bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did long‐term fire control the coniferous boreal forest composition of the northern Ural region (Komi Republic, Russia)?
Authors: Barhoumi Chéïma , Ali Adam A. , Peyron Odile , Dugerdil Lucas , Borisova Olga , Golubeva Yulia , Subetto Dmitri , Kryshen Alexander , Drobyshev Igor , Ryzhkova Nina , Joannin Sébastien
Published: August 2020

Aim

Documenting past vegetation dynamics and fire‐vegetation relationships at a regional scale is necessary to understand the mechanisms that control the functioning of the boreal forest, which is particularly sensitive to climate change. The objective of this study is to document these interactions in the Komi Republic during the Holocene.

Location

Yaksha, Vychegda river basin, Republic of Komi, Russia.

Taxon

Plantae, gymnosperms, angiosperms.

Methods

Two palaeoecological approaches are combined, based (1) on pollen (this study) and charcoal analysis (recomputed from our previous analysis) applied to cores from two peatlands and (2) on a REVEALS model (a part of the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm “LRA”) applied to six regional pollen cores in order to obtain a regional estimate of vegetation cover during the Holocene.

Results

The pollen diagram produced locally from Yaksha was compared with the regional vegetation cover determined by REVEALS. Taxa such as Abies sp. and Pinus spp. showed differences between the two approaches, but vegetation signals remain qualitatively consistent. From 10,000 to 6,000 cal. yr BP, the forest was mainly a light taiga (composed of Pinus sylvestris and Betula spp.) and low fire activity was recorded. From 6,000 to 3,500 cal. yr BP, a dark taiga (composed of Picea spp., Abies sibirica and Pinus sibirica) was established due to favourable climatic conditions, despite higher fire activity. From 3,500 cal. yr BP onwards, the continuous increase in fire activity allowed for a gradual return of light taiga, Betula spp., likely reinforced by human activities. The dynamics of Picea spp. and Abies sp. were asynchronous between the sites. For Picea spp., the hypothesis of local inter‐site expansion distributed along stream corridors is supported by the data. For Abies sp., a bias in REVEALS, and in climate cooling may explain disparities between sites.

Main conclusions

We found evidence that in the early and mid‐Holocene, vegetation dynamics were probably more influenced by climate, as fire activity was low. During the late Holocene, fire activity and geomorphology, eventually augmented by human activities, increased in influence on vegetation dynamics and led to the predominance of the light taiga forest up to the present.
Deconstructing species richness–environment relationships in Neotropical lianas
Authors: Meyer Leila , Kissling W. Daniel , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Hortal Joaquín , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Studying species richness patterns by considering all species as equivalent units may prevent a deeper understanding of the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. Here, we deconstructed the species richness of Neotropical lianas by specific attributes of species to study richness–environment relationships.

Location

Neotropics.

Taxon

Tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae), the largest clade of Neotropical lianas.

Methods

We used five morphological, one geographical and two evolutionary attributes of species, each with 2–7 attribute states. We compared the environmental response of species richness of each attribute state to the response of overall Bignonieae species richness. For those groups of species that differed in their environmental response to three‐dimensional habitat structure, climate and soil we assessed: (a) the magnitude and direction of the environmental response; and (b) the variation in species richness explained by environmental variables and spatial filters using variation partitioning analysis.

Results

We identified eight attribute states whose richness–environment relationship differed from the overall richness pattern: three morphological (species with shrubby habit, lacking tendrils and with seeds bearing ellipsoid wings), three geographical (species with small, small‐to‐medium and medium‐to‐large range sizes) and two evolutionary (species of the generaAmphilophiumandCuspidaria) attribute states. Areas with high species richness of these eight attribute states did not overlap with the centres of Neotropical diversity in the tribe Bignonieae. A high fraction of the variation in species richness of these eight attribute states was accounted for by spatial filters or remained unexplained.

Main conclusions

The richness deconstruction approach revealed that richness–environment relationships of species with specific attribute states differ from the overall species richness pattern. These morphological, geographical and evolutionary attribute states are mostly related to the survival and persistence in savanna habitats, and show that ecological strategies and evolutionary histories need to be taken into account to fully understand richness–environment relationships.
Unsupervised hierarchical clustering identifies a metabolically challenged subgroup of hypertensive individuals
Authors: Vaura Felix C. , Salomaa Veikko V. , Kantola Ilkka M. , Kaaja Risto , Lahti Leo , Niiranen Teemu J.
Published: August 2020

The current classification of hypertension does not reflect the heterogeneity in characteristics or cardiovascular outcomes of hypertensive individuals. Our objective was to identify distinct phenotypes of hypertensive individuals with potentially different cardiovascular risk profiles using data‐driven cluster analysis. We performed clustering, a procedure that identifies groups with similar characteristics, in 3726 individuals (mean age 59.4 years, 49% women) with grade 2 hypertension (blood pressure ≥160/100 mmHg or antihypertensive medication) selected from FINRISK 1997, 2002, and 2007 cohorts. We computed clusters based on eight factors associated with hypertension: mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, BMI, C‐reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and alcohol. After that, we used Cox regression models adjusted for age and sex to assess the relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes between the clusters and a reference group of 11 020 individuals. We observed two comparable clusters in both men and women. The Metabolically Challenged (MC) cluster was characterized by high blood glucose (Z‐score 4.4 ± 1.1 vs 0.2 ± 0.8, men; 3.5 ± 1.1 vs 0.0 ± 0.6, women) and elevated BMI (30.4 ± 4.1 vs 28.9 ± 4.3, men; 32.7 ± 4.9 vs 29.3 ± 5.5, women). Over a 10‐year follow‐up (1034 CVD events), MC had 1.6‐fold (95% CI 1.1‐2.4) CVD risk compared to non‐MC and 2.5‐fold (95% CI 1.7‐3.7) CVD risk compared to the reference group (P ≤ .009 for both). Using unsupervised hierarchical clustering, we found two phenotypically distinct hypertension subgroups with different risks of CVD complications. This substratification could be used to design studies that explore the differential effects of antihypertensive therapies among subgroups of hypertensive individuals.
Point‐of‐care nerve conduction device predicts the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy: A quantitative, but easy‐to‐use, prediction model
Authors: Kamiya Hideki , Shibata Yuka , Himeno Tatsuhito , Tani Hiroya , Nakayama Takayuki , Murotani Kenta , Hirai Nobuhiro , Kawai Miyuka , Asada‐Yamada Yuriko , Asano‐Hayami Emi , Nakai‐Shimoda Hiromi , Yamada Yuichiro , Ishikawa Takahiro , Morishita Yoshiaki , Kondo Masaki , Tsunekawa Shin , Kato Yoshiro , Baba Masayuki , Nakamura Jiro
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

A gold standard in the diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a nerve conduction study. However, as a nerve conduction study requires expensive equipment and well‐trained technicians, it is largely avoided when diagnosing DPN in clinical settings. Here, we validated a novel diagnostic method for DPN using a point‐of‐care nerve conduction device as an alternative way of diagnosis using a standard electromyography system.

Materials and Methods

We used a multiple regression analysis to examine associations of nerve conduction parameters obtained from the device, DPNCheck™, with the severity of DPN categorized by the Baba classification among 375 participants with type 2 diabetes. A nerve conduction study using a conventional electromyography system was implemented to differentiate the severity in the Baba classification. The diagnostic properties of the device were evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

A multiple regression model to predict the severity of DPN was generated using sural nerve conduction data obtained from the device as follows: the severity of DPN = 2.046 + 0.509 × ln(age [years]) − 0.033 × (nerve conduction velocity [m/s]) − 0.622 × ln(amplitude of sensory nerve action potential [µV]), r = 0.649. Using a cut‐off value of 1.3065 in the model, moderate‐to‐severe DPN was effectively diagnosed (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.871, sensitivity 70.1%, specificity 87.7%, positive predictive value 83.0%, negative predictive value 77.3%, positive likelihood ratio 5.67, negative likelihood ratio 0.34).

Conclusions

Nerve conduction parameters in the sural nerve acquired by the handheld device successfully predict the severity of DPN.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibitors as add‐on therapy in addition to insulin for type 1 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zou Hailan , Liu Lili , Guo Jia , Wang Hongjuan , Liu Siyun , Xing Yixuan , Deng Chao , Xiao Yang , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

Several clinical trials reported the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors in type 1 diabetes patients. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SGLT inhibitors in type 1 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang databases through 1 April 2020. Differences were expressed as the 95% confidence interval (CI) or weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous outcomes, and risk ratio (RR) for discontinuous outcomes.

Results

A total of 13 RCTs with 7,962 cases were included. SGLT inhibitors reduced the fasting plasma glucose level (WMD −1.320 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.609 to −1.031, P < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin level (WMD −0.386%, 95% CI −0.431 to −0.342, P < 0.001) and daily total insulin dose (WMD −5.403, 95% CI −7.218 to −3.859, P < 0.001). However, higher risks of diabetic ketoacidosis (RR 5.042, 95% CI 3.160–8.046, P < 0.001), urinary tract infections (RR 1.259, 95% CI 1.034–1.533,P = 0.022) and genital infections (RR 2.995, 95% CI 1.953–4.594, P < 0.001) were associated with SGLT inhibitors, but SGLT inhibitors did not increase the hypoglycemia risk (RR 0.980, 95% CI 0.840–1.144,P = 0.799). In subgroup analysis, with a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and daily insulin doses, SGLT1/2 inhibitor did not increase genitourinary tract infections compared with a placebo.

Conclusions

SGLT2 and SGLT1/2 inhibitors can improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy in primary and secondary healthcare in Qatar
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Elhadd Tarik , Chinnaiyan Subitha , Hamza Abdul H , Sheik Sanaulla , Kalathingal Mohamed A , Anodiyil Mohamed S , Dabbous Zeinab , Siddique Mashhood A , Almuhannadi Hamad , Petropoulos Ioannis N , Khan Adnan , AE Ashawesh Khaled , Dukhan Khaled M , Mahfoud Ziyad R , Zirie Mahmoud A , Jayyousi Amin , Murgatroyd Christopher , Slevin Mark , Malik Rayaz A
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

This study determined the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and painful DPN (pDPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary healthcare (PHC) and secondary healthcare (SHC) in Qatar.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional multicenter study. Adults with type 2 diabetes were randomly enrolled from four PHC centers and two diabetes centers in SHC in Qatar. Participants underwent assessment of clinical and metabolic parameters, DPN and pDPN.

Results

A total of 1,386 individuals with type 2 diabetes (297 from PHC and 1,089 from SHC) were recruited. The prevalence of DPN (14.8% vs 23.9%, P = 0.001) and pDPN (18.1% vs 37.5%, P < 0.0001) was significantly lower in PHC compared with SHC, whereas those with DPN at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration (31.8% vs 40.0%, P = 0.3) was comparable. The prevalence of undiagnosed DPN (79.5% vs 82.3%, P = 0.66) was comparably high, but undiagnosed pDPN (24.1% vs 71.5%, P < 0.0001) was lower in PHC compared with SHC. The odds of DPN and pDPN increased with age and diabetes duration, and DPN increased with poor glycemic control, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, whereas pDPN increased with obesity and reduced physical activity.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DPN and pDPN in type 2 diabetes is lower in PHC compared with SHC, and is attributed to overall better control of risk factors and referral bias due to patients with poorly managed complications being referred to SHC. However, approximately 80% of patients had not been previously diagnosed with DPN in PHC and SHC. Furthermore, we identified a number of modifiable risk factors for PDN and pDPN.
Resource allocation is determined by both parents and offspring in a burying beetle
Authors: Mäenpää Maarit I. , Smiseth Per T.
Published: August 2020

Parents and offspring have different optima for the level of parental resource allocation and the timing of nutritional independence. Theoretical models assume that either parents or offspring control the allocation of resources within a brood; however, control may also be mutual. Here, we investigate whether the resolution of parent–offspring conflict is biased towards cues from either the parents' or the offspring's behaviour, or whether the conflict is under mutual control. Importantly, we considered potential shifts in the power continuum over the entire period of juvenile dependency. The burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides parents provision food for the larvae, and the larvae solicit food from their parents with conspicuous begging displays. Both parental and larval behaviours change as larvae age. We repeatedly manipulated the age of the brood females care for, thereby creating mismatch between the age of the foster brood and expected age of the brood from the female parent's perspective, over the period of dependency in juvenile development. We found that females adjusted the total amount of provisioning based on the actual age of the brood. However, both the parent and the offspring influenced the levels of food provisioning, which followed neither the expected age of the brood from the parent's perspective nor offspring age. Our results suggest that there is mutual control over parental care, thus contradicting the dichotomous view of control over parental care. We suggest that the mutual influence of both parents and the offspring should be taken into account in development of future theory, as well as empirical studies.
Color and translucency stability of contemporary resin‐based restorative materials
Authors: Sulaiman Taiseer A. , Rodgers Brandon , Suliman Abdulhaq A. , Johnston William M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine color and translucency stability of present‐day resin‐based restorative materials.

Materials and methods

Disk‐shaped (1.0 × 10 mm) resin composites (Filtek Universal, 3M ESPE; Spectra ST, Dentsply Sirona; Gradia Direct X, GC America; Estilite Quick, Tokuyama; Harmonize, Kerr; ACTIVA Bioactive‐Restorative, Pulpdent) were prepared and divided into four staining groups (n = 5); coffee (55°C), grape juice (5°C), deionized water (25°C) and thermocycling (20 000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C with a 30‐second dwell time). Spectrophotometer measurements were taken at baseline and 14 days for each group and the color stability (CIEDE2000) and changes in the translucency parameter (RTPCIEDE2000) and luminous transmittance of each composite were determined. A 2‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using maximum likelihood estimations was used for analysis for these changes, with subsequent pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni‐corrected Student's t tests and an experiment‐wise α = 0.05.

Results

A significant interaction (P < .0001) between material and treatment was found for each change in the esthetic property tested over 14 days. Multiple significant differences between materials for each treatment and between treatments for each material were identified.

Conclusions

The severity of color change and translucency of resin‐based materials are dependent on their type, mostly affected by the coffee staining medium. Nano‐filled resin composite is most resistant to color change and with stable translucency after artificial aging.

Clinical Relevance

Nano‐filled resin composite may be the most esthetically durable resin‐ based restorative material. Micro‐hybrid resin composite and resin‐modified glass ionomer restorative material are susceptible to color change and losing their translucency. Hot coffee solution may shorten the esthetic lifespan of a resin‐based material.
Functional Ecology of Two Contrasting Freshwater Ciliated Protists in Relation to Temperature
Authors: Lu Xiaoteng , Gao Yunyi , Weisse Thomas
Published: August 2020

We conducted microcosm experiments with two contrasting freshwater ciliates on functional traits (FTs) related to their growth rate (numerical response, NR) and ingestion rate (functional response, FR) over a range of ecologically relevant temperatures. Histiobalantium bodamicum and Vorticella natans are common planktonic ciliates but their abundance, swimming behavior, and temperature tolerance are different. In contrast to most sessile peritrich species, the motile V. natans is not strictly bacterivorous but also voraciously feeds upon small algae. We observed three main alterations in the shape of NR of both species with temperature, that is, change in the maximum growth rate, in the initial slope and in the threshold food level needed to sustain the population. Similarly, maximum ingestion rate, gross growth efficiency (GGE), and cell size varied with temperature and species. These findings caution against generalizing ciliate performance in relation to the ongoing global warming. Our results suggest that V. natans is the superior competitor to H. bodamicum in terms of temperature tolerance and bottom‐up control. However, the abundance of V. natans is usually low compared to H. bodamicum and other common freshwater ciliates, suggesting that V. natans is more strongly top‐down controlled via predation than H. bodamicum. The taxonomic position of V. natans has been debated. Therefore, to confirm species and genus affiliation of our study objects, we sequenced their small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rDNA) gene.
White mullet Mugil curema population structure from Mexico and Brazil revealed by otolith chemistry
Authors: Avigliano Esteban , Ibañez Ana , Fabré Nidia , Callicó Fortunato Roberta , Méndez Ana , Pisonero Jorge , Volpedo Alejandra V.
Published: August 2020

The white mullet Mugil curema supports several fisheries in the neotropical region; nevertheless, the population structure is still elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of adult management units and nursery areas from five sampling sites throughout the Gulf of Mexico and northern Brazil using otolith microchemistry. The Li/Ca, Na/Ca, Mn/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca and Pb/Ca ratios were measured in otolith core (juvenile stage) and edge (adult stage) (N = 131) using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Several ratios were significantly different between sampling sites for core and edge (P < 0.05). For otolith edge, permutational multivariate analysis of variance showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between all sampling sites from Mexico (except between Mecoacán and Tamiahua, P > 0.05) and between Mexico (pooled samples) and Brazil. Quadratic discriminant analyses showed jackknifed classification higher in the edge (66.6% and 99.5% for Mexico and Brazil plus Mexico, respectively) than in the core (46.3% and 76.5% Mexico and Brazil plus Mexico, respectively). The two cluster analyses based on the core microchemistry (Mexico and Brazil plus Mexico) produced three main clusters, which did not coincide with catchment areas. These results support the segregation of the M. curema adult life stages among several sampling sites from Mexico and Brazil; moreover, core analysis suggested that the nursery areas did not correspond to the capture sites or adults stocks.
Harms and Benefits of Subcutaneous Hydration in Older Patients: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Danielsen Mathias Brix , Andersen Stig , Worthington Elisa , Jorgensen Martin Gronbech
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVE

To review all available original publications on the harms and benefits of subcutaneous (SC) hydration in older patients.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

All studies on SC hydration in older patients without restrictions on design or language.

MEASUREMENTS

The Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases and trial registries were searched from inception to November 5, 2019, and two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of individual outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one publications from 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. The data from six randomized controlled trials were used for the meta‐analyses. The subgroup analysis including only the studies with the lowest risk of bias showed that SC hydration was associated with fewer adverse effects than intravenous (IV) hydration (risk ratio (RR) = 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53–0.88; P = .003; n = 4; I2 = 0.0%; 545 infusions in each group). In absolute numbers, patients treated with SC hydration had an incidence rate of 90 adverse effects per 1,000 infusions versus 130 adverse effects per 1,000 infusions (95% CI = 102–169) with IV hydration. Secondary outcomes comparing IV with SC hydration showed that SC was 3.2 minutes faster to set up and markedly reduced the risk of agitation (RR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.22–0.79; P = .007; I2 = 65%; n = 3); however, SC hydration delivered a lower volume of fluid and was less efficient at reducing serum osmolality (s‐osmolality).

CONCLUSIONS

SC hydration is safer than IV hydration and potentially reduces the risk of agitation, but it is less effective. SC hydration should be available as an alternative to IV hydration when treating older patients for mild‐to‐moderate dehydration. More high‐quality studies are needed in the field to increase the confidence in the estimates.
Severe Behavioral Health Manifestations in Nursing Homes: Associations with Service Availability?
Authors: Orth Jessica , Li Yue , Simning Adam , Temkin‐Greener Helena
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Despite high prevalence of behavioral health (BH) manifestations among nursing home (NH) residents, availability of BH services in this care setting is often inadequate. Our objective was to examine associations between availability of BH services and the presence of severe depression, suicidal ideation (SI), and severe aggressive behaviors (ABs) among NH residents.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

This study used 2017 survey data about BH service availability obtained from 1,051 NHs. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) was used to identify long‐stay residents in these facilities (N = 101,238) and the prevalence of BH manifestations. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used.

MEASUREMENTS

We constructed measures of three severe BH manifestations based on the MDS: presence of depression, SI, and ABs. Three independent measures of service availability based on survey items asked about degrees of inadequate (1) staff BH education, (2) coordination/collaboration between facility/community providers, and (3) facility infrastructure (ie, ability to make referrals/transport residents to services).

RESULTS

Odds of severe depression were 21% higher (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21; P < .001) when NHs reported inadequate BH staff education. Residents with SI had 13% higher odds (OR = 1.13; P = .027) of living in NHs that reported inadequate coordination between facility and community providers. Severe ABs were 10% more likely among residents in NHs reporting inadequate facility infrastructure (OR = 1.10; P = .002) and 7% more likely in facilities with self‐reported inadequate coordination between facility/community providers (OR = 1.07; P = .019). Several facility‐level factors (eg, staffing, training, turnover) were also statistically significantly associated with these severe BH manifestations.

CONCLUSION

Residents in NHs reporting inadequate BH services were more likely to experience adverse severe BH manifestations even after controlling for individual and facility‐level risk factors. Higher nurse staffing and more staff psychiatric training were associated with lower prevalence of severe BH manifestations. Policy changes and modifications to Medicaid NH reimbursements may be warranted to better incentivize NHs to improve provision of BH services.
Chronological change of resource metabolism and decarbonization patterns in Pakistan: Perspectives from a typical developing country
Authors: Shah Izhar Hussain , Park Hung‐Suck
Published: August 2020

With economic growth in many developing countries, not all are making similar progress with regard to material and environmental efficiencies. This study examines material use and CO2 emission patterns and intensities from 1971 to 2015 in a typical developing country, Pakistan, and investigates national‐level and multi‐country‐level efficiency improvements using data envelopment analysis. The results are used to derive key policy insights for a sustainable economic transition with higher resource and carbon efficiencies. Results show that material intensity has reduced by 39.1% while CO2 intensity has risen by 21.5% in the country. Pakistan, when compared with its top 10 export countries, was relatively more material and CO2 intensive. National‐level efficiency was found to be low in most of the periods due to material/energy intensive agriculture and industries, low value‐added exports, etc. Insights from the national‐level efficiency analysis indicate that surging CO2 intensities have started to decline since 2010 and the economy has greatly stabilized. Multi‐country analysis revealed that the efficiency gap between Pakistan and its developed export countries (such as the United Kingdom and France) has widened during the study period. Insights from the multi‐country analysis suggest that the economic growth and industrialization improves material and environmental efficiencies to some extent, yet these improvements are not equally distributed among all countries. As a way forward, integrated policies on sustainable resource consumption, carbon mitigation, and economic growth are necessary for accruing higher benefits from rising global trade and resource connectedness.
Parental Relationship Quality and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: Investigating The Role of Parental Warmth and Hostility in United States Military Families
Authors: Lucier‐Greer Mallory , Howard Samantha , A. Mancini Jay
Published: August 2020

Military life is characterized by regular transitions; thus, parents are positioned to serve as stable protective factors for adolescents. We investigated a theory‐informed model that assessed direct and indirect relationships between parental relationship quality, parental behaviors, and adolescent depressive symptomatology using cross‐sectional data of military families in the United States (US). Participant families (N = 229), recruited via convenience sampling to take a computer‐based survey, included an active duty father, his spouse, and an adolescent. Mother’s couple relationship quality was indirectly linked to adolescent depressive symptoms through maternal warmth. Conversely, father’s couple relationship quality was indirectly linked to adolescent depressive symptoms via paternal hostility. In other words, parental couple relationship quality was indirectly related to adolescent depressive symptoms, but this relationship differed by parent (i.e., warmth for mothers and hostility for fathers). Findings were similar for adolescent boys and girls.
Early detection of prion protein aggregation with a fluorescent pentameric oligothiophene probe using spectral confocal microscopy
Authors: Stepanchuk Anastasiia , Tahir Waqas , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Schatzl Hermann M. , Stys Peter K.
Published: August 2020

Misfolding of the prion protein (PrP) and templating of its pathological conformation onto cognate proteins causes a number of lethal disorders of central nervous system in humans and animals, such as Creutzfeldt–Jacob disease, chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Structural rearrangement of PrPC into PrPSc promotes aggregation of misfolded proteins into β‐sheet‐rich fibrils, which can be visualized by conformationally sensitive fluorescent probes. Early detection of prion misfolding and deposition might provide useful insights into its pathophysiology. Pentameric formyl thiophene acetic acid (pFTAA) is a novel amyloid probe that was shown to sensitively detect various misfolded proteins, including PrP. Here, we compared sensitivity of pFTAA staining and spectral microscopy with conventional methods of prion detection in mouse brains infected with mouse‐adapted 22L prions. pFTAA bound to prion deposits in mouse brain sections exhibited a red‐shifted fluorescence emission spectrum, which quantitatively increased with disease progression. Small prion deposits were detected as early as 50 days post‐inoculation, well before appearance of clinical signs. Moreover, we detected significant spectral shifts in the greater brain parenchyma as early as 25 days post‐inoculation, rivaling the most sensitive conventional method (real‐time quaking‐induced conversion). These results showcase the potential of pFTAA staining combined with spectral imaging for screening of prion‐infected tissue. Not only does this method have comparable sensitivity to established techniques, it is faster and technically simpler. Finally, this readout provides valuable information about the spatial distribution of prion aggregates across tissue in the earliest stages of infection, potentially providing valuable pathophysiological insight into prion transmission.

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Loss of PRMT1 in the central nervous system (CNS) induces reactive astrocytes and microglia during postnatal brain development
Authors: Hashimoto Misuzu , Kumabe Ayako , Kim Jun‐Dal , Murata Kazuya , Sekizar Sowmya , Williams Anna , Lu Weizhe , Ishida Junji , Nakagawa Tsutomu , Endo Mitsuharu , Minami Yasuhiro , Fukamizu Akiyoshi
Published: August 2020

PRMT1, a major arginine methyltransferase, plays critical roles in transcription, DNA damage response, and cell proliferation. Although we have previously discovered the crucial roles of PRMT1 for oligodendrocyte lineage progression in the central nervous system of neural stem cell‐specific PRMT1 conditional knockout (PRMT1‐CKO) mice, the context of other glial cell states that may cause the hypomyelination phenotype in PRMT1‐CKO mice has not been explored so far. Here, we performed RNA‐seq of the neonatal cortices of PRMT1‐CKO mice to reveal overall gene expression changes and show the up‐regulation of inflammatory signaling which is generally mediated by astrocytes and microglia in advance of the myelination defects. In particular, qRT‐PCR analyses revealed Interleukin‐6 (Il‐6), a major central nervous system cytokine, was dramatically increased in the PRMT1‐CKO brains. The gene expression changes led to augmentation of glial fibrillary acidic protein and Vimentin protein levels in PRMT1‐CKO mice, showing severe reactive astrogliosis after birth. We further show that IBA1‐positive and CD68‐positive activated microglia were increased in PRMT1‐CKO mice, in spite of intact Prmt1 gene expression in purified microglia from the mutant mice. Our results indicate that PRMT1 loss in the neural stem cell lineage causes disruptive changes in all glial types perturbing postnatal brain development and myelination.

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Ascorbate deficiency decreases dopamine release in gulo–/– and APP/PSEN1 mice
Authors: Consoli David C. , Brady Lillian J. , Bowman Aaron B. , Calipari Erin S. , Harrison Fiona E.
Published: August 2020

Dopamine (DA) has important roles in learning, memory, and motivational processes and is highly susceptible to oxidation. In addition to dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients frequently exhibit decreased motivation, anhedonia, and sleep disorders, suggesting deficits in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Vitamin C (ascorbate, ASC) is a critical antioxidant in the brain and is often depleted in AD patients as a result of disease‐related oxidative stress and dietary deficiencies. To probe the effects of ASC deficiency and AD pathology on the DAergic system, gulo–/– mice, which like humans depend on dietary ASC to maintain adequate tissue levels, were crossed with APP/PSEN1 mice and provided sufficient or depleted ASC supplementation from weaning until 12 months of age. Ex vivo fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry showed that chronic ASC depletion and APP/PSEN1 genotype both independently decreased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, a hub for motivational behavior and reward, while DA clearance was similar across all groups. In striatal tissue containing nucleus accumbens, low ASC treatment led to decreased levels of DA and its metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyohenyl‐acetic acid (DOPAC), 3‐methoxytyramine (3‐MT), and homovanillic acid (HVA). Decreased enzyme activity observed through lower pTH/TH ratio was driven by a cumulative effect of ASC depletion and APP/PSEN1 genotype. Together the data show that deficits in dopaminergic neurotransmission resulting from age and disease status are magnified in conditions of low ASC which decrease DA availability during synaptic transmission. Such deficits may contribute to the non‐cognitive behavioral changes observed in AD including decreased motivation, anhedonia, and sleep disorders.

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Central cholinergic function and metabolic changes in streptozotocin‐induced rat brain injury
Authors: Yuliani Tri , Lobentanzer Sebastian , Klein Jochen
Published: August 2020

As glucose hypometabolism in the brain is an early sign of Alzheimer´s dementia (AD), the diabetogenic drug streptozotocin (STZ) has been used to induce Alzheimer‐like pathology in rat brain by intracereboventricular injection (icv‐STZ). However, many details of the pathological mechanism of STZ in this AD model remain unclear. Here, we report metabolic and cholinergic effects of icv‐STZ using microdialysis in freely moving animals. We found that icv‐STZ at a dose of 3 mg/kg (2 × 1.5 mg/kg) causes overt toxicity reflected in body weight loss. Three weeks after STZ administration, histological examination revealed a high number of glial fibrillary acidic protein reactive cells in the hippocampus, accompanied by Fluoro‐Jade C‐positive cells in the CA1 region. Glucose and lactate levels in microdialysates were unchanged, but mitochondrial respiration measured ex vivo was reduced by 9%–15%. High‐affinity choline uptake, choline acetyltransferase, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activities in the hippocampus were reduced by 16%, 28%, and 30%, respectively. Importantly, extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the hippocampus were unchanged and responded to behavioral and pharmacological challenges. In comparison, extracellular ACh levels and cholinergic parameters in the striatum were unchanged or slightly increased. We conclude that the icv‐STZ model poorly reflects central cholinergic dysfunction, an important characteristic of dementia. The icv‐STZ model may be more aptly described as an animal model of hippocampal gliosis.

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Biochemical and physical actions of hyaluronic acid delivered by intradermal jet injection route
Authors: Vinshtok Yuri , Cassuto Daniel
Published: August 2020

Administration of exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) by liquid jet injection is considered as a beneficial therapy for dermatology conditions. This paper reviews variety of the factors which would optimize the clinical output of hyaluronic acid in this treatment modality. A pneumatically accelerated jet penetrates the epidermis and spherically spreads micro‐droplets of HA in the dermis without significant damage to the tissue and blood vessels. Kinetic energy of the jet activates two parallel mechanisms of action—mechanical and biological—which act synergistically to initiate and augment the regenerative effect. Jet‐induced micro‐trauma stimulates collagen synthesis and tissue repair without inflammation. Aside from the biophysical stimulation of dermal fibroblast, the biomolecular properties of exogenous HA provide excellent clinical results for skin atrophy, remodeling of dermal scarring, and reverse formation of fibrotic tissue. The effect is mediated by HA‐specific cell receptors and depends on molecular weight and the rheological properties of HA polymer. Skin mechanical properties play a key role in predicting HA dispersion patterns. Tolerability and safety of the treatment approach are determined by the jet's physical impact on the tissue and/or by the safety profile of the injected material. Although pneumatic jet delivery of a hyaluronic acid has a limited use in clinical practice, this treatment approach has a strong potential for extended implementation in esthetic dermatology. The synergistic mechanism has significant advantages of predictable and rapid clinical outcomes with a low discomfort. Additional well‐designed investigations are required for establishing a scientific foundation and guidelines for this treatment modality.
Microbotox for the treatment of wide facial pores: A promising therapeutic approach
Authors: Ahmed El Attar Yasmina , Nofal Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Background

Microbotox is the injection of multiple microdroplets of diluted onabotulinum toxin A into the upper dermis. It has been previously used in one study only to decrease pore size and to improve skin texture.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microbotox in the treatment of wide facial pores.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with wide facial pores received a single session of microbotox. Objective measurements regarding improvement of pore size (0‐4 scale) were recorded by two‐blinded dermatologists. The improvements were confirmed by dermoscopic examination. Patient satisfaction was measured by Likert satisfaction scale (1‐5 scale). Follow‐up of the patients was done for 1 year.

Results

After a single treatment session, the total average of improvement was 87.2%. The average improvement of pore size was 3.7 (0‐4 scale). The average patient satisfaction after the end of therapy was 4.7. Dermoscopic evaluation confirmed the reduction in the size and number of pores. There were no serious or long‐term side effects.

Conclusions

A single treatment session of microbotox appears to be safe and effective for the reduction of facial pore size. Improvement of skin texture and oiliness was also observed.
Successful treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum with a combination of radiofrequency ablation and wound suturing
Authors: Singh Anupama , Tiwary Pankaj Kumar , Jha Abhijeet Kumar , Zeeshan Md. , Ranjan Amit
Published: August 2020

Background

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a common disfiguring condition of eyelids often causing cosmetic concern and psychological distress. Various treatment modalities have been used to clear the lesions but none have been found to be fully satisfactory.

Aims

To evaluate a novel combination of radiofrequency (RF) ablation and primary wound closure for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP).

Methods

Forty‐five patients were selected after clinical examination and grading of lesions. Radiofrequency ablation was used to remove the lesion followed by suturing of the wound. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated on the basis of clinical examination and photographic images.

Results

Excellent response was seen in all patients. Of these, in 43 patients complete clearance could be achieved in a single sitting. In the other 2, an additional sitting of RF was done because of the presence of either multiple lesions or significant projection from the main lesion. Recurrence was seen in only two patients at the end of one year.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency removal combined with wound closure showed excellent response with good cosmetic result, no scarring, and rare relapse at end of 1 year. This was achieved in 43(96%) of the total 45 patients in a single sitting.
Consensus report on the use of PN‐HPT™ (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine
Authors: Cavallini Maurizio , Bartoletti Emanuele , Maioli Laura , Massirone Alberto , Pia Palmieri Isabella , Papagni Marco , Priori Maurizio , Trocchi Gloria ,   As Members of The Polynucleotides HPT™ Priming Board, Collegio Italiano delle Società Scientifiche di Medicina Estetica (Italian College of the Aesthetic Medicine Scientific Societies) — SIME, AGORÀ, SIES
Published: August 2020

Background

Injective procedures using polynucleotides‐based products to promote dermal rejuvenation and revitalization are steadily evolving, yet no structured protocols are available that discuss and provide guidance in aesthetic treatments with highly purified polynucleotides. The goal of this document was to provide consensus‐based recommendations for the safe and effective use of Polynucleotides Highly Purified Technology™ (PN‐HPT™) devices for skin rejuvenation.

Patients/Methods

A team of eight experts with extensive experience in treatments for skin rejuvenation and revitalization integrated the best available evidence and clinical judgment and devised a series of practical guidance to support dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic physician in the use of PN‐HPT™ products, alone and in combination, in aesthetic medicine.

Results

For most items, the expert group achieved a majority consensus. “Recommendations” (consensus >80%) were reached for the face, periocular area, décolleté and neck, hands, scalp, and stretch marks. Recommendations include details of techniques, information on dosage, volumes to be injected, and the ideal number of required treatment sessions, as well as time intervals between them for different areas of face and body. A lower agreement level of 60% was reached on but one item related to the initial treatment cycle for the face, leading to a “Consensus statement” for that area instead of a full “Recommendation.”

Conclusion

The expert consensus illustrates the value of natural‐origin, highly purified polynucleotides (PN‐HPT™) as biostimulatory booster strategy for skin priming and revitalization of face and body and provides a detailed guide for the use.
The role of a shelf‐ready, human‐derived, soft tissue injectable adipose matrix for facial volume correction
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Andriessen Anneke , Day Doris , Dayan Steven H. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Goldberg David J. , Kaufman Joely , Lorenc Z. Paul , Mandy Steven H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Synthetic soft tissue fillers frequently used to restore facial volume do not provide a regenerative framework, limiting their sustained efficacy. Autologous fat transfer for facial rejuvenation supports tissue regeneration but has unpredictable outcomes depending on the quality of harvesting, processing, and implantation.

Aims

Exploration of the pros and cons of available tissue fillers and the role of an injectable Allograft Adipose Matrix (AAM) for facial rejuvenation.

Methods

The results of a literature review conducted by two clinicians with extensive experience in this field were discussed by a panel of dermatologists and surgeons who regularly treat patients with signs and symptoms of facial aging. A manuscript was prepared and reviewed by the panel taking into account the evidence and their clinical experience treating patients for facial rejuvenation.

Results

Facial rejuvenation needs to address the volume deficiency and repositioning of ptotic soft tissues. Frequently used synthetic fillers are suitable candidates for improving the facial appearance of fine lines and for molding. A better understanding of facial volume loss has allowed the use of adipose fat cells for facial rejuvenation. The injectable AAM is readily available and provides a regenerative framework for sustainable results. Prospective clinical and randomized studies support the effective and safe use of AAM for facial rejuvenation.

Conclusion

AAM may offer an alternative to synthetic fillers and autologous fat implantation in the face without the cumbersome process of fat harvesting and processing. More robust studies are to confirm the positive results obtained in smaller studies using the soft tissue bio stimulatory injectable.
The Role of Substantive Actions in Sensemaking During Strategic Change
Authors: Weiser Ann‐Kristin
Published: August 2020

While prior research has provided rich insights into how strategic change unfolds through sensemaking and sensegiving, the existing literature conceptualizes these activities largely as cognitive and discursive accomplishments. Although leaders commonly also modify organizational structures, processes, and practices, prior research has paid little attention to how these substantive actions shape the interpretive change process. Based on a qualitative case study of a top‐management‐led change initiative, I identify four ways in which substantive actions can support strategic change beyond the influence of discursive sensegiving: actualizing, concretizing, formalizing, and materializing. I incorporate my findings into an integrative model that relates my observations of the distinct influence of different types of sensemaking cues to differences in the sensemaking content and describes sensemaking during strategic change not just as an intellectual but as a multimodal process.
Factors associated with the number of microorganisms on the tongue surface in patients following acute stroke
Authors: Furuya Junichi , Beniya Akane , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Hidaka Rena , Matsubara Chiaki , Obana Michiyo , Yoshimi Kanako , Yamaguchi Kohei , Hara Koji , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Nakane Ayako , Tohara Haruka , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: August 2020

Background

Oral hygiene management of patients with acute stroke is important for preventing aspiration pneumonia and ensuring oral intake. The tongue coating score can be useful for evaluating the oral hygiene level since it reflects the microorganism number on the tongue surface in elderly patients. However, the relationship between the number of oral microorganisms and the tongue coating score in patients with acute stroke remains unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the relationships between the microorganism number on the tongue surface and oral factors, including tongue coating score, tongue surface moisture level and tongue function.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 73 patients with acute stroke who were hospitalised at an acute care hospital and underwent dental intervention. Potential explanatory factors, including sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, tongue coating score, tongue surface moisture level, nutrition intake method, number of functional teeth and tongue function, were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis determined their association with the microorganism number on the tongue surface.

Results

The tongue coating score (odds ratio: 1.31) and tongue surface moisture level (odds ratio: 1.10) were significantly associated with increased microorganism numbers on the tongue surface.

Conclusion

The tongue coating score, which reflects the actual number of microorganisms on the tongue surface, could be an effective tool for evaluating oral hygiene level in patients with stroke. Moreover, reducing oral microorganisms in saliva through oral hygiene management, including removing the tongue coating, could contribute towards the prevention of aspiration pneumonia.