bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inherited gain‐of‐function risk allele in EPOR predisposes to familial JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Rabadan Moraes Graciela , Pasquier Florence , Marzac Christophe , Deconinck Eric , Damanti Carlotta Caterina , Leroy Gwendoline , El‐Khoury Mira , El Nemer Wassim , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Raslova Hana , Najman Albert , Vainchenker William , Marty Caroline , Bellanné‐Chantelot Christine , Plo Isabelle
Published: March 2022

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are mainly sporadic but inherited variants have been associated with higher risk development. Here, we identified an EPOR variant (EPORP488S) in a large family diagnosed with JAK2V617F‐positive polycythaemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocytosis (ET). We investigated its functional impact on JAK2V617F clonal amplification in patients and found that the variant allele fraction (VAF) was low in PV progenitors but increase strongly in mature cells. Moreover, we observed that EPORP488S alone induced a constitutive phosphorylation of STAT5 in cell lines or primary cells. Overall, this study points for searching inherited‐risk alleles affecting the JAK2/STAT pathway in MPN.
Attitudes towards refugees: Introducing a short three‐dimensional scale
Authors: Kotzur Patrick F. , Friehs Maria‐Therese , Schmidt Peter , Wagner Ulrich , Pötzschke Steffen , Weiß Bernd
Published: March 2022

Many researchers subscribe to the three‐component conceptualization of attitudes, the idea that attitudes have cognitive, affective, and behavioural (intentional) components. Yet, these components are rarely considered simultaneously in scales, especially those measuring attitudes towards refugees. Moreover, it is debated how these components relate to one another. We present the development and validation of a six‐item short‐scale to measure attitudes towards refugees based on three surveys (Study 1: N = 330; Study 2a: N = 2,083; Study 2b: N = 2,174). We assessed the performance of this scale with respect to three rivalling attitude conceptualizations (one‐factor, three‐factor, and second‐order factor model). We found that a three‐factor or second‐order factor conceptualization fitted best to the data. The scale had excellent psychometric properties. We hope that our work stimulates a wave of relevant research on attitudes towards refugees that applies this scale, and contributes to the debate on the conceptualization of attitudes in general.
Synthesis, in silico docking studies, and antiplasmodial activity of hybrid molecules bearing 7‐substituted 4‐aminoquinoline moiety and cinnamic acid derivatives
Authors: Bokosi Fostino R. B. , Ngoepe Mpho P.
Published: March 2022

This paper reports a series of nine hybrid compounds of 7‐substituted 4‐aminoquinoline and cinnamic acid as antiplasmodial agents. 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometry studies were used to confirm the structures. The synthesized compounds were moderately active, with IC50 values ranging from 1.8 to 16 µM against the Pf3D7 chloroquine‐sensitive strain in vitro. Compound C11 was shown to be the most potent in this investigation, with an IC50 value of 1.8 µM. Molecular docking studies revealed that compounds C14 and C17, with binding energies of −7.19 and −7.72 kcal/mol and inhibition constants (Ki) of 5.36 and 2.20 µM, respectively, were the best inhibitor candidates. The results of the Frontier molecular orbitals revealed that compounds possessed a small HOMO–LUMO energy gap. The HOMO–LUMO energy distributions indicated that the cinnamic acid regions favored the LUMO distribution, while the quinoline regions favored the HOMO energy. The investigation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity based on in silico ADME tools predicted that the compounds have a good drug‐like character.
Youth are watching: Adolescents’ sociopolitical development in the Trump era
Authors: Dunn Danielle , Wray‐Lake Laura , Plummer Jason Anthony
Published: March 2022

This study examined whether appraisals of 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump by 1433 adolescents (Mage = 16.1, SDage = 1.16, Female = 56.9%, Latinx = 43.6%, White = 35.7%, Black = 12.6%, Asian = 5.8%) predicted change from 2017 to 2018 across four dimensions of sociopolitical development (SPD): marginalization, critical analysis, civic efficacy, and political action. Trump supporters declined in awareness of inequality and race consciousness but increased in voting intentions. Trump detractors increased in awareness of inequality, race consciousness, and experiences of discrimination. Trump supporters and detractors increased in civic efficacy compared to youth with no opinion. Additional findings were moderated by race and ethnicity. Findings suggest adolescents’ SPD has been shaped in distinct ways by the Trump era.
Functionality of natural killer cells in obese asthma phenotypes
Authors: Pur Ozyigit Leyla , Aktas Esin Cetin , Gelmez Yusuf Metin , Ozturk Ayse Bilge , Gemicioglu Bilun , Deniz Gunnur
Published: March 2022

Background

Obesity‐associated asthma (OA) is a difficult to treat asthma phenotype due to its severity and poor response to inhaled steroids. Early‐onset allergic (EoOA) and late‐onset non‐allergic (LoOA) OA are suggested subtypes of this phenotype. Natural Killer (NK) cells are key elements of innate immunity involved in cytotoxicity and immune regulation, with uncertain role in OA pathogenesis.

Methods

Early‐onset allergic and LoOA patients together with obese non‐asthmatic (ONA) controls have been enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples have been collected for analysis. Percentages of total NK cells, CD3−CD56dim and CD3−CD56bright NK cell subsets, cytotoxic activity, intracellular interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17 secretion and activatory receptors (NKG2D, NKp46i and NKp44) have been investigated by flow cytometry. The effect of IL‐12 and IL‐23 stimulation on NK cells and intracellular cytokines in different groups have also been analysed and compared with unstimulated conditions.

Results

Results of ONA (n = 5, age 42 ± 8), EoOA (n = 5, age 42 ± 10) and LoOA (n = 8, age 46 ± 8) patients have analysed. Body Mass Index has been found to be negatively correlated with CD69 (p = .022, r = −0.534). NKG2D receptor has been significantly low in CD56dim cells of asthma population (p = .046). NKp44 receptor expression has increased after IL‐12 stimulation in EoOA and control group (p = .02). Intracellular IL‐10 content has increased in LoOA and control subjects (p = .018, p = .03) but not in the EoOA group. Intracellular IL‐17 level has found be higher in allergic OA group. LoOA patients showed a decreased NK cytotoxicity compared with the early‐onset asthma group (p = .05).

Conclusion

Our study suggests an impaired NK receptor expression, activation and reduced cytotoxicity in OA patients together with variances between different subtypes of this phenotype. This data would be beneficial for tailoring a more personalized treatment strategy combatting steroid resistance and frequent exacerbations in this group of patients.
Extensive cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis after Sinopharm vaccine: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Azzazi Yousra , Abdelkader Heba Ahmed , Khedr Hadeer , El‐Komy Mohamed H. M.
Published: March 2022

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) has been reported as a rare form of cutaneous reaction to different SARS‐Cov‐2 vaccines. Herein, we present the first case of cutaneous LCV following BBIBP‐CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine that occurred in a female patient with no prior comorbidities. A literature review about similar cases following different COVID‐19 vaccines is discussed.
Sapwood growth and tolerance of Pinus taeda trees to Leptographium terebrantis inoculation
Authors: Mensah John K. , Devkota Pratima , Eckhardt Lori G.
Published: March 2022

Leptographium terebrantis is an opportunistic root pathogen that has been implicated as a contributing factor of Pinus taeda decline and mortality over the past several decades in central parts of Alabama and Georgia, USA. We assessed the potential of L. terebrantis to initiate crown thinning in young P. taeda trees and hypothesized that L. terebrantis infestation will impose moisture stress on foliage, induce premature senescence, and cause loss of foliage biomass. The study was undertaken in a naturally regenerated 5–7‐year‐old P. taeda stand at Andalusia, Alabama in a completely randomized design using artificial inoculations of L. terebrantis colonized toothpicks. After four years of infestation, the pathogen caused sapwood occlusions and loss of sapwood function but failed to impose moisture stress on needles to induce premature senescence and loss of biomass. The new sapwood formed around the occluded area was devoid of pathogen infestation. The new growth was approximately twice the size of occluded tissue and compensated for the loss of old sapwood function to sustain tree growth. Results demonstrated that young P. taeda trees can tolerate L. terebrantis infection when stand conditions sustain the formation of new sapwood.
The role of melanopsin photoreception on visual attention linked pupil responses
Authors: Gnyawali Subodh , Feigl Beatrix , Adhikari Prakash , Zele Andrew J.
Published: March 2022

A decision during a visual task is marked by a task‐evoked pupil dilation (TEPD) that is linked to the global cortical arousal state. Melanopsin expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) form the afferent pathway for this pupil response. Melanopsin activation also influences mood and arousal and increases activity in decision‐making brain areas that receive direct ipRGC projections. Here, an optical photostimulation method controlled the excitations of all five photoreceptor classes in the human eye to isolate melanopsin‐mediated photoreception. We hypothesised that the TEPD can be driven by directing active visual covert attention through the ipRGC pathway. When observers are completely certain of the stimulus presence, melanopsin‐directed stimulation produces a TEPD of similar amplitude to a cone‐directed stimulation, with their combination producing larger amplitudes. This dilation is satisfactorily modelled by linear addition with a higher melanopsin weighting in ipRGCs. Visual reaction times were longest in response to melanopsin‐directed lights. Next, we asked whether the afferent photoreceptor input and decision certainty, controlled by priming the observer's a priori expectation, interact to drive the TEPD. Signal detection analysis showed that by fixing the predecision certainty (bias), the phasic arousal and TEPD amplitude vary with observer criterion (c′) and sensitivity (d′) but not with preferential activation of melanopsin. The signature feature of the melanopsin response during attention was a biphasic TEPD. We conclude that active covert attention can be modulated by visual information mediated via ipRGCs, but that phasic arousal responses marked using the TEPD are not increased by higher levels of melanopsin activation.
Human activity recognition by wireless body area networks through multi‐objective feature selection with deep learning
Authors: Boga Jayaram , Kumar V. Dhilip
Published: March 2022

Wireless body area network (WBAN) is a novel technology with the incorporation of numerous types of devices, which is also employed in health monitoring applications. Human activity recognition (HAR) receives more interest in recent times along with wearable sensors. HAR system provides information about a person's identity, personality, and psychological state. In the present scenario, it becomes important to model the active learning paradigms with the help of wearable sensors for analysing human activities. Although various deep learning models and existing algorithms secure better outcomes through the sensor data analysis regarding HAR, the decision‐making evaluation seems to be a complex one. The main intent of this paper is to implement the WBAN‐based HAR system using the improved deep learning model. By connecting the wearable sensors, the signals are gathered regarding human activity from diverse benchmark sources. After collecting the required signals, the pre‐processing of the input signals is done using artefact removal and median filtering. Further, the feature extraction is performed, which intends to extract a set of features by utilizing short‐time Fourier transform (STFT) and statistical features. For reducing the feature‐length, a multi‐objective‐based optimal feature selection is adopted. Human activities such as ‘walking, walking upstairs, walking downstairs, sitting, standing, lying, and jogging’ are recognized with help of selected optimal features. The optimized probabilistic neural network (PNN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) are combined and named as adaptive probabilistic‐based CNN (AP‐CNN). The effective performance of optimal feature selection and recognition is accomplished by incorporating the developed backward updating position‐based sea lion optimization algorithm (BU‐SLnO). Finally, the performance of the BU‐SLnO‐AP‐CNN‐based suggested model is analysed, which shows 1.001%, 1.237%, 0.811%, and 0.859% advanced than SLnO‐AP‐CNN, feed‐forward‐AP‐CNN (FF‐AP‐CNN), grey wolf optimization‐AP‐CNN (GWO‐AP‐CNN), particle swarm optimization‐AP‐CNN (PSO‐AP‐CNN) when observing the dataset 1. The experimental outcomes from comparison with various classification techniques demonstrate the efficiency of the developed technique.
Hepatic drug metabolism in older people with body composition changes
Authors: Kaburaki Soyoko , Yoshimura Eri , Miyamoto Yasushi , Imai Shungo , Kashiwagi Hitoshi , Ueno Hidefumi , Sugawara Mitsuru , Takekuma Yoh
Published: March 2022

Aim

Dosage adjustment is essential in older individuals because they are prone to experience a decline in liver function and changes in body composition. However, quantitative tests or equations for evaluating the activity of hepatic drug metabolism have not yet been clearly established. We examined hepatic drug metabolism activities in older individuals, focusing on changes in body composition parameters.

Methods

Lansoprazole and nifedipine, substrates of the metabolic enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and 3A4, respectively, were selected to study hepatic drug metabolism. Residual samples from blood test for older patients were evaluated to determine drug metabolism. The body composition of relevant patients was determined by analyzing characteristic parameters of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength (HGS) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI). The differences in hepatic drug metabolism were studied statistically among categories in terms of the cut‐off value of these parameters.

Results

Older male patients receiving lansoprazole and nifedipine in the low SMI (<7.0 kg/m2) category showed an 85–90% reduction in respective CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 metabolic activities compared with the normal SMI category. For the female patients, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 metabolic activities showed no significant correlation with SMI and HGS. Fatty liver disease (HSI ≥36) was found to reduce CYP2C19 metabolic activity particularly in older female patients.

Conclusions

Low CYP2C19 metabolic activity was statistically correlated with low SMI in male patients and high HSI in female patients, whereas low CYP3A4 metabolic activity was statistically correlated with low HGS in male patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 449–454.
Influence of wall slip, thixotropy and lubrication regime on the instrumental sensory evaluation of topical formulations
Authors: Cyriac Febin , Xin Yi Tee , Chow Pui Shan
Published: March 2022

Objective

Drawing parallels from rheotribology can be used to develop a robust instrumental protocol for non‐subjective characterization, product development and design of topical dosage forms with desired sensory attributes. However, instrumental characterization of cosmetic products can be influenced by the measurement protocol, thixotropy, flow anomalies like shear banding or wall slip and nature of the film formed on the skin surface. In this study, we evaluated the influence of above parameters on the instrumental sensory evaluation of 12 topical formulations of different galenic forms.

Methods

Oscillatory strain sweep measurements (SAOS and LAOS) were performed to investigate the influence of frequency and wall slip on the material parameters. The textural attributes at different consumer touchpoints were evaluated by accounting time‐dependent simulation of viscoelastic flow. Further, the influence of film thickness and sample drying on the tactile properties of the topical formulations were studied on a non‐biological skin model using a sliding probe tribometer.

Results

The study shows that the flow properties of the semi‐solid formulations depend on the timescale of the problem. A few formulations exhibited wall slip to varying degrees in the linear viscoelastic regime where the behaviour was found not to be characteristic of a particular topical dosage form. The material functions obtained from the Lissajous plots suggest that the non‐linear flow behaviour of different galenic forms is least influenced by the boundary conditions imposed by the measurement geometry. The results were statistically analysed using principal component analysis where the attributes used for discriminating skin creams during pick up and rub out are found to be closely associated with non‐linear rheology. The friction coefficient exhibited speed dependence where it formed different parametric group with rheological data depending on the lubrication regime.

Conclusion

The study highlights that correlations are possible amongst rheological, tribological and instrumental textural analysis data, which can act an impetus for the development of models to predict attributes that drive perception at different consumer touchpoints. However, the choice of instrumental settings, anomalies associated with rheological measurements and friction dependence on a number of parameters can influence the model prediction.
Effects of gamma irradiation dose and short‐term storage on phytochemicals, antioxidants, and textural properties of boiled ‘Tainan 9’ peanuts
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc X. B. , Uthairatanakij Apiradee , Laohakunjit Natta , Jitareerat Pongphen , Boonsirichai Kanokporn , Yap Esther Shiau Ping , Kaprasob Ratchadaporn
Published: March 2022

Boiled peanuts are preferable as a ready‐to‐eat healthy snack; however, gamma irradiation as a postharvest treatment of raw peanuts may induce unfavourable food components. Hence, the phytochemical, antioxidant, and the texture of boiled ‘Tainan 9’ peanuts pretreated with gamma irradiation (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 kGy) and stored at 29 ± 2 °C for up to 180 days were investigated. Both gamma irradiation and storage time contributed to testa darkening in raw peanuts. In boiled irradiated products, irradiation doses and storage time affected the moisture content (MC), total proteins, total oil, total soluble sugars, and antioxidant capacity (P ≤ 0.05). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed an increase at days 90 and decreased at days 180 across all treatments. A positive correlation was observed among ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolics, and total flavonoids. Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy led to increase of peroxide value (PV) (P ≤ 0.05), but malondialdehyde (MDA) content was unaffected. Textural properties of boiled irradiated peanuts were soft. As a result, gamma irradiation at 5 kGy is recommended for postharvest treatment of raw peanuts with subsequent storage up to 180 days to obtain the eating quality of boiled peanuts with good phytochemicals and antioxidant properties, which is a challenge for food industry.
Risky journeys – Risk and decision‐making among potential irregular migrants in Senegal and Guinea
Authors: Tjaden Jasper
Published: March 2022

In response to well‐documented harms inflicted on irregular migrants attempting to travel from West Africa to Europe, various actors have scaled up information interventions to counter misinformation by smuggling networks and facilitate safe migration decisions. Many interventions include information on the potential dangers involved in migration. However, there is a striking lack of empirical evidence assessing a key assumption of campaign effectiveness, that is the relationship between risk perceptions and the decision to migrate irregularly. This study contributes an empirical account based on two independently collected surveys in Senegal and Guinea. Consistent with rational choice theories on migration decisions under uncertainty, the results suggest that higher risk perceptions are consistently and strongly associated with reduced intentions to migrate irregularly. Yet, the explanatory power of risk perceptions depends on context and is generally less important than structural and socio‐economic factors.
Tyrosine hydroxylase messenger RNA corroborates protein localization in the nervous system of the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Young Alexander P. , Beach Griffin A. , Croll Roger P. , Jackson Daniel J. , Wyeth Russell C.
Published: March 2022

Catecholaminergic neurons are abundant in molluscs and are involved in a variety of behaviors such as feeding, respiration, learning, and locomotion. However, previous identification of these neurons has relied almost exclusively on immunohistochemistry using antibodies, which have not been fully validated for use in molluscs. We employed tissue‐specific quantitative PCR in adults of Lymnaea stagnalis (a pulmonate gastropod) and whole‐mount in situ hybridization in larvae to both quantify and visualize messenger RNA of the catecholamine synthesis enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). TH messenger RNA was found to localize primarily in the foot and the central nervous system, with smaller quantities present in the cephalic sensory organs. Additionally, we performed western blots that validated a popular antibody used as a marker for catecholaminergic neurons in molluscs. Taken together, these data indicate that TH messenger RNA is present in the central and peripheral nervous system of L. stagnalis and support the specificity of past immunohistochemical labeling of the TH protein. These findings have potentially broad implications, given the wide range of biological processes that have been studied in L. stagnalis.
High Na+ conducting Na3Zr2Si2PO12/Na2Si2O5 composites as solid electrolytes for Na+ batteries
Authors: Santhoshkumar Bandaru , Choudhary Mahendra Birmaram , Bera Anup Kumar , Yusuf Seikh Mohammad , Ghosh Manasi , Pahari Bholanath
Published: March 2022

Sodium superionic conductor Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) is a promising material as a solid electrolyte for sodium‐ion batteries. The highest conductivity of ∼1.0 mS/cm at room temperature (RT) was reported for the compound with a Na content of approximately 3.3 per formula unit (f. u.) and when the material is synthesized with a final sintering temperature ≥1220°C. Herein, we propose a new synthesis method to enhance the conductivity of the NZSP by liquid‐phase sintering with the optimum amount of additive of amorphous‐Na2Si2O5. In this regard, a series of composite materials were prepared by mixing Na3Zr2Si2PO12 with amorphous‐Na2Si2O5 (NZSP/NS‐x wt.%; with x = 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0) and sintering at a lower temperature of 1150°C. Enhanced conductivity of 1.7 mS/cm at RT has been achieved for the Na3Zr2Si2PO12/Na2Si2O5‐5.0 wt.% (NZSP/NS‐5.0) composite. The effects of additives on the NZSP phase formation, microstructure, and ion conductivity have been investigated by XRD, MAS NMR, SEM, and impedance spectroscopy. Our study demonstrates that the higher conductivity of the NZSP/NS‐5.0 composite is caused by the combined effect of increased Na content in the NZSP phase (by diffusion of Na+ ions from the liquid phase of NS to bare NZSP phase), higher density, and microstructures with lesser pores.
Electrical boundary condition at the crack surface in ferroelectrics
Authors: Li Yingwei , Chen Zeji , Wang Xueyao , Wang Jie
Published: March 2022

Electrical boundary condition (EBC) at the crack surface has significant influence on the fracture behavior of ferroelectrics. Here, we characterized the electrical displacement (ED) response of ferroelectrics specimens with through cracks under cyclic electric field. The physical processes occurred between the crack surfaces are in situ observed. It is found that when the distance between the crack surfaces was smaller than a critical value, significant ED was measured, which cannot be rationalized by the previous EBCs. The appearance of bubbles and arcing between the crack surfaces demonstrates that dielectric breakdown occurs during electric field loading. These results imply that the EBC of the crack surface is permeable, and the dielectric breakdown process should be taken into consideration.
Donald Trump and the rationalization of transgressive behavior: The role of group prototypicality and identity advancement
Authors: Davies Ben , Leicht Carola , Abrams Dominic
Published: March 2022

Transgressive leadership, especially in politics, can have significant consequences for groups and communities. However, research suggests that transgressive leaders are often granted deviance credit, and regarded sympathetically by followers due to perceptions of the leader's group prototypicality and identity advancement. We extend previous work by examining whether these perceptions additionally play a role in rationalizing the transgressions of a leader and whether deviance credit persists after a leader exits their leadership position. The present three‐wave longitudinal study (N = 200) addresses these questions using the applied context of the 2020 US Presidential election. Across three survey waves administered during and after Donald Trump's election loss, Republicans perceived three transgressive behaviors (sharing false information, nepotism, and abuse of power) as less unethical when committed by Donald Trump than when the same behaviors are viewed in isolation. Perceptions of Trump's identity advancement, but not his group prototypicality, predicted the extent to which Republicans downplayed the unethicalness of his transgressions. Decreases in identity advancement across time were also related to increases in perceptions of Trump's unethicalness. Implications for the social identity theory of leadership, subjective group dynamics, and the broader consequences of deviance credit to transgressive leaders are discussed.
Impact of body mass index on cryoablation of atrial fibrillation: Patient characteristics, procedural data, and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Urbanek Lukas , Bordignon Stefano , Chen Shaojie , Bologna Fabrizio , Tohoku Shota , Dincher Matthias , Schulte‐Hahn Britta , Schmidt Boris , Chun Kyoung‐Ryul Julian
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Ablation of atrial fibrillation in the context of obesity can be challenging. We sought to evaluate the role of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) in obese patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and symptomatic AF who underwent CB‐PVI were retrospectively enrolled. Three groups were defined (G1: BMI of 25–29 kg/m2; G2: BMI of 30–34 kg/m2; G3: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2).

Results

600 patients were included (59% male; 66 ± 11 years old); 337, 149, and 114 were assigned to G1, G2, and G3, respectively. Acute procedural success was recorded in 99.7% of patients. Procedural and fluoroscopy time were comparable but the radiation dose was significantly higher in G3. Procedural complications were 3% in G1, 5.4% in G2, and 8.8% in G3 (p = .01). The overall freedom from AF after 1‐year was 77%. G3 had a significantly worse 1‐year success rate compared to G1 and G2 (G3: 66.5% vs. G1: 78.4%; p = .015 and vs. G2: 82.5%; p = .008) with reduced 1‐year success in paroxysmal AF (G1: 84.0%; G2: 86.3%; and G3: 69.6%) but not in persistent AF (G1: 68.7%; G2: 77.4%; and G3: 62.1%). G3 showed similar success rates irrespective of AF form (PAF: 69.6% vs. persAF 62.1%; p = .501).

Conclusion

Cryoballoon ablation in obese patients can be effective with an acceptable safety profile, 77% of patients were in stable SR at 1 year. Severe obese patients (BMI ≥ 35) showed reduced procedural safety and 1‐year success rate. In association with life style modification, CB ablation may represent a strategy to enhance rhythm control in the context of obesity.
First micro‐transcriptome of the third instar larvae of Anastrepha obliqua and its association with polyphagia
Authors: Lemos‐Lucumi Cesar A. , Velasco‐Cuervo Sandra M. , Toro‐Perea Nelson
Published: March 2022

Phytophagous insects are organisms that use a part of a plant as a food resource. Within this group, we focused on the pest insect Anastrepha obliqua, a fly that feeds on fruits of plants of different species and causes economic losses on the American continent. The ability of the larvae of this species to feed on various fruits (polyphagia) has been studied from different perspectives but never at the level of microRNAs. These interfering RNAs can regulate gene expression in tissues and organs of an organism. The objective of this work was to obtain the first micro‐transcriptome and to determine its expression levels and possible target mRNAs when the third instar larvae of the species A. obliqua feed on fruits of plants of three different species: Spondias purpurea, Mangifera indica and Averrhoa star fruit. A total of 116 microRNAs were identified in the study, of which 37 were completely new. Fifty‐four microRNAs were expressed in all larvae, regardless of the fruit, while 44 were detected in larvae that fed on a specific fruit. Twenty‐one microRNAs showed differential expression, and the annotation of the targets showed that these interfering RNAs have important genes that play roles in the development, feeding and detoxification of the larvae as possible targets. The construction of the first micro‐transcriptome and the identification of possible targets for A. obliqua provide new information for understanding the mechanisms that control gene expression in this species of dipteran.
Internal vascular channel architecture in human auditory ossicles
Authors: Manoharan Shivani M. , Gray Roger , Hamilton John , Mason Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

The vascular supply of the human auditory ossicles has long been of anatomical and clinical interest. While the external blood supply has been well‐described, there is only limited information available regarding the internal vascular architecture of the ossicles, and there has been little comparison of this between individuals. Based on high‐resolution micro‐CT scans, we made reconstructions of the internal vascular channels and cavities in 12 sets of ossicles from elderly donors. Despite considerable individual variation, a common basic pattern was identified. The presence of channels within the stapes footplate was confirmed. The long process of the incus and neck of the stapes showed signs of bony erosion in all specimens examined. More severe erosion was associated with interruption of some or all of the main internal vascular channels which normally pass down the incudal long process; internal excavation of the proximal process could interrupt vascular channels in ossicles which did not appear to be badly damaged from exterior inspection. An awareness of this possibility may be helpful for surgical procedures that compromise the mucosal blood supply. We also calculated ossicular densities, finding that the malleus tends to be denser than the incus. This is mainly due to a lower proportion of vascular channels and cavities within the malleus.
Mortality in Greenlanders with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Krarup Henrik B. , Rex Karsten F. , Andersen Stig
Published: March 2022

In‐depth reviewing of all medical records and clinical databases concluded a 7‐year shorter lifespan among Greenlanders infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared with non‐infected. Mortality did not associate with liver disease or any other specific disease entity. A possible mechanism for the reduced lifespan is subclinical inflammation that may be augmented by chronic viral infection. We hypothesized that chronic HBV infection contributes to this process causing a reduced life span. We added measurement of two markers of inflammation to the 10‐year follow‐up on our study of HBV among 50‐ through 69‐years‐old subjects in Greenland. The markers were YKL40 related to liver disease and hsCRP as a global marker of inflammation. Survival was evaluated using Cox regression with time until death entered as dependent variable and age, sex, smoking, alcohol intake, BMI, the presence of HBsAg and one marker of inflammation as explanatory variables. Forty‐eight percent of participants with chronic HBV infection were alive after 10 years compared with 65% of participants without infection (p = 0.003). Survival associated with age (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003) and both YKL40 and hsCRP (both, p < 0.001). Harbouring HBV influenced 10‐year survival in the Cox regression after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol intake and inflammation. In conclusion, chronic low‐grade inflammation and being infected with HBV were independent markers of mortality in otherwise healthy subjects. Thus, the 7‐year shorter lifespan among Greenlanders with chronic HBV infection seems related to the long‐lasting infection. Our findings call for caution in perceiving a chronic infection as benign.
Hepatitis B core‐related antigen serum levels are associated with significant liver fibrosis in treatment‐naive chronic HBV infection patients
Authors: Liu Ruyu , Li Minghui , Lu Yao , Zhang Lu , Shen Ge , Wu Shuling , Chang Min , Hao Hongxiao , Hu Leiping , Gao Yuanjiao , Xu Mengjiao , Xie Yao
Published: March 2022

Several hepatitis B virus (HBV) serum markers have been identified as risk factors for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection, and several noninvasive fibrosis tests based on serum indexes are now used to identify the severity of liver fibrosis. We aimed to identify the relationship between hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) serum levels and liver fibrosis in treatment‐naive chronic HBV infection patients. A total of 246 treatment‐naive chronic HBV infection patients were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent liver biopsies at baseline. Using the METAVIR fibrosis stages, there were 15, 140, 50, 26 and 15 patients in the F0, F1, F2, F3 and F4 stages (METAVIR scoring system), respectively. The biochemical, serological and virological parameters were measured using standard laboratory procedures. The HBcrAg serum levels of the patients were examined via ELISA. HBcrAg serum levels of F2, F3 and F4 stage patients were significantly higher than those of nonsignificant liver fibrosis patients (METAVIR F0‐F1), but there were no significant differences among F2, F3 and F4 stage patients. Serum HBcrAg (OR, 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–3.16), albumin (ALB) (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41–0.87), prothrombin activity (PTA) (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40–0.83) and platelet (PLT) counts (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25–0.57) were associated with significant liver fibrosis (METAVIR F2‐F4). The serum HBcrAg value enabled the correct identification of patients with significant fibrosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.88). The APRI, FIB‐4 index and ALBI score can identify significant liver fibrosis with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.66–0.81), 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65–0.80) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.55–0.72), respectively. Compared with these three indexes, the accuracy rate of diagnosis of significant fibrosis based on HBcrAg was higher than that of the FIB‐4 index (p = 0.0479) and ALBI score (p = 0.0030). HBcrAg, ALB, PTA serum levels and PLT counts were associated with significant liver fibrosis in treatment‐naive chronic HBV infection patients. HBcrAg serum levels enabled the correct identification of patients with significant fibrosis (METAVIR F2–F4), and HBcrAg was more effective than the FIB‐4 index and ALBI score.
The Paleogene Eagle Butte meteorite impact and dikes of seismic wave mobilized tuff in western Canada
Authors: Broughton Paul L.
Published: March 2022

Meteorite impact‐induced mobilization of a volcanic ash tuff resulting in 100s of m long lithified clastic dikes is a novel mechanism in the geologic record. The Paleogene Eagle Butte impact event in southeastern Alberta, western Canada, resulted in a 10–17 km diameter central peak crater, now partially eroded and buried without expression at the surface. Impact shock waves, degraded to elastic waves, mobilized sediment 10s  of km beyond the crater and resulted in a cluster of 100s  of m long, 10–20 cm thick, dikes consisting of volcanic ash. It is not well understood how effective meteorite impact‐induced waves would be as triggers for sediment mobilization at areas 10s of km distant from an impact crater. Emplacement of the Manyberries dike cluster provides insight into this issue and confirms that shock waves, degraded to elastic waves, can indeed liquefy and mobilize sediments at distances as much as 5 crater radii beyond an impact site. These impact‐induced waves triggered liquefaction and mobilization of a shallowly buried Campanian‐Maastrichtian deposit of volcanic ash and injected the tuff sediment along impact‐induced faults. The lithification of the dike tuff, consisting of the cristobalite–tridymite groundmass, resulted from partial dissolution of glass shards and precipitation of opaline cement. These weathering resistant dikes of indurated tuff sediment extend for as much as 800 m on recessive Campanian‐Maastrichtian shale ridges of the badlands topography.
An epiphany for plant resistance proteins and its impact on calcium‐based immune signalling
Authors: Lee Justin , Romeis Tina
Published: March 2022

This article is a Commentary on Kim et al. (2022), 234: 813–818 and Parker et al. (2022), 234: 819–826.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances tomato lateral root formation by modulating CEP2 peptide expression
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Heng , Wei Yi‐Hsien , Lo Jui‐Chi , Pan Hsuan‐Yu , Yang Shu‐Yi
Published: March 2022

Plant lateral root (LR) growth usually is stimulated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear.

We used gene expression analysis, peptide treatment and virus‐induced gene alteration assays to demonstrate that C‐terminally encoded peptide (CEP2) expression in tomato was downregulated during AM symbiosis to mitigate its negative effect on LR formation through an auxin‐related pathway.

We showed that enhanced LR density and downregulated CEP2 expression were observed during mycorrhizal symbiosis. Synthetic CEP2 peptide treatment reduced LR density and impaired the expression of genes involved in indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA, the precursor of IAA) to IAA conversion, auxin polar transport and the LR‐related signaling pathway; however, application of IBA or synthetic auxin 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) to the roots may rescue both defective LR formation and reduced gene expression. CEP receptor 1 (CEPR1) might be the receptor of CEP2 because its knockdown plants did not respond to CEP2 treatment. Most importantly, the LR density of CEP2 overexpression or knockdown plants could not be further increased by AM inoculation, suggesting that CEP2 was critical for AM‐induced LR formation.

These results indicated that AM symbiosis may regulate root development by modulating CEP2, which affects the auxin‐related pathway.
Bridge pacemaker with an externalized active fixation lead for pacemaker‐dependent patients with device infection
Authors: Xiao Zengli , He Jinshan , Yang Dandan , An Youzhong , Li Xuebin
Published: March 2022

Background

The risk of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) infection has been increasing in recent years. For pacemaker‐dependent patients, a temporary pacemaker is needed before a new device can be implanted. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a temporary pacing device with an externalized active fixation lead (bridge pacemaker) before a new device can be implanted in pacemaker‐dependent patients with device infection.

Methods

All patients who were admitted to our cardiac center with CIED infection and in need of bridge pacemaker implantation from April 2013 to August 2020 were prospectively enrolled in this observational study. The medical records of all patients were collected and evaluated. All procedure‐related complications were also collected. Long‐term outcomes, including reinfection and death within 1 year after hospital discharge, were collected through telephone follow‐ups.

Results

During the study period, 1050 patients underwent CIED extraction, of which 312 pacemaker‐dependent patients underwent bridge pacemaker implantation. The mean age of the extracted leads was 44 ± 38.7 months. The bridge pacemakers were in use for a mean duration of 6 days. Nine patients developed procedure‐related complications including pericardial tamponade, pneumothorax, peripheral venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Three patients developed complications that were related to their bridge pacemakers, including lead dislodgement, over‐sensing and elevated pacing threshold. During the 1‐year follow‐up, it was found that four patients had developed CIED reinfection and three patients had died due to cardiac‐related reasons.

Conclusions

A bridge pacemaker with an externalized active fixation lead is safe and efficacious for pacemaker‐dependent patients with device infection.
Application of chemostat culture to nutrient uptake rate measurements by the macroalgaeSaccharina japonicavar.religiosa(Phaeophyceae) andUlva australis(Ulvophyceae)
Authors: Okazaki Ryosuke , Teramoto Narumi , Carlson Andrew K. , Nakanishi Kiyoko , Kudo Isao
Published: March 2022

In this study, we applied a chemostat culture method, for the first time, to measure the nutrient uptake rate of macroalgae. We examined two methods of measuring the nutrient uptake rate of two macroalgae,Saccharina japonicavar.religiosaandUlva australis, by comparing nutrient uptake kinetics between the chemostat culture and batch culture. In the chemostat culture, the nutrient concentration was kept constant by monitoring the change in nutrient concentration using an Auto Analyzer in real time and adding nutrients to compensate for the macroalgae's nutrient consumption. The nutrient uptake in the chemostat culture could be best fitted to the Michaelis–Menten saturation kinetics. In the batch culture, the nutrient concentration decreased with time, either constantly or exponentially due to a rapid uptake of nutrients by the macroalgae. The nutrient uptake rate in the batch culture generally showed a scattered relationship with nutrient concentration, with a weak fitting to the Michaelis–Menten saturation kinetics. This discrepancy seemed to be partly because the change in nutrient concentration was large between the sampling intervals in the batch culture. Determining an appropriate sampling interval for detectable concentration change is difficult unless the nutrient concentration is measured in real time. Therefore, the application of the chemostat culture method to the measurement of the uptake rate by macroalgae could greatly improve our understanding of nutrient uptake kinetics.
Viewing neurovascular coupling through the lens of combined EEG–fNIRS: A systematic review of current methods
Authors: Yeung Michael K. , Chu Vivian W.
Published: March 2022

Neurovascular coupling is a key physiological mechanism that occurs in the healthy human brain, and understanding this process has implications for understanding the aging and neuropsychiatric populations. Combined electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a promising, noninvasive tool for probing neurovascular interactions in humans. However, the utility of this approach critically depends on the methodological quality used for multimodal integration. Despite a growing number of combined EEG–fNIRS applications reported in recent years, the methodological rigor of past studies remains unclear, limiting the accurate interpretation of reported findings and hindering the translational application of this multimodal approach. To fill this knowledge gap, we critically evaluated various methodological aspects of previous combined EEG–fNIRS studies performed in healthy individuals. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO on June 28, 2021. Studies involving concurrent EEG and fNIRS measurements in awake and healthy individuals were selected. After screening and eligibility assessment, 96 studies were included in the methodological evaluation. Specifically, we critically reviewed various aspects of participant sampling, experimental design, signal acquisition, data preprocessing, outcome selection, data analysis, and results presentation reported in these studies. Altogether, we identified several notable strengths and limitations of the existing EEG–fNIRS literature. In light of these limitations and the features of combined EEG–fNIRS, recommendations are made to improve and standardize research practices to facilitate the use of combined EEG–fNIRS when studying healthy neurovascular coupling processes and alterations in neurovascular coupling among various populations.
Oral hygiene status, malocclusion and dental trauma among institutionalized visually impaired and sighted adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ligali Taofeek Olalekan , Nzomiwu Chioma Love , Orenuga Omolola Olubunmi
Published: March 2022

Aim

To compare prevalence of oral hygiene status, dental trauma and malocclusion among institutionalized visually impaired (VI) and non‐visually impaired (NVI) adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods and results

A cross sectional study conducted among institutionalized VI and NVI adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria. One hundred and thirty‐two randomly selected VI adolescents aged between 9 and 23 years and 138 NVI participants aged between 9 and 17 years were recruited using a multi‐stage random sampling technique. Oral examination assessed oral hygiene status, dental trauma and malocclusion. Data entry and analysis was by SPSS version 20. Associations were analyzed using chi‐square test. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Male to female ratio among the VI and NVI participants, were 1.5:1 and 1:3, mean ages were 15.03 ± 3.36 and 12.96 years ± 1.89 SD, prevalence of dental injury were 16.67% and 7.2% and malocclusion were 15.2% and 11.6% respectively. More of the NVI participants had good oral hygiene status (29.0%).

Conclusion

Uncomplicated dental injury was more prevalent among the VI male participants than their NVI counterparts while malocclusion was significantly less among the NVI participants. There is an urgent need for the development of policy and protocol on oral health of persons with special needs.
Stress appraisal as a mediator between the sense of coherence and the frequency of stress coping strategies in women and men duringCOVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Lelek‐Kratiuk Marzena , Szczygieł Monika
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 lockdown experience is a unique and unexpected stressful life situation. In our research project, we explored gender differences in the mean level of stress appraisal (SAQ), the frequency of stress coping strategies (COPE), and the sense of coherence (SOC), as well as gender differences in the strength of the relationships between SAQ, COPE, and SOC during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Finally, we tested if stressor appraisal (as a threat, harm/loss, or challenge) mediates the relationship between SOC and COPE in women and men respectively. Data were collected during the first wave of the COVID‐19 lockdown in Poland in 2020. An online survey was conducted among 326 adults aged between 18 and 72. We observed gender differences in the level of SAQ, COPE, and SOC and gender differences in the significance and strength of the correlations between these variables. SOC had a twofold effect on COPE in men: direct and indirect through SOC‐threat and SOC‐harm/loss. In women, SOC did not directly predict COPE frequency but affected COPE in an indirect way through SAQ. SAQ is an important factor that modifies the strength of the SOC effect on COPE in women and men during the lockdown.