bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cortical excitability measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation in children with epilepsy before and after antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Andreasson Ann‐Charlotte , Sigurdsson Gudmundur V , Pegenius Göran , Thordstein Magnus , Hallböök Tove 
Published: February 2020

AimTo evaluate cortical excitability with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in children with new‐onset epilepsy before and after antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).MethodFifty‐five drug‐naïve patients (29 females, 26 males; 3–18y), with new‐onset epilepsy were recruited from 1st May 2014 to 31st October 2017 at the Child Neurology Department, Queen Silvia’s Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. We performed TMS in 48 children (23 females, 25 males; mean [SD] age 10y [3y], range 4–15y) with epilepsy (27 generalized and 21 focal) before and after the introduction of AEDs. We used single‐ and paired‐pulse TMS. We used single‐pulse TMS to record resting motor thresholds (RMTs), stimulus–response curves, and cortical silent periods (CSPs). We used paired‐pulse TMS to record intracortical inhibition and facilitation at short, long, and intermediate intervals.ResultsThere were no differences in cortical excitability between children with generalized and focal epilepsy at baseline. After AED treatment, RMTs increased (p=0.001), especially in children receiving sodium valproate (p=0.005). CSPs decreased after sodium valproate was administered (p=0.050). As in previous studies, we noted a negative correlation between RMT and age in our study cohort. Paired‐pulse TMS could not be performed in most children because high RMTs made suprathreshold stimulation impossible.InterpretationCortical excitability as measured with RMT decreased after the introduction of AEDs. This was seen in children with both generalized and focal epilepsy who were treated with sodium valproate, although it was most prominent in children with generalized epilepsy. We suggest that TMS might be used as a prognostic tool to predict AED efficacy.What this paper adds

Resting motor threshold (RMT) correlated negatively with age in children with epilepsy.

No differences in cortical excitability were noted between patients with generalized and focal epilepsy.

Treatment with antiepileptic drugs decreased cortical excitability as measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Decreased cortical excitability with increased RMT was recorded, especially after sodium valproate treatment.

Paired‐pulse TMS was difficult to perform because of high RMTs in children.
An autoparasitoid wasp, inferior at resource exploitation, outcompetes primary parasitoids by using competitor females to produce males
Authors: Marrao Rosalina , Frago Enric , Pereira José A. , Tena Alejandro 
Published: February 2020

1. Autoparasitoids are intraguild consumers that attack and kill heterospecific and conspecific parasitoids as well as immature stages of hemipteran hosts, such as aphids, whiteflies and soft scales. Field experiments assessing the importance of interspecific competition between autoparasitoids and primary parasitoids, as well as its impact on herbivore suppression, are scarcely found in the ecological literature.2. Using field data from 40 olive orchards, this study examined the mechanisms that regulate: (i) the interspecific competition between primary parasitoids of the genus Metaphycus and the autoparasitoid Coccophagus lycimnia; and (ii) the density of their shared herbivore host, the soft scale Saissetia oleae.3. Metaphycus parasitoids used smaller hosts than C. lycimnia, yet did not outcompete C. lycimnia. On the other hand, C. lycimnia preferred to use Metaphycus females as secondary hosts for producing males rather than their own females. This preference might explain why the autoparasitoid negatively affected the density of the primary parasitoids.4. Parasitism by the autoparasitoid C. lycimnia at the beginning of the season was the sole variable positively related to host mortality throughout the season, showing its greater effect on herbivore suppression.5. In this study, an autoparasitoid, inferior at resource exploitation, was shown to outcompete a primary parasitoid without disrupting herbivore suppression.
Trade in the shadow of power: Japanese industrial exports in the interwar years
Authors: Ayuso‐Díaz Alejandro , Tena‐Junguito Antonio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDuring the interwar years, Japanese industrialization accelerated alongside the expansion of industrial exports to regional markets. Trade blocs in the interwar years were used as an instrument of imperial power to foster exports and as a substitute for productivity to encourage industrial production. The historiography on Japanese industrialization in the interwar years describes heavy industries’ interests in obtaining access to wider markets to increase economies of scale and reduce unit costs. However, this literature provides no quantitative evidence that proves the success of those mechanisms in expanding exports. In this article we scrutinize how Japan—a relatively poor country—used colonial as well as informal power interventions to expand regional markets for its exports, especially for the most intensive human capital sector of the industrializing economy. Our results show that Japanese exports in 1938 would have been around one‐third smaller had no empire ever existed, which indicates an outstanding effect of empire in the international context.
Efficacy and safety of porcine ALG compared to rabbit ATG as first‐line treatment for children with acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Zhu Yangmin , Yang Yang , Yang Wenrui , Song Lin , Li Yuan , Fan Huihui , Li Yang , Li Jianping , Ye Lei , Zhao Xin , Zhou Kang , Peng Guangxin , Jing Liping , Zhang Li , Zhang Fengkui 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of children with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) treated in China with first‐line porcine anti‐lymphocyte immunoglobulin (p‐ALG)/rabbit anti‐thymocyte immunoglobulin (r‐ATG) combined with cyclosporine A (CSA).MethodsWe performed a single‐center, non‐randomized, retrospective cohort study to assess the outcomes of 189 children with AA treated in China with first‐line p‐ALG/r‐ATG combined with CSA between 2014 and 2018.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the overall response rates at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months (3 months: 61.9% vs 67.4%, P = .5; 6 months: 70.9% vs 73.9%, P = .69; 12 months: 77.3% vs 73.3%, P = .58; 24 months: 81.6% vs 78.6%, P = .59) after either p‐ALG‐ or r‐ATG‐based immunosuppressive therapy. No significant differences were observed in overall survival or failure‐free survival between the p‐ALG group and the r‐ATG group.ConclusionOur results reveal that the therapeutic efficacy and safety of p‐ALG combined with CSA did not differ significantly from those of r‐ATG combined with CSA as first‐line therapy for pediatric patients with AA. Moreover, p‐ALG has the advantage of significantly lower cost compared with r‐ATG.
Incidence of oral anticoagulant interruption among stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and subsequent stroke
Authors: Kim J.‐M. , Park K.‐Y. , Yu I.‐W. , Song T.‐J. , Kim Y.‐J. , Kim B. J. , Heo S. H. , Jung J.‐M. , Oh K.‐M. , Kim C. K. , Yu S. , Park J.‐H. , Choi J. C. , Park M.‐S. , Kim J.‐T. , Choi K.‐H. , Hwang Y.‐H. , Chung J.‐W. , Bang O. Y. , Kim G.‐M. , Seo W.‐K. 
Published: February 2020

Background and purposeWe analyzed the incidence and causes of oral anticoagulant (OAC) cessation and subsequent stroke after OAC withdrawal in a cohort of Korean stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsThe Korean Atrial Fibrillation Evaluation Registry in Ischemic Stroke patients (K‐ATTENTION) is a multicenter cohort study, merging stroke registries from 11 tertiary centers in Korea. The number of OAC interruption episodes and the reasons were reviewed from hospital records. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was defined when a patient experienced ischaemic stroke within 31 days after OAC withdrawal. Clinical variables were compared between patients who experienced stroke recurrence during OAC interruption and those who did not experience recurrence.ResultsAmong 3213 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, a total of 329 episodes of OAC interruption were detected in 229 patients after index stroke (mean age 72.9 ± 8.3 years, 113 female patients). The most frequent reason for OAC withdrawal was poor compliance [103 episodes (31.3%)] followed by extracranial bleeding [96 episodes (29.2%)]. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was noted in 13 patients. Mean age, vascular risk factor profile and mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score were not significantly different between patients with and without recurrent stroke.ConclusionsA considerable number of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation experienced temporary interruption of OAC after index stroke, which was associated with stroke recurrence of 4.0 cases per 100 interruption episodes.
Ventilation time and prognosis after stroke thrombectomy: the shorter, the better!
Authors: Fandler‐Höfler S. , Heschl S. , Kneihsl M. , Argüelles‐Delgado P. , Niederkorn K. , Pichler A. , Deutschmann H. , Fazekas F. , Berghold A. , Enzinger C. , Gattringer T. 
Published: February 2020

Background and purposeThe aim was to investigate the clinical impact of the duration of artificial ventilation in stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) under general anaesthesia.MethodsAll consecutive ischaemic stroke patients who had been treated at our centre with MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion under general anaesthesia were identified over an 8‐year period. Ventilation time was analysed as a continuous variable and patients were grouped into extubation within 6 h (‘early’), 6–24 h (‘delayed’) and >24 h (‘late’). Favourable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 at 3 months post‐stroke. Pneumonia rate and reasons for prolonged ventilation were also assessed.ResultsAmongst 447 MT patients (mean age 69.1 ± 13.3 years, 50.1% female), the median ventilation time was 3 h. 188 (42.6%) patients had a favourable 3‐month outcome, which correlated with shorter ventilation time (Spearman’s rho 0.39, P < 0.001). In patients extubated within 24 h, early compared to delayed extubation was associated with improved outcome (odds ratio 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.53–3.76, P < 0.001). This was confirmed in multivariable analysis (P = 0.01). A longer ventilation time was associated with a higher rate of pneumonia during neurointensive care unit/stroke unit stay (early/delayed/late extubation: 9.6%/20.6%/27.7%, P < 0.01). Whilst stroke‐associated complications represented the most common reasons for late extubation (>24 h), delayed extubation (6–24 h) was associated with admission outside of core working hours (P < 0.001).ConclusionsProlonged ventilation time after stroke thrombectomy independently predicts unfavourable outcome at 3 months and is associated with increased pneumonia rates. Therefore, extubation should be performed as early as safely possible.
Early epilepsy in children with Zika‐related microcephaly in a cohort in Recife, Brazil: Characteristics, electroencephalographic findings, and treatment response
Authors: Carvalho Maria Durce C. G. , Ximenes Ricardo A. A. , Montarroyos Ulisses R. , da Silva Paula F. S. , Andrade‐Valença Luciana P. A. , Eickmann Sophie H. , Ramos Regina C. , Rocha Maria Ângela W. , de Araujo Thalia V. B. , de Albuquerque Maria de Fátima P. M. , Martelli Celina M. T. , de Souza Wayner V. , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Miranda‐Filho Demócrito de B. ,   on behalf of the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of epilepsy in children with Zika‐related microcephaly in the first 24 months of life; to characterize the associated clinical and electrographic findings; and to summarize the treatment responses.MethodsWe followed a cohort of children, born during the 2015‐2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil, with congenital microcephaly and evidence of congenital ZIKV infection on neuroimaging and/or laboratory testing. Neurological assessments were performed at ≤3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months of life. Serial electroencephalograms were performed over the first 24 months.ResultsWe evaluated 91 children, of whom 48 were female. In this study sample, the cumulative incidence of epilepsy was 71.4% in the first 24 months, and the main type of seizure was infantile spasms (83.1%). The highest incidence of seizures occurred between 3 and 9 months of age, and the risk remained high until 15 months of age. The incidence of infantile spasms peaked between 4 and 7 months and was followed by an increased incidence of focal epilepsy cases after 12 months of age. Neuroimaging results were available for all children, and 100% were abnormal. Cortical abnormalities were identified in 78.4% of the 74 children evaluated by computed tomography and 100% of the 53 children evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, only 46.1% of the 65 children with epilepsy responded to treatment. The most commonly used medication was sodium valproate with or without benzodiazepines, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and vigabatrin.SignificanceZika‐related microcephaly was associated with high risk of early epilepsy. Seizures typically began after the third month of life, usually as infantile spasms, with atypical electroencephalographic abnormalities. The seizure control rate was low. The onset of seizures in the second year was less frequent and, when it occurred, presented as focal epilepsy.
MRI profiling of focal cortical dysplasia using multi‐compartment diffusion models
Authors: Lorio Sara , Adler Sophie , Gunny Roxana , D’Arco Felice , Kaden Enrico , Wagstyl Konrad , Jacques Thomas S. , Clark Chris A. , Cross Judith Helen , Baldeweg Torsten , Carmichael David W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveFocal cortical dysplasia (FCD) lesion detection and subtyping remain challenging on conventional MRI. New diffusion models such as the spherical mean technique (SMT) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) provide measurements that potentially produce more specific maps of abnormal tissue microstructure. This study aims to assess the SMT and NODDI maps for computational and radiological lesion characterization compared to standard fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD).MethodsSMT, NODDI, FA, and MD maps were calculated for 33 pediatric patients with suspected FCD (18 histologically confirmed). Two neuroradiologists scored lesion visibility on clinical images and diffusion maps. Signal profile changes within lesions and homologous regions were quantified using a surface‐based approach. Diffusion parameter changes at multiple cortical depths were statistically compared between FCD type IIa and type IIb.ResultsCompared to fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) or T1‐weighted imaging, lesions conspicuity on NODDI intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) maps was better/equal/worse in 5/14/14 patients, respectively, while on SMT intra‐neurite volume fraction (INVF) in 3/3/27. Compared to FA or MD, lesion conspicuity on the ICVF was better/equal/worse in 27/4/2, while on the INVF in 20/7/6. Quantitative signal profiling demonstrated significant ICVF and INVF reductions in the lesions, whereas SMT microscopic mean, radial, and axial diffusivities were significantly increased. FCD type IIb exhibited greater changes than FCD type IIa. No changes were detected on FA or MD profiles.SignificanceFCD lesion‐specific signal changes were found in ICVF and INVF but not in FA and MD maps. ICVF and INVF showed greater contrast than FLAIR in some cases and had consistent signal changes specific to FCD, suggesting that they could improve current presurgical pediatric epilepsy imaging protocols and can provide features useful for automated lesion detection.
Drug interactions related to self‐medication: a French pharmacovigilance database study
Authors: Vacher Robin , Lagarce Laurence , Ghamrawi Sarah , Laugier‐Castellan Delphine , Vial Thierry , Bagheri Haleh , Babin Marina , Briet Marie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSelf‐medication (SM) is a common practice perceived by patients as harmless which can, however, entail health risks. The aim of the study was to identify drug–drug interactions (DDIs) involving SM drugs leading to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the National French Pharmacovigilance Database. All ADR reports from 1 January 1985 to 31 July 312018, coded as ‘interaction’ and ‘self‐medication’, were selected and studied. Patient characteristics, the level and type of interaction, and the therapeutic classes of the drugs were examined. Adverse drug reactions were analysed and classified according to the system organ classes of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. One hundred and three reports totalling 158 ADRs (71% severe cases) were included; 153 DDIs (59.5% pharmacodynamic) involving 234 drugs were identified. The latter included 119 SM drugs (51% available on prescription), mainly analgaesics, anti‐inflammatory drugs, dietary supplements and antibiotics. Haemostasis disorders and renal failure were the most frequently reported ADRs. The analysis of reference documents raised concerns on the lack of information provided by package leaflets. In conclusion, the present study highlights the risks of medically unapproved re‐use of prescription drugs or the consumption of dietary supplements without monitoring possible interactions and ADRs. Patient awareness could be improved by more regular updates of medication package inserts.
The impact of marine nutrient abundance on early eukaryotic ecosystems
Authors: Reinhard Christopher T. , Planavsky Noah J. , Ward Ben A. , Love Gordon D. , Le Hir Guillaume , Ridgwell Andy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe rise of eukaryotes to ecological prominence represents one of the most dramatic shifts in the history of Earth's biosphere. However, there is an enigmatic temporal lag between the emergence of eukaryotic organisms in the fossil record and their much later ecological expansion. In parallel, there is evidence for a secular increase in the availability of the key macronutrient phosphorus (P) in Earth's oceans. Here, we use an Earth system model equipped with a size‐structured marine ecosystem to explore relationships between plankton size, trophic complexity, and the availability of marine nutrients. We find a strong dependence of planktonic ecosystem structure on ocean nutrient abundance, with a larger ocean nutrient inventory leading to greater overall biomass, broader size spectra, and increasing abundance of large Zooplankton. If existing estimates of Proterozoic marine nutrient levels are correct, our results suggest that increases in the ecological impact of eukaryotic algae and trophic complexity in eukaryotic ecosystems were directly linked to restructuring of the global P cycle associated with the protracted rise of surface oxygen levels. Our results thus suggest an indirect but potentially important mechanism by which ocean oxygenation may have acted to shape marine ecological function during late Proterozoic time.
Relationship between heatwave‐induced forest die‐off and climatic suitability in multiple tree species
Authors: Margalef‐Marrase Jordi , Pérez‐Navarro María Ángeles , Lloret Francisco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn recent decades, many forest die‐off events have been reported in relation to climate‐change‐induced episodes, such as droughts and heat waves. To understand how these extreme climatic events induce forest die‐off, it is important to find a tool to standardize the climatic conditions experienced by different populations during a specific climatic event, taking into account the historic climatic conditions of the site where these populations live (bioclimatic niche). In this study, we used estimates of climatic suitability calculated from species distribution models (SDMs) for such purpose. We studied forest die‐off across France during the 2003 heatwave that affected Western Europe, using 2,943 forest inventory plots dominated by 14 single tree species. Die‐off severity was estimated by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) loss using Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer remote sensor imagery. Climatic suitability at the local level during the historical 1979–2002 period (HCS), the episode time (2003; ECS) and suitability deviance during the historical period (HCS‐SD) were calculated for each species by means of boosted regression tree models using the CHELSA climate database and occurrences extracted from European forest inventories. Low HCS‐SD and high mean annual temperature explained the overall regional pattern of vulnerability to die‐off across different monospecific forests. The combination of high historical and low episode climatic suitability also contributed significantly to overall forest die‐off. Furthermore, we observed different species‐specific relationships between die‐off vulnerability and climatic suitability: Sub‐Mediterranean and Mediterranean species tended to be vulnerable in historically more suitable localities (high HCS), whereas Euro‐Siberian species presented greater vulnerability when the hot drought episode was more intense. We demonstrated that at regional scale, past climatic legacy plays an important role in explaining NDVI loss during the episode. Moreover, we demonstrated that SDMs‐derived indexes, such as HCS, ECS and HCS‐SD, could constitute a tool for standardizing the ways that populations and species experience climatic variability across time and space.
Interaction between worsening cognitive function and deteriorating functional status on depressive symptoms among Chinese community‐dwelling elders
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhu Wei‐Heng , Li You‐Fu , Zhu Wei‐Wen 
Published: February 2020

AimCognitive impairment and functional deterioration are common in later life and often co‐occur with depressive symptoms (DS). This study aims to examine the individual effects and possible interaction between worsening cognitive function (CF) and deteriorating functional status (FS) on DS using large sample, longitudinal data.MethodsElderly people who completed the baseline survey of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011) and the third wave survey (2015) were included. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the individual effects. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI) were calculated to evaluate the additive interaction.ResultsWorsening CF and deteriorating FS were associated with the increase in DS, while unchanged or improved CF and FS were associated with the decrease in DS. In addition, decreased (increased) FS led to more severe (improved) DS than decreased (increased) CF. The additive interaction between worsening CF and deteriorating FS on the increase in DS was significant. The estimates and 95% CI of the RERI, AP and SI were 0.626 (0.061, 1.190), 0.222 (0.042, 0.402) and 1.526 (1.016, 2.291) respectively.ConclusionsBoth worsening CF and deteriorating FS have positive interactions with the increase in DS. It is vital to focus on DS of elderly people with worsening CF and/or FS and to adopt interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 343–347.