bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of women with untreated vulval lichen sclerosus assessed with vulval quality of life index (VQLI)
Authors: Wijaya Marlene , Lee Geoffrey , Fischer Gayle
Published: January 2021

Background/Objective

The diagnosis of vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is often delayed, and little is known about quality of life (QoL) of women with it prior to receiving diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the impact on QoL on patients with previously untreated VLS using the Vulval Quality of Life Index (VQLI).

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional survey of patients attending a dermato‐gynaecology practice in Sydney, Australia from March 2018 to November 2019. Patients with a new biopsy‐proven diagnosis of VLS not previously commenced on topical corticosteroid treatment were invited to complete the VQLI.

Results

A total of 68 participants with median age of 58 (interquartile range, IQR 48–67) years. Median symptom duration was 24 (IQR 11–60) months. Scarring was present in 53% of participants. The median total score was 13.5 (IQR 7.5–22.0), global score 1.0 (IQR 1.0–2.0). Twelve per cent had nil to minimal effect on QoL, 38% had a mild effect on QoL, 28% had a moderate effect on QoL, 22% had a severe effect on QoL, and none had a very severe effect on QoL. The highest‐scoring domains were symptoms, followed by sexuality, anxiety and activities of daily living.

Conclusion

There was significant impairment in all QoL areas of women with untreated VLS. Most experienced moderate‐to‐severe impairment as a result of the disease and approximately half had already developed scarring at the time of diagnosis. The findings emphasise the importance of improved awareness, early diagnosis and early commencement of treatment in VLS.
Australian National Cervical Screening Program renewal: Attitudes and experiences of general practitioners, and obstetricians and gynaecologists
Authors: Obermair Helena M. , Bennett Kirsty F. , Brotherton Julia M.L. , Smith Megan A. , McCaffery Kirsten J. , Dodd Rachael H.
Published: January 2021

Background

In 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) implemented five‐yearly primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening for women aged 25–74. It is important that clinicians are able to explain the NCSP changes to women and confidently address concerns.

Aims

This study examined Australian clinicians’ attitudes toward and experiences of the NCSP renewal since its implementation.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of clinicians (general practitioners, obstetricians and gynaecologists) involved in cervical screening, distributed two years after implementation of the renewed NCSP. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Six hundred and seven participants completed the survey. More than 80% of clinicians were comfortable with the main NCSP changes: extended screening intervals, increased age of first screening, and screening test used. However, only 47% of clinicians reported having utilised the National Cancer Screening Register, and a third of clinicians did not believe that self‐collection was a reasonable alternative to practitioner‐collected screening for under‐screened women. Increased demands for colposcopy were reported. All clinicians identified at least one area of educational need, including the management of women with a history of screen‐detected abnormalities in the previous program (34.9%), post‐colposcopy management for women with no abnormalities detected (25.5%), and screening in complex scenarios (eg immunocompromise) (26.5%).

Conclusions

Overall, Australian clinicians are comfortable with the main changes to the cervical screening program. Certain areas may require further policy review, such as screening in complex clinical scenarios, colposcopy availability, accessibility of the Register and self‐collection. These issues could be meaningful for other countries switching to HPV‐based screening.
Association between intra‐operative cardiac arrest and country Human Development Index status: a systematic review with meta‐regression analysis and meta‐analysis of observational studies*
Authors: Braz L. G. , Einav S. , Heesen M. A. , Betini M. , Corrente J. E. , Pacchioni M. , Cury J. B. , Braz M. G. , Braz J. R. C.
Published: January 2021

Intra‐operative cardiac arrests differ from most in‐hospital cardiac arrests because they reflect not only the patient's condition but also the quality of surgery and anaesthesia care provided. We assessed the relationship between intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates and country Human Development Index (HDI), and the changes occurring in these rates over time. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO from inception to 29 January 2020. For the global population, rates of intra‐operative cardiac arrest and baseline ASA physical status were extracted. Intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates were analysed by time, country HDI status and ASA physical status using meta‐regression analysis. Proportional meta‐analysis was performed to compare intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates and ASA physical status in low‐ vs. high‐HDI countries and in two time periods. Eighty‐two studies from 25 countries with more than 29 million anaesthetic procedures were included. Intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates were inversely correlated with country HDI (p = 0.0001); they decreased over time only in high‐HDI countries (p = 0.040) and increased with increasing ASA physical status (p < 0.0001). Baseline ASA physical status did not change in high‐HDI countries (p = 0.106), while it decreased over time in low‐HDI countries (p = 0.040). In high‐HDI countries, intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates (per 10,000 anaesthetic procedures) decreased from 9.59 (95%CI 6.59–13.16) pre‐1990 to 5.17 (95%CI 4.42–5.97) in 1990–2020 (p = 0.013). During the same time periods, no improvement was observed in the intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates in low‐HDI countries (p = 0.498). Odds ratios of intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates in ASA 3–5 patients were 8.48 (95%CI 1.67–42.99) times higher in low‐HDI countries than in high‐HDI countries (p = 0.0098). Intra‐operative cardiac arrest rates are related to country‐HDI and decreased over time only in high‐HDI countries. The widening gap in these rates between low‐ and high‐HDI countries needs to be addressed globally.
The value of ECG changes in risk stratification of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , D’Angelo Emanuela Concetta , Paolisso Pasquale , Toniolo Sebastiano , Fabrizio Michele , Angeli Francesco , Donati Francesco , Magnani Ilenia , Rinaldi Andrea , Bartoli Lorenzo , Chiti Chiara , Biffi Mauro , Pizzi Carmine , Viale Pierluigi , Galié Nazzareno
Published: January 2021

Background

There is growing evidence of cardiac injury in COVID‐19. Our purpose was to assess the prognostic value of serial electrocardiograms in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

We evaluated 269 consecutive patients admitted to our center with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. ECGs available at admission and after 1 week from hospitalization were assessed. We evaluated the correlation between ECGs findings and major adverse events (MAE) as the composite of intra‐hospital all‐cause mortality or need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Abnormal ECGs were defined if primary ST‐T segment alterations, left ventricular hypertrophy, tachy or bradyarrhythmias and any new AV, bundle blocks or significant morphology alterations (e.g., new Q pathological waves) were present.

Results

Abnormal ECG at admission (106/216) and elevated baseline troponin values were more common in patients who developed MAE (p = .04 and p = .02, respectively). Concerning ECGs recorded after 7 days (159), abnormal findings were reported in 53.5% of patients and they were more frequent in those with MAE (p = .001). Among abnormal ECGs, ischemic alterations and left ventricular hypertrophy were significantly associated with a higher MAE rate. The multivariable analysis showed that the presence of abnormal ECG at 7 days of hospitalization was an independent predictor of MAE (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2–8.7; p = .02). Furthermore, patients with abnormal ECG at 7 days more often required transfer to the intensive care unit (p = .01) or renal replacement therapy (p = .04).

Conclusions

Patients with COVID‐19 should receive ECG at admission but also during their hospital stay. Indeed, electrocardiographic alterations during hospitalization are associated with MAE and infection severity.
Joint model for survival and multivariate sparse functional data with application to a study of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Cai , Xiao Luo , Luo Sheng
Published: January 2021

Studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) often collect multiple longitudinal clinical outcomes, which are correlated and predictive of AD progression. It is of great scientific interest to investigate the association between the outcomes and time to AD onset. We model the multiple longitudinal outcomes as multivariate sparse functional data and propose a functional joint model linking multivariate functional data to event time data. In particular, we propose a multivariate functional mixed model to identify the shared progression pattern and outcome‐specific progression patterns of the outcomes, which enables more interpretable modeling of associations between outcomes and AD onset. The proposed method is applied to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study (ADNI) and the functional joint model sheds new light on inference of five longitudinal outcomes and their associations with AD onset. Simulation studies also confirm the validity of the proposed model. Data used in preparation of this article were obtained from the ADNI database.
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1/Exendin‐4 cotherapy facilitates the proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro and promotes periodontal bone regeneration in vivo
Authors: Liang Qianyu , Du Lingqian , Zhang Rui , Kang Wenyan , Ge Shaohua
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) actively directs endogenous cell homing. Exendin‐4 (EX‐4) promotes stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Studies revealed that EX‐4 strengthened SDF‐1‐mediated stem cell migration. However, the effects of SDF‐1 and EX‐4 on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and bone regeneration have not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy on PDLSCs in vitro and periodontal bone regeneration in vivo.

Methods

Cell‐counting kit‐8 (CCK8), transwell assay, qRT‐PCR and western blot were used to determine the effects and mechanism of SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy on PDLSCs in vitro. A rat periodontal bone defect model was developed to evaluate the effects of topical application of SDF‐1 and systemic injection of EX‐4 on endogenous cell recruitment, osteoclastogenesis and bone regeneration in vivo.

Results

SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy had additive effects on PDLSC proliferation, migration, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineral deposition and osteogenesis‐related gene expression compared to SDF‐1 or EX‐4 in vitro. Pretreatment with ERK inhibitor U0126 blocked SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy induced ERK signal activation and PDLSC proliferation. SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy significantly promoted new bone formation, recruited more CXCR4+ cells and CD90+/CD34‐ stromal cells to the defects, enhanced early‐stage osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis‐related markers expression in regenerated bone compared to control, SDF‐1 or EX‐4 in vivo.

Conclusions

SDF‐1/EX‐4 cotherapy synergistically regulated PDLSC activities, promoted periodontal bone formation, thereby providing a new strategy for periodontal bone regeneration.
Avoiding wasted research resources in conservation science
Authors: Buxton Rachel T. , Nyboer Elizabeth A. , Pigeon Karine E. , Raby Graham D. , Rytwinski Trina , Gallagher Austin J. , Schuster Richard , Lin Hsien‐Yung , Fahrig Lenore , Bennett Joseph R. , Cooke Steven J. , Roche Dominique G.
Published: January 2021

Scientific evidence is fundamental for guiding effective conservation action to curb biodiversity loss. Yet, research resources in conservation are often wasted due to biased allocation of research effort, irrelevant or low‐priority questions, flawed studies, inaccessible research outputs, and biased or poor‐quality reporting. We outline a striking example of wasted research resources, highlight a powerful case of data rescue/reuse, and discuss an exemplary model of evidence‐informed conservation. We suggest that funding agencies, research institutions, NGOs, publishers, and researchers are part of the problem and solutions, and outline recommendations to curb the waste of research resources, including knowledge co‐creation and open science practices.
Conceptualizing, Financing and Infrastructuring: Perspectives on Open Access in and from Africa
Authors: Okune Angela , Adebowale Sulaiman , Gray Eve , Mumo Angela , Oniang'o Ruth
Published: January 2021

In the 1970s and early 1980s, parastatal and independent indigenous publishing houses were established in capital cities across Africa, but these emerging operations and institutions were quickly undercut by structural adjustment programmes; African scholars had little alternative but to turn to organizations and publishing systems in Europe and North America. Unfortunately, contemporary scholarly publishing on the African continent remains largely dominated by Western corporate academic publishers. Even as the notion of open access has gained popularity, a growing body of scholarship indicates that the concept is in fact re‐entrenching the power of traditional academic publishers under a revised business model. This piece offers perspectives from African scholars and activists on the politics of open access, revealing different experiences of and imaginaries for open access in Africa. The piece is supplemented by data from the in‐depth discussion that informed it, which is published on an open‐source platform in an effort to invite readers to also lend their analytic perspectives and contribute towards iterative analysis and ongoing dialogue.
How Accessible are Journal Articles on Education Written by Sub‐Saharan Africa‐based Researchers?
Authors: Asare Samuel , Mitchell Rafael , Rose Pauline
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the extent to which education publications authored by researchers based in sub‐Saharan Africa are published as open access (OA). We draw on bibliometric analysis of 1,858 peer‐reviewed articles over the period 2010‒18, together with interviews with 31 academics based in the region. Overall, we find a steady increase in OA publishing in the region over this period, although the proportion of OA publications remains low. The study finds that: (1) open access articles by researchers in sub‐Saharan Africa are concentrated in journals with a lower impact factor; and (2) authors in sub‐Saharan Africa tend to publish in higher quality journals behind a paywall, rather than in lower quality journals that either have no or lower cost for open access.
What we believed to be a right upper pulmonary vein by transthoracic echocardiography is actually a right lower pulmonary vein
Authors: Baba Yuichi , Ochi Yuri , Hirota Takayoshi , Arima Naoki , Sugiura Kenta , Kawaguchi Juri , Hirakawa Daigo , Kubo Toru , Yamasaki Naohito , Kitaoka Hiroaki
Published: January 2021

Background

Current guidelines recommend that pulmonary vein (PV) velocity should be recorded by using the right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. However, it is uncertain whether the PV displayed during TTE is truly measuring the upper PV. This study aimed to identify the actual site of each PV that is usually detected during TTE.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 105 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and TTE, reconstructed images three‐dimensionally, and measured the angles between each PV and the left ventricle (LV) that would correspond to the Doppler incident angle of the apical four‐chamber view on TTE. We also performed TTE during catheter ablation to confirm the exact site of the PV.

Results

Apical four‐chamber views on TTE revealed that one certain PV was detectable on the right side of the vertebra. CT scans revealed that the median angle of the axes between the LV and right lower pulmonary vein (RLPV) was smaller than that of RUPV {32.1˚ [interquartile range (IQR): 21.7˚‐42.1˚] vs. 62.5˚ (IQR: 51.6˚‐70.6˚), P < .001}. During catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation, in the most well‐displayed PV on TTE, we detected the ablation catheter placed in the RLPV.

Conclusions

The most well‐displayed PV in an apical four‐chamber view by TTE was not the RUPV but the RLPV which showed the smallest angle of incidence toward the LV apex. The RLPV is suitable for evaluation of PV velocity to assess LV diastolic function.
SSP: an R package to estimate sampling effort in studies of ecological communities
Authors: Guerra‐Castro Edlin J. , Cajas Juan Carlos , Simões Nuno , Cruz‐Motta Juan J. , Mascaró Maite
Published: January 2021

SSP (simulation‐based sampling protocol) is an R package that uses simulations of ecological data and dissimilarity‐based multivariate standard error (MultSE) as an estimator of precision to evaluate the adequacy of different sampling efforts for studies that will test hypothesis using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. The procedure consists in simulating several extensive data matrixes that mimic some of the relevant ecological features of the community of interest using a pilot data set. For each simulated data, several sampling efforts are repeatedly executed and MultSE calculated. The mean value, 0.025 and 0.975 quantiles of MultSE for each sampling effort across all simulated data are then estimated and standardized regarding the lowest sampling effort. The optimal sampling effort is identified as that in which the increase in sampling effort does not improve the highest MultSE beyond a threshold value (e.g. 2.5%). The performance of SSP was validated using real data. In all three cases, the simulated data mimicked the real data and allowed to evaluate the relationship MultSE – n beyond the sampling size of the pilot studies. SSP can be used to estimate sample size in a wide variety of situations, ranging from simple (e.g. single site) to more complex (e.g. several sites for different habitats) experimental designs. The latter constitutes an important advantage in the context of multi‐scale studies in ecology. An online version of SSP is available for users without an R background.
Understanding productivity growth in the industrial revolution†
Authors: Crafts Nicholas
Published: January 2021

Recent research relating to productivity growth during the British industrial revolution is reviewed. This confirms that there was a gradual acceleration rather than a ‘take‐off’. The explanation for the speeding‐up of technological progress remains controversial but the evidence base has improved considerably. In the face of a surge in population growth, slow growth of real wages during the industrial revolution may be seen as a good outcome which was underpinned by improved growth potential. Slow total factor productivity growth from the 1870s suggests that British technological capabilities at the end of the industrial revolution were still quite limited.
Skin organoids: A new human model for developmental and translational research
Authors: Lee Jiyoon , Koehler Karl R.
Published: January 2021

Culturing skin cells outside of the body has been a cornerstone of dermatological investigation for many years; however, human skin equivalent systems typically lack the full complexity of native skin. Notably, skin appendages, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, remain a challenge to generate or maintain in cell cultures and reconstruct in damaged skin. Recent work from our lab has demonstrated methods for generating appendage‐bearing skin tissue—known as skin organoids—from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we will summarize this work and other related works, and then discuss the potential future applications of skin organoids in dermatological research.
Couples’ Anger Dynamics during Conflict: Interpersonal Anger Regulation, Relationship Satisfaction, and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Slep Amy M. , Heyman Richard E. , Lorber Michael F. , Tiberio Stacey S. , Casillas Katherine L.
Published: January 2021

We tested hypotheses about moment‐to‐moment interpersonal influences on anger during couples’ conflict, and the association of those anger dynamics with relationship satisfaction and intimate partner violence (IPV). Displayed anger was coded from laboratory observations of cohabiting couples (N = 197); experienced anger was assessed via a video‐recall procedure. Credible, but variable, associations were found in which a person’s anger display at one moment was linked to change in the partner’s anger display and experience in the next moment. Women’s anger experience was more strongly influenced by men’s anger displays in couples with higher levels of IPV and couples with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. The displayed anger of men who perpetrated higher levels of IPV was more strongly influenced by women’s anger displays. Overall, when individuals displayed higher intensity anger, partners reacted with increasingly angry feelings but decreasingly angry displays. Results suggest that anger dynamics relate to dyadic processes and that dynamics relate to important relationship outcomes. Dyadic anger dynamics might prove a worthy intervention target.
The role of goblet cells in viral pathogenesis
Authors: Cortez Valerie , Schultz‐Cherry Stacey
Published: January 2021

Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells that are essential to the formation of the mucus barriers in the airways and intestines. Armed with an arsenal of defenses, goblet cells can rapidly respond to infection but must balance this response with maintaining homeostasis. Whereas goblet cell defenses against bacterial and parasitic infections have been characterized, we are just beginning to understand their responses to viral infections. Here, we outline what is known about the enteric and respiratory viruses that target goblet cells, the direct and bystander effects caused by viral infection and how viral interactions with the mucus barrier can alter the course of infection. Together, these factors can play a significant role in driving viral pathogenesis and disease outcomes.
SAP domain forms a flexible part of DNA aperture in Ku70/80
Authors: Hnízda Aleš , Tesina Petr , Nguyen Thanh‐Binh , Kukačka Zdeněk , Kater Lukas , Chaplin Amanda K. , Beckmann Roland , Ascher David B. , Novák Petr , Blundell Tom L.
Published: January 2021

Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is a DNA repair mechanism that religates double‐strand DNA breaks to maintain genomic integrity during the entire cell cycle. The Ku70/80 complex recognizes DNA breaks and serves as an essential hub for recruitment of NHEJ components. Here, we describe intramolecular interactions of the Ku70 C‐terminal domain, known as the SAP domain. Using single‐particle cryo‐electron microscopy, mass spectrometric analysis of intermolecular cross‐linking and molecular modelling simulations, we captured variable positions of the SAP domain depending on DNA binding. The first position was localized at the DNA aperture in the Ku70/80 apo form but was not observed in the DNA‐bound state. The second position, which was observed in both apo and DNA‐bound states, was found below the DNA aperture, close to the helical arm of Ku70. The localization of the SAP domain in the DNA aperture suggests a function as a flexible entry gate for broken DNA.

Databases

EM maps have been deposited in EMDB (EMD‐11933). Coordinates have been deposited in Protein Data Bank (PDB 7AXZ). Other data are available from corresponding authors upon a request.
Potential involvement of DSCAML1 mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Ogata Shigehiro , Hashizume Koichi , Hayase Yoneko , Kanno Yukie , Hori Kei , Balan Shabeesh , Yoshikawa Takeo , Takahashi Hidehiko , Taya Shinichiro , Hoshino Mikio
Published: January 2021

The molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) remain unclear. We previously identified Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule like 1 (Dscaml1) as a responsible gene for Ihara epileptic rat (IER), a rat model for human NDDs with epilepsy. However, the relationship between NDDs and DSCAML1 in humans is still elusive. In this study, we screened databases of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability (ID)/developmental disorders (DD) and schizophrenia for genomic mutations in human DSCAML1. We then performed in silico analyses to estimate the potential damage to the mutated DSCAML1 proteins and chose three representative mutations (DSCAML1C729R, DSCAML1R1685* and DSCAML1K2108Nfs*37), which lacked a cysteine residue in the seventh Ig domain, the intracellular region and the C‐terminal PDZ‐binding motif, respectively. In overexpression experiments in a cell line, DSCAML1C729R lost its mature N‐glycosylation, whereas DSCAML1K2108Nfs*37 was abnormally degraded via proteasome‐dependent protein degradation. Furthermore, in primary hippocampal neurons, the ability of the wild‐type DSCAML1 to regulate the number of synapses was lost with all mutant proteins. These results provide insight into understanding the roles of the domains in the DSCAML1 protein and further suggest that these mutations cause functional changes, albeit through different mechanisms, that likely affect the pathophysiology of NDDs.
The positive association between natural vegetation, native coccinellids and functional diversity of aphidophagous coccinellid communities in alfalfa
Authors: Grez Audrey A. , Zaviezo Tania , Casanoves Fernando , Oberti Romina , Pliscoff Patricio
Published: January 2021

A greater taxonomic and functional diversity of natural enemies in agroecosystems is frequently positively associated with more effective pest control, due to the complementarity of species or traits. But this diversity has declined with landscape homogenisation and loss of natural covers, particularly losing native species, which play an important role in pest suppression within crops.

We evaluated the effect of landscape on coccinellid communities and aphids, and the relative contribution of coccinellids and aphids in shaping taxonomic and functional diversity of coccinellid communities in alfalfa fields.

We characterised the landscape at 1 km radius surrounding 17 alfalfa fields, and the taxonomic and functional diversity of coccinellid communities collected throughout the season in alfalfa. Functional diversity indices considered four traits: body size, habitat specialisation, ubiquity and temporal variability.

We found a positive association among native coccinellids in alfalfa and the amount of natural cover in the landscape, while aphids positively associated with agricultural cover. Also, we found a positive association among functional and taxonomic diversity indices with native coccinellids, and a negative association with exotics, demonstrating the contribution of native coccinellids in adding taxonomic and functional diversity to the aphidophagous communities in alfalfa fields. Aphids also associated positively with some functional and taxonomic diversity indices.

Our results highlight the need to promote appropriate management practices in agricultural landscapes in order to conserve native coccinellid species in alfalfa, maintain a diversified species pool and their potential for aphid pest suppression.
Japanese firms' overpayments for cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Bebenroth Ralf , Ahmed Kashif
Published: January 2021

U.S. and European research suggests that firms tend to overpay when acquiring cross‐border targets. Our research focuses on an Asian setting. We find that Japanese acquirers pay significantly higher premiums for cross‐border targets than for domestic ones. We also find that, in the case of acquisitions of domestic firms, acquirers that are laden with debt or that have higher market‐to‐book ratios (which signals their attractiveness) pay lower premiums. By contrast, we find that in the case of cross‐border acquisitions, neither variable has a significant impact on premiums, which suggests that premiums are not set efficiently for cross‐border acquisitions.
Effect of the buy‐online‐and‐pickup‐in‐store option on pricing and ordering decisions during online shopping carnivals
Authors: Xu Qingyun , Shao Zhen , He Yi
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the value of the buy‐online‐and‐pickup‐in‐store (BOPS) option during online shopping carnivals. We develop a newsvendor model in which a retailer faces the risk of online order overload and provides consumers with a BOPS option. The optimal pricing and ordering decisions under the benchmark scenario and the omnichannel retailing scenario with the BOPS option are analyzed. The results demonstrate that after implementing the BOPS option, the retailer will maintain or lower the price instead of raising the price. In addition, we find that the fraction of BOPS consumers, the unit goodwill loss, and the retailer's best online service capacity play significant roles in the implementation of the BOPS option. We identify the condition under which the retailer can benefit from the BOPS option.
Knots, spoons, and cloches: DNA barcoding unusual larval forms helps document the diversity of Neotropical marine annelids
Authors: Collin Rachel , Venera‐Pontón Dagoberto E. , Macdonald Kenneth , Driskell Amy C. , Boyle Michael J.
Published: January 2021

The morphological diversity of marine annelid larvae is stunning. Although many of the larval forms have been categorized as trochophores or modified trochophores, there are a few groups with distinctive larval features that make them easy to distinguish from other annelid larvae. We collected 252 annelid larvae from the plankton, with particular emphasis on oweniids, polygordiids, and thalassematids (i.e., echiurans) and sequenced fragments of their cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 16S ribosomal RNA genes. We found six oweniid, five polygordiid, and eight thalassematid OTUs. Thalassematids were found only in samples from the Pacific, and oweniids were found only in Caribbean samples. Among the oweniids we found two distinct morphotypes, one with a narrow, cloche shape and another that had a wider and more rectangular shape with clearly developed lappets. Among the polygordiids, we identified one larva as Polygordius eschaturus and several larvae as Polygordius jenniferae. All larvae, except for the P. eschaturus, which was at a stage too early to make a determination, were endolarvae. Among the thalassematids, we identified larvae of Ochetostoma edax and found seven unidentified OTUs. Finally, 150 miscellaneous polychaete larvae were sequenced, representing ~76 OTUs. Four rostraria larvae from the Caribbean, whose sequences confirm the long‐held assumption that they are amphinomids, could not be identified to species. In total only 5% of these OTUs could be identified to species with known sequences, and most could not be identified to genus or even family with reasonable certainty. It is clear that this poor coverage in the reference databases will limit metabarcoding efforts to document numbers of OTUs, and that DNA barcodes will be of limited use for identifying neotropical marine annelids until reference databases have improved their coverage of this group.
High‐energy storage density in NaNbO3‐modified (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐BiAlO3‐based lead‐free ceramics under low electric field
Authors: Peng Ping , Nie Hengchang , Zheng Chan , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin
Published: January 2021

Ceramic‐based dielectric capacitor are highly suitable for pulsed power applications due to their high power density and excellent reliability. However, the ultrahigh applied electric field limit their applications in integrated electronic devices. In this work, (1−x){0.96(Bi0.5Na0.5)(Ti0.995Mn0.005)O3‐0.04BiAlO3}‐xNaNbO3 (BNT‐BA‐xNN, x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16) ternary ceramics were designed to achieve excellent energy storage properties. It was found that the introduction of NaNbO3 (NN) effectively increase the difference (ΔP) between Pmax and Pr, resulting in an obvious enhancement of the energy storage properties. High recoverable energy storage density, responsivity, and power density, that is, Wrec = 2.01 J/cm3, ξ = Wrec/E = 130.69 J/(kV⋅m2), and PD = 25.59 MW/cm3, accompanied with superior temperature stability were realized at x = 0.14 composition. In addition, the thermal stable dielectric properties of the sample can be prominently improved with increasing NN content. The temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) of x = 0.16 composition is lower than 15% over the temperature range from 49°C to 340°C, with a high dielectric permittivity of 1647 and a low dielectric loss (0.0107) at 150°C. All these features show that the BNT‐BA‐xNN ceramics are promising materials for energy storage application.
Enhanced energy storage performance and thermal stability in relaxor ferroelectric (1‐x)BiFeO3‐x(0.85BaTiO3‐0.15Bi(Sn0.5Zn0.5)O3) ceramics
Authors: Ji Shuaishuai , Li Qianjie , Wang Dongdong , Zhu Jiangyuan , Zeng Min , Hou Zhipeng , Fan Zhen , Gao Xingsen , Lu Xubing , Li Qiliang , Liu Jun‐Ming
Published: January 2021

Lead‐free (1‐x)BiFeO3‐x(0.85BaTiO3‐0.15Bi(Sn0.5Zn0.5)O3) [(1‐x)BF‐x(BT‐BSZ), x=0.45‐0.7] ceramic samples were prepared by solid phase sintering. It is revealed that the pure single‐phase perovskite structure can be obtained in samples with x ≥ 0.6. With increasing x, the measured ferroelectric hysteresis loop becomes gradually slimmed in accompanying with reduced remnant polarization, and a clear ferroelectric‐relaxor transition at x = 0.65 is identified. Furthermore, the measured electric breakdown strength can be significantly enhanced with increasing x, and the optimal energy storage performance is achieved at x = 0.65, characterized by the recoverable energy storage density up to ≈3.06 J/cm3 and energy storage efficiency as high as ≈92 %. Excellent temperature stability (25°C–110°C) and fatigue endurance (>105 cycles) for energy storage are demonstrated. Our results suggest that the BF‐based relaxor ceramics can be tailored for promising applications in high energy storage devices.
Patch monitors for arrhythmia monitoring in patients for suspected inherited arrhythmia syndrome
Authors: Cheung Christopher C. , Davies Brianna , Gibbs Karen , Laksman Zachary W. , Krahn Andrew D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Patients undergoing evaluation for an inherited arrhythmia syndrome undertake a series of ambulatory investigations including 24‐h Holter monitor, exercise treadmill testing (ETT), and others. Patch monitors may simplify the evaluation, providing accurate arrhythmia evaluation and QT assessment.

Methods and Results

Patients referred for evaluation of an inherited arrhythmia syndrome underwent standard investigations, including 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG), 24‐h Holter monitoring, ETT, along with supplemental monitoring using a 7‐day ECG patch monitor. Heart rates (HR), corrected QT intervals (QTc), and ectopic burden were compared across monitoring modalities. Among 35 patients that wore the patch monitor, the median age was 39 years (54% male). There was intermediate correlation between resting HR across modalities (r = .58–.66) and poor correlation of peak HR (r = .27–.39). There was intermediate correlation between resting QTc intervals across modalities (r = .72–.77) but negligible correlation between QTc intervals at peak HR across modalities (r = −.01 to −.06). There was good correlation in PAC and PVC ectopic burden across the Holter and patch monitor.

Conclusion

Patch monitors may simplify the evaluation of patients for an inherited arrhythmia syndrome and provide resting QT assessment over time. However, QTc interval comparison at peak HRs remains variable, and may be limited by the single‐lead ECG vector when using the patch monitor. Apart from QTc intervals at peak HR, patch monitors demonstrated good correlation with the ECG and Holter monitor for other parameters.
Involvement of CB2 signalling pathway in the development of osteoporosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs
Authors: Tian Feng , Yang Hong‐tao , Huang Tao , Chen Feng‐feng , Xiong Fu‐jun
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential mechanism underlying the involvement of CB2 in osteoporosis. Micro‐CT was utilized to examine femur bone architecture. Also, real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were utilized to detect the effect of 2‐AG on the expression of CB2 and Notch, or the interaction between CB2 and Notch 2. 2‐AG treatment up‐regulated BMD, Tb.Sp and SMI in OVX mice, whereas proportion of bone volume in total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) were decreased in 2‐AG‐treated OVX mice. Accordingly, 2‐AG administration up‐regulated Notch 1 expression in OVX mice but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. Meanwhile, 2‐AG administration promoted the differentiation of hBMSCs in OVX mice, while exhibiting no effect on the proliferation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, in the cellular models, 2‐AG treatment also up‐regulated Notch 1 expression but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression, while Notch 1 shRNA had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. 2‐AG promoted cell proliferation and differentiation, which were inhibited by Notch 1 shRNA. NICD had no effect on CB2 level but increased Notch 1 expression, and CB2 shRNA decreased CB2 and Notch 1 expression. Finally, CB2 shRNA inhibited cell proliferation and differentiation, whereas NICD promoted proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs. Our results provided further evidence for the association of CB2 gene with BMD and osteoporosis, and identified CB2 as a promising target for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Protein deglycase DJ‐1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability
Authors: Wang Zhao‐yang , Cheng Jie , Liu Bin , Xie Fei , Li Chang‐ling , Qiao Wen , Lu Qing‐hua , Wang Ying , Zhang Ming‐xiang
Published: January 2021

Protein deglycase DJ‐1 (DJ‐1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ‐1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ‐1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ‐1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ‐1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ‐1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE−/− mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein down‐regulated DJ‐1 in vitro. The canonical markers of plaque stability and VSMC phenotypes were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. DJ‐1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice promoted the progression of atherosclerosis and exaggerated plaque instability. Moreover, isolated VSMCs from Apoe−/−DJ‐1−/− mice showed lower expression of contractile markers (α‐smooth muscle actin and calponin) and higher expression of synthetic indicators (osteopontin, vimentin and tropoelastin) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) by comparison with Apoe−/−DJ‐1+/+ mice. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of KLF4 counteracted the adverse effects of DJ‐1 deletion. Therefore, our results showed that DJ‐1 deletion caused phenotype switching of VSMCs and exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque instability in a KLF4‐dependent manner.
EU Aid Policy in the Middle East and North Africa: Politicization and its Limits
Authors: Youngs Richard , Zihnioğlu Özge
Published: January 2021

Some elements of EU assistance to the countries of MENA have become more politicized in recent years. This is largely because sharper differences of opinion have emerged over EU funds being used to limit migration and for security aims. Contestation has intensified horizontally between different EU institutions and European governments. However, this politicization varies across different policy areas and different parts of the MENA region, and in some instances remains relatively muted. After outlining the general increase in salience and wider institutional engagement; we then contrast this with the more measured increase in the third dimension of politicization, namely polarization over the EU's MENA aid policies. We offer three examples of the way that internal policy‐making dynamics have softened polarization and discuss implications for the broader analysis of EU foreign and security policy. We conclude that different kinds of dynamics both drive and limit politicization within the EU's external policies.
Guest Editorial: Time to reflect on new evidence about periodontal regenerative surgery of intrabony defects
Authors: Nibali Luigi
Published: January 2021

This editorial provides a summary of new evidence derived from four recent systematic reviews on regenerative/reconstructive periodontal surgery recently published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. We hereby discuss how the results of these papers combined can be useful for the clinical periodontist, in the light of the recent European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines, and for researcher involved in this field of investigation.
Editorial: Is child mental health research structurally racist?
Authors: Kollins Scott H.
Published: January 2021

The past year has accelerated global discourse on the role played by institutional and societal factors in perpetuating inequities between racial and ethnic groups across all aspects of life. This editorial considers whether our traditional approaches to child mental health research – and specifically the papers that are published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP) – may inadvertently introduce structural barriers for advancing knowledge and improving mental health for children of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Social and demographic characteristics of frequent or high‐charge emergency department users: A quantile regression application
Authors: Mayfield Carlene A. , Geraci Marco , Dulin Michael , Eberth Jan M. , Merchant Anwar T.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Heavy users of the emergency department (ED) are a heterogeneous population. Few studies have captured the social and demographic complexity of patients with the largest burden of ED use. Our objective was to model associations between social and demographic patient characteristics and quantiles of the distributions of ED use, defined as frequent and high‐charge.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of electronic health and billing records of 99 637 adults residing in an urban North Carolina county who visited an ED within Atrium Health, a large integrated health care system, in 2017. Mid‐quantile and standard quantile regression models were used for count and continuous responses, respectively. Frequent and high‐charge use outcomes were defined as the median (0.50) and upper quantiles (0.75, 0.95, 0.99) of the outcome distributions for total billed ED visits and associated charges during the study period. Patient characteristic predictors were: insurance coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, private, uninsured), total visits to ambulatory care during the study period (0, 1, >1), and patient demographics: age, gender, race, ethnicity, and living in an underprivileged community called a public health priority area (PHPA).

Results

Results showed heterogeneous relationships that were stronger at higher quantiles. Having Medicaid or Medicare insurance was positively associated with ED visits and ED charges at most quantiles. Racial and geographic disparities were observed. Black patients had more ED visits and lower ED charges than their White counterparts at most quantiles of the outcome distributions. Patients living in PHPAs, had lower charges than their counterparts at the median but higher charges at the 0.95 and 0.99 quantiles.

Conclusions

The relationships between patient characteristics and frequent and high‐charge use of the ED vary based on the level of use. These findings can be used to inform targeted interventions, tailored policy, and population health management initiatives.
Enhanced surface water flood forecasts: User‐led development and testing
Authors: Birch Cathryn E. , Rabb Benjamin L. , Böing Steven J. , Shelton Kay L. , Lamb Rob , Hunter Neil , Trigg Mark A. , Hines Adrian , Taylor Andrea L. , Pilling Charlie , Dale Murray
Published: January 2021

The risk of surface water flooding (SWF) in England is already high and its frequency and severity is projected to increase in the future. SWF generally occurs due to intense, highly localised rainfall, which is challenging to forecast with sufficient accuracy to take proactive action ahead of flood events. Being able to manage the risk effectively lies in improved rainfall and flood forecast products, better communication of uncertainty and building the capacity of local responders. This study utilises state‐of‐the‐art high‐resolution ensemble rainfall forecasts and hydraulic modelling tools alongside a novel post‐processing method to develop and trial new SWF forecast products within an incident workshop attended by forecast producers and regional forecast users. Twenty‐two of 24 workshop participants reported that the new information would be useful to their organisation but more product development and training in its interpretation is required. Specific recommendations to improve SWF forecast provision include increased support for local government through a single government organisation responsible for SWF, making more use of existing static SWF mapping in a real‐time context and employing the process of user‐based consultation, as outlined in this study, to guide the future development of future SWF forecast information and processes.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging of uterine adenomyosis: Correlation with clinical backgrounds and comparison with malignant uterine tumors
Authors: Yajima Ryo , Kido Aki , Kurata Yasuhisa , Fujimoto Koji , Nakao Kyoko Kameyama , Kuwahara Ryo , Nishio Naoko , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Mandai Masaki , Togashi Kaori
Published: January 2021

Aim

To elucidate correlation between signal intensity on diffusion‐weighted images (SI‐DWI) and clinical backgrounds for uterine adenomyosis and to compare SI‐DWI of adenomyosis and malignant uterine tumors.

Methods

This study examined 46 adenomyosis patients diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and 25 patients with surgically confirmed malignant uterine myometrial tumor. First, adenomyosis cases were classified visually into high‐intensity and low‐intensity groups based on the SI‐DWI compared with that of normal uterine myometrium. Secondly, correlation was assessed between SI‐DWI of adenomyosis and patient clinical background information such as age, menopausal status, menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea severity. Third, quantitative comparison was made of low‐intensity adenomyosis (LIA), high‐intensity adenomyosis (HIA) and malignant tumor groups for the signal intensity ratio (SIR) on DWI and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Their diagnostic performance was evaluated using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The 46 adenomyosis cases were classified as 26 low‐intensity and 20 high‐intensity cases. Significant correlation was found only for menstrual cycle phases. HIA had significantly lower SIR and higher ADC than malignant tumor. The ADC of HIA was significantly higher than that of LIA. The combination of SIR and ADC showed excellent diagnostic performance (area under ROC curve, 0.99).

Conclusion

There is a variation in signal intensity on DWI of uterine adenomyosis and it is associated with menstrual cycle phase. Adenomyosis with high signal intensity on DWI can be differentiated from malignant lesions by its lower signal intensity on DWI and higher ADC than that found for malignant uterine tumors, however overlaps exist.