bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis and osteoporosis: a literature review
Authors: Wi Dohyen , Wilson Anna , Satgé Fanny , Murrell Dédée F.
Published: March 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex comorbidities. Recent evidence has revealed how the inflammatory nature of psoriasis affects bone mineral density and may lead to osteoporosis. This review outlines the current understanding and advances on the association between psoriasis and osteoporosis. The current literature suggests an increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with extensive and chronic psoriasis, compounded by other lifestyle and genetic factors. It suggests that prophylactic measures such as vitamin D supplementation and increasing weight-bearing exercises can help, but in patients with extensive psoriasis, prolonged systemic inflammation may require long-term management. Although there have been many short-term RCTs on the efficacy and safety of biologics in psoriasis, clinical studies looking at the long-term effects of biologics, such as whether they might improve bone mineral density in these patients with psoriasis are yet to be conducted.
An international survey characterizing Mohs tissue processing techniques and Mohs margin thresholds: how close is too close?
Authors: Hunt William T. N. , Nelson Toby G.
Published: March 2022

Background

From practice, we identified heterogeneity in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) specimen tissue processing techniques and specifications, and in the Mohs surgeons' assessment of MMS specimen histological tumour clearance.

Aim

By surveying an international cohort of Mohs surgeons, we determined to characterize variation in margin threshold assessment (number of wafers/sections free of tumour to declare tumour clearance).

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed to Mohs surgeons in the UK, European countries, Australia and New Zealand, assessing the background demographics of the surgeons and the technical factors involved in MMS tissue processing and posing three MMS scenarios to define margin thresholds.

Results

In total, 114 consultant/attending-level Mohs surgeons responded, giving a response rate of 33.5% from 20 countries (including UK nations). The first scenario posed was a 20-mm cheek basal cell carcinoma (BCC) excised by MMS with a fully complete first wafer (7 μm) clear of tumour and the second wafer (after trimming interval of 50 μm) demonstrating a small dermal focus of nodular BCC; of the 58 surgeons, 16 (27.6%) would not take another stage. With a follow-up question, 16 of the 58 (27.6%) surgeons specified wanting three clear sections to declare tumour clearance. When the same scenario had a change to a 20-mm infiltrative BCC, 84.2% (48 of 57 surgeons) required a second MMS stage, with a follow-up question clarifying that a third (19 of 57) wanted three clear sections to determine clearance. For a well-differentiated 15-mm squamous cell carcinoma with the same factors there was no majority consensus, with the same proportion of surgeons (22.6%; 12 of 53) calling tumour clearance after one, two and three clear section(s) respectively. For MMS specimen processing specifications, routine sections/wafers of 5–10 μm were reported by 77.4% of respondents (48 of 62) and for trimming interval values, 78.6% (48 of 61) specified a range between 20 and 200 μm.

Conclusion

By surveying international Mohs surgeons, we highlight surgeon background characteristics, peer-compare assessment of margin thresholds for tumour clearance across three scenarios, and delineate tissue processing and intraoperative approaches.
The long‐term effect of dupilumab on chronic hand eczema in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis—52 week results from the Dutch BioDay Registry
Authors: Voorberg Angelique N. , Romeijn Geertruida L. E. , de Bruin‐Weller Marjolein S. , Schuttelaar Marie L. A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The hands are a common predilection site of atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab is licensed for the treatment of AD but not for chronic hand eczema (CHE), while CHE is challenging to treat.

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term effect of dupilumab on hand eczema (HE) in patients with AD from the BioDay Registry.

Methods

A prospective observational study of adult patients with HE, treated for AD with dupilumab. Patients with a HE severity of at least moderate at baseline were considered for analysis. Patients with other concomitantly systemic immunosuppressive treatments were excluded. Clinical effectiveness on HE severity, using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and photographic guide, and health‐related quality of life, using the Quality of Life in Hand Eczema Questionnaire (QOLHEQ), were evaluated.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included. HECSI‐75 was achieved by 54/62 patients (87.1%) and HECSI‐90 by 39/72 (62.9%) at 52 weeks. Based on the photographic guide, 56/62 patients (90.3%) achieved the endpoint of ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’. Mean QOLHEQ reduction was −63.5% (95% confidence interval −38.23 to −27.41). There was no difference in response between HE subtypes.

Conclusions

The results from this study hold promise for dupilumab to be a suitable treatment option for isolated CHE.
Does machine perfusion improve immediate and short‐term outcomes by enhancing graft function and recipient recovery after liver transplantation? A systematic review of the literature, meta‐analysis and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Ramírez‐Del Val Alejandro , Guarrera James , Porte Robert J. , Selzner Markus , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Friend Peter J. , Nasralla David ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Recent evidence supports the use of machine perfusion technologies (MP) for marginal liver grafts. Their effect on enhanced recovery, however, remains uncertain.

Objectives

To identify areas in which MP might contribute to an ERAS program and to provide expert panel recommendations.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach. CRD42021237713

Results

Both hypothermic (HMP) and normothermic (NMP) machine perfusion demonstrated significant benefits in preventing postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) (HMP OR .33, .15‐.75 CI; NMP OR .51, .29‐.90 CI) and early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (HMP OR .51, .35‐.75 CI; NMP OR .66, .45‐.97 CI), while shortening LOS (HMP MD ‐3.9; NMP MD ‐12.41). Only NMP showed a significant decrease in the length of ICU stay (L‐ICU) (MD ‐7.07, ‐8.76; ‐5.38 CI), while only HMP diminishes the likelihood of major complications. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) reduces EAD (OR .52, .38–.70 CI) and primary nonfunction (PNF) (OR .51, .27‐.98 CI) without effect on L‐ICU and LOS.

Conclusions

The use of HMP decreases PRS and EAD, specifically for marginal grafts. This is supported by a shorter LOS and a lower rate of major postoperative complications (QOE; moderate | Recommendation; Strong). NMP reduces the incidence of PRS and EAD with associated shortening in L‐ICU for both DBD and DCD grafts (QOE; moderate | Recommendation; High) This technology also shortens the length of hospital stay (QOE; low | Recommendation; Strong). NRP decreases the likelihood of EAD (QOE; moderate) and the risk of PNF (QOE; low) when compared to both DBD and SRR‐DCD grafts preserved in SCS. (Recommendation; Strong).
Prolapsing giant right atrial myxoma in a young male presenting as pulmonary embolism
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Tandon Rohit , Soni Ankita , Kaur Harpreet , Mohan Bishav , Wander Gurpreet S.
Published: March 2022

A 22‐year male presented with complaints of dyspnea. Multimodality imaging revealed a polypoidal right atrial mass with submassive pulmonary embolism. The patient underwent urgent surgery. The pathological examination confirmed it as cardiac myxoma. Cardiac myxoma, a most common primary cardiac tumor, is commonly found in the left atrium. The right atrium is an uncommon site and the usual mode of presentation is the tumor or thrombus embolization to the pulmonary circulation.
Interbank contagion risk in China under an ABM approach for network formation
Authors: Lin Shiqiang , Zhang Hairui
Published: March 2022

This paper uses an agent‐based model to construct an interbank network for the Chinese interbank market using a sample of 299 commercial banks from 2014 to 2019. We analyze the importance and vulnerability of banks using the DebtRank algorithm. Our results show that the Chinese interbank market bears a certain level of systemic risk, especially among lower‐tiered banks. The results also show a bank is more vulnerable if it has a higher interbank lending ratio and greater financial connectivity. Meanwhile, a bank is more influential if it has a larger net worth and greater financial connectivity.
Oceanic water temperatures less than 20°C may largely adjust for underestimation of European elver otolith ages
Authors: Jessop Brian M.
Published: March 2022

European eel Anguilla anguilla otolith‐based elver ages may be substantially adjusted higher by migratory path oceanic water temperatures. Water temperatures <20°C increased temperature‐adjusted otolith ages of Japanese glass eels and elvers. Migration periods to the northern Vilaine and Severn Rivers were estimated at 785 days (2.15 years) and 781 days (2.14 years), respectively, and 958 days (2.62 years) for the southern Rio Minho, assuming a mean spawning date of 9 February (66 days shorter with a mean spawning date of 16 April). For a 9 February mean spawning date, temperature‐corrected otolith ages were higher than otolith ages by 34.4–92.7%. Higher migration route water temperatures reduced the temperature‐adjustment of otolith ages. Another approach to the temperature‐correction of otolith ages underestimated by 5.6–28.1% the migration period (days) to the southern Rio Minho and overestimated by 12.4–13.4% that to the two northern rivers. The effect of recent higher North Atlantic water temperatures on otolith daily growth increments remains to be learned. The difference between temperature‐adjusted otolith and observed ages differed little between earlier and later mean spawning dates. Otolith ages for glass and elver European eels should not be used if unadjusted for migration route water temperatures and used cautiously after adjustment for low oceanic, estuarine, and perhaps freshwater temperatures; even then otolith ageing issues remain. A greater understanding of oceanic migratory paths and durations is needed for European eels.
Food versus wildlife: Will biodiversity hotspots benefit from healthier diets?
Authors: Rasche Livia , Habel Jan C. , Stork Nigel , Schmid Erwin , Schneider Uwe A.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Terrestrial biodiversity is threatened by land use change. Modelling suggests that the remaining, potentially arable areas of natural intact vegetation (rNIV) of 9 of 35 global biodiversity hotspots may be converted to agriculture by 2050, committing their endemic species to extinction. Studies have shown that if the global population adopted a healthy, mostly plant based diet, agricultural area expansion can be reduced. We want to examine to what degree this applies to the regions covered by biodiversity hotspots.

Location

Global.

Time period

2020–2050.

Major taxa studied

No particular taxa.

Methods

For every biodiversity hotspot, we simulate climate change impacts on agricultural productivity, and estimate food demand shifts from 2010 to 2050 by processing population and income growth projections. We quantify the net change in rNIV by 2050 in all hotspots by calculating the agricultural area necessary to meet the food demand under a business as usual, a healthy diet, a healthy diet plus agricultural intensification, and a healthy diet plus agricultural intensification plus crop change scenario.

Results

In the healthy diet scenario, the rNIV of 16–21 hotspots can be preserved entirely, but 5–6 hotspots in less developed regions may lose all rNIV to agricultural area expansion. In these regions, a healthy diet implies an increase in consumed calories and no change in the already high share of plant‐based calories. When combined with agricultural intensification, these hotspots will still lose 7%–92% of rNIV. Only an additional change in crop mix patterns may preserve all.

Main conclusions

While a change in dietary habits may be sufficient for preservation of rNIV in many hotspot regions, a healthy diet actually puts more pressure on rNIV in other hotspot regions. Intensifying agriculture and optimizing crop selection should be priorities in those regions to mitigate the expected loss of rNIV to agricultural expansion.
Spatial asynchrony matters more than alpha stability in stabilizing ecosystem productivity in a large temperate forest region
Authors: Qiao Xuetao , Geng Yan , Zhang Chunyu , Han Zhuoxiu , Zhang Zhonghui , Zhao Xiuhai , von Gadow Klaus
Published: March 2022

Aim

Understanding the biodiversity–stability relationship has become a central issue in ecology and conservation biology. Although the stabilizing effects of tree species diversity on ecosystem productivity are well recorded in small local communities, they remain poorly understood across scales (from local to larger spatial scales). This study evaluates biodiversity–stability effects from local to larger spatial scales in a large temperate forest region, considering a range of environmental conditions and environmental heterogeneity.

Location

North‐eastern China (c. 700,000 km2).

Time period

2005–2017.

Major taxa studied

Woody plants.

Methods

We define stability as the temporal invariability of biomass productivity. Regional metacommunities representing larger spatial scales were developed by aggregating multiple sets of local field plots. Simple regression analysis was used to test biodiversity–stability relationships in metacommunities. Piecewise structural equation modelling was then used to disentangle the effects of diversity and abiotic variables on forest stability at local and larger spatial scales. Multiple mixed‐effects regression models were used to determine the relative contribution of individual predictive variables to stability across spatial scales.

Results

We found that local diversity (alpha diversity) was positively related to the stability of local communities (alpha stability), whereas species turnover across space (beta diversity) was positively related to asynchronous dynamics among local communities (spatial asynchrony), regardless of whether abiotic factors were considered or not. We also found that environmental conditions and environmental heterogeneity affected forest stability across scales. The effect of spatial asynchrony on gamma stability was greater than that of alpha stability.

Main conclusions

Our results imply that spatial asynchrony is a key to maintaining the stability of ecosystem productivity within a large temperate forest region. We suggest that diverse forests and heterogeneous landscapes should be sustained at multiple spatial scales to buffer the negative effects of climate change and forest degradation.
Laboratory coagulation tests and recombinant porcine factor VIII: A United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation guideline
Authors: Bowyer Annette , Gray Elaine , Lowe Anna , Murphy Paul , Platton Sean , Riddell Anne , Chowdary Pratima , Lester Will , Jenkins Peter Vincent
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by development of auto‐antibodies to endogenous coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII) is currently licensed only for the management of bleeding in patients with AHA. Regular monitoring of rpFVIII is recommended to assess treatment effectiveness.

Aim

This guideline from the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation (UKHCDO) examines the current publications in the area and aims to offer advice for the laboratory monitoring of rpFVIII in patients with AHA.

Methods

A review of the current literature was undertaken followed by critical review by the authors.

Results/conclusions

A validated one‐stage clotting FVIII assay is recommended for the measurement and regular monitoring of rpFVIII. Assessment of cross‐reacting rpFVIII inhibitors by one‐stage porcine Bethesda assay should be performed as part of the initial diagnosis of AHA or prior to treatment with rpFVIII. Available data show that chromogenic FVIII assays underestimate rpFVIII and this should be considered if measurement of rpFVIII is required in patients receiving Emicizumab.
Protocol for a mixed methods process evaluation of the Promoting Resilience in Nurses (PRiN) trial
Authors: Bui Minh Viet , McInnes Elizabeth , Ennis Gary , Foster Kim
Published: March 2022

Mental health nurses are exposed frequently to occupational stress and can experience a range of negative impacts on their well‐being and intention to stay in the nursing workforce. Promoting Resilience in Nurses (PRiN) is a strength‐based resilience education programme that incorporates evidence‐based cognitive behavioural and interpersonal approaches with post‐traumatic growth theory. A partially clustered randomized controlled trial at a large public mental health service will be used to examine the effects of PRiN on mental health nurses’ coping self‐efficacy, resilience, well‐being, mental health, emotional regulation, post‐traumatic growth, workplace belonging, and turnover intention as compared to controls. Process evaluations are increasingly used to help understand and interpret trial results for complex interventions. This paper describes the protocol for an embedded mixed methods process evaluation that aims to evaluate the PRiN programme implementation and identify factors that may explain variation in participant outcomes in the trial. Data collection includes a programme participant satisfaction survey; a follow‐up semi‐structured interview with selected programme participants; a unit/team manager survey on barriers and facilitators to staff recruitment and programme participation; and a fidelity checklist completed by programme facilitators. Normalisation Process Theory will be used to inform data analysis and integration. The findings will provide insights into factors that affect programme implementation, particularly in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic and may help explain differences in participant outcomes. Findings will also inform post‐trial programme sustainability as well as potential future upscale and adaptation for implementation across healthcare settings.
Neutrosophic cubic Maclaurin symmetric mean aggregation operators with applications in multi‐criteria decision‐making
Authors: Yang Yu , Fu Yelin , Han Biao
Published: March 2022

The Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM(m)) operator refers to a classical mean type of aggregation operator fusing information. The prominent property exhibited by the MSM(m) operator is to capture the interrelationship among multiple arguments. In this study, a wide range of MSM(m) operators are extended (e.g., the MSM(m), the generalized MSM(m), and the generalized geometric MSM(m)) to the neutrosophic cubic fuzzy environment, that is, the neutrosophic cubic MSM(m) operator (NCMSM(m)), the neutrosophic cubic generalized MSM (m) operator (), as well as the neutrosophic cubic geometric MSM(m) operator (). Subsequently, given the significance of the criteria, the weighted neutrosophic cubic MSM(m) operator, the weighted , and the weighted are defined over the neutrosophic cubic sets. An in‐depth investigation is conducted on several desirable properties and special cases of the mentioned operators as well as the relationship between the parameters on NCMSM(m) operator and its aggregating result. Moreover, a novel multi‐criteria decision‐making approach is developed by complying with the defined aggregation operators. Last, a numerical example and a comparative analysis, as well as sensitive analyses, are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches and the robustness of the output result.
Crystal‐chemical investigation of the “cubic Al–Si spinel” issued from the thermal transformation of kaolinite and halloysite
Authors: Chauffeton Christelle , Wallez Gilles
Published: March 2022

Since its discovery in 1959 as a transient nanocrystalline product of the thermal transformation of aluminum‐rich clays, the so‐called Al–Si spinel has been the object of numerous studies aimed at determining its composition. In this work, samples obtained from fired kaolinite‐ and halloysite‐containing clays were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, leading to conclude in a single cubic (space group Fd‐3m) form, with an unvarying size of crystallites of 5 nm and a constant cell volume, typical of a transition alumina form. Trial‐and‐error Rietveld fitting procedure revealed a crystal structure consisting in an oxygen close packing and a disordered cation sublattice that differs from the known forms of spinel alumina. Rietveld quantitative phase analysis based on this model was successfully implemented on a series of fired halloysite clays, giving a first quantitative insight on the transformations in the 980–1260°C range.
In‐depth understanding the hydration process of Mn‐containing ferrite: A comparison with ferrite
Authors: Zhong Haoxuan , Zhang Kechang , Yang Lu , Wang Fazhou , Hu Shuguang , Lv Minwang , He Jianhui
Published: March 2022

Manganese (Mn) is inevitably incorporated into cement from raw materials, and is mainly incorporated into the ferrite phase of cement. In this paper, the hydration kinetic was investigated for Mn‐containing ferrite and unmodified ferrite. The evolution of the solid phases, aqueous species, and both conductivity and pH were investigated for unmodified ferrite and Mn‐containing ferrite by a diluted suspension experiment. Isothermal calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and mechanical property measurements were conducted to explore the influence of Mn on the hydraulic activity of ferrite. The results showed that the incorporation of Mn enhances the hydraulic activity, alleviates the influence of gypsum on the retardation of ferrite, and improves the early strength in the presence of gypsum. Mn‐containing ferrite also accelerates dissolution, influencing the initial sulfate adsorption. Mn ions eventually incorporate into (Al, Fe)‐AFt and (Al, Fe)‐AFm. During the first several hours of hydration of ferrite, there is no sulfate consumption after the initial adsorption, accompanied by a decrease of Ca2+ and Al3+ concentration. And an “adsorption‐barrier” hypothesis is proposed to explain the dormant period of sulfate consumption.
Assessing cross-laboratory performance for quantifying coliphage using EPA Method 1642
Authors: Zimmer-Faust Amity G. , Griffith John F. , Steele Joshua A. , Asato Laralyn , Chiem Tania , Choi Samuel , Diaz Arturo , Guzman Joe , Padilla Michele , Quach-Cu Jennipher , Ruiz Victor , Santos Bryan , Woo Mary , Weisberg Stephen B.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Widespread adoption of the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 1642 for enumeration of coliphage in recreational water requires demonstration that laboratories consistently meet internal method performance goals and yield results that are consistent across laboratories.

Methods and Results

Here we assess the performance of six laboratories processing a series of blind wastewater- and coliphage-spiked samples along with laboratory blanks. All laboratories met the method-defined recovery requirements when performance was averaged across samples, with the few failures on individual samples mostly occurring for less-experienced laboratories on the initial samples processed. Failures that occurred on later samples were generally attributed to easily correctable activities. Failure rates were higher for somatic vs. F+ coliphage, attributable to the more stringent performance criteria associated with somatic coliphage. There was no difference in failure rate between samples prepared in a marine water matrix compared to that in phosphate-buffered saline.

Conclusions

Variation among laboratories was similar to that previously reported for enterococci, the current bacterial indicator used for evaluating beach water quality for public health protection.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These findings suggest that laboratory performance is not an inhibitor to the adoption of coliphage as a new indicator for assessing recreational health risk.
Efficacy of EPA-registered disinfectants against two human norovirus surrogates and Clostridioides difficile endospores
Authors: Huang Jinge , Park Geun Woo , Jones Rachael M. , Fraser Angela M. , Vinjé Jan , Jiang Xiuping
Published: March 2022

Aims

To determine the efficacy of a panel of nine EPA-registered disinfectants against two human norovirus (HuNoV) surrogates (feline calicivirus [FCV] and Tulane virus [TuV]) and Clostridioides difficile endospores.

Methods and Results

Nine EPA-registered products, five of which contained H2O2 as active ingredient, were tested against infectious FCV, TuV and C. difficile endospores using two ASTM methods, a suspension and carrier test. Efficacy claims against FCV were confirmed for 8 of 9 products. The most efficacious product containing H2O2 as ingredient achieved a >5.1 log reduction of FCV and >3.1 log reduction of TuV after 5 min, and >6.0 log reduction of C. difficile endospores after 10 min. Of the five products containing H2O2, no strong correlation (R2 = 0.25, p = 0.03) was observed between disinfection efficacy and H2O2 concentration. Addition of 0.025% ferrous sulphate to 1% H2O2 solution improved efficacy against FCV, TuV and C. difficile.

Conclusion

Disinfectants containing H2O2 are the most efficacious disinfection products against FCV, TuV and C. difficile endospores. Product formulation, rather than the concentration of H2O2 in a product, impacts the efficacy of a disinfection product.

Significance and Impact of Study

H2O2-based disinfectants are efficacious against surrogate viruses for HuNoV and C. difficile endospores.
Transcriptional responses of Aurantiochytrium limacinum under light conditions
Authors: Kubo Yuki , Morimoto Daichi , Shiroi Mai , Yoshimi Toru , Ohara Kanta , Higashine Tokuhiro , Mori Yuki , Takeuchi Masato , Sawayama Shigeki
Published: March 2022

Aims

Astaxanthin-producing protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum can accumulate higher amounts of astaxanthin under light conditions; however, little is known about the impact of light exposure on its metabolism. Here, we investigated the transcriptional profile of A. limacinum under light conditions.

Methods and Results

Transcriptomic analyses revealed that 962 genes of A. limacinum showed a significant change in expression under light conditions, most of which (94.5%) were downregulated. Furthermore, gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that A. limacinum mainly downregulated genes associated with cell motility, proliferation and gene expression processes, whose activities depend on ATP as an energy source. Additionally, the quantification of carotenoid and its transcripts suggested that β-carotene and astaxanthin biosynthesis pathways were rate-limiting and tightly regulated steps, respectively. In comparison, these processes were enhanced under light conditions.

Conclusions

Considering that astaxanthin accumulation was highly correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in microalgae, our results suggest that A. limacinum reduces ATP consumption to decrease the occurrence of ROS in mitochondria while accumulating astaxanthin to prevent ROS damage.

Significance and Impact of Study

This study provides novel insights into the impact of light exposure on A. limacinum metabolism, thereby facilitating a complete understanding of this protist for efficient astaxanthin production.
Early positive approaches to support (E‐PAtS): Qualitative experiences of a new support programme for family caregivers of young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Gore Nick , Bradshaw Jill , Hastings Richard , Sweeney Joanne , Austin Debbie
Published: March 2022

Background

Early Positive Approaches to Support (E‐PAtS) is a co‐produced and co‐facilitated group programme that aims to provide early years support to family caregivers of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Method

Thirty‐five caregivers who had attended E‐PAtS groups took part in individual interviews or focus groups. Caregiver experiences concerning attendance of E‐PAtS were explored, in relation to process variables and perceived outcomes. Interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Three major themes were identified: our group, evolving emotions, and positive approaches. Being with and being supported by other families was very important to caregivers. Families reported increased confidence and greater realisation of the need for self‐care. Children were reported to show fewer behaviours that challenge and increases in adaptive skills. Findings corresponded to mechanisms and outcomes in the E‐PAtS logic model.

Conclusion

E‐PAtS shows promise as one way families and children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities can access early years support.
Board corruption and loan contracts
Authors: Chen Robin , Huang Chia‐Wei , Lin Chih‐Yung
Published: March 2022

In this study, we examine the effects of board corruption on the financing costs of firms. We construct an index of perceived corruption that uses the average level of corruption that is linked to a director's surname. The evidence shows that lending banks attach higher spreads and stricter covenants to the loan contracts of firms with high perceived board corruption. Specifically, when the perceived board corruption increases after mergers and acquisitions, firms are charged higher loan spreads. Further analysis shows that the effects of board corruption on financing costs become stronger when firms have weak governance mechanisms. These results show that banks recognize board corruption as a source of agency problem with borrowers when they make lending decisions.
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor regulates nerve reflex‐mediated skin barrier function in psoriasis
Authors: Kwiecinska P. , Grygier B. , Morytko A. , Sanecka‐Duin A. , Majchrzak‐Gorecka M. , Kwitniewski M. , Kapinska‐Mrowiecka M. , Porebski G. , Cichy J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a ~12 kDa protein is an important regulator of innate and adaptive immunity and a component of tissue regenerative programmes. SLPI expression is markedly elevated in chronically inflamed skin, including that of individuals suffering from psoriasis. However, the role of SLPI in these diseases remains elusive.

Objectives

The poor understanding of the early stages of the development of psoriasis is a major obstacle to successful intervention in the skin pathology. We hypothesized that SLPI and peripheral nerves that might be activated early in the progression of the disease likely form a functional relationship to maintain skin barrier homeostasis and respond to a variety of threats.

Methods

We used skin biopsies of healthy donors and individuals with psoriasis to show expression pattern of SLPI. A role of SLPI in psoriasis was mechanistically assessed using SLPI‐deficient mice and an imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced experimental model of psoriasis.

Results

We show that mice lacking SLPI had exaggerated skin alterations that extended beyond the treatment site in an imiquimod‐induced psoriasis. The spatiotemporally distinct skin responses in SLPI‐deficient mice, compared to their wild‐type littermates, resulted from a compromised skin barrier function that manifested itself in heightened transepidermal water loss through the larger skin area surrounding the IMQ‐challenged skin. The increased pathogenic skin changes in the absence of SLPI were reversible through pharmacological treatment that blocks a nerve‐reflex arc.

Conclusions

Together, these data indicate that SLPI plays a protective role in psoriasis through preventing skin dryness, inherent in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and that this SLPI action depends on neuronal input operating in a reflex manner. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism that maintains cutaneous homeostasis, which involves a crosstalk between the nervous system and a protein anatomically poised to fortify the epidermal permeability barrier.
Analysis of efficacy and safety of vismodegib therapy in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma – real world multicenter cohort study
Authors: Słowińska M. , Dudzisz‐Śledź M. , Sobczuk P. , Łasińska I. , Pietruszka A. , Cybulska‐Stopa B. , Kowalczyk A. , Świtaj T. , Czarnecka I. , Koseła‐Paterczyk H. , Rogala P. , Paluchowska E. , Składowski K. , Mackiewicz J. , Rutkowski P. , Owczarek W.
Published: March 2022

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent non‐melanoma skin cancer. The basis of treatment is surgical resection. The treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease is currently based on sonidegb or vismodegib, small molecule inhibitors of the hedgehog signalling pathway.

Objectives

The study aimed to retrospectively analyse the efficacy and safety of treatment with vismodegib in 108 patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease treated from August 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2020. The primary objective was to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival rates. The secondary aims of the study were the disease control rate, the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and the estimation of the factors that potentially impact the treatment outcome and patient survival.

Methods

Patients treated in national drug programme were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. Evaluation of the treatment efficacy was performed according to CT/MRI scans and by the response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST) 1.1. The safety evaluation was performed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 5.0 (CTCAE) classification and severity assessment.

Results

The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range 1–94 months). The median progression‐free survival reached 30.5 months (95% CI; 24.8–36.3), and the progression‐free survival rate after 6, 12 and 24‐months were 92%, 78% and 61%, respectively. The median overall survival was 41.5 months (95% CI; 31.6–51.3), and the overall survival rate after 1, 2 and 3 years accordingly 86%, 73% and 60%. The univariant and multivariant analysis indicated that the female gender is an independent positive prognostic factor of progression‐free survival.

Conclusions

The response to treatment is the prognostic factor for response maintenance and better overall survival. The therapy was well tolerated with the safety profile consistent in general with known from previous studies.
Hyperhidrosis in Parkinson's disease: a 3‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin J. , Ou R. , Wei Q. , Cao B. , Li C. , Hou Y. , Zhang L. , Liu K. , Shang H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Although hyperhidrosis is a common symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), no study has yet examined it longitudinally.

Objectives

We conducted a 3‐year prospective cohort study to investigate the development, evolution and correlates of hyperhidrosis in patients with PD.

Methods

A total of 224 patients with early‐stage PD were enrolled at baseline and followed up annually for three consecutive years. Hyperhidrosis was assessed using hyperhidrosis question (item 30) of the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). The generalized estimating equations model was applied to investigate the correlates of both presence and severity of hyperhidrosis.

Results

The frequency of hyperhidrosis in PD had an overall increasing tendency from 24.1% at baseline to 34.4% after 3 years, although hyperhidrosis was not always persistent in all patients over the 3‐year study period. The presence of hyperhidrosis was found to be associated with dyskinesia (OR 2.27 [1.02–5.04], P = 0.045), the sexual function domain subscore of the NMSS (OR 1.04 [1.01–1.07], P = 0.016), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) score (OR 1.08 [1.03–1.13], P = 0.001) and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III score (OR 1.02 [1.00–1.04], P = 0.036). Only the HARS score was associated with the severity of hyperhidrosis (B 0.08 [0.03–0.12], P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Hyperhidrosis is common in PD, and its frequency increases along with disease duration. Hyperhidrosis in PD is associated not only with motor severity and motor complication such as dyskinesia, but also with non‐motor symptoms such as sexual dysfunction and anxiety.
Artificial Intelligence analysis of over half a million European and Chinese women reveals striking differences in the facial skin ageing process
Authors: Flament F. , Jacquet L. , Ye C. , Amar D. , Kerob D. , Jiang R. , Zhang Y. , Kroely C. , Delaunay C. , Passeron T.
Published: March 2022

Background

Artificial Intelligence (A.I) and deep learning‐based algorithms are increasingly being used in dermatology following the emergence of powerful smartphones with high‐resolution cameras.

Objectives

To use an A.I‐based algorithm, validated by dermatologists, to compare the evolution of the skin ageing process among Chinese and European women.

Methods

Selfie images were taken by 465 587 European and 79 016 Chinese women ranging from 18 to 85 and 18 to 69 years old, respectively, without facial skin diseases and who had access to a smartphone with a high‐resolution camera (≥4 Megapixels). The selfies were analysed by facial skin diagnostic using a smartphone application to grade the severity of 9 facial signs (including wrinkles, sagging, vascular, pigmentation signs, pores).

Results

Wrinkles/texture, ptosis and sagging increased linearly with age in European women compared to lower scores and more gradual increase in the younger age‐classes in Chinese women. In Chinese women, pigmentation signs increased regularly between 18 and 40 years, plateaued between 40 and 60 years, then increased in the over 60s compared to lower scores and a slower more regular increase with age in European women. Vascularization signs increased steadily with age in European women compared to no significant change in Chinese women.

Conclusions

Marked differences were observed in the skin ageing process between European and Chinese populations, both in the prevalence of each facial ageing sign and their kinetics. Automatic grading performed on selfies and analysed by A.I is a fast and confidential method for quantifying signs of facial ageing and identifying the main issues for each population and age‐class, which is of practical interest, as it will allow the development of tailored prevention and therapeutic measures.
Phototherapy and topical treatments for cutaneous graft vs. host disease in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: a scoping review
Authors: Rostagno E. , Campanati A. , Mordini N. , Cannici C. , Cioce M. , De Cecco V. , Samarani E. , Foà R. , Olivieri A. , Botti S.
Published: March 2022

Skin is usually the first and most affected organ involved in graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), and treatment is still a clinical challenge. Although the need for skin‐directed treatments such as physical treatments and topical medications are generally agreed on, what the gold standard treatment strategy should be remains open to debate. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the current knowledge on the topical and physical treatments of cutaneous GvHD in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients and to highlight the best evidence available so as to reduce the gap between ‘what is known’ and ‘what is done’ in the clinical practice. Twenty‐eight studies were included in this qualitative synthesis. Photo‐biomodulation with psoralen was not included in this review. Phototherapy (ultraviolet A or B or narrowband B) was the physical treatment most described in the literature in both acute GvHD and chronic GvHD. Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream as well as corticosteroid creams such as clobetasol and triamcinolone are mainly used in case of chronic GvHD. In all of the studies included in the review, topical treatments were always associated with systemic therapy. None of the topical interventions identified in our review provided strong evidence supporting its use, and the topical approaches seemed to have an adjuvant role in the treatment of cutaneous GvHD.
A new microsporidian parasite, Ordospora pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae), of Daphnia longispina highlights the value of genomic data for delineating species boundaries
Authors: de Albuquerque Nathalia R. M. , Haag Karen L. , Fields Peter D. , Cabalzar Andrea , Ben‐Ami Frida , Pombert Jean‐François , Ebert Dieter
Published: March 2022

Speciation is a complex and continuous process that makes the delineation of species boundaries a challenging task in particular in species with little morphological differentiation, such as parasites. In this case, the use of genomic data is often necessary, such as for the intracellular Microsporidian parasites. Here, we characterize the genome of a gut parasite of the cladoceran Daphnia longispina (isolate FI‐F‐10), which we propose as a new species within the genus Ordospora: Ordospora pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae). FI‐F‐10 closest relative, Ordospora colligata is only found in D. magna. Both microsporidian species share several morphological features. Although it is not possible to estimate divergence times for Microsporidia due to the lack of fossil records and accelerated evolutionary rates, we base our proposal on the phylogenomic and genomic distances between both microsporidian lineages. The phylogenomic reconstruction shows that FI‐F‐10 forms an early diverging branch basal to the cluster that contains all known O. colligata strains. Whole‐genome comparisons show that FI‐F‐10 presents a greater divergence at the sequence level than observed among O. colligata strains, and its genomic average nucleotide identity (ANI) values against O. colligata are beyond the intraspecific range previously established for yeast and prokaryotes. Our data confirm that the ANI metrics are useful for fine genetic divergence calibration across Microsporidia taxa. In combination with phylogenetic and ecological data, genome‐based metrics provide a powerful approach to delimitate species boundaries.
Successful invasion of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes is dependent on host cell actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Bonifácio Bruno Souza , Bonfim‐Melo Alexis , Mortara Renato Arruda , Ferreira Éden Ramalho
Published: March 2022

Cellular invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes (MTs) or tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCTs) is a complex process involving host–parasite cellular and molecular interactions. Particularly, the involvement of host cell actin cytoskeleton during trypomastigote invasion is poorly investigated, and still, the results are controversial. In the present work, we compare side by side both trypomastigote forms and employ state‐of‐the‐art live‐cell imaging showing for the first time the dynamic mobilization of host cell actin cytoskeleton to MT and TCT invasion sites. Moreover, cytochalasin D, latrunculin B, and jasplakinolide‐pretreated cells inhibited MT and TCT invasion. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that TCT invasion decreased in RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc‐42 GTPase‐depleted cells, whereas MT invasion decreased only in Cdc42‐and RhoA‐depleted cells. Interestingly, depletion of the three studied GTPases induced a scattered lysosomal distribution throughout the cytosol. These observations indicate that GTPase depletion is sufficient to impair parasite invasion despite the importance of lysosome spread in trypomastigote invasion. Together, our results demonstrate that the host cell actin cytoskeleton plays a direct role during TCT and MT invasion.
Linking vgll3 genotype and aggressive behaviour in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Bangura Paul Bai , Tiira Katriina , Niemelä Petri T. , Erkinaro Jaakko , Liljeström Petra , Toikkanen Anna , Primmer Craig R.
Published: March 2022

We tested the possibility that vgll3, a gene linked with maturation age in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), may be associated with behaviour by measuring aggressiveness and feeding activity in 380 juveniles with different vgll3 genotypes. Contrary to our prediction, individuals with the genotype associated with later maturation (vgll3*LL) were significantly more aggressive than individuals with the genotype associated with earlier maturation (vgll3*EE). Individuals with higher aggression were also significantly lighter in colour and had higher feeding activity. Although higher aggression was associated with higher feeding activity, there was no association between feeding activity and vgll3 genotype. Increased aggression of vgll3*LL individuals was independent of their sex and size, and genotypes did not differ in their condition factor. These results imply that aggressive behaviour may have an energetic cost impairing growth and condition, especially when food cannot be monopolized. This may have implications for individual fitness and aquaculture practices.
Ultra‐processed foods consumption reduces dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in the Mexican population
Authors: Marrón‐Ponce Joaquín A. , Sánchez‐Pimienta Tania G. , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Sonia , Batis Carolina , Cediel Gustavo
Published: March 2022

Background

Currently, 30% of the total energy intake in the Mexican diet comes from ultra‐processed foods. Although its consumption is associated with high intakes of added sugar and saturated fats and low intakes of dietary fibre, there is no evidence regarding its association with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. The present study evaluated the association between ultra‐processed foods consumption with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Mexico.

Methods

Ultra‐processed foods items were identified in a 24‐h recall from a sample of 10,087 participants aged ≥ 1 year. The minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was established by using the Food and Agriculture Organization 10 food group indicators with unprocessed, minimally processed and processed foods. The study conducted multiple linear regression models to evaluate the association between quintiles of energy contribution of ultra‐processed foods with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake.

Results

A high consumption of ultra‐processed foods was associated with a low dietary diversity and micronutrients intake. The association between ultra‐processed foods and MDD was not linear (47.1%, 57.1%, 52.5%, 45.0% and 28.0% of participants achieved the MDD). On the other hand, the association was linear and negatively associated with: niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings are relevant in the context of the double burden of malnutrition currently faced in Mexico. Increasing dietary diversity and micronutrient intake is essential by discouraging ultra‐processed foods consumption. However, other strategies are also needed to promote the dietary diversity and increase the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods.