bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling non-stationarity in E-nose design: a review
Authors: Pareek Vishakha , Chaudhury Santanu , Singh Sanjay
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The electronic nose is an array of chemical or gas sensors and associated with a pattern-recognition framework competent in identifying and classifying odorant or non-odorant and simple or complex gases. Despite more than 30 years of research, the robust e-nose device is still limited. Most of the challenges towards reliable e-nose devices are associated with the non-stationary environment and non-stationary sensor behaviour. Data distribution of sensor array response evolves with time, referred to as non-stationarity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive introduction to challenges related to non-stationarity in e-nose design and to review the existing literature from an application, system and algorithm perspective to provide an integrated and practical view.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss the non-stationary data in general and the challenges related to the non-stationarity environment in e-nose design or non-stationary sensor behaviour. The challenges are categorised and discussed with the perspective of learning with data obtained from the sensor systems. Later, the e-nose technology is reviewed with the system, application and algorithmic point of view to discuss the current status.

Findings

The discussed challenges in e-nose design will be beneficial for researchers, as well as practitioners as it presents a comprehensive view on multiple aspects of non-stationary learning, system, algorithms and applications for e-nose. The paper presents a review of the pattern-recognition techniques, public data sets that are commonly referred to as olfactory research. Generic techniques for learning in the non-stationary environment are also presented. The authors discuss the future direction of research and major open problems related to handling non-stationarity in e-nose design.

Originality/value

The authors first time review the existing literature related to learning with e-nose in a non-stationary environment and existing generic pattern-recognition algorithms for learning in the non-stationary environment to bridge the gap between these two. The authors also present details of publicly available sensor array data sets, which will benefit the upcoming researchers in this field. The authors further emphasise several open problems and future directions, which should be considered to provide efficient solutions that can handle non-stationarity to make e-nose the next everyday device.
Exploration speed in captivity predicts foraging tactics and diet in free‐living red knots
Authors: Ersoy Selin , Beardsworth Christine E. , Dekinga Anne , van der Meer Marcel T. J. , Piersma Theunis , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Bijleveld Allert I.
Published: November 2021

Variation in foraging tactics and diet is usually attributed to differences in morphology, experience and prey availability. Recently, consistent individual differences in behaviour (personality) have been shown to be associated with foraging strategies. Bolder or more exploratory individuals are predicted to have a faster pace‐of‐life and offset the costs of moving more or in risky areas, with higher energetic gains by encountering profitable foraging opportunities and prey. However, the relationship between personality, foraging and diet is poorly understood.

We investigated how exploratory behaviour in red knots Calidris canutus is associated with foraging tactics and diet by combining laboratory experiments, field observations and stable isotope analysis. First, we developed a mobile experimental arena to measure exploration speed in controlled settings. We validated the method by repeated testing of individuals over time and contexts. This setup allowed us to measure exploratory personality at the field site, eliminating the need to bring birds into captivity for long periods of time. After releasing birds within days of their capture, we asked whether exploration speed was associated with differences in foraging tactics and diet in the wild.

We found that tactile foraging red knots mainly caught hard‐shelled prey that are buried in the sediment, whereas visual foraging knots only captured soft preys located close to or on the surface. We also found that faster explorers showed a higher percentage of visual foraging than slower explorers. By contrast, morphology (bill length and gizzard size) had no significant effect on foraging tactics. Diet analysis based on δ15N and δ13C stable isotope values of plasma and red blood cells confirmed our field observations with slower explorers mainly consumed hard‐shelled prey while faster explorers consumed more soft than hard‐shelled prey.

Our results show that foraging tactics and diet are associated with a personality trait, independent of morphological differences. We discuss how consistent behaviour might develop early in life through positive feedbacks between foraging tactics, prey type and foraging efficiency.
Effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of ensartinib in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Shao Rong , Chen Wenjun , Ruan Zourong , Yang Dandan , Chen Wanlin , Li Hua , Lou Honggang , Chen Jingliang , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2021

Ensartinib is a promising, aminopyridazine‐based small molecule that potently inhibits anaplastic lymphoma kinase. This random, two‐period, crossover study evaluated the effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of ensartinib after a single dose (225 mg) in healthy Chinese subjects. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ensartinib were calculated using non‐compartmental analysis. Twenty‐four healthy Chinese subjects age 20‐44 years were included in this study. The area under the concentration‐time curve of ensartinib was ~25% lower after the intake of a high‐fat, high‐calorie meal before dosing, whereas the maximum plasma concentration was decreased by ~37%, illustrating the statistically significant effect of food on ensartinib pharmacokinetics. In addition, food intake prolonged the absorption phase of ensartinib (median time to maximum plasma concentration, from 4.5 to 6 hours). Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis was conducted using NONMEM, and the influences of food, age, sex, body weight and body mass index were studied via covariate analysis. In this analysis, ensartinib plasma concentrations were best described by a one‐compartment model with Weibull absorption. The final model included food and age as covariates on apparent distribution and apparent clearance. Based on the final PopPK model, food was identified as a significant covariate for apparent clearance, apparent volume of distribution and absorption rate constant, consistent with the results of non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis.
Probiotic ice cream: A literature overview of the technological and sensory aspects and health properties
Authors: Pimentel Tatiana Colombo , de Oliveira Louise Iara Gomes , de Souza Rafaela Carvalho , Magnani Marciane
Published: November 2021

This review discusses the probiotic effect on the quality and health benefits of ice cream. Probiotic ice creams with adequate technological and sensory properties and probiotic survival (>6 log cfu/g during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions) may be obtained. The probiotic characteristics, milk type, process parameters and ingredients are important factors to be considered. Probiotic ice cream may maintain the gut and oral microbiota balance. Our review brings an updated discussion on ice cream’s importance as a probiotic carrier.
What's in a name? A candid assessment of a new candida therapy
Authors: Oláh KSJ
Published: November 2021

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on R Sobel et al., pp. 412–420 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16972
Using supermarket loyalty card data to measure the differential impact of the UK soft drink sugar tax on buyer behaviour
Authors: Fearne Andrew , Borzino Natalia , De La Iglesia Beatrix , Moffatt Peter , Robbins Margaret
Published: November 2021

This paper explores the impact of the soft drinks sugar tax introduced in the UK in 2018 on the purchasing behaviours of different geo‐demographic consumer segments. We analyse data for a composite good comprising the most popular sugar‐sweetened drinks (SSDs) using loyalty card data from one of the UK’s largest supermarkets. We use pre‐levy data to predict the effect of the tax and corroborate our predictions by analysing actual consumption of the composite good in the first 5 months post‐levy. The results show that the impact of the sugar tax is likely to have the desired effect of reducing the purchase of SSDs. Moreover, though the impact of the tax is likely to vary across different geo‐demographic segments, the evidence suggests that its impact is likely to be greatest on the most vulnerable market segments – families on low incomes – who are among the highest consumers of SSDs in the UK.
Lending competition, regulation, and nontraditional mortgages
Authors: Acolin Arthur , An Xudong , Wachter Susan M.
Published: November 2021

We examine the factors that determine the likelihood of borrowers using nontraditional mortgages (NTMs) prior to the Great Recession. Borrower choice depends on borrower characteristics such as income, levels of asset holdings, credit score, and age, and on market factors such as house price appreciation as shown in the literature. We add to the literature by showing that lending competition was significantly associated with the early growth of NTMs while growth of nonbank lending was associated with a later‐stage expansion of NTMs. We also find that state‐level antipredatory lending laws were more effective in restraining the origination of NTMs in markets with higher levels of lending competition.
Assessment of a gluten‐free laboratory exercise in an undergraduate food processing course
Authors: Herman Melanie L. , Brown Janae , Yucel Umut , Getty Kelly J. K.
Published: November 2021

There is a growing body of research that suggests better course outcomes for instructors that incorporate active learning into their curriculum. Laboratory exercises can be used to promote active learning. The objective of this study was to develop and assess the efficacy of a gluten‐free bread laboratory exercise for an undergraduate course (Fundamentals of Food Processing). Students enrolled in the course worked in groups to prepare four treatments: 100% white whole grain sorghum as control (C), 15% burgundy waxy sorghum (15W), 25% burgundy waxy sorghum (25W), and 35% burgundy waxy sorghum (35W) in a gluten‐free bread formulation. Students evaluated physical properties (yield, loaf height, color, water activity) using analytical measurements, and organoleptic properties (appearance, color, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability) via sensory analysis on a hedonic scale. Students wrote a scientific report to communicate the results. At the completion of the lab, students answered survey questions (n = 53 or 85% of the class) to self‐evaluate their understanding of gluten‐free bread properties, research and writing skills, and food processing knowledge. Sixty percent or more of the students said that the exercise improved their understanding of the physical and sensory properties of gluten‐free bread. Over 68% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the exercise reinforced their research and writing skills. Over 75% of respondents felt the exercise improved their food processing knowledge. Overall, the results of the survey indicated that the active lab exercise was effective in teaching the desired learning outcomes.
Concentrations of HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin in Oula Tibetan sheep meat and their relationship with meat quality during postmortem aging
Authors: Shi Xixiong , Li Jie , Chen Jingjing , Tian Zhu , Chen Cheng , Yu Qunli
Published: November 2021

HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin are molecular chaperones participating in multiple cellular processes. Their roles in the development of postmortem meat quality remain unclear. The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin with meat quality during postmortem aging. Specifically, cooking loss, color, pH, and the myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) of Oula Tibetan sheep meat were determined, and changes in the concentrations of HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin were evaluated. The results indicated that HSP27 concentration significantly decreased in 0–3 days (p < 0.05), presenting a positive correlation with pH (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with L*, b*, cooking loss, and MFI (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). Besides, αβ‐crystallin concentration significantly decreased in 0–2 days (p < 0.05), exhibiting a significant positive correlation with pH (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with L*, b*, cooking loss, and MFI (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). The results suggested that the HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin may participate in the development of meat quality in Oula Tibetan sheep during postmortem early aging.

Practical Application

Tenderness, color, and water holding capacity (WHC) are crucial quality attributes of meat. The relationship between the concentrations of HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin and meat quality reveals that HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin may contribute to the development of meat quality in Oula Tibetan sheep during postmortem aging. Therefore, HSP27 and αβ‐crystallin are effective research objects for regulating meat quality during postmortem aging.
Efficient markerless integration of genes in the chromosome of probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 by bacterial conjugation
Authors: Seco Elena M. , Fernández Luis Ángel
Published: November 2021

The probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a common bacterial chassis in synthetic biology developments for therapeutic applications given its long track record of safe administration in humans. Chromosomal integration of the genes of interest (GOIs) in the engineered bacterium offers significant advantages in genetic stability and to control gene dose, but common methodologies relying on the transformation of EcN are inefficient. In this work, we implement in EcN the use of bacterial conjugation in combination with markerless genome engineering to efficiently insert multiple GOIs at different loci of EcN chromosome, leaving no antibiotic resistance genes, vector sequences or scars in the modified bacterium. The resolution of cointegrants that leads to markerless insertion of the GOIs requires expression of I‐SceI endonuclease and its efficiency is enhanced by λ Red proteins. We show the potential of this strategy by integrating different genes encoding fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters (i.e. GFP, mKate2, luxCDABE) both individually and sequentially. We also demonstrate its application for gene deletions in EcN (ΔflhDC) and to replace the endogenous regulation of chromosomal locus (i.e. flhDC) by heterologous regulatory elements (e.g. tetR‐Ptet) in order to have an ectopic control of gene expression in EcN with an external inducer to alter bacterial behaviour (e.g. flagellar motility). Whole‐genome sequencing confirmed the introduction of the designed modifications without off‐target alterations in the genome. This straightforward approach accelerates the generation of multiple modifications in EcN chromosome for the generation of living bacterial therapeutics.
Residual lung damage following ARDS in COVID‐19 ICU survivors
Authors: Compagnone Nicola , Palumbo Diego , Cremona George , Vitali Giordano , De Lorenzo Rebecca , Calvi Maria Rosa , Del Prete Andrea , Baiardo Redaelli Martina , Calamarà Sabrina , Belletti Alessandro , Steidler Stephanie , Conte Caterina , Zangrillo Alberto , De Cobelli Francesco , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia ,   COVID‐BioB Study Group, Monti Giacomo
Published: November 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome (COVID‐19 ARDS) is a disease that often requires invasive ventilation. Little is known about COVID‐19 ARDS sequelae. We assessed the mid‐term lung status of COVID‐19 survivors and investigated factors associated with pulmonary sequelae.

Methods

All adult COVID‐19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit from 25th February to 27th April 2020 were included. Lung function was evaluated through chest CT scan and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of persisting lung alterations.

Results

Forty‐nine patients (75%) completed lung assessment. Chest CT scan was performed after a median (interquartile range) time of 97 (89–105) days, whilst PFT after 142 (133–160) days. The median age was 58 (52–65) years and most patients were male (90%). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 11 (6–16) days. Median tidal volume/ideal body weight (TV/IBW) was 6.8 (5.71–7.67) ml/Kg. 59% and 63% of patients showed radiological and functional lung sequelae, respectively. The diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) was reduced by 59%, with a median per cent of predicted DLCO of 72.1 (57.9–93.9) %. Mean TV/IBW during invasive ventilation emerged as an independent predictor of persistent CT scan abnormalities, whilst the duration of mechanical ventilation was an independent predictor of both CT and PFT abnormalities. The extension of lung involvement at hospital admission (evaluated through Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema, RALE score) independently predicted the risk of persistent alterations in PFTs.

Conclusions

Both the extent of lung parenchymal involvement and mechanical ventilation protocols predict morphological and functional lung abnormalities months after COVID‐19.
‘It all comes back to community!’: A qualitative study of Aboriginal Elders promoting cultural well‐being
Authors: Cox Terrance , Hoang Ha , Mond Jonathon , Cross Merylin
Published: November 2021

Objective

To examine Australian Aboriginal Elders’ (Elders) views on their contributions to and their potential to contribute to the well‐being of their community.

Design

Participatory action research methodology was employed. Data collection methods included yarning interviews and group circle discussions. Data were thematically analysed.

Setting

The project was undertaken in collaboration with Elders from a discrete Aboriginal community in rural/remote Tasmania, an island state in southern Australia.

Participants

Twelve Aboriginal community Elders.

Intervention

N/A.

Main outcome measures

N/A.

Results

Elders were promoting cultural well‐being through interconnected themes of mentoring, cultural healing and seeking balance between health services and the community's cultural foundation. Cultural values, identity, community cohesion and connections to country were further embedded in these themes.

Conclusion

The study findings draw attention to the age‐old wisdom of Aboriginal Elders, who actively promote cultural well‐being as a main determinant of community health.
Aquaporin‐1 in breast cancer
Authors: Traberg‐Nyborg Laura , Login Frédéric H. , Edamana Sarannya , Tramm Trine , Borgquist Signe , Nejsum Lene N.
Published: November 2021

The canonical function of aquaporin (AQP) water channels is to facilitate passive transport of water across cellular membranes making them essential in the regulation of body water homeostasis. Moreover, AQPs, including AQP1, have been found to be overexpressed in multiple cancer types, including breast cancer, where AQP1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. AQPs have been shown to affect cellular processes associated with cancer progression and spread including cell migration, angiogenesis, and proliferation. Moreover, AQPs can regulate levels of adhesion proteins at cell–cell junctions, a regulatory role, which is still largely unexplored in cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of how AQP1 contributes to breast cancer progression and metastatic processes is essential to establish AQP1 as a biomarker and to develop targeted anticancer treatments for breast cancer patients. This mini‐review focuses on the role of AQP1 in breast cancer.
The geometric and temporal evolution of fault‐related folds constrain normal fault growth patterns, Barents Sea, offshore Norway
Authors: Alghuraybi Ahmed , Bell Rebecca E. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L.
Published: November 2021

Extensional growth folds form ahead of the tips of propagating normal faults. These folds can accommodate a considerable amount of extensional strain and they may control rift geometry. Fold‐related surface deformation may also control the sedimentary evolution of syn‐rift depositional systems. Thus, by examining the stratigraphic record, we can constrain the four‐dimensional evolution of extensional growth folds, which in turn provides a record of fault growth and broader rift history. Here, we use high‐quality 3D seismic reflection and borehole data from the SW Barents Sea, offshore northern Norway to determine the geometric and temporal evolution of extensional growth folds associated with a large, long‐lived, basement‐rooted fault. We show that the fault grew via the linkage of four segments, and that fault growth was associated with the formation of fault‐parallel and fault‐perpendicular folds that accommodated a substantial portion (10%–40%) of the total extensional strain. Several periods of fault‐propagation folding occurred in response to the periodic burial of the fault, with individual folding events (ca. 25 and 32 Myr) lasting a considered part of the ca. 130 Myr rift period. Our study supports previous suggestions that continuous (i.e. folding) as well as discontinuous (i.e. faulting) deformation must be explicitly considered when assessing total strain in an extensional setting. We also show that changes in the architecture of growth strata record alternating periods of folding and faulting and that the margins of rift‐related depocentres may be characterised by basinward‐dipping monoclines as opposed to fault‐bound scarps. Our findings have broader implications for our understanding of the structural, physiographic and tectonostratigraphic evolution of rift basins.
Bioinformatics screening of ETV4 transcription factor oncogenes and identifying small‐molecular anticancer drugs
Authors: I.V Ambily Nath , Nair Achuthsankar S.
Published: November 2021

This bioinformatics study aimed to identify ETV4 transcription factor oncogenes and outline anticancer drugs for these genes. First, we collected known 61 ETV4 cancer targets that were framed as two classes of queries to screen against the multiomics resources in GeneMANIA. This method accessed and added functionally similar 20 genes to each set. These data were interpreted by hub genes, network clustering, gene ontology, and pathway analyses, and the results confirmed that all resultant genes were cancer promoters. The ETS‐binding motifs were identified from the promoter regions of these genes. Thus, 23 ETV4 targets were figured and those involved in oncogenesis were filtered as the following 16 putative nodes: MMP8, MMP14, KDR, BRIP1, CXCR1, GRB14, SHC2, SHC4, SH2B1, SH2B2, INPPL1, PTPN3, GNG12, SEMA4D, RHOA, and SPSB2. The transcriptional regulation of these oncogenes was coordinated by an extensive miRNA network that found to deregulate many cancer pathways. Using DgIb database, the high quality 6 oncogene‐drug combinations (MMP8‐CHEMBL1231240, MMP8‐Aminomethylamide, CXCR1‐Reparixin, SEMA4D‐Pepinemab, RHOA‐Clausine E, and SPSB2‐CHEMBL175296) were proposed. These findings may advance our understanding of novel neoplastic gene nexus of ETV4 and design treatment strategies for its modulation.
Indicatives, Subjunctives, and the Falsity of the Antecedent
Authors: Skovgaard‐Olsen Niels , Collins Peter
Published: November 2021

It is widely held that there are important differences between indicative conditionals (e.g., “If the authors are linguists, they have written a linguistics paper”) and subjunctive conditionals (e.g., “If the authors had been linguists, they would have written a linguistics paper”). A central difference is that indicatives and subjunctives convey different stances toward the truth of their antecedents. Indicatives (often) convey neutrality: for example, about whether the authors in question are linguists. Subjunctives (often) convey the falsity of the antecedent: for example, that the authors in question are not linguists. This paper tests prominent accounts of how these different stances are conveyed: whether by presupposition or conversational implicature. Experiment 1 tests the presupposition account by investigating whether the stances project—remain constant—when embedded under operators like negations, possibility modals, and interrogatives, a key characteristic of presuppositions. Experiment 2 tests the conversational‐implicature account by investigating whether the stances can be cancelled without producing a contradiction, a key characteristic of implicatures. The results provide evidence that both stances—neutrality about the antecedent in indicatives and the falsity of the antecedent in subjunctives—are conveyed by conversational implicatures.
Long‐term effects of spasticity treatment, including selective dorsal rhizotomy, for individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: MacWilliams Bruce A , McMulkin Mark L , Duffy Elizabeth A , Munger Meghan E , Chen Brian Po‐Jung , Novacheck Tom F , Schwartz Michael H ,   Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Outcomes Research Team
Published: November 2021

Aim

To understand the long‐term effects of comprehensive spasticity treatment, including selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), on individuals with spastic cerebral palsy.

Method

This was a pre‐registered, multicenter, retrospectively matched cohort study. Children were matched on age range and spasticity at baseline. Children at one center underwent spasticity treatment including SDR (Yes‐SDR, n=35) and antispastic injections. Children at two other centers had no SDR (No‐SDR, n=40 total) and limited antispastic injections. All underwent subsequent orthopedic treatment. Participants returned for comprehensive long‐term assessment (age ≥21y, follow‐up ≥10y). Assessment included spasticity, contracture, bony alignment, strength, gait, walking energy, function, pain, stiffness, participation, and quality of life.

Results

Spasticity was effectively reduced at long‐term assessment in the Yes‐SDR group and was unchanged in the No‐SDR group. There were no meaningful differences between the groups in any measure except the Gait Deviation Index (Yes‐SDR + 11 vs No‐SDR + 5) and walking speed (Yes‐SDR unchanged, No‐SDR declined 25%). The Yes‐SDR group underwent more subsequent orthopedic surgery (11.9 vs 9.7 per individual) and antispastic injections to the lower limbs (14.4 vs <3, by design).

Interpretation

Untreated spasticity does not cause meaningful impairments in young adulthood at the level of pathophysiology, function, or quality of life.
Quantitative evaluation of fetal ventricular function by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Luo Ling , Liu Hanmin , Zhou Shu , Zhao Fumin , Zhu Qi , Guo Nan , Chen Jiao
Published: November 2021

Methods

The study included 59 patients with normal fetal heart structure, blood flow, and heart rhythm (fetal abnormality‐negative group) and 50 patients with abnormal fetal heart structure, blood flow, and/or heart rhythm (fetal abnormality‐positive group). Automated Cardiac Motion Quantification (aCMQ) was performed in both groups to obtain left and right ventricular endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSendo), mid‐myocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSmid), and epicardial global longitudinal strain (GLSepi). Parameters between the two groups were compared and correlation analyses performed. A deformation analysis was performed by two trained observers, and reproducibility was assessed.

Results

The fetal left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS and RV‐GLS, respectively) decreased in a gradient from the endocardium to the epicardium. LV‐GLS and RV‐GLS of all myocardial layers were lower in the fetal abnormality‐positive than ‐negative group (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that neither LV‐GLS nor RV‐GLS was significantly correlated with gestational age in the fetal abnormality‐negative group (all P > 0.05), whereas left ventricular GLSendo, GLSmid, and GLSepi were negatively correlated with gestational age in the fetal abnormality‐positive group (r = −.39 to −.44, all P < 0.05). Repeatability testing showed that the inter‐observer and intra‐observer intra‐class correlation coefficients for LV‐GLS and RV‐GLS in each myocardial layer were >.75 (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

As a new speckle tracking echocardiography tool, aCMQ has feasibility and repeatability in evaluating myocardial deformation of the fetal ventricle. This technique might provide helpful information on ventricular myocardial deformation in fetal hearts with abnormal structure or rhythm for clinical guidance in pregnancy.
Uncommon presentation of coronary sinus endocarditis
Authors: Marschall Alexander , Delgado Calva Freddy , Martí Sánchez David , Rodriguez Torres Diego
Published: November 2021

A 79‐year‐old man, who underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery 1 month prior to admission, presented with fever and fatigue. ECG showed complete atrioventricular block. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed, revealing a round homogeneous right atrial mass and severe mitral regurgitation. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed involvement the coronary sinus (CS). Computed tomography imaging demonstrated abscess of the atrioventricular sulcus and infiltration of the CS.
Antithrombotic therapy and clinical outcomes at 1 year in the Spanish cohort of the EORP‐AF Long‐term General Registry
Authors: Pérez Cabeza Alejandro I. , Rivera‐Caravaca José Miguel , Roldán‐Rabadán Inmaculada , García Seara Javier , Bertomeu‐Gonzalez Vicente , Leal Mariano , García‐Fernandez Amaya , Tercedor Sanchez Luis , Ayarra Maite , Ciudad Marianela , Castaño Sara , Maestre Ana , Anguita Manuel , Garcia Bolao Ignacio , Marín Francisco
Published: November 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of thromboembolism. We investigate the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and explored the number needed to treat for net effect (NNTnet) of OAC in the Spanish cohort of the EURObservational Research Programme‐AF (EORP‐AF) Long‐term General Registry.

Methods

The EORP‐AF General Registry is a prospective, multicentre registry conducted in ESC countries, including consecutive AF patients. For the present analysis, we used the Spanish cohort, and the primary outcome was any thromboembolism (TE)/acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular death during the first year of follow‐up.

Results

729 AF patients were included (57.1% male, median age 75 [IQR 67–81] years, median CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLED of 3 [IQR 2–5] and 2 [IQR 1–2], respectively). 548 (75.2%) patients received OAC alone (318 [43.6%] on VKAs and 230 [31.6%] on DOACs). After 1 year, the use of OAC alone showed lower rates of any TE/ACS/cardiovascular death (3.0%/year; p < 0.001) compared to other regimens, and non‐use of OAC alone (HR 4.18, 95% CI 2.12–8.27) was independently associated with any TE/ACS/cardiovascular death. Balancing the effects of treatment, the NNTnet to provide an overall benefit of OAC therapy was 24. The proportion of patients on OAC increased at 1 year (87% to 88.1%), particularly on DOACs (33.6% to 39.9%) (p = 0.015), with low discontinuation rates.

Conclusions

In this contemporary cohort of AF patients, OAC therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes at 1 year and positive NNTnet. OAC use slightly increased during the follow‐up, with low discontinuation rates and higher prescription of DOACs.
The importance of history in understanding large tree mortality in African savannas
Authors: Das Arundhati A. , Thaker Maria , Coetsee Corli , Slotow Rob , Vanak Abi T.
Published: November 2021

Fire and elephant herbivory are major drivers of large tree mortality in savanna ecosystems. Although the spatial variation of these agents is well studied, less attention has been paid to how disturbance history influences tree mortality over time. In a long‐term cohort study, we examined how the sequence of fire‐ and elephant‐induced damage influences mortality of trees and determined whether risk of mortality is compounded over time. Data on over 2500 large trees were collected from 22 transects in Kruger National Park, South Africa, in 2006, and trees were resampled in 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2018. Over the 12‐year period, we recorded a cumulative mortality of 47.6% with an estimated annual mortality of 3–5% from 2006 through 2015 and an increase to 8.8% in 2018. The main attributed agent of tree mortality was elephant damage, occurring either once or across multiple census periods. A classification tree analysis partitioned over different census periods showed that the probability of mortality of the 10 most common tree species depended not only on the type and intensity of elephant‐induced damage and fire but also on the historical sequence of damage by these agents. Elephant damage to the main stem incurred up to 12 years earlier increased risk of mortality for large trees, especially in combination with fire damage. As expected, vulnerability to damage and risk of mortality varied among species, resulting in the potential for long‐term changes in species composition over large areas. Overall, this study highlights how multiple interacting agents cause emergent and lagging patterns of mortality risk for large trees in savanna ecosystems, a result that only becomes apparent through fine resolution and long‐term tracking of cohorts.
Effects of fastigial nucleus electrostimulation on cardiac nerve regeneration, neurotransmitter release, and malignant arrhythmia inducibility in a post‐infarction rat model
Authors: Su Mouxiao , Luo Zhi , Yu Jiang , Zhang Runfeng , Wang Jisheng , Huang Changquan , Li Wensong , Yuan Wei , Zhang Heng , Cai Guocai , Shen Songlin
Published: November 2021

The reduced density of cardiac autonomic nerves plays an important role in malignant arrhythmia after myocardial infarction (MI). Previous studies have shown that there is an interaction between the brain and the heart, and fastigial nucleus electrostimulation (FNS) promotes central nerve regeneration. Whether and how it can promote cardiac nerve regeneration after MI and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study investigated whether FNS promotes cardiac nerve regeneration and reduces malignant arrhythmia inducibility in a post‐infarction rat model. Ninety‐eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to Sham control, MI (left anterior descending coronary artery ligation without FNS), FNS (MI plus FNS), and FNL (fastigial nucleus lesion plus FNS plus MI) groups. The frequency of malignant arrhythmia was significantly lower in the FNS group than in the MI and FNL groups. The density of cardiac autonomic nerves was less in the MI group than in the Sham group, which was promoted by FNS. The nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA expression was downregulated in the MI group compared to the Sham group, which was significantly enhanced by FNS. The expression levels of norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were higher and lower respectively in the MI and FNL groups than in the Sham group. After FNS, NE concentration was reduced and Ach level was elevated compared to the MI group. These data suggested that FNS promoted the regeneration of cardiac autonomic nerves and reduced the incidence of malignant arrhythmias in MI rat model. The mechanisms might involve up‐regulation of NGF mRNA expression, decrease of NE release and increase of ACh release.
Fatigue response of additively manufactured Maraging Stainless Steel CX and effects of heat treatment and surface finishing
Authors: Ćirić‐Kostić Snežana , Croccolo Dario , De Agostinis Massimiliano , Fini Stefano , Olmi Giorgio , Paiardini Luca , Robusto Francesco , Šoškić Zlatan , Bogojević Nebojša
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the novel topic of the fatigue response of additively manufactured Maraging Stainless Steel CX. A two‐by‐two factorial plan was arranged, to experimentally assess the effects of heat treatment and machining on the fatigue strength in both finite and infinite life domains. The two factors were regarded as on–off, taking the untreated unmachined condition as a reference for comparisons. Cylindrical specimens with vertical build orientation were involved in the fatigue campaign under four‐point rotating bending. The results indicate that the fatigue strength may be remarkably incremented (up to five times) with respect to the as received conditions, especially thanks to surface smoothing and taking advantage of a very low porosity level. Heat treatment strengthening mechanisms were also interpreted in the light of optical and electron microscope observations. Fatigue enhancement arises from precipitate size increment throughout the conducted heat treatment, although the fracture mode turns to be more brittle.
Who’s slipping through the cracks? A comprehensive individual, clinical and health system characterization of people with virological failure on first‐line HIV treatment in Uganda and South Africa
Authors: Reynolds Zahra , McCluskey Suzanne M. , Moosa Mahomed Yunus S. , Gilbert Rebecca F. , Pillay Selvan , Aturinda Isaac , Ard Kevin L. , Muyindike Winnie , Musinguzi Nicholas , Masette Godfrey , Moodley Pravi , Brijkumar Jaysingh , Rautenberg Tamlyn , George Gavin , Johnson Brent A. , Gandhi Rajesh T. , Sunpath Henry , Marconi Vincent C. , Bwana Mwebesa Bosco , Siedner Mark J.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

HIV virological failure remains a major threat to programme success in sub‐Saharan Africa. While HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and inadequate adherence are the main drivers of virological failure, the individual, clinical and health system characteristics that lead to poor outcomes are not well understood. The objective of this paper is to identify those characteristics among people failing first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We enrolled a cohort of adults in HIV care experiencing virological failure on first‐line ART at five sites and used standard statistical methods to characterize them with a focus on three domains: individual/demographic, clinical, and health system, and compared each by country of enrolment.

Results

Of 840 participants, 51% were women, the median duration on ART was 3.2 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.1, 6.4 years] and the median CD4 cell count prior to failure was 281 cells/µL (IQR 121, 457 cells/µL). More than half of participants [53%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 49–56%] stated that they had > 90% adherence and 75% (95% CI 72–77%) took their ART on time all or most of the time. Conversely, the vast majority (90%; 95% CI 86–92%) with a completed genotypic drug resistance test had any HIV drug resistance. This population had high health system use, reporting a median of 3 (IQR 2.6) health care visits and a median of 1 (IQR 1.1) hospitalization in the preceding 6 months.

Conclusions

Patients failing first‐line ART in sub‐Saharan Africa generally report high rates of adherence to ART, have extremely high rates of HIV drug resistance and utilize significant health care resources. Health systems interventions to promptly detect and manage treatment failure will be a prerequisite to establishing control of the HIV epidemic.
Performance evaluation of the fully automated random‐access multiparameter Sysmex CN‐6000 hemostasis analyzer at a core laboratory with a high sample throughput
Authors: Nguyen Guillaume , Lejeune Manon , Gaaloul Mayssa , Martin‐Toutain Isabelle , Delorme Jean‐Pierre , Bourti Yasmine , Frere Corinne
Published: November 2021

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the performance of the fully automated multiparameter CN‐6000 hemostasis analyzer.

Methods

Performance evaluation of the CN‐6000 analyzer was conducted for 10 tests including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), fibrinogen level, anti‐Xa activity, and antithrombin activity using a unique portfolio of liquid ready‐to‐use reagents. Precision, sample and reagent carryovers, throughput, and sample turnaround time (STAT) function were prospectively assessed. Results from 343 samples (normal subjects, critically ill patients, patients receiving anticoagulants, subjects with high or low fibrinogen levels, and patients with decreased levels of factor II, V, VII, and X) were compared to those obtained on the STA‐R Max 2® analyzer using dedicated reagents.

Results

Total precision (coefficient of variation) was below 7% for all parameters in both normal and pathological ranges. For all analyzed parameters, results obtained on the CN‐6000 were strongly correlated with those obtained on the STA‐R Max 2®analyzer. Agreement between both instruments was excellent for all assays. The CN‐6000 demonstrated a 30% higher throughput compared to the STA‐R Max 2® (258 vs 185 tests per hour for a panel of tests including PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, factor V, anti‐Xa, and D‐Dimer). STAT turnaround time for critical care samples testing was <7 minutes.

Conclusions

The CN‐6000 analyzer performs equivalently or better than the STA‐R Max 2® with a significantly improved throughput. This new hemostasis multiparameter analyzer appears to be particularly well suited for coagulation laboratories which require high sample throughput and manage high numbers of nonstandard and critical care samples.
Text‐to‐speech applications to reduce mind wandering in students with dyslexia
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Colombini Elisa , Marzocchi Michele , Tobia Valentina , Desideri Lorenzo
Published: November 2021

Background

Mind wandering—that is, a shift in the contents of thought away from an ongoing task—can have detrimental consequences for students' reading comprehension. To date, no evidence is available on the effects of text‐to‐speech solutions on rates of mind wandering during reading.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of text‐to‐speech technology on frequency of mind wandering and reading comprehension in young students with dyslexia (20) and typical development (50).

Methods

Students were presented, on a personal computer, texts and comprehension questions in two modalities: self‐paced silent reading and text‐to‐speech reading. Comprehension scores and mind wandering occurrence were considered. A battery of cognitive tasks and questionnaires on mind wandering and emotional traits was also included.

Results

There were no differences in baseline rates of mind wandering between the two groups. In the text‐to‐speech condition, both groups showed better reading comprehension and reduced rates of mind wandering. Students with dyslexia were significantly more on task in the text‐to‐speech condition compared to the self‐paced reading condition.

Implications

These results suggest that text‐to‐speech might represent a reading solution that allows students with Dyslexia to diminish mind wandering during text‐to‐speech reading.
Working memory training in children with borderline intellectual functioning and neuropsychiatric disorders: a triple‐blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Roording‐Ragetlie S. , Spaltman M. , de Groot E. , Klip H. , Buitelaar J. , Slaats‐Willemse D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Poor working memory, lower IQ and maladaptive behaviour form a triple disability known to have negative effects on the academic and social development of children with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF; IQ: 70 < IQ < 85) and neuropsychiatric disorders [attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)]. Treatment possibilities for these children are scarce and hardly evidence based. This study primarily investigated whether adaptive computerised working memory training (WMT) may lead to significantly more improvement on a non‐trained visuospatial WM task compared with a non‐adaptive control WMT (placebo) in children with BIF and neuropsychiatric disorders. As secondary outcome measures, we used the scores on several non‐trained neuropsychological near‐transfer and far‐transfer tasks as well as behavioural measures.

Method

We conducted a triple‐blind placebo‐controlled randomised clinical trial in 72 children (aged 10;0–13;11 years, 53 boys, 19 girls) with BIF and comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders (ADHD = 37, ASD = 21, both = 14) that were referred to child and adolescent psychiatry care, between May 2012 and March 2019. Children completed the Dutch version of Cogmed WMT, either the adaptive training version or the non‐adaptive placebo version, 25 sessions (30–45 min a day), for 5 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the score on a non‐trained visuospatial working memory task. The primary outcome was measured before and directly after 5 weeks of WMT and again 6 months after training.

Results

A total of 375 children were screened for eligibility and 72 were randomised. No significantly higher levels of improvement over time were found on our primary outcome measure in the experimental WMT group compared with the placebo control WMT, nor in the secondary (near‐transfer and far‐transfer tasks) or tertiary (behavioural measures) outcome measures. However, this study did show changes over time for these measurements for both the experimental and placebo conditions.

Conclusions

This study was unable to document superior training effects over time of an adaptive WMT in children with BIF and neuropsychiatric disorders, compared with a placebo (non‐adaptive) WMT. The objectively documented changes over time in the non‐adaptive WMT arm suggest that these children with persistent impairments in WM may benefit from a structured learning environment that is associated with improvement of neurocognitive functioning and coping strategies. Further research is needed to examine which elements of cognitive training may be useful for which specific patients and to study long‐term effects of training.
Feeling the ease: How the use of oral motor fluency changes in amnesia
Authors: Geurten Marie , Bastin Christine , Willems Sylvie
Published: November 2021

The present study examined the evolution observed in amnesic patients’ use of motor fluency when making recognition memory decisions. In this experiment, 9 patients with amnesia and 18 matched controls were presented with two recognition memory tasks composed of 3 types of items: (1) natural words, (2) nonwords difficult to pronounce, and (3) nonwords easy to pronounce, the latter having been shown to be processed in a surprisingly fluent manner as long as participants can articulate them at a subvocal level (i.e., oral motor fluency). Our results provide evidence that the motor‐movement manipulation was successful to induce a fluency effect. More specifically, data revealed that both amnesic patients and control participants showed a pattern of response consistent with the use of fluency as a cue to memory for studied items. However, only control participants relied on fluency to increase their rate of “yes” responses for unstudied items. These results suggest that patients with amnesia set a more conservative response criterion before relying on oral motor fluency, showing a pattern consistent with the idea that fluency is only used as a cue to memory when it exceeds a certain threshold. These findings are discussed in terms of adaptative metacognition strategies implemented by amnesic patients to reduce fluency‐based memory errors as well as in terms of the variations that seem to occur in these strategies depending on the type of fluency that is experienced.