bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of genetics and altitude on lung function
Authors: Talaminos‐Barroso Alejandro , Roa‐Romero Laura M. , Ortega‐Ruiz Francisco , Cejudo‐Ramos Pilar , Márquez‐Martín Eduardo , Reina‐Tosina Javier 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this work is to present a review on the impact of genetics and altitude on lung function from classic and recent studies.Data sourceA systematic search has been carried out in different databases of scientific studies, using keywords related to lung volumes, spirometry, altitude and genetics.ResultsThe results of this work have been structured into three parts. First, the relationship between genes and lung function. Next, a review of the genetic predispositions related to respiratory adaptation of people who inhabit high‐altitude regions for millennia. Finally, temporary effects and long‐term acclimatisation on respiratory physiology at high altitude are presented.ConclusionsThe works focused on the influence of genetics and altitude on lung function are currently of interest in terms of studying the interactions between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors in the configuration of the pathophysiological adaptation patterns.
Pilotstudie zum Einfluss von kaltem atmosphärischem Plasma auf bakterielle Kontamination und Heilungstendenz chronischer Wunden
Authors: Moelleken Maurice , Jockenhöfer Finja , Wiegand Cornelia , Buer Jan , Benson Sven , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: October 2020

ZusammenfassungHintergrundWöchentlich dreimalige Anwendung kalten atmosphärischen Plasmas (KAP) wurde bereits erfolgreich zur Wundbehandlung eingesetzt. Jetzt sollte untersucht werden, ob mit nur einmal wöchentlicher Behandlung vergleichbar gute Ergebnisse erzielt werden können.Patienten und MethodikIn dieser randomisierten klinischen Pilotstudie (RCT) wurden Patienten mit therapierefraktären chronischen Wunden über maximal zwölf Wochen 1 x/Woche (Gruppe 1) oder 3 x/Woche (Gruppe 2) mit KAP behandelt. Patienten der Gruppe 3 erhielten 1 x/Woche eine Placebotherapie.ErgebnisseDie Wundfläche nahm in Gruppe 1 (n = 14) signifikant um 63,0 % (P = 0,005) und in Gruppe 2 (n = 13) um 46,8 % (P = 0,007) ab. In Gruppe 3 (n = 10) wurden die Wunden durchschnittlich 17,5 % größer. In den beiden mit KAP behandelten Gruppen konnte eine signifikante Schmerzreduktion (Gruppe 1: P = 0,042; Gruppe 2: P = 0,027) gemessen werden. Ausschließlich in der Gruppe 2 zeigte sich eine signifikante Verbesserung der wundspezifischen Lebensqualität (P = 0,005). Nach der zwölfwöchigen KAP‐Behandlung konnte eine Reduktion der Bakterienlast um durchschnittlich 50,4 % (Gruppe 1) beziehungsweise um 35,0 % (Gruppe 2) im Vergleich zum Tag des Studieneinschlusses nachgewiesen werden.SchlussfolgerungenUnserer RCT zeigt, dass durch die Behandlung mit KAP verschiedene Parameter der Wundheilung bei Patienten mit therapierefraktären, chronischen Wunden verbessert werden. Hierbei waren die Ergebnisse bei der Anwendung 1 x/Woche der Anwendung 3 x/Woche nicht unterlegen. Die Behandlung 1 x/Woche ist im klinischen Alltag leichter und wirtschaftlicher zu implementieren.
Policy coherence across Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Lessons from Finland
Authors: Ylönen Matti , Salmivaara Anna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMotivationAgenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) expand the development agenda. While all major development actors support policy coherence for development (PCD), analysis has been lacking on how this can be achieved as the development agenda expands. We discuss the relationship between SDGs and PCD through a comprehensive case study from Finland.PurposeTo examine the coherence of Finland’s foreign and development policy for achieving the SDGs, while leaving no one behind. Particular focus is given to policies related to the private sector’s role in development, and attention is also paid to ministries other than the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.Approach and methodsWe carried out interviews with policy‐makers and other stakeholders, and analysed relevant documents. We reviewed governmental high‐level policy statements, sectoral alignments, and development aid documents. We also reviewed the position papers that the Finnish Government had issued on European Union (EU) processes, particularly regarding development relating to the private sector.FindingsFinland has been uniquely positioned to advance PCD in its foreign policy, thanks to co‐ordination structures across government. Nonetheless, mainstreaming of the expanded development agenda has been largely limited to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its development policy department. The breadth of the SDG agenda has enabled individual targets to be cherry‐picked, with less attention paid to advancing the Agenda 2030 as a whole and to implementing its Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle. Despite an institutional framework seemingly ideal for policy coherence, traditional sectoral divisions between development policy as a separate field and sustainability as an environmental issue, remain. Five factors in particular hindered policy coherence: (a) Finland’s position papers to the EU on taxes and migration all but ignored Agenda 2030 commitments; (b) the Finnish emphasis on the private sector in development narrowed the considerations of development to economic growth; (c) sustainability was seen as green technology, with scant regard to social sustainability; (d) private firms interpreted the SDGs to mean that environmental sustainability could address human rights‐related concerns with corporate social responsibility initiatives; and (e) cuts to staffing in the Finnish Government stymied innovative thinking and working across departmental boundaries.Policy ImplicationsFinland is generally seen as a front‐runner in mainstreaming development issues, which makes it an interesting case. We outline the key challenges that Finland has faced in tackling PCD, which should be relevant for other Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries as well. Many challenges related to PCD are political and organizational. As such, they are highly dependent on the particular institutional settings in each country. Our methodological approach could be replicated in other similar countries.
Association of lower vitamin D levels with inflammation and leucocytes parameters in patients with and without diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Nardin Matteo , Rolla Roberta , Negro Federica , Gioscia Rocco , Afifeh Arraa Maddalena Saghir , Viglione Filippo , Suryapranata Harry , Marcolongo Marco , De Luca Giuseppe ,   the Novara Atherosclerosis Study Group (NAS)
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus has been associated with a chronic low‐grade inflammation and a higher risk of cardiovascular and infectious disease, that could be prevented by the effects of vitamin D. We aimed at evaluating the impact of vitamin D levels on the biomarkers of acute‐phase response, inflammation and glucose metabolism in a large cohort of diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease.Materials and methodsConsecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography were included. Diabetes mellitus was defined as previous diagnosis, specific treatment administration (oral drug or insulin), fasting glycaemia >6.99 mmol/L or HbA1c >48 mmol/L. Glucose parameters, white blood cells, Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin D were measured at admission. Vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay kit LIAISON® Vitamin D assay (Diasorin Inc).ResultsWe included 1472 diabetic patients and 2499 non‐diabetic patients that were divided according to vitamin D tertiles. Among diabetic patients, lower levels of vitamin D were associated with female gender (P = .02), obesity (P = .004), active smoking and acute presentation (P < .001) and with a more atherogenic metabolic profile. The levels of white blood cells, leucocytes subfamilies, and inflammatory parameters significantly correlated with vitamin D levels in both patients with and without diabetes (diabetic: P = .012 for WBC, P = .004 for NLR and P < .001 for MLR and C‐reactive protein, non‐diabetic: P < .001 for WBC; NLR, MLR and C‐reactive protein, respectively).Among diabetic patients, results were confirmed at multivariate analysis with no significant interaction according to glycaemic control.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that, among patients with cardiovascular disease, vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic dysregulation and with an elevation of cellular and humoural inflammatory parameters, especially among diabetics, although not being dependent from glycaemic control.
Redistributive preferences in Europe and Central Asia, 2006–2016*
Authors: Cojocaru Alexandru , Diagne Mame Fatou 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses support for reducing inequality and for redistribution to specific groups in Europe and Central Asia. Using the Life in Transition Surveys, it examines differences in redistributive preferences across countries and time, as well as determinants of individual preferences, testing for motivations such as self‐interest, past and expected future social mobility, beliefs about fairness, as well as ideology and risk preferences. The extent to which different groups are perceived as deserving of government support is found to vary considerably, with the disabled, the elderly and families with children being the most favoured groups. The motives for redistribution towards different groups are also not uniform – self‐interest appears to be a basis for assistance to the elderly and families with children, whereas values and beliefs are associated with support for the working poor and the unemployed.
Comparative analyses of transgene expression patterns after intra‐striatal injections of rAAV2‐retro in rats and rhesus monkeys: A light and electron microscopic study
Authors: Albaugh Daniel L. , Smith Yoland , Galvan Adriana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRetrogradely‐transducing viral vectors are versatile tools for anatomical and functional interrogations of neural circuits. These vectors can be applied in nonhuman primates (NHPs), powerful model species for neuroscientific studies with limited genetic tractability, but limited data are available regarding the tropism and transgene expression patterns of such viruses after injections in NHP brains. Consequently, NHP researchers must often rely on related data available from other species for experimental planning. To evaluate the suitability of rAAV2‐retro in the NHP basal ganglia, we studied the transgene expression patterns at the light and electron microscope level after injections of rAAV2‐retro vector encoding the opsin Jaws conjugated to a green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the putamen of rhesus macaques. For inter‐species comparison, we injected the same vector in the rat dorsal striatum. In both species, GFP expression was observed in numerous cortical and subcortical regions with known striatal projections. However, important inter‐species differences in pathway transduction were seen, including labeling of the intralaminar thalamostriatal projection in rats, but not monkeys. Electron microscopic ultrastructural observations within the basal ganglia revealed GFP labeling in both postsynaptic dendrites and presynaptic axonal terminals; the latter likely derived from anterograde transgene transport in neurons that project to the striatum, and from collaterals of these neurons. Our results suggest that certain neural pathways may be refractory to transduction by retrograde vectors in a species‐specific manner, highlighting the need for caution when determining the suitability of a retrograde vector for NHP studies based solely on rodent data.
Structural brain plasticity induced by early blindness
Authors: Touj Sara , Gallino Daniel , Chakravarty Mallar M. , Bronchti Gilles , Piché Mathieu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is well established that early blindness results in behavioural adaptations. While the functional effects of visual deprivation have been well researched, anatomical studies are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate whole brain structural plasticity in a mouse model of congenital blindness. Volumetric analyses were conducted on high‐resolution MRI images and histological sections from the same brains. These morphometric measurements were compared between anophthalmic and sighted ZRDBA mice obtained by breeding ZRDCT and DBA mice. Results from MRI analyses using the Multiple Automatically Generated Templates (MAGeT) method showed smaller volume for the primary visual cortex and superior colliculi in anophthalmic compared with sighted mice. Deformation‐based morphometry revealed smaller volumes within the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei and the lateral secondary visual cortex and larger volumes within olfactory areas, piriform cortex, orbital areas and the amygdala, in anophthalmic compared with sighted mice. Histological analyses revealed a larger volume for the amygdala and smaller volume for the superior colliculi, primary visual cortex and medial secondary visual cortex, in anophthalmic compared with sighted mice. The absence of superficial visual layers of the superior colliculus and the thinner cortical layer IV of the primary and secondary visual cortices may explain the smaller volume of these areas, although this was observed in a limited sample. The present study shows large‐scale brain plasticity in a mouse model of congenital blindness. In addition, the congruence of MRI and histological findings support the use of MRI to investigate structural brain plasticity in the mouse.
The erythema Q‐score, an imaging biomarker for redness in skin inflammation
Authors: Frew John , Penzi Lauren , Suarez‐Farinas Mayte , Garcet Sandra , Brunner Patrick M. , Czarnowicki Tali , Kim Jaehwan , Bottomley Claire , Finney Robert , Cueto Inna , Fuentes‐Duculan Judilyn , Ohmatsu Hanako , Lentini Tim , Yanofsky Valerie , Krueger James G. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Gareau Daniel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPhysician rating of cutaneous erythema is central to clinical dermatological assessment as well as quantification of outcome measures in clinical trials in a number of dermatologic conditions. However, issues with inter‐rater reliability and variability in the setting of higher Fitzpatrick skin types make visual erythema assessment unreliable. We developed and validated a computer‐assisted image‐processing algorithm (EQscore) to reliably quantify erythema (across a range of skin types) in the dermatology clinical setting.Our image processing algorithm evaluated erythema based upon green light suppression differentials between affected and unaffected skin. A group of four dermatologists used a 4‐point Likert scale as a human evaluation of similar erythematous patch tests. The algorithm and dermatologist scores were compared across 164 positive patch test reactions. The intra‐class correlation coefficient of groups and the correlation coefficient between groups were calculated. The EQscore was validated on and independent image set of psoriasis, minimal erythema dose testing and steroid‐induced blanching images. The reliability of the erythema quantification method produced an intra‐class correlation coefficient of 0.84 for the algorithm and 0.67 for dermatologists. The correlation coefficient between groups was 0.85. The EQscore demonstrated high agreement with clinical scoring and superior reliability compared with clinical scoring, avoiding the pitfalls of erythema underrating in the setting of pigmentation. The EQscore is easily accessible (http://lab.rockefeller.edu/krueger/EQscore), user‐friendly, and may allow dermatologists to more readily and accurately rate the severity of dermatological conditions and the response to therapeutic treatments.
The inflammation in cutaneous lichen planus is dominated by IFN‐ϒ and IL‐21—A basis for therapeutic JAK1 inhibition
Authors: Pietschke Katharina , Holstein Julia , Meier Katharina , Schäfer Iris , Müller‐Hermelink Eva , Gonzalez‐Menendez Irene , Quintanilla‐Martinez Leticia , Ghoreschi Franziska C. , Solimani Farzan , Ghoreschi Kamran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCutaneous lichen planus (CLP) and psoriasis (PSO) are both common chronic inflammatory skin diseases for which development of new treatments requires the identification of key targets. While PSO is a typical Th17/IL‐17‐disorder, there is some evidence that Th1/IFN‐ɣ dominate the inflammatory process in CLP. Nonetheless, the immunopathogenesis of CLP is not fully explained and key immunological factors still have to be recognized. In this study, we compared the immune signature of CLP lesions with the well‐characterized inflammation present in PSO skin. First, we analysed the histological and immunohistological characteristics of CLP and PSO. Second, we assessed the cytokine expression (IL1A, IL1B, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL17A, IL19, IL21, IL22, IL23A, IL13, IFNG, TNF, IL12A, IL12B and IL36G) of lesional skin of CLP with PSO by qPCR. Histology revealed a similar epidermal thickness in CLP and PSO. Immunohistochemically, both diseases presented with an inflammatory infiltrate mainly composed by CD3+CD4+ T cells rather than CD3+CD8+. Importantly, mRNA analysis showed a distinct cytokine signature: while levels of IL12B, IL1A, IL6 and IL23 were similar between the two groups, the characteristic PSO‐associated cytokines IL8, IL17A, IL22, IL19 and IL36G were expressed at very low levels in CLP. In contrast, CLP lesional skin was dominated by the expression of IFNG, IL21, IL4, IL12A and TNF. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the dominance of IL‐21, IFN‐ɣ and also pSTAT1 in the dermal infiltrate of CLP, while IL‐17A was more present in PSO. Collectively, this study improves our understanding of the immunological factors dominating CLP. The dominating cytokines and signalling proteins identified suggest that anti‐cytokine therapeutics like JAK inhibitors may be beneficial in CLP.
Hook disgorgers remove deep hooks but kill fish: A plea for cutting the line
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , Danylchuk Andy J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecreational fishing can result in deep hooking (e.g. in the gullet) of fish that are intended to be released, leading to the development of various tools intended to assist with hook removal. So‐called “hook disgorgers” are typically marketed as being a mechanism to retrieve the hook while doing so in a way that reduces harm to the fish, despite there being many studies that demonstrate that it is best to cut the line for deeply hooked fish. A study was designed to test the effectiveness of six different hook disgorgers for deeply hooked smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu Lacépède, captured using baitholder hooks relative to shallow hooked controls and fish for which the line was cut. Reflex impairment and survival at 10 min, 1 hr and 24 hr were assessed. The study was terminated after early results revealed that all but one of the fish that had the hook removed died (n = 17), while all fish that were hooked in the jaw (n = 4) or had the line cut (n = 5) survived. The ethical conundrum faced by the research team is discussed here, recognising that an incomplete study would have less statistical rigour even though it was very clear that disgorgers used when hooks were in the gullet killed the fish. Stopping rules are common in pharmaceutical trials and can also be used to inform catch‐and‐release research to maintain fish welfare. Best practices for anglers include cutting the line when fish are hooked in the gullet, and changing fishing strategies and gear type when deep hooking is encountered on a routine basis, otherwise mortality can be unnecessarily high.
A century of coping with environmental and ecological changes via compensatory biomineralization in mussels
Authors: Telesca Luca , Peck Lloyd S. , Backeljau Thierry , Heinig Mario F. , Harper Elizabeth M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAccurate biological models are critical to predict biotic responses to climate change and human‐caused disturbances. Current understanding of organismal responses to change stems from studies over relatively short timescales. However, most projections lack long‐term observations incorporating the potential for transgenerational phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaption, the keys to resistance. Here, we describe unexpected temporal compensatory responses in biomineralization as a mechanism for resistance to altered environmental conditions and predation impacts in a calcifying foundation species. We evaluated exceptional archival specimens of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis collected regularly between 1904 and 2016 along 15 km of Belgian coastline, along with records of key environmental descriptors and predators. Contrary to global‐scale predictions, shell production increased over the last century, highlighting a protective capacity of mussels for qualitative and quantitative trade‐offs in biomineralization as compensatory responses to altered environments. We also demonstrated the role of changes in predator communities in stimulating unanticipated biological trends that run contrary to experimental predictive models under future climate scenarios. Analysis of archival records has a key role for anticipating emergent impacts of climate change.
Depth of invasion versus tumour thickness in early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: which measurement is the most practical and predictive of outcome?
Authors: Salama Abeer M , Valero Cristina , Katabi Nora , Khimraj Anjanie , Yuan Avery , Zanoni Daniella K , Ganly Ian , Patel Snehal G , Ghossein Ronald , Xu Bin 
Published: October 2020

AimsThe 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging introduced depth of invasion (DOI) into the pT category of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. However, we noted multiple practical obstacles in accurately measuring DOI histologically in our daily practice.Methods and resultsTo compare the prognostic effects of DOI and tumour thickness (TT), a meticulous pathology review was conducted in a retrospective cohort of 293 patients with AJCC 7th edition pT1/T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Overall survival (OS) and nodal metastasis rate at initial resection were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. We found that TT and DOI were highly correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.984. The upstage rate was only 6% (18 of 293 patients) when using TT in the pT stage compared with using DOI. More importantly, DOI and TT, as well as pT stage using DOI and pT stage using TT, performed identically in predicting risk of nodal metastasis and OS.ConclusionsWe therefore propose to replace DOI, a complicated measurement with many challenges, with TT in the pT staging system.