bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vapour fast freezing with low semen volumes can highly improve motility and viability or DNA quality of cryopreserved human spermatozoa
Authors: Arciero Valentina , Ammar Oumaima , Maggi Mario , Vignozzi Linda , Muratori Monica , Dabizzi Sara
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To challenge a vapour fast freezing (VFF) cryopreservation procedure (conventional VFF) with several vitrification protocols and VFF conducted with small semen volumes (10 μl, microVFF), in order to implement a procedure for sperm banking in subjects with small sperm number.

Materials and methods

Conventional VFF was conducted with test yolk buffer (TYB) as freezing medium and 500 μl straws as carriers. MicroVFF was conducted with TYB and using tips or cell sleepers as carriers. Vitrification was performed with TYB or SpermFreeze as freezing medium and with microspheres and tips as carriers. The effect of different procedures on progressive and total motility, viability, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa (sDF) was determined. Fresh and thawed samples, the latter after adequate washing/centrifuging, were evaluated. In some experiments, motility and viability recovery was determined in thawed samples, omitting the washing/centrifuging step.

Results

All the cryopreservation procedures blunted sperm motility and viability and induced increase of oxidative stress and sDF. However, VFF better preserved sperm motility and viability and less induced oxidative stress and sDF than vitrification, independently from the freezing medium and the carriers used in the latter. MicroVFF with cell sleepers resulted in a percentage increase of 57.58 ± 63.63%, 48.82 ± 74.96% and 24.55 ± 39.20% of, respectively, progressive and total motility and viability compared to the conventional VFF. Further, when tips were used, microVFF resulted in a percentage decrease of 15.77 ± 20.77% of sDF with respect to conventional VFF. Finally, omission of washing/centrifuging in post thawed samples, resulted in a much lower negative effect on motility and viability.

Discussion and conclusion

VFF, and in particular microVFF, better prevents sperm cryodamage than vitrification. Washing/centrifuging step after sample thawing seems to be responsible for a relevant fraction of damage to sperm motility and viability. Overall, our results are promising for developing a novel strategy of sperm banking in subjects with small sperm number, where low semen volumes are mandatory.
Optimizing ECG lead selection for detection of prolongation of ventricular repolarization as measured by the Tpeak‐end interval
Authors: Ruedisueli Isabelle , Ma Joyce , Nguyen Randy , Lakhani Karishma , Gornbein Jeffrey , Middlekauff Holly R.
Published: June 2022

Background

The Tpeak‐end(Tp‐e) has not been compared in all 12 ECG leads in healthy adults to determine if the Tp‐e varies across leads. If there is variation, it remains uncertain, which lead(s) are preferred for recording in order to capture the maximal Tp‐e value.

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to determine the optimal leads, if any, to capture the maximal Tp‐e interval in healthy young adults.

Methods

In 88 healthy adults (ages 21–38 years), including derivation (n = 21), validation (n = 20), and smoker/vaper (n = 47) cohorts, the Tp‐e was measured using commercial computer software (LabChart Pro 8 with ECG module, ADInstruments) in all 12 leads at rest and following a provocative maneuver, abrupt standing. Tp‐e was compared to determine which lead(s) most frequently captured the maximal Tp‐e interval.

Results

In the rest and abrupt standing positions, the Tp‐e was not uniform among the 12 leads; the maximal Tp‐e was most frequently captured in the precordial leads. At rest, grouping leads V2–V4 resulted in detection of the maximum Tp‐e in 85.7% of participants (CI 70.7, 99.9%) versus all other leads (p < .001). Upon abrupt standing, grouping leads V2‐V6 together, resulted in detection of the maximum Tp‐e 85.0% of participants (CI 69.4, 99.9% versus all other leads; p < .001). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort, and extended to the smoking/vaping cohort.

Conclusion

If only a subset of ECG leads will be recorded or analyzed for the Tp‐e interval, selection of the precordial leads is preferred since these leads are most likely to capture the maximal Tp‐e value.
HEROES V‐A: HEmoRrhagic cOmplications in veno‐arterial Extracorporeal life Support: Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model in adult patients
Authors: Willers Anne , Swol Justyna , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Buscher Hergen , McQuilten Zoe , ten Cate Hugo , Rycus Peter T. , McKellar Stephen , Lorusso Roberto , Tonna Joseph E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Risk factors for bleeding complications during extracorporeal life support (ECLS) indicated for cardiac support remain poorly investigated. The aim is to develop and internally validate a prediction model to calculate the risk for bleeding complications in adult patients receiving veno‐arterial (V‐A) ECLS.

Methods

Data of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry of adult patients undergoing V‐A ECLS between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. The primary outcome was bleeding complications recorded during V‐A ECLS. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise elimination was used to develop the prediction model. Performance of the model was tested by discriminative ability and calibration with receiver operator characteristic, area under the curve, and visual inspection of the calibration plot. Internal validation was performed to detect overfitting of the model.

Results

In total 28 767 adult patients were included, of which 29.0% developed bleeding complications. Sex, body mass index, surgical cannulation, pre‐ECLS respiratory and hemodynamic variables, pre‐ECLS support and interventions, and different type of diagnosis were included in the prediction model. This prediction model showed a predictive capability with an AUC of 0.66.

Conclusion

The model is based on the largest cohort of V‐A ECLS patients and is the best available predictive model for bleeding events given the predictors that are available in V‐A ECLS compared to current literature. The model can help in identifying patients at high risk for bleeding complications and will help in developing further research and decision‐making in terms of anticoagulation management. External validation is warranted to extrapolate this model in the clinical setting.
Experimental assessment of plan‐view and profile‐view gross‐edge curvature on stone flake slicing efficiency
Authors: Khaksar Somaye , Desai Nisarg , Eren Metin I. , Tostevin Gilbert
Published: June 2022

Separating two or more aspects of an object via cutting was likely an important factor in the origin and evolution of flaked stone technology. In recent years experiments have demonstrated that several stone tool attributes can influence different kinds of cutting behaviour: slicing, cleaving, scraping, sawing, drilling, piercing and abrading. Here we experimentally assessed the role of stone flake plan‐ and profile‐view gross‐edge curvature in a controlled slicing task. We also assessed the role of edge length. A total of 21 participants, using 252 stone flakes with distinct gross‐edge curvatures and edge lengths, were asked to cut through a standardized substrate, and their efficiency in the task was measured over time. Flakes with longer edge lengths increased the efficiency of the cutting task, but increasing either plan‐ or profile‐view edge curvature decreased the efficiency of the cutting task. These results have implications for the emergence of particular tool forms or reduction sequences throughout the Pleistocene, and may in part explain why certain forms were favoured by Paleolithic people, leading to their convergent evolution or widespread transmission.
An Empirical Assessment of Collusion in the Negotiable Certificates of Deposit Market in Korea: A Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Kim Jung Jae , Jeong Jinook
Published: June 2022

This paper econometrically evaluates if collusion actually occurred in the negotiable certificates of deposit (CD) market during the period of Korea Fair Trade Commission's (KFTC) investigation. We propose a general mixture regression model to discriminate the collusion period from the competitive period. We apply our method to Korean CD market data from 1 January 2009 to 23 May 2019 and forecast the probability of collusion for each day. We find that only a small portion—163 days out of 2579 days—of the whole sample is discriminated as a possible collusion. We also find that the banks did not issue the CD on almost all dates discriminated as colluded in our empirical results. Our findings imply a strong possibility that the stickiness of the CD rates was induced by the depressed CD market conditions rather than collusion.
Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor antagonist treatment causes a reduction in weight gain in ovariectomised high fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Boer Geke Aline , Hunt Jenna Elizabeth , Gabe Maria Buur Nordskov , Windeløv Johanne Agerlin , Sparre‐Ulrich Alexander Hovard , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

The incretin hormone, gastric inhibitory peptide/glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), secreted by the enteroendocrine K‐cells in the proximal intestine, may regulate lipid metabolism and adiposity, but its exact role in these processes is unclear.

Experimental approach

We characterized in vitro and in vivo antagonistic properties of a novel GIP analogue, mGIPAnt‐1. We further assessed the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of this antagonist, as well as its ability to affect high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced body weight gain in ovariectomised mice during an 8‐week treatment period.

Key results

mGIPAnt‐1 showed competitive antagonistic properties to the GIP receptor in vitro as it inhibited GIP‐induced cAMP accumulation in COS‐7 cells. Furthermore, mGIPAnt‐1 was capable of inhibiting GIP‐induced glucoregulatory and insulinotropic effects in vivo and has a favourable pharmacokinetic profile with a half‐life of 7.2 h in C57Bl6 female mice. Finally, sub‐chronic treatment with mGIPAnt‐1 in ovariectomised HFD mice resulted in a reduction of body weight and fat mass.

Conclusion and Implications

mGIPAnt‐1 successfully inhibited acute GIP‐induced effects in vitro and in vivo and sub‐chronically induces resistance to HFD‐induced weight gain in ovariectomised mice. Our results support the development of GIP antagonists for the therapy of obesity.
Promising anticonvulsant and/or analgesic compounds among 5‐chloro‐2‐ or 5‐chloro‐4‐methyl derivatives of xanthone coupled to aminoalkanol moieties—Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation
Authors: Mazur Gabriela , Pańczyk‐Straszak Katarzyna , Rapacz Anna , Kiszela Jan , Smolik Magdalena , Gawlik Maciej , Walczak Maria , Czekajewska Joanna , Poloczek Celina , Karczewska Elżbieta , Żesławska Ewa , Nitek Wojciech , Niedbał Anna , Leśniak Joanna , Ciapala Katarzyna , Pawlik Katarzyna , Mika Joanna , Waszkielewicz Anna M.
Published: June 2022

A series of 10 aminoalkanol derivatives of 5‐chloro‐2‐ or 5‐chloro‐4‐methylxanthone was synthetized and evaluated for anticonvulsant properties (MES test, mice, intraperitoneal) and compared with neurotoxicity rotarod test (NT, mice, i.p.). The best results both in terms of anticonvulsant activity and protective index value were obtained for 3: 5‐chloro‐2‐([4‐hydroxypiperidin‐1‐yl]methyl)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one hydrochloride. Compounds: 1–3, 7 and 10 revealed ED50 values in MES test: 42.78, 31.64, 25.76, 46.19 and 52.50 mg/kg b.w., respectively. 3 showed 70% and 72% of inhibition control specific binding of sigma‐1 (σ1) and sigma‐2 (σ2) receptor, respectively. 3 exhibited also antinociceptive activity at dose 2 mg/kg b.w. after chronic constriction injury in mice. 1, 3, 7 and 10 were evaluated on gastrointestinal flora and proved safe. In genotoxicity test (UMU‐Chromotest) compounds 1, 7 and 10 proved safe at dose 150–300 μg/ml. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed rapid absorption of all studied molecules from the digestive tract (tmax = 5–30 min). The bioavailability of the compounds ranged from 6.6% (1) to 16% (10). All studied compounds penetrate the blood–brain barrier with brain to plasma ratios varied from 4.15 (3) to 7.6 (compound 7), after i.v. administration, and from 1 (7) to 5.72 (3) after i.g. administration.
Fast Neural Representations for Direct Volume Rendering
Authors: Weiss S. , Hermüller P. , Westermann R.
Published: June 2022

Despite the potential of neural scene representations to effectively compress 3D scalar fields at high reconstruction quality, the computational complexity of the training and data reconstruction step using scene representation networks limits their use in practical applications. In this paper, we analyse whether scene representation networks can be modified to reduce these limitations and whether such architectures can also be used for temporal reconstruction tasks. We propose a novel design of scene representation networks using GPU tensor cores to integrate the reconstruction seamlessly into on‐chip raytracing kernels, and compare the quality and performance of this network to alternative network‐ and non‐network‐based compression schemes. The results indicate competitive quality of our design at high compression rates, and significantly faster decoding times and lower memory consumption during data reconstruction. We investigate how density gradients can be computed using the network and show an extension where density, gradient and curvature are predicted jointly. As an alternative to spatial super‐resolution approaches for time‐varying fields, we propose a solution that builds upon latent‐space interpolation to enable random access reconstruction at arbitrary granularity. We summarize our findings in the form of an assessment of the strengths and limitations of scene representation networks for compression domain volume rendering, and outline future research directions. Source code: https://github.com/shamanDevel/fV‐SRN
Profilometric, volumetric, and esthetic analysis of guided bone regeneration with L‐shaped collagenated bone substitute and connective tissue graft in the maxillary esthetic zone: A case series with 1‐year observational study
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Jung Eun‐Hee , Jeong Seong‐Nyum
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate 1‐year stability and maintenance of peri‐implant soft and hard tissues after guided bone regeneration (GBR) with L‐shaped collagenated bone substitute and subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) in the maxillary anterior region using profilometric, volumetric, and esthetic analyses.

Methods

Fourteen peri‐implant defects were grafted with L‐shaped collagenated bone substitute, and 5 months after implant placement with GBR, reentry surgery in combination with CTG was performed in all participants. CBCT scans and STL files were acquired at baseline (after implant surgery, T1), reentry surgery (T2), and 1‐year follow‐up (T3). The profilometric and volumetric changes of the peri‐implant tissues were measured, and the pink esthetic score (PES) was assessed at T3.

Results

One year after GBR and CTG at the buccal aspect of the maxillary esthetic zone, the mean thickness of the hard tissue (HT) decreased (HT0: −0.87 ± 0.67 mm, HT1: −0.74 ± 0.75 mm, HT2: −0.92 ± 0.48 mm, 45‐HT: −0.87 ± 0.73 mm) and the corresponding thickness of the soft tissue (ST) increased (ST0: 0.96 ± 1.06 mm, ST1: 0.85 ± 0.95 mm, ST2: 0.38 ± 0.82 mm, 45‐ST: 0.12 ± 0.62 mm), and as a result, there was no statistically significant difference in the total tissue thickness between T1 and T3 (p < 0.05). The mean volumetric changes of the peri‐implant tissues increased after 1‐year of implant surgery (T1–T2: 1.52 ± 0.83 mm, T2–T3: −0.88 ± 1.04 mm, T1–T3: 0.64 ± 0.90 mm), and a statistically significant difference was shown in all compared time periods (p < 0.05). The mean PES score was 8.07 ± 1.54 at T3 (range, 6–10).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this 1‐year follow‐up study, GBR with an L‐shaped collagenated bone substitute and subepithelial CTG in the maxillary esthetic zone was beneficial for stable and maintainable peri‐implant hard and soft tissues.
Aldehyde‐functionalised distyrylbenzene: Photophysical properties and primary amine sensitivity evaluation in solution and solid state
Authors: Miri Fateme Sadat , Gorji Kandi Saeideh , Panahi Farhad
Published: June 2022

The identification of amines is a highly beneficial process in the industrial sector; food corruption, including fish and shellfish and, more importantly, breathing amines, causes dangerous illnesses. In this study, the optical properties and amine sensing of a π‐conjugated organic compound, 1,4‐bis[4‐formylstyryl]benzene (BFSB), containing two aldehyde functional groups, was investigated. BFSB showed ultraviolet–visible absorption in the range of 318‐329 nm with a high molar extinction coefficient (ε = 2.21*105–2.83*105 M−1 cm−1) in the tested solvent with different polarities. BFSB emits in the visible spectrum (420‐514 nm) with Stokes shifts of ca. 6678‐11 991 cm−1. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6–31 ++ G level of calculation was employed to evaluate the molar structures and frontier orbitals. The combination of BFSB with poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyvinyl alcohol polymers exhibits different photophysical properties. Interaction of this dye with various primary amines in both solution and solid forms leads to the quick formation of an imine group (the reaction of aldehyde with amine and then dehydration). A hypsochromic shift was observed upon treatment of amine with BFSB.
Epidermale Nekrolyse im Zusammenhang mit immunonkologischen Medikamenten, Kinaseinhibitoren sowie Biologika
Authors: Ziemer Mirjana , Fries Viviane , Paulmann Maren , Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: June 2022

Hintergrund

Stevens‐Johnson‐Syndrom und toxisch epidermale Nekrolyse sind schwere, vorrangig arzneimittelinduzierte Haut‐Schleimhaut‐Reaktionen. Da sie sich im Ausmaß der Hautablösung, nicht aber in der Ätiologie unterscheiden, werden sie als epidermale Nekrolyse (EN) zusammengefasst. Durch ihre deutschlandweite Erfassung liegen im Dokumentationszentrum schwerer Hautreaktionen repräsentative Daten vor. Dabei fielen zunehmend Fallmeldungen unter der Behandlung mit neuen immunonkologischen Medikamenten, Kinaseinhibitoren und Biologika auf.

Material und Methodik

Von 4150 Fallmeldungen, die zwischen Januar 2003 und Februar 2019 eingingen, wurden 102 mit diesen Medikamentengruppen exponierte Fälle einer systematischen Aufarbeitung, Validierung und Kausalitätsbeurteilung unterzogen.

Ergebnisse

Bestätigt wurden zwei Fälle von EN durch Vemurafenib und je ein Fall durch Afatinib und Pembrolizumab. In 14 EN‐Fällen waren andere Medikamente – mehrheitlich Allopurinol oder Cotrimoxazol – Auslöser. Vierzehn Fälle entsprachen EN‐ähnlichen Reaktionen: sechs bullöse lichenoide Arzneimittelexantheme (AME) auf Pembrolizumab (2), Obinutuzumab, Nivolumab, Rituximab, Infliximab/Nivolumab und acht multiforme‐artige AME auf Rituximab (2), Adalimumab, Ramucirumab, Bevacizumab, Vemurafenib und Sorafenib (2). Lichenoide AME waren histologisch und durch den protrahierten Verlauf von EN unterscheidbar, multiforme‐artige AME durch ein variantenreiches Hautbild mit allenfalls geringer Epidermolyse oder Schleimhautbeteiligung.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die korrekte Diagnose ist prognoseentscheidend und durch den Einsatz dieser Medikamente in der Malignombehandlung relevant. Eine Reexposition ist bei EN kontraindiziert, bei anderen AME unter strenger Risiken‐Nutzen‐Abwägung möglich.
Vorhersage von Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitor‐bedingter Hepatitis bei Patienten mit metastasiertem Melanom
Authors: Schilling Hannah‐Lou , Hutchinson James A. , Haferkamp Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Die Einführung von Antikörpern gegen die immunregulatorischen Oberflächenmoleküle, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) und cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4), hat die Behandlung von Tumorerkrankungen revolutioniert. Diese sogenannten Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren verfügen über ein enormes therapeutisches Potenzial und werden zur Behandlung vieler verschiedener Tumorentitäten eingesetzt. Häufig treten bei Patienten, die mit Checkpoint‐Inhibitoren behandelt werden, immunvermittelte Nebenwirkungen auf, die die klinische Anwendung limitieren. Trotz umfassender Bemühungen, die Ätiologie immunvermittelter Komplikationen zu verstehen, sind die zugrundeliegenden zellulären Mechanismen nach wie vor weitgehend ungeklärt. Unserer Arbeitsgruppe ist es gelungen, Patienten mit metastasiertem Melanom zu identifizieren, die eine erhöhtes Risiko haben, eine immunvermittelte Hepatitis zu entwickeln. Diese Gruppe von Patienten zeichnet sich durch eine erhöhte Anzahl von CD4+‐Effektor‐Gedächtnis‐T‐Zellen (CD4+ TEM) aus, die bereits vor der Behandlung im Blut der Patienten nachgewiesen werden können. Die Expansion der CD4+ TEM kann auf eine subklinische Infektion mit dem Cytomegalovirus (CMV) zurückgeführt werden. Zusätzlich stellt der CD4+ TEM‐Wert einen verlässlichen Biomarker für die Vorhersage einer Hepatitis als unerwünschte Nebenwirkung der Immuntherapie dar.
Why do we find dead bumblebees under linden trees?
Authors: Kyrkjebø Vinnes Malene , Aalberg Haugen Inger Marie , Diserud Ola , Ødegaard Frode , Gjershaug Jan Ove
Published: June 2022

Linden trees (Tiliaspp.) have for a long time been associated with bumblebee (Bombusspp.) mortality in Europe and North America. Several explanations have been suggested for this phenomenon. This study aimed to explore to which extent the factors of predation, ageing, starvation, and poisonous nectar serve as explanations for bumblebee mortality in association with linden trees.

Starvation, ageing, and predation all contributed to mortality of bumblebees found under flowering linden trees. The mean weight of a dead wild bumblebee found under linden trees was found to be close to the weight of a starved bumblebee of the same size. This indicated that starvation was the main driver for many of the deaths.

A significant proportion of the dead bumblebees collected under linden trees had injuries indicating predation. The authors suggest that predation may serve as a secondary explanation for the bumblebee mortality, after weakening by starvation or other factors.

A small proportion of the bumblebees may have died from physical degradation or age. The present study did not support the poisonous nectar hypothesis. It is necessary to explore the covariation between the suggested hypotheses more closely, to better understand the interplay between the different factors. In addition, there is a need to investigate alternative hypotheses for the association between bumblebees and linden trees.
Can pollinators track plant expansions? A case study on the genetic structure of a host‐dependent pollinating wasp
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Ya‐Ting , Chen Yan , Wang Rong , Deng Jun‐Yin , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: June 2022

Plants and their pollinators may respond differently to environmental changes like climate warming. As a consequence, whether the pollinators can successfully track the migration of the plants and rebuild an effective pollinator network are crucial for mutualistic relationships, especially obligate mutualisms.

Ficus altissima is a commonly planted tree out of its native range, providing an opportunity to determine if its obligatory pollinating wasp species, Eupristina altissima, can track the range expansion of its host.

Using mtDNA COI gene, we found that E. altissima is the only pollinator species at introduced sites of F. altissima, thereby confirming that this specific pollinator can track the range expansion of its host fig tree. However, population genetic analysis using both COI gene and microsatellite markers detected a significant reduction in genetic variation (number of mtDNA haplotypes and microsatellite‐based genetic diversity indices) and an enhanced differentiation among populations within the expanded distribution range. These findings are consistent with the consequences of founder events.

Our findings suggest that plant range expansion caused by artificial introduction may not suffer from loss of pollinators as previously expected, even within the extremely obligate mutualisms such as the fig‐fig wasp system, when pollinators can disperse, actively or passively, over long distances.
Exploring the relation between psychosis‐like experiences and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among college students in the United States
Authors: Jay Samantha Y. , DeVylder Jordan , Schiffman Jason , Pitts Steven C. , Marsh Jonathan , Zhou Sasha , Oh Hans
Published: June 2022

Aim

The suicide rate among college students is particularly high, with evidence that psychosis‐like experiences (PLEs) put these individuals at greater risk. The current study explored whether there are differential relations between four subtypes of PLEs and three suicide outcomes.

Methods

We analysed a large sample of college students from the Fall semester cohort of the 2020 Healthy Minds Study (HMS) (weighted N = 36727). PLEs and suicide outcomes were assessed using binary variables from the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results

Findings revealed that reporting any of the subtypes of PLEs was associated with greater odds of suicidal ideation (SI), a suicide plan (SP) and a suicide attempt (SA) (signficant a ORs ranging from 1.30 to 3.30). For college students who endorsed SI or a SP in the past year, experiencing delusional mood (aOR [95% CI] = 1.30 [1.02–1.65]), suspiciousness (aOR [95% CI] = 1.31 [1.00–1.71]) and hallucinatory experiences (aOR [95% CI] = 2.76 [2.05–3.71]) in their lifetime increased their odds of reporting a SA in the past year. There was also evidence of a dose‐dependent relation between the number of PLEs endorsed and all three suicide outcomes.

Conclusions

Certain subtypes of PLEs including delusional mood, suspiciousness and hallucinatory experiences may contribute to an elevated risk of suicide outcomes in college students. Moreover, the odds of reporting suicide outcomes were greater for individuals who endorsed a greater number of PLEs. It may be helpful to assess for indicated subtypes when determining suicide risk among college students and to be particularly mindful of those who report three or more PLEs.
Elevational shifts in foliar‐soil δ15N in the Hengduan Mountains and different potential mechanisms
Authors: Chen Qiong , Chen Ji , Andersen Mathias Neumann , Cheng Xiaoli
Published: June 2022

The natural abundance of stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) provides insights into the N dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems, the determination of which is considered an effective approach for gaining a better understanding ecosystem N cycling. However, there is currently little information available regarding the patterns and mechanisms underlying the variation in foliar‐soil δ15N among mountain ecosystems. In this study, we examined the determinants of foliar‐soil δ15N in association with N transportation rates along an elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains. Despite the relatively high levels of available N produced from high N fixation and mineralization, we detected the lowest levels of foliar δ15N at 3500 m a.s.l., reflecting the stronger vegetation N limitation at medium high elevations. The enhanced vegetation N limitation was driven by the combined effects of higher microbial immobilization and inherent plant dynamic (the shifts of δ15N in vegetation preference, including vegetation community) with changing climate along the elevational gradient. Unexpectedly, we established that soil δ15N was characterized by an undulating rise and uncoupled correlation with foliar δ15N with increasing elevation, thereby indicating that litter input might not be a prominent driver of soil δ15N. Conversely, soil nitrification and denitrification were found to make a more pronounced contribution to the pattern of soil δ15N along the elevational gradient. Collectively, our results serve to highlight the importance of microbial immobilization in soil N dynamics and provide novel insights that will contribute to enhancing our understanding of N cycling as indicated by foliar‐soil δ15N along elevational gradients.
Survival Modelling for Data From Combined Cohorts: Opening the Door to Meta Survival Analyses and Survival Analysis Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: McVittie James H. , Best Ana F. , Wolfson David B. , Stephens David A. , Wolfson Julian , Buckeridge David L. , Gadalla Shahinaz M.
Published: June 2022

Non‐parametric estimation of the survival function using observed failure time data depends on the underlying data generating mechanism, including the ways in which the data may be censored and/or truncated. For data arising from a single source or collected from a single cohort, a wide range of estimators have been proposed and compared in the literature. Often, however, it may be possible, and indeed advantageous, to combine and then analyse survival data that have been collected under different study designs. We review non‐parametric survival analysis for data obtained by combining the most common types of cohort. We have two main goals: (i) to clarify the differences in the model assumptions and (ii) to provide a single lens through which some of the proposed estimators may be viewed. Our discussion is relevant to the meta‐analysis of survival data obtained from different types of study, and to the modern era of electronic health records.
Effects of introducing an online community in a crowdsourcing contest platform
Authors: Ye Jonathan (Hua) , Jensen Matthew
Published: June 2022

Crowdsourcing platform owners and operators constantly search for ways to improve contestant performance. One novel proposal for improving performance is the introduction of an online community to the crowdsourcing contest platform. However, research regarding the potential benefits of an online community on such platforms is unclear. Furthermore, prior research often assumes the single dimensionality of prior experience, whose impacts on crowdsourcing performance are also inconclusive. Building on knowledge collaboration and cognitive diversity research, we model the direct effects of introducing an online community on contestant performance and the moderating effects of the amount of experience and experience diversity. Leveraging a natural quasi‐experiment in a large crowdsourcing contest platform, we collected 24 months of contestant data to test our hypotheses. Our propensity score matching and difference in differences analysis demonstrated that contestants' performance (winning contests and crowdsourcing income) increases significantly with the presence of an online community. Additionally, the positive effect of an online community on performance is more pronounced for contestants with less experience and those with more diverse experience. Our findings provide insights into the causality of incorporating an online community and inform community investment decisions for crowdsourcing contest platforms.
Differences in outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation with versus without intracardiac echocardiography
Authors: Pimentel Rhea C. , Rahai Neloufar , Maccioni Sonia , Khanna Rahul
Published: June 2022

Background

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) use can lead to early detection of periprocedural complications and may improve patient outcomes by providing real‐time visualization of catheter location and the treatment area during cardiac ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective

Examine complications and 12‐month healthcare use among patients with AF undergoing CA with versus without ICE use during the procedure in a real‐world setting.

Methods

The 2015–2020 IBM MarketScan® Database was used to identify non‐elderly adults (age 18–64 years) undergoing CA for AF. Patients were classified into ICE/non‐ICE groups based on the presence or absence of ICE procedure codes. Patients in each group were matched on study covariates using propensity scores. Peri‐procedural complications, 12‐month cardiovascular (CV) or AF‐related inpatient admission, repeat CA, and cardioversion were compared using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

1371 patients were identified in each study cohort (ICE and non‐ICE) after propensity matching. Patients who had CA with ICE had a significantly lower rate of complications than those without (2.9% vs. 5.8%; p < .001). The risk of complications was 50% lower with ICE use (hazard ratio [HR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.72). For assessment of 12‐month healthcare utilization, 1250 patients were identified in each cohort after propensity matching. ICE use was associated with a 36% lower risk of 12‐month repeat ablation (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.49–0.83). No differences in CV‐ or AF‐related inpatient admission and cardioversion were observed.

Conclusion

Among patients with AF, the use of ICE during an ablation procedure was associated with lower incidence of complications and repeat ablation.
Interactions of periodontal pathogens with platelets in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Wenjing , Lu Hongye , Lu Ruifang , Zhan Yalin , Meng Huanxin
Published: June 2022

Aim

To explore the immunological defensive effects of platelets on periodontal pathogens in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Materials and Methods

GCF samples were collected from 20 patients with periodontitis and 10 healthy controls. Platelets in the GCF were detected by immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Isolated platelets from healthy volunteers were co‐cultured with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). The interactions between platelets and periodontal pathogens were observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The isolated platelets plus neutrophils were co‐cultured with Pg or Fn, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was evaluated by staining with Sytox Green.

Results

The platelet level in the GCF was higher in patients with periodontitis than in healthy controls. Platelets interacted with bacteria and neutrophils in the GCF. In vitro, platelets recruited and engulfed periodontal pathogens. In response to periodontal pathogens, neutrophils released web chromatin, and platelets promoted the formation of intensive NETs.

Conclusions

Platelets, migrating to the gingival sulcus, may exert direct antibacterial effects or assist neutrophils.
Carbon disclosure: A legitimizing tool or a governance tool? Evidence from listed US companies
Authors: Jiang Yan , Fan Hanlu , Zhu Yan , Xu Jian F.
Published: June 2022

We study the motivations behind and consequences of firms disclosing carbon information. Specifically, we explain the bidirectional relationship between carbon disclosure and carbon performance and examine whether carbon disclosure is used as a legitimizing tool or a governance tool. We analyze carbon emissions and disclosure data from 2012 to 2015 for a sample of S&P 500 companies. After addressing issues of endogeneity, our findings support legitimacy theory and suggest that firms tend to greenwash carbon information and use carbon disclosure as a legitimizing tool. In particular, managers strategically select particular types of carbon information to disclose to the public. Our findings also indicate that firms in low‐carbon sectors tend to use disclosure as a governance tool rather than a legitimizing tool, suggesting that firms in high carbon intensity sectors are likely to face serious legitimacy anxiety, and have stronger reasons to manage their green image. Implications of our empirical evidence for managers, investors, and policymakers are explored.
Coat protein of Chinese wheat mosaic virus upregulates and interacts with cytosolic glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, a negative regulator of plant autophagy, to promote virus infection
Authors: Niu Erbo , Ye Chaozheng , Zhao Wanying , Kondo Hideki , Wu Yunfeng , Chen Jianping , Andika Ida Bagus , Sun Liying
Published: June 2022

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation mechanism involved in antiviral defense, but the strategies employed by plant viruses to counteract autophagy‐related defense remain unknown for the majority of the viruses. Herein, we describe how the Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV, genus Furovirus) interferes with autophagy and enhances its infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. Yeast two‐hybrid screening and in vivo/in vitro assays revealed that the 19 kDa coat protein (CP19K) of CWMV interacts with cytosolic glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPCs), negative regulators of autophagy, which bind autophagy‐related protein 3 (ATG3), a key factor in autophagy. CP19K also directly interacts with ATG3, possibly leading to the formation of a CP19K–GAPC–ATG3 complex. CP19K–GAPC interaction appeared to intensify CP19K–ATG3 binding. Moreover, CP19K expression upregulated GAPC gene transcripts and reduced autophagic activities. Accordingly, the silencing of GAPC genes in transgenic N. benthamiana reduced CWMV accumulation, whereas CP19K overexpression enhanced it. Overall, our results suggest that CWMV CP19K interferes with autophagy through the promotion and utilization of the GAPC role as a negative regulator of autophagy.
Premature ventricular complexes during continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in the intensive care unit: Occurrence rates and associated patient characteristics
Authors: Suba Sukardi , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Fleischmann Kirsten E. , Schell‐Chaple Hildy , Prasad Priya , Marcus Gregory M. , Badilini Fabio , Hu Xiao , Pelter Michele M.
Published: June 2022

Aims and objectives

This study examined the occurrence rate of specific types of premature ventricular complex (PVC) alarms and whether patient demographic and/or clinical characteristics were associated with PVC occurrences.

Background

Because PVCs can signal myocardial irritability, in‐hospital electrocardiographic (ECG) monitors are typically configured to alert nurses when they occur. However, PVC alarms are common and can contribute to alarm fatigue. A better understanding of occurrences of PVCs could help guide alarm management strategies.

Design

A secondary quantitative analysis from an alarm study.

Methods

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was followed. Seven PVC alarm types (vendor‐specific) were described, and included isolated, couplet, bigeminy, trigeminy, run PVC (i.e. VT >2), R‐on‐T and PVCs/min. Negative binomial and hurdle regression analyses were computed to examine the association of patient demographic and clinical characteristics with each PVC type.

Results

A total of 797,072 PVC alarms (45,271 monitoring hours) occurred in 446 patients, including six who had disproportionately high PVC alarm counts (40% of the total alarms). Isolated PVCs were the most frequent type (81.13%) while R‐on‐T were the least common (0.29%). Significant predictors associated with higher alarms rates: older age (isolated PVCs, bigeminy and couplets); male sex and presence of PVCs on the 12‐lead ECG (isolated PVCs). Hyperkalaemia at ICU admission was associated with a lower R‐on‐T type PVCs.

Conclusions

Only a few distinct demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with the occurrence rate of PVC alarms. Further research is warranted to examine whether PVCs were associated with adverse outcomes, which could guide alarm management strategies to reduce unnecessary PVC alarms.

Relevance to clinical practice

Targeted alarm strategies, such as turning off certain PVC‐type alarms and evaluating alarm trends in the first 24 h of admission in select patients, might add to the current practice of alarm management.
Collective choice with heterogeneous time preferences
Authors: Pakhnin Mikhail
Published: June 2022

This paper reviews recent research on the aggregation of heterogeneous time preferences. Main results are illustrated in a simple Ramsey model with many agents with additively time‐separable utility functions who differ in their discount factors. We employ an intertemporal view on this model and argue that preferences of a decision maker should be represented by a sequence of utility functions. This allows us to clarify the issue of dynamic inconsistency and relate it to simple properties of discounting. We distinguish between private and common consumption cases. In the private consumption case, we discuss the properties of sequences of additively time‐separable social welfare functions (SWFs) and explain why the notion of Pareto optimality under heterogeneous time preferences becomes problematic. In the common consumption case, we focus on the problem of collective choice under heterogeneous time preferences, discuss the difficulties with dynamic voting procedures, and review some ways to overcome them. We conclude by highlighting the implications of our discussion for the problem of choosing an appropriate social discount rate (SDR).
Quality assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter ultrasonography: Scoping literature review and Delphi protocol
Authors: Hirzallah Mohammad I. , Lochner Piergiorgio , Hafeez Muhammad Ubaid , Lee Andrew G. , Krogias Christos , Dongarwar Deepa , Manchanda Ramneek , Ouellette Lara , Hartman Nicholas D. , Ertl Michael , Schlachetzki Felix , Robba Chiara
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

The optic nerve is surrounded by the extension of meningeal coverings of the brain. When the pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid increases, it causes a distention of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), which allows the use of this measurement by ultrasonography (US) as a noninvasive surrogate of elevated intracranial pressure. However, ONSD measurements in the literature have exhibited significant heterogeneity, suggesting a need for consensus on ONSD image acquisition and measurement. We aim to establish a consensus for an ONSD US Quality Criteria Checklist (ONSD US QCC).

Methods

A scoping systematic review of published ultrasound ONSD imaging and measurement criteria was performed to guide the development of a preliminary ONSD US QCC that will undergo a modified Delphi study to reach expert consensus on ONSD quality criteria. The protocol of this modified Delphi study is presented in this manuscript.

Results

A total of 357 ultrasound studies were included in the review. Quality criteria were evaluated under five categories: probe selection, safety, positioning, image acquisition, and measurement.

Conclusions

This review and Delphi protocol aim to establish ONSD US QCC. A broad consensus from this process may reduce the variability of ONSD measurements in future studies, which would ultimately translate into improved ONSD clinical applications. This protocol was reviewed and endorsed by the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Rapid detection of Broad bean wilt virus 2 and Turnip mosaic virus in Pseudostellaria heterophylla by reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Liang Shuang , Chen Xiangru , Liu Yu , Feng Wenzhuo , Li Cheng , Chen Xiangsheng , Li Zhong
Published: June 2022

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (P. heterophylla) is a widespread Chinese herb that is widely used as medicine, especially for the treatment of lung disease and nourishing the spleen. Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) threaten the quality and yield of P. heterophylla. To improve the detection efficiency of P. heterophylla viral disease pathogens, a rapid, simple, intuitive, accurate, sensitive and economical reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) method was established. Primers were designed based on the conserved sequences of BBWV2 and TuMV coat protein nucleotide sequences. The specificity of the primers and sensitivity of the LAMP method to the cDNA template were analysed by real‐time fluorescence‐based quantitative PCR, SYBR Green I staining, and agarose gel electrophoresis. No cross‐reactions occurred with other viruses tested in P. heterophylla. The detection limit of RT‐LAMP was 10 pg/μl and was found to be 10 times more sensitive on comparing with RT‐LAMP and reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR). Furthermore, the tube‐closed dye method facilitated the inspection of the LAMP reaction while avoiding cross‐contamination. This detection assay could serve as an important tool for field samples diagnoses and forecasting P. heterophylla viral disease intensities.
Competition for nutrients increases invasion resistance during assembly of microbial communities
Authors: Wagner Andreas
Published: June 2022

The assembly of microbial communities through sequential invasions of microbial species is challenging to study experimentally. Here, I used genome‐scale metabolic models of multiple species to model community assembly. Each such model represents all known biochemical reactions that a species uses to build biomass from nutrients in the environment. Species interactions in such models emerge from first biochemical principles, either through competition for environmental nutrients, or through cross‐feeding on metabolic by‐products excreted by resident species. I used these models to study 250 community assembly sequences. In each such sequence, a community changes through successive species invasions. During the 250 assembly sequences, communities become more species‐rich and invasion‐resistant. Resistance against both constructive and destructive invasions – those that entail species extinction – is associated with high community productivity, high biomass, and low concentrations of unused carbon. Competition for nutrients outweighs the influence of cross‐feeding on the growth rate of individual species. In a community assembly network of all communities that arise during the 250 assembly sequences, some communities occur more often than expected by chance. These include invasion resistant “attractor” communities with high biomass that arise late in community assembly and persist preferentially because of their invasion resistance. Genome‐scale metabolic models can reveal generic properties of microbial communities that are independent of the resident species and the environment.
Modeling side slopes in vertical alignment resource road construction using convex optimization
Authors: Momo Nusrat Suzana , Hare Warren , Lucet Yves
Published: June 2022

A new convex quadratically‐constrained quadratic programming (QCQP) model is proposed for modeling side‐slopes volumes in the minimization of earthwork operations to compute the vertical alignment of a resource road while satisfying design and safety constraints. The new QCQP model is convex but nonlinear; it is compared to a state‐of‐the‐art mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. The QCQP model can be viewed as the limit of this MILP model. Numerical results show that for roads with less than 100 stations, the QCQP model has similar computation time to the MILP model. However, the QCQP model significantly outperforms the MILP model for other roads, in some cases finding a global optimum in minutes while the MILP model fails to find any solution in hours. The technique is directly applicable for resource roads and has potential for other types of road.