bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic attribution and perceived impact of epilepsy in multiplex epilepsy families
Authors: Garofalo Diana C. , Sorge Shawn T. , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Winawer Melodie R. , Phelan Jo C. , Chung Wendy K. , Ottman Ruth
Published: October 2019

Objective

Studies have found that affected individuals who believe the cause of their disorder is genetic may react in various ways, including optimism for improved treatments and pessimism due to perceived permanence of the condition. This study assessed the psychosocial impact of genetic attribution among people with epilepsy.

Methods

Study participants were 165 persons with epilepsy from multiplex epilepsy families who completed a self‐administered survey. Psychosocial impact of epilepsy was assessed with the Impact of Epilepsy Scale, containing items about relationships, employment, overall health, self‐esteem, and standard of living. Genetic attribution was assessed using a scale derived from three items asking about the role of genetics in causing epilepsy in the family, the chance of having an epilepsy‐related mutation, and the influence of genetics in causing the participant's epilepsy. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for impact of epilepsy above the median using Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for number of lifetime seizures and time since last seizure.

Results

Participants’ age averaged 51 years; 87% were non‐Hispanic white, 63% were women, and 54% were college graduates. The genetic attribution scale was significantly associated with having a high impact of epilepsy (adjusted PR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.07‐1.91, P = .02). One of the three genetic attribution questions was also significantly associated with a high impact of epilepsy (belief that genetics had a big role in causing epilepsy in the family, adjusted PR = 1.8).

Significance

These findings reflect an association between the psychosocial impact of epilepsy and the belief that epilepsy has a genetic cause, among people with epilepsy in families containing multiple affected individuals. This association could arise either because belief in a genetic cause leads to increased psychosocial impacts, or because a greater psychosocial impact of epilepsy leads some to believe their epilepsy is genetic.
Spindle cell proliferations of the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus: a review with emphasis on perineurioma
Authors: Grech Patrice , Schofield John B
Published: October 2019

A wide range of spindle cell proliferations are found uncommonly in the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus. They usually present as polyps, and include reactive lesions and benign and malignant neoplasms which may be primary or metastatic. They are less frequently described in the literature compared to those in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and may be underdiagnosed. The widespread use of sigmoidoscopy in symptomatic patients and bowel cancer screening programmes means that histopathologists must be aware of, and adopt a logical approach to, diagnosing spindle cell proliferations in biopsy and polypectomy specimens. This is particularly relevant given the strong association of some mesenchymal polyps with hereditary cancer syndromes. This review article will focus on perineurioma and the recent debate in relation to its overlap with fibroblastic polyp. The clinical, endoscopic, histological and immunohistochemical features of spindle cell proliferations which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perineurioma will be discussed. There is also a brief reference to malignant spindle cell tumours of diagnostic importance.
The effect of ozone therapy in root canal disinfection: a systematic review
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Prado M. C. , Soares D. N. , Hecksher F. , Martins J. N. R. , Fidalgo T. K. S.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To answer the following focused question: ‘As regards microorganism load reduction for patients undergoing root canal treatment, is the use of ozone therapy comparable to conventional chemomechanical techniques using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)?’

Data sources

A systematic review was conducted using controlled vocabulary and free‐text key words in the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Open Grey until 2 November 2018. Additional studies were sought through hand searching of endodontic journals.

Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions

The inclusion criteria comprised studies that compared microbial reduction in root canals after treatments with ozone and NaOCl in extracted mature human teeth or randomized clinical trials.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The quality assessment of included laboratory studies was performed with the following parameters: (i) sample size calculation, (ii) samples with similar dimensions, (iii) control group, (iv) standardization of procedures, (v) statistical analysis and (vi) other risk of bias. For randomized clinical trials, the qualitative analysis of the studies was performed from the bias risk assessment using the tool ‘Bias Risk Assessment of Randomized Controlled Studies’ Cochrane Handbook 5.0.2.

Results

The search resulted in 180 published studies. After removal of duplicate studies and full‐text analysis, eight studies were selected and seven were considered low risk of bias (seven ex vivo studies and one random clinical trial). Overall, the results demonstrated that ozone therapy provides significantly less microbial load reduction than NaOCl. As an adjunct in chemomechanical preparation, ozone was ineffective in increasing the antimicrobial effect of NaOCl. Ozone performance was strongly associated with the application protocol used: it is dose, time and bacterial strain dependent, besides the correlation with the use of complementary disinfection sources.

Limitations

A restricted number of randomized clinical trial was found, and the difference amongst the methodology of the studies did not allow a meta‐analysis to be performed.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Although the selected studies had limitations, this review reached a satisfactory methodological and moderate evidence quality contributing to important preliminary information regarding ozone therapy. As regards load reduction of microorganisms for patients undergoing root canal treatment, ozone is not indicated neither to replace nor to complement the antimicrobial action of NaOCl.
The effect of an intraorifice barrier and base under coronal restorations on the healing of apical periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kumar G. , Tewari S. , Sangwan P. , Tewari S. , Duhan J. , Mittal S.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effect of intraorifice barriers and bases on the healing of apical periodontitis following root canal treatment in mandibular molars.

Methodology

A total of 120 permanent mandibular molars with necrotic pulps and periapical radiolucencies (PAI score ≥ 3) were recruited. Root canal treatment was performed in all teeth using a standard protocol, following which they were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups: intraorifice barrier group: coronal 3‐mm gutta‐percha was removed and replaced with glass–ionomer cement (GIC) barrier. The floor of the pulp chamber was then sealed with 2‐mm‐thick GIC base followed by final composite resin restoration; base group: received 2‐mm‐thick GIC base before placement of composite resin restoration; and control group: had pulp chamber entirely filled with composite resin only. Follow‐up was done at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Combination of clinical and radiographic parameters were used to assess treatment outcome. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis, chi‐square and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

At the end of 12 months, the base group had the most favourable healing (97.1%), whilst the control group had the least favourable healing (83.8%). The intraorifice barrier group had healing of 92.1%. However, there was no significant difference in healing between groups at the end of the follow‐up period (P > 0.05). Additional subgroup analysis revealed a nonsignificant effect of periodontal status and root filling level on periapical healing.

Conclusion

The use of an additional barrier under permanent restorations did not significantly improve the outcome of primary root canal treatment in posterior teeth after 12 months. However, its influence in the long term requires further evaluation.
Enhancement of dielectric properties and energy storage performance in 3Y‐TZP ceramics with BaTiO3 additives
Authors: Bian Shuaishuai , Yue Zhenxing , Zhang Jie , Li Longtu
Published: October 2019

With the fast charge‐discharge speed and ultrahigh power density, electrostatic energy storage materials offer great potential in the applications for pulsed power systems. As a very important member of structural ceramics, 3Y‐TZP (3 mol% Y2O3 doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystals) has shown extraordinary mechanical properties. However, the research on their energy storage performance is still lacking. Herein, a ferroelectric phase, BaTiO3 (BT), was introduced and demonstrated to improve the dielectric properties and energy storage performance of 3Y‐TZP ceramic matrix via the conventional solid‐state reaction method. With increasing the BT content from 0 to 15 mol%, the permittivity of the composite ceramics could be effectively increased from 40.2 to 64.1 measured at 1 kHz. Simultaneously, the dielectric loss could be effectively decreased by depressing the response of charged defects, which was further interpreted by the thermally stimulated depolarization current technique. Meanwhile, the breakdown strength showed a typical increase‐then‐decrease trend with increasing BT content, and reached their maximum values when doped with 7 mol% BT. Together with the enhancement of dielectric properties, the 7 mol% BT‐doped 3Y‐TZP ceramics exhibited a maximum energy storage density of 0.42 J/cm3, which was approximately 150% larger than that of the pure 3Y‐TZP ceramics.
Beneficial effects of three brown seaweed polysaccharides on gut microbiota and their structural characteristics: An overview
Authors: You Lijun , Gong Yufeng , Li Laihao , Hu Xiao , Brennan Charles , Kulikouskaya Viktoryia
Published: October 2019

The gut microbiota appears critical in the metabolic health and anti‐disease activity. In this review, we discuss three brown seaweed polysaccharides (alginate, laminarin, fucoidan) for their structural information, the digestive behaviour and the effects on gut microbiota. Bioactivities are associated with various physicochemical properties, like solubility, viscosity, hydration properties, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and so on. Brown seaweed polysaccharides can be completely utilised by microbes in the large bowel, and they can regulate the gut microbiota. The ultimate metabolite of these polysaccharides is mainly short‐chain fatty acids, which are able to regulate the ecology of the gut microbiota by increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of some harmful bacteria. In addition, this article also discusses the relationship between the structure and activity of modulating the gut microbiota. Results show that polysaccharides with low molecular weight are more conductive to modulate gut microbiota.
Magnetic resonance imaging‐guided targeted prostate biopsy: Comparison between computer‐software‐based fusion versus cognitive fusion technique in biopsy‐naïve patients
Authors: Yamada Yasuhiro , Shiraishi Takumi , Ueno Akihisa , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Naitoh Yasuyuki , Hongo Fumiya , Ukimura Osamu
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare magnetic resonance imaging‐guided cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies versus computer‐software‐based fusion‐targeted biopsies in prostate biopsy‐naïve patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 298 consecutive patients, in which suspected clinically significant prostate cancer lesions were detected on pre‐biopsy magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies or software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies was carried out. The positivity rates of any cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer, Gleason score, and maximum cancer core length were compared between the cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies and software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies groups.

Results

The any‐cancer positivity rate was 79.6% (90/113 patients) in the cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies group and 84.8% (157/185 patients) in the software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies group (P = 0.516), and the clinically significant prostate cancer positivity rate was 72.5% (82/113 patients) in the cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies group and 75.7% (140/185 patients) in the software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies group (P = 0.498). Among the patients in which the largest lesion diameter on magnetic resonance imaging was ≤5.0 mm, the clinically significant prostate cancer positivity rate was 39.2% (11/28 patients) in the cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies group and 66.6% (24/36 patients) in the software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies group (P = 0.043). The median maximum cancer core length was 7.5 mm (0.25–16 mm) in the cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies group and 8 mm (0.2–19 mm) in the software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies group (P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies offers a greater detection rate for smaller targeted lesions and also superior ability to sample greater cancer core length compared with cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies. The present results suggest that software‐guided magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐targeted biopsies might improve biopsy outcomes compared with cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsies.
Broad‐front migration leads to strong migratory connectivity in the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni)
Authors: Sarà Maurizio , Bondì Salvatore , Bermejo Ana , Bourgeois Mathieu , Bouzin Mathias , Bustamante Javier , de la Puente Javier , Evangelidis Angelos , Frassanito Annagrazia , Fulco Egidio , Giglio Giuseppe , Gradev Gradimir , Griggio Matteo , López‐Ricaurte Lina , Kordopatis Panagiotis , Marin Simeon , Martínez Juan , Mascara Rosario , Mellone Ugo , Pellegrino Stefania C. , Pilard Philippe , Podofillini Stefano , Romero Marta , Gustin Marco , Saulnier Nicolas , Serra Lorenzo , Sfougaris Athanassios , Urios Vicente , Visceglia Matteo , Vlachopoulos Konstantinos , Zanca Laura , Cecere Jacopo G. , Rubolini Diego
Published: October 2019

Aim

Migratory animals regularly move between often distant breeding and non‐breeding ranges. Knowledge about how these ranges are linked by movements of individuals from different populations is crucial for unravelling temporal variability in population spatial structuring and for identifying environmental drivers of population dynamics acting at different spatio‐temporal scales. We performed a large‐scale individual‐based migration tracking study of an Afro‐Palaearctic migratory raptor, to determine the patterns of migratory connectivity of European breeding populations.

Location

Europe, Africa.

Methods

Migration data were recorded using different devices (geolocators, satellite transmitters, Global Positioning System dataloggers) from 87 individuals breeding in the three core European populations, located in the Iberian, Italian and Balkan peninsulas. We estimated connectivity by the Mantel correlation coefficient (rM), and computed both the degree of separation between the non‐breeding areas of individuals from the same population (i.e. the population spread) and the relative size of the non‐breeding range (i.e. the non‐breeding range spread).

Results

European lesser kestrels migrated on a broad front across the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert, with different populations using different routes. Iberian birds migrated to western Sahel (Senegal, Mauritania, western Mali), Balkan birds migrated chiefly to central‐eastern Sahel (Niger, Nigeria, Chad), whereas Italian ones spread from eastern Mali to Nigeria. Spatial differentiation of non‐breeding areas led to a strong migratory connectivity (rM = .58), associated with a relatively high population (637 km) and non‐breeding range (1,149 km) spread.

Main conclusions

Our comprehensive analysis of the non‐breeding distribution of European lesser kestrel populations revealed a strong migratory connectivity, a rare occurrence in long‐distance avian migrants. The geographical conformation of the species’ breeding and non‐breeding ranges, together with broad‐front migration across ecological barriers, promoted the differentiation of migratory routes and non‐breeding areas. Strong connectivity could then arise because of both high population spread and broad non‐breeding range.
An ecological barrier between the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains maintains the disjunct distribution of Roscoea
Authors: Li De‐Bao , Ou Xiao‐Kun , Zhao Jian‐Li , Li Qing‐Jun
Published: October 2019

Aim

Regional disjunction in mountainous regions is ubiquitous and is closely associated with the evolution of mountain biodiversity. However, the mechanisms of maintaining regional disjunction are often ignored, especially regarding the role of ecological barriers. The aim of this study is to test whether an ecological barrier maintains the regional disjunction of Roscoea between the Himalayas (HIM) and the Hengduan Mountains/Yun‐Gui Plateau (HMY).

Location

The Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains/Yun‐Gui Plateau, Asia.

Taxon

Monocot:Zingiberales:Zingiberaceae:Roscoea.

Methods

Occurrence data from Roscoea were collected from public databases and field investigations. Environmental niche modelling (ENM) was used to predict the potential distribution of Roscoea during the Last Interglacial (LIG), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the present and the future. An environmental variable difference test, principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant function analysis (DFA) and niche identity test were employed to qualify and quantify the contributions of environmental factors to ecological divergence based on 7 and 26 environmental variables.

Results

Environmental niche modelling predicted an ecological gap of Roscoea between the HIM and the HMY from the LIG into the future, excluding the LGM. Statistically significant differences were detected in eight unique environmental variables across the Gap, which was mostly related to low temperatures and high moisture levels. The PCA, DFA and niche identity test suggested larger ecological separations among the Gap, the HIM and the HMY based on 26 environmental variables than based on seven variables.

Main conclusions

All clues point to an ecological barrier that has been maintaining the regional disjunction of Roscoea. This ecological barrier is predicted to be stable under future climate change and may reflect long‐term ecological divergence shaped by the adaptation of Roscoea to divergent habitats. Our study highlights that the effects of specific environmental variables, with possible interactions among multiple ecological factors, being closely related to the ecological barrier.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and schizophrenia: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Tzur Bitan D. , Berzin D. , Cohen A.D.
Published: October 2019

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating, dermatological disease that causes substantial psychosocial impediments with increased suicidal risk. Yet data on psychiatric comorbidity in HS have not been sufficiently elucidated in population‐based studies. The current study sought to investigate the association between HS and schizophrenia, a major psychiatric disease, in a nationwide population‐based study in Israel.

Methods

Data mining was performed on the database of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest managed healthcare company in Israel. Patients diagnosed with HS (n = 4191) were examined and compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls (n = 20 941). The association between HS and schizophrenia was assessed via multivariate binary logistic regression, adjusting for demographic factors and smoking status.

Results

The analysis revealed a tenfold increase in the prevalence of schizophrenia in HS patients compared to controls (1.4% and 0.4%, respectively, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, HS was found to be associated with schizophrenia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.07, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with schizophrenia. Screening for severe mental illness during the assessment of patients with HS is of great importance, as comorbid psychiatric disorders may affect treatment outcomes.
The patient‐reported disease burden in adults with atopic dermatitis: a cross‐sectional study in Europe and Canada
Authors: de Bruin‐Weller M. , Gadkari A. , Auziere S. , Simpson E.L. , Puig L. , Barbarot S. , Girolomoni G. , Papp K. , Pink A.E. , Saba G. , Werfel T. , Eckert L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cross‐sectional data on patient burden in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) from real‐world clinical practice are limited.

Objective

This study compared patient‐reported burden associated with adult AD across severity levels from clinical practices in Canada and Europe.

Methods

This study included adults (18–65 years) diagnosed with AD by dermatologists, general practitioners or allergists. Participants categorized as mild (n = 547; 37.3%), moderate (n = 520; 35.4%) or severe (n = 400; 27.3%) based on Investigator's Global Assessment completed a questionnaire that included pruritus and pain numerical rating scales, Patient‐Oriented‐Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (PO‐SCORAD) itch and sleep visual analogue scales, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants were also stratified by inadequate efficacy/intolerance/contraindication to cyclosporine [Cyclo; n = 62 (4 mild, 18 moderate, 40 severe)] and any systemic immunomodulatory agent [IMM; n = 104 (13 mild, 31 moderate, 60 severe)] and compared with the severe group excluding participants identified as Cyclo/IMM.

Results

Age was similar across severity groups; the proportion of women was higher in the mild group relative to severe (61.2% vs. 50.5%; P < 0.001). Compared with moderate and mild, participants with severe AD had more comorbidities, higher itch and pain severity, worse sleep and higher levels of anxiety and depression (all P < 0.001). Mean ± SD DLQI score among participants with severe AD (16.2 ± 6.9) showed a large effect on quality of life that was higher than those with moderate (10.2 ± 6.3) and mild (5.5 ± 4.9) (both P < 0.001). The burden among Cyclo and IMM subgroups was generally similar to that of participants with severe AD.

Conclusions

Adults with AD reported a substantial burden across multiple domains that was significantly higher in those with severe disease. The burden among participants in the Cyclo/IMM subgroups was similar to those with severe AD.
Enriched environment provides neuroprotection against experimental glaucoma
Authors: González Fleitas María F. , Devouassoux Julián D. , Aranda Marcos L. , Calanni Juan S. , Chianelli Monica S. , Dorfman Damián , Rosenstein Ruth E.
Published: October 2019

Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of visual impairment worldwide, and involves selective damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. We analyzed the effect of enriched environment (EE) housing on the optic nerve, and retinal alterations in an induced model of ocular hypertension. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were weekly injected with vehicle or chondroitin sulfate (CS) into the eye anterior chamber for 10 weeks and housed in standard environment or EE. EE housing prevented the effect of experimental glaucoma on visual evoked potentials, retinal anterograde transport, phosphorylated neurofilament‐immunoreactivity, axon number, microglial/macrophage reactivity (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1‐immunoreactivity), and astrocytosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein‐immunostaining), as well as oligodendrocytes alterations (luxol fast blue staining, and myelin basic protein‐immunoreactivity) in the proximal portion of the optic nerve. Moreover EE prevented the increase in ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule‐1 levels, and RGC loss (Brn3a‐immunoreactivity) in the retina from hypertensive eyes. EE increased retinal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels. When EE housing started after 6 weeks of ocular hypertension, a preservation of visual evoked potentials amplitude, axon, and Brn3a(+) RGC number was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that EE preserved visual functions, reduced optic nerve axoglial alterations, and protected RGCs against glaucomatous damage.

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Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: A comparison of different definitions
Authors: Sutherland Lauren , Hittesdorf Erin , Yoh Nina , Lai Taryn , Mechling Anna , Wagener Gebhard
Published: October 2019

Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery increases morbidity and mortality. Different definitions for AKI have been used such as Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) or risk, injury, failure, loss, end‐stage kidney disease (RIFLE). The aim of this study is to determine the best definition of AKI after cardiac surgery with the largest impact on the outcome.

Methods

This retrospective study of cardiac surgery patients compared the incidence and effect on outcome (90‐day and 1‐year mortality) of different definitions of AKI: RIFLE, AKIN and KDIGO. Additionally, we defined transient AKI (increase in serum creatinine that resolved in <72 hours), sustained (increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours that remained for >72 hours), and late (increase in serum creatinine after 48 hours).

Results

Of the included 1551 patients, 410 patients developed AKI defined by AKIN criteria, 449 defined by KDIGO and 217 defined by RIFLE‐Risk criteria. Hundred and nine patients developed transient AKI (6.9%), 183 patients had sustained AKI (11.6%), and 106 patients had late AKI (6.7%). The best definition with the highest positive likelihood ratio was RIFLE‐Risk (positive likelihood ratio = 2.32) followed by “sustained AKI” (positive likelihood ratio = 2.27). AKI defined by AKIN criteria missed all 80 patients with late AKI and 39 patients with KDIGO AKI.

Conclusion

Risk, injury, failure, loss, end‐stage kidney disease‐risk was the best definition of AKI as determined by the ability to predict short‐term mortality. A substantial number of patients developed AKI only after 48 hours, and these were missed when using AKIN criteria. AKIN criteria are not sensitive enough to capture all episodes of AKI in this population.
Shedding light on the evolution of light signalling
Authors: Hiltbrunner Andreas
Published: October 2019

This article is a Commentary on Artz et al., 224: 1613–1626.
Toward the establishment of neurophysiological indicators for neuropsychiatric disorders using transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked potentials: A systematic review
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro
Published: October 2019

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can depolarize the neurons directly under the coil when applied to the cerebral cortex, and modulate the neural circuit associated with the stimulation site, which makes it possible to measure the neurophysiological index to evaluate excitability and inhibitory functions. Concurrent TMS and electroencephalography (TMS‐EEG) has been developed to assess the neurophysiological characteristics of cortical regions other than the motor cortical region noninvasively. The aim of this review is to comprehensively discuss TMS‐EEG research in the healthy brain focused on excitability, inhibition, and plasticity following neuromodulatory TMS paradigms from a neurophysiological perspective. A search was conducted in PubMed to identify articles that examined humans and that were written in English and published by September 2018. The search terms were as follows: (TMS OR ‘transcranial magnetic stimulation’) AND (EEG OR electroencephalog*) NOT (rTMS OR ‘repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation’ OR TBS OR ‘theta burst stimulation’) AND (healthy). The study presents an overview of TMS‐EEG methodology and neurophysiological indices and reviews previous findings from TMS‐EEG in healthy individuals. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential application of TMS‐EEG neurophysiology in the clinical setting to study healthy and diseased brain conditions in the future. Combined TMS‐EEG is a powerful tool to probe and map neural circuits in the human brain noninvasively and represents a promising approach for determining the underlying pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Impact of antipsychotic medication on IL‐6/STAT3 signaling axis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of drug‐naive schizophrenia patients
Authors: Subbanna Manjula , Shivakumar Venkataram , Venugopal Deepthi , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Berk Michael , Varambally Shivarama , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Debnath Monojit
Published: October 2019

Aim

Immunopathogenesis remains a widely appreciated etiopathological model of schizophrenia. Persistent efforts have aimed to identify schizophrenia biomarkers indexing immune system abnormalities and also immuno‐dampening effects of antipsychotic medications. Although data arising from published reports are encouraging, such studies are limited to a few immune parameters and not focused on a specific pathway. Th17 cells‐mediated immuno‐inflammatory responses have emerged as a potential mechanism in various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. The Th17 pathway is distinctly regulated through a coordinated action of multiple cytokines and transcription factors. In this study, we explored whether antipsychotic medication has any effect on the cytokines and transcription factors of the Th17 pathway.

Methods

A total of 27 drug‐naive schizophrenia patients were recruited and followed up for 3 months after initiation of antipsychotic medication. Lymphocyte gene expression levels of two transcription factors (STAT3 and RORC) and one of their upstream regulators, IL6, were quantified before and after treatment. Plasma levels of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17A, IL‐23, and IL‐33, were also analyzed before and after treatment.

Results

Treatment with antipsychotic medication for 3 months resulted in significant downregulation of STAT3 gene expression as well as reduction in plasma levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17A. Significant reduction in total scores for the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms was also observed in schizophrenia patients after 3 months of antipsychotic treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest possible immuno‐modulatory effects of antipsychotic medication on the critical regulators, such as IL‐6 and STAT3, of the Th17 pathway in schizophrenia patients. The IL‐6/STAT3 signaling axis involved in the transcriptional regulation of Th17 cells might appear as an important target of antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients. Alternatively, irrespective of the effect of antipsychotic drugs, the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling axis might be crucially involved in ameliorating psychotic symptoms.
Homeotic transformation from stamen to petal in Eriobotrya japonica is associated with hormone signal transduction and reduction of the transcriptional activity of EjAG
Authors: Jing Danlong , Chen Weiwei , Xia Yan , Shi Min , Wang Peng , Wang Shuming , Wu Di , He Qiao , Liang Guolu , Guo Qigao
Published: October 2019

Double‐flower loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a new germplasm with homeotic transformation of stamen into petal in whorl 3. However, little information is available on the molecular mechanism of this transformation. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptome, candidate genes and endogenous hormones to investigate the mechanisms underlying this homeotic transformation. Some transcription factors, such as MADS‐box, TCP and MYB, were significantly differentially expressed. Importantly, we confirmed that one of these (DN39625_c0_g1), which encoded a C‐class floral homeotic protein referred to as AGAMOUS ortholog (EjAG), was significantly downregulated. Subcellular localization of EjAG was found to be in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of EjAG rescued the development of stamens and carpels from the double‐flower phenotype in an Arabidopsis ag mutant, suggesting that EjAG expression is associated with double‐flower formation. Meanwhile, enrichment analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in the metabolic pathways of hormone signal transduction. The DEGs of auxin, gibberellin A (GA) and cytokinin signaling pathways were mainly upregulated. However, the DEGs of abscisic acid (ABA) and the ethylene signaling pathway were mainly downregulated. Accordingly, the concentrations of indoleacetic acid, kinetin and GA3 were high at the petaloid stamen stage, but the ABA concentration remained low. The identified genes and pathways provide abundant sequence resources for studying the mechanisms underlying the homeotic transformation in loquat and other Rosaceae species.
Influence of drought stress on pistil physiology and reproductive success of twoGossypium hirsutumcultivars differing in drought tolerance
Authors: Hu Wei , Huang Yanjun , Bai Hua , Liu Yu , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Zhiguo
Published: October 2019

The causes of reproductive failure under drought stress (DS) are poorly understood. We hypothesized that reproductive failure was related to drought‐induced changes in pistil biochemistry. To address this hypothesis, a water deficit‐induced experiment was conducted with two cotton cultivars (Dexiamian 1, drought tolerant; Yuzaomian 9110, drought sensitive). Results showed that DS decreased the photosynthesis of subtending leaf and downregulated sucrose transporter gene (GhSUT‐1) expression in pistil for both cultivars, resulting in lower pistil carbon accumulation which was reflected in the decreased starch accumulation. Lower starch, as potential energy, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as direct energy, in droughted pistils suggested less energy for pollen tube entrance into ovules, reducing the fertilized ovule number and fertilization efficiency. Further, although pistil peroxidase activity increased under DS, a higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level still was measured in droughted pistils than well‐watered pistils, damaging reproductive activities. Moreover, larger decreases in photosynthesis, pistilGhSUT‐1expression, carbon accumulation, starch and ATP contents caused by DS for Yuzaomian 9110 than Dexiamian 1, and different responses of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and ascorbic acid and H2O2contents to DS between the two cultivars might be the reasons causing a greater decrease in fertilization efficiency for Yuzaomian 9110 than Dexiamian 1 under DS. Thus, we suggest that decreased ovule fertilization under DS was related to the disorganized carbohydrate metabolism and inefficient antioxidant defense in droughted pistils, and the effects of DS on pistil carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defense were more significant for drought‐sensitive cultivars than drought‐tolerant cultivars.
Induction of superovulation using inhibin antiserum and competence of embryo development in wild large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus)
Authors: Meguro Kanna , Komatsu Kazuki , Ohdaira Takuya , Nakagata Naomi , Nakata Akifumi , Fukumoto Manabu , Miura Tomisato , Yamashiro Hideaki
Published: October 2019

Seasonally, bred wild mice provide a unique bioresource, with high genetic diversity that differs from wild‐derived mice and laboratory mice. This study aimed to establish an alternative superovulation method using wild large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) as the model species. Specifically, we investigated how the application of inhibin antiserum and equine chorionic gonadotropin (IASe) during both the reproductive and non‐reproductive seasons impact the ovulation rate and competence of embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh and cryopreserved sperm. When the wild mice were superovulated by injecting eCG followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), few oocytes were collected during the reproductive and non‐reproductive seasons. In comparison, the number of ovulated oocytes was dramatically enhanced by the administration of IASe, followed by isolation of ovulated oocytes 24 hr after 30 IU hCG administration. The IVF oocytes that were in vitro cultured (IVC) with medium containing serum further developed to the 2‐ and/or 4‐cell stage using both fresh and frozen‐thawed sperm. In conclusion, we successfully established an alternative protocol for collecting ovulated oocytes from wild large Japanese field mice by administering IASe and hCG during both the reproductive and non‐reproductive seasons. This study is the first to develop IVF–IVC wild large Japanese field mice beyond the 2‐ and/or 4‐cell stage in vitro using fresh and cryopreserved sperm. This approach could be used in other species of wild or endangered mice to reduce the number of animals used for experiments, or in maintaining stocks of germ cells or embryos.
Avian taxonomic and functional diversity in early stage of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) stands restored at agricultural lands: variations in scale dependency
Authors: Lee Myung‐Bok , Gates Brian J. , Cooper Robert J. , Carroll John P.
Published: October 2019

In agricultural landscapes, the longleaf pine initiative (LLPI) and the Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI) aim to restore longleaf pine forests and early successional habitats, respectively. The early stage of longleaf pine stands and grass and forb vegetation produced by a combination of both restoration programs (LLPI‐BQI) may form habitat conditions favorable to early successional bird species and other birds, increasing avian diversity. We investigated how the LLPI and BQI programs affected taxonomic and functional diversity of birds and abundance of early successional birds (grassland and scrub/shrub species), and what environmental characteristics were associated with the diversity and abundance of birds. Our study was performed at 41 fields in Georgia, United States, during 2001–2002 by considering environmental characteristics at two spatial scales: local‐scale vegetation features and restoration program type (LLPI or LLPI‐BQI) and landscape‐scale vegetation features and landscape heterogeneity. Functional evenness, species richness, and abundance of grassland and scrub/shrub species did not show a clear association with local‐ or landscape‐scale variables. Shannon‐Wiener diversity was slightly influenced by restoration program type (local‐scale variable) with higher value at LLPI‐BQI stands than at LLPI stands despite no significant differences in local vegetation features between those stands. Functional divergence was strongly positively associated with landscape‐scale variables. That is, niche differentiation increased with increasing shrub coverage within a landscape, reducing competition between abundant bird species and others. Our results suggest that although a combination of BQI and LLPI program may have a positive effect on avian taxonomic diversity, it is important to consider shrub vegetation cover within a landscape to improve functional diversity.
European and American WAIS IV norms: Cross‐national differences in perceptual reasoning, processing speed and working memory subtest scores
Authors: Roivainen Eka
Published: October 2019

International comparisons of IQ test norms show differences between nations. In the present study, nonverbal reasoning, processing speed and working memory subtest scores of the US, German, French, Finnish, and Scandinavian (combined Swedish‐Norwegian‐Danish sample) WAIS IV standardization samples were compared. The European samples had higher scores on the reasoning subtests compared to the American sample, corroborating earlier studies. The Finnish and Scandinavian samples had lower processing speed and working memory scores than the American, German, and French samples. Mechanisms that may underlie the observed national IQ profiles include: (1) test‐taking attitudes—in tests that require balancing speed and accuracy of performance Americans may prioritize fast performance while Europeans avoid mistakes; (2) differences between languages in digit articulation times; and (3) educational factors—the European advantage on reasoning subtests may be based on there being better educational systems in Europe as compared to the US.
Use and safety of riboflavin and UV light‐treated platelet transfusions in children over a five‐year period: focusing on neonates
Authors: Jimenez‐Marco Teresa , Garcia‐Recio Marta , Girona‐Llobera Enrique
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

There are very few published reports about the use and safety of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) based on riboflavin and UV light for platelet (PLT) transfusion in children.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A two‐part study was conducted: 1) a study investigating the safety of PLTs treated with riboflavin and UV light‐PRT transfused to 379 children and 1,980 adults over a 5‐year period; 2) an observational study evaluating the efficacy of PLT use in 132 neonates transfused with PRT‐treated PLT compared with 99 neonates receiving standard PLTs over two 5‐year periods.

RESULTS

The rate of adverse reactions related to transfusions with PRT‐treated PLTs was found to be slightly higher in adults than in children, although not statistically significant (0.19% vs. 0.12%; p = 0.85). All PLT transfusion events in children were mild.

From 2013 to 2017, 379 children received 4,236 riboflavin and UV light‐treated PLTs. Hemato‐oncology patients received the most PLT transfusions (61.2%), followed by critically ill children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) (24.6%), and neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (10.5%). A significant increase in PLT transfusions was found in 132 neonates transfused with 458 PRT‐treated PLTs compared with 99 neonates receiving 176 standard PLTs, measuring PLT use/patient (p = 0.031) and total PLT dose/patient (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Riboflavin and UV light‐based PRT for PLTs seems to be safe for children. Neonates required a higher number of PLT transfusions when these were PRT‐treated rather than standard. A long‐term follow‐up for chronically transfused children and randomized clinical trials are needed.
Sensitivity and specificity of passive immune‐basophil activation test to detect allergic transfusion reactions
Authors: Yasui Kazuta , Takihara Yoshihiro , Matsuyama Nobuki , Kato Hidefumi , Oka Kazuhiko , Imada Kazunori , Ueyama Atsuko , Kimura Takafumi , Hirayama Fumiya
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The basophil activation test (BAT), performed with patient blood samples and supernatants from transfused blood, was developed to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between transfusion and the resultant allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs). This test cannot be performed on myelosuppressed patients and neonates because of the absence of basophils. Therefore, we devised the passive immune basophil activation test (pi‐BAT) using patients’ plasma and residual transfused blood as sources of immunoglobulin E and allergen, respectively, and the basophils of healthy volunteers served as a source of the responder cells. The sensitivity and specificity of the pi‐BAT, however, remained largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, the pi‐BAT was performed on 31 patients with nonhemolytic transfusion reactions including nine non‐ATR and 22 ATR (12 mild and 10 moderate‐to‐severe) cases to examine its sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

Nine of the 10 cases with moderate‐to‐severe ATR tested positive, whereas all the non‐ATR cases negative, strongly indicating immunoglobulin E and allergens are involved in the pathogenesis underlying the blood transfusion‐triggered adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we propose that pi‐BAT can be used to detect moderate‐to‐severe ATRs and their underlying mechanisms.
Er:YAG laser vs. sharp debridement in management of chronic wounds: Effects on pain and bacterial load
Authors: Hajhosseini Babak , Chiou Grace J. , Dori Gretchen , Fukaya Eri , Chandra Venita , Meyer Shannon , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: October 2019

Chronic wounds affect roughly 6.5 million patients in the US annually. Current standard of therapy entails weekly sharp debridement. However, the sharp technique is associated with significant pain, while having minimal impact on the bioburden. Our study proposes the Er:YAG laser as an alternative method of debridement that may decrease procedural pain, reduce bioburden, and potentially improve overall healing. This pilot study was performed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial, containing two groups: (1) one group underwent single laser debridement session first, followed by single sharp debridement session one week later; and (2) the other group underwent single sharp debridement session first, followed by single laser debridement session one week later. Variables analyzed included pain during debridement, pre‐ and post‐debridement wound sizes, pre‐ and post‐debridement bacterial loads and patient preference. Twenty‐two patients were enrolled (12 patients in Group 1, plus 10 patients in Group 2). The mean pain score for patients undergoing laser debridement was 3.0 ± 1.7 vs. 4.8 ± 2.6 for those undergoing sharp debridement (p = 0.003). The mean percent change in wound size 1‐week post‐laser debridement was −20.8% ± 80.1%, as compared with −36.7% ± 54.3% 1‐week post‐sharp debridement (p = 0.6). The percentage of patients who had a bacterial load in the low/negative category increased from 27.3% to 59.1% immediately after laser debridement (p = 0.04), vs. 54.5% to 68.2% immediately after sharp debridement (p = 0.38). Moreover, there was a sustained decrease in bacterial load 1‐week post‐laser debridement, as compared with no sustained decrease 1‐week post‐sharp debridement (p < 0.02). Overall, 52.9% of patients preferred laser debridement vs. 35.3% for sharp debridement. We believe that Er:YAG laser serves as a promising technology in chronic wounds, functioning as a potentially superior alternative to sharp debridement, the current standard of therapy.