bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the food matrix on the capacity of flavor enhancers in intensifying salty taste
Authors: Reis Rocha Renata Abadia , Reis Rocha Lenízy Cristina , Ribeiro Michele Nayara , Lima Ribeiro Ana Paula , Alves da Rocha Roney , Souza Carneiro João de Deus
Published: February 2021

The effect of the flavor enhancers monoammonium glutamate (MAG), monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium guanylate (GMP), and disodium inosinate (IMP) on intensifying salty taste in food matrices (shoestring potatoes, requeijão cheese, and beef burgers) with a reduction in the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) present was evaluated. Experiments were conducted using a central composite rotational design with two variables: the concentrations of flavor enhancer and NaCl added in the food matrix. The effect of IMP was not significant (P > 0.05) on the intensity of salty taste in any of the matrices analyzed. GMP presented lower performance compared to MAG and MSG in intensifying the salty taste of the treatments, regardless of the reduction of NaCl. Compared to MSG and GMP, MAG showed greater efficiency in intensifying the salty taste in requeijão cheese and beef burger with a reduction of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of NaCl. MSG presented higher efficiency compared to MAG and GMP when applied in shoestring potatoes for all reductions of NaCl tested (25%, 50%, and 75%). The ability of flavor enhancers to improve the salty taste depends on the effect of the flavor enhancer, the complexity of the food matrix, and the reduction of NaCl in foods.

Practical Applications

The complexity of the food matrix plays a significant role in the perception of salty taste in sodium‐reduced products. In these products, sodium reduction may affect the taste enhancer's effect of enhancing salty taste. Therefore, this study broadens the knowledge of the effects of flavor enhancers on different foods, as well as the ability to enhance salty taste in food matrices with NaCl reduction. Moreover, it provides information on how to reduce the sodium content in these matrices while maintaining the same perception of salty taste as a conventional matrix.
Integrating automated acoustic vocalization data and point count surveys for estimation of bird abundance
Authors: Doser Jeffrey W. , Finley Andrew O. , Weed Aaron S. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: February 2021

Monitoring wildlife abundance across space and time is an essential task to study their population dynamics and inform effective management. Acoustic recording units are a promising technology for efficiently monitoring bird populations and communities. While current acoustic data models provide information on the presence/absence of individual species, new approaches are needed to monitor population abundance, ideally across large spatio‐temporal regions.

We present an integrated modelling framework that combines high‐quality but temporally sparse bird point count survey data with acoustic recordings. Our models account for imperfect detection in both data types and false positive errors in the acoustic data. Using simulations, we compare the accuracy and precision of abundance estimates using differing amounts of acoustic vocalizations obtained from a clustering algorithm, point count data, and a subset of manually validated acoustic vocalizations. We also use our modelling framework in a case study to estimate abundance of the Eastern Wood‐Pewee (Contopus virens) in Vermont, USA.

The simulation study reveals that combining acoustic and point count data via an integrated model improves accuracy and precision of abundance estimates compared with models informed by either acoustic or point count data alone. Improved estimates are obtained across a wide range of scenarios, with the largest gains occurring when detection probability for the point count data is low. Combining acoustic data with only a small number of point count surveys yields estimates of abundance without the need for validating any of the identified vocalizations from the acoustic data. Within our case study, the integrated models provided moderate support for a decline of the Eastern Wood‐Pewee in this region.

Our integrated modelling approach combines dense acoustic data with few point count surveys to deliver reliable estimates of species abundance without the need for manual identification of acoustic vocalizations or a prohibitively expensive large number of repeated point count surveys. Our proposed approach offers an efficient monitoring alternative for large spatio‐temporal regions when point count data are difficult to obtain or when monitoring is focused on rare species with low detection probability.
The shape of sound: A new R package that crosses the bridge between Bioacoustics and Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Rocha Pedro C. , Romano Pedro S. R.
Published: February 2021

The field of Bioacoustics has flourished in the past few decades, with numerous initiatives towards its application as a tool for biodiversity conservation. Despite the development of new methods involving computational programming and machine learning algorithms, higher accuracy is still needed for species identification, which is why we present herein the new SoundShape package for R platform.

The new package focuses on implementing the eigensound method, a promising, and yet little explored protocol for bioacoustical analysis. The eigensound function is the main feature of SoundShape, allowing its user to convert sound waves into a dataset that can be analysed similar to coordinate sets from Geometric Morphometrics Methods, thus enabling the direct comparison between stereotyped calls from different species. Besides, SoundShape also features complementary functions for basic analysis of quantitative variation and illustration of hypothetical sound shapes representing the sample of sounds.

Implementation of SoundShape is summarized through a workflow guide, using data from the new package. The sample study resulted in nearly 90% variation expressed in an ordination plot, therefore successfully summarizing complex sound waves previously described by large datasets of amplitude values. Moreover, we also introduce two addendums to eigensound: (a) three steps to prevent errors and biased results—aimed at securing a meaningful comparison between acoustic units from different species; and (b) the option of applying a logarithmic grid on the x‐axis (time)—which emphasizes short duration calls while also encompassing long ones.

SoundShape package now provide the tools required for anyone to replicate and implement the eigensound method on the r platform. This will enable future studies to focus on further exploring the applications of sound shape analysis on various scientific areas, including (but not limited to) taxonomy, systematics, evolution, acoustic niche partitioning, soundscape ecology and machine learning algorithms focused on species identification for conservation biology.
Automated detection of wildlife using drones: Synthesis, opportunities and constraints
Authors: Corcoran Evangeline , Winsen Megan , Sudholz Ashlee , Hamilton Grant
Published: February 2021

Accurate detection of individual animals is integral to the management of vulnerable wildlife species, but often difficult and costly to achieve for species that occur over wide or inaccessible areas or engage in cryptic behaviours. There is a growing acceptance of the use of drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs and remotely piloted aircraft systems, RPAS) to detect wildlife, largely because of the capacity for drones to rapidly cover large areas compared to ground survey methods. While drones can aid the capture of large amounts of imagery, detection requires either manual evaluation of the imagery or automated detection using machine learning algorithms. While manual evaluation of drone‐acquired imagery is possible and sometimes necessary, the powerful combination of drones with automated detection of wildlife in this imagery is much faster and, in some cases, more accurate than using human observers. Despite the great potential of this emerging approach, most attention to date has been paid to the development of algorithms, and little is known about the constraints around successful detection (P. W. J. Baxter, and G. Hamilton, 2018, Ecosphere, 9, e02194).

We reviewed studies that were conducted over the last 5 years in which wildlife species were detected automatically in drone‐acquired imagery to understand how technological constraints, environmental conditions and ecological traits of target species impact detection with automated methods.

From this review, we found that automated detection could be achieved for a wider range of species and under a greater variety of environmental conditions than reported in previous reviews of automated and manual detection in drone‐acquired imagery. A high probability of automated detection could be achieved efficiently using fixed‐wing platforms and RGB sensors for species that were large and occurred in open and homogeneous environments with little vegetation or variation in topography while infrared sensors and multirotor platforms were necessary to successfully detect small, elusive species in complex habitats.

The insight gained in this review could allow conservation managers to use drones and machine learning algorithms more accurately and efficiently to conduct abundance data on vulnerable populations that is critical to their conservation.
Alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes and the size and duration of random breath testing checkpoints
Authors: Morrison Christopher N. , Kwizera Muhire , Chen Qixuan , Puljevic Cheneal , Branas Charles C. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Peek‐Asa Corinne , McGavin Kirsten M. , Franssen Shellee J. , Le Vy K. , Keating Michael , Williams Frances M. , Ferris Jason
Published: February 2021

Objective

Sobriety checkpoints have strong empirical and theoretical support as an intervention to reduce alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether checkpoint size (the number of police officers) and checkpoint duration (the amount of time in operation) affect associations between individual checkpoints and subsequent alcohol‐related crash incidence.

Method

Queensland Police Service provided latitude–longitude coordinates and date and time data for all breath tests that occurred in Brisbane, Australia, from January 2012 to June 2018. We applied hierarchical cluster analysis to the latitude–longitude coordinates for breath tests, identifying checkpoints as clusters of ≥25 breath tests conducted by ≥3 breath testing devices over a duration of 3 to 8 hours. Generalized linear autoregressive moving average (GLARMA) models related counts of alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes to the number of checkpoints conducted per week, as well as 1 week prior and 2 weeks prior.

Results

A total of 3420 alcohol‐related crashes occurred and 2069 checkpoints were conducted in Brisbane over the 6.5‐year (339‐week) study period. On average, checkpoints included a mean of 266.0 breath tests (SD = 216.3), 16.4 devices (SD = 13.7), and were 286.3 minutes in duration (SD = 104.2). Each 10 additional checkpoints were associated with a 12% decrease in crash incidence at a lag of 1 week (IRR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.80, 0.97). We detected no differential associations according to checkpoint size or duration.

Conclusions

Sobriety checkpoints are associated with fewer alcohol‐related motor vehicle crashes for around 1 week. Checkpoint size and duration do not appear to affect this relationship.
Do accounting information and market environment matter for cross‐asset predictability?
Authors: Thakerngkiat Narongdech , Nguyen Hung T. , Nguyen Nhut H. , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat
Published: February 2021

This paper examines whether the differences in accounting information between stocks affect cross‐asset return predictability. We use a comprehensive set of accounting variables and find that abnormal accruals, earnings smoothness, book‐to‐market, firm age, leverage, abnormal capital investment and investment growth, among others, explain the variation in return predictability across pairing stocks. Moreover, our results show that cross‐asset predictability varies over time and is associated with funding liquidity and market sentiment. A simple trading strategy based on our findings yields a higher mean return, lower standard deviation and higher Sharpe ratio compared to a buy‐and‐hold strategy.
Different is better: how unique initial coin offering language in white papers enhances success
Authors: Yen Ju‐Chun , Wang Tawei , Chen Yu‐Hung
Published: February 2021

This study examines whether the unique and common content of initial coin offering (ICO) white papers is related to ICO fund raising and post‐ICO trading activities. Based on the signalling theory, we expect that high‐quality ICOs can provide more unique content in their white papers to distinguish themselves from low‐quality ICOs because it may be costly for low‐quality ICOs to provide unique and specific information. Our results show that ICOs that have more unique or less common content in their white papers raise more funds or are subject to more active trading and higher market values in the post‐ICO period.
Terrestrial slug uses a vertical bridge of mucus to descend rapidly from heights
Authors: Gould John , Valdez Jose W.
Published: February 2021

Among the terrestrial slugs, mucus secretions are used for a variety of purposes that typically require the mucus to be excreted from the slug’s foot along surfaces or excreted onto epithelial linings. However, terrestrial slugs are also capable of producing mucus threads that are anchored to surfaces but extended into the open air. These threads are akin to spider silk and may serve as an alternative form of locomotion, allowing for rapid movement between surfaces of different heights. Herein, we report on the production of mucus threads by a terrestrial slug for the first time in Australia, and its possible use as a tethered vertical bridge for locomotion. Field observations revealed a striped field slug, Lehmannia nyctelia, descended from a single thread of mucus that was not only tethered to the top of a fence line but extended in front of the slug to the ground where it was tethered also to gravel. Our observations suggest that slugs produce tethered bridge lines of mucus, over which they can traverse in order to descend from heights. This is in contrast to previous reports of mucus thread production among this and other terrestrial slugs, in which individuals only hang freely from one end of a thread that is attached to a surface above. We suggest that producing a mucus thread that is tethered on both ends may be adaptive by stabilising individuals and preventing excessive sideways movements during descent, particularly when it is windy, which could lead to premature thread breakage.
Butterflies on the brink: identifying the Australian butterflies (Lepidoptera) most at risk of extinction
Authors: Geyle Hayley M , Braby Michael F , Andren Mick , Beaver Ethan P , Bell Phil , Byrne Catherine , Castles Madelaine , Douglas Fabian , Glatz Richard V , Haywood Bryan , Hendry Peter , Kitching Roger L , Lambkin Trevor A , Meyer Cliff E , Moore Michael D , Moss John T , Nally Simon , New Tim R , Palmer Christopher M , Petrie Ed , Potter‐Craven Josephine , Richards Karen , Sanderson Chris , Stolarski Alex , Taylor Gary S , Williams Matthew R , Woinarski John C Z , Garnett Stephen T
Published: February 2021

The diversity and abundance of native invertebrates is declining globally, which could have significant consequences for ecosystem functioning. Declines are likely to be at least as severe as those observed for vertebrates, although often are difficult to quantify due to a lack of historic baseline data and limited monitoring effort. The Lepidoptera are well studied in Australia compared with other invertebrates, so we know that some species are imperilled or declining. Despite this, few butterfly taxa are explicitly listed for protection by legislation. Here we aim to identify the butterfly taxa that would most benefit from listing by determining the Australian butterflies at most immediate risk of extinction. We also identify the research and management actions needed to retain them. For 26 taxa identified by experts and various conservation schedules, we used structured expert elicitation to estimate the probability of extinction within 20 years (i.e. by 2040) and to identify key threatening processes, priority research and management needs. Collation and analysis of expert opinion indicated that one taxon, the laced fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius inconstans), is particularly imperilled, and that four taxa (Jalmenus eubulus, Jalmenus aridus, Hypochrysops piceatus and Oreisplanus munionga larana) have a moderate–high (>30%) risk of extinction by 2040. Mapped distributions of the 26 butterflies revealed that most are endemic to a single state or territory, and that many occupy narrow ranges. Inappropriate fire regimes, habitat loss and fragmentation (through agricultural practices), invasive species (mostly through habitat degradation caused by weeds and rabbits) and climate change were the most prevalent threats affecting the taxa considered. Increased resourcing and management intervention will be required to prevent these extinctions. We provide specific recommendations for averting such losses.
Altered mitochondrial function in spermatozoa from patients with repetitive fertilization failure after ICSI revealed by proteomics
Authors: Torra‐Massana Marc , Jodar Meritxell , Barragán Montserrat , Soler‐Ventura Ada , Delgado‐Dueñas David , Rodríguez Amelia , Oliva Rafael , Vassena Rita
Published: February 2021

Background

Unexplained fertilization failure (FF), occurring in 1–3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, results in both psychological and financial burden for the patients. However, the molecular causes behind FF remain largely unknown. Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique to identify and quantify proteins across samples; however, no study so far has used it to dissect the proteomic signature of spermatozoa with FF after ICSI.

Objective

To investigate whether sperm samples from patients suffering repetitive FF after ICSI display alterations in their protein content.

Material and methods

Seventeen infertile men were included: 5 patients presented FF in ≥3 consecutive ICSI cycles, while 12 patients had a fertilization rate >75% (controls). Individual sperm samples were subjected to 2D‐LC‐MS/MS. Both conventional and novel statistical approaches were used to identify differentially abundant proteins. Additionally, analysis of mitochondrial and proteasomal abundance and activity were performed, using Western blot, FACS analysis of JC‐1 staining and AMC‐peptide fluorometric assay.

Results

Four proteins presented lower abundance (FMR1NB, FAM209B, RAB2B, and PSMA1) in the FF group compared to controls, while five mitochondrial proteins presented higher abundance in FF (DLAT, ATP5H, SLC25A3, SLC25A6, and FH) (p < 0.05). The altered abundance of mitochondrial DLAT and proteasomal PSMA1 was corroborated by Western blot. Of relevance, novel stable‐protein pair analysis identified 73 correlations comprising 28 proteins within controls, while different mitochondrial proteins (ie, PDHA2, PHB2, and ATP5F1D) lost >50% of these correlations in specific FF samples pointing out specific mitochondrial deregulations.

Discussion

This is the first proteomic analysis of spermatozoa from patients who resulted in fertilization failure after ICSI. The altered proteins, most of them related to mitochondrial function, could help to identify diagnostic/prognostic markers of fertilization failure and could further dissect the molecular paternal contribution to reach successful fertilization.

Conclusion

Sperm samples from patients with FF after ICSI present altered abundance of different proteins, including mainly mitochondrial proteins.
Clinical hemocompatibility of double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis comparing polyethersulfone and ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer membranes
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Jeyaseelan Jarline , Rüth Marieke , Lemke Horst‐Dieter , Wanner Christoph , Drechsler Christiane
Published: February 2021

Activation of the complement system and leukocytes by blood–membrane interactions may further promote arteriosclerosis typically present in patients on lipoprotein apheresis. As clinical data on the hemocompatibility of lipoprotein apheresis are scarce, a controlled clinical study comparing two different types of plasma separation and fractionation membranes used in double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis was urgently needed, as its outcome may influence clinical decision‐making. In a prospective, randomized, crossover controlled trial, eight patients on double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis were subjected to one treatment with recent polyethersulfone (PES) plasma separation and fractionation membranes and one control treatment using a set of ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) membranes. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PC) counts, complement factor C5a and thrombin–antithrombin III (TAT) concentrations were determined in samples drawn at defined times from different sites of the extracorporeal blood and plasma circuit. With a nadir at 25 minutes, WBCs in EVAL decreased to 33.5 ± 10.7% of baseline compared with 63.8 ± 22.0% at 20 minutes in PES (P < .001). The maximum C5a levels in venous blood reentering the patients were measured at 30 minutes, being 30.0 ± 11.2 µg/L with EVAL and 12.3 ± 9.0 µg/L with PES (P < .05). The highest C5a concentrations were found in plasma after the plasma filters (EVAL 56.1 ± 22.0 µg/L at 15 minutes vs PES 23.3 ± 15.2 µg/L at 10 minutes; P < .001). PC did not significantly decrease over time with both membrane types, whereas TAT levels did not rise until the end of the treatment without differences between membranes. Regarding lipoprotein(a) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol removal, both membrane sets performed equally. Compared with EVAL, PES membranes cause less leukocyte and complement system activation, the classical parameters of hemocompatibility of extracorporeal treatment procedures, at identical treatment efficacy. Better hemocompatibility may avoid inflammation‐promoting effects through blood–material interactions in patients requiring double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis.
Prophylactic mechanical circulatory support for protected ventricular tachycardia ablation: A meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Mariani Silvia , Napp L. Christian , Kraaier Karin , Li Tong , Bounader Karl , Hanke Jasmin S. , Dogan Günes , Schmitto Jan D. , Lorusso Roberto
Published: February 2021

Acute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD) during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation occurs in about 11% of cases. Prophylactic use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (pro‐tMCS) has been applied to prevent AHD during VT ablation, but evidence supporting this practice is still lacking. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the procedural characteristics and outcomes of pro‐tMCS for VT ablation. PubMed/Medline was screened until February 2020. Articles including adults receiving pro‐tMCS for VT ablation were included, and a meta‐analysis to compare proMCS and no‐tMCS was performed. Primary outcome was in‐hospital/30‐day mortality. Five observational studies presenting 400 procedures (pro‐tMCS: n = 187; no‐tMCS: n = 213) were included. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Impella and TandemHeart were used in 86.6% and 13.4% of cases, respectively. In the pro‐tMCS group, more VTs were induced (mean difference: 0.52, confidence interval [CI]: 0.26‐0.77, P < .0001), and patients remained in VT on average for 24.04 minutes longer (CI: 18.28‐29.80, P < .00001). Procedural success was comparable between groups, as was VT recurrence. Pro‐tMCS patients had an odds ratio of 0.55 (CI: 0.28‐1.05, P = .07) for in‐hospital/30‐day mortality and 0.55 (CI: 0.32‐0.94, P = .03) for mortality at follow‐up. Sixty‐four percent of no‐tMCS patients received rescue tMCS. The most common tMCS‐related complications were bleeding events. Pro‐tMCS allowed for a prolonged time on VTs and the induction of more VTs. Although these advantages were not associated with differences in procedural success, VT recurrence, or in‐hospital/30‐day mortality in the overall population, pro‐tMCS might improve long‐term survival. Further prospective studies are urgently needed to confirm these results.
Podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy by BASP1 activation of the p53 pathway via WT1
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Xu Chengxian , Ye Qing , Tong Lingxiao , Jiang Hong , Zhu Xiujuan , Huang Limin , Lin Weiqiang , Fu Haidong , Wang Jingjing , Persson Pontus B. , Lai En Yin , Mao Jianhua
Published: February 2021

Aims

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end‐stage renal disease. BASP1 (brain acid‐soluble protein) is up‐regulated in podocyte‐specific protein phosphatase 2A knockout mice (Pod‐PP2A‐KO) that develop kidney dysfunction. Here, we explore the role of BASP1 for podocytes in DN.

Methods

BASP1 was assessed in kidneys from DN patients and DN mouse models, podocyte specific BASP1 knockout mice (Pod‐BASP1‐KO mice) were generated and studied in vivo. Furthermore, podocyte injury and apoptosis were measured after BASP1 knockdown and overexpression in a mouse podocyte cell line (MPC5). Potential signalling pathways involved in podocyte apoptosis were detected.

Results

BASP1 expression was up‐regulated in DN patients compared to normal controls. BASP1 specific deletion in podocytes protected against podocyte injury by reducing the loss of expression of slit diaphragm molecules and foot process effacement in the DN model. BASP1 promoted actin cytoskeleton rearrangements and apoptosis in the MPC5 podocyte line. Molecules involved in the p53 pathway were down‐regulated in BASP1 knockdown podocytes treated with high glucose compared to controls. BASP1 promoted podocyte apoptosis and P53 pathway activation through co‐repression with Wilms' tumour 1 transcription factor (WT1).

Conclusion

BASP1 activates the p53 pathway through modulation of WT1 to induce podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Complement C3 participates in the development of goose fatty liver potentially by regulating the expression of FASN and ETNK1
Authors: Xing Ya , Xu Cheng , Lin Xiao , Zhao Minmeng , Gong Daoqing , Liu Long , Geng Tuoyu
Published: February 2021

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in humans, domestic animals and poultry. Different from upregulation of complement C3 in human NAFLD, C3 expression is inhibited in goose fatty liver (GFL), implying a specific role of C3 in GFL. This study was mainly focused on uncovering the uniqueness of goose liver cells in the regulation of C3 expression and identifying the downstream genes of C3 to improve understanding on the specific role of C3 in GFL. The results showed that C3 expression was inhibited in the liver, muscle and fat tissues of the overfed versus control (normally fed) geese. Oleate and insulin could inhibit C3 expression in goose primary hepatocytes but induce it in mouse primary hepatocytes. A total of 1,123 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were affected by C3 overexpression and were mainly enriched in immune response/inflammation and catabolism‐related KEGG pathways. Additionally, the representative downstream genes (FASN and ETNK1) of C3 could mediate the role of C3 in the development of GFL. In conclusion, the suppression of C3 in GFL is at least partially attributed to hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and uniqueness of goose liver cells. Complement C3 does not only affect hepatic steatosis but also affect inflammation/immune response in GFL.
Influence of molecular classes and growth hormone treatment on growth and dysmorphology in Prader‐Willi syndrome: A multicenter study
Authors: Mahmoud Ranim , Leonenko Anna , Butler Merlin G. , Flodman Pamela , Gold June‐Anne , Miller Jennifer L. , Roof Elizabeth , Dykens Elisabeth , Driscoll Daniel J. , Kimonis Virginia
Published: February 2021

Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder with three molecular classes but clinical ascertainment is based on distinctive features. The prevalence of dysmorphic features was studied in 355 PWS participants (61% deletion, 36% maternal disomy [UPD], and 3% imprinting defects) from the National Institute of Health PWS Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. The effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on growth and dysmorphic features was compared. Among participants, upslanting palpebral fissures were seen in 23%; strabismus in 42%; abnormal dentition in 32%; small hands in 63% and small feet in 70%; hypopigmentation in 30%; striae in 32% and skin picking in 26%. Compared to those with UPD, participants with deletions were found to be heavier (p = 0.002), had smaller head circumference (HC) (p = 0.009), higher incidence of a flat occiput (p = 0.005); low‐anterior hairline (p = 0.04); abnormal dentition (p = 0.009); abdominal striae (p = 0.045), nail abnormalities (p = 0.050), and fair‐haired (p < 0.001). Participants in both genetic groups receiving GH were taller (p = 0.005), had larger HCs (p = 0.005), and longer hands (p = 0.049). This study suggested that PWS genetic subtypes and GH treatment can influence growth and dysmorphic features that may impact clinical diagnosis of PWS, such as stature, head shape and appearance of the eyes, nose, and genitalia.
Threats of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing to biodiversity and food security in the Republic of the Congo
Authors: Doherty Philip D. , Atsango Benoit C. , Ngassiki Gaston , Ngouembe Appolinaire , Bréheret Nathalie , Chauvet Eva , Godley Brendan J. , Machin Lucie , Moundzoho Baudelaire Dissondet , Parnell Richard J. , Metcalfe Kristian
Published: February 2021

Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing poses a major threat to effective management of marine resources, affecting biodiversity and communities dependent on these coastal resources. Spatiotemporal patterns of industrial fisheries in developing countries are often poorly understood, and global efforts to describe spatial patterns of fishing vessel activity are currently based on automatic identification system (AIS) data. However, AIS is often not a legal requirement on fishing vessels, likely resulting in underestimates of the scale and distribution of legal and illegal fishing activity, which could have significant ramifications for targeted enforcement efforts and the management of fisheries resources. To help address this knowledge gap, we analyzed 3 years of vessel monitoring system (VMS) data in partnership with the national fisheries department in the Republic of the Congo to describe the behavior of national and distant‐water industrial fleets operating in these waters. We found that the spatial footprint of the industrial fisheries fleet encompassed over one‐quarter of the Exclusive Economic Zone. On average, 73% of fishing activity took place on the continental shelf (waters shallower than 200 m). Our findings highlight that VMS is not acting as a deterrent or being effectively used as a proactive management tool. As much as 33% (13% on average) of fishing effort occurred in prohibited areas set aside to protect biodiversity, including artisanal fisheries resources, and the distant‐water fleet responsible for as much as 84% of this illegal activity. Given the growth in industrial and distant‐water fleets across the region, as well as low levels of management and enforcement, these findings highlight that there is an urgent need for the global community to help strengthen regional and national capacity to analyze national scale data sets if efforts to combat IUU fishing are to be effective.
Large‐scale generation of megakaryocytes from human embryonic stem cells using transgene‐free and stepwise defined suspension culture conditions
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Wu Xumin , Zi Guicheng , He Lijuan , Wang Sihan , Chen Lin , Fan Zeng , Nan Xue , Xi Jiafei , Yue Wen , Wang Lei , Wang Liu , Hao Jie , Pei Xuetao , Li Yanhua
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Ex vivo engineered production of megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets (PLTs) from human pluripotent stem cells is an alternative approach to solve shortage of donor‐donated PLTs in clinics and to provide induced PLTs for transfusion. However, low production yields are observed and the generation of clinically applicable MKs and PLTs from human pluripotent stem cells without genetic modifications still needs to be improved.

Materials and Methods

We defined an optimal, stepwise and completely xeno‐free culture protocol for the generation of MKs from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). To generate MKs from hESCs on a large scale, we improved the monolayer induction manner to define three‐dimensional (3D) and sphere‐like differentiation systems for MKs by using a special polystyrene CellSTACK culture chamber.

Results

The 3D manufacturing system could efficiently generate large numbers of MKs from hESCs within 16‐18 days of continuous culturing. Each CellSTACK culture chamber could collect on an average 3.4 × 108 CD41+ MKs after a three‐stage orderly induction process. MKs obtained from hESCs via 3D induction showed significant secretion of IL‐8, thrombospondin‐1 and MMP9. The induced cells derived from hESCs in our culture system were shown to have the characteristics of MKs as well as the function to form proPLTs and release PLTs. Furthermore, we generated clinically applicable MKs from clinical‐grade hESC lines and confirmed the biosafety of these cells.

Conclusions

We developed a simple, stepwise, 3D and completely xeno‐free/feeder‐free/transgene‐free induction system for the generation of MKs from hESCs. hESC‐derived MKs were shown to have typical MK characteristics and PLT formation ability. This study further enhances the clinical applications of MKs or PLTs derived from pluripotent stem cells.
BK virus nephropathy in non‐renal solid organ transplant recipients: Are we looking hard enough?
Authors: Mallavarapu Ravi K. , Sanoff Scott L. , Howell David N. , Roberts John K.
Published: February 2021

We retrospectively examined the clinical characteristics, pathological features, and outcomes of BK viremia and nephropathy in a population of non‐renal solid organ transplant patients (NRSOT) referred for outpatient nephrology consultation over a period of 5 years. In the entire cohort of liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients referred to this clinic, 14% percent were found to have BK viremia with a median peak serum BK viral load of 35 500 copies/ml (range 250 to 21 100 000 copies/ml). BK viremia resolved in six of the seventeen patients (35%). Four out of five patients biopsied showed BK virus (BKV) nephropathy. Eleven out of seventeen patients with BK viremia developed advanced (stage 4 or 5) chronic kidney disease. Four patients developed rejection of their solid organ transplant within the first year post detection of BK viremia after immunosuppression reduction. We conclude that a multi‐center study is required to evaluate whether implementation of a systematic BK screening program would be effective in early detection and management of this problem in the NRSOT population.
No survival benefit associated with waiting for non‐lung donor heart transplants for adult recipients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Diamant Michael J. , Fox Arieh L. , Modi Vivek A. , Joshi Aditya A. , Clark Daniel E. , Bichell David P. , Cedars Ari , Fowler Rachel , Frischhertz Benjamin P. , Mazurek Jeremy A. , Schlendorf Kelly H. , Shah Ashish S. , Zalawadiya Sandip K. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Menachem Jonathan N.
Published: February 2021

Background

Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) awaiting heart transplant (HT) have higher mortality and waitlist removal due to clinical deterioration than those without CHD. The selective use of non‐lung donors (NLD) to recover donor pulmonary vasculature to assist in graft implantation may be a contributing factor and is supported by consensus statements despite the recent use of pericardium or graft material as an alternative in pulmonary vascular reconstruction. The impact of selecting NLD for CHD recipients on wait time and mortality has not been evaluated.

Methods/Results

In the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Registry, 1271 HT recipients age ≥ 18 with CHD were identified between 1987 and 2016, 68% of which had NLDs. Prior to HT, NLD recipients were significantly less likely to be listed UNOS Status 1A, require mechanical ventilation, or intra‐aortic balloon pump support. There was no difference in mean waitlist time (254 vs. 278 days, p = .31), 1‐year mortality (82% vs. 80%, p = .81; adjusted odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.83, p = .08), or overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.08, 95% CI 0.86–1.36, p = .48) between recipients from NLD and concomitant lung donors.

Conclusions

Adult CHD patients who are less critically ill or listed at a lower status are more likely to receive HT from NLD. There is no overall mortality benefit associated with this practice. While specific cases may necessitate waiting for NLD, programs need to re‐evaluate whether this should remain a more widespread practice among CHD patients.
Characteristics and clinical implications of pleural effusions after lung transplantation: A retrospective analysis of 195 thoracocenteses in 113 patients
Authors: Joean Oana , Kayser Moritz Z. , Valtin Christina , Ewen Raphael , Gottlieb Jens
Published: February 2021

Despite advances in lung transplantation (LTx), morbidity, and mortality are high. We hypothesized that pleural effusions requiring thoracocentesis lead to poor outcomes after LTx. We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of thoracocenteses after initial hospital discharge in LTx patients between March 2008 and September 2020 to identify risk factors, etiologies, and outcomes. Of the 1223 patients included, 113 patients (9.2%) required a total of 195 thoracocenteses. The cumulative incidence of thoracocentesis was 10.6% at 1 year and 14.2% at 5 years after transplantation. We observed a bimodal distribution of pleural effusion onset with a threshold at 6 months. Late‐onset effusions were mostly of malignant or cardiac origin. We observed a high rate of nonspecific effusions (41.5%) irrespective of the timepoint post‐transplantation. Patients with late‐onset effusions had significantly lower survival compared to a matched controlled group (HR 2.43; 95% CI (1.27–4.62). All pulmonary function parameters were significantly decreased in patients requiring thoracocentesis compared to matched controls. Male sex and re‐transplantation were risk factors for pleural effusions. In conclusion, pleural effusions requiring thoracocentesis occur frequently in LTx patients and lead to a reduced long‐term allograft function. Late‐onset effusions are associated with a lower survival.
960. DORITIS NATMATAUNGENSIS
Authors: Yukawa Tomohisa
Published: February 2021

Doritis natmataungensis T. Yukawa, Nob. Tanaka & J. Murata is illustrated and described. The species is endemic to Chin State, southwestern Myanmar. It is easily distinguished from the closely related Doritis stobartiana (Rchb.f.) T. Yukawa & K. Kita by the following combination of characters: (1) mottled sepals and petals; (2) differently shaped ridge of lateral lobes of labellum; (3) broadly obovate midlobe of labellum; and (4) thick, exserted ridge of mid‐lobe of labellum.
JURINEA NATMATAUNGENSIS
Authors: Fujikawa Kazumi
Published: February 2021

Jurinea natmataungensis (Fujikawa) Fujikawa, endemic to Myanmar, is illustrated and described. Its ecology and natural habitat are shown.
Combination of brentuximab‐vedotin with skin‐directed therapies extends the time to the next therapeutic line in patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Stranzenbach René , Stadler Rudolf
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is a potent therapeutic option for CD30‐positive cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Unlike existing studies, BV and other therapeutic procedures were frequently combined for our patients. In this context, the study aims to analyze the effectiveness and safety of BV in a real‐world setting.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective monocentric study analyzing treatment outcomes for patients with CD30‐positive cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma treated with BV.

Results

26 patients (median age: 67 years) were included in the study. Patients were treated with 1.8 or 1.2 mg/kg b.w. Complete remission (CR) was reached in 30.8 % of the patients, and the objective response rate (ORR) was 84.6 %. Side effects were seen in 19 of the 26 patients. As a reaction to progressive disease (PD) under BV monotherapy, we included skin‐directed procedures such as tumor excision, local radiotherapy, and PUVA for six patients. We re‐stabilized the disease and maintained the line of therapy without additional toxicities for a median of seven months longer using this concept.

Conclusions

Addition of skin‐directed therapies (SDT) after disease progression under BV monotherapy could stabilize the disease’s continuous advancement or even lead to partial response, thereby extending the time until the next therapeutic escalation.
Technical variant of EUS‐guided recanalization for complete esophageal stenosis: Balloon‐target assisted Rendezvous approach
Authors: Velásquez‐Rodríguez Julio G. , Maisterra Sandra , Gornals Joan B.
Published: February 2021

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Relation of p ‐ wave dispersion with presystolic a ‐ wave and aortic valve sclerosis in asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Akyüz Ali Rıza , Özderya Ahmet , Şahin Sinan , Kul Selim , Turan Turhan , Erkan Hakan , Çırakoğlu Ömer Faruk , Karal Hüseyin , Korkmaz Levent
Published: February 2021

Background

P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion (PWD) are thought to be the surrogate marker of devoloping atrial fibrillation (AF). The main purpose of present study was to investigate the association between presystolic wave (PSW), aortic valve sclerosis, and PWD.

Patients and Methods

Patients with sinus rhythm admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic were consecutively enrolled. Maximum (Pmax) and minimum (Pmin) P‐wave duration and PWD were measured. Echocardiography was used to assess the aortic valve morphology and presence of PSW. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of AVSc and PSW.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled consecutively. Patients with both PSW and AVSc had higher PWD values compared with those without PSW (42 ± 15 vs 65 ± 20) and AVSc (52 ± 21 vs 69 ± 19). The patients were categorized on the basis of median PWD values. According to univariate analysis, there was significant association between PWD and presence of PSW (P: .004), presence of AVS (P: .011), hypertension (P: .01) interventricular septal thickness (IVST) (P: .026), and posterior wall thickness (PWT) (P: .022). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated presence of PSW (95% confidence interval (1.058‐6.505, P: .037) as an independent determinant of PWD.

Conclusion

Assessment of presystolic A‐wave on echocardiography examination may provide important information regarding the atrial conduction velocities that is a electrophysiological cause of AF. While there was a significant association between AVSc and PWD in univariate analysis, this significance disappeared in multivariate analysis.
Cooperation against all predictions
Authors: Bolle Friedel , Spiller Jörg
Published: February 2021

In Binary Threshold Public Good (BTPG) games, n players have binary choices: cooperation or non‐cooperation. If at least k players cooperate, a public good is produced. The case k = n is the Stag Hunt game with the two pure strategy equilibria E1 (all players cooperate) and E0 (no player cooperates). In four rather diverse examples of four‐player Stag Hunt games, three prominent concepts of equilibrium selection favor E0. Experiments, however, result in cooperation frequencies between 70.3% and 99.7%. Also for k < n, the selected equilibria clearly differ from experimental behavior. We interpret our observations by suggesting the concept Behavioral Equilibrium Selection.
Liver fibrosis improvement assessed by magnetic resonance elastography and Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer in patients with hepatitis C virus infection receiving direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Chuaypen Natthaya , Chittmittrapap Salyavit , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Siripongsakun Surachate , Wongpiyabovorn Jongkonnee , Tanpowpong Natthaporn , Tanaka Yasuhito , Tangkijvanich Pisit
Published: February 2021

Aim

Fibrosis regression has been observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with direct‐acting antivirals. This study was aimed at evaluating dynamic changes of serum Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) in patients with HCV genotype 1 receiving elbasvir/grazoprevir.

Methods

M2BPGi were serially measured at baseline, during and after therapy. Its diagnostic performance at baseline and sustained virological response at 24 weeks after treatment (SVR24) were compared with transient elastography (TE) and the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) as a reference.

Results

Overall, 60 HCV mono‐infected and 36 HCV/HIV co‐infected patients were included with SVR24 rates of 93.3% and 97.2%, respectively. At baseline, TE, M2BPGi and APRI were correlated with MRE (r = 0.788, r = 0.703 and r = 0.564, respectively, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristics curves for TE, M2BPGi and APRI in differentiating significant fibrosis were 0.88 (95% confidence interval; 0.81–0.95, p < 0.001), 0.86 (0.79–0.94, p < 0.001) and 0.74 (0.64–0.83, p < 0.001), respectively. The corresponding figures for cirrhosis were 0.95 (0.90–1.00, p < 0.001), 0.96 (0.92–1.00, p < 0.001) and 0.88 (0.79–0.97, p < 0.001), respectively. Compared with baseline, all fibrosis markers significantly declined after achieving SVR24. The correlations of TE, M2BPGi and APRI with MRE at time of SVR24 were r = 0.587 (p < 0.001), r = 0.457 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.293 (p = 0.004), respectively. In multivariate analysis, high baseline alanine aminotransferase level, HCV mono‐infection and advanced fibrosis were factors associated with M2BPGi reduction.

Conclusions

HCV eradication is associated with liver fibrosis improvement. M2BPGi has a better performance than APRI in monitoring liver fibrosis in patients treated with direct‐acting antivirals. This marker is applicable in resource‐limited settings where imaging‐based modalities are not widely accessible.
Desistance: A Utopian Perspective
Authors: PATTON DAVID , FARRALL STEPHEN
Published: February 2021

The written diaries of 43 adult male respondents from a prison sample that had participated in a restorative justice intervention reveal a nuanced and dynamic process of desistance via their hopes and pains of anticipated desistance at the micro, meso and macro levels. A utopian reading of the respondents’ hopes and pains of desistance is developed which reveals that their diaries express a utopian vision that is not just personal, but also inherently political, radical, collective and transformative. Their pains of desistance on the other hand, reveal a critique and condemnation of the current societal and structural apparatus. The necessity for radical and collective change is clear, if desisters and society are to reach their full potential.