Search

Aims: To develop and externally validate the LIFE‐T1D model for the estimation of lifetime and 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A sex‐specific competing risk‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was derived in individuals with type 1 diabetes without prior CVD from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR), using age as the time axis. Predictors included age at diabetes onset, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, albuminuria and retinopathy. The model was externally validated in the Danish Funen Diabetes Database (FDDB) and the UK Biobank. Results: During a median follow‐up of 11.8 years (interquartile interval 6.1–17.1 years), 4608 CVD events and 1316 non‐CVD deaths were observed in the NDR (n = 39 756). The internal validation c‐statistic was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.85) and the external validation c‐statistics were 0.77 (95% CI 0.74–0.81) for the FDDB (n = 2709) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.77) for the UK Biobank (n = 1022). Predicted risks were consistent with the observed incidence in the derivation and both validation cohorts. Conclusions: The LIFE‐T1D model can estimate lifetime risk of CVD and CVD‐free life expectancy in individuals with type 1 diabetes without previous CVD. This model can facilitate individualized CVD prevention among individuals with type 1 diabetes. Validation in additional cohorts will improve future clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical modification is a powerful strategy for tuning the electronic properties of 2D semiconductors. Here we report the electrophilic trifluoromethylation of 2D WSe2 and MoS2 under mild conditions using the reagent trifluoromethyl thianthrenium triflate (TTT). Chemical characterization and density functional theory calculations reveal that the trifluoromethyl groups bind covalently to surface chalcogen atoms as well as oxygen substitution sites. Trifluoromethylation induces p‐type doping in the underlying 2D material, enabling the modulation of charge transport and optical emission properties in WSe2. This work introduces a versatile and efficient method for tailoring the optical and electronic properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Förster Resonance Energy transfer (FRET) is a nonradiative process that may occur from an electronically excited donor to an acceptor when the emission spectrum of the donor overlaps with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor. FRET experiments have been done in the gas phase based on specially designed mass‐spectroscopy setups with the goal to obtain structural information on biomolecular ions labeled with a FRET pair (i.e., donor and acceptor dyes) and to shed light on the energy‐transfer process itself. Ions are accumulated in a radio‐frequency ion trap or a Penning trap where mass selection of those of interest takes place, followed by photoexcitation. Gas‐phase FRET is identified from detection of emitted light either from the donor, the acceptor, or both, or from a fragmentation channel that is specific to the acceptor when electronically excited. The challenge associated with the first approach is the collection and detection of photons emitted from a thin ion cloud that is not easily accessible while the second approach relies both on the photophysical and chemical behavior of the acceptor. In this review, we present the different instrumentation used for gas‐phase FRET, including a discussion of advantages and disadvantages, and examples on how the technique has provided important structural information that is not easily obtainable otherwise. Furthermore, we describe how the spectroscopic properties of the dyes are affected by nearby electric fields, which is readily discernable from experiments on simple model systems with alkyl or π‐conjugated bridges. Such spectral changes can have a significant effect on the FRET efficiency. Ideas for new directions are presented at the end with special focus on cold‐ion spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest loss and overhunting are eroding African tropical biodiversity and threatening local human food security, livelihoods, and health. Emblematic of this ecological crisis is Africa's most endangered group of monkeys, the red colobus (genus Piliocolobus). All 17 species, found in forests from Senegal in the west to the Zanzibar archipelago in the east, are threatened with extinction. Red colobus are among the most vulnerable mammals to gun hunting, typically disappearing from heavily hunted forests before most other large‐bodied animals. Despite their conservation status, they are rarely a focus of conservation attention and continue to be understudied. However, red colobus can act as critical barometers of forest health and serve as flagships for catalyzing broader African tropical forest conservation efforts. We offer a plan for conservation of red colobus and their habitats and discuss conservation and policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present a theoretical framework that rigorously defines and analyzes key concepts and quantities for velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL). Theory and Methods: An expression for the VSASL arterial delivery function is derived based on (1) labeling and saturation profiles as a function of velocity and (2) physiologically plausible approximations of changes in acceleration and velocity across the vascular system. The dependence of labeling efficiency on the amplitude and effective bolus width of the arterial delivery function is defined. Factors that affect the effective bolus width are examined, and timing requirements to minimize quantitation errors are derived. Results: The model predicts that a flow‐dependent negative bias in the effective bolus width can occur when velocity selective inversion (VSI) is used for the labeling module and velocity selective saturation (VSS) is used for the vascular crushing module. The bias can be minimized by choosing a nominal labeling cutoff velocity that is lower than the nominal cutoff velocity of the vascular crushing module. Conclusion: The elements of the model are specified in a general fashion such that future advances can be readily integrated. The model can facilitate further efforts to understand and characterize the performance of VSASL and provide critical theoretical insights that can be used to design future experiments and develop novel VSASL approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest losses (PHLs) of biomaterials, such as vegetables and fruits, significantly impact food security and economic stability in developing nations. In Tanzania, PHLs are estimated to range between 30% and 40% for cereal crops and even higher for perishable crops such as fruits and vegetables. Open‐sun drying (OSD) is the most extensively employed method because of its affordability and simplicity. However, OSD has several drawbacks, including difficulties in managing drying parameters, long drying times owing to adverse weather, and product contamination. The solar‐assisted heat pump dryer (SAHPD) is a technology designed as an alternative solution for drying biomaterials and reducing PHL. A limited number of SAHPDs have been constructed in developing nations. Most of the works have concentrated on the performance analysis of the systems. This neglects the techno‐economic assessment, which is important to provide both a quantitative and qualitative understanding of the financial viability of the technology. The present study therefore investigates the techno‐economic analysis of a novel SAHPD for drying agricultural products, particularly vegetables and fruits. To determine whether the SAHPD technology is technically and economically viable, tomatoes and carrots were dried and analyzed to determine their thermal and economic performance. The results show that the initial moisture contents of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) and carrots (Daucus carota) were reduced from 93% and 88% to 10% in 11 and 12 h, respectively. The coefficient of performance (COP), drying time (DT), specific moisture extraction ration (SMER) and thermal efficiency (ηT) were found to be 3.4, 2.3 kg/h, 1.33 kg/kWh and 54.0%, respectively. The economic analysis was assessed using the annualized cost, lifecycle savings, and payback period for the dryer's life span of 15 years. The initial investment of the SAHPD was $5221.8 and the annualized cost was $1076.5. The cumulative present worth for 15 years was found to be $23,828.8 and $27,553.1 for tomatoes and carrots, respectively. The payback period for tomatoes was found to be 3 years, whereas for carrots it was 2.6 years. Based on thermal and economic performance assessment results, the developed SAHPD is technically and economically viable to be considered for further investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Co‐occurring anti‐tripartite motif‐containing protein 9 and 67 autoantibodies (TRIM9/67‐IgG) have been reported in only a very few cases of paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome. The value of these biomarkers and the most sensitive methods of TRIM9/67‐IgG detection are not known. Methods: We performed a retrospective, multicenter study to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of candidate TRIM9/67‐IgG cases by tissue‐based immunofluorescence, peptide phage display immunoprecipitation sequencing, overexpression cell‐based assay (CBA), and immunoblot. Cases in which TRIM9/67‐IgG was detected by at least 2 assays were considered TRIM9/67‐IgG positive. Results: Among these cases (n = 13), CBA was the most sensitive (100%) and revealed that all cases had TRIM9 and TRIM67 autoantibodies. Of TRIM9/67‐IgG cases with available clinical history, a subacute cerebellar syndrome was the most common presentation (n = 7/10), followed by encephalitis (n = 3/10). Of these 10 patients, 70% had comorbid cancer (7/10), 85% of whom (n = 6/7) had confirmed metastatic disease. All evaluable cancer biopsies expressed TRIM9 protein (n = 5/5), whose expression was elevated in the cancerous regions of the tissue in 4 of 5 cases. Interpretation: TRIM9/67‐IgG is a rare but likely high‐risk paraneoplastic biomarker for which CBA appears to be the most sensitive diagnostic assay. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1086–1101 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive therapy that is increasingly used to treat refractory neuropathic pain. Although this technique has a low incidence of serious long‐term adverse sequelae, the risk of complications such as inadvertent dural puncture remains. Objectives: The goal of this article was to determine the impact of the contralateral oblique (CLO) fluoroscopic view incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) during spinal cord stimulator implantation as compared to lateral fluoroscopic view. Methods: This was a single academic institution retrospective analysis of electronic medical records spanning an approximate 20‐year time period. Operative and postoperative notes were reviewed for details on dural puncture, including technique and spinal level of access, the development of a PDPH, and subsequent management. Results: Over nearly two decades, a total of 1637 leads inserted resulted in 5 PDPH that were refractory to conservative measures but responded to epidural blood patch without long‐term complications. The incidence of PDPH per lead insertion utilizing loss of resistance and lateral fluoroscopic guidance was 0.8% (4/489). However, adoption of CLO guidance was associated with a lower rate of PDPH at 0.08% (1/1148), p < 0.02. Conclusions: The incorporation of the CLO view to guide epidural needle placement can decrease the odds of a PDPH during percutaneous SCS procedures. This study further provides real‐world data supporting the potential enhanced accuracy of epidural needle placement in order to avoid unintentional puncture or trauma to deeper spinal anatomic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate presence of treatment effect heterogeneity of intensive insulin therapy (INT) on occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Methods: In participants from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study, individual treatment effect of INT (≥3 daily insulin injections/insulin pump therapy) versus conventional therapy (once/twice daily insulin) on the risk of MACE was estimated using a penalized Cox regression model including treatment‐by‐covariate interaction terms. Results: In 1441 participants, 120 first MACE events were observed and 1279 individuals (89%) were predicted to benefit from INT with regard to MACE risk reduction. The study population was divided into four groups based on predicted treatment effect: one group with no predicted benefit and three tertiles with predicted treatment benefit. The median absolute reduction in 30‐year risk of MACE across groups of predicted treatment effect ranged from −0.2% (i.e. risk increase; interquartile range [IQR] −0.1% to −0.3%) in the group with no predicted benefit to 6.6% (i.e. risk reduction; IQR 3.8%–10.9%; number needed to treat 15) in the highest tertile of predicted benefit. The observed benefit of preventing microvascular complications was stable across all subgroups of predicted MACE benefit. Conclusions: Although INT reduces the risk of MACE in the majority of individuals with type 1 diabetes, benefit varies substantially. These individual differences in the effect of INT underline the necessity for a better understanding of the individual response to intensive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several decades, forests worldwide have experienced increases in biotic disturbances caused by insects and plant pathogens – a trend that is expected to continue with climate warming. Whereas the causes and effects of individual biotic disturbances are well studied, spatiotemporal interactions among multiple biotic disturbances are less so, despite their importance to ecosystem function and resilience. Here, we highlight an emerging phenomenon of "hotspots" of biotic disturbances (that is, two or more biotic disturbances that overlap in space and time), documenting trends in recent decades in temperate conifer forests of the western US. We also explore potential mechanisms behind and effects of biotic disturbance hotspots, with particular focus on how altered post‐disturbance recovery (successional pathways) can have profound consequences for ecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation. Finally, we propose research directions that can elucidate drivers of biotic disturbance hotspots and their ecological effects at various spatial scales, and provide insight into this new knowledge frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by widespread accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau that typically occurs in people who have suffered repetitive head impacts. To date, very few cases have been reported in association football players. Objectives: To describe the clinicopathological features of a case of CTE in an 84‐year‐old former football player who was clinically diagnosed as having dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: A retrospective review of the patient's primary care and hospital medical records was performed along with a comprehensive neuropathological examination. Results: This patient presented at age 84 with symmetrical parkinsonism and cognitive impairment that was exacerbated by prochlorperazine. His condition was rapidly progressive with recurrent falls within 1 year. Other features included headaches, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, disturbed sleep and aggression. He received a clinical diagnosis of DLB and died approximately 2 years after the onset of symptoms. A post‐mortem examination revealed stage 4 CTE. Conclusions: While the contemporaneous onset of parkinsonism and cognitive symptoms in the context of possible neuroleptic sensitivity is suggestive of DLB, the additional symptoms of aggressive behavior, depression and suicidality in a former football player are consistent with the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE. This case, which is notable for the late presentation, demonstrates that CTE may masquerade as other dementias and highlights the importance of seeking a history of repetitive head impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Trapping is commonly used as the primary management tool in attempts to reduce invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), but traditional trapping techniques are often ineffective. However, recently developed traps permit the capture of entire social groups (sounders) of wild pigs, and the strategy of whole‐sounder removal may achieve more effective control. Our objective was to experimentally compare traditional control (TC; primarily traditional trapping, but including hunting with dogs, and opportunistic shooting) and whole‐sounder removal (WSR) strategies by assessing density reduction and removal rate after 1 and 2 years of treatment. RESULTS: After 1 year of trapping, average wild pig density on WSR units declined 53% and remained stable after the second year, whereas on TC units, pig density did not differ after trapping, although it declined 33% and remained stable after the second year of trapping. The median removal rate (percentage of uniquely marked pigs present at the beginning of each year that were removed) was 42.5% for WSR units and 0.0% for TC units during 2018 and were 29.6% from WSR units and 5.3% from TC units during 2019. CONCLUSIONS: WSR removal was more effective at reducing wild pig density than TC, but factors such as previous exposure of this population to traditional traps and the lack of barriers to recolonization from surrounding areas may have reduced WSR efficacy. WSR can effectively reduce wild pig density to a greater extent than TC, but managers should recognize the additional time and expense necessary for implementation. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ~25% of sporadic CBD cases present with progressive supranuclear palsy-Richardson's syndrome (PSP-RS),[1] only one other case of microtubule-associated protein tau gene ( I MAPT i )- related CBD with a PSP-like phenotype has been reported.[2] We aim to highlight important issues regarding the classification of I MAPT i -associated tauopathies and the implications for clinical research. Keywords: MAPT; corticobasal degeneration; progressive supranuclear palsy; pathology EN MAPT corticobasal degeneration progressive supranuclear palsy pathology 691 694 4 04/18/23 20230401 NES 230401 Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rare, 4-repeat (4R) tauopathy characterized by astrocytic plaque neuropathology. Histological examination revealed neuronal and glial 4R tau pathology, with frequent astrocytic plaques typical of CBD (Fig. CBD pathology was most prominent in the posterior frontal lobe, deep gray nuclei and tegmental regions of the brainstem. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Clinical diagnostic accuracy of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains suboptimal. Changes in disease concept may have improved clinical diagnostic accuracy in the past decade. However, current clinical diagnostic criteria have not been validated against neuropathological confirmation. Objectives: This study aims to provide up‐to‐date clinical diagnostic accuracy data and validate current clinical diagnostic criteria for PD against neuropathology. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of consecutive patients with parkinsonism from the Queen Square Brain Bank was performed between 2009 and 2019. Clinical diagnosis was documented at early (within 5 years of motor symptom onset) and final stages and categorized by movement disorder experts or regular clinicians. Movement Disorder Society Parkinson's disease (MDS‐PD) diagnostic criteria were retrospectively applied. Diagnostic accuracy parameters (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, and accuracy) were calculated using neuropathological diagnosis as the gold standard. Results: A total of 267 patients (141 PD and 126 non‐PD parkinsonism) were included. Clinical diagnostic accuracy was 97.2% for experts, 92.5% for the MDS clinically probable PD criteria, and 90.3% for clinicians. Similar figures were obtained when applied at an early stage (91.5%, 89.5%, and 84.2% diagnostic accuracy, respectively). MDS clinically established early PD criteria demonstrated very high specificity (98.4%) at early stages. Conclusions: Our results showed an important improvement in PD clinical diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice over the past decade, more marked at early stages of the disease. MDS‐PD diagnostic criteria is a valid tool in clinical practice and research for the identification of PD patients showing excellent sensitivity and specificity, although movement disorder experts' diagnosis remains the gold standard PD diagnosis during life. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy (MDS‐MSA) have been developed to improve diagnostic accuracy although their diagnostic properties have not been evaluated. Objectives: The aims were to validate the MDS‐MSA diagnostic criteria against neuropathological diagnosis and compare their diagnostic performance to previous criteria and diagnosis in clinical practice. Methods: Consecutive patients with sporadic, progressive, adult‐onset parkinsonism, or cerebellar ataxia from the Queen Square Brain Bank between 2009 and 2019 were selected and divided based on neuropathological diagnosis into MSA and non‐MSA. Medical records were systematically reviewed, and clinical diagnosis was documented by retrospectively applying the MDS‐MSA criteria, second consensus criteria, and diagnosis according to treating clinicians at early (within 3 years of symptom onset) and final stages. Diagnostic parameters (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, and accuracy) were calculated using neuropathological diagnosis as gold standard and compared between different criteria. Results: Three hundred eighteen patients (103 MSA and 215 non‐MSA) were included, comprising 248 patients with parkinsonism and 70 with cerebellar ataxia. Clinically probable MDS‐MSA showed excellent sensitivity (95.1%), specificity (94.0%), and accuracy (94.3%), although their sensitivity at early stages was modest (62.1%). Clinically probable MDS‐MSA outperformed diagnosis by clinicians and by second consensus criteria. Clinically established MDS‐MSA showed perfect specificity (100%) even at early stages although to the detriment of low sensitivity. MDS‐MSA diagnostic accuracy did not differ according to clinical presentation (ataxia vs. parkinsonism). Conclusions: MDS‐MSA criteria demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance against neuropathological diagnosis and are useful diagnostic tools for clinical practice and research. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immediate implant placement in conjunction with partial extraction therapy has been shown to result in functional osseo‐ and dento‐integration with partial preservation of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in humans. Strategic buccal root retention for PDL preservation is a biologically driven procedure that maintains alveolar ridge dimensions and esthetics, while allowing for implant placement. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of longitudinal clinical outcomes of PDL‐mediated ridge preservation in conjunction with implant placement in adults, compared with conventional immediate implant placement with total extractions. The primary outcome for this study was marginal bone level (MBL) changes after strategic buccal root retention implant placement techniques. Materials and Methods: To address a predefined PICOS question, a systematic search of randomized clinical trials and cohort studies with at least 10 participants per group and a minimum 12‐month follow‐up was conducted. A two‐phase systematic selection strategy, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, was performed independently and in duplicate. Randomized trials were quantitatively analyzed in a meta‐analysis. Results: Ten human studies fulfilled the predefined criteria and were included; three clinical trials and seven cohort studies, for a total of 506 patients and 587 implants. PDL‐mediated implant placement of single‐rooted periodontally healthy teeth was found to reduce marginal peri‐implant bone loss and buccal plate changes as compared to conventional immediate implants across studies, while implant survival and success rates were comparable between the two procedures. A meta‐analysis found that bone changes were significantly less when retention of the buccal root section was performed as compared to total extractions (standardized mean difference: [−4.53, −0.11]); the three clinical trials were, however, largely heterogeneous (I2: 93.1%; Q = 28.98, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Strategic retention of the buccal root section has a benefit in terms of dimensional ridge stability over conventional immediate implantation when implemented in carefully selected cases of single‐rooted teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with bipolar disorder spend most of their clinical lifetime in the depressive phase of their illness. However, antidepressants are discouraged in the treatment of bipolar depression due to concerns over manic induction and drug ineffectiveness. Some reports suggest that monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may be safe and effective compared to other antidepressants in treating bipolar depression. The present study compared the safety and effectiveness of MAOI therapy in patients with bipolar versus unipolar depression. Methods: Data were collected from approximately 2500 clinical research charts of patients treated with MAOI therapy at a university mood disorder clinic between 1983 and 2015. A mixed‐effects model was created with patient entered as the random effect. The model included the primary diagnosis (i.e., either unipolar or bipolar depression) and other clinical covariates as fixed‐effect predictors. Results: Patients with bipolar depression demonstrated lower post‐treatment clinical global impressions/severity scores versus patients with unipolar depression (p = 0.04). Neither group demonstrated a full syndromal manic or hypomanic episode. A higher proportion of patients with bipolar depression reported myoclonic tics and tremors, which may have resulted from concomitant lithium use. Amongst the covariates, only the number of prior antidepressant trials predicted poorer outcomes from MAOI therapy. Conclusion: MAOIs may be more effective—and as safe—for patients with bipolar depression versus unipolar depression. Future studies should explore this possible advantage using a larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Epigenetic clocks are widely applied as surrogates for biological age in different tissues and/or diseases, including several neurodegenerative diseases. Despite white matter (WM) changes often being observed in neurodegenerative diseases, no study has investigated epigenetic ageing in white matter. Methods: We analysed the performances of two DNA methylation-based clocks, DNAmClockMulti and DNAmClockCortical, in post-mortem WM tissue from multiple subcortical regions and the cerebellum, and in oligodendrocyte-enriched nuclei. We also examined epigenetic ageing in control and multiple system atrophy (MSA) (WM and mixed WM and grey matter), as MSA is a neurodegenerative disease comprising pronounced WM changes and α-synuclein aggregates in oligodendrocytes. Results: Estimated DNA methylation (DNAm) ages showed strong correlations with chronological ages, even in WM (e.g., DNAmClockCortical, r = [0.80-0.97], p < 0.05). However, performances and DNAm age estimates differed between clocks and brain regions. DNAmClockMulti significantly underestimated ages in all cohorts except in the MSA prefrontal cortex mixed tissue, whereas DNAmClockCortical tended towards age overestimations. Pronounced age overestimations in the oligodendrocyte-enriched cohorts (e.g., oligodendrocyte-enriched nuclei, p = 6.1 x 10-5) suggested that this cell type ages faster. Indeed, significant positive correlations were observed between estimated oligodendrocyte proportions and DNAm age acceleration estimated by DNAmClockCortical (r > 0.31, p < 0.05), and similar trends were obtained with DNAmClockMulti. Although increased age acceleration was observed in MSA compared with controls, no significant differences were detected upon adjustment for possible confounders (e.g., cell-type proportions). Conclusions: Our findings show that oligodendrocyte proportions positively influence epigenetic age acceleration across brain regions and highlight the need to further investigate this in ageing and neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly reproducible epidemiological evidence shows that type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases the risk and rate of progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), and crucially, the repurposing of certain antidiabetic medications for the treatment of PD has shown early promise in clinical trials, suggesting that the effects of T2D on PD pathogenesis may be modifiable. The high prevalence of T2D means that a significant proportion of patients with PD may benefit from personalized antidiabetic treatment approaches that also confer neuroprotective benefits. Therefore, there is an immediate need to better understand the mechanistic relation between these conditions and the specific molecular pathways affected by T2D in the brain. Although there is considerable evidence that processes such as insulin signaling, mitochondrial function, autophagy, and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of both PD and T2D, the primary aim of this review is to highlight the evidence showing that T2D‐associated dysregulation of these pathways occurs not only in the periphery but also in the brain and how this may facilitate neurodegeneration in PD. We also discuss the challenges involved in disentangling the complex relationship between T2D, insulin resistance, and PD, as well as important questions for further research. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies are assumed to rarely change after enactment. Punctuated equilibrium theory argues this is because law makers shift attention away from policies after enactment, letting them run on autopilot. I argue that the periods between punctuations deserves study, and that what law makers do is design institutions to make policies path dependent so they can only change within limited parameters—if at all. It may also be that interest groups opposing new policies are still able to shape the way they evolve, pushing against intended paths. In this article I test the influence of path dependence versus group opposition in state charter school policies. I find some evidence of path dependence, but I also find that, to some extent, opposing interests can still change these laws after enactment. Furthermore, I find these policies became increasingly similar over time, partially because of path dependence, but also because of the influence of opposing interests. Related Articles: Ertas, Nevbahar. 2015. "Policy Narratives and Public Opinion concerning Charter Schools." Politics & Policy 43(3): 426–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12120. Kwon, Sung‐Wook, and Sylvia Gonzalez‐Gorman. 2019. "Influence of Local Political Institutions on Policy Punctuation in Three Policy Areas." Politics & Policy 47(2): 300–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12295. Patrick, Barbara. 2016. "Performance Policies and Workforce Development: Can the Market Model Be Successfully Implemented in the Public Arena?" Politics & Policy 44(6): 1116–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12185. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Area‐restricted search is the capacity to change search effort adaptively in response to resource encounters or expectations, from directional exploration (global, extensive search) to focused exploitation (local, intensive search). This search pattern is used by numerous organisms, from worms and insects to humans, to find various targets, such as food, mates, nests, and other resources. Area‐restricted search has been studied for at least 80 years by ecologists, and more recently in the neurological and psychological literature. In general, the conditions promoting this search pattern are: (1) clustered resources; (2) active search (e.g. not a sit‐and‐wait predator); (3) searcher memory for recent target encounters or expectations; and (4) searcher ignorance about the exact location of targets. Because area‐restricted search adapts to resource encounters, the search can be performed at multiple spatial scales. Models and experiments have demonstrated that area‐restricted search is superior to alternative search patterns that do not involve a memory of the exact location of the target, such as correlated random walks or Lévy walks/flights. Area‐restricted search is triggered by sensory cues whereas concentrated search in the absence of sensory cues is associated with other forms of foraging. Some neural underpinnings of area‐restricted search are probably shared across metazoans, suggesting a shared ancestry and a shared solution to a common ecological problem of finding clustered resources. Area‐restricted search is also apparent in other domains, such as memory and visual search in humans, which may indicate an exaptation from spatial search to other forms of search. Here, we review these various aspects of area‐restricted search, as well as how to identify it, and point to open questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of semantic maturation on early lexical development by examining the impact of contextual diversity—known to influence semantic development—on word promotion from receptive to productive vocabularies (i.e., comprehension‐expression gap). Study 1 compares the vocabularies of 3685 American‐English‐speaking typical talkers (TTs) and late talkers (LTs; 16–30 months old; 1257 females, 1021 gender unknown; ethnicity unknown; data downloaded in 2018) and finds that LTs, with a longer preverbal phase, produced nouns with lower contextual diversity (R2 =.80), but verbs with higher contextual diversity (R2 =.13). Study 2 compares computational network growth models of semantic maturation and finds that verbs require more semantic maturation than nouns, and TTs produce words that are more semantically mature than LTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents an overview of the available literature regarding intranasal corticosteroids (INCs) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Various treatment options exist for AR including INCs, antihistamines and leucotriene antagonists. INCs are considered to be the most effective therapy for moderate‐to‐severe AR, as they are effective against nasal and ocular symptoms and improve quality of life. Their safety has been widely observed. INCs are effective and safe for short‐term use. Local adverse events are observed but generally well‐tolerated. The occurrence of (serious) systemic adverse events is unlikely but cannot be ruled out. There is a lack of long‐term safety data. INC may cause serious eye complications. The risk of INCs on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, on bone mineral density reduction or osteoporosis and on growth in children, should be considered during treatment. Pharmacological characteristics of INCs (e.g. the mode of action and pharmacokinetics) are well known and described. We sought to gain insight into whether specific properties affect the efficacy and safety of INCs, including nasal particle deposition, which the administration technique affects. However, advances are lacking regarding the improved understanding of the effect of particle deposition on efficacy and safety and the effect of the administration technique. This review emphasizes the gaps in knowledge regarding this subject. Advances in research and health care are necessary to improve care for patients with AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive impairment is common in neurological presentations of Wilson's disease (WD). Various domains can be affected, and subclinical deficits have been reported in patients with hepatic presentations. Associations with imaging abnormalities have not been systematically tested. Objective: The aim was to determine the neuroanatomical basis for cognitive deficits in WD. Methods: We performed a 16‐item neuropsychological test battery and magnetic resonance brain imaging in 40 patients with WD. The scores for each test were compared between patients with neurological and hepatic presentations and with normative data. Associations with Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale neurological examination subscores were examined. Quantitative, whole‐brain, multimodal imaging analyses were used to identify associations with neuroimaging abnormalities in chronically treated stable patients. Results: Abstract reasoning, executive function, processing speed, calculation, and visuospatial function scores were lower in patients with neurological presentations than in those with hepatic presentations and correlated with neurological examination subscores. Deficits in abstract reasoning and phonemic fluency were associated with lower putamen volumes even after controlling for neurological severity. About half of patients with hepatic presentations had poor performance in memory for faces, cognitive flexibility, or associative learning relative to normative data. These deficits were associated with widespread cortical atrophy and/or white matter diffusion abnormalities. Conclusions: Subtle cognitive deficits in patients with seemingly hepatic presentations represent a distinct neurological phenotype associated with diffuse cortical and white matter pathology. This may precede the classical neurological phenotype characterized by movement disorders and executive dysfunction and be associated with basal ganglia damage. A binary phenotypic classification for WD may no longer be appropriate. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19, caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, has emerged as a global pandemic. While immune responses of the adaptive immune system have been in the focus of research, the role of NK cells in COVID‐19 remains less well understood. Here, we characterized NK cell‐mediated SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐1 (S1) and nucleocapsid (NC) protein. Serum samples from SARS‐CoV‐2 resolvers induced significant CD107a‐expression by NK cells in response to S1 and NC, while serum samples from SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative individuals did not. Furthermore, serum samples from individuals that received the BNT162b2 vaccine induced strong CD107a expression by NK cells that increased with the second vaccination and was significantly higher than observed in infected individuals. As expected, vaccine‐induced responses were only directed against S1 and not against NC protein. S1‐specific CD107a responses by NK cells were significantly correlated to NK cell‐mediated killing of S1‐expressing cells. Interestingly, screening of serum samples collected prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic identified two individuals with cross‐reactive antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 S1, which also induced degranulation of NK cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that antibodies induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines can trigger significant NK cell‐mediated ADCC activity, and identify some cross‐reactive ADCC‐activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 by endemic coronavirus‐specific antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2OSeO3 single crystals are grown with an optimized chemical vapor transport technique using SeCl4 as a transport agent (TA). The optimized growth method allows to selectively produce large high‐quality single crystals. The method is shown to consistently produce Cu2OSeO3 crystals of maximum size 8 × 7 × 4 mm with a transport duration of around three weeks. It is found that this method, with SeCl4 as TA, is more efficient and simple compared with the commonly used growth techniques reported in literature with HCl gas as TA. The Cu2OSeO3 crystals have very high quality and their absolute structures are fully determined by simple single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Enantiomeric crystals with either left‐ or right‐handed chiralities are observed. The magnetization and ferromagnetic resonance data show the same magnetic phase diagram as reported earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microtubule‐associated protein tau gene (MAPT) 10+16 intronic mutation causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) by increasing expression of four‐repeat (4R)‐tau isoforms. We investigated the potential role for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of FTLD by studying the expression of 4R‐tau. We derived astrocytes and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from two asymptomatic 10+16 carriers which, compared to controls, showed persistently increased 4R:3R‐tau transcript and protein ratios in both cell types. However, beyond 300 days culture, 10+16 neurons showed less marked increase of this 4R:3R‐tau transcript ratio compared to astrocytes. Interestingly, throughout maturation, both 10+16 carriers consistently displayed different 4R:3R‐tau transcript and protein ratios. These elevated levels of 4R‐tau in astrocytes implicate glial cells in the pathogenic process and also suggests a cell‐type‐specific regulation and may inform and help on treatment of pre‐clinical tauopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinking is complex. Over the years, several types of methods and paradigms have developed across the psychological, cognitive, and neural sciences to study such complexity. A rapidly growing multidisciplinary quantitative field of network science offers quantitative methods to represent complex systems as networks, or graphs, and study the network properties of these systems. While the application of network science to study the brain has greatly advanced our understanding of the brains structure and function, the application of these tools to study cognition has been done to a much lesser account. This topic is a collection of papers that discuss the fruitfulness of applying network science to study cognition across a wide scope of research areas from generalist accounts of memory and encoding, to individual differences, to communities, and finally to cultural and individual change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive researchers often carve cognition up into structures and processes. Cognitive processes operate on structures, like vehicles driving over a map. Language alongside semantic and episodic memory are proposed to have structure, as are perceptual systems. Over these structures, processes operate to construct memory and solve problems by retrieving and manipulating information. Network science offers an approach to representing cognitive structures and has made tremendous inroads into understanding the nature of cognitive structure and process. But is the mind a network? If so, what kind? In this article, we briefly review the main metaphors, assumptions, and pitfalls prevalent in cognitive network science (maps and vehicles; one network/process to rule them all), highlight the need for new metaphors that elaborate on the map‐and‐vehicle framework (wormholes, skyhooks, and generators), and present open questions in studying the mind as a network (the challenge of capturing network change, what should the edges of cognitive networks be made of, and aggregated vs. individual‐based networks). One critical lesson of this exercise is that the richness of the mind as network approach makes it a powerful tool in its own right; it has helped to make our assumptions more visible, generating new and fascinating questions, and enriching the prospects for future research. A second lesson is that the mind as a network–though useful–is incomplete. The mind is not a network, but it may contain them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a neuropsychological test used to assess cognitive dysfunction. The TMT consists of two parts: TMT‐A requires connecting numbers 1 to 25 sequentially; TMT‐B requires connecting numbers 1 to 12 and letters A to L sequentially, alternating between numbers and letters. We propose using a digitally recorded version of TMT to capture cognitive or physical functions underlying test performance. We analyzed digital versions of TMT‐A and ‐B to derive time metrics and used Bayesian hidden Markov models to extract additional metrics. We correlated these derived metrics with cognitive and physical function scores using regression. On both TMT‐A and ‐B, digital metrics associated with graphomotor processing test scores and gait speed. Digital metrics on TMT‐B were additionally associated with episodic memory test scores and grip strength. These metrics provide additional information of cognitive state and can differentiate cognitive and physical factors affecting test performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychiatric profile associated with punding and hobbyism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: To compare the clinical and neuropsychological features of PD patients with punding and hobbyism to PD controls. Methods: The Questionnaire for Impulsive‐Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease‐Rating Scale (QUIP‐RS) was used as a screening tool, and a structured interview was used to diagnose punding/hobbyism. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment was conducted with validated questionnaires/scales. Results: Twenty‐one patients with PD and punding (PD + pu) were compared to 26 with hobbyism (PD + h) and 25 PD controls. PD + pu patients showed higher levels of anxiety, non‐motor symptoms and motor symptoms, and lower Frontal Assessment Battery scores. The PD + h group exhibited similar levels of anxiety and motor fluctuations to the PD + pu group. Conclusion: PD + pu showed increased anxiety and frontal lobe dysfunction, similar to PD + h. Hobbyism could be a prodromal phase with increased risk of leading to punding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Growing evidence suggests a shared pathogenesis between Parkinson's disease and diabetes although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes on Parkinson's disease progression and to correlate neuropathological findings to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms. Methods: In this cohort study, medical records were retrospectively reviewed of cases with pathologically confirmed Parkinson's disease with and without pre‐existing type 2 diabetes. Time to disability milestones (recurrent falls, wheelchair dependence, dementia and care home placement) and survival were compared to assess disease progression and their risk estimated using Cox hazard regression models. Correlation with pathological data was performed, including quantification of α‐synuclein in key brain regions and staging of vascular, Lewy and Alzheimer's pathologies. Results: Patients with PD and diabetes (male 76%; age at death 78.6 ± 6.2 years) developed earlier falls (p < 0.001), wheelchair dependence (p = 0.004), dementia (p < 0.001), care home admission (p < 0.001) and had reduced survival (p < 0.001). Predating diabetes was independently associated with a two to three‐fold increase in the risk of disability and death. Neuropathological assessment did not show any differences in global or regional vascular pathology, α‐synuclein load in key brain areas, staging of Lewy pathology or Alzheimer's disease pathology. Conclusions: Pre‐existing type 2 diabetes contributes to faster disease progression and reduced survival in Parkinson's disease which is not driven by increased vascular, Lewy or Alzheimer's pathologies. Additional non‐specific neurodegeneration related to chronic brain insulin resistance may be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: During the past 4 decades, there has been a growing focus on preserving the fertility of patients with childhood cancer; however, no large studies have been conducted of live births across treatment decades during this period. Therefore, the authors estimated the potential birth deficit in female childhood cancer survivors and the probability of live births. METHODS: In total, 8886 women were identified in the 5 Nordic cancer registries in whom a childhood cancer had been diagnosed during 1954 through 2006. A population comparison cohort of 62,903 women was randomly selected from the central population registries matched by age and country. All women were followed for live births recorded in medical birth registries. The cumulative probability and the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of a live birth were calculated by maternal age across treatment decades. RESULTS: The probability of a live birth increased with treatment decade, and, at age 30 years, the rate for survivors most recently diagnosed was close to the rate among the general population (1954‐1969: RR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.54‐0.78]; 1970s: RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.60‐0.74]; 1980s: RR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.64‐0.74]; 1990s: RR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87‐0.95]; 2000s: RR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.91‐0.97]). CONCLUSIONS: Female childhood cancer survivors had a lower probability of a live birth than women in the general population, although, in survivors diagnosed after 1989, the probability was close to that of the general population. Because the pattern of live births differs by cancer type, continuous efforts must be made to preserve fertility, counsel survivors, and refer them rapidly to fertility treatment if necessary. LAY SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to compare the probability of giving birth to a liveborn child in female survivors of childhood cancer with that of women in the general population.Survivors of childhood cancer had a lower probability of live births than women in the general population, although survivors diagnosed after 1989 had a probability close to that of the general population.Continuing focus on how to preserve the potential for fertility among female patients with childhood cancer during treatment is important to increase their chances of having a child. Female childhood cancer survivors have a lower probability of live birth than women in the general population. However, female survivors treated more recently in the 1990s and 2000s have a probability close to that of the female background population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exposure to narrow‐band red light, which stimulates only the long‐wavelength sensitive (LWS) cones, slows axial eye growth and produces hyperopia in tree shrews and macaque monkeys. We asked whether exposure to amber light, which also stimulates only the LWS cones but with a greater effective illuminance than red light, has a similar hyperopia‐inducing effect in tree shrews. Methods: Starting at 24 ± 1 days of visual experience, 15 tree shrews (dichromatic mammals closely related to primates) received light treatment through amber filters (BPI 500/550 dyed acrylic) either atop the cage (Filter group, n = 8, 300–400 human lux) or fitted into goggles in front of both eyes (Goggle group, n = 7). Non‐cycloplegic refractive error and axial ocular dimensions were measured daily. Treatment groups were compared with age‐matched animals (Colony group, n = 7) raised in standard colony fluorescent lighting (100–300 lux). Results: At the start of treatment, mean refractive errors were well‐matched across the three groups (p = 0.35). During treatment, the Filter group became progressively more hyperopic with age (p < 0.001). By contrast, the Goggle and Colony groups showed continued normal emmetropization. When the treatment ended, the Filter group exhibited significantly greater hyperopia (mean [SE] = 3.5 [0.6] D) compared with the Goggle (0.2 [0.8] D, p = 0.01) and Colony groups (1.0 [0.2] D, p = 0.01). However, the refractive error in the Goggle group was not different from that in the Colony group (p = 0.35). Changes in the vitreous chamber were consistent with the refractive error changes. Conclusions: Exposure to ambient amber light produced substantial hyperopia in the Filter group but had no effect on refractive error in the Goggle group. The lack of effect in the Goggle group could be due to the simultaneous activation of the short‐wavelength sensitive (SWS) and LWS cones caused by the scattering of the broad‐band light from the periphery of the goggles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Similar to Parkinson's disease (PD), MSA is an α‐synucleinopathy, and its pathological hallmark consists of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing α‐synuclein (SNCA) in oligodendrocytes. We previously identified consistent changes in myelin‐associated oligodendrocyte basic protein (MOBP) and huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) DNA methylation status in MSA. We hypothesized that if differential DNA methylation at these loci is mechanistically relevant for MSA, it should have downstream consequences on gene regulation. Methods: We investigated the relationship between MOBP and HIP1 DNA methylation and mRNA levels in cerebellar white matter from MSA and healthy controls. Additionally, we analysed protein expression using western blotting, immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays. Results: We found decreased MOBP mRNA levels significantly correlated with increased DNA methylation in MSA. For HIP1, we found a distinct relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression levels in MSA compared to healthy controls, suggesting this locus may be subjected to epigenetic remodelling in MSA. Although soluble protein levels for MOBP and HIP1 in cerebellar white matter were not significantly different between MSA cases and controls, we found striking differences between MSA and other neurodegenerative diseases, including PD and Huntington's disease. We also found that MOBP and HIP1 are mislocalized into the GCIs in MSA, where they appear to interact with SNCA. Conclusions: This study supports a role for DNA methylation in downregulation of MOBP mRNA in MSA. Most importantly, the identification of MOBP and HIP1 as new constituents of GCIs emphasizes the relevance of these two loci to the pathogenesis of MSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warming temperatures and rising moisture deficits are expected to increase the rates of background tree mortality–low amounts of tree mortality (~0.5%–2% year−1), characterizing the forest demographic processes in the absence of abrupt, coarse‐scale disturbance events (e.g. fire). When compounded over multiple decades and large areas, even minor increases in background tree mortality (e.g. <0.5% year−1) can cause changes to forest communities and carbon storage potential that are comparable to or greater than those caused by disturbances.We examine how temporal variability in rates of background tree mortality for four subalpine conifers reflects variability in climate and climate teleconnections using observations of tree mortality from 1982 to 2019 at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA. Individually marked trees (initial population 5,043) in 13 permanent plots—located across a range of site conditions, stand ages and species compositions—were censused for new mortality nine times over 37 years.Background tree mortality was primarily attributed to stress from unfavourable climate and competition (71.2%) and bark beetle activity (23.3%), whereas few trees died from wind (5.3%) and wildlife impacts (0.2%). Mean annualized tree mortality attributed to tree stress and bark beetles more than tripled across all stands between initial censuses (0.26% year−1, 1982–1993/1994) and recent censuses (0.82% year−1, 2008–2019). Higher rates of tree mortality were related to warmer maximum summer temperatures, greater summer moisture deficits, and negative anomalies in ENSO (La Niña), with greater effects of drought in some subpopulations (tree size, age and species). For example, in older stands (>250 years), larger and older trees were more likely to die than smaller and younger trees. Differences in tree mortality rates and sensitivity to climate among subpopulations that varied by stand type may lead to unexpected shifts in stand composition and structure.Synthesis. A strong relationship between higher rates of tree mortality and warmer, drier summer climate conditions implies that climate warming will continue to increase background mortality rates in subalpine forests. Combined with increases in disturbances and declining frequency of moist‐cool years suitable for seedling establishment, increasing rates of tree mortality have the potential to drive declines in subalpine tree populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ICESat‐2 Precision Orbit Determination (POD) system computes the precise position of the laser altimeter instrument in inertial space, a measurement necessary for accurate geolocation of individual photon surface returns. ICESat‐2 POD solutions are generated by the reduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) double‐difference carrier phase observable residuals with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's GEODYN software. Independent satellite laser ranging (SLR) measurements are withheld from the POD solutions and used as an independent arbiter of POD performance. Measurement model updates in the form of estimated GPS antenna phase center and satellite laser ranging retro‐reflector tracking point offset vectors as well as a GPS antenna phase center variation map have led to significant improvement in POD performance. GPS residual analysis and orbit precision analysis show no significant anomalous temporal or geographic POD performance issues. The independent SLR residual analysis indicates that POD solutions have achieved a radial orbit accuracy just below 1.5 cm, thus exceeding the mission radial orbit accuracy requirement of 3.0 cm by more than a factor of 2. Future POD processing updates have been identified and will lead to even further improvements in POD performance. Key Points: ICESat‐2 surface return elevation accuracy depends directly on the performance and accuracy of precisely positioning the instrumentICESat‐2 mission Precision Orbit Determination (POD) requirement is 3.0 cm radial RMS over a 24‐h periodICESat‐2 POD performance is achieving a factor of 2 improvement over the mission requirement at 1.5 cm radial RMS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic is a major public health crisis for countries around the world. In response to this global outbreak, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern. Dental professionals are especially at high risk of contracting the COVID‐19 virus due to the unique nature of dentistry, more specifically, exposure to aerosols and droplets. When it comes to dental emergencies, it was crucial to maintain urgent dental care services operational to help reduce the burden on our healthcare system and hospitals already under pressure. The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted how dentistry is practiced in North America in both the private practice and academic settings. This article shares the perspectives of dentists practicing in private practice and clinician‐researchers in academic dental institutions. More specifically, we discuss about measures implemented to minimize risks of disease transmission, challenges in emergency dental care, impact on patients, as well as impact on the professional and personal lives of the dental team during the COVID‐19 crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]