bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) is a pathophysiological biomarker of early‐stage acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis among pigeon fanciers
Authors: Ji Yuan , Bourke Stephen J. , Spears Mark , Wain Louise V. , Boyd Gavin , Lynch Phillip P. , Cunningham Matthew , Boyd Kenneth , Donnelly Iona , Kohno Nobuoki , McSharry Charles 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying early stages of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is hampered by variable presentation, heterogeneous or undetected causal antigens and lack of gold‐standard biomarkers. Krebs von den Lungen (KL)‐6 is pathophysiological biomarker of alveolar epithelial damage. Pigeon fanciers, susceptible to HP, provide a model to investigate early HP.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that plasma concentrations of KL‐6 are increased in early‐stage acute HP.MethodsClinical history, spirometry and blood samples were obtained from pigeon fanciers, 20 with intermittent acute symptoms indicative of developing HP, 27 with no symptoms and 10 healthy subjects with no avian exposure. Plasma KL‐6 (units/mL) and pigeon antigen‐specific IgG antibody were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Blood lymphocytes were quantified by flow cytometry and antigen specificity by in vitro cytokine production.ResultsKL‐6 was higher in fanciers than controls, median (IQR) 452 (244, 632) vs 274 (151, 377), P = .01. Although fanciers with symptoms had similar antigen exposure and lung function, they had higher KL‐6 than those without, 632 (468, 1314) vs 320 (200, 480), P < .001. KL‐6 correlated with IgG antibody titre in those with symptoms, r = .591, P = .006. High KL‐6, irrespective of symptom category, was associated with higher antibody (P = .006) and lymphocyte proliferation (P = .041), and lower CD4+ T lymphocyte proportion (P = .032).Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceRaised KL‐6 is associated with acute symptoms of early‐stage HP, and its correlation with antibody may support therapeutic strategies when HP is suspected. KL‐6 may act as a mechanistic biomarker of early pathogenesis by linking lung pathophysiological changes with an endotype of immune hypersensitivity.
Local translations of a universal concept: ‘Child Perspective’ in Swedish social assistance
Authors: Pålsson David , Wiklund Stefan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn recent years, scholars have called for studies exploring how key concepts originating from the children's rights discourse are understood in local contexts. In Sweden, national policy advocates that a child perspective should guide social assistance (SA), a cash benefit constituting society's last safety net. The study analyses the child perspective as an idea (i.e. an ambiguous principle), which is translated (i.e. reformulated and interpreted) at the local level. The findings indicate multiple and partly inconsistent translations of a child perspective. The study argues that it is unclear what adopting a child perspective implies for children in families receiving SA.
Altered amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity in drug‐resistant epilepsy patients with vagal nerve stimulators under different current intensity
Authors: Zhu Jin , Xu Cuiping , Zhang Xi , Qiao Liang , Wang Xueyuan , Zhang Xiaohua , Yan Xiaoming , Ni Duanyu , Yu Tao , Zhang Guojun , Li Yongjie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) remain unclear. This study aimed to measure spontaneous brain activity changes caused by VNS in DRE patients using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI).MethodsThe rs‐fMRI scans were performed in 16 DRE patients who underwent VNS surgery. Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) was generated and examined using paired sample t‐test to compare activity changes at different current intensity stage. The preoperative and postoperative ALFF/ReHo were also compared in eight responders (≥50% reduction of seizure frequency three months after surgery) and eight nonresponders using paired sample t‐test.ResultsThe significant ALFF and ReHo changes were shown in various cortical/subcortical structures in patients under different current intensity. After three months of stimulation, responders exhibited increased ALFF in the right middle cingulate gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left cerebellum, and increased ReHo in the right postcentral gyrus, left precuneus, left postcentral gyrus, right superior parietal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus. Nonresponders exhibited decreased ALFF in the left temporal lobe and right cerebellum, increased ALFF in bilateral brainstem, decreased ReHo in bilateral lingual gyri, and increased ReHo in the right middle frontal gyrus and right anterior cingulate gyrus.ConclusionsThe spontaneous neural activity changes in DRE patients caused by VNS were in an ongoing process. Increased ALFF/ReHo in frontal cortex, cingulate gyri, precentral/postcentral gyri, parahippocampal gyri, precuneus, parietal cortex, and cerebellum may implicate in VNS‐induced improvement in seizure frequency.
Concomitant positive patch test reactions in FreeStyle‐allergic patients sensitized to isobornyl acrylate
Authors: Dendooven Ella , Foubert Kenn , Goossens An , Gilles Philippe , De Borggraeve Wim , Pieters Luc , Lambert Julien , Aerts Olivier 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundConcomitant positive patch test reactions in patients sensitized to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) have rarely been documented.ObjectivesTo report concomitant sensitizations in patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre and sensitized to IBOA.MethodsIn 2019, 26 patients with suspected ACD from FreeStyle Libre were patch tested to a baseline series and to a (meth) acrylate series containing IBOA and 2‐phenoxyethyl acrylate (PEA) 0.1% pet. Diabetes devices and patch test preparations were analyzed with gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) for the presence of IBOA and PEA.ResultsOf the 26 patients, 18 (69%) were sensitized to IBOA, and eight (44%) and 11 (61%) of these were co‐sensitized to sesquiterpene lactones and fragrances, respectively. Ten patients (56%) were co‐sensitized to PEA, which, contrary to IBOA, could not be detected in any device. The PEA test material was shown to be contaminated with IBOA.ConclusionsContact allergy to IBOA appears to be declining and IBOA‐sensitized patients are most often co‐sensitized to sesquiterpene lactones and fragrances. Vigilance is required when patch testing (acrylate) materials obtained from industry, as these might be contaminated and, hence, alter the results and their interpretation.
Optimal sizing and placement of multiple renewable distribution generation and DSTATCOM in radial distribution systems using hybrid lightning search algorithm‐simplex method optimization algorithm
Authors: Chinnaraj Sakthi Gokul Rajan , Kuppan Ravi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this literature, the simultaneous placement of both the Renewable Distribution Generation (DG) and Distribution STATCOM (DSTATCOM) in the Radial Distribution System (RDS) for Power Loss Minimization (PLM) is discussed. Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF) is initially applied to discover the candidate location of DG and DSTATCOM in RDS. The effective Hybrid Lightning Search Algorithm‐Simplex Method (LSA‐SM) is used to compute the optimal sizing of DG and D‐STATCOM. The performance of the proposed method is tested separately on both IEEE33 and IEEE69 RDS test systems. The improvement in system Voltage Profile and operational stability before and after the allocation of DG and DSTATCOM is discussed. The improved system Voltage Stability Index values for different cases are plotted. The performance of the proposed method is compared with similar existing methods.
Counting is not Enough. Modelling Relevance in Art Exhibition Ecosystems
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ortega Nuria , Suárez Juan‐Luis , Varona Daniel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe authors present a conceptual and mathematical model for an art institution relevance index that quantifies the institution’s ability to manage and leverage its loan relationships with other art institutions, art collectors, and curators. The propose that their model innovates on prior methods descriptions of institution relevance based on the depth or size of an institution’s collections, by introducing a more complex combination of the institution’s ability to manage the type, frequency and range of lending and borrowing practices. Their mixed methods approach is based on combining traditional methods of art history that have relied on subjective accounts of an institution’s collection value with a more formalized methodological approach to quantifying what was once a discourse of practice. The show that a limitation in traditional approaches to evaluating institutional impact relied on subjective interpretation and is not scalable and therefore cannot account for the importance of the global art exhibition ecosystems.
Medical cannabis and cognitive performance in middle to old adults treated for chronic pain
Authors: Sznitman Sharon R. , Vulfsons Simon , Meiri David , Weinstein Galit 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsCannabis exposure is becoming more common in older age but little is known about how it is associated with brain health in this population. This study assesses the relationship between long‐term medical cannabis (MC) use and cognitive function in a sample of middle‐aged and old chronic pain patients.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among chronic pain patients aged 50+ years who had MC licenses (n = 63) and a comparison group who did not have MC licenses (n = 62). CogState computerised brief battery was used to assess cognitive performance of psychomotor reaction, attention, working memory and new learning. Regression models and Bayesian t‐tests examined differences in cognitive performance in the two groups. Furthermore, the associations between MC use patterns (dosage, cannabinoid concentrations, length and frequency of use and hours since last use) with cognition were assessed among MC licensed patients.ResultsMean age was 63 ± 6 and 60 ± 5 years in the non‐exposed and MC patients, respectively. Groups did not significantly differ in terms of cognitive performance measures. Furthermore, none of the MC use patterns were associated with cognitive performance.Discussion and ConclusionsThese results suggest that use of whole plant MC does not have a widespread impact on cognition in older chronic pain patients. Considering the increasing use of MC in older populations, this study could be a first step towards a better risk–benefit assessment of MC treatment in this population. Future studies are urgently needed to further clarify the implications of late‐life cannabis use for brain health.
Characteristics associated with polypharmacy in people with type 2 diabetes: the Dutch Diabetes Pearl cohort
Authors: van Oort S. , Rutters F. , Warlé‐van Herwaarden M. F. , Schram M. T. , Stehouwer C. D. , Tack C. J. , Abbink E. J. , Wolffenbuttel B. H. , van der Klauw M. M. , DeVries J. H. , Siegelaar S. E. , Sijbrands E. J. , Özcan B. , de Valk H. W. , Silvius B. , Schroijen M. A. , Jazet I. M. , van Ballegooijen A. J. , Beulens J. W. J. , Elders P. J. , Kramers C. ,   the Diabetes Pearl from the Parelsnoer Initiative
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy in a Dutch cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe included people with type 2 diabetes from the Diabetes Pearl cohort, of whom 3886 were treated in primary care and 2873 in academic care (secondary/tertiary). With multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified for line of care, we assessed which sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics were associated with moderate (5–9 medications) and severe polypharmacy (≥10 medications) compared with no polypharmacy (0–4 medications).ResultsMean age was 63 ± 10 years, and 40% were women. The median number of daily medications was 5 (IQR 3–7) in primary care and 7 (IQR 5–10) in academic care. The prevalence of moderate and severe polypharmacy was 44% and 10% in primary care, and 53% and 29% in academic care respectively. Glucose‐lowering and lipid‐modifying medications were most prevalent. People with severe polypharmacy used a relatively large amount of other (i.e. non‐cardiovascular and non‐glucose‐lowering) medication. Moderate and severe polypharmacy across all lines of care were associated with higher age, low educational level, more smoking, longer diabetes duration, higher BMI and more cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsSevere and moderate polypharmacy are prevalent in over half of people with type 2 diabetes in primary care, and even more in academic care. People with polypharmacy are characterized by poorer cardiometabolic status. These results highlight the significance of polypharmacy in type 2 diabetes.
The association between carotid disease, arterial stiffness and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II
Authors: Drinkwater J. J. , Chen F. K. , Brooks A. M. , Davis B. T. , Turner A. W. , Davis T. M. E. , Davis W. A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo determine whether macrovascular disease assessed by carotid ultrasonography and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity are independently associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.MethodsA random subgroup of surviving participants with type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II were invited to take part in this sub‐study in 2018–2019. In addition to standardized questionnaires, a physical examination and fasting biochemical tests, each underwent dilated colour fundus photography, carotid arterial ultrasonography with measurement of the intima–media thickness (IMT) and quantification of the degree of stenosis, and pulse wave analysis calculation of the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). The cross‐sectional association between arterial disease parameters and diabetic retinopathy was assessed using generalized estimating equation models which enabled both eyes to be included in the analysis.ResultsSome 270 participants [mean ± sd age 72 ± 9 years, 153 (57%) men and median (IQR) diabetes duration 15 (11–22) years] were included in analysis. Of 524 assessable eyes, 82 (16%) had diabetic retinopathy. In multivariable analysis, significant independent associates of diabetic retinopathy were age at diabetes diagnosis (inversely), HbA1c, insulin treatment and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (all P ≤ 0.022), as well as cfPWV [odds ratio (OR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.23 per 1 m/s increase; P = 0.008] and common carotid artery (CCA) IMT ≥1 mm (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.21, 7.23; P = 0.018).ConclusionsThe association between diabetic retinopathy and CCA IMT suggests that carotid disease may share cardiovascular risk factors with diabetic retinopathy. The association between diabetic retinopathy and cfPWV may reflect the consequences of altered intravascular haemodynamics.
Territorial rights and colonial wrongs
Authors: Ferguson Benjamin , Veneziani Roberto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhat is wrong with colonialism? The standard—albeit often implicit—answer to this question has been that colonialism was wrong because it violated the territorial rights of indigenous peoples, where territorial rights were grounded on acquisition theories. Recently, the standard view has come under attack: according to critics, acquisition based accounts do not provide solid theoretical grounds to condemn colonial relations. Indeed, historically they were used to justify colonialism. Various alternative accounts of the wrong of colonialism have been developed. According to some, colonialism involved a violation of territorial rights grounded on legitimate state theory. Others reject all explanations of colonialism's wrongfulness based on territorial rights, and argue that colonial practices were wrong because they departed from ideals of economic, social, and political association. In this article, we articulate and defend the standard view against critics: colonialism involved a procedural wrong; this wrong is not the violation of standards of equality and reciprocity, but the violation of territorial rights; and the best foundation for such territorial rights is acquisition based, not legitimacy based. We argue that this issue is not just of historical interest, it has relevant implications for the normative evaluation of contemporary inequalities.
Regional fisheries management organizations and the new biodiversity agreement: Challenge or opportunity?
Authors: Haas Bianca , Haward Marcus , McGee Jeffrey , Fleming Aysha 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn 2018, the international community began formal intergovernmental negotiations over a new legally binding instrument for the protection of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Protecting marine biodiversity is imperative for a sustainable future, and all the different organizations and agreements will have to work together to achieve this common goal. One of the first key principles to be agreed was to “not undermine” the existing legal instruments or mandates of regional and sectoral marine governance organizations. While fisheries are not being discussed during the negotiations, a marine biodiversity agreement is likely to still impact regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), due to overlapping areas of interest. This article aims to firstly, assess the potential constraints posed by the commitment to “not undermine”; secondly, consider how aspects of the biodiversity agreement, such as area‐based management and environmental impact assessments, might enhance RFMOs; and thirdly, suggest meaningful ways to ensure cooperation between RFMOs and the marine biodiversity agreement.
Matrix stiffness‐mediated effects on macrophages polarization and their LOXL2 expression
Authors: Xing Xiaoxia , Wang Yaohui , Zhang Xi , Gao Xiangyu , Li Miao , Wu Sifan , Zhao Yan , Chen Jie , Gao Dongmei , Chen Rongxin , Ren Zhenggang , Zhang Kezhi , Cui Jiefeng 
Published: September 2020

Previously, we reported that the secreted lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under higher stiffness stimulation contributed to the formation of lung premetastatic niche. To further clarify whether matrix stiffness also alters LOXL2 expression in other cells within tumor microenvironment, we developed a gel‐based culture system combined with a model of macrophage polarization to evaluate the effects of matrix stiffness on the polarization of M2 macrophages and their LOXL2 expression. THP‐1 cells cultured on 6KPa, 10KPa, and 16KPa stiffness substrates were first incubated with 100nM phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) for 24 hours and subsequently treated with 20nM interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and 20nM interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) for 48 hours. The polarization states of M2 macrophages under different stiffness stimulation were comparatively analyzed, and their LOXL2 expressions as well as the underlying molecular mechanism were further explored. Our results demonstrated that increased matrix stiffness remarkably strengthened M2 macrophage polarization and promoted their LOXL2 expression. Activation of integrin β5‐FAK‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 pathway participated in matrix stiffness‐mediated HIF‐1α upregulation, and HIF‐1α upregulation resulted in a significant improvement in LOXL2 expression. Additionally, M2 macrophage polarization state and LOXL2 expression in HCC tissues with COL1High/LOXHigh were consistent with the results in vitro, further confirming the regulation roles of matrix stiffness in macrophage polarization and LOXL2 expression. The findings about LOXL2 upregulation in the polarized macrophages under higher stiffness stimulation will be helpful to better understand the underlying mechanism of matrix stiffness‐induced premetastatic niche formation in HCC.
Deep sequencing analysis of serum hepatitis B virus‐RNA during nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy
Authors: Matsuda Shuya , Maekawa Shinya , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Nakakuki Natsuko , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Tatsumi Akihisa , Miura Mika , Amemiya Fumitake , Shindo Hiroko , Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Sato Tadashi , Yamashita Atsuya , Moriishi Kohji , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: September 2020

AimRecently, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐RNA has been reported to be detectable even when HBV particle production is inhibited by nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs). However, the dynamics of the HBV‐RNA sequence compared with those of HBV‐DNA during the emergence of antiviral resistance are yet to be elucidated.MethodsFirst, we quantified serum HBV‐RNA in 181 infected patients, and its relationships with clinical characteristics as well as HBV markers were investigated. Next, we undertook simultaneous deep sequencing of HBV‐RNA/HBV‐DNA and their dynamics among four patients receiving NA therapy who were experiencing viral breakthrough.ResultsSerum HBV‐RNA was detected in 25% (31/123) of cases among patients with HBV without NAs, and the detection rate was significantly high in hepatitis B e antigen‐positive cases with high viral activity. In patients with chronic hepatitis, hepatitis B core‐related antigen was significantly correlated with serum HBV‐RNA irrespective of NA use. In the analysis of the four patients experiencing viral breakthrough, no NA resistance mutation was detected in the serum HBV‐RNA immediately before the breakthrough. However, NA‐resistant sequences appeared at the rates of 0%, 3%, 14%, and 100%, and the NA‐resistant HBV‐RNA sequence rate was correlated with the peak HBV‐DNA titer multiplied by the HBV‐DNA detection duration during the breakthrough (R2 = 0.978) observed before redisappearance of HBV‐DNA following the addition of new NA.ConclusionSerum HBV‐RNA could reflect the transcriptional activity of covalently closed circular DNA and hepatitis B core‐related antigen. The dynamics of HBV‐RNA could help understanding of the turnover process of HBV covalently closed circular DNA in the liver.
Perceptions, needs and preferences of chronic disease self‐management support among men experiencing homelessness in Montreal
Authors: Merdsoy Laura , Lambert Sylvie , Sherman Jessica 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the perceptions, needs and preferences for chronic disease self‐ management (SM) and SM support among men experiencing homelessness.DesignA qualitative interpretive approach was used. Eighteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 homeless men with a chronic disease at an emergency overnight shelter of Welcome Hall Mission (WHM) in Montreal, Quebec. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.ResultsThe majority of participants perceived SM as important, described confidence to perform medical SM behaviours, and creatively adapted their SM behaviours to homelessness. Emotional SM was described as most challenging, as it was intertwined with the experience of homelessness. Three vulnerable groups were identified: (a) those with no social networks, (b) severe physical symptoms and/or (c) co‐morbid mental illness. The preferred mode of delivery for SM support was through consistent contacts with health‐care providers (HCPs) and peer‐support initiatives.Discussion and ConclusionsDespite competing demands to fulfill basic needs, participants valued chronic disease SM and SM support. However, SM support must address complex challenges relating to homelessness including emotional SM, multiple vulnerabilities and barriers to forming relationships with HCPs.