bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow oscillations open susceptible time windows for epileptic discharges
Authors: Sheybani Laurent , Mégevand Pierre , Spinelli Laurent , Bénar Christian G. , Momjian Shahan , Seeck Margitta , Quairiaux Charles , Kleinschmidt Andreas , Vulliémoz Serge
Published: August 2021

Objective

In patients with epilepsy, interictal epileptic discharges are a diagnostic hallmark of epilepsy and represent abnormal, so‐called “irritative” activity that disrupts normal cognitive functions. Despite their clinical relevance, their mechanisms of generation remain poorly understood. It is assumed that brain activity switches abruptly, unpredictably, and supposedly randomly to these epileptic transients. We aim to study the period preceding these epileptic discharges, to extract potential proepileptogenic mechanisms supporting their expression.

Methods

We used multisite intracortical recordings from patients who underwent intracranial monitoring for refractory epilepsy, the majority of whom had a mesial temporal lobe seizure onset zone. Our objective was to evaluate the existence of proepileptogenic windows before interictal epileptic discharges. We tested whether the amplitude and phase synchronization of slow oscillations (.5–4 Hz and 4–7 Hz) increase before epileptic discharges and whether the latter are phase‐locked to slow oscillations. Then, we tested whether the phase‐locking of neuronal activity (assessed by high‐gamma activity, 60–160 Hz) to slow oscillations increases before epileptic discharges to provide a potential mechanism linking slow oscillations to interictal activities.

Results

Changes in widespread slow oscillations anticipate upcoming epileptic discharges. The network extends beyond the irritative zone, but the increase in amplitude and phase synchronization is rather specific to the irritative zone. In contrast, epileptic discharges are phase‐locked to widespread slow oscillations and the degree of phase‐locking tends to be higher outside the irritative zone. Then, within the irritative zone only, we observe an increased coupling between slow oscillations and neuronal discharges before epileptic discharges.

Significance

Our results show that epileptic discharges occur during vulnerable time windows set up by a specific phase of slow oscillations. The specificity of these permissive windows is further reinforced by the increased coupling of neuronal activity to slow oscillations. These findings contribute to our understanding of epilepsy as a distributed oscillopathy and open avenues for future neuromodulation strategies aiming at disrupting proepileptic mechanisms.
Necdin: A purposive integrator of molecular interaction networks for mammalian neuron vitality
Authors: Yoshikawa Kazuaki
Published: August 2021

Necdin was originally found in 1991 as a hypothetical protein encoded by a neural differentiation‐specific gene transcript in murine embryonal carcinoma cells. Virtually all postmitotic neurons and their precursor cells express the necdin gene (Ndn) during neuronal development. Necdin mRNA is expressed only from the paternal allele through genomic imprinting, a placental mammal‐specific epigenetic mechanism. Necdin and its homologous MAGE (melanoma antigen) family, which have evolved presumedly from a subcomplex component of the SMC5/6 complex, are expressed exclusively in placental mammals. Paternal Ndn‐mutated mice totally lack necdin expression and exhibit various types of neuronal abnormalities throughout the nervous system. Ndn‐null neurons are vulnerable to detrimental stresses such as DNA damage. Necdin also suppresses both proliferation and apoptosis of neural stem/progenitor cells. Functional analyses using Ndn‐manipulated cells reveal that necdin consistently exerts antimitotic, anti‐apoptotic and prosurvival effects. Necdin interacts directly with a number of regulatory proteins including E2F1, p53, neurotrophin receptors, Sirt1 and PGC‐1α, which serve as major hubs of protein–protein interaction networks for mitosis, apoptosis, differentiation, neuroprotection and energy homeostasis. This review focuses on necdin as a pleiotropic protein that integrates molecular interaction networks to promote neuronal vitality in modern placental mammals.
The experiences of the caring dyad: (Un)articulated realities of living with cardiometabolic risk, metabolic syndrome and related diseases in severe mental illness
Authors: Sud Dolly , Maidment Ian , Bradley Eleanor , Tritter Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Background

Informal carers play an important role in the care of patients with mental illness. Little is known of the relationship experience of the patient and their informal carer (caring dyad) as the context for the intersection between physical and mental health.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the impact of comorbid cardiometabolic risk (CMR), metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related diseases and severe mental illness (SMI) on the caring dyad.

Design

Between October 2018 and March 2020, we conducted 11 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews across 6 adult caring dyads, interviewing each individual separately.

Setting

Dyads were recruited within the United Kingdom; informal carers were nominated by the patient as a person who provided a significant amount of support.

Variable Being Studied

Participants were asked about the impacts of illness and caring on daily life.

Data Analysis

Data were analysed at the dyad level using thematic analysis, comparing and contrasting responses from each individual.

Results

Themes were identified: enhanced closeness, dissonance and balance within the caring dyad.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study uses a particular population of patients with comorbid CMR factors, MetS and related diseases and SMI and their informal carers to explore the relevance and utility of caring dyads as an analytical framework to inform practice and policy. Future interventions should consider factors impacting on dyadic relationships to formulate effective and sustainable dyadic care and treatment to improve health outcomes for both patients with SMI and their informal carers.

Patient/Public Involvement

In this study, patients and informal carers were participants. Topic guides were piloted with a patient and informal carer.
Biological interactions between calcium silicate‐based endodontic biomaterials and periodontal ligament stem cells: A systematic review of in vitro studies
Authors: Sanz José Luis , Guerrero‐Gironés Julia , Pecci‐Lloret María P. , Pecci‐Lloret Miguel R. , Melo María
Published: August 2021

Background

Most recently, the biological interactions, that is cytocompatibility, cell differentiation and mineralization potential, between calcium silicate‐based biomaterials and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been studied at an in vitro level, in order to predict their clinical behaviour during endodontic procedures involving direct contact with periodontal tissues, namely root canal treatment, endodontic surgery and regenerative endodontic treatment.

Objective

The aim of the present systematic review was to present a qualitative synthesis of available in vitro studies assessing the biological interaction of PDLSCs and calcium silicate‐based biomaterials.

Methodology

The present review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. An advanced database search was performed in Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and SciELO on 1 July 2020 and last updated on 22 April 2021. Studies assessing the biological interactions of PDLSCs with calcium silicate‐based sealers (CSSs) and/or cements (CSCs) at an in vitro level were considered for inclusion. The evaluation of the ‘biological interaction’ was defined as any assay or test on the cytotoxicity, cytocompatibility, cell plasticity or differentiation potential, and bioactive properties of PDLSCs cultured in CSC or CSS‐conditioned media. Quality (risk of bias) was assessed using a modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies of dental materials.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included for the qualitative synthesis. CSCs and CSSs, as a group of endodontic materials, exhibit adequate cytocompatibility and favour the osteo/cementogenic differentiation and mineralization potential of PDLSCs, as evidenced from the in vitro studies included in the present systematic review.

Discussion

The influence of the compositional differences, inclusion of additives, sample preparation, and varying conditions and manipulations on the biological properties of calcium silicate‐based materials remain a subject for future research.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the in vitro nature of the included studies, this work supports the potential use of calcium silicate‐based endodontic materials in stem cell therapy and biologically based regenerative endodontic procedures.

Registration

OSF Registries; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/SQ9UY.
Solid pancreas transplant outcomes with increased donor and recipient ages compared with reference ages: a systematic review
Authors: Ling Jonathan E. H. , Choo Shi Zhou , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Kanellis John
Published: August 2021

Background

Increased recipient and donor age are associated with worse solid organ pancreas transplant outcomes. However, donor and recipient age criteria vary between jurisdictions. We systematically reviewed studies reporting the association between transplanting older recipients and donors beyond current Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) limits with solid pancreas transplant outcomes.

Aims

To review current outcomes of solid pancreas transplantation in recipients and donors over the TSANZ reference ages.

Methods

Studies comparing transplant outcomes between a reference‐age and an older‐age donor (>45 years) or recipient (≥50 years) cohort for solid pancreas transplantation were included. Primary outcomes were pancreas/kidney graft and patient survival at 1 and 5 years. Secondary outcomes were post‐transplant complications (graft thrombosis, acute rejection and relaparotomy rates).

Results

Eleven studies were included (two studies assessing solid pancreas outcomes between older vs reference‐aged donors and nine studies assessing outcomes between older vs reference‐aged recipients). Seven of 11 studies were judged to be at high risk of bias. Primary and secondary outcomes were not significantly different between recipient age groups in nine studies. A sensitivity analysis of older versus reference‐aged studies excluding studies at high risk of bias also showed non‐inferior primary and secondary outcomes at 1 year. Two studies comparing outcomes by donor age showed worse graft survival but non‐inferior patient survival with older donors.

Conclusion

Increased donor or recipient age alone should not absolutely contraindicate solid pancreas transplantation, especially if other risk predictors are minimised.
Outcomes following parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease: a single‐centre study
Authors: Bali Parul , Toussaint Nigel D. , Tiong Mark K. , Ruderman Irene
Published: August 2021

Background

Surgical parathyroidectomy may be required for severe and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Parathyroidectomy is associated with long‐term survival benefit despite an increase in short‐term morbidity and mortality. Global variation in practice exists, with limited Australian data on outcomes following parathyroidectomy.

Aim

To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing surgical parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT between January 2010 and December 2019 at a single tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. Biochemical markers and medications were assessed 12 months pre‐ and post‐surgery. Clinical outcomes, including hospital readmission, cardiovascular events and mortality were assessed following surgery.

Results

During the 10‐year study period, 129 patients underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT (mean age 50.7 ± 15 years; 109 (85%) on dialysis). Significant immediate post‐operative complications were seen in eight (6%) patients, requiring admission to the intensive care unit (n = 6) or return to theatre (n = 2). Within the first 6 months, 24 (19%) patients required hospital readmission. Within 12 months post‐parathyroidectomy, 100 (78%) and 103 (80%) patients experienced at least one episode of hypercalcaemia (corrected calcium >2.6 mmol/L) or hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium <2.1 mmol/L) respectively. Over a 12‐month period, there were six (5%) deaths and eight (6%) patients experienced a major cardiovascular event.

Conclusion

Significant fluctuations in serum calcium levels are common post‐parathyroidectomy; however, long‐term morbidity and mortality in our cohort were lower than previously reported, highlighting that parathyroidectomy in a carefully selected cohort is safe for severe SHPT refractory to medical treatment.
Analysing triggers for anti‐NMDA‐receptor encephalitis including herpes simplex virus encephalitis and ovarian teratoma: results from the Queensland Autoimmune Encephalitis cohort
Authors: Swayne Andrew , Warren Nicola , Prain Kerri , Gillis David , Wong Richard , Blum Stefan
Published: August 2021

Background

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐receptor (anti‐NMDA‐R) encephalitis is a complex autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome. Although initially associated with ovarian teratoma, subsequent studies have demonstrated that anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis may occur without an identifiable cause or be triggered by viral infection of the central nervous system such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE).

Aim

To present details from a Queensland cohort analysing triggering events in patients with anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis in an Australian context.

Methodology

The authors identified patients with anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis diagnosed and managed through public hospitals in Queensland, Australia, between 2010 and the end of 2019. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, investigation results, management and outcome measurements.

Results

Thirty‐one cases of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis were included in the study. Three cases of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis were triggered by prior HSVE, five cases were associated with ovarian teratoma and 23 cases had no identifiable trigger. There were an additional three cases in which anti‐NMDA receptor antibodies were present in the context of other disease states but where the patient did not develop anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. Cases triggered by HSVE or associated with ovarian teratoma experienced a more severe disease course compared to cases with no identifiable trigger. All groups responded to immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy. Analysis of clinical characteristics revealed a complex heterogeneous syndrome with some variability between groups.

Conclusion

In this cohort, the number of cases of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis triggered by HSVE is comparable to those triggered by ovarian teratoma. However, the majority of cases of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis had no identifiable trigger or associated disease process.
Plasma cell survival: The intrinsic drivers, migratory signals, and extrinsic regulators
Authors: Nguyen Doan C. , Duan Meixue , Ali Mohammad , Ley Ariel , Sanz Ignacio , Lee F. Eun‐Hyung
Published: August 2021

Antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) are the effectors of protective humoral immunity and the only cell type that produces antibodies or immunoglobulins in mammals. In addition to their formidable capacity to secrete massive quantities of proteins, ASC are terminally differentiated and have unique features to become long‐lived plasma cells (LLPC). Upon antigen encounter, B cells are activated through a complex multistep process to undergo fundamental morphological, subcellular, and molecular transformation to become an efficient protein factory with lifelong potential. The ASC survival potential is determined by factors at the time of induction, capacity to migration from induction to survival sites, and ability to mature in the specialized bone marrow microenvironments. In the past decade, considerable progress has been made in identifying factors regulating ASC longevity. Here, we review the intrinsic drivers, trafficking signals, and extrinsic regulators with particular focus on how they impact the survival potential to become a LLPC.
PTCSC3‐mediated glycolysis suppresses thyroid cancer progression via interfering with PGK1 degradation
Authors: Jiang Bo , Chen Yong , Xia Fada , Li Xinying
Published: August 2021

The Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis), a hallmark of cancer, serves as a promising target for diagnosis and therapy. Growing evidence indicates that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in aerobic glycolysis of various tumours. However, the correlation between lncRNAs and glycolysis in thyroid cancer cells is still poorly understood. In this study, we showed that lncRNA papillary thyroid cancer susceptibility candidate 3 (PTCSC3) was significantly downregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Overexpression of PTCSC3 significantly inhibited the aerobic glycolysis and tumour growth of PTC cells. Consistently, PTCSC3 overexpression suppressed tumour progress in vivo. Mechanistically, PTCSC3 inhibits aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of PTC by directly interacting with PGK1, a key enzyme in glycolytic pathway. As a result, PTCSC3 performs its role in PTC development via PGK1 and may be a potential therapeutic target for PTC treatment.
Effect of periodontal–orthodontic treatment of teeth with pathological tooth flaring, drifting, and elongation in patients with severe periodontitis: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Antonoglou Georgios N. , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Kakali Lydia , Eliades Theodore , Madianos Phoebus
Published: July 2021

Aim

To assess the beneficial and adverse effects on the dental and periodontal issues of periodontal–orthodontic treatment of teeth with pathological tooth flaring, drifting, and elongation in patients with severe periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Nine databases were searched in April 2020 for randomized/non‐randomized clinical studies. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk‐of‐bias assessment, random‐effect meta‐analyses of mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by subgroup/meta‐regression analyses.

Results

A total of 30 randomized and non‐randomized clinical studies including 914 patients (29.7% male; mean age 43.4 years) were identified. Orthodontic treatment of pathologically migrated teeth was associated with clinical attachment gain (−0.24 mm; seven studies), pocket probing depth reduction (−0.23 mm; seven studies), marginal bone gain (−0.36 mm; seven studies), and papilla height gain (−1.42 mm; two studies) without considerable adverse effects, while patient sex, gingival phenotype, baseline disease severity, interval between periodontal and orthodontic treatment, and orthodontic treatment duration affected the results. Greater marginal bone level gains were seen by additional circumferential fiberotomy (two studies; MD = –0.98 mm; 95% CI = –1.87 to −0.10 mm; p = .03), but the quality of evidence was low.

Conclusions

Limited evidence of poor quality indicates that orthodontic treatment might be associated with small improvements of periodontal parameters, which do not seem to affect prognosis, but more research is needed.
Equity Short Selling and the Bank Loan Market
Authors: Ho Po‐Hsin , Lin Chih‐Yung , Lin Tse‐Chun
Published: August 2021

Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we show that relaxation of short‐sale constraints helps to filter out low‐quality borrowers from the bank loan market. Treated firms that can still borrow from banks enjoy a lower loan spread, compared with control firms without this sorting mechanism. The results show that such treated borrowers have improved information asymmetry and credit risk, as well as better nonprice contract terms. Overall, equity short selling has a real effect on the bank loan market by weeding out poor‐quality borrowers, resulting in a lower cost of private debt for remaining borrower firms.
Contextualizing Management Research: An Open Systems Perspective
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Ireland R. Duane , Stahl Günter K.
Published: August 2021

Management researchers rely frequently on theoretical perspectives originating in North American and European contexts. Given the influences context has on scholarship, the question becomes if using primarily Western theories provides researchers with the design insights needed to capture the robust context of the setting in which they conduct their studies. Herein, we seek to establish a foundation for developing fertile exchanges of ideas regarding contextualized management research. To do this, we examine some of the main theories in management studies through the heuristic lens of an ‘open systems’ framework that allows us to build on comparative management and institutional theories. We discuss existing theory advances in selected areas of management studies, including corporate governance, strategic management, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to offer avenues for future research. Completing studies with a solid grounding in contextualized management theories has the potential to provide novel research avenues and opportunities to integrate diverse theoretical perspectives. We also identify a need for multidisciplinary research, epistemological openness, and methodological pluralism.
A novel melatonin‐regulated lncRNA suppresses TPA‐induced oral cancer cell motility through replenishing PRUNE2 expression
Authors: Su Shih‐Chi , Yeh Chia‐Ming , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chuang Chun‐Yi , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Lee Yi‐Chan , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: August 2021

The inhibitory effect of melatonin on cancer cell dissemination is well established, yet the functional involvement of lncRNAs in melatonin signaling remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a melatonin‐attenuated lncRNA acting as a potential melatonin‐regulated oral cancer stimulator (MROS‐1). Downregulation of MROS‐1 by melatonin suppressed TPA‐induced oral cancer migration through replenishing the protein expression of prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2), which functioned as a tumor suppressor in oral cancer. Melatonin‐mediated MROS‐1/PRUNE2 expression and cell motility in oral cancer were regulated largely through the activation of JAK‐STAT pathway. In addition, MROS‐1, preferentially localized in the nuclei, promoted oral cancer migration in an epigenetic mechanism in which it modulates PRUNE2 expression by interacting with a member of the DNA methylation machinery, DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A). Higher methylation levels of PRUNE2 promoter were associated with nodal metastases and inversely correlated with PRUNE2 expression in head and neck cancer. Collectively, these findings suggest that MROS‐1, serving as a functional mediator of melatonin signaling, could predispose patients with oral cancer to metastasize and may be implicated as a potential target for antimetastatic therapies.
The role of prior sleep for divergent thinking in infants
Authors: Seehagen Sabine , Charlton Samuel , Starkey Nicola , Fallaize Amy , Brown Juliana , Jones Kelly
Published: August 2021

Higher‐order cognitive functions seem particularly vulnerable to disruptions in prior sleep in school‐aged children and adult populations. This study tested whether divergent thinking in infants varied as a function of prior sleep. Forty‐three infants aged 13–16 months participated in a behavioural assessment of divergent thinking. Length of wakefulness since last sleep was experimentally manipulated. In addition, potential relations between divergent thinking and sleep quantity and quality during the night immediately before the assessment, as well as during three consecutive nights preceding the assessment, were examined using actigraphy recordings in combination with parent diaries. Divergent thinking was not impaired by lack of sleep within the previous 4 h. Divergent thinking was consistently related to night‐time sleep quality and quantity prior to the assessment. These results suggest that timing of prior naturally occurring daytime sleep is less relevant for emergent divergent thinking capacity than quality and quantity of preceding night‐time sleep.
The changing characteristics of patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus from 2014 to 2019: Real‐world data from the German Hepatitis C‐Registry (DHC‐R)
Authors: Hüppe Dietrich , Stoehr Albrecht , Buggisch Peter , Mauss Stefan , Klinker Hartwig , Teuber Gerlinde , Hidde Dennis , Lohmann Kristina , Bondin Mark , Wedemeyer Heiner
Published: August 2021

The number of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is markedly higher than the number initiating treatment indicating gaps in the care cascade, likely centred around reaching at‐risk populations. Understanding changing characteristics of patients with HCV allows for targeted programs that increase linkage to care. We investigated changes in demographic and clinical characteristics of patients registered in the German Hepatitis C‐Registry (DHC‐R) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019. The DHC‐R is an ongoing, noninterventional, multicentre, prospective, observational cohort registry including 327 German centres. Patient characteristics were analysed over time in 7 phases for all patients completing a screening visit. Overall, 14,357 patients were enrolled. The percentage of treatment‐naïve/non‐cirrhotic patients increased from 34.4% in phase 1 (1 January–31 December 2014) to 68.2% in phase 7 (1 August–31 December 2019). The proportion of migrants, alcohol users, people who inject drugs, and those receiving opiate substitution therapy increased in later registry phases. Most patients (60.1%) were receiving comedication at baseline. The most prescribed comedications were drugs used to treat opioid dependence which increased from 9.2% in phase 1 to 24.0% in phase 7. The patients’ mean age decreased from 52.3 years in phase 1 to 48.7 years in phase 7. From 2014 to 2019, the proportion of at‐risk patients enrolling in the registry increased. To eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat, a continued commitment to engaging underserved populations into the HCV care cascade is needed.
The Rgg1518 transcriptional regulator is a necessary facet of sugar metabolism and virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Shlla Bushra , Gazioglu Ozcan , Shafeeq Sulman , Manzoor Irfan , Kuipers Oscar P. , Ulijasz Andrew , Hiller N. Luisa , Andrew Peter W. , Yesilkaya Hasan
Published: July 2021

Rggs are a group of transcriptional regulators with diverse roles in metabolism and virulence. Here, we present work on the Rgg1518/SHP1518 quorum sensing system of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The activity of Rgg1518 is induced by its cognate peptide, SHP1518. In vitro analysis showed that the Rgg1518 system is active in conditions rich in galactose and mannose, key nutrients during nasopharyngeal colonization. Rgg1518 expression is highly induced in the presence of these sugars and its isogenic mutant is attenuated in growth on galactose and mannose. When compared with other Rgg systems, Rgg1518 has the largest regulon on galactose. On galactose it controls up‐ or downregulation of a functionally diverse set of genes involved in galactose metabolism, capsule biosynthesis, iron metabolism, protein translation, as well as other metabolic functions, acting mainly as a repressor of gene expression. Rgg1518 is a repressor of capsule biosynthesis, and binds directly to the capsule regulatory region. Comparison with other Rggs revealed inter‐regulatory interactions among Rggs. Finally, the rgg1518 mutant is attenuated in colonization and virulence in a mouse model of colonization and pneumonia. We conclude that Rgg1518 is a virulence determinant that contributes to a regulatory network composed of multiple Rgg systems.
The edible Lactobacillus paracasei X11 with Konjac glucomannan promotes intestinal motility in zebrafish
Authors: Lu Youyou , Zhang Junxue , Zhou Xiaohong , Guan Meiyu , Zhang Zhe , Liang Xi , Tong Lingjun , Yi Huaxi , Gong Pimin , Bai Lu , Zhou Hui , Liu Tongjie , Zhang Lanwei
Published: August 2021

Background

Constipation is a gastrointestinal symptom with high incidence rate and large number of patients. It is becoming one of the urgent medical problems. Poor intestinal motility is one of the important causes of constipation. Current drug treatments for constipation are associated with many side effects; thus, it is necessary to study more effective treatment methods and potential mechanism.

Methods

A zebrafish model of intestinal motility obstruction was established by loperamide hydrochloride to evaluate the effect of probiotic, food ingredients, and combination on intestinal peristalsis according to intestinal peristalsis frequency counts. The gastrointestinal survival ability of the best probiotics was evaluated by surface hydrophobicity, self‐aggregation, acid and bile salt tolerance, and gastrointestinal transit tolerance. Interactions between probiotics and food ingredients were studied in vivo and in vitro. The expression of 5‐HT was detected by ELISA and fluorescence immunoassay, and 5‐HT related genes were detected by RT‐PCR.

Key Results

We obtained the probiotics, food ingredients, and combination that effectively promoted intestinal peristalsis, X11 and YRL577, P. persica and KGM, KGM + X11, respectively. Both KGM and P. persica promoted colonization of probiotics in vivo. KGM + X11 could effectively promote the increase in 5‐HT synthesis in zebrafish via up‐regulating gene expression of TPH‐1, TPH‐2, and 5‐HTR and down‐regulating gene expression of SERT. The specific in‐depth mechanism needs further study.

Conclusions and Inferences

The combinations of KGM with X11 effectively promoted intestinal peristalsis. We provide a theoretical basis for new modalities that can promote intestinal peristalsis and alleviate constipation.
Gastric accommodation: Physiology, diagnostic modalities, clinical relevance, and therapies
Authors: Febo‐Rodriguez Liz , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Sher Andrew C. , Shulman Robert J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Gastric accommodation is an essential gastric motor function which occurs following ingestion of a meal. Impaired gastric fundic accommodation (IFA) is associated with dyspeptic symptoms. Gastric accommodation is mediated by the vagal pathway with several important physiologic factors such as duodenal nutrient feedback playing a significant role. IFA has been described as a pathophysiologic factor in several gastrointestinal disorders including functional dyspepsia, diabetic gastropathy, post‐Nissen fundoplication, postsurgical gastrectomy, and rumination syndrome. Modalities for gastric accommodation assessment include gastric barostat, intragastric meal distribution via scintigraphy, drinking tests (eg, water load), SPECT, MRI, 2D and 3D ultrasound, and intragastric high‐resolution manometry. Several treatment options including sumatriptan, buspirone, tandospirone, ondansetron, and acotiamide may improve symptoms by increasing post‐meal gastric volume.

Purpose

Our aim is to provide an overview of the physiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapies for IFA. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and other sources to identify relevant studies available until December 2020. Gastric accommodation is an important gastric motor function which if impaired, is associated with several upper gastrointestinal disorders. There are an increasing number of gastric accommodation testing modalities; however, each has facets which warrant consideration. Evidence regarding potentially effective therapies for IFA is growing.
Epidermal choristoma: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Hughes Connor , Ferro Ashley , Dubb Sukhpreet , Gass Julia , Hook Liz , Santhanam Vijay , Kinsler Veronica , Polubothu Satyamaanasa
Published: August 2021

Epidermal choristoma is a rare, congenital lesion in which islands of ectopic skin are found within the oral cavity. They present as pigmented macules or papules on the tongue. Histologic appearances are characteristic and benign. We present three cases review the current literature and recommend observation of the lesion rather than complete excision should be considered as a reasonable management option.
Rapid response to secukinumab in a 5‐year‐old with deficiency of the interleukin‐36 receptor antagonist (DITRA) with severe scalp and nail involvement
Authors: Jing Guo , Bin Wang , Ying Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2021

Deficiency of the interleukin‐36 receptor antagonist (DITRA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations of the IL36RN gene. DITRA is characterized by acute generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), fever, systemic inflammation, and leukocytosis. We report the case of a 5‐year‐old girl with severe scalp and nail involvement with a rapid response to secukinumab.
Barriers to healthcare access in pediatric dermatology: A systematic review
Authors: Toy Jeffrey , Gregory Allison , Rehmus Wingfield
Published: August 2021

Barriers to healthcare access are healthcare inequities that have been widely studied across different medical specialties. No studies have previously evaluated the state of barriers to healthcare access research in pediatric dermatology. A systematic review was conducted to examine the types of barriers identified within pediatric dermatology literature. Relevant information was extracted and categorized into the themes of systemic, sociocultural, or individual barriers. The systemic barriers we found include finances, wait times, and geography. The sociocultural barriers included culture beliefs and communication. Patient beliefs and health knowledge were found as individual barriers. The small number and limited scope of studies we identified suggest that barriers to healthcare access in pediatric dermatology remain an understudied topic. Additional research is needed to further characterize these barriers to dermatologic care, as well as the impact of any interventions designed to overcome them.
Care processes and structures associated with higher medication adherence in adolescent and young adult transplant recipients
Authors: Dabirzadeh Anita , Dahhou Mourad , Zhang Xun , Sapir‐Pichhadze Ruth , Cardinal Heloise , White Michel , Johnston Olwyn , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. , Tibbles Lee Anne , Hamiwka Lorraine , Urschel Simon , Birk Patricia , Bissonnette Janice , Matsuda‐Abedini Mina , Harrison Jennifer , Schiff Jeffrey , Phan Veronique , De Geest Sabina , Allen Upton , Mital Seema , Foster Bethany J.
Published: August 2021

Background

We aimed to identify care processes and structures that were independently associated with higher medication adherence among young transplant recipients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of 270 prevalent kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients 14–25 years old. Patients were ≥3 months post‐transplant, ≥2 months post‐discharge, and followed in one of 14 pediatric or 14 adult transplant programs in Canada. Patients were enrolled between June 2015 and March 2018 and followed for 6 months. Adherence was assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months using the BAASIS© self‐report tool. Patients were classified as adherent if no doses were missed in the prior 4 weeks. Transplant program directors and nurses completed questionnaires regarding care organization and processes.

Results

Of the 270 participants, 99 were followed in pediatric programs and 171 in adult programs. Median age was 20.3 years, and median time since transplant was 5 years. At baseline, 71.5% were adherent. Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models with program as a random effect identified two program‐level factors as independently associated with better adherence: minimum number of prescribed blood draws per year for those >3 years post‐transplant (per 1 additional) (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.00, 1.26]; p = .047), and average time nurses spend with patients in clinic (per 5 additional minutes) (OR 1.15 [1.03, 1.29]; p = .017).

Conclusion

Program‐level factors including protocols with a greater frequency of routine blood testing and more nurse time with patients were associated with better medication adherence. This suggests that interventions at the program level may support better adherence.
Unravelling the relationships among Verticillium wilt, irrigation, and susceptible and tolerant olive cultivars
Authors: Santos‐Rufo Antonio , Rodríguez‐Jurado Dolores
Published: August 2021

Survival, germination, olive colonization, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) impairments by Verticillium dahliae could be influenced by cultivar susceptibility or irrigation, and this could modify the irrigation–pathogen–disease relationship. In this study, the combined effects of irrigation and cultivar susceptibility on Verticillium wilt (VW) development were modelled by the temporary assessment of V. dahliae propagules (total inoculum density, density of micropropagules, and sclerotia in wet and air‐dried soil; ID, MpD, SwD, and SdD, respectively), root (RCI) and shoot (SCI) colonization indexes, and WUE. The relationship of disease severity to the measured parameters was then explored. Under controlled conditions, plants of cultivars ‘Picual’ and ‘Frantoio’ were irrigated to a high and low rate by varying drip‐irrigation frequencies: daily, twice weekly, and a combination of daily for 11 days and then twice weekly. Disease severity and colonization parameters were higher in ‘Picual’, while WUE was higher in ‘Frantoio’. However, high rate and twice weekly and combination treatments significantly increased disease incidence and reduced time‐to‐symptoms‐onset only in ‘Picual’, while high rate reduced WUE and increased relative ID, MpD, and SwD in both cultivars. Irrigation did not affect SCI, but a higher RCI was found at high rate during the development of symptoms in ‘Picual’. By using classification trees to examine parameters—disease severity relationships, it was possible to determine the degree to which VW was affected by irrigation and/or cultivar susceptibility. MpD was the best indicator for VW detection at any time, WUE was best before symptoms developed, and RCI, total ID, and SdD after symptoms developed.
Transgenic approaches for plant disease control: Status and prospects 2021
Authors: Collinge David B. , Sarrocco Sabrina
Published: August 2021

Plant diseases represent a major constraint on agricultural production. Finding sustainable novel means for their control is an important challenge. The ever‐increasing knowledge and understanding of plant–microbe interactions has led to several ingenious transgenic approaches to combat disease. The first transgenic disease‐resistant plants expressed single or a few stacked genes encoding antimicrobial proteins. Whereas the first attempts were disappointing in the field, several examples from recent field studies are promising and some of these use ingenious designer approaches. Less progress has been made with antimicrobial metabolites where the challenges lie in obtaining biosynthetic genes and in coordinating their expression. The increased understanding of the processes regulating plant defence (plant immunity) and modes of action of pathogen effector proteins have also led to novel strategies for designing resistant plants. The most promising of these is host‐induced gene silencing that targets specific pathogens, either the effectors or, preferably, essential housekeeping genes. With these approaches, and several maverick examples of “genes pulled out of a hat,” the technical effort in designing resistant plants is finally paying off. The prospects are good, biologically speaking, but can industry deliver? There is still an issue of public acceptance of genetic engineering of crop plants, especially in Europe; so whilst considerable strategic and practical progress has been made over the last decade, vanishingly few products have been adopted by agriculture. Some of these have been in use for over two decades. As yet, all are against viral diseases and not against diseases caused by microorganisms.
Pre‐pandemic autonomic nervous system activity predicts mood regulation expectancies during COVID‐19 in Israel
Authors: Gordon Ilanit , Horesh Danny , Milstein Nir , Tomashin Alon , Mayo Oded , Korisky Adi
Published: July 2021

Despite the unfolding impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on psychological well‐being, there is a lack of prospective studies that target physiological markers of distress. There is a need to examine physiological predictors from the pre‐pandemic period to identify and treat individuals at‐risk. In this study, our aim was to use pre‐pandemic markers of autonomic nervous system (ANS) parasympathetic and sympathetic regulation to predict individuals' psychological well‐being during the crisis. We also assessed the role of mood regulation expectancies as a mediator of the association between pre‐pandemic physiological measures and COVID‐related well‐being. In May to June 2020, 185 Israeli adults completed online questionnaires assessing their mood regulation expectancies since COVID‐19 began, and their current well‐being. These individuals had participated in lab studies 1.5–3 years prior to this assessment, where their physiological measures were taken, including respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance level (SCL). RSA was positively related to mood regulation expectancies during COVID‐19 (b = 3.46, 95% CI [0.84, 6.05]). Mood regulation expectancies, in turn, positively predicted well‐being during the crisis (b = 0.021, 95% CI [0.016, 0.027]). The mediation was significant and moderated by SCL (index = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.02, −0.0001]), such that it was strongest for individuals with low SCL. We point to pre‐pandemic physiological mechanisms underlying individuals' mental well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings have theoretical, diagnostic, and clinical implications that may refine our understanding of the physiological basis of resilience to the COVID‐19 pandemic and thus may be implemented to identify and assist individuals in these times.
Palm oil, the RED II and WTO law: EU sustainable biofuel policy tangled up in green?
Authors: Mayr Stefan , Hollaus Birgit , Madner Verena
Published: August 2021

New European Union (EU) rules on biofuels have led to mounting tensions between the EU and some of its trading partners. A particularly contentious measure is the ‘freeze and phase‐out’ of certain biofuels in the transport sector with a high indirect land‐use change risk, as introduced by the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive. In light of Indonesia’s recent move to initiate proceedings against the EU at the World Trade Organization (WTO), this article systematically explores relevant key concepts of WTO law and analyses the compatibility of the EU measures with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement). While the EU measures are carefully crafted to avoid potential WTO pitfalls—such as applicability of the TBT Agreement—the article identifies several critical aspects that raise doubts about the measure’s compatibility with WTO law. In particular, the seemingly deliberate targeting of palm oil casts doubt on the justification of the measure on environmental grounds.
COVID‐19 and Amazonia: Rights‐based approaches for the pandemic response
Authors: Tigre Maria Antonia
Published: August 2021

COVID‐19 has shed light on humanity’s interconnectedness with nature. The protection of biodiversity is essential to prevent future pandemics and protect human health. With rising deforestation levels, the Amazon basin is a centre stage in this debate. Lacking a regional strategy to protect the rainforest, Amazon countries are failing to protect their rich biodiversity. The transboundary effects of Amazonia’s destruction are often overlooked. Simultaneously, the COVID‐19 pandemic shows how cooperation between states is more critical than ever. This article examines how Amazon countries have jointly addressed the pandemic, demonstrating the effectiveness of regional agreements and their role in pandemic prevention. The right to a healthy environment is central to this investigation, given the role of forests and biodiversity in preventing zoonotic diseases. This article thus asks: What are the duties of States to protect the environment and indigenous communities during COVID‐19 and potentially future pandemics? In this context, it considers the developing jurisprudence of the Inter‐American System of Human Rights and its potential effects on regional and national implementation of environmental obligations.
A water property right inventory of 60 countries
Authors: Bosch Hilmer J. , Gupta Joyeeta , Verrest Hebe
Published: August 2021

Through history, property rights in water have been treated differently worldwide. Given the current global trend promoting water allocation through permits, and the lack of comparative literature on how property rights are changing in the global South, this article asks: How have property rights in water evolved including through granting water use permits in Anglophone and Francophone Africa and Asia? We analyse 220 policies and laws of 60 Anglophone/Francophone African and Asian countries. We conclude that (i) these States have put water in the public domain; (ii) this implies expropriating existing customary, private and riparian water rights, and States are struggling to do this democratically; (iii) having taken ‘control’ over water, these States then use, among others, permits to allocate water and (iv) the rules of permit allocation may undermine States’ ability to reallocate water if the need arises.
Black women’s mental health matters: Theoretical perspectives and future directions
Authors: Erving Christy L. , Patterson Evelyn J. , Boone Jacqueline
Published: August 2021

Despite recent sociological research exploring how stratification systems impinge on the health of socially disadvantaged populations, Black women’s mental health is rarely a topic of investigation among scholars of medical sociology, sociology of race and racism, or sociology of gender. In this review, we incorporate perspectives from sociology, social psychiatry, psychology, and social work to develop a transdisciplinary intersectional model of Black women’s mental health. We also present critical interventions in the extant literature. First, though stress exposure is generally associated with poor mental health, more research is necessary to ascertain the gendered‐racialized stressors to which Black women are exposed, owing to their racial and gender oppression. Second, we admonish mental health scholars to incorporate other status dimensions (e.g., nativity, sexual orientation, age) to provide a more nuanced depiction of Black women’s psychological health. Third, the unique and enduring relationship between the U.S. punishment system and the mental health of Black women should be further explicated in future research. Last, we envision a body of work on Black women’s mental health that captures the ways in which they cope with societal level marginalization, as these forms of resilience and resistance may be mental health protective.