bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid receptor 2 plays a central role in renal tubular mitochondrial dysfunction and kidney ageing
Authors: Zhou Shan , Ling Xian , Meng Ping , Liang Ye , Shen Kunyu , Wu Qinyu , Zhang Yunfang , Chen Qiyan , Chen Shuangqin , Liu Youhua , Zhou Lili 
Published: August 2021

AbstractKidney is one of the most important organs in maintaining the normal life activities. With the high abundance of mitochondria, renal tubular cell plays the vital role in functioning in the reabsorption and secretion of kidney. Reports have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is of great importance to renal tubular cell senescence and subsequent kidney ageing. However, the underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. Cannabinoid receptor 2 is one of the two receptors responsible for the activation of endocannabinoid system. CB2 is primarily upregulated in renal tubular cells in chronic kidney diseases and mediates fibrogenesis. However, the role of CB2 in tubular mitochondrial dysfunction and kidney ageing has not been clarified. In this study, we found that CB2 was upregulated in kidneys in 24‐month‐old mice and d‐galactose (d‐gal)‐induced accelerated ageing mice, accompanied by the decrease in mitochondrial mass. Furthermore, gene deletion of CB2 in d‐gal‐treated mice could greatly inhibit the activation of β‐catenin signalling and restore the mitochondrial integrity and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In CB2 knockout mice, renal tubular cell senescence and kidney fibrosis were also significantly inhibited. CB2 overexpression or activation by the agonist AM1241 could sufficiently induce the decrease in PGC‐1α and a variety of mitochondria‐related proteins and trigger cellular senescence in cultured human renal proximal tubular cells. CB2‐activated mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence could be blocked by ICG‐001, a blocker for β‐catenin signalling. These results show CB2 plays a central role in renal tubular mitochondrial dysfunction and kidney ageing. The intrinsic mechanism may be related to its activation in β‐catenin signalling.
Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jerjen R. , Pinczewski J. , Sinclair R. , Bhoyrul B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundFibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) is a primary cicatricial alopecia considered a subtype of lichen planopilaris (LPP).ObjectiveThe clinical and histopathological features, and treatment response of 24 female patients with FAPD were evaluated.MethodsDemographic, clinical, histopathological and treatment data of patients with FAPD were retrospectively collected.ResultsTwenty‐four women were included (mean age 60.7 years). The mean Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index score was 1.50, and the median Sinclair grade was 3. Twelve patients had diffuse alopecia in the centroparietal region, four had frontal accentuation and eight had vertex accentuation of hair loss. Eight had associated loss of facial hair. Predominant trichoscopic features included hair shaft diameter variability (100%), perifollicular erythema and/or scaling (95%) and loss of follicular ostia (95%). Histopathological examination revealed features of scarring alopecia with interface changes in follicular epithelia mainly targeting terminal and intermediate hairs, and less frequently, vellus hairs. Treatment with hair growth‐promoting, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐androgen agents arrested disease progression in 14 patients and resulted in hair regrowth in two patients. Six patients had progression of their hair loss in spite of treatment.LimitationsReferral bias to a specialist hair clinic, retrospective design and small sample size.ConclusionsWe present clinicopathological features of FAPD which can aid in the diagnosis of this insidious scarring alopecia. Our findings suggest a more favourable outcome if treatment is initiated in early stages of the disease.
New perspectives on the role of the neurosteroid pregnenolone as an endogenous regulator of type‐1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) activity and function
Authors: Raux Pierre‐Louis , Drutel Guillaume , Revest Jean‐Michel , Vallée Monique 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPregnenolone is a steroid with specific characteristics, being the first steroid to be synthesised from cholesterol at all sites of steroidogenesis, including the brain. For many years, pregnenolone was defined as an inactive precursor of all steroids because no specific target had been discovered. However, over the last decade, it has become a steroid of interest because it has been recognised as being a biomarker for brain‐related disorders through the development of metabolomic approaches and advanced analytical methods. In addition, physiological roles for pregnenolone emerged when specific targets were discovered. In this review, we highlight the discovery of the selective interaction of pregnenolone with the type‐1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). After describing the specific characteristic of CB1Rs, we discuss the newly discovered mechanisms of their regulation by pregnenolone. In particular, we describe the action of pregnenolone as a negative allosteric modulator and a specific signalling inhibitor of the CB1R. These particular characteristics of pregnenolone provide a great strategic opportunity for therapeutic development in CB1‐related disorders. Finally, we outline new perspectives using innovative genetic tools for the discovery of original regulatory mechanisms of pregnenolone on CB1‐related functions.
Continuous clinical improvement of mild‐to‐moderate seborrheic dermatitis and rebalancing of the scalp microbiome using a selenium disulfide–based shampoo after an initial treatment with ketoconazole
Authors: Massiot Philippe , Clavaud Cécile , Thomas Marie , Ott Alban , Guéniche Audrey , Panhard Ségolène , Muller Benoît , Michelin Céline , Kerob Delphine , Bouloc Anne , Reygagne Pascal 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveScalp seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, relapsing, and inflammatory scalp disease. Studies indicate a global bacterial and fungal microbiota shift of scalp SD, as compared to healthy scalp. Ketoconazole and selenium disulfide (SeS2) improve clinical signs and symptoms in both scalp dandruff and SD.AimThe main objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the scalp microbiota diversity and counts in subjects with scalp SD during a two‐phase treatment period.Material and methodsThe scalp microbiota and clinical efficacy were investigated in 68 subjects with mild‐to‐moderate scalp SD after an initial one‐month treatment with 2% ketoconazole, and after a 2‐month maintenance phase, either with a 1% SeS2‐based shampoo or its vehicle.ResultsThirty one subjects in the active and 37 subjects in the vehicle group participated. Ketoconazole provided an improvement of clinical symptoms (adherent (−1.75 p < 0.05), non‐adherent (−1.5, p < 0.05)) flakes and erythema (scores 1.67–0.93, p < 0.001), in an increased fungal diversity and in a significant (p < 0.005) decrease of Malassezia spp. SeS2 provided an additional clinical improvement (−0.8; p = 0.0002 and −0.7; p = 0.0081 for adherent and non‐adherent flakes, respectively, at Day 84) compared to the vehicle associated with a low Malassezia spp. count and an additional significant (p < 0.001) decrease of the Staphylococcus spp. level.ConclusionSelenium disulfide provides an additional benefit on the scalp microbiota and in clinical symptoms of SD and dandruff after treatment with ketoconazole. The results confirm the role of Staphylococcus spp. in scalp SD and open possible perspectives for preventing relapses.
Treatment of Axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Arora Gulhima , Kassir Martin , Patil Anant , Sadeghi Payam , Gold Michael H. , Adatto Maurice , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAxillary hyperhidrosis characterized by excessive sweating in the axillary regions is a frustrating chronic autonomic disorder leading to social embarrassment, impaired quality of life and usually associated with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Identifying the condition and its cause is central to the management.AimThe aim of this article is to discuss treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis.MethodsComprehensive literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to review relevant published articles related to diagnosis and treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.ResultsTreatment modalities for axillary hyperhydrosis vary from topical and systemic agents to injectables, newer devices and surgical measures. None except for physical measures using devices or surgery, which destroys the sweat glands to remove them, is possibly permanent and most are associated with attendant side effects.ConclusionSeveral treatments including medical and surgical option are available for the treatment of axillary hyperhydrosis. Patient education is important component of its management. Individualized approach of management is necessary for optimal outcome of treatment.
Effect of estrogen in malignant melanoma
Authors: Bhari Neetu , Schwaertz Robert A. , Apalla Zoe , Salerni Gabriel , Akay Bengu Nisa , Patil Anant , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma is associated with poor prognosis in its advanced stages. Potential influence of estrogen and its metabolites on melanoma growth has been suggested.AimsThe objective of this review was to provide an overview on the evidence related to estrogen in malignant melanoma.Materials and MethodsLiterature search using PubMed, Google Scholar and relevant cross‐references of the retrieved articles was performed to review relevant published articles related to estrogen and its effects in malignant melanoma.ResultsEffect of estrogen signaling on a tissue largely depends on the relative expression of estrogen receptors (ER) α and β. Gender differences in melanoma may be explained by the difference in expression of these receptors. ERβ is the principal ER in melanoma.DiscussionAlthough there is uncertainty about role of estrogen in pathogenensis and progression of melanoma, evidence suggests that its growth and metastasis are influenced by estrogen stimulation. Role ER on the proliferation of melanoma cells is well described.ConclusionThere is a need of safe and effective therapy for melanoma, especially for advanced cases. After the establishment of specific role of estrogen and its receptor, analysis of specific genetic mutation can be performed for proper utilization of targeted therapies.
TMC8 mutation in a Turkish family with epidermodysplasia verruciformis including laryngeal papilloma and recurrent skin carcinoma
Authors: Esenboga Saliha , Cagdas Deniz , Alkanat Nazli Eylem , Güler Tezel Gaye , Ersoy Evans Sibel , Boztug Kaan , Tezcan Ilhan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe vast majority of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) occur due to the defects in cells originating from hematopoietic stem cells, while in some PIDs, there are defects in various genes responsible for non‐leucocyte immune response such as seen in epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). EV caused by the mutations in TMC6, TMC8, and CIB1 genes is called “typical.” “Atypical” EV may develop in patients with primary immunodeficiencies originating from hematopoietic stem cells, which include severe T‐cell failure, caused by inactivating biallelic mutations of STK4, RHOH, CORO1A, ITK, TPP2, DCLRE1C, LCK, RASGRP1, or DOCK8 genes. Here, we present a family with TMC8 gene mutation leading to disseminated epidermodysplasia verruciformis including laryngeal papilloma and recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Typical EV with impaired local, keratinocyte‐intrinsic immune response should be considered when routine immunological examinations are normal in patients presenting with clinical signs of EV. Although it is not possible to prevent EV lesions, early and appropriate surveillance for malignancy is mandatory.
Bridging Caste Divides: Middle‐Status Ambivalence, Elite Closure, and Lower‐Status Social Withdrawal
Authors: Bhardwaj Arjun , Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Qureshi Israr , Kumar Kunal Kamal , Konrad Alison M. , Seidel Marc‐David L. , Bhatt Babita 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNetwork theory and research have identified the powerful dynamic of homophily whereby individuals are more likely to connect with similar rather than dissimilar others. However, less is known about when individuals might connect with dissimilar others to enhance organizational diversity benefits and mitigate social exclusion. This study builds upon prior evidence linking homophily to both elite group closure and lower‐status self‐segregating social withdrawal to propose a new dynamic of middle‐status ambivalence toward homophily, generating a greater propensity toward diversity. Indian society offers a unique context of a legally codified, stable, three‐tiered status hierarchy to test the idea that middle‐status individuals will develop the most diverse networks. Using a unique longitudinal friendship network dataset, we find empirical support for our prediction, a novel contribution extending classic homophily theory. In addition, due to potent status dynamics we theorize and find that lowest‐status group members initiate more ties over time but also exhibit lower tie stability and greater losses of early ties than higher‐status group members, resulting in the appearance of lowest‐status group homophilous withdrawal. Overall, we advance homophily theory and offer practical suggestions for organizations seeking to enhance social ties across diversity and improve the effectiveness of social inclusion policies.
The role of gut microbiota in hepatitis B disease progression and treatment
Authors: Chen Bryan , Huang Harry , Pan Calvin Q. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCurrent therapeutic interventions can only suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication or reduce complications without a cure. Therefore, further development of new treatment methods is critical for the global eradication of HBV. Accumulating evidence suggests that the liver and gut share an interconnected relationship referred to as the ‘Gut‐Liver Axis’, where exchanges happen bi‐directionally. The gut itself is the host to a unique microbiota profile which has metabolic, immunological, neurological and nutritional functions. Gut microbiota is not only constantly intersecting with the liver but also associated with hepatic injury when dysbiosis occurs. In recent years, there has been increased interest in gut microbiota and its implications on liver disease treatment. Progress has been made in understanding the complex relationship between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and gut microbiota. New investigative techniques such as colony‐free sequencing enabled new perspectives into this field. Mouse models and human studies revealed that HBV infection is associated with significant alteration of gut microbiota, which differ depending on the stage of CHB disease progression. Different mechanisms of the hepatic injury from gut microbiota dysbiosis have also been proposed based on findings of increased intestinal permeability to toxins, disruption of normal bacterial metabolism, and colonization of the gut by oral microbiota. New treatment methods targeting gut microbiota in CHB, such as probiotics and faecal microbiota transplant, have also gained promising results in recent years. The current review recapitulated the most recent investigations into the relationship between gut microbiota and CHB to provide research directions towards the new therapeutic target of CHB.
Prevalence of hepatitis E infection among adults with concurrent chronic liver disease
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Cheung Ramsey , Gish Robert G. , Chitnis Amit S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhile hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can increase the risk of liver decompensation and death in patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD), prevalence of HEV in this cohort is not well reported. Using data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we aim to evaluate seroprevalence of HEV IgG among adults with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). HEV IgG seroprevalence between groups was evaluated with chi‐square testing, and adjusted multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of seropositivity for HEV IgG. Seroprevalence of HEV IgG was 6.58% in ALD, 8.66% in HCV, 8.81% in NAFLD and 19.86% in HBV. We observed increasing HEV IgG seroprevalence over time in our study period, and in 2015–2018, seroprevalence was highest among the individuals with HCV (10.00%) and HBV (30.30%). Older age and being born outside of the United States were associated with seropositivity for HEV IgG in ALD, NAFLD, HBV, and for HCV, older age and being at or below poverty level were associated with seroprevalence for HEV IgG. In conclusion, we observed a relatively high prevalence of HEV among adults with CLD. These data highlight the need for greater awareness and education about the role of HEV in patients with underlying CLD, improving HEV test diagnostics, and revisiting the discussion about the potential role of HEV vaccines in CLD patients who are at higher risk of decompensation and death from acute HEV infection.
Disseminated invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus felis in a cat
Authors: Cormack Catherine A. , Donahoe Shannon L. , Talbot Jessica J. , Beatty Julia A. , Barrs Vanessa R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA 2‐year‐old male desexed Ragdoll cat with a 1‐year history of sneezing and nasal discharge presented with a large subcutaneous cervical mass, identified as the right medial retropharyngeal lymph node on computed tomography (CT). A right orbital mass, destructive sino‐nasal cavity disease and multiple pulmonary nodules were also identified. Aspergillus felis was cultured from the lymph node. After treatment with posaconazole and liposomal amphotericin B the lymph node enlargement and orbital mass resolved but left frontal sinus involvement and pulmonary lesions persisted despite additional caspofungin therapy. The cat was euthanized 14 months after diagnosis with dysphagia and chronic progressive exophthalmos. A meningeal granuloma with intravascular fungal hyphae was identified at post‐mortem and A felis was cultured from the left frontal sinus and a right retrobulbar fungal granuloma. This case demonstrates that disseminated disease is a possible sequel to invasive fungal rhinosinusitis caused by A felis in cats.
Eighteenth‐century queer studies, revisited
Authors: Chow Jeremy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis review essays opens with concerns over “crisis” that have spurred widespread panic about the state and future of the humanities. Crisis, I suggest, is the rallying call for new directions in and reinvention of 18th‐century queer studies. By advocating for recuperative histories wherein crisis is a motivational force that pushes 18th‐century queer studies to be further self‐reflexive and intersectional, I examine three potent trends and their portents for 18th‐century studies: masculinity studies, the nexus of queer and disability studies, and trans studies. I close with a continued call for examinations of queerness and race as they might enlighten the long 18th century. This article ultimately surveys current terrains of 18th‐century queer studies and its commitments to evolve inclusively, dynamically, and unapologetically.
Evaluation of mobile phone‐based Positive Deviance/Hearth child undernutrition program in Cambodia
Authors: Young Melissa F. , Baik Diane , Reinsma Kathryn , Gosdin Lucas , Rogers Hannah Paige , Oy Sreymom , Invong Wuddhika , Hen Heang , Ouk Sopheap , Chhorvann Chhea 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChild undernutrition in Cambodia is a persistent public health problem requiring low‐cost and scalable solutions. Rising cellphone use in low‐resource settings represents an opportunity to replace in‐person counselling visits with phone calls; however, questions remain on relative effectiveness. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of two options for delivering a World Vision infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counselling programme: (1) traditional Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) programme with in‐person visits or (2) PDH with Interactive Voice Calling (PDH‐IVC) which integrates phone calls to replace 62.5% of face‐to‐face interaction between caregivers and volunteers, compared to the standard of care (SOC). We conducted a longitudinal cluster‐randomised controlled trial in 361 children 6–23 months. We used an adjusted difference‐in‐difference approach using baseline, midline (3 months) and endline (12 months) surveys to evaluate the impact on child growth among the three groups. At baseline, nearly a third of children were underweight, and over half were food insecure. At midline the PDH group and the PDH‐IVC groups had improved weight‐for‐age z‐scores (0.13 DID, p = 0.011; 0.13 DID, p = 0.02, respectively) and weight‐for‐height z‐score (0.16 DID, p = 0.038; 0.24 DID, p = 0.002), relative to SOC. There were no differences in child height‐for‐age z‐scores. At endline, the impact was sustained only in the PDH‐IVC group for weight‐for‐age z‐score (0.14 DID, p = 0.049), and the prevalence of underweight declined by 12.8 percentage points (p = 0.036), relative to SOC. Integration of phone‐based IYCF counselling is a potentially promising solution to reduce the burden of in‐person visits; however, the modest improvements suggest the need to combine it with other strategies to improve child nutrition.
Runs of homozygosity in killer whale genomes provide a global record of demographic histories
Authors: Foote Andrew D. , Hooper Rebecca , Alexander Alana , Baird Robin W. , Baker Charles Scott , Ballance Lisa , Barlow Jay , Brownlow Andrew , Collins Tim , Constantine Rochelle , Dalla Rosa Luciano , Davison Nicholas J. , Durban John W. , Esteban Ruth , Excoffier Laurent , Martin Sarah L. Fordyce , Forney Karin A. , Gerrodette Tim , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Guinet Christophe , Hanson M. Bradley , Li Songhai , Martin Michael D. , Robertson Kelly M. , Samarra Filipa I. P. , de Stephanis Renaud , Tavares Sara B. , Tixier Paul , Totterdell John A. , Wade Paul , Wolf Jochen B. W. , Fan Guangyi , Zhang Yaolei , Morin Phillip A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRuns of homozygosity (ROH) occur when offspring inherit haplotypes that are identical by descent from each parent. Length distributions of ROH are informative about population history; specifically, the probability of inbreeding mediated by mating system and/or population demography. Here, we investigated whether variation in killer whale (Orcinus orca) demographic history is reflected in genome‐wide heterozygosity and ROH length distributions, using a global data set of 26 genomes representative of geographic and ecotypic variation in this species, and two F1 admixed individuals with Pacific‐Atlantic parentage. We first reconstructed demographic history for each population as changes in effective population size through time using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent (PSMC) method. We found a subset of populations declined in effective population size during the Late Pleistocene, while others had more stable demography. Genomes inferred to have undergone ancestral declines in effective population size, were autozygous at hundreds of short ROH (<1 Mb), reflecting high background relatedness due to coalescence of haplotypes deep within the pedigree. In contrast, longer and therefore younger ROH (>1.5 Mb) were found in low latitude populations, and populations of known conservation concern. These include a Scottish killer whale, for which 37.8% of the autosomes were comprised of ROH >1.5 Mb in length. The fate of this population, in which only two adult males have been sighted in the past five years, and zero fecundity over the last two decades, may be inextricably linked to its demographic history and consequential inbreeding depression.