bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrakorporale Photophorese als neue Option für die Behandlung der immunvermittelten Enteritis durch Checkpoint-Inhibitor-Therapie
Authors: Bengsch Bertram
Published: May 2020

Bei einem 29-jährigen Patienten traten während der Therapie mit Checkpoint-Inhibitoren aufgrund eines metastasierten Melanoms mehrere immunvermittelte Nebenwirkungen (iNW) auf. Einige der iNW (Dermatitis, Thyreoiditis, Hepatitis) sprachen auf eine Kortisontherapie und das Absetzen der Immuntherapie an. Auch die Enteritis zeigte mäßiges Ansprechen auf die Behandlung mit Glukokortikoiden und der zweimaligen Gabe von Anti-TNF-Antikörpern und besserte sich nach Cyclosporingabe zunächst, trat jedoch nach Dosisreduktion unter fortgesetzter Cyclosporintherapie wieder auf. Es wurde daher entschieden, den Patienten mit einer extrakorporalen Photopherese (ECP) zu behandeln. Bei dieser Therapie werden Leukozyten des Patienten extrakorporal mit einem UV-Sensitizer beladen, dann mit UV-Licht bestrahlt und anschließend reinfundiert. Nach Beginn der ECP kam es rasch zu einem Ansprechen des Patienten mit Sistieren der schweren Durchfälle. Die begleitende immunsuppressive Therapie wurde daher zeitnah ausgeschlichen, während die Behandlung mit ECP erst alle 2 Wochen, dann alle 4 Wochen fortgeführt wurde. Bei weiter gutem Ansprechen wurde die Behandlung nach 8 Monaten beendet. Der Patient wurde im Verlauf nicht weiter mit einer Immuntherapie behandelt.
AT2R’s (Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor’s) Role in Cognitive and Cerebrovascular Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Royea Jessika , Lacalle-Aurioles Maria , Trigiani Lianne J , Fermigier Alice , Hamel Edith
Published: May 2020

Antihypertensive medications targeting the renin-angiotensin system have lowered the incidence and progression of Alzheimer disease. Understanding how these medications function could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. AT4Rs (angiotensin IV receptors) have been associated with angiotensin receptor blockers’ cognitive, cerebrovascular, and neuroinflammatory rescue in Alzheimer disease models. Yet, whether AT4Rs act alone or with AT2Rs remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether AT2Rs contribute to losartan’s benefits and whether chronic AT2R activation could mimic angiotensin receptor blocker benefits in transgenic mice overexpressing familial Alzheimer disease mutations of the human APP (amyloid precursor protein). Losartan-treated mice (10 mg/kg per day, drinking water, 7 months) received intracerebroventricular (1 month) administration of vehicle or AT2R antagonist PD123319 (1.6 nmol/day). PD123319 countered losartan’s benefits on spatial learning and memory, neurovascular coupling, and hampered those on oxidative stress and nitric oxide bioavailability. PD123319 did not oppose losartan’s benefits on short-term memory and vasodilatory function and had no benefit on neuroinflammation or Aβ (amyloid β) pathology. Mice receiving either vehicle or selective AT2R agonist compound 21 (intracerebroventricular: 1 nmol/day, 1 month or drinking water: 10 mg/kg per day, 7 months), showed no improvement in memory, vasodilatory function, or nitric oxide bioavailability. Compound 21 treatment normalized neurovascular coupling, reduced astrogliosis independent of persisting microgliosis, and exacerbated oxidative stress in APP mice. Compound 21 reduced dense core Aβ plaques, but not diffuse plaques or Aβ species. Our findings suggest that targeting AT2Rs is not an ideal strategy for restoring Aβ-related cognitive and cerebrovascular deficits.
Primula qiupuensis, a new species in Primulaceae from China

Authors: ZHANG CHAO , ZHANG JIAN-YE , CHEN FANG-MING , CHEN WEN-HAO , CHEN DONG-SHENG , SHAO JIAN-WEN
Published: May 2020

Primula qiupuensis J.W.Shao, a new species in sect. Ranunculoides from eastern China, is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished from relative species within the section by corolla lobe apex rounded and pollen grains suboblate and stephanocolpate. Primula qiupuensis is endemic to the hilly and mountainous areas of Qiupu River Basin in Anhui Province.
Satureja kermanica (Lamiaceae) a new species from south-east of Iran, inferred from molecular and morphological evidence

Authors: BORDBAR FIROUZEH , PAYANDEH MARYAM , MIRTADZADINI MANSOUR
Published: May 2020

Traditional morphometric and multivariate analyses on relevant traits were carried out on populations identified as S. bachtiarica throughout the distribution range in Iran. This was complemented by molecular phylogenetic analysis of nuclear rDNA sequences (ITS). Based on these results the SE populations are described as a new species, Satureja kermanica sp. nov. The new taxon is illustrated and compared to its close relatives. The new species is distinguished from S. bachtiarica by several qualitative and quantitative characters: the length of internodes, the state of stem indumentum, the color of corolla, the shape and the length of calyx, the ratio of the length of lower to the length of upper calyx teeth, the ratio of calyx length to the lower teeth length, the length of stamens and the style. The new species is geographically isolated and restricted to the Irano-Turanian floristic region of Kerman Province. It preferably grows on the gravelly sediments of seasonal streams. Due to its restricted occurrence, the species is considered endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria.
Valeriana nahuelbutae sp. nov. (Caprifoliaceae), a new endemic plant from Nahuelbuta mountain range in central-south Chile

Authors: PENNECKAMP DIEGO N.
Published: May 2020

A new species of Valeriana (Caprifoliaceae) is described based on morphological characters. This new species is endemic from Nahuelbuta mountain range (37º 30’ and 38º 30’ S latitude approx.) in central-south Chile, associated to Araucaria araucana and Nothofagus spp. forest. This new species have an isolated distribution with specific riparian habitat.
Northern Hemisphere Winter Air Temperature Patterns and Their Associated Atmospheric and Ocean Conditions
Authors: Deng Jiechun , Dai Aiguo , Chyi Dorina
Published: May 2020

The Northern Hemisphere (NH) has experienced winter Arctic warming and continental cooling in recent decades, but the dominant patterns in winter surface air temperature (SAT) are not well understood. Here, a self-organizing map (SOM) analysis is performed to identify the leading patterns in winter daily SAT fields from 1979 to 2018, and their associated atmospheric and ocean conditions are also examined. Three distinct winter SAT patterns with two phases of nearly opposite signs and a time scale of 7–12 days are found: one pattern exhibits concurrent SAT anomalies of the same sign over North America (NA) and northern Eurasia, while the other two patterns show SAT anomalies of opposite signs between, respectively, NA and the Bering Sea, and the Kara Sea and East Asia (EA). Winter SAT variations may arise from changes in the SOM frequencies. Specifically, the observed increasing trends of winter cold extremes over NA, central Eurasia, and EA during 1998–2013 can be understood as a result of the increasing occurrences of some specific SAT patterns. These SOMs are closely related to poleward advection of midlatitude warm air and equatorward movements of polar cold airmass. These meridional displacements of cold and warm airmasses cause concurrent anomalies over different regions not only in SAT but also in water vapor and surface downward longwave radiation. Anomalous sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, midlatitude North Pacific, and North Atlantic and anomalous Arctic sea ice concentrations also concur to support and maintain the anomalous atmospheric circulation that causes the SAT anomalies.
Development, Amplification, and Decay of Atlantic/European Summer Weather Patterns Linked to Spring North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperatures
Authors: Ossó Albert , Sutton Rowan , Shaffrey Len , Dong Buwen
Published: May 2020

A recent study identified a relationship between North Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) gradients in spring and a specific pattern of atmospheric circulation in the following summer: the summer east Atlantic (SEA) pattern. It was shown that the SEA pattern is closely associated with meridional shifts in the eddy-driven jet in response to anomalous SST gradients. In this study, the physical mechanisms underlying this relationship are investigated further. It is shown that the predictable SEA pattern anomalies appear in June–July and undergo substantial amplification between July and August before decaying in September. The associated SST anomalies also grow in magnitude and spatial extent from June to August. The question of why the predictable atmospheric anomalies should occur in summer is addressed, and three factors are identified. The first is the climatological position of the storm track, which migrates poleward from spring to summer. The second is that the magnitude of interannual SST variability underlying the storm track peaks in summer, both in absolute terms, and relative to the underlying mean SST gradient. The third factor is the most interesting. We identify a positive coupled ocean–atmosphere feedback, which operates in summer and leads to the amplification of both SST and atmospheric circulation anomalies. The extent to which the identified processes are captured in the HadGEM3-GC2 climate model is also assessed. The model is able to capture the relationship between spring North Atlantic SSTs and subsequent ocean–atmosphere conditions in early summer, but the relationship is too weak. The results suggest that the real world might be more predictable than is inferred from the models.
Using A-Train Observations to Evaluate East Pacific Cloud Occurrence and Radiative Effects in the Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: Berry Elizabeth , Mace Gerald G. , Gettelman Andrew
Published: May 2020

Using information from the A-Train satellites, the properties and radiative effects of eastern Pacific Ocean boundary layer clouds are evaluated in the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5), from the summer of 2007 and 2008. The cloud microphysical properties are inferred using measurements from CloudSat and CALIPSO (CC) that are then used to calculate the broadband radiative flux profiles. Accounting appropriately for sampling differences between the measurements and the simulation, evidence of the “too few, too bright” low cloud bias is found in CAM5. Single-layer low clouds have a frequency of occurrence of 42% from CC, as compared with just 29% in CAM5, and the averaged cloud radiative kernel (CRK) for the model shows stronger cooling. For stratocumulus in particular, the cooling in the model CRK is larger by a factor of 2 relative to the observations, implying an overly sensitive tropical low cloud feedback. Differences in the day/night occurrence of stratocumulus help to explain some of the difference in the CRK. The cloud-type microphysics for liquid clouds is represented reasonably well by the model, with a tendency for smaller water paths and smaller effective radii. Overall, the occurrence and CRK have partially compensating errors such that the net cooling at the top of the atmosphere for eastern Pacific low clouds is −43 W m−2 in CAM5, as compared with −32 W m−2 from CC. The cooling effect in the model is accomplished by fewer low clouds with a narrower range of properties, as compared with more clouds with a broader range of properties in the observation-based dataset.
Improving Near-Surface Short-Range Weather Forecasts Using Strongly Coupled Land–Atmosphere Data Assimilation with GSI-EnKF
Authors: Lin Liao-Fan , Pu Zhaoxia
Published: May 2020

Strongly coupled land–atmosphere data assimilation has not yet been implemented into operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems. Up to now, upper-air measurements have been assimilated mainly in atmospheric analyses, while land and near-surface data have been assimilated mainly into land surface models. Thus, this study aims to explore the benefits of assimilating atmospheric and land surface observations within the framework of strongly coupled data assimilation. Specifically, we added soil moisture as a control state within the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF)-based Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) and conducted a series of numerical experiments through the assimilation of 2-m temperature/humidity and in situ surface soil moisture data along with conventional atmospheric measurements such as radiosondes into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with the Noah land surface model. The verification against in situ measurements and analyses show that compared to the assimilation of conventional data, adding soil moisture as a control state and assimilating 2-m humidity can bring additional benefits to analyses and forecasts. The impact of assimilating 2-m temperature (surface soil moisture) data is positive mainly on the temperature (soil moisture) analyses but on average marginal for other variables. On average, below 750 hPa, verification against the NCEP analysis indicates that the respective RMSE reduction in the forecasts of temperature and humidity is 5% and 2% for assimilating conventional data; 10% and 5% for including soil moisture as a control state; and 16% and 11% for simultaneously adding soil moisture as a control state and assimilating 2-m humidity data.
The Seduction of Hyper-Surveillance: Standards, Testing, and Accountability
Authors: Falabella Alejandra
Published: May 2020

The idea of a hyper-surveillance state that devolves school management to the private sector and local governments, but, at the same time, evaluates, inspects, and sanctions schools in the name of “educational quality and equality,” has been advocated by diverse sectors, right and center-left, conservative and liberal, pro-privatization, and pro-public education. It is a seductive policy. This article is based on the case of Chile, which in recent decades has consolidated a performative school market model. The study is based on an examination of official speeches and policy documents (a total of 84 documents), from the germination of the model in 1979 through to 2011 when the “Quality Assurance Education System” law was passed. Following Foucault’s studies in governmentality, the analysis not only aims to understand the policies that led to the creation of the hyper-surveillance state in education, but also seeks to examine the policy rationale that made these transformations desirable. The research analysis is also intended to contribute to a broader understanding of the spread of testing and accountability policies around the world.
Evaluation of Pharmacist Renal Dose Adjustments and Planning for Future Evaluations of Pharmacist Services
Authors: Bassett Elizabeth , Frantzen Leah , Zabel Katie
Published: May 2020

Background: Clinical pharmacy services are known to improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists contribute to patient care in the acute care setting in multiple ways, including providing advice and information to patients and the health care team, performing medication histories to prevent waste and support medication adherence, analyzing the cost-effectiveness of medications, and ensuring patient safety through patient monitoring and medication review. Specific clinical pharmacist services include managing intravenous to oral medication adjustments, renal dose adjustments, and performing pharmacokinetic dosing of medications, among others. Many of these clinical services are performed daily but are not evaluated for clinical quality or compliance with policies. Evaluating these clinical services may provide a multitude of benefits to pharmacy departments, health systems, and patients. Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pharmacist use and percent compliance of a renal dose adjustment policy upon initial order verification and discharge. This was completed through retrospective chart review to determine if dose adjustments were made appropriately and descriptive statistics were used to establish pharmacist compliance. Those orders that were inappropriately adjusted were analyzed for trends that could lead to possible policy improvements or pharmacist education opportunities. The completed evaluation also led to the development of an evaluation system that can be utilized to routinely assess clinical pharmacist services. Conclusions: The results of this study are being used to develop and support future clinical service evaluations, inspire process improvements, and improve patient outcomes and pharmacist accountability.
Impacts of Absolute and Relative Income on Self-Rated Health in Urban and Rural China
Authors: Cai Jiaoli , Laporte Audrey , Zhang Li , Zhao Yulin , Tang Di , Fan Hongli , Deng Liqian , Coyte Peter C.
Published: May 2020

This study aims to assess the impacts of absolute and relative income on self-rated health (SRH) of residents in rural and urban China. Data were derived from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Three distinct measures of relative income were considered (Gini coefficient, Yitzhaki index, and Deaton index) and computed for 3 geographic units (nation, province, and community). Nonlinear dynamic models for panel data were employed to test the absolute and relative income hypotheses. Absolute income was significantly associated with SRH among urban and rural populations. Relative income, as measured by the Gini coefficient, the Yitzhaki index, and the Deaton index, had statistically significant and negative impacts on SRH among the rural population, regardless of the reference group. For the urban population, the Gini coefficient was associated with SRH regardless of the reference group. In contrast, only the Yitzhaki index and the Deaton index at the provincial level were associated with SRH among the urban population. Our findings may provide a reference for policymakers to implement health policies designed to improve population health.
The place of peripheral “railway towns” in transport history
Authors: Reeves Hannah
Published: May 2020

This panorama paper seeks to explore some of the literature surrounding “railway towns” and the justifications for a comparative study of these towns, as defined by Jack Simmons in The Railway in Town and Country, 1830–1914. It also argues that so-called peripheral “railway towns”, villages, towns and cities not dominated by the railway industry but with significant railway communities or connections, should also be included within these studies in order that the social, economic and demographic impacts of the railways can be explored in greater detail.
A selfish generation? ‘Baby boomers’, values, and the provision of childcare for grandchildren
Authors: Airey Laura , Lain David , Jandrić Jakov , Loretto Wendy
Published: May 2020

‘Baby boomers’, born after the Second World War, have been portrayed as selfish and individualistic, depriving subsequent generations of the opportunities they themselves benefitted from. This debate has ignored intergenerational transfers within families, such as provision of grandparental childcare. This article explores why grandparents choose to provide childcare for grandchildren while their adult children are working. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 55 grandparents, we argue that values are essential to understanding why grandparents chose to provide childcare in the first place. These values relate to the importance of family-based childcare, familial obligations towards adult children, and intergenerational solidarity. While values shaped the desire to provide some childcare, the socio-economic and employment circumstances of adult children and grandparents influenced the nature of the childcare provided and the changes grandparents made to their lives to accommodate caring. Some grandparents significantly changed their employment and housing circumstances to provide childcare, undermining the stereotype of a ‘selfish generation’.
At Home in the Restaurant: Familiarity, Belonging and Material Culture in Ecuadorian Restaurants in Madrid
Authors: Miranda-Nieto Alejandro , Boccagni Paolo
Published: May 2020

Making and consuming food are evident aspects in migrants’ construction and reproduction of memory, identity and belonging. Food consumption can also enable migrants to make themselves at home abroad by reproducing aspects of their past and relating them to particular places in the present. This article draws from ethnographic work in Ecuadorian restaurants in Madrid to investigate the ‘domestication’ of space through their material culture. It examines the representation and use of these restaurants to unveil multiple ways of displaying belonging and reproducing degrees of domesticity. Enacting private routines, embodying familiarity through food and decorating backbars are instances that reveal how the material arrangements in migrant-run restaurants facilitate the construction of a sense of home. From a sociological perspective, this article reveals how the boundaries between private and public, as well as migrants’ ethnicity and belonging, are constantly reshaped through material arrangements that operate as forms of domestication of space.
Are We Barking Up the Right Tree? A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Prison-Based Dog Programs
Authors: Duindam Hanne M. , Asscher Jessica J. , Hoeve Machteld , Stams Geert Jan J. M. , Creemers Hanneke E.
Published: May 2020

Prison-based Dog Programs (PBDPs) are used in correctional facilities to decrease recidivism and improve social-emotional functioning. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an overview of the effectiveness of PBDPs, accounting for the potential influence of study, program, and sample characteristics through moderator analyses. We included 11 manuscripts, seven published and four unpublished, yielding 93 effect sizes ( N = 3,013). Eight studies were quasi-experimental and three were randomized controlled trials. The overall effect of PBDPs was significant and small ( d = 0.153, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.026, 0.281]), and may have been somewhat inflated by possible publication bias, while study quality was generally low. Moderator analyses showed that the overall effect was largely driven by the small-to-medium effect of PBDPs on recidivism ( d = 0.414, 95% CI = [0.153, 0.676]). It is therefore concluded that PBDPs may be a promising intervention to reduce recidivism, although more (robust) research is needed.
Belief in Redeemability and Punitive Public Opinion: “Once a Criminal, Always a Criminal” Revisited
Authors: Burton Alexander L. , Cullen Francis T. , Burton Velmer S. , Graham Amanda , Butler Leah C. , Thielo Angela J.
Published: May 2020

In 2009, Maruna and King presented results from a British survey showing that the public’s belief in the redeemability of people who committed offenses curbed their level of punitiveness. Based on a 2017 national survey in the United States ( n = 1,000), the current study confirms that redeemability is negatively related to punitive attitudes. In addition, the analyses reveal that this belief predicts support for rehabilitation and specific inclusionary policies (i.e., ban-the-box in employment, expungement of criminal records, and voting rights for people with a felony conviction). Findings regarding measures for punishment and rehabilitation were confirmed by a 2019 Mechanical Turk (MTurk) survey. These results suggest that beliefs about capacity for change among people who committed offenses are key to understanding crime-control public policy.
Case example of the use of Six Sigma and Kaizen projects in policing services
Authors: Alosani Mohammed Saleh
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to elaborate on the use of Six Sigma and Kaizen in policing services. Two case examples are discussed, followed by a review of the key implications obtained from the projects. In optimising the quality of policing services to the community, the police agencies in the UAE are faced with numerous challenges. This paper aims to provide further evidence of the use and applicability of Six Sigma and Kaizen in the policing field and to propose the direction for future studies. Based on the study results, it is proposed that the methodologies from Six Sigma and Kaizen are adopted in policing services to achieve an improvement in all aspects of their environment, including the process of service delivery, service effectiveness and efficiency, and the reduction of operational costs. This study is considered one of the few that have reported the use and benefits of these methods in policing services. Specifically, the findings have provided implications to the general arguments on the effectiveness of Six Sigma and Kaizen and their applicability in police agencies under the public sector, leading to further contributions which fill the research gap. Moreover, this study offers significant value for practitioners and managers in the organisations under the public sector to exert continuous improvement in the provision of services or products and organisational performance.
“The Grievance Studies Affair” Project: Reconstructing and Assessing the Experimental Design
Authors: Lagerspetz Mikko
Published: May 2020

Recently, high media visibility was reached by an experiment that involved “hoaxlike deception” of journals within humanities and social sciences. Its aim was to provide evidence of “inadequate” quality standards especially within gender studies. The article discusses the project in the context of both previous systematic studies of peer reviewing and scientific hoaxes and analyzes its possible empirical outcomes. Despite claims to the contrary, the highly political, both ethically and methodologically flawed “experiment” failed to provide the evidence it sought. The experiences can be summed up as follows: (1) journals with higher impact factors were more likely to reject papers submitted as part of the project; (2) the chances were better, if the manuscript was allegedly based on empirical data; (3) peer reviews can be an important asset in the process of revising a manuscript; and (4) when the project authors, with academic education from neighboring disciplines, closely followed the reviewers’ advice, they were able to learn relatively quickly what is needed for writing an acceptable article. The boundary between a seriously written paper and a “hoax” gradually became blurred. Finally (5), the way the project ended showed that in the long run, the scientific community will uncover fraudulent practices.
Merleau-Ponty: Beauty, Phenomenology, and the ‘Theological Turn’
Authors: Allen Blake
Published: May 2020

In a landmark text, ‘The Theological Turn of French Phenomenology’, Dominique Janicaud posits a boundary that sharply divides the legitimate phenomenological tradition from a problematic variant seen to be fundamentally compromised by theology. This article develops an immanent critique of Janicaud’s position. It demonstrates that his boundary relies on the mature work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty as a constitutive exemplar of the tradition, that this work is centrally concerned with beauty, and that its notion of beauty is irreducibly theological. Merleau-Ponty himself will thus be shown to enact his own version of the theological turn. I shall consequently propose a reconstrual of the boundary of phenomenology. My argument relies fundamentally on Merleau-Ponty’s essay, ‘Eye and Mind’, and includes a critical restatement of Galen Johnson’s reading of this text. In addition to its direct relevance to phenomenology, this article bears upon broader concerns, including the relationships between theory, the body, aesthetics, and the post-secular.
A Pragmatic Redefinition of Value(s): Toward a General Model of Valuation
Authors: Heinich Nathalie
Published: May 2020

This paper is intended to draw the main theoretical lines of the notion of value, in order to avoid some flaws in the quantitative surveys on values as well as in some qualitative studies of value judgements. Through a number of redefinitions based on a pragmatic approach, inspired not only by Dewey’s concept of ‘valuation’ but also by the new French pragmatic sociology and by the pragmatist trend in linguistics, it tries to specify the conditions under which sociology can address the notion of ‘value’ while avoiding their reduction to scholarly supports for morals or normative guides for action and evaluation. Meanwhile, it tries to construct a unified concept of value that would work for all the concerned disciplines: not only sociology but also economics, psychology, anthropology, and even philosophy.
Effect of sitagliptin on expression of skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α and irisin in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Yuntao , Xu Feng , Jiang Pan
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of sitagliptin on skeletal muscle expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), irisin, and phosphoadenylated adenylate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A high-fat diet/streptozotocin T2DM rat model was established. Rats were divided into T2DM, low-dose sitagliptin (ST1), high-dose sitagliptin (ST2), and normal control groups (NC). PGC-1α, irisin, and p-AMPK protein levels in skeletal muscle were measured by western blot, and PCG-1α and Fndc5 mRNA levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FIns), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly up-regulated in the T2DM compared with the other groups, and FPG, FIns, total cholesterol, triglycerides, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were significantly down-regulated in the ST2 compared with the ST1 group. PGC-1α, irisin, and p-AMPK expression levels decreased successively in the ST2, ST1, and DM groups compared with the NC, and were all significantly up-regulated in the ST2 compared with the ST1 group.

Conclusion

Down-regulation of PGC-1α and irisin in skeletal muscle may be involved in T2DM. Sitagliptin can dose-dependently up-regulate PCG-1α and irisin, potentially improving insulin resistance and glycolipid metabolism and inhibiting inflammation.
The efficacy and tolerability of febuxostat treatment in a cohort of Chinese Han population with history of gout
Authors: Huang Yuan-Yuan , Ye Zhuang , Gu San-Wei , Jiang Zhen-Yu , Zhao Ling
Published: May 2020

Objective

To measure the effect of febuxostat on the serum levels of uric acid (sUA) and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in Chinese Han patients with gout and hyperuricaemia.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study enrolled patients with gout and hyperuricaemia (sUA ≥ 8 mg/dl). Patients were randomized to receive either febuxostat 80 mg or placebo once daily for 24 weeks. The serum levels of sUA, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α were measured at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded for all patients.

Results

A total of 156 patients were randomized: placebo group ( n = 78) and febuxostat group ( n = 78). The febuxostat group showed a significantly greater reduction in sUA compared with the placebo group. Serum uric acid concentration was reduced below 8 mg/dl in 46 of 61 patients (75.4%) by week 24. There were also reductions in the serum levels IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in the febuxostat group. In the febuxostat group, 10 of 78 patients (12.82%) discontinued treatment due to adverse drug reactions.

Conclusion

Febuxostat reduced the levels of sUA, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17, but there were some side-effects.
CD56-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/leukemia with BCL6/MYC double-hit and multiple gene mutations: an indicator of poor prognosis?
Authors: Liu Yanquan , Shen Jianzhen , Awal Issah M. , Liu Tingbo , Zhou Huarong , Fu Haiying
Published: May 2020

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and is highly invasive, with a poor prognosis. The main clinical treatment for DLBCL involves chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and targeted drugs. CD56 expression is considered as an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and anaplastic large cell lymphoma; however, its role in DLBCL remains unclear. We report on a patient with CD56-positive DLBCL/leukemia with BCL6/ MYC double-hit, and DDX3X, LRP1B, SIN3A, and GNA13 gene mutations (stage IVA, prognostic index aaIPI = 2 points). The patient was treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone pre-chemotherapy plus R-Hyper-CVAD AB and DA-EPOCH regimens. Lumbar puncture combined with intrathecal injection was performed to prevent central nervous system infiltration during hospitalization, and complete remission was confirmed. We also reviewed the literature to clarify the relevance of the unique clinical features associated with this case.
Electroacupuncture improves synaptic plasticity by regulating the 5-HT1A receptor in hippocampus of rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Chen Lixing , Yao Zengyu , Qu Shanshan , Zhang Jialing , Zhang Jiping , Zhang Zhinan , Huang Yong , Zhong Zheng
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate the antidepressant effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in rats, as well as the effects of EA on hippocampal neurons, synaptic morphology, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) receptor expression.

Methods

Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, CUMS, EA, and paroxetine groups. CUMS modeling was performed for 21 days, followed by 14 days of intervention: rats in the EA group underwent stimulation of GV20 and GV29 acupuncture points for 30 minutes daily; rats in the paroxetine group were administered paroxetine daily. Behavioral tests, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Results

EA treatment reversed the behavioral changes observed in rats due to CUMS modeling; it also improved the pathological changes in organelles and synaptic structures of hippocampal neurons, and upregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of 5-HT1A receptor. There were no significant differences in 5-HT1B receptor protein and mRNA expression levels among the groups.

Conclusions

EA treatment can alleviate depression-like symptoms in CUMS rats. The underlying mechanism may include promoting the expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA and protein, thereby improving synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Pre-infusion single-dose mesenchymal stem cells promote platelet engraftment and decrease severe acute graft versus host disease without relapse in haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Zhang Mei , He Pengcheng
Published: May 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be used to treat steroid-refractory graft versus host disease (GVHD). However, the effects of MSCs in haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT) have not been confirmed in randomized studies.

Methods

We conducted a randomized clinical study to investigate the effects of pre-infusion (1 × 106 cells/kg) MSCs on hematopoietic recovery, Epstein–Barr and cytomegalovirus infection, GVHD, and relapse in patients undergoing haplo-PBSCT. Fifty patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome were randomly divided into an MSC group administered 1 × 106 MSCs/kg 4 to 6 hours before infusion of peripheral stem cells and a control group without MSCs.

Results

Mean platelet engraftment time was significantly faster in the MSC compared with the control group (12.28 vs 13.29 days). The mean neutrophil engraftment time was comparable in both groups (10.76 ± 2.40 vs. 10.29 ± 1.72 days). Grade II or above acute GVHD was significantly decreased in the MSC compared with the control group (12% vs. 36%). There were no significant differences in relapse rate or overall survival between the groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that pre-infusion single-dose MSCs promote platelet engraftment and decrease severe acute GVHD without increasing relapse rate.
Use of a natural multicomponent mouthwash plus oral hygiene vs oral hygiene alone to prevent everolimus-induced stomatitis: the STOP multicenter, randomized trial
Authors: Porta Camillo , Verzoni Elena , Zai Silvia , Messina Caterina , Ferrari Vittorio , Gri Nicole , Procopio Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Background:

Stomatitis is highly prevalent in patients with cancer treated with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus; it usually has an early onset and may compromise treatment dose intensity and patients’ quality of life. Within the randomized controlled Stomatitis Prevention trial (STOP, ISRCTN14568888), we investigated the possibility of using a commercial natural multicomponent mouthwash (Orasol Plus®) to prevent the development of stomatitis of any grade in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with everolimus.

Methods:

Overall, 62 patients were randomized to receive either Orasol Plus in addition to oral hygiene or oral hygiene alone (31 patients per treatment arm).

Results:

In the whole study population, 28 episodes of stomatitis were observed (41.9%); in only 2 patients, stomatitis occurred more than once (2 episodes). As expected, the episodes of stomatitis occurred early in the course of treatment with everolimus. Treatment with Orasol Plus prevented the onset of everolimus-induced stomatitis: only 8 episodes of stomatitis were observed in the treated group with Orasol Plus in addition to oral hygiene vs 20 episodes in the group treated with oral hygiene only ( p = 0021). Also, a reduction in the average duration of mucositis in patients treated with Orasol Plus compared to patients treated with oral hygiene only was observed (8 days vs 11.2 days, p = 0.0416).

Conclusion:

This study showed that the use of a natural multicomponent mouthwash coupled with regular oral hygiene was able to reduce the severity and duration of everolimus-induced stomatitis in patients with RCC.

Trial registration number:

ISRCTN14568888
The Intersection between Criminal Accusations, Victimization, and Mental Disorders: A Canadian Population-Based Study
Authors: Casiano Hygiea , Hensel Jennifer M. , Chartier Mariette J. , Ekuma Okechukwu , MacWilliam Leonard , Mota Natalie , McDougall Chelsey , Bolton James M.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Understand the relationship between criminal accusations, victimization, and mental disorders at a population level using administrative data from Manitoba, Canada.

Method:

Residents aged 18 to 64 between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2012 ( N = 793,024) with hospital- and physician-diagnosed mental disorders were compared to those without. Overall and per-person rates of criminal accusations and reported victimization in the 2011/2012 fiscal year were examined. Relative risks were calculated, adjusting for age, sex, income, and presence of a substance use disorder. The overlap between diagnosed mental disorders, accusations, and victimization with a χ2 test of independence was studied.

Results:

Twenty-four percent ( n = 188,693) of the population had a mental disorder over the 5-year time frame. Four to fifteen percent of those with a mental disorder had a criminal accusation, compared to 2.4% of the referent group. Individuals with mental disorders, especially psychotic or personality disorders, were often living in low-income, urban neighborhoods. The adjusted relative risk of accusations and victimization remained 2 to 5 times higher in those with mental disorders compared to the referent group. Criminal accusations and victimization were most prevalent among individuals with a history of attempted suicide (15.2% had an accusation and 8.1% were victims). The risk of victimization in the same year as a criminal accusation was significantly increased among those with mental disorders compared to those without (χ2 = 211.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Individuals with mental disorders are at elevated risk of both criminal involvement and victimization. The identification of these multiply-stigmatized individuals may lead to better intervention and support.
Alcohol Use Disorder and the Persistence/Recurrence of Major Depression: Le trouble de l’usage de l’alcool et la persistance/récurrence de la dépression majeure
Authors: Onaemo Vivian N. , Fawehinmi Timothy O. , D’Arcy Carl
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aims to determine the role of alcohol use disorder and other potential risk factors on persistence/recurrence of major depression in a Canadian population sample.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Population Health Survey (1994/1995 to 2010/2011), a prospective epidemiologic survey of individuals 12 years and older, living in 10 Canadian provinces ( N = 17,276). Participants were reinterviewed every 2 years for 9 cycles. This study population was a cohort of individuals who at baseline met the diagnosis of a major depressive episode (MDE) in the previous 12 months ( n = 908). After the 6-year (cycle 4) and 16-year (cycle 9) follow-up period, 124 of 718 participants and 79 of 461 participants met the criteria for MDE, respectively. Persistence or recurrence of major depression was defined as meeting a diagnosis of MDE after 6 years and 16 years. Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the role of alcohol dependence and other risk factors on the persistence/recurrence of major depression using Stata 14.

Results

Alcohol use disorder was significantly correlated with a 6-year (odds ratio [ OR]: 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68 to 5.48; P < .0001) and 16-year ( OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.15 to 8.77, P = 0.003) persistence/recurrence of major depression. Other factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of major depression include female sex, childhood traumatic events, chronic pain restricting activities, daily smoking, and low self-esteem.

Conclusions

Comorbid alcohol use disorder was found to be a strong risk factor for the persistence or recurrence of major depression.
Image perçue et attitude envers les marques de distributeur dans les pays émergents : quelle modération de l’association du magasin à une enseigne locale ou internationale ?
Authors: Diallo Mbaye Fall
Published: May 2020

Dans cette recherche, nous étudions les effets de l’image perçue du magasin et de l’image prix perçue des marques de distributeur (MDD) sur l’attitude envers les MDD dans deux pays émergents en fonction de l’association du magasin à une enseigne locale ou internationale. Nous examinons spécifiquement le rôle médiateur des clés négatives (risque perçu) et positives (valeur perçue) associées aux MDD. L’étude est basée sur un échantillon de 1027 réponses collectées au Brésil et au Vietnam. Les hypothèses sont testées à l’aide des modèles d’équations structurelles. Les résultats mettent en évidence un effet direct positif de l’image prix perçue des MDD sur l’attitude envers les MDD. L’image du magasin a un effet indirect sur l’attitude envers les MDD. Le risque perçu envers les MDD a un effet médiateur significatif sur les relations entre l’image du magasin, l’image prix perçue des MDD et l’attitude envers les MDD. En revanche, la valeur perçue des MDD ne médiatise pas ces relations. De plus, l’association du magasin à une enseigne locale ou internationale modère l’effet de l’image du magasin et de l’image prix perçue des MDD sur l’attitude envers les MDD.
Multiplatform, Non-Breath-Hold Fast Scanning Protocols: Should We Stop Giving Breath-Hold Instructions for Routine Chest CT?
Authors: Doda Khera Ruhani , Nitiwarangkul Chayanin , Singh Ramandeep , Homayounieh Fatemeh , Digumarthy Subba R. , Kalra Mannudeep K.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

We assessed if non-breath-hold (NBH) fast scanning protocol can provide respiratory motion-free images for interpretation of chest computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods:

In our 2-phase project, we first collected baseline data on frequency of respiratory motion artifacts on breath-hold chest CT in 826 adult patients. The second phase included 62 patients (mean age 66 ± 15 years; 21 females, 41 males) who underwent an NBH chest CT on either single-source (n = 32) or dual-source (n = 30) multidetector-row CT scanners. Clinical indications for chest CT, reason for using NBH CT, scanner type, scan duration, and radiation dose (CT dose index volume, dose length product) were recorded. Two thoracic radiologists (R1 and R2) independently graded respiratory motion artifacts (1 = no respiratory motion artifacts with unrestricted evaluation; 2 = minor motion artifacts limited to one lung lobe or less with good diagnostic quality; 3 = moderate motion artifacts limited to 2 to 3 lung lobes but adequate for clinical diagnosis; 4 = poor evaluability or unevaluable from severe motion artifacts; and 5 = limited quality due to other causes like high noise, beam hardening, or metallic artifacts), and recorded pulmonary and mediastinal findings. Descriptive analyses, Cohen κ test for interobserver agreement, and Student t test were performed for statistical analysis.

Results:

No NBH chest CT were deemed uninterpretable by either radiologist; most NBH CT (R1-59 of 62, 95%; R2-62 of 62, 100%) had no or minimal motion artifacts. Only 3 of 62 (R1) NBH chest CT had motion artifacts limiting diagnostic evaluation for lungs but not in the mediastinum.

Conclusion:

Non-breath-hold fast protocol enables acquisition of diagnostic quality chest CT free of respiratory motion artifacts in patients who cannot hold their breath.
Differences in Consumption of NASEM Priority Nutrients and Food Groups by Race/Ethnicity Among Women Living in WIC-Participating Households
Authors: Zimmer Meghan C. , Rubio Veronica , Kintziger Kristina W. , Barroso Cristina
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To examine racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake of women in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants:

Women 19 to 50 years of age living in WIC-participating households.

Measures:

Nutrient/food group intake from one 24-hour dietary recall.

Analysis:

Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between race/ethnicity and nutrient/food group intake.

Results:

Compared to non-Hispanic white women, Hispanic women had lower dietary energy density (1.7 ± 0.1 vs 2.2 ± 0.1 kcal/g, P < .001), and better nutrient intake, including more folate (429 ± 20 vs 364 ± 29 µg, P = .024), fiber (20.1 ± 0.9 vs 13.6 ± 0.9 g, P ≤ .001), and potassium (2575 ± 78 vs 2251 ± 66 mg, P = .012). This may be related to greater consumption of total vegetables (1.67 ± 0.16 vs 1.17 ± 0.17 cup equivalents [c-eq], P = .029), including more red and orange vegetables (0.64 ± 0.11 vs 0.32 vs 0.09 c-eq, P = .013) and more legumes (0.17 ± 0.04 vs 0.07 ± 0.02 c-eq, P = .006). Both Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women consumed more sodium (Hispanic: P = .015; non-Hispanic black: P = .008), but less added sugars (Hispanic: P ≤ .001; non-Hispanic black: P = .015), than non-Hispanic white women.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight differences in dietary intake by race/ethnicity and can inform nutrition messages of WIC nutrition educators and dietitians.