bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards effective management of an overabundant native bird: The noisy miner
Authors: Crates Ross , McDonald Paul G. , Melton Courtney B. , Maron Martine , Ingwersen Dean , Mowat Emily , Breckenridge Max , Murphy Liam , Heinsohn Robert
Published: December 2022

Addressing threats to biodiversity from pest species is a global challenge. One such challenge is to mitigate the impact of an overabundant Australian songbird, the noisy minerManorina melanocephala,on woodland birds. The overabundance of noisy miners is listed as a key threatening process under federal biodiversity legislation, but current understanding of where and how noisy miner populations can be managed to yield conservation benefits is unclear. We evaluated the effectiveness of noisy miner removal across 12 treatment areas totaling 3913 ha and nine control areas totaling 1487 ha important for the critically endangered regent honeyeaterAnthochaera phrygia. Removal of noisy miners significantly reduced their densities in all but one of the treatment areas. In 10 of the 12 treatment areas, noisy miner densities remained below an impact threshold of 0.65–0.83 birds ha−1for at least 3 to more than 12 months. The percentage of suitable noisy miner habitat in the surrounding landscape was not a strong predictor of noisy miner management success. Regent honeyeaters occupied six treatment areas, nesting successfully in four. The abundance of other songbirds increased post‐miner removal in seven areas, decreased in three, and was mixed in two. Data from the control areas showed some variation in songbird numbers was independent of noisy miner management. We conclude that noisy miners can be managed in areas of high conservation value for a minimum cost of AUD $10 ha−1. Larger treatment areas may be more important than the broader landscape context in maintaining long‐term noisy miner suppression. Standardized, long‐term monitoring is crucial to identify not only the drivers of pest species recolonization but also locations where threats from pests on endangered species can be addressed effectively while minimizing animal welfare and financial costs.
First‐in‐human study of JNJ‐63709178, a CD123/CD3 targeting antibody, in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Boyiadzis Michael , Desai Pinkal , Daskalakis Nikki , Donnellan William , Ferrante Lucille , Goldberg Jenna D. , Grunwald Michael R. , Guttke Christina , Li Xiang , Perez‐Simon Jose Antonio , Salamero Olga , Tucker Trevor , Xu Xiaoying , Yang Jay , Pemmaraju Naveen , Alonso‐Dominguez Juan Manuel
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to identify a recommended phase II dose and evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and preliminary clinical activity of JNJ‐63709178, a CD123/CD3 dual‐targeting antibody, in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of JNJ‐63709178 were evaluated. The i.v. infusions were administered once every 2 weeks (cohorts 1–5 [n = 17]) or twice weekly (cohorts 6–11 [n = 36]). A twice‐weekly s.c. dosing regimen with step‐up dosing was also studied (s.c. cohorts 1–2 [n = 9]). Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) greater than or equal to grade 3 were observed in 11 (65%) patients in cohorts 1–5 and 33 (92%) patients in cohorts 6–11. At the highest i.v. dose (4.8 μg/kg), 5 (71%) patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs. For s.c. administration (n = 9), eight (89%) patients experienced TEAEs greater than or equal to grade 3 and injection site reactions (≤ grade 3) emerged in all patients. At 4.8 μg/kg (i.v. and s.c.), the mean maximum serum concentrations were 30.3 and 3.59 ng/ml, respectively. Increases in multiple cytokines were observed following i.v. and s.c. administrations, and step‐up dosing strategies did not mitigate cytokine production or improve the safety profile and led to limited duration of treatment. Minimal clinical activity was observed across all cohorts. The i.v. and s.c. dosing of JNJ‐63709178 was associated with suboptimal drug exposure, unfavorable safety profiles, limited clinical activity, and inability to identify a recommended phase II dose.
Association of long‐term hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance with brain atrophy and cognitive decline: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Yu Ji Hee , Kim Regina E. Y. , Park So Young , Lee Da Young , Cho Hyun Joo , Kim Nam Hoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Seo Ji A , Kim Sin Gon , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Shin Chol , Kim Nan Hee
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate the longitudinal changes in brain volume and cognitive function associated with diabetes at midlife, and to examine whether long‐term hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance or secretory function is associated with brain atrophy and cognitive decline.

Materials and Methods

We used data from 2377 participants with both baseline and 4‐year follow‐up brain magnetic resonance images and neuropsychological measures from the Ansan cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. Time‐weighted mean glycaemic values were calculated using all measurements over an average duration of 10.6 years from cohort initiation to baseline visits.

Results

Type 2 diabetes was associated with greater white matter volume reduction (adjusted volume difference = −1.96 ml, 95% CI: −3.73, −0.18) and executive function decline (adjusted Z score difference = −0.14, 95% CI: −0.23, −0.05) during the follow‐up period of 4.2 years. Decline of verbal and visual memory or verbal fluency was not associated with diabetes. Greater executive function decline was associated with higher time‐weighted mean HbA1c level over the preceding 10.6 years (P < .001), but not with insulin resistance markers in the diabetes group. Participants with diabetes, whose time‐weighted average HbA1c level was maintained above 6.5% over the previous decade, showed greater decline in executive function and global cognition than the normal glucose group.

Conclusions

Long‐term hyperglycaemia was a major independent factor associated with rapid cognitive decline in middle‐aged adults with diabetes. Maintaining ideal glucose levels in diabetes at midlife might prevent later rapid cognitive decline.
From boom to gloom: Brazilian labour productivity in manufacturing relative to the United States, 1912–2019
Authors: Lara Cecilia , Prado Svante
Published: December 2022

Whereas manufacturing seems to hold the key to modern economic growth, the role of manufacturing in economy‐wide convergence across countries is debatable. One strand of scholarship argues that productivity levels in manufacturing tend to remain stable across countries, and that economy‐wide convergence takes place through structural transformations. Another strand maintains that productivity levels of less‐developed countries tend to approach those of developed countries unconditionally, and that deindustrialization thwarts economy‐wide convergence. We examine productivity in Brazilian manufacturing relative to the United States, 1912–2019. The result shows dramatic swings in the Brazilian/US productivity ratio, increasing in the decades following the Second World War, peaking in the late 1970s at impressively high levels, and declining precipitously thereafter. This sluggish performance of Brazilian manufacturing since the peak in the late 1970s has probably hindered income convergence with richer countries.
Efficacy and safety of calcium channel blockers in preventing cardiac siderosis in thalassemia patients: An updated meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Soliman Youssef , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Mouffokes Adel , Amer Basma E. , Goudy Yomna Mohamed , Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Badawy Marwa M. , Diab Rehab Adel , Elsharkawy Asmaa
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Iron overload in patients with thalassemia represents a serious complication by affecting numerous organ systems. This meta‐analysis aims to establish an evidence regarding the effect of amlodipine on cardiac iron overload in thalassemia patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE for all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were cardiac T2* and myocardial iron concentration (MIC). Secondary outcomes were liver iron concentration (LIC), risk of Gastrointestinal (G.I.) upset and risk of lower limb edema. We used Hedges' g to pool continuous outcomes, while odds ratio was used for dichotomous outcomes.

Results

Seven RCTs were eligible for this systematic review and meta‐analysis, comprising of 233 patients included in the analysis. Amlodipine had a statistically significant lower MIC (Hedges' g = −0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.40, −0.24], p < .001) and higher cardiac T2* (Hedges' g = 0.36, 95% CI [0.10, 0.62], p = .03). Amlodipine was comparable to standard chelation therapy in terms of the risk of lower limb edema and GI upset.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis found that amlodipine significantly increases cardiac T2* and decreases MIC, hence decreasing the incidence of cardiomyopathy‐related iron overload in thalassemia patients.
Distribution of soil bacteria involved in C cycling across extensive environmental and pedogenic gradients
Authors: Xue Peipei , Minasny Budiman , McBratney Alex , Pino Vanessa , Fajardo Mario , Luo Yu
Published: December 2022

Microorganisms play pivotal roles in soil processes. Metabolically related microorganisms constitute functional groups, and diverse microbial functional groups control nutrient cycling in soils. This study explored environmental (i.e., rainfall, temperature) and soil factors driving the distribution of bacterial functional groups involved in soil carbon (C) cycling in paired natural and agricultural ecosystems. Soil samples were collected at a regional scale covering gradients of temperature and rainfall across two orthogonal transects (~1000 km) in New South Wales, Australia. Putative functions of bacteria were linked to two soil C fractions: particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC). We found: (i) temperature and rainfall were important drivers of bacterial functional groups, while soil properties, such as pH, soil C and nitrogen (N), also presented significant contributions; (ii) community structure of bacteria involved in C cycling was mainly related to POC content but not to MAOC; (iii) paired sampling showed that agricultural practices had significant impacts on the composition and responses of soil bacterial functional groups. This study demonstrated the environmental regulation (e.g., temperature and rainfall) of soil microbial functional groups at large scales, which was altered by agricultural practices.

Highlights

Soil bacteria involved in C cycling were investigated across two ~1000 km transects.

Temperature and rainfall were important drivers of bacterial functional groups at large scale.

Paired sampling showed that agriculture led to a significant shift in bacterial functional groups.

Community structure of bacterial functional groups were correlated with soil POC but not MAOC.
RETRACTED: Segmentation and classification of lymphoblastic leukaemia using quantum neural network
Authors: Amin Javeria , Anjum Muhammad Almas , Krivic Senka , Sharif Muhammad Irfan
Published: December 2022

In lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the bone marrow naturally produces immature cells. Each year ALL is diagnosed with over 6500 instances, and the trend is still going upward. Technological advancements in AI and big data analytics help doctors and radiologists make accurate and efficient clinical decisions. The proposed method consists of two core steps: segmentation and classification based on the quantum convolutional networks. A three‐dimensional U‐network is proposed having 70 layers that are trained on the optimal hyperparameters, which provides 0.98 dice scores. The four‐qubit quantum transfer learning model is proposed for classifying different types of blood cells. The accuracies achieved are 0.99 on blast cells, 0.99 on Basophils, 0.98 on Eosinophils, 0.97 on Neutrophils, 0.99 on Lymphocytes, and 0.96 on Monocytes. The proposed classification model provides 0.99 average accuracy.
Parenthood during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Post‐traumatic growth amongst university students
Authors: Harwood‐Gross Anna , Bergman Yoav S. , Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Schiff Miriam , Benbenishty Rami
Published: December 2022

This study sought to investigate a positive dimension of coping with the COVID‐19 pandemic, that of post‐traumatic growth (PTG). This study investigated coping difficulties and PTG amongst parent and nonparent students in Israeli Universities. A total of 4022 parents (3648 Jews and 374 Palestinian‐Arab Citizens [PACs]) and 14,651 nonparents (12,010 Jews and 2641 PACs) completed measures of coping, social support and PTG. Parents demonstrated significantly higher levels of coping and PTG. Amongst parents, fathers coped slightly better than mothers; however, while Jewish mothers demonstrated greater PTG than Jewish fathers, PAC fathers had significantly greater PTG than both PAC mothers and Jewish parents. These findings, while specific to COVID‐19, indicate that PTG should be studied in greater depth in different ethnic and minority groups in order to develop enhanced understanding and facilitate promotion of post‐traumatic growth, in addition to the prevention of COVID‐19‐related distress.
Geographies of empire: Infrastructure and agricultural intensification in Haiti
Authors: Moore Sophie Sapp , Koski‐Karell Victoria
Published: December 2022

The implementation of US‐backed agricultural initiatives under what became known as the Green Revolution (1945–1970) reshaped populations, ecologies, and landscapes worldwide. While most investigations into the implications of this era focus on the development of intensive farming in places such as Mexico, India, and the Philippines, few offer critical analysis of its Caribbean manifestations. This paper examines the role of the Green Revolution in the production of environmental injustice in Haiti. Historically, we situate Green Revolution technopolitics in a broader trajectory of US‐led imperial and neoliberal interventions that spans from the Occupation of Haiti (1915–1934) to the 21st century. We draw from our long‐term ethnographic research to show how Green Revolution transformations impact agrarian life in Haiti's lower Artibonite Valley and Central Plateau today. Integral to the Occupation were efforts to (re)establish production of export commodities. We demonstrate how such attempts, regardless of outcome, generated indelible material, social, and ecological entanglements that served to intensify empire. In 1949, the US and Haitian governments established an agency tasked with extending Occupation‐era irrigation infrastructure throughout the Artibonite Valley. After these efforts stalled, 1970s interventionists sought different inroads for increasing agricultural production, particularly of rice. Their initiatives paved the way for post‐2010 ventures that perpetuate many of the same consequences, including hunger, economic insecurity, and environmental degradation. We show how the history of imperial intervention in Haiti created the conditions for the ongoing production of environmental injustice through agrarian reform. Ultimately, we argue that the Green Revolution transformed Haiti's agrarian geographies in ways that intensified environmental harms and advanced a project of US empire that continues to shape Haiti today. We examine the contemporary implications of this century of transformation for farmers, who carry on a legacy of agrarian justice that has contested the project of the Green Revolution since its inception.
Investigating the effectiveness of online interactive courses on loneliness and quality of life of older adults in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A pilot study and a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Shang‐Yu , Yang Cheng‐Chia , Lee Ya‐Chen , Hsieh Pei‐Lun , Lin Ying‐Lien
Published: December 2022

Background

The early stage of the COVID‐19 pandemic was a critical time for increasing loneliness, especially for older people. However, there is insufficient existing research on associated interventions and their effectiveness.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an 8‐week online interactive course on the loneliness, depression, social support, and quality of life (QOL) of older adults in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a community in Taiwan. Eighty‐nine participants recruited from long‐term care institutions were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 45). Participants in the experimental group received an 8‐week (Monday to Friday) intensive online interactive course, whereas those in the control group watched 8 weeks (Monday to Friday) of unidirectional online video programs.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the UCLA Loneliness Scale and in both the psychological health and social relationship domains of the WHO Quality of Life‐BREF Scale. In other words, compared with those in the control group, participants in the experimental group experienced more significant improvements in the state of their loneliness as well as QOL in the psychological health and social relationship domains (without the physical health/environment domains) after taking the online interactive course.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that the 8‐week online interactive course could effectively improve the loneliness, the psychological health domain, and the social relationship domain of the QOL of the older adults of a particular community during the ongoing pandemic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 91–97.
Trustee strategies, politicization and de‐delegation: The case of the European Central Bank
Authors: Tesche Tobias
Published: December 2022

This article shows how the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced the risk of politicization and de facto de‐delegation despite experiencing contestation. During the euro area crisis and the coronavirus emergency the ECB's monetary policy measures have been widely praised for their effectiveness. Even though the ECB is an independent trustee that cannot be easily sanctioned, it needs to engage with its principals to receive their political backing for common projects and in order to reaffirm its own centrality in governance. This article identifies different trustee strategies to reduce politicization and thereby to decrease the risk of de facto de‐delegation: (i) dualism, (ii) voluntary self‐restraint, and (iii) changing the yard stick. It concludes by showing that the ECB has expanded its monetary policy toolbox without triggering neither formal nor de facto de‐delegation.
Career outcomes and satisfaction among graduates of a 4‐year oral health and welfare baccalaureate program at Niigata University, Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ishiguro‐Matsumoto Asuka , Stegaroiu Roxana , Suwama Kana , Shibata Satoko , Yoshihara Akihiro , Ohuchi Akitsugu
Published: December 2022

Objective

Globally, baccalaureate programs in dental hygiene are increasingly established. In addition, in Japan, many dental hygienists (DHs) and social workers (SWs) are prematurely leaving the workforce. This study aimed to investigate the most recent employment, career outcomes, reasons for a job change, and satisfaction with the job and undergraduate curriculum among graduates of the baccalaureate program at the Department of Oral Health and Welfare (DOHW), Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University.

Methods

All 262 graduates (graduating classes 1–10) of the DOHW were invited to participate in this survey; an original self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to those who consented. Responses were received from 114 (43.5%) graduates.

Results

Almost all respondents (89.5%) had dual licensure as both DH and certified SW. They were employed immediately after graduation (99.1%) and at the time of the survey (96.5%). Over 60% of them worked as DHs, mainly in hospitals. SWs mainly worked in administration. Among the 113 respondents who were employed, 39.8% changed jobs at least once. The main reasons for job selection were ‘interest in job content’ and ‘flexible working hours’. Nearly 90% of the respondents felt satisfied or fairly satisfied with their job and their undergraduate education.

Conclusions

A quality 4‐year baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene and social welfare positively influenced graduates' work continuity. Most graduates felt satisfied or fairly satisfied with their job and the undergraduate curriculum. Employment rates within each profession and the prevalence of hospital and administrative roles were higher than national averages. Long‐term studies of graduates' career outcomes are warranted.
Effects of phase‐transited lysozyme on adhesion, migration and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells: An in vitro study
Authors: Zhao Jiange , Zhou Yunjie , Yan Jinjie , Liu Jie , Wang Linxian , Zhang Xu , Lou Yaxin , Que Kehua
Published: December 2022

Aim

To explore the effects of phase‐transited lysozyme (PTL) coated dentine slices on cell adhesion, migration and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Methodology

Cell growth and cell cycle analysis were conducted to verify the biocompatibility of PTL for HDPCs. Cell adhesion, cell morphology and proliferation were explored by DiI staining, Scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay. Cell migration was investigated by Transwell assay. The effects of PTL on odontogenesis and mineralization of HDPCs were assessed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The mineralization of HDPCs was evaluated by Alizarin red staining. HDPCs were isolated from extracted third molars. The level of statistically significant difference was accepted at p < .05.

Results

PTL showed no negative effect on cell cycle of HDPCs and compared with the blank group, HDPCs labelled with DiI staining showed significantly more adhered cells at 48 h (p < .05), extending cell processes and more finger‐like or reticular pseudopodia on PTL‐coated dentine slices. The results of MTT and Transwell assay showed that PTL promoted the proliferation (p < .05) and migration (p < .01) of HDPCs, respectively. Compared with the blank group, the gene expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteopontin and bone sialoprotein in HDPCs cultured on PTL was significantly upregulated on day 3 and 7 (p < .05), while the protein expression of DSPP showed no significant change on both day 7 and day 14. Alizarin red staining showed that PTL promoted more mineralization nodules formation of HDPCs (p < .05).

Conclusions

PTL promoted the adhesion, proliferation and migration of HDPCs on dentine slices, and positively affected odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of HDPCs.
Evaluation of postoperative pain and healing following regenerative endodontics using platelet‐rich plasma versus conventional endodontic treatment in necrotic mature mandibular molars with chronic periapical periodontitis. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ahmed Yassmin Elsayed , Ahmed Geraldine Mohamed , Ghoneim Angie Galal
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate the post‐operative pain and the healing of necrotic mature permanent mandibular molar teeth with peri‐apical periodontitis after conventional endodontic treatment versus after platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) revascularization.

Methodology

The protocol of this randomized clinical trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with identification number NCT 03350841. Twenty‐eight patients were included in the study after confirming the diagnosis clinically and radiographically. In the first visit, mandibular molar teeth of both groups were mechanically prepared. Double antibiotic paste was prepared and injected then the cavity that was sealed with glass ionomer. At the second visit, the patients were randomized either to control group where standard endodontic treatment was completed by lateral condensation technique or assigned to intervention group where PRP revascularization technique. The degree of spontaneous pain was assessed using numerical rating scale (NRS) pre‐operatively, then post‐operatively after 6, 12 h and daily for 5 days. Patients were given a placebo to be administrated in case of pain. An analgesic (ibuprofen 400mg) was prescribed in case of persistent pain. Clinical and radiographic healing was assessed after 6 and 12 months. All demographic, baseline and outcome data were collected and statistically analysed.

Results

Regarding the post revascularization/obturation pain, there was no statistically significant difference between severity of pain in the two groups at all time intervals except after 12 h, revascularization group showed statistically significantly higher prevalence of no pain than endodontic treatment group. Regarding the healing; the periapical lesions decrease in size significantly from the pre‐operative lesion size in both groups without significant difference between the both groups.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of this study, PRP revascularization could be an alternative treatment to root canal treatment but further randomized clinical trials with standardized techniques and long follow up periods are recommended for more reliable results.
Functional, bioactive and morphological properties of purple wheat bran enriched pasta
Authors: Jhans Bhupinder , Kaur Gurkirat , Gupta Antima , Singh Arashdeep , Sharma Savita , Sharma Rajan
Published: December 2022

The current study assesses the impact of purple wheat bran incorporation (5–20%) on functionality of durum wheat pasta. Owing to the presence of dietary fibre, anthocyanins and other functional compounds in purple wheat bran, it possesses several health benefits mainly through antioxidative mechanisms. Incorporation of ban at varying levels (5–20%) reduces the pasting viscosity and enhances the water absorption and oil absorption capacity of blends. A linear significant (P  < 0.05) increment was noted in the minimum cooking time (min), water absorption (%), volume expansion (mL/g) and solid gruel losses (%) with the level of bran due to dilution of gluten networking and hydration properties of fibre. Incorporation of bran decreases the firmness (0.32–0.23 kg) and toughness (1.29–0.97 kg). Lightness (L) value of pasta decreases while redness (a*) value increases with the increase in bran level in pasta. Purple wheat bran incorporated pasta exhibited better bioactive profile in terms of anthocyanin content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and DPPH· radical scavenging activity. Macromolecular and morphological changes were also seen due to interference of fibre as indicated by SEM and FTIR analyses.
The importance of inflammation control for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds
Authors: Worsley Anna L. , Lui Dennis H. , Ntow‐Boahene Winnie , Song Wenhui , Good Liam , Tsui Janice
Published: December 2022

Diabetic chronic wounds cause massive levels of patient suffering and economic problems worldwide. The state of chronic inflammation arises in response to a complex combination of diabetes mellitus‐related pathophysiologies. Advanced treatment options are available; however, many wounds still fail to heal, exacerbating morbidity and mortality. This review describes the chronic inflammation pathophysiologies in diabetic ulcers and treatment options that may help address this dysfunction either directly or indirectly. We suggest that treatments to reduce inflammation within these complex wounds may help trigger healing.
Mechanical and contact characteristics of foam materials within wound dressings: Theoretical and practical considerations in treatment
Authors: Gefen Amit , Alves Paulo , Beeckman Dimitri , Lázaro‐Martínez José Luis , Lev‐Tov Hadar , Najafi Bijan , Swanson Terry , Woo Kevin
Published: December 2022

In the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, the clinical performance of a given foam‐based dressing, and, ultimately, the wound healing and cost of care outcomes are strongly influenced by the mechanical performance of the foam material/s within that dressing. Most aspects of the mechanical performance of foam materials, for example, their stiffness, frictional properties, conformability, swelling characteristics and durability, and the overall mechanical protection provided by a foam‐based dressing to a wound strongly depend on the microstructure of the foam components, particularly on their microtopography, density and porosity. This article, therefore, provides, for the first time, a comprehensive, self‐inclusive compilation of clinically relevant theoretical and practical considerations, based on published analytical and experimental research as well as clinical experience related to the mechanical performance of foams in foam‐based wound dressings. The current bioengineering information is useful for establishing understanding of the importance of mechanical properties of foams in foam‐based dressings among clinicians and researchers in industry and academia, and other potential stakeholders in the wound care field, for example, regulators and buyers. This information is also particularly important for the development of standardised test methods for the evaluation of foam‐based wound dressings and resulting standard mechanical performance metrics for these dressings.
Seizure Risk with Vaccination
Authors: Berg Anne T.
Published: December 2022

The Risk of Seizures After Receipt of Whole-Cell Pertussis or Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine

Barlow WE, Davis RL, Glasser JW, Rhodes PH, Thompson RS, Mullooly JP, Black SB, Shinefield HR, Ward JI, Marcy SM, DeStefano F, Chen RT, Immanuel V, Pearson JA, Vadheim CM, Rebolledo V, Christakis D, Benson PJ, Lewis N

N Engl J Med 2001;345:656–661

Background

The administration of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and whole-cell pertussis (DTP) vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been associated with adverse neurologic events, including seizures. We studied the relation between these vaccinations and the risk of a first seizure, subsequent seizures, and neurodevelopmental disability in children.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted at four large health maintenance organizations and included reviews of the medical records of children with seizures. We calculated the relative risks of febrile and nonfebrile seizures among 679,942 children after 340,386 vaccinations with DTP vaccine, 137,457 vaccinations with MMR vaccine, or no recent vaccination. Children who had febrile seizures after vaccination were followed to identify the risk of subsequent seizures and other neurologic disabilities.

Results

Receipt of DTP vaccine was associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures only on the day of vaccination (adjusted relative risk, 5.70; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.98 to 16.42). Receipt of MMR vaccine was associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures 8 to 14 days after vaccination (relative risk, 2.83; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.44 to 5.55). Neither vaccination was associated with an increased risk of nonfebrile seizures. Analyses of automated data alone gave results similar to the analyses of the data from medical-record reviews. The number of febrile seizures attributable to the administration of DTP and MMR vaccines was estimated to be 6 to 9 and 25 to 34 per 100,000 children, respectively. As compared with other children with febrile seizures that were not associated with vaccination, the children who had febrile seizures after vaccination were not found to be at higher risk for subsequent seizures or neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Conclusions

There are significantly elevated risks of febrile seizures on the day of receipt of DTP vaccine and 8 to 14 days after the receipt of MMR vaccine, but these risks do not appear to be associated with any long-term, adverse consequences.
Memory Function Related to Hippocampal Imaging Findings
Authors: Hermann Bruce
Published: December 2022

The Relationship Between Quantitative T2 Relaxometry and Memory in Nonlesional Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Wendel JD, Trenerry MR, Xu YC, Sencakova D, Cascino GD, Britton JW, Lagerlund TD, Shin C, So EL, Sharbrough FW, Jack CR

Epilepsia 2001;42:863–868

Purpose

We investigated the relationship between preoperative quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 relaxometry and volumetry of the hippocampi and pre- and postoperative verbal memory in temporal lobectomy patients who had nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

Pre- and postoperative memory data based on the Logical Memory (LM) subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and the 30-min delayed recall trial of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) were obtained from 26 left and 15 right temporal lobectomy patients. Coronal MRI T2 maps were generated for these 41 temporal lobectomy patients as well as 61 control patients. Hippocampal T2 relaxation times and hippocampal volumes, converted to z scores using control group data, were correlated with neuropsychological performance in the patients.

Results

In left temporal lobe-onset patients, high T2 in the left hippocampal body predicted higher LM performance after surgery. Asymmetrically high T2 in the left hippocampal body (i.e., the right-minus-left difference), compared with the right hippocampal body, also predicted higher LM performance after surgery. In right temporal lobe-onset patients, high T2 in the left hippocampal body predicted relatively lower AVLT performance after surgery. Multiple regression analysis in left temporal-onset patients revealed that high T2 in the left hippocampal body together with higher preoperative LM performance predict higher postoperative LM performance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that elevated (i.e., abnormal) hippocampal T2 signal is associated with memory ability (or hippocampal functional capacity) independent of MRI-determined hippocampal atrophy. Therefore, our findings support the use of quantitative T2 relaxometry as an independent predictor of verbal memory outcome in both left and right TLE patients who are candidates for temporal lobectomy.
Antiepileptic Drugs and Homocysteine Levels
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: December 2022

Antiepileptic Drugs as Independent Predictors of Plasma Total Homocysteine Levels

Apeland T, Mansoor MA, Strandjord RE

Epilepsy Research 2001;47:27–36

Low folate levels have consistently been reported in patients with epilepsy on phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB) and primidone (PRD), while data on valproate (VPA) are conflicting. Furthermore, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may be associated with high levels of plasma total homocysteine (p-tHcy). Therefore, we have investigated the levels of p-tHcy, serum folate (S-FA) and erythrocyte folate (E-FA) in patients on PHT, PB and PRD (Group 1, n=21) and VPA (Group 2, n=24). Both groups had their own matched controls. Blood samples were drawn fasting and 6 h post methionine loading (6 h-PML). The Group 1 patients had fasting and 6 h-PML p-tHcy levels significantly higher than their controls (P=0.05 and <0.0001, respectively), and patients without dietary multivitamin supplementation (n=14), had lower fasting S-FA and E-FA levels than their controls (P=0.02 and 0.0003, respectively). The Group 2 patients had fasting and 6 h-PML levels of p-tHcy, S-FA and E-FA not different from their controls. In a multiple stepwise regression model comprising all subjects (n=90), the AEDs of Group 1 and the S-FA levels were independent predictors of p-tHcy levels. Thus, PHT, PB and PRD are associated with high p-tHcy and low folate levels, whereas VPA does not influence S-FA, E-FA and p-tHcy levels in adult patients.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors and Epileptogenesis
Authors: Wong Robert K.S. , Chuang Shih-Chieh , Bianchi Riccardo
Published: December 2022

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) often produces long-lasting effects on the excitability of cortical neurons. For example, mGluR stimulation induces long-term potentiation or depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Similarly, the effects of mGluRs on cortical epileptiform activities also are enduring. A transient application of group I mGluR agonists to hippocampal slices produces ictal-like discharges that persist for hours after the removal of the applied agonist. This action of group I mGluRs—transforming “normal” hippocampal slice into an “epileptic-like” one—may represent a form of epileptogenesis. The advent of such a model, in which epileptogenesis can be reliably induced in an in vitro preparation and the process is complete within hours, may facilitate the exploration of cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis.
Antiepileptogenesis by Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Rogawski Michael A.
Published: December 2022

Low-frequency Stimulation of the Kindling Focus Delays Basolateral Amygdala Kindling in Immature Rats

VelíŠek L, VelíŠkova J, Stanton PK

Neurosci Lett 2002;326:61–63.

Stimulation of deep brain sites is a new approach for treatment of intractable seizures. In adult rats, low-frequency stimulation (LFS; 1–3 Hz) of the kindling site interferes with the course of kindling epileptogenesis. In this study we determined whether the LFS is effective against the fast kindling in the basolateral amygdala in immature, 15-day-old rats. LFS (15 min of 1-Hz stimulation) was applied after each of the 1-s, 60-Hz kindling stimulus. LFS suppressed afterdischarge duration and seizure stage throughout the course of kindling, which indicates a strong antiepileptogenic potential. As the kindling and LFS stimulation patterns are similar to those used for induction of long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD), respectively, LTD or depotentiation may play a role in the mechanism of action.
Functional Repair of the Hippocampus by Neural Progenitors
Authors: Cole Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

Regeneration of Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons after Ischemic Brain Injury by Recruitment of Endogenous Neural Progenitors

Nakatomi H, Kuriu T, Okabe S, Yamamoto S, Hatano O, Kawahara N, Tamura A, Kirino T, Nakafuku M

Cell 2002;110:429

The adult brain is extremely vulnerable to various insults. The recent discovery of neural progenitors in adult mammals, however, raises the possibility of repairing damaged tissue by recruiting the latent regenerative potential. Here we show that activation of endogenous progenitors leads to massive regeneration of hippocampal pyramidal neurons after ischemic brain injury. Endogenous progenitors proliferate in response to ischemia and subsequently migrate into the hippocampus to regenerate new neurons. Intraventricular infusion of growth factors markedly augments these responses, thereby increasing the number of newborn neurons. Our studies suggest that regenerated neurons are integrated into the existing brain circuitry and contribute to ameliorating neurologic deficits. These results expand the possibility of novel neuronal cell-regeneration therapies for stroke and other neurologic disorders.
Response to First AED
Authors: French Jacqueline A.
Published: December 2022

Effectiveness of First Antiepileptic Drug

Kwan P, Brodie MJ

Epilepsia 2001;42:1255–1260

Purpose

To investigate the interaction among efficacy, tolerability, and overall effectiveness of the first antiepileptic drug (AED) in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

The 470 patients were diagnosed, treated and followed up from January 1984 at a single center. Outcome was classified as seizure freedom for at least the last year or failure of initial treatment because of inadequate seizure control, adverse events, or for other reasons.

Results

Overall, 47% of patients became seizure free with the first prescribed AED. A higher proportion (p = 0.025) of patients with symptomatic or cryptogenic epilepsy changed treatment because of intolerable side effects (17%), and a lower proportion (p = 0.007) became seizure free (43.5%) compared with those with idiopathic epilepsy (8.5 and 58%, respectively). Most patients (83%) received carbamazepine (CBZ; n = 212), sodium valproate (VPA; n = 101), or lamotrigine (LTG; n = 78). The majority of seizure-free patients required only a moderate daily AED dose (93.1% with ≤800 mg CBZ, 91.3% with ≤1,500 mg VPA, 93.8% with ≤300 mg LTG), with commonest dose ranges being 400–600 mg for CBZ, 600–1,000 mg for VPA, and 125–200 mg for LTG. Most discontinuations due to poor tolerability also occurred at or below these dose levels (CBZ, 98%; VPA, 100%; LTG, 75%). Patients taking CBZ (27%) had a higher incidence of adverse events necessitating a change of treatment than did those treated with VPA (13%) or LTG (10%), resulting in fewer becoming seizure free (CBZ vs. VPA, p = 0.02; CBZ vs. LTG, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Nearly 50% of newly diagnosed patients became seizure free with the first-ever AED, with >90% doing so at moderate or even modest dosing. Tolerability was as important as efficacy in determining overall effectiveness.
Predictors of Early Seizures after Stroke
Authors: Waterhouse Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Prevalence and Predictors of Early Seizure and Status Epilepticus after First Stroke

Labovitz DL, Allen Hauser W, Sacco RL

Neurology 2001;57:200–206

Background

Early seizure (ES) has been reported in 2 to 6% of strokes and is a predictor of recurrent seizures. Acute stroke has been reported to cause 22% of all cases of status epilepticus (SE) in adults. The determinants of ES and SE after stroke, however, are not well understood.

Methods

An incidence study was conducted to identify all cases of first stroke in adult residents of northern Manhattan. Cases of ES and SE within 7 days of stroke were identified through medical record review. Statistical analyses were performed by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The cohort consisted of 904 patients; ES occurred in 37 (4.1%). The frequency of ES by stroke subtype and location was deep infarct in two (0.6%) of 356, lobar infarct in 20 (5.9%) of 341, deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in four (4.0%) of 101, lobar ICH in seven (14.3%) of 49, and subarachnoid hemorrhage in four (8.0%) of 50. SE occurred in 10 (1.1%) patients, representing 27.0% of patients with ES. Diabetes, hypertension, current smoking, alcohol use, age, gender, and race/ethnicity were not significant determinants of ES. In a subgroup of patients who had a National Institutes of Health (NIH) stroke scale (NIHSS) score recorded, NIHSS score was not an independent predictor of ES in multivariate analysis. After accounting for stroke severity, ES was not a predictor of 30-day case fatality.

Conclusions

Lesion location and stroke subtype are strong determinants of ES risk, even after adjusting for stroke severity. ES does not predict 30-day mortality. SE occurs in more than one fourth of patients with ES.
Prognostic Value of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Epilepsy Surgery Outcome
Authors: Theodore William
Published: December 2022

H-1 MRSI Predicts Surgical Outcome in MRI-negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Suhy J, Laxer KD, Capizzano AA, Vermathen P, Matson GB, Barbaro NM, Weiner MW

Neurology 2002;58:821–823

H-1 MRS imaging (MRSI) was performed on 15 patients with MRI-negative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent seizure surgery. The nonseizure-free patients (NSF) ipsilateral hippocampal N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/(Cr+Cho) z scores were lower than the contralateral scores (p=0.04), and the NSF ipsilateral z scores were lower than the seizure-free patients’ (SF) ipsilateral z scores (p=0.0049). Similarly, NSF contralateral scores were lower than contralateral SF (p=0.02). These findings suggest NAA predicts the surgical outcome in patients with TLE without evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis on MRI.
A Novel Animal Model of Epilepsy Caused by Inhibiting Neuronal Activity during Development
Authors: Scharfman Helen
Published: December 2022

Blockade of Neuronal Activity during Hippocampal Development Produces a Chronic Focal Epilepsy in the Rat

Galvan CD, Hrachovy RA, Smith KL, Swann JW

J Neurosci 2000;20:2904–2916

During brain development, neuronal activity can transform neurons characterized by widely ranging axonal projections to ones with more restricted patterns of synaptic connectivity. Previous studies have shown that an exuberant outgrowth of local recurrent excitatory axons occurs in hippocampal area CA3 during postnatal weeks 2 and 3. Axons are remodeled with maturation, and nearly half of the branches are eliminated. Postnatal weeks 2 and 3 also coincide with a “critical” period of development, when CA3 networks have a marked propensity to generate electrographic seizures. In an attempt to prevent axonal remodeling, local circuit activity was blocked unilaterally in dorsal hippocampus by continuous infusion of tetrodotoxin (TTX). Field potential recordings from behaving animals were dramatically altered when TTX infusion was initiated at the beginning of the critical period, week 2, but not later in life. Spontaneous, synchronized spikes and electrographic seizures with behavioral accompaniments were observed after 4 weeks of TTX infusion and persisted into adulthood. When recordings were made during TTX infusion, synchronized spiking was recorded in ventral hippocampus as early as 2 weeks after infusate introduction. At this same time, extracellular field recordings from in vitro slices demonstrated spontaneous network-driven “mini-bursts” arising from ventral hippocampal slices. These were abolished by glutamate receptor antagonists. Whole-cell recordings from CA3 neurons revealed bursts of excitatory synaptic potentials coincident with the network bursts recorded extracellularly. Thus, local assemblies of mutually excitatory CA3 pyramidal cells are hyperexcitable in these rats. Whether alterations in developmental axonal remodeling mediate these effects awaits further studies.
Fast Cortical Oscillations Are Not Dependent on the Activity of Gabaergic Neurons
Authors: Benardo Larry S.
Published: December 2022

Effects of Bicuculline Methiodide on Fast (>200 Hz) Electrical Oscillations in Rat Somatosensory Cortex

Jones MS, Barth DS

J Neurophysiol 2002;88(2):1016–1025

Fast oscillatory activity (more than ∼200 Hz) has been attracting increasing attention regarding its possible role in both normal brain function and epileptogenesis, yet its underlying cellular mechanism remains poorly understood. Our prior investigation of the phenomenon in rat somatosensory cortex indicated that fast oscillations result from repetitive synaptic activation of cortical pyramidal cells originating from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons (Jones et al., 2000). To test this hypothesis, the effects of topical application of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BMI) on fast oscillations were examined. At subconvulsive concentrations (∼10 μM), BMI application resulted in a pronounced enhancement of fast activity, in some trials, doubling the number of oscillatory cycles evoked by whisker stimulation. The amplitude and frequency of fast activity were not affected by BMI in a statistically significant fashion. At higher concentrations, BMI application resulted in the emergence of recurring spontaneous slow-wave discharges resembling interictal spikes (IISs) and the eventual onset of seizure. High-pass filtering of the IISs revealed that a burst of fast oscillations accompanied the spontaneous discharge. This activity was present in both the pre- and the postictal regimens, in which its morphology and spatial distribution were largely indistinguishable. These data indicate that fast cortical oscillations do not reflect GABAergic postsynaptic currents. An alternate account consistent with results observed to date is that this activity may instead arise from population spiking in pyramidal cells, possibly mediated by electrotonic coupling in a manner analogous to that underlying 200-Hz ripple in the hippocampus. Additionally, fast oscillations occur within spontaneous epileptiform discharges. However, at least under the present experimental conditions, they do not appear to be a reliable predictor of seizure onset or an indicator of the seizure focus.