bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, risk factors and treatment reality in livedoid vasculopathy – a multicentre analysis
Authors: Weishaupt C. , Strölin A. , Kahle B. , Kreuter A. , Schneider S. W. , Gerss J. , Eveslage M. , Drabik A. , Goerge T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundLivedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare cutaneous thrombotic disease. It is characterized by occlusion of dermal vessels resulting in livedo racemosa, ulceration and atrophie blanche. Clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are missing.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to better characterize epidemiology, clinical appearance and treatment reality of LV in a well‐defined patient cohort.MethodsThe cohort was allocated within a prospective, multicentre, phase IIa trial that investigated the effect of rivaroxaban in LV.ResultsAnalysis of 27 patients revealed that LV patients had an increased Body Mass Index (BMI; 11/27), hypertension (19/27) and increased levels of lipoprotein (a) (5/12) and homocysteine (10/12) in the blood. The female‐to‐male ratio was 2.1 : 1, and the median age was 53.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 40.5–68]. Investigation of the clinical appearance found that 82% of patients had livedo racemosa, and the ankle region was most likely to be affected by ulceration (56–70%). The analysis of patient treatment history showed that heparin was most effective (12/17), while anti‐inflammatory regimens were, although often used (17/24), not effective (0/17).ConclusionWe add clinical clues for a data supported diagnosis of LV, and we provide evidence that anticoagulants should be administered in monotherapy first line (EudraCT number 2012‐000108‐13‐DE).
On the Value of Virtual Currencies
Authors: BOLT WILKO , VAN OORDT MAARTEN R.C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOur economic framework suggests that the exchange rate of virtual currency is determined by three components. First, the current value of transactions in virtual currency which absorb part of the exchange rate risk. Second, the decisions and expectations of forward‐looking investors to buy virtual currency (thereby effectively regulating its supply). Third, the elements that jointly drive future consumer adoption and merchant acceptance of virtual currency. The model predicts that, as virtual currency becomes more established, the exchange rate will become less sensitive to the impact of shocks to speculators' beliefs. This undermines the notion that excessive exchange rate volatility will prohibit widespread use of virtual currency.
Montmorillonite improved the intestinal mucosal barrier functions of laying hens in late production
Authors: Chen Ji Fa , Liu Xu , Qu Xiangyong , Guo Songchang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with montmorillonite (MMT) on performance, intestinal endotoxin concentration, gut mucosal oxidation status, intestinal morphology and permeability, and immunological barrier function of laying hens during late production. Four hundred and eighty 75‐week‐old laying hens (Lohmann Brown) were randomly assigned to five treatments with eight replicates per treatment and 12 hens in each replicate. The hens were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, or 1.2 g MMT/kg for 70 days. Compared with the control, supplemented with 0.9 g MMT/kg increased egg mass significantly (p < 0.05) during weeks 1–5 of the experiment. Supplemented with 0.6 and 0.9 g MMT/kg also increased the endotoxin concentration in the ileal digesta (p < 0.05), but decreased the MDA concentration in the ileum significantly (p < 0.05). The T‐AOC in the jejunum of the group fed 0.3 g MMT/kg was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the villus height:crypt depth of ileum from the groups fed 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 g MMT/kg increased significantly (p < 0.05). The sIgA concentration of jejunum in the groups fed 0.6 and 0.9 g MMT/kg was higher (p < 0.05) than the control. The MMT supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of claudin‐1 and claudin‐5 in the jejunum. Dietary MMT supplementation down‐regulated the mRNA expression of NF‐κB P65 and TNF‐α in the jejunum in a linear and quadratic manner (p < 0.05). The IL‐1β mRNA expression of jejunum in the group fed 0.6 g MMT/kg was lower (p < 0.05) than the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MMT may improve the gut barrier functions and suggests that 0.9 g/kg of MMT in diets may be the optimal supplemental level for laying hens in late production.
How diverse were ferns in the Baltic amber forest?
Authors: Sadowski Eva‐Maria , Seyfullah Leyla J. , Regalado Ledis , Skadell Laura E. , Gehler Alexander , Gröhn Carsten , Hoffeins Christel , Hoffeins Hans Werner , Neumann Christian , Schneider Harald , Schmidt Alexander R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDiverse temperate forest types and a high atmospheric humidity have recently been suggested for the Eocene source area of Baltic amber. However, ferns are astonishingly rare as inclusions in this amber, which is in contrast to other seed‐free land plants, fungi, and lichens. Moreover, the identities of some of the few described putative fern taxa are dubious, and some fossils were even assigned to the Paleozoic seed fern generaAlethopteris,Pecopterisand to the form genusSphenopteriscontaining Paleozoic and Mesozoic fern‐like leaf fossils. Here, we review previously described fern inclusions from Baltic amber and identify further fern‐like leaf inclusions as belonging to the extant angiosperm genusComptonia(sweet ferns, Myricaceae). We conclude that only one taxon,Matonia striata(Matoniaceae), can with confidence be identified as a Polypodiopsida representative. Although “Pecopteris”humboldtianais so far only known as sterile foliage, its leaf morphology strongly suggests that also this taxon belongs to the Polypodiopsida rather than to any other tracheophyte lineage. We propose accommodating “Pecopteris”humboldtianain the new genusBerendtiopteris. “Alethopteris”serrataand “Sphenopteris” phyllocladoidesare not to be regarded as evidence of ferns from Baltic amber. Reinvestigation of the holotypes of these two taxa did not reveal to which tracheophyte lineages these fossils belong. We suggest that the scarcity of fern remains from Baltic amber may reflect both a relatively low fern diversity in the source area of the fossil resin, and an absence or rarity of epiphytic and climbing ferns as observed in modern temperate forest ecosystems.
A Critical Appraisal of Amish Studies’ De Facto Paradigm, “Negotiating with Modernity”
Authors: Anderson Cory , Donnermeyer Joseph , Longhofer Jeffrey , Reschly Steven D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe predominant paradigm for Amish research over the past three decades has been “negotiating with modernity” (NWM). NWM explains how the Amish as a distinctive American culture and religion have overcome the threats modernity poses to their existence. This article argues that NWM has been accepted and replicated uncritically and without empirical testing due to properties making it inherently untestable. We first synthesize the central NWM literature, as the paradigm has never been fully constructed in one place. We then call attention to two sets of impairments that prevent empirical tests. First, the perspective contains several logical fallacies and terminology problems. NWM reifies “the Amish” as its unit of analysis; creates circular variable relationships (the Amish are Amish because they are not something else); employs terms problematically, notably “modernity” and “modernization”; dichotomizes phenomena; and is grounded in no particular theoretical tradition. Second, we argue that the production of knowledge within core NWM literature has not been sufficiently substantiated. Data collection procedures and methodological strategies are unclear or undefined and scientific peer review is relatively low. We conclude by suggesting more promising theoretical directions for Amish studies.
Off‐therapy precipitous HBsAg decline predicts HBsAg loss after finite entecavir therapy in HBeAg‐negative patients
Authors: Jeng Wen‐Juei , Chang Ming‐Ling , Liaw Yun‐Fan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCessation of nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapy in HBeAg‐negative patients may increase HBsAg loss rate in patients with sustained remission (SR) and non‐retreated clinical relapsers (CR). To investigate and compare the HBsAg kinetics from end of treatment (EOT) to HBsAg loss in these patients, serial serum samples after EOT from 36 SR and 12 CR with HBsAg loss (study group) and an 1:1 matched control who remained HBsAg‐seropositive (control group) were assayed retrospectively for quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg). The results showed that study group SR and CR had comparable EOT features except SR had lower EOT qHBsAg (67.5 vs 350.5 IU/mL; P = 0.02; < 100 IU/mL: 58.3% vs 25%; P = 0.09). All showed gradual qHBsAg decrease then “precipitous HBsAg decline” (>0.5 log10 IU/mL in 1 year) prior to HBsAg loss. Patients with EOT qHBsAg <100 showed earlier (<12 months) “precipitous HBsAg decline” (91.7% vs 58.3%; P = 0.017) and sooner HBsAg loss (5.5 vs 21.9 months; P = 0.026). The control group also showed gradual qHBsAg decrease but less frequent “precipitous HBsAg decline” (39.6% vs 100%; P < 0.001) which occurred later (15.1 vs 5.7 months; P = 0.003) and was less steep (slope −0.6 vs −1.65 log10 IU/mL/year; P < 0.001). HBsAg loss was achieved in 92.9% of the patients with “precipitous HBsAg decline” >0.76 log10IU/mL in 1 year. In conclusion, both the SR and CR groups showed gradual HBsAg decrease followed by a “precipitous HBsAg decline”, which is a prerequisite for HBsAg loss. Lower EOT HBsAg in the SR group and qHBsAg <100 IU/mL may reflect better immune control hence followed by sooner HBsAg loss.
A homologue of the fungal tetraspanin Pls1 is required for Epichloë festucae expressorium formation and establishment of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne
Authors: Green Kimberly A. , Eaton Carla J. , Savoian Matthew S. , Scott Barry 
Published: April 2019

SummaryEpichloë festucae is an endophytic fungus that forms a mutualistic symbiotic association with the grass host Lolium perenne. Endophytic hyphae exit the host by an appressorium‐like structure known as an expressorium. In plant‐pathogenic fungi, the tetraspanin Pls1 and the NADPH oxidase component Nox2 are required for appressorium development. Previously we showed that the homologue of Nox2, NoxB, is required for E. festucae expressorium development and establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with the grass host. Here we used a reverse genetics approach to functionally characterize the role of the E. festucae homologue of Pls1, PlsA. The morphology and growth of ΔplsA in axenic culture was comparable to wild‐type. The tiller length of plants infected with ΔplsA was significantly reduced. Hyphae of ΔplsA had a proliferative pattern of growth within the leaves of L. perenne with increased colonization of the intercellular spaces and the vascular bundles. The ΔplsA mutant was also defective in expressorium development although the phenotype was not as severe as for ΔnoxB, highlighting potentially distinct roles for PlsA and NoxB in signalling through the NoxB complex. Hyphae of ΔplsA proliferate below the cuticle surface but still occasionally form an expressorium‐like structure that enables the mutant hyphae to exit the leaf to grow on the surface. These expressoria still form a septin ring‐like structure at the point of cuticle exit as found in the wild‐type strain. These results establish that E. festucae PlsA has an important, but distinct, role to NoxB in expressorium development and plant symbiosis.
The actions of ghrelin in the paraventricular nucleus: energy balance and neuroendocrine implications
Authors: Dos‐Santos Raoni C. , Reis Luís C. , Perello Mario , Ferguson Alastair V. , Mecawi André S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGhrelin is a peptide mainly produced and secreted by the stomach. Since its discovery, the impact of ghrelin on the regulation of food intake has been the most studied function of this hormone; however, ghrelin affects a wide range of physiological systems, many of which are controlled by the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Several pathways may mediate the effects of ghrelin on PVN neurons, such as direct or indirect effects mediated by circumventricular organs and/or the arcuate nucleus. The ghrelin receptor is expressed in PVN neurons, and the peripheral or intracerebroventricular administration of ghrelin affects PVN neuronal activity. Intra‐PVN application of ghrelin increases food intake and decreases fat oxidation, which chronically contribute to the increased adiposity. Additionally, ghrelin modulates the neuroendocrine axes controlled by the PVN, increasing the release of vasopressin and oxytocin by magnocellular neurons and corticotropin‐releasing hormone by neuroendocrine parvocellular neurons, while possibly inhibiting the release of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone. Thus, the PVN is an important target for the actions of ghrelin. Our review discusses the mechanisms of ghrelin actions in the PVN, and its potential implications for energy balance, neuroendocrine, and integrative physiological control.
The presentation of neuroendocrine self‐peptides in the thymus: an essential event for individual life and vertebrate survival
Authors: Geenen Vincent , Trussart Charlotte , Michaux Hélène , Halouani Aymen , Jaïdane Hela , Collée Caroline , Renard Chantal , Daukandt Marc , Ledent Philippe , Martens Henri 
Published: April 2019

AbstractConfirming Burnet's early hypothesis, elimination of self‐reactive T cells in the thymus was demonstrated in the late 1980s, and an important question immediately arose about the nature of the self‐peptides expressed in the thymus. Many genes encoding neuroendocrine‐related and tissue‐restricted antigens (TRAs) are transcribed in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). They are then processed for presentation by proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expressed by TECs and thymic dendritic cells. MHC presentation of self‐peptides in the thymus programs self‐tolerance by two complementary mechanisms: (1) negative selection of self‐reactive “forbidden” T cell clones starting already in fetal life, and (2) generation of self‐specific thymic regulatory T lymphocytes (tTreg cells), mainly after birth. Many studies, including the discovery of the transcription factors autoimmune regulator (AIRE) and fasciculation and elongation protein zeta family zinc finger (FEZF2), have shown that a defect in thymus central self‐tolerance is the earliest event promoting autoimmunity. AIRE and FEZF2 control the level of transcription of many neuroendocrine self‐peptides and TRAs in the thymic epithelium. Furthermore, AIRE and FEZF2 mutations are associated with the development of autoimmunity in peripheral organs. The discovery of the intrathymic presentation of self‐peptides has revolutionized our knowledge of immunology and is opening novel avenues for prevention/treatment of autoimmunity.
Impacts of carbohydrate‐restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: A systematic review
Authors: Churuangsuk Chaitong , Griffiths Daniel , Lean Michael E.J. , Combet Emilie 
Published: April 2019

SummaryA systematic review of published evidence on micronutrient intake/status with carbohydrate‐restricted diets (CRD) was conducted in Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2018. We identified 10 studies: seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (“Atkins”‐style, n = 5; “Paleolithic” diets, n = 2), two Atkins‐style noncontrolled trials and one cross‐sectional study. Prescribed carbohydrate varied 4% to 34% of energy intake. Only one noncontrolled trial prescribed multivitamin supplements. Dietary intakes/status were reported over 2 to 104 weeks, with weight losses from 2 to 9 kg. No diagnoses of deficiency were reported. Intakes of thiamine, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and iodine all decreased significantly (−10% to −70% from baseline) with any CRD types. Atkins diet trials (n = 6; 4%‐34%E carbohydrate) showed inconsistent changes in vitamin A, E, and β‐carotene intakes, while a single “Paleolithic” diet trial (28%E carbohydrate) reported increases in these micronutrients. One other “Paleolithic” diet (30%E carbohydrate) reported a rise in moderate iodine deficiency from 15% to 73% after 6 months. In conclusion, few studies have assessed the impacts of CRD on micronutrients. Studies with different designs point towards reductions in several vitamins and minerals, with potential risk of micronutrient inadequacies. Trial reporting standards are expected to include analysis of micronutrient intake/status. Micronutrients in foods and/or supplements should be considered when designing, prescribing or following CRDs.
Activation of mitophagy in inflamed odontoblasts
Authors: Yang Fuhua , Li Yuan , Duan Huiling , Wang Haisheng , Pei Fei , Chen Zhi , Zhang Lu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesMitophagy is an important mitochondrial quality control mechanism. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial damage and mitophagy occurred in inflammatory human dental pulp and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated preodontoblasts.Materials and MethodsIn dental pulp tissues and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated preodontoblasts, immunofluorescences and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of mitochondrial and mitophagy‐related proteins, and autophagy markers were also examined. Reactive oxygen species generated by mitochondria were examined by MitoSOX. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to examine the morphology of mitochondria in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated preodontoblasts.ResultsThe active fission activity of mitochondria and mitophagy in inflammatory dental pulp was observed. In lipopolysaccharide‐treated preodontoblasts, mitophagy‐related proteins were also upregulated. Moreover, increased reactive oxygen species in the inflamed preodontoblasts were observed. Additionally, single‐membrane autolysosomes containing partially degraded mitochondria with swollen inner membranes in lipopolysaccharide‐treated preodontoblasts were observed by TEM.ConclusionsThese results indicate that mitochondria were damaged and mitophagy might be activated to degrade impaired mitochondria in inflamed odontoblasts.
Shannon Entropy for Quantifying Uncertainty and Risk in Economic Disparity
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Ayyub Bilal M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe rise in economic disparity presents significant risks to global social order and the resilience of local communities. However, existing measurement science for economic disparity (e.g., the Gini coefficient) does not explicitly consider a probability distribution with information, deficiencies, and uncertainties associated with the underlying income distribution. This article introduces the quantification of Shannon entropy for income inequality across scales, including national‐, subnational‐, and city‐level data. The probabilistic principles of Shannon entropy provide a new interpretation for uncertainty and risk related to economic disparity. Entropy and information‐based conflict rise as world incomes converge. High‐entropy instances can resemble both happy and prosperous societies as well as a socialist–communist social structure. Low entropy signals high‐risk tipping points for anomaly and conflict detection with higher confidence. Finally, spatial–temporal entropy maps for U.S. cities offer a city risk profiling framework. The results show polarization of household incomes within and across Baltimore, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Entropy produces reliable results at significantly reduced computational costs than Gini coefficients.
Parent perspectives on perceived dental pain and dental caries in Saudi schoolchildren with intellectual disability
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah Ali H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsTo assess dental pain among male Saudi schoolchildren with intellectual learning disabilities (ILD) compared with controls and evaluate parents’ perceptions of their children's dental pain and dental status.Methods and ResultsA mixed‐method cross‐sectional study of 92 male schoolchildren aged 12‐16 years was conducted at schools in Albaha, Saudi Arabia between March and May 2018. Participants were clinically examined for dental caries. Parents’ perspectives on their children's dental pain were explored using interviews and a questionnaire. Chi‐square, Mann‐Whitney, Kendall's tau‐b, and t‐test analyses were run using SPSS® version 20.0. Children with and without ILD had a high prevalence of dental caries (77% and 86%, respectively). Participants with ILD had significantly higher Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ) scores than healthy controls (0.75 ± 0.27 and 0.59 ± 0.11, respectively), and their decayed teeth (DT) scores were higher. Parents’ ability to determine the complexity of dental treatment needed was significantly related to oral pain in both groups.ConclusionChildren with ILD had more dental caries and pain than children without disabilities. Future research may use longitudinal studies to examine dental pain and caries in younger children with ILD and assess their parental perspectives. Implementation of oral educational programmes targeting parents of those children may be recommended.
The role of exercise in improving patient‐reported outcomes in individuals on dialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Bohm Clara , Schick‐Makaroff Kara , MacRae Jennifer M. , Tan Maria , Thompson Stephanie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExercise improves objective measures of physical function in individuals on hemodialysis, but its effect on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) is largely unknown. We performed a scoping review to characterize the existing knowledge base on exercise and PROs in dialysis patients to make recommendations for future research. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and SPORT Discus from inception to November 28, 2018 and then screened results for randomized controlled trials comparing aerobic/resistance exercise, or both, with no exercise in individuals on dialysis that reported results of any PRO. Of 1374 eligible studies, 25 studies met inclusion criteria. Study interventions included aerobic exercise (11 intradialytic and 3 home‐based trials); intradialytic resistance exercise (seven studies) and combined aerobic and resistance exercise (six intradialytic and one facility‐based trial). The PROs measured included health‐related quality of life (n = 19), depression (n = 6), anxiety (n = 3), symptom burden (n = 4), sleep quality (n = 2), restless legs syndrome (n = 2), disability (n = 2), and self‐reported physical activity level (n = 4). Only five studies included a PRO as a primary outcome. Studies primarily used broad/generic measures of health‐related quality of life and the effect of exercise on symptoms remains relatively unexplored, particularly in peritoneal dialysis populations. Although limited, the role of exercise in improving restless legs was consistent and is a promising outcome for future study. A critical step to improving the quality of the research on this topic includes the use of validated and consistent PRO measures.