bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐6 neutralization ameliorates symptoms in prematurely aged mice
Authors: Squarzoni Stefano , Schena Elisa , Sabatelli Patrizia , Mattioli Elisabetta , Capanni Cristina , Cenni Vittoria , D'Apice Maria Rosaria , Andrenacci Davide , Sarli Giuseppe , Pellegrino Valeria , Festa Anna , Baruffaldi Fabio , Storci Gianluca , Bonafè Massimiliano , Barboni Catia , Sanapo Mara , Zaghini Anna , Lattanzi Giovanna
Published: January 2021

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) causes premature aging in children, with adipose tissue, skin and bone deterioration, and cardiovascular impairment. In HGPS cells and mouse models, high levels of interleukin‐6, an inflammatory cytokine linked to aging processes, have been detected. Here, we show that inhibition of interleukin‐6 activity by tocilizumab, a neutralizing antibody raised against interleukin‐6 receptors, counteracts progeroid features in both HGPS fibroblasts and LmnaG609G/G609G progeroid mice. Tocilizumab treatment limits the accumulation of progerin, the toxic protein produced in HGPS cells, rescues nuclear envelope and chromatin abnormalities, and attenuates the hyperactivated DNA damage response. In vivo administration of tocilizumab reduces aortic lesions and adipose tissue dystrophy, delays the onset of lipodystrophy and kyphosis, avoids motor impairment, and preserves a good quality of life in progeroid mice. This work identifies tocilizumab as a valuable tool in HGPS therapy and, speculatively, in the treatment of a variety of aging‐related disorders.
Abuse‐deterrent extended‐release oxycodone and risk of opioid‐related harm
Authors: Paljarvi Tapio , Strang John , Quinn Patrick D. , Luciano Sierra , Fazel Seena
Published: January 2021

Aim

To establish and quantify the association between abuse‐deterrent formulation (ADF) oxycodone and 1‐year risk of opioid‐related harm.

Design

Propensity score‐matched cohort study of electronic medical records for years 2014–18, with patients followed up for 1 year after their index health‐care visit.

Setting

More than 70 million patients from 56 US health‐care organizations.

Participants

Patients aged 18–64 years at index health‐care visit with any indication for an oral opioid analgesic, with no past 12‐month history of oral oxycodone use or substance use disorder, and who were alive at the end of the 1‐year follow‐up (new episode of prescription oral ADF oxycodone [OxyContin], n = 45 045; new episode of non‐ADF oxycodone opioid preparation, n = 1 377 359).

Measurements

International Classification of Diseases diagnoses of any opioid‐related disorder or non‐fatal opioid poisoning within 1 year of the index health‐care visit. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Findings

After propensity score matching, 89 802 patients with a mean age of 44 [standard deviation (SD) = 11] years (62% women, 68% white) were included. During 1‐year follow‐up, 1445 diagnoses of opioid use disorder or opioid poisoning occurred in the ADF oxycodone cohort (34.8/1000 person‐years) and 765 occurred in the non‐ADF oxycodone cohort (18.2/1000 person‐years). The odds of opioid‐related adverse outcomes were increased in the ADF oxycodone cohort compared with the non‐ADF oxycodone opioid cohort, including for opioid use disorders (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.83, 2.23) and opioid poisoning (OR = 1.64 95% CI = 1.35, 1.99).

Conclusions

Patients with a new prescription of abuse‐deterrent formulation oxycodone may be at increased risk of opioid‐related harm.
Effect of initiation of medications for opioid use disorder on hospitalization outcomes for endocarditis and osteomyelitis in a large private hospital system in the United States, 2014–18
Authors: Jo Young , Nosal Rebecca , Vittori Angela , Cordova Leopold , Vandever Christian , Alvarez Clara , Bartholomew Tyler S. , Tookes Hansel E.
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has led to not only increases in overdose deaths, but also increases in endocarditis and osteomyelitis secondary to injection drug use (IDU). We studied the association between initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and treatment outcomes for people with infectious sequelae of IDU and OUD.

Design and setting

This is a retrospective cohort study reviewing encounters at 143 HCA Healthcare hospitals across 21 states of the United States from 2014 to 2018.

Participants

Adults aged 18–65 with the ICD diagnosis code for OUD and endocarditis or osteomyelitis (n = 1407).

Measurements

Main exposure was the initiation of MOUD, defined as either methadone or buprenorphine at any dosage started during hospitalization. Primary outcomes were defined as patient‐directed discharge (PDD), 30‐day re‐admission and days of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Covariates included biological sex, age, ethnicity, other co‐occurring substance use disorders, and insurance status.

Findings

MOUD was initiated among 269 (19.1%) patients during hospitalization. Initiation of MOUD was not associated with decreased odds of PDD. Initiation of MOUD did not impact 30‐day re‐admission. Patients who received MOUD, on average, had 5.7 additional days of gold‐standard intravenous antibiotic treatment compared with those who did not [β = 5.678, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.563, 7.794), P < 0.05].

Conclusion

For people with opioid use disorder hospitalized with endocarditis or osteomyelitis, initiation of methadone or buprenorphine appears to be associated with improved receipt of gold‐standard therapy, as quantified by increased days on intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% under occlusion for alopecia areata: Clinical effect and influence on intraocular pressure
Authors: Nomiyama Tomoko , Katoh Norito
Published: January 2021

Topical corticosteroids are known to be effective in the treatment of alopecia areata, but the potential effects on intraocular pressure are a concern. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effect of clobetasol propionate 0.05% under occlusion on patients with active phase alopecia areata and to examine the effects on intraocular pressure. We also wished to see if reducing the frequency of application of clobetasol increased the safety with respect to intraocular pressure. Elevation of intraocular pressure due to topical corticosteroids is unlikely to occur at the dose of 9.8 g or less per week used in this study; however, ophthalmologic examination at the start of treatment was thought to be worthwhile in identifying patients with latent glaucoma.
Light‐induced modifications of the outer retinal hyperreflective layers on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in humans: an experimental study
Authors: Mathis Thibaud , Vasseur Vivien , Zuber Kevin , Arej Nicolas , Loria Olivier , Kodjikian Laurent , Sennlaub Florian , Mauget‐Faÿsse Martine
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Numerous small hyperreflective dots (HRDs) can be seen within the hyporeflective layer between the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and the interdigitation zone (IZ) on C‐scan spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) with a yet unknown variation under light conditions. The aim of this study was to explore light‐induced SD‐OCT changes in these HRDs.

Methods

The study subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 experienced a dark adaptation protocol followed by intense retinal photobleaching, while Group 2, serving as the control group, was exposed to constant ambient light without any variation. The number of HRDs was automatically counted.

Results

Twenty healthy volunteers were prospectively included. The number of HRDs differed significantly over time (p = 0.0013). They decreased in Group 1 after dark adaptation and retinal photobleaching before returning to baseline levels 30 min later; conversely, they remained relatively constant in Group 2 throughout the study (p < 0.001). Light‐skinned subjects had less HRD than dark‐skinned subjects.

Conclusion

We observed light‐induced modifications in the space between the EZ and the IZ. We hypothesize that the HRDs visible in this zone correspond to melanosomes that are mobilized during the light stimulation protocol. Larger studies are recommended to further evaluate and confirm light‐induced SD‐OCT changes under physiological and pathological conditions.
Trends in new prescription of gabapentinoids and of coprescription with opioids in the 4 nations of the UK, 1993–2017
Authors: Rahman Alvi , Kane Joseph , Montastruc François , Renoux Christel
Published: January 2021

We explored potential differences in time trends of gabapentinoid prescription and of opioid coprescription between 1993 and 2017 in the 4 UK nations using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a UK primary care database. There were distinct trends in annual rates of new gabapentin and pregabalin prescriptions in Northern Ireland. The rate of new gabapentin prescriptions rapidly increased after 2010 and exceeded that of the other nations by 2017 (rate of 836 [95% confidence interval: 787–887] per 100 000 person‐years). Additionally, the rate of new pregabalin prescriptions was higher during the entire study period, reaching a peak of 1139 (95% confidence interval: 1088‐1193) per 100 000 person‐years in 2010, 5‐fold higher than the other nations. Findings in Northern Ireland may be partly attributable to the high burden of anxiety disorders, an indication for pregabalin. Further exploration of reasons for discrepancies in gabapentinoid prescribing between UK nations is warranted.
Clinical manifestations and impact on daily life of allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in ten patients
Authors: Bruusgaard‐Mouritsen Maria A. , Johansen Jeanne D. , Garvey Lene H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are widely used as excipients in drugs, cosmetics and household products. Immediate‐type allergy to PEGs including anaphylaxis is rare. The recent introduction of the mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines has led to an increased focus on PEG as a possible culprit of allergic reactions to the vaccines. A low awareness of the allergenic potential of PEG among consumers, manufacturers and doctors leads to under‐diagnosis and under‐reporting of allergy to PEGs, putting patients at risk of repeated severe reactions.

Objectives

To investigate clinical manifestations, time to diagnosis and impact of a PEG allergy diagnosis on the daily life of patients diagnosed with allergy to PEG from 2010 to 2019.

Method

Ten patients diagnosed with allergy to PEG were included. Detailed clinical history was obtained, and allergy investigations had been performed at the time of diagnosis. All patients were contacted and asked to retrospectively complete a questionnaire about causes and impact on daily life of an allergy to PEG, scored on a likert scale (0–10) before and after diagnosis.

Results

Eight patients had experienced at least one anaphylactic reaction requiring adrenaline treatment. Anaphylaxis was primarily caused by antibiotic/analgesic tablets, depot‐steroids, antacids and laxatives. Seven patients reported repeated reactions before diagnosis (median 3, range 2–6). Median time from first reaction to diagnosis was 20 months (range 2–120). None of the patients experienced severe allergic reactions after the diagnosis. Median likert score of the impact on daily life before diagnosis was 7 compared with 4 after diagnosis.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The clinical manifestations of PEG allergy are often dramatic. Improved awareness about the clinical presentation and common culprits, clear product labelling and a standardized nomenclature is needed to ensure the timely diagnosis of PEG allergy to prevent repeated anaphylactic reactions with severe impact on patients’ lives.
Ultrasound of benign thyroid nodules: A 120 months follow‐up study
Authors: Cappelli Carlo , Pirola Ilenia , Gandossi Elena , Rotondi Mario , Casella Claudio , Lombardi Davide , Agosti Barbara , Ferlin Alberto , Castellano Maurizio
Published: January 2021

Objective

Some evidence suggests that most benign nodules exhibit no significant size increase during 5 years of follow‐up, although conflicting results have emerged. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency and the magnitude of growth in benign nodules during 120 months of follow‐up.

Design

We reviewed the medical and imaging records of patients who were submitted to ultrasound‐guided FNA of thyroid nodules at our hospital from January 2007 to March 2009. We selected only patients with benign nodules who underwent annual ultrasound evaluation in our Department.

Results

Among 966 selected patients, 289 were lost during follow‐up, meaning that the total number of patients analysed was 677 (474 women and 203 men), with a mean age of 45.6 (16–71) years. In 559/677 patients (82.7%), the size of the nodule remained stable during follow‐up; 42 (6.2%) patients experienced spontaneous nodule shrinkage, and 75 (11.1%) patients showed nodule growth. Patients with or without nodule growth during follow‐up were superimposable at baseline for age, gender, TSH values, number of patients on levothyroxine treatment and nodule characteristics. All baseline variables in predicting nodular growth were entered to an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model. None of the parameters taken into account was associated with nodular growth.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the majority of benign nodules remained stable over the period of monitoring. On the basis of our experience, we recommend ultrasound examination at a distance of 2 and 5 years following cytological evaluation, then every 4–5 years from then on.
Skeletal muscle maximal mitochondrial activity in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dayanidhi Sudarshan , Buckner Elisa H , Redmond Robin S , Chambers Henry G , Schenk Simon , Lieber Richard L
Published: January 2021

Aim

To compare skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity and mitochondrial content between independently ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children.

Method

Gracilis biopsies were obtained from 12 children during surgery (n=6/group, children with CP: one female, five males, mean age 13y 4mo, SD 5y 1mo, 4y 1mo–17y 10mo; typically developing children: three females, three males, mean age 16y 5mo, SD 1y 4mo, 14y 6mo–18y 2mo). Spectrophotometric enzymatic assays were used to evaluate the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. Mitochondrial content was evaluated using citrate synthase assay, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and immunoblots for specific respiratory chain proteins.

Results

Maximal enzyme activity was significantly (50–80%) lower in children with CP versus typically developing children, for complex I (11nmol/min/mg protein, standard error of the mean [SEM] 1.7 vs 20.7nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 4), complex II (6.9nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 1.2 vs 21nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 2.7), complex III (31.9nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 7.4 vs 72.7nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 7.2), and complex I+III (7.4nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 2.5 vs 31.8nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 9.3). Decreased electron transport chain activity was not the result of lower mitochondrial content.

Interpretation

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymatic activity but not mitochondrial content is reduced in independently ambulatory children with CP. Decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity might explain reported increased energetics of movement and fatigue in ambulatory children with CP.

What this paper adds

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymatic activity is reduced in independently ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Mitochondrial content appears to be similar between children with CP and typically developing children.
Botulinum toxin injection into the intrinsic laryngeal muscles to treat spasmodic dysphonia: A multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group comparison/open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Hyodo Masamitsu , Nagao Asuka , Asano Kento , Sakaguchi Masahiko , Mizoguchi Kenji , Omori Koichi , Tada Yasuhiro , Hatakeyama Hiromitsu , Oridate Nobuhiko , Naito Kensei , Iwata Yoshihiro , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Hara Hirotaka , Sanuki Tetsuji , Yumoto Eiji
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

Botulinum toxin (BT) injection into the laryngeal muscles has been a standard treatment for spasmodic dysphonia (SD). However, few high‐quality clinical studies have appeared, and BT is used off‐label in most countries.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group comparison/open‐label clinical trial to obtain approval for BT (Botox) therapy in Japan. Twenty‐four patients (22 with adductor SD and two with abductor SD) were enrolled. The primary end point was the change in the number of aberrant morae (phonemes) at 4 weeks after drug injection. The secondary end points included the change in the number of aberrant morae, GRBAS scale, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and visual analog scale (VAS) over the entire study period.

Results

In the adductor SD group, the number of aberrant morae at 4 weeks after injection was reduced by 7.0 ± 2.30 (mean ± SE) in the BT group and 0.2 ± 0.46 in the placebo group (p = 0.0148). The improvement persisted for 12 weeks following BT injections. The strain element in GRBAS scale significantly reduced at 2 weeks after BT treatment. The VHI and VAS scores as subjective parameters also improved. In the abductor SD group, one patient responded to treatment. Adverse events included breathy hoarseness (77.3%) and aspiration when drinking (40.9%) but were mild and resolved in 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin injection was safe and efficacious for the treatment of SD. Based on these results, BT injection therapy was approved as an SD treatment in Japan.
Female common cuckoo calls dampen the mobbing intensity of great reed warbler hosts
Authors: Marton Attila , Fülöp Attila , Bán Miklós , Hauber Márk E. , Moskát Csaba
Published: January 2021

To avoid mobbing attacks by their hosts during egg laying, some avian brood parasites have evolved traits to visually and/or acoustically resemble predator(s) of their hosts. Prior work established that reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), a small host species of the brood parasitic common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), delayed returning to the nest when confronted by either the calls of the female cuckoo or that of the predatory sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). It remains less clear, however, whether female cuckoo calls also suppress the nest defences of larger and more aggressive hosts. Such hosts typically attack vigorously, and can even hurt the brood parasitic intruders, instead of fleeing in the face of danger. Here, we tested whether the female cuckoo calls dampen mobbing intensity in a much largerAcrocephalushost of the common cuckoo, the great reed warbler (A. arundinaceus). We presented great reed warbler pairs with female common cuckoo models at their nests without and then with playing back the female‐specific bubbling calls of the cuckoo. As controls, we tested the hosts’ responses to harmless collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) models, also without and then with the playbacks of dove calls. We found that the playback of female brood parasite calls reduced the aggression of hosts towards the cuckoo models as compared to model presentations without female calls, but we detected no such effect of the control calls with dove models. Our results revealed that female cuckoo calls effectively suppress the antiparasitic responses of great reed warbler hosts, which could aid parasites to approach the nest undiscovered and to evade the costly attacks of this large host. Therefore, the female call can be regarded as a general part of the cuckoo's trickery repertoire for successful parasitism.
Genetic variability of immune‐related lncRNAs: polymorphisms in LINC‐PINT and LY86‐AS1 are associated with pemphigus foliaceus susceptibility
Authors: Salviano‐Silva Amanda , Farias Ticiana Della Justina , Bumiller‐Bini Valéria , Castro Mariana de Sousa , Lobo‐Alves Sara Cristina , Busch Hauke , Pföhler Claudia , Worm Margitta , Goebeler Matthias , van Beek Nina , Franke Andre , Wittig Michael , Zillikens Detlef , de Almeida Rodrigo Coutinho , Hundt Jennifer Elisabeth , Boldt Angelica Beate Winter , Ibrahim Saleh , Augusto Danillo Gardenal , Petzl‐Erler Maria Luiza , Schmidt Enno , Malheiros Danielle
Published: January 2021

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin, clinically characterized by erosions and, histopathologically, by acantholysis. PF is endemic in the Brazilian Central‐Western region. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to affect the susceptibility for PF, including SNPs at long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, which are known to participate in many physiological and pathogenic processes, such as autoimmunity. Here, we investigated whether the genetic variation of immune‐related lncRNA genes affects the risk for endemic and sporadic forms of PF. We analysed 692 novel SNPs for PF from 135 immune‐related lncRNA genes in 227 endemic PF patients and 194 controls. The SNPs were genotyped by Illumina microarray and analysed by applying logistic regression at additive model, with correction for sex and population structure. Six associated SNPs were also evaluated in an independent German cohort of 76 sporadic PF patients and 150 controls. Further, we measured the expression levels of two associated lncRNA genes (LINC‐PINT and LY86‐AS1) by quantitative PCR, stratified by genotypes, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects. We found 27 SNPs in 11 lncRNA genes associated with endemic PF (p < .05 without overlapping with protein‐coding genes). Among them, the LINC‐PINT SNP rs10228040*A (OR = 1.47, p = .012) was also associated with increased susceptibility for sporadic PF (OR = 2.28, p = .002). Moreover, the A+ carriers of LY86‐AS1*rs12192707 mark lowest LY86‐AS1 RNA levels, which might be associated with a decreasing autoimmune response. Our results suggest a critical role of lncRNA variants in immunopathogenesis of both PF endemic and sporadic forms.
Proteomic analysis from skin swabs reveals a new set of proteins identifying skin impairment in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Morelli Paola , Gaspari Marco , Gabriele Caterina , Dastoli Stefano , Bennardo Luigi , Pavel Ana Brandusa , Patruno Cataldo , Del Duca Ester , Nisticò Steven P.
Published: January 2021

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin and systemic inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Herein, we investigate the proteomic profile of AD skin barrier to identify a unique signature with an easy‐performed sampling approach. We enrolled 8 moderate‐to‐severe AD patients and 8 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Swabs were obtained from non‐lesional skin of retroauricular area and antecubital fold. Peptide mixtures obtained through protein precipitation and in‐solution digestion were analysed using NanoLC‐MS/MS. Label‐free quantification and statistical analysis were conducted in MaxQuant and Perseus. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using Gene Ontology and STRING. We identified 908 proteins and 35 differentially expressed proteins were selected (fold change 2, FDR < 0.05). Particularly, AD skin showed downregulation of skin hydration factors, structural and epidermal proteins, abnormalities in protease‐proteasome complex and lipid metabolism profile. Imbalance of antioxidant and inflammatory processes, along with TDRD15 upregulation was also observed. Our result showed partial overlap with skin biopsy/tape‐strips studies, showing the reliability of our sampling approach which could be an easier method of detection of hallmark barrier proteins in AD. Furthermore, we displayed a new differentially expressed set of proteins, not yet explored in AD which can have a potential role in AD pathomechanisms.
Combining Chemical and Biological Oxidation for Sustainable Treatment of Chloronitrobenzene in Anoxic Groundwater
Authors: Amiri Samia , Hanson Andrea J. , Pica Nasim E. , Mack E. Erin , Blotevogel Jens
Published: January 2021

Chloronitrobenzenes (CNBs) are important chemical intermediates that are resistant to natural degradation processes in anoxic environments. When receptors are threatened by CNB‐contaminated groundwater, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offer a rapid response to protect human health and the environment. While AOPs are effective for the transformation of persistent organic contaminants, driving chemical oxidation reactions to complete mineralization is often not energy‐ and cost‐efficient due to the formation of recalcitrant intermediates or competition by natural organic matter. In this study, we applied an electrochemical AOP to elucidate the degradation pathways and kinetics of CNB under varying treatment conditions and times. Nontargeted mass spectrometry revealed multiple ring hydroxylation and ring opening products such as dicarboxylic acids that became increasingly harder to chemically oxidize as treatment time progressed. To determine the universal biodegradability of the generated intermediates under anoxic conditions, AOP‐treated water samples collected at different stages of electrochemical oxidation were exposed to a microbial culture derived from generic rhizosphere soil. All ring opening products were completely biodegraded anaerobically within 28 days of microcosm incubation. While multiple oxygenated ring intermediates were substantially removed, CNB was stable in the absence of oxygen. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of limited and targeted chemical oxidation with subsequent biodegradation of incomplete oxidation products is a more sustainable approach than the exclusive application of AOPs for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with CNBs and likely other aromatic compounds.
Role of vanadium oxide on the lithium silicate glass structure and properties
Authors: Gaddam Anuraag , Allu Amarnath R. , Fernandes Hugo R. , Stan George E. , Negrila Catalin C. , Jamale Atul P. , Méar François O. , Montagne Lionel , Ferreira José M.F.
Published: January 2021

The structural role of V in 28Li2O–72SiO2 (in mol%) lithium silicate glass doped with 0.5 mol% V2O5 was assessed using 29Si and 51V Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy techniques. Despite the low amount of V2O5 used, the structural information obtained or deduced from the statistical analysis of the NMR data could explain the evolution of glass properties after V2O5 addition. The XPS results indicated that all vanadium exists in 5+ oxidation state. Both the 29Si NMR and FTIR data point toward an increase in the polymerization of the silicate network, caused by the V2O5 acting as network former, capable to form various tetrahedral units (for n = 0, 1, and 2) in the glasses. These units, which are similar to phosphate units, scavenge the Li+ ions and cause the silicate network to polymerize. However, in an overall balance, the entire glass network is depolymerized due to the additional nonbridging oxygens contributed by the vanadium polyhedra. The addition of vanadium causes the network to expand and increases the ionic conductivity.
The experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome: An integrative literature review
Authors: Alyasin Najmeh , Teate Alison , Strickland Karen
Published: January 2021

Aim

There is lack of evidence and research understanding among women's lived experiences following first acute coronary syndrome, thus their recovery process remains poorly understood. To date research has largely focused on men's experience of acute coronary syndrome while this area of health care and recovery has considerable impact on women's health and quality of life. Our aim was to review the literature exploring lived experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome.

Design

Integrative review of the literature.

Data source

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus from 2008–2018 for articles published in English.

Review method

Of 1675 publications identified, 18 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies met our inclusion criteria. Quality of included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. Findings were integrated using thematic synthesis.

Results

Experiencing acute coronary syndrome was reported to have significant impacts on women's lives. The most common issues reported were physical limitations, fear, and uncertainties about the future, sexual dissatisfaction, and social isolation. Women also reported to have higher short‐ and long‐term mortality rate, stroke, recurrent, and hospital readmissions compared with men.

Conclusion

This review identified current knowledge and gaps about lived experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome. It is anticipated that the information gained from this literature review will support new research aimed at improving the care women receive following acute coronary syndrome and therefore enhance their recovery and quality of life.

Impact

This review contributes to the current body of knowledge by addressing women's physical, psychosocial, and sexual state following acute coronary syndrome. Improvement in women's quality of life after acute coronary syndrome necessitates further research which ultimately results in better management and treatment of women and their recovery following first acute coronary syndrome.
Serum angiopoietin‐2 level as a novel potential biomarker in oral lichen planus
Authors: Bessar Hagar , Hammad Noha M. , Ismail Tawhed , Teama Mohamed AbdElkader , Youssef Ayman
Published: January 2021

Background

Lichen planus is a common chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease. Recent advances evidenced that angiogenesis is tightly connected to it. More recently, the endothelial specific growth factor angiopoietin‐2 has been clarified to interact with vascular endothelial growth factor. Angiopoietin‐2 level has not been investigated in lichen planus.

Aim

To evaluate serum level of angiopoietin‐2 in cutaneous and oral lichen planus.

Methods

Ninety patients were investigated, 45 patients with lichen planus. In addition to forty‐five healthy control, the activity of the disease was estimated at the time of examination. The serum level of angiopoietin‐2 had been estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between angiopoietin‐2 serum level and disease severity, type of lichen, and visual analogue scale score (VAS) were determined.

Results

The serum levels of angiopoietin‐2 were substantially higher in patients with both cutaneous and oral lesions than patients with cutaneous lichen planus only (P < .001).

Conclusions

Serum angiopoietin‐2 is elevated in patients compared with normal subjects and is correlated with the presence of oral lesions and disease severity, that reflects its role in angiogenesis and inflammation, and angiopoietin‐2 serum level could be a potential marker for monitoring the oral lichen to identify possible malignant transformation.
Facilitating business model innovation: The influence of sustainability and the mediating role of strategic orientations
Authors: Klein Sascha P. , Spieth Patrick , Heidenreich Sven
Published: January 2021

Businesses increasingly incorporate the sustainability aspects into their products, services, and processes that drive innovation. While extant research on the linkage between sustainability and innovation has gained momentum over the past years, prior research has predominantly focused on sustainability's performance impacts (e.g., financially and environmentally) and product innovation outputs, neglecting the internal mechanisms that leverage sustainability. While findings from previous studies suggest that sustainability may drive business model innovation (BMI), it still lacks empirical evidence on whether and how sustainability may influence the evolvement of BMI. Relying on the stimulus‐organism‐response framework, we address these shortcomings and argue that sustainability commitment influences certain strategic orientations that increase the propensity of innovating a business model (BM). Using a sample of 167 German manufacturing firms, we empirically investigate these relationships. Our results from structural equation modeling show that the sustainability commitment has no direct effect on BMIs. Our mediation analysis does, however, reveal that sustainability commitment has complex indirect effects driving BMI through strategic orientations, namely the firm's market, technology, and entrepreneurial orientation. By uncovering the mechanisms through which sustainability commitment drives BMI, our findings provide new impetus on BMI’s internal drivers and highlight the important role of certain strategic behaviors that guide managers’ strategic choices when planning to innovate a BM. From a managerial perspective, our findings thus provide mangers with guidelines to achieve the right configuration of strategic orientations when responding to sustainability issues by innovating their current BM.
Comparison of silhouette‐based reallocation methods for vegetation classification
Authors: Lengyel Attila , Roberts David W. , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán
Published: January 2021

Aims

Vegetation classification seeks to partition the variability of vegetation into relatively homogeneous but distinct types. There are many ways to evaluate, and potentially improve, such a partitioning. One effective approach involves calculating silhouette widths which measure the goodness‐of‐fit of plots to their cluster. We introduce a new iterative reallocation clustering method — Reallocation of Misclassified Objects based on Silhouette width (REMOS) — and compare its performance with an existing algorithm — OPTimizing SILhouette widths (OPTSIL). REMOS reallocates misclassified objects to their nearest‐neighbour cluster iteratively. Of its two variants, REMOS1 reallocates only the object with the lowest silhouette width, while REMOS2 reallocates all objects with negative silhouette width in each iteration. We test how REMOS1, REMOS2 and OPTSIL perform in terms of: (a) cluster homogeneity and separation; (b) the number of diagnostic species; and (c) runtime.

Methods

We classified simulated data with the flexible‐beta algorithm for values of beta from −1 to 0. These classifications were subsequently optimized by REMOS1, REMOS2 and OPTSIL and compared for mean silhouette widths, misclassification rate, and runtime. We classified three vegetation data sets from two to ten clusters, optimized all outcomes with the three reallocation methods, and compared their mean silhouette widths, misclassification rate, and number of diagnostic species.

Results

OPTSIL achieved the highest mean silhouette width across the majority of the data sets. REMOS achieved zero or negligible misclassifications, outperforming OPTSIL on this criterion. REMOS algorithms were typically more than an order of magnitude faster to calculate than OPTSIL. There was no clear difference between REMOS and OPTSIL in the number of diagnostic species.

Conclusions

REMOS algorithms may be preferable to OPTSIL when: (a) the primary objective is to reduce the number of negative silhouette widths in a classification, as opposed to maximizing mean silhouette width; or (b) when the time efficiency of the algorithm is important.
Novel autophagic vacuolar myopathies: Phenotype and genotype features
Authors: Napolitano Filomena , Terracciano Chiara , Bruno Giorgia , De Blasiis Paolo , Lombardi Luca , Gialluisi Alessandro , Gianfrancesco Fernando , De Giovanni Donatella , Tummolo Albina , Di Iorio Giuseppe , Limongelli Giuseppe , Esposito Teresa , Melone Mariarosa Anna Beatrice , Sampaolo Simone
Published: January 2021

Background

Autophagic vacuolar myopathies (AVMs) are an emerging group of heterogeneous myopathies sharing histopathological features on muscle pathology, in which autophagic vacuoles are the pathognomonic morphologic hallmarks. Glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII) caused by lysosomal acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) deficiency is the best‐characterised AVM.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the mutational profiling of seven neuromuscular outpatients sharing clinical, myopathological and biochemical findings with AVMs.

Methods

We applied a diagnostic protocol, recently published by our research group for suspected late‐onset GSDII (LO‐GSDII), including counting PAS‐positive lymphocytes on blood smears, dried blood spot (DBS)‐GAA, muscle biopsy histological and immunofluorescence studies, GAA activity assay and expression studies on muscle homogenate, GAA sequencing, GAA multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and whole exome sequencing (WES).

Results

The patients had a limb girdle‐like muscular pattern with persistent hyperCKaemia; vacuolated PAS‐positive lymphocytes, glycogen accumulation and impaired autophagy at muscle biopsy. Decreased GAA activity was also measured. While GAA sequencing identified no pathogenic mutations, WES approach allowed us to identify for each patient an unexpected mutational pattern in genes cooperating in lysosomal‐autophagic machinery, some of which have never been linked to human diseases.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that reduced GAA activity may occur in any condition of impaired autophagy and that WES approach is advisable in all genetically undefined cases of autophagic myopathy. Therefore, deficiency of GAA activity and PAS‐positive lymphocytes should be considered as AVM markers together with LC3/p62‐positive autophagic vacuoles.
Oral pigmented lesions in syndromic individuals: A systematic review
Authors: Ferreira Luíse dos Santos , Calderipe Camila Barcellos , Maass Julianne Bartz , Carrard Vinicius Coelho , Martins Manoela Domingues , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Uchoa Vasconcelos Ana Carolina
Published: January 2021

Objective

To systematically integrate the available data published in the literature on oral pigmented lesions (OPL) associated with syndromes, summarizing the clinical and demographic features of the individuals.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was undertaken in six databases. Eligibility criteria were articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese describing case reports or case series of OPL associated with syndromes. Data were aggregated and statistically evaluated.

Results

About 108 articles reporting 149 cases of individuals with syndromes were identified. Among the affected individuals, nine syndromes were reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.93 years (0.41 to 83 years), with a predilection for white (n = 85/85.86%) female (n = 102/68.46%) individuals. As regards the number of lesions, 109 (73.15%) were multiple and 40 (26.85%) were single. Lip represented the anatomical location more affected (122 cases/38.01%), followed by the buccal mucosa (100 cases/31.15%). Brownish lesions accounted for 82 (69.49%) cases. The mean time of evolution was 10.52 years (0.16 to 56 years). OPL preceding diagnosis of the syndrome was observed in 111 (74.50%) cases.

Conclusions

Although these syndromes are uncommon, dentists should be able to recognize their manifestations, since oral manifestations can represent an important aspect in early diagnosis.
Increasing Temperature Counteracts the Negative Effect of UV Radiation on Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency ofMicrocystis aeruginosaandRaphidiopsis raciborskii
Authors: Noyma Natália Pessoa , Mesquita Marcella C.B. , Roland Fábio , Marinho Marcelo Manzi , Huszar Vera L.M. , Lürling Miquel
Published: January 2021

High temperature can promote cyanobacterial blooms, whereas ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can potentially depress cyanobacterial growth by damaging their photosynthetic apparatus. Although the damaging effect of UVR has been well documented, reports on the interactive effects of UV radiation exposure and warming on cyanobacteria remain scarce. To better understand the combined effects of temperature and UVR on cyanobacteria, two strains of nuisance species,Microcystis aeruginosa(MIRF) andRaphidiopsis raciborskii(formerlyCylindrospermopsis raciborskii,CYRF), were grown at 24°C and 28°C and were daily exposed to UVA + UVB (PAR + UVA+UVB) or only UVA (PAR + UVA) radiation. MIRF and CYRF growth rates were most affected by PAR + UVA+UVB treatment and to a lesser extent by the PAR + UVA treatment. Negative UVR effects on growth, Photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and photosynthesis were pronounced at 24°C when compared to that at 28°C. Our results showed a cumulative negative effect on PSII efficiency in MIRF, but not in CYRF. Hence, although higher temperature ameliorates UVR damage, interspecific differences may lead to deviating impacts on different species, and combined elevated temperature and UVR stress could influence species competition.
Binding Expedient of 2‐carbamido‐1,3‐indandione to Nucleic Acids: Potential Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Stoyanova Nina , Markova Nadezhda , Angelov Ivan , Philipova Irena , Enchev Venelin
Published: January 2021

Fluorescent and computational methods were used to elucidate the binding expedient of 2‐carbamido‐1,3‐indandione (CAID) tautomers to nucleotides. The dependence of the fluorescence emission of CAID loaded nucleic acids sequences to compound concentration, temperature and time variation was investigated. It was found that the subject compound binds to nucleic acids but does not intercalate. According to our quantum‐chemical calculations on the conjugation between CAID and nucleotides, the binding in the formed complexes may be through hydrogen bonds. Two possible types of complexes were considered—CAID to the phosphate group and CAID to the nucleobase. To estimate the binding affinity, the interaction energies of the formed complexes were calculated. Tautomer 2‐carboamide‐1‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐indane is preferred in the formation of complexes, and the phosphate group complexes were more stable. Generally, the guanosine and deoxyguanosine monophosphate complexes were the most preferred regardless of the complex type. Because of the lack of cytotoxic effect on untransformed cell lines of mouse embryo fibroblasts Balb/c 3T3 according to our previous report (Markova et al, (2017) Bulg Chem Commun, 49D, 221–226) and the affinity to nucleic acids, we can suggest that the subject compound could be suitable to be used as a novel type of fluorescent biomarker.
Ranked Choice Voting as a Generational Issue in Modern American Politics
Authors: McCarthy Devin , Santucci Jack
Published: January 2021

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is a class of reforms increasingly used in the United States to replace plurality and runoff elections. We ask whether support for RCV taps a larger generational divide in politics. We consult five surveys, two of these from recent adoption campaigns, and all with different ways of asking about RCV support. Generation is a significant predictor in four of these samples, accounting for standard demographic factors and partisanship. This relationship also holds within black and Republican subgroups, two groups often thought to be less likely to support RCV. Finally, we find that dissatisfaction with “the way that democracy works in America” is a plausible link between generation and reform support. For better or worse, RCV has potential to divide two important voting blocs in America. Our results suggest that, rather than turn away from electoral politics, a disaffected young generation may turn to reform.

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Authors: Fang Zhongbin , Fan Hongru , Huang Haoxin , Zhuang Yuhan , Ji Jia , Su Pengfei , Cheng Ziyang , Tang Ke
Published: January 2021

Credit risk control and credit strategy formulation of medium and micro enterprises have always been important strategic issues faced by commercial banks. Banks usually make corporate loan policies based on the credit degree, the information of trading bills and the relationship of supply-demand chain of the enterprise. In this paper, we established the AHP-Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for quantifying enterprise credit risk. Based on the relevant data of 123 enterprises with credit records, the credit strategy is formulated according to the three indicators of enterprise strength, enterprise reputation and stability of supply-demand relationship. This paper also combines the credit reputation, credit risk and supply and demand stability rating in order to establish the bank credit strategic planning model to decide whether to lend or not and the lending order. The conclusion shows that, under the condition of constant total loan amount, the enterprises with the highest credit rating should be given priority. Then, combined with the change of customer turnover rate with interest rate, we take the bank's maximize expected income as objective to calculate the optimal loan interest rate of different customer groups.
Micromechanics Approach for the Overall Elastic Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composites Incorporating Defect Structures
Authors: Kumar Rajesh S.
Published: January 2021

The initial mechanical response of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) is linear until the proportional limit. This initial response is characterized by linear elastic properties, which are anisotropic due to the orientation and arrangement of fibers in the matrix. The linear elastic properties are needed during various phases of analysis and design of CMC components. CMCs are typically made with ceramic unidirectional (UD) or woven fiber preforms embedded in a ceramic matrix formed via various processing routes. The matrix processing of interest in this work is the polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) process. As this process involves pyrolysis to convert a preceramic polymer into ceramic, considerable volume shrinkage occurs in the material. This volume shrinkage can lead to significant defects in the final material in the form of porosity of various size, shape, and volume fraction. These defect structures can have a significant impact on the elastic and damage response of the material. In this paper, a multiscale micromechanics modeling framework is developed to study the effects of processing-induced defects on the linear elastic response of a PIP-derived CMC. A combination of analytical and computational micromechanics approaches is used to derive the overall elastic tensor of the CMC as a function of the underlying constituents and/or defect structures. It is shown that the volume fraction and aspect ratio of porosity at various length scales play an important role in accurate prediction of the elastic tensor. Specifically, it is shown that the through-thickness elastic tensor components cannot be predicted accurately using the micromechanics models unless the effects of defects are considered.
High temperature isotropic and anisotropic etching of silicon carbide using forming gas
Authors: Frye C. D. , Funaro Devin , Conway A. M. , Hall D. L. , Grivickas P. V. , Bora M. , Voss L. F.
Published: January 2021

Plasma-etched micropillars in 4H-SiC were etched in forming gas (4% H2, 96% N2) at 1500, 1550, and 1600 °C at 2.4 and 9.4 standard liters per min (slm). At 2.4 slm, oxygen from the aluminum oxide components of the tube furnace oxidized the SiC surface, and the pillars etched isotropically. At 9.4 slm, the pillars etched crystallographically at 1500 and 1550 °C, and sharp 4H-SiC needless with tips as narrow as 15 nm were produced. The lateral etch rates of both 4H- and 6H-SiC were measured with the a-plane etching faster than the m-plane at 1500 and 1550 °C. At 1600 °C, the m-plane and a-plane etch at comparable rates. Due to the difference in etch rates between the m-plane and a-plane, convex surfaces tend to produce facets parallel to the a-plane, while concave surfaces produce facets parallel to the m-plane.