bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in COVID‐19 patients aged ≥80 years
Authors: Covino Marcello , De Matteis Giuseppe , Santoro Michele , Sabia Luca , Simeoni Benedetta , Candelli Marcello , Ojetti Veronica , Franceschi Francesco
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical presentation of patients aged ≥80 years with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and provide insights regarding the prognostic factors and the risk stratification in this population.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective, observational study, carried out in a referral center for COVID‐19 in central Italy. We reviewed the clinical records of patients consecutively admitted for confirmed COVID‐19 over a 1‐month period (1–31 March 2020). We excluded asymptomatic discharged patients. We identified risk factors for death, by a uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analysis. To improve model fitting and hazard estimation, continuous parameters where dichotomized by using Youden’s index.

Results

Overall, 69 patients, aged 80–98 years, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study cohort. The median age was 84 years (82–89 years is interquartile range); 37 patients (53.6%) were men. Globally, 14 patients (20.3%) presented a mild, 30 (43.5%) a severe and 25 (36.2%) a critical COVID‐19 disease. A total of 23 (33.3%) patients had died at 30 days’ follow up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that severe dementia, pO2 ≤90 at admission and lactate dehydrogenase >464 U/L were independent risk factors for death.

Conclusions

The present data suggest that risk of death could be not age dependent in patients aged ≥80 years, whereas severe dementia emerged is a relevant risk factor in this population. Severe COVID‐19, as expressed by elevated lactate dehydrogenase and low oxygen saturation at emergency department admission, is associated with a rapid progression to death in these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Towards a simplified renal histopathological prognostic score in glomerular nephropathies
Authors: Stefan Gabriel , Stancu Simona , Zugravu Adrian , Petre Nicoleta , Mandache Eugen , Mircescu Gabriel
Published: June 2020

Aims

An important role of native kidney biopsy evaluation is to predict renal prognosis. We aimed to develop a simplified chronicity score based solely on pathological features that are easily recognisable and can be found in all glomerular nephropathies (GN). In this retrospective study, observational cohort study we included 625 patients with GN diagnosis after native kidney biopsy in a tertiary unit between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015.

Methods and results

Presence of global glomerulosclerosis (GG), tubular atrophy (TA), interstitial fibrosis (IF) and fibrocellular/fibrous crescents (FC) in any grade was scored with one point; a final score was between 0 and 4 (i.e. ‘absent’ 0 score, ‘moderate’ 1–2 score, ‘severe’ 3–4 score). The primary endpoint was renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation. Mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 55.9 ± 29.6 ml/min; during the follow‐up (median = 27 months), 78 patients started RRT. The total mean renal survival time was 60.1 (58.0–62.1) months. GG (41%) was the most frequent lesion, followed by IF (25%), TA (18%) and FC (17%). Patients with absent (65.7; 63.6–67.8 months) chronicity had better renal survival than those with moderate (59.1; 56.1–62.2 months) or severe (42.7; 35.6–49.7 months) chronicity. The score was associated with renal survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.33; 1.08–1.64)] independently of the classical prognostic factors. Patients with moderate and severe chronicity had a two‐ and threefold increase in risk of RRT initiation.

Conclusion

Our score was correlated with renal survival independently of the traditional risk factors, and could improve outcome prediction in patients with GN by reducing the interobserver variability.
LEVIATHAN AND KRAKEN: STATES, CORPORATIONS, AND POLITICAL ECONOMY
Authors: FREDONA ROBERT , REINERT SOPHUS A.
Published: June 2020

In our politico‐philosophical bestiary, no monster has historically been more prominent than the Leviathan, the whale of the Book of Job, transformed by Hobbes, which has long been ubiquitous as a metaphor or as a signifier in all intellectual traditions touching upon the political. Like the state itself, we argue, the Leviathan has played an outsized role in the way we theorize and imagine relations of sovereignty in the world. This essay seeks to add a new hermeneutical creature to the bestiary: the Kraken. Said to be huge and to lurk in Norway's icy waters, the Kraken first emerged in the accounts of natural philosophers in the eighteenth century, at the very moment when political economy was becoming the premier science of governance in Europe. Leviathan is an emblem of a kind of state that no longer exists and has never existed, and it remains our most potent emblem of the state's reification, a relentlessly compelling figure that has long blinded historians to alternate sovereignties within, across, and outside the physical territories of states. From stateless financial capital to multinational corporations acting like states on the world stage, such forms of sovereignty are an essential feature of the global politics we are now living. These forms are not new, nor is their emblem: the Kraken.
THE BODY AT WAR
Authors: Winter Jay
Published: June 2020

This book is one of the truly original contributions in historical writing to appear during the centenary of the outbreak of the war in 1914. The authors' central argument is that at the time of the Great War, scientists and physicians reconfigured the human body as both a living organism and a site of meaning. They developed the notion that the body was an integrated set of self‐regulating systems, the precariousness of which threatened all of us with death every single day. The authors term this the “integration–crisis duet.” Although the origins of this formulation long antedated the war, the problem of treating thousands of men who suffered from various forms of shock—wound shock, surgical shock, shell shock—brought this new configuration of the human body into high relief during and in the decades after the war. The metaphor of homeostasis, or self‐regulation, Geroulanos and Meyers claim, was so powerful that it spread well beyond the domain of physiology and medicine to facets of psychoanalysis, political thought, cybernetics, philosophy, and anthropology.
Effects of alcohol and nicotine consumption on the development of apical periodontitis in rats: a correlative micro‐computed tomographic, histological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Pinto K. P. , Ferreira C. M. A. , Guimarães A. F. C. , Lima C. O. , Pires F. R. , Sassone L. M. , Silva E. J. N. L.
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of alcohol and nicotine, when used alone or simultaneously, in the development of apical periodontitis induced in rats, using a correlative analytic approach with micro‐CT, histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Methodology

Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were arranged into four groups: Control, Nicotine, Alcohol and Alcohol + Nicotine. The alcohol groups were exposed to self‐administration of a 25% alcohol solution, whilst the other groups drunk only filtered water. The nicotine groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of a solution with 0.19 μL of nicotine per mL, whilst the other groups received saline solution. The pulps of the left mandibular first molars were exposed for 28 days to induce periapical lesions. Throughout the experiment, drug administration was maintained, and the animals had their weight and solid and liquid consumption measured. After euthanasia, the mandibles were removed and the area, volume and major diameter of the periapical lesions were measured using micro‐computed tomography images. The samples were submitted to histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemistry for RANKL and PTHrP. Statistical analysis was undertaken with a significance level of 5%. Nonparametric data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn's test, whilst one‐way anova followed by Tukey's test was performed for parametric data.

Results

The alcohol groups had lower solid and liquid consumption and gained less weight when compared to the nonalcohol groups (P < 0.05). The Alcohol + Nicotine group had lesions with significantly larger volume and area when compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), whilst the Alcohol or Nicotine groups had significantly larger lesions than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the largest diameter of the lesions amongst groups (P > 0.05). The experimental groups had greater inflammatory response scores than the control group (P < 0.05), and the representative samples had more pronounced immunoreaction against RANKL and PTHrP antibodies.

Conclusions

Alcohol and nicotine consumption exacerbated the inflammatory response and the development of periradicular lesions in rats. The association of both substances enhanced their harmful effects.
Study of serum vitamin D levels in men with premature androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Sanke Sarita , Samudrala Suvarna , Yadav Anuja , Chander Ram , Goyal Rajeev
Published: June 2020

Background

Vitamin D deficiency had been associated with various hair loss disorders, such as telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and female pattern hair loss. However, previous studies have not found a correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of androgenetic alopecia.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted for a period of one year in a public tertiary care hospital. Fifty males clinically diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia and 50 age‐matched healthy controls were recruited. Serum vitamin D levels in both cases and controls were measured by radioimmunoassay technique, and the results were compared.

Results

A total of 50 cases and 50 controls were recruited and analyzed. The mean age of the cases was 23 years and that of controls was 24.2 years. The mean levels of serum vitamin D significantly decreased in cases, compared to controls (20.10 vs. 29.34 ng/mL; P ≤ 0.001). Eighty‐six percent of the cases had deficiency of vitamin D (<30 nmol/L), while 14% had insufficient vitamin D levels (31–50 nmol/L). There was a positive correlation between vitamin D deficiency and severity of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.5). However, there was no correlation between the duration of sun exposure and serum vitamin D levels (2.36 ± 1.2 in cases and 3.23 ± 1.6 in controls, P value = 0.98).

Conclusion

Our study showed a significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of androgenetic alopecia. This suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the premature onset of androgenetic alopecia. However, further studies on a larger population and the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the progression of androgenetic alopecia are required to validate the above findings.
Clonal haematopoiesis and COVID‐19: A possible deadly liaison
Authors: Shivarov Velizar , Ivanova Milena
Published: June 2020

We provide evidence for a linear correlation between the frequency of clonal haematopoiesis and COVID‐19 mortality rate. We discuss the mechanistic explanations for this association mediated by a pathological inflammatory response. Our hypothesis can be tested in COVID‐19‐infected patients and eventually lead to new approaches to risk stratification and therapy.
Influence of hand and rotary files for endodontic treatment of primary teeth on immediate outcomes: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barasuol Jéssica C. , Massignan Carla , Bortoluzzi Eduardo A. , Cardoso Mariane , Bolan Michele
Published: June 2020

Background

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth can be time‐consuming.

Aim

To compare hand and rotary files regarding the time for root canal chemical‐mechanical preparation, child's behavior, apical limit of the obturation, and post‐operative pain.

Design

This secondary data from a randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms evaluated endodontic instrumentation in 88 children aged 4‐9 years. Stratified and block randomization was performed into two groups: K‐file hand and ProDesign Logic rotary files. The evaluated outcomes were the chemical‐mechanical preparation time, child's behavior using the Frankl scale, apical limit of the obturation, and post‐operative pain using the Faces Pain Scale—Revised. One operator and all outcome appraisers were blinded to the chemical‐mechanical technique. Multiple linear regression, chi‐square, and Fisher's exact test were performed.

Results

The mean time for chemical‐mechanical preparation using hand files was 24.5 (SD 4.0) minutes, and using rotary files, it was 17.0 (SD 2.5) minutes (P < .001). No difference was found between the instrumentation methods in the child's behavior, apical limit of the obturation, or post‐operative pain.

Conclusions

The ProDesign Logic file reduced the average procedure time but presented no difference in the other variables studied when compared to the K‐file.
Understanding massively multiplayer online role‐playing game addiction: A hedonic management perspective
Authors: Lee Zach W. Y. , Cheung Christy M. K. , Chan Tommy K. H.
Published: June 2020

Massively multiplayer online role‐playing game (MMORPG) addiction presents a serious issue worldwide and has attracted increasing attention from academic and other public communities. This article addresses this critical issue and fills research gaps by proposing and testing a research model of MMORPG addiction. Building on the conceptual foundation of the hedonic management model of addiction and the technology affordance perspective, we develop a research model explaining how MMORPG affordances (ie, achievement, social and immersion affordances) are associated with the duality of hedonic effects (ie, perceived positive mood enhancement and perceived negative mood reduction) and the extent of MMORPG addiction. Using structural equation modelling, we empirically test our research model with 406 MMORPG players. The results show that both perceived positive mood enhancement and perceived negative mood reduction positively correlate with the extent of MMORPG addiction. Furthermore, achievement and immersion affordances are positively associated with the duality of hedonic effects, whereas social affordance is not. Our study contributes to the growing body of technology addiction literature by revealing the relationships between the two hedonic effects and the extent of MMORPG addiction, and by offering a contextualised explanation of the role of MMORPG affordances in these relationships. We offer an alternative perspective on the far‐reaching, unintended relationships between technological affordances and addictive technology use. Our study provides game developers and policymakers with insights into preventing MMORPG addiction to create an entertaining, healthy virtual playground.
Use of a simplified clinical audit tool to evaluate hypertension and diabetes management in primary care clinics in Jamaica
Authors: Duncan Jacqueline P. , Tulloch‐Reid Marshall K. , Reid‐Jones Heather , Figueroa J. Peter
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates a simple clinical audit tool for assessing quality of care and blood pressure control among persons with hypertension in primary care clinics. A systematic random sampling of persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) attending five health centers in Kingston, Jamaica, was conducted. A modified Ministry of Health paper‐based audit tool captured quality of care and outcome indicators (blood pressure and glycemic control). Additional chart audits were conducted by a physician and nurse to assess reliability. One hundred and forty‐nine charts were audited between January and September 2017. One hundred and thirty‐eight persons (92.6%) had hypertension (27 men and 111 women); 77 persons (51.7%) had DM (14 men and 63 women). The median age was 64 years old. Approximately two‐thirds of persons with HTN and DM had electrolytes, lipid profile, and ECG done within the last year. One‐fifth of persons with hypertension (18.5% men and 19.8% women, P = 1.000) had adequate blood pressure control with greater control among persons with HTN only compared to persons with both DM and HTN. Poor glycemic control was recorded for 69% of persons with DM (57% men and 71% women, P = .297). Moderate to substantial inter‐rater agreement was observed for quality of care indicators. Our findings confirmed that hypertension and glycemic control are inadequate among persons attending primary care clinics in Jamaica's capital city. Simplified clinical audits can provide important quality of care and outcome indicators without losing the meaningfulness of the data collected.
Retinal nerve fiber layer, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal thickness in vitiligo patients
Authors: Öncül Hasan , Ayhan Erhan
Published: June 2020

Background

Vitiligo is one of the common pigmentary disorders affecting the ocular structures.

Aim

To determine the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroidal thickness (CT) in vitiligo patients and to evaluate the relationship between choroidal thickness and vitiligo subtypes.

Methods

The right eyes of 106 participants (51 vitiligo, 55 nonvitiligo) were included in the study. All of the participants underwent detailed eye examinations and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) examinations. CT was measured manually with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (Edi‐OCT) (subfoveal [SubF], nasal n500 µm [N1], n1500 µm [N2]), and temporal (t500 µm [T1], t1500 µm [T2]).

Results

In vitiligo patients, CT values were significantly lower in the SubF, N1, N2, T1, and T2 areas compared to the control group (P = .001, P = .011, P = .002, P = .005, P ˂ .001, respectively). Periorbital involvement did not affect CT (P = .355, P = .746, P = .443, P = .633, P = .558, respectively). However, in patients with periorbital region involvement, the CT was significantly reduced if the lesion had a universal character (P ˂ .001, P = .001, P = .011, P ˂ .001, P = .002, respectively). It was observed that RPE thickness decreased in vitiligo, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .140). RNFL thickness was unaffected in all quadrants. A positive correlation (r = .286, r = .280, respectively) was observed between the Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) and age and disease duration. A negative correlation (r = −.360, r = −.316, r = −.315, r = −.313, respectively) was found in the CT of the SubF, N1, N2, T1, and T2 areas.

Conclusion

Vitiligo patients should be closely monitored for possible posterior ocular segment disorders.
Acanthosis nigricans: A review
Authors: Das Anupam , Datta Debatri , Kassir Martin , Wollina Uwe , Galadari Hassan , Lotti Torello , Jafferany Mohammad , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: June 2020

Background

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a cutaneous disorder characterized by symmetric velvety hyperpigmented plaques on intertriginous areas like axilla, neck, inframammary, and groin.

Aims

To summarize the pathophysiology and classification of AN, provide an update of diagnostic testing strategies, and describe the current therapeutic options described so far in the literature for this disease.

Methods

A comprehensive english language literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane) for keywords (alone and in combination) was performed. MeSH as well as non‐MeSH terms such as “acanthosis nigricans,” “classification,” “pathophysiology,” “diagnosis,” “treatment,” “topical drugs,” “systemic drugs,” “chemical peeling,” and “lasers” were taken into consideration.

Results

The pathophysiology of AN revolves around a multifactorial stimulation of proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Various types of AN include benign, obesity‐associated, syndromic, malignant, acral, unilateral, medication‐induced, and mixed‐type. Homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) is a good tool for assessment of insulin resistance. Management involves general measures (weight reduction and addressing the underlying cause, if any), topical drugs (retinoids, vitamin D analogs, and keratolytics), oral drugs (retinoids and insulin sensitizers), chemical peels (trichloroacetic acid), and lasers (Long pulsed alexandrite, fractional 1550‐nm erbium fiber, and CO2).

Conclusion

Acanthosis nigricans is a treatable condition; however, complete cure and disappearance of lesions are difficult to achieve. Weight reduction is the most scientific and practical management strategy. Long‐term studies and further research is warranted in the pathophysiology and treatment of this common condition.
The tumor immune microenvironment and its implications for clinical outcome in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gurin Dominik , Slavik Marek , Hermanova Marketa , Selingerova Iveta , Kazda Tomas , Hendrych Michal , Shatokhina Tetiana , Vesela Marcela
Published: June 2020

Background

We examined PD‐L1 expression on tumor cells (TCs) and immune cells (ICs) and density of CD3+ and CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and investigated their significance on clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Methods

In a cohort of 65 patients treated by definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with curative intent, immunohistochemical analysis of PD‐L1 expression on TCs and ICs, and TIL subtyping was performed on primary biopsy tumor tissues, followed by prognostic evaluation of these immune response–related parameters including classification into four tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) types. To evaluate HPV status, p16 immunohistochemistry was performed.

Results

Densities of CD3+ and CD8+ TILs and PD‐L1 expressions on TCs and ICs were significantly higher in p16+/HPV‐mediated OPSCC. Patients with high densities of stromal CD8+ TILs displayed significantly better overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). PD‐L1 expression neither on tumor cells nor on immune cells affected survival outcomes. Distribution of TIM types based on the combination of PD‐L1 expression on TCs and densities of CD8+ TILs is significantly different in p16+ compared with p16‐ OPSCC. In type III TIM (TC‐PD‐L1+/low CD8+ TIL density), significantly better OS was shown in p16+ group compared with p16‐ OPSCC.

Conclusion

The prognostic and predictive role of tumor immune microenvironment was confirmed for patients with OPSCC. Combining HPV status with the evaluation of densities of CD8+ TILs and PD‐L1 expression including TIM classification might be of high clinical interest and warrants further prospective evaluation.
Characterization of adaptability components of Brazilian isolates of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina
Authors: Negreiros Andréia Mitsa Paiva , Melo Naama Jéssica de Assis , Medeiros Hohana Lissa de Sousa , Silva Fernando Henrique Alves , Armengol Josep , Sales Júnior Rui
Published: June 2020

Macrophomina pseudophaseolina is a new Macrophomina species reported on different crop and weed species in Brazil, India and Senegal, but to date there are no studies about its adaptability components. In this work, a collection of 62 M. pseudophaseolina isolates obtained from roots of the weed species Trianthema portulacastrum and Boerhavia diffusa collected in Northeastern Brazil, was used to: (a) study the effect of temperature and salinity on mycelial growth, (b) to determine their sensitivity to the fungicide carbendazim and (c) to assess their aggressiveness on melon and watermelon seedlings. Results showed variability among M. pseudophaseolina isolates. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth ranged between 26.4 and 38.1ºC. NaCl reduced the in vitro growth of all isolates, which were also highly sensitive to the fungicide carbendazim, exhibiting EC50 values ranging from 0.013 to 0.089 mg/L a.i. Disease severity values on melon and watermelon seedlings showed that M. pseudophaseolina isolates were more aggressive in melon than in watermelon. Information about adaptability components of M. pseudophaseolina obtained in this study could be incorporated on breeding programs for melon and watermelon crops.
Channels modestly impact compartment‐specific ATP levels during Bacillus subtilis sporulation and a rise in the mother cell ATP level is not necessary for Pro‐σK cleavage
Authors: Parrell Daniel , Kroos Lee
Published: June 2020

Starvation of Bacillus subtilis initiates endosporulation involving formation of mother cell (MC) and forespore (FS) compartments. During engulfment, the MC membrane migrates around the FS and protein channels connect the two compartments. The channels are necessary for postengulfment FS gene expression, which relieves inhibition of SpoIVFB, an intramembrane protease that cleaves Pro‐σK, releasing σK into the MC. SpoIVFB has an ATP‐binding domain exposed to the MC cytoplasm, but the role of ATP in regulating Pro‐σK cleavage has been unclear, as has the impact of the channels on MC and FS ATP levels. Using luciferase produced separately in each compartment to measure relative ATP concentrations during sporulation, we found that the MC ATP concentration rises about twofold coincident with increasing cleavage of Pro‐σK, and the FS ATP concentration does not decline. Mutants lacking a channel protein or defective in channel protein turnover exhibited modest and varied effects on ATP levels, which suggested that low ATP concentration does not explain the lack of postengulfment FS gene expression in channel mutants. Furthermore, a rise in the MC ATP level was not necessary for Pro‐σK cleavage by SpoIVFB, based on analysis of mutants that bypass the need for relief of SpoIVFB inhibition.
The Effect of Preoperative Pentoxifylline on Postoperative Pain and Development of Secondary Hyperalgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial Study
Authors: Nazemi Samad , Taherian Akram , Khajeh Mahtab , Shahrestanaki Ehsan , Jafarpour Mostafa , Abdolalizadeh Adeleh , Sahebkar Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Background

After surgery and loss of anesthetic effect, postoperative pain can annoy the patient and affect patient satisfaction with treatment. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of preoperative pentoxifylline (PTX) on postoperative pain and development of secondary hyperalgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA).

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 91 eligible subjects with acute appendicitis referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital of Sabzevar, Iran, in 2018. The intervention and control groups were administered with a single oral dose of PTX (10 mg/kg) and placebo an hour before surgery, respectively. Postoperative pain was measured within 24 hours after surgery using a VAS, and the area of secondary hyperalgesia was measured 24 hours after surgery using the Stubhaug et al. method.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 26.74 ± 9.99 years, and 57.14% were female. Pain intensity during rest was significantly greater in the control group as compared to the PTX group 24 hours after surgery (VAS scores 2.19 ± 0.49 and 3.13 ± 0.66, respectively; P < 0.001). Moreover, pain intensity during cough was substantially lower in the PTX group compared with the control group 24 hours after surgery (VAS scores 2.65 ± 1.90 and 4.10 ± 2.60, respectively; P = 0.003 in turn). The dynamic hyperalgesia was significantly greater in the control group as compared with the PTX group (3.80 ± 1.82 and 7.43 ± 2.38, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that oral administration of PTX 1 hour before surgery in patients undergoing LA can reduce postoperative pain in patients and prevent secondary hyperalgesia at a surgical site.
The Emotional Dysregulation Questionnaire: Development and comparative analysis
Authors: Gill Duncan , Warburton Wayne , Sweller Naomi , Beath Ken , Humburg Peter
Published: June 2020

Objectives

A widely used measure of emotion dysregulation, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), may insufficiently cover a number of potentially important aspects of emotional dysregulation. A new measure of emotional dysregulation, the Emotional Dysregulation Questionnaire (EDQ) was therefore developed based upon an eight‐factor model of the construct.

Design and Method

The DERS and the EDQ were administered to a community sample (N = 362; 183 female, 179 male), along with a number of measures of psychopathology associated with emotional dysregulation. The capacity of the EDQ and the DERS to account for the emotional dysregulation associated with these different types of psychopathology was then compared.

Results

In several of the psychopathologies examined, the EDQ could account for more variation than the DERS, suggesting that it more comprehensively assessed the emotion regulation deficits associated with these issues.

Conclusions

Results suggest the EDQ possesses several advantages relative to the DERS, allowing for a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of emotional dysregulation.

Practitioner points

Emotional dysregulation is a common component of many psychological disorders.

The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale is one of the primary self‐report measures used to asses these difficulties, however, concerns exist that it may not comprehensively assess the construct of emotional dysregulation.

A new self‐report measure of comparable length, the Emotional Dysregulation Questionnaire has been developed, with this new measure possessing several advantages relative to the DERS with regard to the assessment of emotional dysregulation.

The use of this measure in clinical practice may more accurately identify the emotion regulation deficits present in clients.
Volatiles from the fungal phytopathogen Penicillium aurantiogriseum modulate root metabolism and architecture through proteome resetting
Authors: García‐Gómez Pablo , Bahaji Abdellatif , Gámez‐Arcas Samuel , Muñoz Francisco José , Sánchez‐López Ángela María , Almagro Goizeder , Baroja‐Fernández Edurne , Ameztoy Kinia , De Diego Nuria , Ugena Lydia , Spíchal Lukáš , Doležal Karel , Hajirezaei Mohammad‐Reza , Romero Luis C. , García Irene , Pozueta‐Romero Javier
Published: June 2020

Volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by the fungal phytopathogen Penicillium aurantiogriseum promote root growth and developmental changes in Arabidopsis. Here we characterised the metabolic and molecular responses of roots to fungal volatiles. Proteomic analyses revealed that these compounds reduce the levels of aquaporins, the iron carrier IRT1 and apoplastic peroxidases. Fungal VCs also increased the levels of enzymes involved in the production of mevalonate (MVA)‐derived isoprenoids, nitrogen assimilation and conversion of methionine to ethylene and cyanide. Consistently, fungal VC‐treated roots accumulated high levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), MVA‐derived cytokinins, ethylene, cyanide and long‐distance nitrogen transport amino acids. qRT‐PCR analyses showed that many proteins differentially expressed by fungal VCs are encoded by VC non‐responsive genes. Expression patterns of hormone reporters and developmental characterisation of mutants provided evidence for the involvement of cyanide scavenging and enhanced auxin, ethylene, cytokinin and H2O2 signalling in the root architecture changes promoted by fungal VCs. Our findings show that VCs from P. aurantiogriseum modify root metabolism and architecture, and improve nutrient and water use efficiencies through transcriptionally and non‐transcriptionally regulated proteome resetting mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are subject to long‐distance regulation by photosynthesis and differ from those triggered by VCs emitted by beneficial microorganisms.
Unveiling the shade nature of cyanic leaves: A view from the “blue absorbing side” of anthocyanins
Authors: Landi Marco , Agati Giovanni , Fini Alessio , Guidi Lucia , Sebastiani Federico , Tattini Massimiliano
Published: June 2020

Anthocyanins have long been suggested as having great potential in offering photoprotection to plants facing high light irradiance. Nonetheless, their effective ability in protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from supernumerary photons has been questioned by some authors, based upon the inexact belief that anthocyanins almost exclusively absorb green photons, which are poorly absorbed by chlorophylls. Here we focus on the blue light absorbing features of anthocyanins, a neglected issue in anthocyanin research. Anthocyanins effectively absorb blue photons: the absorbance of blue relative to green photons increases from tri‐ to mono‐hydroxy B‐ring substituted structures, reaching up to 50% of green photons absorption. We offer a comprehensive picture of the molecular events activated by low blue‐light availability, extending our previous analysis in purple and green basil, which we suggest to be responsible for the “shade syndrome” displayed by cyanic leaves. While purple leaves display overexpression of genes promoting chlorophyll biosynthesis and light harvesting, in green leaves it is the genes involved in the stability/repair of photosystems that are largely overexpressed. As a corollary, this adds further support to the view of an effective photoprotective role of anthocyanins. We discuss the profound morpho‐anatomical adjustments imposed by the epidermal anthocyanin shield, which reflect adjustments in light harvesting capacity under imposed shade and make complex the analysis of the photosynthetic performance of cyanic versus acyanic leaves.
Exploring the role of sexual experiences in on‐again/off‐again dating relationships
Authors: Dailey René M. , Zhang Zhengyu , Kearns Kyle
Published: June 2020

As an important dimension of romantic relationships, sexual activity has received little attention in research on on‐again/off‐again (on–off) relationships. Study 1 assessed the prevalence and perceptions of sexual experiences in on–off relationships as compared to non‐cyclical relationships (those without a history of breakups and renewals); furthermore, current and post‐dissolution (PD) relationships were assessed. Findings showed that on–off partners were four times more likely to engage in sex after breakups than non‐cyclical partners (55 vs. 13%). Results also suggested that on–off partners' perceptions of PD sexual experiences were more satisfying, more compatible, and less stressful than were non‐cyclical partners'. Using longitudinal data, Study 2 showed that PD sex was linked with reconciling the relationship. Conclusions from these findings and future directions are discussed.
Primary alveolar soft part sarcoma of the rectum resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection: A case report
Authors: Nakayama Atsuhito , Yokota Akira , Suzuki Yugo , Iizuka Toshiro , Fukawa Takako , Ushiku Tetsuo , Takazawa Yutaka , Fujii Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma. Primary ASPS of the gastrointestinal tract is especially rare. Due to the scarcity of cases, neither its clinicopathologic features nor its mutational background has been clarified. Here, we report a case of ASPS arising from the rectum, which was completely resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The lesion was a 17 × 16 × 15 mm semi‐pedunculated mass in the upper portion of the rectum in a 46‐year‐old female. In terms of histology, tumor cells exhibited confluent eosinophilic cytoplasm, forming a sheet‐like architecture. Periodic acid Schiff‐positive diastase‐resistant intracytoplasmic crystals were observed in the tumor cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed TFE3 rearrangement, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed an ASPSCR1‐TFE3 type 1 fusion. Negative PAX8 immunostaining and the absence of other massive lesions in postoperative imaging studies led to a diagnosis of primary ASPS of the rectum. The potential oncogenic role of the canonical ASPSCR1‐TFE3 fusion transcript in gastrointestinal ASPS was indicated. Primary gastrointestinal ASPS remains a diagnostic pitfall in routine surgical pathology.
Long‐term somatic memory of salinity unveiled from physiological, biochemical and epigenetic responses in two contrasting rice genotypes
Authors: do Amaral Marcelo Nogueira , Auler Priscila Ariane , Rossatto Tatiana , Barros Pedro M. , Oliveira Maria Margarida , Braga Eugenia Jacira Bolacel
Published: June 2020

Plants are constantly exposed to environmental fluctuations, that may occur in a single day or over longer periods. In many cases, abiotic stresses are transient and recurrent, impacting how plants respond in subsequent adverse conditions. Adaptation mechanisms may occur at the physiological, biochemical and molecular level, modifying transcriptional response, regulatory proteins, epigenetic marks or metabolites. Here, we aimed to uncover the different strategies that rice uses to respond to recurrent stress. We tested varieties with contrasting behavior towards salinity (tolerance or sensitivity) and imposed salt stress (150 mM NaCl) during 48 h at vegetative and/or reproductive stages. After 48 h of stress in reproductive stage, leaves and roots were harvested separately or otherwise the plants were submitted to a 24 h recovery, prior to sample harvesting. Plants submitted to a recurrent stress responded differently from those suffering a single stress event. In the case of the sensitive genotype, recurrent stress led to lower Na/K ratio in roots and lower hydrogen peroxide accumulation and lipid peroxidation in leaves, but maintenance of global DNA methylation levels. In the tolerant genotype, recurrent stress did neither affect the Na/K ratio nor the stomatal conductance, although the levels of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide accumulation were lower, as also observed for global levels of DNA methylation. Our work shows that a short pre‐exposure to salt stress may improve rice tolerance to subsequent stress, trough biochemical, physiological and epigenetic processes, with more significant changes visible in the tolerant genotype.
Radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer: Current status and future directions
Authors: Vinod Shalini K. , Hau Eric
Published: June 2020

Radiotherapy is an important modality used for the treatment of lung cancer. Seventy‐seven percent of all patients with lung cancer have an evidence‐based indication for radiotherapy, although it is often underutilized. Radiotherapy can be used as curative or palliative treatment across all stages of disease. Technological advances have allowed better radiotherapy targeting of tumours and reduced incidental irradiation of surrounding normal tissues. This has expanded the indications for radiotherapy in lung cancer and improved outcomes both in terms of increasing survival and reducing toxicity. This review examines the current role of radiotherapy in lung cancer, discusses the evidence behind this and identifies future directions in the radiotherapy treatment of lung cancer.
Application of Whole‐Genome Sequences and Machine Learning in Source Attribution of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Munck Nanna , Njage Patrick Murigu Kamau , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Litrup Eva , Hald Tine
Published: June 2020

Prevention of the emergence and spread of foodborne diseases is an important prerequisite for the improvement of public health. Source attribution models link sporadic human cases of a specific illness to food sources and animal reservoirs. With the next generation sequencing technology, it is possible to develop novel source attribution models. We investigated the potential of machine learning to predict the animal reservoir from which a bacterial strain isolated from a human salmonellosis case originated based on whole‐genome sequencing. Machine learning methods recognize patterns in large and complex data sets and use this knowledge to build models. The model learns patterns associated with genetic variations in bacteria isolated from the different animal reservoirs. We selected different machine learning algorithms to predict sources of human salmonellosis cases and trained the model with Danish Salmonella Typhimurium isolates sampled from broilers (n = 34), cattle (n = 2), ducks (n = 11), layers (n = 4), and pigs (n = 159). Using cgMLST as input features, the model yielded an average accuracy of 0.783 (95% CI: 0.77–0.80) in the source prediction for the random forest and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.92–0.94) for the logit boost algorithm. Logit boost algorithm was most accurate (valid accuracy: 92%, CI: 0.8706–0.9579) and predicted the origin of 81% of the domestic sporadic human salmonellosis cases. The most important source was Danish produced pigs (53%) followed by imported pigs (16%), imported broilers (6%), imported ducks (2%), Danish produced layers (2%), Danish produced cattle and imported cattle (<1%) while 18% was not predicted. Machine learning has potential for improving source attribution modeling based on sequence data. Results of such models can inform risk managers to identify and prioritize food safety interventions.
Light‐intensity physical activity derived from count or activity types is differently associated with adiposity markers
Authors: Lund Rasmussen Charlotte , Johansson Melker Staffan , Crowley Patrick , Fjeldstad Hendriksen Peter , Skotte Jørgen , Gupta Nidhi , Holtermann Andreas
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the association between count‐ and activity type–based definitions of light‐intensity physical activity (LIPA) and adiposity markers.

Methods

A total of 516 Danish workers participated in 1‐4 days of hip‐ and thigh‐based accelerometer measurements. Three definitions of average daily time spent in LIPA were derived:LIPA(1) time spent between 100 and 2029 CPM,LIPA(2) time spent moving and slow walking, andLIPA(3) time spent moving, walking slow, and standing. Adiposity markers were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and waist circumference. The cross‐sectional association between the three LIPA definitions and adiposity markers was analyzed and interpreted using compositional regression models followed by reallocation of time between LIPA, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively.

Results

The geometric means of daily time (min/day) spent in LIPA 1, LIPA 2, and LIPA 3 were 326, 102, and 274, respectively. We found the direction and strength of the association between the relative importance of daily time spent in LIPA and the adiposity markers to depend on the LIPA definition. For example, reallocating 30 minutes from MVPA to LIPA 1, LIPA 2 and LIPA 3 were associated with a 2.97 (95% CI: 0.68; 5.27), −0.71 (95% CI: −1.43; 0.02), and −0.45 (95% CI: −1.01; 0.11) difference in BMI, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the need for caution when comparing results from studies using different definitions of LIPA.
The City Under COVID‐19: Podcasting As Digital Methodology
Authors: Rogers Dallas , Herbert Miles , Whitzman Carolyn , McCann Eugene , Maginn Paul J. , Watts Beth , Alam Ashraful , Pill Madeleine , Keil Roger , Dreher Tanja , Novacevski Matt , Byrne Jason , Osborne Natalie , Büdenbender Mirjam , Alizadeh Tooran , Murray Kate , Dombroski Kelly , Prasad Deepti , Connolly Creighton , Kass Amanda , Dale Emma , Murray Cameron , Caldis Susan
Published: June 2020

This critical commentary reflects on a rapidly mobilised international podcast project, in which 25 urban scholars from around the world provided audio recordings about their cities during COVID‐19. New digital tools are increasing the speeds, formats and breadth of the research and communication mediums available to researchers. Voice recorders on mobile phones and digital audio editing on laptops allows researchers to collaborate in new ways, and this podcast project pushed at the boundaries of what a research method and community might be. Many of those who provided short audio 'reports from the field' recorded on their mobile phones were struggling to make sense of their experience in their city during COVID‐19. The substantive sections of this commentary discuss the digital methodology opportunities that podcasting affords geographical scholarship. In this case the methodology includes the curated production of the podcast and critical reflection on the podcast process through collaborative writing. Then putting this methodology into action some limited reflections on cities under COVID‐19 lockdown and social distancing initiatives around the world are provided to demonstrate the utility and limitations of this method.
Early experience with convalescent plasma as immunotherapy for COVID‐19 in China: Knowns and unknowns
Authors: Chen Binzhen , Xia Rong
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

In the absence of a vaccine or specific drug treatment options for coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), attention has been shifted in China to the possible therapeutic use of convalescent plasma. COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is currently under investigation. We summarized clinical studies and other research data available as of 5 May 2020 on CCP therapy according to the Clinical Treatment Guideline of COVID‐19 Convalescent Plasma in China, as well as clinical experience at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, as part of a comprehensive anti‐epidemic strategy.

Materials and methods

As of 5 May 2020, when the epidemic was well‐controlled in China, healthcare databases and sources of English literature relating to convalescent plasma were searched and reviewed. Sources of clinical and methodological heterogeneity were identified.

Results

As of 5 May 2020, up to 2000 samples of CCP had been collected across China and administered to 700 COVID‐19 patients. From donors, 200–400 ml of plasma was collected at each donation, with antibody titres > 1:160. We identified three clinical studies for COVID‐19 in China. Analyses showed a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes compared with untreated cases (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

From initial studies, convalescent plasma therapy appears effective and safe for COVID‐19. However, there is clearly a need for well‐designed RCTs (randomized controlled trials) or other formal studies to further evaluate the efficacy and any potential adverse effects of CCP.
A review of epigenetic regulation in wound healing: Implications for the future of wound care
Authors: Lewis Christopher J. , Stevenson Andrew , Fear Mark W. , Wood Fiona M.
Published: June 2020

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are essential for maintaining skin homeostasis and aid in the processes of wound healing. The nucleus co‐ordinates gene expression using epigenetic regulatory mechanisms based on distinct chromatin structural states and their remodeling. These include DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, post‐translational histone modifications, ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling and higher‐order chromatin structure and 3D genome organization. Epigenetic pathways play a key role in co‐ordinating the behavior and activity of the multitude of cell types seen during skin repair, and research is now focusing on how wound healing can be modulated by altering the activity of certain reparative genes. Herein, we aim to highlight recent advances in understanding epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, with particular reference to those involved in keratinocyte and fibroblast biology. We also propose future directions for exploration of epigenetic mechanisms, and their potential clinical applications in acute wound care.