bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, carotid atherosclerosis and ischaemic stroke
Authors: Qin Zhen , Tang Lisha , Huang Qianyi , Chen Yan , Zhong Wei , Tang Xiangqi
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and the risk of ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis in adults.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and other databases for relevant studies on serum ADMA and ischaemic stroke or carotid atherosclerosis, which were published from December 1980 to December 2019. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane system evaluation standard. The difference in serum ADMA level between ischaemic stroke and control group was selected as the effect size (standardized mean difference, SMD). The pooled analysis was performed using Review Manager (V.5.3).

Results

According to the selection criteria, thirteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis after screening. Nine studies compared ADMA levels between the ischaemic stroke group and healthy control group, involving a total of 1315 and 880 subjects in the two groups, respectively. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using the random‐effects model due to the high heterogeneity (I2 = 93%, P < .00001). The level of serum ADMA in patients with ischaemic stroke was significantly higher than that in healthy people (SDM = 0.69, 95% CI [0.32, 1.06], P = .0002). Seven of the thirteen articles compared ADMA levels between the carotid arteriosclerosis group and the healthy control group, with 559 and 330 subjects in the two groups, respectively. The random‐effects model was applied due to the high heterogeneity (I2 = 91%, P < .00001). The level of serum ADMA in patients with carotid arteriosclerosis was significantly higher than that in healthy people (SDM = 1.03, 95% CI [0.49, 1.57], P = .0002).

Conclusion

The serum ADMA may be related to ischaemic stroke, and it is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.
Medication strategies in first episode psychosis patients: A survey among psychiatrists
Authors: Kikkert Martijn J. , Veling Wim , de Haan Lieuwe , Begemann Marieke J. H. , de Koning Mariken ,   HAMLETT and OPHELIA Consortium, Sommer Iris E.
Published: March 2021

Aim

There is an ongoing debate regarding the optimal timing of discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs for patients with first episode psychosis. Although most guidelines recommend maintenance therapy for at least 1 or 2 years after reaching remission, study results indicate that early discontinuation may be beneficial for at least a subsample of patients. To date, little is known about which medication strategies are applied in patients recovering from a first psychotic episode. In this study, we examined the beliefs and practices of clinicians on medication discontinuation.

Methods

We performed a survey among 50 experienced Dutch psychiatrists to assess how often specific treatment strategies have been applied in the past 12 months, as well as their knowledge and expectations with respect to medication discontinuation.

Results

Psychiatrists estimated that, after remission, they continued medication at the same dose for at least 12 months in 51.2% of cases, continued in a reduced dose in 33.8% of cases and discontinued medication in 9.1% of cases after 4.4 months of remission on average. Although the medication is discontinued in only a relatively small proportion of patients, almost half of all clinicians (45.9%) used this strategy at least once in the past 12 months.

Conclusions

There is substantial practice variation in antipsychotic medication strategies after remission from a first psychotic episode. Future research on long‐term effects of early medication discontinuation can guide clinicians in making evidence‐based decisions when treating first‐episode patients.
Experimental evidence that local interactions select against selfish behaviour
Authors: Boots Mike , Childs Dylan , Crossmore Jessica , Tidbury Hannah , Rudolf Volker
Published: March 2021

How social behaviours evolve remains one of the most debated questions in evolutionary biology. An important theoretical prediction is that when organisms interact locally due to limited dispersal or strong social ties, the population structure that emerges may favour cooperation over antagonism. We carry out an experimental test of this theory by directly manipulating population spatial structure in an insect laboratory model system and measuring the impact on the evolution of the extreme selfish behaviour of cannibalism. We show that, as predicted by the theory, Indian meal moth larvae that evolved in environments with more limited dispersal are selected for lower rates of cannibalism. This is important because it demonstrates that local interactions select against selfish behaviour. Therefore, the ubiquitous variation in population structure that we see in nature is a simple mechanism that can help to explain the variation in selfish and cooperative behaviours that we see in nature.
VALITEST: Validation of diagnostic tests to support plant health
Authors: Trontin C. , Agstner B. , Altenbach D. , Anthoine G. , Bagińska H. , Brittain I. , Chabirand A. , Chappé A. M. , Dahlin P. , Dreo T. , Freye‐Minks C. , Gianinazzi C. , Harrison C. , Jones G. , Luigi M. , Massart S. , Mehle N. , Mezzalama M. , Mouaziz H. , Petter F. , Ravnikar M. , Raaymakers T. M. , Renvoisé J. P. , Rolland M. , Santos Paiva M. , Seddas S. , van der Vlugt R. , Vučurović A.
Published: March 2021

VALITEST is an EU‐funded project built to improve the reliability of diagnostic tests performed in plant health laboratories across the European and Mediterranean region. The project is undertaken by a consortium of 16 partners composed of research institutions, private companies (such as diagnostic kit providers), national plant protection organizations and one intergovernmental organization (EPPO). Current harmonized procedures for the validation and organization of test performance studies will be improved based on the experience gained from the project and by including appropriate statistical approaches, by adapting the process for new promising technologies (e.g. high‐throughput sequencing) and by providing new guidelines for the production of reference materials for validation studies. The project will provide a more complete and precise description of the performance of 82 diagnostic tests targeting 11 pests of interest for stakeholders of the region. It will also tackle the need for proficient users by developing a horizontal approach for the evaluation of laboratories’ proficiency and by organizing training activities on the concept of validation. The outcomes of the project will stimulate, optimize and strengthen the interactions between stakeholders in plant health for better diagnostics and lay the foundations for structuring the quality and the commercial offers for plant health diagnostics tools thanks to the creation of a dedicated association and a quality charter.
Do owners recognise abnormal equine behaviour when tacking‐up and mounting? A comparison between responses to a questionnaire and real‐time observations
Authors: Dyson S. , Bondi A. , Routh J. , Pollard D. , Preston T. , McConnell C. , Kydd J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Causes of abnormal behaviour during tacking‐up or mounting are multifactorial, but may be associated with an ill‐fitting saddle, a rider sitting on the caudal third of the saddle, or lameness.

Objectives

To determine whether: (1) owners believed their horse showed abnormal behaviour when tacked‐up or mounted; (2) this agreed with observations by a veterinarian.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study; convenience sample.

Methods

Horses were undergoing prepurchase examinations, investigation of poor performance, or were recruited by invitation. Owners were asked if their horse showed abnormal behaviour when tacked‐up or mounted and subsequently whether they showed specific behaviours (yes/no) during bridling, saddling, girthing and mounting. Each horse was observed during tacking‐up and mounting by one veterinarian who recorded the occurrence of each behaviour. Agreement between the owners and the veterinarian was evaluated using intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Overall 34.2% (66/193) of owners reported that their horse showed behavioural abnormalities during tacking‐up or mounting. There was poor to good agreement between the owners and veterinarian for horses putting their head up to avoid bridling (ICC 0.53, CI 0.37, 0.64) and being reluctant to open their mouth for the bit (ICC 0.52, CI 0.36, 0.64). There was poor to fair agreement for evading noseband tightening (ICC 0.41, CI 0.21, 0.56), elevating the head (ICC 0.24, CI 0.00, 0.43) and teeth grinding (ICC 0.23, CI 0.00, 0.42). For attempts to bite, there was fair to excellent agreement during saddling (ICC 0.67, CI 0.56, 0.75) and good to excellent agreement during girthing (ICC 0.73, CI 0.64, 0.79). Results for some behaviours suggested potential systematic disagreement between the veterinarian and owners.

Main limitations

Potential bias of volunteers recruited by invitation. Day‐to‐day variation of behaviours is unknown.

Conclusions

The majority of owners were unaware that their horses showed behavioural abnormalities during tacking‐up or mounting.
Efficient flavinylation of glycosomal fumarate reductase by its own ApbE domain in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Schenk Robin , Bachmaier Sabine , Bringaud Frédéric , Boshart Michael
Published: March 2021

A subset of flavoproteins has a covalently attached flavin prosthetic group enzymatically attached via phosphoester bonding. In prokaryotes, this is catalysed by alternative pyrimidine biosynthesis E (ApbE) flavin transferases. ApbE‐like domains are present in few eukaryotic taxa, for example the N‐terminal domain of fumarate reductase (FRD) of Trypanosoma, a parasitic protist known as a tropical pathogen causing African sleeping sickness. We use the versatile reverse genetic tools available for Trypanosoma to investigate the flavinylation of glycosomal FRD (FRDg) in vivo in the physiological and organellar context. Using direct in‐gel fluorescence detection of covalently attached flavin as proxy for activity, we show that the ApbE‐like domain of FRDg has flavin transferase activity in vivo. The ApbE domain is preceded by a consensus flavinylation target motif at the extreme N terminus of FRDg, and serine 9 in this motif is essential as flavin acceptor. The preferred mode of flavinylation in the glycosome was addressed by stoichiometric expression and comparison of native and catalytically inactive ApbE domains. In addition to the trans‐flavinylation activity, the ApbE domain catalyses the intramolecular cis‐flavinylation with at least fivefold higher efficiency. We discuss how the higher efficiency due to unusual fusion of the ApbE domain to its substrate protein FRD may provide a selective advantage by faster FRD biogenesis during rapid metabolic adaptation of trypanosomes. The first 37 amino acids of FRDg, including the consensus motif, are sufficient as flavinylation target upon fusion to other proteins. We propose FRDg(1‐37) as 4‐kDa heat‐stable, detergent‐resistant fluorescent protein tag and suggest its use as a new tool to study glycosomal protein import.
Cellular and molecular pathways controlling muscle size in response to exercise
Authors: Attwaters Michael , Hughes Simon M.
Published: March 2021

From the discovery of ATP and motor proteins to synaptic neurotransmitters and growth factor control of cell differentiation, skeletal muscle has provided an extreme model system in which to understand aspects of tissue function. Muscle is one of the few tissues that can undergo both increase and decrease in size during everyday life. Muscle size depends on its contractile activity, but the precise cellular and molecular pathway(s) by which the activity stimulus influences muscle size and strength remain unclear. Four correlates of muscle contraction could, in theory, regulate muscle growth: nerve‐derived signals, cytoplasmic calcium dynamics, the rate of ATP consumption and physical force. Here, we summarise the evidence for and against each stimulus and what is known or remains unclear concerning their molecular signal transduction pathways and cellular effects. Skeletal muscle can grow in three ways, by generation of new syncytial fibres, addition of nuclei from muscle stem cells to existing fibres or increase in cytoplasmic volume/nucleus. Evidence suggests the latter two processes contribute to exercise‐induced growth. Fibre growth requires increase in sarcolemmal surface area and cytoplasmic volume at different rates. It has long been known that high‐force exercise is a particularly effective growth stimulus, but how this stimulus is sensed and drives coordinated growth that is appropriately scaled across organelles remains a mystery.
Alien invasive macrophyte put into the shade: The native floating‐leaved macrophyte Nymphoides indica reduces Cabomba caroliniana growth performance through competition for light
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen H. T. , Bickel Tobias O. , Perrett Christine , Adkins Steve
Published: March 2021

Alien invasive aquatic macrophytes tend to displace native species and transform diverse macrophyte communities into monospecific stands. It is often thought that superior competitiveness allows alien invaders to achieve this.

Cabomba caroliniana is a submersed macrophyte that is highly invasive worldwide and frequently monopolises habitats. However, field observations in Queensland, Australia, found that the native floating attached Nymphoides indica can co‐exist with C. caroliniana, highlighting N. indica as a potential candidate for habitat restoration. To identify factors and processes that regulate the coexistence of these species, we conducted a field survey and two experiments in artificial mesocosms.

We found that N. indica leaf areal coverage of the water surface significantly reduced C. caroliniana standing crop biomass in the field. C. caroliniana growth was also linked to water depth; N. indica was not able to grow beyond 2 m depth. There was a small reduction in N. indica root and shoot biomass when co‐cultured with C. caroliniana in our experiment. Therefore, there was reciprocal competitive inhibition between the two species. However, the effect of N. indica on C. caroliniana was much larger.

There was evidence that a reduction of C. caroliniana biomass below a threshold of c. 300 g dry mass/m is critical for protecting native submersed macrophyte diversity and abundance. Once C. caroliniana biomass exceeds this threshold, it dominates plant communities and forms high biomass monocultures. The experimental work identified shading as the most important factor that reduces C. caroliniana biomass, corroborating the relationship between leaf areal cover and C. caroliniana biomass found in the field.

Based on these findings, N. indica could be useful for restoring the shallow lake littoral habitat, because it suppresses biomass of the invasive species to a level that allows other macrophytes to coexist and additionally increases habitat heterogeneity. Similarly, N. indica could be suitable to restore areas where C. caroliniana was previously removed to reduce the likelihood of future habitat monopolisation by C. caroliniana and realise long‐term ecological benefits from invasive macrophyte management.
Outcome of elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in octogenarians
Authors: Marcos Garcia Lidia , Calsina Juscafresa Laura , Velescu Alina , Casajuana Urgell Eduard , Galarza Tapia Andrés , Llort Pont Carme , Clarà Velasco Albert
Published: March 2021

Aim

The need to adjust the indications of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair among patients with a limited life‐span deserves a specific evaluation for octogenarians. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results and the long‐term survival after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic and/or iliac aneurysms (EVAR) in octogenarians compared with patients under 80 years of age.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 241 consecutive patients who underwent an elective EVAR between 2000 and 2017. EVAR was not considered among patients with clear life‐limiting conditions. Patients receiving other than commercially standard infra‐renal endoprostheses were excluded.

Results

Seventy patients (29.0%) were octogenarians. They had a lower rate of active smoking (10.0% vs. 30.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of previous cerebrovascular disease (21.4% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.055) than younger patients. Thirty‐day/in‐hospital complication and mortality rates were not significantly higher among octogenarians when compared with younger patients (24.3% vs. 16.9% and 2.9% vs. 2.4%, respectively). Octogenarians had a lower long‐term survival at 1, 3 and 5 years (92.6% vs. 93.3%, 67.7% vs. 78.0% and 39.3% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.039) in the bivariate analysis. However, an age ≥ 80 years per se was not an independent predictor of survival after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusion

An age above 80 years was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications or long‐term mortality. Our results suggest that EVAR can be considered in elderly patients without a clear life‐limiting condition and with a suitable aneurysm anatomy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 392–397.
How to improve sustainability of the Schengen agreement on open borders?
Authors: Nikolić Bruno , Pevcin Primož
Published: March 2021

At the height of the migration crisis, around 2.4 million asylum claims were submitted in the European Union Member States. The enormous weight of a massive inflow of migrants and immigration‐related threat perceptions prompted Member States to start reintroducing border controls at EU internal borders, which resulted in a ‘temporary suspension’ of the Schengen agreement on open borders. With the use of zero‐sum phenomena and application of public goods theory to asylum policy, the article seeks to explain the influence of a structural limitation of European integration in the form of asymmetric integration of asylum policy on the sustainability of the Schengen agreement on open borders. To eliminate this structural limitation and thus strengthen the sustainability of the Schengen agreement on open borders, the article proposes a fully functioning Common European Asylum System (CEAS) based on a unified asylum system and governed by a centralized EU institution.
Paid maternal leave is associated with better language and socioemotional outcomes during toddlerhood
Authors: Kozak Karina , Greaves Ashley , Waldfogel Jane , Angal Jyoti , Elliott Amy J. , Fifier William P. , Brito Natalie Hiromi
Published: March 2021

The United States is the only high‐income country that does not have a national policy mandating paid leave to working women who give birth. Increased rates of maternal employment post‐birth call for greater understanding of the effects of family leave on infant development. This study examined the links between paid leave and toddler language, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes (24–36 months; N = 328). Results indicate that paid leave was associated with better language outcomes, regardless of socioeconomic status. Additionally, paid leave was correlated with fewer infant behavior problems for mothers with lower levels of educational attainment. Expanding access to policies that support families in need, like paid family leave, may aid in reducing socioeconomic disparities in infant development.
Health care staff's strategies to preserve dignity of migrant patients in the palliative phase and their families. A qualitative study
Authors: de Voogd Xanthe , Willems Dick L. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen Bregje , Torensma Marieke , Suurmond Jeanine L.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To determine registered nurses' and care assistants' difficulties and strategies for preserving dignity of migrant patients in the last phase of life and their families.

Background

Preserving dignity of patients in a palliative phase entails paying attention to the uniqueness of patients. Migrant patients often have particular needs and wishes that care staff find difficult to address, or meet, and hence the patient's dignity might be at stake.

Methods

We performed five focus group discussions with care staff and one with key figures with diverse ethnic backgrounds in the Netherlands (2018–2020). Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Care staff creatively safeguarded the patient's dignity in daily care by attending to personal needs concerning intimate body care and providing non‐verbal attention. Care staff had difficulties to preserve dignity, when the patient's family engaged themselves in the patient's choices or requests. According to care staff, the interference of family impeded the patient's quality of life or threatened the patient's dignity in the last days, or family member's choices (seemingly) prevailed over the patient's wishes. Care staff safeguarded dignity by catering to cultural or religious practices at the end of life and employing cultural knowledge during decision making. Key figures emphasized to make decisions with patient and family together and to listen more carefully to what patients mean. Bypassing family was experienced as harmful, and repetitively informing family, about, for example, the patient's disease or procedures in the nursing home, was experienced as ineffective.

Conclusion

To preserve the patient's dignity, attention is needed for relational aspects of dignity and needs of family, next to patients' individual needs.

Impact

Care staff should be supported to employ strategies to engage family of migrant patients, by, for example, acknowledging families' values, such as giving good care to the patient and the importance of religious practices for dignity.
Challenging behaviour around challenging behaviour
Authors: James Deborah Michelle , Fisher Sue , Vincent Sharon
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The United Kingdom's Department for Education's advice on behaviour focuses on the power of staff and the strength of the policy in challenging behaviour, via rules, sanctions and rewards. We designed a video‐feedback intervention for staff teams in a special educational setting who were working with children with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. The intervention aimed to raise reflective capacity on relational mechanisms that offer new response possibilities in everyday practices within trans‐disciplinary teams.

Method

We conducted research with three teams (between five and seven participants in each). We report findings from two teams who were working with children (aged between 10 and 14) who staff identified as having behaviour that challenged. The intervention consisted of two video‐feedback intervention sessions, using clips of good interactions between themselves and the child and a review. These sessions took place over three or four months. Qualitative analysis was conducted to analyse changes to the language and depictions of the children. Changes to the participants’ goals during the intervention were also analysed.

Results

The staff's focus on the child's challenging behaviour reduced. Children who were originally depicted as isolated became depicted in relationship with peers and staff. Participants became more curious about the child and his interactions in the school and home environment. The participant's personal goals emerged through their understandings of what it meant to begood.

Conclusions

Working with staff teams using video feedback can change the interactions around the child and the relational conceptualisation of the child and family. Further adaptations to the intervention are needed to raise critical reflection on the concepts that circulate around ‘behaviour’ that structure policy and shape everyday practices.
How effective are interventions at enhancing empathy for service users with an intellectual disability who engage in sexually abusive behaviour? A review of the literature
Authors: Wormald Candice , Melia Yvonne
Published: March 2021

Background

Sexual offending has been attributed to empathy deficits, implicating interventions targeting empathy as a potential mechanism for reducing sexually harmful behaviour. However, there is less known about how appropriate and effective interventions are for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of research findings in this area.

Method

Four databases were searched, yielding 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria which were appraised using the CCAT.

Results

CBT group treatments adapted from mainstream treatment programmes for people with intellectual disabilities were widely used, demonstrating improvements in empathy and reductions in sexually abusive behaviour overall.

Conclusions

Studies are limited by sample sizes, lack of control groups and inconsistent definitions of intellectual disabilities and sexually abusive behaviour. Future research should include evaluation of models other than CBT, further assessment of empathy‐specific interventions and understanding of the mechanism underpinning empathy change.
Deficiency of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein exacerbated monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary artery hypertension through Caveolin1 and CAVIN1
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Ke Xianting , Wang Luxin , Zhang Yangyang , Yang Jian
Published: March 2021

Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) was a crucial regulator in multiple diseases. However, its role in pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is still unknown. Here, we first established monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced rat PAH model and discovered that CIRP was down‐regulated predominantly in the endothelium of pulmonary artery after MCT injection. We then generated Cirp‐knockout (Cirp‐KO) rats, which manifested severer PAH with exacerbated endothelium damage in response to MCT. Subsequently, Caveolin1 (Cav1) and Cavin1 were identified as downstream targets of CIRP in MCT‐induced PAH, and the decreased expression of these two genes aggravated the injury and apoptosis of pulmonary artery endothelium. Moreover, CIRP deficiency intensified monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP)‐induced rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (rPAECs) injuries both in vivo and in vitro, which was counteracted by Cav1 or Cavin1 overexpression. In addition, CIRP regulated the proliferative effect of conditioned media from MCTP‐treated rPAECs on rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, which partially explained the exceedingly thickened pulmonary artery intimal media in Cirp‐KO rats after MCT treatment. These results demonstrated that CIRP acts as a critical protective factor in MCT‐induced rat PAH by directly regulating CAV1 and CAVIN1 expression, which may facilitate the development of new therapeutic targets for the intervention of PAH.
Misleading 68GALLIUM‐dotatate PET scan in a patient with a history of a phaeochromocytoma: Unsuspected uptake in papillary thyroid carcinoma metastases
Authors: Moffat Daniel , Richards Polly , Kurzawinski Tom R. , Khan Sameer , Khoo Bernard , Grossman Ashley
Published: March 2021

Scanning for somatostatin receptors using 68Ga‐dotatate positron emission tomography with co‐registration with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is now in widespread use for the identification of neuroendocrine tumours, phaeochromocytomas, and paragangliomas and their metastases. We present a case where a patient with a phaeochromocytoma showed uptake in her neck considered diagnostic of a head‐and‐neck paraganglioma, which was subsequently confirmed to be a metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. We alert clinicians to such falsely‐identified tumours using this extensively used imaging technique.
Morphology and morphometry of the human early foetal brain: A three‐dimensional analysis
Authors: Takakuwa Tetsuya , Shiraishi Naoki , Terashima Mei , Yamanaka Miki , Okamoto Ikue , Imai Hirohiko , Ishizu Koichi , Yamada Shigehito , Ishikawa Aoi , Kanahashi Toru
Published: March 2021

Morphometric analyses in the early foetal phase (9‐13 postconceptional week) are critical for evaluating normal brain growth. In this study, we assessed sequential morphological and morphometric changes in the foetal brain during this period using high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 21 samples preserved at Kyoto University. MRI sectional views (coronal, mid‐sagittal, and horizontal sections) and 3D reconstructions of the whole brain revealed sequential changes in its external morphology and internal structures. The cerebrum's gross external view, lateral ventricle and choroid plexus, cerebral wall, basal ganglia and thalamus, and corpus callosum were assessed. The development of the cerebral cortex, white matter microstructure, and basal ganglia can be well‐characterized using MRI scans. The insula became apparent and deeply impressed as brain growth progressed. A thick, densely packed cellular ventricular/subventricular zone and ganglionic eminence became apparent at high signal intensity. We detected the emergence of important landmarks which may be candidates in the subdivision processes during the early foetal period; the corpus callosum was first detected in the sample with crown‐rump length (CRL) 62 mm. A primary sulcus on the medial part of the cortex (cingulate sulcus) was observed in the sample with CRL 114 mm. In the cerebellum, the hemispheres, posterolateral fissure, union of the cerebellar halves, and definition of the vermis were observed in the sample with CRL 43.5 mm, alongside the appearance of a primary fissure in the sample with CRL 56 mm and the prepyramidal fissure in the sample with CRL 75 mm. The volumetric, linear, and angle measurements revealed the comprehensive and regional development, growth, and differentiation of brain structures during the early foetal phase. The early foetal period was neither morphologically nor morphometrically uniform. The cerebral proportion (length/height) and the angle of cerebrum to the standard line at the lateral view of the cerebrum, which may reflect the growth and C‐shape formation of the cerebrum, may be a candidate for subdividing the early foetal period. Future precise analyses must establish a staging system for the brain during the early foetal period. This study provides insights into brain structure, allowing for a correlation with functional maturation and facilitating the early detection of brain damage and abnormal development.
Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination strategy for pregnant women in Japan
Authors: Hayakawa Satoshi , Komine‐Aizawa Shihoko , Takada Kazuhide , Kimura Tadashi , Yamada Hideto
Published: March 2021

The current COVID‐19 pandemic is a global concern. The recent introduction of vaccines has provided a reason for hope, but new problems, such as vaccine hesitancy, have arisen. One of the most important of these issues is the safety of vaccines for pregnant women. In this article, we collected worldwide indications for vaccination, including women who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant, and reports of adverse reactions to COVID‐19 vaccination. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology have published recommendations for the vaccination of pregnant women with a COVID‐19 vaccine. The guidelines are as follows: (1) pregnant women should not be excluded from vaccination; (2) informed consent should be obtained before vaccination; (3) healthcare workers and pregnant women with complications such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity should be vaccinated preferentially; (4) vaccination should be avoided until 12 weeks of gestation during organogenesis; (5) spouse and family members should be vaccinated actively; and (6) nursing mothers are not particularly affected. This policy has been adopted in government guidelines. Additional efforts should be made to protect pregnant women from infection and severe illness with COVID‐19 by eliminating vaccine hesitancy.
Infective endocarditis due to Streptococcus agalactiae in the puerperal period
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Seo Kohei , Okuyama Ayumi , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Sekizawa Akihiko , Nagatsuka Masaaki
Published: March 2021

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B Streptococcus, is a species of bacteria occasionally detected in the vagina and/or rectum of pregnant women. This report describes the case of a 33‐year‐old woman who developed infective endocarditis on puerperal day 17, owing to group B Streptococcus, and required lifesaving surgery. The patient was rushed to our hospital with chief complaints of fever and fatigue. After hospitalization, antibiotics were administered; however, the symptoms did not improve. Following a detailed examination, vegetation was found in the heart, suggestive of infective endocarditis. Surgical removal of the vegetation improved the patient's condition. The development of group B Streptococcus infection and infective endocarditis in a pregnant woman with no risk factors is rare. This case confirms that this patient's life was saved by a timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Evaluating disparities in access to obstetric services for American Indian women across Montana
Authors: Thorsen Maggie L. , Harris Sean , McGarvey Ronald , Palacios Janelle , Thorsen Andreas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Pregnant women across the rural United States have increasingly limited access to obstetric care, especially specialty care for high‐risk women and infants. Limited research focuses on access for rural American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) women, a population warranting attention given persistent inequalities in birth outcomes.

Methods

Using Montana birth certificate data (2014–2018), we examined variation in travel time to give birth and access to different levels of obstetric care (i.e., the proportion of individuals living within 1‐ and 2‐h drives to facilities), by rurality (Rural‐Urban Continuum Code) and race (White and AIAN people).

Findings

Results point to limited obstetric care access in remote rural areas in Montana, especially higher‐level specialty care, compared to urban or urban‐adjacent rural areas. AIAN women traveled significantly farther than White women to access care (24.2 min farther on average), even compared to White women from similarly rural areas (5–13 min farther, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and health care utilization). AIAN women were 20 times more likely to give birth at a hospital without obstetric services and had less access to complex obstetric care. Poor access was particularly pronounced among reservation‐dwelling AIAN women.

Conclusions

It is imperative to consider racial disparities and health inequities underlying poor access to obstetric services across rural America. Current federal policies aim to reduce maternity care professional shortages. Our findings suggest that racial disparities in access to complex obstetric care will persist in Montana unless facility‐level infrastructure is also expanded to reach areas serving AIAN women.
CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy for treatment of primary intracranial tumors in dogs
Authors: Carter Gabrielle L. , Ogilvie Gregory K. , Mohammadian Lenore A. , Bergman Phillip J. , Lee Rachel P. , Proulx David R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Limited data exist about the use, efficacy, and prognostic factors influencing outcome when CyberKnife is used to treat dogs with intracranial neoplasia.

Objectives

To determine the prognosis and associated prognostic factors for dogs that were imaged, determined to have primary intracranial tumors, and treated with CyberKnife radiotherapy.

Animals

Fifty‐nine dogs treated with CyberKnife radiotherapy for primary intracranial tumors.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review of cases from January 2010 to June 2016. Data extracted from medical records included signalment, weight, seizure history, tumor location, tumor type (based on imaging), gross tumor volume, planned tumor volume, treatment dates, radiation dose, recurrence, date of death, and cause of death.

Results

The median progression‐free interval (PFI) was 347 days (range 47 to 1529 days), and the median survival time (MST) was 738 days (range 4 to 2079 days). Tumor location was significantly associated with PFI when comparing cerebrum (median PFI 357 days; range 47‐1529 days) versus cerebellum (median PFI 97 days; range 97‐168 days) versus brainstem (median PFI 266 days; range 30‐1484 days), P = .03. Additionally, the presumed tumor type was significantly associated with MST (P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of Cyberknife and SRT might improve MST, compared with RT, in dogs with intracranial neoplasia.
A novel missense mutation of the NAT10 gene in a juvenile Schnauzer dog with chronic respiratory tract infections
Authors: Hedgespeth Barry A. , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Friedenberg Steven G. , Olby Natasha J. , Meurs Kathryn M.
Published: March 2021

An 18‐month‐old intact male Schnauzer dog was evaluated for chronic, lifelong respiratory tract infections that were unresponsive to administration of a variety of antibiotics and corticosteroids. The dog developed persistent vomiting and diarrhea around 1 year of age that was minimally responsive to diet change, antibiotics, and corticosteroids. Despite supportive care, the dog was ultimately euthanized at 20 months of age due to persistent respiratory and gastrointestinal disease. Whole genome sequencing discovered a deleterious missense A/C mutation within the NAT10 gene, a gene essential for microtubule acetylation, appropriate ciliary development, and cytokinesis. Pipeline analysis of the genomes of 579 dogs from 55 breeds did not detect this mutation. Though never described in veterinary medicine, NAT10 mutation occurs in humans with ciliary aplasia, suggesting a pathophysiological mechanism for this dog and highlighting an associated mutation or possible novel genetic cause of chronic respiratory infections in dogs.
High avidity drives the interaction between the streptococcal C1 phage endolysin, PlyC, with the cell surface carbohydrates of Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Broendum Sebastian S. , Williams Daniel E. , Hayes Brooke K. , Kraus Felix , Fodor James , Clifton Ben E. , Geert Volbeda Anne , Codee Jeroen D. C. , Riley Blake T. , Drinkwater Nyssa , Farrow Kylie A. , Tsyganov Kirill , Heselpoth Ryan D. , Nelson Daniel C. , Jackson Colin J. , Buckle Ashley M. , McGowan Sheena
Published: March 2021

Endolysin enzymes from bacteriophage cause bacterial lysis by degrading the peptidoglycan cell wall. The streptococcal C1 phage endolysin PlyC, is the most potent endolysin described to date and can rapidly lyse group A, C, and E streptococci. PlyC is known to bind the Group A streptococcal cell wall, but the specific molecular target or the binding site within PlyC remain uncharacterized. Here we report for the first time, that the polyrhamnose backbone of the Group A streptococcal cell wall is the binding target of PlyC. We have also characterized the putative rhamnose binding groove of PlyC and found four key residues that were critical to either the folding or the cell wall binding action of PlyC. Based on our results, we suggest that the interaction between PlyC and the cell wall may not be a high‐affinity interaction as previously proposed, but rather a high avidity one, allowing for PlyC’s remarkable lytic activity. Resistance to our current antibiotics is reaching crisis levels and there is an urgent need to develop the antibacterial agents with new modes of action. A detailed understanding of this potent endolysin may facilitate future developments of PlyC as a tool against the rise of antibiotic resistance.
The Public‐Sector Cost of Capital: An Empirical Test of Peltzman’s Conjecture*
Authors: Moszoro Marian W.
Published: March 2021

I test whether public‐sector ownership reduces conventional measures of market risk by using an event exogenous to the air transportation sector. I find that government‐sponsored enterprises show lower price volatility than non‐government‐sponsored enterprises, arguably due to the government’s ability to buffer government‐sponsored enterprises against demand and cost shocks. The upshot for jurisdictions with fiscal space is that cash flows under public‐sector provision should be discounted at a lower rate than cash flows under private‐sector provision.
Genetic variation, vegetative compatibility, and aggressiveness diversity of Diplodia bulgarica isolates from apple orchards in West Azarbaijan province of Iran
Authors: Zeynali Bari Roya , Abrinbana Masoud , Ghosta Youbert
Published: March 2021

This study investigated inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR), vegetative compatibility, and aggressiveness diversity in 101 isolates of Diplodia bulgarica recovered from apple trees displaying symptoms of canker and decline in West Azarbaijan province of Iran. Marker analyses revealed high within population diversity, low genetic differentiation, high gene flow, and sharing of multilocus genotypes (MLGs) among geographic populations. Moreover, clustering and multivariate analyses identified two highly differentiated genetic clusters with limited admixture between them. These findings may suggest that the pathogen has been introduced from two genetically divergent sources and has been moved within the region through infected materials. The large number of MLGs, low clonal fraction, and absence of a widely distributed dominant genotype may explain the occurrence of recombination in this pathogen. However, significant linkage disequilibrium in the populations and limited admixture between genetic clusters may indicate the rare occurrence of recombination in D. bulgarica populations in West Azarbaijan, and that the pathogen has not been in the province long enough to reach equilibrium. Vegetative compatibility analyses revealed the occurrence of anastomosis between nonself pairings and high vegetative compatibility group diversity within populations. All studied MLGs produced necrotic lesions on detached shoots of Red Delicious apple but differed in their aggressiveness levels. Our results provide new insights into genetic and phenotypic variation of D. bulgarica that can assist in developing management strategies. Our findings also highlight the vital need for quarantine measures and the production of healthy plant materials to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen in Iran.
Decoding China’s COVID‐19 ‘virus exceptionalism’: Community‐based digital contact tracing in Wuhan
Authors: Boeing Philipp , Wang Yihan
Published: March 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, comprehensive, accurate, and timely digital contact tracing serves as a decisive measure in curbing viral transmission. Such a strategy integrates corporate innovation, government decision‐making, citizen participation, and community coordination with big data analytics. This article explores how key stakeholders in an open innovation ecosystem interact within the digital context to overcome challenges to public health and socio‐economic welfare imposed by the pandemic. To enhance the digital contact tracing effectiveness, communities are deployed to moderate the interactions between government, enterprises and citizens. As an example, we study the community‐based digital contact tracing in Wuhan, a representative case of China’s ‘virus exceptionalism’ in COVID‐19 mitigation. We discuss the effectiveness of this strategy and raise critical ethical concerns regarding decision‐making in R&D management.
The potential role of biotic interactions in stream restoration
Authors: White Bridget E. , McIntosh Angus R. , Febria Catherine M. , Warburton Helen J.
Published: March 2021

Biotic interactions perform an important role in structuring freshwater communities; however, these are rarely considered during stream restoration. Degraded stream communities are often dominated by organisms with shell or case protections, such as snails, which are less vulnerable to predation than desired organisms, such as mayflies. Unprotected organisms may be preferentially eaten, limiting biotic restoration success after the physical restoration of degraded stream communities. We investigated whether restoration success depended on differences in vulnerability to predation by testing whether consumption‐based interaction strengths (IS) between vulnerable colonizing Deleatidium spp. mayflies and upland bullies (Gobiomorphus breviceps) changed with different densities of protected Potamopyrgus antipodarum snails and whether snails affected Deleatidium behavior. Deleatidium and fish IS were stronger with fewer Deleatidium present, a destabilizing effect on vulnerable prey populations, and less total prey biomass was consumed with higher densities of protected relative to vulnerable prey, potentially having long‐term negative effects on predators. Furthermore, mayflies appeared less on surfaces with high snail densities, potentially due to altered resource use. The combination of these biotic interactions could form a barrier to successful biotic restoration by preventing colonization of desired vulnerable prey, through priority effects within the established community. Therefore, considering biotic interactions in stream restoration is important to overcome biotic restoration barriers.
Seeding locally sourced native compared to introduced bunchgrasses post‐wildfire in frigid Wyoming big sagebrush communities
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Boyd Chad S.
Published: March 2021

Perennial grasses are often seeded after disturbances to provide ecosystem services and prevent invasive plant dominance. However, there is widespread disagreement over the use of native compared to introduced grasses. In Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & A. Young) communities, introduced wheatgrasses are often seeded after wildfires because they are less expensive, more available, and establish better than widely available native species. However, locally sourced native bunchgrasses, which likely have adaptations to local conditions, have not been compared to introduced wheatgrasses. We compared drill‐seeding locally sourced native bunchgrasses and introduced wheatgrasses after wildfire in frigid Wyoming big sagebrush communities for 3 years. Seeded native and introduced bunchgrasses both increased bunchgrass abundance and cover, even though precipitation was below average the first year post‐seeding. Seeding introduced wheatgrasses, however, increased bunchgrass cover and abundance more than seeding native bunchgrasses. Seeding introduced wheatgrasses also limited exotic annual grass abundance and cover, but seeding locally sourced native bunchgrasses did not. Native bunchgrasses are slow growing, thus may limit exotic annual grasses in time. Alternatively, additional treatments, such as exotic annual grass control, may be needed to improve their success. The establishment of seeded native bunchgrasses in Wyoming big sagebrush in a below‐average precipitation year is a promising result and suggests further research to improve seeded native vegetation success is warranted. The greater establishment of introduced wheatgrasses and their ability to limit exotic annual grasses suggests that successful introduced species may serve as a model for guiding trait selection in native species.
Tintoretto’s Hebrew book
Authors: Miller Gideon
Published: March 2021

In Tintoretto’s Saint Jerome and Saint Andrew (Venice, Gallerie dell’Accademia), St. Jerome glances at an open book. Some have speculated that the book in the painting is a Hebrew Bible, similar to those published in Tintoretto’s time, and consistent with classic iconography of Jerome and his Latin Bible translation. This study argues that the book can be positively identified as the 1550‐1551 edition of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah. The timing of the painting coincided with an intensified persecution of the Hebrew printing press which originated with an attack on the same Mishneh Torah edition. Placing the painting in the context of this milieu has led to a new interpretation of the painting and its placement in the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi cycle.