bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of familial schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Na , Zhou Hui , Xiong Xiangyu , Li Qingwei , Jiang Xuefeng , Zhao Jingping , Yang Xiaoxin , Zhang Mingyuan , Wang Xiangqun , Wang Gang , Yang Fude , Hu Jian , Zhang Xinjun , Du Lingyang , Li Huichun , Feng Bing , Hu Zhenyu , Chen Zuoming , Wang Chunxia , Wang Xilin , Zhang Jinbei , Liu Tiebang , Jia Fujun , Sun Xueli , Xu Xiufeng , Meng Huaqing , Wang Gaohua , Zhang Ning , Mei Qiyi , Tan Qingrong , Peng Chunqing , Li Jing , Lu Zheng
Published: October 2020

Introduction

A family history of psychiatric disorders is one of the strongest risk factors for schizophrenia. The characteristics of patients with a family history of psychiatric disorders have not been systematically evaluated.

Methods

This multicenter study (26 centers, 2425 cases) was performed in a Chinese population to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of schizophrenia patients with a family history of psychotic disorders in comparison with those of patients with sporadic schizophrenia.

Results

Nineteen percent of patients had a family history of mental disease. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ≥4 hospitalizations (OR = 1.78, P = .004), tobacco dependence (OR = 1.48, P = .006), alcohol dependence (OR = 1.74, P = .013), and physical illness (OR = 1.89, P = .001) were independently and significantly associated with a family history of mental disease.

Conclusion

Patients with a family history of mental disorders present different demographics and clinical features than patients without a family history of psychiatric disorders.
Letter: diabetes mellitus increases the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis—authors’ reply
Authors: Labenz Christian , Wörns Marcus‐Alexander
Published: October 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Labenz et al and Liu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15915 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16015
Causes of peritoneal injury during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair and methods of repair
Authors: Koyama Tsuyoshi , Xiang Zhang , Nagai Tomohide , Komoto Masahiro , Osawa Naoshi , Fujiwara Ichiro
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Peritoneal injury during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is an intraoperative complication that affects accomplishment. We retrospectively examined the causes of peritoneal injury and methods of TEP repair.

Methods

This study examined 58 patients with inguinal hernia (43 unilateral, 15 bilateral) who had undergone TEP repair; all procedures were performed by the same surgeon. The incidence of peritoneal injury, clinical characteristics that could have influenced peritoneal injury, and management of the injury were analyzed.

Results

Peritoneal injury was noted in 16 inguinal hernias (21.9%, 16 /73). Injury occurred more frequently in right‐sided hernias than in left‐sided hernias (31.6% vs 11.4%, P = .049). No other factors were related to injury. Peritoneal injury occurred due to anatomical misrecognition in five hernias (31.3%, 5/16) and unintentional dissection in six hernias (37.5%, 6/16). All injuries due to unintentional dissection occurred in right‐sided hernias. The procedures used for peritoneal injury repair were endoscopic suturing for 4 hernias, pre‐tied loop ligation for 1 hernia, and ligation clips in 11 hernias. Additional techniques were required in three hernias repaired by endoscopic suturing (75% 3/4). After introduction of the ligation clips, endoscopic suturing was discontinued, and no additional techniques were needed.

Conclusion

Peritoneal injury more frequently occurred in right‐sided inguinal hernia than in left‐sided inguinal hernia during TEP repair. The common reasons for peritoneal injury were anatomical misrecognition and unintentional dissection. Repair using ligation clips is the best option for peritoneal injuries that occur during TEP repair.
Reproductive cycle, sexual maturity and longevity of Odontophrynus americanus (Anura: Odontophrynidae) in South Brazil
Authors: Brum Amanda J.C. , Loebens Luiza , Prado Cynthia P. A. , Cechin Sonia Z.
Published: October 2020

Studies on the reproductive biology and age of amphibians provide primary information about the life history and population demographic parameters of species. Here, we describe the reproductive cycle, size–fecundity relationships, reproductive effort, sexual dimorphism and sexual maturity of Odontophrynus americanus, the flood frog, from South Brazil. A total of 96 individuals were analysed. The reproductive cycles of males and females were described through morphoanatomical analysis of testis and ovary. Age at onset of sexual maturity and estimated longevity were determined by skeletochronology. Individuals of O. americanus presented a potentially continuous reproductive cycle with a peak of reproductive activity in the warmer months. Females presented a higher reproductive investment than males. Sexual maturity was reached at around one year of age for both sexes while longevity differed between the sexes, with females living up to six years and males up to ten years. No evidence of sexual size dimorphism was found. This study is among the few that have assessed age at sexual maturity and longevity in a Neotropical anuran. Basic aspects of life history are of paramount importance because they allow comparisons and test of hypotheses to be made, which can help to build generalizations about the evolutionary meaning of ecological strategies.
Socio‐economic status, executive functions, and theory of mind ability in adolescents: Relationships with language ability and cortisol
Authors: Pluck Graham , Córdova Marco A. , Bock Christine , Chalen Izan , Trueba Ana F.
Published: October 2020

Socio‐economic status (SES) is linked to the development of cognitive abilities, particularly language and executive processes. It is unclear whether these represent a single or independent correlates. We studied 110 Ecuadorian youths aged 12–17 with measures of SES, language, executive function, and theory of mind (ToM), a.k.a. mentalizing. A subsample gave hair samples to estimate recent cortisol levels. Restricting analyses to reliable measures, SES was highly associated with language skill, and to a lesser extent with executive function and ToM performance. However, those latter associations were attenuated and non‐significant when language ability was controlled for statistically. Systemic cortisol levels were not associated with SES, but were significantly and negatively correlated with ToM, independent of variation in language skills. We conclude that language development underlies most of the impact of SES on executive function and ToM ability of adolescents, but that stress‐related cortisol may have an independent, direct effect on mentalizing.
Development of an instrument for exploring preservice technology teachers’ maker‐based technological pedagogical content knowledge
Authors: Ku Chih‐Jung , Loh Wei‐Leong Leon , Lin Kuen‐Yi , John Williams P.
Published: October 2020

With the development of the maker movement, more and more teachers are applying a broad range of technological tools in their pedagogy, instead of only information technology. This study details the development and validation of the Teachers Maker‐based TPACK Survey Instrument (TMTSI), a revised model designed to measure technology teachers’ maker‐based technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) in utilizing maker‐based tools to support their teaching. We recruited 165 preservice secondary technology teachers in Taiwan for this study and confirmatory factor analysis was applied to validate the instrument. Our findings suggest that TMTSI provided a valid and highly reliable research‐based instrument that also serves as a professional development model to help scaffold the development of K‐12 technology teachers. This paper details the theoretical foundations of TMTSI, reports on its reliability and validity, and discusses the application and implications of TMTSI for teacher education and professional development.
Strain migration during multiphase extension, Stord Basin, northern North Sea rift
Authors: Fazlikhani Hamed , Aagotnes Synne S. , Refvem Marte A. , Hamilton‐Wright James , Bell Rebecca E. , Fossen Haakon , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Rotevatn Atle
Published: October 2020

In regions experiencing multiple phases of extension, rift‐related strain can vary along and across the basin during and between each phase, and the location of maximum extension can differ between the rift phase. Despite having a general understanding of multiphase rift kinematics, it remains unclear why the rift axis migrates between extension episodes. The role pre‐existing structures play in influencing fault and basin geometries during later rifting events is also poorly understood. We study the Stord Basin, northern North Sea, a location characterised by strain migration between two rift episodes. To reveal and quantify the rift kinematics, we interpreted a dense grid of 2D seismic reflection profiles, produced time‐structure and isochore (thickness) maps, collected quantitative fault kinematic data and calculated the amount of extension (β‐factor). Our results show that the locations of basin‐bounding fault systems were controlled by pre‐existing crustal‐scale shear zones. Within the basin, Permo‐Triassic Rift Phase 1 (RP1) faults mainly developed orthogonal to the E‐W extension direction. Rift faults control the locus of syn‐RP1 deposition, whilst during the inter‐rift stage, areas of clastic wedge progradation are more important in controlling sediment thickness trends. The calculated amount of RP1 extension (β‐factor) for the Stord Basin is up to β = 1.55 (±10%, 55% extension). During the subsequent Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous Rift Phase 2 (RP2), however, strain localised to the west along the present axis of the South Viking Graben, with the Stord Basin being almost completely abandoned. Rift axis migration during RP2 is interpreted to be related to changes in lithospheric strength profile, possibly related to the ultraslow extension (<1 mm/year during RP1), the long period of tectonic quiescence (ca. 50 myr) between RP1 and RP2 and possible underplating. Our results highlight the very heterogeneous nature of temporal and lateral strain migration during and between extension phases within a single rift basin.
Not just a work permit: EU citizenship and the consumption behaviour of documented and undocumented immigrants
Authors: Adamopoulou Effrosyni , Kaya Ezgi
Published: October 2020

This paper explores the impact of the 2007 European Union enlargement on the consumption behaviour of immigrant households. Using data from a unique Italian survey and a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that the enlargement induced a significant consumption increase for the immigrant households from new member states both in the short and in the medium run. This enlargement effect cannot be attributed to the mere legalization as it concerns both undocumented and documented immigrants, albeit through different channels. Detailed information on immigrants’ legal status (undocumented/documented) and sector of employment (informal/formal) allows us to shed light on the exact mechanisms. Following the enlargement, previously undocumented immigrants experienced an increase in the labour income by moving from the informal towards the formal economy, whereas immigrants who were already working legally in Italy benefited from the increased probability of getting a permanent contract. Enhanced employment stability in turn reduced the uncertainty about future labour income leading to an increase in documented immigrants’ consumption expenditure.
Multimorbidity in asthma, association with allergy, inflammatory markers and symptom burden, results from the Swedish GA2LEN study
Authors: Blöndal Viiu , Malinovschi Andrei , Sundbom Fredrik , James Anna , Middelveld Roelinde , Franklin Karl A. , Lundbäck Bo , Janson Christer
Published: October 2020

Background

Asthma is common worldwide and a large part of subjects with asthma have concomitant allergic multimorbidity in the form of rhinitis and/or eczema.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the presence of allergic multimorbidity in asthma relates to allergic sensitization, allergic and respiratory symptoms, quality of life, inflammatory markers, lung function, use of medication and background factors.

Methods

A total of 437 asthmatics from the (GA2LEN) cross‐sectional survey in Sweden were grouped depending on the presence of rhinitis and/or eczema. The impact of allergic multimorbidity was assessed in terms of allergic sensitization, allergic and respiratory symptoms, quality of life, type‐2 inflammatory markers (exhaled nitric oxide, eosinophil activation markers, periostin), lung function, use of medication and background factors.

Results

Subjects with asthma, rhinitis and eczema were more likely to be sensitized to seasonal allergens (67% vs 32%, P < .001), food allergens (54% vs 18%, P < .001) and to have a higher degree of sensitization than subjects with only asthma (23% vs 10%, P < .001). Subjects with allergic multimorbidity more often had allergic reactions to food (28% vs 10%, P = .002), more respiratory symptoms and anxiety/depression (40% vs, 14%, P < .001) than subjects with only asthma, despite having similar levels of type 2 inflammatory markers. Individuals with allergic multimorbidity were more likely to be diagnosed with asthma before the age of 12 (48% vs 27%, P = .016) and to have maternal heredity for allergy (53% vs 33%, P = .011) than subjects with only asthma.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Asthmatics with allergic multimorbidity are more likely to be sensitized to seasonal aeroallergens, food allergens and they have a higher degree of sensitization compared with those with only asthma. Allergic multimorbidity is associated with respiratory and allergy symptoms, anxiety and/or depression.
Geology‐dependent impacts of forest conversion on stream fish diversity
Authors: Ishiyama Nobuo , Miura Kazuki , Inoue Takahiro , Sueyoshi Masanao , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: October 2020

Forest conversion is one of the greatest global threats to biodiversity, and land‐use change and subsequent biodiversity declines sometimes occur over a variety of underlying geologies. However, how forest conversion and underlying geology interact to alter biodiversity is underappreciated, although spatial variability in geology is considered an integral part of sustaining ecosystems. We aimed to examine the effects of forest conversion to farmland, the underlying geology, and their interaction on the stream fishes’ diversity, evenness, and abundance in northeastern Japan. We disentangled complex pathways between abiotic and biotic factors with structural equation modeling. Species diversity of stream fishes was indirectly shaped by the interaction of land use and underlying geology. Diversity declined due to nutrient enrichment associated with farmlands, which was mainly the result of changes in evenness rather than by changes in species richness. This impact was strongest in streams with volcanic geology with coarse substrates probably because of the differential responses of abundant stream fishes to nutrient enrichment (i.e., dominance) and the high dependency of these fishes on large streambed materials during their life cycles. Our findings suggest that remediation of deforested or degraded forest landscapes would be more efficient if the interaction between land use and underlying geology was considered. For example, the negative impacts of farmland on evenness were larger in streams with volcanic geology than in other stream types, suggesting that riparian forest restoration along such streams would efficiently provide restoration benefits to stream fishes. Our results also suggest that land clearing around such streams should be avoided to conserve species evenness of stream fishes.
Management of COVID‐19 patients in Fangcang shelter hospital: clinical practice and effectiveness analysis
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhang Hongmei , Long Xiang , Wang Wei , Zhan Danting , Meng Xinke , Li Duoyun , Wang Lingwei , Chen Rongchang
Published: October 2020

Fangcang shelter (Cabin) hospitals were set up in order to cope with the rapid growth of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Wuhan, China at a time when there were insufficient beds in designated hospitals. This paper describes the layout and functioning of a typical Fangcang shelter hospital, Wuhan Dongxihu Fangcang shelter Hospital, where the author has worked, the working mechanism, experience and effectiveness. A set of patient management protocols was employed for daily practice, which included preset criteria and procedure for admission, examination, medication treatment, referral and discharge. WeChat platform with different groups was used for communication, ward round, test appointments and patient data communication. All these procedures and mechanisms of working enabled the effective management of a larger number of patients with relatively few doctors. As a result, 442 mild or moderate COVID‐19 patients in Hall C were successfully managed by a team of 40 doctors, with 246 (56%) patients were cured and discharged from the Fangcang shelter hospital while the remaining 196 (44%) patients were referred on to designated hospitals for further treatment. The reasons for referral included poor resolution in computerized tomography (CT) scan (59%), persistently positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by PCR after 9 days of admission (16%), deterioration in CT image (4%), development of dyspnoea (1%) and other (4%) or unclear reasons (16%) due to no record of reasons for referral on the document. There were no deaths and no complaints from the patients in Hall C. In summary, the Fangcang shelter hospital could be run successfully with a set of patient management protocols under conditions of limited facilities and medical staff. It was effective and safe in isolating patients, providing basic medical care and early identification of potential severe cases. This experience may provide a successful example of a working mechanism for the prevention and control of the COVID‐19 pandemic worldwide.
A decade and a half of learning from Madagascar's first locally managed marine area
Authors: Gardner Charlie J. , Cripps Garth , Day Liz Prémesnil , Dewar Katrina , Gough Charlotte , Peabody Shawn , Tahindraza Gilde , Harris Alasdair
Published: October 2020

While the participatory management of small scale fisheries has been widely promoted, we have limited understanding of the factors influencing its effectiveness. Here, we highlight lessons learnt from the implementation of Madagascar's first locally managed marine area (LMMA), drawing on our insights and experiences as staff of a comanaging nongovernmental organization (NGO). We describe the LMMA's context and history, and highlight aspects of our approach that we feel underpin its outcomes, including: (a) comanagement rather than community‐management; (b) the permanent field presence of a supporting NGO; (c) a management focus on locally important natural resources; (d) the implementation of poverty alleviation initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to management; (e) decision‐making by resource users rather than scientists; (f) a diversified, entrepreneurial funding model; and (g) an emphasis on monitoring and adaptive management. We also highlight several challenges, including: (a) the inability to influence fishery supply chains; (b) promoting participation and good governance; (c) promoting rule application; (d) standing up to outsiders; (e) promoting environmental management in the long term; and (f) maintaining funding. Our experiences suggest that small scale fishers can be effective natural resource managers in low‐income contexts, but may need extended support from outsiders; however, the role of supporting NGO is nuanced and complex.
“Can we all get along:”1 American political divisiveness in the 21st Century
Authors: Duty Ronald W.
Published: October 2020

The current American political divisiveness follows prior divisive periods and is not unique. The simultaneous developments of a culture war and a partisan realignment helped to create division. Disagreement over the proper role of government completed the division. Race is a significant dividing social and political issue in America. For Reinhold Niebuhr, “Democracy is a method of finding proximate solutions to insoluble problems.” Finding agreement over policing policy may be possible, but principled political compromise over underlying issues contributing to racial inequities is likely to be harder.
Developing a fidelity measure of early intervention programs for children with neuromotor disorders
Authors: An Mihee , Nord Jayden , Koziol Natalie A , Dusing Stacey C , Kane Audrey E , Lobo Michele A , Mccoy Sarah W , Harbourne Regina T
Published: October 2020

Aim

To describe the development of an intervention‐specific fidelity measure and its utilization and to determine whether the newly developed Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START‐Play) intervention was implemented as intended. Also, to quantify differences between START‐Play and usual early intervention (uEI) services.

Method

A fidelity measure for the START‐Play intervention was developed for children with neuromotor disorders by: (1) identifying key intervention components, (2) establishing a measurement coding system, and (3) testing the reliability of instrument scores. After establishing acceptable interrater reliability, 103 intervention videos from the START‐Play randomized controlled trial were coded and compared between the START‐Play and uEI groups to measure five dimensions of START‐Play fidelity, including adherence, dosage, quality of intervention, participant responsiveness, and program differentiation.

Results

Fifteen fidelity variables out of 17 had good to excellent interrater reliability evidence with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.77 to 0.95. The START‐Play therapists met the criteria for acceptable fidelity of the intervention (rates of START‐Play key component use ≥0.8; quality ratings ≥3 [on a scale of 1–4]). The START‐Play and uEI groups differed significantly in rates of START‐Play key component use and quality ratings.

Interpretation

The START‐Play fidelity measure successfully quantified key components of the START‐Play intervention, serving to differentiate START‐Play from uEI.
Inhaled corticosteroids and risk of lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Ping , Fu Siyu , Li Weijing , Hu Yuehong , Liang Zongan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Current studies investigating the association between inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use and risk of lung cancer have yielded inconsistent findings. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to pool all currently available data to estimate this association.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE (1946 to July 2020), EMBASE (1974 to July 2020) and the Cochrane Library (June 2020) via Ovid to identify relevant articles investigating the association between the ICS use and the risk of lung cancer. Random‐effects analysis was used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Ten articles including 234 920 patients were analysed. ICS use was identified to have a decreased risk of lung cancer in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8 studies, 1806 patients; RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61–0.87, P < .01; I2 = 60.0 %), asthma (1 study, 41 438 patients; RR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34–0.57, P < .01) and mixed (1 study, 46 225 patients; RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69–0.90, P < .01) patients. The findings of reduced risk of lung cancer were consistent in all subgroup analyses except for the short‐term follow‐up (≤5 years) (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.81‐1.07, P = .34) and free of immortal time bias (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82‐1.08, P = .38) subgroups.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that ICS use was associated with decreased risk of lung cancer. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution because most original studies were judged to be at high risk of immortal time bias.
PRICE EFFECTS OF A MERGER: EVIDENCE FROM A PHYSICIANS' MARKET
Authors: Koch Thomas , Ulrick Shawn W.
Published: October 2020

The relationship between physician concentration and prices is of interest to policy makers, public health officials, and insurers. We examine how a merger of orthopaedic physicians in Berks County, Pennsylvania, affected prices. We use claims‐level data from three private payors in the region to compare the price changes of the merged practices to those in nearby areas plausibly not affected by the merger. The merged practices increased prices to two of the three payors by 10–20%, while prices in the control geographies remained largely unchanged, on average, suggesting prices increased due to postmerger increases in market power. (JEL I13, K21, L4)
The role of ROTEM variables based on clot elasticity and platelet component in predicting bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic critically ill neonates
Authors: Parastatidou Stavroula , Sokou Rozeta , Tsantes Andreas G , Konstantinidi Aikaterini , Lampridou Maria , Ioakeimidis Georgios , Panagiotounakou Polytimi , Kyriakou Elias , Kokoris Styliani , Gialeraki Argyri , Douramani Panagiota , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Piovani Daniele , Bonovas Stefanos , Nikolopoulos Georgios , Tsantes Argirios E
Published: October 2020

Background

Our aim was to investigate the role of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters, including maximum clot elasticity (MCE) and platelet component (PLTEM MCE and PLTEM MCF), in early prediction of bleeding events in thrombocytopenic critically ill neonates.

Material and methods

This single‐center, prospective cohort study included 110 consecutive thrombocytopenic neonates with sepsis, suspected sepsis, or hypoxia. On the first day of disease onset, ROTEM EXTEM and FIBTEM assays were performed and the neonatal bleeding assessment tool was used for the evaluation of bleeding events.

Results

Most EXTEM and FIBTEM ROTEM parameters significantly differed between neonates with (n = 77) and without bleeding events (n = 33). Neonates with bleeding events had significantly lower PLTEM MCE and PLTEM MCF values compared to those without bleeding events (P < .001). Platelet count was found to be strongly positively correlated with EXTEM A5 (Spearman's rho = 0.61, P < .001) and A10 (rho = 0.64, P < .001). EXTEM A10 demonstrated the best prognostic performance (AUC = 0.853) with an optimal cutoff value (≤37 mm) (sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 76%) for prediction of bleeding events in thrombocytopenic neonates.

Conclusions

EXTEM A5 and EXTEM A10 were found to be strong predictors of hemorrhage, compared to most ROTEM variables quantifying clot elasticity and platelet component in thrombocytopenic critically ill neonates.
Normative range parenting and the developing brain: A scoping review and recommendations for future research
Authors: Farber Madeline J. , Gee Dylan G. , Hariri Ahmad R.
Published: October 2020

Studies of early adversity such as trauma, abuse, and neglect highlight the critical importance of quality caregiving in brain development and mental health. However, the impact of normative range variability in caregiving on such biobehavioral processes remains poorly understood. Thus, we lack an essential foundation for understanding broader, population‐representative developmental mechanisms of risk and resilience. Here, we conduct a scoping review of the extant literature centered on the question, “Is variability in normative range parenting associated with variability in brain structure and function?” After removing duplicates and screening by title, abstract, and full‐text, 23 records were included in a qualitative review. The most striking outcome of this review was not only how few studies have explored associations between brain development and normative range parenting, but also how little methodological consistency exists across published studies. In light of these limitations, we propose recommendations for future research on normative range parenting and brain development. In doing so, we hope to facilitate evidence‐based research that will help inform policies and practices that yield optimal developmental trajectories and mental health as well as extend the literature on the neurodevelopmental impact of early life stress.
Integrating genetic and clinical data to predict impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Jesús S. , Periñán M. T. , Cortés C. , Buiza‐Rueda D. , Macías‐García D. , Adarmes A. , Muñoz‐Delgado L. , Labrador‐Espinosa M. Á. , Tejera‐Parrado C. , Gómez‐Garre M. P. , Mir P.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with associated clinical and genetic risk factors. This study was aimed at analyzing the clinical features and the genetic background that underlie ICDs in PD.

Methods

We included 353 patients with PD in this study (58.9% men, mean age 62.4 ± 10.58 years, mean age at disease onset 52.71 ± 11.94 years). We used the validated Questionnaire for Impulsive–Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease for ICDs screening. Motor, nonmotor, and treatment‐related features were evaluated according to the presence of ICDs. Twenty‐one variants related to dopaminergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and opioid neurotransmitter systems were assessed. Association studies between polymorphisms and ICDs were performed. The combination of clinical and genetic variables was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves to assess the predictability of experiencing ICDs.

Results

Impulse control disorders appeared in 25.1% of the cases. Patients with ICDs were younger and presented a higher rate of anxiety. Treatment with dopamine agonists increased the risk of ICDs and it was dose dependent (P < 0.05). Genetic association studies showed that the DOPA decarboxylase gene (DDC), rs1451375, might modulate the risk of ICDs. Plotting the clinical–genetic model, the predictability of ICDs increased 11% (area under curve = 0.80; z = 3.22, P = 0.001) when adding the genotype data for single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in DDC might act as risk markers for ICDs in PD. The predictability of experiencing ICDs increased by adding genetic factors to clinical features. It is therefore important to assess the patient’s genetic background to identify individuals at risk for ICDs.
Clinical correlations and long‐term follow‐up in 100 patients with sarcoglycanopathies
Authors: Guimarães‐Costa R. , Fernández‐Eulate G. , Wahbi K. , Leturcq F. , Malfatti E. , Behin A. , Leonard‐Louis S. , Desguerre I. , Barnerias C. , Nougues M. C. , Isapof A. , Estournet‐Mathiaud B. , Quijano‐Roy S. , Fayssoil A. , Orlikowski D. , Fauroux B. , Richard I. , Semplicini C. , Romero N. B. , Querin G. , Eymard B. , Laforêt P. , Stojkovic T.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

To describe a large series of patients with α, β, and γ sarcoglycanopathies (LGMD‐R3, R4, and R5) and study phenotypic correlations and disease progression.

Methods

A multicentric retrospective study in four centers in the Paris area collecting neuromuscular, respiratory, cardiac, histologic, and genetic data. The primary outcome of progression was age of loss of ambulation (LoA); disease severity was established according to LoA before or after 18 years of age. Time‐to‐event analysis was performed.

Results

One hundred patients (54 γ‐SG; 41 α‐SG; 5 β‐SG) from 80 families were included. The γ‐SG patients had earlier disease onset than α‐SG patients (5.5 vs. 8 years; p = 0.022) and β‐SG patients (24.4 years). Axial muscle weakness and joint contractures were frequent and exercise intolerance was observed. At mean follow‐up of 22.9 years, 65.3% of patients were wheelchair‐bound (66.7% α‐SG, 67.3% γ‐SG, 40% β‐SG). Dilated cardiomyopathy occurred in all sarcoglycanopathy subtypes, especially in γ‐SG patients (p = 0.01). Thirty patients were ventilated and six died. Absent sarcoglycan protein expression on muscle biopsy and younger age at onset were associated with earlier time to LoA (p = 0.021 and p = 0.002). Age at onset was an independent predictor of both severity and time to LoA (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.009). The α‐SG patients showed genetic heterogeneity, whereas >90% of γ‐SG patients carried the homozygous c.525delT frameshift variant. Five new mutations were identified.

Conclusions

This large multicentric series delineates the clinical spectrum of patients with sarcoglycanopathies. Age at disease onset is an independent predictor of severity of disease and LoA, and should be taken into account in future clinical trials.
Temporal pole epilepsy surgery—Sparing the hippocampus
Authors: Herlin Bastien , Adam Claude , Habert Marie Odile , Mathon Bertrand , Clemenceau Stéphane , Navarro Vincent , Dupont Sophie
Published: October 2020

Temporal pole epilepsy (TPE) is a poorly known and difficult to individualize subtype of temporal lobe epilepsy. Consequently, in drug‐resistant TPE, there is still a debate on the need for a large surgical removal of the temporal pole and mesial temporal structures or a limited resection of the temporal pole. We reviewed all patients who underwent presurgical evaluation for drug‐resistant epilepsy over a 17‐year period, and report here 19 patients with proven drug‐resistant temporal pole epilepsy who underwent a selective temporal pole resection with respect to mesial structures. Most (15) TPE patients exhibited seizures resembling mesiotemporal seizures, whereas the others exhibited nocturnal hyperkinetic seizures or an association of both seizure types. MRI revealed a temporal pole lesion in 58% of patients. Long‐term postoperative outcome after a conservative surgery was excellent: 63% of patients were seizure‐free (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] 1) at 1‐year postsurgery and 78% at 5 years. These results show that TPE has no specific electroclinical features but is a distinct type of temporal lobe epilepsy allowing a conservative surgery. Respecting the mesiotemporal structures is a valid surgical approach for drug‐resistant temporal pole epilepsy.
Topological alterations in older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy are distinct from amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kaestner Erik , Reyes Anny , Wang Zhong Irene , Drane Daniel L. , Punia Vineet , Hermann Bruce , Busch Robyn M. , McDonald Carrie R. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2020

Epilepsy incidence and prevalence peaks in older adults, yet systematic studies of brain aging and epilepsy remain limited. We investigated topological network disruption in older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; age > 55 years). Additionally, we examined the potential network disruption overlap between TLE and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), the prodromal stage of Alzheimer disease. Measures of network integration (“global path efficiency”) and segregation (“transitivity” and “modularity”) were calculated from cortical thickness covariance from 73 TLE subjects, 79 aMCI subjects, and 70 healthy controls. Compared to controls, TLE patients demonstrated abnormal measures of segregation (increased transitivity and decreased modularity) and integration (decreased global path efficiency). aMCI patients also displayed increased transitivity and decreased global path efficiency, but these differences were less pronounced than in TLE. At the local level, TLE patients demonstrated decreased local path efficiency focused in the bilateral temporal lobes, whereas aMCI patients had a more frontal‐parietal distribution. These results suggest that network disruption at the global and local level is present in both disorders, but global disruption may be a particularly salient feature in older adults with TLE. These findings motivate further research into whether these network changes have distinct cognitive correlates or are progressive in older adults with epilepsy.
Persistent treatment resistance in genetic generalized epilepsy: A long‐term outcome study in a tertiary epilepsy center
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Morano Alessandra , Barone Francesca A. , Fisco Giacomo , Fanella Martina , Orlando Biagio , Fattouch Jinane , Manfredi Mario , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Bonaventura Carlo
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess prognostic patterns and investigate clinical and electroencephalography (EEG) variables associated with persistent treatment resistance in a population of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) patients with a long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

Data from GGE patients followed from 1975 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Subjects with a follow‐up >10 years, starting from epilepsy diagnosis, were included. Persistent treatment resistance was defined as the absence of any period of remission ≥1 year despite treatment with two appropriate and adequate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Results

One hundred ninety‐nine patients were included. The median age was 39.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 30‐49) and the median follow‐up was 27 years (IQR 18‐35). The most common syndrome was juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), diagnosed in 44.2% of patients. During follow‐up, 163 subjects (81.9%) experienced 3‐year remission from any seizure type, whereas 5‐ and 10‐year remission occurred in 141 (70.8%) and 92 (46.2%) cases, respectively. The most common prognostic pattern was a relapsing‐remitting course, observed in 80 patients (40.2%), whereas 29 (14.6%) displayed persistent treatment resistance. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, febrile seizures (FS), specific EEG patterns (namely generalized paroxysmal fast activity, GPFA) and valproate (VPA) resistance were the only variables significantly associated with persistent treatment resistance. JME was the only epilepsy syndrome statistically associated with persistent treatment resistance in univariable logistic regression analysis.

Significance

Persistent treatment resistance was observed in almost 15% of GGE patients followed in a tertiary epilepsy center. A worse outcome was associated with specific clinical variables (JME, FS) and EEG patterns (GPFA).
Surveillance for Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South Korea
Authors: Suh Soo‐Jung
Published: October 2020

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Service, South Korea, developed a specific plan for Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), the fall armyworm, in 2019 to implement the surveillance for early detection for this pest. The fall armyworm surveillance program involved seasonal monitoring of the pest with pheromone traps placed into fields of cereal crops at high‐risk locations. In 2019, the trapping season ran from early spring to late autumn, with a total deployment of 140 traps. During the season, a total of 10 male adults were captured in these surveillance traps placed in South Korea and it has since been eradicated from these localities. Additionally, the fall armyworm was intercepted 12 times on asparagus from Peru and Thailand at South Korean ports of entry.
Antibiotics with therapeutic effects on spinal cord injury: a review
Authors: Afshari Khashayar , Momeni Roudsari Nazanin , Lashgari Naser‐Aldin , Haddadi Nazgol‐Sadat , Haj‐Mirzaian Arvin , Hassan Nejad Malihe , Shafaroodi Hamed , Ghasemi Mehdi , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein
Published: October 2020

Accumulating evidence indicates that a considerable number of antibiotics exert anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in different central and peripheral nervous system diseases including spinal cord injury (SCI). Both clinical and preclinical studies on SCI have found therapeutic effects of antibiotics from different families on SCI. These include macrolides, minocycline, β‐lactams, and dapsone, all of which have been found to improve SCI sequels and complications. These antibiotics may target similar signaling pathways such as reducing inflammatory microglial activity, promoting autophagy, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, and modulating the SCI‐related mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review paper, we will discuss the mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of these antibiotics on SCI, which not only could supply vital information for investigators but also guide clinicians to consider administering these antibiotics as part of a multimodal therapeutic approach for management of SCI and its complications.
Scorpion toxin MeuNaTxα‐1 sensitizes primary nociceptors by selective modulation of voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: van Cann Marianne , Kuzmenkov Alexey , Isensee Jörg , Andreev‐Andrievskiy Alexander , Peigneur Steve , Khusainov Georgii , Berkut Antonina , Tytgat Jan , Vassilevski Alexander , Hucho Tim
Published: October 2020

Venoms are a rich source of highly specific toxins, which allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets. We have now applied high content screening (HCS) microscopy to identify toxins that modulate pain sensitization signaling in primary sensory neurons of rat and elucidated the underlying mechanism. A set of venoms and fractions thereof were analyzed for their ability to activate type II protein kinase A (PKA‐II) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2). We identified MeuNaTxα‐1, a sodium channel‐selective scorpion α‐toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus, which affected both PKA‐II and ERK1/2. Recombinant MeuNaTxα‐1 showed identical activity to the native toxin on mammalian voltage‐gated sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and induced thermal hyperalgesia in adult mice. The effect of MeuNaTxα‐1 on sensory neurons was dose‐dependent and tetrodotoxin‐sensitive. Application of inhibitors and toxin mutants with altered sodium channel selectivity demonstrated that signaling activation in sensory neurons depends on NaV1.2 isoform. Accordingly, the toxin was more potent in neurons from newborn rats, where NaV1.2 is expressed at a higher level. Our results demonstrate that HCS microscopy‐based monitoring of intracellular signaling is a novel and powerful tool to identify and characterize venoms and their toxins affecting sensory neurons.
Resilience of Spanish forests to recent droughts and climate change
Authors: Khoury Sacha , Coomes David A.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

A widespread increase in forest cover is underway in northern Mediterranean forests because of land abandonment and decreased wood demand, but the resilience of these successional forests to climate change remains unresolved. Here we use 18‐year time series of canopy greenness derived from satellite imagery (NDVI) to evaluate the impacts of climate change on Spain's forests. Specifically, we analyzed how NDVI was influenced by the climatic water balance (i.e. Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index, SPEI), using monthly time‐series extracted from 3,100 pixels of forest, categorized into ten forest types. The forests increased in leaf area index by 0.01 per year on average (from 1.7 in 2000 to 1.9 in 2017) but there was enormous variation among years related to climatic water balance. Forest types varied in response to drought events: those dominated by drought‐avoiding species showed strong covariance between greenness and SPEI, while those dominated by drought‐tolerant species showed weak covariance. Native forests usually recovered more than 80% of greenness within the 18 months and the remainder within 5 years, but plantations ofEucalyptuswere less resilient. Management to increase the resilience of forests—a key goal of forestry in the Mediterranean region—appears to have had a positive effect: canopy greenness within protected forests was more resilient to drought than within non‐protected forests. In conclusion, many of Spain's successional forests have been resilient to drought over the past 18 years, from the perspective of space. Future studies will need to combine remote sensing with field‐based analyses of physiological tolerances and mortality processes to understand how Mediterranean forests will respond to the rapid climate change predicted for this region in the coming decades.
Antibacterial applications and safety issues of silica‐based materials: A review
Authors: Tian Bingren , Liu Yumei
Published: October 2020

As the problem of bacterial contamination continues to grow in its significance, researchers have reported many antibacterial materials that are based on inorganic compounds. Of these, materials that are based on silica and its derivatives have been widely used in engineering, medicine, and food. This paper reviews the advantages, safety issues, and applications of silica and its derivatives, as reported in recent years. The information provided highlights the preparation, application, and antimicrobial efficiency of materials that are based on silica and have different structure/size. We outline the possible antimicrobial mechanisms of silica‐based materials and the potential challenges that researchers may face. With a focus on increasing concerns regarding bacterial contamination in the food and medical industries, we have also proposed corresponding antibacterial material preparation strategies.
Influence of tetraploid wheat (Triticum dicoccum) on low glycaemic index pizza base processing and its starch digestibility
Authors: Bharath Adguru Papanna , Kathalsar Ashwath Kumar , Chandrashekhar Soumya , Prabhasankar Pichan
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to utilise Dicoccum wheat (DW), barley (BF) and soya flour (SF) in the development of low in vitro starch digestibility (IVSD) and estimated glycaemic index (EGI) PB. The BF and SF are mixed (1:1) (BFSF) and used to replace DW at 25%, 50% and 75% level and compared with 100% DW. The quality characteristics (rheological, physical, textural and chemical), IVSD and EGI of PB were determined. The incorporation of BFSF to DW increased the farinograph water absorption capacity (58.1%–64.2%) and mixing tolerance index (21‐68 FU), and decreased the dough development time (4.3–2.8 min) and amylograph pasting properties, respectively. Further, the thickness, shear force and redness were decreased and lightness and yellowness increased. Based on the physico‐sensory studies, 50% of BFSF along with emulsifier’s incorporation was optimum without affecting any sensory parameters and this PB had decreased IVSD (31) and EGI (54) when compared to the control 37 and 63, respectively.