bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compression in Working Memory and Its Relationship With Fluid Intelligence
Authors: Chekaf Mustapha , Gauvrit Nicolas , Guida Alessandro , Mathy Fabien
Published: March 2018

Working memory has been shown to be strongly related to fluid intelligence; however, our goal is to shed further light on the process of information compression in working memory as a determining factor of fluid intelligence. Our main hypothesis was that compression in working memory is an excellent indicator for studying the relationship between working‐memory capacity and fluid intelligence because both depend on the optimization of storage capacity. Compressibility of memoranda was estimated using an algorithmic complexity metric. The results showed that compressibility can be used to predict working‐memory performance and that fluid intelligence is well predicted by the ability to compress information. We conclude that the ability to compress information in working memory is the reason why both manipulation and retention of information are linked to intelligence. This result offers a new concept of intelligence based on the idea that compression and intelligence are equivalent problems.
Zoo Exhibit Experiences and Visitors’ Affective Reactions: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Luebke Jerry F.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the present study was to explore the types of personal experiences that were related to zoo visitors’ empathic and affective reactions at an animal exhibit. Various studies have suggested the importance of emotional empathy in motivating concern for the biosphere and pro‐environmental behaviors. As such, identifying visitors’ personal experiences at an animal exhibit that may lead to empathic and affective reactions has a direct bearing on learning strategies at zoos, aquariums, and other nature‐based museums. Adult day‐visitors to a United States zoo were asked to provide written open‐ended comments describing any “extra special” experiences they had at an exhibit. These reported experiences were then found to be highly related to visitors’ quantitative ratings regarding their concern, empathy, and sense of connection with nature and wildlife. Preliminary findings are discussed while taking into consideration the additional research questions that remain involving visitors’ empathic reactions to zoo animals.
Financialization and Global Commodity Chains: Distributional Implications for Cotton in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Staritz Cornelia , Newman Susan , Tröster Bernhard , Plank Leonhard
Published: March 2018

Restructuring of global and local markets has led to an increased influence of commodity derivatives markets on commodity price setting. This has critical implications for price risks experienced by actors along commodity chains. Commodity derivatives markets have undergone significant changes that have been referred to as the ‘financialization of commodities’, which we define as an increase in trading activity by financial investors and the reorientation of business strategies by commodity trading houses towards risk management and financial activities. This article assesses how these global financialization processes affect commodity producers in low‐income countries via the operational dynamics of global commodity chains and national market structures. It investigates how prices are set and transmitted and how risks are distributed and managed in the cotton sectors in Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Tanzania. It concludes that uneven exposure to price instability and access to price risk management have important distributional implications. Whilst international traders have the capacity to deal with price risks through hedging, in addition to expanding their profit possibilities through financial activities on derivatives markets, local actors in producing countries face the challenge of increased short‐termism — albeit to different extents depending on national market structures — with limited access to risk management.
Unpacking Land Grabs: Subjects, Performances and the State in Ghana's ‘Small‐scale’ Gold Mining Sector
Authors: Hausermann Heidi , Ferring David
Published: March 2018

During the 2008 global financial crisis, gold‐backed reserves became a ‘safe haven’ for capital investment, causing gold prices to hit historic highs. Globally, small‐scale gold mining activities proliferated as prices climbed. Along the banks of Ghana's Offin River, abandoned, waterlogged mining pits now stretch for kilometres where agricultural and other land uses recently existed. While small‐scale mining is a right reserved for Ghanaian citizens, many mining sites are foreign‐operated and almost all go unremediated. There is thus a stark tension between Ghanaian minerals laws and environmental regulations and the ongoing transformation of rural landscapes. Based on 112 interviews and long‐term observation in Ghana since 2010, this article untangles the relationships and practices mediating ‘illegal’ foreign mining operations. Shifting subjectivities, performances and practices bring land grabbing into being as state actors weave together legal and extra‐legal domains to facilitate, and profit from, foreign mining. Other officials experience fear and frustration in the face of powerful mining interests, demonstrating the complex workings and conflicts between government actors and agencies. Detailing co‐productions between ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ domains in official licensing procedures complicates understandings of the state and its role in foreign land grabbing, breaking down the ontological binaries — rational/irrational, official/unofficial — used to uphold an image of state legitimacy and cohesion. Finally, given the spatial extent of small‐scale mining deals and ensuing social and environmental transformations, the authors urge land‐grab scholars not to dismiss the importance of small‐scale deals alongside larger transactions.
Collective Choice and Social Welfare by Amartya Sen: A review essay with reference to development in Peru
Authors: Deneulin Séverine , Clausen Jhonatan
Published: March 2018

This review essay provides an overview of Sen's revised edition of Collective Choice and Social Welfare (2017), and examines the relevance of its arguments in the context of Peru. It focuses on three main points: a social choice approach for addressing global problems; an expanded informational basis for making judgments; and a public reasoning view of collective decision‐making. It critically analyses the human and social development strategy followed by the Peruvian government in recent years, and in particular the capacity of public reasoning to reflect and sustain the priorities of the poorest and marginalized in the public policy agenda.
Elotuzumab and dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Gross Zachary , Rahbari Ashkon , Wirtschafter Eric , Spektor Tanya M. , Udd Kyle A. , Bujarski Sean , Ghermezi Michael , Nosrati Jason D. , Vidisheva Aleksandra , Eades Benjamin , Cecchi Gary , Maluso Tina , Swift Regina , Berenson James R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of elotuzumab and dexamethasone (Ed) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients.

Method

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Ed treatment for 21 RRMM patients, 11 of whom were considered lenalidomide‐refractory, and all of whom had progressed on at least 1 prior steroid‐containing regimen. We also evaluated the efficacy of adding lenalidomide to a subset of patients following progression from Ed.

Results

The overall response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) of Ed were 10% and 19%, respectively. An additional 52% of patients demonstrated stable disease as their best response. The median PFS was 1.8 months on Ed for all patients. Fifteen patients received ERd following progression on Ed, and 60% of these patients were lenalidomide‐refractory. The ORR and CBR were 20% and 33%, respectively, and the median PFS was 3.4 months.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that some patients can benefit from Ed without an accompanying immunomodulatory agent and that efficacy can be achieved with the addition of lenalidomide at the time of progression. No new safety signals were detected, except for thrombocytopenia in 1 patient on Ed.
Surgical resection of a squamous cell carcinoma in the perianal region of a 25‐year‐old crossbred American Paint gelding using sharp surgical excision, laser excision and chemotherapy
Authors: Poore L. , Smit Y. , Duncan N. , Williams J.
Published: March 2018

A 25 year‐old American Paint gelding was referred to the Onderstepoort Academic Veterinary Hospital with an ulcerated lesion of nonpigmented skin at the right lateral aspect of the perianal region. An infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma was suspected. Surgical excision and ablation with sharp surgical excision and a diode laser was performed although complete excision was not possible due to the tumour location. Intralesional chemotherapy was performed at the completion of the surgical excision and continued in the post‐operative period. Histological examination of the excised lesion confirmed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and revealed incomplete resection margins at the medial, dorsal and ventral aspects of the surgical site. The surgical site healed uneventfully and a re‐examination at 6 months post‐surgery revealed the gelding to have normal clinical parameters with no perianal lesions.
Interleukin‐31 and interleukin‐31 receptor: New therapeutic targets for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nakashima Chisa , Otsuka Atsushi , Kabashima Kenji
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic, eczematous, severe pruritic skin lesions caused by skin barrier dysfunction and T helper (Th)2 cell‐mediated immunity. Interleukin (IL)‐31 is a potent pruritogenic cytokine primarily produced by Th2 cells. Both IL‐31 transgenic mice and wild‐type mice treated with IL‐31 exhibit AD‐like skin lesions and scratching behaviour. IL‐31 receptor α‐chain (IL‐31RA) is also expressed in peripheral nerves and epidermal keratinocytes, and the roles of IL‐31 on pruritus and skin barrier have been investigated. Recently, an anti–IL‐31 receptor antibody was shown to significantly improve pruritus in AD patients. This review focuses on IL‐31 and IL‐31RA in AD.
Acoustic communication in fishes: Temperature plays a role
Authors: Ladich Friedrich
Published: March 2018

Temperature affects peripheral and central mechanisms of signal production and detection in ectothermic animals. This study reviews for the first time the effects of temperature on acoustic communication in fishes and analyses whether changes in sound properties are coupled to changes in auditory sensitivities. Effects of temperature on sound production have been studied in approximately one dozen families of teleosts. Calling activity increased or was unaffected by temperature, in the latter case probably because seasonal, daily and lunar rhythms also influence mating behaviour and calling. Sound characteristics (pulse repetition rate, fundamental frequency) are positively correlated with temperature if pulses are directly based on sonic muscle contractions. In fishes possessing other sonic mechanisms, the dominant frequency of their pulsatile pectoral sounds may increase as well. Auditory sensitivities were mainly determined in otophysines, which possess enhanced hearing abilities. Studies revealed that hearing increased with temperature, in particular at higher frequencies. We know close to nothing about whether temperature‐dependent changes in sound characteristics are coupled to changes in auditory sensitivity or mate choice. Female midshipman toadfish appear to choose males based on call frequency, which varies with temperature. Future studies need to address several topics: (i) temperature effects on sound production have to be separated from other sources of variation; (ii) effects on hearing need to be studied in many more taxa; (iii) potential negative effects of global warming on acoustic communication (because of temperature coupling) need to be investigated because fish constitute a major source of protein for humans.
Tay bridge and extracellular‐regulated kinase activity are required for motoneuron function in the Drosophila neural system
Authors: Molnar C. , Estrada B. , de Celis J. F.
Published: March 2018

Extracellular regulated kinase (Erk) activity is required during neural development for the specification of cell fates in neuroblasts and neuronal lineages, and also regulates several aspects of the activity and survival of mature neurons. The activation of Erk is regulated at multiple levels by kinases and phosphatases that alter its phosphorylation state and by other proteins that regulate its subcellular localization. Here, we find that tay bridge (tay), a negative regulator of Erk in Drosophila imaginal discs, is required in the motoneurons to regulate the number and size of neuromuscular synapses in these cells. The expression of Tay is maximal in motoneurons with low levels of activated ERK, suggesting that Tay modulates the activity of Erk in these cells. We also found that loss of tay expression and increased Erk activity specifically in the motoneurons cause a reversible decrease in walking speed. Impaired motoneurons activity may be caused by alterations in the functionality and number of synaptic boutons developing at the neuromuscular junction in tay mutants.
Moving towards ecologically sustainable diets: Lessons from an Italian box delivery scheme
Authors: Mattioni Dalia , Caraher Martin
Published: March 2018

Conscious of the nutritional failings of the current food systems, there has been a call in the last decade or so to move beyond sustainable consumption and towards sustainable diets defined as healthy diets that also optimize the environment, food quality, socio‐cultural values, the economy and governance. Previous studies have shown how local food initiatives can lead to greater levels of sustainable consumption and healthier diets and have focused on the key role played by the conscious‐consumer. Analysing various types of local food initiatives—from community‐oriented to more private‐run activities—they have described the processes that local food initiatives set in motion to empower conscious‐consumers and to ultimately change habits and routines. Taking the specific case of a business‐oriented box delivery scheme in Italy, the article sheds further light on the mechanisms that enable clients to consume in more sustainable and healthier ways, with a central role played by learning, commitment and empowerment. Obstacles however exist in the form of the way people's everyday lives are structured, and the competing values that people draw upon in making their food choices. Support is therefore needed from public institutions to make it easier for people to choose healthier and more sustainable food provisioning systems.
Determinant on RFID technology investment for dominant retailer subject to inventory misplacement
Authors: Tao Feng , Lai Kinkeung , Wang Yao‐Yu , Fan Tijun
Published: March 2018

Radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology has been publicized as an effective way to solve the problem of inventory misplacement in academic research as well as in the user industries. In this paper, we consider a supply chain that consists of one supplier and one retailer where the retailer is the Stackelberg leader and makes the decisions first. The consignment contract is provided such that the supplier determines the order quantity, instead of the retailer. A Non‐RFID case, a supplier investing in RFID, and a retailer investing in RFID cases are analyzed and compared. By assuming an iso‐elastic demand function and the corresponding random factor follows uniform distribution, it is intriguing to find that both supplier and retailer have the incentive to take charge of the RFID tag cost, which is not revealed in previous research. Therefore, a case of joint investment in RFID technology is formulated to find out that there are upper and lower threshold values of RFID tag cost sharing rate; that is, if the tag cost sharing rate exceeds the upper value, it is beneficial for the supplier to invest in RFID; if the tag cost sharing rate is smaller than the lower value, it is beneficial for the retailer to invest in RFID; if the tag cost sharing rate is somewhere between these two values, both supplier and retailer are better‐off. Additionally, the end customer will be better‐off if the retailer invests in RFID.
Positive correlations between pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual traits in warblers
Authors: Supriya K. , Price Trevor D. , Rowe Melissah
Published: March 2018

Theoretical models predict that investment in pre‐copulatory and post‐copulatory sexually selected traits should trade‐off. At the macroevolutionary scale, the majority of studies to date have focused on male weaponry as the target of pre‐copulatory sexual selection, but the trade‐off should equally apply to traits used to attract females, such as bird song and plumage. We studied the Old World leaf warblers (Phylloscopidae), a group of socially monogamous songbirds that experience relatively high levels of sperm competition. We examined the relationships between song duration and number of elements in the song with sperm length across 21 species, and between the same song variables and combined testes mass in a subset of these species (n = 10). Across species, these song variables and testes mass/sperm length were generally positively correlated, albeit not statistically significantly so or with borderline significance. In contrast to theory, we found no evidence for negative associations between pre‐ and post‐copulatory traits. We argue that this is a consequence of males of some species investing more into overall fertilization success (i.e. the sum of pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection) than males of other species, and high fertilization success is achieved through investment into both mate attraction and sperm competition.
The nest defence by the red‐backed shrikeLanius collurio– support for the vulnerability hypothesis
Authors: Strnadová Irena , Němec Michal , Strnad Martin , Veselý Petr , Fuchs Roman
Published: March 2018

The majority of altricial bird species defend their brood against predators more intensively in nestlings rather than eggs stage. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this difference. The majority of existing experimental studies have recorded a gradually increasing intensity of nest defence supporting the reproductive value hypothesis. We have compared nest defence in two nesting stages of the red‐backed shrike against two predators of adult birds and against two predators of nests. While the nests with nestlings were defended by parents against three out of four predators, nests with eggs were almost not defended at all. This rapid change in parent nest defence supports rather the vulnerability hypothesis, predicting that the threat to nests with nestlings increases rapidly after hatching, as they became more conspicuous due to their begging and parental provisioning. Unlike most of the species tested previously, the red‐backed shrike uses very vigorous mobbing towards predators. We suggest that the occurrence of this active mobbing (strikes, including physical contact) is a good proxy of the current threat to the nest.
MICAL1 facilitates breast cancer cell proliferation via ROS‐sensitive ERK/cyclin D pathway
Authors: Deng Wenjie , Wang Yueyuan , Zhao Shuo , Zhang Yujie , Chen Yan , Zhao Xuyang , Liu Lei , Sun Shixiu , Zhang Lin , Ye Bixing , Du Jun
Published: March 2018

Molecule interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1) is a multidomain flavoprotein mono‐oxygenase that strongly involves in cytoskeleton dynamics and cell oxidoreduction metabolism. Recently, results from our laboratory have shown that MICAL1 modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the latter then activates phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway which regulates breast cancer cell invasion. Herein, we performed this study to assess the involvement of MICAL1 in breast cancer cell proliferation and to explore the potential molecular mechanism. We noticed that depletion of MICAL1 markedly reduced cell proliferation in breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 and T47D. This effect of MICAL1 on proliferation was independent of wnt/β‐catenin and NF‐κB pathways. Interestingly, depletion of MICAL1 significantly inhibited ROS production, decreased p‐ERK expression and unfavourable for proliferative phenotype of breast cancer cells. Likewise, MICAL1 overexpression increased p‐ERK level as well as p‐ERK nucleus translocation. Moreover, we investigated the effect of MICAL1 on cell cycle‐related proteins. MICAL1 positively regulated CDK4 and cyclin D expression, but not CDK2, CDK6, cyclin A and cyclin E. In addition, more expression of CDK4 and cyclin D by MICAL1 overexpression was blocked by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. LY294002 treatment also attenuated the increase in the p‐ERK level in MICAL1‐overexpressed breast cancer cells. Together, our results suggest that MICAL1 exhibits its effect on proliferation via maintaining cyclin D expression through ROS‐sensitive PI3K/Akt/ERK signalling in breast cancer cells.
Long‐term optimization of outcomes with flexible adalimumab dosing in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Gniadecki R. , Leonardi C.L. , Gordon K.B. , Gu Y. , Geng Z. , Nader A. , Teixeira H.D.
Published: March 2018

Background

The recently updated dosing recommendation for adalimumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis states that patients with inadequate response to adalimumab every other week (EOW) after 16 weeks may benefit from an increase in dosing frequency to 40 mg every week (EW).

Objective

To determine the long‐term efficacy of adalimumab in patients with psoriasis with flexibility to escalate and de‐escalate between EOW and EW dosing.

Methods

Data from an open‐label study in patients with psoriasis who had received adalimumab in phase 2/3 studies and their extensions were included. Patients initially received 40 mg adalimumab EOW for 24 weeks. From weeks 24–252, patients whose Psoriasis Area and Severity Index response was <50% (PASI 50) could have their dose‐escalated to 40 mg EW and were re‐evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks and then every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients who had their dose‐escalated and achieved a PASI 75 response were de‐escalated to EOW and could re‐escalate to EW if response fell below PASI 50 again; no further de‐escalation was allowed. Changes in PASI scores were reported at the last visit before dose escalation or de‐escalation.

Results

By week 24, 64.1% of patients in the overall population (n = 1256) achieved ≥PASI 75 response, 40.3% ≥PASI 90 response and 21.7% PASI 100 response. Patients who had a <PASI 50 during weeks 24–252 (349/1256, 27.8%) had their dose‐escalated to EW; 182 (52.1%) remained on EW dosing and 167 (47.9%) achieved a PASI 75 response and were de‐escalated to EOW; 83 patients were later re‐escalated to EW dosing owing to a <PASI 50 response. Dose escalation was not associated with additional safety concerns.

Conclusion

Optimizing therapy by temporarily increasing the dosing of adalimumab to EW in patients with psoriasis and an inadequate response to adalimumab 40 mg EOW permitted the achievement and long‐term maintenance of clinical improvement.
The iris signal: blue periphery, tan collaret and freckles pattern – strong indicators for epidermal skin cancer in South‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Grigore M. , Furtunescu F. , Minca D. , Costache M. , Garbe C. , Simionescu O.
Published: March 2018

Background

Eye and skin share the embryological origin. Both are established risk factors in epidermal skin cancer. There are few reports using iris colour classification scales, most of them analyse colour in general or are too complex to use in daily practice.

Objectives

To investigate which iris colour pattern is associated with epidermal skin cancer in a S‐E European Caucasian population.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted on 480 patients: 229 skin cancers patients and 251 controls (dermatological patients free of skin cancers) admitted in two medical clinics of Dermatology in Bucharest, between October 2011 and May 2014. High‐resolution iris photographs were taken for each patient. Three parameters of the iris were analysed individually and in association patterns for each patient: periphery, collaret and freckles.

Results

The most frequent iris colour pattern associated with epidermal skin cancer was blue periphery with light brown collaret and freckles present. In terms of individual parameters, the strongest indicators for skin cancer patients were blue periphery and blue collaret.

Conclusions

The results of this study sustain the hypothesis that blue periphery with light brown collaret and freckles iris pattern is a reliable phenotypic marker for epidermal skin cancer. The results of this study differ from previous reports in which skin cancer risk was associated with a homogeneous blue iris. We account these differences in the characteristics of the recruited patients (S‐E European, skin type II and III). The assessment of iris colour patterns is an easy and inexpensive detection tool in skin cancer risk assessment.
5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia: an evidence‐based treatment update
Authors: Murad A. , Bergfeld W.
Published: March 2018

Background

Treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is challenging, and its treatment regimen often mirrors other lymphocytic‐predominant cicatricial alopecia. 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI) has been reported with some treatment success in severe cases of FFA.

Objective

To carry out evidence‐based analysis of articles published on treatment efficacy and safety of 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor for the treatment of FFA.

Methods

Articles published on the use of 5ARI to treat FFA between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed, analysed and graded according to the American College of Physicians outcome study grading system.

Results

There were two studies with moderate level of evidence that described the efficacy of 5ARI for the treatment of FFA. 5ARI was commonly used as adjunctive therapy with positive results in recalcitrant disease. Mild to moderate hair regrowth was reported in one grade 2 and three lower grade (one grade 3 and two grade 4) studies. There is limited evidence on the safety aspects of this medication in most studies that were analysed.

Limitations

Database studies might not fully account for confounders and are subjected to variations in methodology and data collection.

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that FFA patients treated with 5ARI could achieve either disease stability or reduction in the rate of progression in selected cases. A well‐designed randomized, double‐blind, controlled study would strengthen the role of 5ARI as part of treatment armamentarium for FFA.
Cytokine patterns in vitro, in particular IL‐5/IL‐8 ratio, to detect patients with nickel contact allergy
Authors: Summer B. , Ständer S. , Thomas P.
Published: March 2018

Background

Patch test (PT) is the gold standard to reveal nickel (Ni) allergy. In vitro tests are under discussion. We aimed to establish a cytokine based in vitro assay to detect Ni sensitization.

Methods

From 15 patients with positive (13f, 42–78 years) and 15 with negative PT to Ni (controls, 3f, 31–82 years) within a consecutive patient series, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained. Six‐day stimulation with three concentrations of NiSO4 was performed. Proliferative response (uptake of tritiated thymidine) and production of the cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17A, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ (cytometric bead array) were assessed.

Results

Twelve of fifteen Ni PT‐positive patients also had positive LTT, and all control patients were PT and LTT negative. The mean SI differed between Ni allergics and controls (P < 0.01). Upon Ni stimulation, PBMC of the allergic patients showed (i) enhanced IL‐5 response (P < 0.0001) and (ii) reduced IL‐8 production (P < 0.01). The IL‐5/IL‐8‐ratio best distinguished allergics from non‐allergics in all three Ni concentrations with a sensitivity and specificity of 93%.

Conclusion

Assessment of the ratio of Ni‐induced IL‐5 and reduced IL‐8 production in vitro is a helpful tool for a better characterization of Ni‐allergic patients.
Dermatomyositis panniculitis: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 18 cases
Authors: Santos‐Briz A. , Calle A. , Linos K. , Semans B. , Carlson A. , Sangüeza O.P. , Metze D. , Cerroni L. , Díaz‐Recuero J.L. , Alegría‐Landa V. , Mascaró J.M. , Moreno C. , Rodríguez‐Peralto J.L. , Requena L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Panniculitis occurring in dermatomyositis is uncommon, with only a few cases described in the literature, most of them as case reports.

Objective

This report describes the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in a series of 18 patients with panniculitis associated with dermatomyositis.

Methods

In each patient, we collected the clinical data of the cutaneous lesions as well as the characteristic clinical and laboratory findings. A series of histopathologic findings was recorded in the biopsy of each patient. A panel of antibodies was used in some cases to investigate the immunophenotype of the infiltrate. Data of treatment and follow‐up were also collected.

Results

Of the 18 patients, 13 were female and 5 were male, ranging in age from 13 to 74 years (median, 46.4 years). In addition to panniculitis, all patients presented pathognomonic cutaneous findings of DM and reported proximal muscle weakness prior to the diagnosis of panniculitis. Muscle biopsy was performed in 17 patients and MRI in one, all with the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy. None of the patients presented any associated neoplasia. Panniculitis lesions were located in the upper or lower limbs. Histopathology showed a mostly lobular panniculitis with lymphocytes as the main component of the infiltrate. Most cases showed also numerous plasma cells and lymphocytes surrounding necrotic adipocytes (rimming) were frequently seen. Lymphocytic vasculitis and abundant mucin interstitially deposited between collagen bundles of the dermis were also frequent findings. Late‐stage lesions showed hyaline necrosis of the fat lobule and calcification. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that most lymphocytes of the infiltrate were T‐helper lymphocytes, with some B lymphocytes in the lymphoid aggregates and small clusters of CD‐123‐positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the involved fat lobule.

Conclusion

Panniculitis in dermatomyositis is rare. Histopathologic findings of panniculitis dermatomyositis are identical to those of lupus panniculitis. Therefore, the final diagnosis requires clinic–pathologic correlation.
Patient–dermatologist agreement in psoriasis severity, symptoms and satisfaction: results from a real‐world multinational survey
Authors: Griffiths C.E.M. , Augustin M. , Naldi L. , Romiti R. , Guevara‐Sangines E. , Howe T. , Pietri G. , Gilloteau I. , Richardson C. , Tian H. , Jo S.J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory disease, which often requires lifelong treatment. A strong partnership between the patient and healthcare practitioners should help to achieve effective treatment outcomes.

Objective

To assess concordance of views between patients with psoriasis and their treating dermatologists relative to psoriasis severity, presence of symptoms and satisfaction with disease control achieved.

Methods

We used data from the Growth from Knowledge (GfK) Disease Atlas real‐world evidence program, a syndicated, retrospective, cross‐sectional survey among dermatologists and their systemic therapy eligible patients with psoriasis, conducted across nine countries. Concordance was measured through patients and their dermatologist's identical answers to the same survey questions. Concordance was evaluated using percentage agreement between dermatologists and their patients, and Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. The level of concordance was defined as ‘none’ (κ ≤ 0), ‘none to slight’ (0.01–0.20), ‘fair’ (0.21–0.40), ‘moderate’ (0.41–0.60), ‘substantial’ (0.61–0.80) and ‘almost perfect’ (>0.8). The analysis was conducted for the overall population and for each participating country.

Results

Overall, 524 dermatologists and 3821 patients with psoriasis were included in the survey. Concordance of patient and dermatologist perceptions of psoriasis severity was fair both at diagnosis, and at the time of the survey (61% agreement, κ = 0.326 and 55% agreement, κ = 0.370, respectively). Higher levels of concordance were reported when patients assessed their psoriasis as moderate‐to‐severe (using Investigator's Global Assessment/Physician's Global Assessment [IGA/PGA] 5‐point scale of 3 or 4). Concordance regarding symptoms ranged from fair to moderate (κ = 0.241–0.575). Satisfaction with psoriasis control was fair (39% agreement, κ = 0.213). Results showed different patterns of concordance across the participating countries although a low concordance was observed on the satisfaction with psoriasis control in all of them.

Conclusion

Results from this multinational real‐world survey indicate different perceptions between patients with psoriasis and their dermatologist with respect to psoriasis severity, symptoms and disease control.
Vehicles and Critical Raw Materials: A Sustainability Assessment Using Thermodynamic Rarity
Authors: Ortego Abel , Valero Alicia , Valero Antonio , Restrepo Eliette
Published: March 2018

The changing material composition of cars represents a challenge for future recycling of end‐of‐life vehicles (ELVs). Particularly, as current recycling targets are based solely on mass, critical metals increasingly used in cars might be lost during recycling processes, due to their small mass compared to bulk metals such as Fe and Al. We investigate a complementary indicator to material value in passenger vehicles based on exergy. The indicator is called thermodynamic rarity and represents the exergy cost (GJ) needed for producing a given material from bare rock to the market. According to our results, the thermodynamic rarity of critical metals used in cars, in most cases, supersedes that of the bulk metals that are the current focus of ELV recycling. While Fe, Al, and Cu account for more than 90% of the car's metal content, they only represent 60% of the total rarity of a car. In contrast, while Mo, Co, Nb, and Ni account for less than 1% of the car's metal content, their contribution to the car's rarity is larger than 7%. Rarity increases with the electrification level due to the greater amount of critical metals used; specifically, due to an increased use of (1) Al alloys are mainly used in the car's body‐in‐white of electric cars for light‐weighting purposes, (2) Cu in car electronics, and (3) Co, Li, Ni, and rare earth metals (La, Nd, and Pr) in Li‐ion and NiMH batteries.
Antibiotics‐induced modulation of large intestinal microbiota altered aromatic amino acid profile and expression of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus of piglets
Authors: Gao Kan , Pi Yu , Mu Chun‐Long , Peng Yu , Huang Zan , Zhu Wei‐Yun
Published: March 2018

The evidence of gut microbiota‐mediated modulation of brain function has been widely recognized from studies using germ‐free rodents or animals with oral antibiotic‐induced microbiota depletion. Since the large intestine harbors greater numbers and more diverse of microbes than in the small intestine, large intestinal microbiota may play a crucial role in the modulation of brain function. In this study, a large intestinal microbiota‐targeted strategy was used to investigate the impact of large intestinal microbiota on brain function. Twelve piglets (12.08 ± 0.28 kg) fitted with a T‐cannula at the distal ileum were fed a standard diet and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 6) for ileal infusion of either saline or antibiotics. After 25 days of infusion, ileal and fecal microbiota, serum amino acids and neurotransmitters, and hypothalamic transcriptomics were analyzed. While the antibiotic infusion did not change the proximal ileal microbial composition, it markedly altered the fecal microbial composition and increased aromatic amino acid (AAAs) metabolism (p < 0.05), suggesting the infusion specifically targeted large intestinal microbes. Concentrations of AAAs were likewise decreased in the blood and hypothalamus (p < 0.05) by antibiotic infusion. Antibiotic infusion further decreased concentrations of hypothalamic 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine, in line with AAAs being their precursors. An up‐regulation in gene expressions of neurotransmitter transporters and synthetases was observed (q < 0.001). In conclusion, the distalileal‐antibiotic infusion altered neurotransmitter expression in the porcine hypothalamus and this effect occurred simultaneously with changes in both the large intestinal microbiota, and AAAs in the large intestine, blood and hypothalamus. These findings indirectly indicate that large intestinal microbiota affects hypothalamic neurotransmitter expressions.

image

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 208.
Emerging insights into hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis regulation and interaction with stress signalling
Authors: Acevedo‐Rodriguez A. , Kauffman A. S. , Cherrington B. D. , Borges C. S. , Roepke T. A. , Laconi M.
Published: March 2018

Reproduction and fertility are regulated via hormones of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis. Control of this reproductive axis occurs at all levels, including the brain and pituitary, and allows for the promotion or inhibition of gonadal sex steroid secretion and function. In addition to guiding proper gonadal development and function, gonadal sex steroids also act in negative‐ and positive‐feedback loops to regulate reproductive circuitry in the brain, including kisspeptin neurones, thereby modulating overall HPG axis status. Additional regulation is also provided by sex steroids made within the brain, including neuroprogestins. Furthermore, because reproduction and survival need to be coordinated and balanced, the HPG axis is able to modulate (and be modulated by) stress hormone signalling, including cortiscosterone, from the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. This review covers recent data related to the neural, hormonal and stress regulation of the HPG axis and emerging interactions between the HPG and HPA axes, focusing on actions at the level of the brain and pituitary.
Regulators of glucocorticoid receptor function in an animal model of depression and obesity
Authors: Kurek A. , Głombik K. , Detka J. , Basta‐Kaim A. , Kubera M. , Lasoń W. , Budziszewska B.
Published: March 2018

Obesity is a disease that often co‐occurs with depression and there is some evidence to indicate that chronic stress in the perinatal period, in association with overactive glucocorticoids, can cause permanent changes that increase the risk of the development of both depression and obesity later in life. However, the mechanism responsible for the overly potent action of glucocorticoids in both depression and obesity is not known. The present study aimed to determine the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and the factors that affect GR function (FKBP51, Bag‐1 and HSP70) in a prenatal stress animal model of depression, a model of obesity and a model of both depression and obesity. Prenatal stress but not high‐fat diet (HFD) was found to decrease the GR concentration in the frontal cortex. The level of the Bag‐1M (46 kDa) isoform was also decreased in this structure but only in prenatal‐stressed animals that did not show depression‐like behaviour in the Porsolt test and were fed the standard diet. In the model of depression employed in the present study, decreases in MR expression and GR co‐chaperone (FKBP51) levels in the hippocampus were also observed and HFD intensified the prenatal stress‐induced changes in MR expression. The results obtained indicated that prenatal stress affected the expression of GRs, MRs and their co‐chaperones in the brain, although its effects were different in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. The decrease in MR density in the hippocampus and increased plasma insulin level appeared to be the most significant changes observed in the model of the co‐occurrence of depression and obesity, which could limit the neuroprotective effects associated with the activation of MR and be a marker of peripheral insulin resistance, respectively.
Effect of narrow‐band ultraviolet B on the serum of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in vitiligo patients
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan , El Taieb Moustafa , El Gamel Zeinab , El Saied Abdel Rahman
Published: March 2018

Background

Narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) is the gold standard in the treatment of vitiligo. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐ vitamin D) might play a physiological role in photo‐induced melanogenesis in human skin so the association between vitamin D levels and vitiligo still needs to be investigated more thoroughly.

Objective

we aim to investigate the influence of cumulative doses of NB‐UVB phototherapy on vitamin D in patients with vitiligo and their correlation with NB‐UVB‐induced pigmentation.

Methods

Eighty patients of vitiligo and twenty number of age and sex matched controls were recruited in a case‐control study. Patients with vitiligo were treated with NB‐UVB twice weekly for 24 weeks. 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured at 0, 12, and 24 weeks in the cases and at 0 only in control by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) were calculated at 0 (baseline) and 24 weeks.

Results

The mean baseline level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (at 0 week) was significantly lower in patients than the control group. Levels of 25(OH) vitamin D at 12 and 24 weeks showed significant improvement and Patients show significant reduction in VASI score after 24 weeks of therapy.

Conclusions

Cumulative doses of NB‐UVB therapy improve low vitamin D levels in patients with vitiligo, which might have a significant role in NB‐UVB‐induced repigmentation and may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy but further studies with larger sample size are needed to prove the complete mechanisms of NB‐UVB‐induced pigmentations and vitamin D in vitiligo.
Blunt cannula subcision is more effective than Nokor needle subcision for acne scars treatment
Authors: Gheisari Mehdi , Iranmanesh Behzad , Saghi Bita
Published: March 2018

Background and aim

A comprehensive study comparing two different modalities, Nokor needle subcision (NNS) and blunt cannula subcision (BCS), for treatment of acne scars, has not been reported previously. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of these two methods based on patient's and doctor's satisfaction measures, in addition to the late complications 3 months postsubcision.

Method of intervention

Patients had 18‐65 years old, with acne scars on both malar sides. They were treated at one malar side with NNS and with BCS at another side. They were monitored during the first week, at one and 3 months postintervention. Patient's and two dermatologist's satisfactions were compared during 3 months, for each modality and between modalities.

Results

From 34 patients, 29.4%, 55.9%, and 14.7% had mild, moderate, and severe acne scars, respectively. Ecchymosis, nodule formation post‐NNS, and edema after BCS were the complications. Patients were satisfied with BCS during 3‐month monitoring (P = .021), but not with NNS (P = .353). Physician‐1 was satisfied from the outcome of both BCS and NNS procedures (P = .044 and .006, respectively). However, physician‐2 was only satisfied with NNS at the month 3 than the month 1 (P = .002). All patients and physicians were significantly more satisfied with BCS than NNS (P = .000). Anyway, at the month 3, physician‐2 had no significant different points of view about applied methods (P = .25).

Discussion

Considering the complications and satisfaction rates, BCS was more efficient than NNS for acne scar treatment. Then, we suggest BCS as a good replacement for NNS.
Review and clinical experience exploring evidence, clinical efficacy, and safety regarding nonsurgical treatment of feminine rejuvenation
Authors: Gold Michael , Andriessen Anneke , Bader Alexandros , Alinsod Red , French Elizabeth Shane , Guerette Nathan , Kolodchenko Yegor , Krychman Michael , Murrmann Susan , Samuels Julene
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The use of energy‐based devices for the treatment of vaginal laxity, orgasmic dysfunction, and stress incontinence, such as minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency, is gaining momentum. This review aims to answer clinical questions on the application of energy‐based devices for feminine genital rejuvenation.

Methods

The target group includes physicians involved in esthetic medicine and feminine genital rejuvenation. A literature review was conducted on technologies in use for feminine rejuvenation to explore their safety, efficacy, tolerability, patient satisfaction, and clinical usability. A panel of physicians with clinical experience conducting these types of treatment reviewed and discussed the results of the literature search and gave clinical evidence‐based recommendations.

Results

Energy‐based devices may induce wound healing, stimulating new collagen, and elastin fiber formation. Radiofrequency treatment may also increase small nerve fiber density in the papillary dermis, improving nerve sensitivity, sexual function, including arousal and orgasmic dysfunction. Both minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency has been shown to be effective when treating mild to moderate primary or secondary vulvovaginal laxity and associated secondary conditions. These treatments are reported to be safe, effective, and well tolerated with a rapid return to activities of daily living.

Conclusions

As this is an evolving medical field, clinical evidence often lacks robustness. Studies and clinical experience suggest that feminine genital rejuvenation using energy‐based devices seems an attractive option for patients with mild‐to‐moderate medical conditions. The treatment can be safely and effectively delivered by trained staff as part of the comprehensive care, that is, currently available to women.