bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsibility and appropriate blame: The no difference view
Authors: Menges Leonhard
Published: June 2020

How do the fact that an agent is morally responsible for a certain morally objectionable action and the fact that she is an appropriate target of blame for it relate to each other? Many authors inspired by Peter Strawson say that they necessarily co‐occur. Standard answers to the question of why they co‐occur say that the occurrence of one of the facts explains that the other obtains. This article presents a third option: that they are one and the same fact. There is no difference between the fact that a person is an appropriate target of blame for an objectionable action and the fact that she is morally responsible for it. This view has the advantage of being metaphysically more parsimonious and of answering, in an elegant and plausible way, an interesting question about which many standard theories of responsibility keep silent: what is it to be morally responsiblesimpliciter?
Nitrification inhibitor 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) reduces N2O emissions by altering the soil microbial community in a wheat–maize rotation on the North China Plain
Authors: Liu Churong , Liu Hongrun , Liu Xueqing , Zhang Yushi , Wang Ligang , Guan Dahai , Al‐Kaisi Mahdi M. , Li Zhaohu , Zhang Mingcai
Published: June 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is released from agricultural ecosystems where nitrogen fertilizers are poorly used and contributes to global climate warming. Large nitrogen fertilizer inputs in summer maize fields on the North China Plain (NCP) lead to large N2O emissions. N2O emissions can be mitigated using 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), but the efficiency and microbial mechanisms of this mitigation at different nitrogen rates remain poorly understood. To evaluate the efficiency of N2O emission mitigation by DMPP at different nitrogen rates and to explore its mechanisms at the microbial level, we monitored the dynamic changes in mineral and N2O fluxes and analysed the abundance and community structure of ammonia oxidizers. We found that DMPP significantly inhibited the oxidation of ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3−) and thus maintained NH4+ concentrations but decreased the peak value of NO3− concentrations. Total N2O emissions were increased by 6.5‐fold, 13.2‐fold and 26.7‐fold in fields with 112.5 kg N ha−1, 225 kg N ha−1 and 337.5 kg N ha−1, respectively, compared with fields with no nitrogen applied. Nitrogen increased the abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and decreased that of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA), whereas DMPP exhibited the opposite effects. Therefore, AOB could be the dominant N2O emission contributors in nitrogen‐treated soils. Sequencing results suggested that all AOB belong to the Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas nitrosa groups, and all AOA fell within the Nitrososphaera group. In both AOB and AOA communities, changes in the second‐largest cluster after the application of nitrogen fertilizer and DMPP were more pronounced than those in the largest cluster. The potential functional clusters of AOB and AOA were Nitrosospira cluster 3b and Nitrososphaera cluster 4.1, respectively. This study showed that nitrogen and DMPP both affected the abundance and structure of ammonia‐oxidizer communities, which may contribute to the variations in N2O emissions from croplands.

Highlights

Role of soil microorganisms in the efficiency of DMPP to reduce N2O emissions under different N inputs was explored.

N input increased N2O emissions and DMPP reduced N2O emissions

N and DMPP affect N2O emission via a changed key cluster of ammonia oxidizers.

DMPP was more efficient at higher nitrogen input levels.
Plants’ ability to sense and respond to airborne sound is likely to be adaptive: reply to comment by Pyke et al
Authors: Goldshtein Aya , Veits Marine , Khait Itzhak , Saban Kfir , Sapir Yuval , Yovel Yossi , Hadany Lilach
Published: June 2020

Ecol. Lett. 22, 2019, 1483 demonstrated, for the first time, a rapid response of a plant to the airborne sounds of pollinators. Pyke et al. argue that this response is unlikely to be adaptive. Here we clarify some misunderstandings, and demonstrate the potential adaptive value using theoretical modelling and field observations.
H2O2‐induced oxidative stress disrupts mitochondrial functions and impairs migratory potential of human epidermal melanocytes
Authors: Xu Ping , Xue Yan‐Ning , Ji Hui‐Hui , Tan Cheng , Guo Shun
Published: June 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have already been demonstrated to impede the migratory ability in non‐melanocytic cell lines by depleting mitochondrial ATP production. Therefore, understanding the mitochondrial metabolic response to migration in the presence of ROS should be a key to understanding repigmentation in vitiligo. This study aimed to investigate the energy mechanism associated with the ROS‐mediated attenuation of melanocyte migration. After melanocytes were pretreated with H2O2, their ATP production, migratory ability, ultrastructural changes and Mitochondrial Permeability Potential were analysed. The results showed that, in parallel with the decreased ATP production, the migratory ability of melanocytes was significantly inhibited by oxidative stress. Supplementation with exogenous ATP reversed the suppressed ATP‐dependent migration of melanocytes. Melanocytes were then stressed with H2O2 and Agilent Whole Human Genome microarray analysis identified 763 up‐regulated mRNAs and 1117 down‐regulated mRNAs. Among them, 11 of the encoded proteins were involved in mitochondrial ATP production and their expression levels were verified. The decreased expression of NADH dehydrogenase 2(ND2), cytochrome c oxidase 1(COX1) and cytochrome c oxidase 3(COX3) was shown to be involved in the depletion of mitochondrial ATP production, which was coupled with the impaired migratory potential. These results indicate that the migration of melanocytes relies heavily on an inexhaustible supply of ATP from mitochondria.
Relational Upheaval During Refugee Resettlement: Service Provider Perspectives
Authors: Tlapek Sarah Myers , Monk J. Kale , White Cheyenne
Published: June 2020

Objective

We seek to provide insight on intimate relationships and service provider response for refugees during the resettlement transition in the United States.

Background

Refugees resettling in the United States face numerous stressful transitions that could affect their relationships with intimate partners. Thus, refugees may be at risk for increased relationship upheaval, yet typical options for support are limited by migration and a potentially unsupportive political climate. Frontline service providers may be able to offer support, but we know little about the relationship challenges refugee couples face and how service providers might help clients navigate these experiences.

Method

The study team observed a refugee women's health promotion support group (n = 7) and conducted interviews of a purposive sample of refugee‐serving social service providers (n = 16) with varying roles in the resettlement process. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Results indicate that refugee‐serving providers have opportunities to observe relationship upheaval during the resettlement process including general disagreements and distress, as well as the potential for conflict escalating to aggression in rare cases; in other cases, resettlement may enable refugee couples to negotiate new ways of relating to each other in a new setting. Providers also become involved in clients' relational lives and give assistance in various ways, including educating clients on gender norms and conflict resolution; however, the levels of provider preparedness and training
vary.

Conclusion

Frontline providers are exposed to relationship upheaval in refugee clients, although these needs may be presented as requests for advice on practical decisions (e.g. childcare, bank accounts, and property ownership). These decisions have important long‐term consequences not only for relational growth but for protection against future tension; therefore, this is a critical period for provider intervention.

Implications

Service providers in resettlement agencies, particularly frontline workers, should be trained to identify and respond to relationship upheaval, including being taught to recognize signs of abuse and being aware of options for safety planning and professional support.
Diagnosis of rare bleeding disorders
Authors: Meijer Karina , van Heerde Waander , Gomez Keith
Published: June 2020

Rare bleeding disorders result in significant morbidity but are globally underdiagnosed. Advances in genomic testing and specialist laboratory assays have greatly increased the diagnostic armamentarium. This has resulted in the discovery of new genetic causes for rare diseases and a better understanding of the underlying molecular pathology.
von Willebrand disease: Diagnosis and treatment, treatment of women, and genomic approach to diagnosis
Authors: Laffan Michael , Sathar Jameela , Johnsen Jill M.
Published: June 2020

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. VWD is caused by deficiencies in von Willebrand factor (VWF), a critical adhesive haemostatic protein. This review provides an overview of VWD diagnosis and treatment, special considerations in treating women with VWD, and current genomic approaches to VWD. For diagnosis and treatment in VWD, an accurate diagnosis is critical to providing effective treatments, determining appropriate laboratory monitoring and for counselling the patient and family. Diagnosis of VWD begins with the clinical assessment for the bleeding phenotype, which is usually characterized by mucocutaneous and provoked bleeding. The diagnosis of VWD is then made by laboratory investigation. Multiple assays are used to assess VWF levels and functions. The mainstays of VWD treatment are tailored by VWD type and symptoms, and can include antifibrinolytic treatment, desmopressin and VWF replacement treatment. Women with VWD are also at risk for excessive uterine bleeding, such as with menses and childbirth. In addition to standard VWD treatments, heavy menstrual bleeding can be treated with hormones. Interdisciplinary management of childbirth and prophylaxis in the postpartum period are needed to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Genomic approaches to VWD can inform VWD diagnosis, treatment, test assay selection, reproductive planning and family counselling. Most VWD patients have an identifiable VWF gene DNA variant. Next‐generation sequencing is rapidly being adopted to provide more comprehensive VWF sequence information for patients with known or suspected VWD.
Wettability modification of zirconia by laser surface texturing and silanization
Authors: Pu Zihao , Jing Xiubing , Yang Chengjuan , Wang Fujun , Ehmann Kornel F.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the modification of wettability by nanosecond laser surface textured followed by silanization to fabricate the superhydrophobic zirconia surface. Surface modification by varying the pitch between channels leads to micro‐channel and micro‐grid pattern with different surface roughness. The generated morphological and metallurgical modifications of the surface are measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Numerous micro‐pits and cracks in the laser‐treated areas can be observed from SEM, which indicates crack propagation dominating the process of laser ablation of zirconia. The surface is superhydrophilic with laser‐texturing instantly, whose wettability is modified over time. By analyzing the XPS, carbon content, especially C‐C (H) groups, is important for the time‐dependent wettability. The hydrophobicity of all laser‐textured surfaces is improved after silanization. Laser texturing with smaller pitch (50 μm and 70 μm) leads to superhydrophobic surfaces after silanization, which may be due to the modification of physicochemical properties of substrate by very rapid local heating and cooling on the thick surface layer. Overall, the investigations indicate that wettability modifications can be attributed to the surface's microstructure, which depend on laser processing parameters, and chemical composition, especially in terms of −CF3, −CF2, and C‐C (H).
Kinetics and thermodynamic modelling of the aflatoxins decontamination: a review
Authors: Roohi Reza , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: June 2020

Aflatoxins as the remarkable food safety issues are toxic compounds produced by some of the fungus among variety of food and feed products, while their decontamination has been investigated through some proposed kinetics based on the various conversion factors. Among them, in terms of the chemical‐based decontamination techniques, the zero‐, first‐ and second‐order reaction mechanisms are utilised conventionally alone or in combination with the Arrhenius model. However, the equilibrium adsorption, statistical inactivation models and the first‐order reaction kinetics are the most common mathematical description of the physical based decontamination techniques. Finally, for biological based decontamination techniques, as several interconnected factors are involved, the response surface analysis (RSM) and the central composite design (CCD) methods are highly used. In this regard, the present review was aimed to provide an overview regarding the modelling approaches in aflatoxins decontamination based on the kinetics and thermodynamics aspects of the processes.
Earning investor trust: The role of past earnings management
Authors: Eugster Florian , Wagner Alexander F.
Published: June 2020

Does earnings management, even though legal, hinder investor trust in reported earnings? Or do investors regard earnings management as a way for firms to convey private information, or simply as a neutral feature of financial reporting? We find that past abstinence from earnings management increases investor responses to future earnings surprises. Importantly, this effect occurs in industries where investor trust has recently been violated, and where managers would in the past have had incentives and opportunities to misrepresent earnings. Overall, investors seem to interpret the extent to which management resists temptations for misreporting as a “litmus test” of trustworthiness.
The efficacy and acceptability of the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program with Turkish parents
Authors: Arkan Burcu , Güvenir Taner , Ralph Alan , Day Jamin
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of Group Teen Triple P with parents who have behaviorally disturbed adolescents.

Methods

The research was conducted in an experimental manner. The sample was 76 parents who were grouped as 38 cases and 38 controls with a block randomization method. Data were collected using the Family Background Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), and Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire. Group Teen Triple P Program was implemented with the case group for 8 weeks. Data were collected immediately after the program and again after 3 months. Data were evaluated using variance analysis, t test, χ2 test, multivariate analysis of covariance, and analysis of covariance test.

Results

It was found that participation in Group Teen Triple P resulted in the improvement of parental mental health, decreased problematic behavior of the adolescents, and fewer problems between adolescents and their parents.

Conclusion

Group Teen Triple P should be made available to more parents of adolescents in Turkey.
Lymphatic lacunae of the human eye conjunctiva embedded within a stroma containing CD34+ telocytes
Authors: Nicolescu Mihnea I. , Rusu Mugurel C. , Voinea Liliana M. , Vrapciu Alexandra D. , Bâră Raluca I.
Published: June 2020

An accurate identification of telocytes (TCs) was limited because of the heterogeneity of cell types expressing the markers attributed to TCs. Some endothelial lineage cells also could fit within the pattern of TCs. Such endothelial cells could line conjunctival lacunae previously assessed by laser confocal microscopy. We have been suggested that an accurate distinction of TCs from endothelial cells in the human eye conjunctiva could be achieved by use of CD31, CD34 and D2‐40 (podoplanin); and that the conjunctival lacunae are in fact lymphatic. We aimed as testing the hypothesis by an immunohistochemical study on human eye conjunctiva biopsy samples. Samples of human eye conjunctiva from 30 patients were evaluated immunohistochemically by use of the primary antibodies: CD34, D2‐40 and CD31. D2‐40 was equally expressed within epithelia and laminae propria. Basal epithelial cells were D2‐40 positive. Within the stromal compartment, the lymphatic marker D2‐40 labelled several lymphatic vessels. CD31 labelled both vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells within the lamina propria. When capillary lymphatics were tangentially cut, they gave the false appearance of telocytes. Blood endothelial cells expressed CD34, whereas lymphatic endothelial cells did not. Stromal CD34‐expressing cells/telocytes were found building a consistent pan‐stromal network which was equally CD31‐negative and D2‐40‐negative. The conjunctival lymphatic lacunae seem to represent a peculiar anatomic feature of eye conjunctiva. They are embedded within a CD34‐expressing stromal network of TCs. The negative expression of CD31 and D2‐40 should be tested when discriminating CD34‐expressing TCs.
Cardiac β‐adrenergic receptor activation mediates distinct and cell type‐dependent changes in the expression and distribution of connexin 43
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hou Meng‐Chen , Li Jing‐Jing , Qi Ying , Zhang Yu , She Gang , Ren Yu‐Jie , Wu Wei , Pang Zheng‐Da , Xie Wenjun , Deng Xiu‐Ling , Du Xiao‐Jun
Published: June 2020

Activation of the sympatho‐β‐adrenergic receptors (β‐ARs) system is a hallmark of heart failure, leading to fibrosis and arrhythmias. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most abundant gap junctional protein in the myocardium. Current knowledge is limited regarding Cx43 remodelling in diverse cell types in the diseased myocardium and the underlying mechanism. We studied cell type‐dependent changes in Cx43 remodelling due to β‐AR overactivation and molecular mechanisms involved. Mouse models of isoproterenol stimulation or transgenic cardiomyocyte overexpression of β2‐AR were used, which exhibited cardiac fibrosis and up‐regulated total Cx43 abundance. In both models, whereas Cx43 expression in cardiomyocytes was reduced and more laterally distributed, fibroblasts exhibited elevated Cx43 expression and enhanced gap junction communication. Mechanistically, activation of β2‐AR in fibroblasts in vitro elevated Cx43 expression, which was abolished by the β2‐antagonist ICI‐118551 or protein kinase A inhibitor H‐89, but simulated by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. Our in vitro and in vivo data showed that β‐AR activation‐induced production of IL‐18 sequentially stimulated Cx43 expression in fibroblasts in a paracrine fashion. In summary, our findings demonstrate a pivotal role of β‐AR in mediating distinct and cell type‐dependent changes in the expression and distribution of Cx43, leading to pathological gap junction remodelling in the myocardium.
Overexpression of FNTB and the activation of Ras induce hypertrophy and promote apoptosis and autophagic cell death in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ding Jie , Chen Yu X. , Chen Yan , Mou Yun , Sun Xiao T. , Dai Dong P. , Zhao Chen Z. , Yang Jian , Hu Shen J. , Guo Xiaogang
Published: June 2020

Farnesyltransferase (FTase) is an important enzyme that catalyses the modification of protein isoprene downstream of the mevalonate pathway. Previous studies have shown that the tissue of the heart in the suprarenal abdominal aortic coarctation (AAC) group showed overexpression of FTaseβ (FNTB) and the activation of the downstream protein Ras was enhanced. FTase inhibitor (FTI) can alleviate myocardial fibrosis and partly improve cardiac remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. However, the exact role and mechanism of FTase in myocardial hypertrophy and remodelling are not fully understood. Here, we used recombinant adenovirus to transfect neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes to study the effect of FNTB overexpression on myocardial remodelling and explore potential mechanisms. The results showed that overexpression of FNTB induces neonatal rat ventricular myocyte hypertrophy and reduces the survival rate of cardiomyocytes. FNTB overexpression induced a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. FNTB overexpression also promotes autophagosome formation and the accumulation of autophagy substrate protein, LC3II. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mCherry‐GFP tandem fluorescent‐tagged LC3 (tfLC3) showed that FNTB overexpression can activate autophagy flux by enhancing autophagosome conversion to autophagolysosome. Overactivated autophagy flux can be blocked by bafilomycin A1. In addition, salirasib (a Ras farnesylcysteine mimetic) can alleviate the hypertrophic phenotype of cardiomyocytes and inhibit the up‐regulation of apoptosis and autophagy flux induced by FNTB overexpression. These results suggest that FTase may have a potential role in future treatment strategies to limit the adverse consequences of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction and heart failure.
High risk of colorectal polyps in men with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Wenxia , Wang Muqing , Jing Xubin , Wu Chaofen , Zeng Yicheng , Peng Jianwei , Cai Xianbin
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

This meta‐analysis aims to explore the risk of colorectal polyps among non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases using predefined search term to identify eligible studies (published up to 7 November 2019). Data from selected studies were extracted by using a standardized information collection form, and meta‐analyses were performed using random‐effects model. The statistical heterogeneity among studies (I2), subgroup analyses, meta‐regression analyses, and the possibility of publication bias were assessed.

Results

Twenty observational (12 cross‐sectional, two case–control, and six cohort) studies met the eligibility criteria, involving 142 387 asymptomatic adults. In cross‐sectional/case–control studies, NAFLD was found to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23–1.47) (including unclassified colorectal polyps, hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and cancers) with statistically significant heterogeneity (I2 = 67.8%; P < 0.001). NAFLD was also associated with a higher risk of incident colorectal polyps (hazard ratio = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.36–1.87) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 21.8%; P = 0.263) in longitudinal studies. The severity of NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of colorectal adenomas (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.30–1.88), but not colorectal cancer (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 0.92–2.03). The subgroup analysis according to gender showed that NAFLD was significantly associated with a higher risk of colorectal polyps in the male population without significant heterogeneity (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.29–1.67, I2 = 0%), but not in the female population (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.60–1.29, I2 = 34.2%).

Conclusions

NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps. There was a significant difference of the relationship between genders, which suggested more precise screening colonoscopy recommendation in NAFLD patients according to gender.
Physician Home Visit Patterns and Hospital Use Among Older Adults with Functional Impairments
Authors: Jones Aaron , Bronskill Susan E. , Seow Hsien , Feeny David , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Mowbray Fabrice , Costa Andrew P.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Home‐based primary care has been associated with reductions in hospital use among homebound older adults, but population‐based studies on the general home visit patterns of primary care physicians are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association between the provision of home visits by primary care physicians and subsequent use of hospital‐based care among their older adult patients with extensive functional impairments.

DESIGN

Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The setting was Ontario, Canada, from October 2014 to September 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (aged ≥65 years) with extensive functional impairments receiving publicly funded home care.

MEASUREMENTS

We measured the provision of home visits by a patientʼs most responsible primary care physician during the year before a comprehensive home care assessment. Physician home visit patterns were measured as the proportion of the total outpatient visits in a year that were home visits, categorized with quartiles. Multivariable, multilevel negative binomial regression models examined the associations between physician‐level home visit provision and patient emergency department visits and hospital admissions over the 6 months following the home care assessment.

RESULTS

There were 49,613 patients in the cohort who were linked to 8,096 unique primary care physicians. A total of 69.1% of physicians provided at least one home visit in a year, with the median proportion of home visits to total visits ranging from 0.057% to 3.19% across quartiles. Patients whose physicians were in the highest home visit provision quartile had lower rates of emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90–0.96) and hospital admissions (IRR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.85–0.93) compared with patients whose physician did not do home visits.

CONCLUSION

Home care patients with extensive functional impairments whose physicians provided higher levels of home visits had fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Expanding home visits by primary care physicians could reduce hospital use by older adults living with functional impairments in the community.
The ventral attention network: the mirror of the language network in the right brain hemisphere
Authors: Bernard Florian , Lemee Jean‐Michel , Mazerand Edouard , Leiber Louis‐Marie , Menei Philippe , Ter Minassian Aram
Published: June 2020

Resting‐state functional MRI (RfMRI) analyses have identified two anatomically separable fronto‐parietal attention networks in the human brain: a bilateral dorsal attention network and a right‐lateralised ventral attention network (VAN). The VAN has been implicated in visuospatial cognition and, thus, potentially in the unilateral spatial neglect associated with right hemisphere lesions. Its parietal, frontal and temporal endpoints are thought to be structurally supported by undefined white matter tracts. We investigated the white matter tract connecting the VAN. We used three approaches to study the structural anatomy of the VAN: (a) independent component analysis on RfMRI (50 subjects), defining the endpoints of the VAN, (b) tractography in the same 50 healthy volunteers, with regions of interest defined by the MNI coordinates of cortical areas involved in the VAN used in a seed‐based approach and (c) dissection, by Klingler’s method, of 20 right hemispheres, for ex vivo studies of the fibre tracts connecting VAN endpoints. The VAN includes the temporoparietal junction and the ventral frontal cortex. The endpoints of the superior longitudinal fasciculus in its third portion (SLF III) and the arcuate fasciculus (AF) overlap with the VAN endpoints. The SLF III connects the supramarginal gyrus to the ventral portion of the precentral gyrus and the pars opercularis. The AF connects the middle and inferior temporal gyrus and the middle and inferior frontal gyrus. We reconstructed the structural connectivity of the VAN and considered it in the context if the pathophysiology of unilateral neglect and right hemisphere awake brain surgery.
Impact of Lesion Location on Longitudinal Myelin Water Fraction Change in Chronic Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
Authors: Pandya Sneha , Kaunzner Ulrike W , Hurtado Rúa Sandra M , Nealon Nancy , Perumal Jai , Vartanian Timothy , Nguyen Thanh D. , Gauthier Susan A
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To examine the impact of lesion location on longitudinal myelin water fraction (MWF) changes in chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Relative hypoxia, due to vascular watershed regions of the cerebrum, has been implicated in lesion development but impact on ongoing demyelination is unknown.

METHODS

Forty‐eight patients with relapsing‐remitting and secondary progressive MS had two MWF scans with fast acquisition, spiral trajectory, and T2prep (FAST‐T2) sequence, at an interval of 2.0 (±.3) years. Lesion location was identified based upon cerebral lobe and relation to the ventricles. Change in MWF was assessed using a mixed effects model, controlling for lesion location and patient covariates.

RESULTS

Average age was 42.3 (±12) years, mean disease duration was 9.7 (±9.1) years, and median Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) was 2.5 (±2.3). The majority of 512 chronic lesions was located in the frontal and parietal lobes (75.6%) and more often periventricular (44.7%). All occipital lesions were periventricular. The average lesion MWF decreased from baseline (.07 ± .03) to 2 years (.06 ±.03) P < .01. Lesions within the occipital lobe showed a significant reduction in MWF as compared to other lobes.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic lesions in the occipital lobe showed the greatest reduction in MWF. Neuroanatomical localization of lesions to the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles, a watershed region, may contribute to ongoing demyelination in this lesion type.
Nose-to-brain delivery of sumatriptan-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: preparation, optimization, characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation
Authors: Masjedi Moein , Azadi Amir , Heidari Reza , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Migraine is a neurological disorder with unilateral pulsatile headache which can affect the functions of sufferers. Migraineurs experience some undesirable symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting and in some cases auras which make the oral delivery non-selective. The lipid nanoparticles are considered as good carriers for nose-to-brain drug delivery. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a sumatriptan-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC).

Methods

A drug-loaded NLC was optimized using D-optimal design of experiment and then the characterization of the formulated NLC including particle size, zeta potential, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, drug loading efficiency and release kinetics were carried out. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were also performed during an in-vivo study on Sprague–Dawley rats and neuropharmacokinetic parameters such as drug targeting efficiency (DTE) and direct transport percentage (DTP) were calculated.

Key findings

The optimization of experiments led to nanoparticles with 101 nm mean diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.27. The drug entrapment efficiency (EE) for optimized nanoparticle was found to be 91.00%. DTE and DTP of intranasal-administered NLC were calculated 258.02% and 61.23%, respectively.

Conclusions

Neuropharmacokinetic evaluation of intranasal NLC dispersion represents a suitable brain delivery system. The DTP of NLC formulation suggests the desirable entrance of sumatriptan into the brain.
Biorefined grass‐clover protein composition and effect on organic broiler performance and meat fatty acid profile
Authors: Stødkilde Lene , Ambye‐Jensen Morten , Krogh Jensen Søren
Published: June 2020

Protein extracted from green biomass can be a sustainable and valuable feed component for organic poultry production. Earlier studies in rats have shown high digestibility of laboratory‐scale extracted protein. The aim of this study was to test the effect of upscaling the biorefining process on composition of protein extracted from organic grass‐clover and on performance of organic broilers when including grass‐clover in the feed. Crude protein content of the extracted grass‐clover protein was 36.2% of dry matter (DM) with a higher methionine content, but lower lysine and total sulphur‐containing amino acids than that in soybean. Acid‐insoluble residue constituted a major fraction of the dietary fibre content, and a large proportion of total CP was bound in this fraction. Alpha‐linolenic acid was the dominating fatty acid in the extracted grass‐clover protein. One‐day‐old organic Colour Yield broiler chicks were included in a dose–response trial with grass‐clover protein constituting 0%, 8%, 16% or 24% of the feed from day 12 and until slaughter at day 57. Increasing levels of grass‐clover protein extract reduced feed intake, growth and slaughter weight; however, at 8% inclusion feed intake and performance were not affected. The fatty acid composition in broiler breast meat reflected the composition of grass‐clover protein extract; thus, the increasing dietary addition increased meat alpha‐linolenic acid content. A lowered tocopherol content in meat from broilers fed increasing grass‐clover protein demonstrated the need for increased amounts of antioxidants due to the high content of unsaturated fat. In conclusion, the study shows that broilers can grow on grass‐clover protein from an upscaled biorefining process, but highlights the importance of further optimisation with focus on increased protein content and on avoiding formation of insoluble protein complexes, as these most likely reduce protein digestibility.
Prevalence and patterns of tongue deformation in obstructive sleep apnea: A whole‐night simultaneous ultrasonographic and polysomnographic study
Authors: Yu Rui‐Bin , Huang Chih‐Chung , Chang Chun‐Hsiang , Wang Ya‐Hui , Chen Jeng‐Wen
Published: June 2020

Tongue deformation during whole‐night natural sleep in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea has not been well evaluated. Through simultaneous ultrasonography and polysomnography during whole‐night sleep, we examined the prevalence and patterns of tongue depth changes and their relationship with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Sixty consecutive eligible adults presenting with symptoms suggesting obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled. We observed that 88.4% (38/43) of patients with obstructive sleep apnea exhibited a significant increase in the maximum ultrasonographic tongue depth when hypopnea or apnea occurred during sleep. A mixed‐model analysis of variance demonstrated that compared with patients with primary snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea, those with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea have significantly greater maximum ultrasonographic tongue depth during respiratory events (p = .0047). We identified three different ultrasonographic patterns of tongue deformation, namely en bloc, tongue body and tongue base. Approximately 82% (27/33) of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea demonstrated an en bloc tongue deformation. By contrast, 70% (19/27) of primary snorers or patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea showed a tongue body obstruction. Recognizing the prevalence and patterns of tongue deformation during sleep may provide insights into pathogenesis and treatment decisions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Future studies are warranted to verify the treatment results of various tongue procedures by using this approach.
The timed barium swallow and its relationship to symptoms in achalasia: Analysis of surface area and emptying rate
Authors: Sanagapalli Santosh , Plumb Andrew , Maynard John , Leong Rupert W. , Sweis Rami
Published: June 2020

Background

Timed barium swallow (TBS) is used to objectively measure response following achalasia therapy; however, findings can be discordant with symptoms. We hypothesized that measurement of surface area of the residual barium column would improve its utility in measuring outcome.

Methods

In a single‐center cohort, achalasia patients undergoing therapy between September 2015‐2016 who had TBS were included. Four metrics of emptying were studied: Post‐therapy residual barium (a) absolute height and (b) surface area and percentage reduction in (c) residual height (%H) and (d) surface area (%SA) compared to pretherapy. Metrics were evaluated against symptom response (Eckardt score).

Key Results

Twenty‐four achalasics (median age 43 year; 13 males) were included; 14 received pneumatic dilatation, and 10 had peroral endoscopic myotomy. Treatment resulted in significant reduction in median Eckardt score (7 to 1; P = .03), mean residual barium column height (14.7 ± 8.7 to 7.9 ± 6.0 cm; P = .01) and surface area (52.7 ± 43.5 to 24.5 ± 23.6 cm2; P = .02). There were 4 (17%) initial non‐responders (Eckardt > 3). % SA was best at discriminating between responders and non‐responders (area under curve 0.85 ± 0.08; sensitivity 100%, specificity 80%). Concordance with symptomatic response following therapy was 83% when using 45% as the cutoff for surface area reduction compared to pretherapy. Eight patients whose static barium height was discordant with symptoms became concordant when % SA was used as a measure of response.

Conclusions & Inferences

Change in barium surface area is a superior measure of esophageal emptying and better correlates with treatment response than the conventional 5‐minute barium height in defining objective response to achalasia therapy.
Defensive Partisanship? Evidence that In‐Party Scandals Increase Out‐Party Hostility
Authors: Rothschild Zachary K. , Keefer Lucas A. , Hauri Julianna
Published: June 2020

Contemporary U.S. politics is characterized by polarization and interpartisan antipathy. This is accompanied by a media landscape saturated with coverage of political scandals. Applying a social identity perspective, we examined whether exposure to scandals that threaten partisan's moral group image (i.e., in‐party scandals), may motivate defensive hostility against opposing partisans. Across three experiments we exposed U.S. partisans to scandals attributed to either in‐party or out‐party politicians. We then assessed partisan hostility using a variety of operationalizations, including anger at a real outgroup politician (Study 1), judgments about the alleged misdeeds of a fabricated outgroup politician (Study 2), and negative perceptions of opposing party members (Study 3). Strength of partisan identity was assessed as a predicted moderator (Study 3). As expected in‐ (vs. out‐) party scandals, were perceived as group‐image threats and elicited greater hostility towards opposing partisans, independent of partisans' ideological extremity or prior affective polarization.
Interactions between perceptions of fatigue, effort, and affect decrease knee extensor endurance performance following upper body motor activity, independent of changes in neuromuscular function
Authors: Greenhouse‐Tucknott A. , Wrightson J. G. , Raynsford M. , Harrison N. A. , Dekerle J.
Published: June 2020

Prior exercise has previously been shown to impair subsequent endurance performance in non‐activated muscles. Declines in the neuromuscular function and altered perceptual/affective responses offer possible mechanisms through which endurance performance may be limited in these remote muscle groups. We thus conducted two experiments to better understand these performance‐limiting mechanisms. In the first experiment, we examined the effect of prior handgrip exercise on the behavioral, perceptual, and affective responses to a sustained, sub‐maximal contraction of the knee extensors. In the second experiment, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess the neuromuscular function of the knee extensors before and after the handgrip exercise. The results of the first experiment demonstrated prior handgrip exercise increased the perceptions of effort and reduced affective valence during the subsequent knee extensor endurance exercise. Both effort and affect were associated with endurance performance. Subjective ratings of fatigue were also increased by the preceding handgrip exercise but were not directly related to knee extensor endurance performance. However, perceptions of fatigue were correlated with heightened effort perception and reduced affect during the knee extensor contraction. In the second experiment, prior handgrip exercise did not significantly alter the neuromuscular function of the knee extensors. The findings of the present study indicate that motor performance in the lower limbs following demanding exercise in the upper body appears to be regulated by complex, cognitive‐emotional interactions, which may emerge independent of altered neuromuscular function. Subjective fatigue states are implicated in the control of perceptual and affective processes responsible for the regulation of endurance performance.
Anti‐inflammatory reliever therapy in asthma: The evidence mounts but more is needed
Authors: Bruce Pepa , Hatter Lee , Beasley Richard
Published: June 2020

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Risk Analysis: Celebrating the Accomplishments and Embracing Ongoing Challenges
Authors: Greenberg Michael , Cox Anthony , Bier Vicki , Lambert Jim , Lowrie Karen , North Warner , Siegrist Michael , Wu Felicia
Published: June 2020

As part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Society for Risk Analysis and Risk Analysis: An International Journal, this essay reviews the 10 most important accomplishments of risk analysis from 1980 to 2010, outlines major accomplishments in three major categories from 2011 to 2019, discusses how editors circulate authors’ accomplishments, and proposes 10 major risk‐related challenges for 2020–2030. Authors conclude that the next decade will severely test the field of risk analysis.
Risk Communication for Empowerment: Interventions in a Rohingya Refugee Settlement
Authors: Lejano Raul P. , Rahman Muhammad Saidur , Kabir Laila
Published: June 2020

There are many reasons that people, when warned of an impending extreme event, do not take proactive, self‐defensive action. We focus on one possible reason, which is that, sometimes, people lack a sense of agency or even experience disempowerment, which can lead to passivity. This article takes up one situation where the possibility of disempowerment is salient, that of Rohingya refugees who were evicted from their homes in Myanmar and forced to cross the border into neighboring Bangladesh. In their plight, we see the twin elements of marginalization and displacement acting jointly to produce heightened vulnerability to the risks from extreme weather. Building on a relational model of risk communication, a consortium of researchers and practitioners designed a risk communication training workshop that featured elements of empowerment‐based practice. The program was implemented in two refugee camps. Evaluation suggests that the workshop may have had an appreciable effect in increasing participants' sense of agency and hope, while decreasing their level of fatalism. The outcomes were considerably more positive for female than male participants, which has important implications. This work underscores the potential for participatory modes of risk communication to empower the more marginalized, and thus more vulnerable, members of society.
Subcutaneous emphysema following dental care of a patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: Case report
Authors: Fleagle Jenelle
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Pediatric dental treatment utilizing an air‐driven handpiece and triplex syringe in the operating room has been common practice for many decades. Adverse effects with compressed air are rarely reported in the dental community but can cause serious complications for pediatric patients in the unlikely event they occur.

Case report

We present a case of subcutaneous emphysema of a 4‐year‐old presenting for dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia, which was further complicated by the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and the patient's neuroatypical status. The subcutaneous emphysema was apparent at case completion with right unilateral swelling in the cervicofacial area extending from the infratemporal space to the periorbital buccal region. The most probable etiology was compressed air from a high‐speed handpiece dissecting through infected tissue during a crown preparation. Subcutaneous emphysema was managed by diagnostic radiographs, antibiotics coverage, and hospital observation due to patient's multiple health factors.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous emphysema appears to be a rare event in pediatric dental care; however, there is increased risk for complications in the unintentional occurrence. Subcutaneous emphysema is an important differential for facial swellings. Medically complex patients, such as this case, should involve a multidisciplinary team approach due to the proximity of the VP shunt.
Outpatient management of kidney transplant recipients with suspected COVID‐19—Single‐center experience during the New York City surge
Authors: Mehta Sapna A. , Leonard Jeanette , Labella Pauline , Cartiera Katarzyna , Soomro Irfana , Neumann Henry , Montgomery Robert A. , Ali Nicole M.
Published: June 2020

Data describing the clinical progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in transplant recipients are limited. In New York City during the surge in COVID‐19 cases, a systematic approach to monitoring and triaging immunocompromised transplant patients was required in the context of strained healthcare resources, limited outpatient testing, and heightened hospital exposure risks. Public health guidance at the onset of the COVID‐19 outbreak recommended outpatient monitoring of mildly symptomatic patients without specific recommendations for special populations such as transplant recipients. We developed and implemented a systematic monitoring algorithm for kidney transplant recipients at our transplant center who reported mild symptoms suggestive of COVID‐19. We describe the outcomes of the first 44 patients monitored through this algorithm. A total of 44 kidney transplant recipients thought to be symptomatic for COVID‐19 disease were followed for a minimum of 14 days. The majority of mildly symptomatic patients (34/44) had clinical progression of disease and were referred to the emergency department where they all tested PCR positive and required hospitalization. More than half of these patients presented with hypoxia requiring supplemental oxygen, 39% were intubated within 48 hours, and 53% developed acute kidney injury but did not require dialysis. There were 6 deaths. During surge outbreaks, kidney transplant patients with even mild symptoms have a high likelihood of COVID‐19 disease and most will worsen requiring hospitalization for supportive measures. Earlier outpatient testing and hospitalization may improve COVID‐19 outcomes among transplant recipients.