bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of unipolar voltage criteria for left atrial posterior wall on atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Watanabe Tomonori , Watanabe Hiroaki , Hachiya Hitoshi , Sato Masafumi , Mitama Tadayuki , Okuyama Takafumi , Yokota Ayako , Kamioka Masashi , Komori Takahiro , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Imai Yasushi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), additional therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been established. Remodeling of the left atrium (LA) could impact AF recurrence post‐PVI. We investigated the impact of unipolar voltage (UV) criteria for the LA posterior wall (LA‐PW) on AF recurrence post‐PVI.

Methods

We reviewed the cases of 106 AF patients (mean age 63.8 years, nonparoxysmal AF: 59%) who underwent extensive encircling PVI by radiofrequency ablation guided by a 3‐dimension mapping system, investigating the impact on AF recurrence of the UV criteria of the LA.

Results

Out of all patients, 26 patients had AF recurrence during post‐PVI follow‐up [median 603 days]. They showed a higher percentage of nonparoxysmal AF (80.8 vs. 52.5%, p = .011), longer AF duration (2.9 ± 2.7 vs. 1.0 ± 1.7 years, p = .002), and larger area size of UV < 2.0 mV in LA‐PW (2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 1.0 ± 1.5 cm2, p < .001) than those without recurrence. Cox Hazard analysis for AF recurrence adjusted by age, gender, AF duration, body mass index and left atrial volume index revealed that an area size over 2.0 cm2 of UV < 2.0 mV in LA‐PW (HR 6.9 [95% CI:1.3–35.5], p = .021) posed independent risks for AF recurrence post‐PVI. The atrial arrhythmia‐free survival rate was higher in those with no area of UV < 3.0 mV in LA‐PW compared to those with a sizable area (>2.0 cm2) of UV < 3.0 mV and <2.0 mV (95.0% vs. 74.2% vs. 57.1%, Log‐Rank: p < .001). In the AF etiology of patients with AF recurrence, 9 of 14 patients who underwent the 2nd procedure had no PV reconnection, and 8 patients required the LA‐PW isolation for their non‐PV AF.

Conclusion

UV criteria of LA‐PW is a useful parameter for AF‐recurrence post‐PVI. Lower UV in LA‐PW as an indication of electrical remodeling could indicate a higher risk of AF recurrence and the need for further therapeutic strategies.
Relationship between amiodarone response prior to ablation and 1‐year outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yadav Ritu , Brilliant Justin , Akhtar Tauseef , Milstein Jenna , Sampognaro James R. , Marine Joseph , Berger Ronald , Calkins Hugh , Spragg David
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common therapeutic strategy for patients with either paroxysmal AF (PAF) or persistent AF (persAF), but long‐term ablation success rates are imperfect. Maintenance of sinus rhythm immediately before ablation with antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy has been associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing ablation. Amiodarone has superior efficacy relative to other AADs. Whether failure of amiodarone to maintain sinus rhythm before ablation for either PAF or persAF is associated with poor outcomes is unknown.

Methods

A total of 307 patients who received amiodarone in a 1‐year window before undergoing catheter ablation for AF were included. Patients were divided into amiodarone success (n = 183) and amiodarone failure (n = 124) groups based on the response to pre‐ablation amiodarone treatment. Analysis of procedural outcomes as a function of response to amiodarone therapy was performed. Patients were followed for at least 12 months postablation, to assess outcomes (adverse events and arrhythmia recurrence). Procedural success was defined by the absence of documented arrhythmia (>30 s) without any antiarrhythmic agents beyond a 90‐day blanking period.

Results

Following ablation for either PAF or persAF, freedom from any recurrent atrial arrhythmia at 1 year was 57.7% for the entire cohort. One‐year freedom from recurrent arrhythmia in the amiodarone success group was comparable to that in the amiodarone failure group (55.7% vs. 60.5%; p = .54). Success rates following ablation did not vary by the response to amiodarone when analyzed for PAF or persAF subgroups.

Conclusion

Failure to restore and maintain sinus rhythm with amiodarone before ablation for either PAF or persAF is not a predictor of ablation procedural failure. Amiodarone failure alone should not deter practitioners from considering ablation therapy for patients with AF.
Effect of scar and His–Purkinje and myocardium conduction on response to conduction system pacing
Authors: Strocchi Marina , Gillette Karli , Neic Aurel , Elliott Mark K. , Wijesuriya Nadeev , Mehta Vishal , Vigmond Edward J. , Plank Gernot , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Niederer Steven A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Conduction system pacing (CSP), in the form of His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), is emerging as a valuable cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivery method. However, patient selection and therapy personalization for CSP delivery remain poorly characterized. We aim to compare pacing‐induced electrical synchrony during CRT, HBP, LBBP, HBP with left ventricular (LV) epicardial lead (His‐optimized CRT [HOT‐CRT]), and LBBP with LV epicardial lead (LBBP‐optimized CRT [LOT‐CRT]) in patients with different conduction disease presentations using computational modeling.

Methods

We simulated ventricular activation on 24 four‐chamber heart geometries, including His–Purkinje systems with proximal left bundle branch block (LBBB). We simulated septal scar, LV lateral wall scar, and mild and severe myocardium and LV His–Purkinje system conduction disease by decreasing the conduction velocity (CV) down to 70% and 35% of the healthy CV. Electrical synchrony was measured by the shortest interval to activate 90% of the ventricles (90% of biventricular activation time [BIVAT‐90]).

Results

Severe LV His–Purkinje conduction disease favored CRT (BIVAT‐90: HBP 101.5 ± 7.8 ms vs. CRT 93.0 ± 8.9 ms, p < .05), with additional electrical synchrony induced by HOT‐CRT (87.6 ± 6.7 ms, p < .05) and LOT‐CRT (73.9 ± 7.6 ms, p < .05). Patients with slow myocardium CV benefit more from CSP compared to CRT (BIVAT‐90: CRT 134.5 ± 24.1 ms; HBP 97.1 ± 9.9 ms, p < .01; LBBP: 101.5 ± 10.7 ms, p < .01). Septal but not lateral wall scar made CSP ineffective, while CRT was able to resynchronize the ventricles in the presence of septal scar (BIVAT‐90: baseline 119.1 ± 10.8 ms vs. CRT 85.1 ± 14.9 ms, p < .01).

Conclusion

Severe LV His–Purkinje conduction disease attenuates the benefits of CSP, with additional improvements achieved with HOT‐CRT and LOT‐CRT. Septal but not lateral wall scars make CSP ineffective.
The MAX2‐KAI2 module promotes salicylic acid‐mediated immune responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zheng Xiujuan , Liu Fangqian , Yang Xianfeng , Li Weiqiang , Chen Sique , Yue Xinwu , Jia Qi , Sun Xinli
Published: February 2023

Arabidopsis MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2) is a key component in the strigolactone (SL) and karrikin (KAR) signaling pathways and regulates the degradation of SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1/SMAX1‐like (SMAX1/SMXL) proteins, which are transcriptional co‐repressors that regulate plant architecture, as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses. The max2 mutation reduces resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). To uncover the mechanism of MAX2‐mediated resistance, we evaluated the resistance of various SL and KAR signaling pathway mutants. The resistance of SL‐deficient mutants and of dwarf 14 (d14) was similar to that of the wild‐type, whereas the resistance of the karrikin insensitive 2 (kai2) mutant was compromised, demonstrating that the KAR signaling pathway, not the SL signaling pathway, positively regulates the immune response. We measured the resistance of smax1 and smxl mutants, as well as the double, triple, and quadruple mutants with max2, which revealed that both the smax1 mutant and smxl6/7/8 triple mutant rescue the low resistance phenotype of max2 and that SMAX1 accumulation diminishes resistance. The susceptibility of smax1D, containing a degradation‐insensitive form of SMAX1, further confirmed the SMAX1 function in the resistance. The relationship between the accumulation of SMAX1/SMXLs and disease resistance suggested that the inhibitory activity of SMAX1 to resistance requires SMXL6/7/8. Moreover, the exogenous application of KAR2 enhanced resistance against Pst, but KAR‐induced resistance depended on salicylic acid (SA) signaling. Inhibition of karrikin signaling delayed SA‐mediated defense responses and inhibited pathogen‐induced protein biosynthesis. Together, we propose that the MAX2–KAI2–SMAX1 complex regulates resistance with the assistance of SMXL6/7/8 and SA signaling and that SMAX1/SMXLs possibly form a multimeric complex with their target transcription factors to fine tune immune responses.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Diagnostic problems in clinical practice in Serbia
Authors: Basta Ivana , Delic Neda , Gunjic Ilija , Arsenijevic Zdraljevic Mirjana , Kacar Aleksandra , Bozovic Ivo , Peric Stojan
Published: February 2023

Making diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is challenging since it can mimic a multitude of disorders, and is misdiagnosed in at least 50% of cases. We sought to determine the frequency of CIDP misdiagnosis in clinical practice in Serbia, to uncover CIDP mimics, and to identify factors that may aid in CIDP diagnosis. Our longitudinal retrospective cohort study included 86 eligible adult patients referred to the Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, with a diagnosis of CIDP. We also included 15 patients referred to us with different diagnoses that ended up having CIDP as their final diagnosis. Exactly half of patients referred as CIDP failed to meet the established diagnostic criteria (non‐CIDP) and were given an alternative diagnosis at the first hospitalization. At the 1‐year follow‐up, the diagnosis was further revised in four subjects. Confirmed CIDP patients usually had their initial diagnosis based on the nerve conduction studies (NCS), a typical presentation with symmetrical involvement of all four limbs, as well as higher frequencies of elevated protein levels and albuminocytologic dissociation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CIDP patients also responded better to immune therapy. We found that 52% of the patients initially referred to our Clinic as CIDP were given other diagnoses after a 1‐year follow‐up. Out of all CIDP cases, 27% had been unrecognized prior to referral to our Center. Utilization of clear and objective indicators ‐ conclusive NCS, improvement on therapy, and elevated CSF proteins may provide greater certainty in diagnosing CIDP.
Model Secrecy and Stress Tests
Authors: LEITNER YARON , WILLIAMS BASIL
Published: February 2023

Should regulators reveal the models they use to stress‐test banks? In our setting, revealing leads to gaming, but secrecy can induce banks to underinvest in socially desirable assets for fear of failing the test. We show that although the regulator can solve this underinvestment problem by making the test easier, some disclosure may still be optimal (e.g., if banks have high appetite for risk or if capital shortfalls are not very costly). Cutoff rules are optimal within monotone disclosure rules, but more generally optimal disclosure is single‐peaked. We discuss policy implications and offer applications beyond stress tests.
Modeling the risk factors of women with very severe menopausal symptoms
Authors: Koçak Derya Yüksel , Beji Nezihe Kizilkaya
Published: February 2023

Aim

Individual differences and sociodemographic, gynecological, and cultural characteristics affect the severity of menopausal symptoms. This study aimed to reveal the severity of menopausal symptoms experienced by Turkish women and the risk factors that cause women to experience very severe menopausal symptoms.

Methods

This cross‐sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 435 women in menopause. The Personal Information Form and the Menopause Rating Scale were used to collect data. In logistic regression analysis, backward stepwise Wald binary logistic regression method was used. In the logistic regression analysis, there were 30 independent variables. The dependent variable was determined as the total MRS score.

Results

The mean score of the somatic symptoms sub‐dimension was 3.14 ± 2.12, the mean score of the psychological symptoms sub‐dimension was 10.11 ± 5.66, and the mean score of the urogenital symptoms sub‐dimension was 3.58 ± 2.90. The total mean score of the Menopause Rating Scale was 16.83 ± 9.31. Menopausal age between 44 and 50 years old (OR = 10.681), having a chronic illness (OR = 6.432), having more than 5 pregnancies (OR = 5.372), and spouse's primary school or below education level (OR = 4.02) increase the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Conclusion

It is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate the symptoms of women in the menopause period to provide them with psychological and social support and to help the spouse and family cooperate with women in menopause in compliance with the process.
Comparing the prognosis of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer between unexplained primary infertility patients with repeated artificial insemination with homologous semen failure and tubal infertility patients
Authors: Ma Wenhong , Zeng Zhonghong , Xie Jiayan , Wang Xi , Li Liuming , Yang Yihua
Published: February 2023

Background

Both in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (ICSI‐ET) have been recommended for unexplained primary infertility after recurrent artificial insemination with homologous semen failure (UAIHF), but few studies focused on the safety and efficiency of the IVF/ICSI‐ET technique for these patients. In this study, we compared the IVF/ICSI‐ET outcomes and perinatal and postnatal complications between UAIHF patients and tubal infertility (TI) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of UAIHF and TI patients who underwent IVF/ICSI‐ET at Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2012 to March 2021. After propensity score matching (PSM), we analyzed the IVF/ICSI‐ET outcomes and rates of perinatal and postnatal complications.

Results

PSM analysis revealed that the baselines of age, infertility duration, and body mass index were comparable. The fertilization method was significantly different between the two groups. Through IVF/ICSI‐ET, UAIHF patients had a similar clinical outcome compared to TI patients. Regarding perinatal and postnatal complications, the incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (7.54% vs. 3.17%,p = 0.030) was significantly higher in UAIHF patients.

Conclusions

UAIHF patients could achieve satisfying pregnancy outcomes by IVF/ICSI‐ET. ICSI‐ET did not seem to improve the clinical outcomes of UAIHF patients compared to those of TI patients who underwent IVF‐ET, which might be related to possible underlying diseases in these patients. In addition, the incidence of PROM was significantly higher in UAIHF patients, which might be related to the ICSI technique used and uncertain potential idiopathic diseases associated with unexplained infertility patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200057572. Registered 15 March 2022.
Predicting Big Five personality traits from smartphone data: A meta‐analysis on the potential of digital phenotyping
Authors: Marengo Davide , Elhai Jon D. , Montag Christian
Published: February 2023

Objective

Since the first study linking recorded smartphone variables to self‐reported personality in 2011, many additional studies have been published investigating this association. In the present meta‐analyses, we aimed to understand how strongly personality can be predicted via smartphone data.

Method

Meta‐analytical calculations were used to assess the association between smartphone data and Big Five traits. Because of the lack of independence of many included studies, analyses were performed using a multilevel approach.

Results

Based on data collected from 21 distinct studies, extraversion showed the largest association with the digital footprints derived from smartphone data (r = .35), while remaining traits showed smaller associations (ranging from 0.23 to 0.25). For all traits except neuroticism, moderator analyses showed that prediction performance was improved when multiple features were combined together in a single predictive model. Additionally, the strength of the prediction of extraversion was improved when call and text log data were used to perform the prediction, as opposed to other types of smartphone data

Conclusions

Our synthesis reveals small‐to‐moderate associations between smartphone activity data and Big Five traits. The opportunities, but also dangers of the digital phenotyping of personality traits based on traces of users' activity on a smartphone data are discussed.
Effect of feed enzymes and functional immunostimulants supplementation on growth performance and overall health of postlarvae and juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, fed soybean‐based diets
Authors: Chuchird Niti , Rairat Tirawat , Keetanon Arunothai , Seguin Daranee , Chotikachinda Rutchanee , Manomaitis Lukas , Kanjanamayoon Chuchai
Published: February 2023

Soybean meal (SBM) is widely used in shrimp feed agro‐industry as a fish meal (FM) replacement. However, high levels of SBM may compromise animal health as a result of nutrient imbalance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feed enzyme combination (a mixture of 6‐phytase, serine protease, and endo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase) and functional immunostimulant combination (a mixture of brewer's yeast, nucleotides, vitamin C, and vitamin E) in improving the overall health of Pacific white shrimp fed soybean‐based diet. Four diets were formulated with different amounts of SBM, FM, and poultry meal (PM): 0% SBM (with 25% FM and 12.6% PM), 30% SBM (with 12.5% FM and 5.7% PM), 30% SBM plus 0.045% feed enzymes, and 30% SBM plus 0.1% functional immunostimulants. The postlarvae were fed the test diets for 45 days. Then, the body weight, survival, FCR, Vibrio spp. count, and immune responses were analyzed. The resistance of shrimp to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection was also evaluated. The results suggest that the diet with 30% SBM was deleterious to the shrimp's health. Feed enzymes and functional immunostimulant supplements improved overall performance, immune function, and resistance to V. parahaemolyticus infection of shrimp fed the diet containing 30% SBM compared with the 30% SBM diet without feed supplements.
Foreign passive ownership and tariff‐induced free technology transfer under vertical integration
Authors: Zhang Chuyuan , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: February 2023

This study constructs a vertical structure model in which a foreign firm holds upstream partial passive ownership and examines tariff‐induced free technology transfer from the firm to its downstream rival. We show that a strategic tariff can induce technology transfer when the share of foreign ownership is large, which always yields higher welfare under both vertical separation and integration, while vertical integration can better induce technology transfer. We also consider an extensive analysis with some variations, such as upstream or downstream competition, downstream passive ownership, government commitments to no‐tariff policies, and foreign firm commitments to no‐licensing strategies, and discuss policy implications regarding the pro‐competitive effect of foreign passive ownership when free technology transfer is involved.
Why have a bottle when you can have draught? Exploring bottle refusal by breastfed babies
Authors: Maxwell Clare , Fleming Valerie , Porcellato Lorna
Published: February 2023

Bottle refusal by breastfed babies is a scenario that has received surprisingly little attention in the literature, given the number of mothers who appear to be experiencing it globally and the subsequent negative impact it can have. In line with this, we undertook a study to explore mothers’ views on why their breastfed baby refuses to bottle feed. A parallel, two‐stage, exploratory qualitative design was employed using 30 semi‐structured interviews and 597 online forum posts. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis, and a biopsychosocial model was applied resulting in four overarching themes being identified: ‘Breastfeeding is the answer to everything….’ ‘Bottle feeding: an alien concept… ‘Babies are individuals’ and ‘Find the right bottle and don't delay’. The psychological benefits of breastfeeding, not inherent in bottle feeding, appeared to underpin some mothers’ views on their baby's refusal. Other mothers explained refusal as being down to a baby's biological expectation to be fed by the breast; therefore, bottle feeding was not a normal concept to them. A baby's individual personality and temperament were also suggested as contributing to the scenario and refusal was linked to babies disliking a certain brand of bottle and being introduced to it ‘too late’. This study's findings point to a complex, multifactorial picture underpinning bottle refusal by breastfed babies, which transcends physical, psychological and biological concepts, and is influenced by socio‐cultural norms surrounding infant feeding. Recognition of these contributing factors is needed to aid those supporting mothers experiencing the scenario and, importantly, to underpin mothers’ decision‐making around managing it.
Ecological network structure in response to community assembly processes over evolutionary time
Authors: Graham Natalie R. , Krehenwinkel Henrik , Lim Jun Ying , Staniczenko Phillip , Callaghan Jackson , Andersen Jeremy C. , Gruner Daniel S. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: February 2023

The dynamic structure of ecological communities results from interactions among taxa that change with shifts in species composition in space and time. However, our ability to study the interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes on community assembly remains relatively unexplored due to the difficulty of measuring community structure over long temporal scales. Here, we made use of a geological chronosequence across the Hawaiian Islands, representing 50 years to 4.15 million years of ecosystem development, to sample 11 communities of arthropods and their associated plant taxa using semiquantitative DNA metabarcoding. We then examined how ecological communities changed with community age by calculating quantitative network statistics for bipartite networks of arthropod–plant associations. The average number of interactions per species (linkage density), ratio of plant to arthropod species (vulnerability) and uniformity of energy flow (interaction evenness) increased significantly in concert with community age. The index of specialization has a curvilinear relationship with community age. Our analyses suggest that younger communities are characterized by fewer but stronger interactions, while biotic associations become more even and diverse as communities mature. These shifts in structure became especially prominent on East Maui (~0.5 million years old) and older volcanos, after enough time had elapsed for adaptation and specialization to act on populations in situ. Such natural progression of specialization during community assembly is probably impeded by the rapid infiltration of non‐native species, with special risk to younger or more recently disturbed communities that are composed of fewer specialized relationships.
Optical characterisation of two novel myopia control spectacle lenses
Authors: Gantes‐Nuñez Javier , Jaskulski Matt , López‐Gil Norberto , Kollbaum Pete S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To quantify the amount of myopic defocus, contrast modulation and other optical characteristics of two novel spectacle lenses (MiYOSMART by Hoya and Stellest by Essilor) with the inclusion of lenslets in their designs were investigated computationally and experimentally. This paper examined the hypothesis that despite the non‐coaxial nature of the optics, image degradation will exist due to the fragmented nature of the base optic when imaging through the lens regions populated by lenslets.

Methods

Optical power was evaluated by computing wavefront vergence and curvature from wavefront slope measured with the Optocraft aberrometer within 1.0 and 6.0 mm apertures across MiYOSMART hexagons and Stellest rings. Point‐spread functions (PSFs) were computed using physical (wave) optics and geometrical ray optics principles, and compared with experimental measurements using a 4f optical system. Simulated retinal images and modulation transfer functions (MTFs) were computed from PSF‐derived optical transfer functions (OTFs).

Results

Mean lenslet power in MiYOSMART was +3.95 ± 0.10 D through the hexagons and +6.00 ± 0.15 D in Stellest in rings 1–5 and decreased by 0.42 D/ring reaching 3.50 D in the final one. Stellest lenslets included up to −0.015 microns of primary spherical aberration. PSFs and retinal images revealed simultaneous contributions of the base optic and lenslets. MTFs showed a decrease in contrast at low (1–10 c/deg) spatial frequencies (SFs) comparable to 0.25 D of defocus, and retention of diminished levels of contrast at higher SFs.

Conclusions

Varying sagittal power and consistent curvature power across the lenslets is an identifying signature of the novel non‐coaxial lens design included in both spectacle lenses. Lenslet array structure itself plays a significant role in determining image characteristics. For both lenses, the blur created by the fragmented base optic contributes to the image quality. The reduced MTFs over a wide range of spatial frequencies result in lowered image contrast.
Specific virulence patterns in Tunisian Zymoseptoria tritici strains isolated from bread and durum wheat
Authors: Ben M’Barek Sarrah , Laribi Marwa , Abdedayem Wided , Fakhfakh Moez , Yahyaoui Amor Hassine
Published: February 2023

Septoria tritici blotch caused by Zymoseptoria tritici is a serious threat to wheat in Tunisia, causing yield losses of up to 50%. Epidemics occur regularly, mainly on durum wheat (DW) but also to a lesser extent on bread wheat (BW), that are mainly cropped in the north‐western and north‐eastern regions, respectively. Isolates of Z. tritici exhibit both cultivar specificity and host species specificity. In this study, we investigated the extent of host specialization of Z. tritici in the Tunisian context. Cross‐inoculations of different strains derived from either BW or DW were performed at the seedling stage on a panel of the most cultivated BW and DW varieties in Tunisia using the percentage of pycnidia coverage and necrotic leaf area as disease parameters. Results showed that the effect of strains, the strain‐derived species, the wheat species and of their interactions were highly significant based on pycnidia coverage. This indicates the presence of significant virulence variability among Z. tritici strains on the tested wheat genotypes, with some strains being more virulent than others. It also suggests cultivar and host species specificity, as not only genotypes of the strains interacted differently with the genotypes of the host, but also the origin of the strain, whether BW or DW, influenced the disease outcome. Hence, future research based on comparative genomics coupled with transcriptomics of these strains and their progenies could determine genes whose expression control this host specificity or is influenced by host or strain genotype, or alternatively by life cycle stage.
Radial artery superficialization for hemodialysis patients with severe heart failure: A case report
Authors: Zhang Xi , Tu Bo , Wan Ziming
Published: February 2023

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and/or arteriovenous graft (AVG) burdens cardiac load. It is a challenge to create a vascular access (VA) on a patient who suffers severe heart failure and also combines with contraindications of central vein catheter implantation. Superficialized radial artery (RA) could be an available VA as an outflow for continuous hemodialysis. A 57‐year‐old male had a left arm distal radiocephalic fistula for hemodialysis for 10 months. The patient showed gradual aggravation of heart failure. RA superficialization was performed under anesthesia protocols and surgery steps. Fourteen days after the surgery, the superficialized artery supplied the hemodialysis as an outflow without any uncomfortable and complications. The echocardiographies present the changes of the heart structures and functions during the whole period from the beginning of AVF formation to the 18‐month follow‐up RA superficialization. RA superficialization technique should be an alternative VA for continuous hemodialysis under suitable conditions.
The Evental Conception of Love
Authors: Shmugliakov Pioter
Published: February 2023

This article proposes a critical presentation and development of Alain Badiou's theory of romantic love, at the center of which is an understanding of the phenomenon in terms of a truth‐generating event. I discuss this notion against the more familiar ontological modes of theorizing love: as the subject's intentional attitude and as an activity of internal value. Arguing that the evental conception of love poses a preferable alternative to the former mode, my analysis focuses on its complementary relations with the latter, of which I take Stanley Cavell's theory of marriage as a representative. My further argument is concerned with the place of sexuality in the evental conception of love, compensating for what I argue to be the shortcomings of Badiou's treatment of the topic by turning to Roger Scruton's account of the immanent significance of the sexual.
Informal social capital building in local employment services: Its role in the labour market integration of disadvantaged young people
Authors: Rodríguez‐Soler Joan , Verd Joan Miquel
Published: February 2023

This article focuses on the role that local employment services (LES) play in informal social capital building for young people with a disadvantaged social background. The personal networks of these young people usually embed few useful resources for labour market integration, and LES actions may be an opportunity to informally build a network of contacts with better resources. To explore this possibility, biographical interviews were conducted with 24 young adults who used LES actions, and their employment trajectories were analysed. The findings highlight that these actions—especially those consisting of training or internships—provide social capital that is useful for labour market (re)integration. Linking social capital is the type of social capital that is most useful for job seeking, and it is especially effective in non‐metropolitan rural areas.
Two novel HLA class I alleles, HLA‐C*04:493 and ‐A*26:01:78, identified using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Hu Qian , Christian Danielle , Yang Guang , McKinley Connie , Berka Noureddine
Published: February 2023

Two novel HLA class I alleles bearing point mutations, HLA‐C*04:493 and HLA‐ A*26:01:78, were identified.
Exon shuffling potentiates a diverse repertoire of brown algal NB‐ARC‐TPR candidate immune receptor proteins via alternative splicing
Authors: Teng Linhong , Liang Miao , Wang Chenghui , Li Yan , Urbach Jonathan M. , Kobe Bostjan , Xing Qikun , Han Wentao , Ye Naihao
Published: February 2023

Like other organisms, brown algae are subject to diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Brown algal immunity mechanisms are not well characterized; however, there is evidence suggesting that pathogen receptors exist in brown algae. One key protein family likely associated with brown algal innate immunity possesses an NB‐ARC domain analogous to innate immune proteins in plants and animals. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey of NB‐ARC genes in brown algae and obtained insights into the domain organization and evolutionary history of the encoded proteins. Our data show that brown algae possess an ancient NB‐ARC‐tetratricopeptide repeat (NB‐TPR) domain architecture. We identified an N‐terminal effector domain, the four‐helix bundle, which was not previously found associated with NB‐ARC domains. The phylogenetic tree including NB‐ARC domains from all kingdoms of life suggests the three clades of brown algal NB‐TPRs are likely monophyletic, whereas their TPRs seem to have distinct origins. One group of TPRs exhibit intense exon shuffling, with various alternative splicing and diversifying selection acting on them, suggesting exon shuffling is an important mechanism for evolving ligand‐binding specificities. The reconciliation of gene duplication and loss events of the NB‐ARC genes reveals that more independent gene gains than losses have occurred during brown algal evolution, and that tandem duplication has played a major role in the expansion of NB‐ARC genes. Our results substantially enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history and exon shuffling mechanisms of the candidate innate immune repertoire of brown algae.
Mdm‐miR160–MdARF17–MdWRKY33 module mediates freezing tolerance in apple
Authors: Shen Xiaoxia , Ping Yikun , Bao Chana , Liu Chen , Tahir Muhammad Mobeen , Li Xuewei , Song Yi , Xu Weirong , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: February 2023

Apple (Malus domestica) trees are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Cold resistance in woody perennial plants can be improved through biotechnological approaches. However, genetic engineering requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the tree's response to cold. In this study, we demonstrated that the Mdm‐miR160–MdARF17–MdWRKY33 module is crucial for apple freezing tolerance. Mdm‐miR160 plays a negative role in apple freezing tolerance, whereas MdARF17, one of the targets of Mdm‐miR160, is a positive regulator of apple freezing tolerance. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that in apple, MdARF17 mediates the cold response by influencing the expression of cold‐responsive genes. EMSA and ChIP‐qPCR assays demonstrated that MdARF17 can bind to the promoter of MdWRKY33 and promotes its expression. Overexpression of MdWRKY33 enhanced the cold tolerance of the apple calli. In addition, we found that the Mdm‐miR160–MdARF17–MdWRKY33 module regulates cold tolerance in apple by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, as revealed by (i) increased H2O2 levels and decreased peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities in Mdm‐miR160e OE plants and MdARF17 RNAi plants and (ii) decreased H2O2 levels and increased POD and CAT activities in MdmARF17 OE plants and MdWRKY33 OE calli. Taken together, our study uncovered the molecular roles of the Mdm‐miR160–MdARF17–MdWRKY33 module in freezing tolerance in apple, thus providing support for breeding of cold‐tolerant apple cultivars.
PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 transporters are required for the emission of floral monoterpenes in Phalaenopsis bellina
Authors: Chang Ya‐Lan , Huang Li‐Min , Kuo Xuan‐Zhou , Chen You‐Yi , Lin Shao‐Ting , Jeng Mei‐Fen , Yeh Hsin‐Hung , Tsai Wen‐Chieh , Chen Hong‐Hwa
Published: February 2023

Terrestrial plants emit volatiles into the atmosphere to attract both pollinators and the enemies of herbivores, for defense. Phalaenopsis bellina is a scented orchid species in which the main scent components are monoterpenes, including linalool and geraniol, and their derivatives. Here, we investigated whether ABC transporters are involved in floral scent emission. We carried out whole‐genome identification of ABC transporter‐related genes using four floral transcriptomics libraries of P. bellina. We identified 86 ABC subfamily G genes related to terpenoid transport. After comparing the gene expression patterns of P. bellina with that of Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana, a scentless species, followed by gene‐to‐gene correlation analysis, PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 were selected. The temporal expression of both PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 was highly correlated with that of the key enzyme PbGDPS and the major transcription factor PbbHLH4 in monoterpene biosynthesis, with optimal expression on day 5 post‐anthesis. Spatial gene expression analysis showed that PbABCG1 was highly expressed in sepals, whereas PbABCG2 was expressed in the lip. Subcellular localization with a GFP fusion protein revealed that both PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 are cytoplasmic membrane proteins. Co‐downregulation of PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 using both double‐strand RNA interference and tobacco rattle virus‐based gene silencing led to a significant decrease in monoterpene emission, accompanied by an increase in the internal monoterpene pools. Furthermore, ectopic expression of PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 in an ABC16− mutant yeast strain rescued its tolerance to geraniol. Altogether, our results indicate that PbABCG1 and PbABCG2 play substantial roles in monoterpene transport/emission in P. bellina floral scent.
A novel high‐prevalence antigen in the Lutheran system, LUGA (LU24), and an updated, full‐length 3D BCAM model
Authors: Floch Aline , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Vege Sunitha , Brennan Steven , Shakarian Gayane , de Brevern Alexandre G. , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: February 2023

Background

The basal cell adhesion molecule (BCAM) carries the antigens of the Lutheran (LU, ISBT005) system. We report a novel Lutheran antigen and propose an updated, full‐length 3D model of BCAM.

Study Design and Methods

Red blood cell testing, antibody identification, and BCAM genomic DNA sequencing were done by standard methods. Multi‐template homology modeling of BCAM used structural templates selected for coverage, highest sequence identity, and protein domain family. All variants causing the loss or gain of a Lutheran antigen were analyzed for residue accessibility and intraprotein interactions.

Results

An antibody to a high‐prevalence antigen in the plasma of a pregnant woman was determined to be directed at a novel Lutheran antigen. Sequencing of BCAM found three homozygous changes: c.212G > A (p.Arg71His) and two silent, c.711C > T and c.714C > T. The model was built from the first two immunoglobulin crystallized domains of BCAM (D1, D2), three other templates (for D3, D4 and D5 with a higher sequence identity with the target than those used for the model proposed by Burton and Brady in 2008, and for the transmembrane region) and RaptorX (for the intracellular domain). All residues associated with a Lutheran antigen were found to be exposed in wild‐type or variant proteins, except p.447 associated with loss of Lu13 expression.

Conclusion

The c.212G > A change results in the loss of LUGA (LU24) antigen. Whole genome sequencing continues to reveal polymorphisms with uncertain immunogenicity. This model and demonstration that nearly all residues associated with the expression of a Lutheran antigen are exposed will help evaluate the significance of new polymorphisms.
An Analysis of The Role of English in Business Fields in Non-English- Speaking Countries (A Case Study)
Authors: Haj Mohamad Shahd , Tilfarlioğlu Filiz Yalçin
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to determine the importance of learning English to find jobs in sectors such as banks, education, and private companies. It also shows the importance of finding a platform with a designed curriculum for those who are interested in working in this field to facilitate their integration to improve employment opportunities with limited duration or based on the challenges that might come out. A questionnaire was conducted on 408 workers with higher levels of education, English speakers, and non-speakers in Gaziantep, in Turkey. The researcher found that English Language learning has a very important role in finding better job opportunities in Turkey. However, the main challenges facing the learners, according to the results, are learner’s lack of confidence, teaching method, being with people who speak your mother tongue, limited learning environments, over-use of native language in the classroom, and inadequate learning materials. Difficulties such as time and cost are the least challenges facing them to learn English in the participants’ opinion. Lastly, as solutions to overcome the learning challenge, the education process should focus more on motivation, speaking, learning vocabulary, using communicative language teaching, and improving teaching methods, social networks, reading, and school. However, living abroad, free and private courses, grammar, university, platforms, and family environment are the least effective supports to overcome those challenges.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound repeatability for the measurement of skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow
Authors: Jones Eleanor J. , Atherton Philip J. , Piasecki Mathew , Phillips Bethan E.
Published: February 2023

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to directly assess skeletal muscle perfusion. However, its repeatability over time has not yet been validated and therefore its use in longitudinal measures (i.e., exploring the impact of a chronic intervention or disease progression) is limited. This study aimed to determine the repeatability of CEUS for the measurement of skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) at baseline and in response to exercise, across independent assessment sessions. Ten healthy volunteers (five female; 30 ± 6 years) had CEUS of the right vastus lateralis recorded in two separate sessions, 14 days apart. Measurements were taken at baseline, during an isometric leg extension and during recovery. Acoustic intensity data from a region of interest were plotted as a replenishment curve to obtain blood volume (A) and flow velocity (β) values from a one‐phase association non‐linear regression of mean tissue echogenicity. Linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses of A and β values were performed, with significance assumed as P < 0.05. Strong positive correlations were observed across sessions for all A and β values (both P < 0.0001). Bland–Altman analysis showed a bias (SD) of −0.013 ± 1.24 for A and −0.014 ± 0.31 for β. A bias of 0.201 ± 0.770 at baseline, 0.527 ± 1.29 during contraction and −0.203 ± 1.29 at recovery was observed for A, and −0.0328 ± 0.0853 (baseline), −0.0446 ± 0.206 (contraction) and 0.0382 ± 0.233 (recovery) for β. A strong agreement between CEUS MBF measures across independent sessions suggests it to be a repeatable method for assessing skeletal muscle perfusion over time, and therefore facilitates wider use in longitudinal studies.
Recomendaciones de manejo de la hiperamonemia en neonatos
Authors: Zarante Bahamón Ana María , Navarro Marroquin Sandra , Suarez-Obando Fernando , Ramón Gómez Jorge Luis
Published: February 2023

La hiperamonemia se define como el aumento de las concentraciones de amonio en el plasma, de forma aguda o crónica. Frecuentemente, se presenta en diversos tipos de errores innatos del metabolismo, enfermedades que deben diagnosticarse y manejarse de manera inmediata y adecuada, debido a que el retraso en su manejo genera secuelas neurológicas graves y permanentes, así como desenlaces fatales. El objetivo del artículo es aportar herramientas al clínico para la sospecha, el abordaje diagnóstico y el manejo del recién nacido con hiperamonemia primaria, teniendo en cuenta la correlación entre fisiopatología, etiología, aproximación clínica y de laboratorio, así como recomendaciones de manejo farmacológico y no farmacológico.
Importancia y generalidades de la valoración geriátrica integral como herramienta de abordaje de la persona mayor en atención domiciliaria
Authors: Morros González Elly , Vargas-Beltrán María Paula , Hoyos Saith
Published: February 2023

La atención domiciliaria es uno de los niveles asistenciales más populares en los últimos años, permitiendo dar continuidad a la atención de personas hospitalizadas pero también, manejando personas con condiciones crónicas, discapacidad y trastornos neurocognitivos. Con este estudio, resaltamos los objetivos, componentes y beneficios de la valoración geriátrica en el domicilio.
Mononeuropatía múltiple en fase avanzada como manifestación de rhupus:
Authors: Zarama Valenzuela Alvaro Guillermo , Valencia Camacho Diana Paola
Published: February 2023

Introducción: El rhupus es una enfermedad reumatológica rara que se define como la superposición de artritis reumatoide y lupus eritematoso sistémico. En esta población de pacientes, las manifestaciones neurológicas severas son inusuales y de difícil abordaje diagnóstico, con pocos casos reportados hasta el momento en la literatura. Presentación del caso: Hombre latino de 64 años de edad, quien se presentó al servicio de urgencias con pérdida de peso, trastorno de la deglución y la marcha. Inicialmente, se descartó una afectación neoplásica y se documentó la presencia de mononeuritis múltiple en fase avanzada, mediante la realización de electromiografía y neuroconducciones. Dentro de los estudios etiológicos cumplió criterios para rhupus y tuvo una respuesta satisfactoria al tratamiento con esteroides y terapias de rehabilitación a los seis meses de seguimiento. Conclusión: La afectación del sistema nervioso periférico debe reconocerse como una manifestación de las enfermedades autoinmunes para facilitar un diagnóstico rápido e intervenciones oportunas.
Implicaciones en el tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de mama y alteraciones en ARID1A
Authors: Molina Pimienta Luisana , Salgado Sánchez Juan Carmilo , Hernández Cuello Ingrid
Published: February 2023

ARID1A (AT-rich interaction domain 1A) es una subunidad de los complejos SWI/SNF específicamente mutada en ~20 % de los cánceres humanos primarios. La inactivación de ARID1A a través de mutaciones somáticas y otros mecanismos epigenéticos da como resultado la pérdida de las funciones de guardián y cuidador en las células, lo que promueve la iniciación del tumor. Se ha documentado una correlación entre mutaciones de pérdida de función en ARID1A y la presencia de mutaciones activadoras en PIK3CA, pérdida de la expresión de PTEN y la pérdida de la función de p53. Las mutaciones de ARID1A estaban presentes en el 2,5 % de todos los cánceres de mama; no obstante, el porcentaje de cáncer de mama con mutaciones en ARID1A aumenta en los cánceres metastásicos un 12 %, o en los inflamatorios, un 10 %. La pérdida de la función de la ARID1A en cáncer de mama se adquiere con mayor frecuencia posterior al tratamiento y está asociada con la resistencia al tratamiento hormonal y con agentes quimioterapéuticos. Además, conduce a una reparación deficiente de las rupturas de doble cadena, que sensibilizan las células a los inhibidores de PARP. Por último, las alteraciones en ARID1A podrían ser un biomarcador de respuesta a inhibidores de punto de control.
A Novel Ladder-Shaped Bridge Finned Tube for Convective Heat Transfer Enhancement
Authors: Wan Zhenping , Yang Yujie , Wang Xiaowu , Tao Sulian , Chen Hanping
Published: February 2023

In order to improve the convective heat transfer efficiency of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a novel ladder-shaped bridge finned tube (LBFT) is presented. The LBFT possesses outer low helical integral fins, two layers of staggered transverse bridge, upper passage, middle passage, and bottom passage. The convective heat transfer performance of the LBFT is studied and experimental results show that the Nusselt numbers outside the tube and the overall heat transfer coefficients of the LBFT are significantly greater than those of the smooth tube. The bridges, bridge roots, and pores formed on the outer fins contribute to the larger heat transfer coefficient. Both the Nusselt number and the overall heat transfer coefficient decrease, while the friction resistance coefficient increases with outer helical fin pitch increasing and bridge width increasing. As the Reynolds number increases, the comprehensive performance evaluation criterion (PEC) decreases at first and then increases. The maximum PEC occurs at the Re number of 2300 and is up to 1.34.