bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone and statins lower incidence of Parkinson disease in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chang Y.‐Hu. , Yen S.‐J. , Chang Y.‐Ha. , Wu W.‐J. , Lin K.‐D. 
Published: September 2020

Background and purposeThe pharmacologic effects of pioglitazone on the incidence of Parkinson disease (PD) are not clear. No study has examined the interaction between pioglitazone and statin treatment on prevention of PD. This study analyzed the associations between pioglitazone, statins, and the incidence of PD in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan.MethodsWe used the National Health Insurance database from 1996 to 2013. DM and PD were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We used the propensity score‐matching method to match the study groups. Cox regression analyses were employed to calculate the relative risk of the incidence of PD.ResultsThere were 48 828 patients matched and categorized equally into the pioglitazone group and the non‐pioglitazone group. The number of PD patients in the pioglitazone group and the non‐pioglitazone group was 275 (1.1%) and 417 (1.7%), respectively. The pioglitazone group had a lower incidence of PD, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.78], and this benefit was dose‐dependent. Of note, as compared with either pioglitazone or statin treatment, our results first showed that the combination of pioglitazone and statins further lowered the risk of PD, with an aHR of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.64–0.94; P = 0.010).ConclusionsOur study results suggested that pioglitazone could be a promising agent for reducing the incidence of PD in patients with DM, and works synergistically with statins.
Secondary forests offset less than 10% of deforestation‐mediated carbon emissions in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Smith Charlotte C. , Espírito‐Santo Fernando D. B. , Healey John R. , Young Paul J. , Lennox Gareth D. , Ferreira Joice , Barlow Jos 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSecondary forests are increasing in the Brazilian Amazon and have been cited as an important mechanism for reducing net carbon emissions. However, our understanding of the contribution of secondary forests to the Amazonian carbon balance is incomplete, and it is unclear to what extent emissions from old‐growth deforestation have been offset by secondary forest growth. Using MapBiomas 3.1 and recently refined IPCC carbon sequestration estimates, we mapped the age and extent of secondary forests in the Brazilian Amazon and estimated their role in offsetting old‐growth deforestation emissions since 1985. We also assessed whether secondary forests in the Brazilian Amazon are growing in conditions favourable for carbon accumulation in relation to a suite of climatic, landscape and local factors. In 2017, the 129,361 km2 of secondary forest in the Brazilian Amazon stored 0.33 ± 0.05 billion Mg of above‐ground carbon but had offset just 9.37% of old‐growth emissions since 1985. However, we find that the majority of Brazilian secondary forests are situated in contexts that are less favourable for carbon accumulation than the biome average. Our results demonstrate that old‐growth forest loss remains the most important factor determining the carbon balance in the Brazilian Amazon. Understanding the implications of these findings will be essential for improving estimates of secondary forest carbon sequestration potential. More accurate quantification of secondary forest carbon stocks will support the production of appropriate management proposals that can efficiently harness the potential of secondary forests as a low‐cost, nature‐based tool for mitigating climate change.
What does the character of urban technology reveals about convergence versus divergence of innovation in China?—A technical lens to evaluate regional economic development
Authors: Chen Xiangdong , Lv Ping , Xue Shaofang , Li Ming 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRegional technology characters (TCs) are studied in this paper to find whether innovation in Chinese cities leads to technology converging, or technology divergence, in both the intra‐city and inter‐city scales, with which regional economic development strength may be better explained. Based on a literature review on the subject, a two‐dimensional research framework and relevant technical lens are designed to clarify TC in cities composed of parameters on Technology Strength (TS) versus Technology Angle (TA). By applying Principle Component Analysis, a technical lens is made possible based on extracted parameters on three integrated technology dimensions for measuring TSs and TAs over 117 Chinese sample cities with invention patent data covering 21 technology field between 2005/2006 and 2015/2016. Technology convergence versus divergence are examined for 28/24 sample cities beyond average score, and the research findings indicate that technology divergence in Chinese cities can be confirmed at the inter‐city level, even partially at the intra‐city level. This finding holds for most sample cities with fairly large and modest TSs, while intra‐city technology converging is significant, especially for larger sized TS samples, however they also differ on different dimensions. This may imply that urban economic development in China is technical based and differentiated.
The detection of isochromosome i(12p) in malignant germ cell tumours and tumours with somatic malignant transformation by the use of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Fichtner Alexander , Richter Annika , Filmar Simon , Gaisa Nadine T , Schweyer Stefan , Reis Henning , Nettersheim Daniel , Oing Christoph , Gayer Fabian A , Leha Andreas , Küffer Stefan , Ströbel Philipp , Kaulfuß Silke , Bremmer Felix 
Published: September 2020

AimsMalignant germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis are rare neoplasms, but the most common solid malignancies in young men. World Health Organization guidelines divide GCTs into five types, for which numerous immunohistochemical markers allow exact histological subtyping in the majority of cases. In contrast, a germ cell origin is often hard to prove in metastatic GCTs that have developed so‐called somatic malignant transformation. A high percentage, up to 89%, of GCTs are characterised by the appearance of isochromosome 12p [i(12p)]. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation has been the most common diagnostic method for the detection of i(12p) so far, but has the disadvantages of being time‐consuming, demanding, and not being a stand‐alone method. The aim of the present study was to establish a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay as an independent method for detecting i(12p) and regional amplifications of the short arm of chromosome 12 by using DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue.Methods and resultsA cut‐off value to distinguish between the presence and absence of i(12p) was established in a control set consisting of 36 tumour‐free samples. In a training set of 149 GCT samples, i(12p) was detectable in 133 tumours (89%), but not in 16 tumours (11%). In a test set containing 27 primary and metastatic GCTs, all 16 tumours with metastatic spread and/or somatic malignant transformation were successfully identified by the detection of i(12p).ConclusionIn summary, the qPCR assay presented here can help to identify, further characterise and assign a large proportion of histologically inconclusive malignancies to a GCT origin.
Integrative histopathological and immunophenotypical characterisation of the inflammatory microenvironment in spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms
Authors: Hillen Lisa M , Vandyck Hendrik L D , Leunissen Daphne J G , de Greef Bianca T A , Bosisio Francesca M , zur Hausen Axel , van den Oord Joost , Winnepenninckx Véronique 
Published: September 2020

AimsThe role of inflammation in conventional cutaneous melanoma has been extensively studied, whereas only little is known about the inflammatory microenvironment and immunogenic properties of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms. The composition of infiltrating immune cells and the architectural distribution of the inflammation, in particular, are still obscure. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to systematically characterise the inflammatory patterns and the leucocyte subsets in spitzoid melanocytic lesions.Methods and resultsWe examined 79 spitzoid neoplasms including banal Spitz naevi (SN, n = 50), atypical Spitz tumours (AST, n = 17) and malignant Spitz tumours (MST, n = 12) using histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Spitzoid melanocytic lesions showed a high frequency (67.1%, n = 53 of 79) of inflammation. Four inflammatory patterns were identified according to architectural composition, distribution and intensity of inflammation. The majority of the inflammatory infiltrate corresponded to CD3+/CD8+ T lymphocytes (56.1%), followed by CD3+/CD4+ T cells (35.7%) and CD68+ histiocytes (20.3%). CD3+/TIA‐1+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes constituted 3.7% of inflammatory cells. Rarely, CD3+/ granzyme B+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (2.7%) and CD138+ plasma cells (0.5%) were detected in the infiltrating immune cells. There was no significant difference in the inflammatory cellular composition among the spitzoid melanocytic subgroups (SN versus AST versus MST).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that Spitz tumours are highly immunogenic lesions. Inflammation with the presence of lymphocytic aggregates predominated in SN, but was not distinctive for this melanocytic category. A strong and intense inflammation was suggestive of an underlying malignancy. The infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocyte subsets in Spitz tumours deserve further investigation in larger study cohorts to elucidate prognostic and immuno‐oncological therapeutic relevance.
Oral health perception and plight of patients of schizophrenia
Authors: Agarwal Deepali , Kumar Adarsh , B. C. Manjunath , Kumar Vijay , Sethi Sujata 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the oral health status, perception and dental treatment needs in patients of schizophrenia in the hospital set‐up in Rohtak district, Haryana.Methods and resultA cross‐sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health in patients of schizophrenia at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana amongst patients with ≤48 score on BPRS. A modified Dental Coping Belief Scale along with a structured questionnaire and clinical examination were recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in relation to demographic variables. Amongst 111 subjects, 74.4% were males and the mean age was 34.73 ± 9.9 years. Around 77.5% had habit of regular mouth rinsing, 72% and 3% brushed their teeth once and twice daily, respectively. Subjects had high negative oral health beliefs and external locus of control for oral health. Compared to the general population, mean OHI (8.4 ± 2.5) and DMFT (3.09 ± 2.9) scores were higher. Nearly, 66% patients had gingival pockets and around 7% showed attachment loss above 3 mm or gingival recession.ConclusionPatients with schizophrenia have much poorer oral health as compared to general population. They are aware of their poor oral hygiene but are not motivated enough to take care of their oral health. A multifaceted approach is required to plan and undertake effective oral health preventive and rehabilitative measures for this special group.
Periprostatic fat thickness quantified by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is an independent risk factor for upstaging from cT1/2 to pT3 in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Iemura Yusuke , Hori Shunta , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Fukui Shinji , Miyake Makito , Matsumura Yoshiaki , Kagebayashi Yoriaki , Samma Shoji , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo analyze the correlation between periprostatic fat thickness on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and upstaging from cT1/2 to pT3 in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated data from men with cT1/2 prostate cancer treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan, between March 2013 and December 2017. We calculated the periprostatic fat thickness and subcutaneous thickness from preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. We divided the cohort into two groups for analysis. Group 1 included patients upstaged from clinical to pathological stage, whereas group 2 included those without upstaging.ResultsData on 220 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. A total of 36 patients were upstaged from clinical T1 or T2 to pathological T3, whereas 184 patients were not upstaged. The upstaging was associated with prostate volume, Gleason score, prostate‐specific antigen density, periprostatic fat thickness, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score based on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed prostate volume (P = 0.03, odds ratio 0.958, 95% confidence interval 0.921–0.996), Gleason score (P = 0.022, odds ratio 2.676, 95% confidence interval 1.153–6.213) and periprostatic fat thickness (P = 0.004, odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.079–1.471) as independent risk factors of upstaging.ConclusionsProstate volume, Gleason score and periprostatic fat thickness on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging are significantly associated with and independent risk factors for upstaging from cT1/2 to pT3 in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
Immunomodulatory effects of berberine on the inflamed joint reveal new therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis management
Authors: Shen Peng , Jiao Yang , Miao Li , Chen Ji‐hua , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir Abbas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome designated by synovial joint inflammation leading to cartilage degradation and bone damage as well as progressive disability. Synovial inflammation is promoted through the infiltration of mononuclear immune cells, dominated by CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), together with fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), into the synovial compartment. Berberine is a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid compound showing various pharmacological properties that are mainly attributed to immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. Several lines of experimental study have recently investigated the therapeutic potential of berberine and its underlying mechanisms in treating RA condition. The present review aimed to clarify determinant cellular and molecular targets of berberine in RA and found that berberine through modulating several signalling pathways involved in the joint inflammation, including PI3K/Akt, Wnt1/β‐catenin, AMPK/lipogenesis and LPA/LPA1/ERK/p38 MAPK can inhibit inflammatory proliferation of FLS cells, suppress DC activation and modulate Th17/Treg balance and thus prevent cartilage and bone destruction. Importantly, these molecular targets may explore new therapeutic targets for RA treatment.
Resistance to natural and synthetic gene drive systems
Authors: Price Tom A. R. , Windbichler Nikolai , Unckless Robert L. , Sutter Andreas , Runge Jan‐Niklas , Ross Perran A. , Pomiankowski Andrew , Nuckolls Nicole L. , Montchamp‐Moreau Catherine , Mideo Nicole , Martin Oliver Y. , Manser Andri , Legros Mathieu , Larracuente Amanda M. , Holman Luke , Godwin John , Gemmell Neil , Courret Cécile , Buchman Anna , Barrett Luke G. , Lindholm Anna K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractScientists are rapidly developing synthetic gene drive elements intended for release into natural populations. These are intended to control or eradicate disease vectors and pests, or to spread useful traits through wild populations for disease control or conservation purposes. However, a crucial problem for gene drives is the evolution of resistance against them, preventing their spread. Understanding the mechanisms by which populations might evolve resistance is essential for engineering effective gene drive systems. This review summarizes our current knowledge of drive resistance in both natural and synthetic gene drives. We explore how insights from naturally occurring and synthetic drive systems can be integrated to improve the design of gene drives, better predict the outcome of releases and understand genomic conflict in general.
Improving quality of refined canola oil byliquid–liquidextraction on pilot scale apparatus
Authors: Tiritan Maria Gabriela , Tonial Ivane Benedetti , Dalmolin Irede Angela Lucini , Machado‐Lunkes Alessandra 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this work was to refine expeller‐pressed crude canola oil by pilot scale liquid–liquid extraction with hydrated ethanol as solvent. Quality indices were determined, and shelf life was estimated in the accelerated test. The scale projection was performed based on the results of the pilot scale. The experimental device operates in a batch process with 89.6% yield deacidification and an average of 4.4 contacts per assay. In this process, without bleaching and deodorization steps, physicochemical parameters were according to theCodex Alimentariusstandards, except moisture. In this way, it will be necessary to apply nonthermal techniques to remove water. The major fatty acids identified were oleic and linoleic acid and the absence of trans fatty acids. For the shelf life, the refined oil presented free fatty acids 0.28% and peroxide value 12.65 meq O2kg−1after 24 hr at 65°C. The pilot scale results showed that the technique is suitable to produce edible oils. A liquid–liquid extractor was designed for industrial scale with the total volume will be 12,000 L. To process 6 tons of crude canola oil per day, the unit will be able to produce 1.3 thousand tons per year of refined canola oil.Practical applicationsAfter acid degumming, canola oil was submitted to liquid–liquid extraction, using ethanol as solvent. As a result, two traditional steps of refining vegetable oils have been eliminated: bleaching and deodorization. This fact directly impacts on physical space of industry, maintenance of equipment and need for operators.Transfats were not detected in canola oil, pointing that the technique is efficient in the production of healthier oils, with less environmental impact.
The use of botulinum toxin A in upper lip augmentation
Authors: Li Yunzhu , Chong Yuming , Yu Nanze , Dong Ruijia , Long Xiao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundFull lips are beauty standards. Botulinum toxin A (BTA) paralyzes the orbicularis oris muscle to achieve the eversion of the lip, and thus makes the lip look plump.AimsThis study presents three cases of BTA injection to the lip and evaluates the possible changes in the labial morphology and the lip surface area.MethodsThree patients received a total of 4U BTA injection at the vermilion border of the upper lip. Vectra® H1 3D imaging system was used to capture 3D photographs of the lips before injection and two weeks after injection. Eight linear distances and the upper lip surface area were measured. Anthropometric measurements before and after injection were compared.ResultsPatients displayed a larger upper vermillion height (P = .038) and a smaller cutaneous upper lip height (P = .024). There was a trend for a larger upper lip surface area, but not statistically significant (P = .109). Symptoms of slight perioral muscular palsy and mouth incompetence lasted about one month in three patients.ConclusionBTA helps to enlarge the upper lip and shorten the philtrum. The BTA injection can be an option for lip enhancement with caution.
The Capitalization of Consumer Financing into Durable Goods Prices
Authors: ARGYLE BRONSON , NADAULD TAYLOR , PALMER CHRISTOPHER , PRATT RYAN 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTUsing loan‐level data on millions of used‐car transactions across hundreds of lenders, we study the consumer response to exogenous variation in credit terms. Borrowers offered shorter maturity decrease expenditures enough to offset 60% to 90% of the monthly payment increase. Most of this is driven by shifting toward lower‐quality cars, but affected borrowers offset 20% to 30% of a monthly payment shock by negotiating lower prices for equivalent cars. Our results suggest that durable goods prices adjust to reflect credit terms even at the individual level, with one year of additional loan maturity increasing a car's price by 2.8%.
Low risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 who receive immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , Miralpeix Anna , Costa Josep , López‐Suñé Ester , Laguno Montserrat , Pocurull Anna , Lens Sabela , Mariño Zoe , Forns Xavier 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA significant proportion of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 develop severe respiratory symptoms due to an excessive immune response. Treatment of this condition may include immunosuppressive therapies, such as IL‐6 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids, which pose a risk for patients with active or past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this prospective cohort study, we analysed the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 and resolved HBV infection undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. From 15th March to 30th April 2020, 600 patients with severe COVID‐19 were admitted to our hospital and treated with immune modulators. Data regarding HBV infection were available in 484, of whom 69 (14%) were HBsAg negative/anti‐HBc positive. For these patients, HBV reactivation prophylaxis with entecavir was strongly recommended. Complete follow‐up was available in 61 patients: 72% were male, median age was 67 years, and anti‐HBs was >10 IU/mL in 72%. The immunosuppressive drug most used was tocilizumab (72%). Despite HBV prophylaxis recommendation, 38 (62%) patients received entecavir and 23 (38%) did not. Baseline features of both groups were similar. At follow‐up, we found no cases of HBsAg seroreversion and only 2 (3%) patients (no prophylaxis group) had detectable serum HBV‐DNA (<15 IU/mL). Both were anti‐HBs negative and had normal aminotransferase levels. Our data show that the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 and resolved HBV infection undergoing immunosuppressive treatment is low. However, if a systematic follow‐up after hospital discharge is unfeasible in patients without anti‐HBs, a short course of antiviral prophylaxis may be a safe option.