bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrioventricular plane displacement versus mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: A comparison between cardiac magnetic resonance and M‐mode echocardiography
Authors: Sepúlveda‐Martínez Alvaro , Steding‐Ehrenborg Katarina , Rodríguez‐López Mérida , Ostenfeld Ellen , Valenzuela‐Alcaráz Brenda , Heiberg Einar , Gratacós Eduard , Prat‐González Susanna , Crispi Fátima , Hedström Erik
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Both echocardiography and CMR imaging are used to quantify longitudinal function. Inter‐method variability for mitral (MAPSE) and tricuspid (TAPSE) annular plane systolic excursion, and variability between directly measured MAPSE and TAPSE and as based on atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) analysis by CMR, are, however, not known. This study, therefore, assessed inter‐method variability and variability between annular plane systolic excursion and AVPD‐based values in a healthy adult population.

Methods

Echocardiography and CMR were performed in 111 adults (35 [32–38] years). Method comparisons were assessed with Deming regression, Bland–Altman analysis and coefficient of variation. Observer reproducibility was assessed by the concordance correlation coefficient.

Results

Echocardiography and semi‐automatic CMR agreed on MAPSE (17 ± 2 mm vs. 17 ± 2 mm, p = 0.1) and TAPSE (25 ± 3 mm vs. 25 ± 3 mm, p = 0.5), correlated highly between methods (fitted‐slope 1.22 [95% CI 1.07–1.38] and 1.12 [95% CI 0.95–1.29]) and showed low bias (0.42 [95% CI − 2.05 to 2.88] and − 0.18 [95% CI − 4.78 to 4.43]). Intra‐/inter‐observer reproducibility was high for both methods for both MAPSE (echocardiography 0.96/0.86; CMR 0.87/0.85) and TAPSE (echocardiography 0.96/0.95; CMR 0.97/0.96). MAPSE (16 ± 2 mm vs. 17 ± 2 mm; p < 0.001) and TAPSE (24 ± 3 vs. 25 ± 3 mm; p < 0.001) based on AVPD were similar but statistically different compared with semi‐automatic CMR.

Conclusions

Echocardiography and semi‐automatic CMR have low variability and provide similar values for MAPSE and TAPSE and are thus interchangeable for follow‐up studies. Lateral values based on tracked data from AVPD analysis are not clinically significantly different and could be used as a representation of annular displacement.
Biological testing of chitosan‐collagen‐based porous scaffolds loaded with PLGA/Triamcinolone microspheres for ameliorating endoscopic dissection‐related stenosis in oesophagus
Authors: Ni Wenkai , Lin Shengli , Bian Saiyan , Xiao Mingbing , Wang Yongjun , Yang Yumin , Lu Cuihua , Zheng Wenjie , Zhou Pinghong
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), a preferential approach for early oesophageal neoplasms, inevitably results in oesophageal strictures in patients. Clinical use of glucocorticoids through submucosal injection is beneficial for inhibiting oesophageal stricture following injury; however, it also has limitations, such as dose loss and perforation. Hence, alternatives to glucocorticoid therapy should be developed.

Methods

A novel porous composite scaffold, ChCo‐TAMS, composed of chitosan, collagen‐I and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) loaded into poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres (TAMS), was successfully constructed and subjected to biological testing to ameliorate oesophageal ESD‐related stenosis.

Results

The synthesized biomaterials displayed unique properties in inhibiting the activation of macrophages, chemokine‐mediated cell recruitment and fibrogenesis of fibroblasts. Further application of the scaffolds in the rat dermal defect and porcine oesophageal ESD model showed that these novel scaffolds played a robust role in inhibiting wound contracture and oesophageal ESD strictures.

Conclusions

The developed composite scaffolds provide a promising clinical medical device for the prevention of post‐operative oesophageal stricture.
Wild Atlantic salmon enter aquaculture sea‐cages: A case study
Authors: Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Bui Samantha , Hansen Tom J. , Oppedal Frode , Bakke Gunnar , Hellenbrecht Lea , Knutar Sofie , Madhun Abdullah Sami
Published: February 2021

There are more than 3,000 Atlantic salmon aquaculture sea‐cages distributed along the coastline of Norway. Many of these sea‐cages are located along the migration routes of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) postsmolts. This study documents for the first time that wild Atlantic salmon postsmolts can enter sea‐cages stocked with farmed Atlantic salmon. In addition, wild sea trout (Salmo trutta) and salmon/trout hybrid postsmolts were found inside the sea‐cages. The extent of such “bycatch” in commercial aquaculture is vital knowledge for the conservation of Atlantic salmon and sea trout. Further studies are encouraged in order to evaluate the extent of this possible ghost fishing phenomena.
Optimising rapid on‐site evaluation‐assisted endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes: The real‐time cytopathology intervention process
Authors: Danakas Alexandra M. , Jones Carolyn E. , Magguilli Michael , Lada Michal J. , Plavnicky John , Parajuli Shobha , Wizorek Joseph J. , Peyre Christian G. , Ettel Mark , Sweeney Melissa , De Las Casas Luis E.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Lymph node sampling by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is the state of art procedure for staging the mediastinum and hilar regions in lung cancer patients. Our experience of implementing the real‐time cytopathology intervention (RTCI) process for intraoperative EBUS‐TBNAs is presented. This study is aimed to describe in detail the RTCI process for EBUS‐TBNAs, and assess its utility and diagnostic yield before and after its implementation in parallel to conventional rapid on‐site evaluation (c‐ROSE).

Methods

A retrospective review of all EBUS‐TBNAs between July 2016 and July 2017 at the University of Rochester Medical Center was performed. Final diagnoses, patient clinical data, and number of non‐diagnostic samples (NDS) were reviewed. The numbers of NDS obtained from EBUS‐TBNAs with no cytology assistance (NCA), with RTCI and with c‐ROSE were analysed.

Results

Non‐diagnostic lymph node samples were found in 20 out of 116 (17%), three out of 114 (2.6%) and 33 out of 286 (11.5%) cases with NCA, RTCI and c‐ROSE, respectively. Application of statistical analysis revealed significant difference in the NDS between the groups of cases in the operating room with NCA and RTCI (P = .005). The different settings and variables between the cases performed using RTCI in the operating room and those assisted with c‐ROSE in the bronchoscopy suite preclude legitimate comparison.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the use of RTCI could yield a significantly low proportion of NDS when assisting EBUS‐TBNA of mediastinal and hilar lymph node for lung cancer patients enhancing the diagnostic efficiency of the procedure.
Hypoglycemia in the emergency, is there any effect on endothelial and diastolic functions?
Authors: Akhan Onur , Ardahanli Isa
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Several homeostatic changes like an increase in sympathoadrenal response and oxidative stress occur in hypoglycemia. As a result of these findings, an increase in inflammation and preatherogenic factors is observed, and these changes may lead to endothelial dysfunction.

Aim

Our study aims to reveal possible cardiac risks (systolic‐diastolic functions and endothelial dysfunctions) in patients who have applied to the emergency department with hypoglycemia.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, case–control study included 46 hypoglycemia patients who admitted to the emergency with symptoms compatible with hypoglycemia and diagnosed with hypoglycemia and 30 healthy volunteers. All patients were evaluated with baseline echocardiography, tissue‐Doppler imaging (carotid and brachial artery). Also, the fasting blood tests of the patients referred to the internal medicine department were examined.

Results

There were no differences between the groups regarding age, weight, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure. Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Vitamin B12, TSH, and fasting blood glucose levels were similar in the groups' blood tests (all P values > .05). We observed a statistically significant decrease in diastolic dysfunction parameters: E/A and E/e' ratios (respectively, P = .020 and 0.026). It was shown that insulin resistance was influential in forming these considerable differences. The patient group observed that the carotid intima–media thickness was more remarkable (P = .001), and the brachial flow‐mediated dilatation value was smaller (P = .003), giving an idea about endothelial functions.

Conclusion

As a message, we can say that hypoglycemia may affect diastolic functions in addition to endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, even young individuals without any chronic diseases may need follow‐up in terms of possible risks.
Exercise testing in COVID‐19 era: Clinical profile, results and feasibility wearing a facemask
Authors: Barbeito‐Caamaño Cayetana , Bouzas‐Mosquera Alberto , Peteiro Jesús , López‐Vázquez Domingo , Quintas‐Guzmán Martín , Varela‐Cancelo Ariana , Martínez‐Ruiz Dolores , Yañez‐Wonenburger Juan Carlos , Piñeiro‐Portela Miriam , Vázquez‐Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: February 2021

Background

No data are available about whether Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have led to changes in clinical profiles or results of exercise testing once the usual activity was reassumed, as well as if wearing a facemask has any impact on the tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in the patients referred to exercise stress testing in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic and analyse the feasibility and results of these tests wearing a facemask.

Methods

We included all patients referred for an exercise test from 1 June to 30 September 2020 and compared them with the patients attended within the same period in 2019 before and after propensity score matching. All patients referred in 2020 wore a facemask.

Results

A total of 854 patients were included: 398 in the 2020 group and 456 in 2019. No significant differences in baseline characteristics of the patients were observed, with the exception of dyspnoea, which was nearly twice as high in 2020 as compared with 2019. Regarding the results of the tests, no differences were observed, with almost 80% of maximal tests, similar functional capacity and over a 20% of positive exercise tests in both groups. These results remained after propensity score matching.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 pandemic has not changed the clinical profile of patients referred to exercise testing. In addition, performing exercise testing wearing a facemask is feasible, with no influence in functional capacity and clinical results.
Decentralization and regional convergence: Evidence from night‐time lights data
Authors: Adhikari Bibek , Dhital Saroj
Published: February 2021

The proponents of decentralization argue that it improves economic growth, while critics say it increases regional inequality. The empirical evidence is mixed and based mostly on developed countries due to a lack of income data for lower administrative regions. We combine night‐lights data captured by satellites with a new database on decentralization derived from actual laws that are institutionalized and circumscribed from a global sample of countries. We then analyze the impact of decentralization on regional convergence using income data from the first and second administrative regions. We find that decentralization hinders within‐country regional convergence, especially in the developing countries.
Aqueous leaf extract of Ligustrum vulgare inhibits ascospore germination and mycelial growth of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Brühwiler Valentin , Sieber Thomas N.
Published: February 2021

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of common ash dieback, possesses a low level of genetic diversity in Europe. The introduction of novel strains of this fungus must be prevented, due to the possible emergence of new virulence alleles, which could result in the infestation of the small proportion of hitherto resistant or tolerant ash trees. More comprehensive knowledge of the host spectrum of H. fraxineus is necessary for preventing further introductions. It is possible that H. fraxineus manifests itself in hosts beyond the genus Fraxinus, though this proposition has received little attention thus far. Two in vitro experiments were set up to investigate whether privet (Ligustrum vulgare) could serve as a host: germination rate of fresh H. fraxineus ascospores and colony growth of H. fraxineus were tested on agar media containing leaf extracts of privet, common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and manna ash (Fraxinus ornus). Two different media with leaf extracts were tested, one with high (60%) and one with low (12%) extract content. Barely any significant differences were recorded in the case of the media with low extract content. Significant effects occurred only at the higher extract content level: germination was completely inhibited on the privet medium. Mycelial growth on the privet medium was slower than on both the common ash and manna ash media and, in addition, one of the three H. fraxineus strains was completely inhibited. These observations indicate the presence of inhibitors in privet. It is therefore unlikely to be a suitable host for H. fraxineus.
Reliability and validity of the Korean version of the comprehensive assessment of at‐risk mental states
Authors: Lho Silvia Kyungjin , Oh Sanghoon , Moon Sun‐Young , Choi Woori , Kim Minah , Lee Tae Young , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: February 2021

Aim

Although the comprehensive assessment of at‐risk mental states (CAARMS) is one of the most widely used instruments for identifying individuals meeting the criteria for ultra‐high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis, the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the CAARMS (CAARMS‐K) have not been studied to date. Thus, we tested the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the CAARMS‐K in a Korean population.

Methods

The CAARMS‐K was administered to 96 UHR individuals. The inter‐rater reliability and internal consistency of the CAARMS‐K were evaluated. In addition, its factor structure was investigated using principal‐axis factor analysis. Concurrent validity was examined by comparing the extracted CAARMS‐K factors with the five factors of the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) using Spearman's correlation tests. The percentage of transition to psychosis was examined at 1‐ and 2‐year.

Results

The inter‐rater reliability was good (intraclass correlation = .89), and the internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = .812). A five‐factor solution demonstrated the best simple structure and accounted for 43.1% of all‐item variance. The five factors extracted from the factor analysis were similar to the PANSS five factors and significantly correlated with the factors of the PANSS. Among the 96 UHR individuals, 11 (11.5%) and 17 (17.7%) developed psychotic disorders during the 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up, respectively.

Conclusions

The CAARMS‐K is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of UHR individuals in Korea.
Mobilising Identity: Entrepreneurial Practice of a ‘Disadvantaged’ Identity
Authors: James Imaobong , Xiong Lin , Anderson Alistair R.
Published: February 2021

We examine how female migrant entrepreneurs overturn disadvantage through social resourcing. We argue they are disadvantaged by the intersectionality of their identities; that social constructions and ensuing entrepreneurial expectations are a poor fit with their ascribed identity, that they are marginalised by their ‘otherness’. However, entrepreneurship is not only socially situated, but also socially enacted.

We studied their entrepreneurial social enactment and found they had used agency to mobilise their identity. The shared identity of marginality as cultural strangers fostered a sense of togetherness as social capital. In turn, this produced group social responsibility, a socialised obligation to help each other. The entrepreneurs used this intangible resource to first establish their businesses then as a platform for wider engagements. We found that when the entrepreneurial self became superimposed on intersectional identity, disadvantage almost disappeared. Respondents reported confidence in themselves through their entrepreneurial achievement, paradoxically empowered by a negative social identity.
Foveal changes in aquaporin‐4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder are independent of optic neuritis and not overtly progressive
Authors: Roca‐Fernández Adriana , Oertel Frederike Cosima , Yeo Tianrong , Motamedi Seyedamirhosein , Probert Fay , Craner Matthew J. , Sastre‐Garriga Jaume , Zimmermann Hanna G. , Asseyer Susanna , Kuchling Joseph , Bellmann‐Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Leite Maria Isabel , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander Ulrich , Palace Jacqueline
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Foveal changes were reported in aquaporin‐4 antibody (AQP4‐Ab) seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients; however, it is unclear whether they are independent of optic neuritis (ON), stem from subclinical ON or crossover from ON in fellow eyes. Fovea morphometry and a statistical classification approach were used to investigate if foveal changes in NMOSD are independent of ON and progressive.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study of 27 AQP4‐IgG + NMOSD patients (49 eyes; 15 ON eyes and 34 eyes without a history of ON [NON eyes]), follow‐up median (first and third quartile) 2.32 (1.33–3.28), and 38 healthy controls (HCs) (76 eyes), follow‐up median (first and third quartile) 1.95 (1.83–2.54). The peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and the volume of combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer as measures of neuroaxonal damage from ON were determined by optical coherence tomography. Nineteen foveal morphometry parameters were extracted from macular optical coherence tomography volume scans. Data were analysed using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and linear mixed effects models.

Results

At baseline, foveal shape was significantly altered in ON eyes and NON eyes compared to HCs. Discriminatory analysis showed 81% accuracy distinguishing ON vs. HCs and 68% accuracy in NON vs. HCs. NON eyes were distinguished from HCs by foveal shape parameters indicating widening. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis discriminated ON vs. NON with 76% accuracy. In a follow‐up of 2.4 (20.85) years, no significant time‐dependent foveal changes were found.

Conclusion

The parafoveal area is altered in AQP4‐Ab seropositive NMOSD patients suggesting independent neuroaxonal damage from subclinical ON. Longer follow‐ups are needed to confirm the stability of the parafoveal structure over time.
Collective decision‐making, caste roles and sequential transport during colony emigration in the small carpenter ant, Camponotus yamaokai
Authors: Ghosh Purbayan , Cronin Adam L.
Published: February 2021

Effective coordination of group actions underlies the success of group‐living organisms. Making decisions collectively is a crucial step in executing behaviours affecting the whole group. In social insects, decision‐making is typically achieved in a self‐organised manner and incorporates a quorum process, which can improve decision accuracy and be tailored to different conditions. Studies of the nest‐selection process in different social insect species have revealed remarkable consistency in the mode of decision‐making despite marked differences in life history and colony size. However, an often‐overlooked aspect of this decision process is how it might be influenced by diversity in behavioural propensity among colony members. Higher diversity can improve collective processes, but could also represent a cost if certain classes of individual do not contribute to the cooperative activity. Many ant species exhibit caste polymorphism, with different worker castes specialised to different functions. These castes could thus enhance or erode the collective decision process depending on whether they contribute to this process or not. In this study, we explore the process of colony emigration and nest‐site choice in the small carpenter ant Camponotus yamaokai, a species with two distinct worker castes. We show that this species is likely to use a quorum decision process facilitated by navigation with chemical trails. Both major and minor castes contributed to the collective decision and emigration process. However, although major workers comprised 24% of the colony on average, they were 5.5 times less likely than expected to be involved in assessing new nests and 4.6 times less likely than expected to contribute to brood transport. This may represent a previously unrecognised cost to the colony in the emigration process. In addition, we document the first observations of sequential brood transfer during emigration behaviour and speculate upon the function of this behaviour.
A novel meta‐heuristic approach for influence maximization in social networks
Authors: Chatterjee Bitanu , Bhattacharyya Trinav , Ghosh Kushal Kanti , Chatterjee Agneet , Sarkar Ram
Published: February 2021

Influence maximization in a social network focuses on the task of extracting a small set of nodes from a network which can maximize the propagation in a cascade model. Though greedy methods produce good solutions to the aforementioned problem, their high computational complexity is a major drawback. Centrality‐based heuristic methods often fail to overcome local optima, thereby producing sub‐optimal results. To this end, in this article, a framework has been presented which involves community detection in a social network and the utilization of the Shuffled Frog Leaping algorithm, in maximizing the two‐hop spread of influence under the independent cascade model. Local search strategies like the Late acceptance based hill climbing have been employed to improve the solution further. Experiments performed on three real‐world datasets have shown that our method performs markedly well with respect to the comparing algorithms.
Short‐lived fishes: Annual and multivoltine strategies
Authors: Žák Jakub , Vrtílek Milan , Polačik Matej , Blažek Radim , Reichard Martin
Published: February 2021

The diversity of life histories across the animal kingdom is enormous, with direct consequences for the evolution of lifespans. Very short lifespans (maximum shorter than 1 year in their natural environment) have evolved in several vertebrate lineages. We review short‐lived fish species which complete either single (annual/univoltine) or multiple (multivoltine) generations within a year. We summarize the commonalities and particulars of their biology. Apart from annual killifishes (with >350 species), we detected 60 species with validated lifespan shorter than 1 year in their natural environment. Considering the low number of reports on fish lifespan (<5% of 30,000+ fish species; 1,543 species), the total number of short‐lived fish species may be relatively high (>1,200 species). Short‐lived fish species are scattered across 12 orders, indicating that short lifespan is not a phylogenetically conserved trait but rather evolves under specific ecological conditions. In general, short‐lived fish species are small (typically 55 ± 35 mm), experience high predation (making them important part of ecosystem trophodynamics) and live in shallow warm waters with high productivity and stable abiotic conditions (e.g. Gobiidae, Clupeidae). Others utilize temporally constrained environments, where they survive unfavourable conditions as dormant stages (annual killifishes). They also utilize less productive environments; in this case, they migrate between productive and un‐productive environments (e.g. Myctophidae, Salangidae). These species include the putatively shortest‐lived (Schindleria pietschmanni: Schindleriidae) and earliest maturing (Nothobranchius furzeri: Nothobranchiidae) vertebrates and represent the lower limit of vertebrate longevity. Their examination may provide important insights into the evolutionary and mechanistic understanding of ageing.
Biochemical conversion of Brassicacarinata biomass to organic acids
Authors: Ammar Ehab M. , Martin Jessica , Philippidis George P.
Published: February 2021

The economics of the inedible oilseed crop Brassica carinata as a source of renewable fuels can be enhanced by converting its cellulosic biomass to value‐added chemicals, such as organic acids. We investigated the biochemical conversion of carinata biomass to propionic acid by first pretreating the carinata meal (CM), which is obtained after extraction of the oil from carinata seeds, with concentrated phosphoric acid to remove hemicellulose and gain access to the cellulose constituent of the meal. We then subjected the pretreated meal to enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulase enzyme to depolymerize cellulose to glucose. The overall conversion of carinata cellulose to glucose was 85%, which is promising. Finally, the recovered glucose was successfully fermented primarily to propionic acid using the bacterium Propionibacterium freudenreichii with a yield of 0.57 g of produced propionic acid per gram of consumed cellulosic glucose. The biobased propionic acid and other co‐produced organic acids can serve as renewable building blocks for manufacturing industrial chemicals and food preservatives replacing fossil‐derived organic acids. Hence, CM constitutes a renewable source of fermentable carbohydrates potentially improving the economics and sustainability of the carinata value chain.
Relationship between two pressure‐sensitive films for testing reduced occlusal force in diagnostic criteria for oral hypofunction
Authors: Horibe Yasuhiro , Matsuo Koichiro , Ikebe Kazunori , Minakuchi Shunsuke , Sato Yuji , Sakurai Kaoru , Ueda Takayuki
Published: February 2021

Objective

To measure the occlusal force in the same group of patients with the Dental Prescale 50H type R and the Dental Prescale II, examine the association between them, and determine the reference value for Dental Prescale II that corresponds to the 50H type R 200 N reference value used to make a diagnosis of oral hypofunction.

Background

Reduced occlusal force, a measure of frailty in older persons, was previously determined with Prescale 50H type R pressure‐sensitive film, but it has been replaced by the Prescale II.

Materials and methods

The study participants were 441 men and women aged ≥ 65 (mean, 71.8 ± 5.3) years. The occlusal force was measured with the two different types of pressure‐sensitive film, and their association was examined. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the Prescale II measured values were created with the 200 N reference value used for the 50H type R film as the cut‐off value.

Results

The analysis set included 391 participants for whom measurements were obtained using both the 50H type R and the Prescale II. Linear regression analysis produced regression equations, and a ROC curve analysis provided reference values of 500 N for the Prescale II (without pressure filter) and 350 N for the Prescale II (with pressure filter).

Conclusion

In occlusal force tests for making a diagnosis of oral hypofunction, reference values for the Prescale II (without pressure filter) and for the Prescale II (with pressure filter) were determined. The findings suggested that the Prescale II can be used as a diagnostic examination for oral hypofunction.
Variants p.Pro2063Ser and p.Arg324* co‐segregate in type 3 von Willebrand disease patients from Southern Brazil
Authors: Ornaghi Ana Paula , Meireles Mariana Rost , Botton Mariana Rodrigues , Salzano Francisco Mauro , Bandinelli Eliane , Matte Ursula
Published: February 2021

Introduction

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric plasma glycoprotein that plays an important role in haemostasis. von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited heterogeneous bleeding disorder caused by either a quantitative or qualitative defect of VWF. Type 3 VWD, the most severe form of the disease, leads to complete quantitative VWF deficiency.

Aim

The present study aims to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of type 3 VWD patients from Southern Brazil.

Methods

The VWF gene was sequenced in 26 cases clinically diagnosed with type 3 VWD by next‐generation sequencing using Ion Torrent PGM.

Results

In 25 patients, we were able to identify both disease‐causing variants. We identified 72 different variants: 31 intronic and 41 exonic. Five novel variants were found: c.6976+5G>T; c.6885_6886insC; c.3378C>T (p.Cys1126); c.3346_3347insCCA; and c.2503G>T (p.Glu835*). Variants p.Pro2063Ser and p.Arg324* co‐segregated in 17 patients, 15 of them in homozygosity.

Conclusion

Our results may contribute to the discussion on whether the variant p.Pro2063Ser is pathogenic or not. Finally, the presence of a common haplotype in patients bearing these two variants suggests a founder effect for this variant in our region.
Estimating bird density using passive acoustic monitoring: a review of methods and suggestions for further research
Authors: Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Traba Juan
Published: February 2021

Passive acoustic monitoring is a non‐invasive tool for automated wildlife monitoring. This technique has several advantages and addresses many of the biases related to traditional field surveys. However, locating animal sounds using autonomous recording units (ARUs) can be technically challenging and therefore ARUs have traditionally been little employed to estimate animal density. Nonetheless, several approaches have been proposed in recent years to carry out acoustic‐based bird density estimations. We conducted a literature review of studies that used ARUs for estimating bird densities or bird abundances in order to describe the applications and improve future monitoring programmes. We detected a growing interest in the use of ARUs for estimating bird density in the last 6 years (2014–19), with a total of 31 articles assessing the topic. The most common approach was to estimate the relationship between the number of vocalizations per recording time with bird density or bird abundance estimated in the field (61%). In 26 studies (79%), bird estimates obtained by human surveyors agreed with those obtained using ARUs. Some approaches have proven able to reduce biases in acoustic surveys, such as considering imperfect detection (spatially explicit capture–recapture, using microphone arrays), applying paired acoustic sampling to control for different sampling radius between humans and ARUs, or including relative sound level measurements that allow researchers to estimate bird distance to recorder. However, several studies did not include any covariates to reduce existing biases and some did not estimate the sampling radius of the recorder, which may hamper future comparisons between human and ARU surveys. Future studies should include a measurement of the sampling radius of the recorder employed to be able to obtain density estimations using ARUs. Finally, we provide some guidelines to improve the applicability of ARUs to infer bird population estimates in future studies.
Symptom management strategies: Rhythm vs rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation in the Balkan region: Data from the BALKAN‐AF survey
Authors: Kozieł Monika , Mihajlovic Miroslav , Nedeljkovic Milan , Pavlovic Nikola , Paparisto Vilma , Music Ljilja , Trendafilova Elina , Rodica Dan Anca , Kusljugic Zumreta , Dan Gheorghe‐Andrei , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Potpara Tatjana S. ,   the BALKAN‐AF Investigators
Published: February 2021

Background

Symptom‐focused management is one of the cornerstones of optimal atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate the use of rhythm control and rate control strategy. Second, to identify predictors of the use of amiodarone in patients with rhythm control and of the use of rhythm control strategy in patients with paroxysmal AF in the Balkans.

Methods

Prospective enrolment of consecutive patients from seven Balkan countries to the BALKAN‐AF survey was performed.

Results

Of 2712 enrolled patients, 2522 (93.0%) with complete data were included: 1622 (64.3%) patients were assigned to rate control strategy and 900 (35.7%) to rhythm control. Patients with rhythm control were younger, more often hospitalised for AF and with less comorbidities (all P < .05) than those with rate control. Symptom score [European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)] was not an independent predictor of a rhythm control strategy [odds ratio (OR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90‐1.10, P = .945]. The most commonly chosen antiarrhythmic agents were amiodarone (49.7%), followed by propafenone (24.3%).

Conclusion

More than one‐third of patients in the BALKAN‐AF survey received a rhythm control strategy, and these patients tended to be younger with less comorbidities than those managed with rate control. EHRA symptom score is not significantly associated with rhythm control strategy. The most commonly used antiarrhythmic agents were amiodarone, followed by propafenone.
Investigating the effectiveness of simplified labels for safe use communication: The case of household detergents
Authors: Geuens Maggie , Byrne Dominic , Boeije Geert , Peeters Virginie , Vandecasteele Bert
Published: February 2021

This study assessed the effectiveness of safety communication on the back labels of hazardous products (with regulatory and safety information as dictated by regulatory requirements), with household detergents as a test case. The potential of simplification to increase label effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the currently used labelling approach with two simplified alternatives. The labels mainly differed in terms of the amount of information and the prominence of pictograms. The generalisability of theoretical insights on the effectiveness of pictograms in safety messages to a more real‐life context was tested by (a) realistic labels containing several other information elements besides the safety information and (b) target users who are knowledgeable about the product type. One thousand eight hundred (1,800) respondents participated in an online experiment and were randomly exposed to one of the labels. The positive cognitive and behavioural effects commonly attributed to pictorials could not be confirmed, but positive affective effects did emerge. Specifically, even though participants were asked to carefully read the label, they did not spend enough time to process all the content except for the most simplified label. The results did not show meaningful differences between the three labels in terms of information recall (which was poor for all executions), hazard perceptions and behavioural intentions when confronted with an accident. In contrast to this lack of differentiation in cognitive and behavioural intention effects, we did find a clear difference in the affective measure. A majority of the respondents preferred the simplified safety labels. As such, avoiding information overload, and conveying the information in an easier way by means of more prominent use of pictograms, appeared to be appreciated by consumers of household products, while it did not negatively impact label effectiveness.
Evaluation of antibacterial protein with antioxidant activity from Rahnellaaquatilis L103 and its effect on beef during refrigerated storage
Authors: Tao Huan‐yu , Hu Qin , Wu Yi , Han Peng , Liang Xiaobo
Published: February 2021

A strain, Rahnella aquatilis L103, which was isolated from the soil around the roots of mushrooms, produced antibacterial protein though fermentation. This protein has broad antibacterial spectrum towards gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The protein has a significant antioxidant capacity on scavenging ABTS+· (82.5%, 120 μg mL−1), DPPH· (64.1%, 600 μg mL−1) and OH· (60.1%, 750 μg mL−1) as well. The protein was considered to be safe within concentration of 150 μg mL−1 as shown by MTT results and was applied to beef refrigerated preservation. The treatment group presented lower total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA), meanwhile, higher sensory score and longer shelf life (2 days) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the protein under safe concentration was beneficial to beef preservation.
Stromal–immune cell crosstalk fundamentally alters the lung microenvironment following tissue insult
Authors: Worrell Julie C. , MacLeod Megan K. L.
Published: February 2021

Communication between stromal and immune cells is essential to maintain tissue homeostasis, mount an effective immune response and promote tissue repair. This ‘crosstalk’ occurs in both the steady state and following a variety of insults, for example, in response to local injury, at sites of infection or cancer. What do we mean by crosstalk between cells? Reciprocal activation and/or regulation occurs between immune and stromal cells, by direct cell contact and indirect mechanisms, including the release of soluble cytokines. Moving beyond cell‐to‐cell contact, this review investigates the complexity of ‘cross‐space’ cellular communication. We highlight different examples of cellular communication by a variety of lung stromal and immune cells following tissue insults. This review examines how the ‘geography of the lung microenvironment’ is altered in various disease states; more specifically, we investigate how this influences lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts via their communication with immune cells and each other.
Yield curve inversions: A study of country‐level and firm‐level stock reactions
Authors: Quinn Mitchell D. , Zhang Lei , Mi Lin
Published: February 2021

We examine the short‐term stock reactions to yield curve inversions. Our country‐level analysis reveals that including the United States, only 13 out of 41 countries exhibit significantly negative stock returns when yield curves invert. Hence, while inverted yield curves act as a negative signal in some countries, it is not a ubiquitous rule internationally. Our firm‐level analysis is the first of its kind. We find that company stocks exhibit strong responses with 3‐day cumulative abnormal returns averaging −1.22% globally and − 2.83% for US firms. The results suggest that corporate bond yield curves contain valuable information of firms' future performance.
Impact of COVID‐19 on wound care in Germany
Authors: Schlager Justin Gabriel , Kendziora Benjamin , Patzak Leilah , Kupf Sophie , Rothenberger Christoph , Fiocco Zeno , French Lars E. , Reinholz Markus , Hartmann Daniela
Published: February 2021

Recent studies showed that the COVID‐19 pandemic caused collateral damage in health care in terms of reduced hospital submissions or postponed treatment of other acute or chronic ill patients. An anonymous survey was sent out by mail to patients with chronic wounds in order to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on wound care. Sixty‐three patients returned the survey. In 14%, diagnostic workup or hospitalisation was cancelled or postponed. Thirty‐six percent could not seek consultation by their primary care physician as usual. The use of public transport or long travel time was not related to limited access to medical service (P = .583). In ambulatory care, there was neither a significant difference in the frequency of changing wound dressings (P = .67), nor in the person, who performed wound care (P = .39). There were no significant changes in wound‐specific quality of life (P = .505). No patient used telemedicine in order to avoid face‐to‐face contact or anticipate to pandemic‐related restrictions. The COVID‐19 pandemic impaired access to clinical management of chronic wounds in Germany. It had no significant impact on ambulatory care or wound‐related quality of life. Telemedicine still plays a negligible role in wound care.
Lipid emulsion therapy in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated implantation failure: The role of abnormal natural killer cell activity
Authors: Canella Paula Renata Bueno Campos , Barini Ricardo , Carvalho Patrícia de Oliveira , Razolli Daniela Soares
Published: February 2021

Altered immune and/or inflammatory response plays an important role in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and repeated implantation failure (RIF). Exacerbation of the maternal immune response through increased NK cell activity and inflammatory cytokines can cause embryo rejection leading to abortion or embryo implantation failure. Immunosuppressors or immunomodulators can help or prevent this condition. Currently, lipid emulsion therapy (LET) has emerged as a treatment for RPL and RIF in women with abnormal NK cell activity, by decreasing the exacerbated immune response of the maternal uterus and providing a more receptive environment for the embryo. However, the mechanisms by which the intralipid acts to reduce NK cell activity are still unclear. In this review, we focus on the studies that conducted LET to treat patients with RPL and RIF with abnormal NK cell activity. We find that although some authors recommend LET as an effective intervention, more studies are necessary to confirm its effectiveness in restoring NK cell activity to normal levels and to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of the lipids action in ameliorating the maternal environment and improving the pregnancy rate.
Role of EIF4G1 network in non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) cell survival and disease progression
Authors: Del Valle Luis , Dai Lu , Lin Hui‐Yi , Lin Zhen , Chen Jungang , Post Steven R. , Qin Zhiqiang
Published: February 2021

Although the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4 Gamma 1 (EIF4G1) has been found overexpressed in a variety of cancers, its role in non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) pathogenesis especially in immunoregulatory functions, its clinical relevance and therapeutic potential remain largely unknown. By using cancer patients tissue assays, the results indicate that EIF4G1 expressional levels are much higher in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent or normal lung tissues, which are also associated with NSCLC patient survival. By using an RNA‐Sequencing based pipeline, the data show that EIF4G1 has a significant association with immune checkpoint molecules such as PD‐1/PD‐L1 in NSCLC. EIF4G1 small‐molecule inhibitors effectively repress NSCLC growth in cell culture and xenograft animal models. Protein array results identify the signature of proteins controlled by EIF4G1 in NSCLC cells, in which new candidates such as MUC1 and NRG1 are required for NSCLC survival and tumorigenesis with clinical relevance. Taken together, these results have for the first time demonstrated the immunoregulatory functions, clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of the EIF4G1 network in NSCLC, which may represent a promising and novel target to improve lung cancer treatment.
Identification of novel dysregulated circular RNAs in early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Rao Arunagiri Kuha Deva Magendhra , Arvinden Vittal Rangan , Ramasamy Deepa , Patel Krishna , Meenakumari Balaiah , Ramanathan Priya , Sundersingh Shirley , Sridevi Velusami , Rajkumar Thangarajan , Herceg Zdenko , Gowda Harsha , Mani Samson
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer is a major cause of cancer‐related death in women worldwide. Non‐coding RNAs are a potential resource to be used as an early diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer. Circular RNAs are a recently identified group of non‐coding RNA with a significant role in disease development with potential utility in diagnosis/prognosis in cancer. In this study, we identified 26 differentially expressed circular RNAs associated with early‐stage breast cancer. RNA sequencing and two circRNA detection tools (find_circ and DCC) were used to understand the circRNA expression signature in breast cancer. We identified hsa_circ_0006743 (circJMJD1C) and hsa_circ_0002496 (circAPPBP1) to be significantly up‐regulated in early‐stage breast cancer tissues. Co‐expression analysis identified four pairs of circRNA‐miRNA (hsa_circ_0023990 : hsa‐miR‐548b‐3p, hsa_circ_0016601 : hsa_miR‐1246, hsa_circ_0001946 : hsa‐miR‐1299 and hsa_circ_0000117:hsa‐miR‐502‐5p) having potential interaction. The miRNA target prediction and network analysis revealed mRNA possibly regulated by circRNAs. We have thus identified circRNAs of diagnostic implications in breast cancer and also observed circRNA‐miRNA interaction which could be involved in breast cancer development.
Cross‐Border Social Dumping as a ‘Game of Jurisdiction’ – Towards a Legal Geography of Labour Relations in the EU Internal Market*
Authors: Iossa Andrea , Persdotter Maria
Published: February 2021

The question of social dumping has again climbed the EU policy agenda. In this article, we call into question some established views of social dumping that conceptualize the relationship between EU internal market and Member States in binary terms. Based on an analysis of relevant case law, and drawing on the conceptual tools provided by critical legal geography, we show that the project of EU integration relies as much on the scalar differentiation of powers as it does on the ‘upward’ shift of powers from the national‐ to the supra‐national level. We propose an understanding of EU internal market law as productive of a ‘labour law patchwork’, defined by the simultaneous fragmentation and overlap of labour law regulations across and within EU Member States. Here, we re‐conceptualize cross‐border social dumping as a ‘game of jurisdiction’ – a set of strategic moves by actors within a multi‐scalar and multi‐jurisdictional space.
Developmental differences in neural connectivity for semantic processing in youths with autism
Authors: Fan Li‐Ying , Booth James R. , Liu Min , Chou Tai‐Li , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen
Published: February 2021

Background

Youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rely more on lower‐level visual processing as revealed by greater occipital activation, yet less effectively engage higher‐level processing of modality‐independent semantic knowledge as indicated by reduced frontal activation, compared to typically developing (TD) youths. However, little is known about age‐dependent differences in neural connectivity during semantic processing in youths with ASD as compared to TD youths.

Methods

Four groups were recruited: 31 ASD children (mean age = 10.5 years old), 33 TD children (mean age = 10.4), 30 ASD adolescents (mean age = 14.9), and 34 TD adolescents (mean age = 15.1). We explored their differences in neural connectivity by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with psychophysiological interaction (PPI) during semantic judgments.

Results

In comparison with TD children, children with ASD showed greater activation in the left cuneus and weaker connectivity between the left cuneus and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG). In comparison with TD adolescents, adolescents with ASD showed less activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and weaker functional connectivity between the left IFG and left MTG.

Conclusions

Children with ASD may rely more on visual processes in the occipital cortex that are disconnected from modality‐independent semantics in the temporal cortex. However, adolescents with ASD may less effectively engage frontal mechanisms involved in the top‐down control of modality‐independent semantic knowledge in the temporal cortex. Our findings provide evidence of developmental differences in the neural substrates of the alterations in semantic processing in youths with ASD compared to TD youths.