bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic and health surveys showed widening trends in polio immunisation inequalities in Guinea
Authors: Zegeye Betregiorgis , El‐Khatib Ziad , Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Seidu Abdul‐Aziz , Budu Eugene , Yaya Sanni
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study examined trends in absolute and relative socio‐economic, gender and geographical inequalities in the coverage of polio immunisation in Guinea, West Africa, from 1999 to 2016.

Methods

Data from the 1999, 2005 and 2012 Guinea Demographic and Health Survey and the 2016 Guinea Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey were analysed using the World Health Organization's health equity assessment toolkit. We disaggregated polio immunisation coverage using five equity stratifiers: household economic status, maternal educational level, place of residence, child's gender and region. The four summary measures used were the difference, ratio, population attributable risk and population attributable fraction. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was constructed around point estimates to measure statistical significance.

Results

A total of 4778 1‐year‐old children were included. Polio immunisation coverage in 1999, 2005, 2012 and 2016 were 43.4%, 50.7%, 51.2% and 38.6%, respectively. Socio‐economic and geographical inequalities in polio immunisation favoured children with educated mothers who came from richer families living in urban areas. There were also differences in the eight regions over the 1999–2016 study period.

Conclusion

Targeting children from disadvantaged subgroups must be prioritised to ensure equitable immunisation services that help to eradicate polio in Guinea.
The feeding behaviour of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse models is modulated by the Ca2+‐activated KCa3.1 channels
Authors: Cocozza Germana , Garofalo Stefano , Morotti Marta , Chece Giuseppina , Grimaldi Alfonso , Lecce Mario , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Menghini Rossella , Casagrande Viviana , Federici Massimo , Raspa Marcello , Wulff Heike , Limatola Cristina
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients exhibit dysfunctional energy metabolism and weight loss, which is negatively correlated with survival, together with neuroinflammation. However, the possible contribution of neuroinflammation to deregulations of feeding behaviour in ALS has not been studied in detail. We here investigated if microglial KCa3.1 is linked to hypothalamic neuroinflammation and affects feeding behaviours in ALS mouse models.

Experimental Approach

hSOD1G93A and TDP43A315T mice were treated daily with 120 mg·kg−1 of TRAM‐34 or vehicle by intraperitoneal injection from the presymptomatic until the disease onset phase. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly. The later by weighing food provided minus that left in the cage. RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence analysis were used to characterize microglia phenotype and the main populations of melanocortin neurons in the hypothalamus of hSOD1G93A and age‐matched non‐tg mice. The cannabinoid–opioid interactions in feeding behaviour of hSOD1G93A mice were studied using an inverse agonist and an antagonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 (rimonabant) and μ‐opioid receptors (naloxone), respectively.

Key Results

We found that treatment of hSOD1G93A mice with the KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM‐34 (i), attenuates the pro‐inflammatory phenotype of hypothalamic microglia, (ii) increases food intake and promotes weight gain, (iii) increases the number of healthy pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and (iv), changes the expression of cannabinoid receptors involved in energy homeostasis.

Conclusion and Implications

Using ALS mouse models, we describe defects in the hypothalamic melanocortin system that affect appetite control. These results reveal a new regulatory role for KCa3.1 to counteract weight loss in ALS.
Role of ectopic olfactory receptors in glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Li Linghuan , Li Hanbing
Published: August 2021

The metabolic syndrome has become one of the major public health challenges in the world, and adjusting glucose and lipid levels to their normal values is crucial for treating the metabolic syndrome. Olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed in extra‐nasal tissues participate in diverse biological processes, including the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Ectopic ORs can regulate a variety of metabolic events including insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, fatty acid oxidation, lipogenesis and thermogenesis. Understanding the physiological function and deciphering the olfactory recognition code by suitable ligands make ectopic ORs potential targets for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. In this review, we delineate the roles and mechanisms of ectopic ORs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, summarize the corresponding natural ligands, and discuss existing problems and the therapeutic potential of targeting ORs in the metabolic syndrome.
Sesamin exerts anti‐tumor activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via inhibition of TRIM44 and NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Wen Linchun , Mao Weimin , Xu Lu , Cai Beibei , Gu Liying
Published: August 2021

Tripartite motif‐containing 44 (TRIM44) is known to play an oncogenic role in multiple human cancers, including esophageal cancer. Sesamin possesses potent anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties for various cancers. This study is designed to unravel the biological functions of sesamin and TRIM44 in esophageal cancer. TRIM44 expression in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) cell lines and tissues was determined by RT‐qPCR assay and Western blot. The effects of sesamin and TRIM44 on ESCC cell growth in vivo and in vitro were assessed by the mouse model and CCK‐8 assay, respectively. We found that TRIM44 was significantly upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues when compared to their counterparts. Sesamin treatment or depletion of TRIM44 markedly reduced ESCC cell proliferation. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway may be involved in sesamin‐mediated TRIM44 suppression. Finally, we showed that oral administration of sesamin dramatically inhibited tumor growth or ESCC in nude mice. Our results suggest that sesamin exerts anti‐tumor activity in ESCC via inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathway, demonstrating its potential for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Adult oral health‐related quality of life instruments: A systematic review
Authors: Riva Fedrico , Seoane Mariana , Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Tsakos Georgios , Celeste Roger Keller
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To identify the existing OHRQoL instruments for adults, describe their scope (generic or specific), theoretical background, validation type and cross‐cultural adaptation.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted, and articles presenting validation of OHRQoL instruments in adults were included. Data were collected about the validation type: external validation (correlations/associations); or internal validation (factor analysis/principal components analysis, item response theory); and cross‐cultural adaptation.

Results

Of 3730 references identified, 326 were included reporting 392 studies. Forty‐two original instruments were found among 74 different versions, 40 generic and 34 condition‐specific. Locker's theoretical framework was the predominant model. The oral health impact profile (OHIP) presented 20 versions, with OHIP‐14 being the most frequent (26.8%), followed by geriatric oral assessment index (GOHAI) (14.0%), OHIP‐49 (11.7%) and oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) (9.7%). Most studies focused on external validation (65.3%), while internal validation was reported in 24.8% (n = 26) of OHIP‐14 studies, 50.9% (n = 28) of GOHAI and 21.1% (n = 8) of OIDP studies. Most internal validation studies were conducted in English‐speaking countries (n = 33), and cross‐cultural adaptation was mostly in non‐English‐speaking European countries (n = 40).

Conclusions

Many generic and condition‐specific instruments were found, but few have gone through a rigorous internal validation process or have undergone cross‐cultural adaptation. This, in turn, makes it difficult for researchers to choose an appropriate measure based on known psychometric properties. OHIP‐14, OIDP and GOHAI seem to be the most widely validated instruments. Equalizing measurement properties for comparability are challenging due to theoretical heterogeneity. Future studies should assess psychometric properties, explore the factorial structure and work towards a consensus on critical issues.
‘..It takes a lot of brain space’: Understanding young carers’ lives in England and the implications for policy and practice to reduce inappropriate and excessive care work
Authors: Margaret Gowen Sara , Sarojini Hart Caroline , Sehmar Permala , Wigfield Andrea
Published: August 2021

This qualitative study, undertaken in England, explored young carers’ perspectives on the nature of their caring responsibilities. The findings are significant, particularly in the context of England's Care Act 2014, which seeks to prevent children engaging in ‘excessive’ or ‘inappropriate’ caring. Our research placed children at the heart of the debate on what constitutes appropriate care. The findings raise key questions regarding effective implementation of contemporary child policy, duties of care towards children in caring roles and priorities for child protection and family support policy and practices, with the potential to inform thinking around child's well‐being in wider contexts.
Orthostatic intolerance after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Nou'mani Jawahar , Al Alawi Abdullah M. , Falhammar Henrik , Al Qassabi Ahmed
Published: August 2021

There have been increased reports of orthostatic intolerance post‐bariatric surgery. However, the prevalence, pathophysiology and long‐term outcomes have not been well described. Therefore, we sought to summarize evidence of orthostatic intolerance after bariatric surgery. We conducted a systematic review using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify relevant articles from the date of inception until 1st April 2020. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were performed independently by two reviewers. The findings of the included studies were narratively reported. When feasible, a meta‐analysis was done to summarize the relevant results. We included 20 studies (n = 19 843 participants) reporting findings of 12 prospective cohort studies, 5 retrospective cohort studies, 2 cross‐sectional studies and one randomized controlled trial. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of orthostatic intolerance was 4.2% (one study). Common clinical presentations of orthostatic intolerance were lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope and palpitation. The pooled data suggested improvement in overall cardiac autonomic function (sympathetic and parasympathetic) post‐bariatric surgery. In addition, a significant systolic blood pressure drop may reflect a reset of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems after weight loss in the pooled analysis. Existing literature on orthostatic intolerance post‐bariatric surgeries was limited or of low quality, and larger studies are needed to know the true incidence of orthostatic intolerance post‐bariatric surgeries and the pathophysiology. We found one study reporting the 5‐years cumulative incidence of orthostatic intolerance post‐bariatric surgeries as only 4.2%. This could challenge the idea of increased orthostatic intolerance prevalence post‐bariatric surgeries. Registration The review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systemic Reviews PROSPERO (CRD42020170877).
Suburbanization in the USA, 1970–2010
Authors: Redding Stephen J.
Published: August 2021

The second half of the 20th century saw large‐scale suburbanization in the USA, with the median share of residents who work in the county where they live falling from 87% to 71% between 1970 and 2000. We introduce a new methodology for discriminating between the three leading explanations for this suburbanization (workplace attractiveness, residence attractiveness and bilateral commuting frictions). This methodology holds in the class of spatial models that are characterized by a structural gravity equation for commuting. We show that the increased openness of counties to commuting is explained mainly by reductions in bilateral commuting frictions, consistent with the expansion of the interstate highway network and the falling real cost of car ownership. We find that changes in workplace attractiveness and residence attractiveness are more important in explaining the observed shift in employment by workplace and employment by residence towards lower densities over time.
The role of oxygen in stimulating methane production in wetlands
Authors: Wilmoth Jared L. , Schaefer Jeffra K. , Schlesinger Danielle R. , Roth Spencer W. , Hatcher Patrick G. , Shoemaker Julie K. , Zhang Xinning
Published: August 2021

Methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, is the second most important greenhouse gas contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide (CO2). The biological emissions of CH4 from wetlands are a major uncertainty in CH4 budgets. Microbial methanogenesis by Archaea is an anaerobic process accounting for most biological CH4 production in nature, yet recent observations indicate that large emissions can originate from oxygenated or frequently oxygenated wetland soil layers. To determine how oxygen (O2) can stimulate CH4 emissions, we used incubations of Sphagnum peat to demonstrate that the temporary exposure of peat to O2 can increase CH4 yields up to 2000‐fold during subsequent anoxic conditions relative to peat without O2 exposure. Geochemical (including ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, X‐ray absorbance spectroscopy) and microbiome (16S rDNA amplicons, metagenomics) analyses of peat showed that higher CH4 yields of redox‐oscillated peat were due to functional shifts in the peat microbiome arising during redox oscillation that enhanced peat carbon (C) degradation. Novosphingobium species with O2‐dependent aromatic oxygenase genes increased greatly in relative abundance during the oxygenation period in redox‐oscillated peat compared to anoxic controls. Acidobacteria species were particularly important for anaerobic processing of peat C, including in the production of methanogenic substrates H2 and CO2. Higher CO2 production during the anoxic phase of redox‐oscillated peat stimulated hydrogenotrophic CH4 production by Methanobacterium species. The persistence of reduced iron (Fe(II)) during prolonged oxygenation in redox‐oscillated peat may further enhance C degradation through abiotic mechanisms (e.g., Fenton reactions). The results indicate that specific functional shifts in the peat microbiome underlie O2 enhancement of CH4 production in acidic, Sphagnum‐rich wetland soils. They also imply that understanding microbial dynamics spanning temporal and spatial redox transitions in peatlands is critical for constraining CH4 budgets; predicting feedbacks between climate change, hydrologic variability, and wetland CH4 emissions; and guiding wetland C management strategies.
Vitamin E and carotenoid accumulation during kernel development in two varieties of Castanea henryi
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Xiang Nan , Chen Jiayu , Shu Zhicheng , Chen Ling , Guo Xinbo
Published: August 2021

Chestnut is rich in vitamin E and carotenoids, and it is popularly consumed in many areas owing to its health benefits. This study aimed at investigating the metabolic regulation of vitamin E and carotenoids during kernel development of Castanea henryi (‘Jinzhui’ (YS) and ‘Baiyan No.1’ (WS)). Along with the increasing growth time of chestnut kernels, vitamin E contents showed a sustained increase, and γ‐tocopherol was always the most abundant composition. 4‐hydroxyphenyl‐pruvate dioxygenase and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase were theorised to regulate tocotrienol biosynthesis in WS, but there was no such relationship in YS. Lutein dominated the total carotenoid content changes with a decrease at the final growth stage. Moreover, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene had an overall downward trend and may be regulated by gene for 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate reductase. The results provide a theoretical basis for harvesting control and cultivation management of C. henryi based on nutrition enhancement.
Measurement of hematopoietic progenitor cells using XN2000 hematology analyzer
Authors: Al Mamari Sahimah , Al Saadi Ahoud , Al Zaabi Rua , Al Jamalani Alshaima , Al Qassabi Jamal , Pathare Anil , Al‐Khabori Murtadha
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Stem cell enumeration by the hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) mode is a novel method available from Sysmex XN2000 hematology analyzer. A small amount of blood (190 μL) is required, and the results are available in a few minutes without manual gating or presample treatment. The present study compares stem cell measurements using XN2000 analyzer HPC mode and FC500 flow cytometry analyzer using peripheral blood (PB) specimens and apheresis products.

Methods

In this prospective study, CD34‐positive cell counts were enumerated using an FC500 flow cytometry analyzer and compared with XN2000 Sysmex analyzer (XN‐HPC mode) in the same samples. Results were compared using Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

A total of 103 samples were used. In the PB samples, the median HPC count and CD34‐positive cells were 83.5 × 106/L and 78.0 × 106/L, respectively. The mean Bland‐Altman difference was 4.5 × 106/L (Limits: −51.7 to 60.7 × 106/L), with a Pearson's correlation of 0.79. In the apheresis products, the median HPC count and CD34‐positive cells were 1468 × 106/L (IQR: 1049 ‐ 1960 × 106/L) and 1327 × 106/L (IQR: 910 ‐ 2001 × 106/L), respectively. The mean Bland‐Altman difference was 179.0 × 106/L (Limits: −2022.2 ‐ 2380.2 × 106/L), with a Pearson's correlation of 0.58.

Conclusion

The XN‐HPC mode has an excellent correlation and minimal disagreement for stem cell enumeration in PB compared with flow cytometry and could replace it. There is high disagreement in apheresis products, and therefore, the XN‐HPC mode cannot be recommended.
Pinpointing genetic breaks in the southeastern Pacific: Phylogeography and genetic structure of a commercially important tunicate
Authors: Quesada‐Calderón Suany , Giles Emily C. , Morales‐González Sarai , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo
Published: August 2021

Aim

Accurate characterization of evolutionary units (species or populations) underlies all ecological and evolutionary studies and is crucial to conservation planning. Seascapes have long been thought to be highly permeable to gene flow, yet over the last decade building evidence has shown that barriers to gene flow in marine environments are much more common than previously thought. Here, we precisely characterize two barriers to gene flow in the tunicate Pyura chilensis across 26° of latitude in the southeastern Pacific, assess their magnitude and explore their congruence with current biogeographical patterns of this region.

Location

The southeastern Pacific (SEP), from Ilo, Perú (17°S) to Chiloé, Chile (43°S).

Taxon

Pyura chilensis.

Methods

We used a combination of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers and a 540 bp fragment of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) to compare individuals sampled at 26 localities spanning approximately 2500 km of the SEP. Genetic diversity was analysed using Bayesian clustering, haplotype networks, Isolation by Distance and cline models. A Coalescent simulator was used to estimate migration rates.

Results

The results from both the microsatellite and COI markers indicate the presence of two genetic discontinuities: one at 34°S and one at 39°S which coincide with genetic breaks reported for other species. Interestingly, we were able to determine that genetic transitions occur abruptly and within short geographical distances (~30 km) compared with previous studies of this tunicate. Coalescent simulations indicate the 34°S break is less permeable than the 39°S break, and gene flow appears to be mostly from north to south.

Main conclusions

Our results support other studies that show that seascapes are complex, and also highlight the importance of accurately sampling distribution ranges when making conclusions about gene flow. Overall, the two main biogeographical barriers to gene flow characterized in the southeastern Pacific are not homogeneously permeable and can be narrow (<30 km). These results are relevant for the management of fisheries in this region and specifically for this commercially important species.
Ventricular pacing and myocardial function in patient with congenital heart block
Authors: Rangavajla Gautam , Mulukutla Suresh , Thoma Floyd , Kancharla Krishna , Bhonsale Aditya , Estes N. A. Mark , Jain Sandeep K. , Saba Samir
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) is a potential complication of chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing, but its characterization in adult patients is often complicated by pre‐existing cardiomyopathy. This study investigated the incidence of PICM in patients with congenital heart block (cHB) who have conduction disease from birth without confounding pre‐existing cardiac conditions.

Methods and Results

This retrospective cohort analysis included 42 patients with cHB and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess freedom from cardiomyopathy (defined as LVEF <50%) between paced and nonpaced patients. Patients were 26 ± 3 years old at first presentation, 64% were women and baseline LVEF was 60.0 ± 0.2%. Median follow‐up from birth was 35 (interquartile range [IQR]: 20–42) years with a median of 6.7 years (IQR: 3.6–9.2) at our institution. Thirty‐two patients received pacing at mean age 21 ± 3 years. Patients receiving a pacemaker (PM) were significantly more likely to develop a cardiomyopathy (p = .021) and no patient developed a cardiomyopathy in the absence of a PM. Four patients who developed a new cardiomyopathy were upgraded to biventricular pacing, leading to stabilization or improvement of LVEF.

Conclusion

In a relatively young and healthy cHB cohort, RV pacing is associated with a higher risk of developing a cardiomyopathy. These data confirm the deleterious effects of RV pacing on myocardial function in patients without pre‐existing structural cardiac disease and has clinical implications to the management of patients with cHB.
Filamin C missense variant associated with severe right atrial disease and skeletal myopathy
Authors: Conte Giulio , Piciacchia Flavia , Medeiros‐Domingo Argelia , Grego Susanna , Ripellino Paolo , Auricchio Angelo
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Filamin C (FLNC) gene variants associated with atrial cardiomyopathies have not been reported so far. The aim of this study was to assess the genetics of two siblings presenting with recurrent right atrial arrhythmias, severe right atrial dilatation, and skeletal myopathy.

Methods

A family with subjects affected by recurrent atrial arrhythmias and skeletal myopathy was extensively evaluated by the means of electrocardiographic recordings, magnetic resonance, intracardiac high‐density mapping, and genetic testing.

Results

Two siblings with right atrial arrhythmias and severe right atrial disease were found to be heterozygous carriers of the variant FLNC‐c.925G>A p.(Glu309Lys), previously reported as a variant of uncertain significance. Despite the presence of a severe dilatation of the right atrium in both patients, one presented with skeletal muscle myopathy and an atrial arrhythmia refractory to pharmacological and invasive treatment, while the other one did not have any myopathy, and rhythm control was easily achieved by drugs.

Conclusion

Filamin C missense variant c.925G>A p.(Glu309Lys) is associated with the severe right atrial disease. Considering cosegregation with the disease (PP1 supporting), this variant should be classified as likely pathogenic.
Intracardiac echocardiography‐ versus transesophageal echocardiography‐guided left atrial appendage occlusion with Watchman FLX
Authors: Gianni Carola , Horton Rodney P. , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Al‐Ahmad Amin , Bassiouny Mohamed A. , Burkhardt J. David , Gallinghouse G. Joseph , Hranitzky Patrick M. , Sanchez Javier E. , Natale Andrea
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Watchman FLX has been recently approved for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in the US. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) ‐ which is already commonly used to guide trans‐septal access ‐ can serve as an alternative to TEE, simplifying the procedure and reducing associated costs. Herein, we report our experience with ICE‐guided LAAO with Watchman FLX.

Methods and Results

This cohort study included the first 190 consecutive patients who underwent LAAO with Watchman FLX in our center. LAAO was successful in all patients without significant peri‐procedural, device‐related complications in either group. Compared to TEE, we observed a significant reduction in procedural times when using ICE. In addition, there was a potentially clinically relevant reduction in fluoroscopy dose, mainly secondary to fewer cine acquisition runs. At follow‐up, no cases of device embolism were noted, whereas the rate of device‐related thrombosis and peri‐device leaks were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

ICE‐guided LAAO with Watchman FLX is safe and feasible, with a significant reduction in procedural time and potential reduction in fluoroscopy dose when compared to TEE.
CCAT2 enhances autophagy‐related invasion and metastasis via regulating miR‐4496 and ELAVL1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jing , Guo Cao , Ma Junli
Published: August 2021

Autophagy is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer. Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) CCAT2 functions as an oncogene in a variety of tumours. However, it is still unknown whether CCAT2 is involved in autophagy and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our study, we found that lncRNA CCAT2 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissue and was correlated with advanced stage and venous invasion. Further experiments revealed that CCAT2 induced autophagy and promoted migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations found that CCAT2 involved in HCC by regulating miR‐4496/Atg5 in cytoplasm. In nucleus, CCAT2 bound with ELAVL1/HuR to facilitate HCC progression. Our findings suggest that CCAT2 is an oncogenic factor in the progression of HCC with different regulatory mechanisms and may serve as a target for HCC therapy.
Development of an immune‐related lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network based on competing endogenous RNA in periodontitis
Authors: Tang Han , Yuan Shuai , Chen Tao , Ji Ping
Published: August 2021

Aim

To explore the relationship between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and immune response and to construct an immune‐related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Gene expression profiles in gingival tissues were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to establish an immune‐related ceRNA network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was performed to detect the biological processes in which the ceRNA network might be involved.

Results

A combined classification model involving seven lncRNAs was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed satisfactory classification ability of the established model. Further analysis revealed that the screened lncRNAs were significantly correlated with patient immunity. Finally, an immune‐related ceRNA network was constructed based on the lncRNA MIAT, miR‐1246, miR‐1260b, miR‐3652, miR‐4286, and 27 mRNAs. Accordingly, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that this network is closely related to the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of B cells.

Conclusions

The lncRNA MIAT and the MIAT‐based ceRNA network may be instrumental in regulating the immune response, especially of B cells, during the progression of periodontitis.
Sex‐specific genetic factors affect the risk of early‐onset periodontitis in Europeans
Authors: Freitag‐Wolf Sandra , Munz Matthias , Junge Olaf , Graetz Christian , Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Staufenbiel Ingmar , Bruckmann Corinna , Lieb Wolfgang , Franke Andre , Loos Bruno G. , Jepsen Søren , Dommisch Henrik , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: August 2021

Aims

Various studies have reported that young European women are more likely to develop early‐onset periodontitis compared to men. A potential explanation for the observed variations in sex and age of disease onset is the natural genetic variation within the autosomal genomes. We hypothesized that genotype‐by‐sex (G × S) interactions contribute to the increased prevalence and severity.

Materials and methods

Using the case‐only design, we tested for differences in genetic effects between men and women in 896 North‐West European early‐onset cases, using imputed genotypes from the OmniExpress genotyping array. Population‐representative 6823 controls were used to verify that the interacting variables G and S were uncorrelated in the general population.

Results

In total, 20 loci indicated G × S associations (P < 0.0005), 3 of which were previously suggested as risk genes for periodontitis (ABLIM2, CDH13, and NELL1). We also found independent G × S interactions of the related gene paralogs MACROD1/FLRT1 (chr11) and MACROD2/FLRT3 (chr20). G × S‐associated SNPs at CPEB4, CDH13, MACROD1, and MECOM were genome‐wide‐associated with heel bone mineral density (CPEB4, MECOM), waist‐to‐hip ratio (CPEB4, MACROD1), and blood pressure (CPEB4, CDH13).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that natural genetic variation affects the different heritability of periodontitis among sexes and suggest genes that contribute to inter‐sex phenotypic variation in early‐onset periodontitis.
Embryonic development and effect of temperature on larval growth of the Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens
Authors: Rioual Fanny , Ofelio Claudia , Rosado‐Salazar Maryandrea , Dionicio‐Acedo Jhon , Peck Myron A. , Aguirre‐Velarde Arturo
Published: August 2021

Understanding aspects of the biology of early life stages of marine fish is critical if one hopes to reveal the factors and processes that impact the survival and recruitment (year class) strength. The Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) is a key species in the Humboldt current system, and the present study provides the first description of the embryonic and larval development of this species reared in captivity. Embryonic and early exogenous feeding stages of larvae were illustrated in detail at 18.5°C. Hatching was completed within 42 and 48 h post‐fertilization at 18.5 and 14.5°C, respectively. Mean ± 95% C.I. standard length (LS) at hatch (3.40 ± 0.10 mm at 18.5°C and 2.76 ± 0.34 mm at 14.5°C) was significantly different between the two temperatures. Larval behaviour was assessed at 18.5°C; at the onset of exogenous feeding [3 days post‐hatch (dph)], larvae were fed small, motile dinoflagellates, Akashiwo sanguinea. At 7 dph, larvae started to feed almost exclusively on zooplankton (rotifers and Artemia nauplii). Larval activity increased with age, and the first sign of schooling was noted at 31 dph (18.56 mm LS) at 18.5°C. Temperature had a significant effect on size‐at‐age, but not on body shape (depth to LS ratio). The size‐at‐age data for larvae (this study) was used to parameterize a temperature‐corrected von Bertalanffy growth function for Peruvian anchovy, the accuracy of which was assessed for juveniles and adults (literature values).
Contribution of circular economy strategies to climate change mitigation: Generic assessment methodology with focus on developing countries
Authors: Serrano Teddy , Aparcana Sandra , Bakhtiari Fatemeh , Laurent Alexis
Published: August 2021

As part of the Paris Agreement, countries are asked to put forward their nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which present their proposed pathways to tackle climate change. To that end, circular economy (CE) has been proposed as a potentially important catalyzer to meet NDCs. Yet, the potential of CE strategies to help reach climate goals at the country scale has been little explored until now. Here, we propose a consistent step‐wise methodology, which assesses quantitatively the potential of CE strategies to reach national targets for GHG emission mitigation. Projections of a given country's business‐as‐usual (BAU) emissions are derived to pinpoint key emitting sectors and link those with relevant CE strategies identified from the literature that can mitigate their emissions. The resulting mitigation potentials can be compared to different national benchmarks to serve policy making processes. Although applicable to any countries, we focus on applications to developing countries, which often lack structured approaches and efficient mechanisms to integrate their climate objectives into national strategies and policies. As proof‐of‐concept, we thus applied the methodology to the case of Chile. For this country, the proposed sector‐specific CE measures were found to potentially reduce by 37% the GHG emissions in 2030 compared to BAU levels, thus putting the country on track to fulfill its NDC commitments. Building on this proof‐of‐concept and discussions from its run, we recommend the application of our methodology to other countries to identify CE opportunities and enable capacity building to support policy making.
Report from “International Workshop for Junior Fellows 2: Tocolytic treatment for prevention of preterm birth” at the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Aoyagi Yoko , Okimura Hiroyuki , Ueda Akihiko
Published: August 2021

At the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we discussed recent tocolytic treatments for the prevention of preterm birth with obstetricians from Korea and Taiwan. The rate of preterm birth in our countries has been increasing, and optimal tocolytic treatments are of great concern. Ritodrine hydrochloride was the first available drug for tocolysis in our countries and is often administered for over 48 h, although it is not recommended for maintenance therapy in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are differences in the use of other tocolytic drugs, based on approval of the drugs and the health insurance systems. Nifedipine and atosiban have not been considered first‐line agents in Japan. The long‐term use of unnecessary tocolysis should be avoided, and the introduction of other tocolytic drugs, including nifedipine or atosiban, should be discussed.
Adult children's estrangement from parents in Germany
Authors: Arránz Becker Oliver , Hank Karsten
Published: August 2021

Objective

To analyze the prevalence and predictors of children's estrangement from noncoresident biological mothers and fathers during young and middle adulthood.

Background

Intergenerational relationships exhibit considerable heterogeneity and need not always be close or intact. However, despite its potentially far‐reaching impact on the entire family system, only very few quantitative studies have been conducted yet investigating adult parent–child estrangement.

Method

This study draws on ten waves of longitudinal survey data from the German Family Panel (pairfam;n = 10,228). We estimate two‐level random‐intercept logit panel regressions of parent–child estrangement, defined as noncontact or emotional distance.

Results

Substantially, more children experienced periods of estrangement from fathers (20%; corresponding to 12% of person‐years of observation) than from mothers (9%; corresponding to 5% of person‐years of observation). We observed a longitudinal pattern reflecting “modest” dynamics, that is, neither continuously estranged relationships nor multiple transitions into and out of estrangement were the rule. Disruptive family events and, particularly, children's estrangement from “other” (biological or nonbiological) parental figures turned out to be the most important predictors of being estranged from the “focal” biological parent, especially from fathers. Children expressing stronger familistic attitudes were less likely to experience estrangement.

Conclusions

Estrangement is a quantitatively relevant phenomenon in adult parent–child relations, where relationships with fathers are particularly vulnerable. Crossovers between children's relationships with various parental figures indicate that estrangement is a family matter that is best addressed by taking a family systems perspective. Estrangement deserves further attention by both researchers and practitioners in family counseling and therapy.
Being creative during lockdown: The relationship between creative potential and COVID‐19‐related psychological distress in narcolepsy type 1
Authors: D’Anselmo Anita , Agnoli Sergio , Filardi Marco , Pizza Fabio , Mastria Serena , Corazza Giovanni Emanuele , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

The national lockdown imposed in several countries to counteract the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led to an unprecedented situation with serious effects on mental health of the general population and of subjects affected by heterogeneous diseases. Considering the positive association between narcoleptic symptoms and creativity, we aimed at exploring the psychological distress associated with COVID‐19 restrictions and its relationship with depressive symptoms and creativity in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). A total of 52 patients with NT1 and 50 healthy controls, who completed a previous study on creativity, were contacted during the first lockdown period to complete an online survey evaluating psychological distress related to the COVID‐19 outbreak, sleep quality, narcolepsy and depressive symptoms, and creative abilities. The patients with NT1 showed an improvement in subjective sleepiness while controls reported worsening of sleep quality during the lockdown. Depression and NT1 symptom severity proved significant predictors of COVID‐19‐related distress. Creative performance, namely generative fluency, turned out to be a favourable moderator in the relationship between depression and patients’ distress, reducing the detrimental effect of depression on the patients’ wellbeing. On the contrary, creative originality proved to be a disadvantageous moderator in the relationship between NT1 symptom severity and the distress associated with this traumatic event indicating a higher vulnerability to developing COVID‐19‐related distress, particularly evident in patients displaying higher originality. Overall, these results highlight a crucial role of creativity in patients with NT1, suggesting that creative potential could be used as a protective factor against the development of distress associated with the lockdown.
Subjective and objective sleep in young people with borderline personality disorder features
Authors: Jenkins Claire A. , Thompson Katherine N. , Chanen Andrew M. , Hartmann Jessica A. , Nicol Katie , Nicholas Christian L.
Published: August 2021

Characterising sleep in young people (aged 15–25 years) with borderline personality disorder (BPD) features is crucial given the association between BPD features and sleep disturbance, negative consequences of poor sleep, and normative developmental sleep changes that occur in this age group. The present study aimed to characterise the sleep profile of young people with BPD to determine whether this profile is non‐normative and specific to BPD. Participants were 96 young people (40 with BPD features, 38 healthy individuals, and 18 young people seeking help for mental health difficulties without BPD). Sleep was measured subjectively (self‐report questionnaires) and objectively (10 days of actigraphy). Young people with BPD features reported poorer subjective sleep quality, greater insomnia symptoms and later chronotype than same‐age healthy and clinical comparison groups. Young people with BPD features also displayed irregular sleep timing, later rise times, greater time in bed and longer sleep durations than healthy young people. Those with BPD features had superior sleep quality (greater sleep efficiency, less wake after sleep onset) and longer sleep durations than the clinical comparison group. Sleep profiles were similar across young people with BPD features with and without co‐occurring depression. Overall, the findings revealed a subjective–objective sleep discrepancy and suggest that sleep‐improvement interventions might be beneficial to improve subjective sleep in young people with BPD features.
Brain diffusion tensor imaging in dogs with degenerative myelopathy
Authors: Lewis Melissa J. , Shomper Jeremy L. , Williamson Baye G. , Vansteenkiste Daniella P. , Bibi Katherine F. , Lim Stefanie H. Y. , Kowal Joseph B. , Coates Joan R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs shares similarities with superoxide dismutase 1‐associated human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Brain microstructural lesions are quantified using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in ALS patients.

Objective

Characterize brain neurodegenerative changes in DM‐affected dogs using DTI.

Animals

Sixteen DM‐affected and 8 control dogs.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Brain DTI was performed at baseline and every 3 months on DM‐affected dogs and compared to controls. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were calculated on specified regions of interest. Gait scores (0, normal to 14, tetraplegia) were assigned at each scan. Diffusion tensor imaging values in DM‐affected dogs were compared to controls, gait scores, and evaluated over time.

Results

Mean age was 5.7 years (SD 3.2) in controls and 9.7 years (SD 1.4) in DM‐affected dogs. In DM‐affected dogs, mean baseline gait score was 4 (SD 1), and mean score change from baseline to last scan was 4.82 (SD 2.67). Nine dogs had ≤3 scans; 7 had >3 scans. Accounting for age, no differences in DTI indices were identified for any brain or proximal spinal cord regions between DM‐affected dogs and controls (P > .05). Diffusion tensor imaging values poorly correlated with gait scores (R2 < .2). No significant changes were identified in diffusion indices over time (P > .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Diffusion tensor imaging indices did not differentiate DM‐affected from control dogs, detect longitudinal changes, or differentiate disease severity. Findings do not yet support brain DTI as an imaging biomarker.
Corrosive effects of corruption on human capital and aggregate productivity
Authors: Abdulla Kanat
Published: August 2021

Corruption has been shown to affect a variety of observed human capital inputs, such as health status, school enrollment, and student dropout rates. However, to the best of our knowledge, the question of how corruption affects unobserved skills has received little attention. This study investigates the effect of corruption on unobserved human capital, measured from the earnings of immigrants, using the U.S. census data for the period 1980–2000. In the human capital model built in the paper, corruption enters the budget constraint of an individual as a cost of the accumulation of unobservable skills. Using data on immigrants and the theoretical model motivating an empirical analysis, the study reveals how corruption impacts the stock of human capital across countries. According to the prediction deriving from the empirical analysis, corruption has a negative effect on the stocks of human capital. The counterfactual findings using the calibrated model suggest that the elimination of corruption increases aggregate output by 18–21% on average.
FindingThe Irish Girl: Race, displacement, and the aesthetic promise of portraiture
Authors: Prizel Natalie
Published: August 2021

Aesthetic considerations have often been ignored, or even derided, when it comes to discussions of race in the 19th century. A disregard for aesthetics and the genres that arise from aesthetic experience has prevented critics from seeing how crucial such questions are to thinking about racial formations. This essay argues for the necessity of taking aesthetic practices and effects seriously in contending with questions of Irishness and anti‐Irish racism in Victorian Britain. In attending to Pre‐Raphaelite fellow‐traveler Ford Madox Brown'sThe Irish Girl(1860), this essay demonstrates how formal approaches not only allow us to observe how racial formations come to be in aesthetic terms but also teach us how to fully see the subject of the painting herself. Thinking about the painting according to the conventions of portraiture is significant for understanding the strategies by which minoritized racialized subjects—and particularly women and girls—make themselves visible.
Exceptional preservation of reidite in the Rochechouart impact structure, France: New insights into shock deformation and phase transition of zircon
Authors: Plan Anders , Kenny Gavin G. , Erickson Timmons M. , Lindgren Paula , Alwmark Carl , Holm‐Alwmark Sanna , Lambert Philippe , Scherstén Anders , Söderlund Ulf
Published: August 2021

Reidite, the high‐pressure zircon (ZrSiO4) polymorph, is a diagnostic indicator of impact events. Natural records of reidite are, however, scarce, occurring mainly as micrometer‐sized lamellae, granules, and dendrites. Here, we present a unique sequence of shocked zircon grains found within a clast from the Chassenon suevitic breccia (shock stage III) from the ˜200 Ma, 20–50 km wide Rochechouart impact structure in France. Our study comprises detailed characterization with scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron backscatter diffraction with the goal of investigating the stability and response of ZrSiO4under extremeP–Tconditions. The shocked zircon grains have preserved various amounts of reidite ranging from 4% up to complete conversion. The grains contain various variants of reidite, including the common habits: lamellae and granular reidite. In addition, three novel variants have been identified: blade, wedge, and massive domains. Several of these crosscut and offset each other, revealing that reidite can form at multiple stages during an impact event. Our data provide evidence that reidite can be preserved in impactites to a much greater extent than previously documented. We have further characterized reversion products of reidite in the form of fully recrystallized granular zircon grains and minute domains of granular zircon in reidite‐bearing grains that occur in close relationship to reidite. Neoblasts in these grains have a distinct crystallography that is the result of systematic inheritance of reidite. We interpret that the fully granular grains have formed from prolonged exposure of temperatures in excess of 1200 °C. Reidite‐bearing grains with granular domains might signify swift quenching from temperatures close to 1200 °C. Grains subjected to these specific conditions therefore underwent partial zircon‐to‐reidite reversion, instead of full grain recrystallization. Based on our ZrSiO4microstructural constraints, we decipher the grains evolution at specificP–Tconditions related to different impact stages, offering further understanding of the behavior of ZrSiO4during shock.