bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase level is associated with poor effectiveness of dupilumab in the long term in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kato Aika , Kamata Masahiro , Ito Makoto , Uchida Hideaki , Nagata Mayumi , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Ohnishi Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi
Published: June 2020

Dupilumab shows high efficacy and tolerable safety for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the extent of its effectiveness varies in individual patients. To date, practical predictors of later effectiveness of dupilumab in AD patients have not been reported. To explore practical predictors of later effectiveness of dupilumab in AD, we retrospectively investigated the correlation of baseline demographics and baseline laboratory results with the percentage reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after initiating dupilumab. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses were conducted. Data were collected from patients’ charts. Data on 54 Japanese adult patients (43 men and 11 women) with moderate to severe AD were analyzed. Baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was negatively correlated with the percentage reduction in EASI score at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiating dupilumab but not at 1 month. Multiple regression analyses also revealed that effectiveness of dupilumab at 3 and 6 months was associated with lower baseline serum LDH level. AD patients with allergic diseases tended to have lower percentage reduction in EASI at 1 month, but had higher percentage reduction in EASI in the long term than patients without allergic diseases. In conclusion, higher baseline serum LDH level was associated with poor effectiveness of dupilumab in the long term in patients with AD. Furthermore, it tended to take a longer time for AD patients with allergic diseases to respond to dupilumab, and these patients responded better to dupilumab in the long term than patients without allergic diseases.
Floral biology and potential hybridization of three sympatric epiphytic bromeliads in Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez‐Rosas Kareen , Aguirre‐Jaimes Armando , Ramírez‐Morillo Ivón M. , García‐Franco José G.
Published: June 2020

In the Bromeliaceae, hybrids have been engineered for horticultural purposes; in addition, hybrids have been observed in natural habitats. We investigated the hybridization potential of three sympatric species ofTillandsiainhabiting secondary forests and shaded coffee plantations in the central mountains of Veracruz, Mexico. The studied species (T. juncea,T. polystachiaandT. variabilis) show overlap in flowering phenology and are believed to share pollinators. We compared the floral morphology of the species, performed controlled intra‐ and interspecific pollinations, and recorded pollen tube growth, fruit and seed set, as well as seed germination. Flower size differed among the species, but stamen and stigma heights were similar between pairs of species, which would facilitate interspecific pollen exchange. Pollen tubes reached the ovary in interspecific crosses. The three species showed interspecific cross‐compatibility, as all crosses resulted in development of mature fruit and viable seeds.Tillandsia junceaachieved the highest fruit set, whereasT. variabilisshowed the highest seed set. Seed set as a result of agamospermy, autogamy, geitonogamy and interspecific cross‐pollination did not differ among the species. The findings suggest that pre‐ and post‐pollination barriers are weak among the three species ofTillandsia, which thus could potentially hybridize in natural sympatric populations.
Patient data work: filtering and sensing patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Torenholt Rikke , Saltbæk Lena , Langstrup Henriette
Published: June 2020

With digital patient‐reported outcome (PRO) tools in clinical practice, patients are given new tasks of providing data that aim at supporting and individualising care, simultaneously reducing unnecessary clinical visits. While the innovative potential of mobilising PRO data for care is increasingly explored, little attention is given to the efforts that the provision of PRO data rests on – that of the patients. Based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out among cancer patients receiving PRO‐based follow‐up care, we argue that with the increased reliance on patient‐generated health data, we need to consider patients’ data work. Drawing on emerging literature on healthcare professionals’ data work and the rich work in sociology and Science and Technology Studies (STS) on patients’ active engagement in shaping and managing care, we conceptualise PRO patient data work as two simultaneous processes: the process of data filtering – patients filter information to fit the envisaged recipient and purpose; and the process of data sensing – patients evaluate their embodied experiences. By doing so, we show that patients’ data work has implications beyond simply providing data that represent their experiences.
Association of two polymorphisms Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile in Toll‐like receptor 4 with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Shunchao , Chen Haobo , Wang Zixian , Zhao Linshan
Published: June 2020

Our meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the association of Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility and severity. By manually searching 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science), relevant articles were collected. After checking eligibility for every study, this meta‐analysis on eligible studies was performed under 5 genetic models: (1) allelic contrast; (2) heterozygous model; (3) homozygous model; (4) dominant model; (5) recessive model. In Spanish populations, a significantly decreased RA risk was identified in allelic comparison (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 ~ 0.96) and dominant model (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 ~ 0.99) of Asp299Gly polymorphism. A trend of reduced risk was also observed under the heterozygous model (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.58 ~ 1.03). As for Thr399Ile, it might also have a protective effect on Spanish populations in allelic comparison (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.44 ~ 1.15). In contrast, for both Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, a higher risk of RA was detected in Chinese Han populations. The frequency of both Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile increased in rheumatoid factor (RF)‐positive subjects in Chinese patients (Asp299Gly, RF+:RF− = 0.165:0.145; Thr399Ile, RF+:RF− = 0.170:0.161) and decreased in Spanish patients (Asp299Gly, RF+:RF− = 0.060:0.073; Thr399Ile, RF+:RF− = 0.046:0.056), but not to a statistically significant extent. Our meta‐analysis suggested that both Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile might have a protective effect on Spanish populations, but the 2 polymorphisms could act as a susceptible factor in Chinese Han populations. To confirm our results, further investigation concerning the functional impacts of Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile are still needed.
Emergency Department–initiated Interventions for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaczorowski Janusz , Bilodeau Jaunathan , M Orkin Aaron , Dong Kathryn , Daoust Raoul , Kestler Andrew
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The opioid crisis has risen dramatically in North America in the new millennium, due to both illegal and prescription opioid use. While emergency departments (EDs) represent a potentially strategic setting for interventions to reduce harm from opioid use disorder (OUD), the absence of a recent synthesis of literature limits implementation and scalability. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on interventions targeting OUDs initiated in EDs.

Methods

Using an explicit search strategy (PROSPERO), the MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, and EBM reviews databases were searched from 1980 to October 4, 2019. The gray literature was explored using Google Scholar. Study characteristics were abstracted independently. The methodologic quality and risk of bias were assessed.

Results

Twelve of 2,270 studies met the inclusion criteria (two of high quality). In addition to the heterogeneity of the outcome measures used (retention in treatment, opioid consumption, and overdose), brief intervention and buprenorphine initiation (six of 12 studies) were the most documented with mixed effects for the former and positive short‐term and confined to single ED sites effects for the latter.

Conclusion

Emergency departments can be an appropriate setting for initiating opioid agonist treatment, but to be sustained, it likely needs to be coupled with community‐based follow‐up and support to ensure longer‐term retention. The scarcity of high‐quality evidence on OUD interventions initiated in emergency settings highlights the need for future research.
Genome‐wide association study identifies variants associated with hair length in Brangus cattle
Authors: Sarlo Davila K. M. , Howell A. , Nunez A. , Orelien A. , Roe V. , Rodriguez E. , Dikmen S. , Mateescu R. G.
Published: June 2020

Thermal stress limits beef cattle production and a shorter hair coat is a key thermoregulative adaptation that allows cattle to lose heat more efficiently. The objective of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with the length of the undercoat and topcoat of cattle utilizing 1456 Brangus heifers genotyped with the Bovine GGP F250 array. Seven SNPs in the PCCA gene were significantly associated with undercoat length. PCCA belongs to the biotin transport and metabolism pathway. Biotin deficiency has been reported to cause hair loss. Four SNPs in an 110 kb including a missense mutation in the PRLR gene were significantly associated with topcoat length. Whereas the association of this polymorphism with hair length is novel, the SLICK mutation in PRLR has previously been demonstrated to significantly impact hair length in cattle. These newly detected genetic variants may contribute to a shorter hair coat and more thermotolerant animals.
Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal venous malformation: A case report with a brief literature review
Authors: Bhattacharjee Hemanga K. , Nariampalli Karthyarth Mithun , Suhani Suhani , Goyal Ankur , Das Nihar R. , Sharma Raju , Parshad Rajinder
Published: June 2020

Rectal vascular malformation is a rare disease on which few reports have been published. Here, we report the case of a 38‐year‐old woman who presented with severe weakness, dyspnea, and recurrent episodes of rectal bleeding. Her colonoscopy showed an extensive pigmented lesion in the lower rectum. CT angiography showed diffuse circumferential wall thickening of the rectum, perirectal fat stranding, tiny round foci of calcification, and no arterial feeders. Multiphasic MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent a total mesorectal excision with hand‐sewn coloanal anastomosis. The venous malformation was confined to the mesorectal tissue. The avascular plane between the ectodermal and mesodermal tissue was well maintained. Blood loss was 200 mL. The patient has had no recurrence of disease in the 18 months since surgery. Although total mesorectal excision is described for rectal cancer, it may be indicated for benign disease like rectal vascular malformation to achieve complete removal of the disease and to minimize intraoperative blood loss.
Optimal transformation of species cover for vegetation classification
Authors: Tichý Lubomír , Hennekens Stephan M. , Novák Pavel , Rodwell John S. , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Chytrý Milan
Published: June 2020

Aims

Vegetation‐plot sampling usually involves estimating species cover. For classifying plots to vegetation types, covers are often transformed to decrease the effect of dominant species. However, it remains unclear which transformation is optimal. We suggest that for vegetation classification, optimal is such transformation that contributes to creating clusters of plots in an unsupervised classification that are most similar to the widely accepted vegetation types, e.g., phytosociological associations. Here our aim is to find and recommend such optimal transformation by testing a range of transformation options against the national vegetation classifications of three European countries.

Location

Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Great Britain.

Methods

Three national datasets of vegetation plots with species cover information, classified to associations or community types of the respective national vegetation classification systems, were analysed. From each dataset, multiple subsets of plots were selected randomly, each subset representing a vegetation‐plot table containing several similar associations/community types. Species cover values in these subsets were subjected to various transformations (power transformation, logarithmic transformation and pseudo‐species cut levels). Then each subset was classified by an agglomerative classification method (beta‐flexible clustering with different beta values), and the classification was compared with the units of the national vegetation classification using the adjusted Rand index.

Results

Power transformations of percentage covers with an exponent between 0.3 and 0.6 produced the best match between the unsupervised classifications and the national vegetation classifications. This result did not depend on the classification method used. A similar degree of matching was achieved with some cut levels of pseudo‐species and with logarithmic transformation of percentage cover.

Conclusions

If an unsupervised classification of vegetation plots aims at defining vegetation types that are close to the phytosociological associations accepted in national vegetation classifications, the best transformation is close to the square‐root of percentage cover (i.e., power transformation with exponent 0.5).
Conflict or Cooperation? Political Relations between Governors and Mayors in Major Cities in Argentina
Authors: Došek Tomáš , Varetto Carlos
Published: June 2020

This article explores the nature of the relations between the governors and the mayors of major cities in Argentina. The vast majority of the literature assumes that municipal governments in Argentina are weak, and that mayors therefore align with the provincial authorities. This study argues that there is more diversity in the relations between officials of both levels, and that, in some cases, these relations are openly contentious. Four ideal types of relations are identified, based on political affiliation and type of relation, through the systematisation of 43 cases of major Argentine cities.
The ventral pallidum and relapse in alcohol seeking
Authors: Prasad Asheeta A. , McNally Gavan P.
Published: June 2020

Alcohol‐use disorders are chronically relapsing conditions characterized by cycles of use, abstinence and relapse. The ventral pallidum (VP) is a key node in the neural circuits controlling relapse to alcohol seeking and a key target of pharmacotherapies for relapse prevention. There has been a significant increase in our understanding of the molecular, anatomical, pharmacological and functional properties of the ventral pallidum, laying foundations for a new understanding of its role in relapse to alcohol seeking and motivation. Here we review these advances, placing special emphasis on how advances in understanding in the cellular and circuit architectures of ventral pallidum contributes to the relapse to alcohol seeking. We show how this knowledge improves mechanistic understanding of current relapse prevention pharmacotherapies, how it may be used to tailor these against different forms of relapse and how it may help provide insights into the mental health problems frequently co‐morbid with alcohol‐use disorders.
Forest cover and fruit crop size differentially influence frugivory of select rainforest tree species in Western Ghats, India
Authors: Gopal Abhishek , Mudappa Divya , Raman T. R. Shankar , Naniwadekar Rohit
Published: June 2020

Forest fragmentation and habitat loss are major disruptors of plant–frugivore interactions, affecting seed dispersal and altering recruitment patterns of the dependent tree species. In a heterogeneous production landscape (primarily tea and coffee plantations) in the southern Western Ghats, India, we examined effects of surrounding forest cover and fruit crop size on frugivory of four rainforest bird‐dispersed tree species (N = 131 trees, ≥30 trees per species, observed for 623 hr). Frugivore composition differed among the four tree species with the large‐seeded Canarium strictum and Myristica dactyloides being exclusively dependent on large‐bodied avian frugivores, whereas medium‐seeded Persea macrantha and Heynea trijuga were predominantly visited by small‐bodied and large‐bodied avian frugivores, respectively. Using the seed‐dispersal‐effectiveness framework, we identified effective frugivores and examined their responses to forest cover and fruit crop size. Results were idiosyncratic and were governed by plant and frugivore traits. Visitations to medium‐seeded Persea had a positive relationship with forest cover but the relationship was negative for the large‐seeded Myristica. In addition, two of the three effective frugivores for Persea responded to the interactive effect of forest cover and fruit crop size. Frugivore visitations to Heynea were not related to forest cover or fruit crop, and there were too few visitations to Canarium to discern any trends. These results highlight the context‐specific responses of plant–frugivore interactions to forest cover and fruit crop size influenced by plant and frugivore traits.
A scoping review of cost‐effectiveness analyses of school‐based interventions for caries
Authors: Amilani Uttara , Carter Hannah E. , Senanayake Sameera , Hettiarachchi Ruvini M. , McPhail Steven M. , Kularatna Sanjeewa
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were to: identify the evidence on cost‐effectiveness of school‐based interventions for caries prevention globally up to 2019; summarize key characteristics of interventions applied within this setting; summarize the reporting quality of previous studies; and to identify and analyse knowledge gaps.

Methods

A scoping review of published literature on the cost‐effectiveness of school‐based interventions to prevent child tooth decay was conducted. A search in Medline, Cinahl and Embase was performed with no date restriction. Reporting quality of the included studies was assessed against Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.

Results

Of the 738 records identified in the initial search, 15 studies met the pre‐specified inclusion criteria. The majority were published after 2011 (n = 9,) and applied to high‐income countries (n = 12). Nearly 80% of the studies assessed the cost‐effectiveness of the interventions based on topical fluoride therapies and fissure sealants at school premises. Although, the outcome measures differed across the studies, almost all the caries preventive interventions were cost‐saving or cost‐effective when compared with usual care. Compliance with the CHEERS checklist differed.

Conclusions

There is evidence to suggest that school‐based caries preventive interventions are cost‐effective, and in some cases cost‐saving. Further evidence is required from low‐ to middle‐income countries to confirm the generalizability of these findings. Future studies should consider adopting Quality Adjusted Life Years as a generic outcome measure that would enable the cost‐effectiveness findings to be compared across different types of interventions and diseases. Improved standardization and quality of reporting are also required.
Efficacy of transdermal immunotherapy with biodegradable microneedle patches in a murine asthma model
Authors: Park Kyung Hee , Oh Eun Yi , Han Heejae , Kim Jung Dong , Kim Sung Jin , Jeong Kyoung Yong , Kim Ji Hye , Park Chang Ook , Kim Sung‐Ryeol , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Jeong Do Hyeon , Yong Tai‐Soon , Lee Kwang Hoon , Park Jung‐Won
Published: June 2020

Background

House dust mite (HDM) is a well‐known cause of asthma. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) can only modify the natural course of the disease. Conventional routes of HDM AIT are subcutaneous or sublingual. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has a disadvantage of systemic hypersensitive reaction, and the sublingual immunotherapy has a disadvantage of local allergic reaction and low drug adherence.

Objective

To overcome the weak points of conventional AIT, we developed a HDM loaded biodegradable microneedle patch (MNP) for transdermal immunotherapy (TDIT). We aim to demonstrate the efficacy of TDIT in murine asthma model triggered by HDM compared with conventional SCIT.

Methods

To make HDM asthma mouse model, 5‐week‐old BALB/c female mice were sensitized and challenged by intranasal administration of HDM. The mice were divided into 5 groups: sham, asthma, low (10 µg) and high dose (100 µg) SCIT, and TDIT (10 µg). To make HDM loaded MNP, droplet‐born air blowing method was used. Airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic inflammation markers were analysed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, immunohistochemistry, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) analysis, and lung cytokine assays.

Results

Airway hyperresponsiveness was ameliorated by TDIT. Eosinophilic inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage was improved without adverse reactions. Reduction of Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) cytokines, and HDM‐specific IgE, induction of Treg (IL‐10, TGF‐β), Th1 (IFN‐γ) cytokines were observed. Eosinophilic infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and subepithelial fibrosis were also alleviated by TDIT. These changes were more significant in the TDIT group than in subcutaneous AIT group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HDM loaded biodegradable TDIT is a novel treatment option to treat asthma which showed more effectiveness and may have better safety profiles than conventional SCIT.
Total‐evidence analysis of an undescribed fauna: resolving the evolution and classification of Australia’s golden trapdoor spiders (Idiopidae: Arbanitinae: Euoplini)
Authors: Wilson Jeremy D. , Raven Robert J. , Schmidt Daniel J. , Hughes Jane M. , Rix Michael G.
Published: June 2020

In the trapdoor spider genus Euoplos Rainbow & Pulleine (tribe Euoplini), it was discovered recently that two divergent lineages occur in sympatry in eastern Australia. This challenged the monogeneric classification of the tribe and, in combination with inadequate taxonomic descriptions of some species, precluded comprehensive taxonomic revision. To resolve these issues, we conducted a total‐evidence cladistic analysis on a largely undescribed continental fauna—the first such analysis on a group of Australian Mygalomorphae. We combined multilocus molecular data and/or morphological and behavioural data from all known species from eastern Australia (described and undescribed), plus a subset of Western Australian species, to produce a phylogeny for the tribe. We mapped morphological/behavioural characters onto this to identify clade‐specific diagnostic characters, and applied these data to a generic reclassification of the tribe. We recovered two sympatric lineages in the Euoplini (the “wafer‐door” and “plug‐door/palisade” lineages), and revealed the phylogenetic position of all known eastern Australian species within these. Character mapping revealed morphological and behavioural (burrow architecture) features that allow diagnosis of the lineages and clades within them. We erect a new genus, Cryptoforis gen.n., to represent the wafer‐door lineage, describe the type species, Cryptoforis hughesae sp.n., and transfer two species from Euoplos to Cryptoforis: C. tasmanica (Hickman, 1928) and C. victoriensis (Main, 1995). This study resolves phylogenetic structure within the Euoplini, and characterizes clades within the tribe to facilitate future taxonomic revisions. It also demonstrates that, whereas male morphology is more informative, female morphological characters relating to genitalia and the scopulation/spination of the anterior legs display phylogenetic signal in the Euoplini, highlighting the subtle nature of informative female characters in mygalomorph spiders.
Metformin protects against mouse oocyte apoptosis defects induced by arecoline
Authors: Li Wei‐Dong , Zang Chuan‐jie , Yin Shen , Shen Wei , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Zhao Minghui
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Arecoline is the main bioactive substance extracted from Areca catechu L, which has cell, neural and genetic toxicity. The function of arecoline in reproductive system has not been well explored.

Materials and Methods

To investigate the toxic effects of arecoline on oocyte development, immunofluorescence staining, qPCR, Western blotting, sperm binding assays and in vitro fertilization were performed to evaluate oocyte meiosis competence and embryo development.

Results

Our data revealed that arecoline exposure disrupts actin filament dynamics, spindle assembly and kinetochore‐microtubule attachment stability in mouse oocytes, leading to aneuploidy and oocyte meiosis arrest. In addition, arecoline treatment disturbs the distribution of mitochondria, reduces ATP production and increases the level of oxidative stress, which ultimately induces oocyte apoptosis. Supplementation with metformin, a medicine for type 2 diabetes in the clinic, partially alleviates these damages.

Conclusions

Metformin has a protective effect on arecoline‐induced mouse oocytes apoptosis.
Waste Political Settlements in Colombia and Chile: Power, Inequality and Informality in Recycling
Authors: Valenzuela‐Levi Nicolás
Published: June 2020

There are stark differences between the waste recycling literature from the global North and that from the global South. The literature from the global North tends to focus on empirical analyses of existing municipal recycling services and rarely considers institutional factors. When it does, the theoretical approaches adopted are limited, especially regarding the role of informal institutions. In contrast, recycling literature from the global South does focus on informal institutions, but it does so by concentrating on the struggles of waste pickers rather than on the performance of waste management services provided by local authorities. This divergence in the literature suggests the need for an analytical framework that integrates institutions and recycling performance. This article analyses waste disposal regimes in two Latin American metropolitan areas, Medellín (Colombia) and Santiago (Chile), and explores the link between income inequality and recycling. It focuses on the political settlements that lie at the heart of the waste regimes. As such, waste regimes in these two cities are understood to be a product of the interplay of balances of power, institutions and distribution of benefits. The study also highlights the need to understand informal institutions as relational phenomena that affect both the rich and the poor, and not just as a subsistence strategy by the latter.
Infant and child mortality by socio‐economic status in early nineteenth‐century England †
Authors: Jaadla Hannaliis , Potter Ellen , Keibek Sebastian , Davenport Romola
Published: June 2020

Historical relationships between socio‐economic status and mortality remain poorly understood. This is particularly the case in England, due to a lack of status indicators in available sources especially beforec. 1850. This study uses the paternal occupational descriptors routinely recorded in Anglican baptism registers from 1813–37 to compare infant and early childhood mortality by social status. The sample consists of eight of the Cambridge Group family reconstitution parishes, which make it possible to investigate the contributions of environment as well as household characteristics. The main variable of interest was an individual‐level continuous measure of wealth based on ranking paternal occupations by the propensity for their movable wealth to be inventoried upon death. The findings show that wealth conferred no clear survival advantage in infancy, once differences in average mortality levels between parishes were adjusted for. However, wealth was associated with higher survival rates in early childhood, especially in the second year of life, and this pattern persisted after adjustment for parish‐level effects. The striking exception to this pattern was labourers, who were among the poorest of fathers but whose children enjoyed relatively low mortality. Thus socio‐economic differentials in mortality were present in early nineteenth‐century England; however, they were small, age‐specific, and non‐linear.
An Intellectual Capital Approach to Explaining the Determinants of Scientific Productivity in the Field of Management
Authors: de Frutos‐Belizón Jesús , Martín‐Alcázar Fernando , Sánchez‐Gardey Gonzalo
Published: June 2020

This article analyses the determinants of management scholars' scientific productivity using the intellectual capital approach. The paper contributes to the literature with a broad analysis that considers the complex integration of the intellectual capital dimensions and their joint influence on scientific productivity. To do so, we conduct semi‐structured interviews with 15 academics working in research teams, selected based on their experience and research results in the field of management. Through the evidence provided by the expert academics and a systematized and taxonomic study of the literature, we develop a theoretical framework based on the conceptualization of academic intellectual capital and its effects on scientific productivity. In the second step of the empirical analysis, the paper studies the impact of dimensions of intellectual capital on scientific productivity, using data extracted from a sample of 162 management academics. The results of the study have interesting implications for both research team leaders and HR decision‐making within universities.
Shedding light on a dark matter: Jump diffusion and option‐implied investor preferences
Authors: Ghanbari Hamed , Oancea Michael , Perrakis Stylianos
Published: June 2020

We compare equilibrium jump diffusion option prices with endogenously determined stochastic dominance (SD) option bounds. We use model parameters from earlier studies and find that most equilibrium model prices consistent with SD bounds yield economically meaningless results. Further, the implied distributions of the SD bounds exhibit a tail risk comparable to that of the underlying return data, thus shedding light on the dark matter of the inconsistency of physical and risk‐neutral tail probabilities. Since the SD bound assumptions are weaker, we conclude that these bounds should either replace or be used to verify the equilibrium model results.
Hormonal regulation in male androgenetic alopecia—Sex hormones and beyond: Evidence from recent genetic studies
Authors: Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Hochfeld Lara M. , Henne Sabrina K. , Nöthen Markus M.
Published: June 2020

Male‐pattern hair loss, also termed androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a highly prevalent age‐related condition that is characterized by a distinct pattern of hair loss from the frontotemporal and vertex regions of the scalp. The phenotype is highly heritable and hormone dependent, with androgens being the recognized critical hormonal factor. Numerous molecular genetic studies have focused on genetic variation in and around the gene that encodes the androgen receptor. More recently, however, the availability of high‐throughput molecular genetic methods, novel methods of data analysis and sufficiently large sample sizes have rendered possible the systematic investigation of the contribution of other components of the androgen receptor pathway or hormonal pathways beyond the androgen receptor signalling pathways. Over the past decade, genome‐wide association studies of increasingly large cohorts have enabled the genome‐wide identification of genetic risk factors for AGA, and yielded unprecedented insights into the underlying pathobiology. The present review discusses some of the most intriguing genetic findings on the relevance of (sex)hormonal signalling in AGA.
The leucine‐rich repeat signaling scaffolds Shoc2 and Erbin: cellular mechanism and role in disease
Authors: Jang HyeIn , Stevens Payton , Gao Tianyan , Galperin Emilia
Published: June 2020

Leucine‐rich repeat‐containing proteins (LRR proteins) are involved in supporting a large number of cellular functions. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in understanding functions of the LRR proteins as signaling scaffolds. In particular, we explore what we have learned about the mechanisms of action of the LRR scaffolds Shoc2 and Erbin and their roles in normal development and disease. We discuss Shoc2 and Erbin in the context of their multiple known interacting partners in various cellular processes and summarize often unexpected functions of these proteins through analysis of their roles in human pathologies. We also review these LRR scaffold proteins as promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers with potential application across various pathologies.
LNAPL Recovery Endpoints: Lessons Learnt Through Modeling, Experiments, and Field Trials
Authors: Sookhak Lari Kaveh , Rayner John L. , Davis Greg B. , Johnston Colin D.
Published: June 2020

It is important to estimate what light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) recovery can be practicably achieved from subsurface environments. Over the last decade, research to address this included a broad field program, laboratory measurements and experimentation, and modeling approaches. Here, we consolidate key findings from the research in the context of current literature and understanding, with a focus on a well‐validated, multiphase multicomponent modeling approach to achieve estimates of reasonable endpoints for LNAPL recovery. Simple analytical models can provide approximate saturation distributions and estimates of LNAPL recoverability via transmissivity approximation, but are insufficient to predict LNAPL saturation‐ and composition‐based recovery endpoints for various recovery technologies. This is because they cannot account for multiphase, multicomponent fate and transport and key processes such as hysteresis. Recent advances to improve estimates of the fraction of recoverable LNAPL and its transmissivity are summarized. These advances include further development and application of a well‐validated model to characterize active LNAPL recovery endpoints. We present key factors that affect the determination of LNAPL recovery endpoints, and outline how recovery endpoints are affected by natural source zone depletion (NSZD—currently gaining acceptance as a LNAPL remediation option). Major factors include geo‐physical characteristics of the formation, magnitude of an LNAPL release and partitioning properties of the key LNAPL constituents of concern. Based on the capabilities of the validated model, the paper also provides a basis to optimize LNAPL recovery efforts.
S100B and NSE in Cluster Headache – Evidence for Glial Cell Activation?
Authors: Snoer Agneta H. , Vollesen Anne Luise H. , Beske Rasmus Paulin , Guo Song , Hoffmann Jan , Jørgensen Niklas R. , Martinussen Torben , Ashina Messoud , Jensen Rigmor H.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Neuronal‐specific enolase (NSE) and protein S100B have gained considerable interest as the markers of CNS injury, glial cell activation, and/or blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption. No studies have investigated NSE and S100B in cluster headache (CH), but these biomarkers could contribute to the understanding of CH.

Methods

Patients with episodic CH in bout (eCHa), in remission (eCHr), and chronic CH (cCH) were included in this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 2‐way cross‐over provocation study carried out at the Danish Headache Center. The primary endpoints included (1) differences of NSE and S100B in between groups (eCHa, eCHr, and cCH) at baseline; (2) differences over time in plasma concentrations of NSE and S100B between patient developing an attack and those who did not; (3) differences in plasma concentrations over time of NSE and S100B between active day and placebo day. Baseline findings were compared to the historical data on migraine patients and healthy controls and presented with means ± SD.

Results

Nine eCHa, 9 eCHr, and 13 cCH patients completed the study and blood samples from 11 CGRP‐induced CH attacks were obtained. There were no differences in NSE levels between CH groups at baseline, but CH patients in active disease phase had higher levels compared with 32 migraine patients (9.1 ± 2.2 µg/L vs 6.0 ± 2.2 µg/L, P < .0001) and 6 healthy controls (9.1 ± 2.2 µg/L vs 7.3 ± 2.0 µg/L, P = .007). CGRP‐infusion caused no NSE changes and, but a slight, non‐significant, increase in NSE was seen in patients who reported a CGRP‐induced CH attack (2.39 µg/L, 95% Cl [−0.26, 3.85], P = .061). At baseline S100B levels in eCHa patients were higher compared to cCH patients (0.06 ± 0.02 µg/L vs 0.04 ± 0.02 µg/L, P = .018). Infusion of CGRP and CGRP‐induced attacks did not change S100B levels. Apart from induced CH‐attacks no other adverse events were noted.

Conclusions

At baseline eCHa patients had higher S100B plasma levels than cCH patients and there was a slight, however not significant, NSE increase in response to CGRP‐induced CH attack. Our findings suggest a possible role of an ictal activation of glial cells in CH pathophysiology, but further studies are warranted.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis completion and condom use in the context of potential sexual exposure to HIV*
Authors: Gantner P , Allavena C , Duvivier C , Cabie A , Reynes J , Makinson A , Ravaux I , Bregigeon S , Cotte L , Rey D ,   the Dat'AIDS Study Group
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) care remains a challenge for individuals with potential sexual exposure to HIV in terms of PEP completion and ongoing risk behaviours.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out on data from the French Dat’AIDS prevention cohort (NCT03795376) for individuals evaluated for PEP between 2004 and 2017. A multivariable analysis was performed of predictors of both PEP completion and condom use [odds ratios (ORs)] and their associated probabilities (P, with P > 95% being clinically relevant).

Results

Overall, 29 060 sexual exposures to HIV were evaluated for PEP [36% in men who have sex with men (MSM) and 64% in heterosexuals]. Overall, 12 different PEP regimens were offered in 19 240 cases (46%). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) was the preferred backbone (n = 14 304; 74%). We observed a shift from boosted protease inhibitor‐based regimens to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐ or integrase inhibitor‐based regimens in recent years. Overall, 20% of PEP prescriptions were prematurely discontinued. Older age, MSM, intercourse with a sex worker, rape and intercourse with a known HIV‐infected source patient were factors associated with increased rates of PEP completion (OR > 1; P > 98%). None of the 12 PEP regimens was associated with premature discontinuation. We also found 12 774 cases of unprotected sexual intercourse (48%). Condom use decreased (OR < 1; P > 99%) with the year of exposure, and was lower in MSM and rape victims. Condom use increased (OR > 1, P > 99%) with age, and was higher in those who had intercourse with a sex worker or with a female partner and in those with knowledge of the partner’s HIV status.

Conclusions

We provide new insights into how rates of condom use and PEP completion might be improved in those receiving PEP by targeting certain groups of individuals for interventions. In particular, youth and MSM at risk should be linked in a prevention‐to‐care continuum.
Distinct risks, clinical characteristics and outcomes by age at time of HIV diagnosis
Authors: McMillan JM , Gill MJ , Rubin LH
Published: June 2020

Objectives

New HIV diagnoses in persons aged > 50 years (hereafter ‘older persons’) are becoming more common; the clinical features and outcomes of these older individuals are poorly described.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all new adult HIV diagnoses between October 1989 and December 2019 in southern Alberta, Canada. Differences in risk for HIV acquisition and screening, sociodemographic/clinical characteristics, and causes of death were compared between individuals younger and older than 50 years at the time of diagnosis.

Results

New HIV diagnoses in persons > 50 years old increased from 7% in 1990 to 18% in 2019. Risk for HIV acquisition and screening reasons differed by age. Heterosexual sex (29%) was the greatest risk factor among older persons, contrasting with male same sex activity in younger persons (51%) (P < 0.001). Illness was the most common indication for testing in older persons (47%), whereas younger persons were more likely to have requested testing (34%) (P < 0.001). Relationship status differed, with 33% of older persons being married to an opposite sex partner versus 12% in younger persons (P < 0.001). Although older persons had a lower mean nadir CD4 count (132 cells/µL) than younger persons (181 cells/µL) (P < 0.001), 80% of deaths between 2010 and 2019 in the older group were attributable to non‐AIDS‐related causes versus 47% in younger patients. Since 2000, AIDS‐related deaths and potential years of life lost have declined for both age groups.

Conclusion

The increase in new HIV diagnoses in persons aged > 50 years in southern Alberta suggests that older individuals require customized approaches for optimizing HIV diagnosis and treatment.
Looking Back and Moving Forward: The Research Agenda on the Global Governance of Mixed Migration
Authors: Kent Jonathan
Published: June 2020

There is no international regime to comprehensively govern transnational migration in all of its facets. But scholars and policymakers acknowledge and study the existence of the global governance of migration. Though most have focused on disaggregating the global governance of migration into its separate regimes (refugees, labour, travel, etc.), I argue here that much of this architecture addresses the phenomenon of mixed migration. I define the global governance of mixed migration as involving a range of legal regimes impinging on actors simultaneously; shared understandings about the nature of mixed migration, including motivations and drivers; and the existence of different bilateral, regional and global arrangements for addressing the phenomenon. I critically review the interdisciplinary research agenda on the global governance of mixed migration, covering its emergence over the last twenty years, its broad empirical and conceptual dimensions, the major debates and promising directions for future research.
Impact of disability services on mental health service utilization in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Lewis Sunali B. , Florio Tony , Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Trollor Julian N.
Published: June 2020

Background

Can disability support services (DS) facilitate access to mental health services (MHS) for people with intellectual disability? This study utilized 10 years of data from 6,260 persons in NSW who had received DS and specific MHS to quantify the relationship between DS utilization and MHS utilization in adults with intellectual disability and co‐existing mental illness.

Results

Receipt of DS was associated with greater odds of accessing community mental health (CMH) services (36%, 95% CI 29%–43%) but not psychiatric admissions. Age, sex and social disadvantage did not affect the odds of psychiatric admission or CMH use. Individuals living in a remote area had greater odds of CMH use and lesser odds of psychiatric admission.

Conclusions

Receipt of DS was associated with greater CMH but not psychiatric hospital utilization in people with intellectual disability and co‐existing mental illness.
Rg1 protects H9C2 cells from high glucose‐/palmitate‐induced injury via activation of AKT/GSK‐3β/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yu Haitao , Zhen Juan , Yang Yang , Du Jian , Leng Jiyan , Tong Qian
Published: June 2020

Our previous studies have assessed ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1)‐mediated protection in a type 1 diabetes rat model. To uncover the mechanism through which Rg1 protects against cardiac injury induced by diabetes, we mimicked diabetic conditions by culturing H9C2 cells in high glucose/palmitate. Rg1 had no toxic effect, and it alleviated the high glucose/palmitate damage in a dose‐dependent manner, as indicated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and lactate dehydrogenase release to the culture medium. Rg1 prevented high glucose/palmitate‐induced cell apoptosis, assessed using cleaved caspase‐3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining. Rg1 also reduced high glucose‐/palmitate‐induced reactive oxygen species formation and increased intracellular antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that Rg1 activates protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3β) pathway and antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK‐3β, and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. We used phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor Ly294002 to block the activation of the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and found that it partially reversed the protection by Rg1 and decreased Nrf2 pathway activation. The results suggest that Rg1 exerts a protective effect against high glucose and palmitate damage that is partially AKT/GSK‐3β/Nrf2‐mediated. Further studies are required to validate these findings using primary cardiomyocytes and animal models of diabetes.
Asiaticoside might attenuate bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating cAMP and Rap1 signalling pathway assisted by A2AR
Authors: Luo Jing , Zhang Ting , Zhu Chengwei , Sun Junwei , Zhu Wenjing , Ai Wenxiu , Huang Xiaoying , Wang Xiaobing
Published: June 2020

Asiaticoside (AS) has been reported to have protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis (PF). In this study, we aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the therapeutic role of AS and its relationship with A2AR in PF. Adenosine 2A receptor gene knockout (A2AR−/−) mice and wild‐type (WT) mice were used to establish bleomycin (BLM)‐induced PF models and were then treated with AS (50 mg/kg/d). Pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were observed in the PF model with much higher severity in A2AR−/−mice than that in WT mice and AS significantly alleviated lung inflammation and fibrosis; however, it was less effective in A2AR−/− mice than in WT mice via histopathological analysis. Using RNA sequencing analysis, we found up‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BLM group were enriched in immune and inflammation‐associated pathways compared with control group. There were 242 common DEGs between down‐regulated in BLM vs control group and up‐regulated in BLM + AS vs BLM group, which were enriched in cAMP and Rap1 signalling pathways. Furthermore, the expression of five key factors of these two pathways including adenylate cyclase (ADCY1, ADCY5, ADCY8, cAMP and Rap1) were confirmed up‐regulated by AS with the presence of A2AR. Therefore, AS might attenuate BLM‐induced PF by activating cAMP and Rap1 signalling pathways which is assisted by A2AR, making it a promising therapeutic optional for PF.