bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote memory of drug experiences coexists with cognitive decline and abnormal adult neurogenesis in an animal model of cocaine‐altered cognition
Authors: Mañas‐Padilla M. Carmen , Gil‐Rodríguez Sara , Sampedro‐Piquero Patricia , Ávila‐Gámiz Fabiola , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Santín Luis J. , Castilla‐Ortega Estela
Published: February 2020

Cocaine addiction is a chronic disorder in which the person loses control over drug use. The past memories of the stimuli associated with the drug are a relevant clinical problem, since they trigger compulsive drug‐seeking and drug‐taking habits. Furthermore, these persistent drug‐related memories seemingly coexist with cognitive decline that predicts worse therapeutic output. Here, we use a new animal model of cocaine‐altered cognition that allowed to observe these events in the same individual and study their relationship. Mice were chronically administered cocaine in a conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus for 14 days, and control mice received saline. After 28 days of cocaine withdrawal, animals were tested for retrieval of remote drug–associated memory as well as for cognitive performance in a battery of tests, including novel object and place recognition and spatial memory. The cocaine‐withdrawn mice showed persistent CPP memory while impaired in the cognitive tasks, displaying deficits in reference memory acquisition and working memory. However, the CPP expression was not associated with the defective cognitive performance, indicating that they were concomitant but independent occurrences. After completion of the experiment, adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) was studied as a relevant neurobiological correlate due to its potential role in both learning and drug addiction. Results suggested a preserved basal AHN in the cocaine‐withdrawn mice but an aberrant learning‐induced regulation of these neurons. This paradigm may be useful to investigate maladaptive cognition in drug addiction as well as related therapies.
Consumers’ perception of CSR motives in a post‐socialist society: The case of Serbia
Authors: Vuković Andrea , Miletić Ljiljana , Čurčić Radmila , Ničić Milica
Published: February 2020

Questionnaire‐based consumer research was conducted in Serbia, as a country in a long post‐socialist transition. The focus was on consumers’ opinions of benefits and attitudes which motivate companies to act in a socially responsible way. Analysis resulted in a division of CSR motives into two main clusters: cluster I—stakeholder and value‐driven motives, and cluster II—egoistic motives, performance, and market‐driven motives. The division obviously concerned motives which were the socialist legacy (endogenous motives in cluster I), and motives imported from open market economies (exogenous motives in cluster II). Consumers’ perceptions are significantly different for endogenous and exogenous CSR motives. Exogenous motives are perceived as principal companies’ motives to practice CSR, but there are no significant correlations between the perception of these motives and consumers’ purchase decisions. Endogenous, value, and stakeholder‐driven motives are perceived in a significantly lower degree as CSR motivators with highly divided consumers’ opinions and female consumers rating them significantly higher. Consumers’ purchase decisions are in a statistically significant positive correlation with attribution of endogenous, value, and stakeholders’ needs‐driven motives.
Regulation of ICa,L and force by PDEs in human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Saleem Umber , Ismaili Djemail , Mannhardt Ingra , Pinnschmidt Hans , Schulze Thomas , Christ Torsten , Eschenhagen Thomas , Hansen Arne
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of β‐adrenoceptor signalling in the heart. While PDE4 is the most important isoform that regulates ICa,L and force in rodent cardiomyocytes, the dominant isoform in adult human cardiomyocytes is PDE3.

Experimental Approach

Given the potential of human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) for biomedical research, this study characterized the contribution of PDE3 and PDE4 isoforms to the regulation of ICa,L and force in hiPSC‐CMs in an engineered heart tissue (EHT) model.

Key Results

There was a lower abundance of mRNA for PDE3A and 4A in hiPSC‐CM EHT than in non‐failing human heart samples. Selective inhibition of PDE3 and 4 with cilostamide and rolipram, respectively, showed that, in hiPSC‐CM, PDE4 was the predominant isoform for the regulation of ICa,L (cilostamide: +1.44‐fold; rolipram: +1.77‐fold). Furthermore, in contrast to cilostamide, rolipram decreased the EC50 of isoprenaline about 15‐fold.

Conclusion and implications

The predominance of PDE4 over PDE3 is a peculiarity of hiPSC‐CMs and is probably an indicator of immaturity. This finding has implications for the use of hiPSC‐CM as pharmacological models to investigate and assess the effects of PDE inhibitors.
Advancing Scientific Integrity, Transparency, and Openness in Child Development Research: Challenges and Possible Solutions
Authors: Gilmore Rick O. , Cole Pamela M. , Verma Suman , van Aken Marcel A.G , Worthman Carol M.
Published: February 2020

In 2019, the Governing Council of the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) adopted a Policy on Scientific Integrity, Transparency, and Openness (SRCD, 2019a) and accompanying Author Guidelines on Scientific Integrity and Openness in Child Development (SRCD, 2019b). In this issue, a companion article (Gennetian, Tamis‐LeMonda, & Frank) discusses the opportunities to realize SRCD’s vision for a science of child development that is open, transparent, robust, and impactful. In this article, we discuss some of the challenges associated with realizing SRCD’s vision. In identifying these challenges—protecting participants and researchers from harm, respecting diversity, and balancing the benefits of change with the costs—we also offer constructive solutions.
A recurrent pathogenic variant in TPM2 reveals further phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in multiple pterygium syndrome‐related disorders
Authors: Vogt Julie , Al‐Saedi Atif , Willis Tracey , Male Alison , McKie Arthur , Kiely Nigel , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: February 2020

Multiple pterygium syndrome (MPS) disorders are a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by multiple joint contractures (arthrogryposis), pterygia (joint webbing) and other developmental defects. MPS is most frequently inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion but X‐linked and autosomal dominant forms also occur. Advances in genomic technologies have identified many genetic causes of MPS‐related disorders and genetic diagnosis requires large targeted next generation sequencing gene panels or genome‐wide sequencing approaches. Using the Illumina TruSightOne clinical exome assay, we identified a recurrent heterozygous missense substitution in TPM2 (encoding beta tropomyosin) in three unrelated individuals. This was confirmed to have arisen as a de novo event in the two patients with parental samples. TPM2 mutations have previously been described in association with a variety of dominantly inherited neuromuscular phenotypes including nemaline myopathy, congenital fibre‐type disproportion, distal arthrogryposis and trismus pseudocamptodactyly, and in a patient with autosomal recessive Escobar syndrome and a nemaline myopathy. The three cases reported here had overlapping but variable features. Our findings expand the range of TMP2‐related phenotypes and indicate that de novo TMP2 mutations should be considered in isolated cases of MPS‐related conditions.
Bone formation around two titanium implant surfaces placed in bone defects with and without a bone substitute material: A histological, histomorphometric, and micro‐computed tomography evaluation
Authors: Trento Guilherme , de A. Carvalho Pedro Henrique , de C. Reis Erik N. R. , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Bassi Ana Paula F. , Pereira‐Filho Valfrido Antonio
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the histological and microtomographic response of peri‐implant bone tissue around titanium implants with different surface treatments, placed in bone defects filled or not filled with bone substitute materials.

Materials and Methods

Thirty rabbits were divided into two groups according to the implant surface treatment. A bone defect was created in both tibias of all the rabbits, followed by the placement of one implant in each of these defects. On the left tibia, the defect was filled with a blood clot (BC), and on the right tibia, the defect was filled with biphasic hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium‐phosphate (HA/TCP); thus, there were four groups in total: BC‐N: bone defect filled with a BC and porous surface titanium implant (control group); BC‐A: bone defect filled with a BC and porous‐hydrophilic surface titanium implant; HA/TCP‐N: bone defect filled with a bone substitute material and porous surface titanium implant; HA/TCP‐A: bone defect filled with a bone substitute material and porous‐hydrophilic surface titanium implant. The animals were submitted for euthanasia at three distinct periods: 15, 30, and 60 days after implant installation. The samples were evaluated histologically and histometrically, to assess the quantity and quality of cells and the remaining bone substitute material in the grafted areas. The bone quantity was assessed by micro‐computed tomography (CT).

Results

For both surface types, the presence of a bone substitute material led to higher values in all evaluated micro‐CT parameters, except in the bone surface/volume ratio parameter. No significant statistical difference was found for new bone formation between the four groups (P < .05; CI 95%). At all periods, the HA/TCP‐A group had a higher percentage of new bone formation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a porous hydrophilic surface in the presence of bone substitute material can accelerate peri‐implant bone tissue formation.
Sex differences of hemodynamics during acute vasoreactivity testing to predict the outcomes of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yang Yi‐Lan , Yu Yan‐Zhe , Yuan Ping , Gong Su‐Gang , Wang Chuan‐Yu , Li Yuan , Zhao Qin‐Hua , Jiang Rong , Wu Wen‐Hui , He Jing , Guo Jian , Luo Ci‐Jun , Qiu Hong‐Ling , Li Jin‐Ling , Wang Lan , Xie Wei‐Ping , Liu Jin‐Ming
Published: February 2020

Background

Acute vasoreactivity testing (AVT) which reflects the compliance of the pulmonary vascular bed has been proven to be of prognostic value. The purpose of the present study is to explore the sex differences of hemodynamics during the AVT and their impact on event‐free survival in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods

Eighty‐six patients underwent a right heart catheterization and AVT at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from February 2009 to February 2018. Univariate and multiple stepwise regression analysis were performed to determine the predictors of independent event‐free survival, and receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to determine the cut‐off value of independent parameters in CTEPH.

Results

There were no significant differences in both demographics and hemodynamics between male and female patients with CTEPH. Except ΔPVR/PVR showed a significantly higher difference in female than male patients (P = 0.034). Male patients had higher mRAP of pre‐ and post‐AVT than female patients in the event‐free subgroup, while, female patients showed higher PVR of pre‐AVT than male patients in the event subgroup (P < 0.05). The mRAP and SvO2 were independent predictors of event‐free survival in female patients both before and after the AVT, whereas ΔSvO2 was an independent predictor of event‐free survival in male patients.

Conclusion

Hemodynamics during the AVT varied between male and female patients with CTEPH. Both sexes displayed unique hemodynamic responses that were independently able to predict event‐free survival. Therefore, better estimates of prognosis in CTEPH can be made when sex differences are also taken into consideration.
Relationship between nocturnal blood pressure patterns and end organ damage and diastolic dysfunction in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Oreschak Kris , Wolfel Eugene E. , Saba Laura M. , Ambardekar Amrut V. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Aquilante Christina L.
Published: February 2020

Background

We assessed the relationship between circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns and clinical outcomes in a contemporary cohort of adult heart transplant recipients.

Methods

This retrospective, cross‐sectional study included adult heart transplant recipients at least 6 months post‐transplant. Ambulatory BP measurements were recorded over 24 hours. Nondippers were defined as a decline in average nighttime BP ≤ 10% compared with daytime. Primary outcomes were the presence of end organ damage, that is, microalbuminuria, chronic kidney disease, and/or left ventricular hypertrophy. Secondary outcomes were measures of diastolic dysfunction (ie, mitral valve deceleration time, e/e′, E/A, and isovolumetric relaxation time), microalbumin/creatinine ratio, eGFR, interventricular septal thickness, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness.

Results

Of 30 patients, 53.3% (n = 16) were systolic nondippers and 40% (n = 12) were diastolic nondippers. Diastolic nondippers had three times higher urine microalbumin/creatinine ratios than diastolic dippers (P = .03). Systolic nondippers had 16.3% lower mitral valve deceleration time (P = .05) than systolic dippers, while diastolic nondippers had 20.4% higher e/e′ (P = .05) than diastolic dippers. There were no significant relationships between BP dipping status and any of the primary outcomes.

Conclusions

These data suggest that systolic and diastolic nondipping BP patterns are associated with subclinical kidney damage and diastolic dysfunction in heart transplant recipients.
Buyer Engagement and Labour Conditions in Global Supply Chains: The Bangladesh Accord and Beyond
Authors: Oka Chikako , Egels‐Zandén Niklas , Alexander Rachel
Published: February 2020

The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (‘the Accord’) has received both praise and criticism concerning its implications for corporate responsibility and power. This article contributes to the debate by situating the Accord within a broader set of activities that buyers are engaged in to promote better labour conditions in their supply chains. The authors identify three approaches of buyer engagement: auditing, capacity building and advocacy. Drawing on interviews conducted with European brands and retailers, the article shows how buyers perceive the merits and challenges of these approaches, and whether and how they discharge responsibility and power through these activities. The study shows that the Accord is seen primarily as part of the auditing approach with a key feature being its use of collective leverage as a means of enforcement. While greater buyer power has not necessarily been accompanied by greater responsibility, the article highlights heterogeneity among buyers in how they take up different approaches, painting a more nuanced picture of buyer responsibility and power.
Responses of putative medium spiny neurons and fast‐spiking interneurons to reward‐related sensory signals in Wistar and genetically hypertensive rats
Authors: Perk Christopher G. , Wickens Jeffery R. , Hyland Brian I.
Published: February 2020

Medium spiny neurons (MSN) are the primary output neurons of the striatum. Their activity is modulated by exogenous afferents and local circuit inputs, including fast‐spiking interneurons (FSI). Altered responses of MSN and FSI may account for altered reward‐driven behaviour in hyperactive rat strains, such as the genetically hypertensive (GH) rat. To investigate whether striatal neuron responses differ between GH and Wistar rats, we recorded putative MSNs (pMSN) and FSI (pFSI) from freely moving GH and Wistar rats in a classically conditioned (Pavlovian) cue‐reward association paradigm. Here, the same auditory cue signal predicted reward delivery in one block of trials, but was not followed by reward in another. The significance of the cue as a reward predictor was indicated during each block by an environmental context provided by the house light. The results showed that pMSN in GH rats, but not Wistar rats, were more sensitive to the auditory signal in the context indicating no‐reward, than in the reward context. Such enhanced sensitivity to cues in a no‐reward context may contribute to a specific deficit in instrumental behaviour seen in GH rats, which maintain higher levels of instrumental responding in a context that indicates responding will not be rewarded. In addition, pFSI also responded to auditory signals, but there was no significant effect of reward context. Surprisingly, given their known feed‐forward role, pFSI responded at longer latency than pMSN, suggesting that relative timing of activity in the two populations may be task specific.
Biological concepts in human sodium channel epilepsies and their relevance in clinical practice
Authors: Brunklaus Andreas , Du Juanjiangmeng , Steckler Felix , Ghanty Ismael I. , Johannesen Katrine M. , Fenger Christina Dühring , Schorge Stephanie , Baez‐Nieto David , Wang Hao‐Ran , Allen Andrew , Pan Jen Q. , Lerche Holger , Heyne Henrike , Symonds Joseph D. , Zuberi Sameer M. , Sanders Stephan , Sheidley Beth R. , Craiu Dana , Olson Heather E. , Weckhuysen Sarah , DeJonge Peter , Helbig Ingo , Van Esch Hilde , Busa Tiffany , Milh Matthieu , Isidor Bertrand , Depienne Christel , Poduri Annapurna , Campbell Arthur J. , Dimidschstein Jordane , Møller Rikke S. , Lal Dennis
Published: February 2020

Objective

Voltage‐gated sodium channels (SCNs) share similar amino acid sequence, structure, and function. Genetic variants in the four human brain‐expressed SCN genes SCN1A/2A/3A/8A have been associated with heterogeneous epilepsy phenotypes and neurodevelopmental disorders. To better understand the biology of seizure susceptibility in SCN‐related epilepsies, our aim was to determine similarities and differences between sodium channel disorders, allowing us to develop a broader perspective on precision treatment than on an individual gene level alone.

Methods

We analyzed genotype‐phenotype correlations in large SCN‐patient cohorts and applied variant constraint analysis to identify severe sodium channel disease. We examined temporal patterns of human SCN expression and correlated functional data from in vitro studies with clinical phenotypes across different sodium channel disorders.

Results

Comparing 865 epilepsy patients (504 SCN1A, 140 SCN2A, 171 SCN8A, four SCN3A, 46 copy number variation [CNV] cases) and analysis of 114 functional studies allowed us to identify common patterns of presentation. All four epilepsy‐associated SCN genes demonstrated significant constraint in both protein truncating and missense variation when compared to other SCN genes. We observed that age at seizure onset is related to SCN gene expression over time. Individuals with gain‐of‐function SCN2A/3A/8A missense variants or CNV duplications share similar characteristics, most frequently present with early onset epilepsy (<3 months), and demonstrate good response to sodium channel blockers (SCBs). Direct comparison of corresponding SCN variants across different SCN subtypes illustrates that the functional effects of variants in corresponding channel locations are similar; however, their clinical manifestation differs, depending on their role in different types of neurons in which they are expressed.

Significance

Variant function and location within one channel can serve as a surrogate for variant effects across related sodium channels. Taking a broader view on precision treatment suggests that in those patients with a suspected underlying genetic epilepsy presenting with neonatal or early onset seizures (<3 months), SCBs should be considered.
Acclimation of leaf respiration consistent with optimal photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Wang Han , Atkin Owen K. , Keenan Trevor F. , Smith Nicholas G. , Wright Ian J. , Bloomfield Keith J. , Kattge Jens , Reich Peter B. , Prentice I. Colin
Published: February 2020

Plant respiration is an important contributor to the proposed positive global carbon‐cycle feedback to climate change. However, as a major component, leaf mitochondrial (‘dark’) respiration (Rd) differs among species adapted to contrasting environments and is known to acclimate to sustained changes in temperature. No accepted theory explains these phenomena or predicts its magnitude. Here we propose that the acclimation of Rd follows an optimal behaviour related to the need to maintain long‐term average photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax) so that available environmental resources can be most efficiently used for photosynthesis. To test this hypothesis, we extend photosynthetic co‐ordination theory to predict the acclimation of Rd to growth temperature via a link to Vcmax, and compare predictions to a global set of measurements from 112 sites spanning all terrestrial biomes. This extended co‐ordination theory predicts that field‐measured Rd and Vcmax accessed at growth temperature (Rd,tg and Vcmax,tg) should increase by 3.7% and 5.5% per degree increase in growth temperature. These acclimated responses to growth temperature are less steep than the corresponding instantaneous responses, which increase 8.1% and 9.9% per degree of measurement temperature for Rd and Vcmax respectively. Data‐fitted responses proof indistinguishable from the values predicted by our theory, and smaller than the instantaneous responses. Theory and data are also shown to agree that the basal rates of both Rd and Vcmax assessed at 25°C (Rd,25 and Vcmax,25) decline by ~4.4% per degree increase in growth temperature. These results provide a parsimonious general theory for Rd acclimation to temperature that is simpler—and potentially more reliable—than the plant functional type‐based leaf respiration schemes currently employed in most ecosystem and land‐surface models.
Quantifying determinants of ozone detoxification by apoplastic ascorbate in peach (Prunus persica) leaves using a model of ozone transport and reaction
Authors: Dai Lulu , Kobayashi Kazuhiko , Nouchi Isamu , Masutomi Yuji , Feng Zhaozhong
Published: February 2020

Ascorbate in leaf apoplast (ASCapo) reacts with ozone (O3) and thereby reduces O3 flux reaching plasmalemma (Fpl). Some studies have shown significant protection of cells from O3 by ASCapo, while others have questioned its efficacy. Hypothesizing that the protection by ASCapo depends on other variables, we quantified determinants of O3 detoxification with a model of O3 transport and reaction in apoplast. The model determines ascorbic acid concentration in apoplast (AAapo) using measured values of O3 concentration (co), leaf tissue ascorbic acid concentration (AAleaf), cell wall thickness (L3), apoplastic pH (pHapo), and stomatal conductance (Gsw). We compared the measured and model‐estimated AAapo in leaves of peach (Prunus persica) grown in open‐top chambers under non‐filtered air (NF) and elevated (EO3: NF + 80 ppb) O3 concentrations. The estimated AAapo in individual leaves agreed well with the measured values (R2 = .91). Analyses of the simulation results yielded the following findings: (a) The efficacy of O3 reduction with ASCapo as quantified by fractional reduction (ϕ3) of O3 flux at the surface of plasmalemma (Fpl) was lowered from 70% in NF to 40% in EO3 due to the reduction of L3. The EO3 reduced AAapo, but the lower Gsw and L3 in EO3 increased AAapo resulting in no significant change in AAapo due to EO3. ϕ3 can be calculated with measured values of AAapo and L3, and Fpl can be estimated with the measurement‐based ϕ3. (b) When c0 is increased, Fpl increased curvilinearly with the increase of Fst: nominal O3 flux via stomatal diffusion, exhibiting apparent threshold on Fst. The deviation of Fpl from Fst became greater when L3, pHapo, and AAleaf were increased. The quantification of ϕ3 and Fpl using leaf traits shall facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of differential plant sensitivity to O3 and improve quantification of the O3 impacts on plants.
Why do universities have little systemic impact with social innovation? An institutional logics perspective
Authors: Cinar Ridvan , Benneworth Paul
Published: February 2020

Social innovation has been increasingly regarded as an instrument through which transformative structural change, necessary to address grand societal challenges can be achieved. Social innovations are encouraged by the emergence of innovation systems that support changes not exclusively driven by a techno‐economic rationality. In the context of this special issue, there has been both little understanding of social innovation systems within mainstream innovation ecosystem approaches and little analysis of the roles played by universities in social innovation systems. We here focus on the institutional complexity of universities and their field‐level dynamics as serving as a potential break on the institutionalisation of social innovation. To deepen our understanding of this, we utilise a literature around institutional logics to foreground characteristics of organisational fields with regard to social innovation. Drawing on empirical data gathered in two public universities located in different countries, we show that in one case the potential of social innovation is undermined by two dominant institutional logics, in the other its permeation across the organisational field is seriously challenged by a more powerful dominant logic. The institutional logic approach is useful to highlighting the barriers to building productive innovation ecosystems incorporating social considerations, and helps to explain the persistent difficulties in reframing ecosystems approaches to reflect wider societal dynamics.
Assessment of self‐/parent‐reported quality of life in Japanese children with haemophilia using the Japanese version of KIDSCREEN‐52
Authors: Furuichi Yasuko , Nogami Keiji , Yada Koji , Nezu Satoko , Obayashi Kenji , Saeki Keigo , Kurumatani Norio , Nakajima Mitsuru , Kinoshita Seiji , Shima Midori
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Assessing health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is critical for providing comprehensive clinical care to patients with haemophilia. HRQOL in individuals with similar cultural backgrounds should be compared using internationally standardized, generic questionnaires.

Aim

To evaluate self‐/parent‐assessed HRQOL in Japanese children and adolescents with haemophilia A or B.

Methods

Children and adolescents aged 8‐18 years were enrolled. The haemophilia group comprised families with haemophilia, and the control group comprised those without chronic illness. HRQOL was assessed using the self‐/parent‐reported questionnaire KIDSCREEN‐52, the Japanese version. The Oslo 3‐Item Social Support Scale was investigated.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 36 families in the haemophilia group and 160 parents and children in the control group. Haemophilia children aged 8‐12 years had lower scores for ‘moods and emotions’ than control children; the parents had lower scores in the haemophilia group than in the control group for ‘moods and emotions’, ‘social support and peers’, and ‘school environment’. No significant differences in HRQOL were observed between both groups of adolescents aged 13‐18 years or their parents. Neck‐shoulder pain was associated with a low psychological state, including ‘self‐perception’, but other joint pains did not affect the outcomes of the HRQOL indices. Social support weaknesses were associated with low physical and psychological states, whereas unexpected hospital visits identified low values for ‘self‐perception’, ‘autonomy’, and ‘school environment’.

Conclusion

Proactive mental and clinical care in haemophilia families, especially with young children, will foster a better environment for patients and their parents and ease concerns about progress in haemophilia.
The Trinity as our Ecclesial Program? Assessing Miroslav Volf’s Trinitarian Theology of the Church
Authors: Fields C. Ryan
Published: February 2020

This article argues that while there are missteps in Mirolsav Volf’s proposal of a trinitarian theology of the church, his impulse to coordinate these doctrines is to be commended and built upon. Specifically it argues that Volf falters by moving from intra‐trinitarian relations to an ethical‐structural orientation for the church too quickly, but that alternative models of coordination can succeed to the extent that they follow a proper progression of dogmatic grounding from God’s triune processions through the triune missions to a constitution of the church’s being, then to an orientation of the church’s mission and, finally, to a determination of the church’s organization and ethics.
Sociodemographic Profiles and the Causes of Regular Venezuelan Emigration
Authors: Mazuera‐Arias Rina , Albornoz‐Arias Neida , Cuberos María‐Antonia , Vivas‐García Marisela , Morffe Peraza Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2020

The following study examines the characteristics of the Venezuelan emigrant population which crossed the border between Táchira state (Venezuela) and La Parada, Villa del Rosario Municipality, North Santander (Colombia) between April 9th and May 6th of 2018. The data were collected through a structured survey with 14,578 respondents. Using multiple correspondence factor analysis and positioning maps, we identified three different emigrant profiles that have a single fundamental cause of emigration: the current economic situation. These three groups differ in age, education level, and marital status. Profile 3 stands out as it is formed by single, young professionals who feel uncertainty because they do not think they can have a prosperous future in Venezuela. We conclude with an acknowledgement of the current humanitarian crisis (around both food and health) in Venezuela and the need to generate inclusive migratory policies in host countries.
Does the evidence justify routine transfer of residents of aged care facilities for CT scan after minor head trauma?
Authors: Green Lorne , Selleck Lucy , Gibbons Michael , Klim Sharon , Ritchie Peter , Patel Rajesh , Pham Chris (Chi Hong Phuc) , Kelly Anne‐Maree
Published: February 2020

Background

In 2014, the South Australian coroner recommended that residents of residential aged care facilities (RACF) who had sustained a head injury should be transported to emergency departments (ED) for assessment and a head CT scan, with the view to preventing mortality. The evidence base for the recommendation is unclear.

Aims

To determine the rate of emergent intervention (neurosurgery, transfusion of blood products or reversal of anti‐coagulation) in residents transferred to ED with minor head trauma who had their usual cognitive function on ED assessment.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study by medical records review at two university‐affiliated community ED. Participants were patients from RACF attending ED who had suffered minor head trauma and had their usual cognitive function. Exclusions were altered conscious state, new neurological findings or associated orthopaedic injury requiring hospital admission. The primary outcome was rate of emergent intervention in residents transferred to ED with minor head trauma who had their usual cognitive function on ED assessment.

Results

A total of 366 patients was studied; median age 86 years, 45% taking anti‐coagulant/anti‐platelet medication. Eighty per cent underwent head CT. Six per cent had intracranial haemorrhage (ICH; 95% CI 4–8.9%). No patient underwent neurosurgery. One had emergent intervention, reversal of anti‐coagulation (0.3%, 95% CI 0.05–1.5%).

Conclusion

The rate of emergent intervention for ICH in patients from RACF who sustained a minor head trauma but had their normal cognitive function was <1%. None underwent neurosurgical intervention. The low rate of intervention seriously challenges the appropriateness of routine transfer and CT for this patient group.
The HOPE Asia Network activity for “zero” cardiovascular events in Asia: Overview 2020
Authors: Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2020

The impact of hypertension‐related cardiovascular disease and target organ damage, and therefore the benefits of blood pressure (BP) control, is greater in Asian than in Western countries. Asia‐specific features of hypertension and its effective management are important and active areas of research. The Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence in Asia (HOPE Asia) Network was formed in 2016 and is now a member of the World Hypertension League. The main goal of the HOPE Asia Network is to improve the management of hypertension and organ protection toward achieving “zero” cardiovascular events in Asia. Considerable work has already been done on the journey to achieving this goal. We have shown that BP control status in Asia differs between countries, and even between regions within the same country. Several expert panel consensus recommendations and clinical guidance papers are available to support the use of home and ambulatory BP monitoring in the region. In addition, the AsiaBP@Home study prospectively investigated home BP control status across 15 specialist centers using the same validated device and measurement schedule. We have also proposed the concept of systemic hemodynamic atherothrombotic syndrome (SHATS), a vicious cycle of BP variability and vascular disease on cardiovascular events and organ damage, and suggested a SHATS score for risk stratification for clinical practice. This special issue of the journal collates Asia‐specific resources and data, contributing to advances in hypertension management and cardiovascular disease prevention in the region.
The relationship between nocturnal blood pressure drop and body composition indices among hypertensive patients
Authors: Candan Selcuk , Candan Ozlem Ozdemir , Karabag Turgut
Published: February 2020

Among hypertensive subjects, the lack of physiological blood pressure drop as part of diurnal blood pressure variations is termed as non‐dipper blood pressure. Herein, we investigated the relationship between hypertension character and body composition indices. This study included a total of 104 patients (54 M, mean age: 47.6 ± 12.1 years). Patients' heights, weights, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and body composition indices were calculated. All patients' office blood pressure measurements and 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure readings were recorded. A blood pressure drop of at least 10% compared with daytime blood pressure readings is called dipper blood pressure, while a drop of less than 10% is termed as non‐dipper blood pressure. Based on ambulatory blood pressure readings, the patients were grouped into Group 1 (dipper pattern; 51 pts, 34 M, mean age 45.6 ± 12.3) and Group 2 (non‐dipper pattern, 53 pts; 20 M, mean age 49.6 ± 11.6). The proportion of females and smokers were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2. BRI, BAI, waist‐to‐height ratio, and waist circumference were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. There were significant positive correlations between body roundness index (BRI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist‐to‐weight ratio, and WC and nocturnal mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Percent systolic nocturnal drop was significantly correlated with waist‐to‐height ratio, BAI, and BRI. Similarly, percent diastolic nocturnal drop and waist‐to‐height ratio, BAI, and BRI were correlated. In conclusion, the relatively new body composition indices, namely BRI and BAI, are more closely related to nocturnal blood pressure readings among non‐dipper subjects.
Transcriptome analyses reveal molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic differences among transcriptional subtypes of glioblastoma
Authors: Pan Yuan‐Bo , Wang Siqi , Yang Biao , Jiang Zhenqi , Lenahan Cameron , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Jianmin , Shao Anwen
Published: February 2020

Using molecular signatures, previous studies have defined glioblastoma (GBM) subtypes with different phenotypes, such as the proneural (PN), neural (NL), mesenchymal (MES) and classical (CL) subtypes. However, the gene programmes underlying the phenotypes of these subtypes were less known. We applied weighted gene co‐expression network analysis to establish gene modules corresponding to various subtypes. RNA‐seq and immunohistochemical data were used to validate the expression of identified genes. We identified seven molecular subtype‐specific modules and several candidate signature genes for different subtypes. Next, we revealed, for the first time, that radioresistant/chemoresistant gene signatures exist only in the PN subtype, as described by Verhaak et al, but do not exist in the PN subtype described by Phillips et al PN subtype. Moreover, we revealed that the tumour cells in the MES subtype GBMs are under ER stress and that angiogenesis and the immune inflammatory response are both significantly elevated in this subtype. The molecular basis of these biological processes was also uncovered. Genes associated with alternative RNA splicing are up‐regulated in the CL subtype GBMs, and genes pertaining to energy synthesis are elevated in the NL subtype GBMs. In addition, we identified several survival‐associated genes that positively correlated with glioma grades. The identified intrinsic characteristics of different GBM subtypes can offer a potential clue to the pathogenesis and possible therapeutic targets for various subtypes.
Arctigenin prevents the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB axis: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Tang Shangkun , Zhou Weijun , Zhong Xinyang , Xu Jianchen , Huang Huasong , Zheng Xinnan , Zhang Jingkang , Yang Shuyue , Shang Ping , Tang Qian , Liu Haixiao
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is principally featured by progressive joint metabolic imbalance and subsequent degeneration of articular cartilage, is a common chronic joint disease. Arctigenin (ATG), a dietary phyto‐oestrogen, has been described to have potent anti‐inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, its protective effects on OA have not been clearly established. The target of our following study is to evaluate the protective effects of ATG on IL‐1β–induced human OA chondrocytes and mouse OA model. Our results revealed that the ATG pre‐treatment effectively decreases the level of pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitrous oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in IL‐1β–induced human chondrocytes. In addition, ATG protects against the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) under the stimulation of IL‐1β and the possible mechanism might be connected with the inactivation of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) axis. Furthermore, a powerful binding capacity between ATG and PI3K was also uncovered in our molecular docking research. Meanwhile, ATG may act as a protector on the mouse OA model. Collectively, all these findings suggest that ATG could be utilized as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.
Bridge pier shape influence on wood accumulation: Outcomes from flume experiments and numerical modelling
Authors: De Cicco Pina N. , Paris Enio , Solari Luca , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia
Published: February 2020

Streamwood accumulation at bridges exerts additional forces to bridge structures and may aggravate flooding, local scouring, and eventually may lead to bridge collapse. However, the important ecological role of streamwood in fluvial systems calls for a compromise between preservation of river ecosystems and prevention of streamwood‐related hazards (e.g., bridge clogging). This study evaluates the effect of bridge pier shape on wood accumulation or blockage, probability in lowland type of rivers. We conducted laboratory experiments in a flume testing various pier shapes and wood transport mechanisms under two different flow conditions, complemented with numerical modelling. Results revealed that the flow field immediately upstream from the pier has a significant influence on the blockage probability. The pier shape is controlling the flow field, thus, it has a significant influence on wood accumulation. In particular, a squared pier shape, higher Froude number and semi‐congested wood transport resulted in the highest blockage probability under the tested conditions. Our results may help to better design infrastructures to mitigate streamwood‐related hazards in rivers.
Critical infrastructure cascading effects. Disaster resilience assessment for floods affecting city of Cologne and Rhein‐Erft‐Kreis
Authors: Fekete Alexander
Published: February 2020

At the case study of the city of Cologne and the neighbouring Rhein‐Erft‐Kreis (a county), selected resilience aspects of critical infrastructure (CI) and cascading effects are analysed concerning major river floods. Using a Geographic Information System, the applicability of the approach is demonstrated using open source software and data, augmented by manual entries. This study demonstrates the feasibility and limitations of analysing lifeline features of interest for disaster risk and emergency management such as roads, bridges and electricity supply. By highlighting interdependencies of emergency services with CI such as roads, cascading effects of interconnected paths are shown. The findings indicate that in an extreme event flood scenario over 2,000 km of roads and eight bridges will be exposed to floods in the area of the rivers Rhine and Erft. This places huge demands on disaster and emergency management institutions and people affected and limits their resiliency.
Exploring psychosocial factors associated with frailty incidence among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yuan Huaihong , Zhang Yingjun , Xue Guifang , Yang Yujie , Yu Shaobin , Fu Ping
Published: February 2020

Aim and objective

We investigated the correlation between the frailty status of maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and psychosocial factors.

Background

Varying degrees of frailty have been reported in MHD patients, which affect their quality of life.

Design

We adopted a cross‐sectional design in this study.

Methods

Clinical data of 187 patients at our centre were collected from December 2017–June 2018 using a cross‐sectional survey. Psychosocial factors were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 10‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), Chronic Disease Self‐Efficacy Scales and Perceived Social Support Scale. Frailty status was estimated using the fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses and loss of weight (FRAIL) scale. Spearman's correlation and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the risk factors for frailty. This study complied with the STROBE checklist.

Results

Of 187 patients, 11 cases (5.9%) of frailty were identified. Patient's age, comorbidities, parathyroid hormone level, sleep quality and depression were positively correlated with frailty (p < .05), while psychological resilience and social support were negatively correlated with frailty (p < .05). Logistic regression analysis revealed four risk factors for frailty among MHD patients, including age (p = .004), comorbidities (p = .023), depression (p = .023) and sleep disorders (p = .029). Conversely, protective factors included high psychological resilience (p = .019) and social support (p = .039).

Conclusion

Among MHD patients, the risk factors for frailty included age, comorbidity, depression and sleep disturbance, whereas the protective factors included psychological resilience and social support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Frailty is not only common among older patients, but also among people of all age groups suffering from chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the health status of MHD patients and adopt targeted nursing strategies to alleviate symptoms of frailty and improve physical condition by the following ways: postpone the progress of comorbidities, improve sleep quality, control the symptoms of depression, foster psychological resilience and facilitate support from social and family.
Evaluation and ranking of different interventions for pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghamry Nevein K. , Samy Ahmed , Abdelhakim Ahmed M. , Elgebaly Ahmed , Ibrahim Safaa , Ahmed Amal A. , Abdelbaky Waleed H. , Abdallah Khaled M. , Badawy Mahmoud A. , Mohammed Ahmed H. , Hamza Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Aim

To identify the highest‐ranked pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy.

Methods

We conducted an online bibliographic search in different databases from inception till July 2019. We included randomized controlled trials assessing effect of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions on pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy. Our main outcomes were pain scores at different endpoints of the procedure. We applied this network meta‐analysis based on the frequentist approach using statistical package ‘netmeta’ (version 1.0‐1) in R.

Results

The review included 39 randomized controlled trials (Women n = 3964). Misoprostol plus intracervical block anesthesia (mean difference [MD] = −3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−6.06, −0.59]), misoprostol (MD = −1.92, 95% CI [−3.04, −0.81]) and IV analgesia (MD = −2.01, 95% CI [−3.27, −0.25]) were effective in reducing pain during the procedure compared to placebo. Ranking probability showed that misoprostol plus intracervical block anesthesia was the highest ranked pharmacological treatment for pain relief during the procedure (P score = 0.92) followed by misoprostol alone (P score = 0.78), and IV analgesia (P score = 0.76). Regarding nonpharmacological treatments, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed a significant pain reduction compared to placebo (MD = −1.80, 95% CI [−3.31, −0.29]). TENS ranked as the best nonpharmacological treatment (P score = 0.80) followed by CO2 distention (P score = 0.65) and bladder distention (P score = 0.60).

Conclusion

Combination of misoprostol plus local anesthesia appears to be the most effective pharmacological approach for pain reduction during and after outpatient hysteroscopy. Nonpharmacological approaches as TENS and bladder distention showed considerable efficacy but should be further investigated.
Epigenetic insights into multiple sclerosis disease progression
Authors: Kular L. , Jagodic M.
Published: February 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, is today a leading cause of unpredictable lifelong disability in young adults. The treatment of patients in progressive stages remains highly challenging, alluding to our limited understanding of the underlying pathological processes. In this review, we provide insights into the mechanisms underpinning MS progression from a perspective of epigenetics, that refers to stable and mitotically heritable, yet reversible, changes in the genome activity and gene expression. We first recapitulate findings from epigenetic studies examining the brain tissue of progressive MS patients, which support a contribution of DNA and histone modifications in impaired oligodendrocyte differentiation, defective myelination/remyelination and sustained neuro‐axonal vulnerability. We next explore possibilities for identifying factors affecting progression using easily accessible tissues such as blood by comparing epigenetic signatures in peripheral immune cells and brain tissue. Despite minor overlap at individual methylation sites, nearly 30% of altered genes reported in peripheral immune cells of progressive MS patients were found in brain tissue, jointly converging on alterations of neuronal functions. We further speculate about the mechanisms underlying shared epigenetic patterns between blood and brain, which likely imply the influence of internal (genetic control) and/or external (e.g. smoking and ageing) factors imprinting a common signature in both compartments. Overall, we propose that epigenetics might shed light on clinically relevant mechanisms involved in disease progression and open new avenues for the treatment of progressive MS patients in the future.