bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A probability formula derived from serum indicators, age, and comorbidities as an early predictor of dementia in elderly Chinese people
Authors: Gong Qing , Xie Lianhong , Bi Minghui , Yu Lina
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Blood‐based indicators are potentially economical and a safe method for screening a population for dementia, although their predictive values have not been unequivocally confirmed. The present study proposes a dementia prediction formula based on serum indicators and patient characteristics.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2018, the data of elderly patients older than 60 years admitted to the Department of Neurology and Geriatrics in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to verify the patients’ characteristics and serum indicators associated with the risk of dementia. After receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analyses, we propose a dementia prediction formula and cutoff values for the predictive ability of early dementia.

Results

Four thousand seven hundred twenty two elderly patients were enrolled, and the incidence of dementia was 12.0% (565). When patients had ≥8 comorbidities, their risk of developing dementia was 20 times higher than those without comorbidities. After multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.086, p < .001) and homocysteine (HCY) concentrations (OR: 1.017, p = .003) were proven to be linked to the risk of developing dementia, while total cholesterol (TC) (OR: 0.674, p = .005) was a protective factor for dementia. We developed a formula of age + low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) + TC + HCY + number of comorbidities as a good predictor of dementia (AUC: 0.79), with a probability (cutoff) value of 0.112 (sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 55.8%, and accuracy 60.5%).

Conclusions

High‐serum HCY and low TC were risk factors for developing dementia. A cutoff value > 0.112 derived from our formula was an excellent predictor for people at a high risk of developing dementia, and may be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk for dementia in routine clinical practice.
Using electrophysiological measures to evaluate the sense of presence in immersive virtual environments: An event‐related potential study
Authors: Grassini Simone , Laumann Karin , Thorp Sebastian , Topranin Virginia de Martin
Published: June 2021

Sense of presence has been often explored in the context of virtual reality (VR) and immersive visual technologies; however, standardized and objective measures of the sense of presence have been difficult to find. Studies attempting to find physiological correlates of sense presence using electroencephalography (EEG) have reported mixed results. In the present study, we used brain event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited by auditory stimuli to identify an objective physiological index of sense of presence during VR, attempting to replicate the findings of previous studies and explain the heterogeneity of results reported in the literature. Participants in our experiment were asked to experience an immersive virtual environment using a modern head‐mounted display while passively hearing task‐irrelevant frequent standard and infrequent deviant tones as in a classic auditory oddball paradigm. Subsequently, they were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires aimed to estimate their sense of presence during the VR. EEG and questionnaire data from three‐seventh participants were analyzed. ERP components evoked by the auditory stimuli were then analyzed. Late ERP components (after 450 ms from stimulus onset) registered over central brain areas were associated with the sense of presence as measured with questionnaires, while earlier components were not associated with presence. The use of different questionnaires and the content of the VR environment may both be a plausible explanation for heterogeneous results as reported in previous studies. The present study showed that late ERP components recorded over the central brain may represent good electrophysiological correlates of the subjective sense of presence.
Self‐assembling protein nanocages for modular enzyme assembly by orthogonal bioconjugation
Authors: Berckman Emily A. , Chen Wilfred
Published: June 2021

The wide variety of enzymatic pathways that can benefit from enzyme scaffolding is astronomical. While enzyme co‐localization based on protein, DNA, and RNA scaffolds has been reported, we still lack scaffolds that offer well‐defined and uniform three‐dimensional structures for enzyme organization. Here we reported a new approach for protein co‐localization using naturally occurring protein nanocages as a scaffold. Two different nanocages, the 25 nm E2 and the 34 nm heptatitis B virus, were used to demonstrate the successfully co‐localization of the endoglucanase CelA and cellulose binding domain using the robust SpyTag/SpyCatcher bioconjugation chemistry. Because of the simplicity of the assembly, this strategy is useful not only for in vivo enzyme cascading but also the potential for in vivo applications as well.
Social identities in consumer‐brand relationship: The case of the Hijab‐wearing Barbie doll in the United States
Authors: Mishra Suman , Bakry Amal
Published: June 2021

This study explores the role of social identities in consumer‐brand relationship through the case study of the first hijab‐wearing Barbie doll in the United States. Through a qualitative analysis of people's response to the announcement of the new Barbie doll on Twitter, the study reveals how ethnic‐identity based products influence consumers relationship with an iconic brand. Ethnic‐based products help in social identification and facilitate some consumers desire to buy the product however, they also elicit negative emotions, racism, and animosity in other group of consumers resulting in weakening of their ties with a once favored brand. Theoretical and managerial implications for multicultural marketing are discussed.
A State‐of‐the‐Art Review of Laser‐Assisted Bioprinting and its Future Research Trends
Authors: Dou Chaoran , Perez Victoria , Qu Jie , Tsin Andrew , Xu Ben , Li Jianzhi
Published: June 2021

Bioprinting is an additive manufacturing technology with great potential in medical applications. Among available bioprinting techniques, laser‐assisted bioprinting (LAB) is a promising technique due to its high resolution, high cell viability, and the capability to deposit high‐viscousity bioink. These characteristics allow the LAB technology to control cells precisely to reconstruct living organs. Recent developments of LAB technologies are reviewed in this paper, covering various designs of LAB printers, research progresses in energy‐absorbing layer (EAL), the physical phenomenon that triggers the printing process in terms of bubble formation and jet development, printing process parameters, and major factors related to the post‐printing cell viability. The latest studies on LAB technologies are highlighted, expounding their advantages and disadvantages, and some potential applications are presented. The potential technical challenges and future research trends for LAB technologies are also discussed.
Five‐year angiographic,OCTand clinical outcomes of a randomized comparison of everolimus and biolimus‐eluting coronary stents with everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds
Authors: Schukraft Sara , Arroyo Diego , Togni Mario , Goy Jean‐Jacques , Wenaweser Peter , Stadelmann Mathieu , Baeriswyl Gerard , Muller Olivier , Stauffer Jean‐Christophe , Puricel Serban , Cook Stéphane
Published: June 2021

Aims

To compare 5‐year angiographic, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and clinical outcomes between patients treated with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) and drug‐eluting stents (DES).

Methods

The EverBio‐2 trial (Comparison of Everolimus‐ and Biolimus‐Eluting Coronary Stents with Everolimus‐Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold) was a single‐center, assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial in which 240 patients were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to BVS, everolimus‐eluting (EES) or biolimus‐eluting (BES) DES. Clinical follow‐up was scheduled up to 5 years. All patients, alive and who did not have repeat revascularization of the target lesion during follow‐up were asked to return for angiographic follow‐up at 5 years.

Results

Five‐year angiographic follow‐up was completed in 122 patients (51%) and OCT analysis was performed in 86 (36%) patients. In‐stent late lumen loss was similar in both groups with 0.50 ± 0.38 mm in BVS versus 0.58 ± 0.36 mm in EES/BES,p = 0.20. Clinical follow‐up was complete in 232 patients (97%) at 5 years. The rate of the device‐oriented endpoint was 22% in the BVS and 18% in the EES/BES group (p = 0.49). The patient‐oriented composite endpoint occurred in 40% of BVS‐ and 43% of EES/BES‐treated patients (p = 0.72) at 5 years. No acute coronary syndrome due to stent thrombosis was detected after 2 years. Complete BVS strut resorption was observed at 5 years in the OCT subgroup.

Conclusion

Five‐year clinical outcomes were similar between BVS and DES patients as well as angiographic outcomes in a selected subgroup. However, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn because the EverBio‐2 trial was not powered for clinical and angiographic endpoints at 5 years of follow‐up.
Amine‐Terminated PAN Membranes as Anion‐Adsorber Materials
Authors: Glass Sarah , Mantel Tomi , Appold Michael , Sen Sitashree , Usman Muhammad , Ernst Mathias , Filiz Volkan
Published: June 2021

Anion‐adsorbing membranes provide an interesting possibility to remove toxic arsenate and chromate from drinking water. A promising way to prepare anion‐exchange materials is to introduce positively charged amine groups on polymers. In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membranes were modified with amine functionalities on the membranes. The success of the modifications was demonstrated using infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. Additionally, the arsenate adsorption was analyzed. The modified membrane showed arsenate adsorption 5 times higher than the pristine PAN membrane.
Analysis of KRAS G12/G13 in colorectal cancer using an economical digital PCR assay that unequivocally differentiates missense and synonymous alleles
Authors: Bidshahri Roza , Fakhfakh Kareem , McNeil Kelly , Won Jennifer R. , Wolber Robert , Hughesman Curtis , Haynes Charles
Published: June 2021

Genotyping of the Kirsten Ras (KRAS) proto‐oncogene, particularly within its wild‐type (WT) codons G12 and G13, is used clinically to define courses of therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Stratification of CRC can be improved by genotyping BRAF in conjunction with KRAS, as missense (nonsynonymous) mutations (MTs) in BRAF V600 are frequently observed in MLH1‐deficient CRCs, and BRAF V600E‐positive tumours correlate with poor CRC patient outcomes. While next‐generation sequencing can be used to co‐genotype KRAS and BRAF, clinics could benefit from a faster, more cost‐effective assay of missense mutations in both KRAS and BRAF that unequivocally discriminates them from all known synonymous WT alleles. We previously reported a novel diagnostic technology that leverages the unique capabilities of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to achieve sensitive and quantitative detection of all known missense mutations in BRAF V600. Here, we report a ddPCR‐based method to co‐genotype KRAS G12/13 missense mutations and unequivocally differentiate them from all WT KRAS alleles. When combined with our test of BRAF status, the resulting inexpensive and rapid multiplex ddPCR assay accurately detects all known missense mutations in both KRAS G12/G13 and BRAF V600. The assay is applied to formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumour specimens from a cohort of 87 MLH1‐deficient CRC patients, and is shown to correctly identify BRAF V600 and KRAS G12/G13 missense mutations in each case. Two KRAS G12/13 mutation positive patients within the cohort are found to also carry a V600E missense mutation in BRAF. Pathological implications of this rarely observed co‐mutation are discussed.
National trends in repair for type B aortic dissection
Authors: Weissler E. Hope , Osazuwa‐Peters Oyomoare L. , Greiner Melissa A. , Hughes G. Chad , Long Chandler A. , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler
Published: June 2021

Background

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) first gained in popularity for repair of type B aortic dissections (TBADs) in the early 2000's. We aimed to describe patients undergoing open repair, TEVAR, and no repair and analyze factors associated with repair within 14 days of presentation in the contemporary era.

Methods

We used the MarketScan database to find patients with TBAD between 2014 and 2017. To assess factors associated with early repair, univariable, and multivariable log‐binomial regression were used.

Results

There were 2613 patients admitted with TBAD between 2014 and 2017 across the United States, of whom 38.4% underwent repair within 14 days of admission (25.3% open repair and 13.1% TEVAR). The incidence of repair within 14 days decreased over the study period (43% of the study cohort in 2014 to 26.4% in 2017) primarily due to a decrease in open repairs from 30.8% of patients in 2014 to 12.5% in 2017. In multivariable analysis, older age, Middle Atlantic location, diabetes mellitus, insulin use, antiplatelet use, and more recent year were associated with lower likelihood of early repair; male sex, peripheral vascular disease, and the presence of extremity ischemia, rupture, shock, and acidosis were associated with higher likelihood of repair.

Conclusions

Overall, repair of TBAD within 14 days of presentation declined from 2014 to 2017, with a steady rate of TEVAR but declining rate of open repairs. Further investigation into provider‐ and hospital‐specific factors as they relate to likelihood of repair is needed.
Screening for New Inhibitors of Glycine Transporter 1 and 2 by Means of MS Binding Assays
Authors: Ackermann Thomas M. , Höfner Georg , Wanner Klaus T.
Published: June 2021

A straightforward screening of a compound library comprising 2439 substances for the identification of new inhibitors for the neurotransmitter transporters GlyT1 and GlyT2 is described. Screening and full‐scale competition experiments were performed using recently developed GlyT1 and GlyT2 MS Binding Assays. That way for both targets, GlyT1 and GlyT2, ligands were identified, which exhibited affinities (pKi values) in the low micromolar to sub‐micromolar range. The majority of these binders exhibit new chemical scaffolds in the class of GlyT1 and GlyT2 inhibitors, which could be of interest for the development of new ligands with improved affinities for the target proteins. Additionally, compounds with excellent fluorescent properties were found for GlyT2, which renders them promising compounds for future fluorescence‐based techniques. All in all, this study demonstrates that MS Binding Assays represent a powerful technology platform also well suited for the screening of compound libraries in a highly reliable and effective manner.
Effect of temperature and single event transient on crosstalk in coupled single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundle interconnects
Authors: Liu Baojun , Li Cheng , Li Chuang , Zhang Shuang
Published: June 2021

Although they have better electrical and thermal properties, thermal issues have become an important challenge to design modern integrated circuits with single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundle interconnects. The equivalent RLC model for SWCNT bundle interconnect is analyzed. Based on the proposed circuit for single event crosstalk (SEC), the influences of the length of line, nanotube diameter, metallic nanotube ratio, and technology node on SEC at different temperatures are studied. The potential impact mechanisms are also discussed. The simulation results show that, compared with one in copper line, peak voltage and pulse width of SEC in SWCNT interconnect are reduced by an average of 23.7% and 8.8%, respectively. The larger the diameter of SWCNT is or the more the ratio of metallic SWCNT is, the weaker the effect of SEC will be. With the increase of the length of line, the crosstalk effect will increase. The pulse width of SEC is more sensitive to the temperature when the length of line is longer. However, the peak voltage is more sensitive to the temperature when the length of line is shorter. As the technology node shrinks from 21 nm to 9.5 nm, the noise area of SEC increases from 0.55 V•ns to 1.89 V•ns, which results in that the crosstalk action time increases significantly.
Analysis and implementation of a new asymmetric double H‐bridge multilevel inverter
Authors: Siddique Marif Daula , Iqbal Atif , Sarwar Adil , Mekhilef Saad
Published: June 2021

Multilevel inverters (MLI) have become an integral component in many industrial applications including drive systems and distributed generation grid integrated systems. Efficient and cost‐effective MLI topologies are required to enhance the performance of industrial systems. In the present work, an asymmetric double H‐bridge MLI is proposed, which incorporates and enhances the attributes of a modified T‐type converter and produces a superior output voltage waveform with the lesser component requirement. The proposed MLI can generate a 15‐level output. An extendable generalized topology (cascaded) based on the proposed configuration has also been proposed. The topology is compared with recently introduced MLI topologies based on various performance parameters, and results are presented. The output voltage control is achieved using nearest level control which is a low switching frequency modulation technique for lowering the switching losses in the inverter. The hardware is realized, and performance is evaluated under different dynamically changing loading conditions.
Interleukin‐18, IL‐18 binding protein and IL‐18 receptor expression in asthma: a hypothesis showing IL‐18 promotes epithelial cell differentiation
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Chachi Latifa , Gomez Edith , Sylvius Nicolas , Brightling Christopher E
Published: June 2021

Objective

In asthma, genome‐wide association studies have shown that interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) receptor 1 gene (IL‐18R1) and sputum IL‐18 are increased during exacerbations. However, the role of the IL‐18 axis in bronchial epithelial function is unclear. To investigate IL‐18, IL‐18 binding protein (BP) and IL‐18R expression in bronchial biopsies and sputum samples from patients with asthma, and to determine its functional role using in vitro bronchial epithelial cells.

Methods

The expression of IL‐18, IL‐18BP and IL‐18Rα was examined in subjects with asthma and healthy controls in bronchial biopsies by immunohistochemistry and IL‐18 and IL‐18BP release in sputum. In epithelial cells, the mRNA and protein expression of IL‐18, IL‐18BP, IL‐18Rα and IL‐18Rβ was assessed by qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting and immunofluorescence respectively. IL‐18 function in epithelial cells was examined by intracellular calcium, wound repair, synthetic activation and epithelial differentiation changes.

Results

In biopsies from subjects with asthma, the IL‐18 expression was not different in the lamina propria compared with controls but was decreased in the epithelium. In contrast, the IL‐18BP was decreased in the lamina propria in asthma and was absent in the bronchial epithelium. IL‐18 was released in sputum with IL‐18BP elevated in patients with asthma. The IL‐18Rα expression was not different between health and disease. In vitro, IL‐18‐stimulated bronchial epithelial cells increased intracellular calcium, wound repair, metabolic activity, morphological changes and epithelial cellular differentiation.

Conclusion

In asthma, the dynamic interaction between IL‐18, its cognate receptor and natural inhibitor is complex, with differences between airway compartments. Upregulation of IL‐18 can promote epithelial activation and cellular differentiation.
An efficient and cost‐effective method for the purification of human basophils
Authors: He Cheng , Gao Sijia , Zhao Xinyi , Shi Yanbiao , Tang Yanyan , Cao Yiwei , Bai Ruixue , Ren Jinfeng , Zhao Shuli , Shi Zhixu , Wang Hui
Published: June 2021

Human basophils are terminally differentiated granulocytes that are least abundant in the peripheral blood but play important roles in allergic diseases. Studies on human basophils are limited by the high cost on the isolation of human basophils by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) for negative depletion of non‐basophils, followed by CD123‐based positive selection of basophils. Moreover, such CD123‐based purification of basophils may be limited by blocking of the binding of IL‐3/anti‐CD123 to the surface CD123. Here we identified SSClowCD4−CD127−HLA‐DR−CRTH2high as unique markers for the identification of human basophils through stringent flow cytometric analysis of leukocytes from buffy coat. We established an efficient and cost‐effective method for isolating human basophils from buffy coat based on positive magnetic selection of CRTH2+ cells followed by flow cytometric sorting of SSClowCD4−CD127−HLA‐DR−CRTH2high cells. Approximately 1 to 1.5 million basophils were isolated from one buffy coat with a purity of >97%. Basophils purified by this method were viable and efficiently responded to key regulators of basophils including IL‐3 and anti‐IgE. This method can be used for purifying human basophils for subsequent functional studies.
A guide for optimal iodine staining and high‐throughput diceCT scanning in snakes
Authors: Callahan Sean , Crowe‐Riddell Jenna M. , Nagesan Ramon S. , Gray Jaimi A. , Davis Rabosky Alison R.
Published: June 2021

Diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) visualizes soft tissue from micro‐CT (µCT) scans of specimens to uncover internal features and natural history information without incurring physical damage via dissection. Unlike hard‐tissue imaging, taxonomic sampling within diceCT datasets is currently limited. To initiate best practices for diceCT in a nonmodel group, we outline a guide for staining and high‐throughput µCT scanning in snakes. We scanned the entire body and one region of interest (i.e., head) for 23 specimens representing 23 species from the clades Aniliidae, Dipsadinae, Colubrinae, Elapidae, Lamprophiidae, and Viperidae. We generated 82 scans that include 1.25% Lugol's iodine stained (soft tissue) and unstained (skeletal) data for each specimen. We found that duration of optimal staining time increased linearly with body size; head radius was the best indicator. Postreconstruction of scans, optimal staining was evident by evenly distributed grayscale values and clear differentiation among soft‐tissue anatomy. Under and over stained specimens produced poor contrast among soft tissues, which was often exacerbated by user bias during “digital dissections” (i.e., segmentation). Regardless, all scans produced usable data from which we assessed a range of downstream analytical applications within ecology and evolution (e.g., predator‐prey interactions, life history, and morphological evolution). Ethanol destaining reversed the known effects of iodine on the exterior appearance of physical specimens, but required substantially more time than reported for other destaining methods. We discuss the feasibility of implementing diceCT techniques for a new user, including approximate financial and temporal commitments, required facilities, and potential effects of staining on specimens. We present the first high‐throughput workflow for full‐body skeletal and diceCT scanning in snakes, which can be generalized to any elongate vertebrates, and increases publicly available diceCT scans for reptiles by an order of magnitude.
Climate‐driven elevational variation in range sizes of vascular plants in the central Himalayas: A supporting case for Rapoport's rule
Authors: Liang Jianchao , Hu Huijian , Ding Zhifeng , Lie Ganwen , Zhou Zhixin , Singh Paras Bikram , Zhang Zhixiang , Ji Shengnan
Published: June 2021

A fundamental yet controversial topic in biogeography is how and why species range sizes vary along spatial gradients. To advance our understanding of these questions and to provide insights into biological conservation, we assessed elevational variations in the range sizes of vascular plants with different life forms and biogeographical affinities and explored the main drivers underlying these variations in the longest valley in China's Himalayas, the Gyirong Valley. Elevational range sizes of vascular plants were documented in 96 sampling plots along an elevational gradient ranging from 1,800 to 5,400 m above sea level. We assessed the elevational variations in range size by averaging the range sizes of all recorded species within each sampling plot. We then related the range size to climate, disturbance, and the mid‐domain effect and explored the relative importance of these factors in explaining the range size variations using the Random Forest model. A total of 545 vascular plants were recorded in the sampling plots along the elevational gradient. Of these, 158, 387, 337, and 112 were woody, herbaceous, temperate, and tropical species, respectively. The range size of each group of vascular plants exhibited uniform increasing trends along the elevational gradient, which was consistent with the prediction of Rapoport's rule. Climate was the main driver of the increasing trends of vascular plant range sizes in the Gyirong Valley. The climate variability hypothesis and mean climate condition hypothesis could both explain the elevation–range size relationships. Our results reinforce the previous notion that Rapoport's rule applies to regions where the influence of climate is the most pronounced, and call for close attention to the impact of climate change to prevent species range contraction and even extinction due to global warming.
Assessment of ecological impairment of Arctic streams: Challenges and future directions
Authors: Medeiros A. S. , Williams A. , Milošević D.
Published: June 2021

As increased growth and development put pressure on freshwater systems in Arctic environments, there is a need to maintain a meaningful and feasible framework for monitoring water quality. A useful tool for monitoring the ecological health of aquatic systems is by means of the analysis and inferences made from benthic invertebrates in a biomonitoring approach. Biomonitoring of rivers and streams within the Arctic has been under‐represented in research efforts. Here, we investigate an approach for monitoring biological impairment in Arctic streams from anthropogenic land use at two streams with different exposure to urban development in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Arctic Canada. Sites upstream of development, at midpoint locations, and at the mouth of each waterbody were sampled during 6 campaigns (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019) to address spatial and temporal variability of the macroinvertebrate community. The influence of taxonomic resolution scaling was also examined in order to understand the sensitivity of macroinvertebrates as indicators in Arctic aquatic systems. We demonstrate that standard biological metrics were effective in indicating biological impairment downstream of sources of point‐source pollutants. A mixed‐design ANOVA for repeated measures also found strong interannual variability; however, we did not detect intra‐annual variation from seasonal factors. When examining metrics at the highest taxonomic resolution possible, the sensitivity of metrics increased. Likewise, when trait‐based metrics (α functional diversity) were applied to indicators identified at high taxonomic resolution, a significant difference was found between reference and impacted sites. Our results show that even though Arctic systems have lower diversity and constrained life‐history characteristics compared to temperate ecosystems, biomonitoring is not only possible, but also equally effective in detecting trends from anthropogenic activities. Thus, biomonitoring approaches in Arctic environments are likely a useful means for providing rapid and cost‐effective means of assessing future environmental impact.
Biogeographic history and habitat specialization shape floristic and phylogenetic composition across Amazonian forests
Authors: Baraloto Christopher , Vleminckx Jason , Engel Julien , Petronelli Pascal , Dávila Nállarett , RÍos Marcos , Valderrama Sandoval Elvis Harry , Mesones Italo , Guevara Andino Juan Ernesto , Fortunel Claire , Allie Elodie , Paine C. E. Timothy , Dourdain Aurélie , Goret Jean‐Yves , Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar J. , Draper Freddie , Fine Paul V. A.
Published: June 2021

A major challenge remains to understand the relative contributions of history, dispersal, and environmental filtering to the assembly of hyperdiverse communities across spatial scales. Here, we examine the extent to which biogeographical history and habitat specialization have generated turnover among and within lineages of Amazonian trees across broad geographic and environmental gradients. We replicated standardized tree inventories in 102 0.1‐ha plots located in two distant regions—the western Amazon and the eastern Guiana shield. Within each region, we used a nested design to replicate plots on contrasted habitats: white‐sand, terra firme, and seasonally flooded forests. Our plot network encompassed 26,386 trees that together represented 2,745 distinct taxa, which we standardized across all plots and regions. We combined taxonomic and phylogenetic data with detailed soil measurements and climatic data to: (1) test whether patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic composition are consistent with recent or historical processes, (2) disentangle the relative effects of habitat, environment, and geographic distance on taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover among plots, and (3) contrast the proportion of habitat specialists among species from each region. We found substantial species turnover between Peru and French Guiana, with only 8.8% of species shared across regions; genus composition remained differentiated across habitats and regions, whereas turnover at higher taxonomic levels (family, order) was much lower. Species turnover across plots was explained primarily by regions, but also substantially by habitat differences and to a lesser extent by spatial distance within regions. Conversely, the composition of higher taxonomic levels was better explained by habitats (especially comparing white‐sand forests to other habitats) than spatial distance. White‐sand forests harbored most of the habitat specialists in both regions, with stronger habitat specialization in Peru than in French Guiana. Our results suggest that recent diversification events have resulted in extremely high turnover in species and genus composition with relatively little change in the composition of higher lineages. Our results also emphasize the contributions of rare habitats, such as white‐sand forests, to the extraordinary diversity of the Amazon and underline their importance as conservation priorities.
Circulating microRNA‐29‐5p can add to the discrimination between dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Brundin Martin , Wågsäter Dick , Alehagen Urban , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan
Published: June 2021

Aims

Heart failure describes a large and heterogeneous spectrum of underlying cardiac diseases. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non‐coding RNAs that in recent years have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful imaging modality for the evaluation of cardiac characteristics in heart failure. In this study, we sought to compare heart failure patients with a diagnosis of either idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or ischaemic heart disease (IHD), in the context of serum levels of certain miRs and also magnetic resonance imaging parameters of cardiac structure and function.

Methods and results

A total of 135 subjects were studied: 53 patients with DCM (age: 59 ± 12 years, mean ± SD), 34 patients with IHD (66 ± 9 years), and 48 controls (64 ± 5 years). The participants underwent baseline medical examination, blood sampling, and a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging examination at 3 Tesla (Philips Ingenia). The serum levels of seven different miRs were analysed and assessed: 16‐5p, 21‐5p, 29‐5p, 133a‐3p, 191‐5p, 320a, and 423‐5p, all of which have been demonstrated to play potential roles in the pathogenesis of heart failure.

The patients in the DCM and IHD groups had left ventricles that had larger end‐diastolic volume (P < 0.001), larger mass (P < 0.001), and lower ejection fraction (P < 0.001) compared with controls. Serum levels of miR‐29‐5p were increased in DCM compared with IHD (P < 0.005) and serum levels of miR‐320a were elevated in DCM compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between miR levels and magnetic resonance imaging parameters of left ventricular structure and function.

Conclusions

Circulating miR‐320a can add to the discrimination between patients with DCM and healthy controls and circulating miR‐29‐5p can add to the discrimination between DCM and IHD.
A rare cause of effusive–constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Giordani Andrea S. , De Gaspari Monica , Baritussio Anna , Rizzo Stefania , Carturan Elisa , Basso Cristina , Napodano Massimo , Testolin Luca , Marcolongo Renzo , Caforio Alida L.P.
Published: June 2021

Effusive–constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is an uncommon diagnosis, frequently missed due to its heterogeneous presentation, but a potentially reversible cause of heart failure. A 62‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with remittent right heart failure and mild–moderate pericardial effusion. Following an initial diagnosis of idiopathic pericarditis, indomethacin was started, but the patient shortly relapsed, presenting with severe pericardial effusion and signs of cardiac tamponade, requiring pericardiocentesis. ECP was diagnosed on cardiac catheterization. Cardiac computed tomography showed non‐calcified, mildly thickened and inflamed parietal pericardium. Pericardiectomy was performed with symptoms remission. On histological examination of pericardium, chronic non‐necrotizing granulomatous inflammation was noted. Polymerase chain reaction assay was positive for non‐tuberculous mycobacteria. This case represents a rare finding of ECP with unusual presentation due to atypical mycobacteriosis in a non‐immunocompromised patient and in a non‐endemic area. Pericardiectomy can be an effective option in cases unresponsive to anti‐inflammatory treatment, even in the absence of significant pericardial thickening or calcification.
Factors that predict ventricular arrhythmias in the late phase after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Saito Kan , Kondo Yusuke , Takahashi Masashi , Kitahara Hideki , Nakayama Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshihide , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: June 2021

Aims

Little is known regarding factors that predict the occurrence of lethal ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) occurring after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This observational cohort study aimed to identify factors that predicted lethal VAs during the late phase after AMI in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods and results

Data were collected from our AMI database regarding consecutive patients with an LVEF of ≤40% after AMI (January 2012 to July 2018). The ‘late phase’ was defined as ≥7 days after AMI onset, and the primary endpoint was defined as lethal VAs in the late phase. The study included 136 patients (82% men; mean age: 66 ± 13 years). The average LVEF at admission was 32.7 ± 8.2%. During a mean follow‐up period of 20.7 months, 14 patients (10%) experienced lethal VAs, including ventricular fibrillation (n = 8) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 10). Univariate analyses revealed that lethal VAs were predicted by age and LVEF at admission. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the optimal cut‐off value was 23% for using the LVEF at admission to predict the primary endpoint (area under the curve: 0.77, P < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis also demonstrated that LVEF at admission was an independent predictor of the primary endpoint (risk ratio = 7.12, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Lethal VAs in the late phase are common in patients with AMI, and reduced LVEF and cardiac function at admission play a significant role in the risk stratification for future lethal VAs in this population.
Dietary interventions and nutritional supplements for heart failure: a systematic appraisal and evidence map
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Khan Fiza , Fonarow Gregg C. , Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Greene Stephen J. , Khan Safi U. , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Fudim Marat , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed
Published: June 2021

Aims

To appraise meta‐analytically determined effect of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements on heart failure (HF)‐related outcomes, and create an evidence map to visualize the findings and certainty of evidence.

Methods and results

Online databases were systematically searched for meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements on HF outcomes and incidence. These were then updated if new RCTs were available. Estimates were pooled using a random‐effects model and reported as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. We identified 14 relevant meta‐analyses, to which 21 new RCTs were added. The total evidence base reviewed included 122 RCTs (n = 176 097 participants) assessing 14 interventions. We found that coenzyme Q10 was associated with lower all‐cause mortality [RR 0.69 (0.50–0.96); I2 = 0%; low certainty of evidence] in HF patients. Incident HF risk was reduced with Mediterranean diet [RR 0.45 (0.26–0.79); I2 = 0%; low certainty of evidence]. Vitamin E supplementation was associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of HF hospitalization [RR 1.21 (1.04–1.40); I2 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence]. There was moderate certainty of evidence that thiamine, vitamin D, iron, and L‐carnitine supplementation had a beneficial effect on left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusion

Coenzyme Q10 may reduce all‐cause mortality in HF patients, while a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of incident HF; however, the low certainty of evidence warrants the need for further RCTs to confirm a definite clinical role. RCT data were lacking for several common interventions including intermittent fasting, caffeine, DASH diet, and ketogenic diet. More research is needed to fill the knowledge gap.
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy for the study of (nano)particle electrochemistry: From the sub‐particle to ensemble level
Authors: Bentley Cameron L.
Published: June 2021

Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is a scanning‐droplet‐based technique that allows electrochemical fluxes and/or interfacial reactivity to be measured and visualized with high spatiotemporal resolution. This minireview spotlights the use of SECCM for studying the electrochemistry of (nano)particles, highlighting recent works spanning multiple timescales (i.e., microseconds to seconds) and lengthscales (i.e., nanometers to micrometers) to probe physicochemical phenomena at the sub‐particle, single particle, and/or (micro)ensemble levels. In SECCM, single (nano)particles (or small particle ensembles) are electrochemically interrogated—directly from colloidal solution (i.e., by investigating electrochemical nanoimpacts with a substrate electrode) or supported on an electrochemically inert support electrode—with a pipette probe that is operated in either a stationary (point measurement) or dynamic scanning/imaging mode. Nanoscale‐resolved electrochemical information (e.g., local rates of electron‐ or ion‐transfer, catalytic activity, corrosion resistance, etc.) from SECCM is readily related to (nano)particle structure and properties, collected at a commensurate scale with complementary, co‐located microscopy/spectroscopy techniques, allowing structure and function to be resolved directly and unambiguously down to the sub‐particle level. Understanding structure−function on this scale enables macroscopic “particle‐on‐support” electrode behavior to be rationalized and further predicted, guiding the discovery, design, and engineering of novel electromaterials with enhanced function, which is a “holy grail” in materials science.
Capping agent‐free synthesis of surface engineered Pt nanocube for direct ammonia fuel cell
Authors: Jin Haneul , Lee Sehyun , Sohn Yeonsun , Lee Soo‐Hyoung , Kim Pil , Yoo Sung Jong
Published: June 2021

Direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs), wherein the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) occurs at the anode and oxygen reduction at the cathode, are a promising clean energy production system using easily liquefied ammonia because they exhibit high energy density. However, only a few catalysts are, thus far, available for the AOR because of its sluggish six‐electron‐based reaction kinetics. Pt (100) is considered an optimal catalyst for the AOR; however, the synthesis of pristine Pt (100) is difficult because it requires the use of strong capping agents for faceting particles. Moreover, the capping agents block surface active sites, thereby deaccelerating electrochemical reactions. Herein, we report a novel synthetic method (hot separation) to achieve pristine Pt (100) by precisely controlling the formation kinetics of Pt nanocubes, wherein the further treatment for surface capping agent removal is not required. Hot separation prevents particle aggregation and overgrowth through the rapid separation of the Pt nanocubes and reaction solution and preserves the Pt (100) surface. Furthermore, the characterization of the pristine surface of Pt nanocubes was conducted to compare the properties of the Pt nanocubes with those of the particles prepared from conventional methods. The Pt nanocubes showed better mass activity toward the AOR and 2.3 times higher DAFC performance than those of commercial Pt.
Assisted differential network analysis for gene expression data
Authors: Yi Huangdi , Ma Shuangge
Published: June 2021

In the analysis of gene expression data, when there are two or more disease conditions/groups (e.g., diseased and normal, responder and nonresponder, and multiple stages/subtypes), differential analysis has been extensively conducted to identify key differences and has important implications. Network analysis takes a system perspective and can be more informative than that limited to simple statistics such as mean and variance. In differential network analysis, a common practice is to first estimate a gene expression network for each condition/group, and then spectral clustering can be applied to the network difference(s) to identify key genes and biological mechanisms that lead to the differences. Compared to “simple” analysis such as regression, differential network analysis can be more challenging with the significantly larger number of parameters. In this study, taking advantage of the increasing popularity of multidimensional profiling data, we develop an assisted analysis strategy and propose incorporating regulator information to improve the identification of key genes (that lead to the differences in gene expression networks). An effective computational algorithm is developed. Comprehensive simulation is conducted, showing that the proposed approach can outperform the benchmark alternatives in identification accuracy. With the The Cancer Genome Atlas lung adenocarcinoma data, we analyze the expressions of genes in the KEGG cell cycle pathway, assisted by copy number variation data. The proposed assisted analysis leads to identification results similar to the alternatives but different estimations. Overall, this study can deliver an efficient and cost‐effective way of improving differential network analysis.
Effective connectivity underlying reward‐based executive control
Authors: Hippmann Bernadette , Tzvi Elinor , Göttlich Martin , Weiblen Ronja , Münte Thomas F. , Jessen Sarah
Published: June 2021

Motivational influences on cognitive control play an important role in shaping human behavior. Cognitive facilitation through motivators such as prospective reward or punishment is thought to depend on regions from the dopaminergic mesocortical network, primarily the ventral tegmental area (VTA), inferior frontal junction (IFJ), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, how interactions between these regions relate to motivated control remains elusive. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we used dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to investigate effective connectivity between left IFJ, ACC, and VTA in a task‐switching paradigm comprising three distinct motivational conditions (prospective monetary reward or punishment and a control condition). We found that while prospective punishment significantly facilitated switching between tasks on a behavioral level, interactions between IFJ, ACC, and VTA were characterized by modulations through prospective reward but not punishment. Our DCM results show that IFJ and VTA modulate ACC activity in parallel rather than by interaction to serve task demands in reward‐based cognitive control. Our findings further demonstrate that prospective reward and punishment differentially affect neural control mechanisms to initiate decision‐making.
Conducting a rapid health promotion audit in suburban Adelaide, South Australia: Can it contribute to revitalising health promotion?
Authors: Roesler Anna , Musolino Connie , van Eyk Helen , Flavel Joanne , Freeman Toby , Fisher Matt , MacDougall Colin , Baum Fran
Published: June 2021

Issues addressed

How health promotion is implemented varies and it is often not clear what activities are in place in a region. Understanding the extent of health promotion activities helps planning activities.

Methods

This research involved a rapid audit of the types of health promotion activities in a suburban region of South Australia. This analysis was guided by the WHO Ottawa Charter's principles. To better understand population needs and which health promoting activities may help, an epidemiological, demographic and social determinants of health profile of southern Adelaide described disease patterns and health inequities.

Results

While there was evidence of a range of health promoting activities, most concerned individual or behavioural services. A key finding was the small number of activities that the state health department and local health system were responsible for. Alongside local government, NGOs provided the bulk of health promotion activities. In addition, there were no overarching health promotion strategies or coordinating bodies to evaluate the activities. The epidemiological, demographic and social determinants of health profile found persistent health and social inequities.

Conclusion

This rapid audit of health promotion in a region enabled a quick assessment of the current health promotion situation and provided evidence of gaps and areas where policy change should be advocated.

So what?

The key findings distilled from this research were designed to inform policy priorities to shift health promotion in southern Adelaide onto a trajectory consistent with the Ottawa Charter and prevent further focus on individualised behaviour change strategies known as ‘lifestyle drift’.