bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of mental and physical health for reentry and recidivism: Toward a health‐based model of desistance*
Authors: Link Nathan W. , Ward Jeffrey T. , Stansfield Richard
Published: June 2019

During the last few decades, criminologists have identified several adult roles and statuses, including employment, positive family relations, and economic stability, as critical for promoting successful reintegration and desistance. Very few researchers, however, have investigated the conditions that serve to bring about these transitions and successes crucial for behavior change. As a complement to a burgeoning amount of literature on the impact of incarceration on health, we emphasize the reverse: Health has important implications for reentry outcomes and reincarceration. Informed by multiple disciplines, we advance a health‐based model of desistance in which both mental and physical dimensions of health affect life chances in the employment and family realms and ultimately recidivism. Investigating this issue with longitudinal data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) and structural equation models, we find overall support for the health‐based model of desistance. Our results indicate several significant pathways through which both manifestations of health influence employment, family conflict, financial problems, and crime and reincarceration. The findings highlight the need for implementation of correctional and transitional policies to improve health among the incarcerated and avert health‐related reentry failures.
Identification of 6 dermatomyositis subgroups using principal component analysis‐based cluster analysis
Authors: Zhu Huiyi , Wu Chanyuan , Jiang Nan , Wang Yanhong , Zhao Jiuliang , Xu Dong , Wang Qian , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: June 2019

Objective

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical subtypes of DM by applying cluster analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 720 DM patients and selected 21 variables for analysis, including clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and comorbidities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was first conducted to transform the 21 variables into independent principal components. Patient classification was then performed using cluster analysis based on the PCA‐transformed data. The relationships among the clinical variables were also assessed.

Results

We transformed the 21 clinical variables into nine independent principal components by PCA and identified six distinct subgroups. Cluster A was composed of two sub‐clusters of patients with classical DM and classical DM with minimal organ involvement. Cluster B patients were older and had malignancies. Cluster C was characterized by interstitial lung disease (ILD), skin ulcers, and minimal muscle involvement. Cluster D included patients with prominent lung, muscle, and skin involvement. Cluster E contained DM patients with other connective tissue diseases. Cluster F included all patients with myocarditis and prominent myositis and ILD. We found significant differences in treatment across the six clusters, with clusters E, C and D being more likely to receive aggressive immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusion

We applied cluster analysis to a large group of DM patients and identified 6 clinical subgroups, underscoring the need for better phenotypic characterization to help develop individualized treatments and improve prognosis.
Genome‐wide association study identifies energy metabolism genes for resistance to ketosis in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Huang H. , Cao J. , Hanif Q. , Wang Y. , Yu Y. , Zhang S. , Zhang Y.
Published: June 2019

Ketosis (KET) is one common metabolic disorder that occurs mainly in early lactation and affects the dairy industry with significant economic losses. Cows with ketosis have lower milk yield and reproductive performance and greater risk of other periparturient diseases. As a metabolic disease, the pathogenesis of KET is multifactorial. To better understand the genetic background of KET, a genome‐wide association study was performed using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Single‐step genomic BLUP methodology was used to incorporate genomic data into a threshold‐liability model. Results of the GWAS are reported as the proportion of variance explained by 20‐SNP windows. Six genomic regions on Bos taurus autosomes 10, 13, 14 and 25 showed association with KET. Most interestingly, several candidate genes, including previously reported genes (BMP4, HNF4A and APOBR) and newly identified genes (SOCS4, GCH1, ATG14, RGS6, CYP7A1 and MAPK3), are involved in insulin metabolism or lipid metabolism, implicating the contribution of energy‐metabolism‐associated genes to the genetic basis of KET. Our results provide new information about the underlying biology and molecular mechanisms associated with KET. Future studies that combine genomic variation analysis and functional gene information may help elucidate the biology of KET.
Polledness in Argentinean Creole cattle, five centuries surviving
Authors: Falomir‐Lockhart A. H. , Ortega Masague M. F. , Rudd Garces G. , Zappa M. E. , Peral García P. , Morales H. F. , Holgado F. D. , Rogberg Muñoz A. , Giovambattista G.
Published: June 2019

Polledness has been shown to have autosomal Mendelian inheritance, with the polled locus being dominant to the horned locus. This trait was mapped to the BTA1 centromeric end in several breeds. One of the distinctive attributes of Creole cattle, such as the Argentinean Creole, is the presence of long, lyre‐shaped horns. However, polled native animals were reported before the introduction of modern selected European breeds. Here, we studied the origin of the polled mutation, either independent or introgressed, in a Creole line from the Creole cattle founder group at the IIACS‐INTA Leales Experimental Station (northwest Argentina). The study sample (65 animals: 26 horned and 39 polled) was genotyped using high‐density SNP microarrays and three previously reported genetic markers (P202ID, P80kbID and PG). A genome‐wide association study, selection signatures, linkage disequilibrium analysis and copy number variations were used to detect the responsible region and the segregating haplotypes/alleles. The interval mapped in the Leales herd (1.23–2.13 Mb) overlapped with the region previously reported in several European cattle breeds, suggesting that the same locus could be segregating in this population. The previously reported variants PF and PG were not detected, thus dismissing the Holstein‐Friesian and Nellore origins of the polled phenotype in this native breed. Conversely, the presence of the Celtic variant PC suggests an almost complete co‐segregation. The cluster analysis rejected the hypothesis of recent introgression, which is compatible with the historical record of polled Creole cattle in northwest Argentina.
Improving genomic prediction for two Yorkshire populations with a limited size using the single‐step method
Authors: Zhou L. , Wang Y. , Yu J. , Yang H. , Kang H. , Zhang S. , Wang C. , Liu J.
Published: June 2019

In this study, we conducted genomic prediction for two Yorkshire purebred populations (Yichun and Chifeng) from two different provinces of China that both had a limited population size. Two growth traits (age adjusted to 100 kg weight, AGE; back‐fat thickness adjusted to 100 kg weight, BF) and one reproduction trait (total number of piglets born, TNB) were analyzed with four prediction strategies: one‐population BLUP, joint two‐population BLUP, one‐population single‐step BLUP (SSBLUP) and joint two‐population SSBLUP. Our results illustrate that accuracies of genomic estimated breeding values were improved for BF and TNB for the Yichun population and for BF for the Chifeng population by genomic prediction (one‐population SSBLUP and joint two‐population SSBLUP). The accuracy of TNB for the Yichun population was increased two fold when comparing the one‐population SSBLUP to the one‐population BLUP prediction. Meanwhile, prediction biases were dramatically reduced for AGE for the Yichun population and for TNB for the Chifeng population. The conclusions of this study are as follows: first, genomic prediction is useful for improving prediction accuracy for purebred pig breeding farms with a limited population size; second, joint genomic prediction for different populations of the same breed with certain genetic links has the trend to further improve prediction accuracy.
Contribution of strontium to the human diet from querns and millstones: an experiment in digestive strontium isotope uptake
Authors: Johnson L. , Montgomery J. , Evans J. , Hamilton E.
Published: June 2019

The question of whether rock grit ingested unintentionally from querns, metates or millstones, or deliberately through pica or geophagy, is bioaccessible in the human gut has not been addressed in archaeological strontium (Sr) isotope studies. This study employed the unified bioaccessibility method and determined that ingested rock grit can provide bioaccessible 87Sr/86Sr, but that unintentional consumption is unlikely to constitute > 1% of the diet (by mass) and will not significantly change, that is, by > 0.001, human skeletal 87Sr/86Sr. The use of locally or non‐locally sourced querns or millstones will not affect the interpretation of archaeological human 87Sr/86Sr values in Britain.
Quantifying Personal Exposure to Air Pollution from Smartphone-Based Location Data
Authors: Finazzi Francesco , Paci Lucia
Published: June 2019

Personal exposure assessment is a challenging task that requires both measurements of the state of the environment as well as the individual's movements. In this paper, we show how location data collected by smartphone applications can be exploited to quantify the personal exposure of a large group of people to air pollution. A Bayesian approach that blends air quality monitoring data with individual location data is proposed to assess the individual exposure over time, under uncertainty of both the pollutant level and the individual location. A comparison with personal exposure obtained assuming fixed locations for the individuals is also provided. Location data collected by the Earthquake Network research project are employed to quantify the dynamic personal exposure to fine particulate matter of around 2500 people living in Santiago (Chile) over a 4-month period. For around 30% of individuals, the personal exposure based on people movements emerges significantly different over the static exposure. On the basis of this result and thanks to a simulation study, we claim that even when the individual location is known with nonnegligible error, this helps to better assess personal exposure to air pollution. The approach is flexible and can be adopted to quantify the personal exposure based on any location-aware smartphone application.
Luminescence dating of buried cobble surfaces from sandy beach ridges: a case study from Denmark
Authors: Souza Priscila E. , Sohbati Reza , Murray Andrew S. , Kroon Aart , Clemmensen Lars B. , Hede Mikkel U. , Nielsen Lars
Published: June 2019

Here we investigate the use of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) for dating cobbles from the body of successive beach ridges and compare cobble surface‐derived ages to standard quartz OSL ages from sand. Between four and eight cobbles and sand samples (age control) were dated with the luminescence method, taken from the modern beach and from beach ridges on the south and north extremes of a prograding spit on the westernmost coast of Lolland, Denmark. Luminescence‐depth profiles perpendicular to the surfaces of the cobbles show that the feldspar infrared signals stimulated at 50 °C were fully reset to various depths into the cobbles prior to final deposition; as a result, the equivalent doses determined from close to the surface of such cobbles can be used to calculate burial ages. Beach‐ridge burial ages given by the average of ages of individual cobbles taken from the same site are consistent, within errors, with the ages derived from the sand samples. Cobble‐ and sand‐derived ages show that the southernmost beach ridge at Albuen was formed around 2 ka ago, indicating that this sandy spit is younger than other coastal systems in Denmark. The agreement between ages derived from clasts and from standard quartz OSL in this study confirms that, even in the absence of sandy sediments, we can reliably date sites using OSL by targeting larger clasts. In addition, the record of prior light exposure contained in the shape of the cobbles’ luminescence‐depth profile removes one of the major uncertainties (i.e. the degree of signal reset prior to burial) in the luminescence dating of high latitude sites.
Molecular and clinical characterization of TMEM71 expression at the transcriptional level in glioma
Authors: Wang Kuan‐Yu , Huang Ruo‐Yu , Tong Xue‐Zhi , Zhang Ke‐Nan , Liu Yan‐Wei , Zeng Fan , Hu Hui‐Min , Jiang Tao
Published: June 2019

Background

Glioma is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used in the treatment of glioma, survival remains unsatisfactory. Chemoresistance is one of the primary reasons for the poor prognosis of glioma. Several studies have demonstrated that glioma stem cells (GSC) may be one of the reasons for chemoresistance. In this article, we attempt to search for a new biomarker related to GSC and chemoresistance in glioma.

Methods

We used three datasets (GSE23806, COSMIC, and CGGA) to search for the genes related to GSC, temozolomide (TMZ) resistance, and overall survival. The selected gene was investigated with respect to the relationship between mRNA levels and clinical characteristics in the CGGA and TCGA dataset. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was used for bioinformatics analysis. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis.

Results

The transmembrane protein 71 (TMEM71) gene was selected for further research. TMEM71 was highly expressed in GSCs and TMZ‐resistant cells. The TMEM71 mRNA levels increased with increasing grades of glioma. In IDH‐wild‐type and MGMT‐unmethylated samples, TMEM71 was overexpressed. The TMEM71 transcript levels were also increased significantly in mesenchymal subtype gliomas. GO analysis demonstrated that TMEM71 was related to the immune and inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, cell migration, chemotaxis, and the response to drugs. Specifically, PD‐1, PD‐L1, TIM‐3, and B7‐H3 were tightly associated with TMEM71 expression. This result indicates that TMEM71 may play an important role in the immune response. More importantly, high expression of TMEM71 was correlated with short survival time in both glioma and glioblastoma patients.

Conclusion

In summary, TMEM71 expression was increased in GBM and associated with immune response. Our study suggests that TMEM71 may function as an oncogene and serve as a new effective therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
Effects of past language experience and present language context on the shape bias in Spanish–English bilingual children
Authors: Schonberg Christina C. , Russell Emily E. , Luna Michelle L.
Published: June 2019

English‐monolingual children develop a shape bias early in language acquisition, such that they more often generalize a novel label based on shape than other features. Spanish‐monolingual children, however, do not show this bias to the same extent (Hahn & Cantrell, 2012). Studying children who are simultaneously learning both Spanish and English presents a unique opportunity to further investigate how this word‐learning bias develops. Thus, we asked how Spanish–English bilingual children (Mage = 21.31 months) perform in a novel‐noun generalization (NNG) task, specifically examining how past language experience (i.e. language exposure and vocabulary size) and present language context (i.e. whether the NNG task was conducted in Spanish or English) influence the strength of the shape bias. Participants completed the NNG task either entirely in English (N = 16) or entirely in Spanish (N = 16), as well as language understanding tasks in both English and Spanish to ensure that they understood what the experimenter was asking them to do. Parents completed a language exposure survey and vocabulary checklists in Spanish and English. There was a significant interaction between condition and choice type: Bilingual children in the English condition showed a shape bias in the NNG task, but bilingual children in the Spanish condition showed no reliable biases. No measures of past language experience were related to NNG task performance. These results suggest that when learning new words, bilingual children are attuned to the regularities of the present language context, and prior language experiences may play a more secondary role.
Phenotypic characterization of haemophilia B – Understanding the underlying biology of coagulation factor IX
Authors: Tjärnlund‐Wolf Anna , Lassila Riitta
Published: June 2019

Haemophilia B is a recessive, X‐linked bleeding disorder due to inherited deficiency in vitamin K‐dependent coagulation factor IX (FIX). FIX activity levels, as a basis for the definition of disease severity, do not clearly correlate with bleeding phenotype, likely due to the multiple steps regulating coagulation. Timely, with the availability of extended half‐life products and successful steps in gene therapy, haemophilia B therapy is in an active developmental phase. Therefore, increased knowledge of the factors contributing to the variation of haemostatic and clinical outcome and response to therapy is welcomed. FIX acts at the crossroads of both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, and on the platelet procoagulant membrane at the site of vascular injury, and therefore, FIX biology is targeted for multiple effectors and regulators. The synthesis, cellular and molecular interactions, and elimination routes of FIX are not as well studied as for FVIII. The specific roles of magnesium in both platelet adhesion and FIX activation, and of vascular collagen at the haemostatic site of platelet adhesion and FIX residence are of particular interest. Biochemical and translational research on these issues should improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved, leading to the development of relevant assays that measure both haemostasis and treatment response. The latter is becoming increasingly important in the new era of haemophilia management and ultimately may lead to improved treatment strategies individually tailored to a patient's needs and cost‐efficiency.
Effect of pH variation on the subcritical crack growth parameters of glassy matrix ceramics
Authors: Melo Renata M. , Pereira Cristiane , Ramos Nathália C. , Feitosa Fernanda A. , Dal Piva Amanda M.O. , Tribst João Paulo M. , Özcan Mutlu , Jorge Antonio O.C.
Published: June 2019

The goals of our study were to calculate the subcritical crack growth (SCG) parameters of two veneering ceramics stored in water or Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm and remineralizing medium, with indentation flaws. Feldspar (VM7) and leucite‐reinforced (VM13) glass ceramic disks (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) were made according to ISO 6872. Some specimens were indented with a Vickers diamond and the crack dimensions were measured. The specimens were fractured for a calculation of inert strength or further stored in water or submitted to pH variation, under preloading tension. Finally, the SCG parameters were calculated after the specimens were fractured under four stressing rates (MPa/s). Weibull analysis was conducted on non‐indented specimens. XPS was performed as qualitative analysis. The subcritical crack of leucite ceramic did not vary with the media storage, but the glass‐ceramic experienced a retarded growth after pH variation. The materials presented low Weibull modulus. Qualitative elemental analyses showed chemical modification on both ceramics. Therefore, the crack growth of leucite‐reinforced ceramic was less affected by the environment pH than glass‐ceramic.
The structure of rhenium‐containing sodium alumino (iron) phosphate glasses
Authors: Stefanovsky Sergey V. , Prusakov Ivan L. , Stefanovsky Olga I. , Kadyko Michael I. , Averin Alexei A. , Makarenkov Vadim I. , Trigub Alexander L. , Nikonov Boris S.
Published: June 2019

The phase composition, structure, and rhenium (technetium surrogate) speciation in sodium aluminum(iron) phosphate glasses synthesized under oxidizing and reducing conditions were examined using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopic methods. In the sodium aluminophosphate glasses, Re is present in both metallic Re(0) form and Re(VII). In the Sodium aluminum‐iron phosphate glasses, regardless of the conditions of their production, all the Re occurred as Re(VII). Elemental leach rates from the Re‐containing glasses were found to be lower than the standard values.
Employer training in Australia: current practices and concerns
Authors: Smith Erica , Callan Victor , Tuck Jacqueline , Smith Andrew
Published: June 2019

This paper presents and analyses results from a research project on current trends in employer training in Australia. While the formal vocational education and training (VET) system is well‐researched, the everyday training that happens in workplaces is relatively under‐researched in Australia. Using some of the results of an employer survey undertaken in 2015, the paper describes and analyses employer‐based training across a range of industry areas. The survey included groups of questions on a range of matters, including the reasons why employers train, and how these relate to employers’ perceptions of their operating environment, and the structures they have in place to manage and organize training. Detailed data are provided about three specific forms of training: in‐house training and learning; the use that employers make of external providers of training; and employers’ use of nationally recognised training – training from the VET system. Finally the paper reports what managers said about the barriers to providing more training. The paper analyses the findings in relation to the literature and also identified changes over time in training practices in Australian companies. Implications for training policy and practice, as well as for future research, are identified.
Patterns and features of methamphetamine‐related presentations to emergency departments in QLD from 2005 to 2017
Authors: Jones Rikki , Woods Cindy , Barker Ruth , Usher Kim
Published: June 2019

This study explores the patterns and features of methamphetamine‐related presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Queensland. Despite an overall decrease in the use of methamphetamine in Australian, an increase in the use of the crystalized form of methamphetamine has been noted over recent years. A descriptive observational study was utilized to analyse emergency department (ED) injury surveillance data sourced from Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) from 2005 to 2017. Data were analysed for presentations related to stimulants (n = 564) with methamphetamine (n = 250) included as a subcategory. Descriptive statistics were used to identify patterns and features of presentations related to methamphetamines. The relationship between demographic variables, service type variables, and drug type was assessed using chi‐square and z‐tests. Results included the following: 84.4% of methamphetamine‐related presentations were allocated a triage score of 1, 2, or 3; 14.8% of all methamphetamine‐related presentations required police involvement; 18% were brought in by ambulance; and 15.6% exhibited behaviour that was either, agitated, aggressive, or violent in nature. Methamphetamine‐related presentations more frequently required police or ambulance services and more often included aggression or agitation. Methamphetamine‐related presentations to ED have a high acuity and often require other emergency resources (police and ambulance). There is a need to develop policy for managing aggressive and agitated people presenting to EDs as a result of methamphetamine use and to further explore the experience of personnel (police and ambulance) managing persons under the influence of methamphetamine.
Transparent alumina ceramics: Effect of standard and plasma generated stabilizing approaches in colloidal processing
Authors: Drdlikova Katarina , Maca Karel , Slama Martin , Drdlik Daniel
Published: June 2019

The study is focused on an optimization of the slip‐casting process used for the fabrication of the transparent/translucent alumina ceramics; more precisely, on specifying the most appropriate way to stabilize the cast alumina suspensions. An innovative method of the particles’ stabilization by plasma treatment was compared with the classical electrostatic and the most frequently used electrosteric approach. Properties of green bodies (pore size distribution, density) and sintered samples (density, mean grain size, real in‐line transmittance) were measured in term to evaluate the impact of the individual stabilization mechanism on the final properties of the transparent/translucent ceramics. The results showed that all tested approaches enable the preparation of the transparent/translucent alumina ceramics by Hot Isostatic Pressing. Ceramics prepared from the plasma treated as well as the electrostatically stabilized powders exhibited narrower pore size distribution, higher density, and lower mean grain size in comparison to ceramics fabricated from only electrosterically stabilized powders. Despite these promising properties the plasma‐treated samples resulted in an unexpectedly low RIT of 36% caused by the presence of thin cracks. However, the electrostatically stabilized samples achieved the highest RIT value of 57%.
The association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Robertson Janet , Beyer Steve , Emerson Eric , Baines Susannah , Hatton Chris
Published: June 2019

Background

There is strong evidence indicating that paid employment is generally good for the physical and mental health of the general population. This systematic review considers the association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

Studies published from 1990 to 2018 were identified via electronic literature databases, email requests and cross‐citations. Identified studies were reviewed narratively.

Results

Twelve studies were identified. Studies were generally consistent in reporting an association between being in paid employment and better physical or mental health status.

Conclusions

This review supports the view that the well‐established association between employment and better health is similar for adults with and without intellectual disabilities. However, evidence establishing causality is lacking and further research to determine specific health benefits attributable to employment for people with intellectual disabilities and the causal pathways that operate is required.
Silencing of HLA class I on primary human hepatocytes as a novel strategy for reduction in alloreactivity
Authors: Figueiredo Constança , Oldhafer Felix , Wittauer Eva‐Maria , Carvalho‐Oliveira Marco , Akhdar Ali , Beetz Oliver , Chen‐Wacker Chen , Yuzefovych Yuliia , Falk Christine S. , Blasczyk Rainer , Vondran Florian W.R.
Published: June 2019

In contrast to the whole liver, primary hepatocytes are highly immunogenic. Thus, alternative strategies of immunomodulation after hepatocyte transplantation are of special interest. Silencing of HLA class I expression is expected to reduce the strength of allogeneic immune responses and to improve graft survival. In this study, primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were isolated using a two‐step‐collagenase perfusion‐technique and co‐cultured with allogeneic lymphocytes in terms of a mixed lymphocyte hepatocyte culture. Expression of HLA class I on PHH was silenced using lentiviral vectors encoding for β2‐microglobulin‐specific short hairpin RNA (shβ2m) or non‐specific shRNA (shNS) as control. The delivery of shβ2m into PHH caused a decrease by up to 96% in β2m transcript levels and a down‐regulation of HLA class I cell surface expression on PHH by up to 57%. Proliferative T cell alloresponses against HLA‐silenced PHH were significantly lower than those observed form fully HLA‐expressing PHH. In addition, significantly lower secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was observed. Levels of albumin, urea and aspartate‐aminotransferase did not differ in supernatants of cultured PHH. In conclusion, silencing HLA class I expression on PHH might represent a promising approach for immunomodulation in the transplant setting without compromising metabolic function of silenced hepatocytes.
Dermoscopic features of mammary Paget’s disease: a retrospective case‐control study by the International Dermoscopy Society
Authors: Apalla Z. , Errichetti E. , Kyrgidis A. , Stolz W. , Puig S. , Malvehy J. , Zalaudek I. , Moscarella E. , Longo C. , Blum A. , Lanssens S. , Savoia F. , Tschandl P. , Kittler H. , Sinz C. , Stinco G. , Argenziano G. , Lazaridou E. , Lallas A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) is a rare intraepidermal adenocarcinoma of the nipple‐areola complex, associated with an underlying breast cancer in approximately 90% of cases. Delayed diagnosis of MPD is common. Its dermoscopic features have been ill defined in the literature.

Objectives

To determine the clinical and dermoscopic features of MPD versus other dermatologic entities that involve nipple and areola.

Methods

Members of the IDS were invited to submit any case of histologically confirmed MPD, as well as other benign and malignant dermatoses that involve the nipple and areola complex. A standardized evaluation of the dermoscopic images was performed and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results

Sixty‐five lesions were included in the study, 22 (33.8%) of them MPD and 43 (66.2%) controls. The most frequent dermoscopic criteria of MPD were white scales (86.4%) and pink structureless areas (81.8%), followed by dotted vessels (72.7%), erosion/ulceration (68.2%) and white shiny lines (63.6%). The multivariate analysis showed that white scales and pink structureless areas were significant predictors of MPD, posing a 68‐fold and a 31‐fold probability of MPD, respectively. Split of the population into pigmented and non‐pigmented lesions showed that in pigmented MPD, pink structureless areas, white lines and grey granules and dots are positive predictors of the disease. Among non‐pigmented lesions, pink structureless areas, white lines, erosion/ulceration and white scales served as predictors of MPD.

Conclusions

The most frequent profile of an individual with MPD is an elderly female with unilateral, asymptomatic, erythematous plaque of the nipple, dermoscopically displaying pink structureless areas, fine white scales, dotted and a few short linear vessels. In case of pigmentation we may also observe brown structureless areas and pigmented granules.

Limitations

Small sample size, retrospective design.
Polymicrobial interactions of Candida albicans and its role in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Arzmi Mohd Hafiz , Dashper Stuart , McCullough Michael
Published: June 2019

The oral microbiome is composed of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity, which are critical components of health and disease. Disruption of the oral microbiome has been proven to influence the course of oral diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Oral microbiome is comprised of inter‐kingdom microorganisms, including yeasts such as Candida albicans, bacteria, archaea and viruses. These microorganisms can interact synergistically, mutualistically and antagonistically, wherein the sum of these interactions dictates the composition of the oral microbiome. For instance, polymicrobial interactions can improve the ability of C albicans to form biofilm, which subsequently increases the colonisation of oral mucosa by the yeast. Polymicrobial interactions of C albicans with other members of the oral microbiome have been reported to enhance the malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells, such as the attachment to extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Polymicrobial interactions may also exacerbate an inflammatory response in oral epithelial cells, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the role of polymicrobial interactions between C albicans and other oral microorganisms, including its role in promoting oral carcinogenesis.
Interactive effects of casein micelle size and calcium and citrate content on rennet‐induced coagulation in bovine milk
Authors: Priyashantha Hasitha , Lundh Åse , Höjer Annika , Hetta Mårten , Johansson Monika , Langton Maud
Published: June 2019

Interactive effects of casein micelle size and milk calcium and citrate content on rennet‐induced coagulation were investigated. Milk samples containing small (SM) and large (LM) micelles, obtained from individual Holstein cows, were modified by addition of calcium and/or citrate and milk coagulation properties were evaluated in a full factorial design. The results showed that LM milk had a higher relative proportion of casein, coagulated faster, and resulted in a stronger gel than SM milk. Addition of calcium slightly decreased casein micelle size, while addition of citrate slightly increased micelle size. Calcium addition resulted in a shorter coagulation time and the strongest gels, while citrate addition increased the coagulation time and resulted in the weakest gels. Addition of calcium and citrate in combination resulted in intermediate coagulation properties. The interactive effect of micelle size and citrate was significant for gel strength. Microstructural differences between the milk gels were consistent with the rheological properties, for example, the micrographs revealed that a more homogeneous network was formed when calcium was added, resulting in a stronger gel. A more inhomogeneous network structure was formed when citrate was added, resulting in a weaker gel. Thus, variations in casein micelle size and in calcium and citrate content influence rennet‐induced coagulation in bovine milk. The calcium and citrate contents in Swedish milk have changed over time, whereby calcium content has increased and citrate content has decreased. In practical cheese making, calcium is added to cheese milk, most likely altering the role of inherent citrate and possibly influencing casein micelle size. The observed interaction effect between casein micelle size and citrate in this study, suggests that larger micelles with moderate citrate level will result in firmer gels, whereas a higher citrate content reduced gel strength more in case of large than SM. Since firmer gels are likely to retain more protein and fat than less firmer gels, this interaction effect could have implications in practical cheese production.
New‐structuralist exchange‐rate policy and the pattern of specialization in Latin American countries
Authors: Dvoskin Ariel , Feldman Germán David , Ianni Guido
Published: June 2019

The present article critically examines the transmission channels from real exchange rate undervaluation to output growth adduced by New‐Structuralism (NS). To this end, we slightly modify new‐structuralist canonical model for small open peripheral economies, and make the underlying productive structure depend on income distribution. This allows us both to discuss: (a) the limits of the transmission channels adduced by NS in their own terms, that is, under the assumption that the tradable sector is the modern sector; and (b) the further limitations of these channels when the pattern of trade is more suitable to characterize Latin American countries, whose tradable sector mainly exports primary goods under conditions of differential rent. We conclude that the channels work under highly restrictive assumptions, and therefore the alleged positive relationship between real exchange rate and growth cannot be generally ascertained.
Going home to die from critical care: A case study
Authors: White Lesley
Published: June 2019

Much of the activity in critical care is complex but repetitive. In order to standardize care and maintain safety, delivery of care is often directed by protocols and care bundles. This case study will reflect on an instance where care transcended the standard protocol‐directed path to be more individualized, creative and compassionate. Acts like these can be unique for the practitioners involved and require an element of positive risk taking, which happened here. It will look at the decision‐making, planning and risk involved in preparing for a terminally ill patient, who was inotrope and high‐flow oxygen dependent, to go home to have treatment withdrawn there instead of in the hospital. This was to fulfil his wish to die at home. In unpicking the circumstances where this positive risk taking led to the desired outcome and the relationship between safety, uncertainty and risk, three themes arose. These were the journey to safe uncertainty; decision‐making with uncertain outcomes; and the importance of robust human factors, particularly effective communication and inter‐professional teamwork. If positive risk taking can result in enhanced outcomes for the patient, then the question of how this behaviour can be fostered and encouraged must be addressed.
Purification of fat body glutathione S‐transferase from the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria: investigation of flavonoid inhibitory effects on enzyme activity
Authors: Hamed Ragaa R. , Maharem Tahany M. , Guneidy Rasha A. , Emam Manal A. , Abdel Karim Ghada S. A.
Published: June 2019

Focus on the development of botanical insecticides such as polyphenols may represent an alternative method to chemical control. In the present study, total glutathione concentration and its related antioxidant enzymes in foregut, midgut, hindgut and fat body homogenates of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria are examined. Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity exhibits a significantly higher value in fat bodies compared with other tissues. A simple and reproducible procedure for the purification of S. gregaria fat body GST is established and the purified enzyme is shown to be homogenous. The purified GST displays a typical Michaelis behaviour with respect to its substrates. Characterization of the GST, including optimum pH, substrate specificity and inhibitor effects, is carried out. The ability of some flavonoids to inhibit S. gregaria fat body GST activity is examined. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis indicates that the major components in Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are 18α‐glycyrrhetinic acid, quercetin and rutin, and the major components in Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx are cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside chloride and delphinidin. Quercetin and delphinidin chloride exhibit strong GST inhibition and the inhibition type is determined for both. Rutin shows a smaller inhibitory effect, whereas 18α‐glycyrrhetinic acid and cyanidin have no effect. Inhibition of S. gregaria fat body GST activity would be expected to prevent, or at least delay, the development of resistance to chemical pesticides. Among the examined levels of the antioxidant enzymes, total glutathione concentration and its related enzymes in foregut, midgut, hindgut and fat body crude homogenates of S. gregaria GST activity exhibit a significantly higher value in fat bodies compared with other tissues. Some flavonoids that are detected in H. sabdariffa calyx and G. glabra root extracts are the most effective inhibitors of the purified S. gregaria fat body GST activity. Inhibition of S. gregaria fat body GST activity by quercetin and delphinidin (major compounds detected by HPLC) would be expected to prevent, or at least delay, the development of resistance to chemical pesticides.
An Initiators' Perspective on the Continuity of Citizens' Initiatives in Rural Areas
Authors: Meerstra‐de Haan Erzsi , Haartsen Tialda , Meier Sabine , Strijker Dirk
Published: June 2019

Against the backdrop of depopulation and the shift toward Big Society, citizens' initiatives in rural areas are believed to be able to mitigate the decline of service provision in rural regions. Consequently, this mitigation requires the continuity of such initiatives. However, so far, we lack an initiators' perspective on the relevance of this continuity and the factors influencing it. From a theoretical standpoint, continuity of citizens' initiatives can be understood at three levels: the participant, group, and initiative levels. Based on empirical data obtained from 157 questionnaires distributed to a variety of initiatives, and using regression analysis, the focus of this paper is twofold. First, how and at which level the initiators understand continuity of an initiative is considered. Second, factors influencing the expected continuity of an initiative are researched. The results reveal that continuity differs from merely being successful and is influenced by other factors as well. Furthermore, continuity on the initiative level—the realization of a certain goal—is most prominent in analyzing expected continuity. In conclusion, we explore the roles that citizens' initiatives can be expected to play in service provision and which levels of continuity align with these expectations.
Clinical, genetic and immunological characteristics of 40 Chinese patients with CD40 ligand deficiency
Authors: Du Xiao , Tang Wenjing , Chen Xuemei , Zeng Ting , Wang Yanping , Chen Zhi , Xu Tao , Zhou Lina , Tang Xuemei , An Yunfei , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: June 2019

CD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency is a rare but life‐threatening primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the CD40L gene. Here, we investigated a cohort of 40 genetically diagnosed CD40L‐deficient patients from the Chinese mainland, analysed their clinical and genetic data, and examined CD40L expression, the proportion of T cell subsets, B cell subsets and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The aim was to provide a complete picture of CD40L deficiency. Initial presentations of the patient cohort mainly involved recurrent fever (47.5%) and sinopulmonary infection (42.5%). Life‐threatening infections (42.5%), caused by various pathogens, were the most serious threats faced by CD40L‐deficient patients, while neutropenia (57.5%) remained the most common complication. Opportunistic infections, including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and invasive fungal disease associated with Talaromyces marneffei, were also common in the cohort. In addition, seven patients (17.5%) suffered BCGitis/BCGosis, which is a major problem facing a planned immunization programme in China. It was intriguing that reduced IgM levels were observed in 12.5% of patients, while normal or elevated IgA levels were shown in 47.5% of patients. Thirty‐seven unique mutations were identified in 40 patients; of these, 10 were novel. Furthermore, we observed a lower percentage of NK cells, Tfh cells, and central memory CD4+ T cells, and an extremely small class‐switched memory B cell population, in CD40L‐deficient patients. Patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation experienced better disease remission. Taken together, our data establish the largest database about CD40L deficiency in China and provide genetic, immunologic and clinical information about Chinese CD40L‐deficient patients.
Assessing Sociodemographic Predictors of Climate Change Concern, 1994–2016
Authors: Driscoll Daniel
Published: June 2019

Objective

In this research note, I examine whether the growing influence of political orientation on climate change concern has resulted in the declining influence of the sociodemographic variables that have historically predicted such views.

Methods

Utilizing evidence from the 1994, 2000, 2010, and 2016 General Social Surveys, I conduct ordered logit regressions, Wald significance tests, and partition the pseudo‐R2 across years to ensure consistency of findings.

Results

A comparison across three decades reveals that while climate change concern was once grounded in sociodemographic predictors such as age, education, income, sex, race, or size of residential area, the explanatory power of those predictors has declined over time. Climate change concern is now better explained by political orientation variables; once modest in influence, only to rise in prominence over time.

Conclusion

These findings are connected to political polarization and the “denial countermovement” and their impact on the American public. This article is the first to explicitly and systematically track the decline of sociodemographic predictors of climate change concern over time.
Evaluation of automated erythrocyte methodology in new world camelids using the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer
Authors: Viesselmann Lisa C. , Flatland Bente , Stokol Tracy , Sisson Sandra , Schaefer Deanna M. W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Accurate erythrocyte measurements with ADVIA hematology analyzers require isovolumetric cell sphering in one reaction and hemolysis in another. However, camelid erythrocytes are resistant to sphering and osmotic lysis, and no published evaluation of ADVIA methods for camelids exists.

Objectives

The objectives were to demonstrate whether camelid erythrocytes sphere in the ADVIA red blood cell/platelet (RBC/PLT) reagent and lyse in the ADVIA cyanide HGB reagent, and to determine optimal ADVIA settings for camelids.

Methods

Camelid and canine blood were diluted to 1:625 in RBC/PLT reagent and evaluated microscopically for erythrocyte sphering. A camelid sample was incubated with the hemoglobin (HGB) reagent at varying dilutions to evaluate hemolysis. The RBC, hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) using three ADVIA species settings (equine, bovine, and caprine) were compared to their respective reference methods: Z2 Coulter impedance counter, packed cell volume, calculated MCV (PCV × 10/Coulter RBC), and calculated MCHC (HGB × 100/PCV). Reference MCV was also compared to MCV calculated using the ADVIA equine RBC count. Comparisons were assessed using Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman difference plots.

Results

Camelid erythrocytes did not sphere in the RBC/PLT reagent, but did lyse in the HGB reagent. The ADVIA equine setting RBC count was acceptably close to the Coulter count. Hematocrit, MCV, and MCHC from all settings were significantly different from the reference methods. Mean cell volumes calculated using the equine setting RBC counts were acceptably close to the reference MCV.

Conclusions

Camelid ADVIA erythrogram results should be reported as follows: RBC counts and HGB concentrations using the equine setting, spun PCVs, MCVs calculated using the PCV and equine setting RBC, and MCHCs calculated using the PCV and equine setting HGB.