bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated immune aging was correlated with lupus‐associated brain fog in reproductive‐age systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Kalim Handono , Pratama Mirza Zaka , Mahardini Ernes , Winoto Eden Suryoiman , Krisna Pratista Adi , Handono Kusworini 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsCognitive impairment is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with substantial adverse effects on function and quality of life. One hypothesis to understand the mechanisms of cognitive impairment in SLE is accelerated immunosenescence. The aim of this study is to observe the correlation between immunosenescence with cognitive impairment in patients with SLE.MethodsSixty‐one female SLE patient were measured for CD4 and CD8 T cell‐associated senescence markers, including percentage of end‐stage differentiated T cells (CD4 and CD8 T cells expressing CD57+ or loss of CD28 expression), of naïve T cells (CD4+CD45RA+ and CD8+CD45RA+), memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+ and CD8+CD45RO+), and antigen‐experienced T cells (CD4+KLRG1+ and CD8+KLRG1+) which were measured using flow cytometry. One hallmark of immunosenescence called immune risk profile (IRP) was defined by an inverted ratio of CD4 and CD8. Cognitive functions were measured by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) questionnaire.ResultsThirty‐six (59.1%) SLE patients who had IRP develop significantly lower attention and recall from both MMSE (P = .005 and P = .000) and MOCA (P = .017 and P = .000) examinations. Decreased visuospatial ability was also found in patients with IRP measured by MOCA (P = .046). There was a negative correlation between memory CD4+CD45RO+ T cells with recall and visuospatial domain (R = −0.204, P = .039 and R = −0.250, P = .033; respectively), and negative correlation between CD8+CD28‐ T cells with recall and attention domain (R = −0.249, P = .027 and R = −0.145, P = .048, respectively).ConclusionSystemic lupus erythematosus patients develop an accelerated immunosenescence which contributes to cognitive dysfunction, especially in attention, recall, and visuospatial domains.
New Petro‐aggression in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia in the Spotlight
Authors: Richter Thomas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThat hydrocarbon abundance may lead to more violence is an established truism in the literature on the resource curse. Looking at the Middle East, however, the literature relates bellicose state behaviour entirely to oil‐producing revolutionary republics. Instead, dynastic monarchies are claimed to be the more peacefully behaving actors. Current developments turn this conclusion upside down, however. Since 2015 at the latest, the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia, the leading monarchy in the Middle East, has transformed from multi‐dependence to petro‐aggression. By discussing this striking transformation, the paper puts forward a framework looking at the interaction of three crucial dimensions: first, the decreasing power projection towards the Middle East by the United States, the decade‐long hegemon, due to gradual changes in world energy markets and war fatigue at home; second, the lasting fiscal potency of the Saudi regime; and, third, the personalization of the Saudi monarchy under King Salman as a historically contingent result of transferring power to the generation of Ibn Saud's grandsons.
Monocytes present age‐related changes in phospholipid concentration and decreased energy metabolism
Authors: Saare Mario , Tserel Liina , Haljasmägi Liis , Taalberg Egon , Peet Nadežda , Eimre Margus , Vetik Rait , Kingo Külli , Saks Kai , Tamm Riin , Milani Lili , Kisand Kai , Peterson Pärt 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAge‐related changes at the cellular level include the dysregulation of metabolic and signaling pathways. Analyses of blood leukocytes have revealed a set of alterations that collectively lower their ability to fight infections and resolve inflammation later in life. We studied the transcriptomic, epigenetic, and metabolomic profiles of monocytes extracted from younger adults and individuals over the age of 65 years to map major age‐dependent changes in their cellular physiology. We found that the monocytes from older persons displayed a decrease in the expression of ribosomal and mitochondrial protein genes and exhibited hypomethylation at the HLA class I locus. Additionally, we found elevated gene expression associated with cell motility, including the CX3CR1 and ARID5B genes, which have been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of two genes, PLA2G4B and ALOX15B, which belong to the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway involved in phosphatidylcholine conversion to anti‐inflammatory lipoxins, correlated with increased phosphatidylcholine content in monocytes from older individuals. We found age‐related changes in monocyte metabolic fitness, including reduced mitochondrial function and increased glycose consumption without the capacity to upregulate it during increased metabolic needs, and signs of increased oxidative stress and DNA damage. In conclusion, our results complement existing findings and elucidate the metabolic alterations that occur in monocytes during aging.
Randomised, controlled, double‐blind study of combination therapy of oral tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Shihab Nahla , Prihartono Joedo , Tovar‐Garza Andrea , Agustin Triana , Legiawati Lili , Pandya Amit G 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesMelasma is a common pigmentary disorder for which oral tranexamic acid has shown some efficacy in previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of oral tranexamic acid in combination with hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma.MethodsSubjects with moderate‐to‐severe melasma were enrolled. Group A received hydroquinone 4% cream, sunscreen and oral tranexamic acid, while Group B received hydroquinone 4% cream, sunscreen and placebo capsules for 3 months. All subjects had an additional 3‐month follow‐up visit on sunscreen alone. The primary outcome measure was change in modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. In addition, the melanin index was measured using a mexameter.ResultsFifty subjects were enrolled, and all completed the study. There was a 55% reduction in mMASI after 3 months from mean 8.96 (SD 2.45) to 4.0 (SD 1.6) in Group A compared to 10.9% from mean 8.53 (SD 2.04) to 7.6 (SD 2.0) in Group B. Three months after oral and topical therapy was discontinued, there was a 42% decrease in mMASI compared to baseline in Group A (mean 5.1 SD 1.7) vs. 4.7% in Group B (mean 8.1 SD 2.0). No serious adverse events were observed.ConclusionsA combination of oral tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone is more effective than hydroquinone alone in the treatment of melasma.
Getting the Measure of Employee‐Driven Innovation and Its Workplace Correlates
Authors: Felstead Alan , Gallie Duncan , Green Francis , Henseke Golo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInnovation is traditionally viewed as an activity which involves a small band of highly skilled workers. By examining the results of a British survey of employees, this article breaks with this approach. It makes two distinctive contributions. First, it provides new insights into the extent to which employees of all kinds come up with ideas about improving the work processes they use, the products they make and services they provide. Secondly, it examines the correlates of this behaviour. The results show that the strength of employee involvement, the nature of workplace support and development and performance management are strongly associated with employees’ willingness and ability to come up with innovative ideas. However, some of these features of work have declined in Britain in recent years, while economic outcomes often associated with innovation — such as increased productivity and stronger economic growth — have stalled.
Influence of orographic precipitation on the topographic and erosional evolution of mountain ranges
Authors: Zavala Valeria , Carretier Sébastien , Bonnet Stéphane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe influence of climate on mountain denudation has been the topic of an intense debate for two decades. This debate partly arises from the covariation of rainfall and topography during the growth of mountain ranges, both of which influence denudation. However, the denudational response of this co‐evolution is poorly understood. Here, we use a landscape evolution model where the rainfall evolves according to a prescribed rainfall–elevation relationship. This relationship is a bell curve defined by a rainfall base level, a rainfall maximum and a width around the rainfall peak elevation. This is a first‐order model that fits a large range of orographic rainfall data at the ca. 1‐km spatial scale. We carried out simulations of an uplifting block with an alluvial apron, starting from an initially horizontal surface, and testing different rainfall–elevation relationships. We find that the denudation history is different from that with constant rainfall models. The results essentially depend on the ratio between the final steady‐state summit elevation Hss and the prescribed rainfall peak elevation Hp. This ratio is hard to predict because it depends on the transient coupling of rainfall and elevation. We identified three types of results according to Hss/Hp. If Hss/Hp > 4 (Type I), the denudation rates peak when the summits reach values close to Hp. If Hss/Hp > 1.5 and < 4 (Type II), the denudation is strongly accelerated when the elevation of the summits approaches Hp, and then the denudation increases slowly towards the uplift rate. If Hss/Hp < 1.5 (Type III), the denudation evolution is similar to situations with constant and homogeneous rainfall. In the Type I and II experiments, the mountain top is subjected to aridification once the summits have passed through Hp. To adapt to this reduced rainfall, the slopes increase. This can lead to a paradoxical situation where the mountain relief increases faster, whereas the denudation increases more slowly. The development of orographic precipitation may thus favour the stability of the mean denudation rate in a rising mountain. Despite the model limitations, including a constant rainfall–elevation relationship, our study suggests that the “classical” exponential increase in the denudation rate predicted by constant rainfall models is not the common case. Instead, the common case involves pulses and acceleration of the denudation even in the absence of uplift or global climate variations.
Comparison of 3‐months treatment adherence and estimating residual apnea hypopnea index between home versus in‐laboratory auto‐titrating positive airway pressure titration
Authors: Aydin Guclu Ozge , Ursavas Ahmet , Kasapoglu Fikret , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Karadag Mehmet 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to assess the accuracy of home titration in estimating apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and optimal pressure values and to compare improvements in subjective daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and quality of life, along with 3‐months treatment adherence of patients that received at‐home versus in‐laboratory auto‐titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) titration.Materials and MethodsIn patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), a study arm of laboratory attended APAP titration was compared with a study arm of home titration using an APAP device for three days. Subjective questionnaires were evaluated before and after 3 months of treatment.ResultsFifty‐three patients with newly diagnosed OSAS were enrolled. There was a significant positive correlation between PSG AHI and APAP AHI (rs = 0.43, P = 0.003) and the fixed pressure for the APAP arm was positively correlated with the APAP PSG arm of the study (rs = 0.71, P < 0.001). When the Bland‐Altman graphs were compared, it was seen that the measurements obtained by the APAP AHI method were 0.3 units higher than the PSG AHI measurements, and that the mean of the measurement differences between the two methods was not different than 0 (P [H0: Mean = 0] = 0.551). After 3 months of treatment, average nightly use was slightly higher in the APAP arm (P = 0.387).ConclusionsThe results indicate that both titration methods were not clinically inferior in terms of a fixed optimal pressure, residual events, 3‐months treatment adherence and change in subjective sleepiness, sleep quality and quality of life after treatment.
On the domain specificity of the mechanisms underpinning spontaneous anticipatory looks in false‐belief tasks
Authors: Surian Luca , Franchin Laura 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMany studies proposed that infants' and adults' looking behavior suggest a spontaneous and implicit ability to reason about others' beliefs. It has been argued, however, that these successes are false positives due to domain‐general processes, such as retroactive interference. In this study, we investigated the domain specificity of mechanisms underpinning participants' looking behavior by manipulating the dynamic cues in the event stimuli. Infants aged 15 and 20 months and adults saw animation events in which either a self‐moving triangle, or a hand holding an identical inert triangle, chased an animated disk. Most 20‐month‐olds and adults showed belief congruent anticipatory looks in the agent‐triangle condition, whereas they showed no bias in the inert triangle control condition. These results are not consistent with submentalizing accounts based on domain‐general low‐level processes and provide further support for domain‐specific explanations positing an early‐emerging mentalistic reasoning.
Acute non‐ambulatory tetraparesis in a 6‐month‐old Standardbred weanling caused by a cervical vertebral epidural haematoma
Authors: MacMillan K. , Bourque A. , Perry L. , Stoughton W. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryA 6‐month‐old Standardbred weanling presented with acute non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. Cranial nerve examination was normal and neuroanatomic localisation suggested there was a focal C1‐C5 spinal cord lesion. Post‐mortem examination identified a cervical vertebral epidural haematoma at the level of C2‐C3 causing spinal cord compression and neurological deficits. Histological examination determined the haematoma was several weeks old making the lesion chronic. Since the clinical progression was acute, this suggests an acute on chronic pathophysiology. Even with no history of trauma, an epidural haematoma should be on the differential list in young horses with acute tetraparesis.
Genome‐wide association study of word reading: Overlap with risk genes for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Price Kaitlyn M. , Wigg Karen G. , Feng Yu , Blokland Kirsten , Wilkinson Margaret , He Gengming , Kerr Elizabeth N. , Carter Tasha‐Cate , Guger Sharon L. , Lovett Maureen W. , Strug Lisa J. , Barr Cathy L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReading disabilities (RD) are the most common neurocognitive disorder, affecting 5% to 17% of children in North America. These children often have comorbid neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The genetics of RD and their overlap with other disorders is incompletely understood. To contribute to this, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for word reading. Then, using summary statistics from neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders, we computed polygenic risk scores (PRS) and used them to predict reading ability in our samples. This enabled us to test the shared aetiology between RD and other disorders. The GWAS consisted of 5.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two samples; a family‐based sample recruited for reading difficulties in Toronto (n = 624) and a population‐based sample recruited in Philadelphia [Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC)] (n = 4430). The Toronto sample SNP‐based analysis identified suggestive SNPs (P ~ 5 × 10−7) in the ARHGAP23 gene, which is implicated in neuronal migration/axon pathfinding. The PNC gene‐based analysis identified significant associations (P < 2.72 × 10−6) for LINC00935 and CCNT1, located in the region of the KANSL2/CCNT1/LINC00935/SNORA2B/SNORA34/MIR4701/ADCY6 genes on chromosome 12q, with near significant SNP‐based analysis. PRS identified significant overlap between word reading and intelligence (R2 = 0.18, P = 7.25  × 10−181), word reading and educational attainment (R2 = 0.07, P = 4.91 × 10−48) and word reading and ADHD (R2 = 0.02, P = 8.70 × 10−6; threshold for significance = 7.14 × 10−3). Overlap was also found between RD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as top‐ranked genes were previously implicated in autism by rare and copy number variant analyses. These findings support shared risk between word reading, cognitive measures, educational outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Women With Chronic Migraines
Authors: Crawford Megan R. , Luik Annemarie I. , Espie Colin A. , Taylor Hannah L. , Burgess Helen J. , Jones Alex L. ,   Rush University Sleep Research Team, Ong Jason C. 
Published: February 2020

Objective/BackgroundInsomnia commonly co‐occurs with chronic migraines (CM). Non‐pharmacological treatments for insomnia in CM patients remain understudied. This is a proof‐of‐concept study, which aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT‐I) for individuals with CM and insomnia (CM‐I) in the United States.MethodsWe recruited 42 females with CM‐I symptoms from a U.S.‐based observational cohort and from the general population via advertisements. Within a multiple baseline design, participants were randomized to receive dCBT‐I after 2, 4, or 6 weeks of completing baseline sleep diaries. DCBT‐I was scrutinized against benchmarks for completion rates (≥90% to complete dCBT‐I), acceptability (≥80% to find dCBT‐I acceptable), and posttreatment changes in insomnia symptoms (≥50% indicating a clinically relevant improvement in their insomnia symptoms). As a secondary measure, we also reported percentage of individuals reverting to episodic migraines.ResultsOut of 42 randomized, 35 (83.3%) completed dCBT‐I within the 12 weeks provided. Of these completers, 33 (94.3%) reported being satisfied (n = 16) or very satisfied (n = 17) with treatment. Additionally, 65.7% of completers responded to treatment as per universally accepted criteria for insomnia. Lastly, 34% of completers reverted from CM to episodic migraine.ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of dCBT‐I in patients with CM‐I complaints. Effects of improving insomnia and migraines were suggested. These results indicate that a randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the efficacy of dCBT‐I in CM patients.
Efficacy and safety of plasma gel as a new modality in treatment of atrophic acne scars
Authors: Elfar Nashwa N. , Hasby Eiman A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPostacne scarring is an unfortunate and frequent complication of acne, with varied morphological forms and associated significant psychological distress to patients.Aim of the workTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of plasma gel injection alone and in combination with microneedling in treatment of atrophic postacne scars.Patients and methodsSixty patients with atrophic postacne scars were enrolled in this single blinded randomized controlled study. The patients were divided into three groups with 20 patients being treated with intradermal injection of plasma gel, 20 patients treated with dermaroller, and 20 patients subjected to combined plasma gel and dermaroller. Patients received four sessions at monthly intervals and were evaluated by clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in postacne scars after treatment in all studied groups with variable degrees; the combined technique showed the best clinical improvement in postacne scars. There was an increase in newly formed collagen and elastic fibers with more organized and condensed bundles after the end of treatment.ConclusionPlasma gel showed a remarkable improvement for most patients after one session, providing a quick and easy solution for acne scars. The combination of dermaroller and plasma gel potentiated its effect with more improvement in scars.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Philippines (a country report)
Authors: Sison Jorge , Divinagracia Romeo , Nailes Jennifer 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIncidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the Philippines based on the Philippine Heart Association survey among hospital‐based population showed hypertension as the highest (38.6%), followed by stroke (30%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (17.5%), and heart failure (10.4%). Based on Philippine FNRI data, the prevalence of coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial diseases were 1.1%, 0.9%, and 1.0%, respectively. Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence were the following: diabetes at 3.9%, dyslipidemia at 72%, smoking at 31%, obesity at 4.9% (BMI), and 10.2% and 65.6% by waist‐hip ratio in men and women, respectively. In a more recent study on risk factors, urban dwellers were more hypertensive, overweight, obese, and with impaired fasting glucose. More smokers and dyslipidemia by high TC, high non‐HDL‐C, and low HDL‐C were seen in those living in the rural areas. Subjects with higher level of education were more overweight, obese and have dyslipidemia by a high TC, TG, and LDL‐C while there were more smokers, low HDL‐C, and hypertensive participants who have reached a lower level of education. Latest data on prevalence of hypertension were 28% equal for males and females. Unaware was 9%. Treatment rate was 56%, compliance was 57%, and BP control rate was 20%. Antihypertensive medications used were beta‐blockers (36%), calcium channel blockers (CCB) (33%), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (28%), ACE inhibitors (5%), and centrally acting agents (4%). Mortality from CVD was stroke, mostly infarct (22.6%), myocardial infarction (6.5%), and Heart Failure (6.5%)
Phototherapy in the perspective of the chronicity of psoriasis
Authors: van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , de Gruijl F.R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAccording to the guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis, phototherapy is given in courses of UVB exposure starting at 50–70% of the minimal erythema dose, MED, with subsequently incremental dosages, but keeping erythemal skin reactions to a minimum by restraining the dosages when necessary. In this review, this classical principle of short‐term near erythematogenic UVB therapy without further UVB maintenance therapy is challenged as it is evidently not optimal for psoriasis as a chronic condition. There is old experimental evidence supplemented with growing knowledge on the mode of action of phototherapy and more recent data on low‐level UVB regimens as maintenance therapy that should urge us to revisit our guidelines on phototherapy to address psoriasis for what it is: a chronic condition.