bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pretreatment telomere length as a prognostic marker in intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gu Runxia , Cao Jingjing , Wei Shuning , Gong Xiaoyuan , Wang Ying , Mi Yingchang , Zhang Junping , Qiu Shaowei , Rao Qing , Wang Min , Wei Hui , Wang Jianxiang
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The current framework for risk stratification is still insufficient for highly heterogeneous intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (IRC‐AML), which lacks specific genomic abnormalities.

Methods

In order to incorporate novel biomarkers to refine current risk stratification strategies for patients with this subtype, we investigated pretreatment telomere length (TL), which is essential for maintaining genomic stability, in 204 adults with de novo AML (non‐acute promyelocytic leukemia).

Results

We found that TL measured at diagnosis did not decrease with advancing age in 204 patients with AML (R2 = 0.001, P = .695). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that short TL was independently associated with an inferior relapse‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48‐6.41, P = .003); event‐free survival (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12‐4.08, P = .021); and overall survival (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.09‐4.67, P = .028) in IRC‐AML patients. In addition, IRC‐AML patients with short TL also exhibited an increased cumulative incidence of hematologic relapse (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.08‐5.26, P = .032).

Conclusion

Short TL is an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis in patients with IRC‐AML and may represent a novel mechanism that links genomic stability and disease progression.
Prognostic signature and immune efficacy of m1A‐, m5C‐ and m6A‐related regulators in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Wu Xian rui , Chen Zheng , Liu Yang , Chen Zi zi , Tang Fengjie , Chen Zhi zhao , Li Jing jing , Liao Jun lin , Cao Ke , Chen Xiang , Zhou Jianda
Published: July 2021

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive cancer; given that initial and specific signs are lacking, diagnosis is often late and the prognosis is poor. RNA modification has been widely studied in tumour progression. Nevertheless, little progress has been made in the signature of N1‐methyladenosine (m1A), 5‐methylcytosine (m5C), N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐related regulators and the tumour microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration in CM. Our study identified the characteristics of m1A‐, m5C‐ and m6A‐related regulators based on 468 CM samples from the public database. Using univariate, multivariate and LASSO Cox regression analysis, a risk model of regulators was established and validated by a nomogram on independent prognostic factors. The gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) clarified the involved functional pathways. A combined single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT approach revealed TME of regulator‐related prognostic signature. The nine‐gene signature stratified the patients into distinct risk subgroups for personalized prognostic assessment. Additionally, functional enrichment, immune infiltration and immunotherapy response analysis indicated that the high‐risk group was correlated with T‐cell suppression, while the low‐risk group was more sensitive to immunotherapy. The findings presented here contribute to our understanding of the TME molecular heterogeneity in CM. Nine m1A‐, m5C‐ and m6A‐related regulators may also be promising biomarkers for future research.
Low bone mineral density is associated with severe periodontitis at the end of the second decade of life: A population‐based study
Authors: Costa Susilena Arouche , Ribeiro Cecilia Claudia Costa , de Oliveira Kheops Renoir , Alves Cláudia Maria Coelho , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana , Souza Soraia de Fátima Carvalho
Published: July 2021

Aim

To evaluate the association between low bone mineral density (BMD) and severe periodontitis at the end of the second decade of life.

Materials and methods

This population‐based study analysed 2032 youngers (18–19 years old) of the RPS cohort. BMD of lumbar spine (BMD‐LS) and of the whole body (BMD‐WB) were assessed by dual x‐ray emission densitometry. Low BMD‐LS (Z‐score ≤ −2) and low BMD‐WB (Z‐score ≤ −1.5) were correlated with severe periodontitis. The extent of periodontal disease was also evaluated as the following outcomes: proportions of teeth affected by clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm and probing depth ≥5 mm. Multivariate models by sex, education, family income, risk of alcohol dependence, smoking, plaque, bleeding index, and body mass index were estimated through logistic regression (binary outcomes) and Poisson regression (continuous outcomes).

Results

The prevalence of severe periodontitis was 10.97%. Low BMD‐LS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–3.85, p = .01) and low BMD‐WB (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.001–1.81, p = .04) were associated with severe periodontitis in the final multivariate models. Low BMD‐LS and BMD‐WB were also associated with a greater extent of periodontitis (p < .05).

Conclusions

Low BMD was found to be associated with the severity and extent of periodontitis in adolescents. Adolescents at peak bone mass age presenting low BMD are more likely to be affected by severe periodontitis.
Eye fluke effects on Danish freshwater fish: Field and experimental investigations
Authors: Duan Yajiao , von Gersdorff Jørgensen Louise , Kania Per Walter , Karami Asma M. , Al‐Jubury Azmi , Buchmann Kurt
Published: July 2021

Eye flukes in fish are common in freshwater lakes. Fish become infected by the penetration of cercariae released from freshwater snails, and high infection pressures may be associated with mortalities in a Danish lake. Examination of two other freshwater lakes, combined with laboratory study, supported the notion. We investigated 77 freshwater fish from two lakes and the infection level suggested the occurrence of a high cercarial infection pressure in the Danish lakes. Dominant genera were Tylodelphys and Diplostomum covering a range of species identified by PCR and sequencing of the 18S (partial)‐ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2‐28S (partial) of the rDNA. Cercariae of the prevalent species Diplostomum pseudospathaceum were used to infect zebrafish Danio rerio for the elucidation of short‐term effects on the fish host. Zebrafish did not display abnormal behaviour when exposed to 200–400 cercariae, but a dosage of 600 and 1,000 cercariae/fish proved lethal. When fish were exposed to sublethal dosages, 19 out of 27 immune genes were significantly regulated and three genes encoding cytokine (IL 4/13B, IL‐6 and IL‐8) were upregulated at 3 hr post‐infection (hpi), whereas others were downregulated especially at a later time point. We suggest that direct massive cercarial penetration of fish surfaces may be detrimental and may represent a threat to fish populations.
Critical flows in semi‐alluvial channels during extraordinarily high discharges: Implications for flood risk management
Authors: Hauer Christoph , Flödl Peter , Habersack Helmut , Pulg Ulrich
Published: July 2021

For channelized, flood‐regulated rivers, morphological changes are avoided as much as possible. Extraordinarily high flows in the past, however, have demonstrated that channelized rivers may also become morphologically active, especially when a discharge exceeds the design discharge, such as in hundred‐year floods. However, the morphodynamic potentials and critical flows in such cases have hardly been investigated, and the flood risk to human settlements is therefore poorly understood. The present study aims to analyse the critical flow conditions in Flåmselva, western Norway and the consequences of morphological adjustment on the Froude number from an extraordinary flood event in 2014. Based on a step‐backwater modelling approach, three different high‐resolution river bathymetries of Flåmselva were investigated: (i) pre‐flood, (ii) post‐flood and (iii) re‐channelized morphology. The results showed that due to the 2014 flood, large parts that were in critical flow conditions in the pre‐flood stage (>1), exhibited significantly lower Froude numbers in the post‐flood stage. It turned out that the artificially created plane‐bed morphologies in flood‐regulated channelized rivers can act as drivers for critical flow conditions and that structural as well as non‐structural measures should consider non‐fluvial, semi‐fluvial and fluvial sediment deposits in rivers and floodplains in terms of flood risk management.
Genetic analysis implicates a molecular chaperone complex in regulating epigenetic silencing of methylated genomic regions
Authors: Feng Zhengyan , Zhan Xiangqiang , Pang Jia , Liu Xue , Zhang Huiming , Lang Zhaobo , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: July 2021

DNA cytosine methylation confers stable epigenetic silencing in plants and many animals. However, the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation‐mediated genomic silencing are not fully understood. We conducted a forward genetic screen for cellular factors required for the silencing of a heavily methylated p35S:NPTII transgene in the Arabidopsis thaliana rdm1‐1 mutant background, which led to the identification of a Hsp20 family protein, RDS1 (rdm1‐1
suppressor 1). Loss‐of‐function mutations in RDS1 released the silencing of the p35S::NPTII transgene in rdm1‐1 mutant plants, without changing the DNA methylation state of the transgene. Protein interaction analyses suggest that RDS1 exists in a protein complex consisting of the methyl‐DNA binding domain proteins MBD5 and MBD6, two other Hsp20 family proteins, RDS2 and IDM3, a Hsp40/DNAJ family protein, and a Hsp70 family protein. Like rds1 mutations, mutations in RDS2, MBD5, or MBD6 release the silencing of the transgene in the rdm1 mutant background. Our results suggest that Hsp20, Hsp40, and Hsp70 proteins may form a complex that is recruited to some genomic regions with DNA methylation by methyl‐DNA binding proteins to regulate the state of silencing of these regions.
Otago exercise programme for physical function and mental health among older adults with cognitive frailty during COVID‐19: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Liping , Liu Youshuo , Zhou Zhiming , Zhang Hua , Wei Dongli , Chen Jianliang , Li Yan , Ou Jinnan , Huang Jin , Yang Xiaomei , Ma Caili
Published: July 2021

Aims and Objectives

Quarantine during the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in longer‐term sedentary behaviours and mental health problems. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Otago exercise programme (OEP) on physical function and mental health among elderly with cognitive frailty during COVID‐19.

Background

Lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic result in longer‐term sedentary behaviours related disease and mental problem. Older people with cognitive frailty are more vulnerable to be influenced. Timely intervention may achieve better outcomes, OEP exercise was designed as a balance and muscle‐strengthening programme for elderly people.

Design

A parallel‐group, assessor‐blinded randomised controlled trial was performed according to CONSORT guidelines.

Methods

This study was conducted from July 2020 to October 2020 among 62 elderly people with cognitive frailty from a nursing home. Participants were randomly divided into an OEP group (n = 31) or a control group (n = 31). Both groups received sleep‐ and diet‐related health education. The OEP group also received a 12‐week group exercise programme. The Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were used to assess physical function. The Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 (GDS‐15) and the 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey Mental Component Summary (SF‐12 MCS) were used to assess mental health. Outcomes were measured at 6 and 12 weeks.

Results

Physical function and mental health were similar in the two groups at baseline. At 12 weeks, the OEP group (difference in change from baseline: FTSST, −2.78; TUGT, −3.73; BBS, 2.17; GDS‐15, −0.72; SF‐12 MCS, 2.58; all p < .001) exhibited significantly greater improvements than the control group (difference in change from baseline: FTSST, 1.55; TUGT, 1.66; BBS, −0.10; GDS‐15, 1.07; SF‐12 MCS, −5.95; all p < .001).

Conclusion

Our findings showed the OEP group had better physical function and mental health outcomes than the control group. OEP can be used to improve the physical and mental function among elderly people with cognitive frailty during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Relevance to clinical practice

Otago exercise program intervention programmes should be implemented to improve physical function for cognitive frailty elderly to reduce the harm of longer‐term sedentary behaviours, and to ruduce depression symptom and improve mental health, particularly during COVID‐19 pandemic period.
Dual versus single long‐acting bronchodilator use could raise acute coronary syndrome risk by over 50%: A population‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Parkin Lianne , Williams Sheila , Sharples Katrina , Barson David , Horsburgh Simon , Jackson Rod , Wu Billy , Dummer Jack
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronary heart disease occurs more frequently among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to those without COPD. While some research suggests that long‐acting bronchodilators might confer an additional risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), information from real‐world clinical practice about the cardiovascular impact of using two versus one long‐acting bronchodilator for COPD is limited. We undertook a population‐based nested case–control study to estimate the risk of ACS in users of both a long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long‐acting beta2‐agonist (LABA) relative to users of a LAMA.

Methods

The study was based on the primary care PREDICT Cardiovascular Disease Cohort and linked data from regional laboratories and the New Zealand Ministry of Health's national data collections. The underlying cohort (n= 29,993) comprised patients aged 45–84 years, who initiated treatment with a LAMA and/or LABA for COPD between 1 February 2006 and 11 October 2016. 1490 ACS cases were matched to 13,550 controls by date of birth, sex, date of cohort entry (first long‐acting bronchodilator dispensing), and COPD severity.

Results

Relative to current use of LAMA therapy, current use of LAMA and LABA dual therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of ACS (adjusted OR = 1.72; [95% CI: 1.28–2.31]).

Conclusion

Dual long‐acting bronchodilator therapy, rather than LAMA mono‐therapy, could increase the risk of ACS by more than 50%. This has important implications for decisions about the potential benefit/harm ratio of COPD treatment intensification, given the modest benefits of dual therapy.
Comparative risk aversion in two periods: An application to self‐insurance and self‐protection
Authors: Huber Tobias
Published: July 2021

Risk management decisions provide a means to elicit individuals' risk preferences empirically. In such a context, the literature often presumes that the decision to invest in risk management and the benefit of this investment occur contemporaneously. There is, however, no consensus in the theoretical literature that one‐period results can be transferred to intertemporal settings. To address this gap, we study the effect of an increase in risk aversion on the demand for risk management in a two‐period context. Our findings reproduce the one‐period results and, thus, support the focus of previous empirical literature on the structure of the risk rather than on the timing of investments and benefits. We also contrast our results with those obtained by employing widely used but limited preferences to examine risk aversion in intertemporal settings (standard additive expected utility setting, Selden, Epstein and Zin).
Wheat susceptibility to blast is enhanced by a photosynthetic inhibitor
Authors: Oliveira Tássia Boeno , Aucique‐Pérez Carlos Eduardo , Einhardt Andersom Milech , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: July 2021

Considering blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, as a critical threat to wheat yield and the importance of photosynthesis as the source of energy used by plants to activate their mechanisms of defence to counteract pathogen infections, this study aimed to investigate whether wheat plants compromised in their photosynthetic process by using an inhibitor of photosynthesis could become more susceptible to blast. Plants from cultivars BRS 220 (moderately resistant) and BRS Guamirim (susceptible) were non‐sprayed (‐DCMU plants) or sprayed (+DCMU plants) with a solution (10 μM) of 3‐([3,4‐dichlorophenyl]‐1,1‐dimethylurea) (DCMU) at 24 hr before inoculation with P. oryzae. Blast progressed much faster on the leaves of +DCMU plants from cultivars BRS 220 and BRS Guamirim in comparison with ‐DCMU plants of these cultivars. Increased susceptibility of plants from the two cultivars to blast caused by DCMU was associated with its negative effect on the photosynthetic apparatus, decreasing phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase activity and reducing the concentration of total soluble phenolics. Chitinase activity for the infected plants from the two cultivars was lower compared with non‐inoculated ‐DCMU plants but was greater for inoculated +DCMU plants. Distinctly, β‐1,3‐glucanases activity was kept stable for inoculated +DCMU plants. In conclusion, manipulation of the photosynthetic process of wheat plants by using DCMU allowed to understand their response to P. oryzae infection at the physiological level and reinforced the concept that photosynthesis was important for wheat resistance to blast.
The impact of the end of COVID confinement on pandemic dreams, as assessed by a weekly sleep diary: a longitudinal investigation in Italy
Authors: Scarpelli Serena , Gorgoni Maurizio , Alfonsi Valentina , Annarumma Ludovica , Di Natale Valentina , Pezza Emilio , De Gennaro Luigi
Published: July 2021

The Coronavirus 2019 pandemic strongly affected our sleep and dream activity. Many cross‐sectional studies highlighted increased dream recall frequency, and revealed a great presence of pandemic‐related oneiric contents. Here, we present the first prospective study carried out on an Italian sample. One‐hundred subjects were requested to fill out a web‐survey including socio‐demographic information, and questionnaires collecting sleep and clinical measures during lockdown. A final sample of 90 subjects participated in the longitudinal protocol lasting 2 weeks: (a) the first week (April 28–May 4) of full lockdown; and (b) the second week (May 5–May 11) of easing of restrictions. Subjects were asked to record at home their dream experiences, and complete a sleep‐dream diary each morning. Statistical comparisons showed that participants had higher numbers of awakenings, lower ease of falling asleep, higher dream recall and lucid dream frequency during lockdown than post‐lockdown. Further, subjects reported more dreams, including “being in crowded places” during post‐lockdown than lockdown. The poorer sleep quality during lockdown is quite consistent with previous findings. The relationship between traumatic events and dream recall frequency confirmed the idea of pandemic as “collective trauma”. Also, we hypothesized that the greater presence of lucid dreams during confinement could reflect the attempt to cope with the waking pandemic‐experiences. Finally, the presence of crowded places into dream scenarios during the second week of our protocol appears consistent with the continuity‐hypothesis, as the possibility to access places frequented by other people could represent a relevant experience after a long period of confinement.
Subjective sleep score is associated with central and peripheral blood pressure values in children aged 7–12 years
Authors: Berube Felicia R. , Hoopes Elissa K. , D’Agata Michele N. , Patterson Freda , Ives Stephen J. , Farquhar William B. , Witman Melissa A.
Published: July 2021

Shortened and poor‐quality sleep have emerged as non‐traditional risk factors for the development of hypertension in adults, and it is likely these relations extend to paediatric populations when evaluating sleep subjectively. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate subjective sleep metrics and their associations with central and peripheral blood pressure (BP) values in children. We hypothesized that poor‐quality sleep and short sleep duration would be associated with elevated pressures in healthy children. Subjective sleep habits and sleep duration were evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) in 29 children aged 7–12 years (13 male/16 female). A total sleep score was generated by summing subscale scores: a higher score indicates poorer sleep habits. Peripheral BP was measured, and central pressures were estimated using pulse wave analysis. Pearson's r correlations were used to assess relations between total sleep score, sleep duration, and sleep score subscales with BP values. Sleep score was positively associated with central and peripheral systolic pressure (r = 0.43, p = 0.02 and r = 0.41, p = 0.03, respectively), diastolic pressure (r = 0.42, p = 0.02 and r = 0.36, p = 0.05, respectively) and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.40, p = 0.03 and r = 0.36, p = 0.03, respectively). Sleep duration was negatively associated with central and peripheral diastolic pressure (r = −0.40, p = 0.03 and r = −0.41, p = 0.03, respectively). Regarding the CSHQ subscales, daytime sleepiness and parasomnias were consistently positively associated with BP values. These findings support sleep as a primordial prevention target for hypertension and the maintenance of cardiovascular health during childhood. Consideration of a variety of sleep habits using tools such as the CSHQ may provide important insights into early‐life cardiovascular risk.
The finance wage premium: Finnish evidence from a gender perspective
Authors: Vaahtoniemi Saara
Published: July 2021

The growth in finance wages has contributed to the increase in top incomes over the last decades. The finance wage premium has been studied from various viewpoints in recent years, however, not from the gender perspective. Studies have shown that the gender wage gap tends to increase at top incomes. As finance wages are increasing and if the benefits of working in finance are mostly claimed by men, the overall gender wage gap will persist. Using Finnish registry data from 1990 to 2014, this paper shows that the finance wage premium differs considerably between men and women. Overall, the finance premium has increased over time. The premium of men is larger than that of women at all hierarchy levels. Women at manager and expert positions in finance get a premium, but not at clerical level. Men on the other hand receive a premium at all hierarchy levels. The negative female effect is larger at higher points of the wage distribution, indicative of a glass ceiling effect. For men, the premium has increased especially at the top of the wage distribution.
Population structure associated with bioregion and seasonal prey distribution for Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in South Africa
Authors: Vargas‐Fonseca O. Alejandra , Yates Paige , Kirkman Stephan P. , Pistorius Pierre A. , Moore Daniel M. , Natoli Ada , Cockcroft Victor , Hoelzel A. Rus
Published: July 2021

Many marine species exhibit fine‐scale population structure despite high mobility and a lack of physical barriers to dispersal, but the evolutionary drivers of differentiation in these systems are generally poorly understood. Here we investigate the potential role of habitat transitions and seasonal prey distributions on the evolution of population structure in the Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops aduncus, off South Africa's coast, using double‐digest restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing. Population structure was identified between the eastern and southern coasts and correlated with the habitat transition between the temperate Agulhas (southern) and subtropical Natal (eastern) Bioregions, suggesting differentiation driven by resource specializations. Differentiation along the Natal coast was comparatively weak, but was evident in some analyses and varied depending on whether the samples were collected during or outside the seasonal sardine (Sardinops sagax) run. This local abundance of prey could influence the ranging patterns and apparent genetic structure of T. aduncus. These findings have significant and transferable management implications, most importantly in terms of differentiating populations inhabiting distinct bioregions and seasonal structural patterns within a region associated with the movement of prey resources.
Automatic generation of fine‐grained traffic load spectrum via fusion of weigh‐in‐motion and vehicle spatial–temporal information
Authors: Yang Gan , Wang Ping , Han Wanshui , Chen Shizhi , Zhang Shuying , Yuan Yangguang
Published: July 2021

Obtaining accurate traffic loads is crucial for the assessment of bridges. The traffic load obtained by the current method is insufficient for the refined analysis of bridge structures. Herein, a fusion method is proposed to generate fine‐grained traffic load spectra using weigh‐in‐motion data, video‐based vehicle spatial–temporal information, and knowledge‐based information of historical passing vehicles. Its effectiveness is tested on an interchange viaduct in Shaanxi, China. The average biases of the longitudinal and transverse locations of driving vehicles, which were identified using the proposed method, are 1.31 and 0.14 m, respectively. The identification accuracy in these two directions improved by 19% and 56%, respectively, compared with that of a pure deep learning‐based video identification method. Meanwhile, the accuracy of identifying the axle number is 99.87%. Additionally, a fine‐grained traffic load spectrum automatically generated with high accuracy is demonstrated. This method can be extended to other scenarios to further analyze and predict vehicle‐related bridge performance.
A novel Actinidia cytorhabdovirus characterized using genomic and viral protein interaction features
Authors: Wang Yanxiang , Wang Guoping , Bai Jianyu , Zhang Yongle , Wang Ying , Wen Shaohua , Li Liu , Yang Zuokun , Hong Ni
Published: July 2021

A novel cytorhabdovirus, tentatively named Actinidia virus D (AcVD), was identified from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) in China using high‐throughput sequencing technology. The genome of AcVD consists of 13,589 nucleotides and is organized into seven open reading frames (ORFs) in its antisense strand, coding for proteins in the order N‐P‐P3‐M‐G‐P6‐L. The ORFs were flanked by a 3′ leader sequence and a 5′ trailer sequence and are separated by conserved intergenic junctions. The genome sequence of AcVD was 44.6%–51.5% identical to those of reported cytorhabdoviruses. The proteins encoded by AcVD shared the highest sequence identities, ranging from 27.3% (P6) to 44.5% (L), with the respective proteins encoded by reported cytorhabdoviruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AcVD clustered together with the cytorhabdovirus Wuhan insect virus 4. The subcellular locations of the viral proteins N, P, P3, M, G, and P6 in epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves were determined. The M protein of AcVD uniquely formed filament structures and was associated with microtubules. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that three proteins, N, P, and M, self‐interact, protein N plays a role in the formation of cytoplasm viroplasm, and protein M recruits N, P, P3, and G to microtubules. In addition, numerous paired proteins interact in the nucleus. This study presents the first evidence of a cytorhabdovirus infecting kiwifruit plants and full location and interaction maps to gain insight into viral protein functions.
Cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing between different stages of pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alexandrou Maria‐Eleni , P. Theodorakopoulou Marieta , Boutou Afroditi , Pella Eva , Boulmpou Aristi , Papadopoulos Christodoulos E. , Zafeiridis Andreas , Papagianni Aikaterini , Sarafidis Pantelis
Published: July 2021

Aim

The burden of several cardiovascular risk factors increases in parallel to renal function decline. Exercise intolerance is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Whether indices of cardiorespiratory capacity deteriorate with advancing CKD stages is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies assessing cardiorespiratory capacity in adult patients with pre‐dialysis CKD using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and reporting data for different stages. Our primary outcome was differences in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) between patients with CKD Stages 2–3a and those with Stages 3b–5(pre‐dialysis). Literature search was undertaken in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, and abstract books of relevant meetings. Quality assessment was undertaken with Newcastle‐Ottawa‐Scale.

Results

From 4944 records initially retrieved, six studies with 512 participants fulfilling our inclusion criteria were included in the primary meta‐analysis. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was significantly higher in patients with CKD Stages 2–3a versus those with Stages 3b–5(pre‐dialysis) [weighted‐mean‐difference, WMD: 2.46, 95% CI (1.15, 3.78)]. Oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold (VO2VT) was higher in Stages 2–3a compared with those in Stages 3b–5(pre‐dialysis) [standardized‐mean‐difference, SMD: 0.59, 95% CI (0.06, 1.1)], while no differences were observed for maximum workload and respiratory‐exchange‐ratio. A secondary analysis comparing patients with CKD Stages 2–3b and Stages 4–5(pre‐dialysis), yielded similar results [WMD: 1.78, 95% CI (1.34, 2.22)]. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Conclusion

VO2peak and VO2VT assessed with CPET are significantly lower in patients in CKD Stages 3b–5 compared with Stages 2–3a. Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness may be another factor contributing to cardiovascular risk increase with advancing CKD.
Association between conscientiousness and peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis
Authors: Komatsu Shintaro , Hara Takashi , Hiratsuka Maki , Yamada Yosuke
Published: July 2021

Aim

Peritonitis is a critical complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Patient characteristics, especially conscientiousness, potentially influence self‐care activity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the peritonitis risk and the patient conscientiousness.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at three Japanese medical centres in 2018. Adult patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis were evaluated for conscientiousness with the Japanese version of the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory. We followed the patients from peritoneal dialysis induction retrospectively on chart review. The primary outcome was time to first episode of peritonitis after initiation of peritoneal dialysis in the entire observation period. Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox model adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Among 111 patients enrolled, 32 experienced peritonitis. The patients were divided into the more conscientious group (n = 64) and less conscientious group (n = 47) based on a mean conscientiousness score of 3.991. Additionally, less conscientious patients tended to be at higher risk for peritonitis during the entire study period (hazard ratio adjusted for age and sex, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–4.03; p = .057). The increased risk in the less conscientious group was statistically significant in the first year (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–34.40; p = .017).

Conclusion

Less conscientious patients significantly have shorter peritonitis‐free survival in the early phase after peritoneal dialysis induction although not significantly during the entire study period. Personality trait assessment using the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory could be helpful in educating and following up patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
Theater‐fiction and hallucinatory realism in Mo Yan’sThe Sandalwood Death
Authors: He Chengzhou
Published: July 2021

As a literary sub‐genre, theater‐fiction implies juxtapositions, collisions, and interactions between theater and novel, which renders it necessary to have literary studies intersected by the theories and concepts of theater and performance studies. Based on a reinterpretation of “theater‐fiction” in light of recent developments in intermedial studies, some questions will be discussed concerning the relations between theater and novel in Mo Yan’sThe Sandalwood Death: What is unique about the theater‐fiction intersection in it? How does this bring about innovations in narrative? How does the hybrid form of theater‐fiction contribute to the so‐called “hallucinatory realism” in this novel, which is also characteristic of Mo Yan’s writings in general? Then, it argues that Mo Yan’s fiction can become an important means of political intervention as it plays a significant role in transforming its readers.
Reversible complete heart block in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Bhasin Varun , Carrillo MaryKate , Ghosh Bobby , Moin Danyaal , Maglione Theodore J. , Kassotis John
Published: July 2021

Patients infected with novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) can present with a variety of arrhythmias. We report an unusual case of reversible complete heart block (CHB) in the setting of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A 23‐year‐old male with a history of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma presented with dizziness and syncope. He was found to be in CHB associated with hypotension requiring a transvenous pacemaker. Methylprednisolone and remdesivir were started with rapid resolution of the CHB. Further study is needed to determine the mechanism of CHB in COVID‐19. This case underscores the importance of including COVID‐19 in one’s differential diagnosis for acute CHB.
The Introduction of Bismarck's Social Security System and its Effects on Marriage and Fertility in Prussia
Authors: Guinnane Timothy W. , Streb Jochen
Published: July 2021

Economists have long argued that introducing social insurance will reduce fertility. The hypothesis relies on standard models: if children are desirable in part because they provide security in case of disability or old age, then State programs that provide insurance against these events should induce couples to substitute away from children in the allocation of wealth. We test this claim using the introduction of social insurance in Germany in the period 1881–1910. Bismarck's social insurance scheme had three pillars: health insurance, workplace accident insurance, and an old‐age pension. Earlier studies typically focus on the pension alone; we consider all three pillars. We find that Bismarck's social insurance system affected fertility overall only via its effects on the incentive to marry. The old‐age insurance by itself tended to reduce marriages, but the health and accident insurance components had the opposite effect. For people exposed to all three pillars of social insurance, the two effects cancelled each other and the aggregate effect on fertility was muted.

fertility transition; economics; social insurance
Sharing life together: Sibling's relationships while attending the same college
Authors: Younkin Felisha L. , Firmin Michael W. , Belles Ashley , Hardman Moriah L. , Holloway Michaela E. , Patrick David R.
Published: July 2021

The present qualitative, phenomenological study involved semi‐structure interviews of 18 sibling pairs (n = 36) together at a private, selective, comprehensive, Midwest university. Since the support of siblings is important throughout the lifespan, but siblings typically have less contact during emerging adulthood, the study of sibling relationships while attending college together is a salient area of study. From the perspective of family systems theory, we report three common themes among the participants regarding their experience of attending college together. First, the siblings reported that they felt a shared loyalty to one another. This dynamic displayed itself in their reported desire to stand up for one another and to “have one another's back.” Second, the siblings reported a new sense of a closer connection as a result of attending college together. This construct was said to have occurred in the form of a renewed appreciation for one another and also a desire not to take one another for granted. Finally, the participants reported a sense of openness and sharing with one another that occurred during their college experience. This dynamic reportedly occurred partly because the siblings were able to have shared and similar experiences together at college. The participants reported that having this daily, face‐to‐face interaction positively contributed to their openness and share with one another.
Resolution of recurrent pediatric acute liver failure with liver transplantation in a patient with NBAS mutation
Authors: Geem Duke , Jiang Wenxiao , Rytting Heather B. , Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Salem Anand , Stevens James P. , Karpen Saul J. , Magliocca Joseph F. , Romero Rene , Rodriguez Dellys Soler
Published: July 2021

Background

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) remains an enigmatic process of rapid end‐organ dysfunction associated with a variety of pathologic conditions though the predominant cause is indeterminate. A growing body of research has identified mutations in the NBAS gene to be associated with recurrent acute liver failure and multi‐systemic disease including short stature, skeletal dysplasia, facial dysmorphism, immunologic abnormalities, and Pelger‐Huët anomaly.

Methods and Results

Here, we describe a 4‐year‐old girl who presented with dehydration in the setting of acute gastroenteritis and fever but went on to develop PALF on day 2 of hospitalization. She clinically recovered with supportive measures, but after discharge, had at least 2 additional episodes of PALF. Ultimately, she underwent liver transplant and her recurrent episodes of PALF did not recur throughout a 6‐year follow‐up period. Whole‐exome sequencing post‐liver transplant initially revealed two variants of uncertain significance in the NBAS gene. Parental studies confirmed the c.1549C > T(p.R517C; now likely pathogenic) variant from her mother and a novel c.4646T > C(p.L1549P) variant from her father. In silico analyses predicted these variants to have a deleterious effect on protein function. Consistent with previously characterized NBAS mutation‐associated disease (NMAD), our patient demonstrated the following features: progeroid facial features, hypoplasia of the 12th ribs, Pelger‐Huët anomaly on peripheral blood smear, and abnormal B and NK cell function.

Conclusion

Altogether, we describe a novel pathogenic variant in the NBAS gene of a patient with NMAD and report the resolution of recurrent PALF secondary to NMAD following liver transplantation.
Recanalization of portal axis after cavoportal hemitransposition in a liver transplant recipient with complete splanchnic thrombosis
Authors: Clarysse Mathias , Wilmer Alexander , Debaveye Yves , Laleman Wim , Devos Timothy , Canovai Emilio , Verslype Chris , van der Merwe Schalk , van Malenstein Hannah , Nevens Frederik , Maleux Geert , Sainz‐Barriga Mauricio , Monbaliu Diethard , Pirenne Jacques
Published: July 2021

Background

Diffuse splanchnic thrombosis may render standard LTx difficult or even technically impossible. A 19‐year‐old woman with acute‐on‐chronic Budd‐Chiari syndrome and complete splanchnic thrombosis underwent conventional LTx. Only limited anatomical portal inflow could be restored, and urgent re‐transplantation for recurrent splanchnic vein thrombosis became necessary.

Methods

At re‐transplant, and in addition to the reestablishment of some portal inflow through the preserved original porto (native)‐portal (graft) connection, a cavoportal shunt was created (first partial via 30% tapering of the vena cava, but eventually complete by total occlusion of the vena cava).

Results

The postoperative course was then uneventful, and interestingly, the native portomesenteric axis gradually reopened. Two years post‐transplant, the liver graft is perfused via both physiological and non‐physiological sources. Liver function is normal. There is no IVC syndrome and no residual PHT. She is leading a normal life.

Conclusion

Creation of CPHT, in addition to the preservation of portal inflow from the native splanchnic system, should be considered in patients with diffuse splanchnic thrombosis, when sufficient physiological portal inflow cannot be restored at the time of LTx, but in whom the splanchnic circulation may reopen up later.
Quotational and other opaque belief reports
Authors: Davis Wayne A.
Published: July 2021

In a novel move against Russellianism, Heck (2014) has argued that reports of the form S believes that p are semantically opaque on the grounds that there are no other means in English to report psychologically individuated beliefs, such as those Lois Lane reports using the names ‘Superman’ and ‘Clark Kent.’ I show that there are several other ways to meet this need. I focus on quotational reports of the form S believes “p,” which philosophers have overlooked or mischaracterized. I argue that reports of this form are no more metalinguistic than those using the complementizer that. In both, the meaning of the report depends on the meaning, not the form, of the complement. Some distinguishing features of non‐metalinguistic quotational reports are that their complements force “deictic shift” and have no transparent interpretation. Free direct speech and thought bubbles have the same properties. The “q‐ascriptions” McCullagh (2017a) proposed to defend Russellianism against Heck are not in common use and on his account are unsuitably metalinguistic. The fact that quotational belief reports are opaque without being metalinguistic makes the Russellian thesis that the meaning of a name is its referent untenable, thereby undermining Russellianism about belief reports.
Paraphrase, categories, and ontology
Authors: Goldwater Jonah
Published: July 2021

The method of paraphrasing away apparent ontological commitments is a familiar tool for trimming one's ontology. Even so, I argue that aiming to avoid commitment via paraphrase is unjustified. The reason is the standard motivations for paraphrase rest on implicit yet faulty principles regarding ontological categories and categorization‐ or so I argue. These results also provide indirect support for a permissivist approach to ontology.
Selected Extracts from High Mountain Plants as Potential Sunscreens with Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Mejía‐Giraldo Juan C. , Gallardo Cecilia , Puertas‐Mejía Miguel A.
Published: July 2021

The photoprotective and antioxidant activities of extracts of six species of plants collected in a high mountain ecosystem at 3150 m.a.s.l. were evaluated. In vitro photoprotection according to UVA‐UVB absorption spectrum, Sun Protection Factor (SPF), UVA Protection Factor (UVAPF), (critical wavelength) λc and UVA/UVB Ratio were assessed. Also, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical assay and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in methyl linoleate (MeLo). Total anthocyanins content (TAC) and total polyphenolic content (TPC) were evaluated. Among the extracts evaluated, the extract of B. antioquensis, an endemic plant of Colombia, showed a significant photoprotection against UVA‐UVB range, with SPF values of 15 ± 2 and UVAPF of 7 ± 1, λc: 378, UVA/UVB Ratio: 0.78. Furthermore, this extract presented an excellent antioxidant activity, with EC50 of 0.17 ± 0.04 g of dry extract/mmol DPPH, a value of TPC of 464 ± 9 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract and significant inhibition of MeLo peroxidation. The results suggest that the extract of B. antioquensis has the best quality to be a source of new UV filters, with a broad spectrum of protection and antioxidant properties.
Quantitative assessment of HER2 gene amplification of breast cancer using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Otsuji Kazutaka , Sasaki Takeshi , Tanabe Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: July 2021

We previously reported the usefulness of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the assessment of Human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification in breast cancer using formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded sections. In our previous study, we combined HER2/CEP17 ratio (HER2 gene signals to chromosome 17 signals) with ddPCR and tumor content ratio (TCR) of each sample and determined the HER2 status by adopting a two‐dimensional chart. This “ddPCR‐TCR method” showed a high concordance with conventional HER2 status. In this study, we updated our method to assess the HER2 status of breast cancer in a more quantitative manner. We combined obtained data of the ddPCR ratio [Rx] and TCR [x]; we calculated “(Rx − 1)/x + 1” for 41 samples with primary breast cancer and named the value led by this formula as “eHER2 (estimated HER2/CEP17 ratio of a tumor cell)”. eHER2 was equivalent to conventional in situ hybridization (ISH) HER2/CEP17 ratio in most cases. eHER2 and ISH ratio showed a strong correlation (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.70, p < 0.0001). The obtained results indicated that eHER2 is a potential tool for HER2 status diagnosis in breast cancer.
A collaborative GIS programming course using GitHub Classroom
Authors: Anbaroğlu Berk
Published: July 2021

Geospatial software developers often rely on Git to collaborate with each other and manage source code in an efficient way. Yet, most GIS programming courses do not prepare students for such a work environment. This article proposes a typology that a GIS programming course could follow consisting of three components: group organization, project and evaluation. Based on the typology, a GIS programming course was designed where randomly formed pairs develop a state‐of‐the‐art QGIS plugin. GitHub Classroom was used to facilitate collaboration among students, which also allowed the lecturer to monitor the progress of groups and provide timely feedback. Five out of the six groups were successful in completing the projects, and a substantial majority of the students were satisfied with the course. A strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats analysis reveals insights that other lecturers may find useful when designing their GIS programming courses.
Jasmonic acid and salicylic acid play minor roles in stomatal regulation by CO2, abscisic acid, darkness, vapor pressure deficit and ozone
Authors: Zamora Olena , Schulze Sebastian , Azoulay‐Shemer Tamar , Parik Helen , Unt Jaanika , Brosché Mikael , Schroeder Julian I. , Yarmolinsky Dmitry , Kollist Hannes
Published: July 2021

Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) regulate stomatal closure, preventing pathogen invasion into plants. However, to what extent abscisic acid (ABA), SA and JA interact, and what the roles of SA and JA are in stomatal responses to environmental cues, remains unclear. Here, by using intact plant gas‐exchange measurements in JA and SA single and double mutants, we show that stomatal responsiveness to CO2, light intensity, ABA, high vapor pressure deficit and ozone either did not or, for some stimuli only, very slightly depended upon JA and SA biosynthesis and signaling mutants, including dde2, sid2, coi1, jai1, myc2 and npr1 alleles. Although the stomata in the mutants studied clearly responded to ABA, CO2, light and ozone, ABA‐triggered stomatal closure in npr1‐1 was slightly accelerated compared with the wild type. Stomatal reopening after ozone pulses was quicker in the coi1‐16 mutant than in the wild type. In intact Arabidopsis plants, spraying with methyl‐JA led to only a modest reduction in stomatal conductance 80 min after treatment, whereas ABA and CO2 induced pronounced stomatal closure within minutes. We could not document a reduction of stomatal conductance after spraying with SA. Coronatine‐induced stomatal opening was initiated slowly after 1.5–2.0 h, and reached a maximum by 3 h after spraying intact plants. Our results suggest that ABA, CO2 and light are major regulators of rapid guard cell signaling, whereas JA and SA could play only minor roles in the whole‐plant stomatal response to environmental cues in Arabidopsis and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato).