bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling motivation for alcohol in humans using traditional and machine learning approaches
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Montoya Amanda K. , Bujarski Spencer , Ray Lara A.
Published: July 2020

Given the significant cost of alcohol use disorder (AUD), identifying risk factors for alcohol seeking represents a research priority. Prominent addiction theories emphasize the role of motivation in the alcohol seeking process, which has largely been studied using preclinical models. In order to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical studies, this study examined predictors of motivation for alcohol self‐administration using a novel paradigm. Heavy drinkers (n = 67) completed an alcohol infusion consisting of an alcohol challenge (target breath alcohol = 60 mg%) and a progressive‐ratio alcohol self‐administration paradigm (maximum breath alcohol 120 mg%; ratio requirements range = 20–3 139 response). Growth curve modeling was used to predict breath alcohol trajectories during alcohol self‐administration. K‐means clustering was used to identify motivated (n = 41) and unmotivated (n = 26) self‐administration trajectories. The data were analyzed using two approaches: a theory‐driven test of a‐priori predictors and a data‐driven, machine learning model. In both approaches, steeper delay discounting, indicating a preference for smaller, sooner rewards, predicted motivated alcohol seeking. The data‐driven approach further identified phasic alcohol craving as a predictor of motivated alcohol self‐administration. Additional application of this model to AUD translational science and treatment development appear warranted.
The Salween River as a transboundary commons: Fragmented collective action, hybrid governance and power
Authors: Suhardiman Diana , Middleton Carl
Published: July 2020

Viewing the Salween River as a transboundary commons, this paper illustrates how diverse state and non‐state actors and institutions in hybrid and multi‐scaled networks have influenced water governance in general, and large dam decision‐making processes in particular. Putting power relations at the centre of this analysis and drawing on the conceptual lenses of hybrid governance and critical institutionalism, we show the complexity of the fragmented processes through which decisions have been arrived at, and their implications. In the context of highly asymmetrical power relations throughout the basin, and the absence of an intergovernmental agreement to date, we argue that hybrid networks of state and non‐state actors could be strategically engaged to connect parallel and fragmented decision‐making landscapes with a goal of inclusively institutionalising the transboundary commons and maintaining connected local commons throughout the basin, foregrounding a concern for ecological and social justice.
Utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with poor performance status
Authors: Kano Hirohisa , Ichihara Eiki , Harada Daijiro , Inoue Koji , Kayatani Hiroe , Hosokawa Shinobu , Kishino Daizo , Watanabe Kazuhiko , Ochi Nobuaki , Oda Naohiro , Hara Naofumi , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Hotta Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: July 2020

Most clinical trials of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exclude patients with poor ECOG performance status (PS). Thus, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with poor PS remains unclear. Herein, we used data from a retrospective cohort to assess the potential clinical benefits of ICIs in NSCLC patients with poor PS. Data from NSCLC patients who received ICI monotherapy at 9 institutions between December 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. After excluding 4 patients who lacked PS data, a total of 527 ICI‐treated patients, including 79 patients with PS 2 or higher, were used for our analyses. The progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with PS 2 or higher were significantly shorter compared with those of PS 0‐1 patients (median PFS, 4.1 vs 2.0 months; P < .001 and median OS, 17.4 vs 4.0 months; P < .001). Among NSCLC patients with programmed cell death protein‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression of 50% or higher who were treated with pembrolizumab as first‐line therapy, the median PFS times of patients with PS 2 and 0‐1 were 7.3 and 8.1 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in PFS between patients with PS 2 and 0‐1 (P = .321). Although poor PS was significantly associated with worse outcomes in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, pembrolizumab as a first‐line treatment in NSCLC patients expressing high levels of PD‐L1 could provide a clinical benefit, even in patients with PS 2.
Evidence of the milder phenotypic spectrum of c.1582G>A PIGT variant: Delineation based on seven novel Polish patients
Authors: Jezela‐Stanek Aleksandra , Szczepanik Elżbieta , Mierzewska Hanna , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Rutkowska Karolina , Knaus Alexej , Śmigiel Robert , Stępniak Iwona , Markiewicz Michał G. , Boniel Snir , Krawitz Peter , Płoski Rafał
Published: July 2020

PIGT is one of over 29 glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis defect genes. Mutations cause genetically determined disorders characterized mainly by epilepsy with fever‐sensitivity, central hypotonia, psychomotor delay and congenital malformations. The disease is known as multiple congenital anomalies‐hypotonia‐seizures syndrome 3 (MCAHS3) or glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis defect‐7. Twenty‐eight cases have been reported until today. We present seven novel Polish patients, all harboring 1582G>A variant in a homozygous or compound heterozygous state which seems to cause a milder phenotype of the disease.
NUP98‐HOXA10hd fusion protein sustains multi‐lineage haematopoiesis of lineage‐committed progenitors in transplant setting
Authors: Dong Yong , Wang Kaitao , Weng Qitong , Wang Tongjie , Zhou Peiqing , Liu Xiaofei , Geng Yang , Liu Lijuan , Wu Hongling , Wang Jinyong , Du Juan
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Exploring approaches of extending the haematopoiesis time window of MPPs and lineage‐committed progenitors might produce promising therapeutic effects. NUP98‐HOXA10hd (NA) fusion protein can expand long‐term haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and promote engraftment competitiveness without causing obvious oncogenesis. Our objectives were to investigate the roles of NA fusion protein in MPP and downstream lineage‐committed progenitor context.

Material and Methods

300 sorted MPPs (Lin−CD48−c‐kit+Sca1+CD135+CD150−) were mixed with 5 × 105 total BM helper/competitor cells and injected into irradiated recipients. For secondary transplantation, 5 × 106 total BM cells from primary recipient mice were injected into lethally irradiated recipients. NA‐MPP recipient mice were sacrified for flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow progenitors at indicated time points. Sorted MPPs and myeloid progenitors were used for RNA‐seq library preparation.

Results

We showed that NA‐expressing MPPs achieved significantly longer multi‐lineage haematopoiesis (>44‐week) than natural MPPs (20‐week). NA upregulated essential genes regulating long‐term haematopoiesis, cell cycle, epigenetic regulation and responses to stress in MPPs. These molecular traits are associated with the earlier appearance of a Sca1‐c‐kit+ myeloid progenitor population, and more abundant cellularity of lineage‐committed progenitor as well as bone marrow nucleated cells. Further, the NA‐derived primary bone marrow cells, which lack NA‐LSK cells, successfully repopulated secondary multi‐lineage haematopoiesis over 20 weeks.

Conclusions

This study unveiled that NA fusion protein promotes MPP and lineage‐committed progenitor engraftment via extending long‐term multi‐lineage haematopoiesis.
First Clinical Study with AP30663 ‐ a KCa2 Channel Inhibitor in Development for Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Gal Pim , Klaassen Erica S. , Bergmann Kirsten R. , Saghari Mahdi , Burggraaf Jacobus , Kemme Michiel J. B. , Sylvest Christina , Sørensen Ulrik , Bentzen Bo H. , Grunnet Morten , Diness Jonas G. , Edvardsson Nils
Published: July 2020

Pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently inefficacious. AP30663, a small conductance Ca2+ activated K+ (KCa2) channel blocker, prolonged the atrial effective refractory period in preclinical studies and subsequently converted AF into normal sinus rhythm. This first‐in‐human study evaluated the safety and tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects were explored. Forty‐seven healthy male volunteers (23.7 ± 3.0 years) received AP30663 intravenously in ascending doses. Due to infusion site reactions, changes to the formulation and administration were implemented in the latter 24 volunteers. Extractions from a 24‐hour continuous electrocardiogram were used to evaluate the PD effect of AP30663. Data were analyzed with a repeated measure analysis of covariance, noncompartmental analysis, and concentration‐effect analysis. In total, 33 of 34 adverse events considered related to AP30663 exposure were related to the infusion site, mild in severity, and temporary in nature, although full recovery took up to 110 days. After formulation and administration changes, the local infusion site reaction remained, but the median duration was shorter despite higher dose levels. AP30663 displayed a less than dose proportional increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a terminal half‐life of around 5 hours. In healthy volunteers, no effect of AP30663 was observed on electrocardiographic parameters, other than a concentration‐dependent effect on the corrected QT Fridericia’s formula interval (+18.8 ± 4.3 ms for the highest dose level compared with time matched placebo). In conclusion, administration of AP30663, a novel KCa2 channel inhibitor, was safe and well‐tolerated systemically in humans, supporting further development in patients with AF undergoing cardioversion.
Heart rate variability in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension
Authors: Khan Ahsan A. , Junejo Rehan T. , Thomas Graham N. , Fisher James P. , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: July 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension are independently associated with impaired autonomic function determined using heart rate variability (HRV). As these conditions frequently co‐exist, we sought to determine whether AF would worsen HRV in hypertensive patients.

Design

We studied HRV in AF (and hypertension) (n = 61) and hypertension control group (n = 33). The AF (and hypertension) group was subdivided into permanent AF (n = 30) and paroxysmal AF (n = 31) and re‐studied. Time‐domain, frequency‐domain and nonlinear measures of HRV were determined. Permanent AF group (n = 30) was followed up after 8 weeks following optimisation of their heart rate and blood pressure (BP).

Results

Time‐domain and nonlinear indices of HRV were higher in AF (and hypertension) group compared to hypertensive controls (P ≤ .01). Time‐domain and nonlinear indices of HRV were higher in permanent AF group compared to paroxysmal AF (P ≤ .001). Permanent AF was an independent predictor of HRV on multivariable analysis (P = .006). Optimisation of heart rate and BP had no significant impact on HRV in permanent AF.

Conclusions

AF, independent of hypertension, is characterised with marked HRV and is possibly related to vagal tone. HRV is higher in permanent AF compared to paroxysmal AF suggesting evident autonomic influence in the pathophysiology of permanent AF. Modulation of autonomic influence on cardiovascular system should be explored in future studies.
Predictors of adverse prognosis in COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Figliozzi Stefano , Masci Pier Giorgio , Ahmadi Navid , Tondi Lara , Koutli Evangelia , Aimo Alberto , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Dimopoulos Meletios‐Athanasios , Caforio Alida L. P. , Georgiopoulos Georgios
Published: July 2020

Background

Identification of reliable outcome predictors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is of paramount importance for improving patient's management.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was conducted until 24 April 2020. From 6843 articles, 49 studies were selected for a pooled assessment; cumulative statistics for age and sex were retrieved in 587 790 and 602 234 cases. Two endpoints were defined: (a) a composite outcome including death, severe presentation, hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) and/or mechanical ventilation; and (b) in‐hospital mortality. We extracted numeric data on patients’ characteristics and cases with adverse outcomes and employed inverse variance random‐effects models to derive pooled estimates.

Results

We identified 18 and 12 factors associated with the composite endpoint and death, respectively. Among those, a history of CVD (odds ratio (OR) = 3.15, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 2.26‐4.41), acute cardiac (OR = 10.58, 5.00‐22.40) or kidney (OR = 5.13, 1.78‐14.83) injury, increased procalcitonin (OR = 4.8, 2.034‐11.31) or D‐dimer (OR = 3.7, 1.74‐7.89), and thrombocytopenia (OR = 6.23, 1.031‐37.67) conveyed the highest odds for the adverse composite endpoint. Advanced age, male sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, acute cardiac or kidney injury, lymphocytopenia and D‐dimer conferred an increased risk of in‐hospital death. With respect to the treatment of the acute phase, therapy with steroids was associated with the adverse composite endpoint (OR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.934‐6.73), but not with mortality.

Conclusions

Advanced age, comorbidities, abnormal inflammatory and organ injury circulating biomarkers captured patients with an adverse clinical outcome. Clinical history and laboratory profile may then help identify patients with a higher risk of in‐hospital mortality.
Predictors of long‐term clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fornaro Marco , Cacciapaglia Fabio , Lopalco Giuseppe , Venerito Vincenzo , Iannone Florenzo
Published: July 2020

Aim

Little is known about possible predictors of long‐term survival on biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) after achievement of deep clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We aimed at assessing factors associated with drug persistence of the first bDMARD in RA patients who achieved Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission.

Methods

The clinical charts of RA patients beginning a first bDMARD were retrospectively reviewed, and those who achieved SDAI‐based remission were selected for this analysis. Drug retention rate and mean survival time (MST) were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier curves, and hazard ratios (HRs) of discontinuing bDMARD were estimated by multivariate Cox‐regression models.

Results

Eight‐six patients were on SDAI remission, and the survival rate of bDMARDs since ‘baseline‐time’ was 82.6% (MST = 77.8 (95% CI: 69‐86) months). Once on remission, patients not taking concomitant glucocorticoids had significantly higher survival rate (90.7%, MST = 86.3 (95% CI: 78‐95) months) than patients who continued to intake low dose of glucocorticoids (68.8%, MST = 56.9 (95% CI: 45‐69) months; P = .008). On the contrary, those patients assuming methotrexate (MTX) had significantly higher survival (87.7% (MST = 81.8 (95% CI: 73‐91) months) than patients who were not taking MTX (66.7% (MST = 55.3 (95% CI: 40‐71) months) (log‐rank 4.72, P = .03). After the achievement of disease remission, stopping glucocorticoids (HR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10‐0.93) and methotrexate co‐therapy (HR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12‐0.98) were independently associated with a lower risk of bDMARD discontinuation.

Conclusions

Among RA patients on clinical remission with a first bDMARD, those stopping glucocorticoids and continuing MTX had much longer survival on bDMARD.
Epidemiology, clinical characteristics of the first cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Liu Jialin , Liu Siru , Wei Hailong , Yang Xi
Published: July 2020

Background

COVID‐19 is currently the most urgent threat to public health in the world. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the first cases of COVID‐19 to make further improvements in health policies and prevention measurements in response to the outbreak of COVID‐19.

Methods

We performed a search in PubMed, the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Web of Science and the WHO database of publications on COVID‐19 for peer‐reviewed papers from 1 December 2019 to 9 July 2020. We analysed the demographics, epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, signs and symptoms of the disease at the onset.

Results

We identified the first cases of COVID‐19 in 16 different countries/regions from Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Of these 16 cases, 8 (50.0%) were male, with a mean of age 43.38 ± 15.19 years. All the cases had a history of travel or exposure. Twelve cases (75.0%) occurred in January, eight patients were Chinese, two patients were international students in Wuhan, one patient had a history of travelling in Wuhan, and one patient was in contact with Chinese patient. The longest hospital stay was 24 days (1 patient), and the shortest was 5 days (1 patient). The usual hospital stay was 9 days (4 patients).

Conclusion

Understanding the epidemiological characteristics, clinical characteristics, and diagnosis and treatment of the first patients in various countries are of great significance for the identification, prevention and control of COVID‐19.
Climate more important than soils for predicting forest biomass at the continental scale
Authors: Bennett Alison C. , Penman Trent D. , Arndt Stefan K. , Roxburgh Stephen H. , Bennett Lauren T.
Published: July 2020

Above‐ground biomass in forests is critical to the global carbon cycle as it stores and sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. Climate change will disrupt the carbon cycle hence understanding how climate and other abiotic variables determine forest biomass at broad spatial scales is important for validating and constraining Earth System models and predicting the impacts of climate change on forest carbon stores. We examined the importance of climate and soil variables to explaining above‐ground biomass distribution across the Australian continent using publicly available biomass data from 3130 mature forest sites, in 6 broad ecoregions, encompassing tropical, subtropical and temperate biomes. We used the Random Forest algorithm to test the explanatory power of 14 abiotic variables (8 climate, 6 soil) and to identify the best‐performing models based on climate‐only, soil‐only and climate plus soil. The best performing models explained ~50% of the variation (climate‐only: R2 = 0.47 ± 0.04, and climate plus soils: R2 = 0.49 ± 0.04). Mean temperature of the driest quarter was the most important climate variable, and bulk density was the most important soil variable. Climate variables were consistently more important than soil variables in combined models, and model predictive performance was not substantively improved by the inclusion of soil variables. This result was also achieved when the analysis was repeated at the ecoregion scale. Predicted forest above‐ground biomass ranged from 18 to 1066 Mg ha−1, often under‐predicting measured above‐ground biomass, which ranged from 7 to 1500 Mg ha−1. This suggested that other non‐climate, non‐edaphic variables impose a substantial influence on forest above‐ground biomass, particularly in the high biomass range. We conclude that climate is a strong predictor of above‐ground biomass at broad spatial scales and across large environmental gradients, yet to predict forest above‐ground biomass distribution under future climates, other non‐climatic factors must also be identified.
Mapping the stocks in MICEX: Who is central in the Moscow Stock Exchange?
Authors: Hakan Eratalay M. , Vladimirov Evgenii V.
Published: July 2020

In this article, we use partial correlations to derive bi‐directional connections between major firms listed in the Moscow Stock Exchange. We obtain coefficients of partial correlation from the correlation estimates of the Constant Conditional Correlation GARCH (CCC‐GARCH) and the consistent Dynamic Conditional Correlation GARCH (cDCC‐GARCH) models. We map the graph of partial correlations using the Gaussian Graphical Model and apply network analysis to identify the most central firms in terms of both shock propagation and connectedness with others. Moreover we analyze some network characteristics over time and based on these we construct a measure of system vulnerability to external shocks. Our findings suggest that during the crisis interconnectedness between firms strengthens and becomes polarized and the system becomes more vulnerable to systemic shocks. In addition, we found that the most connected firms are the state‐owned firms Sberbank and Gazprom and the private oil company Lukoil, while in terms of the top most central systemic risk contributors, Sberbank gave its place to the NLMK Group.
First record of Ektaphelenchoides pini associated with Ips sexdentatus on Pinus nigra laricio in Italy
Authors: d'Errico Giada , Fanelli Elena , Troccoli Alberto , Binazzi Francesco , Landi Silvia , Roversi Pio , De Luca Francesca
Published: July 2020

In February 2015, an unexpected windstorm downed five hectares of a European black pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio forest formation located close to Vallombrosa, Florence (Central Italy). In the following spring, an extensive survey was conducted in the area. Felled trees, stumps and all the suitable plant material were screened for the presence of the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, by sampling wood and bark. Bark beetles were then collected from the gallery systems on the inner side of bark samples and observed in the laboratory. The following bark beetles were morphologically identified: Ips sexdentatus, Orthotomicus erosus, O. laricis and Pityogenes bidentatusa. The dissection of Ips sexdentatus allowed the extraction of numerous nematodes that were morphologically and molecularly identified as Ektaphelenchoides pini. Conversely, only few nematode specimens were isolated from either pine bark or wood. These individuals could be only molecularly identified and belonged to an undescribed nematode taxon. Even though no PWN was recorded in the investigated sites, our survey allowed the detection of a new association between E. pini and I. sexdentatus on P. nigra.
Maintained memory and long‐term potentiation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease with both amyloid pathology and human tau
Authors: Tulloch Jane , Netsyk Olga , Pickett Eleanor K. , Herrmann Abigail G. , Jain Pooja , Stevenson Anna J. , Oren Iris , Hardt Oliver , Spires‐Jones Tara L.
Published: July 2020

One of the key knowledge gaps in the field of Alzheimer's disease research is the lack of understanding of how amyloid beta and tau cooperate to cause neurodegeneration. We recently generated a mouse model (APP/PS1 + Tau) that develops amyloid plaque pathology and expresses human tau in the absence of endogenous murine tau. These mice exhibit an age‐related behavioural hyperactivity phenotype and transcriptional deficits which are ameliorated by tau transgene suppression. We hypothesized that these mice would also display memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity deficits as has been reported for many plaque bearing mouse models which express endogenous mouse tau. We observed that our APP/PS1 + Tau model does not exhibit novel object memory or robust long‐term potentiation deficits with age, whereas the parent APP/PS1 line with mouse tau did develop the expected deficits. These data are important as they highlight potential functional differences between mouse and human tau and the need to use multiple models to fully understand Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and develop effective therapeutic strategies.
“Multiplexing” cells of the visual cortex and the timing enigma of the binding problem
Authors: Zeki Semir
Published: July 2020

In this opinion essay, I address the perennial binding problem, that is to say of how independently processed visual attributes such as form, colour and motion are brought together to give us a unified and holistic picture of the visual world. A solution to this central issue in neurobiology remains as elusive as ever. No one knows today how it is implemented. The issue is not a new one and, though discussed most commonly in the context of the visual brain, it is not unique to it either. Karl Lashley summarized it well years ago when he wrote that a critical problem for brain studies is to understand how “the specialized areas of the cerebral cortex interact to provide the integration evident in thought and behaviour” (Lashley, 1931).
Assessment for Learning with Diverse Learners in a Digital World
Authors: DiCerbo Kristen
Published: July 2020

We have the ability to capture data from students' interactions with digital environments as they engage in learning activity. This provides the potential for a reimagining of assessment to one in which assessment become part of our natural education activity and can be used to support learning. These new data allow us to more closely examine the processes learners use to solve problems, not just their final solutions, so educators can be more targeted in their intervention. New capabilities may address some of the consistent criticisms of assessment, but they also present new dangers, particularly for diverse learners. Systems are in danger of replicating the biases from our non‐digital world in our digital tasks and in the creation of the scoring tools that accompany them.
Theanti‐geopoliticalcinematic eye: Documentary film and critical geopolitics
Authors: Holland Edward C.
Published: July 2020

This article considers documentary film as a format for critique and alternative viewings of the geopolitical. To do so, it reviews work in film studies on documentary film, emphasizing the theorization of the documentary ethos and the role of filmmakers in determining how documentaries depict reality. Identifying three points of consonance between documentary films and critical geopolitics, it reviews the geopolitical nature of many topical choices, the importance of authorial intent and creation, and the viewing of documentaries as texts whose interpretation is determined by their creators and viewers. The conclusion advocates for documentary film as a basis for a return to the consideration of format in critical geopolitics.
Infant growth during the first year of life following a pregnancy lifestyle intervention in routine care—Findings from the cluster‐randomisedGeliStrial
Authors: Hoffmann Julia , Günther Julia , Stecher Lynne , Spies Monika , Geyer Kristina , Raab Roxana , Meyer Dorothy , Rauh Kathrin , Hauner Hans
Published: July 2020

Background

Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy may influence postpartum development and obesity risk in offspring. The impact of lifestyle interventions as health system‐based approaches is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of an antenatal lifestyle intervention conducted as public health approach on infant development and feeding practices.

Methods

We followed offspring born to women participating in the cluster‐randomised GeliS trial who received usual care (CG) or repeated lifestyle counselling (IG). We collected data on offspring development and complementary feeding until the 12thmonth postpartum.

Results

Of the 1998 mother‐child pairs, 1783 completed the follow‐up. Mean infant weight at 12 months was comparable between groups (IG: 9497.9 ± 1137.0 g; CG: 9433.4 ± 1055.2 g;P= .177). There was no significant evidence of differences in sex‐ and age‐adjusted z‐scores or in the odds of offspring being overweight. More infants in the IG received whole‐grain products compared to the CG (95.6%vs. 90.8%;P= .003). Despite small differences in the timing of introducing solid foods, there were no further significant differences in the pattern of complementary feeding.

Conclusions

The antenatal lifestyle intervention embedded in routine care did not substantially influence infant anthropometrics and is thus unlikely to impact future development.
Large piezoelectricity and high Curie temperature in novel bismuth ferrite‐based ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Zeng Jiangtao , Zheng Liaoying , Liu Wenbing , Li Guorong , Kassiba Abdelhadi
Published: July 2020

The requirement for ferroelectric ceramics with a high Curie temperature and a high piezoelectric coefficient remains an important research task for high‐temperature sensors and actuators applications. (0.76‐x)BiFeO3‐0.24PbTiO3‐xBa(Sn0.2Ti0.8)O3 (BF‐PT‐BST) piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated using the solid‐state reaction method. XRD analysis indicated that the incorporation of large ionic radius Ba2+ at A‐site and nonferroelectric‐active Sn4+ at B‐site generated a decrease in the tetragonality degree c/a. A wide multiphase coexistence region was formed with the content of BST ranging from 0.13 to 0.28. The enhanced piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ~ 200pC/N) was achieved while maintaining a high Curie temperature (TC ~ 500°C) and a high depolarization temperature (Td ~ 450°C) for the composition of 0.6BF‐24PT‐0.16BST. TEM patterns provided clear evidence for the presence of nanodomains (~2nm) would be the predominant source for the enhanced piezoelectricity for the composition x = 0.20. The designed BF‐PT‐BST ternary system provides great potential for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications.
The interplay of individual differences, norms, and group identification in predicting prejudiced behavior in online video game interactions
Authors: Cary Lindsey A. , Axt Jordan , Chasteen Alison L.
Published: July 2020

Despite the increasing popularity of video games and the diversity of people who play, prejudice remains common in online gaming. In the current study, we use structural equation modeling to test the role of social norms, individual differences, and gamer identification as predictors of how likely someone is to report engaging in prejudiced behavior while playing online video games. We also test the relative importance of these predictors to assess how likely people are to confront prejudice when it occurs in online video games. Participants (N = 384) completed a series of questionnaires to assess their attitudes and perceptions of online gaming norms, as well as to report their own prejudiced and confrontation behavior in video games. We found that both social norms and individual differences are significant predictors of behavior in online gaming. The more normative people report prejudice to be, the more they report making prejudiced comments. Similarly, the more normative confrontation of prejudice is reported to be, the more likely people are to report confronting prejudice. The more people endorsed generally prejudiced attitudes, the more likely they were to report making prejudiced remakes in online gaming and the less likely they were to report confronting prejudiced remarks. These results provide a foundation to inform interventions to reduce prejudice in gaming and indicate that both individual differences and norms are important to consider when designing interventions.
Knockdown of endogenous RNF4 exacerbates ischaemia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice
Authors: Qiu Fang , Han Yanna , Shao Xiaoqi , Paulo Petro , Li Wenyue , Zhu Mengying , Tang Nannan , Guo Shuaili , Chen Yibing , Wu Han , Zhao Dan , Liu Yu , Chu Wenfeng
Published: July 2020

RNF4, a poly‐SUMO‐specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, is associated with protein degradation, DNA damage repair and tumour progression. However, the effect of RNF4 in cardiomyocytes remains to be explored. Here, we identified the alteration of RNF4 from ischaemic hearts and oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Upon myocardial infarction (MI) or H2O2/ATO treatment, RNF4 increased rapidly and then decreased gradually. PML SUMOylation and PML nuclear body (PML‐NB) formation first enhanced and then degraded upon oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor was able to attenuate the elevation of RNF4 expression and PML SUMOylation. PML overexpression and RNF4 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced PML SUMOylation, promoted p53 recruitment and activation and exacerbated H2O2/ATO‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis which could be partially reversed by knockdown of p53. In vivo, knockdown of endogenous RNF4 via in vivo adeno‐associated virus infection deteriorated post‐MI structure remodelling including more extensive interstitial fibrosis and severely fractured and disordered structure. Furthermore, knockdown of RNF4 worsened ischaemia‐induced cardiac dysfunction of MI models. Our results reveal a novel myocardial apoptosis regulation model that is composed of RNF4, PML and p53. The modulation of these proteins may provide a new approach to tackling cardiac ischaemia.
The first reproductive parameters and evidence of multiple paternity in one new spiny dogfish species, Squalus albicaudus (Squaliformes, Squalidae)
Authors: Lamarca Felipe , Vianna Marcelo , Vilasboa Anderson
Published: July 2020

Understanding elasmobranch reproductive biology is necessary for species conservation. Multiple paternity (MP) has been reported for elasmobranchs, and this study investigates the reproductive aspects and mating system (paternity genetic analyses) for Squalus albicaudus. Thirteen pregnant females were analysed concerning reproductive parameters, and the mating system was assessed for nine females and their litters. The study found a mean fecundity of 2.84 pups per litter without correlation between total female length and the number of embryos per litter. One litter showed evidence of MP, indicating the presence of polyandrous behaviour of the species.
From wheel of fortune to wheel of misfortune: Financial crises, cycles, and consumer predation
Authors: Mesly Olivier , Shanafelt David W. , Huck Nicolas , Racicot François‐Éric
Published: July 2020

Predator–prey dynamics are widely used in ecology but seldom utilized in economics and marketing, despite their ability to express financial market agents' behaviors when considered in combination with economic cycles and financial crises. This multidisciplinary article presents a stylized framework of a market cycle that combines the notions of supply and demand and predator–prey interactions between buyers and sellers of housing mortgages. We illustrate our framework using data from the Global Financial Crisis and a Lotka‐Volterra predator–prey model. We find that with our framework we can capture the dynamics of the market, particularly the peak and decline in the number of sellers and sold subprime mortgages. Our framework sheds a new light on consumer behaviors, pinpointing how they can put themselves into vulnerable prey positions. This article is one of the first of its kind to propose market phases and predator–prey dynamics nested in economic cycles and consumer buying trends.
Demand‐Driven Technical Change and Productivity Growth: Theory and Evidence from the Energy Policy Act
Authors: Impullitti Giammario , Kneller Richard , McGowan Danny
Published: July 2020

We present novel evidence on the effect of market size on technology adoption and productivity. Our tests exploit a natural experiment in the U.S. corn industry where changes to national energy policy created exogenous increases in demand. Difference‐in‐difference estimates show that the demand shock caused technical change as corn producers adopted higher quality seeds which in turn raised productivity by 7%. We develop a simple model that formalizes the mechanisms underlying our results.
Taxing Gambling Machines To Enhance Public and Private Revenue
Authors: Garrett Thomas A. , Paton David , Vaughan Williams Leighton
Published: July 2020

Electronic gambling (‘slot’) machines are a key component of the global gambling industry. We introduce a theoretical framework which shows that under reasonable assumptions, shifting from a per‐machine licence fee to a gross profits tax (GPT) on machine revenue can help to resolve policy tensions between industry profitability, economic growth and government revenue. We test the theory using data on recent changes to gambling taxation in the UK, in particular the move to a gross profits‐based Machine Games Duty (MGD). Our results reveal that the shift from licence fees to a revenue‐neutral MGD led to a significant increase in the number of machines, as predicted by the theory, and in machine revenue. These results provide useful guidance for all parties involved in the gambling taxation debate, especially those jurisdictions that are considering or are open to a change to their gambling tax system.
Enjoying the warming Mediterranean: Transcriptomic responses to temperature changes of a thermophilous keystone species in benthic communities
Authors: Pérez‐Portela Rocío , Riesgo Ana , Wangensteen Owen S. , Palacín Cruz , Turon Xavier
Published: July 2020

Information about the genomic processes underlying responses to temperature changes is still limited in non‐model marine invertebrates. In this sense, transcriptomic analyses can help to identify genes potentially related to thermal responses. We here investigated, via RNA‐seq, whole‐transcriptomic responses to increased and decreased temperatures in a thermophilous keystone sea urchin, Arbacia lixula, whose populations are increasing in the Mediterranean. This species is a key driver of benthic communities’ structure due to its grazing activity. We found a strong response to experimentally induced cold temperature (7°C), with 1,181 differentially expressed transcripts relative to the control condition (13°C), compared to only 179 in the warm (22°C) treatment. A total of 84 (cold treatment) and three (warm treatment) gene ontology terms were linked to the differentially expressed transcripts. At 7°C the expression of genes encoding different heat shock proteins (HSPs) was upregulated, together with apoptotic suppressor genes (e.g., Bcl2), genes involved in the infection response and/or pathogen‐recognition (e.g., echinoidin) and ATP‐associated genes, while protein biosynthesis and DNA replication pathways were downregulated. At 22°C neither HSPs induction nor activation of the previously mentioned pathways were detected, with the exception of some apoptotic‐related activities that were upregulated. Our results suggest a strong transcriptional response associated with low temperatures, and support the idea of low water temperature being a major limitation for A. lixula expansion across deep Mediterranean and northern Atlantic waters.
Home‐care nurses’ distinctive work: A discourse analysis of what takes precedence in changing healthcare services
Authors: Fjørtoft Ann‐Kristin , Oksholm Trine , Delmar Charlotte , Førland Oddvar , Alvsvåg Herdis
Published: July 2020

Ongoing changes in many Western countries have resulted in more healthcare services being transferred to municipalities and taking place in patients’ homes. This greatly impacts nurses’ work in home care, making their work increasingly diverse and demanding. In this study, we explore home‐care nursing through a critical discourse analysis of focus group interviews with home‐care nurses. Drawing on insights from positioning theory, we discuss the content and delineation of their work and the interweaving of contextual changes. Nurses hold a crucial position in home healthcare, particularly in ensuring care for sicker patients with complex needs. Assessing health needs, performing advanced care, and at the same time, providing customized solutions in various homes were identified as distinctive for home‐care nurses’ work. Changes have made nurses’ work become driven by comprehensive tasks and acute medical needs that require much of their competence and time. Urgent care seems to take precedence in nurses’ work, leaving less time and attention for other tasks such as conversations and support for coping with everyday life. This underlines the need to investigate and discuss the content and scope of nurses’ work to help shape the further development of home‐care nursing.
Edaphic niche characterization of four Proteaceae reveals unique calcicole physiology linked to hyper‐endemism of Grevillea thelemanniana
Authors: Gao Jingwen , Wang Feng , Ranathunge Kosala , Arruda André J. , Cawthray Gregory R. , Clode Peta L. , He Xinhua , Leopold Matthias , Roessner Ute , Rupasinghe Thusitha , Zhong Hongtao , Lambers Hans
Published: July 2020

Endemism and rarity have long intrigued scientists. We focused on a rare endemic and critically‐endangered species in a global biodiversity hotspot, Grevillea thelemanniana (Proteaceae).

We carried out plant and soil analyses of four Proteaceae, including G. thelemanniana, and combined these with glasshouse studies. The analyses related to hydrology and plant water relations as well as soil nutrient concentrations and plant nutrition, with an emphasis on sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca).

The local hydrology and matching plant traits related to water relations partially accounted for the distribution of the four Proteaceae. What determined the rarity of G. thelemanniana, however, was its accumulation of Ca. Despite much higher total Ca concentrations in the leaves of the rare G. thelemanniana than in the common Proteaceae, very few Ca crystals were detected in epidermal or mesophyll cells. Instead of crystals, G. thelemanniana epidermal cell vacuoles contained exceptionally high concentrations of noncrystalline Ca. Calcium ameliorated the negative effects of Na on the very salt‐sensitive G. thelemanniana. Most importantly, G. thelemanniana required high concentrations of Ca to balance a massively accumulated feeding‐deterrent carboxylate, trans‐aconitate.

This is the first example of a calcicole species accumulating and using Ca to balance accumulation of an antimetabolite.
Rotator cuff tear degeneration and the role of fibro‐adipogenic progenitors
Authors: Agha Obiajulu , Diaz Agustin , Davies Michael , Kim Hubert T. , Liu Xuhui , Feeley Brian T.
Published: July 2020

The high prevalence of rotator cuff tears poses challenges to individual patients and the healthcare system at large. This orthopedic injury is complicated further by high rates of retear after surgical repair. Outcomes following repair are highly dependent upon the quality of the injured rotator cuff muscles, and it is, therefore, crucial that the pathophysiology of rotator cuff degeneration continues to be explored. Fibro‐adipogenic progenitors, a major population of resident muscle stem cells, have emerged as the main source of intramuscular fibrosis and fatty infiltration, both of which are key features of rotator cuff muscle degeneration. Improvements to rotator cuff repair outcomes will likely require addressing the muscle pathology produced by these cells. The aim of this review is to summarize the current rotator cuff degeneration assessment tools, the effects of poor muscle quality on patient outcomes, the role of fibro‐adipogenic progenitors in mediating muscle pathology, and how these cells could be leveraged for potential therapeutics to augment current rotator cuff surgical and rehabilitative strategies.
Profiling thermal pain using quantitative sensory testing in patients with trigeminal nerve injury
Authors: Kim Hye‐Kyoung , Kim Mee‐Eun
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the thermal pain phenotypes using QST in patients with unilateral trigeminal nerve injury and to explore whether these different thermal pain phenotypes are associated with clinical and psychophysical characteristics.

Methods

This retrospective study included 84 patients diagnosed with posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathy involving inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN). Data on clinical characteristics, subjective symptoms including hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, and allodynia, and objective signs using thermal QST were collected and explored.

Results

Three heat (heat hypoalgesia, heat hyperalgesia, and within normal range) and cold pain phenotypes (cold hypoalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, and within normal ranges) were identified, respectively. Thermal hypoalgesia was more frequently observed than thermal hyperalgesia. Heat hypoalgesia regardless of cold pain abnormalities appears to be associated with subjective negative symptoms, while thermal hyperalgesia seems to have little relationship with negative and positive symptoms. Thermal pain phenotypes were associated with loss of innocuous thermal sensation. Unlike heat pain phenotypes, cold pain phenotypes differed between IAN injury and LN injury.

Conclusion

The thermal pain phenotypes identified in this study seem to be related to clinical and psychophysical findings differently. These results would be a good starting point for assessing posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathy and interpreting the thermal QST results.
Clinical and Epidemiological Features Among Patients with Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery: A Hospital‐based Study in China
Authors: Yin Yao‐bin , Liu Bo , Zhu Jing , Chen Shan‐lin
Published: July 2020

Propose

To analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy procedures.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional epidemiological study. The study included a cohort of patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy procedures in a national orthopaedic referral center from 1 February, 2014 to 1 February, 2019. The medical records, diagnosis, and every wrist arthroscopy procedure of all the patients were collected and reviewed. The epidemiological features, detail of the diagnoses, and the procedures of all the patients were systemically analyzed. All the patients were divided into two groups: trauma and non‐trauma conditions. The complexity of the wrist arthroscopy procedure was classified into simple procedures (exploration or debridement) and complex procedures (repair or reconstruction). χ2 test was used to compare proportions between the procedures of different complexity and the two groups of patients.

Results

A total of 533 patients (332 males and 201 females) were included in this study. More than half (56%) of the patients were in the age group 21–40 and nearly two thirds (62%) of all the 533 patients were male. The diagnoses of all the patients could be classified into eight categories: (i) TFCC injury; (ii) ulnar impactions syndrome; (iii) carpal trauma (carpal bone fractures and/or carpal ligament injures); (iv) distal radius fractures; (v) carpal bone cyst or necrosis; (vi) ganglion cyst; (vii) wrist arthritis; and (viii) disorders of small joint of the hand. The most common conditions treated with wrist arthroscopy were TFCC injury (172 cases), followed by carpal trauma (125 cases) and ulnar impaction syndrome (84 cases). The simple arthroscopic procedures (exploration or debridement) account for 53% of all the procedures while complex reparative or reconstructive procedures account for 47%. There was a significant difference in the proportion between simple procedures and complex procedures in both trauma and non‐traumatic patients. Repair or reconstruction procedures were more frequently performed for wrist trauma patients, whereas exploration or debridement procedures were more frequently performed for non‐trauma patients.

Conclusions

The largest group of patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy surgery are those who complained of ulnar‐sided wrist pain and the commonly conducted wrist arthroscopy procedures have evolved from simple exploration/debridement to the more complex repair or reconstruction procedures in China.