bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgens stimulate erythropoiesis through the DNA‐binding activity of the androgen receptor in non‐hematopoietic cells
Authors: McManus Julie F. , Nguyen Nhu‐Y N. , Davey Rachel A. , MacLean Helen E. , Pomilio Giovanna , McCormack Matthew P. , Chiu Wan Sze , Wei Andrew H. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Curtis David J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Androgens function through DNA and non‐DNA binding‐dependent signalling of the androgen receptor (AR). How androgens promote erythropoiesis is not fully understood.

Design and methods

To identify the androgen signalling pathway, we treated male mice lacking the second zinc finger of the DNA‐binding domain of the AR (ARΔZF2) with non‐aromatizable 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (5α‐DHT) or aromatizable testosterone. To distinguish direct hematopoietic and non‐hematopoietic mechanisms, we performed bone marrow reconstitution experiments.

Results

In wild‐type mice, 5α‐DHT had greater erythroid activity than testosterone, which can be aromatized to estradiol. The erythroid response in wild‐type mice following 5α‐DHT treatment was associated with increased serum erythropoietin (EPO) and its downstream target erythroferrone, and hepcidin suppression. 5α‐DHT had no erythroid activity in ARΔZF2 mice, proving the importance of DNA binding by the AR. Paradoxically, testosterone, but not 5α‐DHT, suppressed EPO levels in ARΔZF2 mice, suggesting testosterone following aromatization may oppose the erythroid‐stimulating effects of androgens. Female wild‐type mice reconstituted with ARΔZF2 bone marrow cells remained responsive to 5α‐DHT. In contrast, ARΔZF2 mice reconstituted with female wild‐type bone marrow cells showed no response to 5α‐DHT.

Conclusion

Erythroid promoting effects of androgens are mediated through DNA binding‐dependent actions of the AR in non‐hematopoietic cells, including stimulating EPO expression.
On religious and cultural objects: Articulate and inarticulate bodies in Spinoza's philosophy of nature
Authors: Thomas Christopher
Published: April 2020

Spinoza's philosophy is often overlooked when it comes to thinking about matters concerning art and culture. While recent work has done much to address this, his philosophy remains ambiguously related to the theorisation of things such as temples, poems, and paintings. This article argues that it is by turning to Spinoza's theorisation of the sacred in the Theological‐Political Treatise, that we can best derive his philosophical position on culture and its objects. I argue that Spinoza locates the sanctity of a religious object–what he calls its “articulateness”–in its particular use‐relation with a people. In a similar manner, Spinoza locates the “meaning” and articulateness of words in the use that people make of them, thereby secularising the sanctification process for cultural objects. I argue that this relation of “use” between cultural‐religious objects and human beings and their societies is the way in which we can best discern Spinoza's philosophical position regarding art and culture, as well as further develop his potential contribution to cultural and art theory.
Emotional experience in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hälbig T. D. , Wüstenberg T. , Giess R. M. , Kunte H. , Bellmann‐Strobl J. , Ruprecht K. , Paul F.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Evidence suggests that there are changes in the processing of emotional information (EP) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear which functional domains of EP are affected, whether these changes are secondary to other MS‐related neuropsychological or psychiatric symptoms and if EP changes are present in early MS. The aim of the study was to investigate EP in patients with early MS (clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing/remitting MS) and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

A total of 29 patients without neuropsychological or psychiatric deficits and 29 matched HCs were presented with pictures from the International Affective Picture System with negative, positive or neutral content. Participants rated the induced emotion regarding valence and arousal using nine‐level Likert scales. A speeded recognition test assessed memory for the emotional stimuli and for the emotional modulation of response time. A subgroup of participants was tested during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session.

Results

Patients in the MRI subgroup rated the experience induced by pictures with positive or negative emotional content significantly more weakly than HCs. Further, these patients were significantly less aroused when watching the pictures from the International Affective Picture System. There were no effects in the non‐MRI subgroup or effects on emotional memory or response times.

Conclusions

Emotional processing changes may be present in early MS in the form of flattened emotional experience on both the valence and arousal dimensions. These changes do not appear to be secondary to neuropsychological or psychiatric deficits. The fact that emotional flattening was only found in the MRI setting suggests that EP changes may be unmasked within stressful environments and points to the potential yet underestimated impact of the MRI setting on behavioral outcomes.
Late drug‐resistance in mild MTLE: Can it be influenced by preexisting white matter alterations?
Authors: Labate Angelo , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Fortunato Francesco , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Aguglia Umberto , Gambardella Antonio
Published: April 2020

Objective

To identify early structural alterations preceding the development of drug‐resistance in mild mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mMTLE), a drug‐responsive syndrome ideal for investigating epilepsy pathophysiology and potential prognostic markers of long‐term clinical outcome, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 12‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Since 2002, a total of 55 participants with a baseline diagnosis of mMTLE underwent three‐dimensional (3D) T1 1.5T MRI. Based on long‐term outcome (follow‐up 12 ± 3 years), we identified 39 patients with stable mMTLE (smMTLE) and 16 patients who had developed drug‐resistance overtime (refractory MTLE [rMTLE]). At follow‐up, 21 smMTLE and 13 rMTLE patients underwent 3T‐MRI including diffusion‐weighted scans. Structural images were processed using longitudinal voxel‐based morphometry and standard Freesurfer analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out accounting for age, age at onset, gender, hippocampal volume, and hippocampal sclerosis (Hs).

Results

Patients presented similar demographic, clinical, and Hs features. White matter volume of the arcuate fasciculi, corticospinal tracts, left retrosplenial cingulum, and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus was reduced only in rMTLE patients before the development of drug‐resistance. At follow‐up, rMTLE showed decreased fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum, superior longitudinal fasciculi, and major bundles of the right hemisphere.

Significance

White matter temporal and extratemporal abnormalities are preexisting in patients with mild MTLE who will develop drug‐resistance, independently from the presence of Hs. Thus, these changes might be due to an inherited genetic alteration rather than a subordinate worsening after repeated seizures, multiple antiepileptic drugs, or initial precipitating factors.
No evidence for memory retention of a learned association between a cue and roost quality after hibernation in free‐ranging bats
Authors: Hernández‐Montero Jesús R. , Schöner Caroline R. , Kerth Gerald
Published: April 2020

Hibernation is a physiological adaptation that allows animals to survive adverse environmental conditions. A commonly assumed cost of hibernation is impaired memory retention. So far, however, the effects of hibernation on memory retention have been assessed on only a few behavioral tasks, and exclusively under laboratory conditions. Taking advantage of the longevity and strict colony fidelity of female Bechstein's bats, we were able to evaluate memory retention in the same individuals over two consecutive summers in the field. We used a pairwise roost choice experiment with automatic monitoring of RFID‐tagged bats. Roosts’ suitability as day roost was associated with a distinctive external echo‐acoustic cue. Experiments were separated by a natural hibernation period of eight months. We determined associative learning and memory retention by comparing the bats’ proportion of visits to suitable roosts within and between breeding seasons, respectively. During the first breeding season, bats quickly learned to associate the suitable roosts with their external cue. After hibernating, we found no evidence that individuals remembered the association between the roosts’ suitability and their respective external cue, suggesting a lack of memory retention. Nevertheless, bats quickly re‐learned the same association during the second breeding season, emphasizing the high behavioral flexibility of Bechstein's bats.
Salinisation effects on leaf litter decomposition in fresh waters: Does the ionic composition of salt matter?
Authors: Martínez Aingeru , Barros Juliana , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia , Canhoto Cristina
Published: April 2020

Salinisation (i.e. increased ion concentrations) in fresh waters is a growing threat worldwide that impacts freshwater communities. However, less is known about how increased salt concentrations affect key ecosystem processes such as leaf decomposition.

We designed a laboratory experiment to assess the effects of a concentration gradient (1, 3, and 6 g/L) of three different salts (NaCl, CaCl2 and CH3CO2K), on leaf litter decomposition mediated by microbial decomposers and the larvae of a cased caddis fly (Schizopelex festiva, Trichoptera). Leaf discs of Quercus robur inoculated with microbial decomposers (a mixture of 5 fungal species) were incubated in microcosms under every possible salt × concentration combination and without salt addition (control), with a single individual of the cased caddis fly. Half of the leaf disks were not available for consumption by the trichopteran and represent a microbial only treatment when leaf mass loss was measured.

Leaf decomposition driven by microbial decomposers was not affected by salinity despite the fact that all salt treatments depressed fungal biomass and microbial respiration compared to the control. However, the caddis flies were strongly affected by the high salt concentrations and consumed less leaf material at 6 g/L salt concentrations compared to control microcosms. The feeding activity of the trichopteran further depended on the salt type: CaCl2 had the most deleterious effects.

Salinisation of fresh waters depresses leaf litter decomposition, mainly through deleterious effects on detritivores, the magnitude of the response being dependent on the ionic composition. Our results reiterate the need to reduce terrestrial run‐off of salts into fresh waters because salinisation (especially increased levels of CaCl2) affects invertebrates and the key ecosystem processes they drive.
Reintegrating After Return: Conceptualisation and Empirical Evidence from the Life Course of Senegalese and Congolese Migrants
Authors: Flahaux Marie‐Laurence
Published: April 2020

The study of reintegration after return is often disconnected from research into the intention and realization of return. This article develops a new conceptual framework, linking the intention and realization of return with the reintegration process. This framework is used to study the cases of Senegalese and Congolese migrants through a mixed‐methods approach. Quantitative data from the Migration between Africa and Europe (MAFE) project, which collected the life stories of migrants and return migrants in origin and destination countries, are combined with qualitative interviews with returnees. In line with the conceptual framework, the analyses highlight the role of migrants’ projections about their potential reintegration on return as well as the importance for reintegration in the preparation for return. Along with importance of migrants’ aspirations, the authors emphasise the role of external factors, such as family and context in origin and destination countries.
Immigrants and Workplace Training: Evidence from Canadian Linked Employer–Employee Data
Authors: Dostie Benoit , Javdani Mohsen
Published: April 2020

Job training is one of the most important aspects of skill formation and human capital accumulation. In this study, we use longitudinal Canadian linked employer–employee data to examine whether white/visible minority immigrants and Canadian‐born emplooyees experience different opportunities in two well‐defined measures of firm‐sponsored training: on‐the‐job training and classroom training. While we find no differences in on‐the‐job training between different groups, our results suggest that visible minority immigrants are significantly less likely to receive classroom training, and receive fewer and shorter classroom training courses, an experience that is not shared by white immigrants. For male visible minority immigrants, these gaps are entirely driven by their differential sorting into workplaces with fewer training opportunities. For their female counterparts, however, they are mainly driven by differences that emerge within workplaces. We find no evidence that years spent in Canada or education level can appreciably reduce these gaps. Accounting for potential differences in career paths and hierarchical level also fails to explain these differences. We find, however, that these gaps are only experienced by visible minority immigrants who work in the for‐profit sector, with those in the nonprofit sector experiencing positive or no gaps in training. Finally, we show that other poor labor market outcomes of visible minority immigrants, including their wages and promotion opportunities, stem in part from these training gaps.
The sovereign yield curve and credit ratings in GIIPS
Authors: Riaz Yasir , Shehzad Choudhry T. , Umar Zaghum
Published: April 2020

This paper studies the impact of sovereign credit rating and outlook changes on the shape of the sovereign yield curve using data for five European countries, namely, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, known as the GIIPS for the period of 2001–2016. We use the dynamic Nelson–Siegel model to estimate the level, slope, and curvature of the yield curve. Subsequently, we employ the vector autoregressive model to estimate the effect of sovereign rating and outlook changes on the sovereign yield curve. We find a significant effect of rating downgrades and an insignificant effect of rating upgrades in all five countries; however, the results for the effect of changes in outlook status are mixed. Our results remain robust to various sensitivity tests.
The relationship between cognitive variables and offending behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Hammond Sarah , Beail Nigel
Published: April 2020

Background

Interventions for offenders with intellectual disabilities (ID) have used cognitive variables as measures of treatment outcome. However, the relevance of cognitive variables to offending in people with intellectual disabilities is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A systematic search identified studies comparing offenders and non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities on an aspect of cognition. Seven cognitive variables were found and compared across 15 studies. These were appraised for their quality using an adapted quality appraisal checklist. The reliability and validity of cognitive measures were also considered.

Results and conclusions

Other than for cognitive distortions, the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities is currently limited due to methodological weaknesses and the small number of studies assessing each variable. Clinicians are advised to focus on cognitive distortions until better evidence is available.
Multimorbidity in older people with intellectual disability
Authors: Hussain Rafat , Wark Stuart , Janicki Matthew P. , Parmenter Trevor , Knox Marie
Published: April 2020

Background

There is paucity of research from Australia about comorbidity in older people with intellectual disability (PwID). This paper examines the burden of chronic diseases and associated sociodemographic correlates in a cohort of PwID aged 60+.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was used with community‐dwelling older PwID in urban/rural regions of two Australian states. Recruitment was undertaken via a multi‐prong approach and each subject (N = 391; 236 urban/155 rural) personally interviewed.

Results

Findings show older PwID experience considerable multimorbidity (X = 3.8; 53.5% had 2–6 conditions). Conditions included arthritis (40%), diabetes (26%), cardiovascular diseases (23.6%), asthma (16.1%), carcinomas (10.0%) and mental health disorders (34.5%).

Conclusions

There was significant multimorbidity in older PwID, with evolution of life trajectories of select conditions associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and heath facility access barriers. Greater scrutiny of progressive health debilitation leading into older age and increased engagement by healthcare systems is required earlier in the lives of PwID.
Single‐pill combination of cilnidipine, an L‐/N‐type calcium channel blocker, and valsartan effectively reduces home pulse pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and sympathetic hyperactivity: The HOPE‐Combi survey
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Matsuda Saori , Nagahama Shinobu , Kurose Yoshiki , Sugii Hitoshi , Teshima Tsukasa , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: April 2020

The home blood pressure (BP) control by a single‐pill combination of cilnidipine (an L‐/N‐type calcium channel blocker; CCB) and valsartan (HOPE‐Combi) survey is a multicenter, post‐marketing, prospective observational study of a single‐pill combination of cilnidipine 10 mg and valsartan 80 mg (SPC of Cil/Val) in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. We examined the effects of the SPC of Cil/Val on morning home systolic BP (MHSBP) and morning home pulse pressure (MHPP) of 1036 patients with hypertension over 12 months. MHSBP decreased by 14.0 mm Hg (P < .01), and MHPP decreased by 6.6 mm Hg (P < .01). Moreover, morning home pulse rate (MHPR) decreased by 2.1 bpm (P < .01). A more progressive and greater decrease in MHSBP (−17.2 vs −10.3 mm Hg, P < .01) and MHPP (−7.6 vs −4.9 mm Hg, P < .01) was observed in patients with higher MHPR (≥70 bpm) than in those with lower MHPR (<70 bpm) over the treatment period. In particular, in patients with a wide MHPP (≥70 mm Hg), the difference in the MHPP reduction was greater in patients with higher MHPR than in those with lower MHPR (−17.9 vs −13.6 mm Hg, P < .01). These results suggested that the SPC of Cil/Val, which possesses the unique sympatholytic characteristics of an L‐/N‐type CCB, was particularly effective in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and sympathetic hyperactivity.
RelB promotes liver fibrosis via inducing the release of injury‐associated inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Zhou Danhua , Huang Wei , Wei Jinhuan , Zhang Jingxin , Liu Zhaoxiu , Ji Ran , Ge Sijia , Xiao Mingbing , Fan Yihui , Lu Cuihua
Published: April 2020

Liver fibrosis is a serious chronic disease that developed by a coordinated interplay of many cell types, but the underlying signal transduction in individual cell type remains to be characterized. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is a widely accepted central player in the development of hepatic fibrosis. However, the precise role of each member of NF‐κB in different cell type is unclear. Here, we generated a mouse model (RelbΔhep) with hepatocyte‐specific deletion of RelB, a member of NF‐κB family. RelbΔhep mice born normally and appear normal without obvious abnormality. However, in the CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis, RelbΔhep mice developed less severe disease compared with wide‐type (WT) mice. The denaturation and necrosis of hepatocytes as well as the formation of false lobules in RelbΔhep mice were significantly reduced compared with WT mice. The production of α‐SMA and the level of collagen I and Collagen III were greatly reduced in RelbΔhep mice comparing with WT mice. Furthermore, in patients with liver fibrosis, RelB is up‐regulated along with the stage of diseases. Consistently, CCl4 treatment could up‐regulate the expression of RelB as well as inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6 and TGF‐β1 in hepatoma cell as well as in WT mice. Knockdown the expression of RelB in hepatoma cells greatly reduced the expression of CCl4‐induced inflammatory cytokines. In summary, we provide the genetic evidence to demonstrate the critical and hepatocellular role of RelB in liver fibrosis. RelB is an important transcription factor to drive the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the initiation phase of injury.
Analysis of deep sequencing exosome‐microRNA expression profile derived from CP‐II reveals potential role of gga‐miRNA‐451 in inflammation
Authors: Zhao Yabo , Fu Yali , Zou Mengyun , Sun Yingfei , Yin Xun , Niu Lumeng , Gong Yanzhang , Peng Xiuli
Published: April 2020

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) can cause chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in chickens. While several studies have reported the inflammatory functions of microRNAs during MG infection, the mechanism by which exosomal miRNAs regulate MG‐induced inflammation remains to be elucidated. The expression of exosome‐microRNA derived from MG‐infected chicken type II pneumocytes (CP‐II) was screened, and the target genes and function of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEGs) were predicted. To verify the role of exosomal gga‐miR‐451, Western blot, ELISA and RT‐qPCR were used in this study. The results showed that a total of 722 miRNAs were identified from the two exosomal small RNA (sRNA) libraries, and 30 miRNAs (9 up‐regulated and 21 down‐regulated) were significantly differentially expressed. The target miRNAs were significantly enriched in the treatment group, such as cell cycle, Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway and MAPK signalling pathway. The results have also confirmed that gga‐miR‐451‐absent exosomes derived from MG‐infected CP‐II cells increased inflammatory cytokine production in chicken fibroblast cells (DF‐1), and wild‐type CP‐II cell–derived exosomes displayed protective effects. Collectively, our work suggests that exosomes from MG‐infected CP‐II cells alter the dynamics of the DF‐1 cells, and may contribute to pathology of the MG infection via exosomal gga‐miR‐451 targeting YWHAZ involving in inflammation.
Cardioprotective effect of isorhamnetin against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat heart through attenuation of apoptosis
Authors: Xu Yan , Tang Chun , Tan Shengyu , Duan Juan , Tian Hongmei , Yang Yu
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigated the effects of isorhamnetin on myocardial ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts. Isorhamnetin treatment (5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) significantly alleviated cardiac morphological injury, reduced myocardial infarct size, decreased the levels of marker enzymes (LDH and CK) and improved the haemodynamic parameters, reflected by the elevated levels of the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), coronary flow (CF) and the maximum up/down velocity of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax). Moreover, isorhamnetin reperfusion inhibited apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in the rats subjected to cardiac I/R in a dose‐dependent manner concomitant with decreased protein expression of Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3, as well as increased protein expression of Bcl‐2. In addition, I/R‐induced oxidative stress was manifestly mitigated by isorhamnetin treatment, as showed by the decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px). These results indicated that isorhamnetin exerts a protective effect against I/R‐induced myocardial injury through the attenuation of apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Vertebral deformities in interspecific diploid and triploid salmonid hybrids
Authors: Fraser Thomas W. K. , Hansen Tom J. , Sambraus Florian , Fjelldal Per Gunnar
Published: April 2020

Vertebral deformities in salmonid interspecific hybrids, some of which were triploidised, were assessed across three separate year classes during the freshwater life stage. Initially, eggs from a farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were crossed with the sperm from a S. salar, arctic char Salvelinus alpinus or brown trout Salmo trutta. For S. salar × S. trutta, half the eggs were triploidised. In a second‐ and third‐year class, the eggs from a farmed S. salar were crossed with the sperm from either a S. salar or a S. trutta, and half of each group was triploidised. In the two initial‐year classes, all hybrids were larger than the S. salar controls, and triploid S. salar × S. trutta were larger than diploid counterparts. In the third‐year class, the S. salar × S. trutta were smaller than the S. salar, in contrast to the initial 2 year classes, although the triploid hybrids were still larger than the diploids. In the third‐year class, a high degree of spontaneous triploidy was also observed in the putative diploid groups (between 16 and 39%). Vertebral deformities were consistently higher in pressure‐shocked triploids than diploids, irrespective of hybridisation, but there was no consistent effect of hybridisation among experiments. Although this study was not able to explain the contrasting results for vertebral deformities between year classes, triploid S. salar × S. trutta can demonstrate impressive freshwater growth that could be of interest for future farming programmes.
Eocene migmatite formation and diachronous burial revealed by petrochronology in NW Himalaya, Zanskar
Authors: Štípská Pavla , Závada Prokop , Collett Stephen , Kylander‐Clark Andrew R. C. , Hacker Bradley R. , Tabaud Anne‐Sophie , Racek Martin
Published: April 2020

In this contribution, we highlight the importance of in‐situ monazite geochronology linked to P−T modelling for identification of timescales of metamorphic processes. Barrovian‐type micaschists, migmatites and augengneiss from the Gumburanjun dome in the southeastern extremity of the Gianbul dome, NW Himalaya, have been studied in order to correlate the early stages of Himalayan metamorphism at different crustal levels and infer the timing of anatexis. P−T−t paths are constrained through combined pseudosection modelling and in‐situ and in‐mount monazite and xenotime laser ablation–split‐stream inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Petrography and garnet zoning combined with pseudosection modelling show that garnet‐staurolite schists record burial from ~530 to 560°C and 5.5 kbar to ~630 to 660°C and 7 kbar; staurolite‐kyanite schists from ~530 to 560°C and 5 kbar to ~670 to 680°C and 7−9 kbar; and garnet‐kyanite migmatites from 540−570°C and 5 kbar to ~680 to 750°C and 7−10 kbar, probably also to >750°C and >9 kbar above the muscovite stability field. The decompression paths of garnet‐staurolite schists indicate cooling on decompression, while garnet rim chemistry and local sillimanite growth point to a stage of re‐equilibration at ~600 to 670°C and 4−6 kbar in some of the staurolite‐kyanite schists, and at ~670 to 700°C and 6 kbar in garnet‐kyanite migmatites. Some of the staurolite‐kyanite schists and garnet‐kyanite migmatites also contain andalusite or andalusite‐cordierite. Monazite and xenotime were analysed in thin sections in garnet, staurolite and kyanite, and in the matrix; and in mounts. BSE images and compositional maps of monazite (xenotime was too small) show variable internal structures from homogeneous through patchy zoning with embayed to sharp boundaries. Two groups of samples can be identified on the basis of the presence or absence of c. 44 − 37 Ma ages. The first group of samples—two garnet‐staurolite schists—recorded only c. 31 − 27 Ma ages in porphyroblasts and no c. 40 Ma ages. The second group (samples of staurolite‐kyanite schist, garnet‐kyanite migmatites, augengneiss) have both the older, c. 44 − 37 Ma monazite ages in porphyroblasts and younger ages down to c. 22 Ma. These significantly different ranges of ages from porphyroblasts of 44−37 Ma, and 31−27 Ma, are interpreted as the duration of prograde P−T paths in Eocene and Oligocene, and indicate diachronous two‐stage burial of rocks. Early migmatization occurred at 38 Ma. The c. 29 Ma is interpreted as the time when rocks from the lower and middle crustal levels were partially exhumed and came in to contact with rocks that were downgoing at this time. Localized monazite recrystallization is as young as 26−24 Ma. The youngest ages of 23−22 Ma are related to leucogranite emplacement.
Surgical correction for patients with port‐wine stains and facial asymmetry
Authors: Zhou Jing , Qi Zuoliang , Jin Xiaolei
Published: April 2020

Background

The refractory port‐wine stains are often associated with soft and hard tissue hypertrophy leading to facial asymmetry and psychological problems.

Aims

The authors describe and illustrate a surgical strategy for the treatment of both hard and soft tissue malformations in patients with port‐wine stains to restore facial symmetry.

Methods

The medical records, photographs of two patients with soft and hard tissue hypertrophy were reviewed. After physical examinations, 3‐dimensional computed tomography was conducted to evaluate bony asymmetry. The surgical strategy was designed according to individual malformation and requests.

Results

Both patients had congenital port‐wine stains that were resistant to laser therapy. As they grew up, they developed both soft and hard tissue hypertrophy. Zygoma, maxilla, nose, and lips are involved, causing facial asymmetry, deviated nose, increased dental show and malocclusion. To correct bony malformation, orthognathic surgery, and facial bone contouring including zygomatic reduction, mandibular angles osteotomy and genioplasty were performed. After the correction of the bony factor, soft tissue symmetry was improved via resection, autologous fat grafting, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Both patients were satisfied with the surgical result.

Conclusions

To acquire facial symmetry, surgical correction is inevitable for patients with port‐wine stains associated with soft and hard tissue hypertrophy. The authors describe the successive correction of bony and soft tissue asymmetry to achieve harmonious surgical outcomes.
Smad7 in psoriasis vulgaris patients: A clinical and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Hemida Aiat Shaban , Hammam Mostafa Ahmed , Salman Arwa Tawfik Ahmed , Shehata Wafaa Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Background

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that is mostly immune‐derived. It causes proliferation of skin cells, forming plaques. Psoriasis etiology is unknown. It might be multifactorial.

Aims

This work aimed to study Smad7 expression in psoriasis vulgaris patients in comparison with normal skin.

Patients/Methods

Thirty patients with psoriasis vulgaris in comparison with 20 age‐ and sex‐matched seemingly healthy individuals were selected. We used psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) to evaluate psoriasis severity. Skin biopsies were prepared from skin lesions (30), perilesions (30) and control (20) groups for histopathological and immunostaining evaluation of Smad7.

Results

Smad7 was progressively upregulated in proliferating keratinocytes from controls (58.18 ± 30.93) to perilesional (106 ± 38.93) and lesional (156.33 ± 62.01) skin (P < .001). Also, dermal inflammatory cells showed upregulation of Smad7 expression from control skin (40 ± 28.28) to skin lesions (137.33 ± 73.86) (P < .010). Smad7 expression showed a positive significant correlation with psoriasis severity (r = .452; P < .012).

Conclusion

Smad7 may be involved in increased keratinocyte proliferation as well as skin inflammation in psoriasis vulgaris patients.
The Problematizing Review: A Counterpoint to Elsbach and Van Knippenberg’s Argument for Integrative Reviews
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Sandberg Jörgen
Published: April 2020

In this paper we provide a counterpoint to conventional views on integrative reviews in knowledge development, as exemplified by Elsbach and Van Knippenberg (2020). First, we critique their proposed integrative review by identifying and problematizing several key assumptions underlying it, particularly their idea that the integrative review can simply build on existing studies and lead the way to knowledge. Second, based on this critique, we propose as an alternative the problematizing review, which is based on the following four core principles: the ideal of reflexivity, reading more broadly but selectively, not accumulating but problematizing, and the concept that ‘less is more’. In contrast to the integrative review, which regards reviews as a ‘building exercise’, the problematizing review regards reviews as an ‘opening up exercise’ that enables researchers to imagine how to rethink existing literature in ways that generate new and ‘better’ ways of thinking about specific phenomena.
A process for evaluating a product category in an unfamiliar country: Issues and solutions in a case study of snacks in Japan
Authors: Murley Tyler , Kumar Rajesh , Chambers Edgar , Chambers Delores , Ciccone Melissa , Yang Gongshun
Published: April 2020

When developing new products, it is important to understand not only the category, but also the characteristics of existing products in that category. It is common to analyze white spaces and generate ideas based on the markets in one's home country; but it is less common to look to other countries for inspiration for new product ideas. Differences in culture and practice may create difficulties for researchers. The objective of this case study was to determine and address the methodological challenges of conducting a product category assessment in an unfamiliar country. This was accomplished by exploring the snack food markets in Kyoto, Japan; and collecting snack products to generate new concepts for future snack food innovation projects. Fifteen sensory experts from Kansas State University traveled to Kyoto, Japan to understand better the regional snack food market. The researchers targeted shops and markets in search of various types of snacks. The group tasted a subset of the snacks and held discussions on product sensory attributes, and any challenges in obtaining and understanding the snacks. Issues included payment, data collection, product selection, evaluation space, language barriers, and transportation. Real‐time problem solving and group discussion led to solutions to overcome such challenges.

Practical Applications

This paper provides a set of considerations for better understanding a product category in an unfamiliar country. It highlights issues and potential solutions for researchers who want to conduct such research.
A trimethoxy flavonoid isolated from stem extract of Tabebuia chrysantha suppresses angiogenesis in angiosarcoma
Authors: Panda Siva Prasad , Panigrahy Uttam Prasad , Prasanth D S N B K , Gorla Uma Sankar , Guntupalli Chakravarthi , Panda Deba Prasad , Jena Bikash Ranjan
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This research aimed to evaluate the antiangiogenic activity of isolated flavonoid 4a,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one (TMF) from Tabebuia chrysantha. STAT3-MMP9 signalling is a signal transduction mechanism that promotes angiogenesis in various cancers.

Methods

The tumour xenografting chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model-based ex vivo assay was used to evaluate the activity of TMF. The Western blot, densitometric analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to evaluate the activity of the MMP9. Zebrafish embryos were used to evaluate embryotoxicity, and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of flavonoid was also elucidated.

Key findings

This research assessed the high level of STAT3, p-ERK, VEGF-R and MMP9 in the tissue extract of the control group, and also, the suppression of angiogenesis in the treatment groups was due to scavenged ROS and RNS, dephosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK, and suppression of MMP9 gene expression.

Conclusion

The isolated flavonoid named TMF from T. chrysantha functions as specific regulators of target proteins of angiosarcoma. The STAT3-MMP9 signalling may be used as an effective prognostic marker of angiosarcoma.
Spatial and seasonal variations of dinoflagellates and ciliates in the Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: Bhaskar Jane Theophline , Parli Bhaskar Venkateswaran , Tripathy Sarat Chandra
Published: April 2020

Abundance and assemblages of dinoflagellates and ciliates were studied in water samples collected from three different depths at five locations in the Kongsfjorden, during summer (June 14–21, 2011) and fall (September 15–27, 2012). Generally, athecate dinoflagellates were ubiquitously dominant during both seasons. Surface dinoflagellates abundance ranged from 1.87 × 103 cells/L (KF1) to 11.62 × 103 cells/L (KF4) and column integrated abundance ranged from 20.3 × 106 cells/m2 (KF1) to 126 × 106 cells/m2 (KF2) during summer. Dinoflagellate abundance was relatively lower during fall ranging from 0.02 × 103 cells/L (KF5) to 0.66 × 103 cells/L (KF3) at surface, and correspondingly, a low column integrated abundance ranging from 2.34 × 106 cells/m2 (KF5) to 19.1 × 106 cells/m2 (KF1) was observed. Amphidinium sp., Gyrodinium fusiforme, Gyrodinium estuarile dominated during summer, while Gymnodinium sp. was dominant during fall. Among ciliates, aloricate ciliates were more dominant than loricates. Ciliates at surface ranged from as low as 0.069 × 103 cells/L (KF1) to 3.69 × 103 cells/L (KF4) during summer. Ciliate abundance increased with depth (up to 20 m). Strombidium spp. (55.28%) and Mesodinium rubrum (36.66%) were dominant during summer. Among the loricates and the aloricates, Strombidium spp. (85.72%) and Tintinnid spp. (92.15%) dominated in fall. The presence of dominant aloricates with characteristic cleptochloroplasts reflected high grazing activity in these waters during both seasons. Diversity study indicates that the dinoflagellates and ciliates are well represented during both seasons. Statistical analyses of the dinoflagellates and ciliates with hydrographic data do not show dominant role of any hydrographical parameters on their diversity, and the same is discussed vis‐à‐vis Atlantification of the fjord.
In the Mind of Dementia: Neurobiological Empathy, Incommensurability, and the Dementia Tojisha Movement in Japan
Authors: Kitanaka Junko
Published: April 2020

Living in the world's leading superaging society, Japanese are confronted with a tsunami of dementia that has generated fear of becoming mentally incommensurable to oneself and to others. Based on three years of fieldwork in various clinical settings, including a memory clinic in Tokyo, I show how people with dementia (dementia tojishas) and doctors have employed three approaches to overcoming incommensurability: psychotherapeutic, neurobiological, and ecological. With a primary focus on the neurobiological, I show how tojishas and doctors try to cultivate what I call “neurobiological empathy,” asking people to imagine not just how to be together with those with dementia but also what it is to be (in the mind of someone) with dementia. Investigating both the effects and limits of the neurobiologization of dementia, I ask how the dementia tojisha movement can work toward diminishing the preexisting fear about dementia and supplementing incommensurability with understanding and empathy.
Our education, our concerns: The impact on medical student education of COVID‐19
Authors: Theoret Cara , Ming Xue
Published: April 2020

As COVID‐19 impacts medical education worldwide, lack of patient contact and in‐person courses creates concern for medical students. This commentary presents a call to action from students who want to be educated and prepared for their futures.
How to conceptualise self‐regulated learning: Implications for measurement
Authors: Bransen Derk , Govaerts Marjan J. B.
Published: April 2020

When is self‐regulated learning not entirely self‐regulated? The authors argue SRL is socially embedded and we need better measurement of its reciprocal relationship with co‐regulated learning.
Lung cryobiopsy and interstitial lung disease: What is its role in the era of multidisciplinary meetings and antifibrotics?
Authors: Troy Lauren K. , Hetzel Juergen
Published: April 2020

Diagnosing ILD can be complex, and despite detailed evaluation and HRCT imaging, many patients require lung biopsy to help classify their disease. SLB has served as the reference standard for histopathology in ILD, since initial classification schemes were created more than 50 years ago. Frequently, patients are too unwell to undertake SLB and remain unclassifiable, despite the input of expert MDD. This can limit access to therapy and establishment of prognosis. TBLC is an emerging procedure for sampling lung tissue with promising results in research and clinical settings. Although diagnostic yield is not as high as SLB, the risk profile looks to be more acceptable and the accuracy appears to be good. There is increasing evidence for the utility of cryobiopsy in ILD diagnosis, particularly within the MDD. Cryobiopsy serves as an important adjunct for the diagnosis of ILD, enhancing the diagnostic confidence of treating clinicians.
Sex differences in the physiological response to a demanding military field exercise
Authors: Vikmoen Olav , Teien Hilde Kristin , Raustøl Marius , Aandstad Anders , Tansø Rita , Gulliksrud Kristine , Skare Magnhild , Raastad Truls
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate sex differences in the effect of a military field exercise on physical performance, body composition, and blood biomarkers.

Methods

Measurements were done in 23 male and 12 female conscripts before, and 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after a 6‐day military field exercise.

Results

During the field exercise, body mass decreased more in men (−6.5 ± 1.1 kg) than in women (−2.7 ± 0.7 kg), and muscle mass decreased only in men (−2.7 ± 1.0 kg). Body composition recovered within one week. Performance decreased, with no differences between men and women for countermovement jump (CMJ,‐19 ± 8 vs. −18 ± 11%), medicine ball throw (MBT, −11 ± 7 vs. −11 ± 7%), and an anaerobic performance test (EVAC, −55 ± 22 vs. −47 ± 31%, men and women, respectively). MBT and EVAC performance recovered within two weeks, whereas CMJ performance was still reduced in men (−17 ± 6%) and women (−9 ± 8%) after two weeks recovery, with a larger reduction in men. Both men and women decreased [IGF‐1] (−28 ± 9 vs. −41 ± 8%) and increased [cortisol] (26 ± 26 vs. 66 ± 93%, men and women, respectively) during the exercise. Most biomarkers returned to baseline values within one week.

Conclusions

Men lost more body mass and muscle mass than women during a field exercise, but these differences did not lead to sex differences in changes in explosive strength and anaerobic performance. However, women recovered explosive strength in the legs faster than men.
Why do unemployed people avoid participation in training? An experiment for policy making
Authors: Focacci Chiara N. , Lam Pak H.
Published: April 2020

Despite active labour market policies being implemented to increase the skills and job opportunities of the unemployed, the number of people who do not participate in training and other services of job orientation remains high. By providing a model that studies the decision‐making process of a potential participant, we hypothesise there is a behavioural motive behind it. An experiment is carried out to account for both the individual's preference and the social expectations of agents such as the government and her peers with respect to active occupational measures. Findings show that young unemployed individuals are significantly influenced by their peers when deciding whether to participate or not in a training programme. Particularly, negative expectations from the peers cause unemployed potential participants in a within‐ and between‐subjects experiment to be, respectively, 33 and 42 percentage points less likely to take part in job training.
A case of atypical multifocal nodular eosinophilic dermatosis in a Labrador retriever dog
Authors: Emery Carolyn B. , Affolter Verena K. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Lam Andrea T. H. , White Stephen D.
Published: April 2020

Background

A dog with gastrointestinal signs and a history of administration of multiple drugs developed acute multifocal to coalescing ulcerative nodules and a large plaque.

Objective

To describe abnormal nodular clinical lesions with an unexpected superficial and deep severe eosinophilic perivascular to interstitial inflammation.

Animal

A 7‐year‐old spayed female Labrador retriever

Methods and materials

Blood tests, faecal and urinalysis, and abdominal radiographs were performed; skin biopsy samples were taken for cytological, culture and histopathological analyses.

Results

The blood tests, faecal, urinalysis and radiographs were within normal limits. Cytological results revealed inflammatory cells and cultures had no growth. Histopathological evaluation revealed dermal and subcutaneous oedema, mucin deposition and perivascular to interstitial inflammation predominated by eosinophils with occasional very small intralesional dense aggregates of eosinophils centred on collagen bundles, eosinophilic exocytosis and small eosinophilic pustules. Focal subepidermal fibrin exudation and haemorrhage resulted in epidermal detachment and ulceration. Clinical resolution of the dermatological and gastrointestinal signs was seen with the withdrawal of prior medications and administration of a tapering course of anti‐inflammatory doses of prednisolone.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel nodular clinical and eosinophilic histopathological pattern combination. This case offers evidence of a spectrum of sterile eosinophilic dermatoses rather than multiple different disease processes.
Pretreatment aerobic bacterial swab cultures to predict infection in acute open traumatic wounds: A prospective clinical study of 64 dogs
Authors: Hamil Lauren E. , Smeak Daniel D. , Johnson Valerie A. , Dow Steven W.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine the value of initial aerobic bacterial cultures of acute open traumatic wounds to predict bacterial species in wounds that become infected.

Study design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Sixty‐four dogs with naturally occurring acute cutaneous traumatic wounds (2017‐2018).

Methods

Initial swabs were taken from each wound prior to and after lavage and debridement for quantitative and qualitative aerobic bacterial culture. Cultures were repeated on wounds that displayed any clinical sign of infection within 14 days of presentation.

Results

Fewer bacteria were cultured from postlavage than from prelavage swabs in 43 of 50 (86%) acute wounds. All primary clinicians prescribed β‐lactam antibiotics to the dogs at initial presentation. All bacteria cultured from postlavage/debridement cultures at initial presentation were susceptible to the prophylactic antimicrobial prescribed. Postoperative infection was subsequently diagnosed in 14 of 64 (22%) dogs; 13 of these dogs had positive culture results. No correlation was detected between the results of initial wound cultures and the subsequent development of wound infection. Bacterial species present in the initial wound swab did not correlate with those subsequently cultured from infected tissues.

Conclusion

Results of pretreatment wound cultures from open traumatic wounds in dogs were not predictive of bacterial species subsequently recovered from infected wounds. The bacterial burden present in pretreatment wounds was not predictive of whether wounds would ultimately become infected after surgical management.

Clinical significance

Routine bacterial culturing of acute wounds is not likely to help predict subsequent wound infection, nor is it likely to accurately guide early selection of antimicrobials to treat wounds that become infected.