliptin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, active‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind study with open‐label extension (the EVERGREEN study)
Authors: Kim Gyuri , Lim Soo , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Park Ie B. , Ahn Kyu J. , Park Cheol‐Young , Kwon Su K. , Kim Hye S. , Park Seok W. , Kim Sin G. , Moon Min K. , Kim Eun S. , Chung Choon H. , Park Kang S. , Kim Mikyung , Chung Dong J. , Lee Chang B. , Kim Tae H. , Lee Moon‐Kyu
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of evogliptin compared with linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In this 12‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, and 12‐week open‐label extension study, a total of 207 patients with type 2 diabetes who had HbA1c levels of 7.0%‐10.0% were randomized 1:1 to receive evogliptin 5 mg (n = 102) or linagliptin 5 mg (n = 105) daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline HbA1c at week 12. The secondary endpoint was the change in the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE) assessed by continuous glucose monitoring. In the extension study conducted during the following 12 weeks, evogliptin 5 mg daily was administered to both groups: evogliptin/evogliptin group (n = 95) and linagliptin/evogliptin group (n = 92).

Results

After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean change in HbA1c in the evogliptin group and in the linagliptin group was −0.85% and −0.75%, respectively. The between‐group difference was −0.10% (95% CI: −0.32 to 0.11), showing non‐inferiority based on a non‐inferiority margin of 0.4%. The change in MAGE was −24.6 mg/dL in the evogliptin group and −16.7 mg/dL in the linagliptin group. These values were significantly lower than the baseline values in both groups. However, they did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the evogliptin/evogliptin group at week 24, HbA1c decreased by −0.94%, with HbA1c values of <7.0% in 80.2% of the patients. The incidence and types of adverse events were comparable between the two groups for 24 weeks.

Conclusion

In this study, the glucose‐lowering efficacy of evogliptin was non‐inferior to linagliptin. It was maintained at week 24 with a 0.94% reduction in HbA1c. Evogliptin therapy improved glycaemic variability without causing any serious adverse events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Introduction of a new teaching concept for crown preparation with 3D printed teeth
Authors: Höhne Christian , Schwarzbauer Raphael , Schmitter Marc
Published: April 2020

Introduction

For both students and teachers, it is challenging to learn and teach a correct crown preparation. The purpose of this study was the design, feasibility and evaluation of a 3D printed tooth model with internal preparation for dental education in crown preparation and to analyse the quality of the prepared printed teeth in comparison with prepared standard model teeth.

Materials and methods

A printable tooth was designed and printed by a stereolithographic printer. 38 fourth‐year dental students in the first clinical course in prosthodontics were trained in a voluntary course using printed teeth. Different aspects of the printed tooth were evaluated by a questionnaire using German school grades (1 best to 5 worst). The quality of the preparation with the printed teeth and standard training teeth was also rated in an evaluation form done by an expert group consisting of five experienced dentists.

Results

The workflow was feasible and cost‐effective for the production of the teeth. The overall rating of the printed tooth was Ø 2.0 ± 0.34 in the questionnaire completed by the students. The students rated the printed tooth model (Ø 2.1 ± 0.85) as significantly better than the standard model tooth (Ø 3.3 ± 0.77; P = .000). The students reported great benefits in the use of this model tooth, for example valuable replacement of a standard model and real teeth, direct control of material loss. The quality of the preparation was evaluated by the expert group as significantly better with an overall mean grade of Ø 2.6 ± 0.37 for the printed teeth compared to Ø 2.9 ± 0.42 for the standard model teeth (P = .000).

Conclusions

The feasibility of this teaching concept was confirmed. The students favoured to work on the innovative 3D‐teeth with internal preparation, emphasising the usefulness of this technique in dental education. The expert group confirmed also the significant training effect of this tooth model in contrast to a standard model tooth.
Phenotypic correlations in a large single‐center cohort of patients with BSCL2 nerve disorders: a clinical, neurophysiological and muscle magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Fernández‐Eulate G. , Fernández‐Torrón R. , Guisasola A. , Gaspar M. T. I. , Diaz‐Manera J. , Maneiro M. , Zulaica M. , Olasagasti V. , Formica A. F. , Espinal J. B. , Ruiz M. , Schlüter A. , Pujol A. , Poza J. J. , López de Munain A.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

BSCL2 heterozygote mutations are a common cause of distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMNs). A series of BSCL2 patients is presented and clinical, neurophysiological and muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are correlated.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients from five families carrying the p.N88S mutation were identified. Age of onset, clinical phenotype (dHMN, Charcot–Marie–Tooth, spastic paraplegia), physical examination, disability measured as a modified Rankin Scale score and neurophysiological findings were collected. A whole body muscle MRI had been performed in 18 patients. The pattern of muscle involvement on T1‐weighted and short time inversion recovery sequences was analysed. Hierarchical analysis using heatmaps and an MRI Composite Score were generated. Statistical analysis was carried out with STATA SE v.15 (TX, USA).

Results

The mean age was 51.54 ± 19.94 years and 14 patients were men. dHMN was the most common phenotype (50%) and five patients (19.23%) showed no findings on examination. Disease onset was commonly in childhood and disability was low (modified Rankin Scale score 1.34 ± 1.13) although median time since onset of disease was 32 years (range 10–47). Charcot–Marie–Tooth‐like patients were more disabled and disability correlated with age. On muscle MRI, thenar eminence, soleus and tibialis anterior were most frequently involved, irrespective of clinical phenotype. MRI Composite Score was strongly correlated with disability.

Conclusion

Patients with the p.N88S BSCL2 gene mutation are phenotypically variable, although dHMN is most frequent and generally slowly progressive. Muscle MRI pattern is consistent regardless of phenotype and correlates with disease severity, probably serving as a reliable outcome measure for future clinical trials.
Occurrence of a vaginal septum in a foal diagnosed with pyometra
Authors: McCarthy M. B. , Townsend K. S. , Johnson P. J. , LaCarrubba A. M. , Voelkl D. L. , Volkmann D. H.
Published: April 2020

A 10‐week‐old Westphalian filly was presented for vaginal discharge of 14‐days' duration. Examination revealed a partial vaginal septum and pyometra. Two Group B streptococcal pathogens (Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus) were isolated from the uterus. Pyometra was successfully treated using endoscopically facilitated removal of intraluminal exudate and locally and systemically administered antimicrobials. The filly was reported to be progressing well at 12 months following treatment with no further evidence of disease. Pyometra has not been previously reported in foals, and vaginal septum is evidently rare in this species. These abnormalities should be considered when young fillies develop purulent vaginal discharge.
Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising Scholarship Practices from 2000 to 2019: Analysis of FCSRJ and CTRJ
Authors: Lee Young‐A , Gam Hae Jin , Bakhshian Sonia
Published: April 2020

This study explores the research trends of the apparel, textiles, and merchandising (ATM) discipline by examining the articles published in Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal (FCSRJ) and Clothing and Textiles Research Journal (CTRJ) and their citations during the past 20 years. Content analysis of 513 articles from 2000 to 2019 showed that consumer behavior dominated the research topics. The articles published in CTRJ covered a diverse range of topics. The research articles published in FCSRJ focused primarily on consumer behavior, social psychological aspects, and sustainability/social responsibility. Suggestions for the future direction of the ATM scholarship are presented.
El mandato de la OIT al cumplirse su centenario
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: April 2020

Los principios que definen el mandato de la OIT, consagrados en su Constitución y en la Declaración de Filadelfia, no han perdido un ápice de valor o actualidad. En cambio, las condiciones en que la Organización desarrolla su labor han cambiado profundamente. El mundo del trabajo es uno de los escenarios de las grandes transformaciones medioambientales, tecnológicas e institucionales actuales y de los complejos desafíos que plantean. La respuesta de la OIT debería organizarse en torno a tres principios implícitos en sus objetivos constitucionales, a saber: la solidaridad, la democracia económica y la responsabilidad social y ecológica.
Fueling influenza and the immune response: Implications for metabolic reprogramming during influenza infection and immunometabolism
Authors: Bahadoran Azadeh , Bezavada Lavanya , Smallwood Heather S.
Published: April 2020

Recent studies support the notion that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation are rheostats in immune cells whose bioenergetics have functional outputs in terms of their biology. Specific intrinsic and extrinsic molecular factors function as molecular potentiometers to adjust and control glycolytic to respiratory power output. In many cases, these potentiometers are used by influenza viruses and immune cells to support pathogenesis and the host immune response, respectively. Influenza virus infects the respiratory tract, providing a specific environmental niche, while immune cells encounter variable nutrient concentrations as they migrate in response to infection. Immune cell subsets have distinct metabolic programs that adjust to meet energetic and biosynthetic requirements to support effector functions, differentiation, and longevity in their ever‐changing microenvironments. This review details how influenza coopts the host cell for metabolic reprogramming and describes the overlap of these regulatory controls in immune cells whose function and fate are dictated by metabolism. These details are contextualized with emerging evidence of the consequences of influenza‐induced changes in metabolic homeostasis on disease progression.
Microbiome, bile acids, and obesity: How microbially modified metabolites shape anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Sipe Laura M. , Chaib Mehdi , Pingili Ajeeth K. , Pierre Joseph F. , Makowski Liza
Published: April 2020

Bile acids (BAs) are known facilitators of nutrient absorption but recent paradigm shifts now recognize BAs as signaling molecules regulating both innate and adaptive immunity. Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver with subsequent microbial modification and fermentation adding complexity to pool composition. Bile acids act on several receptors such as Farnesoid X Receptor and the G protein‐coupled BA receptor 1 (TGR5). Interestingly, BA receptors (BARs) are expressed on immune cells and activation either by BAs or BAR agonists modulates innate and adaptive immune cell populations skewing their polarization toward a more tolerogenic anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Intriguingly, recent evidence also suggests that BAs promote anti‐tumor immune response through activation and recruitment of tumoricidal immune cells such as natural killer T cells. These exciting findings have redefined BA signaling in health and disease wherein they may suppress inflammation on the one hand, yet promote anti‐tumor immunity on the other hand. In this review, we provide our readers with the most recent understanding of the interaction of BAs with the host microbiome, their effect on innate and adaptive immunity in health and disease with a special focus on obesity, bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss, and immune checkpoint blockade in cancer.
Systematic prediction of key genes for ovarian cancer by co‐expression network analysis
Authors: Wang Mingyuan , Wang Jinjin , Liu Jinglan , Zhu Lili , Ma Heng , Zou Jiang , Wu Wei , Wang Kangkai
Published: April 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, characterized by high recurrence and mortality. However, the mechanisms of its pathogenesis remain largely unknown, hindering the investigation of the functional roles. This study sought to identify key hub genes that may serve as biomarkers correlated with prognosis. Here, we conduct an integrated analysis using the weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the clinically significant gene sets and identify candidate hub genes associated with OC clinical phenotypes. The gene expression profiles were obtained from the MERAV database. Validations of candidate hub genes were performed with RNASeqV2 data and the corresponding clinical information available from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, we examined the candidate genes in ovarian cancer cells. Totally, 19 modules were identified and 26 hub genes were extracted from the most significant module (R2 = .53) in clinical stages. Through the validation of TCGA data, we found that five hub genes (COL1A1, DCN, LUM, POSTN and THBS2) predicted poor prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that these five genes exhibited diagnostic efficiency for early‐stage and advanced‐stage cancer. The protein expression of these five genes in tumour tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. Besides, the expression of COL1A1 was associated with the TAX resistance of tumours and could be affected by the autophagy level in OC cell line. In conclusion, our findings identified five genes could serve as biomarkers related to the prognosis of OC and may be helpful for revealing pathogenic mechanism and developing further research.
LncRNA MIR4435‐2HG potentiates the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma cells via modulating miR‐1224‐5p/TGFBR2 axis
Authors: Xu Hongchao , Zhang Beilin , Yang Yinggui , Li Zihuang , Zhao Pan , Wu Weiqing , Zhang Huirong , Mao Jie
Published: April 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) belongs to the high‐grade (IV) gliomas with extremely poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence uncovered the key roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GBM development. This study aimed to determine the biological actions and the clinical relevance of lncRNA MIR4435‐2 Host Gene (MIR4435‐2HG) in GBM. Data from GEPIA database showed that MIR4435‐2HG was up‐regulated in GBM tissues and high expression of MIR4435‐2HG correlated with shorter overall survival of GBM patients. Further experimental assays verified the up‐regulation of MIR4435‐2HG in GBM tissues and cell lines. In vitro cell studies and in vivo animal studies showed that knockdown of MIR4435‐2HG resulted in the inhibition of GBM cell proliferation and invasion and in vivo tumour growth, while MIR4435‐2HG overexpression driven GBM progression. Furthermore, MIR44435‐2HG was found to sponge miR‐1224‐5p and suppress miR‐1224‐5p expression; overexpression of miR‐1224‐5p attenuated the enhancement in GBM cell proliferation and invasion induced by MIR4435‐2HG overexpression. In a subsequent study, miR‐1224‐5p was found to target transforming growth factor‐beta receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) and repressed TGFBR2 expression, and in vitro assays showed that miR‐1224‐5p exerted tumour‐suppressive effects via targeting TGFBR2. More importantly, TGFRB2 knockdown antagonized hyper‐proliferation and invasion of GBM cells with MIR4435‐2HG overexpression. Clinically, the down‐regulation of miR‐1224‐5p and up‐regulation of TGFBR2 were verified in the GBM clinical samples. Taken together, the present study suggests the oncogenic role of MIR4435‐2HG in GBM and underlies the key function of MIR4435‐2HG‐driven GBM progression via targeting miR‐1224‐5p/TGFBR2 axis.
Analysis of the bacterial floral structure and diversity of Xuanwei ham by 16S rDNA sequencing
Authors: Shan Luying , Li Yinjiao , Zheng Shi , Wei Yuanmiao , Shang Ying
Published: April 2020

Xuanwei ham fermentation relies on indigenous and environmental microorganisms, which have abundant microbial resources. However, the traditional method of microbial community determination gives low detection rate of microorganisms. In order to reveal the microbial community of the Xuanwei ham more sufficiently, in this study, the total DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of the microbes from samples obtained from two brands of Xuanwei ham (10 samples each) were extracted with kit and SDS‐CTAB method. Afterward, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to target the 16S rDNA gene V4 variant sequence. The composition and diversity of bacterial communities were analyzed. Results revealed that 872 operational taxonomic units, including 23 phyla, 39 classes, 61 orders, 131 families, and 258 genera, were obtained from the 20 ham samples at a similarity level of 97%. The bacterial diversity in Brand II was richer than that in Brand I. The DNA extracted by SDS‐CTAB could show the bacterial diversity better than that extracted by the kit method. At the genus level, the dominant bacterial communities were Tetragenococcus for Brand I and Acinetobacter for Brand II.
Aluminium is essential for root growth and development of tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Sun Lili , Zhang Mengshi , Liu Xiaomei , Mao Qianzhuo , Shi Chen , Kochian Leon V. , Liao Hong
Published: April 2020

On acid soils, the trivalent aluminium ion (Al3+) predominates and is very rhizotoxic to most plant species. For some native plant species adapted to acid soils including tea (Camellia sinensis), Al3+ has been regarded as a beneficial mineral element. In this study, we discovered that Al3+ is actually essential for tea root growth and development in all the tested varieties. Aluminum ion promoted new root growth in five representative tea varieties with dose‐dependent responses to Al3+ availability. In the absence of Al3+, the tea plants failed to generate new roots, and the root tips were damaged within 1 d of Al deprivation. Structural analysis of root tips demonstrated that Al was required for root meristem development and activity. In situ morin staining of Al3+ in roots revealed that Al mainly localized to nuclei in root meristem cells, but then gradually moved to the cytosol when Al3+ was subsequently withdrawn. This movement of Al3+ from nuclei to cytosols was accompanied by exacerbated DNA damage, which suggests that the nuclear‐targeted Al primarily acts to maintain DNA integrity. Taken together, these results provide novel evidence that Al3+ is essential for root growth in tea plants through maintenance of DNA integrity in meristematic cells.
Reinforcement of the larynx and trachea in echolocating and non‐echolocating bats
Authors: Carter Richard T.
Published: April 2020

The synchronization of flight mechanics with respiration and echolocation call emission by bats, while economizing these behaviors, presumably puts compressive loads on the cartilaginous rings that hold open the respiratory tract. Previous work has shown that during postnatal development of Artibeus jamaicensis (Phyllostomidae), the onset of adult echolocation call emission rate coincides with calcification of the larynx, and the development of flight coincides with tracheal ring calcification. In the present study, I assessed the level of reinforcement of the respiratory system in 13 bat species representing six families that use stereotypical modes of echolocation (i.e. duty cycle % and intensity). Using computed tomography, the degree of mineralization or ossification of the tracheal rings, cricoid, thyroid and arytenoid cartilages were determined for non‐echolocators, tongue clicking, low‐duty cycle low‐intensity, low‐duty cycle high‐intensity, and high‐duty cycle high‐intensity echolocating bats. While all bats had evidence of cervical tracheal ring mineralization, about half the species had evidence of thoracic tracheal ring calcification. Larger bats (Phyllostomus hastatus and Pterpodidae sp.) exhibited more extensive tracheal ring mineralization, suggesting an underlying cause independent of laryngeal echolocation. Within most of the laryngeally echolocating species, the degree of mineralization or ossification of the larynx was dependent on the mode of echolocation system used. Low‐duty cycle low‐intensity bats had extensively mineralized cricoids, and zero to very minor mineralization of the thyroids and arytenoids. Low‐duty cycle high‐intensity bats had extensively mineralized cricoids, and patches of thyroid and arytenoid mineralization. The high‐duty cycle high‐intensity rhinolophids and hipposiderid had extensively ossified cricoids, large patches of ossification on the thyroids, and heavily ossified arytenoids. The high‐duty cycle high‐intensity echolocator, Pteronotus parnellii, had mineralization patterns and laryngeal morphology very similar to the other low‐duty cycle high‐intensity mormoopid species, perhaps suggesting relatively recent evolution of high‐duty cycle echolocation in P. parnellii compared with the Old World high‐duty cycle echolocators (Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae). All laryngeal echolocators exhibited mineralized or ossified lateral expansions of the cricoid for articulation with the inferior horn of the thyroid, these were most prominent in the high‐duty cycle high‐intensity rhinolophids and hipposiderid, and least prominent in the low‐duty cycle low‐intensity echolocators. The non‐laryngeal echolocators had extensively ossified cricoid and thyroid cartilages, and no evidence of mineralization/ossification of the arytenoids or lateral expansions of the cricoid. While the non‐echolocators had extensive ossification of the larynx, it was inconsistent with that seen in the laryngeal echolocators.
Childhood vitiligo in Egypt: Clinico‐epidemiologic Profile of 483 patients
Authors: El‐Husseiny Rania , Abd‐Elhaleem Ahmed , Salah El‐Din Waleed , Abdallah Marwa
Published: April 2020

Background

Childhood vitiligo is commonly encountered. Pattern and distribution of childhood vitiligo were not clearly described in past.

Aims

To study clinical characteristics of vitiligo among Egyptian children in relation to epidemiological data and compare them with those of adolescents and adults.

Patients and Methods

Recruited clinically diagnosed vitiligo patients were categorized into three groups: I (children): <12 years old (yo), II (adolescents): 12‐18 yo, and III (adults): 18‐30 yo. Patients were subjected to history taking, general and dermatological examination to determine skin phototype, type, presentation, and distribution of vitiligo, percentage of body area involved using vitiligo extent score (VES), associated mucosal involvement, presence of leukotrichia, koebnerization, and halo nevi.

Results

A total of 483 vitiligo patients were included: 220 children, 123 adolescents, and 140 adults. The most common form of vitiligo was nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). Segmental and active vitiligo were more common in children than in adolescents and adults. The most common site of distribution of NSV in children was the face (periocular) vs arms and forearms in adults followed by thighs and legs in both. The mean age of onset of vitiligo in children was 6.18 (SD 2.93) yo, while mean duration of disease was 2.12 (SD 2.21) y. Face was the most common site of onset of vitiligo in children and adolescents vs arms and forearms in adults.

Conclusions

Childhood vitiligo differs from adult onset vitiligo regarding several features as type, site of onset, distribution, extent, and activity of disease.
“To live until you die could actually include being intimate and having sex”: A focus group study on nurses’ experiences of their work with sexuality in palliative care
Authors: Hjalmarsson Emma , Lindroth Malin
Published: April 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine nurses’ experiences of working with issues of sexuality in palliative care.

Background

Sexuality has value for human lives and relations and is important for one's overall well‐being throughout life. Guidelines for palliative care state that sexuality should be addressed. Previous research shows that the inclusion of sexuality in general health care is deficient, and there is a knowledge gap on how sexuality is addressed in palliative care.

Method

Within a qualitative design, the empirical material was obtained through three focus group interviews with eleven registered nurses working in palliative care. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Result

Nurses experience that sexuality has an indistinct place in their work, “sexuality” is a word difficult to use, and differing views are held on whether it is relevant to address sexuality, and if so, when? Although they have experiences involving patient and partner sexuality, which is viewed as sexuality in transformation during the palliative care process, nurses seldom explicitly address patient or partner sexuality. Despite the lack of knowledge, routines and organisational support, they acknowledge the importance of addressing sexuality in palliative care, as they express that they want to do right.

Conclusion

Overall, nurses appear to follow differing cultural, interpersonal and intrapsychic scripts on sexuality rather than knowledge‐based guidelines. This underlines the importance of managers who safeguard the adherence to existing palliative care guidelines where sexuality is already included. In this work, it is important to be aware of norms to avoid excluding patients and partners that differ from the nurses themselves as well as from societal norms on sexuality.

Relevance to clinical practices

The results can be used as a point of departure when implementing existing or new guidelines to include and address sexuality and sexual health needs in palliative care.
Price and Probability: Decomposing the Takeover Effects of Anti‐Takeover Provisions
Authors: CUÑAT VICENTE , GINÉ MIREIA , GUADALUPE MARIA
Published: April 2020

We study the effects of anti‐takeover provisions (ATPs) on the takeover probability, the takeover premium, and target selection. Voting to remove an ATP increases both the takeover probability and the takeover premium, that is, there is no evidence of a trade‐off between premiums and takeover probabilities. We provide causal estimates based on shareholder proposals to remove ATPs and address the endogenous selection of targets through bounding techniques. The positive premium effect in less protected firms is driven by better bidder‐target matching and merger synergies.
A novel effector CfEC92 of Colletotrichum fructicola contributes to glomerella leaf spot virulence by suppressing plant defences at the early infection phase
Authors: Shang Shengping , Wang Bo , Zhang Song , Liu Guangli , Liang Xiaofei , Zhang Rong , Gleason Mark L. , Sun Guangyu
Published: April 2020

The ascomycete fungus Colletotrichum fructicola causes diseases on a broad range of plant species. On susceptible cultivars of apple, it induces severe early defoliation and fruit spots, named glomerella leaf spot (GLS), but the mechanisms of pathogenicity have remained elusive. Phytopathogens exhibit small secreted effectors to advance host infection by manipulating host immune reactions. We report the identification and characterization of CfEC92, an effector required for C. fructicola virulence. CfEC92 is a Colletotrichum‐specific small secreted protein that suppresses BAX‐triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Accumulation of the gene transcript was barely detectable in conidia or vegetative hyphae, but was highly up‐regulated in appressoria formed during early apple leaf infection. Gene deletion mutants were not affected in vegetative growth, appressorium formation, or appressorium‐mediated cellophane penetration. However, the mutants were significantly reduced in virulence toward apple leaves and fruits. Microscopic examination indicated that infection by the deletion mutants elicited elevated deposition of papillae at the penetration sites, and formation of infection vesicles and primary hyphae was retarded. Signal peptide activity, subcellular localization, and cell death‐suppressive activity (without signal peptide) assays suggest that CfEC92 could be secreted and perform virulence functions inside plant cells. RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR results confirmed that the deletion mutants triggered elevated host defence reactions. Our results strongly support the interpretation that CfEC92 contributes to C. fructicola virulence as a plant immunity suppressor at the early infection phase.
Central neuroprotection demonstrated by novel oxime countermeasures to nerve agent surrogates
Authors: Chambers Janice E. , Meek Edward C.
Published: April 2020

Oximes remain a long‐standing element of the therapy for nerve agents, organophosphates (OPs) that poison by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), resulting in hypercholinergic activity both centrally and peripherally. Oximes, such as the pyridinium oxime pralidoxime (2‐PAM) in the United States, can reactivate the inhibited AChE and restore cholinergic function. However, there are several drawbacks to the current oximes; one of them, the inability of these oximes to effectively enter the brain, is the subject of study by several laboratories, including ours. Our laboratory invented a platform of substituted phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes that were tested against highly relevant surrogates of the nerve agents, sarin and VX. Using high sublethal dosages of the OPs, the novel oximes were observed to attenuate seizure‐like behavior in rats and to reduce the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (an indicator of glial scarring) to control levels, in contrast to levels observed with 2‐PAM or no oxime therapy. Using lethal levels of surrogates, some novel oximes protected against lethality compared with 2‐PAM, shortened the time to cessation of seizure‐like behavior (from 8+ to 6 h), and protected the brain neurons. Therefore, some of these novel oximes are showing exceptional promise alone or in combination with 2‐PAM as therapeutics against nerve agent toxicity.
Managing childhood allergies and immunodeficiencies during respiratory virus epidemics – The 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic: A statement from the EAACI‐section on pediatrics
Authors: Brough Helen A. , Kalayci Omer , Sediva Anna , Untersmayr Eva , Munblit Daniel , Rodriguez del Rio Pablo , Vazquez‐Ortiz Marta , Arasi Stefania , Alvaro‐Lozano Montserrat , Tsabouri Sophia , Galli Elena , Beken Burcin , Eigenmann Philippe A.
Published: April 2020

While the world is facing an unprecedented pandemic with COVID‐19, patients with chronic diseases need special attention and if warranted adaptation of their regular treatment plan. In children, allergy and asthma are among the most prevalent non‐communicable chronic diseases, and healthcare providers taking care of these patients need guidance. At the current stage of knowledge, children have less severe symptoms of COVID‐19, and severe asthma and immunodeficiency are classified as risk factors. In addition, there is no evidence that currently available asthma and allergy treatments, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators, increase the risk of severe disease from COVID‐19. Most countries affected by COVID‐19 have opted for nationwide confinement, which means that communication with the primary clinician is often performed by telemedicine. Optimal disease control of allergic, asthmatic, and immunodeficient children should be sought according to usual treatment guidelines. This statement of the EAACI Section on Pediatrics puts forward six recommendations for the management of childhood allergies and immunodeficiencies based on six underlying facts and existing evidence.
Systemic mastocytosis associated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 4‐year‐old child
Authors: Srinivas Sahana M. , Agarwal Rashmi , Babu Narendra , Naik Madhavi , Kumar Rekha , Dhar Sandipan
Published: April 2020

Systemic mastocytosis with associated clonal hematologic non‐mast cell lineage disease (SM‐AHN) represents a specific subtype of mastocytosis and is extremely rare in children. We describe a 4‐year‐old child with systemic mastocytosis associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The child had cutaneous mastocytosis and lymphadenopathy without other clinical features of SM, which was diagnosed only by bone marrow examination.
Systemic immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory skin diseases in children: Expert consensus‐based guidance for clinical decision‐making during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Reynolds Sean D. , Mathur Anubhav N. , Chiu Yvonne E. , Brandling‐Bennett Heather A. , Pope Elena , Siegel Michael P. , Holland Kristen E. , Paller Amy S. , Siegfried Elaine C. , Tom Wynnis L. , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Tollefson Megha M. , Maguiness Sheilagh , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Sugarman Jeffrey , Frieden Ilona J. , Oza Vikash S. , Cipriano Sarah D. , Huang Jennifer T. , Shah Sonal D. , Lauren Christine T. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , McMahon Patrick , Cordoro Kelly M.
Published: April 2020

Background/Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic has raised questions about the approach to management of systemic immunosuppressive therapies for dermatologic indications in children. Change to: Given the absence of data to address concerns related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and systemic immunosuppressive therapies in an evidence‐based manner, a Pediatric Dermatology COVID‐19 Response Task Force (PDCRTF) was assembled to offer time‐sensitive guidance for clinicians.

Methods

A survey was distributed to an expert panel of 37 pediatric dermatologists on the PDCRTF to assess expert opinion and current practice related to three primary domains of systemic therapy: initiation, continuation, and laboratory monitoring.

Results

Nearly all respondents (97%) reported that the COVID‐19 pandemic had impacted their decision to initiate immunosuppressive medications. The majority of pediatric dermatologists (87%) reported that they were pausing or reducing the frequency of laboratory monitoring for certain immunosuppressive medications. In asymptomatic patients, continuing therapy was the most popular choice across all medications queried. The majority agreed that patients on immunosuppressive medications who have a household exposure to COVID‐19 or test positive for new infection should temporarily discontinue systemic and biologic medications, with the exception of systemic steroids, which may require tapering.

Conclusions

The ultimate decision regarding initiation, continuation, and laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive therapy during the pandemic requires careful deliberation, consideration of the little evidence available, and discussion with families. Consideration of an individual's adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures, risk of exposure, and the potential severity if infected must be weighed against the dermatological disease, medication, and risks to the patient of tapering or discontinuing therapies.
Multilocus identification and thiophanate‐methyl sensitivity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex associated with fruit with symptoms and symptomless leaves of mango
Authors: Fuentes‐Aragón Dionicio , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Rebollar‐Alviter Angel , Juárez‐Vázquez Sandra B. , Aguirre‐Rayo Fortino , Silva‐Rojas Hilda V.
Published: April 2020

Colletotrichum spp. are known causal agents of anthracnose in a broad host range, causing severe losses. Currently, the most effective way to reduce disease is by fungicide application, which could give rise to resistant populations. This study aimed to determine the Colletotrichum species present in conventional and organic mango orchards and to evaluate their pathogenicity and sensitivity to the benzimidazole fungicide thiophanate‐methyl. Seventy‐one isolates from fruit with symptoms and symptomless leaves were obtained. From these, 20 representative morphotypes were analysed based on glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase partial gene sequencing. A subset of 10 isolates based on different species, isolation source, and fungicide sensitivity was used for morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analysis. Colletotrichum queenslandicum was only identified in conventional production systems, C. chrysophilum only in organic systems, and C. asianum and C. siamense in both. Pathogenicity tests showed all species were pathogenic, and only C. asianum caused symptoms via both unwounded and wounded inoculation methods. Overall, 25.3% of isolates (n = 18) that belong to C. siamense, isolated from a conventional orchard, grew on thiophanate‐methyl amended media at 1,000 µg/ml, suggesting high resistance. Resistance was not correlated with any common point mutations at positions 198 and 200 of the β‐tubulin 2 protein, as commonly found in other fungal pathogens resistant to benzimidazole. The 74.7% remaining isolates (n = 53) belonging to the other species were sensitive, reaching 100% inhibition at <10 µg/ml. Even with benzimidazole application, anthracnose symptoms persist due to the emergence of pathogenic Colletotrichum subpopulations that are resistant to thiophanate‐methyl.
A concept analysis of burn care in nursing
Authors: Subrata Sumarno A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Burn is a life‐threatening injury that requires long‐term treatment and concomitant hospital stay. Relevant clinical studies in burns have been accomplished and published in the literature. However, none of these studies reported the concept analysis of burn care in nursing. Therefore, analysing the concept of burn care acts as an imperative strategy to provide comprehensive management of burn injury.

Objective

The study aims to describe the concept of burn care in nursing.

Method

Walker and Avant’s method (2013) was used to achieve the objective of the study.

Findings

A model of burn care in nursing was generated that consists of assessment and diagnosis, intervention and evaluation. In addition, the biopsychosocial model developed by George L. Engel (1977) was also integrated to examine how these aspects play a significant role in burn care.

Conclusion

Implementing the concept of burn care will improve the quality of nursing care, cosmetic outcomes and vice versa, reduce the comorbidities on burn injury.
Logic & Structure: An Art Project
Authors: Kossak Roman , Siedlecka Wanda
Published: April 2020

The Logic & Structure project is about the language of mathematical logic and how it can be of use in the visual arts. It involves a conversation between a mathematical logician and a group of artists. The project is ongoing, and this is a report on its first two phases. This text has two parts. The first, “Logic”, is a short introduction to certain aspects of logic, as it was presented to the participants. The second part, “Structures”, describes some of the outcomes.The inspiration for the project comes from modern model theory whose advances revealed the extent to which formal methods may be helpful in describing and analysing mathematical structures. While the structures that are studied are often immensely complex, the formal language in which their properties can be expressed is simple. Its syntax is precisely defined and well understood, and this understanding often successfully guides us in our explorations of the rich world of mathematical objects. Our goal is to see the extent to which a similar approach could be of value when talking about works of art as structures. To this end, one could try to describe existing art objects in terms of suitably chosen formal languages, but we follow a reverse route. The language is described first, and the participating artists are asked to come up with artwork in which formal elements and their relations are chosen in advance, making it easier to identify those features of the created pieces that can be formally expressed. In other words, we are not thinking of applying formal methods to create art; rather we want to begin with samples that can serve as material for discussion.