bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration analysis of GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci to identify candidate genes and pathways for clozapine‐related neutropaenia
Authors: Li Jiqing , Tang Fang , Si Shucheng , Wang Bojie , Xue Fuzhong
Published: August 2021

Aims

Little is known about the genetic basis of clozapine‐related neutropaenia. This study aims to explore candidate genes and pathways involved in clozapine‐related neutropaenia.

Methods

This study conducted a two‐stage integrative analysis of the summary statistics from the genome‐wide association study (GWAS, n = 552) of the lowest absolute neutrophil count (ANC) during clozapine treatment and the summary data of the expressed quantitative trait locus (eQTL). First, we use the probabilistic Mendelian randomization (PMR‐Egger) to identify genes whose expression is causally related to ANC, and then use Bayesian co‐localization analysis to investigate whether there are shared causal variants between them [posterior probability for hypotheses 4 (PP.H4) > 0.80]. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the pathways that may be associated with ANC during clozapine treatment.

Results

PMR‐Egger analysis identified 146 genes that may be causally associated with ANC after Bonferroni correction (P‐value < 3.25e‐6). Bayesian co‐localization analysis identified six further genes whose gene expression shared common variants with ANC, including NT5E (PP.H4 = 0.96), GLDC (PP.H4 = 0.82), NUDT17 (PP.H4 = 0.88), MSH4 (PP.H4 = 0.88), PTER (PP.H4 = 0.89) and SERPINB6 (PP.H4 = 0.83). Enrichment analysis identified 52 GO terms and seven pathways associated with ANC, such as NAD metabolic process, drug catabolic process and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism.

Conclusion

This study identified multiple candidate genes and pathways that may be involved in clozapine‐related neutropaenia, providing novel clues for the mechanism of clozapine‐related neutropaenia.
A Shift in the Direction of the Production Effect in Children Aged 2–6 Years
Authors: López Assef Belén , Desmeules‐Trudel Félix , Bernard Amélie , Zamuner Tania S.
Published: August 2021

Research has found mixed evidence for the production effect in childhood. Some studies have found a positive effect of production on word recognition and recall, while others have found the reverse. This paper takes a developmental approach to investigate the production effect. Children aged 2–6 years (n = 150) from a predominantly white population in Ottawa, Canada were trained on familiar words which were either seen, heard or produced, followed by a recall task. Results showed a developmental shift: younger participants showed a reverse production effect, recalling more words that were heard during training, while older children showed the typical production effect, recalling more produced words. The effect of production on recall is not unidirectional and varies by age.
Novel endoscopic ultrasound‐guided rendezvous using grasper forceps in a difficult guidewire manipulation
Authors: Chon Hyung Ku , Kim Tae Hyeon
Published: August 2021

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Association of type 1 diabetes and educational achievement in 16–20‐year‐olds: A Danish nationwide register study
Authors: Lindkvist Emilie Bundgaard , Thorsen Steffen Ullitz , Paulsrud Cecilie , Thingholm Peter Rønø , Eriksen Tine Louise Mundbjerg , Gaulke Amanda , Skipper Niels , Svensson Jannet
Published: August 2021

Aims

The objective of the study was to compare grade point averages (GPAs) on compulsory school exit exams (exam GPA) and educational attainment at age 16 and 20 for individuals with and without type 1 diabetes.

Methods

This study was a population‐based retrospective cohort study, which included the 1991 to 1998 birth cohorts in Denmark. Follow‐up was conducted at age 16 and 20 (follow‐up period; 1 January, 2007 to 31 December, 2018). There were 2083 individuals with and 555,929 individuals without type 1 diabetes. Linear regression and generalized linear models compared outcomes with and without adjustments for socio‐economic characteristics.

Results

A total of 558,012 individuals (51% males) were followed to the age of 20. Having type 1 diabetes was associated with a lower exam GPA when adjusting for socio‐economic status (difference: −0.05 (95% CI, −0.09 to −0.01), a higher relative risk of not completing compulsory school by age 16 (1.37, 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.53)), and a higher relative risk of not completing or being enrolled in upper secondary education by age 20 (1.05, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.10). Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <58 mmol/mol (7.5%), >7 BGM/day and insulin pump use were associated with better educational achievement.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes was associated with a marginally lower exam GPA and a higher risk of not completing compulsory school by age 16 and lower educational attainment by age 20. The findings were modified by HbA1c, BGM and insulin pump use.
Intravascular ultrasound insights into the unstable features of the coronary atherosclerotic plaques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Homorodean Calin , Leucuta Daniel‐Corneliu , Ober Mihai , Homorodean Romana , Spinu Mihail , Olinic Maria , Tataru Dan , Olinic Dan‐Mircea
Published: August 2021

Background

There is a lack of a comprehensive picture of plaque geometry and composition of unstable atherosclerotic lesions as observed with intravascular ultrasound techniques.

We analysed through a systematic review with meta‐analysis 39 characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in three scenarios involving culprit and non‐culprit lesions from acute coronary syndromes vs stable angina pectoris patients, and culprit vs non‐culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes patients.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to April 2020 was performed. The combined odds ratios or mean differences of all IVUS characteristics were calculated with random‐effects models.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies involving 5434 subjects, and 5618 lesions were included. Culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes have larger plaque areas and remodeling indexes (MD = 0.13 [0.08; 0.17], p < 0.001) and contained larger necrotic cores (MD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.19;1.15), p = 0.006) that stable angina culprit lesions. In acute patients, culprit plaques were also more remodeled, had larger necrotic cores and had more frequently a Thin‐Cap Fibroatheroma morphology (OR = 1.79 (95% CI 1.21; 2.65), p = 0.004) than non‐culprit lesions. Non‐culprit lesions in acute syndromes were more often ruptured (OR = 2.25 (95% CI:1.05; 4.82), p = 0.037) or Thin‐Cap Fibroatheromas than in stable angina.

Conclusion

Culprit lesions from acute coronary patients are larger, more positively remodeled and contained more lipids as compared to stable angina lesions or non‐culprit in acute patients. Non culprit lesions are also more often complicated or vulnerable in acute than stable patients.
Short‐term changes in cortical physiological arousal measured by electroencephalography during thalamic centromedian deep brain stimulation
Authors: Martin Reese A. , Cukiert Arthur , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: August 2021

Objective

The intralaminar thalamus is well implicated in the processes of arousal and attention. Stimulation of the intralaminar thalamus has been used therapeutically to improve level of alertness in minimally conscious individuals and to reduce seizures in refractory epilepsy, both presumably through modulation of thalamocortical function. Little work exists that directly measures the effects of intralaminar thalamic stimulation on cortical physiological arousal in humans. Therefore, our goal was to quantify cortical physiological arousal in individuals with epilepsy receiving thalamic intralaminar deep brain stimulation.

Methods

We recorded scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) during thalamic intralaminar centromedian (CM) nucleus stimulation in 11 patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Participants underwent stimulation at 130 Hz and 300 µs for periods of 5 min alternating with 5 min of rest while stimulus voltage was titrated upward from 1 to 5 V. EEG signal power was analyzed in different frequency ranges in relation to stimulus strength and time.

Results

We found a progressive increase in broadband gamma (25–100 Hz) cortical EEG power (F = 7.64, p < .05) and decrease in alpha (8–13 Hz) power (F = 4.37, p < .05) with thalamic CM stimulation. Topographic maps showed these changes to be widely distributed across the cortical surface rather than localized to one region.

Significance

Previous work has shown that broadband increases in gamma frequency power and decreases in alpha frequency power are generally associated with states of cortical activation and increased arousal/attention. Our observed changes therefore support the possible role of cortical activation and increased physiological arousal in therapeutic effects of intralaminar thalamic stimulation for improving both epilepsy and attention. Further investigations with this approach may lead to methods for determining optimal deep brain stimulation parameters to improve clinical outcome in these disorders.
Patterns and drivers of global gross nitrogen mineralization in soils
Authors: Elrys Ahmed S. , Ali Ahmad , Zhang Huimin , Cheng Yi , Zhang Jinbo , Cai Zu‐Cong , Müller Christoph , Chang Scott X.
Published: August 2021

Soil gross nitrogen (N) mineralization (GNM), a key microbial process in the global N cycle, is mainly controlled by climate and soil properties. This study provides for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the role of soil physicochemical properties and climate and their interactions with soil microbial biomass (MB) in controlling GNM globally. Through a meta‐analysis of 970 observations from 337 published papers from various ecosystems, we found that GNM was positively correlated with MB, total carbon, total N and precipitation, and negatively correlated with bulk density (BD) and soil pH. Our multivariate analysis and structural equation modeling revealed that GNM is driven by MB and dominantly influenced by BD and precipitation. The higher total N accelerates GNM via increasing MB. The decrease in BD stimulates GNM via increasing total N and MB, whereas higher precipitation stimulates GNM via increasing total N. Moreover, the GNM varies with ecosystem type, being greater in forests and grasslands with high total carbon and MB contents and low BD and pH compared to croplands. The highest GNM was observed in tropical wet soils that receive high precipitation, which increases the supply of soil substrate (total N) to microbes. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic activities that affect soil microbial population size, BD, soil substrate availability, or soil pH may interact with changes in precipitation regime and land use to influence GNM, which may ultimately affect ecosystem productivity and N loss to the environment.
Insights into the relations between the molecular structures and physicochemical properties of normal and waxy wheat B‐starch after repeated and continuous annealing
Authors: Shen Huishan , Xu Meijuan , Su Chunyan , Zhang Bo , Ge Xiangzhen , Zhang Guoquan , Li Wenhao
Published: August 2021

The effect of repeated annealing treatment (RANN) and continuous annealing treatment (CANN) on the structure, physicochemical properties and digestibility of wheat B‐starch were studied. Annealing degraded the starch molecules, disrupted amylopectin and amylose structures, and decreased the molecular weight and the long chain of amylopectin. Meanwhile, the double helix structure and the crystalline and amorphous region were broken, the starch and water molecules were rearranged after RANN and CANN. As a result, annealing increased the crystallinity, gelatinisation temperature, resistant starch and slowly digestible starch content, while decreased the solubility, swelling power and pasting viscosity. The different changes of structural and physicochemical properties for normal and waxy B‐starch upon annealing treatment were because of the different amylose contents and amylopectin chain mobility. The RANN exhibited greater advantages than CANN in the modification of the structural, physicochemical, and digestible properties of normal B‐starch; while CANN significantly affected properties of waxy B‐starch.
Uptake and impact of vaccinating primary school children against influenza: Experiences in the fourth season of the live attenuated influenza vaccination programme, England, 2016/2017
Authors: Sinnathamby Mary A. , Warburton Fiona , Andrews Nick , Boddington Nicola L. , Zhao Hongxin , Ellis Joanna , Tessier Elise , Donati Matthew , Elliot Alex J. , Hughes Helen E. , Byford Rachel , Smith Gillian E. , Tripathy Manasa , de Lusignan Simon , Zambon Maria , Pebody Richard G.
Published: August 2021

Background

In the 2016/2017 influenza season, England was in its fourth season of the roll‐out of a live‐attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) targeted at healthy children aged two to less than 17 years. For the first time, all healthy children aged 2 to 8 years were offered LAIV at national level in 2016/2017. Since the commencement of the programme in 2013/2014, a series of geographically discrete pilot areas have been in place where quadrivalent LAIV was also offered to all school age children. In 2016/2017, these were children aged 8 to 11 years, other than those targeted by the national programme.

Methods

We evaluated the overall and indirect impact of vaccinating primary school age children, on the population of England, by measuring vaccine uptake levels and comparing cumulative disease incidence through various influenza surveillance schemes, in targeted and non‐targeted age groups in pilot and non‐pilot areas in 2016/2017.

Results

Our findings indicate that cumulative primary care influenza‐like consultations, primary and secondary care swab positivity, influenza confirmed hospitalisations and emergency department attendances in pilot areas were overall lower than those observed in non‐pilot areas; however, significant differences were not always observed in both targeted and non‐targeted age groups. Excess mortality was higher in pilot areas compared with non‐pilot areas.

Conclusions

These results are similar to earlier seasons of the programme indicating the importance and continuing support of vaccinating all primary school children with LAIV to reduce influenza related illness across the population, although further work is needed to understand the differences in excess mortality.
In situ tensile behavior of Hi‐Nicalon silicon carbide fibers exposed to high‐temperature argon plasma
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Meyers Jason M. , Schindler Jeffrey , Sansoz Frederic , Tan Ting , Fletcher Douglas G.
Published: August 2021

Direct mechanical characterization of silicon carbide fibers in extreme hypersonic aerothermal environment is critical to the development of next‐generation inflatable thermal protection systems that could enable delivery of large payloads to planetary surfaces. In this article, we report direct measurements of tensile properties in Hi‐Nicalon silicon carbide fibers exposed to high‐temperature argon plasma exceeding 1100°C using an in situ mechanical testing system integrated into a 30‐kW inductively coupled plasma torch chamber simulating the hypersonic atmospheric entry conditions. As a comparison, ex situ tensile tests were performed on virgin Hi‐Nicalon silicon carbide fibers in both ambient air and vacuum conditions. In situ thermal and optical imaging was used to obtain a real‐time resolution of the thermo‐mechanical events occurring on the fibers during the high‐temperature argon plasma exposure. It is found that the high‐temperature tensile strength of Hi‐Nicalon fiber tows exposed to argon plasma is 0.74 ± 0.19 GPa, which denotes a 59% reduction from the virgin fiber strength in ambient air (1.81 ± 0.19 GPa). Fractographic characterization by scanning electron microscopy shows that the substantial degradation of tensile strength in Hi‐Nicalon fibers results from a reduction of fiber cross‐section due to active surface attack from high‐temperature argon plasma.
Factors influencing the aesthetics of smile: An observational study on clinical assessment and patient's perception
Authors: Rotundo Roberto , Nieri Michele , Lamberti Elena , Covani Ugo , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David , Peñarrocha‐Diago Miguel
Published: August 2021

Aim

To clinically assess the aesthetics of smile and the possible influencing factors.

Materials and methods

In this explorative study, an initial questionnaire on demographic variables and perception of own quality of smile (Visual Analogue Scale) was administered by a first examiner. A second blinded assessor examined all patients and recorded clinical data. In addition, for each patient, the Smile Aesthetic Index (SEI) was calculated. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic models were performed.

Results

One hundred consecutive subjects were enrolled. The mean SEI was 8.4 ± 1.2, while the mean patient's perception of smile was 7.1 ± 2.0. However, they did not correlate (r = 0.16 from −0.04 to 0.34; p = .12). Gingival recessions were perceived by 21.9% of subjects, tooth alignment by 38.6%, tooth dyschromia by 34.3%, and missing papilla/diastema by 26.7%. In particular, gingival recessions were perceived when they were deeper (p = .0342), located in the upper jaw (p = .0223), and corresponding to incisors (p < .0001) and canines (p = .0159) with respect to molars.

Conclusions

Clinical assessment and patient perception represent two important diagnostic phases. However, there is no correlation between them. Attention should be given to specific variables to provide the most comprehensive aesthetic analysis of smile.
Levels of myeloid‐related proteins in saliva for screening and monitoring of periodontal disease
Authors: Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Bissett Susan M. , Preshaw Philip M. , Taylor John J. , Boström Elisabeth A.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the salivary levels of myeloid‐related markers in relation to periodontal disease and their potential screening capability, as well as the effects of periodontal treatment on these markers in periodontitis patients.

Materials and methods

Participants with a healthy periodontium (n = 60) and with gingivitis (n = 63) and periodontitis (n = 72) were recruited. Periodontitis patients received non‐surgical treatment and were re‐examined after 3 and 6 months. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy for the periodontitis patients. Levels of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1), interleukin‐34 (IL‐34), S100A8/A9, S100A12, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), IL‐1β, and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) were analysed by immunoassays.

Results

CSF‐1, S100A8/A9, S100A12, IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and HGF were significantly elevated in saliva from periodontitis and gingivitis patients in comparison to healthy individuals, whereas IL‐34 was significantly lower in periodontitis compared to both healthy individuals and gingivitis patients. IL‐34 increased significantly 3 months after treatment, while IL‐1β and MMP‐8 decreased 1 month after therapy. Additionally, periodontitis patients clustered in high and low levels of S100A8/A9, whereby those with high levels had more bleeding, deeper pockets, and higher S100A12.

Conclusions

Salivary levels of myeloid‐related markers are altered in periodontitis and are partially modulated by periodontal treatment. Measuring S100A8/A9 in saliva may identify distinct groups of periodontitis patients.
Multimorbid disease trajectories for people with periodontitis
Authors: Larvin Harriet , Kang Jing , Aggarwal Vishal R. , Pavitt Sue , Wu Jianhua
Published: August 2021

Aim

Periodontitis is a multifactorial condition linked to increased risk of systemic diseases. This study aimed to identify disease trajectories of people with periodontitis using the process mining technique as a heuristic approach.

Materials and methods

A total of 188,863 participants from the UK Biobank cohort were included. Self‐reported oral health indicators (bleeding gums, painful gums, loose teeth) were surrogates for periodontitis at baseline. Systemic disease diagnoses and dates formed the process mining event log. Relative risk (RR) of systemic diseases, disease trajectories, and Cox proportional hazard ratio models for mortality were compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls who did not report a history of periodontitis.

Results

Participants with loose teeth had shorter median time to most systemic diseases, and crude RR was increased for several diseases including cardiovascular disease (crude RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28), hypertension (crude RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05–1.24), and depression (crude RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.09–1.61). Participants with loose teeth had increased RR for 20 disease trajectories, though these were not significant after adjustments. Participants with bleeding/painful gums had similar disease trajectories as those of matched controls.

Conclusions

Self‐reported periodontitis may be associated with early and frequent multimorbidity development, though further evidence is required to confirm this hypothesis. People with periodontitis should be informed of the risks of disease progression and be targeted in prevention initiatives.
PCR, in‐situ hybridization, and phylogenetic analysis suggest that ‘big belly’ disease in barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch), is caused by a novel Vibrio species
Authors: Gibson‐Kueh Susan , Terence Celestine , Chew Xian Zhe , Uichanco Joseph Angelo , Shen Xueyan
Published: August 2021

‘Big belly’ disease is a chronic, granulomatous bacterial enteritis and peritonitis, first reported in 3‐ to 4‐week‐old Asian seabass or barramundi, Lates calcarifer Bloch fry. Affected fry are emaciated and have a swollen abdomen, and the condition is referred to as ‘skinny pot‐belly’ or ‘big belly’ disease. In this study, histopathological examinations of diseased fish from a batch of 2‐month‐old, 6‐ to 8‐cm L. calcarifer fingerlings, kept in seawater recirculating aquaculture systems, showed pathology resembling ‘big belly’ disease. Ethanol‐fixed tissues were tested positive using specific PCR primers based on 16S rRNA genes. In situ hybridization using dioxygenin‐labelled positive PCR products on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues showed positive reactions with intralesional, clusters of the large, ‘big belly’ coccobacilli. A phylogenetic tree constructed based on analyses of these 16S rRNA gene PCR products from five positive fish suggests that the ‘big belly’ bacterium is most likely a novel Vibrio species.
Effect of tongue‐hold swallow on posterior pharyngeal wall using dynamic area detector computed tomography
Authors: Aihara Keiko , Inamoto Yoko , Kanamori Daisuke , González‐Fernández Marlís , Shibata Seiko , Kagaya Hitoshi , Hirano Satoshi , Kobayashi Hiroko , Fujii Naoko , Saitoh Eiichi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of the tongue‐hold swallow (THS) on the pharyngeal wall by quantifying posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) anterior bulge during the THS. In addition, the effect of tongue protrusion length on the extent of pharyngeal wall anterior bulge was analysed.

Methods

Thirteen healthy subjects (6 males and 7 females, 23–43 years) underwent 320‐row area detector CT during saliva swallow (SS) and THS at two tongue protrusion lengths (THS1 protrude the tongue as much as 1/3 of premeasured maximum tongue protrusion length (MTP‐L) and THS2 protrude the tongue as much as 2/3 of MTP‐L). To acquire images of the pharynx at rest, single‐phase volume scanning was performed three times during usual breathing with no tongue protrusion (rest), protrusion of the tongue at 1/3 of MTP‐L (rTHS1) and protrusion of the tongue at 2/3 of MTP‐L (rTHS2). Length from cervical spine to PPW (PPW‐AP) and the volume of pharyngeal cavity was measured and was compared between rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 and between SS, THS1 and THS2. Correlation between MTP‐L and PPW‐AP was calculated in three conditions, SS, THS1 and THS2.

Results

PPW‐AP at rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 was 2.9 ± 0.6 mm, 3.0 ± 0.5 mm and 3.0 ± 0.5 mm, respectively, showing no significant differences across swallows. PPW‐AP at the maximum pharyngeal constriction was 8.1 ± 2.0 mm, 9.1 ± 2.4 mm and 8.7 ± 2.0 mm in SS, THS1 and THS2, respectively. Compared to SS, PPW‐AP in THS1 was significantly larger (p = 0.04) and PPW‐AP in THS2 was not significantly different (p = 0.09). Pharyngeal volume at rest, rTHS1 and rTHS2 was 16.4 ± 5.2 mm3, 18.4 ± 4.5 mm3 and 21.3 ± 6.2 mm3, respectively. It was significantly larger during rTHS2 compared with rest or rTHS1 (rTHS2‐rest p = 0.007, rTHS2‐rTHS1 p = 0.007). Pharyngeal volume was completely obliterated (zero volume) at maximum pharyngeal contraction in all except one subject. There was no correlation between MTP‐L and PPW‐AP in any of the three conditions (SS, THS1 and THS2).

Discussion

This study demonstrated that the expanded pharyngeal cavity due to the tongue protrusion was completely obliterated by the increase in anterior motion of pharyngeal wall during THS. It also became clear that the degree of tongue protrusion did not linearly correlate with the movement of PPW during THS. There was no relationship between PPW motion and the MTP‐L, suggesting that the effect of tongue protrusion is better determined in each subject by analysing the motion of PPW using imaging tools.
DISABLED BODIES ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN
Authors: Kamitsuka Margaret D.
Published: August 2021

A vigorous ethical debate is underway about disability rights and selective abortion. One prodisability group criticizes the ableism of abortion based on prenatal screening. Another group supports legalized abortion but harbors serious concerns about disability bias. This essay moves the debate forward by reflecting on the ethics of selective abortion from a particular theological perspective: eschatology. I critically examine the claim that selective abortion contradicts the principle of Samaritan hospitality and the claim that envisioning disabled people in heaven means that selective abortion is an illegitimate use of women’s moral agency. This essay proposes a view of the resurrection using what philosopher call emergence theory, which I argue is prodisability because it conceptualizes how the bodies of beings affected with a disability who die in utero might attain heaven. I also present a view of divine providence that is supportive of women’s self‐determination and self‐trust in reproductive issues, including selective abortion.
Barriers to urban spatial development: Evidence from the 2010–2011 Christchurch earthquakes
Authors: Fu Yuming , Shi Song
Published: August 2021

Rational urban spatial development with durable structural capital entails discontinuous central densification. Such densification can be held back by interdependent redevelopment incentives among adjacent landowners—a market failure that distorts spatial development. We investigate such distortion in Christchurch, New Zealand, by studying land‐value change across neighborhoods in the city before and after the 2010‐2011 earthquakes. We show that neighborhood‐wide loss in structural capital due to seismic hazard exposure raised land value in central neighborhoods but reduced it in non‐central ones. These divergent land‐value changes reflect the mitigation of spatial‐development distortion because of reduced barriers to neighborhood redevelopment.
Binding between elongation factor 1A and the 3ʹ‐UTR of Chinese wheat mosaic virus is crucial for virus infection
Authors: Chen Xuan , He Long , Xu Miaoze , Yang Jin , Li Juan , Zhang Tianye , Liao Qiansheng , Zhang Hengmu , Yang Jian , Chen Jianping
Published: August 2021

The Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) genome consists of two positive‐strand RNAs that are required for CWMV replication and translation. The eukaryotic translation elongation factor (eEF1A) is crucial for the elongation of protein translation in eukaryotes. Here, we show that silencing eEF1A expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants by performing virus‐induced gene silencing can greatly reduce the accumulation of CWMV genomic RNAs, whereas overexpression of eEF1A in plants increases the accumulation of CWMV genomic RNAs. In vivo and in vitro assays showed that eEF1A does not interact with CWMV RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that eEF1A can specifically bind to the 3ʹ‐untranslated region (UTR) of CWMV genomic RNAs. By performing mutational analyses, we determined that the conserved region in the 3ʹ‐UTR of CWMV genomic RNAs is necessary for CWMV replication and translation, and that the sixth stem‐loop (SL‐6) in the 3ʹ‐UTR of CWMV genomic RNAs plays a key role in CWMV infection. We conclude that eEF1A is an essential host factor for CWMV infection. This finding should help us to develop new strategies for managing CWMV infections in host plants.
Proteomic characterisation of polyglucosan bodies in skeletal muscle in RBCK1 deficiency
Authors: Thomsen Christer , Malfatti Edoardo , Jovanovic Ana , Roberts Mark , Kalev Ognian , Lindberg Christopher , Oldfors Anders
Published: August 2021

Aims

Several neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders are characterised by storage of polyglucosan, consisting of proteins and amylopectin‐like polysaccharides, which are less branched than in normal glycogen. Such diseases include Lafora disease, branching enzyme deficiency, glycogenin‐1 deficiency, polyglucosan body myopathy type 1 (PGBM1) due to RBCK1 deficiency and others. The protein composition of polyglucosan bodies is largely unknown.

Methods

We combined quantitative mass spectrometry, immunohistochemical and western blot analyses to identify the principal protein components of polyglucosan bodies in PGBM1. Histologically stained tissue sections of skeletal muscle from four patients were used to isolate polyglucosan deposits and control regions by laser microdissection. Prior to mass spectrometry, samples were labelled with tandem mass tags that enable quantitative comparison and multiplexed analysis of dissected samples. To study the distribution and expression of the accumulated proteins, immunohistochemical and western blot analyses were performed.

Results

Accumulated proteins were mainly components of glycogen metabolism and protein quality control pathways. The majority of fibres showed depletion of glycogen and redistribution of key enzymes of glycogen metabolism to the polyglucosan bodies. The polyglucosan bodies also showed accumulation of proteins involved in the ubiquitin‐proteasome and autophagocytosis systems and protein chaperones.

Conclusions

The sequestration of key enzymes of glycogen metabolism to the polyglucosan bodies may explain the glycogen depletion in the fibres and muscle function impairment. The accumulation of components of the protein quality control systems and other proteins frequently found in protein aggregate disorders indicates that protein aggregation may be an essential part of the pathobiology of polyglucosan storage.
Family involvement in the intensive care unit in four Nordic countries
Authors: Frivold Gro , Ågård Anne Sophie , Jensen Hanne Irene , Åkerman Eva , Fossum Mariann , Alfheim Hanne Birgit , Rasi Matias , Lind Ranveig
Published: August 2021

Background

Relevance to clinical practice The findings from the study highlighting family involvement, high‐quality communication and flexible visiting policy as central aspects of family care may inspire clinicians to identify aspects of everyday family care in their ICUs calling for further improvement.

Aims and objectives

To describe family involvement, communication practices and visiting policies in adult ICUs.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Method

A questionnaire consisting of 11 sections was developed, pilot tested and e‐mailed to 196 ICUs. The participants were intensive care nurses in adult ICUs in four Nordic countries.

Results

The survey was conducted in October to December 2019. The response rate was 81% (158/196) of the invited ICUs. Most of the units had fewer than 11 beds. Family participation in patient care, including involvement in ward rounds and presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, varied between the countries, whereas most families in all countries were involved in decision‐making. Family conferences were generally initiated by staff or family members. Children under 18 did not always receive information directly from the staff, and parents were not advised about how to inform their children. Although most respondents described open visiting, restrictions were also mentioned in free‐text comments.

Conclusions

The level of family care in ICUs in the four Nordic countries is generally based on nurses' discretion. Although most Nordic ICUs report having an open or flexible visiting policy, a wide range of potential restrictions still exists. Children and young relatives are not routinely followed up. Family members are included in communication and decision‐making, whereas family involvement in daily care, ward rounds and family‐witnessed resuscitation seem to be areas with a potential for improvement.
MultiPole pacing in non‐responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy: Results from the QP ExCELs/MPP sub‐study
Authors: Drucker Michael N. , Manyam Harish , Singh Gurjit , Glascock Dennis N. , Gillett Shane , Miller Crystal , Sharmin Kazi , Parks Kimberly A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Multisite LV stimulation therapy allows for stimulation of two different left ventricular pacing vectors within a single LV lead and may improve responsiveness to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This study prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of the MultiPole Pacing (MPP) feature in CRT non‐responder patients.

Methods and Results

CRT non‐responders with a standard CRT‐D indication were eligible for enrollment into the MPP Sub‐Study. Patient status, NYHA classification, Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and adverse events were collected at follow‐up. A clinical composite score (CCS) was determined at the 6 month follow‐up visit. The primary objective was defined as the proportion of patients with an improved CCS. Safety was evaluated as freedom from MPP system related adverse events requiring additional invasive intervention to resolve. A total of 53 patients were enrolled across 26 U.S. centers. The cumulative follow‐up duration was 24.1 years. CCS was improved in 35.6% of patients (p < .0001 when compared to a performance goal of 3%) after 6 months of MPP therapy. When incorporating patient feedback into a modified CCS, 60.0% of patients showed an improvement. Three patients (5.7%) experienced hospitalization for heart failure, and three patient deaths occurred over the follow‐up period. No MPP system‐related events were reported for an AE‐free rate of 100% (95% CI 93.28% to 100.0%).

Conclusions

The results of this small, non‐randomized study suggest that the MPP feature is safe, and may be effective at converting a percentage of CRT non‐responders to responders. Larger, randomized studies are needed to confirm this result.
Anticoagulation after typical atrial flutter ablation: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nunes‐Ferreira Afonso , Alves Mariana , Lima da Silva Gustavo , Cortez‐Dias Nuno , de Sousa João , Pinto Fausto J , Caldeira Daniel
Published: August 2021

Background

Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in typical atrial flutter (AFL) restores sinus rhythm in 95% of patients, which may lead to the discontinuation of oral anticoagulation during follow‐up. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the clinical impact of oral anticoagulation in the incidence of thromboembolic events (TE) after typical AFL ablation.

Methods

We searched for controlled studies evaluating the impact of anticoagulation in the incidence of TE in patients submitted to AFL ablation in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO database (June/2021). The primary outcome was TE events (ischemic stroke or systemic embolism). A meta‐analysis was performed deriving risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was measured through I2 metric. The confidence in the evidence was appraised with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results

Eight observational studies with 4870 patients were included. TE events were not significantly reduced (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.59–2.36; n = 4870; GRADE very low). A meta‐regression showed that for each 10% increase in the prevalence of previous AF in the studied population, anticoagulation reduced TE risk in 32%. There were no significant differences regarding bleeding events (RR 2.16, 95% CI 0.43–10.97, I2 = 0%; GRADE low), but there was a lower all‐cause mortality (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.17–0.32, GRADE low).

Conclusion

The best available evidence lacks robustness and the data did not definitely associate anticoagulation after typical AFL ablation with reduced TE.
The role of ferroptosis in melanoma
Authors: Talty Ronan , Bosenberg Marcus
Published: August 2021

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Although treatment with targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors has dramatically improved survival in advanced melanoma, many patients do not benefit from these therapies or relapse after an initial period of response. Thus, future outcomes in these categories of melanoma patients will depend on the identification of novel therapeutic targets and methods to enhance existing targeted therapy and immunotherapy regimens. Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of iron‐dependent regulated cell death that is morphologically, biochemically, and genetically distinct from apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Dysregulation of ferroptosis has been linked to the development of several forms of cancer. This review examines ferroptosis in the context of melanoma. It presents an overview of ferroptosis biology, summarizes and interprets the current literature, and poses several outstanding questions and areas of future direction.
A case series of giant molluscum contagiosum in an immigrant African pediatric population
Authors: Lee Grace L. , Witman Patricia M. , Mosser Joy L. , Fernandez Faith Esteban
Published: August 2021

Giant molluscum contagiosum (MC) has a well‐known association with human immunodeficiency virus and other immune deficiency states. Although rare, it can be seen in healthy immunocompetent children. We describe eight cases of giant MC in healthy, immunocompetent African immigrant children in the Columbus, Ohio area. This report describes the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of giant MC in this patient population.
Mind the Gaps: Examining Youth's Reading, Math and Science Skills Across Northern and Rural Canada*
Authors: Hillier Cathlene , Zarifa David , Hango Darcy
Published: August 2021

A new body of sociological research is finding that northern and rural youth, and in particular, low‐SES youth, face difficulties accessing higher levels of postsecondary education and lucrative fields of study such as the STEMs. However, existing research has yet to systematically measure the skills proficiencies of youth in these regions nor have we understood the factors which might account for regional differences. We draw on multiple cycles of Statistics Canada's Youth in Transition Survey, Cohort A linked to the Programme for International Student Assessment scores to investigate how location of residence impacts skills proficiencies at age 15 in math, science, and reading outcomes. Overall, our results point to three key findings. First, southern youth outperform northern youth in mathematics skills. Second, we uncover a southern (both urban and rural) and northern urban advantage in reading proficiencies. Third, in science literacy, southern and northern urban youth experience significant advantages over youth from northern rural locations. While some of the skills differences are attributable to parenting styles, parental socioeconomic status, student academics, and province of residence, they are not completely attenuated by these factors. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for future research and public policy.
The Wealth–Health Relationship by Race/Ethnicity: Evidence from a Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Park Kiwoong , Yang Tse‐Chuan
Published: August 2021

Using a longitudinal dataset, the Americans’ Changing Lives study, we tested whether and how the wealth–health relationship varies across race/ethnicity groups. By applying hybrid panel models to the data, we first found that individual wealth explained the variation in both mental and physical health (i.e., depressive symptoms and functional health limitations), not only between individuals but also within an individual, net of other socioeconomic status measures and covariates. Second, the impact of change in wealth on mental and physical health was moderated by race/ethnicity in different ways. The beneficial effect of an increase in wealth was more profound among blacks than whites for depressive symptoms, and the favorable impact of an increase in wealth was weaker among blacks than whites for functional health limitations. Our study provides a robust causal inference about the wealth–health association and demonstrates that wealth–health associations vary by racial/ethnic group, especially between whites and blacks.
Evaluation of nail surface topography using a three‐dimensional in vivo optical skin imaging system
Authors: Han Hye Sung , Kim Jong Hwan , Kwon Tae‐Rin , Lee Sung Eun , Yoo Kwang Ho , Li Kapsok , Park Hyeonji , Bae Joon Ho , Park Su Jeong , Han Jisun , Kim Suyeon , Kim Beom Joon , Jang You Na
Published: August 2021

Background

The analysis of nail surface topography is a subject of ever‐increasing interest in dermatology, especially in cosmetic studies. However, there is no accurate and scientifically sound instrumental method that can identify and provide quantitative data on nail surface topography.

Materials and Methods

The right index fingers of 78 healthy individuals were examined. The severity of nail roughness was rated by two independent dermatologists on a scale of 1 to 3. Using the phaseshift rapid in vivo measurement of the skin (PRIMOS) system, three‐dimensional microtopography was performed, and the roughness parameter values were calculated and evaluated. The relationship between clinical nail roughness grade and nail roughness parameter values obtained utilizing PRIMOS was evaluated.

Results

A moderate correlation was found between the roughness parameter values and the clinical roughness grade. Our study showed that an overall relationship exists between the nail roughness parameter values obtained using PRIMOS and clinically observed nail surface changes.

Conclusion

With further studies, PRIMOS could be a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers for conducting an accurate and objective patient assessment in daily practice and demonstrating effectiveness of different therapies for nail dystrophy or evaluating cosmetic effects of various topical treatments in future clinical trials.
Changing patterns of Asian‐American partisanship: Accounting for the politicization of the U.S.’s fastest growing minority
Authors: Zhou Kayee , Patterson Dennis
Published: August 2021

Asian Americans are the fastest growing and most diverse minority in the United States, but they have become more alike in terms of their partisan preferences and increasing politicization. Evidence for these changes can be found in two National Surveys of Asian Americans, the first of which was completed in 2008 and showed that Asian Americans were mostly nonpartisans but also that those who were partisans tended to support the Democratic Party. The second survey, completed in 2016, however, indicated that there was an increase in the proportion of democratic identifiers and, also, a significant decline in the proportion of nonpartisans with a concomitant rise in the number of purposive Independents. These shifts suggest that there has been a distinct politicization of Asian Americans, and our purpose in this article is to identify and calibrate the factors that account for these partisan shifts.
Factors associated with pyomyositis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ngor Chamnab , Hall Lisa , Dean Judith A. , Gilks Charles F.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Pyomyositis, an acute bacterial infection of skeletal muscle usually resulting in abscess formation, is well recognised in tropical regions where it can account for up to 4% of adult surgical admissions. It is increasingly being reported from high‐income temperate countries. Pyomyositis occurs across all ages and in both sexes. Mortality ranges from 1% to 23%. Many risk factors have been suggested. We aimed to identify factors associated with pyomyositis.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis, using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochran Library and hand‐searching published papers. The random‐effects model meta‐analysis was used to calculate pooled estimated odd ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence interval.

Results

All studies in the systematic review (n = 25) and the meta‐analysis (n = 12) were hospital‐based. Seven only included children. Relatively few studies have been published in the last decade, the majority of which are from high‐income temperate settings. Staphylococcus aureus was the main organism isolated. Males under the age of 20 predominated, and mortality of up to 20% was reported. Factors associated with pyomyositis were HIV infection (OR = 4.82; 95% CI: 1.67–13.92) and fulfilling an AIDS surveillance definition (OR = 6.08; 95% CI: 2.79–13.23).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis indicated significant associations between pyomyositis infection and HIV/AIDS. Major gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and outcome remain, highlighting the need for further research and more systematic studies. Pyomyositis merits consideration as a neglected tropical disease.
Visualising the ionome in resistant and susceptible plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Brouwer Sophie M. , Lindqvist‐Reis Patric , Persson Daniel P. , Marttila Salla , Grenville‐Briggs Laura J. , Andreasson Erik
Published: August 2021

At the morphological and anatomical levels, the ionome, or the elemental composition of an organism, is an understudied area of plant biology. In particular, the ionomic responses of plant–pathogen interactions are scarcely described, and there are no studies on immune reactions. In this study we explored two X‐ray fluorescence (XRF)‐based ionome visualisation methods (benchtop‐ and synchrotron‐based micro‐XRF [µXRF]), as well as the quantitative inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) method, to investigate the changes that occur in the ionome of compatible and incompatible plant–pathogen interactions. We utilised the agronomically important and comprehensively studied interaction between potato (Solanum tuberosum) and the late blight oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans as an example. We used one late blight‐susceptible potato cultivar and two resistant transgenic plant lines (only differing from the susceptible cultivar in one or three resistance genes) both in control and P. infestans‐inoculated conditions. In the lesions from the compatible interaction, we observed rearrangements of several elements, including a decrease of the mobile macronutrient potassium (K) and an increase in iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), compared with the tissue outside the lesion. Interestingly, we observed distinctly different distribution patterns of accumulation at the site of inoculation in the resistant lines for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Mn and silicon (Si) compared to the susceptible cultivar. The results reveal different ionomes in diseased plants compared to resistant plants. Our results demonstrate a technical advance and pave the way for deeper studies of the plant–pathogen ionome in the future.