bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optomap ultrawide field imaging for detecting peripheral retinal lesions in 1725 high myopic eyes before implantable collamer lens surgery
Authors: Yang Danjuan , Li Meiyan , Wei Ruoyan , Xu Ye , Shang Jianmin , Zhou Xingtao
Published: June 2020

Importance

Identifying peripheral retinal lesions in high myopia patients before implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery by nonmydriatic Optomap ultrawide field imaging.

Background

To investigate specificity and sensitivity of nonmydriatic Optomap ultrawide field imaging for detecting peripheral retinal lesions in high myopia patients before ICL surgery.

Design

Hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study.

Participants

A total of 1725 high myopic eyes of 897 ICL surgery candidates were included in this study.

Methods

Patients with high myopia were scheduled for routine ophthalmic examination before ICL implantation. Nonmydriatic Optomap ultrawide field imaging was applied for detecting potential peripheral retinal lesions before ICL surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Presence of peripheral retinal lesions.

Results

Of 1725 eyes, 344 (19.94%) had peripheral retinal lesions in total; 75 (4.35%) eyes had holes/tears; 313 (18.14%) eyes had peripheral retinal degenerations. Sensitivity of Optomap for detecting peripheral retinal holes/tears and degenerations were 57.33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.38‐68.69) and 65.18% (95% CI: 59.61‐70.45). Specificity for peripheral retinal holes/tears and degenerations were 99.58% (95% CI: 99.13‐99.83) and 99.08% (95% CI: 98.43‐99.51), respectively. A total of 22.70% (32/141) of omitted peripheral retinal lesions under Optomap needed intervention. Longer axial length (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16, P < .01), more severe refractive error (OR: 1.05, P < .01) and older age (OR: 1.03, P < .01) were proved to be risk factors for peripheral retinal degenerations in high myopes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Optomap ultrawide field imaging is a reliable adjunctive tool with high specificity and moderate sensitivity for identifying and recording peripheral retinal lesions in high myopes in preoperative examination. Nonmydriatic Optomap could not entirely replace Goldmann three‐mirror contact lens in detecting peripheral retinal lesions in high myopia ICL candidates.
Intention classification in multiturn dialogue systems with key sentences mining
Authors: Cao Bin , Ma Kui , Liu Yuqi , Xu Yueshen , Zhu Linan
Published: June 2020

The multiturn dialogue system has been prevalently used in e‐commerce websites and modern information systems, which significantly improves the efficiency of problem solving and further promotes the service quality. In a multiturn dialogue system, the problem of intention classification is a core task, as the intention of a customer is the basis of subsequent problems handling. However, traditional related methods are unsuitable for the classification of multiturn dialogues. Because traditional methods do not distinguish the importance of each sentence and concatenate all sentences in the text, which is likely to generate a model with low prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose a method of multiturn dialogue classification based on key sentences mining. We design a keywords extraction algorithm, mining key sentences from the dialogue text. We propose an algorithm finishing the computation of the weights of each sentence. According to the sentence weight and the sentence vector, the dialogue text is transformed to a dialogue vector. The dialogue text is classified by a classifier, and the input is the dialogue vector. We conducted sufficient experiments on a real‐world dataset, evaluating the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that our method outperforms the related methods on a series of evaluation metrics.
The true nature of Ganoderma in Iran: Taxonomy based on ITS and mtSSU rDNA
Authors: Keypour Somayeh , Riahi Hossein , Asef Mohammad Reza , Abdollahzadeh Jafar , borhani Ali , Safaie Naser
Published: June 2020

The genus Ganoderma Karst. has broad‐spectrum usage in biotechnology, medicine and the food industry. The complexity of the morphology within species has led to uncertain identification in the past, but recent advancements in molecular identification methods have provided scientists with the opportunity to better understand the taxonomy of the species. The present study attempts for the first time to elucidate the distinctiveness of the Ganoderma species growing in Iran concerning those elsewhere in the world based on mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA (mtSSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. The results disclosed that the G. lucidum Karst. samples collected in Iran are more similar to the European Ganoderma species than to the Asian (Chinese) one used in this study.
Steroid hormones influence light‐dependent development of visual projections to the forebrain (Commentary on Letzner et al., 2020)
Authors: Rogers Lesley J.
Published: June 2020

Commentary on Letzner S, Manns M, Güntürkün O. Light‐dependent development of the tectorotundal projection in pigeons. Eur J Neurosci. 2020;52:3561–3571. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14775
Activation of cannabinoid type 1 receptors decreases the synchronization of local field potential oscillations in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex and prolongs the interresponse time during a differential‐reinforcement‐of‐low‐rate task
Authors: Liao Wan‐Ting , Chang Chao‐Lin , Hsiao Yi‐Tse
Published: June 2020

Marijuana intoxication impairs neurocognitive functions. Common side effects of consuming cannabis include time distortion and memory loss. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms involved in these effects remain unclear. We hypothesized that communication between the hippocampal CA1 region and medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is essential for the transmission of temporal‐associated information. We used a differential‐reinforcement‐of‐low‐rate (DRL) task, which requires subjects to press a lever at an optimal time point, to correlate the distributions of interresponse time (IRT) with local field potentials (LFPs) recorded in the CA1 and MEC under the effects of a cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor agonist. We used a DRL 10‐s schedule and trained the rats to withhold for 10 s before pressing a lever. Our data showed that the percentage of 12.4‐ to 14‐s IRT events rose after activation of CB1 receptors in the MEC. In addition, gamma amplitude synchronization and CA1 theta phase–MEC gamma amplitude coupling decreased during the 6‐ to 14‐s IRT events. These results suggest that activation of CB1 receptors in the MEC disrupt the functional connectivity between the CA1 and the MEC. This inefficient communication may result in increased IRT during a DRL schedule. Overall, we postulate that marijuana intoxication impairs the communication between the CA1 and MEC and influences behavioral performances that require precise timing ability.
Digital Module 13: Monte Carlo Simulation Studies in Item Response Theory
Authors: Leventhal Brian , Ames Allison
Published: June 2020

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Brian Leventhal and Dr. Allison Ames provide an overview of Monte Carlo simulation studies (MCSS) in item response theory (IRT). MCSS are utilized for a variety of reasons, one of the most compelling being that they can be used when analytic solutions are impractical or nonexistent because they allow researchers to specify and manipulate an array of parameter values and experimental conditions (e.g., sample size, test length, and test characteristics). Dr. Leventhal and Dr. Ames review the conceptual foundation of MCSS in IRT and walk through the processes of simulating total scores as well as item responses using the two‐parameter logistic, graded response, and bifactor models. They provide guidance for how to implement MCSS using other item response models and best practices for efficient syntax and executing an MCSS. The digital module contains sample SAS code, diagnostic quiz questions, activities, curated resources, and a glossary.
What influences aggression and foraging activity in social birds? Measuring individual, group and environmental characteristics
Authors: Rose Paul , Soole Laura
Published: June 2020

For specialised feeders, accessing food resources may impact on the performance of appetitive foraging and social behaviours at individual and population levels. Flamingos are excellent examples of social species with complex, species‐specific feeding strategies. As attainment of coloured plumage depends upon intake of dietary carotenoids, and as study of free‐ranging flamingos shows that foraging is disrupted by aggression from other birds, we investigated the effect of four feeding styles on foraging and aggression in captive lesser flamingos. We evaluated individual and group differences in foraging and aggression when birds consumed bespoke “flamingo pellet” from a bowl, an indoor feeding pool and an outdoor feeding section of their pool. Natural foraging (when birds were feeding irrespective of the presence of pellet) was recorded for comparison with artificial feeding styles. One‐minute long video footage of the birds' activities in these different locations, recorded between 2013 and 2016, was used to evaluate behaviour. Total number of seconds engaged in feeding and in aggression was recorded by continuous sampling. The colour of individual birds was scored from 1 (mainly white) to 4 (mainly pink). For natural filter feeding in the outdoor pool, maximum foraging was twice as much as bowl feeding, whilst aggression was less than half as much as other feeding methods. Overall, a more restricted feeding style significantly predicted aggression, along with increasing group size. Plumage colour significantly influenced aggression (brightest flamingos were more aggressive) and showed a non‐significant trend with foraging (brighter birds fed less than paler birds). No sex effect on feeding or aggression was found. This study enhances our understanding of husbandry and species' biology impacts on captive behaviour and provides data‐based evidence to improve food presentation. For flamingos, implementation of spacious outdoor feeding areas can encourage natural foraging patterns by reducing excess aggression and enhances welfare by improving flock social stability.
Examination of the efficacy of small genetic panels in genomic conservation of companion animal populations
Authors: Sams Aaron J. , Ford Brett , Gardner Adam , Boyko Adam R.
Published: June 2020

In many ways, dogs are an ideal model for the study of genetic erosion and population recovery, problems of major concern in the field of conservation genetics. Genetic diversity in many dog breeds has been declining systematically since the beginning of the 1800s, when modern breeding practices came into fashion. As such, inbreeding in domestic dog breeds is substantial and widespread and has led to an increase in recessive deleterious mutations of high effect as well as general inbreeding depression. Pedigrees can in theory be used to guide breeding decisions, though are often incomplete and do not reflect the full history of inbreeding. Small microsatellite panels are also used in some cases to choose mating pairs to produce litters with low levels of inbreeding. However, the long‐term impact of such practices has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we use forward simulation on a model of the dog genome to examine the impact of using limited marker panels to guide pairwise mating decisions on genome‐wide population‐level genetic diversity. Our results suggest that in unmanaged populations, where breeding decisions are made at the pairwise—rather than population‐level, such panels can lead to accelerated loss of genetic diversity at genome regions unlinked to panel markers, compared to random mating. These results demonstrate the importance of genome‐wide genetic panels for managing and conserving genetic diversity in dogs and other companion animals.
The role of host environment in cancer evolution
Authors: Solary Eric , Laplane Lucie
Published: June 2020

Somatic mutations in oncogene and tumor suppressor genes accumulate in healthy tissues throughout life and delineate clones with limited expansion. Lifestyle‐related toxic insults increase the size and number of these clones that participate to tissue aging. Their identification has blurred the boundaries between clonal expansion and malignant tumor and has drawn more attention to the role of the host environment in tumor emergence and progression. Local tissue factors such as disrupted cell interactions and stromal cell senescence combine with systemic and distant alterations to initiate the reiterative process of clonal expansion, multilayer intrinsic diversification and clonal selection that eventually characterize overt tumor evolution. In turn, tumors remodel their close and distant environments, establishing positive feedback loops that contribute to disease progression. Strategies emerge to preserve the tumor suppressive properties of healthy tissue landscapes and delay age‐induced changes that eventually lead to cancer.
Agricultural acceleration of soil carbonate weathering
Authors: Kim John H. , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Richter Daniel D. , Trumbore Susan E. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: June 2020

Soil carbonates (i.e., soil inorganic carbon or SIC) represent more than a quarter of the terrestrial carbon pool and are often considered to be relatively stable, with fluxes significant only on geologic timescales. However, given the importance of climatic water balance on SIC accumulation, we tested the hypothesis that increased soil water storage and transport resulting from cultivation may enhance dissolution of SIC, altering their local stock at decadal timescales. We compared SIC storage to 7.3 m depth in eight sites, each having paired plots of native vegetation and rain‐fed croplands, and half the sites having additional irrigated cropland plots. Rain‐fed and irrigated croplands had 328 and 730 Mg C/ha less SIC storage, respectively, compared to their native vegetation (grassland or woodland) pairs, and irrigated croplands had 402 Mg C/ha less than their rain‐fed pairs (p < .0001). SIC contents were negatively correlated with estimated groundwater recharge, suggesting that dissolution and leaching may be responsible for SIC losses observed. Under croplands, the remaining SIC had more modern radiocarbon and a δ13C composition that was closer to crop inputs than under native vegetation, suggesting that cultivation has led to faster turnover and incorporation of recent crop carbon into the SIC pool (p < .0001). The losses occurred just 30–100 years after land‐use changes, indicating SIC stocks that were stable for millennia can rapidly adjust to increased soil water flows. Large SIC losses (194–242 Mg C/ha) also occurred below 4.9 m deep under irrigated croplands, with SIC losses lagging behind the downward‐advancing wetting front by ~30 years, suggesting that even deep SIC were affected. These observations suggest that the vertical distribution of SIC in dry ecosystems is dynamic on decadal timescales, highlighting its potential role as a carbon sink or source to be examined in the context of land use and climate change.
Trying to take over the world: Potential distribution of Obama nungara (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae), the Neotropical land planarian that has reached Europe
Authors: Negrete Lisandro , Lenguas Francavilla Marina , Damborenea Cristina , Brusa Francisco
Published: June 2020

Obama nungara Carbayo, Álvarez‐Presas, Jones, & Riutort, 2016 is a land planarian (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) native to southern South America, which has recently dispersed towards several countries of the European continent, thus becoming a threat to the native soil fauna. Its dispersion would be favoured by its wide food habit and its tendency to live linked to humans, being the plant trade its most plausible vector of dispersion. Here, we explored the potential distribution of O. nungara on a global scale by using the MaxEnt software. We used 144 records (encompassing 10 countries) from sampling campaigns, citizen science, recent literature, and material deposited in scientific collections. Our results showed that southern South America has favourable climatic conditions for O. nungara. MaxEnt also allowed predicting expansions to countries of Europe where this planarian is already established and to others not yet colonized, as well as to Asia (southern coast of the Caspian Sea, Taiwan, and south‐east of mainland China) and Oceania (south‐east of Australia and New Zealand). The potential distribution of O. nungara was mainly outlined by climatic factors related to temperature (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, and annual temperature range). Thus, under a global warming scenario, a significant expansion of O. nungara relative to the current prediction is expected. This information may be useful to design strategies to prevent new introductions, since the dissemination of this planarian seems to be strongly man‐linked.
Contrasting mechanisms underlie short‐ and longer‐term soil respiration responses to experimental warming in a dryland ecosystem
Authors: Dacal Marina , García‐Palacios Pablo , Asensio Sergio , Cano‐Díaz Concha , Gozalo Beatriz , Ochoa Victoria , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: June 2020

Soil carbon losses to the atmosphere through soil respiration are expected to rise with ongoing temperature increases, but available evidence from mesic biomes suggests that such response disappears after a few years of experimental warming. However, there is lack of empirical basis for these temporal dynamics in soil respiration responses, and for the mechanisms underlying them, in drylands, which collectively form the largest biome on Earth and store 32% of the global soil organic carbon pool. We coupled data from a 10 year warming experiment in a biocrust‐dominated dryland ecosystem with laboratory incubations to confront 0–2 years (short‐term hereafter) versus 8–10 years (longer‐term hereafter) soil respiration responses to warming. Our results showed that increased soil respiration rates with short‐term warming observed in areas with high biocrust cover returned to control levels in the longer‐term. Warming‐induced increases in soil temperature were the main drivers of the short‐term soil respiration responses, whereas longer‐term soil respiration responses to warming were primarily driven by thermal acclimation and warming‐induced reductions in biocrust cover. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating short‐ and longer‐term soil respiration responses to warming as a mean to reduce the uncertainty in predicting the soil carbon–climate feedback in drylands.
Resource utilization conditions as biochar of an invasive plant Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands of China
Authors: Xia Huijuan , Kong Weijing , Liu Lusan , Li Hongli , Lin Kuixuan
Published: June 2020

Converting feedstocks of invasive plants into biochar is a new and cost‐effective measure for their control, and benefits for the sustainable development of native ecosystems. Spartina alterniflora, an invasive plant widely distributed in coastal wetlands of China, was used to produce biochar. We aimed to analyze how S. alterniflora biochar properties changed with desalination of feedstocks, pyrolysis temperature, and residence time. Results showed that desalting feedstocks increased biochar pH, stability, porosity, and surface area, but diminished biochar yield and polarity. Pyrolysis temperature positively affected biochar pH, surface area, and pore volume, while it had negative effects on biochar yield, oxygen and hydrogen contents, hydrogen/carbon and oxygen/carbon ratios, pore size, and function groups. However, residence time of pyrolysis had slight effects on biochar properties. The results are valuable for optimizing pyrolysis temperature and pretreatment measure of feedstocks, to tune S. alterniflora biochar properties for specific environmental usage.
Biochar amendment boosts photosynthesis and biomass in C3 but not C4 plants: A global synthesis
Authors: He Yanghui , Yao Yixian , Ji Yuhuang , Deng Jun , Zhou Guiyao , Liu Ruiqiang , Shao Junjiong , Zhou Lingyan , Li Na , Zhou Xuhui , Bai Shahla Hosseini
Published: June 2020

Biochar is a carbon (C)‐rich solid produced from the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass. Its amendment to soils has been proposed as a promising mean to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously benefit agricultural crops. However, how biochar amendment affects plant photosynthesis and growth remains unclear, especially on a global scale. In this study, we conducted a global synthesis of 74 publications with 347 paired comparisons to acquire an overall tendency of plant photosynthesis and growth following biochar amendment. Overall, we found that biochar amendment significantly increased photosynthetic rate by 27.1%, and improved stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll concentration by 19.6%, 26.9%, 26.8%, and 16.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, plant total biomass, shoot biomass, and root biomass increased by 25.4%, 22.1%, and 34.4%, respectively. Interestingly, plant types (C3 and C4 plants) showed greater control over plant photosynthesis and biomass than a broad suite of soil and biochar factors. Biochar amendment largely boosted photosynthesis and biomass on C3 plants, but had a limited effect on C4 plants. Our results highlight the importance of the differential response of plant types to biochar amendment with respect to plant growth and photosynthesis, providing a scientific foundation for making reasonable strategies towards an extensive application of biochar for agricultural production management.
A Spatio‐Temporal Analysis of the Environmental Correlates of COVID‐19 Incidence in Spain
Authors: Paez Antonio , Lopez Fernando A. , Menezes Tatiane , Cavalcanti Renata , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha
Published: June 2020

The novel SARS‐CoV2 has disrupted health systems and the economy, and public health interventions to slow its spread have been costly. How and when to ease restrictions to movement hinges in part on whether SARS‐CoV2 will display seasonality due to variations in temperature, humidity, and hours of sunshine. Here, we address this question by means of a spatio‐temporal analysis in Spain of the incidence of COVID‐19, the disease caused by the virus. Use of spatial Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) allows us to model the incidence of reported cases of the disease per 100,000 population as an interregional contagion process, in addition to a function of temperature, humidity, and sunshine. In the analysis we also control for GDP per capita, percentage of older adults in the population, population density, and presence of mass transit systems. The results support the hypothesis that incidence of the disease is lower at higher temperatures and higher levels of humidity. Sunshine, in contrast, displays a positive association with incidence of the disease. Our control variables also yield interesting insights. Higher incidence is associated with higher GDP per capita and presence of mass transit systems in the province; in contrast, population density and percentage of older adults display negative associations with incidence of COVID‐19.
No evidence synthesis about me without me: Involving young people in the conduct and dissemination of a complex evidence synthesis
Authors: Walker Erin , Shaw Elizabeth , Nunns Michael , Moore Darren , Thompson Coon Jo
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To describe and reflect on the methods and influence of involvement of young people with lived experience within a complex evidence synthesis.

Study design and setting

Linked syntheses of quantitative and qualitative systematic reviews of evidence about interventions to improve the mental health of children and young people (CYP) with long‐term physical conditions (LTCs).

Methods

Involvement was led by an experienced patient and public involvement in research lead. Young people with long‐term physical conditions and mental health issues were invited to join a study‐specific Children and Young People's Advisory Group (CYPAG). The CYPAG met face to face on four occasions during the project with individuals continuing to contribute to dissemination following report submission.

Results

Eight young people joined the CYPAG. Their views and experiences informed (a) a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of interventions intended to improve the mental health of CYP with LTCs, (b) a systematic review exploring the experiences of interventions intended to improve the mental well‐being of CYP with LTCs and (c) an overarching synthesis. The CYPAG greatly contributed to the team's understanding and appreciation of the wider context of the research. The young people found the experience of involvement empowering and felt they would use the knowledge they had gained about the research process in the future.

Conclusion

Creating an environment that enabled meaningful engagement between the research team and the CYPAG had a beneficial influence on the young people themselves, as well as on the review process and the interpretation, presentation and dissemination of findings.
Fine structure of amylopectin and relation with physicochemical properties of three coloured potato starches
Authors: Liping Yang , Xu Li , Wei Dongmei , Du Chuanlai , Yang Jianting , Zhou Yibin
Published: June 2020

In this study, yellow, red and purple potato starches were selected as the research objects to analyse the fine structure and the relation to the physicochemical properties. Enzymatic hydrolysis and high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatograph were employed to characterise the structure of clusters and φ, β‐limit dextrins. The average degree of polymerisation of clusters from the yellow potato starch was larger (188.57) than in red (91.31) and purple (107.32) potato starch. The molar percentage of fingerprint B chains in yellow, red and purple potato amylopectin were 58.01%, 63.60% and 60.78%, respectively, while major part of short B chains were 15.92%, 17.16% and 16.49%, respectively. The yellow potato amylopectin showed the highest density of branches values indicated that it was more tightly branched. The Pearson correlation coefficients results indicated that the fine structure of amylopectin had significant effects on the physicochemical properties of potato starches, and we can better understanding the differences of the properties among the three potato starches by studying the amylopectin fine structure.
Women Trailblazers in the Statistical Profession
Authors: Billard Lynne , Wallman Katherine K.
Published: June 2020

A brief historical introduction to nine women who were trailblazers in the statistical sciences is presented. During their times, men dominated the profession. Yet we see how these women in their various ways blazed trails and as such became mentors and inspirations for generations of women practitioners who worked with them and followed in their footsteps.
Partitioning multiple facets of beta diversity in a tropical stream macroalgal metacommunity
Authors: Branco Ciro C. Z. , Bispo Pitágoras C. , Peres Cleto K. , Tonetto Aurélio F. , Krupek Rogério A. , Barfield Michael , Holt Robert D.
Published: June 2020

Aim

We evaluated different facets of beta diversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional), and its components (spatial turnover and nestedness), of a stream macroalgal metacommunity, as well as the effect of local environmental variables, types of biome and spatial factors on these facets and components.

Location

Ten natural areas of southern Brazil, covering the main biomes represented in the region.

Taxon

Stream macroalgae.

Methods

We analysed a macroalgal data set collected in 105 stream segments using a dissimilarity partitioning approach to decompose total beta diversity into spatial turnover and nestedness components. Furthermore, we assessed the effects of local environmental variables, biome type and spatial factors on beta diversity components by performing distance‐based redundancy analysis (db‐RDA), and its partial version (db‐pRDA). Taxonomic data were tabulated considering four different species incidence matrices: total macroalgae; only green algae; only red algae and only cyanobacteria.

Results

For taxonomic and phylogenetic facets, very high values of total beta diversity were found for all species incidence matrices, with spatial turnover (species replacement) accounting for almost all this diversity; nestedness had extremely low values. For functional diversity, total beta diversity was again high and spatial turnover was greater than nestedness, but nestedness (the tendency for less diverse locations to contain a subset of those in higher diversity locations) was considerably higher than that observed for taxonomic and phylogenetic facets. In regard to taxonomic and phylogenetic facets, total beta diversity and spatial turnover were, in general, significantly related to local environmental variables, biome type and spatial factors for total macroalgae and green algae, whereas they were significantly related to types of biome and space for red algae, and only to local environment for cyanobacteria.

Main conclusions

Our results showed that spatial turnover was the main component of beta diversity, regardless of the facet and macroalgal species incidence matrix, and that the relative influence of local environmental variables, types of biome and spatial factors on the total beta diversity and its spatial turnover component can vary according to the facet considered and by algal group.
Proarrhythmic effect of automatic threshold testing algorithm in dual chamber devices
Authors: Larsen Timothy R. , Sargent Donna , Moyes Meredith , Huizar Jose F. , Tan Alex Y. , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Kaszala Karoly
Published: June 2020

Background

Operation of auto‐threshold testing (ATT) algorithm in current dual chamber cardiac devices require temporary shortening of atrio‐ventricular (AV) delay to accurately measure evoked potential (capture) after a pacing pulse. Near simultaneous AV pacing causes atrial pressure elevation and may be associated with atrial arrhythmias.

Objective

We evaluated the prevalence of atrial arrhythmias induced by ATT in Abbott devices.

Methods

Device clinic records were reviewed at a single center for patients with dual chamber Abbott pacemaker/ICD. ATT‐induced atrial fibrillation (AF) cases were defined as new appropriate mode switch episodes while the ATT was operating. The auto‐capture test trends were defined as unstable if there were deviations >1 V in capture threshold trend events that did not correlate with routine in‐office testing.

Results

One hundred and seventy patients were programmed in dual chamber pacing mode. The ventricular ATT was active in 118 patients and of these 78 had true mode switch episodes. Six patients developed AF during ventricular ATT. Three patients had most recorded atrial arrhythmias in close association with ATT (63%, 66%, 100% vs 2%,9%, 33% in other patients with known prior AF). An unstable auto‐capture trend curve was seen in 33 patients (6 showing ATT‐induced AF) versus 85 patients with stable auto‐capture curve and no ATT‐induced AF (P = .0001, the χ2 test).

Conclusion

Ventricular auto‐capture algorithm use is associated with induction of AF in dual chamber Abbott devices with a prevalence of over 5%. AF occur more frequently (18%) in patients with erratic ventricular ATT trend results.
The microvesicle/CD36 complex triggers a prothrombotic phenotype in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Hua , Song Nian‐Peng , Li Jian‐Ping , Wang Zhi‐Hao , Ti Yun , Li Yi‐Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming
Published: June 2020

The mechanisms responsible for platelet activation, the prothrombotic state, in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are still obscure. Microvesicles (MVs) can transfer various messages to target cells and may be helpful for exploring the detailed mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms by which proatherogenic factors of NVAF contribute to platelet activation. Two hundred and ten patients with NVAF were stratified as being at ‘low to moderate risk’ or ‘high risk’ for stroke according to the CHADS2 score. Levels of platelet‐derived MVs (PMVs) and platelet activation were examined. CD36‐positive or CD36‐deficient human platelets were stimulated by MVs isolated from NVAF patients with or without various inhibitors in vitro. Levels of PMVs and platelet activation markers enhanced significantly in high‐risk patients. The MVs isolated from plasma of NVAF patients bound to platelet CD36 and activated platelets by phosphorylating the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 4/Jun N‐terminal kinase 2 (MKK4/JNK2) pathways. However, CD36 deficiency protected against MV‐induced activation of platelets. We reveal a possible mechanism of platelet activation in NVAF and suggest that the platelet CD36 might be an effective target in preventing the prothrombotic state in NVAF.
miRNA‐182/Deptor/mTOR axis regulates autophagy to reduce intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Yunsheng , Luo Yanhua , Li Baochuan , Niu Lijun , Liu Jiaxin , Duan Xiaoyun
Published: June 2020

It had been reported miR‐182 was down‐regulated after intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. However, its role and potential mechanisms are still unknown. This study was aimed to elucidate the function of miR‐182 in intestinal I/R injury and the underlying mechanisms. The model of intestinal injury was constructed in wild‐type and Deptor knockout (KO) mice. Haematoxylin‐eosin staining, Chiu's score and diamine oxidase were utilized to detect intestinal damage. RT‐qPCR assay was used to detected miR‐182 expression. Electronic microscopy was used to detect autophagosome. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of Deptor, S6/pS6, LC3‐II/LC3‐I and p62. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the relationship between miR‐182 and Deptor. The results showed miR‐182 was down‐regulated following intestinal I/R. Up‐regulation of miR‐182 reduced intestinal damage, autophagy, Deptor expression and enhanced mTOR activity following intestinal I/R. Moreover, suppression of autophagy reduced intestinal damage and inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin aggravated intestinal damage following intestinal I/R. Besides, damage of intestine was reduced and mTOR activity was enhanced in Deptor KO mice. In addition, Deptor was the target gene of miR‐182 and was indispensable for the protection of miR‐182 on intestine under I/R condition. Together, our research implicated up‐regulation of miR‐182 inhibited autophagy to alleviate intestinal I/R injury via mTOR by targeting Deptor.
“It ain't over … till it's over!” Risk‐mitigation strategies for patients with gastrointestinal diseases in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Holtmann Gerald , Quigley Eamonn M , Shah Ayesha , Camilleri Michael , Tan Victoria PY , Gwee Kok Ann , Sugano Kentaro , Sollano Jose D , Fock Kwong M , Ghoshal Uday C , Chen Minhu , Dignass Axel , Cohen Henry
Published: June 2020

The available COVID‐19 literature has focused on specific disease manifestations, infection control, and delivery or prioritization of services for specific patient groups in the setting of the acute COVID‐19 pandemic. Local health systems aim to contain the COVID‐19 pandemic and hospitals and health‐care providers rush to provide the capacity for a surge of COVID‐19 patients. However, the short, medium‐term, and long‐term outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases without COVID‐19 will be affected by the ability to develop locally adapted strategies to meet their service needs in the COVID‐19 setting. To mitigate risks for patients with GI diseases, it is useful to differentiate three phases: (i) the acute phase, (ii) the adaptation phase, and (iii) the consolidation phase. During the acute phase, service delivery for patients with GI disease will be curtailed to meet competing health‐care needs of COVID‐19 patients. During the adaptation phase, GI services are calibrated towards a “new normal,” and the consolidation phase is characterized by rapid introduction and ongoing refinement of services. Proactive planning with engagement of relevant stakeholders including consumer representatives is required to be prepared for a variety of scenarios that are dictated by thus far undefined long‐term economic and societal impacts of the pandemic. Because substantial changes to the delivery of services are likely to occur, it is important that these changes are embedded into quality and research frameworks to ensure that data are generated that support evidence‐based decision‐making during the adaptation and consolidation phases.
Artificial intelligence for the detection of esophageal and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Ishihara Ryu , Aoyama Kazuharu , Fukuda Hiromu , Shimamoto Yusaku , Kono Mitsuhiro , Nakahira Hiroko , Matsuura Noriko , Shichijo Satoki , Kanesaka Takashi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Ishii Tatsuya , Nakatani Yasuki , Tada Tomohiro
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Conventional endoscopy for the early detection of esophageal and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (E/J cancer) is limited because early lesions are asymptomatic, and the associated changes in the mucosa are subtle. There are no reports on artificial intelligence (AI) diagnosis for E/J cancer from Asian countries. Therefore, we aimed to develop a computerized image analysis system using deep learning for the detection of E/J cancers.

Methods

A total of 1172 images from 166 pathologically proven superficial E/J cancer cases and 2271 images of normal mucosa in esophagogastric junctional from 219 cases were used as the training image data. A total of 232 images from 36 cancer cases and 43 non‐cancerous cases were used as the validation test data. The same validation test data were diagnosed by 15 board‐certified specialists (experts).

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AI system were 94%, 42%, and 66%, respectively, and that of the experts were 88%, 43%, and 63%, respectively. The sensitivity of the AI system was favorable, while its specificity for non‐cancerous lesions was similar to that of the experts. Interobserver agreement among the experts for detecting superficial E/J was fair (Fleiss' kappa = 0.26, z = 20.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our AI system achieved high sensitivity and acceptable specificity for the detection of E/J cancers and may be a good supporting tool for the screening of E/J cancers.
Endoscopic ultrasonography shear wave as a predictive factor of endocrine/exocrine dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Tanioka Kensuke , Kawaji Yuki , Tamura Takashi , Nuta Junya , Hatamaru Keiichi , Itonaga Masahiro , Ida Yoshiyuki , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Kitano Masayuki
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) leads to permanent impairment of exocrine and endocrine functions. The endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐based Rosemont classification plays an important role in diagnosing CP. However, it is based on subjective judgment. In contrast, EUS shear wave measurement (EUS‐SWM) has been established to be a precise method for evaluating tissue hardness. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of EUS‐SWM in diagnosing CP and determining exocrine and endocrine dysfunctions.

Methods

We evaluated 40 patients who underwent EUS‐SWM between January 2019 and January 2020. They were classified into the normal pancreas and early, probable, and definite CP groups following the Japan Pancreatic Society criteria. EUS‐SWM value was compared between the normal pancreas group and the early, probable, and definite CP groups. The relationship between EUS‐SWM value and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions was also assessed. The cut‐off value of EUS‐SWM for diagnosing CP and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions was investigated.

Results

The EUS‐SWM value was positively correlated with the Japan Pancreatic Society criteria stages. The probable and definite CP groups had significantly higher EUS‐SWM values than the normal group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐SWM for CP, exocrine dysfunction, and endocrine dysfunction were 0.92, 0.78, and 0.63, respectively. The cut‐off values of 1.96, 1.96, and 2.34 for diagnosing CP, exocrine dysfunction, and endocrine dysfunctions had 83%, 90%, and 75% sensitivity, respectively, and 100%, 65%, and 64% specificity, respectively.

Conclusions

Endoscopic ultrasonography shear wave measurement provides objective assessment and can thus be an alternative diagnostic tool for diagnosing CP and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions.
The forearm and hand musculature of semi‐terrestrial rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and arboreal gibbons (Fam. Hylobatidae). Part I. Description and comparison of the muscle configuration
Authors: Vanhoof Marie J. M. , van Leeuwen Timo , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: June 2020

Primates live in very diverse environments and, as a consequence, show an equally diverse locomotor behaviour. During locomotion, the primate hand interacts with the superstrate and/or substrate and will therefore probably show adaptive signals linked with this locomotor behaviour. Whereas the morphology of the forearm and hand bones have been studied extensively, the functional adaptations in the hand musculature have been documented only scarcely. To evaluate whether there are potential adaptations in forelimb musculature to locomotor behaviour, we investigated the forearm and hand musculature of the highly arboreal gibbons (including Hylobates lar, Hylobates pileatus, Nomascus leucogenys, Nomascus concolor, Symphalangus syndactylus) and compared this with the musculature of the semi‐terrestrial rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) by performing complete and detailed dissections on a sample of 15 unembalmed specimens. We found that the overall configuration of the upper arm and hand musculature is highly comparable between arboreal gibbons and semi‐terrestrial macaques, and follows the general primate condition. Most of the identified differences in muscle configuration are located in the forearm. In macaques, a prominent m. epitrochleoanconeus is present, which potentially helps to extend the forearm and/or stabilize the elbow joint during quadrupedal walking. The m. flexor carpi radialis shows a more radial insertion in gibbons, which might be advantageous during brachiation, as it can aid radial deviation. The fingers of macaques are controlled in pairs by the m. extensor digiti secondi et tertii proprius and the m. extensor digiti quarti et quinti proprius—a similar organization can also be found in their flexors—which might aid in efficient positioning of the hand and fingers on uneven substrates during quadrupedal walking. In contrast, extension of the little finger in gibbons is controlled by a separate m. extensor digiti minimi, whereas digits 2 to 4 are extended by the m. extensor digitorum brevis, suggesting that simultaneous extension of digits 2–4 in gibbons might be important when reaching or grasping an overhead support during brachiation. In conclusion, the overall configuration of the forelimb and hand musculature is very similar in gibbons and macaques, with some peculiarities which can be linked to differences in forelimb function and which might be related to the specific locomotor behaviour of each group.
LONG‐RUN FACTOR ACCUMULATION AND PRODUCTIVITY TRENDS IN ITALY
Authors: Giordano Claire , Zollino Francesco
Published: June 2020

In this article, we employ a novel historical reconstruction of labour and capital stock data since 1861 in order to reassess the proximate causes of Italy's economic development in a historical perspective. Amongst many new findings, our estimates slightly reduce the role of industry in Italy's first growth spurt at the beginning of the 20th century and amplify the severity of the Great Depression years relative to the existing literature. In general, Italy's post‐unification development was hindered by the large size of its poorly productive primary sector and by sluggish total factor productivity (TFP); expanding manufacturing and strong TFP dynamics were instead the main drivers of the country's impressive post‐World War II growth spurt. The disappointing performance of the Italian economy since 1993 is explained largely by slow labour productivity dynamics in the now dominant services sector and, more generally, by weak aggregate TFP growth and subdued capital accumulation.
High glucose condition inhibits trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion by downregulating placental growth factor expression
Authors: Tao Jun , Xia Lin‐Zhen , Chen Jiao‐Jiao , Zeng Jun‐Fa , Meng Jun , Wu ShiYuan , Wang Zuo
Published: June 2020

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of high glucose (HG) level on the proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblasts and determine the role of placental growth factor (PLGF) in the process.

Methods

HTR8‐S/Vneo was treated with different concentrations of d‐glucose (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 μM) at different times (0, 6, 12 and 24 h). qRT‐PCR and Western blot analyses were used to measure PLGF expression. The protein level of PLGF was measured by immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was assessed with CCK‐8 analysis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Intercellular ROS was detected with DCFH‐DA.

Results

After d‐glucose treatment, the viability decreased in 25 and 30 μM groups. The HG group (25 μM) showed inhibited cell migration and invasion ability. The mRNA and protein levels of PLGF decreased under HG condition. Elevated ROS production was also detected in the HG group. Knocked‐down PLGF expression enhanced increased ROS production and decreased cell migration and invasion, which reverted to the original levels after PLGF was overexpressed.

Conclusion

High glucose treatment inhibited HTR8‐S/Vneo viability, migration and invasion by downregulating PLGF expression.
Globalization, robotization, and electoral outcomes: Evidence from spatial regressions for Italy
Authors: Caselli Mauro , Fracasso Andrea , Traverso Silvio
Published: June 2020

Criticism of economic globalization and technological progress has gained support in Italy in the last two decades. However, due to the differentiated exposure of local labor markets to this process, electoral outcomes have varied considerably across the country. By observing the local impact of three global economic phenomena (flows of migrants, foreign competition in international trade, and diffusion of robots) alongside with the patterns of local electoral outcomes potentially associated with discontent, this study analyzes the economic forces driving the evolution of general elections in 2001, 2008, and 2013 in Italy. The analysis reveals that all these global factors had an impact on political outcomes associated with discontent, albeit in different ways and changing over time. All three factors are associated with increases in votes for far‐right parties in the period 2001–2008, but only robotization continues to have such an impact in the following period, while immigration is associated with an increase in votes for the Five‐Star Movement at the expense of far‐right parties. The results and extensions exploiting recent advances in political geography, political economy, and spatial econometrics make it possible to draw some general and methodological conclusions. Global drivers interact with elements pertaining to the political supply that empirical researchers should not be oblivious about. Political spillovers across neighboring areas add to the direct impact of locally mediated economic factors. Finally, the adoption of shift–share instrumental variables to identify the impact of robotization may lack robustness.