bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prominent genetic structure across native and introduced ranges of Pluchea indica, a mangrove associate, as revealed by microsatellite markers
Authors: Lin Yuting , Banerjee Achyut Kumar , Wu Haidan , Tan Fengxiao , Feng Hui , Tan Guangwen , Guo Wuxia , Huang Yelin
Published: May 2020

Aims

Pluchea indica is a mangrove-associate species, known for its medicinal properties in its native range and being invasive in part of its introduced range. This study aimed to assess geographic distribution of genetic variation of this species across its distribution range, identify the factors influencing its genetic structure and use this information to suggest conservation and management strategies in its native and introduced ranges, respectively.

Methods

We assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 348 individuals from 31 populations across its native (Asia) and introduced (USA) ranges for 15 nuclear microsatellite loci. The spatial pattern of genetic variation was investigated at both large and regional spatial scales with the hypothesis that geographic distance and natural geographic barriers would influence the population structure with varying levels of differentiation across spatial scales.

Important Findings

We found relatively high genetic diversity at the population level and pronounced genetic differentiation in P. indica, as compared with the genetic diversity parameters of mangroves and mangrove associates in this region. Most of the populations showed heterozygote deficiency, primarily due to inbreeding and impediment of gene flow. Analysis of population structures at large spatial scale revealed the presence of two major clusters across the species’ natural range separating populations in China from those in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Philippines, and that the USA population might have been introduced from the population cluster in China. Genetic differentiation between populations was also observed at the regional scale. A large number of populations showed evidence of genetic bottleneck, thereby emphasizing the risk of local extinction. Based on these findings, our study recommends in situ conservation strategies, such as to prioritize populations for conservation actions and to maintain genetic diversity.
Emotional Echoes: Young People, Divorce, and the Public Media, 1960–2000
Authors: Vallgårda Karen , Larsen Katrine Rønsig
Published: May 2020

The article introduces the methodological concept of emotional echoing to analyze the cultural formation of individual emotions and demonstrates its utility in an analysis of young people’s emotional experience of parental divorce in Denmark between 1960 and 2000. Drawing on recent theorizations within the history of emotions, we posit that emotional echoing is a key element in the historical processes through which emotions are configured. Individuals more or less consciously employ collective templates of emotionality to interpret and convey their own feelings, giving shape to experience and subjectivity in the process. We then present a study of a variety of Danish public media to examine how young people interpreted and described the experience of parental divorce. We argue that a new public emotionality emerged at this time and that this impacted young people’s experiences. Growing divorce rates, the breakdown of patriarchal family structures, the rising status of children and youth, and the blooming media market all helped spur this change. Echoing each other’s tropes, practices, and images, young people emphasized the difficult and painful aspects of the emotional experience of divorce. During the last decades of the century, they increasingly articulated anger toward their parents, but they also more often emphasized “bad conscience” and signaled the importance of regulating one’s own emotions to protect one’s parents. Through nonmechanical and creative echoing, young people processed their emotions by digesting and contributing anonymously to the public media.
Dimethylarsinic acid is the causal agent inducing rice straighthead disease
Authors: Tang Zhong , Wang Yijie , Gao Axiang , Ji Yuchen , Yang Baoyun , Wang Peng , Tang Zhu , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: May 2020

Straighthead disease is a physiological disorder in rice with symptoms of sterile spikelets, distorted husks, and erect panicles. Methylated arsenic species have been implicated as the causal agent of the disease, but direct evidence is lacking. Here, we investigated whether dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) causes straighthead disease and its effect on the transcriptome of young panicles. DMA addition caused typical straighthead symptoms in hydroponic culture, which were alleviated by silicon addition. DMA addition to soil at the tillering to flowering stages induced straighthead disease. Transgenic rice expressing a bacterial arsenite methyltransferase gene gained the ability to methylate arsenic to mainly DMA, with the consequence of inducing straighthead disease. Field surveys showed that seed setting rate decreased with increasing DMA concentration in the husk, with an EC50 of 0.18 mg kg−1. Transcriptomic analysis showed that 364 and 856 genes were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the young panicles of DMA-treated plants compared with control, whereas Si addition markedly reduced the number of genes affected. Among the differentially expressed genes, genes related to cell wall modification and oxidative stress responses were the most prominent, suggesting that cell wall metabolism is a sensitive target of DMA toxicity and silicon protects against this toxicity.
Spontaneous Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Partial Molar Pregnancy With Early Onset Severe Pre-eclampsia at 15 Weeks Gestation
Authors: Davies Michael J , Fletcher Tara L , Cox Bauer Callie M
Published: May 2020

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a well-known entity in assisted reproductive technology. However, it is unusual for this entity to occur without any medications that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone. Herein, we describe a case where a partial molar pregnancy with high human chorionic gonadotropin promiscuously activated follicle stimulating hormone receptors has resulted in spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. There are only eight other cases documented per our literature search of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in molar gestations, and this is the third report in partial molar gestation. In our case, it is an unique development of severe early onset pre-eclampsia in the second trimester. Our goal is to discuss the nuances in management of this entity as well as to add the available body of research on this subject.
Annual Disease Experience by Type and Correlations with Unmet Healthcare Needs among ROK Military Personnel
Authors: Kim Hwi Jun , Oh Sarah So Yeon , Choi Dong Woo , Won Sun Yeong , Kim Hae Jung , Ko Sung Chan , Jang Sung-In , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The National Statistical Yearbook of Defense 2018 issued by the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense reported that the number of patients using military hospitals steadily increased from 2008 to 2017. However, in the outpatient clinic statistics for years 2015–2017 from the ROK Armed Forces Medical Command, the amount of medical care received from some medical departments, such as the infection medicine, surgery, and anesthesiology departments, decreased. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the differences in incidence of military personnel’s unmet healthcare needs according to number of diseases by type.

Materials and Methods

The study used data from the Military Health Survey, which was conducted from 2014 to 2015 and included 5162 responses from ROK military personnel. The number of diseases by type and unmet healthcare needs were self-reported. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the validity of the annual disease experience by type and correlations with unmet healthcare needs.

Results

Of the 5162 military personnel, 25.2% experienced unmet healthcare needs, and the more people with the number of disease by type, the more likely they were to experience unmet healthcare needs (1: 13.4%, 2: 22.9%, 3: 29.2%, 4: 34.5%, 5: 41.4%). The logistic regression analysis also revealed significant differences (1 = REF, 2 odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50–2.24; 3 OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 2.05–3.11, 4 OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.49–3.85; ≥5 OR = 3.85, 95% CI = 3.08–4.81). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that female military personnel are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs than are male military personnel. We have also confirmed that working areas and private insurance can affect unmet healthcare needs.

Conclusion

This study suggests that unmet healthcare needs are influenced by the number of disease by the type of ROK military personnel. It is therefore necessary to strive to reduce the number of military personnel who experience unmet healthcare needs through this data.
Novel antifungal activity of oligostyrylbenzenes compounds on Candida tropicalis biofilms
Authors: Quinteros Melisa A , Galera Ivana L D , Tolosa Juan , García-Martínez Joaquín C , Páez Paulina L , Paraje María G
Published: May 2020

As sessile cells of fungal biofilms are at least 500-fold more resistant to antifungal drugs than their planktonic counterparts, there is a requirement for new antifungal agents. Olygostyrylbenzenes (OSBs) are the first generation of poly(phenylene)vinylene dendrimers with a gram-positive antibacterial activity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of four OSBs (1, 2, 3, and 4) on planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida tropicalis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the planktonic population and the sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations (SMIC) were determined. Biofilm eradication was studied by crystal violet stain and light microscopy (LM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was also utilized in conjunction with the image analysis software COMSTAT. Although all the OSBs studied had antifungal activity, the cationic OSBs were more effective than the anionic ones. A significant reduction of biofilms was observed at MIC and supraMIC50 (50 times higher than MIC) for compound 2, and at supraMIC50 with compound 3. Alterations in surface topography and the three-dimensional architecture of the biofilms were evident with LM and CLSM. The LM analysis revealed that the C. tropicalis strain produced a striking biofilm with oval blastospores, pseudohyphae, and true hyphae. CLSM images showed that a decrease occurred in the thickness of the mature biofilms treated with the OSBs at the most effective concentration for each one. The results obtained by microscopy were supported by those of the COMSTAT program. Our results revealed an antibiofilm activity, with compound 2 being a potential candidate for the treatment of C. tropicalis infections.

Lay Summary

This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of four OSBs (1, 2, 3, and 4) on planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida tropicalis. Our results revealed an antibiofilm activity, with compound 2 being a potential candidate for the treatment of C. tropicalis infections.
Pulsed disc accretion driven by Hot jupiters
Authors: Teyssandier Jean , Lai Dong
Published: May 2020

We present 2D hydrodynamical simulations of hot Jupiters orbiting near the inner edge of protoplanetary discs. We systemically explore how the accretion rate at the inner disc edge is regulated by a giant planet of different mass, orbital separation, and eccentricity. We find that a massive (with planet-to-star mass ratio ≳0.003) eccentric (ep ≳ 0.1) planet drives a pulsed accretion at the inner edge of the disc, modulated at one or two times the planet’s orbital frequency. The amplitude of accretion variability generally increases with the planet mass and eccentricity, although some non-monotonic dependences are also possible. Applying our simulation results to the T Tauri system CI Tau, where a young hot Jupiter candidate has been detected, we show that the observed luminosity variability in this system can be explained by pulsed accretion driven by an eccentric giant planet.
Dust reverberation mapping of type 2 AGN NGC 2110 realized with X-ray and 3–5 μm IR monitoring
Authors: Noda Hirofumi , Kawamuro Taiki , Kokubo Mitsuru , Minezaki Takeo
Published: May 2020

The dust reverberation mapping is one of powerful methods to investigate the structure of the dusty tori in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and it has been performed on more than a hundred type 1 AGNs. However, no clear results have been reported on type 2 AGNs because their strong optical/UV extinction completely hides their accretion disc emission. Here, we focus on an X-ray-bright type 2 AGN, NGC 2110, and utilize 2–20 keV X-ray variation monitored by MAXI to trace disc emission, instead of optical/UV variation. Comparing it with light curves in the WISE infrared (IR) W1 band ($\lambda =3.4~\mu$m) and W2 band ($\lambda =4.6~\mu$m) with cross-correlation analyses, we found candidates of the dust reverberation time lag at ∼60, ∼130, and ∼1250 d between the X-ray flux variation and those of the IR bands. By examining the best-fitting X-ray and IR light curves with the derived time lags, we found that the time lag of ∼130 d is most favoured. With this time lag, the relation between the time lag and luminosity of NGC 2110 is consistent with those in type 1 AGNs, suggesting that the dust reverberation in NGC 2110 mainly originates in hot dust in the torus innermost region, the same as in type 1 AGNs. As demonstrated by the present study, X-ray and IR simultaneous monitoring can be a promising tool to perform the dust reverberation mapping on type 2 AGNs.
White-light solar corona structure observed by naked eye and processed images
Authors: Rušin Vojtech , Prikryl Paul , Prikryl Emil A
Published: May 2020

Light and dark adaptation and luminance contrast enhancement are well-known characteristics of human vision that allow us to observe a wide range of light intensity not fully captured in standard camera images. The naked-eye observations of total eclipses, some recorded with spectacular detail in artists’ paintings, reveal structure that is consistent with images obtained by telescopes equipped with recording media. The actual shape of the corona during a total eclipse depends not only on the phase of the solar cycle but, as can be simply demonstrated, also on the day-to-day variability and spatial distribution of coronal intensity that is determined by solar surface magnetic fields, including the locations of coronal holes that are the sources of high-speed solar wind causing geomagnetic storms. The latter were very similar for the eclipses in 1932, 1994, and 2017, which is the main reason why the naked-eye observations, as well as the processed images (1994 and 2017), of the white-light corona displayed very similar shapes. White-light corona image processing is a useful technique to enhance the contrast to observe fine-scale structure that is consistent with the physics of the solar atmosphere shaped by the magnetic field drawn out into the interplanetary space by solar wind.
Bar rejuvenation in S0 galaxies?
Authors: Barway Sudhanshu , Saha Kanak
Published: May 2020

Based on the colour measurements from a multiband, multicomponent 2D decompositions of S0 and spiral galaxies using SDSS images, we found that bars are bluer in S0 galaxies compared to the spiral galaxies. Most of the S0s in our sample have stellar masses ∼L* galaxies. The environment might have played an important role as most of the S0s with bluer bars are in the intermediate-density environment. The possibility of minor mergers and tidal interactions that occurs frequently in the intermediate-density environment might have caused either a bar to form and/or induce star formation in the barred region of S0 galaxies. The underlying discs show the usual behaviour being redder in S0s compared to spiral galaxies while the bulges are red and old for both S0 and spiral galaxies. The finding of bluer bars in S0 galaxies is a puzzling issue and poses an interesting question at numerical and theoretical studies most of which shows that the bars are long-lived structures with old stellar populations.
Evolution and role of mergers in the BCG–cluster alignment. A view from cosmological hydrosimulations
Authors: Ragone-Figueroa C , Granato G L , Borgani S , De Propris R , García Lambas D , Murante G , Rasia E , West M
Published: May 2020

Contradictory results have been reported on the time evolution of the alignment between clusters and their brightest cluster galaxy (BCG). We study this topic by analysing cosmological hydrosimulations of 24 massive clusters with $M_{200}|_{z=0} \gtrsim 10^{15}\, \rm {\, M_{\odot }}$, plus 5 less massive with $1 \times 10^{14} \lesssim M_{200}|_{z=0} \lesssim 7 \times 10^{14}\, \rm {\, M_{\odot }}$, which have already proven to produce realistic BCG masses. We compute the BCG alignment with both the distribution of cluster galaxies and the dark matter (DM) halo. At redshift z = 0, the major axes of the simulated BCGs and their host cluster galaxy distributions are aligned on average within 20°. The BCG alignment with the DM halo is even tighter. The alignment persists up to z ≲ 2 with no evident evolution. This result continues, although with a weaker signal, when considering the projected alignment. The cluster alignment with the surrounding distribution of matter (3R200) is already in place at z ∼ 4 with a typical angle of 35°, before the BCG–cluster alignment develops. The BCG turns out to be also aligned with the same matter distribution, albeit always to a lesser extent. These results taken together might imply that the BCG–cluster alignment occurs in an outside–in fashion. Depending on their frequency and geometry, mergers can promote, destroy or weaken the alignments. Clusters that do not experience recent major mergers are typically more relaxed and aligned with their BCG. In turn, accretions closer to the cluster elongation axis tend to improve the alignment as opposed to accretions closer to the cluster minor axis.
Microsurgical Clipping of an Unruptured Basilar Apex Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: May 2020

Aneurysms of the basilar artery apex are generally at an increased risk of rupture compared with aneurysms in other locations, and the risk of rupture increases with increasing aneurysm size. Therefore, these lesions necessitate treatment to decrease the risk of rupture. The location, size, and directionality of dome projection influence the difficulty of microsurgical treatment. The patient presented with an incidental basilar apex aneurysm identified on workup for headaches. The aneurysm projected superoposteriorly into the interpeduncular cistern. The surgical approach involved a wide exposure of the basilar apex complex and meticulous identification and preservation of P1 perforators during clip applications. It was imperative to visualize all perforators on both sides of the clip prior to application, given the severe morbidity associated with a perforator infarct. The patient tolerated the procedure well and remained neurologically intact after the operation. This video is an exemplary demonstration of basilar apex aneurysm clip application for an incidentally discovered aneurysm. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Hunterian Ligation With Distal Revascularization for Management of a Previously Coiled Giant Internal Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: May 2020

Unclippable giant aneurysms pose a significant microsurgical challenge. Options for management are highly dependent on the aneurysm characteristics and cerebrovascular anatomy. Hunterian (proximal) ligation with either high-flow or low-flow distal revascularization is an option for the treatment of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA). This patient had a multiply recurrent supraclinoid ICA aneurysm following endovascular treatment and progressive ipsilateral homonymous hemianopsia. In preparation for the clip occlusion of the proximal ICA, the patient underwent a balloon test occlusion of the ICA, which had a negative result, indicative of tolerance. A pterional craniotomy was used to perform a low-flow bypass, superficial temporal artery to M2, and clip occlusion of the proximal ICA. The patient tolerated the procedure well with some pressure-dependent contralateral symptoms, which resolved. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Spatially resolved molecular gas properties of host galaxy of Type I superluminous supernova SN 2017egm
Authors: Hatsukade Bunyo , Morokuma-Matsui Kana , Hayashi Masao , Tominaga Nozomu , Tamura Yoichi , Niinuma Kotaro , Motogi Kazuhiro , Morokuma Tomoki , Matsuda Yuichi
Published: May 2020

We present the results of CO(1–0) observations of the host galaxy of a Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN-I), SN 2017egm, one of the closest SLSNe-I at z = 0.03063, by using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The molecular gas mass of the host galaxy is Mgas = (4.8 ± 0.3) × 109 M⊙, placing it on the sequence of normal star-forming galaxies in an Mgas–star-formation rate (SFR) plane. The molecular hydrogen column density at the location of SN 2017egm is higher than that of the Type II SN PTF10bgl, which is also located in the same host galaxy, and those of other Type II and Ia SNe located in different galaxies, suggesting that SLSNe-I have a preference for a dense molecular gas environment. On the other hand, the column density at the location of SN 2017egm is comparable to those of Type Ibc SNe. The surface densities of molecular gas and the SFR at the location of SN 2017egm are consistent with those of spatially resolved local star-forming galaxies and follow the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation. These facts suggest that SLSNe-I can occur in environments with the same star-formation mechanism as in normal star-forming galaxies.
Descriptive analysis of social determinant factors in urban communities affected by COVID-19
Authors: Harlem Gunness
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To provide a descriptive analysis of communities severely impacted by COVID-19 to that of communities moderately affected by COVID-19, with an emphasis on the social determinant factors within them.

Methods

To compare the communities with extremely high COVID-19 rates to that of communities with moderate COVID-19 cases, we selected six community districts in Queens, New York using public data from New York City Health Department that provides the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases by zip codes from March 1st, 2020 to April 17th, 2020.

Results

The results of the study showed that COVID-19 cases were 30% greater in communities with extremely high cases than in communities with moderate cases. There were also the several outstanding social determinants commonalities that were found in communities with extremely high COVID-19 cases. These include severe overcrowding, lower educational status, less access to healthcare, and more chronic diseases.

Conclusion

This study adds to existing literature on vulnerable urban communities affected by COVID-19. Future studies should focus on the underlying factors in each social determinant discussed in this study to better understand its association with the spread of COVID-19.
O1.2. REDUCING THE DURATION OF UNTREATED PSYCHOSIS IN A U.S. CATCHMENT: THE MINDMAP CAMPAIGN
Authors: Srihari Vinod , Ferrara Maria , Kline Emily , Li Fangyong , Burke Shadie , Cahill John , Guloksuz Sinan , Woods Scott , Tek Cenk , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: May 2020

Background

The Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) program has delivered a specialty-team based first-episode service (FES) since 2006 in New Haven. In 2015, STEP launched a 4-year early detection (ED) campaign (Mindmap), adapted from the Scandinavian TIPS approach, to shorten Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) in a 10-town catchment (popn. 400,000).

Methods

Mindmap’s social-ecological model targeted demand (delays in identifying illness and help-seeking) and supply (delays in referring to and providing FES) side constituents of DUP. Mindmap used mass and social media messaging, professional detailing, and rapid triage of referrals. DUP was measured as the time between the onset of psychosis and initiation of antipsychotic treatment (DUP1) and FES care (DUP2). A control FES (PREP, Boston) supported the quasi-experimental design. Quantile regression was used to interrogate the impact of the campaign across the full range of DUP. The campaign was launched in 2015, after a one-year baseline.

Results

The third quartile of DUP1 fell significantly at the intervention site in the pre- vs. post-campaign period (329 to 185 days, p=0.03). A time-series analysis revealed a cumulative effect of the campaign over time i.e. for each year of campaigning a 46-day reduction was achieved at STEP. DUP1 at the other quartiles and DUP2 across all quartiles showed a consistent trend of reduction over time at STEP, but this did not reach conventional statistical significance. At PREP both DUP1 & DUP2 remain unchanged, and comparable to baseline levels at STEP.

Discussion

Mindmap has shown promise in reducing delays to care and this is the first controlled demonstration of DUP reduction in a U.S. community setting. Additional data on help-seeking events and pathways to care and social media metrics will be presented as mediating variables. Mindmap was an early detection campaign hosted by an established FES and targeting a defined geographic catchment to recruit all incident cases. As such, this effort included a wide range of community and clinical stakeholders and modeled a population health based approach to the care of early psychosis. The lessons are relevant for burgeoning FES implementations across the world, and these will be elaborated based on the data and experience of implementing this study.
T44. 12-MONTH FOLLOW UP OF METABOLIC MEASURES FOLLOWING A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF TREATMENT OF CLOZAPINE ASSOCIATED OBESITY AND DIABETES WITH EXENATIDE (CODEX)
Authors: Siskind Dan , Russell Anthony , Kisely Steve
Published: May 2020

Background

Clozapine is associated with high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, can counter clozapine-associated GLP-1 dysregulation. Our randomized, controlled (RCT), open-label, pilot trial of once-weekly extended-release subcutaneous exenatide or treatment as usual (TAU) for 24 weeks (n=28), found 6/14 people on exenatide achieved >5% weight loss vs 1/14 receiving usual care (P = .029). Compared with TAU, participants on exenatide had greater mean weight loss body mass index (BMI) reduction, and reduced fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Methods

We followed up CODEX trial participants at 12 months following the end of the trial. We collected information on weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and use of metformin. The primary outcome of interest was change in weight. Change in these parameters from trial baseline to 12 months post endpoint and trial endpoint to 12 months post endpoint was compared between those formerly in the exenatide and TAU arms.

Results

There were no significant differences between baseline and 12-months post endpoint for any of the variables. Data from endpoint to 12-month follow up point showed significantly greater increases among the former exenatide group compared to the former TAU group for weight, BMI, and proportion with >5% weight gain. Stratifying the dataset by whether participants were on metformin six months after the end of the trial did not alter the overall results.

Discussion

There were significant increases in weight and BMI in the 12 months post endpoint for the former exenatide group, however there were no significant differences in weight and BMI between baseline and 12-month post endpoint. This is in keeping with other GLP-1RA studies. This information suggests the need for continued use of exenatide among people on clozapine who have achieved weight loss.
T53. NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF THE STIMULATION OF NICOTINIC RECEPTORS AND NON-INVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Güler Duygu , Pross Benjamin , Nitsche Michael , Padberg Frank , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: May 2020

Background

Tobacco dependence is the most common substance use disorder in schizophrenia patients. Research suggests that prevalence rates for patients with schizophrenia are 40 to 80 percent. It is believed that these patients smoke to improve cognitive deficits. This assumption is supported by several neurophysiological and behavioral studies. The aim of the current study is to assess the physiological fundamentals and the behavioral effects of smoking in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The present randomized double-blind and controlled study is ongoing and focusses on enhancing cognitive functioning in schizophrenia patients. Nicotinic receptors of participating patients are stimulated by the substance varenicline. The resulting changes are assessed by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and cognitive performance tests. Additionally, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) is applied for inducing plasticity to examine the interaction between tobacco consumption and brain stimulation. The treatment consists of twice daily 1 mg of varenicline (or placebo) and 20-minute a-tDCS (or sham tDCS) over a period of five days. Sixty patients with schizophrenia will be recruited for this pilot study.

Results

This is a double-blind study. Therefore no results can be shown so far. To this date 18 patients have been recruited (female = 6). There haven’t been major side effects and patients are tolerating the interventions well.

Discussion

During the conference we will present the concept and design of the combined “varenicline x tDCS” trial for the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
T58. EFFECTIVENESS OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED CO-ENZYME Q10 FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA: COGNITIVE, FUNCTIONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL OUTCOMES FROM A DOUBLE BLIND, RANDOMISED, PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Hargreaves April , Maguire Aine , Mooney Christina , Hargreaves Iain , Heaton Robert , Phillips Suzannah , Gill Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an endogenous compound that is essential for energy production within the mitochondria and also functions as a potent anti-oxidant, inhibiting oxidative stress and damage. Often deficits in CoQ10 are associated with fatigue, and cognitive and psychological impairment. In light of its many functions, CoQ10 supplementation to minimise decline and improve symptoms has been investigated in multiple disorders including neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, with results indicating positive effects on fatigue, cognitive impairment and affective difficulties for disorders such as bipolar disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. There is also evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia. In light of this evidence, the current study aimed to investigate the potential effect of CoQ10 supplementation on 1) cognitive function and 2) psychological and physical health in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study was conducted to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation (300mg/day) on cognitive, psychological and physical variables in 70 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The effects of CoQ10 supplementation were compared to placebo at 3 and 6 months. Plasma CoQ10 was measured at all time points, along with measures of mitochondrial function (via plasma lactate concentration). Sensitivity analysis followed an intention to treat approach that used multiple imputations to account for missing values.

Results

Overall there was no effect of CoQ10 supplementation on cognitive outcome measures. This is despite observing an increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration in the CoQ10 group compared to the placebo. CoQ10 supplementation also had no effect on mitochondrial function, energy, psychological symptoms, quality of life, functional status, physical activity or blood pressure at either time point.

Discussion

There is considerable evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is present in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and this dysfunction is implicated in the manifestation of cognitive impairment and clinical symptoms. CoQ10 can be taken as a nutritional supplement with minimal side effects to target mitochondrial dysfunction via promoting ATP generation and increasing antioxidant capacity. However, we found no effect of CoQ10 supplementation on any variable under investigation. It is possible that CoQ10 might act as a protective agent against exacerbated oxidative stress in these patients, and future studies might be warranted to examine this possibility. However, the current data is conclusive that CoQ10 supplementation does not ameliorate existing deficits in schizophrenia. These findings are translatable to clinical and community settings.
M38. PATIENT-PERSPECTIVE: NEED FOR CARE AFTER A FIRST PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Heijden-Hobus Inge , van der Heijden-Hobus Inge , Rosema Bram-Sieben , Vorstman Jacob , Kas Martien , Begemann Marieke , Kikkert Martijn , Sommer Iris
Published: May 2020

Background

Only little is information is available about the needs and preferences regarding care and treatment of people who are going through a psychosis for the first time. A first psychotic episode is often an intense experience, which may not directly be recognized as a mental health problem. Given the unfamiliarity with the available options of care, it probably differs from subsequent psychoses. In order to design first psychosis programs to optimally meet patients preferences, we need to learn the care needs of these usually young people. Furthermore, peoples’ needs during the first psychosis, and the need for care after a psychotic episode have to be explored, in order to be able picking up life again after complete or incomplete remission.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with people (n = 20) who are in complete or partial remission after their first psychosis about their personal care needs. Interviews were conducted by an experience expert and a researcher together and lasted between 1 and 3 hours. Interviews were non-structured, but a basic set of 5 topics was used.

Results

Preliminary results of the interviews conducted so far (n = 14) show that people with a first psychosis have a great need for information about the symptoms they are suffering from. In addition, they believe that medication is an important ‘cornerstone’ to get rid of their symptoms. Furthermore, nearly all participants hope to be able to stop medication in the near future. Admission to a ward is in most cases experienced as frightening. One person indicated that the tranquility during admission was very welcome. At this stage, experience experts are not being reached out to yet, nor is there a clear need for social work in this stage of the disease. During and shortly after their first psychosis, the interviewees especially appreciate the support of family and close friends.

Discussion

Clear information about a first psychosis was mentioned as the first need. Family and close friends are most appreciated as “auxiliary troops”. Family support is therefore an important contributor in care for patients suffering from psychosis. Medication was appreciated as an important cornerstone, but only to induce remission, not as a mean for maintenance treatment. Admission was by most patients experienced as stressful. Additional research is recommended to further map what information this should be exactly, and how to bring it to the patient and his relatives.
M40. ECT VERSUS SHAM FOR CLOZAPINE RESISTANT SCHIZOPHRENIA: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF A PILOT STUDY BASED ON PANSS-30 FACTOR ANALYTIC DIMENSIONS AND THE PANSS-6
Authors: Luciana Melzer-Ribeiro Debora , Cristina Oliveira Solis Ana , Cistina Grilli Tissot Maria , Elkis Helio
Published: May 2020

Background

About 40% of patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) do not respond to an adequate trial with clozapine and are termed Clozapine- Resistant Schizophrenia (CRS). A metanalysis showed that clozapine augmentation with ECT is efficacious for CRS, but no studies with Sham-ECT were reported (1). We published a pilot single-blinded study trial, which, to our knowledge, is the first to evaluate the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in comparison with Sham–ECT in CRS (2) (NCT02049021) (PS). In this PS, patients with CRS received ECT (n=12) or SHAM-ECT (n=7) and after 12 sessions, but no differences were found between both groups as measured by the total PANSS and subscales at the endpoint. Factors, obtained by factor analytic studies (3), as well as individual items of shorter versions of the PANSS (4), are considered more valid predictors of TRS than subscales. The aim of the present study is a reanalysis of our PS based either PANSS factors obtained through factors analysis as well as on the individual items of the PANSS-30 and the PANSS-6.

Methods

We used individual participant data (IPD) at the symptom level, based on a statistical approach of a study already published (5). We used PANSS-30 items, traditional subscales, as well as factor scores (Positive, Negative and Cognitive) derived from our factor analysis of patients with TRS (4). Additionally, we analyzed also all the PANSS-6 items and the sum of scores (hallucinatory behavior –P3 and lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation- N6) which identify severe cases. STATA, Comprehensive Metanalysis, and R were used for calculations of effect sizes (fixed effects) and power

Results

We obtained significant differences between groups with high effect sizes (>0.8) for three symptoms at endpoint: P3 (-0.993, 95% CI= -1.977 to -0.009, p= 0.048), N6 (-1.036, 95% CI= -2.025 to -0.047 p= 0.040), and Disorientation (G10) (-1.445, 95%CI=-2.48—0.40, p=0.006). The between-groups effect-sizes of other symptoms or factors showed no statistically significant differences

Discussion

The present reanalysis showed that patients with CRS do benefit from ECT treatment, with an improvement of their Hallucinatory Behavior or Lack of Spontaneity and Flow of Conversation, but suffer from some cognitive impairments (Disorientation). These findings are limited due to the small sample. We are conducting a trial with a much larger sample size to test the efficacy and tolerability of ECT vs Sham in CRS.
M91. ADDICTION-RELEVANT BEHAVIOURS FOR COCAINE IN A NEUREGULIN 1 MUTANT MOUSE MODEL OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Chesworth Rose , Visini Gabriela , Karl Tim
Published: May 2020

Background

Substance abuse is highly prevalent in schizophrenia patients, worsening symptoms, increasing hospitalisation, and reducing antipsychotic medication efficacy. The reason for high substance abuse rates in schizophrenia are unclear, however, it has been hypothesised that genetic predisposition for schizophrenia may increase the patients’ susceptibility to addictive behaviour. Elevated addiction propensity can be examined using mouse models of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The heterozygous neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain mutant (Nrg1 TM HET) mouse shows face, construct and predictive validity for schizophrenia and displays altered behavioural and neural responses to the major psychoactive cannabis constituent. However, the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse have not been assessed in these mice.

Methods

We examined addiction-like behaviours for cocaine in adult male Nrg1 TM HET mice. Cocaine reward (5, 10, 20 mg/kg i.p.) was assessed in conditioned place preference (CPP), where the pairing of a drug with a neutral context produces a preference for the drug-paired context. Self-administration of cocaine including the motivation to do so was also examined using intravenous self-administration (IVSA; cocaine doses: 0.1, 0.5, 1mg/kg/infusion). We also tested cessation of cocaine self-administration and relapse-like behaviour using IVSA.

Results

In CPP, Nrg1 TM HET mice did not develop a preference for lower doses of cocaine (e.g. 5–10 mg/kg cocaine) which was evident in WT mice. However, at the highest dose (20 mg/kg), Nrg1 TM HET mice showed such a preference, which was absent in WT mice. These findings suggest a Nrg1-mediated shift in the dose-response curve.

In IVSA, Nrg1 TM HET mice failed to extinguish cocaine-seeking more often than WT mice. There was also a trend for Nrg1 TM HET mice to exhibit greater relapse-like behaviour. Both behaviours are reminiscent of the DSM-5 criteria for drug addiction, and these addiction-like behaviours occurred in the absence of changes to cocaine self-administration or motivation for cocaine in Nrg1 mutant mice.

Discussion

The data presented suggest the Nrg1 TM mutation produces an addiction-relevant phenotype for cocaine. These findings provide the first evidence for a potential genetic link between schizophrenia and cocaine abuse and may help explain elevated susceptibility to cocaine abuse in patients.
M157. A MULTICENTRE STUDY OF 1H-MRS BRAIN GLUTAMATE LEVELS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA; INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATION, SYMPTOM SEVERITY AND AGE
Authors: Merritt Kate , Aleman André , Block Wolfgang , Bloemen Oswald , Borgan Faith , Bustillo Juan , Capizzano Aristides , Coughlin Jennifer , de la Fuente-Sandoval Camilo , Demjaha Arsime , Do Kim , Drost Dick , Falkai Peter , Galińska Beata , Gallinat Jürgen , Gasparovic Charles , Goto Naoki , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Ho Beng-Choon , Howes Oliver , Jauhar Sameer , Kato Tadafumi , Kaufmann Charles ,   39 more authors, Egerton Alice
Published: May 2020

Background

Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies indicate that altered brain glutamate signalling contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and treatment response. However it is unclear whether clinical and demographic factors affect glutamate levels in the brain. Here we aim to determine the effects of age, antipsychotic medication, symptom severity and duration of illness on levels of glutamatergic metabolites and creatine, in a large multicentre dataset of patients with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers.

Methods

Authors of 1H-MRS studies in schizophrenia were contacted between January 2014 and August 2017 and asked to provide individual glutamate, Glx, glutamine and creatine values alongside demographic and clinical data. Forty-five 1H-MRS studies contributed data to the multicentre dataset, and data was available from 1194 healthy volunteers and 1526 patients with schizophrenia and those at high risk of developing psychosis.

Results

Age was associated with reduced glutamate levels in the medial frontal cortex, but the effect of aging was not accelerated in patients compared to healthy volunteers. Higher glutamate and Glx in the medial frontal and temporal lobes were associated with more severe symptoms, whereas Glx in subcortical regions, specifically the thalamus and striatum, did not relate to symptom severity. In the medial frontal cortex and striatum, exposure to antipsychotic medication was associated with lower levels of glutamatergic metabolites. Duration of illness was not associated with glutamatergic metabolites. Lastly, creatine in the medial frontal cortex and thalamus increased with age.

Discussion

These data suggest that future 1H-MRS studies should control for the effects of age, symptom severity, and antipsychotic medication exposure. Caution is needed when using creatine as a reference to scale metabolites.
M240. THE RELATIONSHIP OF TREATMENT DELAY WITH PERSONALITY TRAIT AND FAMILY COHESION IN PATIENTS WITH FIRST-EPISODE SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDER
Authors: Jo Anna , Kim Sung-Wan , Kim Yeonghyeok , Jin Kim Jung , Chung Young-Chul , Kim Jae-Min , Yoon Jin-sang
Published: May 2020

Background

Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) is one of the important factors that affect the prognosis of schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of personality trait and family relationships on delayed treatment of schizophrenia.

Methods

The subjects were 169 patients diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia. It is a prospective study examined the socio-demographic factors with positive and negative syndrome (PANSS) and social occupational function (SOFAS). Personality trait was investigated with the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) and family cohesion was investigated with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-III (FACES-III). The DUP was defined as the time period from the appearance of the first psychotic symptoms for more than several days to the time when antipsychotic treatment began. Groups were divided according to the median value of the DUP.

Results

The average DUP was 12.0 months and the median value was 3.0 months. In long DUP group, age is significantly older, the PANSS score was significantly higher and the SOFAS score was significantly lower. Logistic regression analysis showed that long DUP was associated with the conscientiousness of the BFI-10 (OR = 2.175, p = 0.004) and lower level of family cohesion of FACES-III (OR = 0.930, p = 0.025).

Discussion

As a result of the study, treatment delay of psychosis was associated with lower cohesion and adaptability of family function and the tendency of the personality with conscientiousness. These suggest that the role of the family in accessing mental health services is important when the initial symptoms of schizophrenia develop.