bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal changes of the diameter of the coronary sinus during the cardiac cycle
Authors: Mlynarski Rafal , Mlynarska Agnieszka , Stasiow Bartłomiej
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Currently, there are no studies that analyse the changes in the cardiac venous system that are dependent on the phase (RR interval) of reconstruction. The aim of the study was to assess the size of the coronary sinus at two measurement sites depending on the phase of the heart cycle.

Methods

Fifty patients were included. Cardiac computed tomography was performed in all of the patients due to a suspicion of coronary artery disease (typical indications) using a dual‐source Siemens Somatom Force scanner. The “MM reading” presets were used to measure the coronary sinus ostium (measurement 1) and the coronary sinus trunk, which is close to the great cardiac vein (measurement 2) in millimetres. All of the calculations were performed on axial scans using 0%–100% and a 256 × 256 matrix.

Results

The largest CS was found at the 30%, 40% and 50% RR interval—this phenomenon occurred in 37 of the 50 cases (74%). The CS was largest in the 30% phase (9/50 cases; 18%), in the 40% phase (17/50 cases; 34%) and in the 50% phase, and it was the largest in 11 of the 50 cases (22%). There were also no gender‐related differences.

Conclusions

The size of the coronary sinus varies with the phase of the heart cycle. At the 40% phase, it is largest in most cases.
Lung transplantation for the treatment of irreversible acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Harano Takashi , Ryan John P. , Chan Ernest G. , Noda Kentaro , Morrell Matthew R. , Luketich James D. , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite advances in critical care for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), some survivors in the acute phase are unable to wean from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or mechanical ventilation. To date, little is known regarding whether lung transplantation confers a survival benefit for irreversible ARDS.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted using the United Network for Organ Sharing database (May 2005–December 2018). Patients with restrictive lung disease were divided into two groups: patients with and without ARDS. Propensity score matching identified recipients without ARDS for the control group.

Results

A total of 63 patients with ARDS were waitlisted for lung transplantation, while 39 received a lung transplant after a median waitlist duration of 8 days. Seventy‐eight patients were matched as controls. In the ARDS group, the median age was 30 years, and the median lung allocation score was 88.4. Among the 39 recipients, 30 (76.9%) received ECMO support prior to transplantation. Lung transplantation for ARDS and restrictive lung disease showed similar 90‐day (87.2% vs. 88.5%, p = .80), 1‐year (82.1% vs. 85.9%, p = .52), and 3‐year (69.2% vs. 65.4%, p = .94) survival rates.

Conclusions

Lung transplantation provides acceptable outcomes in selected patients with irreversible ARDS.
Designing a patient‐specific search of transplant program performance and outcomes: Feedback from heart transplant candidates and recipients
Authors: McKinney Warren T. , Schaffhausen Cory R. , Schladt David , Bruin Marylin J. , Chu Sauman , Snyder Jon J. , Martin Cindy , Alexy Tamas , Kasiske Bertram , Israni Ajay K.
Published: December 2020

Background

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients provides transplant program‐specific information, but it is unclear what patients and stakeholders need to know. Acceptance criteria for the candidate waitlist and donor organs vary by program and region, but there is no means to search for programs by the clinical profiles of recipients and donors.

Methods

We examined variability in program‐specific characteristics that could influence access to transplantation. We also conducted three interviews and three focus groups with heart transplant candidates and recipients. Participants evaluated prototypes of a patient‐specific search tool and its capacity to identify programs tailored to specific patient needs. Patient experiences and feedback influenced the development of tools.

Results

The distribution of recipient and donor characteristics influenced access to transplantation, as age and body mass index varied across programs (all with p < .01). Several themes emerged related to decision‐making and the perceived usability of the patient‐specific search. Perceptions of the prototypes varied, but were positive overall and support making the patient‐specific search publicly available. Participants revealed barriers to evaluating transplant programs and suggest that patient‐specific search results may optimize the process.

Conclusions

The patient‐specific tool (http://transplantcentersearch.org/) is valued by heart transplant patients and is important to maximizing access to transplant.
Helping when it matters: Optimal time for supporting women’s self‐employment in India
Authors: Awasthi Kshitij , Kumaraswamy Kiran , Boeri Natascia
Published: December 2020

Motivation

Governments support women’s self‐employment as a means to support women’s empowerment. While they tend to do this by providing financial assistance, skills development and vocational training, they have not paid enough attention to entrepreneurship‐related education in the school curriculum. The article addresses this research and policy gap.

Purpose

While education may lead women to take up self‐employment, anecdotal evidence also suggests that as women continue towards higher education, they tend to opt for wage employment. We investigate whether secondary school is the ideal time to encourage young women to take up self‐employment.

Approach and Methods

To test our hypothesis, we used two rounds of the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) dataset as it contains granular information about education and self‐employment at the individual level. We analysed data in univariate and multivariate settings.

Findings

Our results indicate that while education is a key dimension for women’s self‐employment earnings, its effects peak at moderate levels of secondary education. We find that the increase in business income for each additional year of schooling between classes 9 and 12 (ages 15 to 18) is more than four times that from classes 1–8 and over twice that beyond class 12. We also find that social factors, such as marriage and infrastructure, have implications for the returns of education to women’s income from running a business.

Policy implications

To improve women’s economic and social empowerment, policy‐makers should encourage women to attain higher levels of education, since it is a significant predictor of entrepreneurial endeavours. Second, the 9–12 curriculum should focus on making girls and young women more aware of entrepreneurship and encourage them to take up self‐employment.
Autoimmune disease is associated with a lower risk of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Baldursdóttir Theodóra Rún , Löve Þorvarður Jón , Gíslason Gauti Kjartan , Björkholm Magnus , Mellqvist Ulf‐Henrik , Lund Sigrun Helga , Blimark Cecilie Hveding , Turesson Ingemar , Hultcrantz Malin , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurður Yngvi
Published: December 2020

Objectives and methods

We conducted a population‐based study including 19 303 individuals diagnosed with MGUS in Sweden from 1985 to 2013, with the aim to determine whether a prior history of autoimmune disease, a well‐described risk factor for MGUS is a risk factor for progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoproliferative diseases (LPs). Using the nationwide Swedish Patient registry, we identified MGUS cases with versus without an autoimmune disease present at the time of MGUS diagnosis and estimated their risk of progression.

Results

A total of 5612 (29.1%) MGUS cases had preceding autoimmune diseases. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we found the risk of progression from MGUS to MM (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73‐0.94) and LPs (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.75‐0.94) to be significantly lower in MGUS cases with prior autoimmune disease (compared to MGUS cases without).

Conclusions

In this large population‐based study, a history of autoimmune disease was associated with a reduced risk of progression from MGUS to MM/other LPs. Potential underlying reason is that MGUS caused by chronic antigen stimulation is biologically less likely to undergo the genetic events that trigger progression. Our results may have implications in clinical counseling for patients with MGUS and underlying autoimmune disease.
Residence time determines invasiveness and performance of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in North America
Authors: Blossey Bernd , Nuzzo Victoria , Dávalos Andrea , Mayer Mark , Dunbar Richard , Landis Douglas A. , Evans Jeffrey A. , Minter Bill
Published: December 2020

While biological invasions have the potential for large negative impacts on local communities and ecological interactions, increasing evidence suggests that species once considered major problems can decline over time. Declines often appear driven by natural enemies, diseases or evolutionary adaptations that selectively reduce populations of naturalised species and their impacts. Using permanent long‐term monitoring locations, we document declines of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) in eastern North America with distinct local and regional dynamics as a function of patch residence time. Projected site‐specific population growth rates initially indicated expanding populations, but projected population growth rates significantly decreased over time and at the majority of sites fell below 1, indicating declining populations. Negative soil feedback provides a potential mechanism for the reported disappearance of ecological dominance of A. petiolata in eastern North America.
Optimal choice of antiseizure medication: Agreement among experts and validation of a web‐based decision support application
Authors: Beniczky Sándor , Rampp Stefan , Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Rubboli Guido , Perucca Emilio , Sperling Michael R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Optimal choice of antiseizure medication (ASM) depends on seizure type, syndrome, age, gender, comorbidities and co‐medications. There are no fixed rules on how to weigh these factors; choices are subjective and experience‐driven. We investigated agreement among experts in selecting ASM as monotherapy and used their prevailing choices to validate a web‐based decision‐support application.

Methods

Twenty‐four international experts, blinded to the app, selected the optimal ASM for 25 individual patient‐cases covering a wide variation of seizure types and other factors influencing ASM selection. The app ranked ASMs in order of likely appropriateness for each case. In a second step, experts rated anonymously the choices of the app.

Results

Of the 25 patient‐cases (age 13‐74 years), 13 were female, 18 (72%) had comorbidities, six (24%) were on contraceptives, and 13 (52%) had other co‐medications. The median number of experts who selected the same ASM for a given case was 15 (62.5%) and interquartile range (IQR) 13‐18 (54%‐75%). Gwet's agreement coefficient among experts was 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32‐0.44), corresponding to a "fair" agreement. Agreement between the app and the prevailing expert choice for each case was 0.48 (95% CI 0.29‐0.67), corresponding to a “moderate” beyond chance agreement. The percent agreement between the highest ranked selections of the app and the expert selections was 73% (95% CI 64%‐82%). Ninety‐five percent of the experts considered that no incorrect or potentially harmful ASMs were ranked highest by the app, and most experts strongly agreed with the app's selections.

Significance

This app, now validated by experts, provides an objective, reproducible method for selecting ASM that accounts for relevant clinical features. It is freely available at:https://epipick.org.
Precipitation–productivity relationships and the duration of precipitation anomalies: An underappreciated dimension of climate change
Authors: Felton Andrew J. , Knapp Alan K. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: December 2020

In terrestrial ecosystems, climate change forecasts of increased frequencies and magnitudes of wet and dry precipitation anomalies are expected to shift precipitation–net primary productivity (PPT–NPP) relationships from linear to nonlinear. Less understood, however, is how future changes in the duration of PPT anomalies will alter PPT–NPP relationships. A review of the literature shows strong potential for the duration of wet and dry PPT anomalies to impact NPP and to interact with the magnitude of anomalies. Within semi‐arid and mesic grassland ecosystems, PPT gradient experiments indicate that short‐duration (1 year) PPT anomalies are often insufficient to drive nonlinear aboveground NPP responses. But long‐term studies, within desert to forest ecosystems, demonstrate how multi‐year PPT anomalies may result in increasing impacts on NPP through time, and thus alter PPT–NPP relationships. We present a conceptual model detailing how NPP responses to PPT anomalies may amplify with the duration of an event, how responses may vary in xeric vs. mesic ecosystems, and how these differences are most likely due to demographic mechanisms. Experiments that can unravel the independent and interactive impacts of the magnitude and duration of wet and dry PPT anomalies are needed, with multi‐site long‐term PPT gradient experiments particularly well‐suited for this task.
PRAME immunohistochemistry as an adjunct for diagnosis and histological margin assessment in lentigo maligna
Authors: Gradecki Sarah E , Valdes‐Rodriguez Rodrigo , Wick Mark R , Gru Alejandro A
Published: December 2020

Aims

Lentigo maligna (LM), the most common type of melanoma in situ, is a diagnostically challenging lesion for pathologists due to abundant background melanocytic hyperplasia in sun‐damaged skin. Currently, no laboratory methods reliably distinguish benign from malignant melanocytes. However, preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) has shown promise in this regard, and could potentially be applied to diagnosis and margin assessment in difficult cases of LM.

Methods and results

Ninety‐six cases with a diagnosis of LM (n = 77) or no residual LM (n = 19) following initial biopsy were identified and stained with an antibody directed towards PRAME. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was scored as positive or negative, and measurement of histological margins by PRAME was performed and compared to the measurement of histological margins using conventional methods [haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and/or sex‐determining region Y‐box 10 (SOX10) and/or Melan‐A]. Of cases with LM, 93.5% (72 of 77) were PRAME+ and 94.7% (18 of 19) of cases with no residual LM were PRAME–. Of the 35 cases with no margin involvement by PRAME or conventional assessment, 14 cases (40.0%) had no difference in measurement, 17 (48.6%) had a difference of 1 mm or less and four (11.4%) differed by between 1 and 3.5 mm. There was a high correlation between margin assessment methods (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

PRAME IHC is a sensitive (93.5%) and specific (94.7%) method for diagnosing LM on biopsy and excision, and measurement of histological margins by PRAME shows a high correlation with conventional methods for margin assessment. Furthermore, the nuclear expression of PRAME makes it a good target for use in dual‐colour IHC stains.
Ecological drivers of Odonata beta diversity in arid and semi‐arid regions of the Central Plateau of Iran
Authors: Eslami Zohreh , Ebrahimi Mehregan , Kiany Mohsen , Sadeghi Saber
Published: December 2020

Freshwater habitats are among the most threatened and least studied habitats in arid regions of Iran. Discovering factors responsible for the spatial variation of biodiversity are one of the main considerations in conservation biology. As a first step towards developing conservation strategies, we aimed to investigate the beta diversity and response of Odonata assemblages to climate and landscape variables in arid and semi‐arid regions of Iran.

A total of 120 water bodies were surveyed. The beta diversity distance matrices were calculated for Odonata, Anisoptera, and Zygoptera, using the Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient. Also, the replacement and richness difference components of Odonata beta diversity were computed. Each of the five dissimilarity matrices was modelled by generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM).

We recorded 58 species of Odonata that represent 58% of the Odonata species in Iran. The average total beta diversity was high (0.873). GDMs results showed that the most influential variables varied between the replacement and richness difference components of Odonata beta diversity as well as between the two Odonata suborders. Anisoptera were most strongly affected by the temperature annual range, while the most important variable for Zygoptera was the average wind speed in April.

Our results suggest that the studies of the drivers of biodiversity patterns benefit from beta diversity partitioning also from comparing species groups with different ecological preferences. The high biodiversity of the studied water bodies as well as the anthropogenic and climate threats that they are faced with, make these ecosystems a conservation priority.
Terra firma‐forme dermatosis: a systematic review
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Patrizi Annalisa , Savoia Francesco , Leuzzi Miriam , Guglielmo Alba , Neri Iria
Published: December 2020

Terra firma‐forme dermatosis (TFFD) is an acquired pigmentation disorder that promptly regresses after applying isopropyl alcohol 70%. The clinical presentation ranges from patches of brownish discoloration to velvety hyperkeratotic plaques. Critical analyses of current data are lacking, so etiologies, pathogenesis, and disease associations are still debated in the literature. A literature search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify the published papers reporting clinical cases of TFFD. Of 102 papers screened, 64 met the including criteria. Overall, the records of 256 patients presenting a mean age of 18.34 years and a female:male ratio of 1:37 were reviewed. The present article aims to provide a key point‐summary regarding the clinical outcome, associated comorbidities, pathogenesis, histopathology, dermoscopy, and therapeutic modalities of TFFD.
Regulation of an important glycolytic enzyme, pyruvate kinase, through phosphorylation in the larvae of a species of freeze‐tolerant insect, Eurosta solidaginis
Authors: Abboud J. , Green S. R. , Smolinski M. B. , Storey K. B.
Published: December 2020

Larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, rely on a freeze tolerance strategy to survive the sub‐zero temperatures of Canadian winter. Critical to their survival is the accumulation of polyol cryoprotectants and global metabolic rate depression, both of which require the regulation of glycolysis and reorganization of carbohydrate metabolism. This study explored the role that pyruvate kinase (PK) regulation plays in this metabolic reorganization. PK was purified from control (5 °C‐acclimated) and frozen (−15 °C‐acclimated) larvae and enzyme kinetic properties, structural stability, and post‐translational modifications were examined in both enzyme forms. The Km phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) of frozen PK was 20% higher than that of control PK, whereas the Vmax of frozen PK was up to 50% lower than that of control PK at the lowest assay temperature, suggesting inhibition of the enzyme during the winter. Additionally, the activity and substrate affinity of both forms of PK decreased significantly at low assay temperatures, and both forms were regulated allosterically by a number of metabolites. Pro‐Q™ Diamond phosphoprotein staining and immunoblotting experiments demonstrated significantly higher threonine phosphorylation of PK from frozen animals while acetylation and methylation levels remained constant. Together, these results indicate that PK exists in two structurally distinct forms in E. solidaginis. In response to conditions mimicking the transition to winter, PK appears to be regulated to support metabolic rate depression, the accumulation of polyol cryoprotectants, and the need for extended periods of anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism to allow the animal to survive whole‐body freezing.
Outcomes of patients with delayed surveillance colonoscopy
Authors: Schauer Cameron , Plant Allan , Vandal Alain , Claydon Adrian
Published: December 2020

Background

Surveillance colonoscopy has been shown to be an effective tool for prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) in high‐risk populations, if adhered to.

Aim

To discover the sequelae of late surveillance in a cohort of patient's overdue for colonoscopy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on all patients from the Bay of Plenty District Health Board region, New Zealand, placed on the colonoscopy surveillance waitlist from 2006 onwards who had their procedure completed between 1 November 2016 and 31 January 2018. Patients with overdue surveillance, defined as done later than 90 days after the recommended due date, were compared with patients who were done either early or on time.

Results

A total of 786 patients was recorded as overdue for surveillance colonoscopy and 386 were completed early or on time. The median time overdue was 22 months. Three (0.4%) cases of CRC were found in overdue patients compared with four (1%) cases for those done on time (adjusted P = 0.24). There were 86 (11%) advanced adenomas (AA) in patients overdue compared with 27 (7%) in those not overdue (odds ratio (OR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–2.5; P = 0.04). Surveillance of 180 high‐risk post‐polypectomy patients identified 2 CRC and 8/43 AA in those overdue compared with no CRC and 9/137 AA (18.6% vs 6.6%; OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.07–2.0; unadjusted P = 0.03) in those done on time.

Conclusion

While overdue surveillance is not predictive of increased CRC, it is associated with an increase in expected number of AA, particularly in patients having surveillance for previous high‐risk polypectomy.
Enterovirus D68 infection among hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory illness in El Salvador and Panama, 2012‐2013
Authors: Biggs Holly M. , Nix W. Allan , Zhang Jing , Rogers Shannon , Clara Wilfrido , Jara Jorge H. , Gonzalez Rosalba , Luciani Kathia , Brizuela Yarisa Sujey , Estripeaut Dora , Castillo Juan Miguel , De Leon Tirza , Corro Mary , Vergara Ofelina , Rauda Rafael , Chong Evens G. , Watson John T. , Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo , Gerber Susan I. , Tong Suxiang , Dawood Fatimah S.
Published: December 2020

We assessed EV‐D68 epidemiology and phylogenetics among children aged ≤9 years hospitalized with severe acute respiratory illnesses at five sites in Panama and El Salvador during 2012‐2013. Respiratory specimens positive for enterovirus or rhinovirus were tested by real‐time RT‐PCR for EV‐D68, and partial VP1 gene sequences were determined. Of 715 enrolled children, 17 from sites in both countries were EV‐D68‐positive and commonly had a history of asthma or wheezing. Phylogenetically, 15 of 16 sequences fell into Clade B1, and one into Clade A2. The Central American EV‐D68s were closely related genetically to contemporaneous strains from North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Selective arc‐ng pricing for vehicle routing
Authors: Costa Luciano , Contardo Claudio , Desaulniers Guy , Pecin Diego
Published: December 2020

Column generation algorithms for solving vehicle routing problems often rely on a relaxed pricing subproblem where routes may be nonelementary and which is solved by a labeling algorithm. This pricing algorithm is said to be selective if it can discard nonelementary paths that may be Pareto‐optimal but guarantees finding at least one (not necessarily elementary) path of negative reduced cost when there exists at least one elementary path of negative reduced cost. In this paper, we propose a selective pricing mechanism for a recently introduced variant of the ng‐route relaxation, in which the neighborhoods are associated with arcs instead of nodes. We extend a state‐of‐the‐art set‐based dominance criterion for this problem and show, by means of an exhaustive computational campaign, that the resulting mechanism is effective at reducing the number of nondominated labels as compared to the original pricing algorithm for the same problem. As a result, typically shorter computing times are required to compute similar lower bounds when the proposed mechanism is embedded within a column generation solver.
Sintering behaviors and properties of porous ceramics derived from artificially cultured diatom frustules
Authors: Lyu Sha , Wang Yanjing , Huang Jintao , Li Tao , Li Dandan , Wang Jaw‐Kai , Zhang Jiangtao , Sun Dazhi , Yu Peng
Published: December 2020

Bimodal porous ceramics with high strength have been fabricated by conventional powder metallurgy utilizing artificially cultured diatom frustules (DFs). The effect of sintering temperature on thermal behaviors, phase transition, and pore structures features of DFs‐based porous ceramics is investigated between 800 and 1200°C. The phase evolution of DFs powders is investigated with thermal analysis (DIL and DSC‐TG). Phase transition behaviors analyzed with XRD, Raman, and FT‐IR spectra confirm the transformation of quartz into cristobalite phases occurs under 1050°C. Sintering under 950°C could bind DFs powders tightly into high strength porous ceramics while maintain the multilayer pore structures simultaneously, having porosity of 56.4%, compressive strength of 15.0 MPa and surface area of 50.9 m2/g, respectively. Slit‐shaped microstructures and mesopores (2‐50 nm) are observed in DFs‐based porous ceramics sintered under 1050°C. Collapse and blockage of pore structures as well as partial fusion of DFs particles happened at the temperature of 1100°C, indicating the presence of diminished multilayers and particle agglomeration.
Polarity‐induced grain growth of gadolinium‐doped ceria under field‐assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS) conditions
Authors: Sistla Sree Koundinya , Mishra Tarini Prasad , Deng Yuanbin , Kaletsch Anke , Bram Martin , Broeckmann Christoph
Published: December 2020

This study aims to understand the effect of the electrical field on microstructure evolution during field‐assisted sintering or spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS) of 10 mol% gadolinium‐doped ceria (GDC) with experimental and numerical methods. The novelty of this study has been the observation of enhanced grain growth in the region closer to the anode, even under FAST/SPS conditions with electrical fields less than 5 V/cm. The grain growth kinetics, including determination of activation energy and grain‐boundary mobility, were analyzed along the cross section of the samples for different temperatures and dwell periods. With an increase in distance from the anode, reduction in the activation energy for grain growth and grain‐boundary mobility was observed. These observations attributed to the attraction of oxygen ions to the anode region under an electrical field with an increase in defects along the grain boundaries. Thereby an increase in the grain‐boundary mobility and larger grains in that region were observed. A homogenous microstructure was observed in a case where the current did not flow through the sample. Furthermore, a numerical strategy has also been developed to simulate this behavior in addition to heat generation, heat transfer, and densification using Finite Element Methods (FEM) simulations. The simulation results provided an insight into the presence of a potential difference across the cross section of the samples. The simulation results were also in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Office blood pressure threshold of 130/80 mmHg better predicts uncontrolled out‐of‐office blood pressure in apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension
Authors: Lee Chan Joo , Ha Jeong‐Ha , Kim Jang Young , Kim In‐Cheol , Ryu Sung Kee , Rhee Moo‐Yong , Lee Ju‐Hee , Lee Jung‐Hee , Lee Hae‐Young , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Chung Joong Wha , Choi Jung Hyun , Shin Jinho , Park Sungha , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of office blood pressure (BP) threshold of 140/90 and 130/80 mmHg for correctly identifying uncontrolled out‐of‐office BP in apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension (aTRH). We analyzed 468 subjects from a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with resistant hypertension in South Korea (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03540992). Resistant hypertension was defined as office BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg with three different classes of antihypertensive medications including thiazide‐type/like diuretics, or treated hypertension with four or more different classes of antihypertensive medications. We conducted different types of BP measurements including office BP, automated office BP (AOBP), home BP, and ambulatory BP. We defined uncontrolled out‐of‐office BP as daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg and/or home BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg. Among subjects with office BP < 140/90 mmHg and subjects with office BP < 130/80 mmHg, 66% and 55% had uncontrolled out‐of‐office BP, respectively. The prevalence of controlled and masked uncontrolled hypertension was lower, and the prevalence of white‐coat and sustained uncontrolled hypertension was higher, with a threshold of 130/80 mmHg than of 140/90 mmHg, for both office BP and AOBP. The office BP threshold of 130/80 mmHg was better able to diagnose uncontrolled out‐of‐office BP than 140/90 mmHg, and the net reclassification improvement (NRI) was 0.255. The AOBP threshold of 130/80 mmHg also revealed better diagnostic accuracy than 140/90 mmHg, with NRI of 0.543. The office BP threshold of 130/80 mmHg showed better than 140/90 mmHg in terms of the correspondence to out‐of‐office BP in subjects with aTRH.
Enhanced conditions to obtain a clarified purple araça (Psidium myrtoides) fruit extract
Authors: Ferreira Franz Berbert , Magalhães Flávia de Santana , Cardoso Vicelma Luiz , Reis Miria Hespanhol Miranda
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the kinetics of extraction for bioactive compounds from purple araça fruit followed by the microfiltration process for extract clarification. The parametric study showed time (up to 60 min) and temperature (313, 333, 353, and 363 K) influences on the extraction of bioactive compounds from purple araça fruit. Extraction kinetics were adjusted to the second order kinetic model (R2 > 0.9871). The best extraction conditions were at 353 K for 45 min. Purple araça fruit extract presented total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 5.29 ± 0.12 mgGAE g−1 and 2.79 ± 0.09 mgRutin g−1, respectively, FRAP value of 21.77 ± 1.10 mgFeSO4 g−1 and DPPH antioxidant capacity of 48.85 ± 2.02%. Concentrations of gallic acid, (−)‐Epicatechin, and (−)‐Epigallocatechin were 132.01 ± 1.22, 127.03 ± 1.45, and 60.45 ± 0.59 μg g−1, respectively. The microfiltration process with an acetate cellulose membrane of 0.22 μm pore size was efficient for clarifying the purple araça fruit extract, with steady state flux of 4.17 × 10−6 m3s−1 m−2 and reductions in total solids from 2.83 ± 0.01 to 1.43 ± 0.02%, without significant reductions in the concentration of bioactive compounds. These results suggest the valorization of purple araça fruit as a promising source of bioactive compounds for cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries and application of the microfiltration process for clarification purposes.

Practical Applications

Purple araça (Psidium myrtoides) is a tropical and exotic fruit with considerable concentration of bioactive compounds. The purple araça fruit extract presents higher concentration of bioactive compounds than other fruits from the same Psidium species, such as the guava fruit. Suggested aqueous extraction conditions are temperature and time of 80°C 45 min, respectively. The microfiltration process is then proposed for extract clarification, with substantial reductions in total solid concentration and turbidity, without reducing bioactive compound concentrations. Thus, the microfiltered purple araça fruit presents suitable characteristics to be used as a ready‐to‐drink product or to be submitted for further concentration processes.
Effects of maternal and fetal choline concentrations on the fetal growth and placental DNA methylation of 12 target genes related to fetal growth, adipogenesis, and energy metabolism
Authors: Nakanishi Misao , Funahashi Nobuaki , Fukuoka Hideoki , Nammo Takao , Sato Yuichi , Yoshihara Hajime , Oishi Hajime , Tanaka Mamoru , Yano Tetsu , Minoura Shigeki , Kato Norihiro , Yasuda Kazuki
Published: December 2020

Aim

We performed a birth cohort study involving 124 mother–infant pairs to investigate whether placental DNA methylation is associated with maternal choline status and fetal development.

Methods

Plasma choline concentration was assayed longitudinally in the 1st and 3rd trimesters and at term‐pregnancy in mothers and cord blood. Placental DNA methylation was measured for 12 target candidate genes that are related to fetal growth, adipogenesis, lipid and energy metabolism, or long interspersed nuclear elements.

Results

Higher maternal plasma and cord blood choline levels at term tended to associate with lower birthweight (r = −0.246, P < 0.013; r = −0.290, P < 0.002) and body mass index (BMI) at birth (r = 0.344, P < 1E−3; r = −0.360, P < 1E−3). The correlation between maternal plasma choline level and cord blood choline level was relatively modest (r = 0.049, P = 0.639). There was an inverse correlation between placental DNA methylation at the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) gene and maternal plasma choline level (r = −0.188 to r = −0.452, P = 0.043 to P < 1E−3 at three points). RXRA methylation level was positively associated with birthweight and BMI at birth (r = 0.306, P = 0.001; r = 0.390, P < 1E−3). Further, RXRA methylation was inversely correlated with RXRA gene expression level (r = 0.333, P < 1E−3).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the association between maternal choline status and placental RXRA methylation represents a potential fetal programing mechanism contributing to fetal growth.
Primary varicella zoster infection compared to varicella vaccine reactivation associated meningitis in immunocompetent children
Authors: Amaral Vanessa , Shi Julia Zhuo , Tsang Anita Man‐ching , Chiu Susan Shui‐seng
Published: December 2020

We diagnosed varicella zoster virus (VZV) meningitis in a healthy adolescent boy who presented without a rash or fever. We aim to compare VZV reactivation meningitis in children after primary VZV infection and VZV vaccination. We reviewed the literature up until June 2020 using Pubmed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases using ‘varicella zoster’, ‘meningitis’ and ‘children’ as keywords. Only English articles were included. Twenty‐five cases were included in this review. Children who had VZV reactivation meningitis after vaccination were younger (7 ± 3.4 years vs. 11.9 ± 3.6 years, P = 0.0038), had a shorter interval between first exposure to reactivation (5.6 ± 2.9 years vs. 8.8 ± 3.2 years, P = 0.018) and more likely to have a rash (100% vs. 55%, P = 0.04). VZV reactivation meningitis occurs after both primary VZV infection and VZV vaccination. The absence of exanthem, fever or meningism does not rule out VZV meningitis.
Intersections of Feminist Identification and Hostile Sexism
Authors: Hernandez Amanda D.
Published: December 2020

This research examines the relationship between religious identification and feminist identification. Additionally, it investigates the extent of hostile sexist attitudes among those who identify as religious feminists. Utilizing 2016 American National Election Survey data, I find that religious women are no more or less likely to identify as feminist than the religiously unaffiliated, while evangelical and black Protestant men are less likely to identify as feminist. Further, both black Protestant women and Catholic men who identify as feminist express hostile sexist sentiment to a higher degree than their feminist unaffiliated counterparts, along with Latinas and Asian‐identified men. This study offers quantitative insights into the relationship between feminist identification, religious affiliation, and hostile sexist attitudes. Additional implications for this study include conceptualizations of feminism and sexism more broadly in society.
Plant carbohydrate depletion impairs water relations and spreads via ectomycorrhizal networks
Authors: Sapes Gerard , Demaree Patrick , Lekberg Ylva , Sala Anna
Published: December 2020

Under prolonged drought and reduced photosynthesis, plants consume stored nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs). Stored NSC depletion may impair the regulation of plant water balance, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and whether such mechanisms are independent of plant water deficit is not known. If so, carbon costs of fungal symbionts could indirectly influence plant drought tolerance through stored NSC depletion.

We connected well‐watered Pinus ponderosa seedling pairs via ectomycorrhizal (EM) networks where one seedling was shaded (D) and the other kept illuminated (LD) and compared responses to seedling pairs in full light (L). We measured plant NSCs, osmotic and water potential, and transfer of 13CO2 through EM to explore mechanisms linking stored NSCs to plant water balance regulation and identify potential tradeoffs between plant water retention and EM fungi under carbon‐limiting conditions.

NSCs decreased from L to LD to D seedlings. Even without drought, NSC depletion impaired osmoregulation and turgor maintenance, both of which are critical for drought tolerance. Importantly, EM networks propagated NSC depletion and its negative effects on water retention from carbon stressed to nonstressed hosts.

We demonstrate that NSC storage depletion influences turgor maintenance independently of plant water deficit and reveal carbon allocation tradeoffs between supporting fungal symbionts and retaining water.
Topography as a factor driving small‐scale variation in tree fine root traits and root functional diversity in a species‐rich tropical montane forest
Authors: Pierick Kerstin , Leuschner Christoph , Homeier Jürgen
Published: December 2020

We investigated the variation in tree fine root traits and their functional diversity along a local topographic gradient in a Neotropical montane forest to test if fine root trait variation along the gradient is consistent with the predictions of the root economics spectrum on a shift from acquisitive to conservative traits with decreasing resource supply.

We measured five fine root functional traits in 179 randomly selected tree individuals of 100 species and analysed the variation of single traits (using Bayesian phylogenetic multilevel models) and of functional trait diversity with small‐scale topography.

Fine roots exhibited more conservative traits (thicker diameters, lower specific root length and nitrogen concentration) at upper slope compared with lower slope positions, but the largest proportion of variation (40–80%) was explained by species identity and phylogeny. Fine root functional diversity decreased towards the upper slopes.

Our results suggest that local topography and the related soil fertility and moisture gradients cause considerable small‐scale variation in fine root traits and functional diversity along tropical mountain slopes, with conservative root traits and greater trait convergence being associated with less favourable soil conditions due to environmental filtering. We provide evidence of a high degree of phylogenetic conservation in fine root traits.
Replaying the evolutionary tape to investigate subgenome dominance in allopolyploid Brassica napus
Authors: Bird Kevin A. , Niederhuth Chad E. , Ou Shujun , Gehan Malia , Pires J. Chris , Xiong Zhiyong , VanBuren Robert , Edger Patrick P.
Published: December 2020

Allopolyploidisation merges evolutionarily distinct parental genomes (subgenomes) into a single nucleus. A frequent observation is that one subgenome is ‘dominant’ over the other subgenome, often being more highly expressed.

Here, we ‘replayed the evolutionary tape’ with six isogenic resynthesised Brassica napus allopolyploid lines and investigated subgenome dominance patterns over the first 10 generations postpolyploidisation.

We found that the same subgenome was consistently more dominantly expressed in all lines and generations and that >70% of biased gene pairs showed the same dominance patterns across all lines and an in silico hybrid of the parents. Gene network analyses indicated an enrichment for network interactions and several biological functions for the Brassica oleracea subgenome biased pairs, but no enrichment was identified for Brassica rapa subgenome biased pairs. Furthermore, DNA methylation differences between subgenomes mirrored the observed gene expression bias towards the dominant subgenome in all lines and generations. Many of these differences in gene expression and methylation were also found when comparing the progenitor genomes, suggesting that subgenome dominance is partly related to parental genome differences rather than just a byproduct of allopolyploidisation.

These findings demonstrate that ‘replaying the evolutionary tape’ in an allopolyploid results in largely repeatable and predictable subgenome expression dominance patterns.
The dilemma of social media for German work councils representing qualified employees—the case of a German car manufacturer
Authors: Staples Ronald , Whittall Michael
Published: December 2020

The world of work is undergoing huge changes as a result of digitalisation. Part of this transformation process involves a growing demand for skilled employees—a section of the workforce that appears increasingly less reliant on the representative services provided by works councils. In the following article, we consider works council’s use of ICT tools to re‐engage with skilled employees, noting that current institutional and cultural contingencies appear to hinder its employment of ICT tools.
Complications of surgical mesh patches after kidney transplantation in children—A case series
Authors: Amir Noa , Taher Amir , Thomas Gordon , Shun Albert , Durkan Anne
Published: December 2020

Background

Abdominal compartment syndrome after kidney transplantation in pediatric recipients is a recognized complication relating to size discrepancy requiring abdominal wall closure over a large adult allograft. In order to circumvent this problem, our center implemented use of a surgical mesh, Surgisis® (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN), for abdominal wall closure in very small children to increase the surface covering over the organ and prevent compression. In this article, we report on the complications encountered following the use of these mesh patches.

Methods

A retrospective case review was conducted of all pediatric kidney transplants from September 2006 to December 2018 and divided into abdominal wall closure with and without implantation of Surgisis® mesh patch. Review of clinical notes was performed to identify information with respect to clinical course and post‐operative outcomes.

Results

A surgical mesh patch was used in 7 pediatric recipients, of which 5 (71%) presented with post‐operative complications. Three recipients were found to have bowel obstruction related to the surgical patch, necessitating bowel resection in one child. In addition, three children developed large serous fluid collections between the subcutaneous layers and the surgical mesh, requiring surgical drainage in two.

Conclusions

In view of these findings, we recommend close surveillance for potential complications in this cohort. Future research is needed to explore the safety of different approaches to achieve abdominal wall closure in this group.
An Investigation into Direct Selling: Information Flow and Supply Chain Structure
Authors: Hao Zhongyuan , Jiang Li
Published: December 2020

Amid the rapid development of technology, an increasing number of suppliers sell directly as well as through the retail channel, competing with retailers in the market with uncertain demand. Each firm has exclusive access to a signal useful in updating market forecast. The quality of the signal received exclusively by a supplier is low when it adheres to the retail channel but improves after it engages in direct selling. Firms communicate signals along two directions. Competing suppliers or retailers may exchange signals in between, while suppliers may acquire retailers’ signals with payments. A firm can voluntarily share its undisclosed signals—including its exclusive signal and the signals received from information flow—with other firms through vertical interactions as per the specified decision sequence. Firms rely on available signals to decide prices and quantities. Direct selling by suppliers produces structure and information effects. The structure effect arises as suppliers gain flexibility in balancing sales across channels. The information effect arises as suppliers receive exclusive signals of improved quality and initiate signal acquisition from retailers, influencing the availability and utilization of signals among firms in responsive decision making. Channel structure, competition intensity, and cost of direct sales are important factors affecting suppliers’ incentive for direct selling and the magnitude of the arising structure and information effects on firms’ profit performance.
Transcriptome analysis reveals key genes regulating signaling and metabolic pathways during the growth of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoots
Authors: Lan Yangang , Wu Lin , Wu Min , Liu Huanlong , Gao Yameng , Zhang Kaimei , Xiang Yan
Published: December 2020

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), a high‐value bamboo used to produce food (young shoots), building, and industrial goods. To explore key candidate genes regulating signal transduction and metabolic processes during the initiation of stem elongation in moso bamboo, a transcriptome analysis of the shoots during three successive early elongation stages was performed. From cluster and differential expression analyses, 2984 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for an enrichment analysis. The DEGs were significantly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction, sugar and starch metabolism, and energy metabolism pathways. Consequently, the DEG expression patterns of these pathways were analyzed, and the plant endogenous hormone and carbon metabolite (including sucrose, total soluble sugar, and starch) contents for each growth stage, of the shoot, were determined. The cytokinin‐signaling pathway was continuously active in the three successive elongation stages, in which several cytokinin‐signaling genes played indispensable roles. Additionally, many key DEGs regulating sugar, starch metabolism, and energy conversion, which are actively involved in energy production and substrate synthesis during the continuous growth of the shoots, were found. In summary, our study lays a foundation for understanding the mechanisms of moso bamboo growth and provides useful gene resources for breeding through genetic engineering.
Osmoregulation and its actions during the drought stress in plants
Authors: Ozturk Munir , Turkyilmaz Unal Bengu , García‐Caparrós Pedro , Khursheed Anum , Gul Alvina , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: December 2020

Drought stress, which causes a decline in quality and quantity of crop yields, has become more accentuated these days due to climatic change. Serious measures need to be taken to increase the tolerance of crop plants to acute drought conditions likely to occur due to global warming. Drought stress causes many physiological and biochemical changes in plants, rendering the maintenance of osmotic adjustment highly crucial. The degree of plant resistance to drought varies with plant species and cultivars, phenological stages of the plant, and the duration of plant exposure to the stress. Osmoregulation in plants under low water potential relies on synthesis and accumulation of osmoprotectants or osmolytes such as soluble proteins, sugars, and sugar alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds, and amino acids, like proline. This review highlights the role of osmolytes in water‐stressed plants and of enzymes entailed in their metabolism. It will be useful, especially for researchers working on the development of drought‐resistant crops by using the metabolic‐engineering techniques.