bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended‐release naltrexone/bupropion and liver health: Pooled, post hoc analysis from four randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bajaj Harpreet S. , Burrows Melonie , Blavignac Jessica , Paron Emilia , Camacho Fernando , Gould Errol , Barakat Maxime
Published: December 2020

Sustained weight loss improves liver histology in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. This post hoc analysis of four phase III, 56‐week, randomized controlled trials investigated if extended‐release naltrexone and bupropion (NB) affects alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index in adults with overweight or obesity. Two thousand and seventy‐three subjects (NB = 1310; placebo = 763; 79.0% female; 81.6% Caucasian) had baseline mean weight 101 kg, body mass index 36.2 kg/m2, ALT 26.9 IU/L and FIB‐4 0.79. At 56 weeks, NB‐treated subjects experienced more weight loss than placebo (8.7 vs. 3.2 kg, respectively, P < .0001). Weight loss, independent of treatment, was associated with improved ALT and FIB‐4 (P < .0001). There was a significant independent effect of NB on change from baseline for FIB‐4 (P < .0001), but not for ALT (P = .54). Categorical ALT response (from above to within normal ranges: 10‐40 IU/L for men; 7‐35 IU/L for women) and achievement of 25% and 50% reduction in ALT were greater for NB versus placebo, and independently affected by weight loss (P < .0001), but not treatment. NB‐associated weight loss may improve liver health by normalizing ALT values for those with high baseline levels.
Assessing right ventricular systolic function using ultrasonic speckle‐tracking imaging in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot with different pulmonary artery branch angles
Authors: Zhang Shuai , He Xinjian , Liu Lei , Fan Yanhui , Chen Jiaoyang , Yang Lu , Cui Yun , Fan Di
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study assessed whether ultrasonic speckle‐tracking imaging (STI) could help evaluate right ventricular systolic function in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with different pulmonary artery branch angles.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 64 patients who underwent surgery for TOF and 60 normal children. The angle between the left pulmonary artery and main pulmonary artery was measured using echocardiography and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Furthermore, STI was used to record the global longitudinal strain of the four‐chamber view (GLS4), the global longitudinal strain of the two‐chamber view (GLS2), and the global longitudinal strain of the right ventricle (RVGLS).

Results

The GLS4, GLS2, and RVGLS values in the TOF groups with different pulmonary artery branch angles were significantly lower than those in the control group. Furthermore, the GLS2 and RVGLS values were significantly lower for angles of 90‐100° and <90° (vs >100°). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that pulmonary regurgitation and the angle between the left and main pulmonary arteries were two important factors affecting RVGLS. The Bland‐Altman consistency test revealed good agreement regarding the pulmonary artery branch angles measured using echocardiography and CTA.

Conclusion

In patients with TOF, the RVGLS was lower for acute left pulmonary artery angulation than for round and blunt left pulmonary artery angulation. The angle of the pulmonary artery branches was an important factor affecting RVGLS. Echocardiography can be used to measure the angle of the pulmonary artery branches, which provides valuable information for surgical correction of pulmonary artery morphology.
Development of the Z‐score for the measurement of myocardial thickness by two‐dimensional echocardiography in normal fetuses
Authors: Rocha Luciane Alves , Zielinsky Paulo , Nicoloso Luiz Henrique Soares , Araujo Junior Edward
Published: December 2020

Background

In the current literature, there is a tendency to describe normal values of echocardiographic measurements by means of the Z‐score. In fetal cardiology, these Z‐score equations are still being established. Measurement of myocardial thickness is an important assessment, especially in fetuses of diabetic mothers, because of the risk of developing myocardial hypertrophy secondary to elevated maternal blood glucose levels.

Objective

To determine the percentiles and to develop the Z‐score equations of right and left ventricular lateral walls and interventricular septum measurements using two‐dimensional echocardiography in normal fetuses between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This is a prospective cross‐sectional study that was performed in single fetuses with normal heart from nondiabetic pregnant women. Measurements of the lateral walls of the right and left ventricles and the interventricular septum were made.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy three pregnant women were included. We determined the percentiles of the measurements for each gestational age. The Z‐score equation was developed for each of the measurements: right ventricular lateral wall measurement [RVLW = x−(−1 + 0.109 * GA)/0.4], left ventricle lateral wall measurement [LVLW = x−(−1.366 + 0.12 * GA)/0.43], and interventricular septum, both at the four‐chamber view [IVS4ch = (x−(−1.113 + 0.107 * GA)/0.4] and at the left ventricular outflow tract plane [IVSLVOT = (x−(−0.581 + 0.084 * GA)/0.35].

Conclusion

The present study allowed the demonstration of the percentiles and the Z‐score equations for each of the measurements studied.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: A proof‐of‐concept neuroprotection study for prodromal synucleinopathies
Authors: Arnaldi Dario , Famà Francesco , Girtler Nicola , Brugnolo Andrea , Pardini Matteo , Mattioli Pietro , Meli Riccardo , Massa Federico , Orso Beatrice , Sormani Maria Pia , Donegani Maria Isabella , Bauckneht Matteo , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

To explore the feasibility of a neuroprotection trial in prodromal synucleinopathy, using idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) as the target population and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT as a biomarker of disease progression.

Methods

Consecutive iRBD patients were randomly assigned to a treatment arm receiving selegiline and symptomatic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder treatment, or to a control arm receiving symptomatic treatment only. Selegiline was chosen because of a demonstrated neuroprotection effect in animal models. Patients underwent 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT at baseline and after 30 months on average. The clinical outcome was the emergence of parkinsonism and/or dementia. A repeated‐measures general linear model (GLM) was applied using group (control and treatment) as ”between” factor, and both time (baseline and follow‐up) and regions (123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT putamen and caudate uptake) as the ”within” factors, adjusting for age.

Results

Thirty iRBD patients completed the study (68.2 ± 6.9 years; 29 males; 21% dropout rate), 13 in the treatment arm, and 17 in the control arm. At follow‐up (29.8 ± 9.0 months), three patients in the control arm developed dementia and one parkinsonism, whereas two patients in the treatment arm developed parkinsonism. Both putamen and caudate uptake decreased over time in the control arm. In the treatment arm, only the putamen uptake decreased over time, whereas caudate uptake remained stable. GLM analysis demonstrated an effect of treatment on the 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT uptake change, with a significant interaction between the effect of group, time, and regions (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

A 30‐months neuroprotection study for prodromal synucleinopathy is feasible, using iRBD as the target population and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT as a biomarker of disease progression.
Ecotrons: Powerful and versatile ecosystem analysers for ecology, agronomy and environmental science
Authors: Roy Jacques , Rineau François , De Boeck Hans J. , Nijs Ivan , Pütz Thomas , Abiven Samuel , Arnone John A. , Barton Craig V. M. , Beenaerts Natalie , Brüggemann Nicolas , Dainese Matteo , Domisch Timo , Eisenhauer Nico , Garré Sarah , Gebler Alban , Ghirardo Andrea , Jasoni Richard L. , Kowalchuk George , Landais Damien , Larsen Stuart H. , Leemans Vincent , Le Galliard Jean‐François , Longdoz Bernard , Massol Florent , Mikkelsen Teis N. , Niedrist Georg , Piel Clément , Ravel Olivier , Sauze Joana , Schmidt Anja , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Teixeira Leonardo H. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Winkler Barbro , Milcu Alexandru
Published: December 2020

Ecosystems integrity and services are threatened by anthropogenic global changes. Mitigating and adapting to these changes require knowledge of ecosystem functioning in the expected novel environments, informed in large part through experimentation and modelling. This paper describes 13 advanced controlled environment facilities for experimental ecosystem studies, herein termed ecotrons, open to the international community. Ecotrons enable simulation of a wide range of natural environmental conditions in replicated and independent experimental units while measuring various ecosystem processes. This capacity to realistically control ecosystem environments is used to emulate a variety of climatic scenarios and soil conditions, in natural sunlight or through broad‐spectrum lighting. The use of large ecosystem samples, intact or reconstructed, minimizes border effects and increases biological and physical complexity. Measurements of concentrations of greenhouse trace gases as well as their net exchange between the ecosystem and the atmosphere are performed in most ecotrons, often quasi continuously. The flow of matter is often tracked with the use of stable isotope tracers of carbon and other elements. Equipment is available for measurements of soil water status as well as root and canopy growth. The experiments ran so far emphasize the diversity of the hosted research. Half of them concern global changes, often with a manipulation of more than one driver. About a quarter deal with the impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning and one quarter with ecosystem or plant physiology. We discuss how the methodology for environmental simulation and process measurements, especially in soil, can be improved and stress the need to establish stronger links with modelling in future projects. These developments will enable further improvements in mechanistic understanding and predictive capacity of ecotron research which will play, in complementarity with field experimentation and monitoring, a crucial role in exploring the ecosystem consequences of environmental changes.
Responses of soil surface greenhouse gas emissions to nitrogen and sulfur fertilizer rates toBrassica carinatagrown as a bio‐jet fuel
Authors: Bhattarai Dwarika , Abagandura Gandura O. , Nleya Thandiwe , Kumar Sandeep
Published: December 2020

Carinata (Brassica carinataA. Braun), a non‐food oilseed crop and an alternative bio‐jet fuel feedstock, has received attention for its potential as a low‐input option for production in the semi‐arid region of the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Research addressing the impacts of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers on soils and greenhouse gas (GHG; CO2, N2O, and CH4) emissions from carinata production are limited. Thus, objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different rates of N and S fertilizers applied to carinata on soil properties and GHG emissions. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to assess the response of carinata to four N (56, 84, 112, and 140 kg N ha−1) and three S (0, 22, and 45 kg S ha−1) rates. Soil samples were collected at crop harvest to measure soil properties; however, soil surface GHG fluxes were measured during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons using static chamber method. Data showed that application of N fertilizer increased soil EC, soil organic carbon (SOC), stable C, and labile N. However, sulfur fertilizer decreased SOC, labile N, and soil inorganic N contents. Results from GHG fluxes showed that higher rates of N fertilizer application increased the soil CO2and N2O emissions, whereas the S fertilizer did not impact these fluxes. This study concludes that S and N fertilizers application to carinata crop affected soil properties, and higher rates of N fertilizer increased the GHG emissions. Therefore, N fertilizer application rate needs to be optimized to mitigate GHG emission for carinata production.
A micro‐level data analysis of household energy demand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: An application of linear approximate almost ideal demand system
Authors: Sajjad  , Ur Rahman Zia
Published: December 2020

This study examines energy choice, consumption pattern and household energy expenditure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) using the Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA‐AIDS). The study used micro‐level data to estimate the price and expenditure elasticities by employing (SUR) methodology. Empirical findings showed that energy choice, consumption patterns, and demand are different for urban‐rural households in the province. Each household living in KPK spent 1838.81 Rupees (9.92%) on energy purchases out of its total average monthly expenditure of Rs. 18,542.79. Compared to urban households, households living in rural areas spend more on energy consumption in a proportionate manner. The expenditure elasticities estimated for all energy sources are positive and statistically significant. Furthermore, the result showed that expenditure elasticities estimated for urban and rural households are less than one, suggesting that all the sources of energy are necessities. Natural gas and electricity are the main energy sources for urban households, while firewood and electricity are key energy sources for rural households in the province. The study suggested that rural households need to switch from conventional energy sources to modern and renewable energy sources, which would reduce the cost of energy use.
Physical modifications of wheat gluten protein: An extensive review
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Pourmohammadi Kiana
Published: December 2020

Gluten protein, as plant resource, is susceptible to physical, genetic, chemical, and enzymatic treatments. In this study, we reviewed physical modifications such as heating‐ freezing, irradiation, high pressure, ultrasonication, shear, and extrusion of gluten. The mode of action of each modification process was investigated. Conformational changes (secondary and tertiary structure) of gluten protein upon physical modification process were described. Functional, morphological, textural, and rheological properties of gluten and their subunits through physical modification were studied. Among physical modifications, the gluten structure was affected by extrusion (heating‐shearing) process. The combination of additives (oxidative and reducing compounds) and alkaline pH upon the extrusion process result in concomitantly dissociation or/and aggregation of gluten via various interactions mainly covalent (disulphide, isopeptides bonds, and dityrosine), noncovalent (hydrogen, ionic, and hydrophobic bonds) interactions and other bonds, such as, dehydroalanine (DHA), lanthioalanine (LAN), and lysinoalanine (LAL).

Practical applications

Attaining an environment friendly and resource protecting provide global value chain and keep on economic development, which has properly been the major target of the most countries. The physical modifications of protein structure are more widely employed since it is safer and without impurities, which have strong effects on different component functionalities. Today, there is a highly increased demand for applying modification‐using technologies; such as ultrasound, extrusion cooking, high hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, which do not rely on chemical treatment for altering ingredient functional and reological properties. We underscored the importance of filling the gaps of knowledge concerning various kinds of physical modification research to alter the disulphide and other interactions, which modified gluten will be suitable in different food and nonfood applications. The additional point is that a better understanding of the correlation between structure and functionality of gluten proteins when they undergo physical modification in combination with additives, such as dough improvers, gums, and surfactant.
Two novel protocols for cleaning residual simethicone and fluid in patient‐ready duodenoscopes
Authors: Peng Chen‐Ling , Liu Tao‐Chieh , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Chang Wei‐Kuo
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Approximately 42–95% of working channels have been reported to show the presence of residual fluid despite endoscope reprocessing. The aim of this study was to design two novel protocols for cleaning residual simethicone and demonstrate its efficiency by evaluating the residual fluid and cleanliness in the working channels of patient‐ready duodenoscopes.

Methods

The designed protocol for cleaning residual simethicone was implemented in manual cleaning and/or high‐level disinfection (HLD). The residual fluid inside the working channels was estimated by visual inspection. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) values were evaluated to determine cleanliness after manual cleaning.

Results

Manual cleaning with novel simethicone cleaning protocol demonstrated a significant decrease in fluid droplets (14.6 ± 29.9 vs 0 ± 0, P < 0.001) and ATP values (157 ± 196 relative light units [RLUs] vs 52 ± 41 RLUs, P = 0.031). HLD with simethicone cleaning protocol, using either enzymatic detergent with effective for cleaning simethicone or cleaning time set in the automatic endoscope reprocessor program for 8 min, demonstrated significant decrease in the number of fluid droplets. Follow‐up after the implementation of the simethicone cleaning protocol showed a significant decrease in fluid droplets (37.4 ± 41.0 vs 2.1 ± 5.5, P = 0.003) and ATP values (271 ± 268 RLUs vs 82 ± 136 RLUs, P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Simethicone cleaning protocol is advantageous for significantly decreasing fluid droplets and ATP values within endoscope working channels. After manual cleaning with the simethicone cleaning protocol, in particular, no retained fluid droplet was observed in patient‐ready duodenoscopes.
Romantic relationship experiences and emotion regulation strategies of regular mindfulness meditation practitioners: A qualitative study
Authors: Erkan Itır , Kafesçioğlu Nilüfer , Cavdar Alev , Zeytinoğlu‐Saydam Senem
Published: December 2020

Using attachment theory as the framework, this qualitative study focused on the romantic relationship experiences of regular mindfulness meditators and their meditation‐naïve or nonregularly meditating partners (NMPs). The sample consisted of eight heterosexual and two same‐sex couples. Thematic analysis (TA) yielded seven themes on three levels. Three intrapersonal themes were (a) meta‐awareness of one's emotional strategies; (b) shift in emotion regulation strategies; and (c) shift in relationship with oneself. The relationship‐level themes of meditators emerged as (d) experiential shift in stressful situations; (e) transformation of the emotional bond; and (f) transformation of the romantic relationship; the nonmeditating partners confirmed the relational and individual shifts due to their partner's practice. Integrating attachment theory with meditation practice can thus be a valuable approach for couple and family therapy. A regular meditation practice of even just one of the partners may be beneficial for the couple relationship.
Lighting up pre‐synaptic potentiation
Authors: Kees Ashley L. , Marneffe Catherine , Mulle Christophe
Published: December 2020

This is an Editorial Highlight of a manuscript by Oldani et al. (2020) (Oldani et al. 2020) in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors describe synaptoPAC, a new optogenetic tool. SynaptoPAC is targeted to pre‐synaptic compartments and can be used for light‐induced increase of the levels of cAMP. Pre‐synaptic plasticity, defined as activity‐dependent modulation of neurotransmitter release, occurs over a variety of time scales. At a subset of synapses in the brain, long‐term forms of pre‐synaptic facilitation depend on an increase in the levels of cAMP. Light‐induced modulation of cAMP at synapses expressing cAMP‐dependent facilitation, has the great potential to mimic pre‐synaptic plasticity at genetically targeted synapses. Therefore, synaptoPAC constitutes a powerful tool to study the role of pre‐synaptic potentiation in the activity of selected neuronal circuits in relation to behaving animals with a high temporal and spatial precision.

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Exposure to electronic screen before nocturnal sleep increases the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A case–control study
Authors: Liu Yun , Chen Wenjun , Yang Yixin , Chen Yu , Tang Shaidi
Published: December 2020

Aim

Previous studies indicated that excessive screen time was associated with hypertension in children and adolescents. In our hospital, pregnant women tended to spend a lot of time on electronic devices like smartphones. We aimed to explore the relationship between the screen time and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Methods

A case–control study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020. A total of 160 women with HDP and 197 healthy controls who gave birth to children in the same hospital were recruited and information was recorded by questionnaires. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the effect of screen time on HDP.

Results

The results showed that, exposure to electronic screen before nocturnal sleep in cases was significantly longer than that in controls (P = 0.011, odds ratio = 1.50). Smartphones (and/or tablet computers) used only for entertainment also significantly increased the susceptibility to HDP (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.84). Other related factors were following: work experience during pregnancy (P = 0.034, odds ratio = 0.53), history of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.013, odds ratio = 2.55), history of family hypertension (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.81), body mass index of pre‐pregnancy (>25 kg/m2) (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 6.16).

Conclusion

In conclusion, long exposure to electronic screen before nocturnal sleep and the smartphones usage for only entertainment may be associated with the susceptibility to HDP.
An improved algorithm using a Health Canada‐approved DNA‐image cytometry system for non‐invasive screening of high‐grade oral lesions
Authors: Parfenova Ekaterina , Liu Kelly Y. P. , Harrison Alan , MacAulay Calum , Guillaud Martial , Poh Catherine F.
Published: December 2020

Background

DNA‐image cytometry (DNA‐ICM) is able to detect gross alterations of cellular DNA‐content representing aneuploidy, a biomarker of malignancy. A Health Canada‐approved DNA‐ICM system, ClearCyte® in combination with a cytopathologist's review, has demonstrated high sensitivity (89%) and specificity (97%) in identifying high‐grade oral lesions. The study objective was to create an improved automated algorithm (iClearcyte) and test its robustness in differentiating high grade from benign reactive oral lesions without a cytopathologist's input.

Methods

A set of 214 oral brushing samples of oral cancer (n = 92), severe dysplasia (n = 20), reactive lesions (n = 52), and normal samples (n = 50) were spun down onto slides and stained using Feulgen‐Thionin reaction. Following ClearCyte® scan, nuclear features were calculated, and nuclei categorized into “diploid,” “hyperdiploid,” “tetraploid,” and “aneuploid” DNA ploidy groups by the ClearCyte® software. The samples were randomized into training and test sets (70:30) based on patient's age, sex, tobacco use, and lesion site risk. The training set was used to create a new algorithm which was then validated using the remaining samples in the test set, where sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results

The proposed iClearCyte algorithm (>1 “aneuploid” cell or ≥ 1.7% combined “hyperdiploid” and “tetraploid” nuclei frequency) identified high‐grade samples with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100.0%, 86.7%, 89.7%, and 100.0%, respectively, in the test set.

Conclusion

The iClearCyte test has potential to serve as a robust non‐invasive automated oral cancer screening tool promoting early oral cancer detection and decreasing the number of unnecessary invasive biopsies.
Complications associated with bone marrow sampling in dogs and cats
Authors: Woods G. A. , Simpson M. , Boag A. , Paris J. , Piccinelli C. , Breheny C.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of complications during bone marrow sampling and associated patient and procedural factors in dogs and cats.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study, records were evaluated to identify dogs and cats that had bone marrow sampling between 2012 and 2019. Data including signalment, the presence of specific clinicopathological findings, anatomical site of bone marrow sampling, number of attempts, diagnostic quality of sampling, analgesia protocol and complications postprocedure were recorded.

Results

A total of 131 dogs and 29 cats were included in the study. Complications were recorded in 22 of 160 (14%) of cases. Pain was the most common complication of bone marrow sampling in 20 of 22 (91%) of cases with bruising reported in the remaining patients. A local anaesthetic block was used in 98 of 160 (61%) of patients.

Clinical Significance

Excluding pain, complications associated with bone marrow sampling were rare and no clear association were detected between patient or procedural variables. Haemorrhage and infection are rare complications in dogs and cats when thrombocytopenia and neutropenia are present. Peri‐procedure analgesia is strongly recommended to minimise complications.
Clinical and biochemical factors associated with survival in equids attacked by dogs: 28 cases (2008‐2016)
Authors: Fielding C. Langdon , Mayer Jennifer R. , Dechant Julie E. , Epstein Kira L. , Magdesian K. Gary
Published: December 2020

Background

Trauma from dog attacks has been associated with mortality rates as high as 23% in some species. However, the prognosis and clinical features of this type of injury have not been described in equids.

Hypotheses/Objectives

To describe survival rate, signalment, clinical features, and biochemical results in equids presented for emergency care after presumed dog attacks. We hypothesized there would be differences between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Animals

A total of 28 equids presented for presumed dog attacks from 3 referral centers.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed using data from 3 hospitals between 2008 and 2016. Survival was defined as survival at 14 days postdischarge. Variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors using a t test, Mann‐Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate.

Results

Overall mortality rate was 21%. Ponies and miniature horses represented 16/28 (57%) of the animals in the study. Full‐sized equids had a lower risk of nonsurvival as compared to smaller patients (odds ratio = 0.02; 95% confidence intervals = 0.00‐0.27; P < .005). Animals with lower body temperatures had increased risk for nonsurvival (P = .0004). Increased admission blood lactate concentrations (P = .003) and decreased serum total protein concentrations (P = .006) were associated with nonsurvival.

Conclusions

The mortality rate in equids attacked by dogs was similar to what is reported for other veterinary species. Smaller equids and those with increased admission blood lactate concentration, lower body temperature, and lower total serum protein concentrations were less likely to survive.
How are signed languages learned as second languages?
Authors: Marshall Chloe , Bel Aurora , Gulamani Sannah , Morgan Gary
Published: December 2020

This review addresses the question: How are signed languages learned by adult hearing learners? While there has been much research on second language learners of spoken languages, there has been far less work in signed languages. Comparing sign and spoken second language acquisition allows us to investigate whether learning patterns are general (across the visual and oral modalities) or specific (in only one of the modalities), and hence furthers our understanding of second‐language acquisition (SLA). The paper integrates current sign language learning research into the wider field of SLA by focussing on two areas: (1) Does ‘transfer’ occur between the spoken first language and signed second language and (2) What kind of learning patterns are the same across language modalities versus unique to each modality?
Multimorbidity, Polyiatrogenesis, and COVID‐19
Authors: Ecks Stefan
Published: December 2020

To date, the strongest predictor for dying with COVID‐19 is suffering from several chronic disorders prior to the viral infection. Pre‐existing multimorbidity is highly correlated with socioeconomic inequality. In turn, having several chronic conditions is closely linked to multiple medication intake, especially in richer countries with good access to biomedical care. Owing to its vertical structure, biomedicine often risks giving multiple treatments in an uncoordinated way. Such lack of integrated care can create complex forms of iatrogenic harm. Multimorbidity is often exacerbated by a pharmaceuticalization of social deprivation in place of integrated care. In this article, I explore the possibility that clusters of over‐medication are a contributing factor to higher death rates from COVID‐19, especially in poorer areas within richer countries. Anthropological perspectives on the social embeddedness of multimorbidity and multiple medication use can expand our understanding of who is most vulnerable to SARS‐CoV‐2.
Body surface mapping of the stomach: New directions for clinically evaluating gastric electrical activity
Authors: Carson Daniel A. , O’Grady Greg , Du Peng , Gharibans Armen A. , Andrews Christopher N.
Published: December 2020

Background

Gastric motility disorders, which include both functional and organic etiologies, are highly prevalent. However, there remains a critical lack of objective biomarkers to guide efficient diagnostics and personalized therapies. Bioelectrical activity plays a fundamental role in coordinating gastric function and has been investigated as a contributing mechanism to gastric dysmotility and sensory dysfunction for a century. However, conventional electrogastrography (EGG) has not achieved common clinical adoption due to its perceived limited diagnostic capability and inability to impact clinical care. The last decade has seen the emergence of novel high‐resolution methods for invasively mapping human gastric electrical activity in health and disease, providing important new insights into gastric physiology. The limitations of EGG have also now become clearer, including the finding that slow‐wave frequency alone is not a reliable discriminator of gastric dysrhythmia, shifting focus instead toward altered spatial patterns. Recently, advances in bioinstrumentation, signal processing, and computational modeling have aligned to allow non‐invasive body surface mapping of the stomach to detect spatiotemporal gastric dysrhythmias. The clinical relevance of this emerging strategy to improve diagnostics now awaits determination.

Purpose

This review evaluates these recent advances in clinical gastric electrophysiology, together with promising emerging data suggesting that novel gastric electrical signatures recorded at the body surface (termed “body surface mapping”) may correlate with symptoms. Further technological progress and validation data are now awaited to determine whether these advances will deliver on the promise of clinical gastric electrophysiology diagnostics.
Understanding tolerance to cell wall–active antibiotics
Authors: Dörr Tobias
Published: December 2020

Antibiotic tolerance—the ability of bacteria to survive for an extended time in the presence of bactericidal antibiotics—is an understudied contributor to antibiotic treatment failure. Herein, I review the manifestations, mechanisms, and clinical relevance of tolerance to cell wall–active (CWA) antibiotics, one of the most important groups of antibiotics at the forefront of clinical use. I discuss definitions of tolerance and assays for tolerance detection, comprehensively discuss the mechanism of action of β‐lactams and other CWA antibiotics, and then provide an overview of how cells mitigate the potentially lethal effects of CWA antibiotic–induced cell damage to become tolerant. Lastly, I discuss evidence for a role of CWA antibiotic tolerance in clinical antibiotic treatment failure.
Antinociceptive effect of vapocoolant medium stream spray on hotplate latency in rat pups
Authors: Sethna Navil F. , Fish Brenden , Yahalom Barak , Schmidt Birgitta , Zurakowski David
Published: December 2020

Background

Heel sticks account for most blood tests performed in neonates without analgesia because topical local anesthetics are ineffective on heel glabrous skin. We investigated the antinociceptive effect of an alternative topical analgesic, a vapocoolant spray, on hind paw glabrous skin of rat pups. The spray was applied by two methods: method 1 for 4 s at a distance of 8 cm and method 2 for 10 s at a distance of 18 cm.

Methods

The rat pups were randomized to either method 1 (n = 32) or method 2 (n = 31). Vapocoolant spray was applied to one hind paw randomly, and saline spray was applied to the contralateral paw. The paws were exposed to a hotplate test to measure withdrawal latency time before and 30 s after the spray applications. Additionally, rat pups were tested for tissue toxicity in method 1 (n = 20) and method 2 (n = 20) after application of the vapocoolant spray before heel sticks three times a day for two consecutive days. Analyses of spray and method effects on hotplate withdrawal latency time were determined by nonparametric Wilcoxon tests to assess paired difference between vapocoolant spray and saline spray and to compare difference in medians between the two methods.

Results

Method 1 and method 2 vapocoolant spray applications significantly prolonged the withdrawal latency time compared with saline, a median difference of 0.6 s (IQR 0.1–1.2) for method 1 and 9.5 s (IQR 5.5–10.7) for method 2 (a 15‐fold longer latency time with method 2). Method‐2 produced significantly longer withdrawal latency time than method 1 with a difference in median time of 8.9 s (CI: 95% 7.3–10.4 s, P < .0001). No histopathological changes were detected.

Conclusions

Compared with method‐ 1, the vapocoolant spray in method 2 produced significantly longer withdrawal latency time that is clinically applicable to collecting blood samples after a heel stick.
Social networking in crop plants: Wired and wireless cross‐plant communications
Authors: Sharifi Rouhallah , Ryu Choong‐Min
Published: December 2020

The plant‐associated microbial community (microbiome) has an important role in plant–plant communications. Plants decipher their complex habitat situations by sensing the environmental stimuli and molecular patterns and associated with microbes, herbivores and dangers. Perception of these cues generates inter/intracellular signals that induce modifications of plant metabolism and physiology. Signals can also be transferred between plants via different mechanisms, which we classify as wired‐ and wireless communications. Wired communications involve direct signal transfers between plants mediated by mycorrhizal hyphae and parasitic plant stems. Wireless communications involve plant volatile emissions and root exudates elicited by microbes/insects, which enable inter‐plant signalling without physical contact. These producer‐plant signals induce microbiome adaptation in receiver plants via facilitative or competitive mechanisms. Receiver plants eavesdrop to anticipate responses to improve fitness against stresses. An emerging body of information in plant–plant communication can be leveraged to improve integrated crop management under field conditions.
Scaling the Security Staircase
Authors: Carr Stuart C. , Hopner Veronica , Hakim Moh. Abdul , Hodgetts Darrin J. , Chamberlain Kerry , Nelson Nicholas , Ball Rhys , Jones Harvey
Published: December 2020

Building on the U.N. human security taxonomy of 1994, this article aims to explore the constructability of a reliable, valid, parsimonious, useful measure of human security that is relevant to contemporary environments and situations? A seminal 1994 U.N. report, Human Security in Theory and Practice, outlined seven types of human security (personal, health, food, community, economic, environmental, political). A quarter‐century on, we added two more, cyber and national security, and tested if a single measure could capture all nine security concerns. A national sample of N = 1033 New Zealanders completed a brief online measure in which participants reported yes or no to experiencing each type of security and basic demographics. Guttman scaling placed these needs in an ascending order of difficulty. Analogous to a staircase, security may be scaled from personal up to political security (coefficient of reproducibility = .88), with three distinct but interrelated flights: (1) proximal (personal, health, food security); (2) social (cyber, community, economic, environmental); and (3) distal (national, political). We confirmed this nine‐step, three‐flight measure in our sample (Χ2 = 81.72; df = 24; RMSEA = .048, 90%CI [.037, .06]; CFI = .976; TLI = .964; SRMR = .028). The measure showed configural, metric, scalar, and factorial invariances (across random‐split subgroups). Ethnic groups and the precariously employed scored significantly differently, in coherent ways, on the security staircase scale.
Frugal innovation in a crisis: the digital fabrication maker response to COVID‐19
Authors: Corsini Lucia , Dammicco Valeria , Moultrie James
Published: December 2020

The rapid spread of COVID‐19 has led to a global shortfall in essential items, turning many countries into resource‐constrained environments. In response, an unprecedented number of do‐it‐yourself hobbyists (i.e. makers) have started to use digital fabrication tools to produce critical items. These bottom‐up communities are mobilising as part of a global movement to produce innovative solutions to much‐needed items, such as face masks, face shields and ventilators. As these individuals tackle widespread resource constraints, the conceptual lens of frugal innovation becomes highly relevant to study how these solutions developed. Frugal innovation is a type of resource‐constrained innovation that refers to the practice of doing more with less, for more people. In this study, we present two instrumental case studies of maker projects that use digital fabrication to tackle COVID‐19. The first case study is from Italy (a High Income Country) and the second is from India (a Lower Middle Income Country). We analyse the frugality of these cases and highlight their similar approaches. In doing so, we suggest that current theories of frugal innovation can be expanded to new geographical and technological contexts. We put forward that frugal innovation is an important strategy in crisis response beyond emerging markets and that digital fabrication can be considered as an important frugal innovation enabler, both in its ability to produce frugal solutions and to support distributed networks of innovation actors. This study advances knowledge on how frugal innovation unfolds in the Maker movement. It is among one of the first studies to connect the domains of makers and frugal innovation, and the paper concludes by identifying several promising areas for further research.
Physical fitness attenuates the genetic predisposition to obesity in children and adolescents
Authors: Todendi Pâmela Ferreira , Brand Caroline , Silveira João Francisco de Castro , Gaya Anelise Reis , Agostinis‐Sobrinho Cesar , Fiegenbaum Marilu , Burns Ryan Donald , Valim Andréia Rosane de Moura , Reuter Cézane Priscila
Published: December 2020

Obesity is an important risk factor associated with non‐communicable cardiometabolic diseases. Previous studies have indicated that children and adolescents with a predisposed genetic risk for obesity could benefit from an active lifestyle, but there are no studies investigating whether physical fitness moderates the association of genetics and obesity. The aim of this study was to verify the moderating role of physical fitness in the relationship between genetic risk score (GRS) and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 1471 children and adolescents, aged between 6 and 17 years from Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. Weight and height were assessed to determine BMI. Physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF], lower limb strength [LLS], upper limb strength, and abdominal strength) were evaluated. The GRS was based on previously associated obesity single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs9939609 (FTO), rs6548238 (TMEM18), and rs16835198 (FNDC5). Moderation analyses were tested using linear regression models, and the interactions were represented by physical fitness components X GRS (categorical variable). All analyses were adjusted for skin color/ethnicity, sex, and sexual maturation. Significant interactions for CRF (P = 0.041), LLS (P = 0.041), and abdominal strength (P = 0.046) X 5 and 6 risk alleles with BMI were found only in adolescents. In addition, there was evidence that fitness components attenuated the high genetic predisposition to high BMI. Physical fitness components are moderators in the relationship between GRS and BMI in adolescents. These findings highlight the need for interventions targeting to improve this aspect, which is an important health indicator in all ages.
Cryptic variation in mole voles Ellobius (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) of Mongolia
Authors: Lebedev Vladimir , Bogdanov Alexey , Brandler Oleg , Melnikova Marina , Enkhbat Undrakhbayar , Tukhbatullin Andrey , Abramov Alexei , Surov Alexey , Bakloushinskaya Irina , Bannikova Anna
Published: December 2020

The mole vole subgenus Ellobius is currently considered to include three species: Ellobius talpinus (distributed from SE Europe and Turkmenistan through Kazakhstan to SW Siberia), Ellobius alaicus (S Tianshan, Pamir‐Alay) and Ellobius tancrei (East and West Central Asia, from the Amu‐Darya to Mongolia and N China). A study focusing on the genetic variation in Ellobius from Mongolia was conducted using one mitochondrial and three nuclear markers. Two divergent allopatric lineages endemic to East Central Asia were revealed. The first lineage occurs from Dzungaria eastwards to central Mongolia and represents E. tancrei sensu stricto. The second lineage is found in East Gobi only and corresponds to a taxon described as Ellobius orientalis, which has been traditionally treated as a subspecies of E. tancrei. However, molecular and chromosome data indicate that orientalis is related not to E. tancrei but to E. talpinus, which is separated from the former by a distribution gap of ~2,000 km. The taxonomic status of the East Gobi mole vole is ambiguous, and its genetic distance from E. talpinus s. str. falls into the range characteristic for closely related vole species or semi‐species. According to molecular estimates, the two taxa have been isolated since the late Middle Pleistocene. A similar divergence is observed between the East and West Central Asian lineages of E. tancrei. E. alaicus is placed as sister to the latter rendering E. tancrei sensu lato paraphyletic. The revealed phylogeographic pattern implies that East Central Asia was colonized by mole voles through multiple eastward dispersal events.
Relationships Between Internal Training Load in a Taper With Elite Weightlifting Performance Calculated Using Different Moving Average Methods
Authors: Coyne Joseph O.C. , Newton Robert U. , Haff G. Gregory
Published: December 2020

Purpose: A simple and 2 different exponentially weighted moving average methods were used to investigate the relationships between internal training load and elite weightlifting performance. Methods: Training impulse data (sessional ratings of perceived exertion × training duration) were collected from 21 elite weightlifters (age = 26.0 [3.2] y, height = 162.2 [11.3] cm, body mass = 72.2 [23.8] kg, previous 12-mo personal best total 96.3% [2.7%] of world record total) during the 8 weeks prior to the 2016 Olympic Games qualifying competition. The amount of training modified or cancelled due to injury/illness was also collected. The training stress balance (TSB) and acute to chronic workload ratio (ACWR) were calculated with the 3 moving average methods. Along with the amount of modified training, TSB and ACWR across the moving average methods were then examined for their relationship to competitive performance. Results: There were no consistent associations between performance and training load on the day of competition. The volatility (SD) of the ACWR in the last 21 days preceding the competition was moderately correlated with performance across moving average methods (r = −.41 to .48, P = .03–.07). TSB and ACWR volatility in the last 21 days were also significantly lower for successful performers but only as a simple moving average (P = .03 and .03, g = 1.15 and 1.07, respectively). Conclusions: Practitioners should consider restricting change and volatility in an athlete’s TSB or ACWR in the last 21 days prior to a major competition. In addition, a simple moving average seemed to better explain elite weightlifting performance than the exponentially weighted moving averages in this investigation.
Global Public Health Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior for People Living With Chronic Conditions: A Call to Action
Authors: Dempsey Paddy C. , Friedenreich Christine M. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Buman Matthew P. , Lambert Estelle , Willumsen Juana , Bull Fiona
Published: December 2020

Background: In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) released global guidelines on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, for the first time providing population-based recommendations for people living with selected chronic conditions. This article briefly presents the guidelines, related processes and evidence, and, importantly, considers how they may be used to support research, practice, and policy. Methods: A brief overview of the scope, agreed methods, selected chronic conditions (adults living with cancer, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus), and appraisal of systematic review evidence on PA/sedentary behavior is provided. Methods were consistent with World Health Organization protocols for developing guidelines. Results: Moderate to high certainty evidence (varying by chronic condition and outcome examined) supported that PA can reduce the risk of disease progression or premature mortality and improve physical function and quality of life in adults living with chronic conditions. Direct evidence on sedentary behavior was lacking; however, evidence extrapolated from adult populations was considered applicable, safe, and likely beneficial (low certainty due to indirectness). Conclusions: Clinical and public health professionals and policy makers should promote the World Health Organization 2020 global guidelines and develop and implement services and programs to increase PA and limit sedentary behavior in adults living with chronic conditions.
New challenges emerge for planned human challenge trials
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: December 2020

Scientists debate risks and benefits of intentionally exposing volunteers to dangerous virus.
Supplemental Material: An ~1100 yr record of human and seabird occupation in the High Arctic inferred from pond sediments
Authors: Cheng Wenhan , al. et
Published: December 2020

Detailed sampling and analytical methods.
Supplemental Material: Terrestrial methane cycle perturbations during the onset of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Inglis Gordon , al. et
Published: December 2020

Bulk and compound-specific isotope data and biomarker distributions.
Supplemental Material: Long-lived seamount subduction in ancient orogens: Evidence from the Paleozoic South Tianshan
Authors: Wan Bo , al. et
Published: December 2020

Supplemental Figures S1–S3, and Tables S1–S3.
Supplemental Material: Magmatic record of continuous Neo-Tethyan subduction after initial India-Asia collision in the central part of southern Tibet
Authors: Huang Feng , al. et
Published: December 2020

Analytical methods, data (Tables S1–S4), and modeling results (Tables S5–S6).