bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Itchy body: Topographical difference of itch and scratching and C Nerve fibres
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: November 2019

Itch, also known as pruritus, is an unpleasant sensation that results in an urge to scratch. We can feel itch at any location where itch occurs from the top of the head to the toes. However, there are topographical differences in itch intensity. Itch is mainly conducted by C nerve fibres from the skin where itch emanates to the central nervous system. However, the abundancy of C fibres does not necessarily lead to higher itch intensity. Interestingly, reduction and/or structural changes in C fibres seem to play a role in itch sensation. In addition, C tactile fibres (CT afferents), which are activated by gentle “affective” touch and seem to be associated with scratching pleasurability and the reward system in the brain, can be involved in itch sensation and topographical differences of itch.
The impact of solar ultraviolet radiation on fish: Immunomodulation and photoprotective strategies
Authors: Lawrence Karl P. , Young Antony R. , Diffey Brian L. , Norval Mary
Published: November 2019

One of the many environmental factors affecting the health of both farmed and wild fish is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). These rays penetrate to biologically relevant depths in natural waters and cause changes ranging from embryo malfunction to the production of heat‐shock proteins. As suppression of cell‐mediated immunity has been shown to follow irradiation of mammals, the possibility of UVR‐induced modulation in immune responses in fish is considered in this review. It is suggested that, after adsorption of UV photons by surface chromophores, dendritic‐like cells may be activated by immune mediators, leading to the generation of T‐ and B‐cell subsets with down‐regulatory activity. A limited number of studies involving infection of irradiated fish with bacteria, nematodes and protozoa have demonstrated an increased microbial load and lack of clearance, with associated changes in a variety of immune parameters. These preliminary results indicate that exposure of fish to solar UVR leads to less effective control of infections. Strategies evolved by fish to avoid overexposure to UVR include photoenzymatic repair, nucleotide excision repair, pigments, mycosporine‐like amino acids and habitat selection. The welfare of farmed fish is of concern currently. The detrimental effects of excessive sun exposure on the health of fish require recognition, and procedures put in place to minimize such consequences.
Molecular insight into a new low‐affinity xylan binding module from the xylanolytic gut symbiont Roseburia intestinalis
Authors: Leth Maria Louise , Ejby Morten , Madland Eva , Kitaoku Yoshihito , Slotboom Dirk J. , Guskov Albert , Aachmann Finn Lillelund , Abou Hachem Maher
Published: November 2019

Efficient capture of glycans, the prime metabolic resources in the human gut, confers a key competitive advantage for gut microbiota members equipped with extracellular glycoside hydrolases (GHs) to target these substrates. The association of glycans to the bacterial cell surface is typically mediated by carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs). Here, we report the structure of RiCBM86 appended to a GH family 10 xylanase from Roseburia intestinalis. This CBM represents a new family of xylan binding CBMs present in xylanases from abundant and prevalent healthy human gut Clostridiales. RiCBM86 adopts a canonical β‐sandwich fold, but shows structural divergence from known CBMs. The structure of RiCBM86 has been determined with a bound xylohexaose, which revealed an open and shallow binding site. RiCBM86 recognizes only a single xylosyl ring with direct hydrogen bonds. This mode of recognition is unprecedented amongst previously reported xylan binding type‐B CBMs that display more extensive hydrogen‐bonding patterns to their ligands or employ Ca2+ to mediate ligand‐binding. The architecture of RiCBM86 is consistent with an atypically low binding affinity (KD  about 0.5 mm for xylohexaose) compared to most xylan binding CBMs. Analyses using NMR spectroscopy corroborated the observations from the complex structure and the preference of RiCBM86 to arabinoxylan over glucuronoxylan, consistent with the largely negatively charged surface flanking the binding site. Mutational analysis and affinity electrophoresis established the importance of key binding residues, which are conserved in the family. This study provides novel insight into the structural features that shape low‐affinity CBMs that mediate extended bacterial glycan capture in the human gut niche.

Databases

Structural data are available in the protein data bank database under the accession number 6SGF. Sequence data are available in the GenBank database under the accession number EEV01588.1. The assignment of the Roseburia intestinalis xylan binding module into the CBM86 new family is available in the CAZy database (http://www.cazy.org/CBM86.html).
Phosphoinositides in autophagy: current roles and future insights
Authors: Palamiuc Lavinia , Ravi Archna , Emerling Brooke M.
Published: November 2019

Today, the importance of autophagy in physiological processes and pathological conditions is undeniable. Initially, autophagy merely was described as an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to maintain metabolic homeostasis in times of starvation; however, in recent years it is now apparent that autophagy is a powerful regulator of many facets of cellular metabolism, that its deregulation contributes to various human pathologies, including cancer and neurodegeneration, and that its modulation has considerable potential as a therapeutic approach. Different lipid species, including sphingolipids, sterols, and phospholipids, play important roles in the various steps of autophagy. In particular, there is accumulating evidence indicating the minor group of phospholipids called the phosphoinositides as key modulators of autophagy, including the signaling processes underlying autophagy initiation, autophagosome biogenesis and maturation. In this review, we discuss the known functions to date of the phosphoinositides in autophagy and attempt to summarize the kinases and phosphatases that regulate them as well as the proteins that bind to them throughout the autophagy program. We will also provide examples of how the control of phosphoinositides and their metabolizing enzymes is relevant to understanding many human diseases.
Structural insights into melatonin receptors
Authors: Stauch Benjamin , Johansson Linda C. , Cherezov Vadim
Published: November 2019

The long‐anticipated high‐resolution structures of the human melatonin G protein‐coupled receptors MT1 and MT2, involved in establishing and maintaining circadian rhythm, were obtained in complex with two melatonin analogs and two approved anti‐insomnia and antidepression drugs using X‐ray free‐electron laser serial femtosecond crystallography. The structures shed light on the overall conformation and unusual structural features of melatonin receptors, as well as their ligand binding sites and the melatonergic pharmacophore, thereby providing insights into receptor subtype selectivity. The structures revealed an occluded orthosteric ligand binding site with a membrane‐buried channel for ligand entry in both receptors, and an additional putative ligand entry path in MT2 from the extracellular side. This unexpected ligand entry mode contributes to facilitating the high specificity with which melatonin receptors bind their cognate ligand and exclude structurally similar molecules such as serotonin, the biosynthetic precursor of melatonin. Finally, the MT2 structure allowed accurate mapping of type 2 diabetes‐related single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, where a clustering of residues in helices I and II on the protein–membrane interface was observed which could potentially influence receptor oligomerization. The role of receptor oligomerization is further discussed in light of the differential interaction of MT1 and MT2 with GPR50, a regulatory melatonin coreceptor. The melatonin receptor structures will facilitate design of selective tool compounds to further dissect the specific physiological function of each receptor subtype as well as provide a structural basis for next‐generation sleeping aids and other drugs targeting these receptors with higher specificity and fewer side effects.
The roles of alternative data and machine learning in fintech lending: Evidence from the LendingClub consumer platform
Authors: Jagtiani Julapa , Lemieux Catharine
Published: November 2019

There have been concerns about the use of alternative data sources by fintech lenders. We compare loans made by LendingClub and similar loans that were originated by banks. The correlations between the rating grades (assigned by LendingClub) and the borrowers’ FICO scores declined from about 80% (for loans originated in 2007) to about 35% for recent vintages (originated in 2014–2015), indicating that nontraditional data (not already accounted for in the FICO scores) have been increasingly used by fintech lenders. The rating grades perform well in predicting loan default. The use of alternative data has allowed some borrowers who would have been classified as subprime by traditional criteria to be slotted into “better” loan grades, allowing them to obtain lower priced credit.
The future of fintech
Authors: Das Sanjiv R.
Published: November 2019

This article describes the growing field of financial technology (fintech) and the different financial paradigms and technologies that support it. Fintech is primarily a disintermediation force where disruptive technologies are the drivers. This framework discusses 10 primary areas in fintech comprising a taxonomy, which categorizes research in the field and also proposes a pedagogical structure. Pitfalls of fintech are also analyzed. Overall, the great strides made in computing technology, mathematics, statistics, psychology, econometrics, linguistics, cryptography, big data, and computer interfaces have combined to create an explosion of fintechs.
Lasting effects of pre‐university language exposure on undergraduate proficiency
Authors: Strawbridge Tripp , Soneson Dan , Griffith Carter
Published: November 2019

The present study analyzes the effects of two variables on the proficiency development of 907 university students of Spanish and French: years of high school experience; and level of initial placement into university language study. A 3‐year grant‐funded project administered ACTFL proficiency tests in reading, listening, and speaking to students enrolled at the fourth‐, sixth‐, and eighth‐semester curricular levels. Results showed that both of these aspects of pre‐university experience exert an important influence on proficiency ratings throughout the curriculum and that this effect is especially acute in the case of initial language placement. The findings reveal the lasting importance of pre‐university language learning experience, for students completing required coursework as well as for language majors, and are discussed in terms of their implications for university language curricula.
Wood anatomical traits in black spruce reveal latent water constraints on the boreal forest
Authors: Puchi Paulina F. , Castagneri Daniele , Rossi Sergio , Carrer Marco
Published: November 2019

The effects of climate change on high‐latitude forest ecosystems are complex, making forecasts of future scenarios uncertain. The predicted lengthening of the growing season under warming conditions is expected to increase tree growth rates. However, there is evidence of an increasing sensitivity of the boreal forest to drought stress. To assess the influence of temperature and precipitation on the growth of black spruce (Picea mariana), we investigated long‐term series of wood anatomical traits on 20 trees from four sites along 600 km, the latitudinal range of the closed boreal forest in Quebec, Canada. We correlated the anatomical traits resolved at intraring level with daily temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and precipitation during the 1943–2010 period. Tree‐ring width, number of cells per ring and cell wall thickness were positively affected by spring and summer daily mean and maximum temperature at the northern sites. These results agree with the well‐known positive effect of high temperatures on tree ring formation at high latitudes. However, we captured, for the first time in this region, the latent impact of water availability on xylem traits. Indeed, in all the four sites, cell lumen area showed positive correlations with daily precipitation (mostly at low latitude), and/or negative correlations with daily mean and maximum temperature and VPD (mostly at high latitude). We inferred that drought, due to high temperatures, low precipitations, or both, negatively affects cell enlargement across the closed boreal forest, including the northernmost sites. The production of tracheids with narrower lumen, potentially more resistant to cavitation, could increase xylem hydraulic safety under a warmer and drier climate. However, this would result in lower xylem conductivity, with consequent long‐term hydraulic deterioration, growth decline, and possibly lead to tree dieback, as observed in other forest ecosystems at lower latitudes.
Global meta‐analysis of how marine upwelling affects herbivory
Authors: Sellers Andrew J. , Leung Brian , Torchin Mark E.
Published: November 2019

Aim

Nutrient subsidies support high primary productivity, increasing herbivore abundance and influencing their top‐down control of producers. Wind‐driven upwelling events deliver cold nutrient‐rich water to coastlines, supporting highly productive marine environments. Results from studies comparing ecological processes across upwelling regimes are mixed: some reveal weaker herbivory in upwelling regions, while others report a positive relationship between upwelling and herbivory. In this synthesis we examine the influence of upwelling on top‐down control of producers across the globe.

Location

Global; marine ecosystems.

Time period

1978–2017.

Major taxa studied

Marine herbivores and algae.

Methods

We used data from herbivory studies focusing specifically on the influence of upwelling activity (upwelling studies), and a broader collection of herbivore exclusion studies dating back four decades. For the upwelling studies we compared herbivore effects between experiments replicated across sites for which upwelling conditions were described by the authors. Meanwhile, for the broader collection of experiments we used externally sourced oceanographic data to characterize upwelling activity, and examined how herbivory changed along a gradient of upwelling activity.

Results

Our results consistently reveal that upwelling weakens herbivore effects on producers. Herbivory was, on average, four times weaker in upwelling sites relative to sites under weak upwelling or downwelling regimes in studies that specifically examined upwelling. The analysis of the broader herbivory literature revealed a similar weakening influence of upwelling on herbivory; however, the effect size was smaller and varied across producer functional groups.

Main conclusions

Nutrient subsidies from upwelling events reduce top‐down control by herbivores in coastal ecosystems; however, the negative relationship between upwelling intensity and herbivory is likely the result of a combination of co‐occurring processes. First, increased primary production overwhelms consumption by herbivores. Second, cold water reduces herbivore metabolism and activity. Finally, surface currents associated with upwelling activity transport herbivore larvae offshore, decoupling secondary production from herbivory.
Chloris gayana Kunth under different defoliation regimes. Morphogenesis, sward structure and leaf area index
Authors: Ruolo María Soledad , Pérez Héctor Eduardo , Rodriguez Adriana Mabel
Published: November 2019

Subtropical pastures are an important alternative to increase forage yields to fulfil cattle nutritional requirements. Despite the increasing expansion of these pastures in the semiarid subtropical region of Argentina, there is very little information about their responses to grazing management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different defoliation regimes on morphogenesis, sward structure and leaf area index of one of the most expanded forage species in this region, Chloris gayana Kunth. A combination of two defoliation frequencies (300 and 500 GDD) and two defoliation intensities (1 and 3 green stubble leaves) was compared by a controlled experiment that comprised 1,500 GDD. Defoliation frequency significantly affected leaf elongation rate (LER) and leaf area index (LAI). Under the high defoliation frequency, LER and LAI resulted almost half than under low defoliation frequency (0.34 ± 0.08 vs. 0.67 ± 0.08 mm·tiller−1·GDD−1; 8.31 ± 2.27 m2/m2 vs. 13.27 ± 1.59 m2/m2, at 300 or 500 GDD respectively), regardless of the intensity. Defoliation frequency or intensity did not affect leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, leaf size, number of green leaves per tiller nor tiller density at the end of the experiment. We conclude that to maintain high LER and LAI in Chloris gayana Kunth cv. Épica INTA‐Pemán pastures, defoliation frequency could be of 500 GDD. Since leaf lifespan was 415 ± 110 GDD, under this defoliation frequency, a maximum accumulation of green leaf tissues with very little dead tissues may be achieved.
Factors facilitating home death in non‐cancer older patients receiving home medical care
Authors: Masumoto Shoichi , Sato Mikiya , Ichinohe Yumiko , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: November 2019

Aim

To assess factors associated with home deaths in non‐cancer elderly patients receiving home medical care by general practitioners.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out in a primary care clinic in Tokyo. Patients who received home medical care and died between January 2010 and September 2017 were included in the analysis. Data from 119 non‐cancer patients aged ≥65 years were collected between September and December 2017 using medical records. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, cognitive impairment, duration of home medical care, number of household members, patient's relationship with their primary caregiver, use of home care nursing services, and patient and family preference on place of death were obtained as independent variables. The main outcome was the place of death.

Results

Among the analyzed patients, 59.7% had impaired cognition and 47.1% expressed a preference for place of death. Patient–family congruence on the preferred place of death was 57.1% (kappa coefficient 0.39). Multivariate analysis showed that family preference for home death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 137.0, 95% CI 13.0–1443.8), cognitive impairment (aOR 4.26, 95% CI 1.12–16.2), death by non‐infectious diseases (aOR 13.7, 95% CI 2.50–74.7) and living with more than two family members (aOR 4.79, 95%CI 1.38–16.7) were significantly associated with home deaths.

Conclusions

Family preference, rather than patient preference, was a facilitating factor for home death among non‐cancer older patients receiving home medical care. As many patients receiving home medical care have impaired cognition, early end‐of‐life discussions with patients and decision‐making support for caregivers should be promoted to realize their preferences on place of death. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1231–1235.
Rethinking the governance of labour standards in South–South regional value chains
Authors: PASQUALI GIOVANNI
Published: November 2019

The growth of intra‐regional trade in the Global South begs the question of whether frameworks developed for the study of North–South global value chains can be used to study labour standards in emerging South–South networks. Critical of the structuralist approaches characterizing the literature, in this article I tackle the question of how formal and informal institutions interact to shape labour standards in South–South regional value chains. This is achieved in two stages. In the first part of the article, I build on Habermas's theory of communicative action to frame labour standards as the outcome of agents’ interactions within and across firms, politico‐administrative institutions and workers’ private and public spheres. Drawing on this framework, in the second part of the article I compare labour standards across the Kenya handbag and footwear sectors. While, in the former, interaction across informal institutions favoured an inclusive and consensual debate between workers and employers; in the latter, an overwhelming process of marketization and bureaucratization failed to provide an interactive space for workers’ concerns to be voiced and negotiated.
Association Between Personality Traits and Onabotulinumtoxin A Response in Patients With Chronic Migraine
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Alicia , Rodríguez Vázquez Eva , de la Red Gallego Henar , García‐Azorín David , Gallego de La Sacristana Mercedes , Guerrero Peral Ángel Luis , Gago‐Veiga Ana Beatriz
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between personality traits and onabotulinumtoxin A (onabotA) response in patients with chronic migraine (CM).

Background

Previous studies from a categorial perspective show that patients with CM have anxious or obsessive personality according to the Salamanca screening test. However, the influence of personality traits in onabotA response in patients with CM has not yet been studied. We hypothesize that cluster C personality traits may be associated with non‐response to onabotA.

Methods

This case‐control observational study includes patients with CM who received at least 2 treatment cycles of onabotA in 2 headache units between January and May 2018. onabotA response was defined as a reduction of at least 50% in the number of monthly migraine days. Personality traits were evaluated using the Salamanca questionnaire, a validated categorial inventory assessing 11 personality traits.

Results

One hundred and twelve patients, 100/112 (89.6%) females, mean age (standard deviation): 43 (11) years, were recruited. 96/112 (85.7%) achieved response to onabotA. Dependent trait was significantly associated with non‐response to onabotA (P = .008; OR: 0.223 [95%CI: 0.074 to 0.675]). Significant association with other personality traits or confounders was not found.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing personality traits may predict onabotA response in patients with CM. The presence of dependent personality trait in patients with CM is associated with non‐response to onabotA.
Helicobacterpylori eradication regimens in an antibiotic high‐resistance European area: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Liatsos Christos , Georgopoulos Sotirios D , Apostolopoulos Pericles , Doulberis Michael , Kyriakos Nikolaos , Giakoumis Marios , Papadomichelakis Michael , Galanopoulos Michail , Katsinelos Panagiotis , Rokkas Theodore , Kountouras Jannis
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori infection (H pylori‐I) affects more than half of the global population and consists an important burden to public health and healthcare expenditures, by contributing to many diseases' pathogenesis.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the current nonbismuth quadruple eradication regimens in a high antibiotic resistance area, such as Greece, concerning their cost‐effectiveness, especially during financial crisis period.

Materials and methods

Eight hundred and nine patients who received eradication treatment against H pylori‐I were included to evaluate five different regimens, using amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole as antibiotics and one proton‐pump inhibitor, based on their current eradication rates. Regimes compared 10‐day concomitant use of (a) pantoprazole or (b) esomeprazole; 10‐day sequential use of (c) pantoprazole or (d) esomeprazole; and 14‐day hybrid using esomeprazole. Cost‐effectiveness analysis ratio (CEAR) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated taking into account all direct costs and cases who needed second‐line treatment. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was performed to predict all potential combinations.

Results

Ten‐day concomitant regimen with esomeprazole was characterized by the lowest CEAR (179.17€) followed by the same regimen using pantoprazole (183.27€). Hybrid regimen, although equivalent in eradication rates, was found to have higher CEAR (187.42€), whereas sequential regimens were not cost‐effective (CEAR: 204.12€ and 216.02€ respectively).

Discussion

This is the first study evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of H pylori‐I treatment regimens in a high clarithromycin‐resistance (≈26.5%) European area, suggesting the 10‐day concomitant regimen with generics using esomeprazole 40 mg as the most appropriate one. National and regional guidelines should include cost‐effectiveness in their statements, and further studies are required to clarify the necessity of a wide “test and treat” policy for H pylori‐I.
Co‐construction of health technology assessment recommendations with patients: An example with cardiac defibrillator replacement
Authors: Pomey Marie‐Pascale , Brouillard Philippe , Ganache Isabelle , Lambert Laurie , Boothroyd Lucy , Collette Caroline , Bédard Sylvain , Grégoire Alexandre , Pelaez Sandra , Demers‐Payette Olivier , Goetghebeur Mireille , de Guise Michèle , Roy Denis
Published: November 2019

Context

The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS), which functions as the Québec health technology assessment (HTA) agency, tested a new way to engage patients along with health‐care professionals in the co‐construction of recommendations regarding implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator replacement.

Objective

The objective of this article was to describe the process of co‐construction of recommendations and to propose methods of building best practices for patient involvement (PI) in HTA.

Design

Throughout the process, documents were collected and participant observations were made. Individual interviews were conducted with patients, health‐care professionals and the INESSS scientific team, from January to March 2018.

Results

Three committees were established: an expert patient committee to reflect on patient experience literature; an expert health professional committee to reflect on medical literature; and a co‐construction committee through which both patients and health‐care professionals contributed to develop the recommendations. The expert patients validated and contextualized a literature review produced by the scientific team. This allowed the scientists to consider aspects related to the patient experience and to integrate the feedback from patients into HTA recommendations. The most important factor contributing to a positive PI experience was the structured methodology for selecting patient participants, and a key factor that inhibited the process was a lack of training in PI on the part of the scientific team.

Conclusions

This experience demonstrates that it is possible to co‐construct recommendations, even for technically complex HTA subjects, through a more democratic process than usual which led to more patient‐focused guidance.
Comparative study of the phenolics, antioxidant and metagenomic composition of novel soy whey‐based beverages produced using three different water kefir microbiota
Authors: Azi Fidelis , Tu Chuanhai , Rasheed Hafiz Abdul , Dong Mingsheng
Published: November 2019

Water kefir microbiota was used to develop novel soy whey‐based beverages that have antioxidant activity. In the present study, comparative phenolics, antioxidant and metagenomic composition of the soy whey beverages fermented using three different water kefir microbiota, named WKFS‐A, WKFS‐B and WKFS‐C were investigated. WKFS‐B beverage had the highest concentrations of isoflavone aglycones (208.73 ± 2.78 mg L−1) and phenolic acids (132.33 ± 3.41 mg L−1) compared with WKFS‐A (193.88 ± 1.15 mg L−1) and (91.73 ± 2.34 mg L−1) and WKFS‐C (160.63 ± 1.76 mg L−1) and (97.13 ± 2.63 mg L−1), respectively. The WKFS‐B also showed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power compared with WKFS‐A and WKFS‐C beverages. Microbial species diversity index analysis showed that a higher concentration of isoflavone aglycones, phenolic acids and increased antioxidant activity in the WKFS‐B beverage correlates with the higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus genus. This study thus revealed that Lactobacillus dominated water kefir microbiota produces soy whey beverages with high phenolic acids, isoflavone aglycones and antioxidant activity.
BMI growth trajectory from ages 2 to 6 years and its association with maternal obesity, diabetes during pregnancy, gestational weight gain, and breastfeeding
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Martinez Mayra P. , Chow Ting , Xiang Anny H.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To identify latent BMI growth trajectories from ages 2 to 6 years and examine their independent associations with maternal prepregnancy obesity or overweight, pre‐existing type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) or gestational diabetes (GDM) with or without requiring antidiabetic medications during pregnancy, excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), and breastfeeding ≤ 6 months.

Research design and method

Data included 71 892 children born at Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals in 2007 to 2011 with complete information on maternal risk factors. Group‐based trajectory modelling was used to identify latent BMI trajectory groups. Logistic regression was used to assess independent associations adjusted for covariates.

Results

Three distinct BMI trajectory groups were identified: Group 1 (59% of the cohort) had stable low BMI, Group 2 (35% of the cohort) had stable median BMI, and Group 3 (6% of the cohort) had high and increasing BMI over time. Relative to Groups 1 and 2 combined, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of being in Group 3 associated with maternal exposures were 5.6 (5.1‐6.2) for prepregnancy obesity, 2.4 (2.2‐2.7) for prepregnancy overweight, 2.1 (1.2‐3.7) for T1D, 1.6 (1.4‐1.8) for T2D, 1.4 (1.3‐1.6) for GDM requiring medication treatment, 1.1 (1.0‐1.3) for GDM not requiring medication, 1.3 (1.2‐1.4) for EGWG, and 1.2 (1.2‐1.3) for breastfeeding ≤ 6 months.

Conclusion

Child's high and increasing BMI trajectory was strongly associated with maternal prepregnancy obesity and overweight, modestly associated with maternal T1D, T2D, and GDM requiring medication treatment and EGWG, and slightly associated with breastfeeding ≤ 6 months. GDM not requiring medication treatment during pregnancy had little association.
Longitudinal trajectories of BMI z‐score: an international comparison of 11,513 Australian, American and German/Austrian/Luxembourgian youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Phelan Helen , Foster Nicole C. , Schwandt Anke , Couper Jennifer J. , Willi Steven , Kroschwald Peter , Jones Timothy W. , Wu Mengdi , Steigleder‐Schweiger Claudia , Craig Maria E. , Maahs David M. , Prinz Nicole ,   on behalf of the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN) Study Group, the T1D Exchange Clinic Network (T1DX) and the Prospective Diabetes Follow‐up Registry (DPV) initiative
Published: November 2019

Background

BMI fluctuations during puberty are common. Data on individual change in BMI from childhood to young adulthood are limited in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Objectives

To compare longitudinal trajectories of body mass index z score (BMIz) from childhood to adolescence across three registries spanning five countries.

Methods

Data sources: T1DX (USA), DPV (Germany/Austria/Luxembourg) and ADDN (Australia). The analysis included 11,513 youth with type 1 diabetes, duration >1 year, at least one BMI measure at baseline (age 8‐10 years) and >5 aggregated BMI measures by year of age during follow‐up until age 17 years. BMIz was calculated based on WHO charts. Latent class growth modelling was used to identify subgroups following a similar trajectory of BMIz over time.

Results

Five distinct trajectories of BMIz were present in the T1DX and ADDN cohorts, while six trajectories were identified in the DPV cohort. Boys followed more often a low/near‐normal pattern while elevated BMIz curves were more likely in girls (ADDN; DPV). For T1DX cohort, no sex differences were observed. Comparing the reference group (BMIz ~0) with the other groups during puberty, higher BMIz was significantly associated with older age at T1D onset, racial/ethnic minority and elevated HbA1c (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

This multinational study presents unique BMIz trajectories in youth with T1D across three continents. The prevalence of overweight and the longitudinal persistence of overweight support the need for close monitoring of weight and nutrition in this population. The international and individual differences likely result from diverse genetic, environmental and therapeutic factors.
Predictive model to identify the risk of losing protective sensibility of the foot in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chicharro‐Luna Esther , Pomares‐Gómez Francisco José , Ortega‐Ávila Ana Belen , Marchena‐Rodríguez Ana , Blanquer‐Gregori José Francisco Javier , Navarro‐Flores Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Diabetic neuropathy is defined as the presence of symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in diabetics. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive logistic model to identify the risk of losing protective sensitivity in the foot. This descriptive cross‐sectional study included 111 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate neuropathic symptoms, and multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to identify an optimal predictive model. The explanatory capacity was evaluated by calculating the R2 coefficient of Nagelkerke. Predictive capacity was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and estimation of the area under the receiver operational curve. Protective sensitivity loss was detected in 19.1% of participants. Variables associated by multivariate analysis were: educational level (OR: 31.4, 95% CI: 2.5‐383.3, P = .007) and two items from the questionnaire: one related to bleeding and wet socks (OR: 28.3, 95% CI: 3.7‐215.9, P = .001) and the other related to electrical sensations (OR: 52.9, 95% CI: 4.3‐643.9, P = .002), which were both statistically significant. The predictive model included the variables of age, sex, duration of diabetes, and educational level, and it had a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 95.5%. This model has a high predictive capacity to identify patients at risk of developing sensory neuropathy.
On a Promise or on the Game: What's Wrong with Selling Consent?
Authors: Carnegy‐Arbuthnott Hannah
Published: November 2019

Is selling sex a service like any other? Philosophers have given a range of answers to this question: (a) sex has a specific value that is debased by commercial markets in sex; (b) sex work is a service like any other; (c) markets in sex perpetuate structural systems of inequality. This article takes seriously the suggestion that there is something special about sex itself which raises a specific set of concerns when traded for money. The challenge is to explain this without drawing on contentious essentialist claims about the value of sex. It proceeds by analysing a parallel between sexual promises and selling sexual consent. On an expectational theory of promising, commercial agreements to sex generate obligations in a way that is normatively analogous to sexual promises. Understanding the normative release conditions for such assurance‐providing agreements provides a way of analysing the justifiability of various ways of enforcing such agreements. I argue that the release conditions for agreements involving sex are not conducive to being codified under typical forms of service contract. As such, regulation aimed at legitimising sex work must provide adequate protections to workers without codifying it under typical forms of service contract.
Conventional and new electrocardiographic criteria for hypertension‐mediated cardiac organ damage: A narrative review
Authors: Miceli Francesca , Presta Vivianne , Citoni Barbara , Canichella Flaminia , Figliuzzi Ilaria , Ferrucci Andrea , Volpe Massimo , Tocci Giuliano
Published: November 2019

Hypertension‐mediated organ damage (HMOD) is frequently observed in hypertensive patients at different cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. This may have both diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the choice of the most appropriate therapies. Among different markers of HMOD, the most frequent functional and structural adaptations can be observed at cardiac level, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction, aortic root dilatation, and left atrial enlargement. In particular, LVH was shown to be a strong and independent risk factor for major CV events, namely myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, CV death. Thus, early identification of LVH is a key element for preventing CV events in hypertension. Although echocardiographic assessment of LVH represents the gold standard technique, this is not cost‐effective and cannot be adopted in routine clinical practice of hypertension. On the other hand, electrocardiographic (ECG) assessment of HMOD relative to the heart is a simple, reproducible, widely available and cost‐effective method to assess the presence of LVH, and could be preferred in large scale screening tests. Several new indicators have been proposed and tested in observational studies and clinical trials of hypertension, in order to improve the relatively low sensitivity of the conventional ECG criteria for LVH, despite high specificity. This article reviews the differences in the use of the main conventional and the new 12 lead ECG criteria of LVH for early assessment of asymptomatic, subclinical cardiac HMOD in a setting of clinical practice of hypertension.
Melittin inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating key genes based on bioinformatics and experimental assays
Authors: Yao Jie , Zhang Zhan , Li Sheng , Li Bai , Wang Xing‐Huan
Published: November 2019

The antitumour effect of melittin (MEL) has recently attracted considerable attention. Nonetheless, information regarding the functional role of MEL in bladder cancer (BC) is currently limited. Herein, we investigated the effect of MEL on critical module genes identified in BC. In total, 2015 and 4679 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with BC were identified from the GSE31189 set and The Cancer Genome Atlas database, respectively. GSE‐identified DEGs were mapped and analysed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analyses to determine BC‐involved crucial genes and signal pathways. Coupled with protein–protein interaction network and Molecular Complex Detection analyses, Modules 2 and 4 were highlighted in the progression of BC. In in‐vitro experiments, MEL inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of UM‐UC‐3 and 5637 cells. The expression of NRAS, PAK2, EGFR and PAK1 in Module 4—enriched in the MAPK signalling pathway—was significantly reduced after treatment with MEL at concentrations of 4 or 6 μg/mL. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses revealed MEL inhibited the expression of genes at the mRNA (ERK1/2, ERK5, JNK and MEK5), protein (ERK5, MEK5, JNK and ERK1/2) and phosphorylation (p‐ERK1/2, p‐JNK, and p‐38) levels. This novel evidence indicates MEL exerts effects on the ERK5‐MAK pathway—a branch of MAPK signalling pathway. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical basis for MEL application in BC treatment.
Inhibition of microRNA‐222 up‐regulates TIMP3 to promotes osteogenic differentiation of MSCs from fracture rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Chenyi , Xia Wenyang , Wu Tianyi , Pan Chenhao , Shan Haojie , Wang Feng , Zhou Zubin , Yu Xiaowei
Published: November 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common diabetes and has numerous complications. Recent studies demonstrated that T2DM compromises bone fracture healing in which miR‐222 might be involved. Furthermore, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP‐3) that is the target of miR‐222 accelerates fracture healing. Therefore, we assume that miR‐222 could inhibit TIMP‐3 expression. Eight‐week‐old rats were operated femoral fracture or sham, following the injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes one week later in fractured rats, and then, new generated tissues were collected for measuring the expression of miR‐222 and TIMP‐3. Rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated and treated with miR‐222 mimic or inhibitor to analyse osteogenic differentiation. MiR‐222 was increased in fractured rats and further induced in diabetic rats. In contrast, TIMP‐3 was reduced in fractured and further down‐regulated in diabetic rats. Luciferase report assay indicated miR‐222 directly binds and mediated TIMP‐3. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation was suppressed by miR‐222 mimic and promoted by miR‐222 inhibitor. miR‐222 is a key regulator that is promoted in STZ‐induced diabetic rats, and it binds to TIMP3 to reduce TIMP‐3 expression and suppressed MSCs’ differentiation.
Morphological and morphometric analysis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a retrospective study
Authors: Filoni A. , Cicco G. , Lospalluti L. , Maglietta A. , Foti C. , Annichiarico G. , Resta L. , Bonamonte D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a highly disabling genodermatosis characterized by skin and mucosal fragility and blistering. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most devastating complications, having a high morbidity and mortality rate. Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa were reported to have up to a 70‐fold higher risk of developing cSCC than unaffected individuals. Immune cells play a role in cancer evolution.

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate immunohistological differences between cSCC in patients with and without recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Methods

A retrospective study of 25 consecutive cases was performed; five were biopsies of cSCC taken from five patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa; as controls we analysed 10 cSCC in subjects without recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (5 primitive, 3 postburns and 2 postradiotherapy), 5 cSCC in renal transplant recipients and 5 cutaneous pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Results

A significant reduction of CD3+, CD4+ and CD68+ between the cSCC in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa compared to primary cSCC and a significant reduction of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD20+ were observed in cSCC in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa compared to secondary cSCC. On the contrary, there was no difference in CD3+, CD8+, CD20+ and CD68+ expression when comparing cSCC in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa to cSCC in renal transplant recipients. No significant difference was found in size, histopathology, grading, number of mitoses and EGFR expression between the different groups.

Conclusions

Our data show a reduction in immune cell peritumoral infiltration. Considering the well‐known evolution of cSCC in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, as well as the younger age at diagnosis, it can be assumed that immune dysfunction might contribute to the cSCC aggressiveness in these patients.
Assessing the impact of medication management review service for females diagnosed with depression and anxiety: A randomized control trial
Authors: AbuNaba'a Yasmeen , Basheti Iman A.
Published: November 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Depression and anxiety are common mental illnesses suffered by females worldwide. Females face treatment‐related problems (TRPs), including lack of adherence to their treatment. The Medication Management Review service (MMR) can be effective in identifying and resolving the TRPs. This study sought to assess the impact of the MMR service on identifying and resolving TRPs, improving adherence, depression, and anxiety scores in females diagnosed with depression and anxiety in Jordan.

Design and settings

Participants were recruited into this single‐blind parallel randomized controlled trial and randomized into active and control groups. A clinical pharmacist identified TRPs for all participants. Adherence, depression, and anxiety scores were assessed. Active group patients received the MMR service: pharmacist‐delivered counseling and a letter with recommended changes in the patient's treatment plan were sent to the patient's psychiatrist to be applied. Control group participants did not receive the intervention. Follow‐up assessments were completed for all patients at 3 months from baseline. Main outcome measures were TRPs, adherence, depression, and anxiety scores.

Results

Study participants (n = 73; mean age = 41.8 [SD = 16.27]) had 177 TRPs identified, with 2.42(SD = 1.06) TRPs per patient. At baseline, only 54.8% of the participants reported to be adherent to their treatment, and no significant differences were found between the groups. At follow‐up, a significant decline in the number of TRPs was found for the active versus control group (active: 0.58[SD = 0.64], control: 1.78[SD = 1.13], P < .001). A significantly higher proportion of adherent patients was identified in the active (88.9%) versus control group (51.4%), P < .001. Significant improvements in the depression (P < .001) and anxiety (P = .003) scores were detected for the active versus control group.

Conclusion

The MMR service led to a significant decrease in the number of TRPs, improved adherence, depression, and anxiety scores for females diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
The relationship of tooth shade and skin tone and its influence on the smile attractiveness
Authors: Di Murro Bianca , Gallusi Gianni , Nardi Roberto , Libonati Antonio , Angotti Vincenzo , Campanella Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

Objective

The purpose of this clinical study was to determine if skin tone and tooth color had the same influence on smile attractiveness.

Materials and Methods

A woman's smile photograph was digitally manipulated to create a range of images with varying colors. The skin shade was modified to create four tones (p1: light, p2: light medium, p3: medium dark, p4: dark) using the L'Oreal True Illusion shade as a guide. The tooth shade was modified in four different tones: A1, A2, A3, A4 using the VITAPAN Classical shade guide to produce 16 images. A sample of 328 participants rated each image for attractiveness by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). Comparison among groups was performed with a 2‐way ANOVA adjusted for multiple comparisons with the Bonferroni test (α = .05).

Results

Image (p3‐a1) showed the highest VAS values, while image (p1‐a4) obtained the lowest, (Bonferroni Test: a1 vs a2, a3, a4 P < .001; p3 vs p1, p2, p4 P < .001). Analysis performed for age, sex, level of education, and laypeople/dentists were not statistically significant (P > .05).

Conclusions

Variations in tooth and skin tone can significantly influence the perception of smile attractiveness. In the tested conditions, a brighter tooth shade significantly affected the attractiveness of the smile independently from skin tone.

Clinical Significance

Understanding patient and dentist perception of the attractiveness of a smile with the important role‐played by skin tone, may help clinicians to better identify teeth shade, helping delivery of tailored prostheses and esthetic restorations.