bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐year clinical evaluation of two high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cements in class II restorations of primary molars
Authors: Gok Baba Merve , Kirzioglu Zuhal , Ceyhan Derya
Published: October 2020

Background

Little information exists on the clinical performance of restorative materials on primary teeth of preschool children. This study aimed to evaluate clinical performance of compomer, glass‐hybrid‐added high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement and zinc‐added high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement materials in class ΙΙ restorations of primary molars.

Methods

The study included 251 teeth of 57 patients aged 4–7 years with proximal caries in primary molars. The teeth were divided into three groups, and each restorative material was randomly distributed. Dyract XP, Equia Forte and ChemFil Rock materials were placed after cavity preparation and clinically evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months using modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐square and z tests.

Results

At the end of 12 months, a total of three restorations in Dyract XP group, 22 in Equia Forte group and 11 in ChemFil Rock group failed in retention criteria. No statistically significant difference existed between retention, colour match and surface texture criteria of all groups at 3 and 6 months, but a statistically significant difference was found at 12 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For class ΙΙ restorations of primary molars, the success of compomer material was superior to high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer materials.
The effects of human disturbance on the species composition, species diversity and functional diversity of a Miombo woodland in northern Malawi
Authors: Yamashina Chisato , Hara Masaya , Fujita Tomohiro
Published: October 2020

Anthropogenic disturbances have serious impacts on ecosystems across the world. Understanding the effects of disturbance on woodlands, especially in regions where local people depend on these natural resources, is essential for sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of anthropogenic disturbance, specifically selective logging of Brachystegia floribunda, on woodlands by comparing species composition, species diversity and functional diversity of woody plants between disturbed and undisturbed woodlands. We combined species data and functional trait data for leaves, fruits and other traits related to resource and disturbance responses to calculate functional indices (functional richness, evenness and divergence) and community‐weighted means of each trait. Shifts in taxonomic species composition were analysed using nonmetric multi‐dimensional scaling. Species composition differed significantly between disturbed and undisturbed woodlands. Tree density was greater in disturbed woodlands, whereas evenness, functional evenness and functional divergence were greater in undisturbed woodlands. In terms of forest cover, selective logging of B. floribunda appeared to have little impact on Miombo woodlands, but some shifts in functional traits, such as the shift from a deciduous to evergreen phenology, may increase the vulnerability of these ecosystems to environmental change, especially drought.
Reconciling and Reassessing the Accumulated Copying Error Model's Population‐Level Predictions for Continuous Cultural Traits
Authors: Premo L. S.
Published: October 2020

The accumulated copying error (ACE) model exploits the fact that limits to human visual perception introduce proportional copying errors during cultural transmission of a continuous trait, such as the length of a tool. Archaeologists have used ACE to infer the mechanisms of cultural transmission employed in the past. But ACE's predictions apply only under “idealized” conditions in which the population contains infinitely many vertical transmission chains and the continuous trait can take any positive value. Here, I relax each assumption to show: (1) the mean and variance of a vertically transmitted continuous trait are functions of population size and number of transmission events, and (2) functional constraints weaken the cumulative effects of proportional copying error. Incorporating the effects of population size and functional constraints in future work will reduce Type I errors (falsely rejecting a true null) when inferring the cultural transmission mechanisms responsible for population‐level variation in continuous traits. [cultural evolution, cultural transmission, finite population size, functional constraints, Paleolithic, simulation, social learning]
Non‐operative management for small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen: a systematic review
Authors: Yang Tze W. W. , Prabhakaran Swetha , Bell Stephen , Chin Martin , Carne Peter , Warrier Satish K. , Skinner Stewart , Kong Joseph C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common general surgical presentation and there has been a shift towards non‐operative management (NOM) for patients with previous abdominal surgery. Historically, exploratory surgery has been mandated for SBO in patients with a virgin abdomen. However, there is increasing evidence for NOM in this group of patients.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. A search was undertaken between 1995 and 2020 on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed. Primary outcome measures were success and failure rates, whereas secondary outcome measures were morbidity, mortality rates and identifying underlying aetiologies.

Results

Six observational studies were included, with 205 patients in the NOM and 211 patients in the operative group. There was a high success rate of 95.6% and low morbidity rate of 3.1% in the NOM group compared to 88.6% and 26% in the operative group, respectively. Both groups reported no mortalities. The most common aetiologies for SBO in a virgin abdomen were adhesions (63%), malignancy (11%), foreign body/bezoar (5%), internal hernia (4%) and volvulus (4%).

Conclusion

NOM for SBO is a safe and feasible option for a select group of clinically stable patients with a virgin abdomen without features of closed‐loop obstruction. Adhesions are the most common cause of SBO in this group of patients. Further large‐scale prospective clinical studies with standardized NOM modality, homogenous clinical resolution indicators and long‐term follow‐up data are warranted to allow for quantitative analysis to reinforce this evidence.
Effects of tubing degradation and pump position on extracorporeal circulation performance
Authors: Schröter Filip , Müller Torsten , Hartrumpf Martin , Ostovar Roya , Kühnel Ralf‐Uwe , Albes Johannes Maximilian
Published: October 2020

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is an integral part of cardiac surgery. Yet, the contact with artificial surfaces, mechanical stress, shear, and suction forces within the ECC pose a pronounced risk for damaging the corpuscular components of the blood. These suction forces may be reduced by a repositioning of the roller pumps employed below the reservoir. Furthermore, the repeated compression of the involved silicone tubing is likely to cause degradation. We present our observations regarding changes in the ECC performance following this degradation process. In vitro experiments were performed in a standard as well as a simplified ECC setup and included measurements of pressure, effective flow, and tubing restoring force over a time frame of 12 hours with two different pump positions utilizing transit time flow measurement. Suction forces within the tubing could be significantly reduced by shifting the pump position below the reservoir. Regardless of the setup, the tubing showed significant loss of restoring force as well as effective flow over time. A shift of the pump position within the ECC setup can be recommended to prevent blood damaging negative pressures. Further research is necessary to evaluate the exact cause of the reduction of restoring force overtime as well as its risks for the patients. Finally, our results underline the importance of transit time flow measurements to collect reliable flow data.
Letter: placebo run‐in for IBS clinical trials—is it useful?
Authors: Bosman Michelle H. M. A. , Keszthelyi Daniel
Published: October 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hamatani et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15907 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16047
Clinical characteristics of inguinal bladder hernias and total extraperitoneal repair
Authors: Hasegawa Shinichiro , Ogino Nobuo , Kanemura Takashi , Sakao Jun , Fujii Hitoshi , Kikkawa Hiroyuki , Tsujie Masaki
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Bladder hernia is relatively rare in cases of inguinal hernia. In some instances, bladder hernia may be treated as inguinal hernia if bladder prolapse is not recognized. Because of the rarity of inguinal bladder hernias, there are no related detailed reports from studies performed at a single institution. In our hospital, patients with suspected inguinal hernia undergo CT in the prone position, enabling the diagnosis of bladder hernia preoperatively. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of inguinal bladder hernias and consider noteworthy points in their laparoscopic treatment.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included data from 32 consecutive patients with bladder hernia in 1126 patients with inguinal hernia. In each patient, the lengths of the hernial orifice and prolapsed bladder were measured on the CT images and intraoperatively. Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair was performed in all patients, who were then followed for 1 year postoperatively.

Results

Inguinal bladder hernia was detected on CT in 32 of 1126 patients (2.8%). Among them, only five (15.6%) had urological symptoms such as pollakiuria or the sensation of residual urine. The 32 patients were classified into three groups according to hernia subtype: intraperitoneal (n = 12, 37.5%), para‐peritoneal (n = 15, 46.9%), and extraperitoneal (n = 5, 15.6%). The prolapsed bladder of the extraperitoneal type was significantly shorter than that of the other subtypes. The prolapsed bladders were directly identified in the extraperitoneal space and repaired safely with TEP. One recurrence (3.1%) occurred 2 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Preoperative CT and TEP are useful for the definitive diagnosis and treatment of inguinal bladder hernia.
Extraperitoneal colostomy in robotic surgery for rectal cancer using a tip‐up fenestrated grasper
Authors: Akamoto Shintaro , Imura Shin , Fujiwara Yuta , Habu Kyosuke , Konishi Yusuke , Fukuhara Tetsuji , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Although extraperitoneal colostomy could reduce the risk for parastomal hernia formation, it is often technically demanding to dissect the extraperitoneal route laparoscopically. Here, we demonstrate our original surgical technique for extraperitoneal tunneling using a robotic instrument.

Materials and Surgical Technique

After total mesorectal excision (TME) and before specimen retrieval, the edge of the outer leaf of the parietal peritoneum was elevated by the grasper in the left hand and the tip‐up fenestrated grasper (Tip‐Up) in the right hand. The extraperitoneal tissue was opened using the scissor forceps (right hand). Then, extraperitoneal tunneling (inner tunnel) was performed using a Tip‐Up with a width of approximately 4 cm that could reach adjacent to the lateral border of the abdominal rectus muscle. A round incision was made at a preoperatively marked site on the skin. The anterior rectal sheath was cut in a cruciate fashion. The abdominal rectus muscle was split, and then the posterior rectus sheath was cut longitudinally not just below the stoma marking site but also at a slant on the lateral side. The peritoneum was dissected with care to avoid opening the peritoneum. The outer side of the tunnel was broken through to the inner tunnel using an easy blunt dissection with two fingers. Kelly forceps were introduced through the extraperitoneal tunnel along with the fingers, and the stump of the sigmoid colon was grasped and exteriorized through this tunnel.

Discussion

Robotic retroperitoneal tunneling using a Tip‐Up is easy and useful for preventing parastomal hernia.
Effectiveness of a targeted and tailored pharmacist‐led intervention to improve adherence to antihypertensive drugs among patients with type 2 diabetes in Indonesia: A cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alfian Sofa D. , van Boven Job F.M. , Abdulah Rizky , Sukandar Hadyana , Denig Petra , Hak Eelko
Published: October 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of a targeted and tailored pharmacist‐led intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who are nonadherent to antihypertensive drugs.

Methods

A cluster‐randomised controlled trial was conducted in 10 community health centres (CHCs) in Indonesia among T2DM patients aged ≥18 years who reported nonadherence to antihypertensive drugs according to the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐5). Patients in CHCs randomised to the intervention group received a tailored intervention based on their adherence barriers (eg, forgetfulness, lack of knowledge, lack of motivation and/or other drug‐related problems) using a simple question‐based flowchart at baseline and 1‐month follow‐up. Patients in control CHCs received usual care. Primary outcome was the between‐group difference in change in MARS‐5 score from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included changes in patients' blood pressure and their medication beliefs. Differences in difference in primary and secondary outcomes between groups were assessed using general linear models.

Results

In total, 201 patients were screened for eligibility, 113 met the inclusion criteria and participated, and 89 (79%) patients had complete follow‐up. Forgetfulness (42%) and lack of knowledge (18%) were the most common adherence barriers identified at baseline. The intervention improved medication adherence by 4.62 points on the MARS‐5 scale (95% CI 0.93 to 8.34, P value = 0.008). There were no significant changes in blood pressure levels and beliefs about antihypertensive drugs.

Conclusion

A tailored low‐cost pharmacist‐led intervention aimed at nonadherent T2DM patients resulted in an improvement in medication adherence to antihypertensive drugs. There were no significant changes in secondary outcomes.
Dose prediction for repurposing nitazoxanide in SARS‐CoV‐2 treatment or chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Rajoli Rajith K. R. , Pertinez Henry , Arshad Usman , Box Helen , Tatham Lee , Curley Paul , Neary Megan , Sharp Joanne , Liptrott Neill J. , Valentijn Anthony , David Christopher , Rannard Steven P. , Aljayyoussi Ghaith , Pennington Shaun H. , Hill Andrew , Boffito Marta , Ward Steve A. , Khoo Saye H. , Bray Patrick G. , O'Neill Paul M. , Hong W. David , Biagini Giancarlo A. , Owen Andrew
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been declared a global pandemic and urgent treatment and prevention strategies are needed. Nitazoxanide, an anthelmintic drug, has been shown to exhibit in vitro activity against SARS‐CoV‐2. The present study used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to inform optimal doses of nitazoxanide capable of maintaining plasma and lung tizoxanide exposures above the reported SARS‐CoV‐2 EC90.

Methods

A whole‐body PBPK model was validated against available pharmacokinetic data for healthy individuals receiving single and multiple doses between 500 and 4000 mg with and without food. The validated model was used to predict doses expected to maintain tizoxanide plasma and lung concentrations above the EC90 in >90% of the simulated population. PopDes was used to estimate an optimal sparse sampling strategy for future clinical trials.

Results

The PBPK model was successfully validated against the reported human pharmacokinetics. The model predicted optimal doses of 1200 mg QID, 1600 mg TID and 2900 mg BID in the fasted state and 700 mg QID, 900 mg TID and 1400 mg BID when given with food. For BID regimens an optimal sparse sampling strategy of 0.25, 1, 3 and 12 hours post dose was estimated.

Conclusion

The PBPK model predicted tizoxanide concentrations within doses of nitazoxanide already given to humans previously. The reported dosing strategies provide a rational basis for design of clinical trials with nitazoxanide for the treatment or prevention of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A concordant higher dose of nitazoxanide is now planned for investigation in the seamless phase I/IIa AGILE trial.
Population pharmacokinetics of propofol in neonates and infants: Gestational and postnatal age to determine clearance maturation
Authors: Sandra Louis , Smits Anne , Allegaert Karel , Nicolaï Johan , Annaert Pieter , Bouillon Thomas
Published: October 2020

Aims

Develop a population pharmacokinetic model describing propofol pharmacokinetics in (pre)term neonates and infants, that can be used for precision dosing (e.g. during target‐controlled infusion) of propofol in this population.

Methods

A nonlinear mixed effects pharmacokinetic analysis (Monolix 2018R2) was performed, based on a pooled study population in 107 (pre)term neonates and infants.

Results

In total, 836 blood samples were collected from 66 (pre)term neonates and 41 infants originating from 3 studies. Body weight (BW) of the pooled study population was 3.050 (0.580–11.440) kg, postmenstrual age (PMA) was 36.56 (27.00–43.00) weeks and postnatal age (PNA) was 1.14 (0–104.00) weeks (median and min‐max range). A 3‐compartment structural model was identified and the effect of BW was modelled using fixed allometric exponents. Elimination clearance maturation was modelled accounting for the maturational effect on elimination clearance until birth (by gestational age [GA]) and postpartum (by PNA and GA). The extrapolated adult (70 kg) population propofol elimination clearance (1.64 L min−1, estimated relative standard error = 6.02%) is in line with estimates from previous population pharmacokinetic studies. Empirical scaling of BW on the central distribution volume in function of PNA improved the model fit.

Conclusions

It is recommended to describe elimination clearance maturation by GA and PNA instead of PMA on top of size effects when analyzing propofol pharmacokinetics in populations including preterm neonates. Changes in body composition in addition to weight changes or other physio‐anatomical changes may explain the changes in central distribution volume. The developed model may serve as a prior for propofol dose finding and target‐controlled infusion in (preterm) neonates.
Regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling via interaction with Gli1
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Feixia , He Jianlin , Lian Naqi , Wang Zhenyi , Shao Jiangjuan , Ding Hai , Tan Shanzhong , Chen Anping , Zhang Zili , Wang Shijun , Zheng Shizhong
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose

Portal hypertension is a lethal complication of cirrhosis. Its mechanism and therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction increases intrahepatic vascular resistance contributing to portal hypertension. We investigated how HSC contraction was regulated by Wnt signalling and the therapeutic implications.

Experimental Approach

Liver tissues from cirrhotic patients were examined. Cirrhotic mice with genetic or pharmacological treatments were used for in vivo assessments, and their primary cells were isolated. Cellular functions and signalling pathways were analysed in human HSC‐LX2 cells using real‐time PCR, Western blotting, siRNA, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co‐immunoprecipitation and site‐directed mutagenesis.

Key Results

Wnt/β‐catenin correlated with HSC contraction in human cirrhotic liver. Wnt3a stimulated Smo‐independent Gli1 nuclear translocation followed by LARG‐mediated RhoA activation leading to HSC contraction. Suppressor of fused (Sufu) negatively mediated Wnt3a‐induced Gli1 nuclear translocation. Wnt/β‐catenin repressed transcription of Sufu dependent on β‐catenin/TCF4 interaction and TCF4 binding to Sufu promoter. Molecular simulation and site‐directed mutagenesis identified the β‐catenin residues Lys312 and Lys435 critically involved in this interaction. TCF4 binding to the sequence CACACCTTCC at Sufu promoter was required for transrepression of Sufu. In cirrhotic mice, short‐term liver‐targeting β‐catenin deficiency or acute treatment with β‐catenin inhibitors reduced portal pressure via restriction of HSC contraction rather than inhibiting HSC activation. Long‐term deficiency or treatments also ameliorated liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation.

Conclusion and Implications

Interaction between Wnt/β‐catenin and Smo‐independent Gli1 pathways promoted HSC contraction via TCF4‐dependent transrepression of Sufu. HSC‐specific inhibition of β‐catenin may have therapeutic benefits for cirrhotic portal hypertension.
A novel class of fast‐acting antimalarial agents: Substituted 15‐membered azalides
Authors: Peric Mihaela , Pešić Dijana , Alihodžić Sulejman , Fajdetić Andrea , Herreros Esperanza , Gamo Francisco Javier , Angulo‐Barturen Iñigo , Jiménez‐Díaz María Belén , Ferrer‐Bazaga Santiago , Martínez María S. , Gargallo‐Viola Domingo , Mathis Amanda , Kessler Albane , Banjanac Mihailo , Padovan Jasna , Bencetić Mihaljević Vlatka , Munic Kos Vesna , Bukvić Mirjana , Eraković Haber Vesna , Spaventi Radan
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose

Efficacy of current antimalarial treatments is declining as a result of increasing antimalarial drug resistance, so new and potent antimalarial drugs are urgently needed. Azithromycin, an azalide antibiotic, was found useful in malaria therapy, but its efficacy in humans is low.

Experimental Approach

Four compounds belonging to structurally different azalide classes were tested and their activities compared to azithromycin and chloroquine. in vitro evaluation included testing against sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum, cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, accumulation and retention in human erythrocytes, antibacterial activity, and mode of action studies (delayed death phenotype and haem polymerization). in vivo assessment enabled determination of pharmacokinetic profiles in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys and in vivo efficacy in a humanized mouse model.

Key Results

Novel fast‐acting azalides were highly active in vitro against P. falciparum strains exhibiting various resistance patterns, including chloroquine‐resistant strains. Excellent antimalarial activity was confirmed in a P. falciparum murine model by strong inhibition of haemozoin‐containing trophozoites and quick clearance of parasites from the blood. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that compounds are metabolically stable and have moderate oral bioavailability, long half‐lives, low clearance, and substantial exposures, with blood cells as the preferred compartment, especially infected erythrocytes. Fast anti‐plasmodial action is achieved by the high accumulation into infected erythrocytes and interference with parasite haem polymerization, a mode of action different from slow‐acting azithromycin.

Conclusion and Implications

The hybrid derivatives described here represent excellent antimalarial drug candidates with the potential for clinical use in malaria therapy.
AMP‐activated protein kinase activation primes cytoplasmic translocation and autophagic degradation of the BCR‐ABL protein in CML cells
Authors: Koyama Daisuke , Kikuchi Jiro , Kuroda Yoshiaki , Ohta Masatsugu , Furukawa Yusuke
Published: October 2020

Chronic myeloid leukemia is driven by the BCR‐ABL oncoprotein, a constitutively active protein tyrosine kinase. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have greatly improved the prognosis of CML patients, the emergence of TKI resistance is an important clinical problem, which deserves additional treatment options based on unique biological properties to CML cells. In this study, we show that metabolic homeostasis is critical for survival of CML cells, especially when the disease is in advanced stages. The BCR‐ABL protein activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) for ATP production and the mTOR pathway to suppress autophagy. BCR‐ABL is detected in the nuclei of advanced‐stage CML cells, in which ATP is sufficiently supplied by enhanced glucose metabolism. AMP‐activated protein kinase is further activated under energy‐deprived conditions and triggers autophagy through ULK1 phosphorylation and mTOR inhibition. In addition, AMPK phosphorylates 14‐3‐3 and Beclin 1 to facilitate cytoplasmic translocation of nuclear BCR‐ABL in a BCR‐ABL/14‐3‐3τ/Beclin1/XPO1 complex. Cytoplasmic BCR‐ABL protein undergoes autophagic degradation when intracellular ATP is exhausted by disruption of the energy balance or forced autophagy flux with AMP mimetics, mTOR inhibitors, or arsenic trioxide, leading to apoptotic cell death. This pathway represents a novel therapeutic vulnerability that could be useful for treating TKI‐resistant CML.
Age, period and cohort trends in oral health status in South Korean adults
Authors: Kim Eun‐Soo , Kim Baek‐Il , Jung Hoi In
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the age, period and cohort effects on the changes in oral health status in South Koreans.

Methods

The age, period and cohort analysis (APC analysis) of the oral health status was conducted using an aggregated age‐by‐time period table. The age‐by‐time period table was formulated using data from the Korea National Oral Health Survey (KNOHS) 2000 and 2006, and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010 and 2015. Two oral health outcomes were measured: the number of teeth and Decayed‐Missing‐Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive analysis by graphical representation and partial least square (PLS) regression was used for APC analysis.

Results

Both graphical description and PLS regression showed age and cohort effects in oral health status with the number of teeth decreasing and the DMFT index increasing with age. No period effects were found in either index. The number of teeth increased in the recent birth cohorts. However, the DMFT index showed a reverse J‐shaped trend, which worsened in recent birth cohorts. The DMFT index increase in the recent cohort was mainly attributed by an increase in the FT index.

Conclusions

The effects of age on the number of teeth and caries highlight the importance of oral health in adulthood. The increased caries experience in recent cohorts may indicate the limitations of the current oral health policy. It would be relevant to explore what determinants cause the changes in oral health status. Future oral health policies should address the new directions to reduce the burden of oral diseases.
Deep brain stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus relieves basal ganglia dysfunction in monkeys with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Du Tingting , Chen Yingchuan , Shi Lin , Liu Defeng , Liu Yuye , Yuan Tianshuo , Zhang Xin , Zhu Guanyu , Zhang Jianguo
Published: October 2020

Aims

Deep brain stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus (ANT‐DBS) is effective in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Previous studies have shown that the basal ganglia are involved in seizure propagation in TLE, but the effects of ANT‐DBS on the basal ganglia have not been clarified.

Methods

ANT‐DBS was applied to monkeys with kainic acid–induced TLE using a robot‐assisted system. Behavior was monitored continuously. Immunofluorescence analysis and Western blotting were used to estimate protein expression levels in the basal ganglia and the effects of ANT stimulation.

Results

The seizure frequency decreased after ANT‐DBS. D1 and D2 receptor levels in the putamen and caudate were significantly higher in the ANT‐DBS group than in the epilepsy (EP) model. Neuronal loss and apoptosis were less severe in the ANT‐DBS group. Glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and globus pallidus internus (GPi) increased in the EP group but decreased after ANT‐DBS. γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA‐R) decreased and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) increased in the GPi of the EP group, whereas the reverse tendencies were observed after ANT‐DBS.

Conclusion

ANT‐DBS exerts neuroprotective effects on the caudate and putamen, enhances D1 and D2 receptor expression, and downregulates GPi overactivation, which enhanced the antiepileptic function of the basal ganglia.
Speaking across boundaries to explore the potential for interdisciplinarity in ecosystem services knowledge production
Authors: Schutter Marleen S. , Hicks Christina C.
Published: October 2020

Conservation is likely to be most successful if it draws on knowledge from across the natural and social sciences. The ecosystem services concept has been called a boundary object in that it facilitates development of such interdisciplinary knowledge because it offers a common platform for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. However, a question that remains is to what extent the interdisciplinary knowledge needed is provided by disciplinary diversity within the field. We asked where is knowledge on ecosystem services produced, how interdisciplinary is this knowledge, and which disciplines facilitate the greatest disciplinary integration? We definedinterdisciplinarityas the extent to which published research draws on knowledge that crosses disciplinary borders and used citations as a quantitative indicator of communication among disciplines, based on journal classification. We used disciplinary diversity, richness, and heterocitation as measures of interdisciplinarity and betweenness centrality as a measure of disciplinary integration. Our data set contained 22,153 publications on ecosystem services, published from 1983 to 2018. We found that ecosystem services research matured; average yearly output growth was 33.8%, more than the 8–9% growth in scientific output across all fields. Over time, the network clustering coefficient, measuring connectedness of individual disciplines, rose from 0.388 to 0.727, suggesting increased density in the network of citations. Researchers in the field published more articles (3566 in 2018 alone) across more disciplines (77 unique disciplines in 2018). However, this growth was not mirrored by an increase in the diversity (stable at 0.7–0.9) or richness (averaging 0.35 unique disciplines per citation) of citation patterns. Heterocitation scores, or out‐of‐group citations, for arts, humanities, social sciences, and law ranged from 56% to 64%, which was lower than we expected, although this may serve to protect the integrity of social science disciplines and attract broader engagement from within. Ultimately, a small number of productive disciplines are central to supporting disciplinary integration. However, opportunities exist for conservation practice to draw on a broader field of research, to realize the potential that the diverse body of knowledge of interdisciplinary work offers.
Colour design and non‐image‐forming effects in humans: An open issue
Authors: Rossi Maurizio
Published: October 2020

Nowadays in industrialised countries, human beings spend 80–90% of their time indoors. Under these conditions the light, the colours, ie the perceived image, differs considerably from the outdoors. But this also influences the NIF (non‐image‐forming) effects on our nervous system, such as regulation of the circadian rhythm and other physiological effects. The risks to health arising from NIF effects are highlighted. Even though extensive neurophysiological research has demonstrated the importance of proper NIF management for human health, use of the latter is virtually absent in the design practice. Therefore, we highlight the unresolved research challenges which prevent the development of complete models, particularly useful in defining lighting and, above all, colours in indoor environments, to correctly manage NIF effects.
Severe harm from others' drinking: A population‐based study on sex differences and the role of one's own drinking habits
Authors: Sundin Erica , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Landberg Jonas , Ramstedt Mats
Published: October 2020

Introduction and Aims

Despite the fact that many studies have focused on harm from others' drinking, there is a lack of knowledge regarding severe forms of these harms. This study aimed to assess sex differences in the prevalence of severe harm from others' drinking and sex‐specific associations with one's own drinking.

Design and Methods

The data originated from a Swedish cross‐sectional population survey (n = 15 576). Adjusted odds ratios of self‐reported experiences of severe harm (harmed ‘a lot’) from others' drinking were calculated using logistic regression models. Additive interactions were used to determine sex‐specific associations between own drinking and harm.

Results

The past‐year prevalence of severe harm from known and unknown drinkers was higher among women (4.9% and 1.8%, respectively) than men (1.9% and 1.2%, respectively). Alcohol dependence predicted such harm for both sexes. No association with severe harm from known drinkers was found for male drinkers and binge drinkers, whereas female drinkers and binge drinkers reported more experiences of such harm. These differences indicated a supper‐additive interaction (RERI: 0.92–1.47) and signs of having alcohol dependence among women indicated an even higher interaction (RERI: 5.37).

Discussion and Conclusions

Women suffer more frequently from severe harm from others' drinking. Men and women report different experiences of severe harm from known people's drinking conditioning on their drinking behaviour. Sex‐specific longitudinal studies are warranted to examine the relation between different behaviours and these harms. Whether these findings hold in settings with different drinking cultures and social norms should be explored.
Patterns of invasive plant abundance in disturbed versus undisturbed forests within three land types over 16 years
Authors: Huebner Cynthia D.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Long‐term monitoring of forest understorey species was used to describe changes in native and invasive exotic plant abundances over time within different disturbed or undisturbed forest types. This information was then used to determine the predictive invasion model (passenger/opportunist, driver or back‐seat driver).

Location

Cheat Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, USA.

Methods

Understorey vegetation of mature and clear‐cut forests was sampled every 5–6 years for 16 years. Stands were stratified across three land types following a moisture gradient. Invasive plant richness, frequency and abundance were evaluated across land type and disturbance type with general linear mixed models. Change in richness, diversity and abundance of both native and invasive non‐native plants was evaluated as a measure of impact.

Results

The mesic mature stands had the greatest invasive plant richness, frequency and abundance. The moderately mesic clear‐cut stands initially showed the greatest invasive plant richness, frequency and abundance, but over time these values became greater for the drier clear‐cuts. The mature forests showed no change in native species abundance in response to invasion. Clear‐cut‐drier stands showed a decrease, while the more mesic stands showed an increase in native plant richness, diversity and abundance in response to invasion. The drier clear‐cuts, with increasing invasions and negative native species impacts, were indicative of the back‐seat driver model. The hitchhiker model, a new term, described increasing plant invasions with no measurable impacts.

Main Conclusions

The drier clear‐cut stands exhibit a lack of biotic resistance to invasion, unlike the mesic clear‐cut stands. Increasing invasion in the mature forests suggests that a threshold may be reached that results in impacts on the native vegetation, but with no increase in native plant abundance to help alleviate these effects.
Cerebral effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor blockade before and after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery in obese women: A proof‐of‐concept resting‐state functional MRI study
Authors: van Duinkerken Eelco , Bernardes Gabriel , van Bloemendaal Liselotte , Veltman Dick J. , Barkhof Frederik , Mograbi Daniel C. , Gerdes Victor E. A. , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J. , Drent Madeleine L. , Diamant Michaela , ten Kulve Jennifer , Ijzerman Richard G.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB)‐related changes in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) on cerebral resting‐state functioning in obese women.

Materials and Methods

In nine obese females aged 40‐54 years in the fasted state, we studied the effects of RYGB and GLP‐1 on five a priori selected networks implicated in food‐ and reward‐related processes as well as environment monitoring (default mode, right frontoparietal, basal ganglia, insula/anterior cingulate and anterior cingulate/orbitofrontal networks).

Results

Before surgery, GLP‐1 receptor blockade (using exendin9‐39) was associated with increased right caudate nucleus (basal ganglia network) and decreased right middle frontal (right frontoparietal network) connectivity compared with placebo. RYGB resulted in decreased right orbitofrontal (insula/anterior cingulate network) connectivity. In the default mode network, after surgery, GLP‐1 receptor blockade had a larger effect on connectivity in this region than GLP‐1 receptor blockade before RYGB (all PFWE < .05). Results remained similar after correction for changes in body weight. Default mode and right frontoparietal network connectivity changes were related to changes in body mass index and food scores after RYGB.

Conclusions

These findings suggest GLP‐1 involvement in resting‐state networks related to food and reward processes and monitoring of the internal and external environment, pointing to a potential role for GLP‐1–induced changes in resting‐state connectivity in RYGB‐mediated weight loss and appetite control.
PERSISTENT PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR: TWO INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS 350 YEARS APART
Authors: Dasgupta Utteeyo , Jha Chandan Kumar , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: October 2020

Outbreaks of infectious diseases bring behavior and policy responses into sharp focus since societies face acute constraints and uncertainties. This paper compares two infectious disease outbreaks: the Covid‐19 pandemic and the 1665 London plague outbreak described by Daniel Defoe in A Journal of the Year of the Plague published in 1722. We compare three aspects: individual behavior, social behavior, and governance and find striking similarities in behavior in spite of these events being separated by 350 years. We contend that the same models of behavior can be used to explain human responses during such outbreaks regardless of when they occur. (JEL A10, B52, Z11)
Effect of cognitive and motor dual‐task on oropharyngeal swallowing in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Claus Inga , Muhle Paul , Regner Liesa , Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias
Published: October 2020

Background

Dysphagia frequently occurs in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is associated with severe complications. However, the underlying pathology is poorly understood at present. This study investigated the effect of cognitive and motor dual‐task interference on oropharyngeal swallowing in PD.

Methods

Thirty PD patients (23 men, mean age 65.90 ± 9.32 years, mean Hoehn and Yahr stage 2.62 ± 0.81, mean UPDRS 18.00 ± 7.18) were examined using flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). FEES was performed during three paradigms: at baseline without interference, during a cognitive dual‐task, and during a motor dual‐task. Oropharyngeal swallowing function was rated using a score which was validated to detect changes in PD related dysphagia. The three paradigms were compared using a two‐way‐repetitive‐measures‐ANOVA and a post‐hoc‐analysis.

Results

Mean swallowing score in baseline FEES was 10.67 ± 5.89. It significantly increased (worsened) to 15.97 ± 7.62 (p < 0.001) in the motor dual‐task and to 14.55 ± 7.49 (p < 0.001) in the cognitive dual‐task. Premature bolus spillage and pharyngeal residue both significantly increased during both of the dual‐task conditions whereas penetration/aspiration events did not change.

Conclusion

Oropharyngeal swallowing in patients with PD is not purely reflexive but requires mental capacity. Additional allocation of attentional resources in the central control of swallowing seems to be an effective compensatory mechanism in PD‐related dysphagia: The proposed dual‐task protocol may be useful to challenge swallowing functional reserve. Conversely, as a therapeutic strategy, it could be beneficial to focus attention on swallowing and to avoid dual‐task situations.
Course of neuropsychological impairment during natalizumab‐associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Kinner Markus , Prehn Christian , Schneider Ruth , Schroeder Christoph , Kolb Eva , Gold Ralf , Hoepner Robert , Chan Andew
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection of the central nervous system from the John Cunningham virus (JCV), is a side effect of natalizumab (NTZ) treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), potentially leading to a substantial increase of physical and mental disability. Nevertheless, data of neuropsychological impairment during the NTZ‐PML disease course are missing. Our objective was to evaluate the neuropsychological disease course of NTZ‐PML patients and to compare neuropsychological deficits of NTZ‐PML patients with two different non‐PML multiple sclerosis (MS) cohorts.

Methods

Neuropsychological examinations of 28 NTZ‐PML patients performed during different phases of the disease ([i] at PML diagnosis, [ii] during immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome [IRIS], and [iii] post‐IRIS/PML) were retrospectively analyzed and compared to those of NTZ‐treated RRMS or secondary progressive MS patients with and without immunotherapy.

Results

Compared to controls, NTZ‐PML patients performed worse in neuropsychological examinations during all stages of disease, mainly affecting visuospatial ability and working memory. Furthermore, failure to eliminate the JCV from the central nervous system was associated with a progredient decline of cognition, especially working memory.

Conclusions

Working memory and visuospatial abilities are the core neuropsychological deficits of NTZ‐PML patients in long‐term follow‐up. Our findings should be implemented in neurorehabilitation strategies.
Mining specific and representative information by the attribute‐oriented induction method
Authors: Wu Chia‐Chi , Chen Yen‐Liang , Yu Mei‐Ru
Published: October 2020

Attribute‐oriented induction (AOI) is a data analysis technique based on induction. The traditional AOI algorithm requires a threshold given by users to determine the number of output tuples. However, it is not easy to set an appropriate tuple threshold, and there is usually noise contained in a dataset. The traditional AOI algorithm can only generate a summary output of a fixed size, but it cannot guarantee that all generalized tuples have sufficient specificity and representativeness. In this article, a new AOI method is proposed to make up for the shortcomings. We introduce the concept of cost to measure the loss of accuracy due to attribute ascension. We also propose two algorithms based on the hierarchical clustering method. By setting cost constraints on each generalized tuple, our method can generate accurate output while eliminating noise, and help users get more informative and clearer results.
Understanding the Early Years of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Couples’ Marriages
Authors: Kanter Jeremy B. , Proulx Christine M.
Published: October 2020

Recent research has identified significant differences in how satisfaction in newlywed relationships progress, with the majority of spouses reporting relatively high marital satisfaction. However, most studies have focused on white, middle class, childless couples, and it is not clear whether these findings hold for socioeconomically disadvantaged couples (those with low educational attainment or income). Further, previous work has largely ignored differences between spouses within the same marriage and the circumstances under which interpersonal processes between spouses are influential to prospective marital satisfaction. Using dyadic growth‐mixture modeling and three waves of data from 530 newlywed couples in the Supporting Healthy Marriages study, we simultaneously modeled husbands’ and wives’ marital satisfaction and identified two classes of couples, labeled the Relatively satisfied class and Husbands’ moderate intercept, wives’ low, and increasing satisfaction class. Husbands consistently reported better marital satisfaction than their wives regardless of class membership. Wives’ perceptions of interpersonal processes during experiences of financial stress predicted class membership. Dissolution rates also differed between classes. We conclude by providing practical implications for working with socioeconomically disadvantaged families.
Translating Discovery Science.Variation in Facilitator Characteristics in Ethno‐Racial Minority Fatherhood Program Outcomes and Processes: A Translational Science Brief Report
Authors: James Anthony , Roy Roudi , Brown Tiffany L. , Roy Donovan R. , Smith Sheldon , Dayne Nancy
Published: October 2020

Objective

Investigation of whether the characteristics (i.e., gender especially) of fatherhood program facilitators influence dynamics in group sessions and program outcomes.

Background

Within the past decade, policy initiatives have spurred an increase in fatherhood programs. As a result, empirically examining the factors that support effective programming is essential. Previous research highlights program facilitator characteristics as one of these factors but facilitator gender is one characteristic that needs more attention.

Methods

This study used data from six focus groups conducted with 40 fathers and one‐on‐one interviews with five fatherhood program group facilitators in a western U.S. urban community.

Results

Our findings revealed that fathers care deeply about learning how to be better fathers and that having female facilitators lead program sessions can promote qualitatively different skills in fathers relative to male facilitators. Results also lend support to program structures where male and female facilitators colead group sessions together.

Conclusions

The characteristics of the session facilitator can change both the dynamics of the conversations in the session and the nature of the skills that are produced among participating fathers.

Implications

Fatherhood program administrators may want to think critically not only about what content they want to deliver in their programs but also about the characteristics of the facilitator(s) delivering the content and how the latter can potentially influence program outcomes.