bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power relations and the labour share of income in China
Authors: Qi Hao
Published: October 2019

The labour share of income in China substantially declined from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s. We analyse the effect of power relations among the state, workers and managers on the labour share, during China’s economic transition from a state–socialist economy to a market economy. We take a Marxian approach in variable selection to reflect power relations over the two stages of China’s reform era. The econometric analysis shows that two major changes in power relations—the social contract between the state and workers disappeared and workers’ power relative to management declined—have a significant effect on the labour share. Furthermore, sectoral changes have no significant effect on the labour share between 1999 and 2010.
Tissue is the issue: when a second biopsy reveals the true diagnosis
Authors: Bogaert Anne-Marie , Hoorens Anne , Praet Marleen , Van Dorpe Jo , Poppe Bruce , De Scheerder Marie-Angélique
Published: October 2019

We describe the case of a woman with minimal glomerular changes on initial kidney biopsy. On long-term follow-up, the patient developed nephrotic proteinuria and a second kidney biopsy was performed, which revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Findings from electron microscopy (EM) examination suggested a genetic form of FSGS. Next-generation sequencing showed heterozygosity for a mutation in COL4A3. Collagen IV nephropathies can be linked to late-onset FSGS. By establishing a genetic cause of FSGS, immunosuppressive treatment can be avoided. This case emphasizes the importance of re-biopsy in cases of a non-explained rise in proteinuria. EM can be helpful in differentiating between primary and secondary FSGS and informing treatment strategies. In cases of adult-onset FSGS that cannot be categorized by clinical–pathological assessment, genetic testing should be considered.
An unsupervised framework for comparing graph embeddings
Authors: Kamiński Bogumił , Prałat Paweł , Théberge François
Published: October 2019

Graph embedding is the transformation of vertices of a graph into set of vectors. A good embedding should capture the graph topology, vertex-to-vertex relationship and other relevant information about the graph, its subgraphs and vertices. If these objectives are achieved, an embedding is a meaningful, understandable and compressed representations of a network. Finally, vector operations are simpler and faster than comparable operations on graphs. The main challenge is that one needs to make sure that embeddings well describe the properties of the graphs. In particular, a decision has to be made on the embedding dimensionality which highly impacts the quality of an embedding. As a result, selecting the best embedding is a challenging task and very often requires domain experts. In this article, we propose a ‘divergence score’ that can be assigned to embeddings to help distinguish good ones from bad ones. This general framework provides a tool for an unsupervised graph embedding comparison. In order to achieve it, we needed to generalize the well-known Chung-Lu model to incorporate geometry which is an interesting result in its own right. In order to test our framework, we did a number of experiments with synthetic networks as well as real-world networks, and various embedding algorithms.
Imaging Findings of Ileal Inflammation at Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography: What do They Mean When Ileoscopy and Biopsy are Negative?
Authors: Nehra Avinash K , Sheedy Shannon P , Wells Michael L , VanBuren Wendaline M , Hansel Stephanie L , Deepak Parakkal , Lee Yong S , Bruining David H , Fletcher Joel G
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

Our goal was to determine the importance of ileal inflammation at computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn’s disease patients with normal ileoscopy.

Methods

Patients with negative ileoscopy and biopsy within 30 days of CT or MR enterography showing ileal inflammation were included. The severity [0–3 scale] and length of inflammation within the distal 20 cm of the terminal ileum were assessed on enterography. Subsequent medical records were reviewed for ensuing surgery, ulceration at ileoscopy, histological inflammation, or new or worsening ileal inflammation or stricture on enterography. Imaging findings were classified as: Confirmed Progression [subsequent surgery or radiological worsening, new ulcers at ileoscopy or positive histology]; Radiologic Response [decreased inflammation with medical therapy]; or Unlikely/Unconfirmed Inflammation.

Results

Of 1471 patients undergoing enterography and ileoscopy, 112 [8%] had imaging findings of inflammation with negative ileoscopy, and 88 [6%] had negative ileoscopy and ileal biopsy. Half [50%; 44/88] with negative biopsy had moderate/severe inflammation at enterography, with 45%, 32% and 11% having proximal small bowel inflammation, stricture or fistulas, respectively. Two-thirds with negative biopsy [67%; 59/88] had Confirmed Progression, with 68%, 70% and 61% having subsequent surgical resection, radiological worsening or ulcers at subsequent ileoscopy, respectively. Mean length and severity of ileal inflammation in these patients was 10 cm and 1.6. Thirteen [15%] patients had Radiologic Response, and 16 [18%] had Unlikely/Unconfirmed Inflammation.

Conclusion

Crohn’s disease patients with unequivocal imaging findings of ileal inflammation at enterography despite negative ileoscopy and biopsy are likely to have active inflammatory Crohn’s disease. Disease detected by imaging may worsen over time or respond to medical therapy.
The patterns of nitrogen fixation in haloalkaliphilic phototrophic communities of Kulunda Steppe soda lakes (Altai, Russia)
Authors: Samylina Olga S , Namsaraev Zorigto B , Grouzdev Denis S , Slobodova Natalia V , Zelenev Vladimir V , Borisenko Gennadii V , Sorokin Dimitry Y
Published: October 2019

Nitrogen fixation (NF) of phototrophic communities was studied in a number of soda lakes with a wide range of salinity (25–400 g/l) located in Kulunda Steppe (Altai, Russia) during several summer seasons (2011–2016). The phototrophic communities were represented by the algal-bacterial Ctenocladus communities or cyanobacterial biofilms dominated by heterocystous and non-heterocystous cyanobacteria and purple sulfur bacteria Ectothiorhodospira sp. (up to 210 g/l) and endoevaporitic Euhalothece communities dominated by the extremely salt-tolerant unicellular cyanobacterium Euhalothece sp. and Ectothiorhodospira sp. (above 350 g/l). Salinity was the major factor influencing the composition and NF potential of the phototrophic communities. The communities dominated by vegetative heterocystous cyanobacteria exhibited light-independent NF at total salinity up to 60 g/l. The communities dominated by non-heterocystous cyanobacteria exhibited light-dependent NF in a range of 55–100 g/l, but it was significantly suppressed at 100 g/l. At 160–200 g/l the dark heterotrophic NF was a prevailing process if communities didn't contain Euhalothece sp. At salt-saturating ranges above 350 g/l, light-dependent NF associated with the Euhalothece communities was detected. A statistically significant positive correlation between the NF and diurnal light intensity was found in all samples of communities dominated by non-heterocystous cyanobacteria in contrast to communities dominated by heterocystous cyanobacteria with insignificant correlation coefficients.
Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients with self-reported allergies: do multiple allergies have an effect on outcome?
Authors: Ramos Nicholas , Gerhardt Michael , Banffy Michael
Published: October 2019

Multiple self-reported allergies have been reported as a prognostic factor for outcome the following orthopedic procedures. This relationship has not yet been evaluated in a hip arthroscopy population. The purpose of this study is to identify associations between allergies and post-operative outcome scores in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A retrospective review of surgically treated FAI patients at our institution was performed. Patient-reported allergies and 6-month and 1-year modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) were recorded. Bivariate analysis was performed evaluating association between allergies and post-operative mHHS. Multivariate regression was used to identify independent factors associated with post-operative mHHS while controlling for age, sex, BMI, psychiatric comorbidity, symptom duration, labral repair versus debridement, capsular management, chondral lesions and use of adjunct platelet rich plasma (PRP). Seventy patients were analysed. Average age was 30.7 years old (SD 8.96). A 52.9% were females. Twenty-six patients (37.1%) had reported allergies. At 6 months, bivariate analysis demonstrated no significant association between allergies and postop mHHS. This was true comparing patients with 0 versus 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 5 allergies as separate groups (medians from 83.1 to 91.0, P = 0.60) as well as when combining patients with >2 allergies into one group (0 versus 1 versus 2–5 allergies) (medians 84.7, 83.1, 86.0, respectively, P = 0.328). At 1 year, this lack of association was more pronounced (0 versus 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 5: medians from 87.0 to 93.5, P = 0.9265 and 0 versus 1 versus 2–5: medians 93.5, 91.7, 89.0, respectively, P = 0.6450). Linear regression demonstrated preop mHHS and age were significantly associated with 1-year mHHS (logit mHHS rate = 0.026 ± 0.008 per unit, P = 0.0014 for preop mHHS and logit mHHS rate=−0.061 ± 0.018 per year, P = 0.0010 for age). After controlling for age and preop mHHS, allergies were not associated with postop mHHS. Allergies demonstrated no association with post-operative outcome following surgical treatment of FAI.
Impact of BMI for clinical outcomes in Japanese breast cancer patients
Authors: Gondo Naomi , Sawaki Masataka , Hattori Masaya , Yoshimura Akiyo , Kotani Haruru , Adachi Yayoi , Kataoka Ayumi , Sugino Kayoko , Mori Makiko , Horisawa Nanae , Terada Mitsuo , Ozaki Yuri , Iwata Hiroji
Published: October 2019

Objective

The relationship between the body mass index (BMI) at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and the prognosis of breast cancer patients has not yet been clarified. We investigated the impact of obesity for clinical outcomes in Japanese breast cancer patients.

Methods

Women with primary breast cancer operated between 2002 and 2014 were identified. All patients are categorized into four groups according to BMI. The range of BMI is <18.5 kg/m2, from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2, 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, >30 kg/m2 in underweight, normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively. The correlation between BMI and overall survival (OS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were statistically analyzed.

Results

From the database of our institution, we identified 3223 patients. The median follow-up period was 57 months (1–149). We categorized 2257 (70.0%), 318 (9.9%), 545 (16.9%) and 103 (3.2%) patients into normal, underweight, overweight obesity groups respectively. There were189 patients (5.9%) deaths due to breast cancer recurrence (137 patients) and other disease (52 patients). Obesity groups was significantly high compared with normal groups for OS (adjusted HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.38–4.28; P < 0.001), BCSS (adjusted HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.15–6.44; P = 0.02) and DFS (adjusted HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.11–3.02; P = 0.017) by multivariate analysis. Especially, OS (adjusted HR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.15–11.04; P < 0.001), BCSS (adjusted HR, 4.51; 95% CI, 1.52–13.34; P < 0.001) and DFS (adjusted HR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.02–4.89; P = 0.04) were statistically insignificant in postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

Obesity might be risk factor for OS, BCSS and DFS, especially postmenopausal ER-positive women.
The blank cheque and the cliff edge
Authors: Fowler Reg
Published: October 2019

Recent English and Australian court decisions limit the scope of the operator’s authority to incur and charge costs to the joint venture to costs incurred in activities approved by the operating committee. Surprisingly, JOAs do not routinely address the liability of the operator arising from unapproved activities, even though such activities are foreseeable and sometimes difficult to avoid. Losses and liabilities incurred by the operator, including harm to the interests of the non-operators in such circumstances, are left to law and are unlikely to be covered by joint venture insurance.
Enhanced accumulation of gibberellins rendered rice seedlings sensitive to ammonium toxicity
Authors: Wang Baolan , Wei Haifang , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wen-Hao
Published: October 2019

Ammonium (NH4+) phytotoxicity is a worldwide phenomenon, but the primary toxic mechanisms are still controversial. In the present study, we investigated the physiological function of gibberellins (GAs) in the response of rice plants to NH4+ toxicity and polyamine accumulation using GA biosynthesis-related rice mutants. Exposure to NH4+ significantly decreased GA4 production in shoots of wild-type (WT) plants. Both exogenous GA application to the WT and increases in endogenous GA levels in eui1 mutants rendered them more sensitive to NH4+ toxicity. In contrast, growth of sd1 GA-deficient mutants was more tolerant to NH4+ toxicity than that of their WT counterparts. The role of polyamines in GA-mediated NH4+ toxicity was evaluated using WT rice plants and their GA-related mutants. The eui1 mutants with GA overproduction displayed a higher endogenous putrescine (Put) accumulation than WT plants, leading to an enhanced Put/[spermidine (Spd)+spermine (Spm)] ratio in their shoots. In contrast, mutation of the SD1 gene encoding a defective enzyme in GA biosynthesis resulted in a significant increase in Spd and Spm production, and reduction in the Put/(Spd+Spm) ratio when exposed to a high NH4+ medium. Exogenous application of Put exacerbated symptoms associated with NH4+ toxicity in rice shoots, while the symptoms were alleviated by an inhibitor of Put biosynthesis. These findings highlight the involvement of GAs in NH4+ toxicity, and that GA-induced Put accumulation is responsible for the increased sensitivity to NH4+ toxicity in rice plants.
The Great Recession as a ‘stress test’ of migrant incorporation in Europe. Are Southern European countries really lame ducks?
Authors: Ponzo Irene
Published: October 2019

Southern European countries are generally portrayed as lame ducks when it comes to migrant integration. In this article, I will analyse some of the reasons that have led to this outcome including potential biases in migration studies. I argue that Southern European countries in fact hold their own specific ways of incorporating migrants which may be equally or even more positive than those of older immigration countries. At the same time, I maintain that they appear rather heterogeneous in this regard, questioning the idea of a single Southern European model. I will test these hypotheses by comparing Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece with some Western European older immigration countries and by observing the trends of migrant incorporation during the Great Recession which started in 2008. The economic crisis is here regarded as both a factor of change and a ‘stress test’ of the actual robustness of migrant incorporation in the target countries. The empirical data are framed in a typology of migrant incorporation modes conceived of as a heuristic tool to conceptualise the processes occurring during deep economic downturns.
Multiple populations in globular clusters and their parent galaxies
Authors: Milone A P , Marino A F , Da Costa G S , Lagioia E P , D’Antona F , Goudfrooij P , Jerjen H , Massari D , Renzini A , Yong D , Baumgardt H , Cordoni G , Dondoglio E , Li C , Tailo M , Asa’d R , Ventura E M
Published: October 2019

The ‘chromosome map’ diagram (ChM) proved a successful tool to identify and characterize multiple populations (MPs) in 59 Galactic globular clusters (GCs). Here, we construct ChMs for 11 GCs of both Magellanic Clouds (MCs) and with different ages to compare MPs in Galactic and extragalactic environments, and explore whether this phenomenon is universal through ‘place’ and ‘time’. MPs are detected in five clusters. The fractions of 1G stars, ranging from ∼50 per cent to >80 per cent, are significantly higher than those observed in Galactic GCs with similar present-day masses. By considering both Galactic and MC clusters, the fraction of 1G stars exhibits: (i) a strong anticorrelation with the present-day mass, and (ii) with the present-day mass of 2G stars; (iii) a mild anticorrelation with 1G present-day mass. All Galactic clusters without MPs have initial masses smaller than ∼1.5 · 105 M⊙ but a mass threshold governing the occurrence of MPs seems challenged by massive simple-population MC GCs; (iv) Milky Way clusters with large perigalactic distances typically host larger fractions of 1G stars, but the difference disappears when we use initial cluster masses. These facts are consistent with a scenario where the stars lost by GCs mostly belong to the 1G. By exploiting recent work based on Gaia, half of the known Type II GCs appear clustered in a distinct region of the integral of motions space, thus suggesting a common progenitor galaxy. Except for these Type II GCs, we do not find any significant difference in the MPs between clusters associated with different progenitors.
Constraining dark photon properties with Asteroseismology
Authors: Ayala Adrián , Lopes Ilidio , García Hernández Antonio , Suárez Juan Carlos , Muñoz Elorza Íñigo
Published: October 2019

Dark photons are particles invoked in some extensions of the Standard Model that could account for at least part of the dark matter content of the Universe. It has been proposed that the production of dark photons in stellar interiors could happen at a rate that depends on both, the dark photon mass and its coupling to Standard Model particles (the kinetic mixing parameter χ). In this work, we aim at exploring the impact of dark photon productions in the stellar core of solar mass red giant branch (RGB) stars during late evolutionary phases. We demonstrate that near the so-called RGB bump, dark photons production may be an energy sink for the star sufficiently significative to modify the extension of the star convective zones. We show that Asteroseismology is able to detect such variations in the structure, allowing us to predict an upper limit of $\rm 900\ eV$ and 5 × 10−15 for the mass and kinetic mixing of the dark photons, respectively. We also demonstrate that additional constraints can be derived from the fact that dark photons increase the luminosity of the RGB tip over the current observational uncertainties. This work thus paves the way for an empirical approach to deepen the study of such dark matter particles.
Chemical abundances of open clusters from high-resolution infrared spectra – II. NGC 752
Authors: Böcek Topcu G , Afşar M , Sneden C , Pilachowski C A , Denissenkov P A , VandenBerg D A , Wright D , Mace G N , Jaffe D T , Strickland E , Kim H , Sokal K R
Published: October 2019

We present a detailed near-infrared chemical abundance analysis of 10 red giant members of the Galactic open cluster NGC 752. High-resolution (R ≃ 45000) near-infrared spectral data were gathered with the Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrograph, providing simultaneous coverage of the complete H and K bands. We derived the abundances of H-burning (C, N, O), α (Mg, Si, S, Ca), light odd-Z (Na, Al, P, K), Fe-group (Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni), and neutron-capture (Ce, Nd, Yb) elements. We report the abundances of S, P, K, Ce, and Yb in NGC 752 for the first time. Our analysis yields solar-metallicity and solar abundance ratios for almost all of the elements heavier than the CNO group in NGC 752. O and N abundances were measured from a number of OH and CN features in the H band, and C abundances were determined mainly from CO molecular lines in the K band. High-excitation $\rm{C\,\small {I}}$ lines present in both near-infrared and optical spectra were also included in the C abundance determinations. Carbon isotopic ratios were derived from the R-branch band heads of first overtone (2−0) and (3−1) 12CO and (2−0) 13CO lines near 23 440 Å and (3−1) 13CO lines at about 23 730 Å. The CNO abundances and 12C/13C ratios are all consistent with our giants having completed ‘first dredge-up’ envelope mixing of CN-cyle products. We independently assessed NGC 752 stellar membership from Gaia astrometry, leading to a new colour–magnitude diagram for this cluster. Applications of Victoria isochrones and MESA models to these data yield an updated NGC 752 cluster age (1.52 Gyr) and evolutionary stage indications for the programme stars. The photometric evidence and spectroscopic light element abundances all suggest that the most, perhaps all of the programme stars are members of the helium-burning red clump in this cluster.
Glomerular endothelial activation, C4d deposits and microangiopathy in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Trimarchi Hernán , Coppo Rosanna
Published: October 2019

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is considered as mesangiopathy since it initiates in the mesangium; however, other glomerular components are involved and the glomerular capillary wall offers the first contact to circulating macromolecular IgA1. Acute and active forms of IgAN are associated with endocapillary hypercellularity and vascular damage of various degrees, in severe cases with microangiopathy (MA) without or with thrombosis [thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)]. Vascular damage activates complement and coagulation cascades. A defective complement regulation has recently been detected in active and progressive cases of IgAN. C4d deposits in renal biopsies have been found to be an early risk factor. These observations have raised interest in manifestation of MA and TMA in progressive cases of IgAN. MA–TMA lesions have been found in various percentages (2–53%) of patients with IgAN according to patients’ selection and pathology definition of TMA. The association with hypertension (HTN) was so strong that it led to the hypothesis that MA/TMA in IgAN was a mere consequence of severe HTN. Old and new clinical and experimental data indicate that in IgAN the interaction of the glomerular capillary wall with immune reactants and complement uncontrolled activation leading to C4b deposits favours the development of MA–TMA, which plays a role in progression and renal function decline. The central role of complement activation is relevant also for the new therapeutic interventions offered by the pharma.
Occupational Exposure to the Ugandan Research Strain (MR766) of Zika Virus
Authors: Lichtenberger Paola N , Ricciardi Michael J , Solorzano Dalhila , Raccamarich Patricia , Leda Ana , Sharkey Mark , Watkins David I , El Sahly Hana , Rouphael Nadine , Mulligan Mark J , Doblecki-Lewis Susanne , Stevenson Mario , Alcaide Maria L
Published: October 2019

A laboratory worker suffered an accidental needle-stick resulting in an exposure to the Ugandan strain (MR766) of Zika virus, which has rarely been studied in humans. We report the clinical presentation and outcomes, molecular and serological diagnostic results, and antibody response.
The Name of God in a Constitution: Meaning, Democracy, and Political Solidarity
Authors: Deagon Alex
Published: October 2019

This article explores the idea that recognizing God in the Constitution of a modern liberal democracy benefits both religious and non-religious citizens through symbolizing transcendent meaning and facilitating political solidarity. It first argues that pure autonomous reason is not sufficient to support these benefits and any attempt to ‘translate’ the religious principles into secular ones will diminish the benefits for religious citizens. Second, recognizing God in a Constitution does not necessarily impose a religious character, belief, or practice which is detrimental to non-religious citizens. Rather, recognition alludes to a shared heritage and tradition and acknowledges that religious individuals and groups are legitimately part of and interact with the modern democratic state. Finally, and most importantly, recognition of God as a broader symbolic recognition of religion can enhance the democratic process by motivating virtuous conduct and opening up the political space to higher levels of meaning and the good.
Hazards of Our Helping Profession: A Practical Self-Care Model for Community Practice
Authors: Brown Mary-Ellen
Published: October 2019

The social work profession is a helping profession; social workers provide services with the intent to improve life opportunities in pursuit of social justice for individuals, groups, communities, and society as a whole. Social workers are called to work on behalf of the most vulnerable people in our society, and as such, the hazards of our helping profession are abundant. Though the literature offers numerous frameworks that can be used by social workers in a variety of settings, many issues that are unique to community practice settings can lead to professional burnout and compassion fatigue for social workers. At present there are no comprehensive models for self-care that attend specifically to the unique needs of the community practitioner. This article presents the iM-PAACT model, a four-part conceptual framework that helps to fill this gap in the literature. This practical self-care model has been designed specifically for social workers engaged primarily in community practice settings, including the community activist, community organizer, and community-engaged scholar.
Serum Zinc, Selenium and Total Antioxidant Contents of Nigerian Children with Asthma: Association with Disease Severity and Symptoms Control
Authors: Kuti Bankole Peter , Kuti Demilade Kehinde , Smith Olufemi Samuel
Published: October 2019

Background

Micronutrients and antioxidants may ameliorate oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the serum Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se) and Total Antioxidant Contents (TAC) of Nigerian children with asthma and relate these to disease severity and symptoms control

Methods

Children aged 2–15 years with asthma and age and sex matched controls were consecutively recruited. The children’s serum Zn, Se and TAC were assayed and compared.

Results

Eighty children each with asthma and controls participated in the study. Serum Zn (71.0 ± 30.3 µg/dl vs. 84.2 ± 31.7 µg/dl; p = 0.008), Se (67.3 ± 29.8 µg/l vs. 80.0 ± 31.7 µg/l; p = 0.033) and TAC [median (interquartile range) 5.2 (3.8–6.8) ng/dl vs. 6.2 (4.3–8.0) ng/dl; p = 0.019] were lower in children with asthma. Serum Se (65.7 ± 29.1 µg/l vs. 92.4 ± 28.6 µg/l; p = 0.001) was lower in those with moderate/severe than mild disease, but no association with symptoms control (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Micronutrient supplementation may be beneficial in Nigerian children with asthma as they have relatively lower antioxidant micronutrients than nonasthmatics
Orally administered milk‐derived tripeptide improved cognitive decline in mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Nagai Akitoshi , Mizushige Takafumi , Matsumura Shigenobu , Inoue Kazuo , Ohinata* Kousaku
Published: October 2019

The functions of the brain, which is thought of as an organ highly independent from the periphery, are often affected by the peripheral environment. Indeed, epidemiologic studies demonstrated that diabetes was a risk factor for dementia. It was also reported that the intake of dairy products, such as milk, reduces the risk of developing dementia. We found that mice on a short‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) for 1 wk had reduced cognitive function. Thus, using this acute model, we investigated the effects of milk‐derived peptide on cognitive decline induced by HFD. Tyr‐Leu‐Gly (YLG), a tripeptide derived from αS1‐casein, a major bovine milk protein, is released by gastrointestinal proteases. We found that orally administered YLG improved cognitive decline induced by 1‐wk HFD intake in the object recognition test. YLG also improved cognitive decline in the object location test. Thus, we found that YLG improved cognitive decline induced by HFD. Next, we examined the effects of YLG on the hippocampus, a brain area essential for cognitive function. HFD intake decreased the number of 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells, and this decrease was improved by YLG administration. HFD intake decreased nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, whereas YLG increased NGF and ciliary neurotrophic factor, suggesting that these neurotropic factors play a role in hippocampal neurogenesis after YLG administration. In conclusion, we demonstrated that 1‐wk HFD reduced cognitive function. Furthermore, we found that YLG, a milk‐derived tripeptide, improved cognitive decline in mice on HFD. The HFD reduced neural stem cell proliferation, and YLG improved this reduction. YLG is the first reported milk peptide to improve cognitive decline induced by HFD intake.—Nagai, A., Mizushige, T., Matsumura, S., Inoue, K., Ohinata, K. Orally administered milk‐derived tripeptide improved cognitive decline in mice fed a high‐fat diet. FASEB J. 33, 14095‐14102 (2019). www.fasebj.org
TMEM70 facilitates biogenesis of mammalian ATP synthase by promoting subunit c incorporation into the rotor structure of the enzyme
Authors: Kovalčíkova Jana , Vrbacký Marek , Pecina Petr , Tauchmannová Kateřina , Nůsková Hana , Kaplanová Vilma , Brázdová Andrea , Alán Lukáš , Eliáš Jan , Čunátová Kristýna , Kořínek Vladimír , Sedlacek Radislav , Mráček Tomáš , Houštěk Josef
Published: October 2019

Biogenesis of F1Fo ATP synthase, the key enzyme of mitochondrial energy provision, depends on transmembrane protein 70 (TMEM70), localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane of higher eukaryotes. TMEM70 absence causes severe ATP‐synthase deficiency and leads to a neonatal mitochondrial encephalo‐cardiomyopathy in humans. However, the exact biochemical function of TMEM70 remains unknown. Using TMEM70 conditional knockout in mice, we show that absence of TMEM70 impairs the early stage of enzyme biogenesis by preventing incorporation of hydrophobic subunit c into rotor structure of the enzyme. This results in the formation of an incomplete, pathologic enzyme complex consisting of F1 domain and peripheral stalk but lacking Fo proton channel composed of subunits c and a. We demonstrated direct interaction between TMEM70 and subunit c and showed that overexpression of subunit c in TMEM70‐/‐ cells partially rescued TMEM70 defect. Accordingly, TMEM70 knockdown prevented subunit c accumulation otherwise observed in F1‐deficient cells. Altogether, we identified TMEM70 as specific ancillary factor for subunit c. The biologic role of TMEM70 is to increase the low efficacy of spontaneous assembly of subunit c oligomer, the key and rate‐limiting step of ATP‐synthase biogenesis, and thus to reach an adequately high physiologic level of ATP synthase in mammalian tissues.—Kovalčíkova, J., Vrbacký, M., Pecina, P., Tauchmannová, K., Nůsková, H., Kaplanová, V., Brázdová, A., Alán, L., Eliáš, J., Čunátová, K., Kořínek, V., Sedlacek, R., Mráček, T., Houštěk, J. TMEM70 facilitates biogenesis of mammalian ATP synthase by promoting subunit c incorporation into the rotor structure of the enzyme. FASEB J. 33, 14103‐14117 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Is It Time to Revise HCAHPS?
Authors: Pfeifer Gail M.
Published: October 2019

Five hospital groups say yes.
Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone: Eating for Healthy Aging
Authors: Steinberg Francene M. , Batchelor-Murphy Melissa K. , Young Heather M.
Published: October 2019

This article is part of a series, Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute. Results of focus groups, conducted as part of the AARP Public Policy Institute's No Longer Home Alone video project, supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members. This series of articles and accompanying videos aims to help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home.

The articles in this new installment of the series provide simple and useful instructions regarding nutritional principles that nurses should reinforce with family caregivers. Most articles include an informational tear sheet—Information for Family Caregivers—that contains links to the instructional videos. To use this series, nurses should read the article first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers, and then encourage caregivers to watch the videos and ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses and Resources for Family Caregivers.
Household Air Pollution from Cooking Fires Is a Global Problem
Authors: Thompson Lisa M.
Published: October 2019

Over the past several decades, important advances have been made in the United States to ensure that our residents breathe clean air. Still, nearly 12 million homes in this country burn wood for heating. Globally, 3 billion people, or close to half of the world's population, depend on polluting solid fuels such as wood for daily cooking and heating. Unlike in the United States where stoves used for heating are vented, many homes in low-income countries use simple stoves that often lack chimneys, leading to toxic amounts of smoke inside and outside the home. Household air pollution from these fires is the 16th leading risk factor for death and disability worldwide. Childhood pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease have all been associated with household air pollution globally, yet many nurses are not aware of this burden when caring for immigrants and refugees residing in the United States. Global organizations are working to provide access to clean cookstoves (those that run on electricity, solar power, or liquid fuel), and nurses can get involved. This is one step toward improving the lives of vulnerable populations in the United States and worldwide. This series is in collaboration with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (https://envirn.org).
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Potential Loopholes in Protecting Consumer Privacy and Nondiscrimination
Authors: Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele M. , Prince Anya E. R. , Lu Christine Y.
Published: October 2019

(Abstracted from JAMA 2019;321(19):1869–1870)

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine expressed concern that more use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing by law enforcement could impact how individuals perceive genetic testing benefits and risks. In this commentary, the authors are especially concerned that these perceived risks could add feelings of distrust or discrimination, especially for vulnerable groups and populations including immigrants, prisoners and former convicts, sexual minorities, and racial or ethnic minorities, resulting in less use of genomic medicine.
Added Value of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Over Conventional Karyotyping in Stillbirth Work-up: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Martinez-Portilla R. J. , Pauta M. , Hawkins-Villarreal A. , Rial-Crestelo M. , Miño F. Paz Y , Madrigal I. , Figueras F. , Borrell A.
Published: October 2019

(Abstracted from Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019;53:590–597)

In developed countries, stillbirth occurs is approximately 3 to 6 of every 1000 pregnancies. Causes for stillbirth are varied, and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has been introduced in clinical practice to help assess the genetic causes of stillbirth, in part because this technique has better resolution than what is possible using conventional karyotyping and in part because it does not require viable tissue as culturing is not required.
Systemic and breath biomarkers for asthma: an update
Authors: Mogensen Ida , James Anna , Malinovschi Andrei
Published: October 2019

Purpose of review

Finding suitable biomarkers to phenotype asthma, identify individuals at risk of worsening and guide treatment is highly prioritized in asthma research. We aimed to provide an analysis of currently used and upcoming biomarkers, focusing on developments published in the past 2 years.

Recent findings

Type 2 inflammation is the most studied asthma mechanism with the most biomarkers in the pipeline. Blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) are those most used clinically. Recent developments include their ability to identify individuals at higher risk of exacerbations, faster decline in lung function and more likely to benefit from anti-IL-5 and anti-IL-4/-13 treatment. Certain patterns of urinary eicosanoid excretion also relate to type 2 inflammation. Results of recent trials investigating the use of serum periostin or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 to guide anti-IL-13 therapy were somewhat disappointing. Less is known about non-type 2 inflammation but blood neutrophils and YKL-40 may be higher in patients with evidence of non-type 2 asthma. Volatile organic compounds show promise in their ability to distinguish both eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma.

The ultimate panel of biomarkers for identification of activated inflammatory pathways and treatment strategies in asthma patients still lies in the future, particularly for non-type 2 asthma, but potential candidates are available.
Insight into the possible aetiologies of Blount’s disease: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Banwarie Radjen R. , Hollman Freek , Meijs Nandi , Arts Jacobus J. , Vroemen Pascal , Moh Prosper , Staal Heleen M.
Published: October 2019

Blount’s disease or bowed leg deformity, is a unilateral or bilateral growth deformity of the medial proximal tibia that leads to a tibial varus deformity. A distinction can be made in an early and late onset type. The disease seems to have a predisposition for certain descends. Since the first publication of Blount’s disease, different hypotheses on the aetiology are proposed but no consensus exists. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the available hypotheses on the aetiology of Blount’s disease since its first description and assessment of the available level of evidence, the quality of evidence and the occurrence of bias supporting these individual hypotheses. A systematic search according to the PRISMA statement was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library using a broad combination of terminology to ascertain a complete selection. Proper MESH search criteria were formulated and the bibliographic search was limited to English and Dutch language articles. Articles with no mention of aetiology or a disease related to Blount’s were excluded. Level of evidence and types of bias were assessed. Thirty-two articles that discuss the aetiology of Blount’s disease were selected. A variety of hypotheses was postulated in these articles with most research in the field of increased mechanical pressure (obesity, early walking age) and race (descend). Blount’s disease most likely has a multifactorial origin with influence of genetic and racial predisposition, increased mechanical pressure on the growth plate as a consequence of obesity or early walking age and possibly also nutrition. However, the exact aetiology remains unclear, the probable explanation is that multifactorial factors are all contributing to the development of Blount’s disease. Histological research has shown that a disorganization of bone and cartilage structures on the medial side of the proximal tibial physis is present in patients with Blount’s disease. Based on the available evidence on the aetiology of Blount’s disease, we conclude that it is multifactorial. Most papers focus only on one hypotheses of Blount’s disease occurrence and all are characterized as low level of evidence. There seems to be a preference for certain descends. Further research on especially genetic predisposition is needed to provide more insight in this factor of Blount’s disease.
Continuing Professional Development Engagement—A UK-based Concept Analysis
Authors: Hearle Deb , Lawson Sarah
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

Although much literature exists regarding the operationalization of the term engagement, this relates specifically to work/employee engagement and user, consumer, and scholarly engagement. There is no clear understanding of the term Continuing Professional Development (CPD) engagement for allied health professionals and Nurses and Midwives in the UK, although it is becoming a frequently used term. This raises the challenge of creating measures of the impact of CPD engagement. This concept analysis therefore sought to operationalize the term CPD engagement.

Methods:

A theoretical concept analysis was undertaken, as part of a Professional Doctorate, using Walker and Avant's Concept Analysis Framework. Literature was accessed via OVID, PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, ABI INFO, and PsychINFO using search terms engagement, work/employee, user, consumer, scholarly engagement, CPD, and life-long learning.

Results:

Defining attributes for CPD engagement included criteria based around the terms such as self-initiated, voluntary, applied, recorded, evaluated and shared, and continuation of learning beyond the initial activity. Antecedents focused around drive and availability of resources including time, money, and support.

Discussion:

There are potentially many positive consequences of CPD engagement, such as job satisfaction, employee retention, and quality of service provision, that may be more easily investigated and measured against the attributes defined from this study, which indicates that CPD engagement is characterized by the following five criteria: (1) self-initiated; (2) rewarded (either intrinsically or extrinsically); (3) applied in practice; (4) recorded, evaluated, and shared with others; and finally (5) continues beyond the initial learning activity.
Anti-angiogenic effects of mangiferin and mechanism of action in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Delgado-Hernández René , Hernández-Balmaseda Ivones , Rodeiro-Guerra Idania , Cesar Rodriguez Gonzalez Julio , De Wever Olivier , Logie Emilie , Declerck Ken , Pérez-Novo Claudina , Vanden Berghe Wim
Published: October 2019

Advanced metastatic melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin malignancies, is currently without reliable therapy. The process of angiogenesis is crucial for progression and metastasis of the majority of solid tumors including melanomas. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed. Mangiferin is a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone which exerts many pharmacological activities against cancer-inflammation. However, the effect of mangiferin on metastasis and tumor growth of metastatic melanoma remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that mangiferin interferes with inflammation, lipid and calcium signaling which selectively inhibits multiple NFkB target genes including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, plasminogen activator urokinase, matrix metalloprotease 19, C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 and placental growth factor. This abrogates angiogenic and invasive processes and capillary tube formation of metastatic melanoma cells as well as human placental blood vessel explants in-vitro and blocks angiogenesis characteristic of the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane assay and in melanoma syngeneic studies in vivo. The results obtained in this research illustrate promising anti-angiogenic effects of the natural glucosylxanthone mangiferin for further (pre)clinical studies in melanoma cancer patients.
Eyebrow Hair Transplantation in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Pitfalls of Short- and Long-Term Results
Authors: Audickaite Aiste , Alam Majid , Jimenez Francisco
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Eyebrow hair loss is usually a primary feature of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), which causes significant distress to patients and consequently seek medical help. Eyebrow hair transplantation is a well-accepted and aesthetically successful treatment, but there is a lack of information about the short- and long-term results in this subset of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report the short- and long-term eyebrow hair transplantation results in patients with FFA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients diagnosed with FFA underwent eyebrow hair transplantation. The transplanted hairs were harvested from nonaffected follicles of the occipital scalp skin. On average, 120 to 270 single-hair follicles were implanted per eyebrow.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of patients achieved excellent hair growth at 6- to 12-month follow-up and satisfactory short-term results (<2 years). However, majority started losing the transplanted hairs after 3 to 4 years. Only 1 patient did not lose transplanted hair in the long-term follow-up (>4 years).

CONCLUSION

The results of eyebrow hair transplantation in FFA patients are variable and contentious. The short-term outcome is satisfactory, but in most patients, a progressive loss of transplanted hairs can be expected. Therefore, FFA patients inquiring about eyebrow transplantation should be advised about the high possibility of hair graft loss over time.
Enriched developmental biology molecular pathways impact on antipsychotics-induced weight gain
Authors: Corfitsen Henrik Thyge , Drago Antonio
Published: October 2019

Psychotropic-induced weight gain (PIWG) may lead to increased risk for cardiovasculardiseases, metabolic disorders and treatment discontinuation. PIWG may be genetically driven. The analysis of complete molecular pathways may grant suffcient power to tackle the biologic variance of PIWG. Such identifcation would help to move a step forward in the direction of personalized treatment in psychiatry. A genetic sample from the CATIE trial (n = 765; M = 556, mean age = 40.93 ± 11.03) treated with diverse antipsychotic drugs was investigated. A molecular pathway analysis was conducted for the identifcation of the molecular pathways enriched in variations associated with PIWG. The developmental biology molecular pathway was signifcantly (P.adj = 0.018) enriched in genetic variations signifcantly (P < 0.01) associated with PIWG. A total of 18 genes were identifed and discussed. The developmental biology molecular pathway is involved in the regulation of β-cell development, and the transcriptional regulation of white adipocyte differentiation. Results from the current contribution correlate with previous evidence and it is consistent with our earlier result on the STAR*D sample. Furthermore, the involvement of the β–cell development and the transcriptional regulation of white adipocyte differentiation pathways stress the relevance of the peripheral tissue rearrangement, rather than increased food intake, in the biologic modifcations that follow psychotropic treatment and may lead to PIWG. Further research is warranted.