bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indexing Early Visual Memory Durability in Infancy
Authors: Sanders Andrew J. , Johnson Scott P.
Published: August 2020

The goal was to examine the scope and development of early visual memory durability. We investigated individual‐ and age‐related differences across three unique tasks in 6‐ to 12‐month‐olds (Mage = 8.87, N = 49) by examining the effect of increased delay on memory performance. Results suggest longer‐term memory processes are quantifiable by 8 months using a modified Change Detection paradigm and spatial‐attention cueing processes are quantifiable by 10 months using a modified Delayed Response paradigm, utilizing 500–1,250 ms delays. Performance improved from 6 to 12 months and longer delays impaired performance. We found no evidence for success on the Delayed Match Retrieval task at any age. These outcomes help inform our understanding of infant visual memory durability and its emergence throughout early development.
Effect of monoclonal antibody drug therapy on mucosal biomarkers in airway disease: A systematic review
Authors: Walter Sophie , Ho Jacqueline , Alvarado Raquel , Rimmer Janet , Campbell Raewyn , Kalish Larry , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Monoclonal antibody therapies have a growing role in treating refractory airway disease.

Objective

The review aimed to summarize the response of respiratory mucosa to monoclonal antibody treatments in inflammatory airway conditions.

Design

We conducted a systematic review including risk of bias assessment.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 16 November 2019 were searched.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible studies assessed the immunological and histological response of airway mucosa to monoclonal antibody therapy compared with baseline or a comparison group in patients with respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis). Any prospective interventional studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single‐arm trials, were eligible.

Results

There were 4195 articles screened, and full‐text analysis produced n = 11 studies with extractable data. Nine were RCTs, and two were single‐arm trials. These studies focused on asthma (n = 9 articles), chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 1) and allergic rhinitis (n = 1). Five monoclonal antibody drugs were assessed (omalizumab, mepolizumab, dupilumab, benralizumab and tralokinumab). Risk of bias was low (n = 6) or unclear (n = 3) in the RCTs and moderate in the single‐arm trials. Omalizumab reduced the mucosal concentration of its target, IgE. Dupilumab reduced the concentration of one of its targets, IL‐13, but not IL‐4. Omalizumab, mepolizumab and benralizumab reduced tissue eosinophil cell density. Dupilumab decreased mucosal eosinophil granule proteins. Tralokinumab did not affect airway mucosa.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the expected biological response of monoclonal antibody therapy on biomarkers in disease tissue provides an important supplement to data about clinical outcomes. An understanding of the biological effect is essential to identify likely responders, reasons for treatment failure and necessary adjustments to monoclonal antibody treatment. Further investigation into the effect of monoclonal antibody therapy on disease mucosa and more precise endotyping are required to move closer to achieving personalized medicine.
Characterization of circulating immune cells in acute Kawasaki disease suggests exposure to different antigens
Authors: Burns J C , Hsieh L E , Kumar J , Behnamfar N , Shimizu C , Sivilay N , Tremoulet A H , Franco A
Published: August 2020

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute pediatric vasculitis of unknown etiology that can cause coronary artery aneurysms, and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. We studied aspects of the innate and adaptive immune response in 17 acute KD children prior to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. Distinct patterns within the innate immune response correlated with specific clinical features. Proinflammatory myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) were abundant in four of 17 (23·5%) subjects who were older and manifested severe inflammation with clinical myocarditis and elevated hepatobiliary enzyme levels. Of the nine subjects with low levels of anti-inflammatory, tolerogenic mDC, six had enlarged cervical lymph nodes at diagnosis. In contrast, the adaptive immune repertoire varied greatly with no discernible patterns or associations with clinical features. Two subjects with aneurysms had numerous circulating CD8+ T cells. Ten subjects showed low CD4+ T cell numbers and seven subjects had CD4+ T cells in the normal range. CD4+ T cells expressed interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R), suggesting repeated antigenic stimulation. Thymic-derived regulatory T cells (nTreg) and peripherally induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) were also enumerated, with the majority having the nTreg phenotype. Natural killer (NK) and NK T cell numbers were similar across all subjects. Taken together, the results of the immune monitoring suggest that KD may have multiple triggers that stimulate different arms of the innate and adaptive compartment in KD patients. Thus, it is possible that diverse antigens may participate in the pathogenesis of KD.
Normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism: An update on diagnostic and management challenges
Authors: Dawood Nardeen B. , Yan Kimberly L. , Shieh Albert , Livhits Masha J. , Yeh Michael W. , Leung Angela M.
Published: August 2020

Normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition that can present with intermittent hypercalcemia or may evolve into hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. This milder biochemical entity remains incompletely understood because of a lack of long‐term health outcomes regarding both medical and surgical approaches to its management. Medical therapies have shown some efficacy. A limited number of studies have found that bisphosphonates increase bone mineral density, and calcimimetics may decrease the risk of nephrolithiasis in patients with normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Studies have also described patient outcomes after applying the same surgical criteria used for patients with hypercalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism to those with the normocalcaemic form of the disease. These studies suggest that parathyroid surgery appears to be effective in normalizing elevated serum parathyroid hormone concentrations and decreasing adverse renal and skeletal outcomes in patients with normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism. Given the available data and overall lack of consensus regarding the optimal management of these patients, a reasonable approach is to tailor treatment to the individual patient by considering their risk factors for new or accelerated bone loss, kidney stones, diminished quality of life, and cardiovascular disease.
The predictive value of coexisting BRAFV600E and TERT promoter mutations on poor outcomes and high tumour aggressiveness in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Bojie , Shi Yuan , Xu Yanan , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2020

BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and TERT promoter (TERTp) mutation is strongly associated with cancer‐related mortality. However, predictive power of the two mutations remains inconclusive. We aimed to verify the prognostic effects of both mutations to assess the value of mutation detection for risk stratification in terms of PTC prognosis and tumour invasion, to guide PTC diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a literature search in the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL (Cochrane library) databases, from inception to February 2020. Basic characteristics, prognoses and clinicopathological features were collected from the included studies for further analysis. Twelve studies involving 4184 PTC patients were enrolled in our analysis. In total, 2412 (57.6%) of the patients carried either BRAFV600E or TERTp mutation, and 290 (6.9%) patients had both mutations. TERTp mutation was more common in patients with BRAFV600E mutation (RR = 1.75 [95% CI 1.44‐2.13]). Patients with both mutations had a worse prognosis compared with those with a single mutation (vs BRAFV600E only: RR = 5.34 [4.20‐6.78] vs TERTp only: RR = 2.12 [1.41‐3.19]). TERTp mutation alone independently increased the risk of a poor prognosis (RR = 2.90 [1.93‐4.35]) in terms of mortality (RR = 15.09 [7.75‐29.37]), disease persistence (RR = 4.00 [2.03‐7.90]), recurrence (RR = 4.34 [4.20‐6.78]), lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.57 [1.24‐1.99]) and distant metastasis (RR = 2.94 [1.13‐7.65]). We found that PTC patients with BRAFV600E mutation were more likely to have TERTp mutation. TERTp mutation was an independent predictive factor for poor prognosis of PTC patients, but the predictive value of BRAFV600E mutation remains inconclusive. Patients with both mutations have remarkably higher risks of adverse outcomes compared with those with a single mutation. PTC patients could benefit from mutation detection for aiding risk stratification (BRAF + TERT+ > BRAF − TERT+ > BRAF + TERT−).
Artistic Topologies: New Social Formations and Political Change in an Emerging Ammani Art World
Authors: McLaughlin‐Alcock Colin
Published: August 2020

As an Ammani café became a popular hangout for artists, artists’ social practices were reshaped by the spatial affordances of the café. This paper examines the ways that relationships between artists changed through this spatial rearrangement, exploring the political consequences of those changes. It compares three successive, distinct topologies of social practice within Jordanian art, including a dispersed practice of visitation between artists, a concentrated practice of café sociality, and a third practice spread across an emerging artistic neighborhood. It shows how each spatialization affects power relations within the art scene along lines of class, geography, and gender, and also transforms artistic productivity. Showing how spatial rearrangements transform the political conditions of Amman’s art scene, this paper highlights a fluid and contingent urban politics where the stakes of inclusion and action are perpetually changing.
Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID‐19 pandemic ‐ BRS Consensus Guidelines
Authors: Hopkins Claire , Alanin Mikkel , Philpott Carl , Harries Phil , Whitcroft Katherine , Qureishi Ali , Anari Shahram , Ramakrishnan Yujay , Sama Anshul , Davies Elgan , Stew Ben , Gane Simon , Carrie Sean , Hathorn Iain , Bhalla Raj , Kelly Chrissi , Hill Nina , Boak Duncan , Nirmal Kumar B.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi‐step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral, and imaging.

Setting and participants

An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists.

Main outcome measures

The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using a 9‐point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was: Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean.

Results

Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A drops. Alpha‐lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses, and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made.

Conclusion

This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID‐19‐related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID‐19 develops.
Obesity: A critical risk factor in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kwok See , Adam Safwaan , Ho Jan Hoong , Iqbal Zohaib , Turkington Peter , Razvi Salman , Le Roux Carel W. , Soran Handrean , Syed Akheel A.
Published: August 2020

Obesity is an emerging independent risk factor for susceptibility to and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Previous viral pandemics have shown that obesity, particularly severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2), is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, critical care admission and fatalities. In this narrative review, we examine emerging evidence of the influence of obesity on COVID‐19, the challenges to clinical management from pulmonary, endocrine and immune dysfunctions in individuals with obesity and identify potential areas for further research. We recommend that people with severe obesity be deemed a vulnerable group for COVID‐19; clinical trials of pharmacotherapeutics, immunotherapies and vaccination should prioritize inclusion of people with obesity.
Visceral fat in different locations assessed by ultrasound: Correlation with computed tomography and cut‐off values in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pimanov Sergey , Bondarenko Vladimir , Makarenko Elena
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ultrasound measurements of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in different locations and visceral fat area parameters estimated by computed tomography (CT), as well as to determine the cut‐off values of ultrasound measurements in patients with metabolic syndrome and in normal controls. Altogether, 304 patients aged 18 to 65 years were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound measurements of visceral fat volume were performed using a number of already described techniques. The correlations of ultrasound indices of VAT and СТ (104 patients) ranged from 0.420 to 0.726. For the most effective diagnostic VAT ultrasound indices, the cut‐off values in metabolic syndrome were (200 patients): 21.12 cm2for the inferior part of perirenal fat (AUC = 0.983); and 47.00, 61.3 and 72.7 mm for the distance between the internal surface of the rectus abdominis muscle and the anterior wall of the aorta, the posterior wall of the aorta and the lumbar vertebra (AUC = 0.960, 0.966, 0.968, respectively). Ultrasound VAT measurements highly correlated with CT results. Cut‐off VAT values, determined by ultrasound for the patients with metabolic syndrome, yielded good diagnostic operational characteristics.
Increased incidence and recurrence rates of acute diverticulitis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Hsu S.‐M. , Lin H.‐J. , Lin M.‐C. , Huang S.‐T.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is commonly diagnosed in outpatient and emergency departments and is associated with severe complications such as perforation and fistula. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea, are also common with AD. This study aimed to evaluate the strength of a possible association between IBS and AD.

Method

This retrospective study analysed records from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and involved a total of 25 810 patients, including 12 905 IBS patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. The IBS and non‐IBS cohorts were matched by propensity score for age, gender, comorbidities and medication, then compared for confounding variables by the chi‐square test or Student's t‐test. The association between AD and IBS was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan–Meier curves assessed the cumulative incidence of AD in IBS patients.

Results

The overall incidence of AD was 3.95‐fold higher in the IBS cohort than in the non‐IBS cohort (63.34 vs 16.02 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively) and IBS was an independent risk factor for subsequent diagnosis of AD in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted hazards ratio (aHR = 3.84, 95% CI = 2.29–6.44, P < 0.001) and Kaplan–Meier (log‐rank test, P < 0.001) analysis. IBS was also associated with a high recurrence rate of AD (aHR = 8.30, 95% CI = 1.07–64.30, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The epidemiological evidence in this study demonstrates that patients with IBS are associated with a higher incidence of AD and also its recurrence.
A clinical support system for classification and prediction of depression using machine learning methods
Authors: Benfares Chaymae , Akhrif Ouidad , El Idrissi Younès El Bouzekri , Hamid Karim
Published: August 2020

The health sector collects a very large amount of data, hence the diagnostic process processes a very large and varied amount of data type which makes the process of analyzing these data very complicated, specifically the healthcare sector, mental health is very composed and varied by various data criteria. However, the forecast of health in modern life becomes very important. To this end, the proposed work aims to analyze patient data based on their represented symptoms, in order to help clinicians and mental health practitioners classify and refine the type of depression disorder “characterized” in patients intelligently, in order to make a relevant decision. In this context, the proposed system called CP‐DDC is based on machine learning algorithms supervised more precisely by the random‐forest algorithm. The dataset used in the case study contains 150 instances and 11 attributes, which define the different patient criteria, obtained from the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Marrakech “CHU.” The results of the experiment show that the proposed system offers the highest performance.
Sex differences in the association between PTSD symptoms with cardiac autonomic function and subclinical atherosclerotic risk
Authors: Holmstrup Michael E. , Jensen Brock T. , Glasgow Alaina C. , Heffernan Kevin S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a public health concern that may elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are established sex differences in both PTSD risk and CVD risk.

Purpose

To examine sex‐specific associations between subclinical PTSD symptom severity and subclinical CVD risk in young men and women.

Methods

A total of 61 young adults (women: n = 29, mean age: 26 ± 7 years) completed the post‐traumatic stress disorder civilian checklist (PCL) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). Aortic stiffness was measured as carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Peripheral vasomotor function was measured as flow‐mediated slowing (FMS) of carotid‐radial PWV following 5‐min forearm occlusion. Heart rate variability was used to assess sympathovagal balance as LF/HF ratio.

Results

PCL score was positively correlated with CES‐D score (r = 0.79, p < .001), cfPWV (r = 0.33, p = .03) and LF/HF ratio (r = 0.42, p = .009) in men. PCL score was positively correlated to CES‐D score (r = 0.80, p < .001) in women, but was inversely correlated to cfPWV (r = −0.38, p = .02) and LF/HF ratio (r = −0.34, p = .04). PCL score was also inversely associated with FMS in women (r = −0.49, p = .01).

Conclusion

There are sex differences in the association of PTSD symptoms and subclinical atherosclerosis. In men, increased PTSD symptoms may increase CVD risk by increasing sympathovagal balance and aortic stiffness. In women, increased PTSD symptoms may increase CVD risk via reducing vasomotor function.
Higher risk of urinary tract infections in renal transplant recipients receiving pentamidine versus trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) for Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis
Authors: Fu Whitney , Barahona Maria , Harkness Taylor , Cohen Elizabeth , Reardon David , Yoo Peter S.
Published: August 2020

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious complications among renal transplant patients. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) is routinely used as first‐line prophylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and other opportunistic infections including UTI. Aerosolized pentamidine is an alternate agent used for PCP prophylaxis; however, it does not provide coverage against uropathogens. This is a retrospective study of 81 renal transplant recipients who received TMP‐SMX or aerosolized pentamidine for PCP prophylaxis at our center over 1 year. Survival analysis demonstrated increased cumulative incidence of UTI among patients receiving pentamidine for PCP prophylaxis compared to those receiving TMP‐SMX (log‐rank test P < .001). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model showed pentamidine prophylaxis (HR 3.740; 95% CI 1.745‐8.016; P = .001) and female sex (HR 4.025; 95% CI 1.770‐9.154; P = .001) to independently increase UTI risk. Age, induction agent, graft type, diabetes, and delayed graft function (DGF) were not associated with increased risk. This study concludes that the use of pentamidine for PCP prophylaxis compared to TMP‐SMX is associated with increased risk of UTI. Secondary UTI prophylaxis may be considered for patients who are unable to tolerate TMP‐SMX and who have other risk factors for UTI; however, the efficacy of this has not been studied.
A simple risk‐based reimbursement system for kidney transplant
Authors: Schwantes Issac R. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Lentine Krista L. , Balakrishnan Ramji , Reed Alan I. , Axelrod David A.
Published: August 2020

Transplant centers were challenged by the Executive Order on Advancing Kidney health to increase access to kidney transplant (KTx) by accepting higher risk patients and organs. However, Medicare reimbursement for KTx does not include adjustment for major complicating comorbidities (MCCs) like other transplants. The prevalence of MCCs was assessed for KTx performed from 10/15 to 10/19 at a single academic center, using Medicare ICD10 MCC criteria exclusive of end‐stage kidney disease. KTx hospital resource utilization and estimated margin, assuming Medicare reimbursement, were determined for cases with and without MCC. Among 260 KTx recipients, 49 (19%) had an MCC. Patients with MCCs had longer wait times (1121 days vs 703 days, P < .001); however, there were no differences in age, gender, race, or diagnosis. Donor characteristics associated with an MCC included greater cold ischemic time (1042 vs 670 minutes, P < .001) and fewer living donor KTx (9% vs 32%, P < .001). KTx cost, exclusive of organ acquisition, was 31% higher (MCC: $38 293 vs No MCC: $29 132) and estimated margin was markedly lower (‐$7750 vs ‐$1001, P = .001). In conclusion, KTx with qualifying MCCs resulted in significant financial losses and modification of KTx payment methodology to align with other organ transplants is needed.
Limited impact of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and severe hypoglycaemia on the inflammatory profile of people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ali Namam , Janssen Anna W. M. , Jaeger Martin , Van de Wijer Lisa , van der Heijden Wouter , ter Horst Rob , Vart Priya , van Gool Alain , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G. , Stienstra Rinke , De Galan Bastiaan E. , Tack Cees J.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To investigate whether a history of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) or the associated presence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) is characterized by a pro‐inflammatory profile in people with type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods

We measured circulating inflammatory markers and pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine production after ex vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a well‐characterized cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes (n = 239) and in people without diabetes (n = 56). Data were corrected for confounders by using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

People with type 1 diabetes had higher circulating concentrations of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP; 0.91 [0.36–2.25] vs. 0.52 [0.20–0.98] pg/mL, P < 0.001 and interleukin‐18‐binding protein (IL‐18BP; 1746 [1304–2112] vs. 1381 [1191–1807] pg/mL; P = 0.001) than those without diabetes. In multivariate analysis, only higher hs‐CRP concentrations persisted. Neither circulating immune cells nor ex vivo cytokine levels produced by PBMCs in response to an extensive panel of stimuli differed in groups defined by awareness state or a history of SH, apart from elevated IL‐18BP in people with, versus those without, history of SH (1524 [1227–1903] vs. 1913 [1459–2408] pg/mL; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

IAH or history of SH in people with type 1 diabetes was not associated with altered inflammatory profiles, arguing against chronically elevated inflammatory activity mediating the increased cardiovascular risk associated with hypoglycaemia. The finding of higher circulating concentrations of IL‐18BP in individuals with a history of SH requires further investigation.
Reversible cardiac dysfunction in severe COVID‐19 infection, mechanisms and case report
Authors: Chao Chieh‐Ju , DeValeria Patrick A. , Sen Ayan , Lee Hong , Pedrotty Dawn M , Patel Bhavesh , Arsanjani Reza , Naqvi Tasneem Z.
Published: August 2020

A previously healthy 49‐year‐old male patient presented with COVID‐19 infection and required mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to severe hypoxemia. Echocardiography showed cardiac dysfunction with an apical sparing strain pattern, which rapidly normalized within a week. Apical sparing myocardial strain in patients with COVID‐19 infection may suggest reverse‐type stress cardiomyopathy.
Field collection of egg parasitoids of Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae in Northwest Italy and their efficacy in parasitizing Halyomorpha halys under laboratory conditions
Authors: Moraglio Silvia T. , Tortorici Francesco , Giromini Debora , Pansa Marco G. , Visentin Sara , Tavella Luciana
Published: August 2020

The invasion of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has caused severe economic damage in crops in North America and Europe, motivating research to identify its natural enemies, both in native and invaded areas. In its Asian native range, the main natural enemies are egg parasitoids, among which the most effective are Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in China and Japan, respectively. In Europe, biology, host range, and impact of most native scelionid species are not well‐known. The present study aimed to investigate (1) presence and abundance of scelionid species that parasitize native Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae eggs in Northwest Italy, and (2) their ability to develop on H. halys eggs. During 4‐year field surveys, egg masses were collected and reared until bug nymph or adult parasitoid emergence. Then, the obtained scelionid females were tested for their ability to parasitize H. halys eggs in laboratory no‐choice experiments. Egg masses of all collected bug species were parasitized, and Telenomus spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus belenus (Walker), and Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) were the most common parasitoids. In the laboratory, Trissolcus kozlovi Rjachovskij was the only species to significantly produce offspring from fresh H. halys eggs, whereas all tested Trissolcus species significantly induced host egg abortion (non‐reproductive effects). This study provides knowledge of the parasitoid species associated with native bugs, and represents a starting point to investigate the intricate interactions between native and exotic parasitoids recently found in northern Italy. These egg parasitoids could potentially be effective biocontrol agents of H. halys.
Plant water stress intensity mediates aphid host choice and feeding behaviour
Authors: Kansman Jessica , Nalam Vamsi , Nachappa Punya , Finke Deborah
Published: August 2020

The effects of drought‐induced changes in plant quality on aphid performance and population growth is well‐studied. The response of aphid behaviour to plant water limitation has received less attention. Water limitation may affect host‐plant colonization by altering the attractiveness of plants. Additionally, plant water limitation may inhibit feeding site establishment and phloem ingestion.

Our goal was to examine bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) host selection and feeding behaviour under water limitation. We assessed aphid response to well‐watered, mildly‐stressed, and highly‐stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by evaluating (i) host‐plant selection through two‐choice assays, (ii) feeding behaviour using the electrical penetration graph technique, and (iii) phloem ingestion by quantifying honeydew production.

Aphids were less likely to select highly stressed plants than a mildly stressed or well‐watered alternative. Aphids did not distinguish between mildly stressed and well‐watered plants. Aphid feeding behaviours, including duration of phloem ingestion, were not affected by water availability. However, honeydew production was reduced under both levels of water limitation. These results suggest that the volume of phloem ingested by aphids per unit time declined on stressed plants. The combination of lower colonization and diminished access to food on stressed plants may lead to a reduction in aphid abundance, independent of the direct effects of nutrition on individual aphid performance.

This study highlights the potential contribution of herbivore behaviour to documented changes in aphid abundance on stressed plants and underscores the important role of plant water stress intensity in mediating plant‐herbivore interactions.
Baumol, Engel, and beyond: accounting for a century of structural transformation in Japan, 1885–1985†
Authors: Fukao Kyoji , Paul Saumik
Published: August 2020

This article examines the drivers of the long‐run structural transformation in Japan. It uses a dynamic input–output framework that decomposes the reallocation of the total output across sectors into two components: the demand side and the supply side, or technological change. To perform this task, we employ 13 seven‐sector input–output tables spanning 100 years (1885 to 1985). The results show that the demand‐side factors, as a combination of the Baumol and Engel effects, were the key explanatory factors in more than 60 per cent of the sector‐period cases in the pre‐Second World War period, while the supply‐side effect drove structural transformation in more than 75 per cent of such cases in the post‐Second World War period. Detailed decomposition results suggest that in most of the sectors, changes in private consumption were the dominant force behind the demand‐side explanations. The demand effect was found to be strongest in the commerce and services sector, which contributed to the rapid growth of GDP in Japan throughout the twentieth century.
Early regeneration of axons following peripheral nerve injury is enhanced if p75NTR is eliminated from the surrounding pathway
Authors: McGregor Claire , Sabatier Manning , English Arthur
Published: August 2020

The common neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, has been proposed to be an inhibitor of axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, but whether this effect is on the regenerating axons, immune cells migrating into the injury site, or cells in the pathway surrounding the axons is not clear. Cut nerves in mice expressing fluorescent proteins in axons were repaired with grafts from non‐fluorescent hosts to study axon elongation when p75NTR was eliminated separately from axons and immune cells in the proximal stump of cut nerves, from cells in the regeneration pathway, or both. Two weeks later, axons from wild type mice regenerating into grafts devoid of p75NTR had elongated more than twice as far as axons in grafts from wild type mice. No enhancement of regeneration of axons in p75NTR knockout mice was observed, whether nerves were repaired with grafts from wild type mice or from p75NTR knockout mice. To evaluate whether inhibition of p75NTR could be used to improve regeneration, nerves in wild type mice repaired without grafts were exposed to a specific inhibitor of the p75NTR receptor, LM11A‐31, at the time of nerve repair. This local blockade of p75NTR resulted in successful regeneration of axons of nearly three times as many motoneurons and reinnervation of twice as many muscle fibers by regenerating motor axons as untreated controls. Expression of p75NTR surrounding regenerating axons contributes to poor regeneration during the first 2 weeks after peripheral nerve injury. Inhibition of p75NTR might be a therapeutic target for treatments of peripheral nerve injuries.
Astell, friendship, and relational autonomy
Authors: Forbes Allauren Samantha
Published: August 2020

Mary Astell's theory of friendship is rich and interesting: it presents the reader with an interpretive puzzle that addresses the nature and roles of virtue and love in friendship, among other things. Recently, Jacqueline Broad and Nancy Kendrick have tackled this puzzle. Broad offers a loosely Aristotelian interpretation, and Kendrick offers an anti‐Aristotelian Christian Platonist interpretation. However, neither fully discharges the apparent tensions within Astell's account, nor do they address what I take to be the most significant result of Astell's theory. I offer a third interpretation that both makes sense of Astell's account and incorporates aspects of both Broad and Kendrick's views. With this account in hand, I turn to the upshot of Astell's theory of friendship, a nascent view of relational autonomy that emerges from friendship. Astell's theory of friendship is fascinating because relational autonomy was not formally theorized until hundreds of years later.
Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration and hepatic encephalopathy: one or two entities?
Authors: Malaquias M. J. , Pinto C. M. , Ramos C. , Ferreira S. , Gandara J. , Almeida A. , Cavaco S. , Miranda H. P. , Magalhães M.
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration (AHD) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are neurological complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) with portosystemic shunt. While HE is common, AHD is a rare entity, and the clinical imaging relationships observed in small series lack validation in large patient cohorts. The aim of this study was to characterize a cohort of AHD patients and to explore possible associations with HE coexistence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a working AHD diagnosis, between 2008 and 2019. Clinical, laboratory, imaging and neuropsychological results at first neurological observation were reviewed and compared between the 'AHD' group and the 'AHD with HE' group.

Results

A total of 76 patients were recruited. The most frequent neurological manifestations were neuropsychiatric (93.4%) and extrapyramidal (84.2%). Only 38% of patients had hypermanganesemia. Compared with the AHD group, the AHD with HE group had more hyperkinetic movement disorders (71.4% vs. 38.5%; P = 0.05), a higher number of patients on the dementia spectrum (57.7% vs. 20%; P = 0.04), higher median ammonia levels (P = 0.014) and more widespread cortico‐subcortical and pyramidal involvement on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Nineteen patients underwent liver transplantation, with significantly improved survival (P = 0.006).

Discussion

Hepatic encephalopathy and AHD often coexist in the same patient. Seventy‐six patients with CLD and AHD were evaluated, making this one of the largest reported AHD cohorts. Blood manganese level was a weak diagnostic marker in AHD. Early liver function restoration through liver transplantation improved survival. Our report provides a detailed description of the phenotype and long‐term outcome of AHD, with relevance for diagnosis and treatment.
Functional, compositional, and regulatory analyses of imported and non‐imported single dental crowns
Authors: Valen Håkon , Staxrud Frode , Kopperud Simen E. , Austrheim Ellen , Syverud Morten , Mulic Aida
Published: August 2020

The aims of the study were to investigate functional and esthetic properties, the composition of the alloy, and the content of hazardous elements of single dental crowns with metal skeleton and fired porcelain. Epoxy models made from full mouth impressions taken of a patient with a crown preparation of the right maxillary first permanent molar were used for production of identical polyether impressions, which were distributed to dentists in Norway. The dentists sent the impressions to their regular dental laboratories. All 55 crowns collected were anonymized and examined. Of the crowns received, 35 were made in Norway, 12 were imported, and 8 were of unknown origin. The evaluation of functional properties revealed that 50% of the Norwegian, 42% of the imported, and 25% of the unknown‐origin crowns were considered unacceptable. The composition of the alloy was not in accordance with that stated by the manufacturer for 17%, 13% and 20% of the crowns, where this information was provided. The lead content of the alloy exceeded the limit set by the ISO 22674: 2016 for 18% of the crowns in total. The statement that shall follow the work according to EU‐regulations was not complete for approximately 75% of the works received.
Expression of aquaporin 5 during murine palatine glands development: a light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study
Authors: Hakami Zaki , Hand Arthur R.
Published: August 2020

Although aquaporin 5 (AQP5) seems to play a role in cytodifferentiation and cell proliferation during the development of salivary glands, its distribution during minor salivary glands development has been scarcely reported. This study examined the temporal‐spatial distribution of AQP5 in the developing rat palatine glands using light and electron microscopy. At embryonic (E) age E18, AQP5 labeling was observed on the cell membranes of some terminal bulb cells. After lumenization at E20, AQP5 labeled the apical membrane in acini where a lumen existed, in addition to displaying positive diffuse cytoplasmic and cell membrane staining. At the electron microscopic level, AQP5 labeled the supranuclear cytoplasm and the luminal microvilli along the apical membrane. At birth, AQP5 was also localized to the lateral membranes associated ultrastructurally with the microvilli of intercellular canaliculi. After postnatal (PN) day PN7, mucous acini and serous demilunes showed reactivity. AQP5 reached peak reactivity around PN13 with a similar staining pattern in all acini, but had reduced dramatically by PN21. Thereafter, AQP5 reactivity was mainly associated with serous cells in adults. In conclusion, the transitory expression of AQP5 during palatine glands development may reflect changing physiological functions of the secretory cells and/or AQP5 throughout the maturation of the glands.
Improving answer selection with global features
Authors: Gu Shengwei , Luo Xiangfeng , Wang Hao , Huang Jing , Wei Qin , Huang Subin
Published: August 2020

Given a question and its answer candidates (named QA corpus), answer selection is the task of identifying the most relevant answers to the question. Answer selection is widely used in question answering, web search, and so on. Current deep neural network models primarily utilize local features extracted from input question‐answer pairs (QA pairs). However, the global features contained in QA corpora are under‐utilized, and we argue that these global features substantially contribute to the answer selection task. To verify this point of view, we propose a novel model that combines local and global features for answer selection. In our model, two different global feature extractors are employed to extract statistical global features and deep global features from a QA corpus, respectively. Furthermore, we investigate the integration of these global features with local features in various experimental settings: statistical global features, deep global features, and a combination of statistical and deep global features. Our experimental results show that the global features are effective for answer selection. Our model obtains new state‐of‐the‐art results on two public answer selection datasets and performs especially well on YahooCQA, where it achieves 9.2 and 6% higher precision@1 (P@1) and mean reciprocal rank (MRR) scores than previously published models.
Toddler Externalizing Behavior, Social Support, and Parenting Stress: Examining a Moderator Model
Authors: Schellinger Kriston B. , Murphy Laura E. , Rajagopalan Subashini , Jones Tamekia , Hudock Rebekah L. , Graff J. Carolyn , Palmer Frederick B. , Tylavsky Frances A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study examined the possible moderating role of social support on the association between child externalizing behavior and parenting stress in a cross‐sectional sample of typically developing toddlers and their mothers.

Background

Child externalizing behavior problems often emerge during the toddler years and are associated with increased parenting stress. Family stress theory posits that resources (e.g., social support) may buffer the effects of stressors such as child behavior concerns. However, limited empirical research has examined the impact of social support on parenting stress in parents of typically developing toddlers.

Method

The sample included 1,036 mother–toddler dyads and was representative of the broader region in which the research took place (59% African American, 58% married/cohabitating, 53% with high school diploma). General linear models were performed.

Results

The interaction term was not significant; therefore, a moderator model was not supported. However, the final model demonstrated that child behavior problems were associated with higher levels of parenting stress; and lower levels of both amount of support and satisfaction with social support were associated with additional increases in parenting stress.

Conclusion

Results suggest that parents who have low levels of social support and a toddler with higher levels of externalizing behaviors are at particular risk for experiencing elevated levels of parenting stress.

Implications

Given that externalizing behaviors are common during the toddler years, future research is needed to better understand how social support benefits parents of toddlers and to develop new or modify existing interventions to increase social support and reduce parenting stress.
Comparison of the effects of losartan, captopril, angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist compound 21, and MAS receptor agonist AVE 0991 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion necrosis in rats
Authors: Ozhan Onural , Parlakpinar Hakan , Acet Ahmet
Published: August 2020

Myocardial ischemia may occur as a result of pathophysiological and therapeutical applications such as atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass, and transplantation. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of angiotensin (Ang) II type 2 (AT2) selective receptor agonist Compound 21 (C21), MAS receptor agonist AVE 0991, Ang II type 1 (AT1) selective receptor blocker losartan, and Ang‐converting enzyme inhibitor captopril on haemodynamic parameters and infarct size on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R)‐induced necrosis in rats. To induce necrosis in the heart of rats, reperfusion for 2 h following ischemia for 30 min to the descending branch of the left main coronary artery was achieved. C21 (0.03 mg/kg), AVE 0991 (576 μg/kg), losartan (2 mg/kg), and captopril (3 mg/kg) were administered as an intravenous infusion at 10 min before and throughout the ischemia. Then, the infarct size and risk area were calculated from the heart. The percentage of myocardial infarct size to area at risk ratio (%IS/AR) of groups was Control (MI/R) group: 48.9 ± 8.8%; C21 group: 31.1 ± 7.8%; AVE 0991 group: 29.9 ± 4.8%; C21 + AVE 0991 group: 28.2 ± 3.3%; Losartan + AVE 0991 group: 30.8 ± 5.8%; Captopril + AVE 0991 group: 31.7 ± 7.7%. %IS/AR of the drug‐treated groups decreased significantly when compared to the MI/R group (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the importance of AT1, AT2, and MAS receptors in the MI/R injury. Inhibition of Ang II formation by captopril, blockade of AT1 receptor with losartan, and stimulation of AT2 receptor with C21 and MAS receptor with AVE 0991 showed beneficial effects by reducing infarct size.
Expanded access: opening doors to personalized medicine for rare disease patients and patients with neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Özdinler P. Hande
Published: August 2020

In neurodegenerative diseases, a select set of neuron population displays early vulnerability and undergoes progressive degeneration. The heterogeneity of the cerebral cortex and the heterogeneity of patient populations diagnosed with the same disease offer many challenges for developing effective and long‐term treatment options. Currently, patients who are considered to have a ‘rare’ disease are left with no hopes for cure, and many of the neurodegenerative diseases progress fast without any effective solutions. However, as our understanding of disease mechanisms evolve, we begin to realize that the boundaries between diseases are not as sharp as once believed. There are many patients who develop disease due to common underlying causes and mechanisms. As we move forward with drug discovery effort, it becomes obvious that we will have to shift our focus from finding a cure for a disease, to finding solutions to the disease‐causing cellular mechanisms so that patients can be treated by mechanism‐based strategies. This paradigm shift will lay the foundation for personalized medicine approaches for neurodegenerative disease patients and patients diagnosed with a rare disease.
Elucidation of fatigue characteristics and fracture mechanism of friction stir spot‐welded tension–shear joint steels
Authors: Selvaraj Thomasprabhu , Ishida Shogo , Arakawa Jinta , Akebono Hiroyuki , Sugeta Atsushi , Aoki Yasuhiro , Fujii Hidetoshi
Published: August 2020

The fatigue life and fracture mechanism of friction stir spot welded tension–shear joints using 590‐MPa class steel as a base material under constant‐amplitude conditions were investigated with focus on welding dimension variations caused by tool wear. The fatigue limit of the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) joint used for this study is significantly low compared with the static tensile strength of the joint itself. It was clarified that the FSSW joint in this study exhibited two different failure morphologies regardless of the applied load level: base metal fracture and weld area fracture. Although the welding state changes due to the tool wear phenomenon that produce two types of fracture modes in relation to the welding rip diameter, they have no effect on the fatigue strength, regardless of the applied load.
Decomposing the VIX: Implications for the predictability of stock returns
Authors: Chow K. Victor , Jiang Wanjun , Li Bingxin , Li Jingrui
Published: August 2020

The VIX index is not only a volatility index but also a polynomial combination of all possible higher moments in market return distribution under the risk‐neutral measure. This paper formulates the VIX as a linear decomposition of four fundamentally different elements: the realized variance (RV), the variance risk premium (VRP), the realized tail (RT), and the tail risk premium (TRP), respectively. Using an innovative and nonparametric tail risk measure, we find that approximately one‐third of the VIX's formation is attributed to the TRP. In addition to VRP, RT and TRP are crucial components for predicting future returns on equity portfolios.