bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living Costs and Real Wages in Nineteenth Century Lima: Levels and International Comparisons
Authors: Zegarra Luis Felipe
Published: January 2020

This article provides new evidence on salaries and living standards of low‐skilled workers in Lima in 1825–73. During this period, low‐skilled workers in Lima could cover their basic needs. Real salaries increased in the early‐1830s, but declined in the following decades. Real salaries declined during the Guano Era in spite of the commercial bonanza. An international comparison shows that Lima had lower living standards than Northern Europe and Australia, but higher than Asia. In most of the nineteenth century, Peru and other Latin American economies had higher welfare ratios than China, India, and Japan.
Weight loss more than glycemic control may improve testosterone in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus men with hypogonadism
Authors: Giagulli Vito Angelo , Castellana Marco , Carbone Matteo Domenico , Pelusi Carla , Ramunni Maria Isabella , De Pergola Giovanni , Guastamacchia Edoardo , Triggiani Vincenzo
Published: January 2020

Background

Functional hypogonadism is a common disorder among patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and could be managed by first treating the underlying causes.

Objective

The present study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of body weight and glycemic control to the reversibility of hypogonadism to eugonadism in a real‐life setting.

Materials and methods

Adult obese male patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, complaining of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and suspected of functional hypogonadism evaluated at our institution from 2015 to 2017, were retrospectively included. The gonadal status 3 and 12 months after the glucose‐lowering medication prescription was assessed.

Results

Seventy‐one consecutive patients were enrolled, with 24 (34%) of them achieving total testosterone ≥300 ng/dL (10.4 nM/L) at the end of the study. When they were stratified according to HbA1c and body weight loss, a direct correlation was found for the latter only. Particularly, 94% of patients achieving a body weight loss >10% presented with total testosterone ≥300 ng/dL. An inverse correlation was found for HbA1c, with no higher prevalence of total testosterone ≥300 ng/dL in patients with HbA1c <6.5%.

Discussion

The findings are strengthened by the rigorous study design. However, a limited number of patients and glucose‐lowering medications could be included.

Conclusions

The present study supports the hypothesis that in obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus losing weight may have a greater impact on androgens compared to improving glycemic control. Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate this finding.
The Unstable Coastline: Navigating Dispossession and Belonging in Colombo
Authors: Radicati Alessandra
Published: January 2020

This article explores how residents of a small coastal fishing enclave in Colombo live with cumulative waves of dispossession brought on by exclusionary projects of urban development. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I introduce the analytic of navigation to describe how people move, plan and live with both present and future threats of dispossession. Navigation offers a unique perspective on questions of agency and resistance in oppressive conditions. Rather than framing subjects as “resisting” projects of world‐class city‐making, this analysis shows that urban residents instead engage in complex and occasionally contradictory modes of living with uncertainty. I complicate existing understandings of the term “navigation” by describing how questions of nation and belonging are crucial to comprehending how people navigate. Ultimately, I suggest that expressions of belonging and obligation to an imagined community might not only be strategic, but instead reflect some of the broader social forces which structure possibilities for action.
Improved brain growth and microstructural development in breast milk–fed very low birth weight premature infants
Authors: Ottolini Katherine M. , Andescavage Nickie , Kapse Kushal , Jacobs Marni , Limperopoulos Catherine
Published: January 2020

Aim

Breast milk feeding is linked to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, though the mechanisms are not well understood. This study utilised quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) techniques to compare brain growth and white matter development in preterm infants receiving primarily breast milk versus formula feeds.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled infants born at very low birth weight (<1500 g) and <32 weeks gestational age and performed MRI at term‐equivalent age. We utilised volumetric segmentation to calculate regional and total brain volumes and diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate white matter microstructural organisation. Daily nutritional data were extracted from the medical record.

Results

Nutritional and MRI data were obtained for 68 infants admitted within the first week of life (44 breast milk and 24 formula). Breast milk–fed infants demonstrated significantly larger total brain volumes (P = .04) as well as volumes in the amygdala‐hippocampus and cerebellum (P < .01) compared with formula‐fed. Infants receiving breast milk also demonstrated greater white matter microstructural organisation in the corpus callosum, posterior limb of internal capsule and cerebellum (P < .01 to .03).

Conclusion

VLBW infants receiving primarily breast milk versus preterm formula in this small exploratory study demonstrated significantly greater regional brain volumes and white matter microstructural organisation by term‐equivalent age.
Stigma in mental illness: Perspective from eight Asian nations
Authors: Kudva Kundadak Ganesh , El Hayek Samer , Gupta Anoop Krishna , Kurokawa Shunya , Bangshan Liu , Armas‐Villavicencio Maria Victoria C. , Oishi Kengo , Mishra Saumya , Tiensuntisook Saratcha , Sartorius Norman
Published: January 2020

Background

Stigma against those who suffer from mental illness is a major issue in many nations. Stigma, which is comprised of prejudice, ignorance, and discrimination, serves as a barrier to seeking help and staying in contact with mental health services. It is thus imperative that concerted efforts are taken against stigma.

Methods

Eight young psychiatrists from eight Asian nations offer a narrative review of the state of stigma in their respective nations, the sociocultural reasons behind this stigma, recent anti‐stigma efforts and the effects, if any, of such efforts.

Results

Despite these eight nations lying varying significantly in terms of economic developmental levels, there are sociocultural commonalities that undergird stigma across these nations. It is also evident that there have been more recent concerted efforts to combat this stigma, and in some countries, there has been a change in the perceptions of mental illness.

Conclusion

The causes of stigma tend to be similar across various nations, and this perhaps suggests that international collaboration and a concerted global effort to combat this problem might thus be a possibility.
Does an Entrepreneurial Career Pay for Women in China?
Authors: Xiu Lin , Gunderson Morley
Published: January 2020

Using data from the Chinese Household Income Project survey in 2013, our male–female pay‐gap decomposition illustrates that the gender earnings gap is larger among the self‐employed than the wage‐employed after controlling for the effect of various pay‐determining characteristics. Our self‐employed versus wage‐employed decomposition also controls for selection into self‐employment as well as those pay‐determining characteristics. We find that wage‐employed women would earn less than their current earnings if they shifted to self‐employment, while wage‐employed men would earn more than their current earnings if they became self‐employed. In essence, self‐employed women suffer from double jeopardy. They not only earn less than men in self‐employment due to lower returns for the same pay‐determining characteristics, but women in self‐employment also earn less than women in wage employment when they have the same pay‐determining characteristics.
Solid‐type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach: Deficiency of mismatch repair and SWI/SNF complex
Authors: Tsuruta Shinichi , Kohashi Kenichi , Yamada Yuichi , Fujiwara Minako , Koga Yutaka , Ihara Eikichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Oki Eiji , Nakamura Masafumi , Oda Yoshinao
Published: January 2020

ARID1A, one of the subunits in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is frequently mutated in gastric cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). The most frequent MSI in solid‐type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA) has been reported, but the SWI/SNF complex status in solid‐type PDA is still largely unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 54 cases of solid‐type PDA for the expressions of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6), SWI/SNF complex subunits (ARID1A, INI1, BRG1, BRM, BAF155, and BAF170) and EBER, and mutations in KRAS and BRAF. We analyzed 40 cases of another histological type of gastric cancer as a control group. The solid‐type PDAs showed coexisting glandular components (76%), MMR deficiency (39%), and complete/partial loss of ARID1A (31%/7%), INI1 (4%/4%), BRG1 (48%/30%), BRM (33%/33%), BAF155 (13%/41%), and BAF170 (6%/2%), EBER positivity (4%), KRAS mutation (2%), and BRAF mutation (2%). Compared to the control group, MMR deficiency and losses of ARID1A, BRG1, BRM, and BAF155 were significantly frequent in solid‐type PDAs. Mismatch repair deficiency was associated with the losses of ARID1A, BRG1, and BAF155 in solid‐type PDAs. In the MMR‐deficient group, solid components showed significantly more frequent losses of ARID1A, BRG1, BRM, and BAF155 compared to glandular components (P = .0268, P = .0181, P = .0224, and P = .0071, respectively). In the MMR‐proficient group, solid components showed significantly more frequent loss of BRG1 compared to glandular components (P = .012). In conclusion, solid‐type PDAs showed frequent losses of MMR proteins and the SWI/SNF complex. We suggest that loss of the SWI/SNF complex could induce a morphological shift from differentiated‐type adenocarcinoma to solid‐type PDA.
The role and potential mechanism of p75NTR in mineralization via in vivo p75NTR knockout mice and in vitro ectomesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhao Manzhu , Wang Yingying , Li Gang , Li Jun , Yang Kun , Liu Chang , Wen Xiujie , Song Jinlin
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the role and potential mechanism of p75NTR in mineralization in vivo using p75NTR‐knockout mice and in vitro using ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs).

Materials and methods

Femur bone mass and daily incisor mineralization speed were assessed in an in vivo p75NTR‐knockout mouse model. The molecular signatures alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type 1 (Col1), melanoma‐associated antigen (Mage)‐D1, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), distal‐less homeobox 1 (Dlx1) and Msh homeobox 1 (Msx1) were examined in vitro in EMSCs isolated from p75NTR+/+ and p75NTRExIII−/− mice.

Results

p75NTR‐knockout mice were smaller in body size than heterozygous and wild‐type mice. Micro‐computed tomography and structural quantification showed that the osteogenic ability of p75NTRExIII‐knockout mice was significantly decreased compared with that of wild‐type mice (P < .05). Weaker ALP and alizarin red staining and reduced expression of ALP, Col1, Runx2, BSP, OCN and OPN were also observed in p75NTRExIII−/− EMSCs. Moreover, the distance between calcein fluorescence bands in p75NTRExIII‐knockout mice was significantly smaller than that in wild type and heterozygous mice (P < .05), indicating the lower daily mineralization speed of incisors in p75NTRExIII‐knockout mice. Further investigation revealed a positive correlation between p75NTR and Mage‐D1, Dlx1, and Msx1.

Conclusion

p75NTR not only promotes osteogenic differentiation and tissue mineralization, but also shows a possible relationship with the circadian rhythm of dental hard tissue formation.
Long‐term study of the reproductive timing of the Neotropical catfish Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874): Influence of temperature and river discharge
Authors: Vidal Nicolás , Teixeira de Mello Franco , González‐Bergonzoni Iván , López‐Rodríguez Anahí , Tesitore Giancarlo , Pais Joaquín , Stebniki Samanta , Silva Ivana , D’Anatro Alejandro
Published: January 2020

Unravelling the effect of climate variability on species biology has been one of the main goals of ecological studies. Environmental factors such as river discharge and temperature have being proposed as triggers of reproductive cycle in fish. In temperate climates, fish reproduction is affected mainly by temperature, while is influenced by flood pulses in large tropical rivers. We evaluated the influence of temperature and river discharge as triggers of Iheringichthys labrosus’ reproduction. We studied the following reproductive variables: gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and condition factor (K). Females of I. labrosus were examined in a time series of ten years along three sites located in Lower Uruguay River at the beginning (last week of November‐first week of December, spring) and by the end of the reproductive period (middle‐end of April, autumn). Generalised linear models detected a positive effect of mean winter temperature and site on the spring mature female GSI. Site was significant in addition to the interaction between temperature and site. Moreover, the effect of winter temperature was stronger than water discharge in triggering reproductive timing of I. labrosus, contrary to the model proposed for other species in tropical systems. Additionally, a literature review suggested a latitudinal gradient on reproduction, occurring earlier and prolonged with decreasing latitude (and increasing temperature). In this study, we stated the effect of temperature on the life history in a Neotropical fish using a multifaceted approach, particularly important in the current context of global climate warming.
Democratic dictatorship: Political legitimacy in Marxist perspective
Authors: Ypi Lea
Published: January 2020

This article aims to contextualise, explain, and defend the relevance of Marx's analysis of the dictatorship of the proletariat for contemporary debates on political legitimacy. I call my reconstruction of the Marxist contribution to this debate: the limited legitimacy theory of political authority. Such a theory, I contend, offers a plausible alternative to existing liberal and anarchist accounts and has important implications for a number of key debates in political theory, including the normative significance of the state, the relationship between authority and freedom, the role of democracy, and the meaning and relevance of communist utopia.
Local forest structure variability increases resilience to wildfire in dry western U.S. coniferous forests
Authors: Koontz Michael J. , North Malcolm P. , Werner Chhaya M. , Fick Stephen E. , Latimer Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

A ‘resilient’ forest endures disturbance and is likely to persist. Resilience to wildfire may arise from feedback between fire behaviour and forest structure in dry forest systems. Frequent fire creates fine‐scale variability in forest structure, which may then interrupt fuel continuity and prevent future fires from killing overstorey trees. Testing the generality and scale of this phenomenon is challenging for vast, long‐lived forest ecosystems. We quantify forest structural variability and fire severity across >30 years and >1000 wildfires in California's Sierra Nevada. We find that greater variability in forest structure increases resilience by reducing rates of fire‐induced tree mortality and that the scale of this effect is local, manifesting at the smallest spatial extent of forest structure tested (90 × 90 m). Resilience of these forests is likely compromised by structural homogenisation from a century of fire suppression, but could be restored with management that increases forest structural variability.
Bridging the Gap between Ecologies and Clusters: Towards an Integrative Framework of Routine Interdependence
Authors: Hoekzema Jan
Published: January 2020

This conceptual paper advances theorizing on routine interdependencies. It presents a review and comparison of the two dominant schools of thought in this stream of research: routine ecologies and routine clusters. While the former emphasizes generativity and flexibility, the latter conceptualizes interdependencies as limiting to organizational dynamics and change. Despite these diverging assumptions, the paper suggests combining – rather than separating – insights from both schools of thought. It contributes to routine interdependence research in three ways. First, the paper provides an integrative framework that emphasizes the complementary dynamics between both schools of thought. Second, the paper suggests that coordinating interdependent routines is an ongoing process of addressing different degrees of interdependence with specific modes of coordination. Third, the paper reveals that interdependent routines and the underlying coordination processes play a central role in balancing organizational stability and change.
Highly drug‐resistant HIV‐1 protease reveals decreased intra‐subunit interactions due to clusters of mutations
Authors: Kneller Daniel W. , Agniswamy Johnson , Harrison Robert W. , Weber Irene T.
Published: January 2020

Drug‐resistance is a serious problem for treatment of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Potent clinical inhibitors of HIV‐1 protease show several orders of magnitude worse inhibition of highly drug‐resistant variants. Hence, the structure and enzyme activities were analyzed for HIV protease mutant HIV‐1 protease (EC 3.4.23.16) (PR) with 22 mutations (PRS5B) from a clinical isolate that was selected by machine learning to represent high‐level drug‐resistance. PRS5B has 22 mutations including only one (I84V) in the inhibitor binding site; however, clinical inhibitors had poor inhibition of PRS5B activity with kinetic inhibition value (Ki) values of 4–1000 nm or 18‐ to 8000‐fold worse than for wild‐type PR. High‐resolution crystal structures of PRS5B complexes with the best inhibitors, amprenavir (APV) and darunavir (DRV) (Ki ~ 4 nm), revealed only minor changes in protease‐inhibitor interactions. Instead, two distinct clusters of mutations in distal regions induce coordinated conformational changes that decrease favorable internal interactions across the entire protein subunit. The largest structural rearrangements are described and compared to other characterized resistant mutants. In the protease hinge region, the N83D mutation eliminates a hydrogen bond connecting the hinge and core of the protease and increases disorder compared to highly resistant mutants PR with 17 mutations and PR with 20 mutations with similar hinge mutations. In a distal β‐sheet, mutations G73T and A71V coordinate with accessory mutations to bring about shifts that propagate throughout the subunit. Molecular dynamics simulations of ligand‐free dimers show differences consistent with loss of interactions in mutant compared to wild‐type PR. Clusters of mutations exhibit both coordinated and antagonistic effects, suggesting PRS5B may represent an intermediate stage in the evolution of more highly resistant variants.

Databases

Structural data are available in Protein Data Bank under the accession codes 6P9A and 6P9B for PRS5B/DRV and PRS5B/APV, respectively.
Compression‐compression fatigue performance of aluminium matrix composite foams reinforced by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang Xudong , Hu Qi , Li Weiting , Song Haipeng , Zou Tianchun , Zong Rongrong , Sha Junwei , He Chunnian , Zhao Naiqin
Published: January 2020

The compression‐compression fatigue performance of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminium matrix composite foams (AMCFs) were investigated. The ε‐N curves of AMCFs are composed of three stages (the elastic, strain hardening, and rapid accumulation stages), while the fatigue strain of AMCFs accumulates very rapidly in stage III compared with Al foams. The fatigue strength of AMCFs with CNT contents of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 wt% increases by 6%, 44%, and 102% than Al foams, respectively. Different from Al foams' deformation of layer‐by‐layer, the main failure modes of AMCFs are the brittle fracture and collapse of pores within significant shear deformation bands under fatigue loading. The uniform distribution of CNTs and good interfacial bonding of CNTs and Al matrix is the important factor for the improvement of fatigue properties of AMCFs.
Population structure and movement patterns of blackbelly rosefish in the NE Atlantic Ocean (Azores archipelago)
Authors: Santos Régis , Pabon Ana , Silva Wendell , Silva Hélder , Pinho Mário
Published: January 2020

Blackbelly rosefish Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) is one of the most important species of the demersal/deep‐water assemblages fished in the NE Atlantic Ocean (Azores archipelago). However, there is insufficient information about the stock structure of this species to support analytical resource assessments and it is currently managed with a precautionary approach. Here, we examine the depth and temporal distribution, size composition, sex, and movement patterns of blackbelly rosefish in order to test the hypothesis that the stock structure in the Azores region comprises different local management units (MUs). We also evaluate annual abundance indices and size composition from scientific surveys and commercial landings over the past c. 25 years for an assessment of the species' vulnerability to bottom longline fishing pressure. The greatest abundance occurred in seamount areas at 350–800 m depth. Larger individuals were mainly found in deeper waters, and no sexual segregation by depth was observed. Tagging results indicated a strongly sedentary behavior and an intraregional separation among populations. Although the abundance pattern and size composition were very similar over time, this species is particularly vulnerable to overfishing due to its biological characteristics (long life, large size, late maturity, slow growth, and low mortality rate). Proper monitoring and management of its exploitation should be a priority. Exploratory analysis for analytical assessment should be performed under the assumption of local MUs. Further oceanographic research is needed to understand larval transport and mixing of populations.
Benthic ecoregionalization based on echinoid fauna of the Southern Ocean supports current proposals of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas under IPCC scenarios of climate change
Authors: Fabri‐Ruiz Salomé , Danis Bruno , Navarro Nicolas , Koubbi Philippe , Laffont Rémi , Saucède Thomas
Published: January 2020

The Southern Ocean (SO) is among the regions on Earth that are undergoing regionally the fastest environmental changes. The unique ecological features of its marine life make it particularly vulnerable to the multiple effects of climate change. A network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has started to be implemented in the SO to protect marine ecosystems. However, considering future predictions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the relevance of current, static, MPAs may be questioned under future scenarios. In this context, the ecoregionalization approach can prove promising in identifying well‐delimited regions of common species composition and environmental settings. These so‐called ecoregions are expected to show similar biotic responses to environmental changes and can be used to define priority areas for the designation of new MPAs and the update of their current delimitation. In the present work, a benthic ecoregionalization of the entire SO is proposed for the first time based on abiotic environmental parameters and the distribution of echinoid fauna, a diversified and common member of Antarctic benthic ecosystems. A novel two‐step approach was developed combining species distribution modeling with Random Forest and Gaussian Mixture modeling from species probabilities to define current ecoregions and predict future ecoregions under IPCC scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5. The ecological representativity of current and proposed MPAs of the SO is discussed with regard to the modeled benthic ecoregions. In all, 12 benthic ecoregions were determined under present conditions, they are representative of major biogeographic patterns already described. Our results show that the most dramatic changes can be expected along the Antarctic Peninsula, in East Antarctica and the sub‐Antarctic islands under both IPCC scenarios. Our results advocate for a dynamic definition of MPAs, they also argue for improving the representativity of Antarctic ecoregions in proposed MPAs and support current proposals of Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources for the creation of Antarctic MPAs.
Unveiling geographical gradients of species richness from scant occurrence data
Authors: Alves Davi Mello Cunha Crescente , Eduardo Anderson Aires , da Silva Oliveira Eduardo Vinícius , Villalobos Fabricio , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Pereira Taiguã Corrêa , de Souza Ribeiro Adauto , Stropp Juliana , Rodrigues João Fabrício Mota , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Gouveia Sidney F.
Published: January 2020

Aim

Despite longstanding investigation, the gradients of species richness remain unknown for most taxa because of shortfalls in knowledge regarding the quantity and distribution of species. Here, we explore the ability of a geostatistical interpolation model, regression‐kriging, to recover geographical gradients of species richness. We examined the technique with anin silicogradient of species richness and evaluated the effect of different configurations of knowledge shortfalls. We also took the same approach for empirical data with large knowledge gaps, the infraorder Furnariides of suboscine birds.

Innovation

Regression‐kriging builds upon two cornerstones of geographical gradients of biodiversity, the spatial autocorrelation of species richness and the conspicuous association of species with environmental factors. With this technique, we recovered a simulated gradient of richness using < 0.01% of sampling sites across the region. The accuracy of the regression‐kriging is higher when input samples are more evenly distributed throughout the geographical space rather than the environmental space of the target region. Moreover, the accuracy of this method is more sensitive to the sufficiency of sampling effort within cells than to the quantity of sampled localities. For Furnariides birds, regression‐kriging provided a geographical gradient of species richness that resembles purported patterns of other groups and illustrated ubiquitous shortfalls of knowledge about bird diversity.

Main conclusions

Geostatistical interpolation, such as regression‐kriging, might be a useful tool to overcome shortfalls in knowledge that plague our understanding of geographical gradients of biodiversity, with many applications in ecology, palaeoecology and conservation.
A reappraisal of sclerosing nodular and/or polypoid lesions of the gastrointestinal tract rich in IgG4‐positive plasma cells
Authors: Chetty Runjan
Published: January 2020

Aims

To describe additional cases of nodular and polypoid sclerosing lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are associated with numerous IgG4‐positive plasma cells, review the pertinent literature to ascertain the relationship with systemic IgG4‐related disease, and provide a reporting framework for such lesions.

Methods and results

Five new cases of sclerosing polyps or nodules were collected over a 10‐year period, occurring in four females and one male ranging in age from 32 years to 56 years (mean, 41.6 years). Patients were asymptomatic or had epigastric pain, and one had rectal bleeding. None had autoimmune or other obvious IgG4‐related disease, and serum IgG4 levels were normal. All were solitary nodules in the stomach (two cases), ileum, caecum, and rectum. Four lesions were submucosal and one was subserosal; all were well circumscribed, composed of hyalinised, keloidal fibrous tissue with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Obliterative phlebitis was not seen. Lineage‐specific immunomarkers were negative. In excess of 10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells per high‐power field were seen, and the IgG4/IgG ratios were >0.4.

Conclusions

Very few IgG4‐related lesions in the tubular GIT are associated with disease at other sites and/or elevated serum IgG4 levels. The majority may represent a lesion in the spectrum of IgG4‐related disease. The use of the term ‘IgG4‐positive nodule or polyp with probable histological features of IgG4‐related disease’ is advocated for nodular and/or polypoid lesions in the GIT with ≥10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells in a high‐power field and an IgG/IgG4 ratio of >0.4.
Comparison between ultra‐homogenisation and ultrasound for extraction of phenolic compounds from teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.))
Authors: Viell Franciele Leila Giopato , Madeira Tiago Bervelieri , Nixdorf Suzana Lucy , Gomes Sandra Terezinha Marques , Bona Evandro , Matsushita Makoto
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the effect of the solvent composition on the extraction of phenolic compounds from teff grains and compared the efficiency between the techniques homogeniser‐assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE). The solvents used were water, ethanol and methanol, and the response analysed was the total phenolic content (TPC). The quantitative profile of polyphenols extracted was also determined by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐TQD). According to the optimisation, the maximum response was estimated at solvent ratios of 51:40:9 and 49:26:25 (water/ethanol/methanol, v/v/v) for HAE and UAE, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the extraction technique did not significantly influence the TPC extracted, but the TFC (total flavonoid content) and the antioxidant capacity were significantly higher when UAE was used. The phenolic acids p‐coumaric and protocatechuic and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and myricetin were the main polyphenols extracted. Both techniques studied were efficient in extracting polyphenols from whole teff grains.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells suppress Th2 responses induced by epicutaneous sensitization
Authors: Lin Jing‐Yi , Wu Wei‐Hsin , Chen Jau‐Shiuh , Liu I‐Lin , Chiu Hsueh‐Ling , Chen Hsi‐Wen , Tsai Tung‐Lin , Huang Yi‐Ling , Wang Li‐Fang
Published: January 2020

Epicutaneous (EC) sensitization with protein allergens is the most important sensitization route for atopic dermatitis. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are characterized by massive secretion of interferon‐α (IFNα). B6 mice are T helper type 1 (Th1)‐prone and are representative of non‐atopic humans, whereas BALB/c mice are Th2‐prone and are representative of atopic humans. Here, we show that naïve BALB/c mice contain a greater number of nonactivated pDCs in peripheral lymph nodes (LNs) than do naïve B6 mice. Naïve BALB/c mice also have more of the CD8α– subset in LNs than naïve B6 mice. Moreover, in vivo depletion of pDCs during EC sensitization results in enhanced Th2 responses in BALB/c mice, but not in B6 mice. Mechanistically, when BALB/c mice undergo EC sensitization, there is an increase in pDCs entering draining LNs. These cells exhibit modest activation including comparable costimulation expression but increased cytokine expression compared with those of naïve mice. In vivo depletion of pDCs during EC sensitization significantly increases the activation of dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) suggesting a regulatory effect on these cells. To this end, a suppressive effect of pDCs on conventional dendritic cells was also demonstrated in vitro. Further, in vivo blockade of IFNα by an anti‐IFNAR antibody (Ab) or in vivo reduction of IFNα production of pDCs by anti‐siglec‐H Ab both resulted in enhanced activation of dDCs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that pDCs suppress Th2 responses induced by EC sensitization via IFNα‐mediated regulation of dDCs.
Single‐step densification of nanocrystalline CeO2 by the cold sintering process
Authors: Zaengle Thomasina H. , Ndayishimiye Arnaud , Tsuji Kosuke , Fan Zhongming , Bang Sun Hwi , Perini Jonathan , Misture Scott T. , Randall Clive A.
Published: January 2020

This study reports the successful single‐step cold sintering of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide (CeO2) at temperatures ranging from 250°C to 400°C under 500 MPa, using molten hydroxides flux solvents. CeO2 ceramics obtained were 82 to 91% of the theoretical density. Structural and microstructural investigations of the as‐cold sintered CeO2 ceramics were conducted to further understand this new approach to cold sinter ceramics. Electrical conductivity measured by two‐point AC impedance demonstrated an activation energy for grain conductivity of 0.49 eV, with impedance spectra characteristic of nanoscale CeO2.
Ixekizumab improves secondary lesional signs, pain and sexual health in patients with moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis
Authors: Merola J.F. , Ghislain P.‐D. , Dauendorffer J.N. , Potts Bleakman A. , Brnabic A.J.M. , Burge R. , Riedl E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Epithelial surface disruption in genital psoriatic lesions may manifest as erosions, fissures and/or ulcers, causing pain and significantly impacting a patient's sexual health.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of erosions, fissures and/or ulcers in genital psoriatic lesions on pain and sexual activity in patients with moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis (GenPs) and treatment responses to ixekizumab vs. placebo until Week 12.

Methods

This post hoc subgroup analysis of patients presenting with and without erosions, fissures and/or ulcers in genital lesions from a phase IIIb multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (IXORA‐Q; NCT02718898) in 149 adults with moderate‐to‐severe GenPs treated with subcutaneous ixekizumab (80 mg every 2 weeks; n = 75) or placebo (n = 74) evaluated outcomes for clinician‐rated GenPs severity (static Physician's Global Assessment of Genitalia; sPGA‐G) and patient‐reported genital pain and itch (Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale; GPSS) and sexual health (Genital Psoriasis Sexual Frequency Questionnaire; GenPs‐SFQ).

Results

At baseline, 38% (n = 57) of patients presented with genital erosions, fissures and/or ulcers independent of overall body surface area involvement (<10% or ≥10%). These signs were associated with higher scores for disease severity (sPGA‐G) and pain (GPSS) but not sexual health (GenPs‐SFQ). Complete resolution of these signs was observed in 62% of ixekizumab‐treated patients (25% for placebo) at Week 1 and 83% (21% for placebo) at Week 12. Patients treated with ixekizumab reported significant improvements in pain, itch, disease severity and sexual health over 12 weeks compared to placebo and irrespective of the presence/absence of genital erosions, fissures and/or ulcers at baseline.

Conclusion

Ixekizumab led to rapid and sustained resolution of erosions, fissures and/or ulcers and significant improvements in GenPs severity, genital pain and sexual health. Ixekizumab may help to improve the well‐being of patients with GenPs.
Efficacy of tildrakizumab by patient demographic and disease characteristics across a phase 2b and 2 phase 3 trials in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Poulin Y. , Ramon M. , Rosoph L. , Weisman J. , Mendelsohn A.M. , Parno J. , Rozzo S.J. , Lee P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Tildrakizumab is a high‐affinity, anti‐interleukin‐23p19 monoclonal antibody approved for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of patient demographic and disease characteristics on tildrakizumab efficacy using phase 2b/3 trial data.

Methods

Data from patients who received placebo, or tildrakizumab 100 or 200 mg, in P05495 [NCT01225731], reSURFACE 1 [NCT01722331] and reSURFACE 2 [NCT01729754] were analysed. Patient subgroups were defined by age, sex, race, weight, self‐reported psoriatic arthritis, failure of ≥1 traditional systemic treatment and prior biologic use. Percentage of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 and 90 responders at Week 12 were compared across treatment arms in each subgroup. Absolute PASI at Weeks 0 and 12 was also determined for each subgroup.

Results

Among patients randomized in P05495 (N = 355), reSURFACE 1 (N = 772) and 2 (N = 1090), percentage of PASI 75 and 90 responders were significantly greater for each tildrakizumab dose vs. placebo (P < 0.0001). PASI 75 and 90 responder percentages were numerically greater in patients <65 years of age, bodyweight ≤90 kg, without psoriatic arthritis and with no prior biologic exposure (only PASI 90), vs. their counterparts in corresponding subgroups. There were no clear or consistent differences in efficacy between the other subgroups. Absolute PASI scores were generally similar across subgroups.

Conclusions

Small numerical differences in tildrakizumab efficacy were observed between subgroups defined by patient age and weight, presence of psoriatic arthritis and prior biologic use. These differences were not clinically meaningful; however, analyses of long‐term data may be of value. Tildrakizumab efficacy did not differ with respect to patient sex or race, or number of prior failed conventional systemic treatments. Overall, these results suggest tildrakizumab may be appropriate for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in patients with a range of demographic and disease characteristics.
Influence of gene position on the expression divergence of oxidative response genes in intraspecific yeast
Authors: Huang Yi‐Hsuan , Hsieh Dai‐Keng , Sung Huang‐Mo
Published: January 2020

Phenotypic variation can arise from differences in the protein coding sequence and in the regulatory elements. However, little is known about the contribution of regulatory difference to the expression divergence, especially the cis and trans regulatory variation to the expression divergence in intraspecific populations. In this study, we used two different yeast strains, BY4743 and RM11‐1a/α, to study the regulatory variation to the expression divergence between BY and RM under oxidative stress condition. Our results indicated that the expression divergence of BY and RM is mainly due to trans regulatory variations under both normal and oxidative stress conditions. However, cis regulatory variation seems to play a very important role in oxidative stress response in yeast because 36% of genes showed an increase in cis regulatory variation effect compared with 13% of genes that showed an increase in trans regulatory variation effect after oxidative stress. Our data also indicated that genes located on the longer arm of the chromosomes are more susceptible to cis variation effect under oxidative stress than genes on the shorter arm of the chromosomes.
Prevalence of Salmonella in cucumbers, antibiotic and acid resistances and description of the kinetic behavior with dynamic model during storage
Authors: Ha Jimyeong , Park Eunyoung , Kim Joo‐Sung , Lee Soomin , Kim Sejeong , Lee Jeeyeon , Choi Yukyung , Yoon Yohan , Oh Hyemin , Kim Yujin , Lee Yewon , Seo Yeongeun , Kang Joohyun
Published: January 2020

This study isolated Salmonella from cucumbers, analyzed the antibiotic resistance and acid resistance for the isolates and developed a dynamic model. Salmonella prevalence in cucumbers and their resistances were determined. To describe the kinetic behavior of Salmonella isolates, the isolates were inoculated into cucumbers, and Salmonella cell counts were enumerated during storage at 10–30°C. The Baranyi model was fitted to the cell count data to calculate kinetic parameters (lag phase duration [LPD] and maximum specific growth rate (μmax)], and a polynomial model was fitted to the kinetic parameters as a function of temperature. The model performance was evaluated with root mean square error (RMSE). Using these models, a dynamic model was developed. Salmonella were detected in 3 of 24 cucumbers, all of which were multidrug‐resistant and one was acid‐resistant. As storage temperature increased, LPD decreased and μmax increased. These models were appropriate with 0.367 of RMSE. These results suggest that cross‐contaminated Salmonella could increase during transportation, and it may lead to human infection.
A split‐face comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of 50% pyruvic acid against a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Zdrada Julita , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2020

Background

One of the ways to treat acne is by using chemical peels. Salicylic, glycolic and pyruvic acids due to their keratolytic and antibacterial properties are often recommended for acne patients.

Aims

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a preparation containing glycolic and salicylic acids with pyruvic acid.

Patients/Methods

14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. The facial treatment area was divided into two parts: right (a preparation containing 50% pyruvic acid) and left side ( a preparation containing glycolic and salicylic acids). A series of four treatments was performed at 2‐week intervals. Skin parameters, namely hydration, sebum secretion and skin colour were measured.

Results

As a result of using 50% pyruvic acid, the hydration of the right side of the face increased statistically and there was a decrease in the amount of melanin in the epidermis. On the left side of the face, there was an increase in skin hydration after using a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids. The increase in skin hydration on the left side of the chin and nose was not statistically significant. The use of the mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids affected the skin colour on the left side of the face, on the forehead, cheek and nose.

Conclusion

Chemical peels affect a wide range of pathological factors of acne. A mixture of acids yields fewer side effects than a single acid used in high concentration, but the therapeutic effects are comparable.
Evaluation of periodontal status in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in untreated patients of early reproductive age: A case–control study
Authors: Işık Yaser , Telatar Gül Y. , Neşelioğlu Salim , Biçer Cemile , Gürlek Beril
Published: January 2020

Aim

A few studies demonstrated an increased risk of periodontal disease in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status in women of reproductive age who were recently diagnosed with different phenotypes of PCOS.

Methods

This prospectively designed cross‐sectional case–control study included 116 consecutive subjects with PCOS and 90 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 24, who were admitted to the gynecology polyclinic between April 2018 and December 2018. All subjects of PCOS diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria were subdivided into four phenotypes based on clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters according to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health. The same dentist investigated periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing (%), probing depth, clinical attachment loss and the decayed, missing, filled teeth index.

Results

Probing depth, a periodontal parameter, was higher in all sub‐phenotypes of the PCOS group compared to the control group. There was no difference in other periodontal parameters.

Conclusion

Periodontal probing depth, which is an important parameter in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases, was higher in all phenotypic subgroups of PCOS in early reproductive age.
Clinicopathological characteristics of histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system in dogs
Authors: Toyoda Izumi , Vernau William , Sturges Beverly K. , Vernau Karen M. , Rossmeisl John , Zimmerman Kurt , Crowe Chelsea M. , Woolard Kevin , Giuffrida Michelle , Higgins Robert J. , Dickinson Peter J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS HS) in dogs may present as primary or disseminated disease, often characterized by inflammation. Prognosis is poor, and imaging differentiation from other CNS tumors can be problematic.

Objective

To characterize the clinicopathological inflammatory features, breed predisposition, and survival in dogs with CNS HS.

Animals

One hundred two dogs with HS, 62 dogs with meningioma.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Records were reviewed for results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, treatment, and outcome data.

Results

Predisposition for CNS HS was seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs (P ≤ .001). Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs had predominantly primary tumors; Rottweilers had exclusively disseminated tumors. Marked CSF inflammation was characteristic of primary rather than disseminated HS, and neoplastic cells were detected in CSF of 52% of affected dogs. Increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were seen in all groups relative to controls (P <.008) but not among tumor subtypes. Definitive versus palliative treatment resulted in improved survival times (P < .001), but overall prognosis was poor.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinicopathological differences between primary and disseminated HS suggest that tumor biological behavior and origin may be different. Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to primary CNS HS, characterized by inflammatory CSF. High total nucleated cell count and the presence of neoplastic cells support the use of CSF analysis as a valuable diagnostic test. Prognosis for CNS HS is poor, but further evaluation of inflammatory mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic opportunities.
Serum D‐lactate concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis
Authors: Venn Emilee C. , Barnes Alex J. , Hansen Ryan J. , Boscan Pedro L. , Twedt David C. , Sullivan Lauren A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Dogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) have compromised intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Production of D‐lactate by enteric bacteria may directly reflect disease severity or contribute to metabolic acid‐base status in these dogs.

Hypothesis

Serum D‐lactate concentration will be increased in CPV dogs compared to healthy controls and correlate with markers of disease severity and acid‐base status.

Animals

Dogs with CPV undergoing treatment (n = 40) and healthy control dogs (n = 9).

Methods

Prospective observational study. Dogs with CPV had a baseline and daily CBC, venous blood gas with serum electrolyte concentrations, composite clinical severity score, and serum D‐lactate concentration performed. A single serum D‐lactate measurement was obtained from healthy control dogs.

Results

The CPV dogs had a higher D‐lactate concentration (mean ± SD) of 469 ± 173 μM compared to controls, 306 ± 45 μM (P < .001). There was no difference in baseline D‐lactate concentrations for CPV survivors (474 ± 28 μM), versus nonsurvivors (424 ± 116 μM; P = .70). D‐lactate concentration decreased over the first 4 days of treatment (−9.6 μM/d; P = .46). Dogs hospitalized for <4 days had lower baseline D‐lactate concentrations compared to those hospitalized ≥4 days (400 ± 178 μM versus 520 ± 152 μM; P = .03). No sustained correlation over time between serum D‐lactate concentration and clinical severity score or recorded acid‐base results.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum D‐lactate concentrations are higher in dogs with CPV compared to healthy controls but do not appear to be clinically relevant. No relationship identified between serum D‐lactate concentrations and markers of CPV disease severity, acid‐base status, or outcome.