bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movement disorders associated with antiseizure medications: A real‐world disproportionality analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhou Jianxing , Wei Zipeng , Chen Shengyang , Xie Helin , Huang Wei , Liu Maobai , Wu Xuemei
Published: June 2023

Aims

Patients with epilepsy often require long‐term use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) to control their seizures. However, movement disorders (MDs) related to ASMs can significantly impact their quality of life. This study aims to analyse MDs related to ASMs in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database to provide recommendations for safe medication.

Methods

All adverse drug reactions associated with 26 marketed ASMs in Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System were extracted for analysis. Disproportionality analyses were used to assess the association between ASMs and MDs, and signal colour scale maps were created to identify potential ASM–MD safety signals.

Results

A total of 1921 cases experienced MDs while taking ASMs were included. A higher prevalence of MDs was observed in females compared to males. The association between specific MDs with ASMs was revealed, including known and unknown MDs such as tremors, Parkinson and paralysis. Lamotrigine and carbamazepine exhibited multiple significant MDs, while levetiracetam and pregabalin were linked to the earlier onset of MDs. Generally, higher doses were linked to a higher incidence of MDs.

Conclusion

MDs were the most obvious adverse drug reactions in the nervous system triggered by using ASMs. Fourteen drugs exhibited positive signals for MDs, including some not previously reported. Conversely, 12 ASMs were deemed to have a lower possibility of inducing MDs. The incidence of MDs can be mitigated by selecting appropriate ASMs for epileptic patients. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between ASMs and MDs.
Equality‐enhancing potential of novel forms of assisted gestation: Perspectives of reproductive rights advocates
Authors: Romanis Elizabeth Chloe
Published: June 2023

Novel forms of assisted gestation—uterus transplantation and artificial placentas—are highly anticipated in the ethico‐legal literature for their capacity to enhance reproductive autonomy. There are also, however, significant challenges anticipated in the development of novel forms of assisted gestation. While there is a normative exploration of these challenges in the literature, there has not yet, to my knowledge, been empirical research undertaken to explore what reproductive rights organisations and advocates identify as potential benefits and challenges. This perspective is invaluable. These organisations/individuals have an awareness not only of the needs of individuals but also of the political landscape in which regulatory decisions are made and which individuals navigate when seeking reproductive assistance. In this study, data was generated from two semi‐structured focus groups (n = 11). Reflective thematic analysis was used to examine the views raised by study participants in these focus groups. This paper explores two of the themes constructed in the data. First, the equality‐enhancing potential of assisted gestation exploring the multifaceted ways in which assisted gestation has structural benefits for marginalised groups. Second, realising the equality‐enhancing potential of assisted gestation explores the intersecting barriers to access to reproductive technologies and how they may impede the benefits of these technologies in practice. These results can enhance conceptual understanding of the importance of novel forms of assisted gestation and ensure that attention is paid to practical barriers in further normative research.
My point of view: Students with intellectual and communicative disabilities express their views on speech and reading using Talking Mats
Authors: Samuelsson Jenny , Holmer Emil , Johnels Jakob Å. , Palmqvist Lisa , Heimann Mikael , Reichenberg Monica , Thunberg Gunilla
Published: June 2023

Background

It can be challenging for people with intellectual disabilities to convey their thoughts and opinions because of cognitive, speech and language impairments. Consequently, facilitating their ability to communicate using augmentative and alternative communication methods is essential. The picture‐based framework Talking Mats has been applied in many studies and has been shown to be successful in facilitating communication and soliciting views from individuals with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties. The aim of this study was to describe the views of students with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties on speech and reading activities and to examine whether valence scores (from negative to positive) on these views were associated with performance on tests of their corresponding abilities.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional quantitative survey study. A group of 111 students with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties aged 7–21 were interviewed about their speech and reading activities using the visual framework Talking Mats. Their answers were scored on a three‐grade like‐dislike continuum and were correlated with their results on adapted tests of the corresponding abilities.

Findings

The students expressed their views on speech and reading activities. The scored views on speech were positively associated with speech production, and the scored views on reading activities were positively related to reading ability. This suggests that their opinions as expressed through Talking Mats were consistent and reliable.

Conclusions

Most students with intellectual disabilities and communicative difficulties can reliably express their own opinions of their abilities when they are provided with a clear visual structure and pictorial support, such as Talking Mats. In this study, this was seen for students with a mild intellectual disability from age seven and onwards and for students with a more severe intellectual disability from 12 years of age and onwards.
The effects of broadcast on a team's market and on competitive balance from the perspective of fans maximizing utility
Authors: Cheah Hon Foong
Published: June 2023

We examine the decision of fans to attend the game or watch the exact televised match to address whether broadcast lowers revenue collected at the gate and worsens competitive balance. In most cases, broadcasts lower attendance and collection at the gate but do not necessarily worsen competitive balance. Weaker teams can benefit from broadcast revenue and catch up with their stronger counterpart. However, teams that make more money from broadcasts and a broad fan base can gain more advantages from broadcasts and worsen competitive balance.
Foreign players, team production, and technical efficiency: Evidence from European soccer
Authors: Boto‐García David , Varela‐Quintana Carlos , Muñiz Alvaro
Published: June 2023

As on‐field success is nowadays the main objective of European soccer clubs, good management needs to extract the highest sport success from the squad talent at hand. Because teams differ in their quality, performance needs to be compared with the best practice of comparable units. One remarkable source of heterogeneity across teams is the squad composition, which can produce gains from diversity together with communication costs. The paper studies the efficiency in sporting performance of soccer teams, paying attention to how the number of foreign players relates to productive inefficiency. Using data for 146 teams in the top 5 European leagues during 10 seasons, we estimate a double heteroskedastic True Random Effects Stochastic Frontier team production function. We find that (i) the number of passes, ball recoveries, and shots from the penalty area improve team efficiency, and (ii) a higher number of foreign players increase inefficiency. Our findings suggest that gains from squad diversity might be offset by communication costs.
Basin scale evolution of zebra textures in fault‐controlled, hydrothermal dolomite bodies: Insights from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
Authors: McCormick Cole A. , Corlett Hilary , Clog Matthieu , Boyce Adrian J. , Tartèse Romain , Steele‐MacInnis Matthew , Hollis Cathy
Published: June 2023

Structurally controlled dolomitization typically involves the interaction of high‐pressure (P), high‐temperature (T) fluids with the surrounding host rock. Such reactions are often accompanied by cementation and recrystallization, with the resulting hydrothermal dolomite (HTD) bodies including several ‘diagnostic’ rock textures. Zebra textures, associated with boxwork textures and dolomite breccias, are widely considered to reflect these elevated P/T conditions. Although a range of conceptual models have been proposed to explain the genesis of these rock textures, the processes that control their spatial and temporal evolution are still poorly understood. Through the detailed petrographical and geochemical analysis of HTD bodies, hosted in the Middle Cambrian strata in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, this study demonstrates that a single genetic model cannot be applied to all the characteristics of these rock textures. Instead, a wide array of sedimentological, tectonic and metasomatic processes contribute to their formation; each of which is spatially and temporally variable at the basin scale. Distal to the fluid source, dolomitization is largely stratabound, comprising replacement dolomite, bedding‐parallel zebra textures and rare dolomite breccias (non‐stratabound, located only proximal to faults). Dolomitization is increasingly non‐stratabound with proximity to the fluid source, comprising bedding‐inclined zebra textures, boxwork textures and dolomite breccias that have been affected by recrystallization. Petrographical and geochemical evidence suggests that these rock textures were initiated due to dilatational fracturing, brecciation and precipitation of saddle dolomite as a cement, but significant recrystallization occurred during the later stages of dolomitization. These rock textures are closely associated with faults and carbonate‐hosted ore deposits (e.g. magnesite, rare earth element and Mississippi Valley–type mineralization), thus providing invaluable information regarding fluid flux and carbonate metasomatism under elevated P/T conditions.
Transition competence as an indicator of health outcomes related to transition
Authors: Markwart Henriette , Schmidt Silke , Thyen Ute , Ernst Gundula , Muehlan Holger
Published: June 2023

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with chronic conditions face a transfer, defined as an actual shift from paediatric to adult‐oriented health care. Transition competence as the self‐perceived knowledge, skills and abilities regarding the transition process was considered extremely useful.

Aim

This study was designed to investigate the impact of transition competence before and after the transfer on disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) and health care satisfaction of AYAs with diabetes.

Results

In total, a sample of N = 90 AYAs with diabetes self‐reported their transition competence, diabetes‐specific QoL and satisfaction with care. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyse the impact of transition competence on satisfaction with care and QoL. Transition competence positively influenced the outcomes of satisfaction with care and QoL.

Conclusion

Young adults with diabetes showed higher transition competence scores than adolescents with diabetes.
Inequalities in dental service utilization among Thai adults from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Chaianant Nichamon , Tussanapirom Teerawat , Kettratad Matana , Prasertsom Piyada , Vejvithee Warangkana , Niyomsilp Kornkamol , Leelasithorn Srisuda , Gaewkhiew Piyada
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The Universal Coverage Health Scheme (UCS) was implemented in Thailand in 2002 to increase access to health services among the Thai population. This study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic inequalities in dental service utilization (DU) before and after UCS implementation and to assess factors associated with DU among Thai adults.

Methods

This study is based on secondary data from four Thai national oral health surveys in 2000–2001, 2006–2007, 2012 and 2017. Whether an individual from a nationally representative sample of Thai adults aged 35–44 went to see the dentist during the past year was used to define DU. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to assess and compare education and income‐related inequalities in DU. Poisson regression was used to assess factors associated with DU. Income inequalities were not reported for the year 2001 (Income data not available).

Results

Although DU increased after UCS implementation, socioeconomic inequalities persisted. DU was concentrated among high‐education and income groups. Absolute educational inequalities were 0.16 (95% CI: 0.09–0.22), 0.21 (95% CI: 0.10–0.32), 0.26 (95% CI: 0.14–0.38) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.18–0.32) in 2001, 2007, 2012 and 2017, respectively. Absolute income inequalities were 0.15 (95% CI: 0.04–0.26), 0.07 (95% CI: −0.04‐0.18) and 0.12 (95% CI: 0.05–0.19) in 2007, 2012 and 2017, respectively. Occupation, type of health insurance scheme, sex and oral health‐related behaviour were associated with DU.

Conclusion

UCS has improved accessibility to dental services, but UCS alone might not narrow the inequalities gap for Thai adults.
From being ignored to engaging in dialogue: Young boys' narratives of children's participation in child–parent conflicts
Authors: Lahtinen Maria , Böök Marja Leena , Sevón Eija
Published: June 2023

This paper examines children's opportunities to participate in everyday child–parent conflicts as revealed in young boys' fictional narratives. The data were collected from 19 boys aged 3–6 years using the Story Magician's Play Time method. Narrative analysis yielded four story types: ignored participation stories, parent‐directed participation stories, child‐directed participation stories and dialogical participation stories. The study illustrates that when considering children's participation in child–parent conflicts, differences between children in their opportunities to participate in resolving conflicts should be taken into account. The boys' stories draw attention to the importance of children's right to a voice and influence in child–parent conflicts.
“For me, speaking about the past is the best in the world, for them, the worst”: Social landscapes and territories of memory from displaced Colombian children
Authors: Camacho Diana Marcela , Gouvea Maria Cristina Soares
Published: June 2023

The text analyses the memory of displacements of Colombian children, as a result of the armed conflict. To this end, a study was developed with 12 children, between the age of 8 and 12 years, and 5 mothers, belonging from rural areas from North Colombia, now living in Bogota periphery, who where displaced between 2008 and 2015. Visual methodologies (drawings, photography s and especially Google street view) were used to prompt children in articulating live narratives about the experience of displacement, as well as interviews with mothers. Children's memories where characterized by being spatially situated, making use of imagination and bodily experience on their narratives about the past. Differently from their mothers, children expressed the necessity to speak about the past, showing an idyllic perspective about their belonged territories and a profound sense of loss. The study reveals that children are active survivors, that constructed strategies of resistance against displacement in their daily lives, as well as agency in the production of narratives about the lived experience. Moreover, the study put focus on the importance to consider children, like adults, assubjects of memory, that give sense about themselves on the production of narratives.
Is it Possible to Preserve a Language using only Data?
Authors: Bensemann Joshua , Brown Jason , Witbrock Michael , Yogarajan Vithya
Published: June 2023

Many of our spoken languages are endangered and rapidly becoming extinct. Due to this, there are attempts to preserve as many of those languages as possible. One preservation approach is combining data collection and artificial intelligence‐based language models. However, current data collection methods may only capture static data from a dynamic cognitive process. If data are not genuinely capturing the dynamic process, it raises questions about whether they capture all the essential knowledge about how a language functions. Here, we discuss the implications of this issue and its importance in preserving endangered languages.
Measuring Cognitive Abilities in the Wild: Validating a Population‐Scale Game‐Based Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Pedersen Mads Kock , Díaz Carlos Mauricio Castaño , Wang Qian Janice , Alba‐Marrugo Mario Alejandro , Amidi Ali , Basaiawmoit Rajiv V. , Bergenholtz Carsten , Christiansen Morten H. , Gajdacz Miroslav , Hertwig Ralph , Ishkhanyan Byurakn , Klyver Kim , Ladegaard Nicolai , Mathiasen Kim , Parsons Christine , Rafner Janet , Villadsen Anders R. , Wallentin Mikkel , Zana Blanka , Sherson Jacob F.
Published: June 2023

Rapid individual cognitive phenotyping holds the potential to revolutionize domains as wide‐ranging as personalized learning, employment practices, and precision psychiatry. Going beyond limitations imposed by traditional lab‐based experiments, new efforts have been underway toward greater ecological validity and participant diversity to capture the full range of individual differences in cognitive abilities and behaviors across the general population. Building on this, we developed Skill Lab, a novel game‐based tool that simultaneously assesses a broad suite of cognitive abilities while providing an engaging narrative. Skill Lab consists of six mini‐games as well as 14 established cognitive ability tasks. Using a popular citizen science platform (N = 10,725), we conducted a comprehensive validation in the wild of a game‐based cognitive assessment suite. Based on the game and validation task data, we constructed reliable models to simultaneously predict eight cognitive abilities based on the users’ in‐game behavior. Follow‐up validation tests revealed that the models can discriminate nuances contained within each separate cognitive ability as well as capture a shared main factor of generalized cognitive ability. Our game‐based measures are five times faster to complete than the equivalent task‐based measures and replicate previous findings on the decline of certain cognitive abilities with age in our large cross‐sectional population sample (N = 6369). Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility of rapid in‐the‐wild systematic assessment of cognitive abilities as a promising first step toward population‐scale benchmarking and individualized mental health diagnostics.
Enhancing the outline sharpness of crosslinked printed cotton fabrics using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether
Authors: Liang Liting , Li Hong , Cai Xiaoyu , Dai Yue , Yan Jun
Published: June 2023

In the current study, to obtain environmentally friendly printed cotton fabrics with a clear contour edge, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as a crosslinking agent and guar gum as a thickener were used with natural madder dye. The solid content of the thickener was assessed to determine the optimal viscosity of the printing paste. Scanning electron microscopy images and colour depth (K/S) values were used to analyse the surface morphology and printing properties. The pattern outline of the printed cotton fabric was assessed with an optical microscope. Also, the overall fastness properties of the printed fabrics were evaluated. The results showed that when the solid content of guar gum was 2.5%, the viscosity of the printing paste was close to 10 000 mPa.s, which was suitable for printing cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that most of the printing paste was removed during the washing process, and did not affect the microstructure of the cotton fabric. Compared with direct printed cotton fabrics, the K/S values of mordant and crosslinked printed cotton fabrics increased by 3.12 and 4.01, respectively. In the optical microscopy photographs, the mordant and crosslinked printed cotton fabrics displayed a clear outline sharpness of the printed pattern, and excellent printed products were obtained. The colour fastness to washing, rubbing and light of the crosslinked printed cotton fabric were significantly improved, reaching levels of 4‐5.
Intraoperative hypotension and the risk of acute kidney injury following liver transplantation
Authors: Caragata Rebecca , Emerson Sophia , Santema Michael L. , Selzner Nazia , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Wang Stella , Huszti Ella , Van Klei Wilton , McCluskey Stuart A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent adverse outcome following liver transplantation (LT) with a multifactorial etiology. It is critical to identify modifiable risk factors to mitigate the risk. One key area of interest is the role of intraoperative hypotension, which remains relatively unexplored in liver transplant cohorts.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 1292 adult patients who underwent LT (between 2009 and 2019). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between intraoperative hypotension, quantified by time duration (in min) under various mean arterial pressure (MAP) thresholds, and the primary outcome of early postoperative AKI according to the KDIGO criteria.

Results

AKI occurred in 40% of patients and was independently associated with greater than 20 min spent below MAP thresholds of 55 mm Hg (adjusted OR = 1.866; 95% CI = 1.037–3.44; P = 0.041) and 50 mm Hg (adjusted OR = 1.801; 95% CI = 1.087–2.992; P = 0.023). Further sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative AKI was accentuated after restricting the analysis to patients with a normal preoperative renal function.

Conclusions

Prolonged (>20 min) intraoperative hypotension (below a MAP of 55 mm Hg) was independently associated with AKI following LT, after adjusting for several known confounders.
Variant‐based heritability assessment of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl clearance in pediatric patients
Authors: Shannon Morgan L. , Muhammad Ayesha , James Nathan T. , Williams Michael L. , Breeyear Joseph , Edwards Todd , Mosley Jonathan D. , Choi Leena , Kannankeril Prince , Van Driest Sara
Published: June 2023

Despite complex pathways of drug disposition, clinical pharmacogenetic predictors currently rely on only a few high effect variants. Quantification of the polygenic contribution to variability in drug disposition is necessary to prioritize target drugs for pharmacogenomic approaches and guide analytic methods. Dexmedetomidine and fentanyl, often used in postoperative care of pediatric patients, have high rates of inter‐individual variability in dosing requirements. Analyzing previously generated population pharmacokinetic parameters, we used Bayesian hierarchical mixed modeling to measure narrow‐sense (additive) heritability () of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl clearance in children and identify relative contributions of small, moderate, and large effect‐size variants to . We used genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to identify variants contributing to variation in dexmedetomidine and fentanyl clearance, followed by functional analyses to identify associated pathways. For dexmedetomidine, median clearance was 33.0 L/h (interquartile range [IQR] 23.8–47.9 L/h) and was estimated to be 0.35 (90% credible interval 0.00–0.90), with 45% of attributed to large‐, 32% to moderate‐, and 23% to small‐effect variants. The fentanyl cohort had median clearance of 8.2 L/h (IQR 4.7–16.7 L/h), with estimated of 0.30 (90% credible interval 0.00–0.84). Large‐effect variants accounted for 30% of , whereas moderate‐ and small‐effect variants accounted for 37% and 33%, respectively. As expected, given small sample sizes, no individual variants or pathways were significantly associated with dexmedetomidine or fentanyl clearance by GWAS. We conclude that clearance of both drugs is highly polygenic, motivating the future use of polygenic risk scores to guide appropriate dosing of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl.
Beneficial effects of a music listening intervention on neural speech processing in 0–28‐month‐old children at risk for dyslexia
Authors: Paula Virtala , Vesa Putkinen , Anastasia Gallen , Anja Thiede , Laurel J Trainor , Teija Kujala
Published: June 2023

Familial risk for developmental dyslexia can compromise auditory and speech processing and subsequent language and literacy development. According to the phonological deficit theory, supporting phonological development during the sensitive infancy period could prevent or ameliorate future dyslexic symptoms. Music is an established method for supporting auditory and speech processing and even language and literacy, but no previous studies have investigated its benefits for infants at risk for developmental language and reading disorders. We pseudo‐randomized N∼150 infants at risk for dyslexia to vocal or instrumental music listening interventions at 0–6 months, or to a no‐intervention control group. Music listening was used as an easy‐to‐administer, cost‐effective intervention in early infancy. Mismatch responses (MMRs) elicited by speech‐sound changes were recorded with electroencephalogram (EEG) before (at birth) and after (at 6 months) the intervention and at a 28 months follow‐up. We expected particularly the vocal intervention to promote phonological development, evidenced by enhanced speech‐sound MMRs and their fast maturation. We found enhanced positive MMR amplitudes in the vocal music listening intervention group after but not prior to the intervention. Other music activities reported by parents did not differ between the three groups, indicating that the group effects were attributable to the intervention. The results speak for the use of vocal music in early infancy to support speech processing and subsequent language development in infants at developmental risk.

Research Highlights

Dyslexia‐risk infants were pseudo‐randomly assigned to a vocal or instrumental music listening intervention at home from birth to 6 months of age.

Neural mismatch responses (MMRs) to speech‐sound changes were enhanced in the vocal music intervention group after but not prior to the intervention.

Even passive vocal music listening in early infancy can support phonological development known to be deficient in dyslexia‐risk.
Optogenetic control of medaka behavior with channelrhodopsin
Authors: Seki Takahide , Takeuchi Hideaki , Ansai Satoshi
Published: June 2023

Optogenetics enables the manipulation of neural activity with high spatiotemporal resolution in genetically defined neurons. The method is widely used in various model animals in the neuroscience and physiology fields. Channelrhodopsins are robust tools for optogenetic manipulation, but they have not yet been used for studies in medaka. In the present study, we used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9‐mediated knock‐in approach to establish a transgenic medaka strain expressing the Chloromonas oogama channelrhodopsin (CoChR) in the ISL LIM homeobox 1 (isl1) locus. We demonstrated that light stimuli elicited specific behavioral responses, such as bending or turning locomotion in the embryos and pectoral fin movements in the larvae and adults. The response probabilities and intensities of these movements could be controlled by adjusting the intensity, duration, or wavelength of each light stimulus. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the pectoral fin movements in the adult stage could be elicited using a laser pointer to irradiate region including the caudal hind brain and the rostral spinal cord. Our results indicate that CoChR allows for manipulation of medaka behaviors by activating targeted neurons, which will further our understanding of the detailed neural mechanisms of motor control or social behaviors in medaka.
Inter‐center reproducibility of standard and advanced echocardiographic parameters in the EACVI‐AFib echo registry
Authors: Santoro Ciro , Donal Erwan , Magne Julien , Sade Leyla Elif , Penicka Martin , Katbeh Asim , Cosyns Bernard , Cameli Matteo , Hanzevacki Jadranka Separovic , Luksic Vlatka Reskovic , Agricola Eustachio , Citro Rodolfo , Hagendorff Andreas , Lancellotti Patrizio , Habib Gilbert , Moreo Antonella , Cardim Nuno , Parato Vito Maurizio , Neskovic Alexsandar , Rosca Monica , Galli Elena , Motoc Andreea , Mandoli Giulia , Ingallina Giacomo , Prota Costantina , Stoebe Stephen , Piette Caroline , Mouhat Basile , Carbone Andreina , Chiara Benedetta De , Ilardi Federica , Stankovic Ivan , Zamorano Jose Luis , Popescu Bogdan Alexandru , Edvardsen Thor , Galderisi Maurizio
Published: June 2023

Aim

we sought to test the inter‐center reproducibility of 16 echo laboratories involved in the EACVI‐Afib Echo Europe.

Methods

This was done on a dedicated setting of 10 patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and 10 with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), collected by the Principal Investigator. Images and loops of echo‐exams were stored and made available for labs. The tested measurements included main echo‐Doppler parameters, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS).

Results

Single measures interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of left ventricular mass and ejection fraction were suboptimal in both patients with SR and AF. Among diastolic parameters, ICCs of deceleration time were poor, in particular in AF (=.50). ICCs of left atrial size and function, besides optimal in AF, showed an acceptable despite moderate concordance in SR. ICC of GLS was .81 and .78 in SR and AF respectively. ICCs of PALS were suitable but lower in 4‐chamber than in 2‐chamber view. By depicting the boxplot of the 16 laboratories, GLS distribution was completely homogeneous in SR, whereas GLS of AF and PALS of both SR and AF presented a limited number of outliers. GLS mean ± SE of the 16 labs was 19.7 ± .36 (95% CI: 18.8‐20.4) in SR and 16.5 ± .29 (95% CI: 15.9‐17.1) in AF, whereas PALS mean ± SE was 43.8 ± .70 (95% CI: 42.3‐45.3) and 10.2 ± .32 (95% CI: 9.5‐10.9) respectively.

Conclusion

While the utilization of some standard‐echo variables should be discouraged in registries, the application of GLS and PALS could be largely promoted because their superior reproducibility, even in AF.
Wolverine density distribution reflects past persecution and current management in Scandinavia
Authors: Moqanaki Ehsan , Milleret Cyril , Dupont Pierre , Brøseth Henrik , Bischof Richard
Published: June 2023

After centuries of intense persecution, several large carnivore species in Europe and North America have experienced a rebound. Today's spatial configuration of large carnivore populations has likely arisen from the interplay between their ecological traits and current environmental conditions, but also from their history of persecution and protection. Yet, due to the challenge of studying population‐level phenomena, we are rarely able to disentangle and quantify the influence of past and present factors driving the distribution and density of these controversial species. Using spatial capture‐recapture models and a data set of 742 genetically identified wolverines Gulo gulo collected over ½ million km2 across their entire range in Norway and Sweden, we identify landscape‐level factors explaining the current population density of wolverines in the Scandinavian Peninsula. Distance from the relict range along the Swedish–Norwegian border, where the wolverine population survived a long history of persecution, remains a key determinant of wolverine density today. However, regional differences in management and environmental conditions also played an important role in shaping spatial patterns in present‐day wolverine density. Specifically, we found evidence of slower recolonization in areas that had set lower wolverine population goals in terms of the desired number of annual reproductions. Management of transboundary large carnivore populations at biologically relevant scales may be inhibited by administrative fragmentation. Yet, as our study shows, population‐level monitoring is an achievable prerequisite for a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and density of large carnivores across an increasingly anthropogenic landscape.
Lipid‐rich diets increase parasitism by the parasitoidTrichogramma pretiosum
Authors: Raynard Yoan , Coelho Aloisio , Deschamps Francisco Carlos , Parra José Roberto Postali
Published: June 2023

Lipids have been little investigated as food for adult insects, considering the importance of these macronutrients for development and reproduction. Lipid reserves are essential for oogenesis and somatic functions. Through host‐feeding, parasitoid females obtain essential nutrients, including lipids used in reproduction. The present study determined the lipid profile ofAnagasta kuehniella(Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a factitious host ofTrichogrammaparasitoid wasps, and evaluated whether the fertility of the parasitoid was increased by supplementing its diet with oils having a lipid profile similar to that of the host. Females ofTrichogramma pretiosumRiley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) fed continuously with a diet composed of 90% honey and 10% vegetable oil, mixed in a water bath at 70 °C, parasitized significantly more eggs (11–18%) than did females fed only with pure honey. However, addition of the oil reduced the longevity of these wasps by 40% compared to the controls fed with pure honey. The oil‐enriched diet did not affect the flight performance and quality of the offspring. This information on the use and allocation of lipid reserves inT. pretiosumwill help to increase the parasitism capacity of this important biocontrol agent, when produced by mass rearing.
Dental sleep medicine education among undergraduate dental students in France
Authors: François Cindy , Bonafé Isabelle , Carra Maria Clotilde , Bertrand Caroline , Micoulaud‐Franchi Jean‐Arthur , d'Incau Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Dental sleep medicine (DSM) is an emerging discipline that studies the oral and maxillofacial causes and consequences of sleep‐related problems. DSM is of upmost importance given the major medical challenge it represents. Therefore, to verify whether the future generation of dentists would be ready to face this challenge, the main objective of this study was to assess the degree of involvement of the French dental schools in teaching DSM at the undergraduate level.

Materials and Methods

All 16 dental schools in France were asked to participate in the study by answering to an online survey concerning the DSM curriculum during the 2018–2019 academic year. The survey was addressed to the head of the dental school and/or to relevant course coordinators and contained 10 questions related to the type, content and amount of DSM teaching to undergraduate dental students.

Results

Nine of the 16 (56.2%) French dental schools responded to the questionnaire. All these nine reported the inclusion of DSM in their undergraduate curriculum. The total average hours dedicated to teaching DSM was 5.6 h (SD 4.2; range 1–15 h). Seven of the 9 dental schools spent most of their DSM curriculum teaching time in the fifth year. All of them reviewed obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep‐related bruxism and covered some topics related to therapies for sleep‐related breathing disorders, such as the use of oral appliance.

Conclusion

The results of this survey showed that, although the average hourly volume is relatively high, the DSM teaching in French dental schools appeared to be non‐standardised, heterogeneous and often lacunar. It is therefore essential to develop a common curriculum and implement it in all dental schools to provide undergraduate students a comprehensive and updated teaching in DSM.
Sepsis sensitizes behavioural amphetamine responses while inducing inflammatory and neurotrophic vulnerability in the cecal ligation and puncture model
Authors: Valvassori Samira S. , Possamai‐Della Taise , Aguiar‐Geraldo Jorge M. , Sant'Ana Rômulo Goronci , Dal‐Pont Gustavo C. , Pescador Bruna , Zugno Alexandra I. , Quevedo João , Dal‐Pizzol Felipe
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate if sepsis sensitizes behavioural and biochemical responses induced by m‐amphetamine. For this, Wistar rats were submitted to the cecal ligation and puncture. After 30 days of cecal ligation and puncture procedure, the animals were submitted to a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or m‐amphetamine (.25, .50, or 1.0 mg/kg). Locomotor behaviour was assessed 2 h after the administration. Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor‐α, dopamine‐cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein of 32,000 kDa (DARPP‐32) and neuronal calcium sensor (NCS‐1) levels were evaluated in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Also, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neuronal growth factor and glial‐derived neurotrophic factor levels were assessed in the hippocampus. M‐amphetamine alone (.25 and 1.0 mg/kg) increased rats' locomotion and exploratory behaviour compared with the Sham + Sal. Animals from the cecal ligation and puncture + m‐amphetamine (.5 and/or 1.0 mg/kg) group showed an increase in locomotion, exploratory and risk‐like behaviour when compared with the Sham + Saline group and with its respective Sham groups. Cecal ligation and puncture increased interleukin levels compared with the Sham + Sal. However, cecal ligation and puncture animals that received m‐amphetamine (1 mg/kg) increased even more, these inflammatory parameters compared with the Sham + Sal and the cecal ligation and puncture + saline group. M‐amphetamine at lower doses increased neurotrophic factors, but higher doses decreased these parameters in the brain of cecal ligation and puncture rats. M‐amphetamine dose‐dependently increased DARPP‐32 and NCS‐1 levels in cecal ligation and puncture rats in some structures. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that sepsis sensitizes behavioural amphetamine responses while inducing inflammatory and neurotrophic vulnerability in the cecal ligation and puncture model.
Effect of long‐term intake of liquid nutrition on the development and maintenance of the weight and size of the skull, mandible, and teeth in rats
Authors: Blasko Filip , Novak Bohuslav , Gyonyorova Karolina , Mravec Boris
Published: June 2023

The consistency of the diet may affect the development and maintenance of the muscular and bony parts of the masticatory apparatus. Therefore, we investigated the effect of chronic intake of liquid nutrition (Fresubin) on the growth and maintenance of the weight and size of the skull, mandible, and teeth in Wistar rats fed with liquid nutrition during different developmental periods: (i) from weaning to adulthood, (ii) only in the juvenile period, or (iii) only in adulthood. We found that in all groups of rats fed with liquid nutrition, the skull and the mandible were significantly lighter in weight than those of control rats fed exclusively with pelleted chow from weaning to adulthood. In addition, in rats fed with liquid nutrition, the length of the mandible was significantly increased, whereas the height of the mandible and the length of the upper incisors were reduced. Our data indicate that food consistency may profoundly affect the growth pattern and the maintenance of the mass and size of skull bones and teeth during different periods of life. The extent of the effect was found to depend on the period during which liquid nutrition is provided and on the duration of its intake. In conclusion, the findings indicate that prolonged intake of liquid nutrition can significantly affect the development of the bone part of the masticatory apparatus.
A cost analysis of MR‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for adult refractory epilepsy
Authors: Brandel Michael G. , Kunwar Nikhita , Alattar Ali A. , Kang Keiko M. , Forseth Kiefer J. , Rennert Robert C. , Shih Jerry J. , Ben‐Haim Sharona
Published: June 2023

Objective

MR‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is used increasingly for refractory epilepsy. The goal of this investigation is to directly compare cost and short‐term adverse outcomes for adult refractory epilepsy treated with temporal lobectomy and LITT, as well as to identify risk factors for increased costs and adverse outcomes.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for patients who received LITT between 2012 and 2019. Patients with adult refractory epilepsy were identified. Multivariable mixed‐effects models were used to analyze predictors of cost, length of stay (LOS), and complications.

Results

LITT was associated with reduced LOS and overall cost relative to temporal lobectomy, with a statistical trend toward lower incidence of postoperative complications. High‐volume surgical epilepsy centers had lower LOS overall. Longer LOS was a significant driver of increased cost for LITT, and higher comorbidity was associated with non‐routine discharge.

Significance

LITT is an affordable alternative to temporal lobectomy for adult refractory epilepsy with an insignificant reduction in inpatient complications. Patients may benefit from expanded access to this treatment modality for both its reduced LOS and lower cost.
Investigation of cardiac arrhythmia events in patients treated with lamotrigine: FDA adverse event reporing system analysis
Authors: Aboukaoud Mohammed , Wilf‐Yarkoni Adi , Maor Elad
Published: June 2023

Objectives

In October 2020 and March 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified lamotrigine as a class IB antiarrhythmic, announcing an increased risk of heart rhythm problems. We sought to investigate the nature of the arrhythmia signal with lamotrigine use compared to anticonvulsants with sodium‐blocking and non–sodium‐blocking mechanisms.

Methods

This retrospective pharmacovigilance case–non‐case study used disproportionality analysis to detect signals of adverse reaction of interest reported with lamotrigine to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between 1998 and 2022. Our regression model adjusted for interacting concomitant medications. Sensitivity analyses included stratifying by indication and publication date.

Results

Overall, 2917 cases of heart rhythm problems with anticonvulsants were analyzed (1557 female [58.4%] and 1109 male [41.6%]). The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 43 ± 19, the groups did not differ significantly by age. Forty cases (7.91%) in the epileptic indication included more than one concomitant medication that influences cardiac conduction. The disproportionality signal for cardiac arrest did not differ for lamotrigine compared with other anticonvulsants, adjusted reporting odds ratio (adj.ROR, .88; 95% CI, .59–1.29) in the epileptic indication. A significantly lower reporting risk for bradyarrhythmia was identified with lamotrigine users in the epileptic population, (adj.ROR, .45; 95% confidence interval [CI], .29–.68). The psychiatric indication demonstrated a sixfold reporting risk for cardiac arrest compared to the epileptic indication. Concomitant medications that affect cardiac conduction, as well as reports on overdose and suicide attempts, were significant variables in psychiatric patients (ROR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.21–2.71) and (ROR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.34–1.55), respectively.

Significance

Our results do not support a significant difference in the reporting risk for cardiac arrest, syncope, tachyarrhythmia, and bradyarrhythmia with lamotrigine in the epileptic indication. Signals of cardiac arrest in lamotrigine could be explained by confounding factors in the psychiatric indication, such as greater concomitant use of medications with cardiac adverse events, and greater reports on overdose and suicide attempts. We recommend that patients with polypharmacy undergo clinical and electrocardiographic monitoring. We illustrate the importance of examining signals for separate indications.
Knowledge and beliefs about epilepsy genetics among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic patients
Authors: Trujillo Shannon , Wetmore John B. , Camarillo Itzel A. , Misiewicz Sylwia , May Halie , Choi Hyunmi , Siegel Karolynn , Chung Wendy K. , Phelan Jo C. , Yang Lawrence H. , Leu Cheng‐Shiun , Bergner Amanda L. , Ottman Ruth
Published: June 2023

Objective

Hispanics continue to face challenges when trying to access health care, including epilepsy care and genetic‐related health care services. This study examined epilepsy genetic knowledge and beliefs in this historically underserved population.

Methods

Questionnaires were completed by 641 adults with epilepsy without identified cause, of whom 122 self‐identified as Hispanic or Latino and 519 as non‐Hispanic. Participants were asked about their views on the contribution of genetics to the cause of their epilepsy (“genetic attribution”), optimism for advancements in epilepsy genetic research (“genetic optimism”), basic genetic knowledge, and epilepsy‐specific genetic knowledge. Generalized linear models were used to compare the two groups in the means of quantitative measures and percents answered correctly for individual genetic knowledge items. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education, religion, family history of epilepsy, and time since last seizure.

Results

Hispanics did not differ from non‐Hispanics in genetic attribution, genetic optimism, or number of six basic genetic knowledge items answered correctly. The number of nine epilepsy‐specific genetic knowledge items answered correctly was significantly lower for Hispanics than non‐Hispanics (adjusted mean = 6.0 vs. 6.7, p < .001). After adjustment for education and other potential mediators, the proportion answered correctly was significantly lower for Hispanics than non‐Hispanics for only two items related to family history and penetrance of epilepsy‐related genes. Only 54% of Hispanics and 61% of non‐Hispanics answered correctly that “If a person has epilepsy, his or her relatives have an increased chance of getting epilepsy.”

Significance

Despite large differences in sociodemographic variables including education, most attitudes and beliefs about genetics were similar in Hispanics and non‐Hispanics. Epilepsy‐specific genetic knowledge was lower among Hispanics than non‐Hispanics, and this difference was mostly mediated by differences in demographic variables. Genetic counseling should address key concepts related to epilepsy genetics to ensure they are well understood by both Hispanic and non‐Hispanic patients.
The females' response to male attractiveness: Mate choice, larvae production and differential brain protein expression
Authors: Hernández‐Villanueva Miguel , Cordero‐Molina Sagrario , Macías García Constantino , Contreras‐Garduño Jorge
Published: June 2023

Sexual Selection has been studied predominantly from a functional perspective with relatively limited investigation of the mechanistic basis of female choice. In this study, we evaluated female choice and larvae production in response to attractive or less attractive males and concurrently examined the protein profile in the brains of females, using the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model system. Females were found to prefer males with high levels of pheromones, which requires the secretion of juvenile hormone (JH). Male attractiveness was enhanced using the JH analog methoprene, resulting in less female rejection and higher mating frequency and offspring production. Importantly, reproductive success was not due to differences in testis size or sperm production, or viability. Out of the 1833 proteins detected in the brain, only 32 were differentially expressed in females mating with attractive versus less attractive males. These proteins involved memory, metabolism, olfactory detection, reproduction, and movement. Although some brain proteins have been linked to mate choice in vertebrates, most of the differentially expressed molecules found in this study have not been previously reported concerning mate choice.