bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance during normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mulder EG , de Haas S , Mohseni Z , Schartmann N , Abo Hasson F , Alsadah F , van Kuijk SMJ , van Drongelen J , Spaanderman MEA , Ghossein‐Doha C
Published: February 2021

Background

In‐depth insight into haemodynamic changes during normotensive pregnancy may help identify women at risk for gestational hypertensive complications.

Objectives

To determine the magnitude of changes in cardiac output and its determinants stroke volume and heart rate, and total peripheral vascular resistance during singleton normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies.

Search strategy

PubMed (NCBI) and Embase (Ovid) databases were searched from their inception up to November 2019.

Selection criteria

Studies reporting original measurements of haemodynamic parameters during pregnancy together with a non‐pregnant reference measurement. Studies including women using antihypertensive medication were excluded.

Data collection and analysis

Pooled mean differences between pregnant and non‐pregnant women, and absolute values of haemodynamic parameters were calculated for predefined gestational intervals using a random‐effects model in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy. Meta‐regression analysis was used to analyse group differences in adjustments and absolute values during pregnancy.

Main results

In normotensive pregnancies, cardiac output increased from the first weeks on, reaching its highest level early in the third trimester (mean difference, 1.41 l·min1; 95% CI 1.18–1.63 l·min). In parallel, vascular resistance decreased progressively until its nadir in the early third trimester (mean difference, −331 dyn·sec–1·cm–5; 95% CI −384 to −277 dyn·sec–1·cm–5) and then increased slightly at term. In hypertensive pregnancies, the initial cardiac output increase was higher and vascular resistance did not change throughout gestation compared with reference values.

Conclusions

Hemodynamic changes in women who eventually develop hypertensive complications are substantially different. Serial monitoring and plotting against developed normograms can identify women at risk and may allow timely intervention.

Tweetable abstract

Monitoring haemodynamic changes in pregnancy helps identify women at risk for hypertensive complications.
Role of digestive protease enzymes and related genes in host plant adaptation of a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , Li Xiao‐Wei , Zhang Jin‐Ming , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Huang Jun , Wang Li‐Kun , Khan Muhammad Musa , Shah Sakhawat , Fernández‐Grandon G. Mandela , Lu Yao‐Bin
Published: February 2021

The evolutionary success of phytophagous insects depends on their ability to efficiently exploit plants as a source of energy for survival. Herbivorous insects largely depend on the efficiency, flexibility, and diversity of their digestive physiology and sophistication of their detoxification system to use chemically diverse host plants as food sources. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a polyphagous pest of many commercially important crops. To elucidate the ability of this insect pest to adapt to host plant mechanisms, we evaluated the impact of primary (corn) and alternate (rice) host plants after 11 generations on gut digestive enzymatic activity and expression profiles of related genes. Results indicated that the total protease and class‐specific trypsin‐ and chymotrypsin‐like protease activity of S. frugiperda significantly differed among host plant treatments. The class‐specific protease profiles greatly differed in S. frugiperda midguts upon larval exposure to different treatments with inhibitors compared with treatments without inhibitors. Similarly, the single and cumulative effects of the enzyme‐specific inhibitors TLCK, TPCK, and E‐64 significantly increased larval mortality and reduced larval growth/mass across different plant treatments. Furthermore, the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results revealed increased transcription of two trypsin (SfTry‐3, SfTry‐7) and one chymotrypsin gene (Sfchym‐9), which indicated that they have roles in host plant adaptation. Knockdown of these genes resulted in significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of the trypsin genes. This was related to the increased mortality observed in treatments compared with the dsRED control. This result indicates possible roles of S. frugiperda gut digestive enzymes and related genes in host plant adaptation.
Butyrate production in the acetogen Eubacterium limosum is dependent on the carbon and energy source
Authors: Litty Dennis , Müller Volker
Published: February 2021

Eubacterium limosum KIST612 is one of the few acetogenic bacteria that has the genes encoding for butyrate synthesis from acetyl‐CoA, and indeed, E. limosum KIST612 is known to produce butyrate from CO but not from H2 + CO2. Butyrate production from CO was only seen in bioreactors with cell recycling or in batch cultures with addition of acetate. Here, we present detailed study on growth of E. limosum KIST612 on different carbon and energy sources with the goal, to find other substrates that lead to butyrate formation. Batch fermentations in serum bottles revealed that acetate was the major product under all conditions investigated. Butyrate formation from the C1 compounds carbon dioxide and hydrogen, carbon monoxide or formate was not observed. However, growth on glucose led to butyrate formation, but only in the stationary growth phase. A maximum of 4.3 mM butyrate was observed, corresponding to a butyrate:glucose ratio of 0.21:1 and a butyrate:acetate ratio of 0.14:1. Interestingly, growth on the C1 substrate methanol also led to butyrate formation in the stationary growth phase with a butyrate:methanol ratio of 0.17:1 and a butyrate:acetate ratio of 0.33:1. Since methanol can be produced chemically from carbon dioxide, this offers the possibility for a combined chemical‐biochemical production of butyrate from H2 + CO2 using this acetogenic biocatalyst. With the advent of genetic methods in acetogens, butanol production from methanol maybe possible as well.
The adequacy of fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal studies for suspected intestinal volvulus in a tertiary care centre vs. secondary centres: A regional multicentre study
Authors: Bollard Kate Amelia , Valsenti Gianluca , Healey David , Murdoch Jean
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal volvulus are important to reduce morbidity. A fluoroscopic upper GI study is the gold standard for diagnosis and may be performed in a secondary or tertiary care centre prior to surgery. It is important the reporting radiologist is confident in the findings. We aim to assess whether there is any difference in confidence and study quality between paediatric and general radiologists who work in secondary or tertiary care centres.

Methods

Retrospective review of initial radiology reports and blinded review of the study images by paediatric radiologists.

Results

A total of 277 children underwent a fluoroscopic study for intestinal volvulus over a four‐year period. The majority were performed at a tertiary care centre, by paediatric radiologists. The confidence of initial reporting was higher in paediatric than general radiologists despite whether they worked in a secondary or tertiary care centre (P‐value < 0.001). On retrospective review, studies performed by paediatric radiologists were rated as having a higher confidence in identifying the location of the duodenojejunal flexure. General radiologists tended to have a slightly higher rate of repeat studies but still low at 2.2%. Despite this, there was no significant difference in the diagnosis rates and secondary centre general radiologists excluded malrotation in 62% of studies likely reducing transfer rates.

Conclusion

Confidence in initial reporting and on review of the duodenojejunal flexure location in suspected intestinal volvulus is higher in paediatric radiologists compared with general radiologists, although diagnosis rates are no different.
The Life and Works of Luca Pacioli (1446/7–1517), Humanist Educator
Authors: Sangster Alan
Published: February 2021

Accounting has few heroes, but one that most acknowledge as worthy of that accolade is Luca Pacioli, the man who published the first printed exposition of double entry bookkeeping in 1494. This was the publication that led to the development of the accounting systems we use today. However, if we consider our literature on Pacioli, it is found to be not just confusing and contradictory, but undecided as to who he was and what he did, or did not do. This paper addresses this ambiguity and uncertainty by adopting a critical hermeneutic analysis of the literature in order to present a more authentic perception of the life and works of Luca Pacioli. Archival discoveries of the past 20 years are embraced with Pacioli's own writings, and those of others who have sought to identify the man and his ambition. The view it reveals shows Pacioli as far more than the peripatetic friar and journeyman teacher of mathematics described in our literature; and it fills a much larger gap than the contradictions and confusion implied in our knowledge of the man who many consider to be the ‘father of accounting’.
The role of environmental and spatial factors in the assembly of aquatic insect communities in southern Brazilian temporary ponds
Authors: Bacca Roberta Cozer , Pires Mateus Marques , Moreira Leonardo Felipe Bairos , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: February 2021

Metacommunity organisation in temporary ponds is assembled by spatiotemporally varying processes that are also contingent on the species’ dispersal ability and scale of observation. Aquatic insects are useful models to study the relative contribution of environmental and spatial factors to community assembly in view of the differing dispersal ability existing in the species from this group. We assessed the metacommunity organisation of aquatic insects and subsets of strong‐ and weak‐flying insects in relation to environmental (habitat structure; water chemistry; climate) and spatial factors in temporary ponds ranging along a latitudinal gradient in southern Brazil. Local and climate environmental factors (water chemistry and temperature) along with fine‐scale spatial factors were the main drivers of the total insect community, although their relative importance shifted between subsets of weak‐ and strong‐flying insects. The composition of strong‐flying insects was structured by climate and fine‐scale spatial factors, while weak‐flying insects, by local (water chemistry) and spatially structured climate. This suggests that strong‐flying insects showed stronger signatures of mass effects at finer scales, while weak‐flying insects were more strongly affected by species sorting coupled to local environmental factors and regional climate. In summary, our results indicate that the relative importance of assembly processes for metacommunity organisation of aquatic insects in temporary ponds is contingent on dispersal ability.
Evaluation of cytogenetic response in CML patients with variant Philadelphia translocation
Authors: Shetty Dhanlaxmi , Talker Elizabeth , Jain Hemani , Talker Judith , Patkar Nikhil , Subramanian Papagudi , Jain Hasmukh , Bonda Avinash , Punatar Sachin , Gokarn Anant , Bagal Bhausaheb , Sengar Manju , Khattry Navin
Published: February 2021

Background and aim

Molecular mechanism of translocation and outcome in variant chronic myeloid leukaemia (vCML) has been a topic of debate. While several cytogenetic studies suggest a low response to Imatinib Mesylate, others demonstrate a similar disease course in both classical and vCML. Besides, many studies comprehensively also link tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations with aggressive clinical outcome. Thus, we aim to study the molecular mechanism of translocation, identify the third partner chromosomes and comment on the disease course and clinical outcome.

Method

We cytogenetically characterised 25 vCML cases to determine the third partner chromosome, mechanism of translocation and prognostic outcome. We also compared vCML cases with and without TKD mutation to most appropriately outline the clinical consequence and ascertain the potent cause of unresponsiveness to treatment.

Results

Third partner chromosome in variant translocation was defined by conventional and molecular cytogenetics. Although in our study most cases showed inadequate clinical response attributable to TKD mutation rather than variant translocation, we observed an inferior outcome in cases involving chromosome 5 as the third partner.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that characterising and reporting new cases of variant translocations, involving various different chromosomes as third partner (with different breakpoints) by cytogenetics, will lead to a better understanding of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, this kind of delineate study has not been applied to precisely comment on the prospects of cytogenetically characterised vCML.
The national trend of the gastric cancer burden in Iran from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Fattahi Nima , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Rezaei Negar , Rezaei Nazila , Fattahi Eghbal , Moradveisi Borhan , Roshani Shahin , Farzi Yosef , Zakaryaei Farima , Miraki Afsoon , Moradi‐Lakeh Maziar , Mokdad Ali H. , Naghavi Mohsen , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Gastric cancer (GC), the leading cause of cancer mortality, is the third most common cancer in Iran. To our knowledge, there have been few accurate estimates on the burden of GC in Iran. Therefore, as part of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we aimed to study and illustrate the burden of GC and to compare rates by sex and age groups at the national level in Iran from 1990 to 2017.

Methods

We extracted data related to the 1990‐2017 period from the GBD study. To report the burden of GC, we used disability adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, incidence, and prevalence rates in different sex and age groups in Iran during the 1990‐2017 period. Decomposition analysis was also performed to evaluate the roots change in incident cases.

Results

At a national level, the age‐standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age‐standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) in 2017 were 22.9 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 22.1‐23.9), 14.6 (14.1‐15.2), 14.9 (14.4‐15.4), and 296.8 (286.3‐308.7) per 100,000 population, respectively. Over the 1990‐2017 period, the average annual percent changes in all of the studied age‐standardized rates were negative. Moreover, the male to female sex ratios of all estimates were greater than one. The incidence rate, prevalence rate, and mortality rate slowly began to increase at the age of 50 and reached its highest level among people aged 80 years and over.

Conclusion

The GC age‐standardized rates revealed a downward trend from 1990 to 2017. The current study provides comprehensive knowledge about the GC burden in Iran. Therefore, it can help the appropriate allocation of resources for GC to expand preventive programs by reducing exposure to risk factors and Helicobacter pylori infection and by recommending increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Also, expanding GC screening programs with laboratory tests or endoscopy can be an important step towards the reduction of the GC burden.
Decidual‐derived RANKL facilitates macrophages accumulation and residence at the maternal‐fetal interface in human early pregnancy
Authors: Liao Hai‐Qiong , Han Mu‐Tian , Cheng Wei , Zhang Ce , Li Hong , Li Ming‐Qing , Zhu Rui
Published: February 2021

Problem

During the first trimester, the accumulation of macrophages, which is the second largest decidual leukocyte population (~20%) at the maternal‐fetal interface, is quite vital for a successful pregnancy, including embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion, and vascular remodeling. The mechanism of the enrichment and redistribution of macrophages in the uterine decidua of early pregnancy is largely unclear.

Method of study

A total of 37 women with normal early pregnancies were included. Primary decidual macrophages (dMφs) (n = 37) and primary decidual stromal cells (DSCs) (n = 37) were isolated, and the adhesion molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Adhesive experiment was carried out to evaluate the adhesion capacity by counting cell numbers of dMφs adhered to DSCs in a co‐culture system.

Results

We found that RANK+ dMφs was the dominating subtype at the maternal‐fetal interface. The expression of adhesion molecules (eg, CD29, CD31, CD54, and CD62L) on the surface of RANK+ dMφs was higher than that of RANK− dMφs. After co‐culture with DSCs, the expression of adhesion molecules on dMφs was up‐regulated in a RANKL‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, dMφs promoted the releasing of RANKL on DSCs after co‐culture. Consistently, dMφs exhibited the lessoned capacity of adhesion to DSCs when blocking the crosstalk of RANKL‐RANK between the DSCs and dMφs in vitro.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the interaction of RANKL‐RANK up‐regulates the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of dMφs, contributing to the accumulation and residence of dMφs in human early pregnancy.
Interleukin‐31: The “itchy” cytokine in inflammation and therapy
Authors: Datsi Angeliki , Steinhoff Martin , Ahmad Fareed , Alam Majid , Buddenkotte Joerg
Published: February 2021

The cytokine interleukin‐31 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple atopic disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis, and airway hyper‐reactivity. In AD, IL‐31 has been identified as one of the main “drivers” of its cardinal symptom, pruritus. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which IL‐31 modulates inflammatory and allergic diseases. TH2 cells play a central role in AD and release high levels of TH2‐associated cytokines including IL‐31, thereby mediating inflammatory responses, initiating immunoregulatory circuits, stimulating itch, and neuronal outgrowth through activation of the heterodimeric receptor IL‐31 receptor A (IL31RA)/Oncostatin M receptor (OSMRβ). IL31RA expression is found on human and murine dorsal root ganglia neurons, epithelial cells including keratinocytes and various innate immune cells. IL‐31 is a critical cytokine involved in neuroimmune communication, which opens new avenues for cytokine modulation in neuroinflammatory diseases including AD/pruritus, as validated by recent clinical trials using an anti‐IL‐31 antibody. Accordingly, inhibition of IL‐31‐downstream signaling may be a beneficial approach for various inflammatory diseases including prurigo. However, as to whether downstream JAK inhibitors directly block IL‐31‐mediated‐signaling needs to be clarified. Targeting the IL‐31/IL31RA/OSMRβ axis appears to be a promising approach for inflammatory, neuroinflammatory, and pruritic disorders in the future.
Resumption of interatrial conduction after atrial premature beat in baseline interatrial aberrancy
Authors: Rungpradubvong Voravut
Published: February 2021

Interatrial block (IAB) is a delay or blockage of interatrial conduction from the right atrium to the left atrium, causing prolongation of the P‐wave duration on the electrocardiogram. This condition is unfortunately not uncommon in clinical practice, especially among the elderly. It is often overlooked because the P wave is small and abnormalities can be difficult to detect. An isolated IAB does not usually cause any abnormal symptoms and may not require any specific treatment. Nevertheless, a relationship between an IAB and other cardiovascular conditions including left atrial electromechanical dysfunction, atrial remodeling, atrial fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and stroke has been reported. Early diagnosis of this condition is critical. This case report presents a functional interatrial block or interatrial aberrancy that returned to normal after an atrial premature complex where the interatrial conduction remained normal in subsequent beats.
Complete blood cell count measures in retinal artey occlusions
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Porcu Tiziana , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Dore Stefano , Serra Rita , Boscia Francesco , Carru Ciriaco , Zinellu Angelo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the role of complete blood cell count (CBC) measures in retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Methods

This was a case–control study, including 73 newly diagnosed RAO patients and 73 sex‐ and age‐matched subjects without RAO. On the same day of RAO diagnosis, a blood sample was collected and CBC was determined using an automatic blood counter. Dimensional CBC indices, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), and some CBC‐combined indices, including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells ‐ neutrophils)] and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were evaluated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also measured.

Results

Median neutrophils, red cell distribution width (RDW), NLR and dNLR were 4.5x109/L (IQR = 3.8–5.8), 13.4% (IQR = 12.7–14.75), 2.47 (IQR = 1.85–3.13) and 1.70 (IQR = 1.26–2.18) in RAO patients and 4x109/L (IQR = 3.18–4.93), 12.9% (IQR = 12–14), 1.86 (IQR = 1.42–2.44) and 1.32 (IQR = 1.02–1.64) in controls. RAO patients had significantly higher values of neutrophils (p = 0.003), RDW (p = 0.0011), NLR (p = 0.0001) and dNLR (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, platelet count, MPV and PLR. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed a statistically significant correlation between RAO and increased RDW (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06–1.73, p = 0.015), NLR (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.34–3.06, p = 0.0009) and dNLR (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.71–6.75, p = 0.0005).

Conclusion

Results suggest that RDW, NLR and dNLR may be involved in the pathogenesis of RAO and predict its occurrence. However, high‐quality epidemiologic studies, preferably of cohort design, are warranted to confirm whether, or not, an RDW, NLR and dNLR may be considered potential biomarkers of RAO.
Diagnostic accuracy of Quantitative Colour Doppler Flow imaging in distinguishing Persistent Fetal Vasculature from Retinal Detachment
Authors: Chiaroni Pierre‐Marie , Chapron Thibaut , Purcell Yvonne , Zuber Kevin , Savatovsky Julien , Caputo Georges , Gillard Perrine , Elmaleh Monique , Bergès Olivier , Lecler Augustin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Distinguishing posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) from retinal detachment (RD) may be very challenging clinically and ultrasonographically, as they share common morphological features. However, it is crucial, considering their substantially distinct management and treatment. We aimed to assess the relevance of quantitative colour Doppler flow imaging to distinguish PFV from RD in children.

Methods

This retrospective bi‐centre study included 66 children (30 females and 36 males, mean age: 244 ± 257 days) with a clinically suspected diagnosis of RD or posterior PFV. All children underwent systematic and standardized conventional ultrasonography and colour Doppler flow imaging under general anaesthesia with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the retrolental tissue’s vascularization. Peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity and resistive index were recorded for analysis. Whenever available, surgical findings were deemed gold standard for diagnosis. A Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare quantitative colour Doppler flow imaging data.

Results

Peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity were significantly lower in children with PFV versus RD: 2.7 (IQR: 0.5) versus 5.1 (IQR: 2.8), p < 0.001, and 0.0 (IQR: 0.0) versus 2.0 (IQR: 1.2), p < 0.001, respectively. Resistive index was significantly higher in children with PFV versus RD: 1 (IQR: 0) versus 0.6 (IQR: 0.1), p < 0.001. Area under curves (AUCs) were of 0.94, 0.99 and 1, respectively. No differences between PFV and RD were observed on structural ultrasound or qualitative analysis of colour Doppler.

Conclusion

Quantitative colour Doppler flow imaging has an excellent accuracy in distinguishing PFV from RD in children. It may help to improve management and treatment.
Changes in peripapillary and macular vascular density after laser selective trabeculoplasty: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Gillmann Kevin , Rao Harsha L. , Mansouri Kaweh
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To determine the effect of laser trabeculoplasty on peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), fovea avascular zone (FAZ), peripapillary and macular vessel density (VD) in glaucoma using with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study performed at the Glaucoma Research Centre, Montchoisi Clinic, Lausanne, Switzerland. Thirty‐seven eyes with primary open‐angle glaucoma from 21 patients were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) scans were performed before laser trabeculoplasty and at 2 and 6 months after the procedure. AngioVue AngioAnalytic (Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA, USA) software was used to analyse the RNFL, FAZ, peripapillary and macular VD. Changes were analysed using mixed models, controlling for intraocular pressure (IOP) and signal strength index (SSI) variations.

Results

Mean IOP decreased from 18.5 (±3.7) mmHg at baseline to 15.6 (±2.7) mmHg after 2 months (−15.3%; p < 0.001). No significant changes in RNFL thickness were noted following laser trabeculoplasty. Changes in peripapillary VD were mostly nonsignificant. Parafoveal (p = 0.001) and perifoveal VD (p = 0.025) significantly increased at 2 months, before reverting to near‐baseline values at 6 months. No significant changes were observed in foveal parameters. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) and VD changes were independent from IOP, but SSI had a significant influence on VD.

Conclusions

Following laser trabeculoplasty, peripapillary and macular VD temporarily increased before returning to near‐baseline values by 6 months. No correlation was found between microvascular fluctuations and IOP, and no significant effect of laser trabeculoplasty on VD or RNFL was observed at 6 months despite persistent IOP reduction. Further research is warranted to understand its exact causes and clinical relevance.
Retinal microvasculature impairments in patients with coronary artery disease: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Zhong Pingting , Li Zhixi , Lin Yingwen , Peng Qingsheng , Huang Manqing , Jiang Lei , Li Cong , Kuang Yu , Cui Shirong , Yu Danqing , Yu Honghua , Yang Xiaohong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association between retinal microvasculature and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was conducted in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, China. Retinal microvasculature parameters were measured by OCTA of the optic disc, including the vessel density (VD) and retinal nerve fibre thickness of the radial peripapillary capillary. In terms of the entire macula, VD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and foveal density (FD‐300) were included. The Gensini score was used to evaluate the severity of coronary artery obstructive lesions in CAD patients.

Results

A total of 410 participants (270 CAD patients and 140 controls) were included. Overall, participants showed significantly greater odds of having CAD in the lower versus higher VD for mean SCP, OR = 2.33 (95% CI 1.49–3.65); in the parafoveal SCP, OR = 2.68 (95% CI 1.70–4.23); and in the perifoveal SCP, OR = 2.36 (95% CI 1.49–3.72). Additionally, participants showed significantly greater odds of having CAD in the lower versus higher VD for mean DCP, OR = 4.04 (95% CI 2.53–6.45); in the parafoveal DCP, OR = 4.08 (95% CI 2.54–6.55); and in the perifoveal DCP, OR = 3.88 (95% CI 2.43–6.19). Among CAD patients, lower VD of DCP was associated with significantly greater adjusted Gensini scores (p = 0.004 for mean DCP; p = 0.035 for parafoveal DCP; p = 0.006 for perifoveal DCP).

Conclusions

SCP and DCP were found to be associated with the presence of CAD among the whole population, while DCP was found to be associated with Gensini scores in CAD patients. Retinal microvasculature was associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery stenosis in CAD patients.
Precision and refractive predictability of a new nomogram for femtosecond laser‐assisted corneal arcuate incisions
Authors: Wendelstein Jascha A. , Hoffmann Peter C. , Mariacher Siegfried , Wingert Tina , Hirnschall Nino , Findl Oliver , Bolz Matthias
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Validating a new nomogram for low to moderate astigmatism (0.75 D to 2.5 D) correction with epithelium‐ and Bowman‐penetrating femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions.

Methodology

Prospective, interventional case series at the Augen‐ und Laserklinik, Castrop‐Rauxel, Germany. Cataract patients with low to moderate corneal astigmatism were treated with femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions. Patients with previous refractive corneal treatment were excluded. Outcome assessment was based on manifest refraction, astigmatic vector analysis and visual acuity.

Results

The study analysed 43 eyes of 33 patients after three months and 35 eyes of 27 patients after 12 months. After 12 months, 100% of all eyes treated had ≤1.0 D and 97% ≤0.5 D of subjective residual astigmatism. Mean residual astigmatism was 0.27 D. 90% of all eyes were within one line of difference between UDVA and CDVA. SEQ Mean Absolute Error was 0.26 D and SEQ. Mean error was −0.08 ± 0.32 D. CI was 0.98 ± 0.2 D, and Index of Success, 0.20 ± 0.18 D.

Conclusion

The Castrop nomogram showed results that are comparable to or better than results presented in the literature for existing nomograms. Our results for astigmatic reduction are comparable to published results for TIOL implantation. It seems to be a predictable and safe measure to reduce manifest astigmatism.
Renal handling of nitrate in women and men with elevated blood pressure
Authors: Sundqvist Michaela L. , Lundberg Jon O. , Weitzberg Eddie , Carlström Mattias
Published: February 2021

Aim

The inorganic anions nitrate and nitrite are oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO) that have often been used as an index of NO generation. More than just being surrogate markers of NO, nitrate/nitrite can recycle to bioactive NO again. Nitrate is predominantly eliminated via the kidneys; however, there is less knowledge regarding tubular handling. The aim of this study, as part of a large randomized controlled trial, was to explore potential sex differences in renal nitrate handling during low and high dietary nitrate intake. We hypothesized that renal clearance and excretion of nitrate are higher in men compared to women.

Methods

In prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals (n = 231), nitrate and nitrite were measured in plasma and urine at low dietary nitrate intake (baseline) and after 5 weeks supplementation with nitrate (300 mg potassium nitrate/day) or placebo (300 mg potassium chloride/day). Twenty‐four hours ambulatory blood pressure recordings and urine collections were conducted.

Results

At baseline, plasma nitrate and nitrite, as well as the downstream marker of NO signalling cyclic guanosine monophosphate, were similar in women and men. Approximately 80% of filtered nitrate was spared by the kidneys. Urinary nitrate concentration, amount of nitrate excreted, renal nitrate clearance (Cnitrate) and fractional excretion of nitrate (FEnitrate) were lower in women compared to men. No association was observed between plasma nitrate concentrations and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), nor between FEnitrate and GFR in either sex. After 5 weeks of nitrate supplementation plasma nitrate and nitrite increased significantly, but blood pressure remained unchanged. FEnitrate increased significantly and the sex difference observed at baseline disappeared.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate substantial nitrate sparing capacity of the kidneys, which is higher in women compared to men. This suggests higher tubular nitrate reabsorption in women but the underlying mechanism(s) warrants further investigation.
Effect of ensiling persimmon peel and grape pomace as tannin‐rich byproduct feeds on their chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation
Authors: Fitri Ainissya , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ensiling fruit byproducts on their chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation. Persimmon peel (PP), white grape pomace (WGP), and red grape pomace (RGP) were ensiled for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Fresh and ensiled PP, WGP, and RGP were used for in vitro rumen fermentation with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG). The non‐fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content of the byproducts decreased after ensiling, especially for PP. The total tannin content was not changed after ensiling for up to 4 weeks for all byproducts. However, the soluble tannin content in PP decreased but that in grape pomaces was unaffected by ensiling. Gas production, total volatile fatty acid concentration, and methane production by in vitro rumen fermentation for PP and WGP were reduced by ensiling, and increased by adding PEG, except for gas production from the PP silage. These results indicated that changes in the fractions of carbohydrate and tannins during the ensiling process were different between PP and grape pomace. Even though the insolubilization of tannins in PP during ensiling reduced its inhibitory effect on ruminal fermentability, the ensiling PP seemed to remain the ability to mitigate methanogenesis in the rumen.
Varying coefficient frailty models with applications in single molecular experiments
Authors: Hung Ying , Lin Li‐Hsiang , Wu C. F. Jeff
Published: February 2021

Motivated by an analysis of single molecular experiments in the study of T‐cell signaling, a new model called varying coefficient frailty model with local linear estimation is proposed. Frailty models have been extensively studied, but extensions to nonconstant coefficients are limited to spline‐based methods that tend to produce estimation bias near the boundary. To address this problem, we introduce a local polynomial kernel smoothing technique with a modified expectation‐maximization algorithm to estimate the unknown parameters. Theoretical properties of the estimators, including their unbiased property near the boundary, are derived along with discussions on the asymptotic bias‐variance trade‐off. The finite sample performance is examined by simulation studies, and comparisons with existing spline‐based approaches are conducted to show the potential advantages of the proposed approach. The proposed method is implemented for the analysis of T‐cell signaling. The fitted varying coefficient model provides a rigorous quantification of an early and rapid impact on T‐cell signaling from the accumulation of bond lifetime, which can shed new light on the fundamental understanding of how T cells initiate immune responses.
Tranexamic acid in patients with complex stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Batagello Carlos A. , Vicentini Fabio C. , Monga Manoj , Miller Aaron W. , Marchini Giovanni S. , Torricelli Fabio C.M. , Danilovic Alexandre , Coelho Rafael F. , Srougi Miguel , Nahas Willian C. , Mazzucchi Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of single‐dose tranexamic acid on the blood transfusion rate and outcomes of patients with complex kidney stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Patients and Methods

In a randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, 192 patients with complex kidney stone (Guy’s Stone Scores III–IV) were prospectively enrolled and randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either one dose of tranexamic acid (1 g) or a placebo at the time of anaesthetic induction for PCNL. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence rate of perioperative blood transfusion. The secondary outcome measures included blood loss, operative time, stone‐free rate (SFR), and complications. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02966236.

Results

The overall risk of receiving a blood transfusion was reduced in the tranexamic acid group (2.2% vs 10.4%; relative risk, 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.76, P = 0.033; number‐needed‐to‐treat: 12). Patients randomised to the tranexamic acid group had a higher immediate and 3‐month SFR compared with those in the placebo group (29% vs 14.7%, odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.15–4.87, P = 0.019, and 46.2% vs 28.1%, OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.20–4.02, P = 0.011, respectively). Faster haemoglobin recovery occurred in patients in the tranexamic acid group (mean, 21.3 days; P = 0.001). No statistical differences were found in operative time and complications between groups.

Conclusions

Tranexamic acid administration is safe and reduces the need for blood transfusion by five‐times in patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL. Moreover, tranexamic acid may contribute to better stone clearance rate and faster haemoglobin recovery without increasing complications. A single dose of tranexamic acid at the time of anaesthetic induction could be considered standard clinical practice for patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL.
Insolation vs. meltwater control of productivity and sea surface conditions off SW Greenland during the Holocene
Authors: Allan Estelle , de Vernal Anne , Seidenkrantz Marit‐Solveig , Briner Jason P. , Hillaire‐Marcel Claude , Pearce Christof , Meire Lorenz , Røy Hans , Mathiasen Anders Møller , Nielsen Mikkel Thy , Plesner Jane Lund , Perner Kerstin
Published: February 2021

We address here the specific timing and amplitude of sea‐surface conditions and productivity changes off SW Greenland, northern Labrador Sea, in response to the high deglacial meltwater rates, the Early Holocene maximum insolation and Neoglacial cooling. Dinocyst assemblages from sediment cores collected off Nuuk were used to set up quantitative records of sea ice cover, seasonal sea‐surface temperature (SST), salinity (SSS), and primary productivity, with a centennial to millennial scale resolution. Until ~10 ka BP, ice‐proximal conditions are suggested by the quasi‐exclusive dominance of heterotrophic taxa and low dinocyst concentrations. At about 10 ka BP, an increase in species diversity and abundance of phototrophic taxa marks the onset of interglacial conditions at a regional scale, with summer SST reaching up to 10 °C between 8 and 5 ka BP, thus in phase with the Holocene Thermal Maximum as recorded in the southern Greenlandic areas/northern Labrador Sea. During this interval, low SSS but high productivity prevailed in response to high meltwater discharge and nutrient inputs from the Greenland Ice Sheet. After ~5 ka BP, a decrease in phototrophic taxa marks a two‐step cooling of surface waters. The first started at ~5 ka BP, and the second at ~3 ka BP, with a shift toward colder conditions and higher SSS suggesting reduced meltwater discharge during the Neoglacial. This second step coincides with the disappearance of the Saqqaq culture. The gap in human occupation in west Greenland, between the Dorset and the Norse settlements from 2000 to 1000 years BP, might be linked to high amplitude and high frequency variability of ocean and climate conditions.
GPR126 regulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation by mediating HDAC2 and GLI2 expression
Authors: Cui Hengxiang , Yu Wenjie , Yu Minhao , Luo Yang , Yang Mingming , Cong Ruochen , Chu Xin , Gao Ganglong , Zhong Ming
Published: February 2021

The G‐protein‐coupled receptor 126 (GPR126) may play an important role in tumor development, although its role remains poorly understood. We found that GPR126 had higher expression in most colorectal cancer cell lines than in normal colon epithelial cell lines, and higher expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal adjacent colon tissues. GPR126 knockdown induced by shRNA inhibited cell viability and colony formation in HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells, decreased BrdU incorporation into newly synthesized proliferating HT‐29 cells, led to an arrest of cell cycle progression at the G1 phase in HCT‐116 and HT‐29 cells, and suppressed tumorigenesis of HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells in nude mouse xenograft models. GPR126 knockdown engendered decreased transcription and translation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), previously implicated in the activation of GLI1 and GLI2 in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Ectopic expression of HDAC2 in GPR126‐silenced cells restored cell viability and proliferation, GLI2 luciferase reporter activity, partially recovered GLI2 expression, and reduced the cell cycle arrest. HDAC2 regulated GLI2 expression and, along with GLI2, it bound to the PTCH1 promoter, as evidenced by a chip assay with HT‐29 cells. Purmorphamine, a hedgehog agonist, largely restored the cell viability and expression of GLI2 proteins in GPR126‐silenced HT‐29 cells, whereas GANT61, a hedgehog inhibitor, further enhanced the GPR126 knockdown‐induced inhibitory effects. Our findings demonstrate that GPR126 regulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation by mediating the expression of HDAC2 and GLI2, therefore it may represent a suitable therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.
Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma as a viral disease: Subtypes based on viral aspects
Authors: Nosaka Kisato , Matsuoka Masao
Published: February 2021

Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) is caused by human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infection. Among HTLV‐1 encoded genes, HTLV‐1 bZIP factor (HBZ) and tax are critical for the leukemogenesis of ATL. Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma needs a long latent period before onset, indicating that both viral genes and alterations (genetic and epigenetic) of the host genome play important roles for leukemogenesis. Viral genes influence genetic and epigenetic changes of the host genome, indicating that the virus is of primary importance in leukemogenesis. HBZ is expressed in all ATL cases, whereas Tax expression is heterogeneous among ATL cases. Different patterns of viral gene expression in tumors are also observed for Epstein‐Barr virus. We propose three subtypes of ATL cases based on Tax expression: high, intermittent, and lost expression. HBZ is detected in all ATL cases. Approximately 25% of all ATL cases lost Tax expression at infection of HTLV‐1, indicating that HBZ is the only viral gene responsible for leukemogenesis in addition to genetic and epigenetic changes of the host genes in these ATL cases. The host immune responses to Tax are also implicated in the heterogeneity of ATL. Thus, ATL is a heterogeneous disease in terms of its viral gene expression, which is important for pathogenesis of this intractable lymphomatous neoplasm.
Peasant Production in India: How the ‘Need Economy’ Facilitates Accumulation
Authors: Dasgupta Anirban
Published: February 2021

This article analyses the role of peasant production within the larger process of capitalist accumulation in India. It engages with two distinct theoretical positions — Kalyan Sanyal's formulation of the ‘need economy’ which is driven by an objective of need fulfilment outside the domain of capitalist production, and Henry Bernstein's thesis on the irrelevance of the agrarian question of capital as discussed by Jens Lerche in the particular context of India. The article extends the category of the ‘need economy’ from the present focus on the non‐agricultural informal sector to include smallholder or peasant agriculture. In doing so, the analysis demonstrates that the position of Bernstein and Lerche on the irrelevance of the agrarian question of capital and its replacement with a new agrarian question of labour is consistent with Sanyal's conceptualization of the ‘need economy’. Further, by providing evidence in support of the key function of food provisioning undertaken by small and marginal farmers in India, the article highlights how both the positions above fail to incorporate the food linkage of agriculture that is vital for the continuation of capitalist accumulation.
Self‐reporting and Market Structure
Authors: Rablen Matthew D. , Samuel Andrew
Published: February 2021

Many regulators utilize self‐reporting, that is, wrongdoers reporting their own crimes to the authority, to enforce regulations in a variety of market contexts. This paper studies the effectiveness of self‐reporting within the context of an oligopoly. We identify two important consequences of implementing self‐reporting (relative to no‐reporting) for a welfare‐maximizing regulator. First, if the regulator can control only the audit probability and fine, then whether compliance rises or falls upon implementing self‐reporting depends on the level of competition. Second, if the regulator can also control the market size, then the welfare‐maximizing policy entails self‐reporting but with more competition and lower compliance than under no‐reporting.
A cross‐sectional virtual survey to evaluate the outcome of online dental education system among undergraduate dental students across India amid COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Shrivastava Kirti Jajoo , Nahar Rajvi , Parlani Swapnil , Murthy Varsha J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A questionnaire‐based study was conducted to understand the pros and cons of online education among undergraduate dental students across India. The study was also proposed to assess the mental and physical well‐being of the students amid the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown.

Methods

A total of 533 undergraduate dental students across India participated in a cross‐sectional study by means of virtual survey. A self‐designed questionnaire was created using google forms. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions and was divided into two parts, first, regarding the academic outcome of online dental education and second, psychological and physical well‐being of the students in reference to online dental education. A descriptive statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistics software.

Results

In the present study, 91.6% students reported that the format of dental education was shifted to online lectures due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. 86.4% students suggested that they preferred offline lectures rather than online lectures. Psychological and physical well‐being were affected in both male and female students; however, male students were affected more significantly than females.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the education of dental students was adversely affected as a result of COVID‐19 pandemic. The physical and psychological well‐being of the students has also been affected, with males being affected in a higher proportion. The study concluded that the quality of online education should be enhanced and must be student centred to meet their education requirements. Also, there is a need of regular counselling and other measures to alleviate the students from the psychological stresses.