bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between core stability and physical function, functional performance in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Yakut Hazal , Özalevli Sevgi , Birlik Ahmet Merih
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the association of core stability with physical function and functional performance in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Forty patients who met the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism 2013 classification criteria for SSc were included in the cross‐sectional study. For evaluation of core stability, trunk muscle endurance and trunk muscle strength were assessed. Trunk extensor and trunk flexor endurance tests were used for assessment of trunk muscle endurance. Trunk muscle strength was measured with a hand‐held dynamometer and modified sit‐up test. To measure physical function the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) and to measure functional performance 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) and sit‐to‐stand test (STS) were used.

Results

Patients with SSc had lower mean trunk extensor and flexor endurance test times (49.87 ± 30.81 and 32.17 ± 15.42 seconds, respectively), modified sit‐up test repetition (17.42 ± 7.81) and trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength (7.48 ± 2.29 kg and 6.20 ± 1.68 kg, respectively) when compared to the reference values in healthy individuals. All measurements were used to evaluate core stability associated with HAQ‐DI score, 6DMWT walking distance and STS test duration (all P < .05).

Conclusion

Patients with SSc have markedly reduced core stability and this negatively affects the physical function and functional performance. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of trunk muscle in patients with SSc. We suggest that not only upper‐lower extremity muscles, but also trunk muscle strength and endurance should be measured and core stability exercises can be added to the training programs to maintain and/or improve physical functions and functional performance in SSc patients.
The flippingt‐ratio test: Phylogenetically informed assessment of the Pareto theory for phenotypic evolution
Authors: Mikami Tomoyuki , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: January 2021

An organism cannot be fully optimized for all tasks that are needed for its survival because of the existence of intrinsic trade‐offs among those tasks. It was recently proposed that an economics‐originated theory, the Pareto theory, is a general theory explaining the rules of phenotypic evolution under such trade‐offs. To date, many phenotype datasets have been argued to fit the Pareto theory based on a statistical method named thet‐ratio test.

Here, we show that this test suffers a serious defect in that general phenotype data can be wrongly concluded to fit the Pareto theory with a very high false‐positive rate and that the claim that the Pareto theory is a general theory should definitely be considered with caution. This is because thet‐ratio test assumes that all phenotypic traits are independent of one another, but this assumption does not hold true—different traits of organisms have usually been affected by the same phylogenetic history and are thus typically not independent.

We developed the flippingt‐ratio test to accurately test the Pareto theory by considering phylogenetic background as well as artefacts that can be induced during dimensionality reduction. Using this improved method, we confirm that the phenotype data analysed in previous studies, including the well‐known Darwin's ground finch dataset, no longer support the Pareto theory.

We hope that the flippingt‐ratio test will contribute to examining which phenotype datasets truly fit the Pareto theory and understanding how diverse phenotypes evolve in natural ecosystems.
Trajectories of alcohol‐induced blackouts in adolescence: early risk factors and alcohol use disorder outcomes in early adulthood
Authors: Yuen Wing See , Chan Gary , Bruno Raimondo , Clare Philip J. , Aiken Alexandra , Mattick Richard , Farrell Michael , Kypri Kypros , Slade Tim , Hutchinson Delyse , McBride Nyanda , McCambridge Jim , Boland Veronica , Peacock Amy
Published: January 2021

Background and aims

Experience of alcohol‐induced memory blackouts in adolescence may be an important risk factor for later harms. This longitudinal study (i) modelled trajectories of alcohol‐related blackouts throughout adolescence, (ii) explored early‐adolescent predictors of blackout trajectories and (iii) examined the association between blackout trajectories and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms.

Design

Longitudinal study in which data from six annual surveys of a longitudinal cohort of Australian adolescents were used to model latent class growth trajectories of blackouts, adjusting for alcohol consumption frequency and typical quantity. Regression models were used to determine whether parent, child and peer factors at baseline (mean age = 12.9) predicted profiles of blackout trajectory membership and whether blackout trajectories predicted meeting criteria for AUD in early adulthood (mean age = 19.8).

Setting and participants

Australian adolescents (n = 1821; mean age = 13.9–18.8 years).

Measurements

Alcohol‐related blackouts, alcohol consumption frequency, typical consumption quantity and DSM‐5 AUD in early adulthood were all self‐reported.

Findings

We identified a three‐class solution: delayed alcohol initiation, rare blackouts (n = 701; 38.5%); early initiation, rare blackouts (n = 869; 47.7%); and early initiation, increasing blackouts (n = 251; 13.8%). Female sex was associated with increased risk of early initiation, increasing blackouts relative to delayed initiation, rare blackouts [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 3.90; 99.5% confidence interval (CI) = 1.96, 7.76] and relative to early initiation, rare blackouts (RRR = 2.89; 99.5% CI = 1.42, 5.87). Early initiation, rare blackouts [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96; 99.5% CI = 1.17, 3.29] and early initiation, increasing blackouts (OR = 4.93; 99.5% CI = 2.32, 10.48) were each associated with increased odds of meeting criteria for AUD in early adulthood relative to delayed initiation, rare blackouts. Early initiation, increasing blackouts was associated with increased odds of meeting criteria for AUD in early adulthood relative to early initiation, rare blackouts (OR = 2.51; 99.5% CI = 1.18, 5.38).

Conclusions

Females in Australia appear to be at higher risk of adolescent alcohol‐related blackouts independent of alcohol consumption levels and age of initiation. Alcohol‐related blackouts may be associated with later alcohol use disorder.
Assessment of macular thickness changes by OCT in asymptomatic subjects at high genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: López‐Cuenca Inés , Elvira‐Hurtado Lorena , Fernández‐Albarral José A. , Salobrar‐Garcia Elena , Lozano María Pilar Rojas , Corral Juan José Salazar , Ramirez Ana Isabel , De Hoz Rosa , Ramirez Jose Manuel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Alzheimer’s diseases is a neurodegenerative disease, whose signs can appear decades before clinically detectable symptoms. In addition to age, genetic factors are one of the most important risk factors. The aim of the present study was analyzed the macular thickness changes by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in subjects who have a first‐degree family history of AD and are carriers of ɛ4 allele for the ApoE, which are two of the main risk factors for developing the disease.

Methods

A complete eye examination and a macular OCT were performed in 64 participants, who were free of ocular pathology. The two study groups were formed by 35 subjects with a family history of AD (FH+) and ApoE ɛ4 carriers and 29 age‐matched control subjects without a family history of AD (FH‐) and ApoE ɛ4 non‐carriers.

Results

We found a statistical significant thinning (p < 0.05) in FH+ ApoE ɛ4 carriers compared to FH‐ ApoE ɛ4 non‐carriers in the next sectors and layers: the foveal area of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (11.89 ± 1.95, FH+ vs 12.86 ± 1.62, FH‐); the inferior and nasal sectors, both in the outer (26.77 ± 2.74, FH+ vs 28.17 ± 2.82, FH‐) (29.49 ± 2.89, FH+ vs 30.93 ± 3.85, FH‐) and inner (40.49 ± 2.51, FH+ vs 42.10 ± 3.48, FH‐) (41.94 ± 2.74, FH+ vs 43.52 ± 3.57, FH‐) macular ring in the inner plexiform layer; the foveal area (18.82 ± 3.61, FH+ vs 21.21 ± 3.88, FH‐) and the inferior sector in the outer macular ring (30.91 ± 2.72, FH+ vs 32.10 ± 2.81, FH‐) in inner nuclear layer, and the inferior sector of the outer macular ring (27.60 ± 2.75, FH+ vs 29.97 ± 3.82, FH‐) in outer plexiform layer.

Conclusions

The slight retinal thickness changes measured by OCT, that appear in the macular area in asymptomatic subjects at high genetic risk for the development of AD, could be used as an early biomarker of the disease.
Choroidal changes in mild Alzheimer's disease patients as a biomarker of cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Salobrar‐Garcia Elena , López‐Cuenca Inés , Fernández‐Albarral José A. , Lozano María Pilar Rojas , De Hoz Rosa , Ramirez Ana Isabel , Mendez‐Hernandez Carmen , Wang Surina , Garcia‐Feijoo Julian , Corral Juan José Salazar , Manuel Ramirez Jose
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegeneration in which vascular changes occur that constitute cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Recently, alterations and deposits have been discovered in the retinas and choroids of patients with AD that correlate with the evolution of the disease. The development of new techniques for the study of ocular vascularization, Laguna ONhE and Angio‐optical coherence tomography (OCTA), non‐invasive and non‐contrast tests, allow us to study ocular vascular alterations caused by AD.

Methods

Seventeen patients with mild AD (mAD) and 49 healthy controls, all without ophthalmological diseases after a complete eye examination, were studied for haemoglobin (Hb) coefficient in the optic nerve head by Laguna ONhE, as well as choroid thickness and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the retina by OCTA. For statistical analysis, the Mann‐Whitney test was applied with the SPSS 22.00 program.

Results

The Mini Mental State Examination of the mAD patients was 24.00 ± 5.32, while the control group was 29.40 ± 1.83, being the difference significant (p < 0.001) between them. Comparing both group, no significant difference was found in the Hb coefficient of the optic nerve head, although in the papillomacular bundle, there was a slight increase of Hb coefficient in mAD patients. A significant (p < 0.05) thinning of the choroid was found in the mAD patients, while the FAZ was unchanged in comparison to control.

Conclusions

In patients with mAD, a significant decrease in the choroidal vascular network was observed, while the retinal network and the Hb of the optic nerve head did not yet show any changes in mild stages of AD. These results show the choroidal changes as an early biomarker of amyloid angiopathy that could be used for the diagnosis and follow‐up of AD.
Comparison of surgery outcomes between internal limiting membrane peeling technique and inverted flap technique in idiopathic macular hole
Authors: Kim Sohee , Lee Jae Jung , Lee Ji Eun
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To compare the postoperative outcomes depending on surgical procedures of internal limiting membrane (ILM) in idiopathic macular hole.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for idiopathic macular hole from January 2015 to January 2019 were divided into two groups: vitrectomy with ILM peeling and vitrectomy with ILM inverted flap. We reviewed the preoperative visual acuity, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at one, three, and six months after surgery, and M‐chart and checked whether the hole was closed or not retrospectively.

Results

Among a total of 53 eyes (male 26, female 27), the vitrectomy with ILM peeling group included 35 eyes and vitrectomy with inverted flap group included 18 eyes. There was no difference in the preoperative visual acuity and the hole size between 2 groups. Macular hole was successfully closed in all eyes after surgery. BCVA was significantly improved in both groups from logMAR 0.66 and 0.67 preoperatively to 0.18 and 0.21 at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001) and there was no significant difference between the two groups statistically (p = 0.956). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the postoperative transverse M‐score and the longitudinal M‐score (p = 0.972, 0.793, respectively).

Conclusions

There was no difference in functional and anatomical results in ILM‐inverted flap technique compared with ILM peeling technique in idiopathic macular hole surgery.
Down‐regulated tear film proteins in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration are involved in the regulation of protein clearance, inflammation, neovascularization and apoptosis
Authors: Winiarczyk Mateusz , Winiarczyk Dagmara , Michalak Katarzyna , Kaarniranta Kai , Mackiewicz Jerzy , Adaszek Łukasz , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease, and a leading cause of blindness elderly in the developed countries. In its neovascular form, an immediate treatment is required to maintain the best possible vision. The better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AMD is needed to create a both new treatment protocols and diagnostic tests. Tear film is an easily accessible fluid that can be obtained from each patient during the routine ophthalmic appointment. Changes in tear film proteomic composition have been reported in various ophthalmic and systemic diseases. There is an evidence that the acute form of wet AMD with subretinal fluid may reflect in a tear film composition.

Methods

Tear film was collected with Schirmer strips from the patients with neovascular AMD and sex‐ and age‐matched control group. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis was performed followed by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry identification of differential proteins. Quantitative analysis of the differentiating electrophoretic spots was done with 2 Delta software. Metabolic pathways associated with those proteins were identified with Panther GO software.

Results

Altogether, 16 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Of those, 14 were downregulated, while 2 showed upregulation in the tear film of wet AMD patients. Pathway analysis revealed multiple pathways involving protein clearance, inflammation, neovascularization and apoptosis.

Conclusions

Differentially expressed proteins and theirs signaling pathways identified in tear film coincide with impaired protein clearance, persistent inflammation, neovascularization and cell death. Tear film protein analysis provides a novel way to screen AMD‐related biomarkers.
Relationship between breathing gas mixtures and retinal vessel regulation
Authors: Klee Sascha , Link Dietmar , Jaeger Uwe
Published: January 2021

Purpose

It is known that components of oxygen transport pathway communicate with vascular endothelium. However, oxygen‐induced vessel constriction results in a decrease in retinal blood flow. Because the delivery and removal of metabolites and gases is proportional to blood flow, a decrease in blood flow could have deleterious effects. Due to the systemic nature of the endothelium, this should be taken into account wherever breathing gas mixture is changed (anesthesia). This work aims to clarify how the constriction of the retinal vessels is modulated by breathing gas mixtures using dynamic vessel analysis (DVA).

Methods

The baseline diameters of 15 volunteers (9 m, 26.3 ± 3.3 y) were measured using DVA (Imedos Systems GmbH). We investigated four primary vessel segments (superior as well as inferior temporal artery (STa/ITa) and vein (STv/ITv). For each volunteer, the DVA was performed 5 times (each: duration 15 min [1 min baseline, 8 min gas mixture, 6 min recovery], rest period: 10 min) in a randomized order using different gas mixtures (21%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% O2) provided by a ventilator (Bellavista 1000, imtmedical AG). For statistical analysis, the t‐test and the Wilcoxon test for paired samples (Bonferroni corrected) were used.

Results

For all vessel segments, a stronger constriction could be observed with an increase in the oxygen concentration. The maximum constriction was always measured at the end of the 8 min period. Here, when comparing the constriction values of the 21% O2 concentration, already the 30% O2 concentration showed significant changes (30%/40%/50%/60% STa: p = 0.002/0.001/0.000/0.000, ITa: p = 0.001/0.001/0.001/0.000, STv: p = 0.000/0.000/0.000/0.000, ITv: p = 0.001/0.000/0.000/0.000).

Conclusions

The presented work revealed that even a small change in breathing gas mixture causes a significant change in vessel constriction. These effect is not only to be expected at the retina, but also in the brain as an example. This should be taken into account, amongst others, for longer anesthesia.
Correlation of visual acuity and color discrimination ability with a novel digital color test
Authors: Almaliotis Diamantis , Almpanidou Stavroula , Karamitopoulos Leonidas , Kalliris George , Karampatakis Vasileios
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To analyze the correlation between visual acuity and color discrimination in various ocular diseases, with the use of a novel digital color vision test.

Methods

A total of 120 individuals (174 eyes) were included in the study. 68 females (56.7%) with average age 67.4 (SD = 13.7) and 52 males (43.3%) with average age 68.9 (SD = 18.5). The logMAR visual acuity ranged from 21 to 83 letters. The color testing was performed with the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in each eye separately, with the use of a digital color test. Correlation between the VA scores and color vision scores was performed in relation to each specific ocular disease.

Results

The visual acuity scores correlated with color discrimination scores in all three examined colors: red (rs = 0.634, p < 0.001), green (rs = 0.652, p < 0.001) and blue color (rs = 0.553, p < 0.001) targets. Additionally, statistically significant correlations were found between the visual acuity and color testing scores: in glaucoma (red: rs = 0.734, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.735, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.549, p = 0.015), in macular diseases (red: rs = 0.725, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.780, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.658, p < 0.001), in diabetic retinopathy (red: rs = 0.494, p = 0.002, green: rs = 0.489, p = 0.002, blue: rs = 0.503, p = 0.001), and in other various ocular diseases (red: rs = 0.677, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.642, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.508, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

This digital color test is easily performed and maybe used even by visually impaired individuals and serve as a useful color monitoring tool for an earlier detection of changes indicative of deterioration in various ocular diseases. This test may also be used for the self‐evaluation of color vision.
A comparative epidemiological analysis of epithelioid, spindle cell, and mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell tumor subtypes of uveal melanoma, 1975–2016
Authors: Tadrosse Abanoob , Mikhael Sandra , Tadrosse Marina , Ezzat Bishoy , Tadrosse Mark , Eloy Jean A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To compare epidemiological trends of epithelioid (ED), spindle cell (SC), and mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell (MES) tumor subtypes of uveal melanoma (UM) using a population‐based study.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results U.S. cancer database from 1975–2016. Incidence (IR) was estimated in number of cases/million/year. Incidence (IR) trends across the study's timeframe were assessed by measuring the annual percent change (APC). Disease‐specific survival (DSS) data were available only since 1995 and was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR).

Results

Two thousand nine hundred thirty‐eight cases were identified: MES‐UM (38%), SC‐UM (49%), ED‐UM (13%). Mean age at diagnosis in years for SC‐UM (58) patients was significantly lower than that for MES‐UM (63) and ED‐UM (63) patients (p < 0.01). Incidence (IR) also statistically differed among subtypes: MES‐UM, 0.8; SC‐UM, 0.7; ED‐UM, 0.2 (p < 0.01). Incidence (IR) significantly declined over the study's time period with APC values of −4.5 (p < 0.01; MES‐UM), −2.8 (p < 0.01; SC‐UM), and −2.7 (p = 0.04; ED‐UM). 5‐year DSS for patients diagnosed during 1995–2000 were 74.6% (MES‐UM), 86.4% (SC‐UM), and 56.2% (ED‐UM). In comparison, 5‐year DSS during 2006–2011 was similar for SC‐UM (91.8%; p = 0.07) and ED‐UM (58.4%; p = 0.35), but significantly declined for MES‐UM (57.6%; p < 0.01). Mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell (MES)‐UM patients aged 30–50 years old exhibited favorable prognosis compared to those of other age groups (HR: 0.53; p = 0.023). Asian and black races portended poor prognoses in ED‐UM (HR: 2.7; p = 0.04) and SC‐UM (HR: 2.9; p = 0.03), respectively. Advanced disease stage at diagnosis was not a survival predictor in MES‐UM patients, but it predicted poor prognosis in ED‐UM (HR: 4.8; p < 0.01) and SC‐UM (HR: 5.7; p < 0.001) patients.

Conclusions

Age at diagnosis is youngest for SC‐UM patients. IR for all subtypes has declined. DSS has been stable for SC‐UM and ED‐UM but has substantially worsened for MES‐UM. Age impacts MES‐UM prognosis. Asian and black races are negative prognostic factors for ED‐UM and SC‐UM, respectively. Disease stage is a survival predictor only for ED‐UM and SC‐UM.

Bibliography

Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute SEER*Stat software (www.seer.cancer.gov/seerstat) version 8.3.6.1.
The contributions of intelligence and executive function to behaviour problems in school‐age children born very preterm
Authors: Dai Darren W. T. , Franke Nike , Wouldes Trecia A. , Brown Gavin T. L. , Tottman Anna C. , Harding Jane E. ,   PIANO Study Group
Published: January 2021

Aim

To examine the contributions of specific neurocognitive skills to behaviour problems in children born very preterm.

Methods

We assessed children born <30 weeks’ gestation or <1500 g at age 7 years using subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition, performance and questionnaire‐based measures of executive function, and Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Rating Form. We evaluated the contributions of IQ and executive function to behaviour problems and the moderating effect of sex using multiple regression.

Results

The 129 children (mean age = 7.2 years) had lower IQ, inferior executive function and increased internalising problems compared with normative samples. Verbal comprehension skills and working memory were associated with total, internalising and externalising problems at school. Performance‐based and questionnaire‐based executive function were associated with total and externalising behaviour problems both at home and school. Sex moderated the relationships between information processing and parent‐reported total problems, and between teacher‐rated executive function and total problems.

Conclusion

Both IQ and executive function are related to behaviour problems in children born very preterm, but the relationships are different in boys and girls. Executive function may be a useful target for intervention.
The contraceptive efficacy of a self‐assembling intra‐uterine device in domestic mares
Authors: Joonè CJ , Gradil CM , Picard JA , Taylor JD , de Tonnerre D , Cavalieri J
Published: January 2021

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the contraceptive efficacy of a self‐assembling uterine device (iUPOD™) in the mare. In addition, the effects of iUPODs on oestrous cyclicity, uterine health and circulating concentrations of cortisol were evaluated.

Methods

Domestic mares underwent oestrous monitoring and artificial insemination. After subsequent ovulation, mares underwent either placement (n = 7) or sham placement (n = 7; controls) of an iUPOD device. Devices were left in place for at least 3 months. Pregnancy diagnoses were carried out 14 days post‐ovulation, with any pregnancies terminated at 28 days post‐ovulation. All mares underwent weekly blood sampling with or without reproductive examinations throughout the study. Towards the end of the study, multiple serum samples collected over three consecutive days were analysed for concentrations of cortisol. Endometrial biopsies were collected before artificial insemination and during the subsequent breeding season. Endometrial cytology and bacterial cultures were performed before device removal (iUPOD mares) or at the end of the study (control mares).

Results

Pregnancies were diagnosed in 0 of 7 iUPOD mares versus 7 of 7 control mares. Placement of iUPODs was associated with extended luteal phases and variable accumulations of intra‐uterine fluid. Bacterial culture results suggested that the mild endometritis associated with iUPODs was sterile in six of seven mares. Short‐term placement of iUPODs had no detrimental effects on endometrial architecture. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in iUPOD mares than control mares.

Conclusion

iUPODs represent a promising means of fertility control in the mare.
Keratinocytes: innate immune cells in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chieosilapatham P , Kiatsurayanon C , Umehara Y , Trujillo-Paez J V , Peng G , Yue H , Nguyen L T H , Niyonsaba F
Published: January 2021

The skin is a unique immune organ that constitutes a complex network of physical, chemical and microbiological barriers against external insults. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. These cells form the physical skin barrier and represent the first line of the host defense system by sensing pathogens via innate immune receptors, initiating anti-microbial responses and producing various cytokines, chemokines and anti-microbial peptides, which are important events in immunity. A damaged epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis allows the penetration of potential allergens and pathogens to activate keratinocytes. Among the dysregulation of immune responses in atopic dermatitis, activated keratinocytes play a role in several biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the innate immune functions of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, with a special emphasis on skin-derived anti-microbial peptides and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. An improved understanding of the innate immunity mediated by keratinocytes can provide helpful insight into the pathophysiological processes of atopic dermatitis and support new therapeutic efforts.
Atypical phenotype and response of B cells in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rincón-Arévalo H , Rojas M , Vanegas-García A , Muñoz-Vahos C , Orejuela-Erazo J , Vásquez G , Castaño D
Published: January 2021

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be classified as seropositive or seronegative according to the presence of autoantibodies. An abnormal B cell phenotype and function could be one of the main components of the immunopathology of seropositive patients; however, there is little information regarding B cell defects in these patients. This study shows a broad characterization of the B cell phenotype and function in patients with seropositive RA. We focused mainly on the evaluation of subsets, the expression of modulatory molecules of cell activation (CD22, FcɣRIIb and FcµR), calcium mobilization, global tyrosine phosphorylation, expression of activation markers, cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) production, proliferation and the in-vitro generation of plasma cells. Increased frequency of CD27−IgM−IgD− and CD21− B cells was observed in patients with seropositive RA compared with healthy donors (HD). Decreased expression of CD22 was primarily found in memory B cells of patients with RA regardless of seropositivity. B cells from seropositive patients exhibited normal proliferation, calcium mobilization kinetics and global tyrosine phosphorylation, but showed an increased frequency of CD86+ B cells compared with HD. B cells of seropositive patients secrete less interleukin-10 after in-vitro activation and showed a decreased frequency of plasma cell differentiation and IgM production compared with HD. Our data indicate that patients with seropositive RA have an increased frequency of atypical B cell populations previously associated with chronic activation and antigen exposure. This may result in the observed low responsiveness of these cells in vitro.
Which parameters predict the beneficial effect of GnRHa treatment on height in girls with central precocious puberty?
Authors: Vuralli Dogus , Gonc Nazli E. , Ozon Zeynep Alev , Kandemir Nurgun , Alikasifoglu Ayfer
Published: January 2021

Objective

Data about GnRHa on adult height in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) have shown variable results, ranging from improvement of growth prognosis to lack of any benefit. This study was designed to delineate the criteria to decide which girls with idiopathic CPP (iCPP) will have a height benefit from GnRHa treatment.

Design

Retrospective

Patients

102 girls with iCPP who had reached final height (FH) were included.

Measurements

Auxological, hormonal and radiological findings at treatment onset, and FHs were extracted from records.

Results

Most important factor affecting height gain was chronological age (CA) at treatment onset. All the girls treated ≤6.4 years of age achieved a height gain of ≥1SDS, while none of the girls treated ≥8.3 years of age made the target. 75.6% of patients who started GnRHa between the ages of 6.4 and 8.3 years had a height gain of ≥1SDS. Most important factors affecting height gain in those treated 6.4‐8.3 years were advanced bone age (BA), basal estradiol (E2) and pubertal stage (r2: 0.906; P < .001). All individuals with BA advancement of ≥2.6 years or E2 of ≥32.6 pg/ml or pubertal stage of ≥3 had significant height gain, and none of the cases with BA advancement of <2 years or E2 of <21.5 pg/ml or pubertal stage of <2 had a height gain of ≥1SDS.

Conclusions

Treatment with GnRHa is unquestionably beneficial to improve FH in girls with iCPP when initiated ≤6.4 years of age. GnRHa treatment after 8.3 years of age may not improve FH. Girls between the ages of 6.4 and 8.3 years at presentation can have a better height gain if BA (≥2.6 years over CA) and pubertal findings (pubertal stage ≥3 or E2 ≥32.6 pg/ml) are well‐advanced.
Risk pooling cooperative games in contract farming
Authors: Shi Zhanwen , Cao Erbao
Published: January 2021

Contract farming can be an effective measure to deal with agricultural production risks. This study provides a two‐stage stochastic programming model to analyze farmers’ cooperation in the context of contract farming under uncertainty. It provides a fair cost allocation policy for a coalition of farmers using a stochastic linear duality approach. A fair cost allocation implies that no subset of farmers has an incentive to leave the coalition. Thus, a fair allocation policy ensures the stability of a coalition. Meanwhile, the risk pooling game is shown to have population monotonicity, which means that, every time a coalition adds a new member, each farmer within the coalition will incur a smaller cost. Hence, the population monotonicity gives an incentive for coalition expansion. Our results not only provide a simple way to design fair cost allocation policies for collaboration strategies in contract farming, but also play an important role in the sustainable development of farmers’ coalitions.
Formin homology domains of Daam1 bind to Fascin and collaboratively promote pseudopodia formation and cell migration in breast cancer
Authors: Hao Leiyu , Liu Yan , Yu Xinqian , Zhu Yuerong , Zhu Yichao
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Cancer cell migration to secondary organs remains an essential cause of death among breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Cell motility mainly relies on actin dynamics. Our previous reports verified that dishevelled‐associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) regulates invadopodia extension and BrCa cell motility. However, how Daam1 is involved in actin filament assembly and promotes pseudopodia formation in BrCa cells remains unclear.

Materials and methods

One hundred human BrCa samples were collected at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Daam1 and Fascin expression. Wound healing and Boyden chamber assays were used to explore cell migration and pseudopodia extension of BrCa cells. Co‐IP/pull down and Western blotting were performed to study the physical interaction between Daam1 and Fascin. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to observe whether Daam1 and Fascin were colocalized and mediated actin filament assembly.

Results

Fascin was upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with that in paracarcinoma tissues. The downregulation of Fascin caused a decline in pseudopodia formation and cell motility. Moreover, we found that Daam1 interacted with Fascin via formin homology (FH) domains, especially the FH2 domain. Immunofluorescence assays showed that Daam1 and Fascin partially colocalized to actin filaments, and the knockdown of Daam1 or Fascin failed to colocalize to short and curved actin filaments.

Conclusions

Daam1 specifically binds to Fascin via FH domains and cooperatively facilitates pseudopodia formation and cell migration by promoting actin filament assembly in BrCa.
Missing Piece of the Puzzle: Evaluating a General Meaning of Sex Measure
Authors: Hanna‐Walker Veronica , Busby Dean M. , Leavitt Chelom E. , James Spencer L.
Published: January 2021

The presence of and search for meaning has divergent and salient outcomes for individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well‐being. Although numerous domains of meaning have been examined, the literature on the meaning of sex is sparse and lacks a quantitative measure. In this study, we evaluated a new general Meaning of Sex (MOS) Measure that captured the presence of (MOS‐P) and search for (MOS‐S) the meaning of sex by analyzing how these subscales were associated with important relational and sexual outcomes (i.e., relationship stability and satisfaction and sexual satisfaction) in two samples. For Sample 1, all participants (N = 865) reported engaging in what they considered to be sexual intercourse and were either single or in a relationship. For Sample 2, all participants (N = 884) reported being in a committed relationship for at least two years. With both samples, confirmatory factor analyses showed good construct validity as the two subscales were distinct from one another and had good reliability. The analyses also demonstrated divergent validity between both scales and meaning in life, sexual motivations, sexual beliefs, and religiosity. The MOS‐S had a strong (and negative) association with relationship stability in both samples. The MOS‐P had a strong (and positive) association with relationship satisfaction in both samples.
The clinical meaning of levodopa equivalent daily dose in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Julien Charlotte , Hache Guillaume , Dulac Morgane , Dubrou Cléa , Castelnovo Giovanni , Giordana Caroline , Azulay Jean‐Philippe , Fluchère Frédérique
Published: January 2021

Levodopa (L‐dopa) remains the basis of pharmacological treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, L‐dopa therapy is associated with the development of complications and presents major challenges in the long‐term treatment. Thus, other medications may be suggested to delay and/or reduce the doses of L‐dopa in order to prevent complications. The interpretation of treatment evolution reported in clinical trials on PD may be tricky, especially due to some variability in medications and dose regimens. Some authors have suggested a conversion factor to generate a total L‐dopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), calculated as a sum of each parkinsonian medication. Therefore, LEDD provides an artificial summary of the total daily medication a patient is receiving, and to date, there is no report focusing on the clinical interpretation of this parameter. Thus, based on a 3‐year, multi‐center retrospective study assessing the impact of second‐line therapy initiation on LEDD in PD patients, the aim of our article was to discuss LEDD as a quantitative outcome to estimate the impact of second‐line therapies on medication regimens; and in the second part of the discussion, to provide a narrative review of the clinical outcomes associated with LEDD in the literature.
Human stabilization of river flows is linked with fish invasions across the USA
Authors: Comte Lise , Grantham Theodore , Ruhi Albert
Published: January 2021

Aim

River flow regimes are changing globally as a consequence of human use of freshwater resources. Additionally, rivers are among the most invaded ecosystems. Invasion biology predicts that the establishment and spread of non‐native species might be favoured both by new environmental regimes (niche opportunities) and by human‐mediated dispersal (propagule pressure). Here, we expand on past research by asking whether these two mechanisms act in isolation or whether they interact to facilitate the spread of non‐natives.

Location

Conterminous USA.

Time period

1987–2016.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater fishes.

Methods

First, we examined the geography of riverine fish invasions across 1,148 watersheds spanning the conterminous USA. We focused on species richness and the life‐history strategies of non‐native (both translocated and exotic) relative to native species pools. Second, we quantified flow regime alteration as the deviation between observed and expected contemporary flow regimes, using a combination of spectral analyses on long‐term discharge data and random forest models. We focused on two biologically relevant facets of the flow regime: flow variability and flow seasonality. We also estimated metrics of propagule pressure: recreational fishing pressure and socioeconomic activity. We then compared the strength of evidence associating riverine fish invasions with flow alteration, propagule pressure, and interactions between the two mechanisms.

Results

We found that alteration of flow variability and seasonality is widespread across the conterminous U.S. rivers, and has favoured invasions by filtering specific life‐history strategies. Importantly, high levels of flow stabilization and propagule pressure interacted: where co‐occurring, these two drivers were associated with higher fish invadedness levels than expected based on their individual effects.

Main conclusions

Our results underscore the need to consider different drivers of invasion concurrently. Otherwise, important synergistic interactions might be missed that could explain (and guide management strategies to mitigate) the high levels of invasion in fresh waters.
Internal and external constraints of the Cuban production sector
Authors: Palacios Cívico Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to explain the growth of the Cuban production sector between 1975 and 2014 by considering both demand and supply factors simultaneously. The research provides new empirical data on this topic through the application of a simultaneous equation model that considered the effect on the product of internal and external constraints most relevant to the Cuban economy, and the impacts of these over time. Its results confirm that the growth of the Cuban production sector was primarily limited by two factors: On the one hand, an overly centralized regulatory framework that reduces the global efficiency of the Cuban economy; and, on the other hand, a foreign exchange deficit that restricts its import capacity and the sustained growth of the Cuban capital stock. Therefore, the Cuban production sector's growth could be fostered by both a greater decentralization of its regulatory framework and the implementation of industrial and commercial policies geared to make Cuban exports more competitive.
The effect of habitat quality on the blood parasite assemblage in understorey avian insectivores in the Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Menzies Rohan K. , Borah Joli R. , Srinivasan Umesh , Ishtiaq Farah
Published: January 2021

The anthropogenic alteration of natural habitats can modify interactions between various biotic and abiotic factors. The prevalence of avian blood parasites in free‐living host species in the tropics has shown contrasting patterns in altered landscapes. Here, we investigate these potential associations between understorey insectivorous bird species of the Eastern Himalayas and avian haemosporidians in primary and selectively logged forests. We describe patterns related to host–parasite associations, host life‐history traits and host specificity in primary and logged forests. Using parasite‐specific cytochrome‐b gene markers, we screened 545 individual birds from nine families, 33 genera and 57 species. Of these, 34.67% were infected with Leucocytozoon spp., 13.94% with Haemoproteus spp., 3.30% with Plasmodium spp. and 8.44% with co‐infections. We found that parasite prevalence did not change with logging; however, host specificity and life‐history traits did have associations with infection prevalence. We report a vertical stratification in genera‐specific infections driven by vector groups – upper canopy and midstorey foragers had high Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus prevalence, respectively. In addition, species foraging in mixed‐species flocks showed increased infection risk with Leucocytozoon, whereas solitary foragers had a high prevalence of Plasmodium. This study also highlights that avian parasite lineages are genetically more distinct in primary forest than in logged forest plots. Although our study demonstrates no influence of selective logging on parasite prevalence, it does reflect a positive influence of host abundance and logged habitats on parasite diversity. Our work reveals valuable patterns in terms of phylospecificity and genetic variation in parasite assemblages. Further research with a focus on parasite intensity and vector abundance will help us to understand anthropogenic impacts on parasite transmission dynamics in Eastern Himalayan birds.
Frequency of additional treatments in relation to the number of root filled canals in molar teeth in the Swedish adult population
Authors: Markvart M. , Tibbelin N. , Pigg M. ,   EndoReCo, Fransson H.
Published: January 2021

Aim

To investigate the 5‐year frequency of additional treatments in relation to the number of reported root filled canals in molar teeth in Sweden.

Methodology

The cohort included first and second molars in adult individuals who were registered with a root filling performed in 2009. Treatment codes corresponding to root fillings of teeth with from one up to four root filled canals were identified in the Swedish Social Insurance Agency database. The studied additional treatments were extraction, non‐surgical root canal retreatment and endodontic surgery during the subsequent 5 years, identified by corresponding codes for these treatments registered on these specific teeth. Differences in the frequency of additional treatments based on the number of root filled canals were analysed using chi‐square test and considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.

Results

In 2009, root fillings on a first or second molar tooth were registered in 100 720 individuals. The study included 32 901 maxillary first molars (6.4% with four root filled canals), 12 763 maxillary second molars (3.3% with four root filled canals), 37 703 mandibular first molars (19.2% with four root filled canals) and 17 353 mandibular second molars (3.7% with four root filled canals). The total frequency of additional treatments was 14.3% (n = 14 425) during the 5‐year observational period. Additional treatments were more frequent in teeth with 1–3 root filled canals compared to teeth with four root filled canals for maxillary first molars (15.2% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.002), maxillary second molars (13.8% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.007) and mandibular first molars (14.0% vs. 10.7%, P < 0.001) but not mandibular second molars (15.6% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.200).

Conclusions

Over 5 years, 85.7% of the included teeth were not registered with any additional treatments. Maxillary first and second molars and mandibular first molar teeth had a greater frequency of additional treatments when ≤3 root canals were filled compared to four canals.
Does cognitive behavioral therapy using a self‐check sheet improve night‐time frequency in patients with nocturia? Results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kyoda Yuki , Okada Manabu , Kato Ryuichi , Matsuki Masahiro , Ito Naoki , Takahashi Atsushi , Tanuma Yasushi , Tachiki Hitoshi , Fukuta Fumimasa , Hashimoto Kohei , Kobayashi Ko , Tanaka Toshiaki , Masumori Naoya
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy using a self‐check sheet is effective in improving night‐time frequency of patients with nocturia.

Methods

We carried out a multicenter, open‐labeled, randomized controlled trial in eight institutions. Patients having two or more episodes of nocturia were randomly assigned to either cognitive behavioral therapy with completion of frequency volume charts regularly (cognitive behavioral therapy group) or frequency volume charts regularly alone (frequency volume charts group). The cognitive behavioral therapy checklist was composed of eight items: wake up time/bedtime, mealtime, napping, alcohol/caffeine intake, water intake, salt intake, exercise and taking a bath. A physician explained cognitive behavioral therapy within 5 min using a brief manual. The patients in the cognitive behavioral therapy group filled out the self‐check sheet every day. The primary end‐point was the difference in night‐time frequency based on the International Prostate Symptom Score Q7 at 4 weeks.

Results

Of the 100 first‐visit patients randomly allocated, 37 in the cognitive behavioral therapy group and 41 in the frequency volume charts group completed the protocol. No difference was observed in the mean ± standard deviation of night‐time frequency at 4 weeks between the cognitive behavioral therapy group (2.6 ± 1.0) and the frequency volume charts group (3.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.056). However, when six patients with achievement of cognitive behavioral therapy of <50% were excluded from the analysis, night‐time frequency at 4 weeks was significantly lower in the cognitive behavioral therapy group (2.5 ± 1.0) than in the frequency volume charts group (3.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.027).

Conclusions

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy using a self‐check sheet for nocturia remains to be shown. However, strictly practicing cognitive behavioral therapy might be beneficial to these patients.
Effect of axial length on peripapillary microvasculature: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Bin Lim Hyung , Hyuk Lee Woo , Kim Minsu , Kim Kyeungmin , Yeul Kim Jung
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the effects of axial length (AL) on the peripapillary microvascular density acquired from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

A total of 111 eyes from 111 normal healthy subjects were examined. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the AL: Group 1 (AL: <24.0 mm; 35 eyes), Group 2 (AL: 24.0–25.99 mm; 37 eyes), and Group 3 (AL: ≥26 mm; 39 eyes). Peripapillary OCTA images were acquired using 6 × 6 mm angiography scans, and vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the superficial capillary plexus were calculated automatically. Vessel density (VD) and PD were compared among the three groups according to the distance from the optic disc (inner and outer rings). Linear regression analyses were also performed to identify clinical factors associated with average VD.

Results

The average ALs of Groups 1–3 were 23.33 ± 0.57, 25.05 ± 0.60, and 27.42 ± 0.82, respectively. Average VD (p = 0.009) and PD (p = 0.029) in the inner ring increased with increasing AL. However, average VD (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) in the outer ring decreased with AL increased; the same trends were found for the full areas (VD, p < 0.001; PD, p = 0.001). Average VDs in the inner and outer rings were not associated (p = 0.938).

Conclusions

Peripapillary VD and PD were significantly associated with AL. Depending on the distance from the disc, peripapillary VDs and PDs of the inner and outer rings were differentially affected by AL. Physicians should, therefore, consider the effects of AL in the analyses of peripapillary microvasculature.