bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythema multiforme‐like eruption associated with plant‐induced allergic contact dermatitis in a pediatric patient: A case report
Authors: Cattelan Leila , Zargham Hanieh , Sasseville Denis , Maedler Kron Chelsea , Jafarian Fatemeh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old boy presented to the emergency department 5 days after playing in the forest. His initial eruption, consistent with allergic contact dermatitis to poison ivy, progressed into target lesions involving his extremities, palms, upper trunk, and face, consistent with an erythema multiforme‐like eruption. This report details the case and reviews the literature concerning this atypical and potentially underreported complication of plant‐induced allergic contact dermatitis.
Carpet beetle dermatitis mimicking bullous impetigo
Authors: Gumina Megan E. , Yan Albert C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA 13‐year‐old female patient presented with a 3‐month history of recurrent blisters, which ruptured into multiple superficial erosions with overlying crust located on the face, neck, and shoulder. Treatment for presumed bullous impetigo showed no benefit. Samples collected from the patient's home revealed the presence of numerous carpet beetles in a wool rug. Carpet beetle dermatitis resembles papular urticaria but may occasionally present as skin lesions resembling bullous impetigo.
Clinical features of recurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae–induced rash and mucositis
Authors: Liakos William , Xu Amy , Finelt Nika 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe characteristics of patients experiencing recurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae–induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) are not well understood. We aimed to characterize patients with recurrent disease by comparing the demographics, skin and mucosal involvement, seasonality, and treatment to those with single episodes (isolated MIRM).MethodsThis retrospective case series screened all patients seen by our dermatology inpatient consult service from September 2014 to March 2020. Cases were selected based on laboratory and clinical criteria that confirmed a diagnosis of MIRM.ResultsWe identified 13 patients with MIRM: 5 who experienced recurrence (38%) and 8 with isolated, single episodes without recurrence. Mean age was 13.6 years for initial episodes in the recurrent patients compared to 11.7 in patients with isolated episodes. All 5 recurrent MIRM patients were male (compared with 75% of isolated MIRM patients) and predominantly Black (60%, compared with 25%). Most episodes overall (isolated and recurrent) occurred from the months of October to February. Recurrences after initial MIRM episode had less severe skin and mucosal findings, often involving only one mucous membrane, less frequent need for hospital admission, and shorter duration of hospital stay. Prophylactic treatments and treatments beyond supportive care were of unclear value.ConclusionsSome characteristics of MIRM differ between patients with recurrent and isolated disease. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for recurrence, which occurred in 38% of our cohort. Although recurrences after initial MIRM episode tended to be less severe, there is still potential for prolonged hospitalizations with recurrent episodes. More evidence is needed regarding effective preventive and treatment regimens in patients with recurrent MIRM.
Occlusive treatment enhances efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% in a pediatric patient with severe alopecia areata: Case report and literature review
Authors: Bimbi César , Kyriakou Georgia , Wollina Uwe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTacrolimus is an immunomodulatory drug, available for topical and systemic treatment of several dermopathies that are characterized by immune dysregulation. In the case of alopecia areata, standard application has proven insufficient to yield satisfactory results. Herein, we present a 6‐year‐old patient with Down syndrome who was treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment under occlusion overnight with remarkable clinical improvement within 4 months.
Clinical features of very‐low‐birthweight infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Tomotaki Hiroko , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Tomotaki Seiichi , Shimokaze Tomoyuki , Kim Ki‐Sung , Kawataki Motoyoshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated the developmental prognosis of very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants with congenital heart diseases (CHDs). This study aimed to determine the mortality and morbidity, including the developmental prognosis, of VLBW infants with CHD.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective cohort study included VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2006 to December 2011. Perinatal records were reviewed for CHD diagnosis, treatment details, comorbidities, mortality, and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The characteristics and neurological developmental quotients at around the age of 3 years were compared among the following three groups of VLBW infants with CHDs: biventricular circulation without intervention (without surgery), biventricular circulation with intervention (catheter intervention or one‐stage surgery), and single‐ventricular circulation (Fontan‐type multiple‐stage surgery).ResultsAmong a total of 449 VLBW infants admitted during this period, 45 (10.0%) infants had CHDs, including 25 infants with congenital abnormalities (chromosomal abnormalities and/or multiple anomalies). All 13 infants who died before discharge had congenital abnormalities. The incidence rates of comorbidities were not higher in VLBW infants with CHDs than in those without CHDs. The developmental quotients of the no‐surgery, catheter intervention or one‐stage surgery, and Fontan‐type multiple‐stage surgery groups were 87.2 ± 10.9, 91.3 ± 4.7, and 63.7 ± 8.6, respectively.ConclusionsThe neurological development at around the age of 3 years in VLBW infants with biventricular circulation was in the borderline‐to‐normal range; however, that in infants with single‐ventricular circulation was poor. Further studies are needed to comprehend the neurological development of VLBW infants with CHDs better.
Beneficial effects of Strongyloides venezuelensis antigen extract in acute experimental toxoplasmosis
Authors: Cristina Borges Araujo Ester , Cariaco Yusmaris , Paulo Oliveira Almeida Marcos , Patricia Pallete Briceño Marisol , Neto de Sousa José Eduardo , Rezende Lima Wânia , Maria Costa‐Cruz Julia , Maria Silva Neide 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution and triggers a strong Th1 immune response in infected susceptible hosts. On the contrary, most helminth infections are characterized by Th2 immune response and the use of helminth‐derived antigens to regulate immune response in inflammatory disorders has been broadly investigated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with Strongyloides venezuelensis antigen extract (SvAg) would alter immune response against T gondii.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T gondii and treated with SvAg, and parasitological, histological and immunological parameters were investigated.ResultsIt was observed that SvAg treatment improved survival rates of T gondii‐infected mice. At day 7 post‐infection, the parasite load was lower in the lung and small intestine of infected SvAg‐treated mice than untreated infected mice. Remarkably, SvAg‐treated mice infected with T gondii presented reduced inflammatory lesions in the small intestine than infected untreated mice and decreased intestinal and systemic levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐6. In contrast, SvAg treatment increased T gondii‐specific IgA serum levels in infected mice.ConclusionsS venezuelensis antigen extract has anti‐parasitic and anti‐inflammatory properties during T gondii infection suggesting as a possible alternative to parasite and inflammation control.
Unraveling the roles of brassinosteroids in alleviating drought stress in young Eucalyptus urophylla plants: Implications on redox homeostasis and photosynthetic apparatus
Authors: Barros Junior Udson O. , Lima Michael D. R. , Alsahli Abdulaziz A. , Lobato Allan K. S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWater deficit is the most limiting abiotic stress to plants because it affects several physiological and biochemical processes. Brassinosteroids, including 24‐epibrassinolide (EBR), are steroids that regulate growth and positively act on gas exchange. This research aims to determine whether EBR can attenuate the negative effects of water deficit, revealing possible contributions of this steroid on photosynthetic machinery of young Eucalyptus urophylla plants under water deficit. The experiment had a completely randomized factorial design with two water conditions (control and water deficit) and three levels of EBR (0, 50, and 100 nM EBR). Water deficit caused a decrease in the levels of total chlorophyll and carotenoids, but these photosynthetic pigments increased by 135 and 226%, respectively, in plants sprayed with EBR when compared to the water deficit + 0 nM EBR treatment. Regarding the antioxidant system, 100 nM EBR induced significant increments in superoxide dismutase (42%), catalase (52%), ascorbate peroxidase (147%), and peroxidase (204%). Steroid application in E. urophylla plants exposed to water deficit increased the effective quantum yield of the photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and electron transport rate. However, interestingly, it decreased the nonphotochemical quenching and relative energy excess at the PSII level, indicating improvements related to PSII efficiency. This research revealed that application of 100 nM EBR attenuated the negative effects caused by water deficit, being explained by the positive repercussions on antioxidant enzyme activities, chloroplastic pigments, PSII efficiency, electron flux, and net photosynthetic rate.
Ecotopic over‐expression of PoCHS from Paeonia ostii altered the fatty acids composition and content in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Peng Li‐Ping , Hao Qing , Men Si‐Qi , Wang Xi‐Ruo , Huang Wen‐Yuan , Tong Ning‐Ning , Chen Mo , Liu Zheng‐An , Ma Xiao‐Feng , Shu Qing‐Yan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChalcone synthase (CHS) is the key enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and has been studied in many plants, but the function of the CHS gene has not been well characterized in Paeonia ostii. In this study, we obtained a CHS homolog gene from P. ostii, which possessed the putative conserved amino acids of chalcone synthase by multiple alignment analysis and demonstrated the highest expression in developing seeds. In vitro assays of the recombinant PoCHS protein confirmed enzymatic activity using malonyl‐CoA and 4‐coumaroyl‐CoA as substrates, and the optimal pH and reaction temperature were 7.5 and 40 °C, respectively. Furthermore, ectopic over‐expression of PoCHS in Arabidopsis up‐regulated the expression levels of genes involved in seed development (ABI), glycolysis (PKp2, PDH‐E1a, and SUS2/3), and especially fatty acid biosynthesis (BCCP2, CAC2, CDS2, FatA, and FAD3). This resulted in an increased unsaturated fatty acid content, especially α‐linolenic acid, in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds. In this study, we examined the functions of CHS homolog of P. ostii and demonstrated its new function in seed fatty acid biosynthesis.
Chitosan nanoparticles enhance developmental competence of in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes
Authors: Roy Pantu Kumar , Qamar Ahmad Yar , Fang Xun , Kim Ghangyong , Bang Seonggyu , De Zoysa Mahanama , Shin Sang Tae , Cho Jongki 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOxidative stress is inevitable as it is derived from the handling, culturing, inherent metabolic activities and medium supplementation of embryos. This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on oxidative damage in porcine oocytes. For this purpose, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from porcine slaughterhouse ovaries were exposed to different concentrations of CNPs (0, 10, 25 and 50 µg/ml) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocytes treated with 25 µg/ml CNPs showed significantly higher levels of GSH, along with a significant reduction in ROS levels compared to control, CNPs10 and CNPs50 groups. In parthenogenetic embryo production, the maturation rate was significantly higher in the CNPs25 group than that in the control and all other treated groups. In addition, when compared to the CNPs50 and control groups, CNPs25‐treated oocytes showed significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst development rates. The highest concentration of CNPs reduced the total cell number and ratio of ICM: TE cells in parthenogenetic embryos, suggesting that there is a threshold where benefits are lost if exceeded. In cloned embryos, the CNPs25 group, as compared to all other treated groups, showed significantly higher maturation and cleavage rates. Furthermore, the blastocyst development rate in the CNPs25‐treated group was significantly higher than that in the CNPs50‐treated group, as was the total cell number. Moreover, we found that cloned embryos derived from the CNPs25‐treated group showed significantly higher expression levels of Pou5f1, Dppa2, and Ndp52il genes, compared with those of the control and other treated groups. Our results demonstrated that 25 µg/ml CNPs treatment during IVM improves the developmental competence of porcine oocytes by reducing oxidative stress.
Will genetic test results be monetized in life insurance?
Authors: Haçarız Oytun , Kleinow Torsten , Macdonald Angus S. , Tapadar Pradip , Thomas R. Guy 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIf life insurers are not permitted to use genetic test results in underwriting, they may face adverse selection. It is sometimes claimed that applicants will choose abnormally high sums insured as a form of financial gamble, possibly financed by life settlement companies (LSCs). The latter possibility is given some credence by the recent experience of “stranger‐originated life insurance” (STOLI) in the United States. We examine these claims, and find them unconvincing for four reasons. First, apparently high mortality implies surprisingly high probabilities of surviving for decades, so the gamble faces long odds. Second, LSCs would have to adopt a different business model, involving much longer time horizons. Third, STOLI is being effectively dealt with by the U.S. courts. Fourth, the gamble would be predicated upon a deep understanding of the genetic epidemiology, which is evolving, subject to uncertain biases, and cannot predict the emergence of effective treatments.
Interleukin 4 deficiency limits the development of a lupus‐like disease in mice triggered by phospholipids in a non‐bilayer arrangement
Authors: Reséndiz‐Mora Albany , Wong‐Baeza Carlos , Nevárez‐Lechuga Irene , Landa‐Saldívar Carla , Molina‐Gómez Eréndira , Hernández‐Pando Rogelio , Wong‐Baeza Isabel , Escobar‐Gutiérrez Alejandro , Baeza Isabel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNon‐bilayer phospholipids arrangements (NPAs) are transient molecular associations different from lipid bilayers. When they become stable, they can trigger a disease in mice resembling human lupus, which is mainly characterized by the production of anti‐NPA IgG antibodies. NPAs are stabilized on liposomes or cell bilayers by the drugs procainamide or chlorpromazine, which produce drug‐induced lupus in humans. Here, we evaluated the participation of the TH2 response, through its hallmark cytokine IL‐4, on the development of the lupus‐like disease in mice. Wild‐type or IL‐4 knockout BALB/c mice received liposomes bearing drug‐induced NPAs, the drugs alone, or an anti‐NPA monoclonal antibody (H308) to induce the lupus‐like disease (the last two procedures stabilize NPAs on mice cells). IL‐4 KO mice showed minor disease manifestations, compared to wild‐type mice, with decreased production of anti‐NPA IgG antibodies, no anti‐cardiolipin, anti‐histones and anticoagulant antibodies, and no kidney or skin lesions. In these mice, H308 was the only inducer of anti‐NPA IgG antibodies. These findings indicate that IL‐4 has a central role in the development of the murine lupus‐like disease induced by NPA stabilization.
The Normative Agency of Regional Organizations and Non‐governmental Organizations in International Peace Mediation*
Authors: Pring Jamie , Palmiano Federer Julia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article analyzes the increasingly prominent role of regional organizations (ROs) and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting norms in mediation processes. In particular, we seek to understand the processes by which RO and NGO mediators promote the inclusivity norm to negotiating parties and the outcomes that result. We employ the concepts of local agency and social practices in examining the normative agency of ROs and NGOs in promoting and redefining the inclusivity norm. Through illustrative case studies of peace processes in South Sudan and Myanmar, we argue that ROs’ and NGOs’ mediation practices reflect their claims to alternative resources of power, such as long‐standing expertise and insider status in the context, and build congruence with strong local norms. We provide nuanced theoretical insights on RO and NGO mediators’ claims to agency and provide empirical illustrations on how these claims contribute to constitutive changes to norms.
From Asylum to Post‐Arrival Geographies: Syrian and Iraqi Refugees in Belgium
Authors: El Moussawi Hala , Schuermans Nick 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the spatial patterns of concentration and dispersal of recently arrived refugees from Syria and Iraq in a country without stringent dispersal policies, Belgium. In order to capture both the mobility and the immobility of refugees, we propose the term “post‐arrival geographies” for these patterns. Drawing on data from the national population register, we demonstrate that many refugees move to urban and suburban locations after they have been granted refugee status. Through a comparison with the geographies of the Belgian asylum system and with the spatial distribution of Syrians and Iraqis who arrived earlier, we also explore some explanatory hypotheses for these post‐arrival geographies. The observation that dispersal takes place in Belgium in an indirect way ‐ through the location of asylum centres and local reception structures – makes us endorse pleas for more attention to institutional contexts and local settings in refugee studies.
Cerebral abscess and calvarial osteomyelitis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Muthina Raja Amarendra , Koppara Naveen Kumar , Bethasaida Manuel Maria , Bommu Alekhya Naga , Anapalli Sunnesh Reddy , Boju Sangeetha Lakshmi , Rapur Ram , Vishnubotla Siva Kumar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMelioidosis is an infection of humans caused by the saprophytic bacterium Burkholderia (previously Pseudomonas) pseudomallei. We present a patient of cerebral abscess and calvarial osteomyelitis caused by B. pseudomallei in a renal transplant recipient. We treated the patient with ceftazidime for 3 weeks, followed by trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) for 6 months. The superficial abscess reduced in size at the end of first month and subsided gradually. A repeat MRI showed reduction in intracranial abscess. The patient had no neurological deficit.
Hepatitis B infection and risk factors among pregnant women and their male partners in the Baby Shower Programme in Nigeria: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Talla Carol , Itanyi Ijeoma Uchenna , Tsuyuki Kiyomi , Stadnick Nicole , Ogidi Amaka Grace , Olakunde Babayemi Oluwaseun , Patel Dina , Oko John Okpanachi , Aarons Gregory , Onoka Chima Ariel , Ezeanolue Echezona Edozie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the population prevalence and determinants of hepatitis B (Hep B) status, and status discordance, among pregnant women and their male partners in Nigeria.MethodsCross‐sectional study assessing the seroprevalence of Hep B virus in a cohort of 16 920 pregnant women and their male partners in northcentral Nigeria. Rapid HBsAg antibody test was used for Hep B diagnosis. Demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural information was collected through interviewer‐administered questionnaires and evaluated as determinants of Hep B status and couple status discordance using logistic regression.ResultsOf 16 920 participants who had a Hep B test result, 6750 couples and 1316 discordant couples were identified. The prevalence of Hep B among all participants was 10.9%, with lower prevalence among pregnant women (10.2%) than their male partners (11.9%), P < 0.001. The prevalence of Hep B sero‐discordance among couples was 19.5% (1316/6750). Younger age, prior Hep B testing and a prior positive Hep B test increased the odds of Hep B infection while being a woman decreased the odds of Hep B among all participants, and among couples. Furthermore, polygamy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.87), prior Hep B testing (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.14–4.97) and a prior positive Hep B test result were significant determinants of status discordance among the participating couples.ConclusionThe prevalence of Hep B among pregnant women and their male partners in northcentral Nigeria is high. A large‐scale intervention is required to reduce Hep B prevalence in this setting.
Antioxidant prevents clearance of hemostatically competent platelets after long‐term cold storage
Authors: Hegde Shailaja , Wellendorf Ashley M. , Zheng Yi , Cancelas Jose A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCold storage of platelets (PLTs) has the potential advantage of prolonging storage time while reducing posttransfusion infection given the decreased likelihood of bacterial outgrowth during storage and possibly beneficial effects in treating bleeding patients. However, cold storage reduces PLT survival through the induction of complex storage lesions, which are more accentuated when storage is prolonged.Study Design and MethodsWhole blood–derived PLT‐rich plasma concentrates from seven PLT pools (n = 5 donors per pool). PLT additive solution was added (67%/33% plasma) and the product was split into 50‐mL bags. Split units were stored in the presence or absence of 1 mM of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) under agitation for up to 14 days at room temperature or in the cold and were analyzed for PLT activation, fibrinogen‐dependent spreading, microparticle formation, mitochondrial respiratory activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as in vivo survival and bleeding time correction in immunodeficient mice.ResultsCold storage of PLTs for 7 days or longer induces significant PLT activation, cytoskeletal damage, impaired fibrinogen spreading, enhances mitochondrial metabolic decoupling and ROS generation, and increases macrophage‐dependent phagocytosis and macrophage‐independent clearance. Addition of NAC prevents PLT clearance and allows a correction of the prolonged bleeding time in thrombocytopenic, aspirin‐treated, immunodeficient mice.ConclusionsLong‐term cold storage induces mitochondrial uncoupling and increased proton leak and ROS generation. The resulting ROS is a crucial contributor to the increased macrophage‐dependent and ‐independent clearance of functional PLTs and can be prevented by the antioxidant NAC in a magnesium‐containing additive solution.