bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐morphological characteristics of dentin surfaces after different preparations and treatments
Authors: Saikaew Pipop , Matsumoto Mariko , Sattabanasuk Vanthana , Harnirattisai Choltacha , Carvalho Ricardo M. , Sano Hidehiko
Published: May 2020

Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), this study investigated the characteristics of smear layers after preparation of dentin surfaces using different methods. In addition, this study analyzed, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the interactions of smear layers with the various acidic agents used subsequently to treat the dentin surface. Mid‐coronal dentin surfaces were prepared according to one of five instrumentation methods: fracture; grinding with carbide bur; grinding with regular‐grit diamond bur; grinding with superfine‐grit diamond bur; or grinding with 600‐grit silicon carbide (SiC) abrasive paper. Then, each prepared dentin surface was further divided into control (no further treatment) or treatment with one of the following agents: phosphoric acid solution (PAS); phosphoric acid gel (PAG); Clearfil SE Bond 2 Primer (SE2); or Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU). Longitudinal ultra‐thin sections were made for TEM observations. Dentin discs, representing each surface preparation and treatment method described above, were created, and the morphology was examined by SEM. The TEM results revealed differences in thickness and denseness of the smear layer, according to the different methods of instrumentation used to prepare the dentin surface. The two forms of phosphoric acid completely removed the smear layer in all groups. Agglomerated silica particles were observed on the top of the collagen layer after etching with PAG. For all dentin surfaces, except for that prepared with SiC, SE2 demonstrated better etching efficacy on different smear layers, whereas SBU provided only superficial interaction.
Effectiveness of a short web‐based film targeting parental oral health knowledge in a well‐child care setting
Authors: Verlinden Deborah Ashley , Schuller Annemarie A. , Verrips Gijsbert H. W. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: May 2020

Young children rely on their parents with respect to oral health routines. However, parental knowledge on this topic is often insufficient. Well‐child care may be an excellent route to reach parents because almost all of them attend. To evaluate the effectiveness of an 8.5 min web‐based film about oral health, provided by well‐child care, a non‐blinded quasi‐experimental study was performed. Parents attending well‐child care clinics in the Netherlands were assigned to an intervention (n = 88) or control group (n = 41). The control group received care as usual. We measured parental knowledge of oral health with a questionnaire (range of scores 1–12) before and directly after the intervention, and 6 months later, and assessed differences between the intervention and the control group. Parental oral health knowledge improved after watching the film: the intervention group’s mean score of 11.1 (SD 1.3) was greater than the mean score of 7.1 (SD 2.0) of the control group (Cohen's d = 2.64). Scores remained higher in the intervention group 6 months after watching the film (mean 9.1, SD 1.3) than before (Cohen's d = 1.25). A web‐based educational film delivered in a well‐child care setting can be an effective way to address oral health and to improve parental knowledge.
The postictal state — What do we know?
Authors: Pottkämper Julia C. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Waarde Jeroen A. , van Putten Michel J. A. M.
Published: May 2020

This narrative review provides a broad and comprehensive overview of the most important discoveries on the postictal state over the past decades as well as recent developments. After a description and definition of the postictal state, we discuss postictal sypmtoms, their clinical manifestations, and related findings. Moreover, pathophysiological advances are reviewed, followed by current treatment options.
Cenobamate (YKP3089) as adjunctive treatment for uncontrolled focal seizures in a large, phase 3, multicenter, open‐label safety study
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Klein Pavel , Aboumatar Sami , Gelfand Michael , Halford Jonathan J. , Krauss Gregory L. , Rosenfeld William E. , Vossler David G. , Wechsler Robert , Borchert Leona , Kamin Marc
Published: May 2020

Objective

During the development of cenobamate, an antiseizure medication (ASM) for focal seizures, three cases of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) occurred. To mitigate the rate of DRESS, a start‐low, go‐slow approach was studied in an ongoing, open‐label, multicenter study. Also examined were long‐term safety of cenobamate and a method for managing the pharmacokinetic interaction between cenobamate, a 2C19 inhibitor, and concomitant phenytoin or phenobarbital.

Methods

Patients 18‐70 years old with uncontrolled focal seizures taking stable doses of one to three ASMs were enrolled. Cenobamate 12.5 mg/d was initiated and increased at 2‐week intervals to 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/d. Additional biweekly 50 mg/d increases to 400 mg/d were allowed. During titration, patients taking phenytoin or phenobarbital could not have their cenobamate titration rate or other concomitant ASMs adjusted; phenytoin/phenobarbital doses could be decreased by 25%‐33%.

Results

At data cutoff (median treatment duration = 9 months), 1347 patients were enrolled, of whom 269 (20.0%) discontinued, most commonly due to adverse events (n = 137) and consent withdrawn for reason other than adverse event (n = 74); 1339 patients received ≥1 treatment dose (median modal dose = 200 mg). The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were somnolence (28.1%), dizziness (23.6%), and fatigue (16.6%). Serious TEAEs occurred in 108 patients (8.1%), most commonly seizure (n = 14), epilepsy (n = 5), and pneumonia, fall, and dizziness (n = 4 each). No cases of DRESS were identified. In the phenytoin/phenobarbital groups, 43.4% (36/114) and 29.7% (11/51) of patients, respectively, had their doses decreased. At the end of titration, mean plasma phenytoin/phenobarbital levels were generally comparable to baseline.

Significance

No cases of DRESS were identified in 1339 patients exposed to cenobamate using a start‐low (12.5 mg/d), go‐slow titration approach. Cenobamate was generally well tolerated in the long term, with no new safety issues found. Phenytoin/phenobarbital dose reductions (25%‐33%), when needed during cenobamate titration, maintained stable plasma levels.
An Uncontrolled Trial of Flexibly Delivered Relationship Education With Low‐Income, Unmarried Perinatal Couples
Authors: Heyman Richard E. , Baucom Katherine J. W. , Slep Amy M. Smith , Mitnick Danielle M. , Halford W. Kim
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine couple and parenting outcomes from an American version of Couple CARE for Parents (CCP) in low‐income, unmarried couples.

Background

We adapted an evidence‐based, flexibly delivered program for use with low‐income, unmarried couples, for whom the outcome literature is scarce.

Method

Couples (N = 443) were recruited from maternity units and began CCP. They completed measures before, during, and immediately after the intervention and again 6 months later.

Results

Experience of moderate psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) declined and perceived parenting efficacy increased over time; there was no change in severe psychological or physical IPV. Individuals with lower levels of relationship commitment than their partners showed improvement in relationship satisfaction, whereas those with similar or higher levels of commitment maintained their baseline levels despite being in a period of expected satisfaction decline.

Conclusion

CCP showed some signs of helping low‐income couples during a stressful period, and its flexible service delivery model allowed these couples to participate by reducing the impediments of transportation challenges, conflicting work schedules, and overall time poverty.

Implications

The results of this study suggest practitioners interested in using CCP with low‐income couples would likely maximize the impact by (a) focusing on pregnant, first‐time parents; (b) integrating CCP within postnatal health care; and (c) assuming that a considerable minority of couples will avail themselves of only up to two sessions, and thus practitioners should frontload content, making other content optional or just‐in‐time. In addition, nonpsychoeducational elements (e.g., gamification, easy computerized tasks to reduce angry responses, watching couple‐themed movies) could enliven preventative offerings for perinatal couples.
Genesis of an emergency public drug information website by the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Larrouquere Louis , Gabin Manon , Poingt Emmanuelle , Mouffak Amelle , Hlavaty Alex , Lepelley Marion , Khouri Charles , Bellier Alexandre , Alexandre Joachim , Bedouch Pierrick , Bertoletti Laurent , Bordet Regis , Bouhanick Béatrice , Jonville‐Bera Annie‐Pierre , Laporte Silvy , Le Jeunne Claire , Letinier Louis , Micallef Joëlle , Naudet Florian , Roustit Matthieu , Molimard Mathieu , Richard Vincent , Cracowski Jean‐Luc
Published: May 2020

On March 16, 2020, the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics put online a national Question and Answer (Q&A) website, https://sfpt-fr.org/covid19 on the proper use of drugs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The working group ‘Drugs and COVID‐19’ was composed of a scientific council, an editorial team, and experts in the field. The first questions were posted online during the first evening of home‐confinement in France, March 17, 2020. Six weeks later, 140 Q&As have been posted. Questions on the controversial use of hydroxychloroquine and to a lesser extent concerning azithromycin have been the most consulted Q&As. Q&As have been consulted 226 014 times in 41 days. This large visibility was obtained through an early communication on Twitter, Facebook, traditional print, and web media. In addition, an early communication through the French Ministry of Health and the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety ANSM had a large impact in terms of daily number of views. There is a pressing need to sustain a public drug information service combining the expertise of scholarly pharmacology societies, pharmacovigilance network, and the Ministry of Health to quickly provide understandable, clear, expert answers to the general population’s concerns regarding COVID‐19 and drug use and to counter fake news.
On the formation of ridges and burnished debris along internal fatigue crack propagation in 42CrMo4 steel
Authors: Seleznev Mikhail , Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst
Published: May 2020

A detailed microscopic analysis of fracture surfaces of 42CrMo4‐hardened steel after ultrasonic fatigue testing revealed globular and cylindrical particles located in ridges along the crack propagation direction. Observed particles could be easily taken for non‐metallic inclusions; however, chemical analysis showed that they are of the same composition as the steel matrix. The formation of such round‐shaped debris was found to be a result of cutting out the matrix fragments by ‘en passant’ cracks interaction and their subsequent fretting burnishing. Possible correlation of the parameters of ridges and debris with cyclic plastic zone width and martensite structure is discussed.
Increasing the organic carbon stocks in mineral soils sequesters large amounts of phosphorus
Authors: Spohn Marie
Published: May 2020

Despite the fact that phosphorus (P) is critical for plant biomass production in many ecosystems, the implications of soil organic carbon (OC) sequestration for the P cycle have hardly been discussed yet. Thus, the aims of this study are, first, to synthesize results about the relationship between C and P in soil organic matter (SOM) and organic matter inputs to soils, second, to review processes that affect the C:P ratio of SOM, and third, to discuss implications of OC storage in terrestrial ecosystems for P sequestration. The study shows that the storage of OC in mineral soils leads to the sequestration of large amounts of organic phosphorus (OP) since SOM in mineral soils is very rich in P. The reasons for the strong enrichment of OP with respect to OC in soils are the mineralization of OC and the formation of microbial necromass that is P‐rich as well as the strong sorption of OP to mineral surfaces that prevents OP mineralization. In particular, the formation of mineral‐associated SOM that is favorable for storing OC in soil over decadal to centennial timescales sequesters large amounts of OP. Storage of 1,000 kg C in the clay size fraction in the topsoils of croplands sequesters 13.1 kg P. In contrast, the OC:OP ratios of wood and of peatlands are much larger than the ones in cropland soils. Thus, storage of C in wood in peatlands sequesters much less P than the storage of OC in mineral soils. In order to increase the C stocks in terrestrial ecosystems and to lock up as little P as possible, it would be more reasonable to protect and restore peatlands and to produce and preserve wood than to store OC in mineral soils.
Histamine and histidine decarboxylase: Immunomodulatory functions and regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Moriguchi Takashi , Takai Jun
Published: May 2020

Histamine is a bioactive monoamine that is synthesized by the enzymatic activity of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in basophils, mast cells, gastric enterochromaffin‐like (ECL) cells and histaminergic neuronal cells. Upon a series of cellular stimuli, these cells release stored histamine, which elicits allergies, inflammation, and gastric acid secretion and regulates neuronal activity. Recent studies have shown that certain other types of myeloid lineage cells also produce histamine with HDC induction under various pathogenic stimuli. Histamine has been shown to play a series of pathophysiological roles by modulating immune and inflammatory responses in a number of disease conditions, whereas the mechanistic aspects underlying induced HDC expression remain elusive. In the present review, we summarize the current understanding of the regulatory mechanism of Hdc gene expression and the roles played by histamine in physiological contexts as well as pathogenic processes. We also introduce a newly developed histaminergic cell‐monitoring transgenic mouse line (Hdc‐BAC‐GFP) that serves as a valuable experimental tool to identify the source of histamine and dissect upstream regulatory signals.
Improvement of the quality stability of vacuum‐packaged fermented fish (Suanyu) stored at room temperature by irradiation and thermal treatments
Authors: Sun Yingying , Xu Yanshun , Gao Pei , Xia Wenshui , Hua Qian , Jiang Qixing
Published: May 2020

To evaluate the effects of irradiation and thermal treatments on the quality characteristics of the vacuum‐packaged low‐salted fermented fish (Suanyu) during 90‐day storage, thermal‐treated group (TTG), irradiated‐treated group (ITG) and non‐treated group (CG) were prepared. The results showed that total viable counts reduced by 4.49 and 4.67 log CFU/g after thermal and irradiation treatments, respectively, and no coliforms and pseudomonas growth occurred during storage. Compared with CG, lower levels in L*, springiness, chewiness of TTG and higher levels in L*, b* and chewiness of ITG were detected after 90‐day storage. Total biogenic amines content was significantly reduced in ITG compared with CG and TTG (P < 0.05). Both irradiation and thermal treatments have the potential to maintain quality of Suanyu during room storage. Compared with irradiation, thermal treatment could better stabilise the free amino acids and volatile compounds of Suanyu during room storage, but had some negative effects on texture quality.
Healing Together
Authors: Moyo Fulata Lusungu
Published: May 2020

As part of the World Council of Churches’ pilgrimage of justice and peace, the Just Community of Wo/Men organized the “Walking Her‐Story” activity as a gender response. These have remained pilgrim team visits that focus on listening to the stories of wo/men young and old and particularly addressing gender injustice specifically as expressed in sexual and gender‐based violence. This article focuses on the process triggered by such stories in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and South Sudan that became the midwife that gave birth to Healing Together – an ecumenical resource for faith‐ and community‐based counselling of those psychosocially wounded by injustice and violence. Rooted in the understanding of mission as healing and wholeness, the stories listened to became a cry for healing and wholeness. The process and product benefited from the richness of my being an ethicist of care nurtured by my ubuntu (communitarian) ethical background, trained in Healing of Memories’ facilitation and as a student of Franklian logotherapy. I worked with survivors of injustice and violence, post‐traumatic stress disorder healing facilitators, and church leaders through the council of churches in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.
Healing as Constitutive of Jesus’ Mission Handed to the Church
Authors: Wankar Gabriel T.
Published: May 2020

After a basic statement of the Catholic doctrine on healing ministry, this article adopts the understanding of the World Council of Churches’ document Healing and Wholeness: The Churches’ Role in Health, adopted in 1990 by the central committee. The document views health, healing, and wholeness not just as medical issues, but as embracing the political, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Building on the above, this article proposes an integral approach to sacramental healing for the African Catholic Church, arguing that alongside healing of physical ailments and deliverance from evil and malignant forces, healing must include working for social justice and peace for the people.
Linking Mission and Networks
Authors: Dokman Frans
Published: May 2020

The Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) is a network of churches and Christian organizations promoting people’s access to water around the world. There are many actors on advocacy for water justice; the EWN was formed to make a Christian witness be heard in the present debate on water issues. This article reflects on the meaning of spirituality for the EWN as an organization and on the relationship the EWN has with other actors in the field of water justice. This reflection is intended to ponder the questions which the EWN places at the core of its mission: “why we do, what we do?” Answering these questions contributes to theories and practices on mission and diversity and provides a stimulus to the manner in which organizations for mission and water justice deal with diversity. The perspectives derive from theology, mission studies, management sciences, and social anthropology.
A revised dynamic data envelopment analysis model with budget constraints
Authors: Lim Dong‐Joon , Kim Moon‐Su , Lee Kyu‐Won
Published: May 2020

In this study, we focus on an unintended limitation in the conventional specification of budget constraints in dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA). In particular, it is revealed that in the existing models, the production possibilities tend to be underestimated owing to misleading assumptions, and consequently, the models yield overstated efficiency measures. Besides addressing the relevant issues, we developed a revised dynamic DEA model to properly take budget constraints into account in a dynamic setting, while preserving the major principles of efficiency analysis. We compared the proposed model with the intertemporal cost indirect technology to clarify the differences. Finally, we illustrated, by way of examples, an empirical case of operational assessment in fire departments.
Methylation‐mediated miR‐214 regulates proliferation and drug sensitivity of renal cell carcinoma cells through targeting LIVIN
Authors: Xu Hao , Wu Shangjun , Shen Xin , Shi Zhan , Wu Ding , Yuan Yuan , Jiang Wei , Wang Qianliang , Ke Qin , Mao Qing , Li Xianlong , Liu Yong , Yuan Pingcheng , Zhang Qinghan , Huang Enying , Chen Xiaogang
Published: May 2020

LIVIN, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), is reported playing important roles in the development and progression of multiple human cancers. However, its underlined mechanisms in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are still needed to be clarified. In the present study, we reported that inhibition of miR‐214 promoted the expression of LIVIN, then facilitated RCC cells growth and reduced the sensitivity of RCC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In constant, overexpression of miR‐214 had contradictory effects. Further investigation showed that miR‐214 was down‐regulated in RCC because of abnormal methylation. In addition, DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, miR‐214 and LIVIN are directly correlated in RCC patients. In conclusion, these results suggest that abnormal miR‐214 methylation negatively regulates LIVIN, which may promote RCC cells growth and reduced the sensitivity of RCC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Bone tissue engineering using adipose‐derived stem cells and endothelial cells: Effects of the cell ratio
Authors: Mutschall Hilkea , Winkler Sophie , Weisbach Volker , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Steiner Dominik
Published: May 2020

The microvascular endothelial network is essential for bone formation and regeneration. In this context, endothelial cells not only support vascularization but also influence bone physiology via cell contact‐dependent mechanisms. In order to improve vascularization and osteogenesis in tissue engineering applications, several strategies have been developed. One promising approach is the coapplication of endothelial and adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs). In this study, we aimed at investigating the best ratio of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and osteogenic differentiated ADSCs with regard to proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenesis and angiogenesis. For this purpose, cocultures of ADSCs and HUVECs with ratios of 25%:75%, 50%:50% and 75%:25% were performed. We were able to prove that cocultivation supports proliferation whereas apoptosis was unidirectional decreased in cocultured HUVECs mediated by a p‐BAD‐dependent mechanism. Moreover, coculturing ADSCs and HUVECs stimulated matrix mineralization and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Increased gene expression of the proangiogenic markers eNOS, Flt, Ang2 and MMP3 as well as sprouting phenomena in matrigel assays proved the angiogenic potential of the coculture. In summary, coculturing ADSCs and HUVECs stimulates proliferation, cell survival, osteogenesis and angiogenesis particularly in the 50%:50% coculture.
Associations of sleep with psychological problems and well‐being in adolescence: causality or common genetic predispositions?
Authors: Vermeulen Marije C.M. , van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , Kocevska Desana , Treur Jorien L. , Huppertz Charlotte , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E.M. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Swaab Hanna , Van Someren Eus J.W. , Bartels Meike
Published: May 2020

Background

Whereas short and problematic sleep are associated with psychological problems in adolescence, causality remains to be elucidated. This study therefore utilized the discordant monozygotic cotwin design and cross‐lagged models to investigate how short and problematic sleep affect psychological functioning.

Methods

Adolescent twins (N = 12,803, 13–20 years, 42% male) completed questionnaires on sleep and psychological functioning repeatedly over a two‐year interval. Monozygotic twin pairs were classified as concordant or discordant for sleep duration and trouble sleeping. Resulting subgroups were compared regarding internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and subjective well‐being.

Results

Cross‐sectional analyses indicated associations of worse psychological functioning with both short sleep and problematic sleep, and cross‐lagged models indicate bidirectional associations. Longitudinal analyses showed that an increase in sleep problems experienced selectively by one individual of an identical twin pair was accompanied by an increase of 52% in internalizing problem scores and 25% in externalizing problem scores. These changes were significantly different from the within‐subject changes in cotwins with unchanged sleep quality (respectively, 3% increase and 5% decrease). Psychological functioning did, however, not worsen with decreasing sleep duration.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that sleep quality, rather than sleep duration, should be the primary target for prevention and intervention, with possible effect on psychological functioning in adolescents.
Metabolic reprogramming and angiogenesis in primary cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma: expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its central downstream factors
Authors: Toberer F. , Haenssle H.A. , Heinzel‐Gutenbrunner M. , Enk A. , Hartschuh W. , Helmbold P. , Kutzner H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Metabolic reprogramming and altered gene expression mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factors play crucial roles during tumour growth and progression. Nevertheless, studies analysing the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its downstream targets in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are lacking but are warranted to shed more light on MCC pathogenesis and to potentially provide new therapeutic options.

Objectives

To analyse the immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (referred to as VEGF throughout the manuscript), VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), VEGF receptor‐3 (VEGFR‐3), glucose transporter‐1 (Glut‐1), monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in primary cutaneous MCC.

Methods

The 16 paraffin‐embedded primary cutaneous MCCs (Merkel cell polyomavirus (McPyV) positive/negative: 11/5) were analysed by immunohistochemistry, namely HIF‐1α, VEGF, VEGFR‐2 (KDR), VEGFR‐3 (FLT4), Glut‐1, MCT4 and CAIX. An established quantification score (QS) was applied to quantitate the protein expression by considering the percentage of positive tumour cells (0: 0%; 1: up to 1%; 2: 2–10%; 3: 11–50%; 4: >50%) in relation to the staining intensity (0: negative; 1: low; 2: medium; 3: strong).

Results

HIF‐1α was expressed in all MCCs and predominantly found at the invading edges of tumour margins. The HIF‐1α downstream factors Glut‐1, MCT4 and CAIX were expressed in 13 of 16 MCC (81%), 14 of 16 MCC (88%) and 16 of 16 MCC (100%), respectively. Interestingly, VEGF and VEGFR‐2 were not expressed in tumour cells, whereas VEGFR‐3 was expressed in all MCCs. HIF‐1α was expressed significantly stronger in McPyV+ tumours (QS: 10.36 ± 2.41) than in McPyV− tumours (QS: 5.40 ± 1.34; P = 0.002). Similarly, VEGFR‐3 was also expressed significantly stronger in McPyV+ tumours (QS: 10.00 ± 2.52) than in McPyV− tumours (QS: 5.40 ± 3.43, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Our data provide first evidence for a role of HIF‐1α in induced metabolic reprogramming contributing to MCC pathogenesis. The metabolic signatures of McPyV+ and McPyV− tumours seem to show relevant differences.
Redescription of Rigidohymena inquieta (Stokes, 1887) Berger, 2011 as Metahymena inquieta gen. nov., comb. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) Based on Morphology, Morphogenesis, and Molecular Phylogeny
Authors: Kabir Ahmed Salahuddin , Bharti Daizy , Kumar Santosh , Shazib Shahed Uddin Ahmed , Shin Mann Kyoon
Published: May 2020

The morphology and morphogenesis of Rigidohymena inquieta (Stokes, 1887) Berger, 2011, isolated from a lawn soil in the campus of the University of Ulsan, Korea, was studied, using live observation and protargol impregnation. The molecular phylogeny was studied based on the SSU rRNA gene sequences. The morphology of the Korean population of R. inquieta matches the previously known populations; however, the morphogenetic pattern shows differences to the species R. candens in the involvement of cirrus V/3 in the anlagen formation. A novel genus namely Metahymena gen. nov. has been erected for the present species based on the ontogenetic difference, and the new combination Metahymena inquieta gen. nov., comb. nov. is proposed. The morphology, morphogenesis, distribution, and phylogeny of M. inquieta are presented. The morphologic and morphogenetic data corroborate the phylogenetic analyses as M. inquieta clusters among the stylonychid ciliates in a clade distant from Rigidohymena candens.
Targeted mutagenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana using CRISPR‐Cas12b/C2c1
Authors: Wu Fan , Qiao Xinyu , Zhao Yafei , Zhang Ziyi , Gao Yifan , Shi Lingfeng , Du Haokun , Wang Lulu , Zhang Ya‐Jie , Zhang Yu , Liu Langyu , Wang Quan , Kong Dejing
Published: May 2020

Cas12b/C2c1 is a newly identified class 2 CRISPR endonuclease that was recently engineered for targeted genome editing in mammals and rice. To explore the potential applications of the CRISPR‐Cas12b system in the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana, we selected BvCas12b and BhCas12b v4 for analysis. We successfully used both endonucleases to induce mutations, perform multiplex genome editing, and create large deletions at multiple loci. No significant mutations were detected at potential off‐target sites. Analysis of the insertion/deletion frequencies and patterns of mutants generated via targeted gene mutagenesis highlighted the potential utility of CRISPR‐Cas12b systems for genome editing in Arabidopsis.
Deep learning‐based classification of rectal fecal retention and analysis of fecal properties using ultrasound images in older adult patients
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Tsutaoka Takuya , Nakagami Gojiro , Tanaka Shiho , Yoshida Mikako , Miura Yuka , Sugama Junko , Okada Shingo , Ohta Hideki , Sanada Hiromi
Published: May 2020

Aim

The present study aimed to analyze the use of machine learning in ultrasound (US)‐based fecal retention assessment.

Methods

The accuracy of deep learning techniques and conventional US methods for the evaluation of fecal properties was compared. The presence or absence of rectal feces was analyzed in 42 patients. Eleven patients without rectal fecal retention on US images were excluded from the analysis; thus, fecal properties were analyzed in 31 patients. Deep learning was used to classify the transverse US images into three types: absence of feces, hyperechoic area, and strong hyperechoic area in the rectum.

Results

Of the 42 patients, 31 tested positive for the presence of rectal feces, zero were false positive, zero were false negative, and 11 were negative, indicating a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% for the detection of rectal feces in the rectum. Of the 31 positive patients, 14 had hard stools and 17 had other types. Hard stool was detected by US findings in 100% of the patients (14/14), whereas deep learning‐based classification detected hard stool in 85.7% of the patients (12/14). Other stool types were detected by US findings in 88.2% of the patients (15/17), while deep learning‐based classification also detected other stool types in 88.2% of the patients (15/17).

Conclusions

The results showed that US findings and deep learning‐based classification can detect rectal fecal retention in older adult patients and distinguish between the types of fecal retention.
Protective actions of exercise‐related FNDC5/Irisin in memory and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: de Freitas Guilherme B. , Lourenco Mychael V. , De Felice Fernanda G.
Published: May 2020

The proportion of elderly populations is rapidly booming, and human lifespan has considerably increased in the past century because of scientific and medical advances. However, the winds of change brought by the 21st century made sedentarism one of the factors that renders the brain vulnerable to age‐related chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, physical exercise has been shown to stimulate molecular mechanisms beneficial to cognition. Here, we review evidence showing the positive effects of physical exercise in the brain. We further discuss recent evidence that irisin, a myokine stimulated by physical exercise derived from fibronectin type III domain‐containing protein 5 (FNDC5) transmembrane protein, has neuroprotective actions in the brain. Lastly, we highlight the importance of the crosstalk between the periphery and the brain in cognition and the therapeutic potential of FNDC5/irisin in AD.

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Screen Time Exposure and Altered Sleep in Young Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Lin Ying‐Ying , Lee Wang‐Tso , Yang Hsiao‐Ling , Weng Wen‐Chin , Lee Chien‐Chang , Jeng Suh‐Fang , Tsai Shao‐Yu
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To examine the association between daily screen time exposure and both sleep patterns (sleep onset, sleep offset, and nighttime, and daily sleep durations) and sleep disturbances among a clinical sample of children with epilepsy.

Design

A cross‐sectional actigraphic sleep study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 141 children with epilepsy (1.5–6 years of age) was recruited from an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic of a university‐affiliated children's hospital in northern Taiwan. Participating families completed questionnaires and reported children's screen time use, with children wearing an actigraphy monitor for 7 days to assess sleep patterns. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of screen time exposure with the child's sleep patterns and sleep disturbance scores.

Findings

Mean minutes per day of screen time exposure was 89.79 ± 83.94 min, with 62 parents (44.0%) reporting their child having >1 hr of screen time daily. Mean daily sleep duration was 9.26 ± 1.01 hr, with 106 children (93.0%) sleeping <10 hr in a 24‐hr period. In multivariate regression models, daily screen time exposure of >1 hour was associated with 23.4‐min later sleep onset (b = 0.39, p = .02), 20.4‐min later sleep offset (b = 0.34, p = .04), and more severe sleep disturbances (b = 2.42, p = .04).

Conclusions

In toddlers and preschool‐age children with epilepsy, daily screen time exposure is greater and sleep duration is shorter than the recommended amount, with increased screen time exposure associated with disturbed sleep.

Clinical Relevance

Parents need to be informed about the possible adverse impact of screen time exposure on children's sleep and health as well as the importance of limiting screen time exposure to <1 hr per day for their toddlers and preschool‐age children with epilepsy.
The Psychological Toll of Emotion Work in Same‐Sex and Different‐Sex Marital Dyads
Authors: Umberson Debra , Thomeer Mieke Beth , Pollitt Amanda M. , Mernitz Sara E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study considers how the provision of daily emotion work may affect the psychological well‐being of the emotion worker, and how this linkage may vary for men and women in same‐ and different‐sex marriages.

Background

Emotion work–work intended to bolster a spouse's well‐being by reading and managing the spouse's emotional needs—is common within marital relationships and often gendered, with women more aware of and concerned with emotion work than men. Yet, the psychological cost of performing emotion work is largely unexplored.

Method

This study relies on 10 days of daily experiences data from spouses in same‐ and different‐sex marriages (n = 756 individuals). Mixed effects multilevel regression modeling is used to examine how the provision of emotion work is associated with the emotion workers' psychological well‐being.

Results

Providing emotion work is inversely associated with emotion workers' psychological well‐being, especially when provided for a spouse with elevated depressive symptoms. These estimated effects are generally similar for men and women but greater for those married to a man than for those married to a woman, whether in a same‐ or different‐sex marriage.

Conclusion

Emotion work appears to adversely affect the worker's own psychological well‐being, especially when a spouse has elevated depressive symptoms and when one's spouse is a man. These results point to the importance of dyadic approaches and consideration of gendered relationship dynamics of same‐ as well as different‐sex couples in studies of emotion work and other marital processes.
Cardiovascular‐renal axis disorder and acute‐phase proteins in cats with congestive heart failure caused by primary cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Köster Liza S. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Chadwick Christopher C. , Sanz‐González Íñigo , Eckersall Peter David , Wotton Paul R. , French Anne T.
Published: May 2020

Background

Currently, the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is not fully understood.

Objective

To identify novel biomarkers for CHF in cats caused by primary cardiomyopathy, particularly related to cardiovascular‐renal axis disorder and systemic inflammatory response.

Animals

Twenty‐five cats in CHF caused by primary cardiomyopathy, 12 cats with preclinical cardiomyopathy, and 20 healthy controls.

Methods

Case control and observational case series. The following serum biomarkers were compared among the 3 cat groups: a cardiorenal profile that included N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and creatinine and an inflammatory profile that included 7 acute‐phase proteins (APPs). Survival analyses and longitudinal studies were performed in CHF cats.

Results

All cardiorenal biomarkers were positively correlated and higher in CHF cats, and high NT‐proBNP and SDMA were associated with poor clinical outcome. Cats with CHF had significantly higher leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1, serum amyloid A, and ceruloplasmin, and these APPs were positively correlated with NT‐proBNP and left atrial size. In a multivariable survival analysis, alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein concentration (P= .01), body weight (P= .02) and left atrial‐to‐aortic root ratio (P= .01) were independent prognostic factors for CHF in these cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In cats, CHF is an inflammatory disorder and outcome in CHF may be determined by the extent of inflammation and possibly the amount of residual renal function. These novel biomarkers have potential use for the clinical management, prognosis, and future research into CHF and cardiomyopathy in cats.
Misinformation encountered during a simulated jury deliberation can distort jurors' memory of a trial and bias their verdicts
Authors: Thorley Craig , Beaton Lara , Deguara Phillip , Jerome Brittany , Khan Dua , Schopp Kaela
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Jurors swear to base their verdicts solely on the evidence presented at trial. Their recall of a trial during deliberation can, however, be inaccurate, exposing other jurors to misinformation about the trial. This study examined whether jurors who are exposed to misinformation during a simulated deliberation, where the misinformation supports the prosecution's case, will misremember the misinformation as appearing during a trial and be more likely to reach a guilty verdict. It also examined whether allowing jurors to take notes during a trial, and refer to those notes throughout, stops these potentially harmful effects.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐four participant jurors watched a murder trial. Half were allowed to take notes. They then read a transcript of a deliberation that either contained or did not contain six pieces of pro‐prosecution misinformation. Afterwards, they reached a verdict. Finally, they completed a source monitoring test that required indicating whether the misinformation, and actual trial information, appeared during the trial.

Results

Jurors exposed to misinformation misremembered it as appearing during the trial. Those who misattributed the most misinformation to the trial were most likely to reach a guilty verdict. Note taking, and note access, did not stop these effects.

Conclusions

Jurors can make mistakes when recalling a trial during deliberation but the consequences of this were largely unknown. This study provides initial evidence that their mistakes may distort other jurors' recollection of the trial and bias their verdicts. Attempts to replicate these findings using live deliberations are encouraged to determine their generalizability.
Conflicting‐claims and labour market concerns in a supermultiplier SFC model
Authors: Brochier Lídia
Published: May 2020

We propose to introduce inflation via conflicting‐claims, an endogenous labour productivity regime à la Kaldor‐Verdoorn and an explicit account for the labour market into an SFC model that combines an endogenous autonomous expenditure component with the induced investment behaviour of firms. The aim of the paper is to analyse the dynamics of real wage and productivity growth and the impacts on the long run growth trend, income shares and the employment rate of: (a) changes in the propensity to consume; (b) changes in the bargaining power of workers; and (c) changes in the labour productivity under different institutional settings.
Pronunciation Can Be Acquired Outside the Classroom: Design and Assessment of Homework‐Based Training
Authors: MARTIN INES A.
Published: May 2020

Even though there is ample evidence that pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective second language (L2) communication, pronunciation training is frequently neglected in L2 classrooms due to time constraints or because instructors do not feel adequately prepared to teach pronunciation. To address this discrepancy, the present study investigates the effectiveness of a novel, homework‐based method of pronunciation instruction. Novice German learners’ (N = 122) perception and oral production skills on the word and sentence level were assessed at the beginning and the end of the semester. Learners were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a homework‐based pronunciation training group, an in‐class training group, and a control group. The results showed that the learners in the homework training group significantly outperformed learners in the control group on some (but not all) measures of phonological perception skills and on comprehensibility measures of productions of individual words. Results further revealed no significant difference between learners who received homework‐based or in‐class pronunciation training and responses on a debriefing questionnaire showed that learners were equally satisfied with both training modalities. Taken together, these results suggest that homework‐based pronunciation training is similarly effective as in‐class practice.
Expanding criteria for slow colonic transit in patients being evaluated for chronic constipation by scintigraphy
Authors: Khoshbin Katayoun , Busciglio Irene , Burton Duane , Breen‐Lyles Margaret K. , Camilleri Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Colonic transit measurement [geometric center (GC) at 24 and 48 hours] identifies slow transit constipation (STC) in patients with chronic constipation.

Aim

To evaluate the utility of the difference between GC24 and GC48 (Δ48‐24) to identify STC in adults with chronic constipation.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of 250 patients, aged 18‐75 years, who underwent colonic transit by scintigraphy during 1994‐2019 for investigation of chronic constipation. Data collected included demographics, medical and surgical histories, and anorectal manometry. We used colonic transit from 220 healthy controls to identify the 5th percentile for diagnosing STC: 1.3 at 24 hours, and 1.9 at 48 hours. In addition, the 5th percentile for Δ48‐24 was 0.38 for females and 0.29 for males. Data are reported as median and IQR [Q1, Q3]).

Key results

Among the 250 patients [median age 42.5 years (IQR 30.75, 56), 84% female], based on GC24 < 1.3, 52 (20.8%) had STC (3 males, 49 females); and based on GC48 < 1.9, 28(11.2%) had STC (3 males, 25 females). Colonic transit was normal in 74.8%. In the groups with normal GC24 and GC48, Δ48‐24 identified an additional 32(15.1%) of 212 female patients and 4 (10.5%) of 38 male patients with slow progression of colonic transit between 24 and 48 hours. Among these 36 patients with abnormal Δ48‐24, 13(36.1%) had evidence of rectal evacuation disorder.

Conclusions & Inferences

Δ48‐24 measurement on scintigraphic colonic transit can identify an additional 9.2% of STC in patients with constipation without rectal evacuation disorder and can help individualize treatment of chronic constipation.
Designer drugs: a medicinal chemistry perspective (II)
Authors: Carroll F. Ivy , Lewin Anita H. , Mascarella S. Wayne , Seltzman Herbert H. , Reddy P. Anantha
Published: May 2020

During 2012–2018, the clandestine manufacture of new psychoactive substances (NPS) designed to circumvent substance control regulations increased exponentially worldwide, with concomitant increase in fatalities. This review focuses on three compound classes identified as synthetic opioids, synthetic amphetamines, and synthetic cannabinoids and highlights the medicinal chemistry precedents utilized by clandestine laboratories to develop new NPS with increased brain penetration, longer duration of action, and greater potency. Chemical approaches to illicit drug abuse treatment options, particularly for opioid use disorder, are also discussed.
The SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 pandemic and challenges in stroke care in India
Authors: Sylaja P. N. , Srivastava M. V. Padma , Shah Sudhir , Bhatia Rohit , Khurana Dheeraj , Sharma Arvind , Pandian Jeyaraj D. , Kalia Kiran , Sarmah Deepaneeta , Nair Sruthi S. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Bhattacharya Pallab
Published: May 2020

Stroke care in India has evolved rapidly in the last decade with a focus on stroke awareness, prevention, rapid triage, treatment, and rehabilitation. But acute stroke care and poststroke rehabilitation in the country have limitations owing to the economic constraints and poor access to health care. The SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 pandemic has made stroke care even more challenging. We outline the unfavorable circumstances in stroke care induced by the pandemic; propose mitigating measures; crisis management; and provide a comparative evaluation of stroke care between India and the United States during the pandemic. There is a need for public health systems in both developed and developing countries to improve awareness, implement proper strategies of triage, acute treatment, well‐defined rehabilitation plans, telemedicine services, and virtual check‐ins.
Leadless pacemaker use in a patient with a durable left ventricular assist device
Authors: Parker Alex M. , Vilaro Juan R. , Aranda Juan M. , Al‐Ani Mohammad , George Phillip , Ahmed Mustafa M.
Published: May 2020

There is limited known safety and efficacy of leadless pacemaker device use in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We present a case of a pacemaker‐dependent LVAD patient with infection of permanent transvenous pacemaker who underwent successful implantation of Micra transcatheter pacing system (Medtronic).