bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of nicotine gum in preventing lapses in the face of temptation to smoke among non‐daily smokers: a secondary analysis
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Ferguson Stuart G. , Mao Jason , Scholl Sarah M. , Hedeker Donald , Tindle Hilary A.
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

Non‐daily smokers (NDS) comprise a large fraction of US smokers. Despite little or no dependence, as typically assessed, intermittent smokers (ITS) have difficulty quitting smoking. A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of nicotine gum with placebo on quitting smoking in non‐daily smokers did not find an effect on overall abstinence. We undertook an analysis to assess whether using nicotine gum versus placebo when tempted to smoke could reduce incidence of lapses in those situations.

Design

Within a 6‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of nicotine gum, analyses contrasted the outcome of temptation episodes where gum was or was not used.

Setting

Smoking cessation research clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Participants

A total of 255 adult ITS (131 nicotine gum, 124 placebo) seeking help for smoking cessation.

Intervention

Nicotine gum (2 mg) versus placebo for up to 8 weeks, with as‐needed dosing instructions.

Measurements

Outcome was lapsing in temptation episodes, as reported by participants via ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Propensity scores predicting gum use from situational factors (e.g. mood, social setting, smoking cues) served as a control variable.

Findings

Participants reported 2713 temptation episodes, 46.0% (1248) of which resulted in smoking (lapsing). There was a significant gum use × active treatment interaction (P = 0.0009). Using nicotine gum decreased the odds of lapsing by 55% compared with using placebo [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45; 0.22–0.94]; when gum was not used, the assigned gum condition made no significant difference (OR = 1.53; 0.78–3.01; Bayes factor = 0.14). The nicotine effect was not reliably different when participants were trying to achieve abstinence versus when trying to maintain abstinence (OR = 0.44; 0.10, 2.03; P = 0.294; Bayes factor = 0.11), for men and women (OR = 1.68; 0.58, 4.87; P = 0.343; Bayes factor = 0.10), or for participants with some or no dependence (OR = 0.88; 0.30, 2.59; P = 0.811; Bayes factor = 0.06).

Conclusions

When used in response to temptation to smoke, 2 mg nicotine gum can help to prevent lapses among non‐daily smokers.
Similar countries, similar factors? Studying the decline of heavy episodic drinking in adolescents in Finland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Kraus Ludwig , Bye Elin K. , Karlsson Patrik , Tigerstedt Christoffer , Törrönen Jukka , Raninen Jonas
Published: April 2020

Aim

To (i) examine several factors associated with trends in heavy episodic drinking (HED) in Finland, Norway and Sweden, (ii) investigate similarities in these associations across the countries and (iii) analyse the contribution of these factors to the trend in HED and the differences across the countries.

Design and Setting

Observational study using five waves of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) from Finland, Norway and Sweden between 1999 and 2015.

Participants

A total of 18 128 male and 19 121 female 15‐ to 16‐year‐old students.

Measurements

Monthly HED, perceived access to alcohol, truancy, parental control, leisure time activities and daily smoking. The Cochran–Armitage test was used to examine linear time trends in HED. Logit regression models using the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method were fitted for each country separately, including all the independent variables together with time and adjusted for family status, parental education and gender.

Findings

In Finland, Norway and Sweden, perceived access to alcohol, truancy and daily smoking decreased significantly between 1999 and 2015 whereas risk perceptions, parental control and participation in sports increased in the same period. The confounding percentage of all the independent variables related to the trend in HED was 48.8%, 68.9% and 36.7% for Finland, Norway and Sweden, respectively. Decline in daily smoking (P < 0.001) and perceived access to alcohol (P < 0.001) were positively and increase in parental control (P < 0.001) negatively associated with the decline in HED in all three countries. Changes in truancy, going out with friends, and engaging in sports and other hobbies had little or no impact on the decline in HED or displayed no consistent results across the countries.

Conclusions

The decline in adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Finland, Norway and Sweden between 1999 and 2015 appears to be associated with a decline in adolescent daily smoking and perceived access to alcohol and an increase in parental control.
A consensus statement on the use of biosimilar medicines in hematology in Australia
Authors: Gregory Gareth P. , Carrington Christine , Cheah Chan Y. , Hawkes Eliza A. , Irving Ian M. , Siderov Jim , Opat Stephen
Published: April 2020

Despite their availability for over a decade, the exact nature of biosimilar medicines is still poorly understood with paucity of clear treatment guidelines for their use in clinical practice in Australia. Although hematologists have had experience with biosimilars in the setting of supportive care, with the approval of the first biosimilar rituximab in hematological malignancies, it is important to revisit this topic. To inform the use of biosimilar medicines in clinical practice, we have developed a consensus statement from an Expert Panel of Australian hematologists, oncologists, and cancer pharmacists. These recommendations address the approach to use of biosimilar products in place of the corresponding reference medicine in a number of different clinical contexts. Our recommendations are based on the premise that biosimilar medicines can be considered therapeutically equivalent to their reference brand and used in a similar way to the reference product in any approved indication. We advocate for local approaches to the provision of patient information, dispensing of the intended brand and pharmacovigilance, to be developed in consultation with local hematologists and aim to improve confidence in the appropriate use of biosimilar medicines and their expected outcomes among hematologists.
A gene signature for immune subtyping of desert, excluded, and inflamed ovarian tumors
Authors: Mlynska Agata , Vaišnorė Ramunė , Rafanavičius Vytautas , Jocys Simonas , Janeiko Julija , Petrauskytė Monika , Bijeikis Simas , Cimmperman Piotras , Intaitė Birutė , Žilionytė Karolina , Barakauskienė Aušrinė , Meškauskas Raimundas , Paberalė Emilija , Pašukonienė Vita
Published: April 2020

Problem

The current tumor immunology paradigm emphasizes the role of the immune tumor microenvironment and distinguishes several histologically and transcriptionally different immune tumor subtypes. However, the experimental validation of such classification is so far limited to selected cancer types. Here, we aimed to explore the existence of inflamed, excluded, and desert immune subtypes in ovarian cancer, as well as investigate their association with the disease outcome.

Method of study

We used the publicly available ovarian cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas for developing subtype assignment algorithm, which was next verified in a cohort of 32 real‐world patients of a known tumor subtype.

Results

Using clinical and gene expression data of 489 ovarian cancer patients in the publicly available dataset, we identified three transcriptionally distinct clusters, representing inflamed, excluded, and desert subtypes. We developed a two‐step subtyping algorithm with COL5A2 serving as a marker for separating excluded tumors, and CD2, TAP1, and ICOS for distinguishing between inflamed and desert tumors. The accuracy of gene expression–based subtyping algorithm in a real‐world cohort was 75%. Additionally, we confirmed that patients bearing inflamed tumors are more likely to survive longer.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the presence of transcriptionally and histologically distinct immune subtypes among ovarian tumors and emphasize the potential benefit of immune subtyping as a clinical tool for treatment tailoring.
COVID‐19 vaginal delivery – A case report
Authors: Lowe Belinda , Bopp Benjamin
Published: April 2020

The novel coronavirus termed SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) is a major public health challenge. Many maternity units around the country are currently considering management protocols for these patients. We report a case from a tertiary Australian hospital describing an uncomplicated vaginal birth in a COVID‐19 positive mother. To our knowledge this is also the first case described of a mother with COVID‐19 not separated from her infant. Management provided supports the current Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and World Health Organization guidelines suggesting that it is possible to consider rooming in post‐delivery for COVID‐19 positive parents. Encouragement of breastfeeding appears possible and safe when viral precautions are observed.
Towards Situated Analyses of Uneven Peri‐Urbanisation: An (Urban) Political Ecology Perspective
Authors: Bartels Lara Esther , Bruns Antje , Simon David
Published: April 2020

In this article we develop a novel analytical framework for situated studies of uneven peri‐urbanisation that resist further dividing Marxist and Situated (Urban) Political Ecology. We conceptualise uneven peri‐urbanisation as a process in which access to the resources mobilised for peri‐urban developments, such as water or land, is rendered uneven. In a three‐step approach we suggest, first, describing how peri‐urbanisation unfolds in the case being studied and distinguish it from other processes, such as suburbanisation. Second, we propose analysing the transformations of nature on which the peri‐urbanisation process is based; and third, examining the uneven power relations infusing inequalities into these transformations and consequently into the peri‐urbanisation process described. To allow for a situated analysis this approach regards the study of practices as crucial, but they have to be embedded in wider socio‐economic, political, and historical processes, since both contribute to transformations of nature and thus shape uneven peri‐urbanisation.
Association of PCSK1 gene polymorphisms with abdominal fat content in broilers
Authors: Zhou Jiamei , Yang Lili , Yu Jiaqiang , Zhang Ke , Xu Zichun , Cao Zhiping , Luan Peng , Li Hui , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2020

Protein proteolytic enzymes (Proprotein Convertase, PC) is a Ca2+‐dependent serine protease family, whose main function is to cleave precursors of biologically inactive proteins or peptide chains into active functional molecules. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene is mainly expressed in nerve and endocrine tissues. In this study, PCSK1 was selected as an important candidate gene for abdominal fat content in broilers. We cloned the exon region of chicken PCSK1 gene and found six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Association analysis was carried out and we found that the polymorphisms of these six SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 populations. Five of these SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 combined population. The polymorphism of these five SNPs was significantly correlated with the abdominal fat content of AA broilers. Together, our study demonstrated that c.927T>C, c.1880C>T, c.*900G>A, and c.*1164C>T were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in populations used in this study, which means that these SNPs in PCSK1 gene could be used as candidate markers to select lean broiler lines.
Can narrative cutscenes improve home learning from a math game? An experimental study with children
Authors: Sýkora Tomáš , Stárková Tereza , Brom Cyril
Published: April 2020

Little is known about the instructional effects of narrative framing elements in child learning games. In this study, second and third graders (Mage = 8.24) played one of two versions of a successful, commercial mathematical learning game at home for 2 weeks (N = 95; between‐subject design). The versions differed in the presence/absence of a background story conveyed through comic cutscenes at the beginning and the end of the game. Results showed that children played the game intensively in both conditions: despite not being forced to do so. Plus, they also learned from the game. As expected, children assigned to the cutscenes condition interfaced with the cutscenes. However, no between‐group difference was detected in pre‐post learning gains, parent‐reported engagement, self‐reported enjoyment, time spent with the game and the number of solved in‐game tasks (all |ds| < 0.29). Altogether, no advantage or disadvantage from the narrative comic cutscenes was revealed.
The role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Forte Maurizio , Schirone Leonardo , Ameri Pietro , Basso Cristina , Catalucci Daniele , Modica Jessica , Chimenti Cristina , Crotti Lia , Frati Giacomo , Rubattu Speranza , Schiattarella Gabriele Giacomo , Torella Daniele , Perrino Cinzia , Indolfi Ciro , Sciarretta Sebastiano ,   Italian Society of Cardiology Working group on Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Heart
Published: April 2020

The process of mitochondrial dynamics is emerging as a core player in cardiovascular homeostasis. This process refers to the co‐ordinated cycles of biogenesis, fusion, fission and degradation to which mitochondria constantly undergo to maintain their integrity, distribution and size. These mechanisms represent an early response to mitochondrial stress, confining organelle portions that are irreversibly damaged and preserving mitochondrial function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that impairment in mitochondrial dynamics leads to myocardial damage and cardiac disease progression in a variety of disease models, including pressure overload, ischaemia/reperfusion and metabolic disturbance. These findings suggest that modulation of mitochondrial dynamics may be considered as a valid therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the current evidence about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac pathophysiology, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, metabolic and genetic cardiomyopathies, ischaemia/reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and ischaemic stroke.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc
Racial and ethnic differences in the metabolic response of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ezeh Uche , Ida Chen Yii‐Der , Azziz Ricardo
Published: April 2020

Context

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Although variations in cardiometabolic risks across race and ethnicities have been reported in the general population, racial/ethnic disparities in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS remain relatively unstudied.

Objectives

To determine whether markers of metabolic function differ in nondiabetic Asian American (AS), African American (AA), Hispanic White (HW), compared to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) women with PCOS.

Design and Setting

Prospective cross‐sectional study in a tertiary institution.

Participants and Interventions

A total of 259 nondiabetic women with PCOS (by NIH 1990 criteria) who completed a 2‐hour 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test measuring plasma glucose and insulin levels. Basal IR and insulin secretion, assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β%, respectively), and two‐hour hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia after an oral glucose load, were compared in 21 AS, 24 AA, 53 HW and 161 NHW consecutive nondiabetic adult PCOS women.

Results

After adjusting for age and body mass index, HW and AA PCOS women demonstrated higher fasting and post‐glucose challenge insulin levels, and higher HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β%, than NHW women, although glucose levels were similar. In contrast, AS PCOS women had or tended to have lower HOMA‐β% than any other racial/ethnic groups, lower HOMA‐IR, and fasting and post‐challenge insulin levels than AA or HW, and also had higher (albeit still normal) mean post‐challenge glucose levels than NHW women with PCOS despite similar HOMA‐IR, and fasting insulin and post‐challenge insulin levels. Waist‐hip ratio was similar across the four groups.

Conclusion

Both HW and AA women with PCOS have increased basal state IR and higher β‐cell response, and post‐challenge hyperinsulinemia compared to NHW and AS subjects. The trend towards a lesser insulin response among Asian women requires further investigation. These findings suggest that the screening and management of metabolic dysfunction in PCOS should consider patients’ race/ethnicity.
Evaluation of immediate cell viability and repair of osteotomies for implants using drills and piezosurgery. A randomized, prospective, and controlled rabbit study
Authors: Ponzoni Daniela , Martins Fabrício E. P. B. , Conforte Jadison J. , Egas Laís S. , Tonini Karen R. , de Carvalho Paulo S. P.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate bone damage and bone repair after osteotomy for implants using conventional drills and drills powered by piezoelectric motor.

Materials and methods

Twelve rabbits received a tibial osteotomy with a conventional drill (control), with a diamond like carbon drill (DLC) and with a piezoelectric drill (Piezo). The animals were euthanized immediately, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. The tibias were removed and analyzed by means of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and microtomography.

Results

The immediate damage to the tissue at the cavity margins was similar (P > .05). At 30 and 60 days, the amount of newly formed bone tissue was similar (P > .05). Osteocalcin was intense score at 60 days in Piezo group. Microtomography revealed that bone volume at 30 days (control 3.8; DLC 4.3; and Piezo 2.4) and 60 days (control 4.9; DLC 4.82; and Piezo 3.95) were similar. There was a significant difference in bone formation between 30 (2.4) and 60 days (3.95) for the Piezo group (P = .016).

Conclusion

The immediate effects and repair of cavities made using conventional, DLC coated, or ultrasound drills were similar.
Have health claims affected demand for fats and meats in Canada?
Authors: Malla Stavroula , Klein K. K. , Presseau Taryn
Published: April 2020

Chronic illness is a global epidemic and places significant economic and social burdens on societies. Research has shown that a healthy diet can be used to mitigate or significantly reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. Health authorities around the world have begun regulating health claims on foods to encourage the consumption of healthy foods. However, the “ex post” efficacy of health claims regulations on consumers demand for healthy foods has not been assessed. The demand for fats and meats in Canada is estimated using a linear‐approximate almost ideal demand system. The results indicate health claims decreased unhealthy food demand between 1.41% and 7.10% and increased healthy food demand between 1.95% and 8.50%.
Unemployment insurance and cash holdings of privately held firms around the world
Authors: Deloof Marc , Du Yan , Vanacker Tom
Published: April 2020

Research Question/Issue

This paper studies the relationship between country‐level unemployment insurance and cash holdings of privately held firms. When public unemployment insurance is weak, firms may provide alternative unemployment insurance by committing not to lay off workers in bad times. We hypothesize that one way firms can do so is by holding larger cash balances.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a large sample covering 388,940 private firms from 32 countries around the world over the 2007–2014 period, we find a negative relationship between public unemployment insurance and cash holdings. This effect is driven by countries where public unemployment insurance is weak or nonexistent. We also find that privately held firms keep a larger part of their new debt issues as cash when public unemployment insurance is weak.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We contribute to a growing literature on an institution‐based view of comparative corporate governance. We show that national governance factors and, more specifically, public unemployment insurance, which protects employees (an important but relatively ignored stakeholder), influences firm cash holdings in a private firm context.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings have important implications for policy design. Specifically, they suggest that labor market institutions designed to support employees can also indirectly benefit their employers because these institutions allow firms to reduce the opportunity cost related to holding larger cash balances.
Kidney transplant outcomes from donation after circulatory death donors of advanced age
Authors: Walls David O. , Lee‐Riddle Grace S. , Bover Manderski Michelle , Sawinski Deirdre L. , Abt Peter L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Continued comparison of kidney transplant outcomes between older DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) donors is needed to safely expand the deceased donor pool.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the UNOS/OPTN transplant registry from donors >50 years old between 1994 and 2016. Donor age was stratified into 4 groups: 50‐54, 55‐59, 60‐64, and >65 years old. Rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and primary non‐function (PNF) were compared. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with time to graft failure.

Results

The DCD donors within each age group had fewer comorbidities than the DBD donors. Graft survival for DCD kidneys was equivalent or superior to DBD kidneys in all donor age groups. DGF rates were significantly greater for DCD kidneys in all age groups. PNF rates across all groups were similar. In multivariable analysis, DCD status was not independently associated with time to all‐cause graft failure in the 50‐54 donor age group (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.93‐1.13), 55‐59 donor age group (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.96‐1.19), or 60‐64 donor age group (HR = 1.135, 95% CI = 0.97‐1.32).

Conclusion

Kidneys from carefully selected older DCD donors, particularly ages 50‐64, are a potential means to safely expand the deceased donor pool.
Emergency endoscopic variceal band ligation in a COVID‐19 patient presented with hematemesis while on mechanical ventilation
Authors: El Kassas Mohamed , Al Shafie Ahmad , Abdel Hameed Abo Seif , Mahdi Mamdouh
Published: April 2020

COVID‐19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), is now a global pandemic with serious health consequences. Currently, many strict control measures are applied in health care settings, including endoscopy units, in order to limit virus spread. Several recommendations called to limit endoscopic procedures to emergent endoscopies; however, several uncertainties still exist concerning patient safety, protective measures, and infection control methods in emergency endoscopic settings. In this case report, we present a case of successful endoscopic band ligation for bleeding esophageal varices in man with COVID‐19 disease who presented with an acute attack of hematemesis while on mechanical ventilation (MV). Esophago‐gastroduodenoscopy was performed in the ICU room after preparing the setting, and revealed large, risky esophageal varices. Endoscopic band ligation was done with successful control of bleeding. Third‐level measures of medical protection were applied for the participating medical personnel, and patient monitoring was maintained all through the procedure. After the procedure, the bleeding stopped, and the patient was vitally stable and conscious. We conclude that emergency endoscopic interventions could be performed safely with appropriate arrangements in patients with confirmed COVID‐19 on MV.
The NGS technology for the identification of genes associated with the ALS. A systematic review
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Mandrioli Jessica , Carone Chiara , Chiò Adriano , Traynor Bryan J. , Trenti Tommaso
Published: April 2020

Background

More than 30 causative genes have been identified in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful and groundbreaking tool to identify disease‐associated variants. Despite documented advantages of NGS, its diagnostic reliability needs to be addressed in order to use this technology for specific routine diagnosis.

Material and Methods

Literature database was explored to identify studies comparing NGS and Sanger sequencing for the detection of variants causing ALS. We collected data about patients’ characteristics, disease type and duration, NGS and Sanger properties.

Results

More than 200 bibliographic references were identified, of which only 14 studies matching our inclusion criteria. Only 2 out of 14 studies compared results of NGS analysis with the Sanger sequencing. Twelve studies screened causative genes associated to ALS using NGS technologies and confirmed the identified variants with Sanger sequencing. Overall, data about more 2,000 patients were analysed. The number of genes that were investigated in each study ranged from 1 to 32, the most frequent being FUS, OPTN, SETX and VCP. NGS identified already known mutations in 21 genes, and new or rare variants in 27 genes.

Conclusions

NGS seems to be a promising tool for the diagnosis of ALS in routine clinical practice. Its advantages are represented by an increased speed and a lowest sequencing cost, but patients’ counselling could be problematic due to the discovery of frequent variants of unknown significance.
Changes in phenology and abundance of suction‐trapped Diptera from a farmland site in the UK over four decades
Authors: Grabener Swantje , Oldeland Jens , Shortall Chris R. , Harrington Richard
Published: April 2020

1. Recently documented insect declines have caused major concerns and an increased interest in studies using long‐term population‐monitoring data.

2. Samples from a 12.2‐m suction trap were used to examine trends in phenology and abundance of Diptera over four decades.

3. The timing of peak flight has advanced by an average of 17 days, from 23 July in 1974 to 6 July in 2014.

4. The abundance of flies has decreased by 37% over the studied period (from April to September), and peak abundance has decreased by 48%. The flight period has started earlier in recent years, and in 2014, the number of flies was higher in spring until the 31st of May than in 1974. Possible causes and impacts of these changes are discussed.
Dissociative Collusion: Reconnecting Clients with Histories of Trauma in Couple Therapy
Authors: Kleiner‐Paz Irit I. , Nasim Ron
Published: April 2020

This paper introduces the concept of “dissociative collusion” as a helpful theoretical and clinical tool for understanding and working with clients with histories of trauma in couple therapy. The paper describes ways to diagnose and treat dissociative collusion based on the integration of an object relations approach, a relational approach, and a narrative approach. Dissociative collusion, a unique version of the well‐documented “couple collusion,” describes relational unconscious dynamics where split‐off aspects of one or both partners are mutually dissociated in a complementary fashion that becomes a part of the shared unconscious and is reenacted in destructive ways. The dissociative collusion concept is especially relevant to couple therapists who work with clients with histories of trauma, who frequently use dissociation as a primary defense mechanism. We suggest that the challenge and goal for couple therapy with this population are to help them reconnect and better oscillate between dissociated self‐other configurations. A case of couple therapy of a wife who had been a victim of childhood sexual abuse and her husband who displayed frequent use of dissociative defenses is presented.
The Findings of a Cochrane Meta‐Analysis of Couple Therapy in Adult Depression: Implications for Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Barbato Angelo , D'Avanzo Barbara
Published: April 2020

The association between depressive symptoms and distressed intimate relationships supported the assumption that couple therapy, by focusing on the interpersonal context of depression, might be more effective as a treatment for depression than individual psychotherapy or drug therapy. This issue was addressed by a Cochrane meta‐analysis assessing the evidence from clinical trials of couple therapy for depression in comparison with individual psychotherapy, drug therapy, and no/minimal intervention, including fourteen studies with 651 participants. No study was found free of bias and the quality of the evidence was low, with major problems of small sample sizes, missing outcome data, selective reporting, lack of information on random sequence generation and allocation concealment, recruitment of people not representative of clinical practice, and allegiance bias. The meta‐analysis showed that both couple therapy and individual psychotherapy improved depressive symptoms at end of treatment and after 6 months or longer, with moderate effect sizes, without any difference between the two treatments. Couple therapy was more effective in reducing couple distress. This effect was larger in studies with distressed couples only and should be considered as relevant in its own right. Couple therapy is a viable option for the treatment of a depressed partner, especially in discordant couples. Future research should address several issues left open to provide a sound empirical foundation for clinical practice.
Refuges and ecological traps: Extreme drought threatens persistence of an endangered fish in intermittent streams
Authors: Vander Vorste Ross , Obedzinski Mariska , Nossaman Pierce Sarah , Carlson Stephanie M. , Grantham Theodore E.
Published: April 2020

Recent droughts raise global concern over potential biodiversity loss and mitigating impacts to vulnerable species has become a management priority. However, drought impacts on populations are difficult to predict, in part, because habitat refuges can buffer organisms from harsh environmental conditions. In a global change context, more extreme droughts may turn previously suitable habitats into ecological traps, where vulnerable species can no longer persist. Here, we explore the impacts of California's recent record‐breaking drought on endangered juvenile Coho salmon. We estimated the variability of cumulative salmon survival using mark–recapture of nearly 20,000 tagged fish in intermittent stream pools during a 7‐year period encompassing drought and non‐drought conditions. We then determined the relative importance of physical habitat, streamflow, precipitation, landscape, and biological characteristics that may limit survival during drought. Our most striking result was an increase in the number of pools with reduced or zero survival during drought years and a coincident increase in spatial variability in survival among study reaches. In nearly half of the stream pools, salmon survival during drought was similar to mean survival of pools assessed during non‐drought years, indicating some pools had remarkable resistance (ability to withstand disturbance) to extreme drought. Lower survival was most attributable to longer duration of disconnection between upstream and downstream habitats, a consequence of increasing drought severity. Our results not only suggest that many pools sustain juvenile salmon in non‐drought years transition into ecological traps during drought but also highlight that some pools serve as refuges even under extreme drought conditions. Projected increases in drought severity that lead to longer droughts and greater habitat fragmentation could transform an increasing proportion of suitable habitats into ecological traps. Predicting future impacts of drought on Coho salmon and other sensitive species will require identification and protection of drought refuges and management strategies that prevent further habitat fragmentation.
Distributed Temperature Sensing to Measure Infiltration Rates Across a Groundwater Recharge Basin
Authors: Medina Ricardo , Pham Christine , Plumlee Megan H. , Hutchinson Adam , Becker Matthew W. , O'Connell Patrick J.
Published: April 2020

Managed aquifer recharge is used to augment groundwater resources and provide resiliency to water supplies threatened by prolonged droughts. It is important that recharge facilities operate at their maximum efficiency to increase the volume of water stored for future use. In this study, we evaluate the use of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology as a tool to measure high‐resolution infiltration rates at a large‐scale recharge facility. Fiber optic cable was laid out inside a spreading basin in a spiral pattern, at two different depths. The cables measured the propagation of diurnal surface water temperature oscillations into the basin depth. The rate of heat propagation is proportional to the velocity of the water, making it possible to estimate the infiltration rate from the temperature measurements. Our results showed that the infiltration rate calculated from DTS, averaged over the entire basin, was within 5% of the infiltration rate calculated using a conventional metering method. The high‐resolution data obtained from DTS, both spatially and temporally, revealed heterogeneous infiltration rates throughout the basin; furthermore, tracking the evolution of infiltration rates over time revealed regions with consistently high infiltration rates, regions with consistently low infiltration rates, and regions that evolved from high to low rates, which suggested clogging within that region. Water utilities can take advantage of the high‐resolution information obtained from DTS to better manage recharge basins and make decisions about cleaning schedule, frequency, and extent, leading to improved basin management strategies, reduced O&M costs, and increased groundwater recharge.
Serotonin and Neuropeptides in Blood From Episodic and Chronic Migraine and Cluster Headache Patients in Case‐Control and Case‐Crossover Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Frederiksen Simona D. , Bekker‐Nielsen Dunbar Maria , Snoer Agneta H. , Deen Marie , Edvinsson Lars
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis (SR‐MA) was to identify signaling molecule profiles and blood‐derived biomarkers in migraine and cluster headache (CH) patients.

Background

Currently no migraine and CH valid biomarkers are available. Blood tests based on biomarker profiles have been used to gather information about the nervous system. Such tests have not yet been established within the primary headache field.

Methods

Case‐control and case‐crossover studies investigating whole blood, plasma, and serum were identified worldwide. The qualitative synthesis focused on 9 signaling molecules (serotonin [5‐HT], calcitonin gene‐related peptide [CGRP], endothelin‐1 [ET‐1], neurokinin A, neurokinin B, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide 38 [PACAP‐38], substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide) and the quantitative synthesis on 5‐HT and CGRP (≥5 comparisons available). The meta‐analysis was conducted using standard and 3‐level random effect models.

Results

Fifty‐four eligible studies were identified (87.0% migraine, 9.3% CH, 3.7% migraine, and CH), and 2768 headache patients and 1165 controls included. Comparable fluctuations of 5‐HT, CGRP, ET‐1, PACAP‐38, and SP in blood were generally observed between migraine and CH. Significant findings were observed for some subgroups and strata, for example, higher interictal and ictal 5‐HT venous blood levels (ratio of means = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08; 1.61; ratio of means = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.49) in episodic migraine with aura with a female‐dominated case group, higher interictal CGRP blood levels in episodic migraine (ratio of means = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.18; 2.26), and chronic migraine (ratio of means = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.33; 2.68), and higher ictal CGRP blood levels (ratio of means = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09; 1.68) in episodic migraine were observed. In most subgroups, the quantitative synthesis revealed a high degree of heterogeneity between studies in part explained by the blood sampling site, specimen source, blood specimen, and sex distribution. Other potential confounders were age, aura, study quality, menstrual cycle, and methodology (eg, storage temperature).

Conclusions

Potential migraine and CH signaling molecule profiles and biomarkers were revealed. Nevertheless, the high degree of heterogeneity between studies impedes identification of valid biomarkers but allowed us to assess the presence of confounders. Consideration of the potential confounders identified in this SR‐MA might be of importance in the experimental planning of future studies. This consideration could be incorporated through establishment of specific guidelines.
Patient involvement in developing a patient‐targeted feedback intervention after depression screening in primary care within the randomized controlled trial GET.FEEDBACK.GP
Authors: Seeralan Tharanya , Härter Martin , Koschnitzke Cornelia , Scholl Michael , Kohlmann Sebastian , Lehmann Marco , Eisele Marion , Braunschneider Lea‐Elena , Marx Gabriella , Scherer Martin , Löwe Bernd , Magaard Julia Luise , Brütt Anna Levke
Published: April 2020

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly required in mental health services research. To empower patients to actively address depression, the GET.FEEDBACK.GP study evaluates a patient‐targeted feedback intervention after depression screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9).

Objective

To refine the patient‐targeted feedback from a previous study within a participatory research team (PRT) by conducting workshops to investigate patients' needs and preferences for feedback. To evaluate the process and outcome of PPI.

Design

Patient and public involvement was carried out on the levels of collaboration and consultation. A PRT of patient partners and researchers planned and conducted three workshops with patients. Patients' needs were investigated using a focus group. Participants prioritized needs, discussed feedback drafts and evaluated two drafts using cognitive debriefings. Researchers of the PRT communicated the results at project level. PPI was evaluated using the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tools (PPEET).

Setting and Participants

A purposeful sampling of N = 12 patients with experiences of depression participated in at least one workshop.

Results

Relevant content‐related needs about feedback (eg no distinction between severe and moderate symptoms), recommendations for action and patient‐relevant information were considered. Needs for comprehensible, valuing, nonstigmatizing language and design elements (eg dimensional bar) were implemented. Workshops and PRT were positively evaluated.

Discussion and Conclusions

Patient and public involvement influenced the content, wording and design of the feedback. Strengths include two levels of PPI, methodical diversity and purposeful sampling. Limitations include the lack of inclusion of patients who are unaware of their depression. The evaluated PPI concept can be useful for future studies.
Vibronic spectra of europium in the X‐ray storage phosphor polycrystalline cesium bromide
Authors: Edgar Andrew
Published: April 2020

Cesium bromide doped with europium is a second‐generation X‐ray storage phosphor used in radiographic imaging. X‐irradiation generates free electrons and holes, some of which are trapped at lattice defects and impurities. Irradiation with visible (red) light frees the electrons from their traps and they can recombine with the trapped holes, with the energy of recombination appearing as blue luminescence from the europium ion. Although the electron trap is widely held to be a bromine vacancy, the nature of the hole trap is as yet undetermined. Here we report on the remarkable sharp‐line photoluminescent emission of Eu2+ ions which appears below 50 K in activated europium‐doped cesium bromide and comprises over 20 individually resolvable lines. These patterns of vibronics may give some insight into the nature of the hole trap. A detailed analysis shows that the vibronics comprise five separate patterns, but with a common vibrational frequency of ~123 cm−1. The vibronic patterns are attributed to Br2− molecular ions adjacent to the europium ion. An interpretation of the observed spectra in terms of a Eu2+‐Eu3+ ion pair charge compensated by two cation vacancies and a substitutional O2− ion is discussed.
ML264 inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis via inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 and WNT/β‐catenin signalling pathways
Authors: Huang Hai , Han Ying , Chen Zhijun , Pan Xin , Yuan Putao , Zhao Xiangde , Zhu Hongfang , Wang Jiying , Sun Xuewu , Shi Peihua
Published: April 2020

Osteosarcoma, the most common bone malignancy, has a high morbidity rate and poor prognosis. Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) is a key transcriptional regulator of cellular proliferation whose overexpression is observed in osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, 143B, MG63 and SAOS2). ML264, a small‐molecule inhibitor of KLF5, exerts antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer; however, its function in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Here, we explored the possible antitumour effects of ML264 on 143B and U2OS cell lines and murine tumour xenograft model. ML264 suppressed proliferation and clonogenic ability of osteosarcoma cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, ML264 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, with no influence on apoptosis, and inhibited the migratory and invasive abilities of osteosarcoma cells, as demonstrated by wound‐healing and Transwell assays. Exposure to ML264 reduced the mRNA and protein levels of molecules associated with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition phenotype, including N‐cadherin, vimentin, Snail, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and MMP13. Inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 phosphorylation and Wnt signalling was also observed. In the murine model of osteosarcoma, tumour growth was efficiently suppressed following a 10‐day treatment with ML264. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential value of ML264 as a novel anticancer drug for osteosarcoma.
NGF from pancreatic stellate cells induces pancreatic cancer proliferation and invasion by PI3K/AKT/GSK signal pathway
Authors: Jiang Jie , Bai Jun , Qin Tao , Wang Zheng , Han Liang
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a continuously high lethal disease, and the tumour microenvironment plays a pivotal role during PC progression. Herein, we focus on that the Nerve growth factor (NGF)/Tropomyosin‐related kinase A (TrkA), in pancreatic stellate cells‐pancreatic cancer cells (PSCs‐PC cells) co‐culture system, influences PC proliferation and invasion. The model of PC cells and PSCs was directly co‐cultured in a no‐touch manner, using the Transwell as the co‐culture system. NGF and TrkA expression was measured in cultured system by real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting analysis or ELISA. Small interfering RNA transfection was used to regulate the expression of TrkA in PC cells. The promotion of cancer invasion was investigated using Matrigel Transwell assay. In our study, NGF/TrkA is overexpressed in PSCs‐PC cells co‐culture system and promotes the invasion and proliferation of PC cells. And the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related genes are influenced by si‐TrkA. What's more, NGF/TrkA regulates the PC cell proliferation and invasion via activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK signalling. The present study demonstrated NGF/TrkA promoted the PC cell proliferation and invasion in the co‐culture system by the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK signal cascade, providing a potential therapeutic target for PC patients.
Demodex: a skin resident in man and his best friend
Authors: Foley R. , Kelly P. , Gatault S. , Powell F.
Published: April 2020

Demodex mites are microscopic arachnids found in the normal skin of many mammals. In humans, it is well established that Demodex mite density is higher in patients with the skin condition rosacea, and treatment with acaricidal agents is effective in resolving symptoms. However, pathophysiology of rosacea is complex and multifactorial. In dogs, demodicosis is a significant veterinary issue, particularly the generalized form of the disease which can be fatal if untreated. In each species, clinical and molecular studies have shown that the host’s immunological interactions with Demodex mites are an important, but not fully understood, aspect of how Demodex can live in the skin either as a harmless commensal organism or as a pathogenic agent. This review outlines the role of Demodex mites in humans and dogs, considering morphology, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, histology treatment and pathogenesis.
Structural skin changes in elderly people investigated by reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Cinotti E. , Bovi C. , Tonini G. , Labeille B. , Heusèle C. , Nizard C. , Schnebert S. , Aubailly S. , Barthélémy J.C. , Cambazard F. , Cevenini G. , Tognetti L. , Cartocci A. , Rubegni P. , Perrot J.L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is particularly suitable for the study of skin ageing because it provides nearly histological information in vivo and non‐invasively. However, there are no studies that evaluated RCM skin features of a large population older than 70 years.

Objectives

The aim of our investigation was to study age‐related skin changes in an elderly population by RCM and to evaluate their topographical and gender differences.

Methods

We obtained RCM images of photoprotected (volar arm) and chronic (face) and intermittently photoexposed (dorsal forearm) body sites of 209 volunteers (105 women and 104 men, mean age: 77.5, range 74–81 years). 15 previously reported and new RCM parameters related to skin ageing were assessed.

Results

Photoexposed sites had thicker suprapapillary epidermis, more linear, distant and thin furrows, higher presence of mottled pigmentation, polycyclic papillae and coarse and huddled collagen and lower presence of dermal papillae than the photoprotected site. Irregular honeycomb pattern was not higher in photoexposed sites, indicating that it is probably more dependent on intrinsic ageing. Two ageing scores defined for facial skin ageing (epidermal disarray score and epidermal hyperplasia score) were found useful for the identification of photoageing. Gender differences only concerned some RCM parameters (i.e. thickness of different layers of the epidermis, furrows and collagen score) and some body sites, in line with the fact that women and men of our cohort had no major differences in clinically visible skin ageing.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that RCM is a powerful non‐invasive technique to microscopically quantify ageing signs and our observations contribute to highlight the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.