bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical sensorimotor activity in the execution and suppression of discrete and rhythmic movements
Authors: Hervault Mario , Zanone Pier–Giorgio , Buisson Jean–Christophe , Huys Raoul
Published: October 2021

Although the engagement of sensorimotor cortices in movement is well documented, the functional relevance of brain activity patterns remains ambiguous. Especially, the cortical engagement specific to the pre-, within-, and post-movement periods is poorly understood. The present study addressed this issue by examining sensorimotor EEG activity during the performance as well as STOP-signal cued suppression of movements pertaining to two distinct classes, namely, discrete vs. ongoing rhythmic movements. Our findings indicate that the lateralized readiness potential (LRP), which is classically used as a marker of pre-movement processing, indexes multiple pre- and in-movement-related brain dynamics in a movement-class dependent fashion. In- and post-movement event-related (de)synchronization (ERD/ERS) observed in the Mu (8-13 Hz) and Beta (15-30 Hz) frequency ranges were associated with estimated brain sources in both motor and somatosensory cortical areas. Notwithstanding, Beta ERS occurred earlier following cancelled than actually performed movements. In contrast, Mu power did not vary. Whereas Beta power may reflect the evaluation of the sensory predicted outcome, Mu power might engage in linking perception to action. Additionally, the rhythmic movement forced stop (only) showed a post-movement Mu/Beta rebound, which might reflect an active “clearing-out” of the motor plan and its feedback-based online control. Overall, the present study supports the notion that sensorimotor EEG modulations are key markers to investigate control or executive processes, here initiation and inhibition, which are exerted when performing distinct movement classes.
Bacillus subtilis with a 1% population enhances the activity of Enterococcus faecalis with a 99% population
Authors: Ito Tsukasa , Yamanashi Yu
Published: October 2021

Microbes are present as communities in the environment. However, the importance of minor populations has not been well studied experimentally. In this study, we evaluated the role of Bacillus subtilis with a 1% population and its effect on co-incubated Enterococcus faecalis with a 99% population. Here we used an azo dye-decolorizing Enterococcus faecalis strain T6a1 and non-dye-decolorizing Bacillus subtilis strain S4ga. The dye decolorization assay enabled the investigation of the effects of B. subtilis S4ga on the activity of E. faecalis T6a1, even when B. subtilis S4ga was present at only 1% relative abundance or lower. We found that non-decolorizing B. subtilis S4ga enhanced the dye decolorization activity of E. faecalis T6a1, shortened the lag time of E. faecalis T6a1 to start decreasing the dye concentration, and increased the time for E. faecalis T6a1 to continue dye decolorization. These effects were correlated with redox potential values. We compared the extracellular amino acids between each incubation culture of E. faecalis T6a1 and B. subtilis S4ga, which revealed their mutual relationship by cross-feeding of specific amino acids. We also compared the intracellular primary metabolites between co-incubation and sole incubation of E. faecalis T6a1. The arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway in the co-incubated E. faecalis T6a1 was activated compared to that of E. faecalis T6a1 incubated solely. These findings explained that co-incubation with B. subtilis S4ga promoted ATP production in E. faecalis T6a1 cells to a greater extent and enhanced dye-decolorization activity.

IMPORTANCE

This study highlights the importance of minor bacterial populations and their effects on major populations. We used Enterococcus faecalis as the major population and Bacillus subtilis as the minor population. Both species are becoming increasingly important. Some strains of E. faecalis are antibiotic-resistant pathogens, show probiotic effects, or are applicable for textile wastewater treatment. Some strains of B. subtilis are known to produce antimicrobial agents, reduce intestinal inflammation, or restore gut microbiota. We demonstrated that a low abundance of B. subtilis with 1% population increased the amount of energy produced by E. faecalis with 99% population, which appeared as enhanced dye decolorization activity of dye-decolorizing E. faecalis. Metabolomic analysis suggested that E. faecalis and B. subtilis had a mutual relationship by feeding specific amino acids to each other. These results provide new insights into co-existing minor populations in microbial communities and will improve our understanding of bacterial control.

Graphical abstract
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 testing is punctuated by intermittent positivity and variable rates of cycle-threshold decline
Authors: Hawken Shawn E. , Sellers Subhashini A. , Smedberg Jason R. , Ward Jeremy D. , Whinna Herbert C. , Fischer William , Miller Melissa B.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is complicated by cases of vaccine-breakthrough, re-infection, and widespread transmission of variants of concern (VOC). Consequently, the need to interpret longitudinal positive SARS-CoV-2 (SCV-2) tests is crucial in guiding clinical decisions regarding infection control precautions and treatment. Although quantitative tests are not routinely used diagnostically, standard diagnostic RT-PCR tests yield Ct values that are inversely correlated with RNA quantity. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of 72,217 SCV-2 PCR positive tests and identified 264 patients with longitudinal positivity prior to vaccination and VOC circulation. Patients with longitudinal positivity fell into two categories: short-term (207, 78%) or prolonged (57, 22%) positivity, defined as <= 28 (range 1-28, median 16) days and >28 (range 29-152, median 41) days, respectively. In general, Ct values declined over time in both groups; however, 11 short-term positive patients had greater amounts of RNA detected at their terminal test compared to the first positive, and 5 patients had RNA detected at Ct < 35 at least 40 days after initial infection. Oscillating positive and negative results occurred in both groups, although oscillation was seen three times more frequently in prolonged-positive patients. Patients with prolonged positivity had diverse clinical characteristics but were often critically ill and were discharged to high-level care or deceased (22%). Overall, this study demonstrates that caution must be emphasized when interpreting Ct values as a proxy for infectivity, predictor of severity, or a guide for patient care decisions in the absence of additional clinical context.
ASIP promoter variants predict sesame coat color in Shiba Inu dogs
Authors: Belyakin S.N , Maksimov D.A. , Pobedintseva M.A. , Laktionov P.P. , Voronova D.
Published: October 2021

Different patterns of coat color pigmentation in dogs are produced by a sophisticated interaction of several genes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the diversity of coat colors and their inheritance is important for professional breeders because it helps to predict the phenotypes of the progeny. Although genetics of the main coat colors in dogs is extensively studied, there are types of coat pigmentation that are not explained yet. Recently a new model connected the variants in ASIP gene promoters with different coat colors in dogs. Here we used this model as a framework to investigate the genetics of the rare sesame coat color in Shiba Inu dogs. We determined the combination of two alleles of ASIP gene that determine sesame coat color. This finding can be used by the breeders to produce the dogs with this rare coat color pattern. We also demonstrate the incomplete dominance between the ASIP alleles involved in sesame coat formation. These results are in good agreement with the new model explaining how different levels of ASIP gene expression affect the regulation of pigment synthesis in melanocytes.
Small, correlated changes in synaptic connectivity may facilitate rapid motor learning
Authors: Feulner Barbara , Perich Matthew G. , Chowdhury Raeed H. , Miller Lee E. , Gallego Juan Álvaro , Clopath Claudia
Published: October 2021

Animals can rapidly adapt their movements to external perturbations. This adaptation is paralleled by changes in single neuron activity in the motor cortices. Behavioural and neural recording studies suggest that when animals learn to counteract a visuomotor perturbation, these changes originate from altered inputs to the motor cortices rather than from changes in local connectivity, as neural covariance is largely preserved during adaptation. Since measuring synaptic changes in vivo remains very challenging, we used a modular recurrent network model to compare the expected neural activity changes following learning through altered inputs (Hinput) and learning through local connectivity changes (Hlocal). Learning under Hinput produced small changes in neural activity and largely preserved the neural covariance, in good agreement with neural recordings in monkeys. Surprisingly given the presumed dependence of stable neural covariance on preserved circuit connectivity, Hlocal led to only slightly larger changes in neural activity and covariance compared to Hinput. This similarity is due to Hlocal only requiring small, correlated connectivity changes to counteract the perturbation, which provided the network with significant robustness against simulated synaptic noise. Simulations of tasks that impose increasingly larger behavioural changes revealed a growing difference between Hinput and Hlocal, which could be exploited when designing future experiments.
A multi-objective based clustering for inferring BCR clones from high-throughput B cell repertoire data
Authors: Abdollahi Nika , de Septenville Anne , Ripoche Hugues , Davi Frédéric , Bernardes Juliana S.
Published: October 2021

The adaptive B cell response is driven by the expansion, somatic hypermutation, and selection of B cell clones. A high number of clones in a B cell population indicates a highly diverse repertoire, while clonal size distribution and sequence diversity within clones can be related to antigen’s selective pressure. Identifying clones is fundamental to many repertoire studies, including repertoire comparisons, clonal tracking and statistical analysis. Several methods have been developed to group sequences from high-throughput B cell repertoire data. Current methods use clustering algorithms to group clonally-related sequences based on their similarities or distances. Such approaches create groups by optimizing a single objective that typically minimizes intra-clonal distances. However, optimizing several objective functions can be advantageous and boost the algorithm convergence rate. Here we propose a new method based on multi-objective clustering. Our approach requires V(D)J annotations to obtain the initial clones and iteratively applies two objective functions that optimize cohesion and separation within clones simultaneously. We show that under simulations with varied mutation rates, our method greatly improves clonal grouping as compared to other tools. When applied to experimental repertoires generated from high-throughput sequencing, its clustering results are comparable to the most performing tools. The method based on multi-objective clustering can accurately identify clone members, has fewer parameter settings and presents the lowest running time among existing tools. All these features constitute an attractive option for repertoire analysis, particularly in the clinical context to unravel the mechanisms involved in the development and evolution of B cell malignancies.
Rad24-RFC loads the 9-1-1 clamp by inserting DNA from the top of a wide-open ring, opposite the mechanism of RFC/PCNA
Authors: Zheng Fengwei , Georgescu Roxana E. , Yao Nina Y. , O’Donnell Michael E. , Li Huilin
Published: October 2021

In response to DNA damage, the ring-shaped 9-1-1 clamp is loaded onto 5’ recessed DNA to arrest the cell cycle and activate the DNA damage checkpoint. The 9-1-1 clamp is a heterotrimeric ring that is loaded in S. cerevisiae by Rad24-RFC, an alternative clamp loader in which Rad24 replaces the Rfc1 subunit in the RFC1-5 clamp loader of PCNA. Unlike RFC that loads the PCNA ring onto a 3’-ss/ds DNA junction, Rad24-RFC loads the 9-1-1 ring onto a 5’-ss/ds DNA junction, a consequence of DNA damage. The underlying 9-1-1 clamp loading mechanism has been a mystery. Here we report two 3.2-Å cryo-EM structures of Rad24-RFC bound to DNA and either a closed or 27 Å open 9-1-1 clamp. The structures reveal a completely unexpected mechanism by which a clamp can be loaded onto DNA. The Rad24 subunit specifically recognizes the 5’-DNA junction and holds ds DNA outside the clamp loader and above the plane of the 9-1-1 ring, rather than holding DNA inside and below the clamp as in RFC. The 3’ ssDNA overhang is required to obtain the structure, and thus confers a second DNA binding site. The bipartite DNA binding by Rad24-RFC suggests that ssDNA may be flipped into the open 9-1-1 ring, similar to ORC-Cdc6 that loads the Mcm2-7 ring on DNA. We propose that entry of ssDNA through the 9-1-1 ring triggers the ATP hydrolysis and release of the Rad24-RFC. The key DNA binding residues are conserved in higher eukaryotes, and thus the 9-1-1 clamp loading mechanism likely generalizes.
ERK signaling dissolves ERF Repression Condensates in Living Embryos
Authors: Weaver Claire J. , Patel Aleena L. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y. , Levine Michael S. , Treen Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Phase separation underlies the organization of the nucleus, including the biogenesis of nucleoli and the packaging of heterochromatin. Here we explore the regulation of transcription factor condensates involved in gene repression by ERK signaling in gastrulating embryos of a simple proto-vertebrate (Ciona). ERK signaling induces nuclear export of the transcriptional repressor ERF, which has been linked to various human developmental disorders. Using high resolution imaging we show that ERF is localized within discrete nuclear condensates that dissolve upon ERK activation. Interestingly, we observe dynamic pulses of assembly and dissociation during the cell cycle, providing the first visualization of a nuclear phase separation process that is regulated by cell signaling. We discuss the implications of these observations for producing sharp on/off switches in gene activity and suppressing noise in cell-cell signaling events.
Proteomics of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: A quantitative focus on drug elimination and pharmacodynamics effects
Authors: Vasilogianni Areti‐Maria , Al‐Majdoub Zubida M. , Achour Brahim , Peters Sheila Annie , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Barber Jill
Published: October 2021

Aims

This study aims to quantify drug‐metabolising enzymes, transporters, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and protein markers (involved in pathways affected in cancer) in pooled healthy, histologically normal and matched cancerous liver microsomes from colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients.

Methods

Microsomal fractionation was performed and pooled microsomes were prepared. Global and accurate mass and retention time liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry proteomics were used to quantify proteins. A QconCAT (KinCAT) for the quantification of RTKs was designed and applied for the first time. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) simulations were performed to assess the contribution of altered abundance of drug‐metabolising enzymes and transporters to changes in pharmacokinetics.

Results

Most CYPs and UGTs were downregulated in histologically normal relative to healthy samples, and were further reduced in cancer samples (up to 54‐fold). The transporters, MRP2/3, OAT2/7 and OATP2B1/1B3/1B1 were downregulated in CRLM. Application of abundance data in PBPK models for substrates with different attributes indicated substantially lower (up to 13‐fold) drug clearance when using cancer‐specific instead of default parameters in cancer population. Liver function markers were downregulated, while inflammation proteins were upregulated (by up to 76‐fold) in cancer samples. Various pharmacodynamics markers (e.g. RTKs) were altered in CRLM. Using global proteomics, we examined proteins in pathways relevant to cancer (such as metastasis and desmoplasia), including caveolins and collagen chains, and confirmed general over‐expression of such pathways.

Conclusion

This study highlights impaired drug metabolism, perturbed drug transport and altered abundance of cancer markers in CRLM, demonstrating the importance of population‐specific abundance data in PBPK models for cancer.
Association of prior local therapy and outcomes with programmed‐death ligand‐1 inhibitors in advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Makrakis Dimitrios , Talukder Rafee , Diamantopoulos Leonidas N. , Carril‐Ajuria Lucia , Castellano Daniel , De Kouchkovsky Ivan , Koshkin Vadim S. , Park Joseph J. , Alva Ajjai , Bilen Mehmet A. , Stewart Tyler F. , McKay Rana R. , Santos Victor S. , Agarwal Neeraj , Jain Jayanshu , Zakharia Yousef , Morales‐Barrera Rafael , Devitt Michael E. , Grant Michael , Lythgoe Mark P. , Pinato David J. , Nelson Ariel , Hoimes Christopher J. , Shreck Evan , Gartrell Benjamin A. , Sankin Alex , Tripathi Abhishek , Zakopoulou Roubini , Bamias Aristotelis , Murgic Jure , Fröbe Ana , Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Drakaki Alexandra , Liu Sandy , Kumar Vivek , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Joshi Monika , Isaacsson‐Velho Pedro , Buznego Lucia Alonso , Duran Ignacio , Moses Marcus , Barata Pedro , Sonpavde Guru , Yu Evan Y. , Wright Jonathan L. , Grivas Petros , Khaki Ali Raza
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To compare clinical outcomes with programmed‐death ligand‐1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) who have vs have not undergone radical surgery (RS) or radiation therapy (RT) prior to developing metastatic disease.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study collecting clinicopathological, treatment and outcomes data for patients with aUC receiving ICIs across 25 institutions. We compared outcomes (observed response rate [ORR], progression‐free survival [PFS], overall survival [OS]) between patients with vs without prior RS, and by type of prior locoregional treatment (RS vs RT vs no locoregional treatment). Patients with de novo advanced disease were excluded. Analysis was stratified by treatment line (first‐line and second‐line or greater [second‐plus line]). Logistic regression was used to compare ORR, while Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression were used for PFS and OS. Multivariable models were adjusted for known prognostic factors.

Results

We included 562 patients (first‐line: 342 and second‐plus line: 220). There was no difference in outcomes based on prior locoregional treatment among those treated with first‐line ICIs. In the second‐plus‐line setting, prior RS was associated with higher ORR (adjusted odds ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.19–5.74]), longer OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88) and PFS (aHR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45–0.89) vs no prior RS. This association remained significant when type of prior locoregional treatment (RS and RT) was modelled separately.

Conclusion

Prior RS before developing advanced disease was associated with better outcomes in patients with aUC treated with ICIs in the second‐plus‐line but not in the first‐line setting. While further validation is needed, our findings could have implications for prognostic estimates in clinical discussions and benchmarking for clinical trials. Limitations include the study’s retrospective nature, lack of randomization, and possible selection and confounding biases.
Serum testosterone and oestradiol predict the growth response during puberty promoting treatment
Authors: Huttunen Heta , Varimo Tero , Huopio Hanna , Voutilainen Raimo , Tenhola Sirpa , Miettinen Päivi J. , Raivio Taneli , Hero Matti
Published: October 2021

Objective

The influence of androgens and oestrogens on growth is complex, and understanding their relative roles is important for optimising the treatment of children with various disorders of growth and puberty.

Design

We examined the proportional roles of androgens and oestrogens in the regulation of pubertal growth in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). The study compared 6‐month low‐dose intramuscular testosterone treatment (1 mg/kg/month; n = 14) with per oral letrozole treatment (2.5 mg/day; n = 14) which inhibits conversion of androgens to oestrogen.

Patients

Boys with CDGP were recruited to a randomized, controlled, open‐label trial between 2013 and 2017 (NCT01797718).

Measurements

The patients were evaluated at 0‐, 3‐ and 6‐month visits, and morning blood samples were drawn. Linear regression models were used for data analyses.

Results

In the testosterone group (T‐group), serum testosterone concentration correlated with serum oestradiol concentration at the beginning of the study and at 3 months, whereas in the letrozole group (Lz‐group) these sex steroids correlated only at baseline. Association between serum testosterone level and growth velocity differed between the T and Lz groups, as each nmol/L increase in serum testosterone increased growth velocity 2.7 times more in the former group. Serum testosterone was the best predictor of growth velocity in both treatment groups. In the Lz‐group, adding serum oestradiol to the model significantly improved the growth estimate. Only the boys with serum oestradiol above 10 pmol/L had a growth velocity above 8 cm/year.

Conclusions

During puberty promoting treatment with testosterone or aromatase inhibitor letrozole, growth response is tightly correlated with serum testosterone level. A threshold level of oestrogen appears to be needed for an optimal growth rate that corresponds to normal male peak height velocity of puberty. Serum testosterone 1 week after the injection and serum testosterone and oestradiol 3 months after the onset of aromatase inhibitor treatment can be used as biomarkers for treatment response in terms of growth.
The association between joint physical custody and children’s mental health. Do children’s experiences of parental loyalty conflicts moderate the relationship?
Authors: Augustijn Lara
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the association between joint physical custody (JPC), parental loyalty conflict (PLC) behaviours and children's mental health in a sample of 284 children aged 11 to 14 from the FAMOD survey. The results of the linear regression models indicated that children in JPC families had better mental health than children in sole physical custody families, and that PLC behaviours negatively affected children's mental health. Furthermore, children's experiences of PLC behaviours moderated the association between JPC and their mental health, with high levels of PLC behaviours leading to a noticeable decline in the mental health of children in JPC families.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism in chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review
Authors: Antonino Maniaci , Nicolò Musso , Jerome Renee Lechien , Federico Merlino , Chiara Viglianisi , Stefano Stracquadanio , Maria Santagati , Salvatore Cocuzza , Antonio Bonanno , Calvo‐Henriquez Christian , Stefania Stefani , La Mantia Ignazio
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We performed a systematic review on single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and risk‐related chronic rhinosinusitis.

Design and Setting

A comprehensive review of the last 20 years’ English language literature regarding chronic rhinosinusitis and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms was performed. We included in the synthesis all the papers reporting gene variation implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and polyps.

Results

We found 12 papers with 9127 patients, of which 2739 CRS cases and 6388 controls. The major comorbidities reported related to chronic rhinosinusitis were atopy in 4555 (49.9%), asthma in 4594 (50.33%), Samter Triad in 448 (4.9%) and eosinophilia in 391 subjects (4.28%).

Conclusion

Our systematic review revealed the major SNPs significantly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis and the specific pathways involved. Given the presence of different extraction methods and samples sequencing, further studies with larger courts are necessary to identify significative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms.
Do pretransplant C‐peptide levels predict outcomes following simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation? A matched case‐control study
Authors: Gurram Venkat , Gurung Komal , Rogers Jeffrey , Farney Alan C. , Orlando Giuseppe , Jay Colleen , Reeves‐Daniel Amber , Mena‐Gutierrez Alejandra , Sakhovskaya Natalia , Doares William , Kaczmorski Scott , Sharda Berjesh , Gautreaux Michael D. , Stratta Robert J.
Published: October 2021

Following simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation (SPKT), survival outcomes are reported as equivalent in patients with detectable pretransplant C‐peptide levels (Cp+) and a “type 2″ diabetes mellitus (DM) phenotype compared to type 1 (Cp negative [Cp‐]) DM. We retrospectively compared 46 Cp+ patients pretransplant (≥2.0 ng/mL, mean 5.4 ng/mL) to 46 Cp‐ (level < 0.5 ng/mL) case controls matched for recipient age, gender, race, and transplant date. Early outcomes were comparable. Actual 5‐year patient survival (91% versus 94%), kidney graft survival (69% versus 86%, p = .15), and pancreas graft survival (60% versus 86%, p = .03) rates were lower in Cp+ versus Cp‐ patients, respectively. The Cp+ group had more pancreas graft failures due to insulin resistance (13% Cp+ versus 0% Cp‐, p = .026) or rejection (17% Cp+ versus 6.5% Cp‐, p = .2). Post‐transplant weight gain > 5 kg occurred in 72% of Cp+ versus 26% of Cp‐ patients (p = .0001). In patients with functioning grafts, mean one‐year post‐transplant HbA1c levels (5.0 Cp+ versus 5.2% Cp‐) were comparable, whereas Cp levels were higher in Cp+ patients (5.0 Cp+ versus 2.6 ng/mL Cp‐). In this matched case‐control study, outcomes were inferior in Cp+ compared to Cp‐ patients following SPKT, with post‐transplant weight gain, insulin resistance, and rejection as potential mitigating factors.
Biodiversity alleviates the decrease of grassland multifunctionality under grazing disturbance: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ruiyang , Tian Dashuan , Chen Han Y. H. , Seabloom Eric W. , Han Guodong , Wang Shaopeng , Yu Guirui , Li Zhaolei , Niu Shuli
Published: October 2021

Aim

Biodiversity drives the delivery of multiple ecosystem functions related to carbon and nutrient cycling (ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF), and biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are strongly threatened by intensive grazing in grasslands. However, it remains unclear how biodiversity regulates EMF changes in response to intensive grazing.

Location

Global.

Time period

From 1992 to 2018.

Major taxa studied

Grassland.

Methods

Here, we conducted a global synthesis using 373 paired observations from 90 published studies to address the responses of plant diversity, EMF and their relationships to grazing disturbance depending on grazing intensity, livestock type, grazing duration, and climatic aridity.

Results

Our results showed that EMF significantly decreased with increasing grazing intensity, but the negative EMF response was alleviated at high levels of plant diversity. The grazing‐induced changes in EMF increased linearly with the changes in plant diversity, with the slopes increasing by 78.9% from light to heavy grazing. In addition, the grazing‐induced decrease of EMF was stronger with longer grazing duration and more arid climates. Structural equation models suggested that grazing intensity reduced EMF largely via decreasing plant diversity, whereas upsizing livestock type promoted EMF by increasing plant diversity.

Main conclusions

This study highlights the key role of biodiversity in mediating EMF in response to intensifying grazing disturbance. We call for conservation of biodiversity to maintain grassland multifunctionality and services.
A multifactorial approach to achievement motivation: The development of a comprehensive measure
Authors: Cassidy Tony , Lynn Richard
Published: October 2021

Achievement motivation (nAch) has been suggested by a number of researchers to be based on a number of underlying factors. Yet no one scale has been developed that incorporates all the factors suggested. This research set out to develop such a scale for research usage. Over three studies, a 49‐item scale was produced which measures seven factors. These are Work Ethic (WE), Acquisitiveness (for money) (Acq), Dominance (Dom), Excellence (the pursuit of) (Exc), Competitiveness (Com), Status Aspiration (SA) and Mastery (Mast). Some data on the internal reliability and validity of the scales are included, and some implications of a multifactorial approach to nAch are briefly discussed.
Right ventricular outflow tract electroanatomical abnormalities in asymptomatic and high‐risk symptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome: Evidence for a new risk stratification tool?
Authors: Letsas Konstantinos P. , Vlachos Konstantinos , Conte Giulio , Efremidis Michael , Nakashima Takashi , Duchateau Josselin , Bazoukis George , Frontera Antonio , Mililis Panagiotis , Tse Gary , Cheniti Ghassen , Takigawa Masateru , Pambrun Thomas , Prappa Efstathia , Sacher Frederic , Derval Nicolas , Sideris Antonios , Auricchio Angelo , Jais Pierre , Haissaguerre Michel , Hocini Meleze
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Microstructural abnormalities at the epicardium of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) may provide the arrhythmia substrate in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Endocardial unipolar electroanatomical mapping allows the identification of epicardial abnormalities. We evaluated the clinical implications of an abnormal endocardial substrate as perceived by high‐density electroanatomical mapping (HDEAM) in patients with BrS.

Methods

Fourteen high‐risk BrS patients with aborted sudden cardiac death (SCD) (12 males, mean age: 41.9 ± 11.8 years) underwent combined endocardial‐epicardial HDEAM of the right ventricle/RVOT, while 40 asymptomatic patients (33 males, mean age: 42 ± 10.7 years) underwent endocardial HDEAM. Based on combined endocardial‐epicardial procedures, endocardial HDEAM was considered abnormal in the presence of low voltage areas (LVAs) more than 1 cm2 with bipolar signals less than 1 mV and unipolar signals less than 5.3 mV. Programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) was performed in all patients.

Results

The endocardial unipolar LVAs were colocalized with epicardial bipolar LVAs (p = .0027). Patients with aborted SCD exhibited significantly wider endocardial unipolar (p < .01) and bipolar LVAs (p < .01) compared with asymptomatic individuals. A substrate size of unipolar LVAs more than 14.5 cm2 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.92, p < .001] and bipolar LVAs more than 3.68 cm2 (AUC: 0.82, p = .001) distinguished symptomatic from asymptomatic patients. Patients with ventricular fibrillation inducibility (23/54) demonstrated broader endocardial unipolar (p < .001) and bipolar LVAs (p < .001) than noninducible patients. The presence of unipolar LVAs more than 13.5 cm2 (AUC: 0.95, p < .001) and bipolar LVAs more than 2.97 cm2 (AUC: 0.78, p < .001) predicted a positive PVS.

Conclusion

Extensive endocardial electroanatomical abnormalities identify high‐risk patients with BrS. Endocardial HDEAM may allow risk stratification of asymptomatic patients referred for PVS.
Safety and efficacy of microneedling technology in the treatment of acne scars
Authors: Casabona Gabriela , Alfertshofer Michael G. , Kaye Kai O , Frank Konstantin , Mercado‐Perez Arnaldo , Hargiss John B. , Green Jeremy B. , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Background

Current options for the reduction of acne scarring (eg, ablative laser resurfacing) are associated with considerable side effects and limitations in terms of patient population. Percutaneous collagen induction via microneedling poses an alternative treatment method due to its low rates of reported adverse events and side effects.

Objective

To assess the safety and effectiveness of microneedling treatments in reducing acne scars.

Methods

A total of 22 patients (18 females and 4 males) with a mean age of 38 ± 7.6 years were assessed regarding the appearance of facial acne scarring. Acne scars were assessed via the Acne Scar Assessment Scale (ASAS) and the Goodman and Baron acne scar grading scale before and after two/three treatments. Additionally, the post‐interventional development of side reactions, adverse events, and patient‐reported outcomes (eg, pain/discomfort, skin redness) was reported.

Results

Compared to baseline, the mean ASAS value was improved statistically significantly on average by 1.41 and 1.46 after the second treatment as assessed by the independent raters and the patients, respectively. In patients who received a total of three treatments, a statistically significant mean improvement in ASAS value of 1.35 and 1.66 compared to baseline was assessed by the independent raters and patients, respectively. No unexpected adverse events were reported. The severity and rate of side reactions decreased over the course of this study.

Conclusion

Microneedling treatments can pose a safe and effective option in the reduction of acne scarring. In this study, microneedling helped achieving a significant reduction of acne scars while showing high patient safety.
Moral rationalism on the brain
Authors: May Joshua
Published: October 2021

I draw on neurobiological evidence to defend the rationalist thesis that moral judgments are essentially dependent on reasoning, not emotions (conceived as distinct from inference). The neuroscience reveals that moral cognition arises from domain‐general capacities in the brain for inferring, in particular, the consequences of an agent's action, the agent's intent, and the rules or norms relevant to the context. Although these capacities entangle inference and affect, blurring the reason/emotion dichotomy does not preferentially support sentimentalism. The argument requires careful consideration of the empirical evidence (from neuroimaging to psychopathology) and philosophical analysis of the commitments of rationalism versus sentimentalism in ethics.
Encountering Shakespeare in avant‐garde Kun opera
Authors: He Chengzhou
Published: October 2021

In commemoration of the quater‐centenary of William Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu in 2016,A Shakespearean Handan Dream, a Sino‐British theatrical co‐production, was staged in London, with Ke Jun and Leon Rubin as co‐directors. The play contains four acts of Tang’sHandan Meng(The Handan Dream), into which 12 Shakespearean episodes are inserted. Instead of merely representing cultural differences, the play is seen as an active performance event to shape the cross‐cultural aesthetic experiences of the audiences and their cosmopolitan visions. As an avant‐garde experiment, the play features a specific kind of “new interculturalism” in world theater, which challenges the existing modes of interpretation of intercultural theater. With reference to new developments in intercultural performance theory, this essay is concerned with the singularity of the intercultural performance, its social and political significance, and its contemporary relevance.
Application of Suspension Fixation with Button Plates for Patients with Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation: A Case Series
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Xu Shuchai , Huang Zexin , Lv Yang , Chen Bojian , Lin Xiaodong , Liu Jun , Sang Lili
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of suspension fixation with button plates on the reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint dislocation (DRUJ).

Methods

This was a case series of six patients (two men and four women) who underwent suspension fixation with button plates for DRUJ dislocation between January 2015 and May 2017. Physical examination, radiography, MRI, functional activity of the wrist joint, grip strength of the wrist joint, Garland–Werley wrist score, Mayo wrist score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the effect of this procedure. All patients were followed up every 3 months. The evaluation time point was 12 months after the operation. Comparisons of the functional indexes of wrist function before and after the operation were performed using paired statistical tests.

Results

The mean range of motion of the affected limb was 70° at forearm pronation and 75° at forearm supination. The subjective assessments and tests of the motor function of the wrist showed improvement after surgery. The Garland–Werley wrist score was 13.50 ± 2.66 preoperatively, the Mayo wrist score was 56.67 ± 18.35, and the VAS score was 4.83 ± 1.17. The Garland–Werley wrist score was 2.83 ± 1.33 postoperatively at 12 months, the Mayo wrist score was 87.5 ± 6.89, and the VAS score was 0.50 ± 0.55. At 12 months, the Garland–Werley wrist score, the Mayo wrist score, and the VAS score showed significant improvements when compared with those before surgery (P = 0.000, P = 0.003, and P = 0.000, respectively). Radiographic examination revealed that the internal fixation device was in place, and no dislocation of the DRUJ could be observed. None of the patients had internal fixation device removal or re‐dislocation of the DRUJ. None of the patients had re‐dislocation of the DRUJ. No secondary ulnar or radial fractures and nerve injury were reported during and after surgery. No tumor recurrence was observed in patients with giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath. No loosening and displacement of screws were reported.

Conclusion

The new method of suspension fixation with button plates for the surgical reconstruction of a DRUJ dislocation is simple, with minimal trauma, and maintains the stability of the DRUJ without the need for intra‐articular or extra‐articular reconstruction of the ligament. Furthermore, it allows early functional exercise and achieves satisfactory postoperative functional recovery.
Comparison of Arthroscopic Debridement and Repair in the Treatment of Ellman Grade II Bursal‐side Partial‐thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Teng , Ren Zhongkai , Zhang Yi , Zhao Xia , Liu Xiaomeng , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yingze
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the effects of arthroscopic debridement and repair in treating Ellman grade II bursal‐side partial‐thickness rotator cuff tears.

Methods

This is a single‐center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. From September 2017 to April 2019, 78 patients underwent arthroscopic debridement (35 patients) or repair (43 patients) due to Ellman grade II bursal‐side partial‐thickness rotator cuff tears. Twenty‐six men and 52 women were included in the study, with an average age of 56.31 years (range, 42 to 74 years). After the acromioplasty was formed, the debridement group only performed stump refreshing and surrounding soft tissue cleaning, while the repair group converted the partial tears into full‐thickness tears and then sutured them by single row or suture bridge technique. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant‐Murley shoulder (CMS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were used to evaluate clinical results preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the integrity of the rotator cuff, muscle atrophy, and fat infiltration.

Results

A total of 85 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into the debridement group (41 patients) and the repair group (43 patients). During the 18‐month follow‐up period, a total of seven patients were lost to follow‐up. The functional scores of both groups were significantly improved: the VAS score decreased 5.06 and 4.63 in the debridement group (5.77 preoperative to 0.71 postoperative) and the repair group (5.49 to 0.86) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the CMS, ASES, UCLA scores increased 51.63, 58.24, 20.57 in debridement group (39.46 to 91.09, 34.14 to 92.38, 13.29 to 33.86), and increased 48.14, 60.53, 20.93 in repair group (43.63 to 91.77, 33.10 to 93.63, 12.58 to 33.51) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in functional scores between the two groups at 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The magnetic resonance imaging showed no re‐tears, and no difference was observed in the degree of muscle atrophy and fat infiltration between the two groups (P > 0.05). Except for four cases of shoulder stiffness, no other obvious surgery‐related complications were found.

Conclusion

For Ellman grade II bursal‐side partial‐thickness rotator cuff tears, both the debridement and repair groups achieved good results during 18‐month follow‐ups, with no difference between the two groups.
Donation‐induced iron depletion is significantly associated with low hemoglobin at subsequent donations
Authors: Prinsze Femmeke J , de Groot Rosa , Timmer Tiffany C. , Zalpuri Saurabh , van den Hurk Katja
Published: October 2021

Background

Blood donation is associated with a loss of hemoglobin (Hb)‐bound iron. Hb levels recover relatively fast by using stored iron. However, it takes more time to replenish iron stores, potentially resulting in iron deficiency.

Study design

Hb and ferritin levels were measured in 5056 new, first‐time, and repeat whole blood donors. We investigated whether increasing numbers of donations are associated with lower ferritin levels. Furthermore, we tested whether low ferritin levels are associated with low‐Hb deferral at the subsequent donation attempt by performing logistic regression adjusted for age and stratified by sex.

Results

Whereas mean Hb levels are relatively stable, ferritin levels significantly decrease with increasing numbers of donations and were approximately 50% lower for donors with >50 donations compared with those with 2–10 donations. Despite the poor correlation of ferritin and Hb levels, cross‐sectional, iron‐deficient donors (ferritin <15 ng/ml) had 21.8 (8.5–55.6) higher odds in men, 10.1 (6.1–16.5) in premenopausal women, and 11.7 (5.2–26.4) in postmenopausal women for Hb deferral at a subsequent visit.

Discussion

To conclude, repeated donations may induce iron deficiency, which corresponds with an over tenfold increased risk of having insufficiently restored Hb levels at a subsequent donation attempt. Longer donation intervals and/or higher dietary or supplemental iron intake are warranted to prevent accumulated iron depletion and subsequent low‐Hb deferral in whole blood donors.
The Riddle of Atmospheric Oxygen: Photosynthesis or Photolysis?
Authors: Davankov V. A.
Published: October 2021

The stoichiometry of the photosynthetic reaction requires that the quantities of the end products (organic biomaterial and free oxygen) be equal. However, the correct balance of the amounts of oxygen and organic matter that could have been produced by green plants on the land and in the ocean since the emergence of unique oxygenic photosynthetic systems (no more than 2.7 billion years ago) is virtually impossible, since the vast majority of oxygen was lost in oxidizing the initially reducing matter of the planet, and the bulk of organic carbon is scattered in sedimentary rocks. In recent decades, convincing information has been obtained in favor of the large-scale photolysis of water molecules in the upper atmosphere with the scattering of light hydrogen into space and the retention of heavier oxygen by gravity. This process has been operating continuously since the formation of the Earth. It is accompanied by huge losses of water and the oxidation of salts of ferrous iron and sulfide sulfur in the oceans and methane in the atmosphere. The main stages of the evolution of the atmosphere and surface layers of the Earth’s crust are analyzed for the first time in this work by considering the parallel processes of photosynthesis and photolysis. Large-scale photolysis of water also provides consistent explanations for the main stages in the evolution of the nearest planets of our Solar System.
Dust Concentration Changing Regularities and Dust Reduction Technology by Spray Negative Pressure in Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Wu Lirong , Chen Hongxuan , Li Jiamin , Fu Shican , Zhuang Yuyan
Published: October 2021

The dust concentration changing regularities are the basis to take dust depression measures, which is greatly influenced by the airflow. In the software of FLUENT, the value of ventilation velocity is set as a constant, which cannot express the real ventilation. According to the flow characteristics of the sublayer and data from Nicholas’ experiment, the ventilation velocity distribution formula of sublayer in the inlet section of fully mechanized caving coal face is deduced. The boundary condition of velocity is given by UDF. Taking the 3top1110 fully mechanized caving coal face as an example, the dust distribution in the process of coal mining and hydraulic support shifting was studied. According to the dust-spray coupling experiment, three types of nozzle are chosen based on the efficiency of dust suppression. Combining the dust migration rule and the characteristics of nozzles, the negative pressure-secondary dust suppression devices of spray were developed and applied. And the above measures have lowered the dust concentration effectively.
Degradation of Strength and Stiffness of Sandstones Caused by Wetting-Drying Cycles: The Role of Mineral Composition
Authors: Chen Lu , Rui Yichao , Zhao Yihan
Published: October 2021

Rock mechanical parameters are of great importance for the construction and design of rock engineering. Rocks are usually subjected to the deteriorating effect of cyclic wetting-drying because of the change in moisture content. The main objective of this study is to reveal the degradation effects of wetting-drying cycles on strength and modulus on varying rocks. Three kinds of sandstones with different mineral constituents are selected for testing. Artificial treatments of cyclic wetting-drying are conducted on respective specimens of the three sandstones (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 cycles) to simulate the damage of rocks exposed to natural weathering. Uniaxial compressive tests are carried out on sandstone specimens to obtain their strength and modulus. Test results show that, for the tested sandstones, both of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and modulus are reduced as the cyclic number rises. In the first ten cycles, the losses of UCS and modulus are very significant. Subsequently the changes of UCS and modulus become much more placid against cyclic number. When the cyclic number is the same, the loss percentages of rock mechanical properties of the three sandstones are very different which mainly depends on the contents of expandable and soluble minerals.