bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal vascular fraction‐enriched platelet‐rich plasma therapy reverses the effects of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Butt Ghazala , Hussain Ijaz , Ahmad Fridoon Jawad , Choudhery Mahmood S.
Published: September 2019

Background

Since antiquity, humans have been trying to devise remedies to cure androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These efforts include use of oral and topical concoctions and hair transplant strategies. As AGA affects people of all colors and creed, there has been a continuous effort to find a magic bullet against AGA. Unfortunately, to date, all the strategies to negate AGA effects have limitations and thus require new treatment options.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in androgenetic alopecia patients.

Methods

Stromal vascular fraction was obtained by enzymatic digestion of autologous adipose tissue. The patients were divided into two groups, that is, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) group and SVF‐PRP group. In PRP group, only PRP was injected, while in SVF‐PRP group a mixture of PRP and SVF was injected in affected scalp areas. After two sessions (4 weeks apart), the patients in both groups were assessed and analyzed using various parameters.

Results

Mean hair density in PRP group was increased from 52.44 hair/cm2 to 63.72 hair/cm2 (21.51% increase); while in SVF‐PRP group, it was 37.66 hair/cm2 before treatment and 57.11 hair/cm2 after SVF‐PRP therapy (51.64% increase). Percentage reduction in pull test was more significant in SVF‐PRP group (80.78 ± 5.84) as compared to PRP group (34.01 ± 22.44). The physician and patient assessment scores also indicated a significant improvement in SVF‐PRP group.

Conclusion

A combined SVF‐PRP therapy reversed effects of AGA more efficiently as compared to PRP therapy alone.
Dermatology in Ancient Rome: Medical ingredients in Ovid's “Remedies for female faces”
Authors: Ursin Frank , Borelli Claudia , Steger Florian
Published: September 2019

Background

In Roman medicine, face packs, plasters, unguents, and peelings were part of the therapy of dermatological diseases, but also served cosmetic purposes. Ancient medical textbooks inform us about the ingredients for these applications. Beyond medical literature, other genres contain information about dermatological applications. The Roman poet Ovid (43 BC–17 AD) wrote a didactic poem recording five recipes for topical applications for female faces (Medicamina faciei femineae). Researchers debate the relation of Ovid's poem to Roman medicine: Does the poem contain therapeutical or cosmetical information, or is it mere belles lettres?

Aims

The objective of the paper is to conduct a medico‐historical classification of Ovid's poem by determining whether the ingredients of Ovid's recipes were thought to be effective by the authors of Roman medical textbooks.

Methods

First, translation and identification of the ingredients were carried out. Second, comparison of the ingredients' functions regarding the therapy of dermatological diseases in two important Roman medical textbooks was realized. For this purpose, several commentaries on the text of Ovid were used and a keyword search in Roman medical textbooks was performed.

Results

Ovid's five recipes contain 23 ingredients. All ingredients can be found in medical textbooks. We find that 14 of these ingredients serve cosmetic purposes, 17 serve the therapy of dermatological diseases, and 13 serve both.

Conclusion

Ovid's recipes contain drugs that were considered effective by the authors of Roman medical textbooks. These drugs were recommended both for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes by the same authors. Therefore, Ovid's didactic poem is not mere belles lettres, but contains serious medical and cosmetical information. As far as we know, it is the first Roman text that contains dermatological recipes.
A new proprietary gel containing glabridin, andrographolide, and apolactoferrin improves the appearance of epidermal melasma in adult women: A 6‐month pilot, uncontrolled open‐label study
Authors: Cantelli Mariateresa , Ferrillo Maria , Donnarumma Marianna , Emanuele Enzo , Fabbrocini Gabriella
Published: September 2019

Background

Melasma—a localized chronic acquired hypermelanosis—is common in adult women and it is difficult to treat.

Aims

We designed a pilot, uncontrolled open‐label study to evaluate the appearance of epidermal melasma after 6 months of twice‐daily application of a nonprescription proprietary gel formulation containing glabridin, andrographolide, and apolactoferrin.

Patients/Methods

A total of 40 Caucasian women with epidermal melasma (Fitzpatrick skin types II‐VI) were enrolled. The study endpoints included standardized clinical photography, determination of Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, spectrocolorimeter X‐Rite analysis, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and self‐assessment of cosmetic acceptability.

Results

All endpoints showed a statistically significant improvement of epidermal melasma from baseline to the end of the study. There were no dropouts and cosmetic acceptability was rated as excellent by all of the study patients. The only observed adverse event was a mild, transient xerosis (n = 3).

Conclusions

Favorable outcomes, as demonstrated by investigator and instrumental assessments, were demonstrated using a proprietary gel for the treatment of epidermal melasma in adult women. Our results need to be confirmed in independent placebo‐controlled studies.
Melatonin safeguards against fatty liver by antagonizing TRAFs‐mediated ASK1 deubiquitination and stabilization in a β‐arrestin‐1 dependent manner
Authors: Li Dong‐Jie , Tong Jie , Li Yong‐Hua , Meng Hong‐Bo , Ji Qing‐Xin , Zhang Guo‐Yan , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Zhang Wen‐Jing , Zeng Fei‐Yan , Huang Gang , Hua Xia , Shen Fu‐Ming , Wang Pei
Published: September 2019

Melatonin has been previously shown to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identified a previously unknown regulatory action of melatonin on apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis and development of NAFLD. Although melatonin administration did not alter food intake, it significantly alleviated fatty liver phenotypes, including the body weight gain, insulin resistance, hepatic lipid accumulation, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD mouse model (in vivo). The protection of melatonin against NAFLD was not affected by inactivation of Kupffer cell in this model. In NAFLD mice liver, ASK1 signal cascade was substantially activated, evidence by the enhancement of total ASK1, phospho‐ASK1, phospho‐MKK3/6, phospho‐p38, phospho‐MKK4/7, and phospho‐JNK. Melatonin treatment significantly suppressed the ASK1 upregulation and the phosphorylation of ASK1, MKK3/6, MKK4/7, p38, and JNK. Mechanistically, we found that lipid stress triggered the interaction between ASK1 and TNF receptor‐associated factors (TRAFs), including TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF6, which resulted in ASK1 deubiquitination and thereby increased ASK1 protein stability. Melatonin did not alter ASK1 mRNA level; however, it activated a scaffold protein β‐arrestin‐1 and enabled it to bind to ASK1, which antagonized the TRAFs‐mediated ASK1 deubiquitination, and thus reduced ASK1 protein stability. Consistent with these findings, knockout of β‐arrestin‐1 in mice partly abolished the protection of melatonin against NAFLD. Taken together, our results for the first time demonstrate that melatonin safeguards against NAFLD by eliminating ASK1 activation via inhibiting TRAFs‐mediated ASK1 deubiquitination and stabilization in a β‐arrestin‐1 dependent manner.
Early‐predictors of marginal bone loss around morse taper connection implants loaded with single crowns: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Radaelli Manuel T. B. , Federizzi Leonardo , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Leite Fábio R. M. , Boscato Noéli
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective

Few studies estimated the joint effect of implant design (length and diameter), peri‐implant, and occlusal variables on early marginal bone loss. The monitoring of these factors during the first year after implant loading may be effective in preventing early implant failure. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to identify early‐predictors of marginal bone loss around morse‐tapered connection implants 12 months after implant loading.

Methods

Participants (n = 33) received 109 morse taper implants inserted subcrestally (diameter: 3.5 to 5 mm, length: 6 to 15 mm) loaded with single crowns. Implants were radiographically examined at the implant placement (baseline) and 12 months after prosthetic loading. Implant, peri‐implant, and occlusal‐related independent variables were analyzed by decision tree analysis. Mixed‐effects multilevel analysis was used to estimate adjusted predictive values of marginal bone loss based on the early‐predictors identified in decision tree analysis.

Results

Higher marginal bone loss was observed at mesial (mean of 0.87 mm; ranged from 0.5 to 1.19) than at distal sites (mean of 0.73 mm; ranged from 0.4 to 1.12 mm). The predictive model revealed of the largest marginal bone loss in association with cement‐retained prostheses, a platform diameter of 3.5 mm, papilla sizes up to 2 mm, keratinized mucosa width inferior to 3 mm, implant lengths above 8.5 mm, inadequate occlusal relations, presence of bleeding on probing and deep peri‐implant pocket.

Conclusion

As implant dimensions, peri‐implant and occlusal‐related factors were associated with early marginal bone loss around morse taper implant, intervention in these factors might prevent early marginal bone loss.
Perception‐based Supplier Attributes and Performance Implications: A Multimethod Exploratory Study
Authors: Clauss Thomas , Tangpong Chanchai
Published: September 2019

Attributes of suppliers such as capabilities are considered important aspects of successful buyer–supplier relationships. Previous research relates supplier attributes largely to intraorganizational supply chain practices, such as supplier selection and evaluation, and assumes that supplier attributes can be objectively assessed independently of the relationships with suppliers. This study expands on this literature by (1) exploring supplier attributes as perceived by purchasing managers in ongoing buyer–supplier relationships and (2) examining how these perception‐based supplier attributes are associated with performance‐influencing practices, which can in turn shape relational outcomes of the relationships. In doing so, we combine two exploratory qualitative studies. We conduct 60 repertory grid interviews with purchasing managers in Study 1 and 25 semi‐structured interviews with another set of purchasing managers in Study 2. The findings of this study are finally theorized through the supply chain practice view and are summarized into an integrative theoretical model. This study thus provides a more nuanced understanding of perception‐based supplier attributes and their implications on performance‐influencing practices and relational outcomes in buyer–supplier relationships.
Genomics detects population structure within and between ocean basins in a circumpolar seabird: The white‐chinned petrel
Authors: Rexer‐Huber Kalinka , Veale Andrew J. , Catry Paulo , Cherel Yves , Dutoit Ludovic , Foster Yasmin , McEwan John C. , Parker Graham C. , Phillips Richard A. , Ryan Peter G. , Stanworth Andrew J. , van Stijn Tracey , Thompson David R. , Waters Jonathan , Robertson Bruce C.
Published: September 2019

The Southern Ocean represents a continuous stretch of circumpolar marine habitat, but the potential physical and ecological drivers of evolutionary genetic differentiation across this vast ecosystem remain unclear. We tested for genetic structure across the full circumpolar range of the white‐chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) to unravel the potential drivers of population differentiation and test alternative population differentiation hypotheses. Following range‐wide comprehensive sampling, we applied genomic (genotyping‐by‐sequencing or GBS; 60,709 loci) and standard mitochondrial‐marker approaches (cytochrome b and first domain of control region) to quantify genetic diversity within and among island populations, test for isolation by distance, and quantify the number of genetic clusters using neutral and outlier (non‐neutral) loci. Our results supported the multi‐region hypothesis, with a range of analyses showing clear three‐region genetic population structure, split by ocean basin, within two evolutionary units. The most significant differentiation between these regions confirmed previous work distinguishing New Zealand and nominate subspecies. Although there was little evidence of structure within the island groups of the Indian or Atlantic oceans, a small set of highly‐discriminatory outlier loci could assign petrels to ocean basin and potentially to island group, though the latter needs further verification. Genomic data hold the key to revealing substantial regional genetic structure within wide‐ranging circumpolar species previously assumed to be panmictic.
Do Central Banks Respond Timely to Developments in the Global Economy?
Authors: Bj⊘rnland Hilde C. , Thorsrud Leif Anders , Zahiri Sepideh Khayati
Published: September 2019

Our analysis suggests; they do not! We arrive at this conclusion by showing that revisions to the published interest rate path projections from the central banks in New Zealand, Norway and Sweden can be predicted by timely and forward‐looking international indicators. Furthermore, using individual country and Panel VARs, identified with an external instrument method, we show that the policy surprises induced by the predictable revisions likely contain information about how the central banks assess past, current and future economic conditions and thereby leads to a positive co‐movement between the interest rate and both financial markets and the macroeconomy.
Can oral health and oral‐derived biospecimens predict progression of dementia?
Authors: Orr Miranda E. , Reveles Kelly R. , Yeh Chih‐Ko , Young Eric H. , Han Xianlin
Published: September 2019

Growing evidence indicates that oral health and brain health are interconnected. Declining cognition and dementia coincide with lack of self‐preservation, including oral hygiene. The oral microbiota plays an important role in maintaining oral health. Emerging evidence suggests a link between oral dysbiosis and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This review showcases the recent advances connecting oral health and cognitive function during aging and the potential utility of oral‐derived biospecimens to inform on brain health. Collectively, experimental findings indicate that the connection between oral health and cognition cannot be underestimated; moreover, oral biospecimens are abundant and readily obtainable without invasive procedures, which may help inform on cognitive health.
Exosomes derived from maxillary BMSCs enhanced the osteogenesis in iliac BMSCs
Authors: Li Xiaobei , Zheng Yunfei , Hou Liyu , Zhou Zhibo , Huang Yiping , Zhang Yixin , Jia Lingfei , Li Weiran
Published: September 2019

Objective

Secondary alveolar bone grafting is an essential part in the treatment of alveolar cleft deformity. Autologous iliac bone is the most favorable grafting source. However, the factors regulating postoperative bone formation are unclear. Investigations are needed to found whether the alveolar bone niche and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from the jaw bone (BMSCs‐J) affected the osteogenesis of BMSCs from the ilium (BMSCs‐I).

Materials and Methods

The effect of BMSCs‐J on BMSCs‐I was investigated using a co‐culture model. The exosomes were purified by sequential centrifugation. The osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs was analyzed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Co‐culture with BMSCs‐J increased the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, and osteogenic gene expression in BMSCs‐I. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis verified the presence of exosomes in the culture supernatants of BMSCs. Exosomes secreted by BMSCs‐J enhanced the ALP activity, ARS staining, osteogenic gene expression of BMSCs‐I in vitro, and new bone formation in vivo. Blocking the secretion of exosomes using siRNA for Rab27a inhibited the effect of BMSCs‐J.

Conclusion

Exosomes played a role in the interaction between BMSCs‐J and BMSCs‐I, thereby leading to the enhanced osteogenic capacity of BMSCs‐I and bone formation.
Measuring behavioral and emotional changes in children following hospitalization: Limitations and future directions
Authors: Uhl Kristen , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: September 2019

Psychological and behavioral changes have been observed and documented in children following medical interventions/hospitalizations. The Posthospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) was created to assess for such changes in youth. Over the past several decades, researchers have used this measure to examine rates and duration of behavior changes as well as relevant risk factors. However, certain limitations to the PHBQ exist that may interfere with its utility. This article advocates for creating an optimized measure with an underlying theoretical framework, clinical cutoffs, and developmental sensitivity in order to better identify and track significant emotional and behavioral changes in youth following hospitalization and surgery.
Considering Group‐level Emotions as a Factor for Change Amid Increasing Tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)
Authors: Parent Geneviève
Published: September 2019

Traumatic events such as wars and genocides generate powerful emotions, most notably fear and distrust. Based on analysis of in‐depth field interviews, this article aims to deepen our understanding of the role of emotion in the reconciliation process by means of concepts described in the intergroup emotions theory. This paper begins with an overview of the literature on intergroup emotions theory and then discusses the implications of group‐level emotions in regard to intergroup behavior and the reconciliation process in a context where trauma is prevalent and the social distance between groups is high such as is the case in BiH. It is then argued that including peacebuilding measures that take into account intergroup emotions—decreasing negative group‐based emotional experiences, especially trauma‐related emotions which can be easily manipulated such as fear—has become imperative in BiH. This article also aims to highlight the importance of developing trust as a crucial element in the reconciliation process.
Epidermal Langerhans cells resistance to solar‐simulated radiation in actinic prurigo patients with low minimal erythema dose
Authors: Valbuena Martha Cecilia , Rolon Cadena Mariam
Published: September 2019

Background

Actinic prurigo is a chronic photodermatosis of unclear pathogenesis. Epidermal Langerhans cell resistance to migration after ultraviolet radiation exposure has been proposed as a possible mechanism, as occurs in polymorphic light eruption patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of solar‐simulated radiation (SSR) on epidermal Langerhans cells in the uninvolved skin of actinic prurigo patients.

Patients and Methods

Fifteen patients with actinic prurigo participated in the study. A biopsy from the uninvolved and unirradiated skin of the left buttock was performed, and another from the uninvolved skin of the right buttock, 72 hours after exposure to two MEDs of SSR. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to identify Langerhans cells (CD1a) in all samples.

Results

In actinic prurigo patients with normal MED, there was a significant decrease in the number of epidermal Langerhans cells on the buttock skin exposed to two MED of SSR compared with the unirradiated buttock skin (P = .02 and .035 respectively). On the contrary, in patients with low MED there were no significant differences in the number of epidermal Langerhans cells between irradiated and unirradiated skin (P = .39).

Conclusion

Epidermal Langerhans cells migration after ultraviolet radiation exposure is decreased in actinic prurigo patients with low MED as has been reported in PLE patients, especially, those with low MED or positive UVB provocation tests. Langerhans cells resistance could be part of a common pathogenic mechanism in these two photodermatoses.
Zoom-In–Out Joint Graphical Lasso for Different Coarseness Scales
Authors: Pircalabelu Eugen , Claeskens Gerda , Waldorp Lourens J.
Published: September 2019

A new method is proposed to estimate graphical models simultaneously from data obtained at different coarseness scales. Starting from a predefined scale the method offers the possibility to zoom in or out over scales on particular edges. The estimated graphs over the different scales have similar structures although their level of sparsity depends on the scale at which estimation takes place. The method makes it possible to evaluate the evolution of the graphs from the coarsest to the finest scale or vice versa. We select an optimal coarseness scale to be used for further analysis. Simulation studies and an application on functional magnetic resonance brain imaging data show the method's performance in practice.
High‐frequency (20 MHz) high‐intensity focused ultrasound system for dermal intervention: A 12‐week local tolerance study in minipigs
Authors: Soegaard Susi , Aarup Vibeke , Serup Jørgen , Bove Torsten , Zawada Tomasz , Jessen Alexander , Poli Mattia
Published: September 2019

Background

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) operating at 20 MHz is new and applicable to skin. Details of use and instrumentation are not documented.

Materials and Methods

A GLP compliant 12‐week study of Göttingen minipigs (n = 3) was undertaken. Effects of HIFU treatment at different focal depths, energy levels and field size (single shot vs 5 × 5 multiple shots) were studied. Clinical scoring and histology of treated sites were made.

Results

High‐intensity focused ultrasound showed instant and initial effects with wheal and flare responses followed by delayed inflammatory reactions associated with outer skin necrosis, depending on energy dose. HIFU treatment was tunable in the range 0.3‐1.5 J, ablative at higher energy level. Transducers with deeper focal points gave more profound effects, while epidermal effects were comparable. Multiple doses of 5 × 5 shots produced stronger reactions than single dose indicating that nearby applied shots were synergistic. Recovery from single doses was faster than in multidose areas. Clinical scarring at the end point was not seen despite occasional fibrous change of dermis. Findings illustrated intended therapeutic use; no special safety issues of concern were raised.

Conclusion

The new 20 MHz HIFU was reproducible, tunable and produced targeted effects in the outer skin, for example instant wheal and flare followed by inflammation and possibly necrosis depending on energy setting. Reactions recovered during the study with only minor findings at study end. No special safety concerns were raised. The method can be controlled and modulated, and it is ready for clinical testing of dermatological disease indications including conditions presently treated with lasers.
Unravelling the root zone of ultramafic‐hosted black smokers‐like hydrothermalism from an Alpine analog
Authors: Coltat Rémi , Branquet Yannick , Gautier Pierre , Campos Rodriguez Hector , Poujol Marc , Pelleter Ewan , McClenaghan Sean , Manatschal Gianreto , Boulvais Philippe
Published: September 2019

Mid‐Ocean Ridges host various types of hydrothermal systems including high‐T black‐smokers found in ultramafic rocks exhumed along slow spreading ridges. These systems are mostly described in two dimensions as their exposure on the present‐day seafloor lacks the vertical dimension. One way to understand these systems at depth is to study their fossilized equivalents preserved on‐land. Such observation can be done in the Platta nappe, Switzerland, where a Jurassic‐aged mineralized system is exposed in 3D. Serpentinites host a Cu‐Fe‐Ni‐Co‐Zn‐rich mineralization made of sulphides, magnetite and Fe‐Ca‐silicates either replacing serpentinites or within stockwork. Fe‐Ca‐silicates, abundant at the deepest levels, vanish in the mineralization close to the palaeo‐detachment. Fluids were channelized along mafic dykes and sills acting as preferential drains. Warm carbonation (~130°C) is the latest hydrothermal record. We propose that this system is an analog to the root zone of present‐day serpentinite‐hosted hydrothermal systems such as those found along the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge.
Strongyloides stercoralis larvae or egg: Which came first?
Authors: Poloni José Antonio Tesser , Zanotelli Maria Lucia , Pedroso Artur de Souza , Trein Márcia Rodrigues , Tasca Tiana
Published: September 2019

Strongyloides stercoralis (SS) hyperinfection is a well‐documented condition. However, SS eggs in stool samples are not commonly observed during routine analysis. Here, we report a case on SS hyperinfection where both larvae and eggs were observed in the stool sample of an immunossupressed liver allograft transplanted patient.
Treatment of latent TB Infection and the risk of tuberculosis after solid organ transplantation: Comprehensive review
Authors: Abad Cybele Lara R. , Deziel Paul J. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: September 2019

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease may occur after treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI). Prompted by a case of reactivation TB disease in a solid organ transplant (SOT) recipient who received LTBI treatment, we reviewed the literature to examine outcomes, adverse effects, resistance, and treatment choices of tuberculosis after LTBI therapy.

Methods

MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to 5/2019 were reviewed using key words “latent tuberculosis infection” and “SOT” or “transplantation.” The search yielded nine cases, 41 cohort studies and six randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Results

Cohort and RCT demonstrated significant reduction in TB disease among transplanted patients who received LTBI therapy; only 56/2651 (2.1%) SOT patients developed TB after LTBI therapy. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 149/1148 (12.9%) and 73/641 (11.4%) of cohort and RCT patients, respectively. Among liver recipients, 56/266 (21%) developed side effects, of which half (29/56, 51.8%) was INH‐related. There was no reported INH resistance.

Conclusions

Latent TB infection treatment is efficacious in SOT recipients at risk of TB disease. However, tuberculosis may still occur despite LTBI treatment. Hepatotoxicity associated with LTBI therapy is infrequent, although more commonly observed among liver recipients.
A “Cat”‐astrophic Case of Bartonella henselae infective endocarditis followed by cardiac transplantation salvage therapy
Authors: Kuan William , Dulnuan Kenneth , Guglin Maya E. , El Haddad Hanine , Kolodziej Andrew R. , Leventhal Andrew , Rajagopalan Navin
Published: September 2019

To our knowledge, no cases of Bartonella henselae endocarditis leading to subsequent heart transplantation salvage therapy have been published. We present a case of a 29‐year‐old man with cat‐inflicted B henselae endocarditis and concurrent worsening heart failure, who then underwent successful heart transplantation 50 days following diagnosis. Treatment and monitoring strategies used in this patient are discussed. Furthermore, we review literature related to heart transplantation salvage therapy for endocarditis due to other intracellular pathogens.
Strategies of Deception: Under‐Informativity, Uninformativity, and Lies—Misleading With Different Kinds of Implicature
Authors: Franke Michael , Dulcinati Giulio , Pouscoulous Nausicaa
Published: September 2019

Conversation is often cast as a cooperative effort, and some aspects of it, such as implicatures, have been claimed to depend on an assumption of cooperation (Grice, 1989). But any systematic class of inference derived from assumptions of cooperation, such as implicatures, could also be, on occasion, used to deceive listeners strategically. Here, we explore the extent to which speakers might choose different kinds of implicature triggers in an uncooperative game of communication. Concretely, we present a study in the form of a cooperative or competitive signaling game where communicators can exploit three kinds of implicatures: exact reading of numeral expressions, scalar implicatures linked to the quantifiersomeandad hocscalar implicatures. We compare how these implicatures are used depending on whether the participants' co‐player is cooperative, a strategic opponent, or a non‐strategic opponent. We find that when the strategy of the co‐player is clear to the participants, the three types of implicatures are used to exploit the co‐player's interpretation strategy. Indeed, participants use numeral implicatures as reliably as truth conditional content in all three conditions, while scalar quantifiers andad hocimplicature elicit different strategies. We interpret these findings as evidence that speakers expect their interlocutors to infer implicatures from their utterances even in contexts where they know that they will be perceived as uncooperative.
Brexit: Modes of uncertainty and futures in an impasse
Authors: Anderson Ben , Wilson Helen F. , Forman Peter J. , Heslop Julia , Ormerod Emma , Maestri Gaja
Published: September 2019

Alongside the emergence of various populisms, Brexit and other contemporary geopolitical events have been presented as symptomatic of a generalising and intensifying sense of uncertainty in the midst of a crisis of (neo)liberalism. In this paper we describe what kind of event Brexit became in the impasse between the UK’s EU referendum in 2016 and its anticipated exit from the EU in 2019. Based on 108 interviews with people in the North‐East of England, we trace how Brexit was variously enacted and felt as an end, advent, a harbinger of worse to come, non‐event, disaster, and betrayed promise. By following how these incommensurate versions of Brexit took form and co‐exist, we supplement explanatory and predictive approaches to the geographies of Brexit and exemplify an approach that traces what such geopolitical events become. Specifically, we use the concept of “modes of uncertainty” as a way of discerning patterns in how present uncertainties are lived. A “mode of uncertainty” is a shared set of practices animated by a distinctive mood through which futures are made present and felt. Rather than treat uncertainty as a static, explanatory context, we thus follow how different versions of Brexit are constituted through specific “modes of (un)certainty” – negative hope, national optimisms, apprehensive hopefulness and fantasies of action – that differentiate within a seemingly singular, shared sense of uncertainty.
A survey of veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding an emerging disease: Coccidioidomycosis in Washington State
Authors: James Allison E. , McCall James R. , Petersen Kristen R. , Wohrle Ron D. , Oltean Hanna N.
Published: September 2019

Coccidioides immitis is an emerging fungal pathogen in Washington State (WA). While the geographical boundaries of C. immitis in WA have not been well characterized, human infections have resulted from exposure in the south‐central region of the state. Since 2010, only one dog has been identified as a probable locally acquired animal case, despite pilot canine serological surveys from south‐central WA revealing a 9.8% seroprevalence. On the suspicion that clinical animal cases may be underdiagnosed and/or underreported, we assessed WA veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding coccidioidomycosis. All veterinarians with active licenses in WA were invited to complete a self‐administered, web‐based survey from November 2018 to January 2019. Four hundred and twenty‐five of 2,211 (19.2%) veterinarians returned the survey and were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. Nearly, all respondents (98.8%) had heard of coccidioidomycosis, but only 31.5% and 25.6% knew that locally acquired animal and human cases, respectively, had been reported in WA. Only half (52.6%) of participants knew that the disease was reportable. Fewer than 20% of respondents reported confidence that their knowledge of coccidioidomycosis was up to date, and 76.9% “never” or “rarely” considered the risk of disease in their patients. A statistically significant predictor of a high knowledge score (≥70%), however, included practicing in endemic counties where the Washington State Department of Health had previously delivered outreach and education services. While the results suggest some success with these activities, it is clear that information on the emergence of coccidioidomycosis is not adequately reaching veterinary practitioners in WA. The data support that more frequent CE opportunities, and dissemination of public health communications through veterinary‐specific modalities, would help fill the knowledge gap. In turn, improved diagnosis and reporting of animal cases would assist in our overall understanding the epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis in WA.
Functional and pharmacological properties of triheteromeric GluN1/2B/2D NMDA receptors
Authors: Yi Feng , Bhattacharya Subhrajit , Thompson Charles M. , Traynelis Stephen F. , Hansen Kasper B.
Published: September 2019

Key points

Triheteromeric NMDA receptors contain two GluN1 and two distinct GluN2 subunits and mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the CNS.

Triheteromeric GluN1/2B/2D receptors have functional properties intermediate to those of diheteromeric GluN1/2B and GluN1/2D receptors.

GluN1/2B/2D receptors are more sensitive to channel blockade by ketamine and memantine compared to GluN1/2B receptors in the presence of physiological Mg2+.

GluN2B‐selective antagonists produce robust inhibition of GluN1/2B/2D receptors, and the GluN2B‐selective positive allosteric modulator spermine enhances responses from GluN1/2B/2D but not GluN1/2A/2B receptors.

These insights into the properties of triheteromeric GluN1/2B/2D receptors are necessary to appreciate their physiological roles in neural circuit function and the actions of therapeutic agents targeting NMDA receptors.

Triheteromeric NMDA‐type glutamate receptors that contain two GluN1 and two different GluN2 subunits contribute to excitatory neurotransmission in the adult CNS. In the present study, we report properties of the triheteromeric GluN1/2B/2D NMDA receptor subtype that is expressed in distinct neuronal populations throughout the CNS. We show that neither GluN2B, nor GluN2D dominate the functional properties of GluN1/2B/2D receptors because agonist potencies, open probability and the glutamate deactivation time course of GluN1/2B/2D receptors are intermediate to those of diheteromeric GluN1/2B and GluN1/2D receptors. Furthermore, channel blockade of GluN1/2B/2D by extracellular Mg2+ is intermediate compared to GluN1/2B and GluN1/2D, although GluN1/2B/2D is more sensitive to blockade by ketamine and memantine compared to GluN1/2B in the presence of physiological Mg2+. Subunit‐selective allosteric modulators have distinct activity at GluN1/2B/2D receptors, including GluN2B‐selective antagonists, ifenprodil, EVT‐101 and CP‐101‐606, which inhibit with similar potencies but with different efficacies at GluN1/2B/2D (∼65% inhibition) compared to GluN1/2B (∼95% inhibition). Furthermore, the GluN2B‐selective positive allosteric modulator spermine enhances responses from GluN1/2B/2D but not GluN1/2A/2B receptors. We show that these key features of allosteric modulation of recombinant GluN1/2B/2D receptors are also observed for NMDA receptors in hippocampal interneurons but not CA1 pyramidal cells, which is consistent with the expression of GluN1/2B/2D receptors in interneurons and GluN1/2A/2B receptors in pyramidal cells. Altogether, we uncover previously unknown functional and pharmacological properties of triheteromeric GluN1/2B/2D receptors that can facilitate advances in our understanding of their physiological roles in neural circuit function and therapeutic drug actions.
Incubation with sodium nitrite attenuates fatigue development in intact single mouse fibres at physiological
Authors: Bailey Stephen J. , Gandra Paulo G. , Jones Andrew M. , Hogan Michael C. , Nogueira Leonardo
Published: September 2019

Key points

Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite concentration, which provides an oxygen‐independent source of nitric oxide and can delay skeletal muscle fatigue.

Nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase myofibre calcium release and force production in mouse skeletal muscle during contractions at a supra‐physiological oxygen tension, but it is unclear whether nitrite exposure can delay fatigue development and improve myofibre calcium handling at a near‐physiological oxygen tension.

Single mouse muscle fibres acutely treated with nitrite had a lower force and cytosolic calcium concentration during single non‐fatiguing contractions at a near‐physiological oxygen tension.

Nitrite treatment delayed fatigue development during repeated fatiguing isometric contractions at near‐physiological, but not at supra‐physiological, oxygen tension in combination with better maintenance of myofilament calcium sensitivity and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pumping.

These findings improve understanding of the mechanisms by which increased skeletal muscle nitrite exposure might be ergogenic and imply that this is related to improved calcium handling.

Dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation, which increases plasma nitrite (NO2−) concentration, has been reported to attenuate skeletal muscle fatigue development. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca2+) release is enhanced in isolated single skeletal muscle fibres following NO3− supplementation or NO2− incubation at a supra‐physiological but it is unclear whether NO2− incubation can alter Ca2+ handling and fatigue development at a near‐physiological . We hypothesised that NO2− treatment would improve Ca2+ handling and delay fatigue at a physiological in intact single mouse skeletal muscle fibres. Each muscle fibre was perfused with Tyrode solution pre‐equilibrated with either 20% (∼150 Torr) or 2% O2 ( = 15.6 Torr) in the absence and presence of 100 µM NaNO2. At supra‐physiological (i.e. 20% O2), time to fatigue was lowered by 34% with NaNO2 (control: 257 ± 94 vs. NaNO2: 159 ± 46 s, Cohen's d = 1.63, P < 0.05), but extended by 21% with NaNO2 at 2% O2 (control: 308 ± 217 vs. NaNO2: 368 ± 242 s, d = 1.14, P < 0.01). During the fatiguing contraction protocol completed with NaNO2 at 2% O2, peak cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was not different (P > 0.05) but [Ca2+]c accumulation between contractions was lower, concomitant with a greater SR Ca2+ pumping rate (P < 0.05) compared to the control condition. These results demonstrate that increased exposure to NO2− blunts fatigue development at near‐physiological, but not at supra‐physiological, through enhancing SR Ca2+ pumping rate in single skeletal muscle fibres. These findings extend our understanding of the mechanisms by which increased NO2− exposure can mitigate skeletal muscle fatigue development.
Do commonly available round facemasks fit near-term and term infants?
Authors: Haase Bianca , Badinska Ana Maria , Koos Bernd , Poets Christian F , Lorenz Laila
Published: September 2019

Objective

With inappropriately large facemasks, it is more difficult to create a seal on the face, potentially leading to ineffective ventilation during neonatal stabilisation. We investigated whether commonly available round facemasks are of appropriate size by measuring facial dimensions in near-term and term infants using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images.

Design

Prospective single-centre observational study.

Setting

Infants born in our centre at 34–41 weeks’ gestation were eligible.

Intervention

Patients were photographed with 2D and 3D technique.

Main outcome measures

Distances between nasion and gnathion were measured and compared with the outer diameter of various round facemasks.

Methods

2D and 3D images were performed using standard equipment. Correlations between gestational age and the above-mentioned distances were assessed using Pearson’s r.

Results

Images were taken from 102 infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 37.9 (2.3) weeks. Mean distance between nasion and gnathion was 46.9 mm (5.1) in 2D and 49.9 mm (4.1) in 3D images, that is, on average 3 mm smaller in 2D than with 3D (p<0.01). Based on these measurements, round facemasks with an external diameter of 50 mm seemed fitting for most (61%) term infants and 42 mm masks for most (72%) near-term infants (GA 34–36 weeks).

Conclusions

Round facemasks with an external diameter of 60 mm are too large for almost all newborn infants, while 42/50 mm round facemasks are well fitting. Important anatomical structures were only visible using 3D images.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT03369028
Feasibility of using a transition diabetes team to commence injectable therapies postdischarge from a tertiary hospital: a pilot, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pyrlis Felicity , Ogrin Rajna , Arthur Sonja , Zhai Cathy , Churilov Leonid , Baqar Sara , Zajac Jeffrey D , Ekinci Elif I
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate if the use of a transition team was feasible for patients with diabetes being discharged from hospital on injectable diabetes therapies.

Design

Pilot, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

The trial was conducted between 2014 and 2016 conjointly by a tertiary referral hospital and a community healthcare provider.

Participants

Hospital inpatients (n=105) on new injectable diabetes therapies were randomised 1:1 to transition team or standard care. The transition team received in-home diabetes education 24–48 hours postdischarge, with endocrinologist review 2–4 weeks and 16 weeks postdischarge.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was feasibility, defined by percentage of patients successfully receiving the intervention. Secondary outcomes included safety, defined by hospital readmission and emergency department presentations within 16 weeks postrandomisation, and treatment satisfaction, measured using Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). Exploratory outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) throughout the study.

Results

The intervention was deemed feasible (85% (95% CI 73% to 94%)). No difference in safety between groups was detected. No difference in change in HbA1c between groups was detected (standard care median HbA1c −1.5% (IQR −3.7% to −0.2%) vs transition team median HbA1c −1.9% (IQR −3.8% to −0.2%), p=0.83). There was a trend towards reduced LOS in the transition team group (per protocol, standard care median LOS 8 (IQR 5.5–12); transition team median LOS 6 (IQR 3–12), p=0.06). There was a significant improvement in patient satisfaction in the transition team (standard care median 10.5 (IQR 8.5–16); transition team DTSQ change version median 15 (IQR 10–17.5), p=0.047), although interpretability is limited by missing data.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the use of a novel transition diabetes team is a feasible alternative model of care.
The ‘Hikikomori’ syndrome: worldwide prevalence and co-occurring major psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Pozza Andrea , Coluccia Anna , Kato Takahiro , Gaetani Marco , Ferretti Fabio
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The ‘Hikikomori’ syndrome (HS) consists of prolonged and severe social withdrawal. It has been studied first in Japan and recently has increasingly drawn the attention of researchers and clinicians all over the world. It is unclear whether it exists in other cultural contexts than Asia. The existing systematic reviews did not provide a quantitative synthesis on its prevalence. In addition, a summary of the co-occurring rates of psychiatric disorders is lacking. To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical picture, it seems important to investigate which psychiatric disorders listed in the classification systems are most frequently associated with this psychological condition affecting young people. This paper describes a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol summarising worldwide prevalence of the HS in general population and clinical samples with psychiatric disorders. The review will also assess the co-occurrence between HS and each psychiatric disorder defined by any version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in any clinical samples with psychiatric disorders.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies will be included if they use youth aged 12–35 years, recruited from general population or population with psychiatric disorders, if they use international criteria to diagnose HS. No restriction about design or language will be applied. The search will be conducted during the first week of November 2019 by two independent reviewers through the databases Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, by examining study references, by looking for conference proceedings/dissertations/theses, by contacting study corresponding authors. Random-effect meta-analysis will be performed by computing effect sizes as logit event rates. Study quality will be assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The current review does not require ethics approval. The results will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD 42018098747.
Effect of deinstitutionalisation for adults with intellectual disabilities on costs: a systematic review
Authors: May Peter , Lombard Vance Richard , Murphy Esther , O'Donovan Mary-Ann , Webb Naoise , Sheaf Greg , McCallion Philip , Stancliffe Roger , Normand Charles , Smith Valerie , McCarron Mary
Published: September 2019

Objective

To review systematically the evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of deinstitutionalisation for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Design

Systematic review.

Population

Adults (aged 18 years and over) with intellectual disabilities.

Intervention

Deinstitutionalisation, that is, the move from institutional to community settings.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Studies were eligible if evaluating within any cost-consequence framework (eg, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost–utility analysis) or resource use typically considered to fall within the societal viewpoint (eg, cost to payers, service-users, families and informal care costs).

Search

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EconLit, Embase and Scopus to September 2017 and supplemented this with grey literature searches and handsearching of the references of the eligible studies. We assessed study quality using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme suite of tools, excluding those judged to be of poor methodological quality.

Results

Two studies were included; both were cohort studies from the payer perspective of people leaving long-stay National Health Service hospitals in the UK between 1984 and 1992. One study found that deinstitutionalisation reduced costs, one study found an increase in costs.

Conclusion

A wide-ranging literature review found limited evidence on costs associated with deinstitutionalisation for people with intellectual disabilities. From two studies included in the review, the results were conflicting. Significant gaps in the evidence base were observable, particularly with respect to priority populations in contemporary policy: older people with intellectual disabilities and serious medical illness, and younger people with very complex needs and challenging behaviours.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018077406