bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Khorshidi Masoud , Zarezadeh Meysam , Moradi Moghaddam Omid , Emami Mohammad Reza , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Alizadeh Shahab , Heshmati Javad , Olang Beheshteh , Aryaeian Naheed
Published: May 2020

Background

Studies have shown that evening primrose oil (EPO) supplementation might be effective in improving lipid profile, however, the results are inconsistent. This study was performed to determine the direction and magnitude of the EPO effect on the lipid profile.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar were searched up to September‐2019. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model. Lipid profile including high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) was considered as the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 926 articles were identified through database searching, of which, six RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. There were six studies on HDL, TC, and TG and four studies on LDL. EPO supplementation had no significant effect on TC, TG, LDL, and HDL. However, in subgroup analysis, a significant reduction in TG at a dose of ≤4 g/day (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −37.28 mg/dl; 95% CI: −73.53 to −1.03, p = .044) and a significant increase in HDL in hyperlipidemic subjects (WMD = 5.468 mg/dl; 95% CI: 1.323 to 9.614, p = .010) was found.

Conclusion

Oral intake of EPO at a dose of ≤4 g/day significantly reduces serum TG levels and significantly increases HDL levels in hyperlipidemic subjects.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (negative ion mode) of French Oak lignin: A novel series of lignin and tricin derivatives attached to carbohydrate and shikimic acid moieties
Authors: Mikhael Abanoub , Jurcic Kristina , Fridgen Travis D. , Delmas Michel , Banoub Joseph
Published: May 2020

Rationale

We report the top‐down lignomic analysis of the virgin released lignin (VRL) small oligomers obtained from French Oak wood.

Methods

We have used MALDI‐TOF‐MS in the negative ion mode for the analysis of the complex mixture of lignin oligomers extracted from French Oak wood. High‐energy CID‐TOF/TOF‐MS/MS analyses were used to support the postulated precursor ion structures.

Results

Twenty compounds were identified using MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS of the VRL extracted from French Oak wood: seven tricin derivatives and/or flavonoids, three syringylglycerol derivatives, two syringol derivatives, two flavonolignin derivatives, and six miscellaneous compounds: luteoferol, lariciresinol isomer, 5‐hydroxy guaiacyl derivative, syringyl ‐C10H10O2 dimer, trihydroxy benzaldehyde derivative, and aryl tetralin lignan derivative. Most of the identified compounds were in the form of carbohydrate and/or shikimic acid complexes.

Conclusions

The analysis of this complex mixture led to the identification of a series of lignin dimers, novel lignin‐carbohydrate complexes (LCC), and unique tricin derivatives linked to different types of carbohydrates and shikimic acid moieties. This finding supports the presence of lignin‐carbohydrate complexes in the isolated VRL. These analyses also showed that French Oak lignin is abundant in syringol moieties present in the lignin syringyl units or tricin derivatives. Moreover, the identification of some lignin‐carbohydrate and/or flavonoid‐shikimic acid complexes could provide new insight into the relationship between the biosynthesis of lignin and tricin.
VP leads student affairs unit in pandemic hot spot
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2020

Leading a student affairs unit during a global pandemic has enough challenges. But when your institution is located in one of the nation's COVID‐19 hot spots, the challenges could seem insurmountable.
Can science literacy help individuals identify misinformation in everyday life?
Authors: Sharon Aviv J. , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet
Published: May 2020

Certain science‐related topics elicit persistent public controversy, such as routine childhood vaccinations and anthropogenic climate change. Many people are misinformed about the scientific facts underlying these issues. In response, science educators have called for improvements in the public's science literacy, but it is not clear which components of science literacy would help individuals identify misinformation. In this position paper, we examine this issue and make two arguments. First, we unpack the construct of science literacy to the seven components identified by the National Academies, and argue that four of these components are most likely to help individuals identify misinformation in everyday life: (a) Understanding of scientific practices; (b) Identifying and judging appropriate scientific expertise, (c) Epistemic knowledge, and (d) Dispositions and habits of mind, for example, inquisitiveness and open‐mindedness. We also show that three of these four components are not commonly used in definitions of science literacy. Second, we posit that two opposite reasons explain why misinformation is so intractable: on the one hand, that individuals uncritically accept most information, even if it is false, and on the other hand, that they reject information that contradicts their worldview, even if it is true. Consequently, we argue that inculcating intellectual virtues, such as open‐mindedness, should be central to imparting science literacy and propose some implications for educational practice. Lastly, we point out some limitations of our arguments and offer recommendations for further research.
Galectin-3 diminishes Wnt signaling in the postnatal subventricular zone
Authors: Al-Dalahmah Osama , Nicholson James , Draijer Swip , Soares Luana Campos , Szele Francis G.
Published: May 2020

Postnatal subventricular zone (pSVZ) stem and progenitor cell proliferation is regulated by several developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin. However, the molecular regulation of Wnt function in the pSVZ is poorly understood. We previously showed that Wnt signaling is upregulated in an SVZ gliomagenesis in vivo model. As well, the pro-inflammatory molecule Galectin-3 (Gal-3) increases Wnt signaling in cancer cells and is expressed in the SVZ. Therefore, we asked if Gal-3 has a similar function on Wnt signaling in the pSVZ. We interrogated Wnt signaling using a signaling reporter as well as immunohistochemistry and showed that Wnt signaling predominates upstream in the pSVZ lineage but is downregulated in migrating neuroblasts. Biochemical analysis of SVZ cells, in vivo and in neurosphere stem/progenitor cells, showed that Gal-3 physically interacts with multiple forms of β-catenin, which is a major downstream regulator of Wnt signaling. Functional analyses demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, that Gal-3 knockdown increases Wnt signaling and conversely that Gal-3 OE inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pSVZ. This latter result suggested that Gal-3, which is consistently increased in brain injury, may decrease pSVZ proliferation. We showed that Gal-3 OE decreased proliferation without altering cell cycle re-entry and that it increased p27Kip1, a molecule which induces cell cycle exit. Our data uncover a novel regulator of Wnt signaling in the SVZ, Gal-3, which does so in a manner opposite to cancer.
Exosomal miRNA-17-5p derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improves ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency by regulating SIRT7
Authors: Ding Chenyue , Zhu Liping , Shen Han , Lu Jiafeng , Zou Qinyan , Huang Chao , Li Hong , Huang Boxian
Published: May 2020

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is clinically irreversible in women aged over 40 years. Although numerous studies have demonstrated satisfactory outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell therapy, the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. Exosomes were collected from the culture medium of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) and assessed by electron microscopy and Western blot (WB) analysis. Then, exosomes were added to the culture medium of cyclophosphamide (CTX)-damaged human granulosa cells (hGCs), and the mixture was injected into the ovaries of CTX-induced POI model mice before detection of antiapoptotic and apoptotic gene expression. Next, the microRNA expression profiles of hUMSC-derived exosomes (hUMSC-Exos) were detected by small RNA sequencing. The ameliorative effect of exosomal microRNA-17-5P (miR-17-5P) was demonstrated by miR-17-5P knockdown before assessment of ovarian phenotype and function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and SIRT7 expression. Finally, SIRT7 was inhibited or overexpressed by RNA interference or retrovirus transduction, and the protein expression of PARP1, γH2AX, and XRCC6 was analyzed. The ameliorative effect of hUMSC-Exos on POI was validated. Our results illustrated that hUMSC-Exos restored ovarian phenotype and function in a POI mouse model, promoted proliferation of CTX-damaged hGCs and ovarian cells, and alleviated ROS accumulation by delivering exosomal miR-17-5P and inhibiting SIRT7 expression. Moreover, our findings elucidated that miR-17-5P repressed PARP1, γH2AX, and XRCC6 by inhibiting SIRT7. Our findings suggest a critical role for exosomal miR-17-5P and its downstream target mRNA SIRT7 in hUMSC transplantation therapy. This study indicates the promise of exosome-based therapy for POI treatment.
New insights into biogeographical disjunctions between Taiwan and the Eastern Himalayas: The case of Prinsepia (Rosaceae)
Authors: Jin Wei‐Yin , Li Hai‐Wen , Wei Ran , Huang Bing‐Hong , Liu Bing , Sun Tian‐Tian , Mabberley David J. , Liao Pei‐Chun , Yang Yong
Published: May 2020

To understand better the mechanisms underlying the disjunct distribution of plants between Taiwan and Himalaya‐southwestern China, the genus Prinsepia (Rosaceae) was examined using phylogenetic and dating approaches based on molecular evidence. Prinsepia comprises four allopatric species with distributions in four subregions of China, i.e., P. scandens (southeastern China: Taiwan), P. sinensis (northeastern China: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning and E Inner Mongolia), P. uniflora (mainly northwestern China: Gansu, Henan, W Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Sichuan), and P. utilis (southwestern China: Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan). Our phylogeny and molecular dating suggest that Prinsepia diverged into northern and southern clades in the Oligocene (ca. 32.61 mya); subsequently, the northern species pair split around 16.25 mya, and P. scandens diverged from the Xizang population of P. utilis in 11.89 mya but migrated to Taiwan later. We integrated different lines of evidence including phylogeny, molecular dating, geological history, and niche modelling, and conclude that divergence between the northwestern and northeastern species was caused by environmental differentiation (i.e., humidity/aridity), and the modern disjunctive distribution of the southern species pair was better explained by founder speciation/migration. We thus provide new insights into the origin of the disjunction between Taiwan and Himalaya‐southwestern China.
Arecoline induces epithelial mesenchymal transition inHK2cells by upregulating theERK‐mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Syu Ru‐Jiang , Lee Chu‐Che , Lin Shin‐Huey , Lee Chien‐Hsing , Cheng Chun‐Wen , Tsai Jen‐Pi
Published: May 2020

Arecoline, a component of betel nuts, is a known carcinogen that causes oral cancers among those who chew betel nuts. Betel nut chewing is also associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the role of arecoline in this association is unclear. This in vitro study investigates the effects of arecoline on cultured human kidney (HK2) cells. We observed that arecoline had no effect on cell viability but increased cell migration in a dose‐dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that arecoline treatment caused a dose‐dependent decrease in E‐cadherin expression and dose‐dependent increases in N‐cadherin, vimentin, α‐SMA, and collagen expression; reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed dose‐dependent increases in α‐SMA and collagen mRNA. Arecoline treatment upregulated the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase through epithelial mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in HK2 cells. These findings demonstrate that arecoline plays a role in inducing the epithelial mesenchymal transition and fibrogenesis in renal tubule cells and suggest that arecoline promotes the progression of CKD.
Effect of a multicomponent exercise intervention on brain metabolism: A randomized controlled trial on Alzheimer's pathology (Dementia‐MOVE)
Authors: Haeger Alexa , Costa Ana S. , Romanzetti Sandro , Kilders Axel , Trautwein Christian , Haberl Luisa , Beulertz Michael , Hildebrand Frank , Schulz Jörg B. , Reetz Kathrin
Published: May 2020

Background

Physical activity has shown a positive impact on aging and neurodegeneration and represents a possible treatment option in cognitive decline. However, its underlying mechanisms and influences on brain pathology remain unclear. Dementia‐MOVE (Multi‐Objective Validation of Exercise) is a randomized‐controlled pilot trial, including 50 patients with amnestic cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's pathology, aiming to analyze the effect of physical activity and fitness on disease progression.

Methods

Dementia‐MOVE is divided into two arms, of either an intervention comprising physical activity, for at least twice a week, combined with a psychoeducational program, or a sole psychoeducational program. Physical activity intervention includes a supervised and unsupervised multimodal concept combining resistance, endurance, coordinative, and aerobic training. The primary outcome is the change of brain metabolism due to physical interventional treatment. Besides metabolic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including sodium and phosphorus imaging, resting state functional MRI, T1‐, T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), as well as diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the brain and whole‐body fat MRI are performed before and after intervention, and will be compared in their sensitivity for the detection of intervention effects. We further assess cognitive performance, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, fitness, and sleep via questionnaires/interviews and/or fitness trackers, as well as microbiome, under the aspect of Alzheimer's pathology.

Discussion

The aim of Dementia‐MOVE is to investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise program on Alzheimer's pathology under different aspects of the disease. In this context, one of the main aims is the comparison of different MRI methods regarding their responsiveness for the detection of alterations induced by physical activity. As an underlying goal, new treatment and diagnostic options, as well as the exploration of fitness effects on brain structure and metabolism within a whole‐body perspective of Alzheimer's disease are envisaged.
A University Landscape for the Digital World
Authors: Orr Dominic , Luebcke Maren , Schmidt J. Philipp , Ebner Markus , Wannemacher Klaus , Ebner Martin , Dohmen Dieter
Published: May 2020

As the digital transformation clearly highlights the role of universities and institutes of higher education in shaping a higher education system that is more open and provides education to everyone who can benefit from it, this study seeks to analyze, in more detail, what developments are having an impact on higher education and develops future scenarios for education in 2030. The UK study Solving future skills challenges implies that the linear model of education–employment–career will no longer be sufficient in the future, requiring new combinations of skills, experience, and collaboration from educators and employers. This UK study serves as a starting point for the AHEAD trend analysis for a higher education landscape in 2030. Five premises ranging from “No naive innovation view” to “Realistic approach,” and “Diversity in higher education” provide the basis for a search for concepts for the higher education of the future.
From Lines of Development to Scenarios
Authors: Orr Dominic , Luebcke Maren , Schmidt J. Philipp , Ebner Markus , Wannemacher Klaus , Ebner Martin , Dohmen Dieter
Published: May 2020

After examining the current developments in the field of knowledge and competence requirements, university teaching and technology, and their effects on a digital society through various background studies, this chapter focuses on modeling and developing different scenarios and discussions with regard to technology and social developments. Different economic and social requirements as well as new forms of didactics and learning environments will lead to necessary changes in higher education. It should provide a link between continuing and higher education by identifying new ways of recognizing skills acquired informally. Strong support most notably for new students, should combine performing, developing, and explorative teaching and learning situations. Meanwhile, it will be essential for the didactics of the future to be sensitive to the needs of learners and offer individualized support for student-learning paths, making education independent of time and place. Finally, selected approaches to developing future scenarios in higher education focusing on institutions and governance issues, technology, and social developments are discussed in more detail.
MD Codes™: A Methodological Approach to Facial Aesthetic Treatment with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Authors: de Maio Maurício
Published: May 2020

Background

Patients often seek aesthetic correction of facial deficiencies (e.g., lines and folds) that are rarely the underlying cause of dissatisfaction with their appearance. Use of a more holistic approach focused on improving the emotional messages of the face (e.g., looking less sad) may improve patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes. The MD Codes™ system was developed to increase clinician success rates by reducing variability in the technical aspects of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler treatment and focusing on addressing unfavorable emotional attributes of the face.

Methods

The MD Codes, or medical codes, represent specific anatomical subunits for injection of HA fillers. Each MD Code includes information regarding the target depth of injection, the proper delivery tool (needle or cannula) and delivery technique (e.g., aliquot, bolus, fanning), and the minimum product volume recommended to achieve visible, reproducible results (active number). During treatment planning, the appropriate MD Codes are selected using algorithms focused on lessening unfavorable facial attributes (a saggy, tired, sad, or angry look) and enhancing positive attributes (an attractive, younger, more contoured, or feminine [soft] or masculine look).

Results

Three case studies are presented to illustrate how the MD Codes and their algorithms were used to address sagginess, tiredness, and sadness in two women and one man.

Conclusions

MD Codes provide a universal symbolic language for reducing variability in injection technique. The platform provides user-friendly algorithms to help clinicians increase patient satisfaction by going beyond treatment of lines and folds and to focus on reducing unfavorable facial attributes.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Long-term survival and polyclonal immunoglobulin reconstitution after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Eisfeld Christine , Eßeling Eva , Wullenkord Ramona , Khandanpour Cyrus , Reusch Julia , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Reicherts Christian , Kerkhoff Andrea , Schliemann Christoph , Kessler Torsten , Mesters Rolf M. , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Lenz Georg , Stelljes Matthias
Published: May 2020

Despite significant progress made in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in the last decade, for patients with early relapse or rapidly progressing high-risk disease, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) might be an option leading to long-term survival. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 90 MM patients who received allogeneic SCT in our center between 1999 and 2017. We specifically assessed the association of impaired humoral immune reconstitution, referred to as immunoparesis, and post-transplant survival. Sixty-four patients received allogeneic SCT in relapse following 2–7 lines of therapy; 26 patients received upfront tandem autologous-allogeneic SCT. With a median follow-up of 76 months, OS and PFS were 52.6% (95% CI 42.9–64.3) and 36.4% (95% CI 27.6–47.9) at 2 years and 38.6% (95% CI 29.2–51.1) and 25.3% (95% CI 17.5–36.4) at 5 years, respectively. Receiving more than two therapy lines prior to transplantation was an independent risk factor for OS (HR 3.68, 95% CI 2.02–6.70) and PFS (HR 3.69, 95% CI 2.09–6.50). In a landmark analysis at day 200, prolonged immunoparesis was associated with reduced OS (HR 3.22, 95% CI 1.14–9.11). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation offers an additional treatment element that may lead to long-term remission in selected patients with poor prognosis, probably exploiting graft-versus-myeloma effects. Immunoparesis could potentially serve as an indicator for impaired survival following allogeneic transplantation, an observation to be further studied prospectively.
Closed Unstretchable Knotless Ribbons and the Wunderlich Functional
Authors: Seguin Brian , Chen Yi-chao , Fried Eliot
Published: May 2020

In 1962, Wunderlich published the article “On a developable Möbius band,” in which he attempted to determine the equilibrium shape of a free standing Möbius band. In line with Sadowsky’s pioneering works on Möbius bands of infinitesimal width, Wunderlich used an energy minimization principle, which asserts that the equilibrium shape of the Möbius band has the lowest bending energy among all possible shapes of the band. By using the developability of the band, Wunderlich reduced the bending energy from a surface integral to a line integral without assuming that the width of the band is small. Although Wunderlich did not completely succeed in determining the equilibrium shape of the Möbius band, his dimensionally reduced energy integral is arguably one of the most important developments in the field. In this work, we provide a rigorous justification of the validity of the Wunderlich integral and fully formulate the energy minimization problem associated with finding the equilibrium shapes of closed bands, including both orientable and nonorientable bands with arbitrary number of twists. This includes characterizing the function space of the energy functional, dealing with the isometry and local injectivity constraints, and deriving the Euler–Lagrange equations. Special attention is given to connecting edge conditions, regularity properties of the deformed bands, determination of the parameter space needed to ensure that the deformation is surjective, reduction in isometry constraints, and deriving matching conditions and jump conditions associated with the Euler–Lagrange equations.
Neonatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies conceived by fresh or frozen embryo transfer compared to spontaneous conceptions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elias Flavia T. S. , Weber-Adrian Danielle , Pudwell Jessica , Carter Jillian , Walker Mark , Gaudet Laura , Smith Graeme , Velez Maria P.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased in the last 2 decades and continuous surveillance is needed. This systematic review aims to assess the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes (preterm birth [PTB], low birth weight [LBW], small-for-gestationalage [SGA] and large for gestational-age [LGA]), in singleton pregnancies conceived by fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared to spontaneous conceptions.

Methods

Cohort studies were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library (January 2019), and manual search. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) using random effects models in RevMan 5.3 andI-squared (I2) test > 50% was considered as high heterogeneity.

Results

After 3142 titles and abstracts were screened, 1180 full-text articles were assessed, and 14 were eligible. For fresh embryo transfer, the pooled ORs were PTB 1.64 (95% CI 1.46, 1.84);I2 = 97%; LBW 1.67 (95% CI 1.52, 1.85);I2 = 94%; SGA 1.46 [95% CI 1.11, 1.92];I2 = 99%, LGA 0.88 (95% CI 0.80, 0.87);I2 = 80%). For frozen, the pooled ORs were PTB 1.39 (95% CI 1.34, 1.44);I2 = 0%; LBW 1.38 (95% CI 0.91, 2.09);I2 = 98%; SGA 0.83 (95% CI 0.57, 1.19);I2 = 0%, LGA 1.57 (95% CI 1.48, 1.68);I2 = 22%).

Conclusions

When compared with spontaneous pregnancies, fresh, but not frozen was associated with LBW and SGA. Both fresh and frozen were associated with PTB. Frozen was uniquely associated with LGA. Despite improvements in ART protocols in relation to pregnancy rates, attention is needed towards monitoring adverse neonatal outcomes in these pregnancies.
Hearing and hearing rehabilitation after obliteration of troublesome mastoid cavities
Authors: Geerse Simon , Bost Tim J. M. , Allagul Samira , de Wolf Maarten J. F. , Ebbens Fenna A. , van Spronsen Erik
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of post-operative hearing threshold after revision surgery and obliteration of troublesome canal wall down mastoidectomy cavities (CWDMCs). The ability to use and tolerate conventional hearing aids (CHAs) was also evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis of 249 patients with chronically draining CWDMCs who underwent revision surgery including obliteration of the mastoid cavity between 2007 and 2017 at the AMC location of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC) was performed. Patient characteristics, pre- and post-operative Merchant grade, surgical outcomes, pre- and post-operative hearing thresholds, and the ability/necessity to use a CHA or the ability/necessity to use a Bone Conduction Device (BCD) were recorded.

Results

Dry ears were found in 95% of the total cohort. Residual disease was detected in 1.6% during MRI follow-up with no residual cholesteatoma in the obliterated area. In 3.2% of the patients, recurrent disease was found. A significant improvement in mean air conduction level, mean bone conduction level, and mean air-bone gap (ABG) was found post-operatively (p < 0.05). For all types of ossicular chain reconstruction, a significant improvement in mean Pure Tone Average was observed (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients with an indication for CHA was similar pre- and post-operatively (67% both pre- and post-operatively). The ability to use a CHA improved from 3% pre-operatively to 57% post-operatively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows that revision surgery and obliteration of CWDMCs enable successful CHA rehabilitation post-operatively. Upon this type of surgery, hearing thresholds improve significantly, but the need for rehabilitation with a CHA remains necessary in most cases.
A systematic review and meta-analyses of pregnancy and fetal outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis: a contribution from the IMI2 ConcePTION project
Authors: Lopez-Leon Sandra , Geissbühler Yvonne , Sabidó Meritxell , Turkson Moise , Wahlich Charlotte , Morris Joan K.
Published: May 2020

Neurologists managing women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) need information about the safety of disease modifying drugs (DMDs) during pregnancy. However, this knowledge is limited. The present study aims to summarize previous studies by performing a systematic review and meta-analyses. The terms “multiple sclerosis” combined with DMDs of interest and a broad profile for pregnancy terms were used to search Embase and Medline databases to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to July 2019.1260 studies were identified and ten studies met our inclusion criteria. Pooled risk ratios (RR) of pregnancy and birth outcomes in pregnancies exposed to DMDs compared to those not exposed were calculated using a random effects model. For spontaneous abortion RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.99–1.32, for preterm births RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.72–1.21 and for major congenital malformations RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.47–1.56. The most common major congenital malformations reported in MS patients exposed to MS drugs were atrial septal defect (ASD) (N = 4), polydactyly (N = 4) and club foot (N = 3), which are among the most prevalent birth defects observed in the general population. In conclusion, interferons, glatiramer acetate or natalizumab, do not appear to increase the risk for spontaneous abortions, pre-term birth or major congenital malformations. There were very few patients included that were exposed to fingolimod, azathioprine and rituximab; therefore, these results cannot be generalized across drugs. Future studies including internal comparators are needed to enable treating physicians and their patients to decide on the best treatment options.
Climate change impact assessment on mild and extreme drought events using copulas over Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Afshar Mehdi H. , Şorman Ali Ünal , Tosunoğlu Fatih , Bulut Burak , Yilmaz M. Tugrul , Danandeh Mehr Ali
Published: May 2020

Climate change, one of the major environmental challenges facing mankind, has caused intermittent droughts in many regions resulting in reduced water resources. This study investigated the impact of climate change on the characteristics (occurrence, duration, and severity) of meteorological drought across Ankara, Turkey. To this end, the observed monthly rainfall series from five meteorology stations scattered across Ankara Province as well as dynamically downscaled outputs of three global climate models that run under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios was used to attain the well-known SPI series during the reference period of 1986–2018 and the future period of 2018–2050, respectively. Analyzing drought features in two time periods generally indicated the higher probability of occurrence of drought in the future period. The results showed that the duration of mild droughts may increase, and extreme droughts will occur with longer durations and larger severities. Moreover, joint return period analysis through different copula functions revealed that the return period of mild droughts will remain the same in the near future, while it declines by 12% over extreme droughts in the near future.
Eu1 − xSrxAu4Cd2: a ferromagnetic solid solution with adjustable Curie temperature
Authors: Reimann Maximilian Kai , Bönnighausen Judith , Klenner Steffen , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: May 2020

Samples of the solid solution Eu1–xSrxAu4Cd2(YbAl4Mo2type, space groupI4/mmm) withx = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 were synthesized from the elements by annealing in sealed tantalum ampoules. The structures of Eu0.66Sr0.34Au4.12Cd1.88and Eu0.22Sr0.78Au4.10Cd1.90were refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data. Besides the expected Eu/Sr mixing on the 2asites the diffraction data revealed also a small degree of Cd/Au mixing on the 4dsites of the cadmium chains. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility data show divalent europium and ferromagnetic ground states for all samples and a linear decrease of the Curie temperature from 16.3 K for EuAu4Cd2to 2.9 K for Eu0.2Sr0.8Au4Cd2. Magnetization isotherms characterize the Eu1 − xSrxAu4Cd2samples as soft ferromagnets. The divalent nature of europium is underpinned by151Eu Mössbauer spectra. The decreasing Curie temperature goes along with a decreasing magnetic hyperfine field at 6 K.

Graphic abstract
Substrate specificity among Diptera in decaying bioenergy wood: can they be conserved by the same measures as are currently applied to beetles?
Authors: Jonsell Mats , Widenfalk Lina A. , Hellqvist Sven
Published: May 2020

Although threatened by forestry, our knowledge concerning saproxylic insects is strongly biased towards well-known orders, mainly beetles (Coleoptera). The beetles have, therefore, formed the basis on which conservation measures of other groups have been formulated. Despite being more species-rich, the Diptera have been rather neglected. Moreover, our limited knowledge of the Diptera suggests that their demands on the dead wood substrate differ markedly from that of coleopterans. We tested if this is true by comparing the substrate requirements of dipteran and coleopteran species by analysing the affinities of species assemblages for logging residues differing in age, size, and tree species. Insects were reared out from the same samples of bioenergy wood from clear-cuts in Sweden. 15 species of Brachyceran flies were compared with 56 species of Coleoptera. We found the average level of specialisation to be similar between the two groups, but the dipterans had (contrary to the expectations) a higher proportion of specialists. Affinities for differently aged wood were similar. More dipterans than beetles were associated with the coarsest wood (diameter 9 cm–15 cm). More dipterans than beetles tended to be associated with aspen (Populus tremula), while Coleoptera tended to be more associated than Diptera with oak (Quercus) and spruce (Picea abies). We conclude that most recommendations for conserving the saproxylic beetle fauna also seem to benefit dipterans, but that the dipterans might be even more sensitive to which qualities of the wood that is preserved. The high conservation value of aspen is already recognised and our results for dipterans strengthen this. The high incidence of many dipteran species in logging residues suggests that many dipterans use sun-exposed environments.
The self-effacing functionality of blame
Authors: Queloz Matthieu
Published: May 2020

This paper puts forward an account of blame combining two ideas that are usually set up against each other: that blame performs an important function, and that blame is justified by the moral reasons making people blameworthy rather than by its functionality. The paper argues that blame could not have developed in a purely instrumental form, and that its functionality itself demands that its functionality be effaced in favour of non-instrumental reasons for blame—its functionality isself-effacing. This notion is sharpened and it is shown how it offers an alternative to instrumentalist or consequentialist accounts of blame which preserves their animating insight while avoiding their weaknesses by recasting that insight in an explanatory role. This not only allows one to do better justice to the authority and autonomy of non-instrumental reasons for blame, but also reveals that autonomy to be a precondition of blame’s functionality. Unlike rival accounts, it also avoids the “alienation effect” that renders blame unstable under reflection by undercutting the authority of the moral reasons which enable it to perform its function in the first place. It instead yields a vindicatory explanation that strengthens our confidence in those moral reasons.
Dyslexia Candidate Gene and Ciliary Gene Expression Dynamics During Human Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Bieder Andrea , Yoshihara Masahito , Katayama Shintaro , Krjutškov Kaarel , Falk Anna , Kere Juha , Tapia-Páez Isabel
Published: May 2020

Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with complex genetic mechanisms. A number of candidate genes have been identified, some of which are linked to neuronal development and migration and to ciliary functions. However, expression and regulation of these genes in human brain development and neuronal differentiation remain uncharted. Here, we used human long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial stem (lt-NES, here termed NES) cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to study neuronal differentiation in vitro. We characterized gene expression changes during differentiation by using RNA sequencing and validated dynamics for selected genes by qRT-PCR. Interestingly, we found that genes related to cilia were significantly enriched among upregulated genes during differentiation, including genes linked to ciliopathies with neurodevelopmental phenotypes. We confirmed the presence of primary cilia throughout neuronal differentiation. Focusing on dyslexia candidate genes, 33 out of 50 DD candidate genes were detected in NES cells by RNA sequencing, and seven candidate genes were upregulated during differentiation to neurons, including DYX1C1 (DNAAF4), a highly replicated DD candidate gene. Our results suggest a role of ciliary genes in differentiating neuronal cells and show that NES cells provide a relevant human neuronal model to study ciliary and DD candidate genes.
The revised Edward Zigler Yale-Personality Questionnaire (EZPQ) for persons with intellectual disability: A new four-factor structure in confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Gacek Michal , Krzywoszanski Lukasz , Fusinska-Korpik Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Zigler’s theory assumes that due to frequent negative personal experiences, persons with intellectual disability are likely to develop specific personality traits which hinder their functioning. The Edward Zigler-Yale Personality Questionnaire (EZPQ) is a measure that allows these traits to be assessed. However, studies in which the measure was used report problems with its factorial structure and reliability. We evaluated the psychometric properties of EZPQ in three consecutive studies conducted in three different samples of 336, 330, and 310 students with mild and moderate intellectual disability. By making successive modifications to the original version of the EZPQ, we developed and validated a revised four-factor version of the questionnaire that consists of 16 items (EZPQ-16R). The factors we identified corresponded to the following traits: readiness to explore, assignment alacrity, negative-reaction tendency, and support dependence. The reliability of the new gauge was high, and its validity was confirmed in correlational analyses with other measures of personality and adjustment. The four traits that were identified are directly derived from Zigler’s theory, thus giving a new perspective on the assessment of specific personality traits in persons with intellectual disability.
Sex Work Governance Models: Variations in a Criminalized Context
Authors: Johnson Genevieve Fuji , Porth Kerry
Published: May 2020

Background

Under current laws, sex workers are effectively criminalized, which can lead to harmful impacts beyond arrest and prosecution for sex work–specific offenses, including eviction, search and seizure, surveillance, harassment, and deportation. Although these laws are federal, they are realized in and by policy communities at the municipal level.

Materials and Methods

Based on a qualitative and inductive study of local policy actors affected by or involved in the implementation of prostitution laws, including 65 semistructured interviews in 2014, 2015, and 2016, we identify five different governance models within a shared legal framework of criminalization. We derive these models from an exploration of interactions among actors and organizations based in selected Canadian cities, all of which are bound by federal laws that criminalize the buying of sex thus effectively criminalizing prostitution.

Results

Our study surfaces a diversity of traditional and non-traditional policy players who interpret and implement prostitution laws or advocate for and support sex workers. Focusing on equilibrium moments in relationships among these actors, we identify ideational frames that appear to shape dynamics among them and, in turn, give rise to different governance models.

Conclusions

Our findings of different models within the same, overarching legal context are notable because it demonstrates the variability of a single law when it is implemented in local contexts. This is a contribution not just to understanding how prostitution is governed in particular contexts but also to policy and governance theory more generally. Our findings can serve in future, deductive studies that seek to determine the causes and implications of different governance models in the policy area of prostitution and beyond.
Coupled Mode Characteristics From the Perturbation of 3D Printed Long-Period Fiber Grating Devices
Authors: Khun-In Ravivudh , Usuda Yuji , Jiraraksopakun Yuttapong , Bhatranand Apichai , Yokoi Hideki
Published: May 2020

Characteristics of electric field from a coupled mode inside an optical fiber under perturbation by three-dimensional (3D) printed long-period fiber grating (LPFG) device have been observed in this work by the experiment and simulation. The various periodic index differences referring to the weights of perturbation by 3D printed LPFG device are applied on the single-mode fiber. The experimental results show that the resonant wavelength shift is a linear function of the grating period with the maximum coefficient of determination R2 of 0.9995. Some of resonant wavelengths are chosen to run simulations to investigate the electric field distribution. The scattering direction of the electric field states the magnitude of leaking optical power when the light transmits through the grating region applied to the single-mode fiber. Both the experimental and simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can usefully be applied to selective tunable filters, intruder sensors, etc.
Solar energy plant project selection with AHP decision-making method based on hesitant fuzzy linguistic evaluation
Authors: Çoban Veysel
Published: May 2020

Increased energy demand is expected to be met by reliable and continuous energy sources. Renewable energy which is obtained from nature and can continuously reload itself from natural sources is a new generation energy type. The sun, which is the main source of renewable energies and produces heat and electricity by direct and indirect methods, is an important renewable energy source. The installation of solar energy systems takes place under the basic technical, economic and political factors. Alternative solar energy plant projects are evaluated linguistically under the main criteria based on the knowledge and experience of the experts. Hesitant fuzzy linguistic terms are used to incorporate the uncertain and hesitant expressions into the decision-making process. The decision-making process that takes place with hesitant linguistic expressions in multiple sub-criteria is based on the AHP model. The inclusion of hesitant statements in the decision-making process with the AHP model enables more realistic choices among the alternatives. System technology (0.18), energy policy (0.15) and energy price change (0.13) appear as the most important factors in the pairwise comparison of the factors based on hesitant fuzzy linguistic evaluations. The results coincide with the need for high efficiency in solar energy systems, the importance of governmental supportive policies and the effects of price competition in the energy sector. Also, the closeness of the overall priority values of all projects (0.189, 0.23, 0.287, 0.135, 0.158) indicates that the decision makers take into account the effective factors.
Lederhosen Hernia: First Description and Literature Review
Authors: Awwad Amir
Published: May 2020

Etymologically, hernia means “to protrude or to bud”. Abdominal wall hernias are frequent findings in adult and children imaging. Hernias are described by grading the size of their sacs as well as detailing their coverings and contents. Clinically, hernias are classified based on their reducibility, either by the experienced surgeon or by the patient, into reducible or irreducible. Pathologically, they vary in their potential to be obstructed, inflamed, or strangulated. A crucial part of managing any hernia is to interpret the imaging features in order to classify its type and assess for complications. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most recommended imaging modalities. New generations of CT scans play an important role in elective and emergency hernia management. CT scans offer high reliability and sensitivity due to their easy accessibility, fast acquisition speed, higher resolution, and three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction (3D-MPR). One of the most interesting aspects about hernias is their historically associated nomenclatures commonly published and used in medical education and surgical practice to specifically diagnose different hernia types. Those nomenclature terms (adjective or physician names), rather than anatomical regions, are by far the longest list of nomenclatures known to a single medical condition. Purposefully, the terms are essential for the identification of hernias by remembering and depicting their anecdotes. Similarly, the case presented here, supported by CT still/cine figures, introduces a new subtype of bilateral inguinal hernias where communicating hernial content and location are reminiscent of a “Lederhosen”.
Neuromarketing, Subliminal Advertising, and Hotel Selection: An EEG Study
Authors: Hsu Liwei , Chen Yen-Jung
Published: May 2020

This study aims to understand how hotel videos embedded with a smiling face emoji as a subliminal message affect consumers’ selection of hotels, with their brain activities measured and collected while they watched the videos. Data was collected from sixteen participants who completed two rounds of experiments. A chi-square test of homogeneity, paired sample t-test, and Bayes factor were performed to address the two proposed research questions. The results of this study reveal that participants’ selection of hotels would be significantly affected by the subliminal stimuli of a smiling face emoji. Meanwhile, neuroscientific data identifies significant differences between participants’ two (theta and beta) out of five bands of brainwaves while they were viewing hotel videos with and without the subliminal message. Suggestions for future studies and practical operations are also discussed.
Assessing Consumer Demand for Georgia Lavender-Based Products
Authors: Berning Joshua , Campbell Benjamin , Buttshaw Joshua
Published: May 2020

To further improve the understanding of promoting locally grown lavender, we examine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for three lavender-based products: lavender bundles, culinary lavender, and lavender oil. We evaluate an online sample located in the southeast using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey. Lavender bundles have the highest WTP, followed by oil and culinary lavender. Certain marketing factors result in higher WTP, including product familiarity, familiarity with the Georgia Grown program, and shopping frequency at farmers’ markets. This study provides a better understanding of the opportunity for small-scale farmers to market specialty crops such as lavender.
South Korea’s COVID-19 Infection Status: From the Perspective of Re-positive Test Results After Viral Clearance Evidenced by Negative Test Results
Authors: Kang Yun-Jung
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) started to occur in South Korea by means of inflow of the virus from abroad, when a case from Wuhan, China, was first confirmed on January 19, 2020. Although South Korea has drastically reduced the number of new confirmed cases and is stabilizing the situation with its exemplary disease prevention policies, there remains a problem. These are cases that had shown negative results to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (gene amplification) tests as the COVID-19 virus had become undetectable but turned re-positive after a short period. The Central Clinical Committee determined that these re-positive cases after COVID-19 viral clearance are due to the limits of the test method; it is considered that the genetic material of the “dead virus” remaining in a recovered patient’s body is amplified during the test process. Comprehending the above evidence, re-positive cases of COVID-19 are not infectious; the virus is not even reactivated. However, further research is required as we lack research results on this subject. Until we can be sure, social distancing and other such policies should be maintained.