bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil elastase and endogenous inhibitors in Behçet's disease saliva
Authors: Novak T , Fortune F , Bergmeier L , Khan I , Hagi-Pavli E
Published: June 2020

Behçet's disease (BD) is a vasculitis of unknown aetiology typified by chronic recurrent oral ulcers and systemic inflammatory manifestations. Neutrophils, and specifically their protease neutrophil elastase (NE), have been implicated in its pathology. Although NE is an effective anti-microbial, excessive NE can damage host tissue. Recurrent oral ulceration is a primary BD symptom, therefore we hypothesized that excessive neutrophil infiltration evidenced by increased NE and a reduction in specific endogenous inhibitors, secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and alpha1-anti-trypsin (α1AT) contributes to BD mucosal instability. NE, SLPI and α1AT were quantified in saliva from BD patients with active oral ulcers (BDa) and quiet without ulcers (BDq), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RASa; RASq) and healthy controls (HC). Although BDq saliva had marginally higher median NE levels (1112 ng/ml) compared to both RASq (1043 ng/ml) and HC (999 ng/ml), SLPI was significantly reduced in BDq (P < 0·01). Despite decreased SLPI protein, mRNA expression was significantly increased in BDq buccal epithelial swabs compared to RASq and HC (P < 0·05, P < 0·001). NE remained enzymatically active, although α1AT levels were at least eight times higher than SLPI in all groups, suggesting that α1AT does not have a primary role in counteracting NE in saliva. Furthermore, NE levels in BDa patients medicated with both azathioprine (AZA) and colchicine (COLC) were significantly lower than those on COLC (P = 0·0008) or neither (P = 0·02), indicating that combining AZA + COLC may help to regulate excessive NE during ulceration. This study showed that enzymatically active NE coupled with reduced SLPI in BD saliva may contribute to recurrent oral ulcerations.
A homozygous stop gain mutation in BOD1 gene in a Lebanese patient with syndromic intellectual disability
Authors: Hamdan Nadine , Mehawej Cybel , Sebaaly Ghada , Jalkh Nadine , Corbani Sandra , Abou‐Ghoch Joelle , De Backer O. , Chouery Eliane
Published: June 2020

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by limitations in both intellectual and behavioral functioning. It can occur in non‐syndromic and syndromic forms involving multiple organs. While the majority of genetic variants linked to ID are de novo, inherited variants are also detected in some forms. Here, we report a consanguineous Lebanese family presenting with an autosomal recessive syndromic ID characterized by neurodevelopmental delay, mild dysmorphic features, hearing impairment and endocrine dysfunction. Whole exome sequencing enabled the detection of the homozygous nonsense mutation in BOD1, p.R151X, in the proband. BOD1 is required for chromosomes biorientation during cell division. It also contributes to the regulation of cell survival and to the modulation of fatty acid metabolism. Another nonsense mutation in BOD1 was linked to ID in a consanguineous Iranian family. This is the second report of BOD1 mutations in humans and the first in a syndromic ID including gonadal dysfunction and high‐frequency hearing impairment. Our findings confirm the involvement of BOD1 in cognitive functioning and expand the clinical spectrum of BOD1 deficiency.
Prospective anatomical study to determine the site of insertion of recurrent laryngeal nerve into the larynx
Authors: Wu James X. , Hanson Martin , Lohia Shivangi , Li Hao , Wang Laura , Shaha Ashok R. , Ganly Ian
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Determine whether the insertion site of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) occurs at a predictable distance from the midline trachea, to help guide safe dissection during thyroid surgery.

Design

Prospective clinical trial. At the inferior edge of the cricoid cartilage, we measured the distance from mildline trachea to the RLN insertion site.

Setting

Single institution.

Participants

50 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Main outcome measures

Distance from midline trachea to laryngeal insertion of RLN.

Results

The study population included 36 women and 14 men, with 72 total nerves measured. The average distance‐to‐midline + standard deviation (range) of the RLN was 20.7 + 2.3 (17‐26) mm in women compared to 26.3 + 2.1 (22‐32) mm in men.

Conclusion

The insertion point of the RLN into the larynx at the level of inferior border of the cricoid cartilage can be reliably predicted, to facilitate early identification of the RLN during thyroid surgery.
The histopathological spectrum of Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome: Analysis of 47 cases
Authors: Gavioli Camila Fátima Biancardi , Nico Marcello Menta Simonsen , Florezi Giovanna Piacenza , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa
Published: June 2020

Background

Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare disease characterized by the triad of recurrent orofacial edema, relapsing facial paralysis and plicated tongue. Histopathological features of MRS have not been extensively analyzed.

Methods

This study investigated the histopathological aspects of oral lesions from 47 MRS patients.

Results

The most common biopsy site was the upper lip, followed by the lower lip, gingiva and palate. The most important findings were ill‐defined and well‐formed granulomas. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate was seen in early and late stages of MRS. Edema, fibrosis, vasodilatation and congestion were the most common finding in the lamina propria. Gingival and palate exams also demonstrated granulomatous infiltrates. Regarding the evolution time of the disease, we demonstrated that, in initial phases, there is a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrates, followed by a granulomatous infiltrate and, subsequently, fibrosis.

Conclusion

Histopathological examination of oral lesions is helpful for the diagnosis of MRS; the absence of granulomatous inflammation does not exclude the diagnosis of syndrome. Clinical and histopathological analysis of the rare gingival and palate lesions is important, since all histopathological findings of the disease were detected in these sites.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis: A pathological study of 360 cases with special emphasis on the contribution of immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction to diagnosis
Authors: Cardozo Rocío S. , García‐Montero Pedro P. , Chicharro Carmen , Tardío Juan C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Traditional methods for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis yield poor sensitivity, which limits its effectiveness in lesions with a low parasite burden.

Methods

Retrospective pathologic study of 360 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis and analysis of the different diagnostic methods used.

Results

In 93% of the lesions, histopathology showed a dense and diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells, which occupied the superficial and mid dermis and variably extended to deep dermis and superficial subcutis (standard pattern). The remaining cases exhibited atypical features, such as perivascular, interstitial or perifollicular inflammatory patterns, folliculitis or panniculitis. Granulomas were identified in 84% of biopsies, most of them as small, poorly formed, non‐necrotizing histiocytic aggregates. Amastigotes were visualized by routine histopathologic exam in 36% of biopsies. Immunohistochemistry stained 17 of 26 lesions (65%) negative by conventional stains. PCR provided the correct diagnosis in 218 cases (58% of the series) negative for Leishmania by other techniques.

Conclusions

Biopsies negative for Leishmania by traditional diagnostic methods that show the histopathologic standard pattern, those with atypical features from patients with clinical suspicion of cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic areas, should be studied by immunohistochemistry and/or PCR for Leishmania in order to reach the definitive diagnosis.
Chondrodermatitis nodularis nasi
Authors: Kasitinon Stacy Yuan , Vandergriff Travis
Published: June 2020

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a relatively common ulcerative, inflammatory condition affecting the skin, and cartilage of the ear. We present a case of chondrodermatitis affecting the skin and cartilage of the nose, designated chondrodermatitis nodularis nasi. Clinically, chondrodermatitis presents as a singular, painful, ulcerated papule or nodule that results from prolonged pressure, trauma, sun exposure, or vascular compromise. The clinical features resemble those seen in skin cancer, and a biopsy is often required to secure the diagnosis. Histopathologic analysis of chondrodermatitis demonstrates a central ulcer, beneath which there is fibrinoid necrosis of the dermis and inflammatory infiltrates. The ulcer is bordered by pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with underlying granulation tissue. In addition to a clinical and morphologic description of chondrodermatitis nodularis nasi, a discussion of etiological factors and differential diagnoses is included. Increased recognition and reporting of the condition will allow for the exploration of optimal treatment strategies.
Unusual case of pleural effusion in a young woman
Authors: Ieni Antonio , Pizzimenti Cristina , Arena Salvatore , Romeo Carmelo , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: June 2020

The current challenging case reports the occurrence of a metastatic adenocarcinoma (formerly goblet cell carcinoid) in pleural effusion of young girl.
Reintervention using argon plasma coagulation trimming of a biliary metal stent under peroral direct cholangioscopy guidance
Authors: Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Ito Takashi , Shimatani Masaaki
Published: June 2020

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Psychosocial factors associated with HbA1c in adults with insulin pump‐treated type 1 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Schmidt S. , Andersen Nexø M. , Norgaard O. , Willaing I. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard U. , Skinner T. C. , Nørgaard K.
Published: June 2020

Aims

To identify currently available studies on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c in adults with insulin pump‐treated type 1 diabetes, by performing a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for original studies on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c in ≥ 50 adult, non‐pregnant, insulin pump users with type 1 diabetes.

Results

The search resulted in 1777 unique records, of which eight were eligible for inclusion. All identified studies were observational, with sample sizes ranging from 51 to 214. Seven different psychosocial factors were investigated in the eight studies. Study analysis suggested that HbA1c may be associated with diabetes numeracy and quality of life. There were no indications of associations between HbA1c and fear of hypoglycaemia or self‐efficacy. Results regarding associations between HbA1c and coping style, diabetes distress and locus of control were inconsistent.

Conclusions

This systematic review summarizes the currently limited information on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c during insulin pump therapy. The evidence base of the included studies was weak, and this review highlights the need for more research in these areas, with improved methodological and theoretical frameworks, including exploration of a broader spectrum of psychosocial variables and their potential association with HbA1c and other metabolic outcomes.

(PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews registration no: CRD42020145705).
“Individual Placement and Support” boosts employment for early psychosis clients, even when baseline rates are high
Authors: Erickson David H. , Roes Meighen M. , DiGiacomo Alessandra , Burns Amy
Published: June 2020

Aim

Individual Placement and Support is an effective vocational intervention for increasing competitive employment for people with severe mental illness. Little is known, however, about its effectiveness in the context of early psychosis. This study assesses improvements in clients' employment in a phase of illness during which functional abilities often decline.

Methods

The trial design is an assessor‐blinded randomized clinical trial, set in the context of a population‐based Early Psychosis Intervention program in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were randomized either to 1 year of employment support added to treatment‐as‐usual, or the latter alone. Interviews at intake captured data regarding demographics, symptom severity, and employment; assessments at 6 and 12 months repeated queries about employment activities.

Results

A total of 109 clients were recruited. Employment rates in the Individual Placement and Support group increased over time, unlike the control group. Further, the number of days worked over the 12‐month intervention period, compared to the 6 months prior to the study, improved for both groups, but the increase was greater among clients receiving IPS. Sensitivity analysis indicated the advantage in days worked was evident in the second half of the intervention period (6‐12 months), but not the first half.

Conclusions

Employment rates, for younger clients in both early‐psychosis groups, were high compared to older clients in later stages of illness. In this study, use of the Individual Placement and Support strategy further increased employment, despite the high baseline rates. Further research is needed to identify the optimal timing of employment support for these clients.
Sex matters in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology
Authors: Pawluski Jodi L. , Kokras Nikolaos , Charlier Thierry D. , Dalla Christina
Published: June 2020

Prevalence and symptoms of most psychiatric and neurological disorders differ in men and women and there is substantial evidence that their neurobiological basis and treatment also differ by sex. This special issue sought to bring together a series of empirical papers and targeted reviews to highlight the diverse impact of sex in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology. This special issue emphasizes the diverse impact of sex in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology, including 9 review papers and 17 research articles highlighting investigation in different species (zebrafish, mice, rats, and humans). Each contribution covers scientific topics that overlap with genetics, endocrinology, cognition, behavioral neuroscience, neurology, and pharmacology. Investigating the extent to which sex differences can impact the brain and behavior is key to moving forward in neuroscience research.
Outpacing the resistance tsunami: Antimicrobial stewardship in equine medicine, an overview
Authors: Prescott J. F.
Published: June 2020

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is the term increasingly used to describe the multiple approaches needed to sustain the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs in the face of the increasing development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens, and the global crisis in medicine that it is engendering. The concept and the practices associated with AMS continue to evolve but the general approach is a dynamic and multifaceted one of continuous improvement based on reducing, improving, monitoring and evaluating the use of antimicrobials so as to preserve their future efficacy and to protect human and animal health. Using many equine examples, this basic overview discusses the multiple and interacting elements of AMS: Practice guidelines, infection control and prevention, clinical microbiology, resistance and use surveillance, dosage, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, regulation, education and owner compliance, leadership, coordination and measurement. There have been impressive advances in recent years in reporting and analysis of AMR in horses, in the scrutiny and assessment of how antimicrobial drugs are used in horses and in identification of areas for improvement including dosing, surgical prophylaxis, infection control, development of practice standards and the use of clinical microbiology. Antimicrobial stewardship is taking shape as we start to see the emergence of evidence‐based recommendations but far more is required. Containing and even rolling back AMR will need the continued engagement of practitioners, equine national and international practitioner organisations, researchers and educators in the academic community, horse owners, regulators and others.
International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs): A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Schmidthuber Lisa , Hilgers Dennis , Hofmann Sebastian
Published: June 2020

The development of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) aims at harmonizing public sector accounting at an international level. IPSASs are intended to generate more comparable financial information across national boundaries and minimize differences in countries’ generally accepted domestic accounting principles. Despite the various advantages of adopting IPSASs, the new accounting standards have been accompanied by critiques in terms of implementation costs, lack of pressure, and alignment with public sector specialties. In addition, many countries have refused to adapt their governmental accounting systems to IPSASs. In the last two decades, a plethora of studies has investigated the evolution of an internationally comparable accrual‐based accounting system. This article provides a systematic review of this research. First, it identifies existing knowledge of research on IPSASs, resulting in a sample of 80 journal articles. Second, it structures research on IPSASs with an empirical focus in three main research areas: (a) antecedents of IPSAS adoption; (b) implementation of accrual accounting based on IPSASs; and (c) outcomes of IPSAS adoption. Third, it discusses the shortcomings and gaps in the existing research and develops an agenda for future research.
USP28 and USP25 are downregulated by Vismodegib in vitro and in colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Wang Hui , Meng Qian , Ding Yiluan , Xiong Muya , Zhu Mengying , Yang Yuanyuan , Su Haixia , Gu Lei , Xu Yechun , Shi Li , Zhou Hu , Zhang Naixia
Published: June 2020

Deubiquitinase USP28 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis by enhancing the stabilities of multiple cancer‐related proteins including c‐Myc, Notch1, and LSD1, and has become an attractive target for anticancer drug development. However, to date, only a few of USP28‐targeted active compounds have been developed, and the active compound‐binding pocket in USP28 has not been experimentally revealed yet. In this study, bioassay‐based high‐throughput screening was applied to discover USP28‐targeted inhibitors from the commercially available drug library. Vismodegib, an inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling pathway and FDA‐approved drug for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, was found to exhibit inhibition activity against USP28 (IC50: 4.41 ± 1.08 μm). Multiple biophysical and biochemical techniques including NMR, ITC, thermal shift assay, HDX‐MS, and site‐directed mutagenesis analysis were then used to characterize the interaction between Vismodegib and USP28. The binding pocket in USP28 for Vismodegib, which is mainly composed of two helical structures spanning D255‐N278 and N286‐Y293, was revealed. According to the possible binding pose generated by HDX‐MS data‐defined molecular docking, the binding cavity occupied by Vismodegib in USP28 aligns well with one of the reported‐binding pockets in USP7 for its inhibitors. Furthermore, cellular assays were conducted to confirm that Vismodegib could interact with the evolutionarily related deubiquitinases USP28 and USP25 and downregulate the levels of the two enzymes' substrate proteins c‐Myc, Notch1, and Tankyrase‐1/2.
Automated assessment of Ki‐67 in breast cancer: the utility of digital image analysis using virtual triple staining and whole slide imaging
Authors: Hida Akira I , Omanovic Dzenita , Pedersen Lars , Oshiro Yumi , Ogura Takashi , Nomura Tsunehisa , Kurebayashi Junichi , Kanomata Naoki , Moriya Takuya
Published: June 2020

Aims

Precise evaluation of proliferative activity is essential for the stratified treatment of luminal‐type breast cancer (BC). Immunohistochemical staining of Ki‐67 has been widely used to determine proliferative activity and is recognised to be a useful prognostic marker. However, there remains discussion concerning the methodology. We aimed to develop an automated and reliable Ki‐67 assessment approach for invasive BC.

Materials and results

A retrospective study was designed to include two cohorts consisting of 152 and 261 consecutive patients with luminal‐type BC. Representative tissue blocks following surgery were collected, and three serial sections were stained automatically with Ki‐67, pan‐cytokeratin and p63. The whole slides were scanned digitally and aligned using VirtualTripleStaining – an extension to the VirtualDoubleStaining™ technique provided by Visiopharm software. The aligned files underwent automated invasive cancer detection, hot‐spot identification and Ki‐67 counting. The automated scores showed a significant positive correlation with the pathologists' scores (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001). Among selected patients with curative surgery and standard adjuvant therapies (n = 130), the digitally assessed low Ki‐67 group (<20%) demonstrated a significantly better prognosis (breast cancer‐specific survival, P = 0.030; hazard ratio = 0.038) than the high Ki‐67 group.

Conclusions

Digital image analysis yielded similar results to the scores determined by experienced pathologists. The prognostic utility was verified in our cohort, and an automated process is expected to have high reproducibility. Although some pitfalls were confirmed and thus need to be monitored by laboratory staff, the application could be utilised for the assessment of BC.
Predictors of incomplete viral response and virologic failure in patients with acute and early HIV infection. Results of Italian Network of ACuTe HIV InfectiON (INACTION) cohort
Authors: Taramasso L , Fabbiani M , Nozza S , De Benedetto I , Bruzzesi E , Mastrangelo A , Pinnetti C , Calcagno A , Ferrara M , Bozzi G , Focà E , Quiros‐Roldan E , Ripamonti D , Campus M , Celesia BM , Torti C , Cosco L , Di Biagio A , Rusconi S , Marchetti G , Mussini C , Gulminetti R , Cingolani A , d’Ettorre G , Madeddu G , Franco A , Orofino G , Squillace N , Muscatello A , Gori A , Antinori A , Tambussi G , Bandera A ,   INACTION study group
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that can influence an incomplete viral response (IVR) after acute and early HIV infection (AEHI).

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study including patients with AEHI (Fiebig stages I–V) diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2014 at 20 Italian centres. IVR was defined by: (1) viral blip (51–1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL after achievement of < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL); (2) virologic failure [> 1000 copies/mL after achievement of < 200 copies/mL, or ≥ 200 copies/mL after 24 weeks on an antiretroviral therapy (ART)]; (3) suboptimal viral response (> 50 copies/mL after 48 weeks on ART or two consecutive HIV‐1 RNA levels with ascending trend during ART). Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for IVR.

Results

In all, 263 patients were studied, 227 (86%) males, with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] age of 38 (30–46) years. During a median follow‐up of 13.0 (5.7–31.1) months, 38 (14.4%) had IVR. The presence of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms was linked to a higher risk of IVR (HR = 4.70, 95% CI: 1.56–14.17), while a higher CD4/CD8 cell count ratio (HR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.51 for each point increase) and first‐line ART with three‐drug regimens recommended by current guidelines (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.91 compared with other regimens including four or five drugs, older drugs or non‐standard backbones) were protective against IVR.

Conclusions

Patients with lower CD4/CD8 ratio and CNS symptoms could be at a higher risk of IVR after AEHI. The use of recommended ART may be relevant for improving short‐term viral efficacy in this group of patients.
Characteristics and nutritional value of biscuits fortified with debittered salmon (Salmo salar) frame hydrolysate
Authors: Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat , Huda Nurul
Published: June 2020

Effect of debittered salmon frame hydrolysate (DSFH) at various levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/100 g) on physicochemical, textural, sensory and nutritional properties of biscuits was investigated. The highest thickness was obtained for the sample with 25 g/100 g DSFH (P < 0.05). There was no difference in diameter among all the biscuit samples (P > 0.05). The samples added with DSFH had lower weight, water activity and moisture content than the control (CONT, without DSFH) (P < 0.05). DSFH at 15 g/100 g showed no detrimental effect on sensory properties of resulting biscuits (DSFH‐15). The DSFH‐15 biscuit showed reduction in cutting force and fracturability. Scanning electron microscopic and cross‐sectional images showed that DSFH‐15 biscuit had more porous structure, compared to the CONT. The biscuits fortified with 15 g/100 g DSFH had higher protein but had lower energy value, fat and carbohydrate content than the CONT.
The structural studies of a polysaccharide purified from Oat Lao‐Chao
Authors: A Rong , Zhang Meili , Lu Yu , Zhang Huijie , Bai Xue
Published: June 2020

Oat Lao‐Chao contains bioactive components such as polysaccharides, of which immunomodulatory activity is recognised as the most important biological activity of polysaccharides. This paper studied optimisation of manufacturing Oat Lao‐Chao, extraction of polysaccharide and removal of its protein, separation and purification of polysaccharide. The results showed that a water‐soluble polysaccharide coded as LCPS‐2 was isolated from Oat Lao‐Chao. The polysaccharide was homogeneous and produced an asymmetrical peak obtained by high‐performance gel permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide analysis revealed that LCPS‐2 was containing arabinose, xylose, galactose, glucose and mannose in a ratio of 1.01: 0.72: 0.76: 0.28: 0.10. The GC‐MS results of the derived alditol acetates from the permethylated LCPS‐2 showed some separate peaks corresponding to (→6)‐ Galp,(→3,6)‐Galp, terminal Ara, (→5)‐Ara, (→1)‐linked Xyl, (→3)‐Xyl and (→6)‐Glc units. NMR analysis and acid hydrolysis experiments indicated that the core structure features include a chain consisting of (1,3,6)‐linked Galp, (1,4)‐linked Galp, (1,5)‐linked Ara residues.
Short SiC fiber/Ti3SiC2 MAX phase composites: Fabrication and creep evaluation
Authors: Dash Apurv , Malzbender Jürgen , Vaßen Robert , Guillon Olivier , Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus
Published: June 2020

The compressive creep of silicon carbide fiber reinforced Ti3SiC2 MAX phase with both fine and coarse microstructure was investigated in the temperature range of 1000‐1300°C. Comparison of only steady‐state creep was done to understand the response of fabricated composite materials toward creep deformation. It was demonstrated that the fibers are more effective in reducing the creep rates for the coarse microstructure by an increase in activation energy compared to the variant with a finer microstructure, being partly a result of the enhanced creep rates for the microstructure with larger grain size. Grain boundary sliding along with fiber fracture appears to be the main creep mechanism for most of the tested temperature range. However, there are indications for a changed creep mechanism for the fine microstructure for the lowest testing temperature. Local pores are formed to accommodate differences in strain related to creeping matrix and predominantly elastically deformed fibers during creep. Microstructural analysis was done on the material before and after creep to understand the deformation mechanics.
eHealth in the support of people with mild intellectual disability in daily life: A systematic review
Authors: Oudshoorn Cathelijn E. M. , Frielink Noud , Nijs Sara L. P. , Embregts Petri J. C. M.
Published: June 2020

Background

eHealth has recently made rapid progress in care, support and treatment. However, studies on the use of eHealth to support people with a mild intellectual disability in daily life are limited. A systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of this use of eHealth.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for relevant studies and assessed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Descriptive analyses were deployed using the Matching Person to Technology model to evaluate the key areas contributing to successful eHealth use.

Results

Most of the 46 studies included were small‐scale case studies and focused on using eHealth to acquire daily living skills and vocational skills. In addition, several studies focused on eHealth use for self‐support in daily living, and three studies focused on remote professional support.

Conclusions

eHealth offers opportunities to support people with mild intellectual disability in various different contexts of daily life. Scientific research on this topic is in its early stage, and further high‐quality research is needed.
Evolving trends in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody positivity among HIV‐infected men in a community‐based primary care setting
Authors: Chen Yun‐Chi , Thio Chloe L , Kamangar Farin , Cox Andrea L , Wiberg Kjell J
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the United States occurred mostly among those born between 1945 and 1965. However, new infections continue to increase in recent years. To understand the changes in the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in different age and risk groups among men living with HIV, we performed a retrospective cross‐sectional analyses of 1948 HIV‐infected men at a multisite community health centre in urban/suburban and rural Maryland from 2003 through 2014. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) positivity and restricted cubic spline method to model trends in anti‐HCV prevalence over time. The overall anti‐HCV prevalence was 24.2%. The annual prevalence declined in the full cohort, from 38% in 2003 to 24% in 2014, and among those ≥ 40 years old. However, the annual prevalence increased initially and then stabilized in the groups of men who were younger (<40 years old) or had injection‐drug use and/or sex with men. Among the younger injection‐drug users, the prevalence rose from 33% in 2003 to 79% in 2009 and then stabilized. The independent predictors for anti‐HCV positivity differed between the men with and without injection‐drug use and between those < 40 and ≥ 40 years old. Notably, a high prevalence of anti‐HCV was observed among the younger, white injection‐drug users residing in rural areas. Thus, the HCV epidemic continued unabated among high‐risk individuals in this diverse population of HIV‐infected men. The ongoing HCV transmission among young HIV‐infected men poses a challenge en route to HCV eradication.
Sierra Nevada mountain lake microbial communities are structured by temperature, resources and geographic location
Authors: Schulhof Marika A. , Allen Andrew E. , Allen Eric E. , Mladenov Natalie , McCrow John P. , Jones Natalie T. , Blanton Jessica , Cavalheri Hamanda B. , Kaul Drishti , Symons Celia C. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: June 2020

Warming, eutrophication (nutrient fertilization) and brownification (increased loading of allochthonous organic matter) are three global trends impacting lake ecosystems. However, the independent and synergistic effects of resource addition and warming on autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms are largely unknown. In this study, we investigate the independent and interactive effects of temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC, both allochthonous and autochthonous) and nitrogen (N) supply, in addition to the effect of spatial variables, on the composition, richness, and evenness of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in lakes across elevation and N deposition gradients in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, USA. We found that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities are structured by temperature, terrestrial (allochthonous) DOC and latitude. Prokaryotic communities are also influenced by total and aquatic (autochthonous) DOC, while eukaryotic communities are also structured by nitrate. Additionally, increasing N availability was associated with reduced richness of prokaryotic communities, and both lower richness and evenness of eukaryotes. We did not detect any synergistic or antagonistic effects as there were no interactions among temperature and resource variables. Together, our results suggest that (a) organic and inorganic resources, temperature, and geographic location (based on latitude and longitude) independently influence lake microbial communities; and (b) increasing N supply due to atmospheric N deposition may reduce richness of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, probably by reducing niche dimensionality. Our study provides insight into abiotic processes structuring microbial communities across environmental gradients and their potential roles in material and energy fluxes within and between ecosystems.
An anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with periventricular extension: An autopsy case report and review of the literature
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Kobayashi Mikiko , Shingu Kunihiko , Tateishi Ayako , Ohya Maki , Sano Kenji , Negishi Tatsuya , Shigeto Shohei , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Hara Yosuke , Kakizawa Yukinari , Kanno Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) are rare low‐grade astrocytic tumors that typically present as superficial nodular cystic tumors of the cerebrum attached to the leptomeninx. Histologically, they are pleomorphic, hypercellular glial neoplasms. Despite the presence of microscopic pleomorphism, patients’ postoperative prognosis is generally good. Anaplastic PXAs (APXAs) have a high mitotic index and patients with APXAs have a worse prognosis than patients with PXAs. Here, we report an autopsy case of APXA initially diagnosed as PXA. After gross total resection, the tumor recurred and was diagnosed as an APXA; thereafter, the patient died. An autopsy revealed that the tumor had relapsed at the primary site and had spread to the leptomeningeal space while concurrently invading the cerebrum including the periventricular area forming multifocal lesions. The histological findings of the autopsy were similar to those for epithelioid glioblastoma (EGBM) and small cell glioblastoma (SCGBM). In particular, the periventricular area with multifocal lesions was composed of SCGBM‐like cells. It has been shown that multifocal lesions are frequently identified in patients with SCGBM. This is the first histopathologically confirmed case of APXA‐related tumor presenting with periventricular extension and multifocal lesion formation. The periventricular extension might be a feature of PXAs and APXAs. However, suspected periventricular spread on imaging in past cases of PXAs and APXAs might instead represent the malignant transformation of these tumors to glioblastoma‐like high‐grade tumors, which often show SCGBM‐like histological patterns.
Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Fixation Combined with Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Under O‐Arm Navigation for the Treatment of Metastatic Spinal Tumors with Posterior Wall Destruction
Authors: Zhou Zhang‐zhe , Wang Yi‐meng , Liang Xiao , Ze Xiao , Liu Hao , Chen Kang‐wu , Zhu Xiao‐yu , Sun Zhi‐yong , Qian Zhong‐lai
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of O‐arm‐guided minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty for metastatic spinal tumors with posterior wall destruction.

Methods

Patients who underwent minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty for pathological vertebral fractures with posterior wall defects from January 2015 to December 2017 were followed up for 1 year. Visual analogue scale (VAS), SF‐36 scores, middle vertebral height, posterior vertebral height, and the accuracy of pedicle screws were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and 1 year after surgery. The operation time, time from operation to discharge, blood loss, volume of bone cement, and leakage of bone cement were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (13 females and 10 males) who met our criteria were followed up for 1 year. The operation time of these patients was 162.61 ± 33.47 min, the amount of bleeding was 230.87 ± 93.76 mL, the time from operation to discharge was 4.35 ± 2.42 days, and the volume of bone cement was 3.67 ± 0.63 mL. The VAS score decreased from 7.04 ± 1.07 to 2.65 ± 0.93 before surgery (P = 0.000) and remained at 2.57 ± 0.79 1 year after surgery. Compared with the preoperative SF‐36 scores for physical pain, physiological function, energy, and social function, the postoperative scores were significantly improved (P = 0.000). The height of the middle vertebral body increased from 14.47 ± 2.96 mm before surgery to 20.18 ± 2.94 mm (P = 0.000), and remained at 20.44 to 3.01 mm 1 year after surgery. The height of the posterior vertebral body increased from 16.56 ± 3.07 mm before operation to 22.79 ± 4.00 mm (P = 0.000), and 22.45 ± 3.88 mm 1 year after surgery. The 23 patients had a total of 92 pedicle screws; 85 screws were Grade A and 7 screws were Grade B. There was no leakage of bone cement after surgery.

Conclusion

In the short term, O‐arm‐guided minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation combined with kyphoplasty is safe and effective in the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors with posterior wall destruction.
Chemical preservation of tail feathers fromAnchiornis huxleyi, a theropod dinosaur from the Tiaojishan Formation (Upper Jurassic, China)
Authors: Cincotta Aude , Nguyen Tu Thanh Thuy , Colaux Julien L. , Terwagne Guy , Derenne Sylvie , Godefroit Pascal , Carleer Robert , Anquetil Christelle , Yans Johan
Published: June 2020

A panel of geochemical techniques is used here to investigate the taphonomy of fossil feathers preserved in association with the skeleton of the Jurassic theropodAnchiornis huxleyi. Extant feathers were analysed in parallel to test whether the soft tissues morphologically preserved in the fossil also exhibit a high degree of chemical preservation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicate that clays and iron oxide pseudomorphs occur in the surrounding sediment and also reveal the preservation of melanosome‐like microbodies in the fossil. Carbon gradient along a depth profile and co‐occurrence of carbon and sulphur are shown in the fossil by elastic backscattering (EBS) and particle‐induced x‐ray emission (PIXE), which are promising techniques for the elemental analysis of fossil soft tissues. The molecular composition of modern and fossil soft tissues was assessed from micro‐attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro‐ATR FTIR), solid‐state13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP‐MAS13C NMR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry in the presence of TMAH (TMAH‐Py‐GC‐MS). Results indicate that the proteinaceous material that comprises the modern feathers is not present in the fossil feathers. The fossil feathers and the embedding sediment exhibit a highly aliphatic character. However, substantial differences exist between these samples, revealing that the organic matter of the fossil feathers is, at least partially, derived from original constituents of the feathers. Our results suggest that, despite the morphological preservation ofAnchiornisfeathers, original proteins, that is keratin, were probably not preserved in the 160‐myr‐old feathers.
Severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and early childhood neurobehavioural outcomes: The Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes study
Authors: Syn Nicholas L. , Chan Shiao‐Yng , Chia Elisha Wan Ying , Ong Wei Xin , Phua Desiree , Cai Shirong , Shek Lynette P. C. , Chong Yap‐Seng , Daniel Lourdes Mary , Broekman Birit F. P. , Godfrey Keith M. , Meaney Michael J. , Law Evelyn C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects 50 to 80 per cent of women. The existing literature has examined NVP from the perspective of the mother, and relatively less is known about offspring outcomes.

Objectives

To study the relationships of NVP with social‐emotional, behavioural, and cognitive outcomes of the offspring in a multi‐ethnic Asian cohort.

Methods

In the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes prospective mother‐offspring cohort study, mothers responded to a structured NVP questionnaire at 26‐28 weeks’ gestation (n = 1172) and participants with severe NVP were confirmed using medical records. Children underwent multiple neurodevelopmental assessments throughout childhood. We conducted multivariable regressions with post‐estimation predictive margins to understand the associations of NVP with offspring neurobehavioural outcomes, which included 1‐year Infant‐Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment, 1.5‐year Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, 2‐year Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 2‐ and 4‐year Child Behavior Checklist, and 4.5‐year Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test. Analyses were adjusted for household income, birth variables, maternal mental health, and other relevant medical variables. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated using standardised mean differences (μd).

Results

Mothers were categorised into no (n = 296, 25.3%), mild‐moderate (n = 686, 58.5%), and severe NVP (n = 190, 16.2%), of whom 67 (5.7%) required admission. Compared to children of mothers who had no or mild‐moderate NVP, children with exposure to severe NVP exhibited more externalising behaviours (μd 2.0, 95% CI 0.3, 3.6; Cohen's d = 0.33) and social communication difficulties before 2 years (μd 4.1, 95% Cl 0.1, 8.0; Cohen's d = 0.38), both externalising (μd 1.5, 95% CI 0.4, 2.6; Cohen's d = 0.43) and internalising behaviours at 2 years (μd 1.2, 95% CI 0.1, 2.2; Cohen's d = 0.35), and only internalising behaviours after 2 years (μd 1.1, 95% CI 0.4, 2.0; Cohen's d = 0.37).

Conclusions

Severe NVP is highly prevalent in this Asian cohort and may be adversely associated with multiple offspring neurobehavioural outcomes.
An Arabidopsis NAC domain transcription factor, ATAF2, promotes age‐dependent and dark‐induced leaf senescence
Authors: Nagahage Isura Sumeda Priyadarshana , Sakamoto Shingo , Nagano Minoru , Ishikawa Toshiki , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Kawai‐Yamada Maki , Yamaguchi Masatoshi
Published: June 2020

Leaf senescence is controlled developmentally and environmentally and is affected by numerous genes, including transcription factors. An Arabidopsis NAC domain transcription factor, ATAF2, is known to regulate biotic stress responses. Recently, we have demonstrated that ATAF2 upregulates ORE1, a key regulator of leaf senescence. Here, to investigate the function of ATAF2 in leaf senescence further, we generated and analyzed overexpressing transgenic and T‐DNA inserted mutant lines. Transient expression analysis indicated that ATAF2 upregulates several NAC domain transcription factors that regulate senescence. Indeed, ATAF2 overexpression induced the expression of senescence‐related genes, thereby accelerating leaf senescence, whereas the expression of such genes in ataf2 mutants was lower than that of wild‐type plants. Furthermore, the ataf2 mutants exhibited significant delays in dark‐induced leaf senescence. It was also found that ATAF2 induces the expression of transcription factors, which both promotes and represses leaf senescence. The present study demonstrates that ATAF2 promotes leaf senescence in response to developmental and environmental signals.
Spaced education and student learning: Results from a medical school
Authors: Chugh Preeta K , Tripathi CD
Published: June 2020

Background

It is critical for medical students to retain and apply their knowledge of basic sciences to become competent prescribing physicians. Poor long‐term retention is a pervasive concern. We investigated the impact of ‘spaced education’ teaching modules to improve knowledge retention in medical students on a topic of public health: vitamin D and its role in health and disease.

It is critical for medical students to retain and apply their knowledge of basic sciences to become competent prescribing physicians

Methods

In a self‐matched design, 148 medical students were randomised and evaluated on vitamin D‐related topics to assess reinforced and non‐reinforced knowledge in a multiple‐choice question format. Initial learning and long‐term retention were assessed with an estimation of Cohen's effect size at 24 and 72 weeks, respectively.

Results

The administration of spaced educational material significantly improved composite formative test scores at 24 weeks (p < 0.001, effect size = 1.33). Although the scores dipped, there was a retention of knowledge at 72 weeks (effect size = 0.48).

Discussion

Spaced reinforcement and testing statistically improved knowledge retention among our medical students. Gaps in the present teaching could be bridged by motivating the students to extend their learning time by appropriate spacing intervals and to understand the relevance of course content in different scenarios as a physician. Further research could be instrumental in optimising interventions to enhance learning opportunities for medical students.
How Can We Quarantine Without a Home? Responses of Activism and Urban Social Movements in Times of COVID‐19 Pandemic Crisis in Lisbon
Authors: Mendes Luís
Published: June 2020

In Lisbon, during the COVID‐19 pandemic period, new spaces for contestation and the action of urban social movements intensified, capitalising on the visibility for the right to housing, as a basic human right and an unconditional public health imperative, to fulfil the duties of lockdown and social isolation, imposed by the State of Exception. Its narrative and strategies reinforces the counter‐hegemonic movement that denounces the logics of commodification and financialisation in the housing sector, placing hope in a post‐capitalist transition in the post‐COVID horizon. We conclude that the actors in this urban struggle have limited power over the changes they initiate, or make an effort to inflict, if they are not involved in a concerted and politically integrated action, not least because the achievements they obtain are temporary and exceptional, like the state of emergency imposed by COVID‐19.
Expansion of MIR482/2118 by a class‐II transposable element in cotton
Authors: Shen Enhui , Chen Tianzi , Zhu Xintian , Fan Longjiang , Sun Jie , Llewellyn Danny J. , Wilson Iain , Zhu Qian‐Hao
Published: June 2020

Some plant microRNA (miRNA) families contain multiple members generating identical or highly similar mature miRNA variants. Mechanisms underlying the expansion of miRNA families remain elusive, although tandem and/or segmental duplications have been proposed. In this study of two tetraploid cottons, Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, and their extant diploid progenitors, Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium raimondii, we investigated the gain and loss of members of the miR482/2118 superfamily, which modulates the expression of nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) disease resistance genes. We found significant expansion of MIR482/2118d in G. barbadense, G. hirsutum and G. raimondii, but not in G. arboreum. Several newly expanded MIR482/2118d loci have mutated to produce different miR482/2118 variants with altered target‐gene specificity. Based on detailed analysis of sequences flanking these MIR482/2118 loci, we found that this expansion of MIR482/2118d and its derivatives resulted from an initial capture of an MIR482/2118d by a class‐II DNA transposable element (TE) in G. raimondii prior to the tetraploidization event, followed by transposition to new genomic locations in G. barbadense, G. hirsutum and G. raimondii. The ‘GosTE’ involved in the capture and proliferation of MIR482/2118d and its derivatives belongs to the PIF/Harbinger superfamily, generating a 3‐bp target site duplication upon insertion at new locations. All orthologous MIR482/2118 loci in the two diploids were retained in the two tetraploids, but mutation(s) in miR482/2118 were observed across all four species as well as in different cultivars of both G. barbadense and G. hirsutum, suggesting a dynamic co‐evolution of miR482/2118 and its NBS‐LRR targets. Our results provide fresh insights into the mechanisms contributing to MIRNA proliferation and enrich our knowledge on TEs.