bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyper‐peripheral regional evolution: The “long histories” of the Pilbara and Buryatia
Authors: Barratt Tom , Klarin Anton
Published: November 2021

In this article, we outline how evolutionary economic geography (EEG) explains peripheral economic development by comparing two peripheries over extended time periods. This comparison involves critically appraising EEG’s capacity to account for peripheral evolution. For geographical, historical, and political reasons, peripheries lack resources that lead to path creation and renewal. The hyper‐peripheral regions of the Pilbara in north‐west Australia and of Buryatia in south‐east Russia provide excellent comparative case studies for understanding how peripheral regional development evolves in ways contingent upon time, state institutions, natural resource endowments, and region/firm dynamics. Our analysis shows that EEG is well equipped to deal with historical factors and capitalist economies but it struggles to reconcile these regions’ resilience and ability to sustain both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous socio‐economies. Development in these regions over extended periods of time invites questions about whether it is appropriate to apply EEG and its constituent parts: path creation, renewal, and exhaustion; regional resilience; and institutional thinness and thickness. In addressing those questions, we show that EEG can incorporate temporal development, stretching over long periods and economic analysis. We also critique the extent to which EEG can be used to consider how state activities influence path creation and renewal, the importance of extra‐regional contexts, and heterodox and Indigenous perspectives.
Trapped on the Roof of the World: taxonomic diversity and evolutionary patterns of Tibetan Plateau endemic freshwater snails (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae: Tibetoradix)
Authors: VINARSKI Maxim V. , VON OHEIMB Parm Viktor , AKSENOVA Olga V. , GOFAROV Mikhail Yu. , KONDAKOV Alexander V. , NEKHAEV Ivan O. , BOLOTOV Ivan N.
Published: November 2021

The high‐elevation Tibetan Plateau (western China) is inhabited by a unique, though not particularly species‐rich, community of organisms. We explored the species content and evolutionary history of the Tibetan Plateau endemic freshwater snail genus Tibetoradix. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus were reconstructed based on available sequence data. We used a single‐rate Poisson Tree Processes approach for species delimitation and compared putative species‐level clades with already described taxa. We found that the genus consists of at least 6 species, of which we described 4 as new to science. Shell and soft body morphology was examined and the radula in Tibetoradix was described for the first time. Based on our findings, the diversification of the genus did not result in a prominent morphological differentiation and a number of species can be regarded as morphologically cryptic. Single species found in different drainage areas indicate relatively good passive dispersal abilities of the snails. The allopatric distribution of the species could result from competitive exclusion between them. The absence of Tibetoradix spp. outside the Tibetan Plateau could be explained by a scenario of an “evolutionary trap”, where adaptations to high elevation conditions prevented the taxa from a successful colonization of lower elevations.
Canine coat pigmentation genetics: a review
Authors: Brancalion L. , Haase B. , Wade C. M.
Published: November 2021

Our understanding of canine coat colour genetics and the associated health implications is developing rapidly. To date, there are 15 genes with known roles in canine coat colour phenotypes. Many coat phenotypes result from complex and/or epistatic genetic interactions among variants within and between loci, some of which remain unidentified. Some genes involved in canine pigmentation have been linked to aural, visual and neurological impairments. Consequently, coat pigmentation in the domestic dog retains considerable ethical and economic interest. In this paper we discuss coat colour phenotypes in the domestic dog, the genes and variants responsible for these phenotypes and any proven coat colour‐associated health effects.
Hypopigmented lesions in pityriasis lichenoides chronica patients: Are they only post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation?
Authors: Elbendary Amira , Abdel‐Halim Mona R. E. , Youssef Randa , Abdel Halim Dalia , Elmasry Maha Fathy , Gad Abdallah , El Sharkawy Dina Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background/Objectives

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) lesions are reported to subside with post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH); hence, the most widely perceived nature of hypopigmented macules in PLC is PIH. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies describing histopathological findings in these lesions are reported in literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypopigmented lesions encountered in PLC patients and to shed light on their histopathological features.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study included twenty‐one patients with PLC recruited in a period of twelve months. Clinical characteristics of each patient were collected. A skin biopsy from hypopigmented lesions whenever present was taken and assessed with routine haematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results

Seventeen patients (81%) were less than 13 years old. Most patients (85.7%) demonstrated diffuse distribution of lesions. Hypopigmented lesions were present on the face in 12 (57.14%) patients. Histopathologically, hypopigmented lesions showed features of post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation in 19% of patients, residual PLC in 52.4% and active PLC 28.6% of patients.

Conclusion

Hypopigmented lesions in PLC were noted mainly in younger ages, histopathologically they may show features of active or residual disease, beyond post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation. Consequently active treatment for patients presenting predominantly with hypopigmented lesions could be required to control the disease.
Hysteroscopic management of retained products of conception: A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Cassandra , Ellett Lenore , Hiscock Richard , Mooney Samantha
Published: November 2021

Background

The management of retained products of conception (RPOC) is not well standardised due to a lack of evidence‐based guidelines. Hysteroscopic resection has been proven to be safe and is hypothesised to have lower risk than dilation and curettage, but data comparing the two directly are limited.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes for hysteroscopic resection for the management of RPOC in comparison to current standard management techniques.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in September 2019 using MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The key search terms were ‘hysteroscopy’/‘hysteroscopic resection’ and ‘retained products of conception’/‘RPOC’. Both prospective and retrospective studies were included. A total of 19 studies were included (n = 2314). Due to a critical risk of bias in all studies with a comparison arm, a meta‐analysis was not performed. Meta‐analysis techniques were still used to provide summary estimates for primary and secondary outcomes, including conception rate, time to conception, live birth rate, intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), surgical complications and future pregnancy complications.

Results

The overall conception rate for hysteroscopic resection was 81.1% (live birth rate 87.3%) compared to 65.4% for non‐hysteroscopic management (live birth rate 93.8%). After hysteroscopic resection the overall complication rate was 1.9% and the IUA rate was 6.8%.

Conclusions

Due to the poor quality and overall scarcity of comparative data, the question whether hysteroscopic resection is superior to traditional curettage for the management of RPOC remains unanswered. This review provides summary data, which will enable the design of adequately powered future studies.
Experimental design in practice: The importance of blocking and treatment structures
Authors: Williams E.R. , Forde C.G. , Imaki J. , Oelkers K.
Published: November 2021

Experimental design and analysis has evolved substantially over the last 100 years, driven to a large extent by the power and availability of the computer. To demonstrate this development and encourage the use of experimental design in practice, three experiments from different research areas are presented. In these examples multiple blocking factors have been employed and they show how extraneous variation can be accommodated and interpreted. The examples are used to discuss the importance of blocking and treatment structures in the conduct of designed experiments.
Current status of photodynamic technology for urothelial cancer
Authors: Inoue Keiji , Fukuhara Hideo , Yamamoto Shinkuro , Karashima Takashi , Kurabayashi Atsushi , Furihata Mutsuo , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Lai Hung Wei , Ogura Shun‐Ichiro
Published: November 2021

5‐Aminolevulinic acid is a new‐generation photosensitizer with high tumor specificity. It has been used successfully in the diagnosis, treatment, and screening of urological cancers including bladder cancer; specifically, it has been used in photodynamic diagnosis to detect tumors by illuminating the lesion with a specific wavelength of light to produce fluorescence in the lesion after administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid, in photodynamic therapy, which induces tumor cell death via production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, and in photodynamic screening, in which porphyrin excretion in the blood and urine is used as a tumor biomarker after administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid. In addition to these applications in urological cancers, 5‐aminolevulinic acid–based photodynamic technology is expected to be used as a novel strategy for a large number of cancer types because it is based on a property of cancer cells known as the Warburg effect, which is a basic biological property that is common across all cancers.
Optic neuritis after COVID‐19 vaccine application
Authors: García‐Estrada Christian , Gómez‐Figueroa Enrique , Alban Lennyn , Arias‐Cárdenas Alejandro
Published: November 2021

As the COVID‐19 pandemic continues to rise, the development of effective vaccines is of crucial importance to prevent further morbidity and mortality. In parallel, some rare adverse events related to COVID‐19 vaccines, have been reported, most of them mild. Here we report the case of a previously healthy 19‐year‐old woman who developed optic neuritis 1 week after single dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine with marked improvement after management with steroids. Although causality cannot be confirmed due to lack of a biological marker, this case may help to guide further research for potential pathogenic mechanism.
Periconceptional folic acid intake and disturbing factors: A single‐center study in Japan
Authors: Kamura Shunsuke , Sasaki Aiko , Ogawa Kohei , Kato Kiyoko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: November 2021

We investigated folic acid (FA) intake and disturbing factors in pregnant women who visited our center in 2017. Among 1531 pregnant women, 45.1% of women initiated FA supplementation before pregnancy. The risk of failure of supplementation was significantly lower among women of ≥35 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.43) and 30–34 years of age (aOR: 0.59) in comparison to women of <30 years of age, and among those conceived with timing/artificial insemination of husband (aOR 0.47) and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (aOR 0.32) in comparison to those conceived naturally. The risk among those with 1 (aOR 1.44) or ≥2 previous deliveries (aOR 2.75) was significantly higher in comparison to nulliparous women. Young, multiparous women, and those with natural conception should be targeted to promote preconceptional FA intake.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked mutation in Ubiquilin 2 affects stress granule assembly via TIA‐1
Authors: Peng Guangnan , Gu Ao , Niu Hongyan , Chen Linlin , Chen Yan , Zhou Miaojin , Zhang Yiti , Liu Jie , Cai Licong , Liang Desheng , Liu Xionghao , Liu Mujun
Published: November 2021

Aims

The ubiquilin‐like protein ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration (ALS/FTD). The biological function of UBQLN2 has previously been shown to be related to stress granules (SGs). In this study, we aimed to clarify the regulatory relationship between UBQLN2 and SGs.

Methods

In this study, we transfected UBQLN2‐WT or UBQLN2‐P497H plasmids into cell lines (HEK293T, HeLa), and observed the process of SG dynamics by immunofluorescence. Meanwhile, immunoblot analyses the protein changes of stress granules related components.

Results

We observed that ubiquilin 2 colocalizes with the SG component proteins G3BP1, TIA‐1, ATXN2, and PABPC1. In cells expressing WT UBQLN2 or P497H mutants, in the early stages of SG formation under oxidative stress, the percentage of cells with SGs and the number of SGs per cell decreased to varying degrees. Between WT and mutant, there was no significant difference in eIF2α activity after stress treatment. Interestingly, the UBQLN2 P497H mutant downregulates the level of TIA‐1. In addition, the overexpression of the UBQLN2 P497H mutant inhibited the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and affected the nucleoplasmic distribution of TDP‐43.

Conclusions

Ubiquilin 2 colocalizes with the SG component proteins G3BP1, TIA‐1, ATXN2, and PABPC1. It participates in regulating SG dynamics. And UBQLN2 mutation affects the assembly of stress granules by regulating TIA‐1. In addition, the overexpression of the UBQLN2 P497H mutant inhibited the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and affected the nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of TDP‐43. These provide new insights into the role of UBQLN2 in oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of ALS.
‘They're like little police’: Australian parents' perceptions of their children's awareness of drinking during COVID‐19
Authors: Cook Megan , Kuntsche Sandra , Pennay Amy
Published: November 2021

Introduction

As a result of COVID‐19 and associated lockdown restrictions, children may have been exposed to more home‐based alcohol consumption and parents' drinking practices. This paper explores Australian parents' perceptions of their children's awareness of drinking and their reflections on the impact of COVID‐19 on children's exposure and acquisition of alcohol‐related knowledge.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were undertaken with 30 parents and carers of children aged four to 12 years from across Australia. Participants described their family lives, the role of alcohol, any changes in alcohol and family dynamics experienced because of COVID‐19 and their children's exposure and knowledge of alcohol before and during their experience of COVID‐19. Using social learning theory as a guiding framework, transcripts were analysed to identify relevant themes.

Results

Pre‐COVID‐19 children were commonly thought to be aware of behavioural changes owing to alcohol consumption, made associations between people, beverages and activities and recognised boundaries around consumption. COVID‐19 was suggested to have impacted the environments in which children were exposed and the types of modelling and practices they were exposed to. It was more common for participants to describe COVID‐19 affecting other children's learning and knowledge of alcohol, rather than their own.

Discussion and Conclusions

Participants were mindful of children's knowledge and the role they played in modelling consumption practices prior to and during the COVID‐19 lockdowns. There may be scope to use the insights provided here to support parents in modelling approaches and engaging with children about alcohol in ways that challenge or disrupt its prominence or acceptability.
Trait‐based projections of climate change effects on global biome distributions
Authors: Boonman Coline C.F. , Huijbregts Mark A.J. , Benítez‐López Ana , Schipper Aafke M. , Thuiller Wilfried , Santini Luca
Published: November 2021

Aim

Climate change will likely modify the global distribution of biomes, but the magnitude of change is debated. Here, we followed a trait‐based, statistical approach to model the influence of climate change on the global distribution of biomes.

Location

Global.

Methods

We predicted the global distribution of plant community mean specific leaf area (SLA), height and wood density as a function of climate and soil characteristics using an ensemble of statistical models. Then, we predicted the probability of occurrence of biomes as a function of the three traits with a classification model. Finally, we projected changes in plant community mean traits and corresponding changes in biome distributions to 2070 for low (RCP 2.6; +1.2°C) and extreme (RCP 8.5; +3.5°C) future climate change scenarios.

Results

We estimated that under the low climate change scenario (sub)tropical biomes will expand (forest by 18%–22%, grassland by 9%–14% and xeric shrubland by 5%–8%), whereas tundra and temperate broadleaved and mixed forests contract by 30%–34% and 16%–21%, respectively. Our results also indicate that over 70%–75% of the current distribution of temperate broadleaved and mixed forests and temperate grasslands is projected to shift northwards. These changes become amplified under the extreme climate change scenario in which tundra is projected to lose more than half of its current extent.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate considerable imminent alterations in the global distribution of biomes, with possibly major consequences for life on Earth. The level of accuracy of our model given the limited input data and the insights on how trait–environment relationships can influence biome distributions suggest that trait‐based correlative approaches are a promising tool to forecast vegetation change and to provide an independent, complementary line of evidence next to process‐based vegetation models.
Subtle alterations of the physical environment can nudge young children to cheat less
Authors: Zhao Li , Zheng Yi , Compton Brian J. , Qin Wen , Sun Wenjin , Fang Fang , Fu Genyue , Heyman Gail D. , Lee Kang
Published: November 2021

Cheating is a common human behavior but few studies have examined its emergence during early childhood. In three preregistered studies, a challenging math test was administered to 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children (total N = 500; 255 girls). An answer key was present as children completed the test, but they were instructed to not peek at it. In Study 1, many children cheated, but manipulations that reduced the answer key's accessibility in terms of proximity and visibility led to less cheating. Two follow‐up studies showed that the answer key's visibility played a more significant role than its proximity. These findings suggest that subtle and seemingly insignificant alterations of the physical environment can effectively nudge young children away from acting dishonestly.
Mesenchymal stem cells for lysosomal storage and polyglutamine disorders: Possible shared mechanisms
Authors: Oliveira Miranda Catarina
Published: November 2021

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells' (MSC) therapeutic potential has been investigated for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. The fact these cells can mediate a beneficial effect in different neurodegenerative contexts strengthens their competence to target diverse mechanisms. On the other hand, distinct disorders may share similar mechanisms despite having singular neuropathological characteristics.

Methods

We have previously shown that MSC can be beneficial for two disorders, one belonging to the groups of Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) – the Krabbe Disease or Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, and the other to the family of Polyglutamine diseases (PolyQs) – the Machado‐Joseph Disease or Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. We gave also input into disease characterization since neuropathology and MSC's effects are intrinsically associated. This review aims at describing MSC's multimode of action in these disorders while emphasizing to possible mechanistic alterations they must share due to the accumulation of cellular toxic products.

Results

Lysosomal storage disorders and PolyQs have different aetiology and associated symptoms, but both result from the accumulation of undegradable products inside neuronal cells due to inefficient clearance by the endosomal/lysosomal pathway. Moreover, numerous cellular mechanisms that become compromised latter are also shared by these two disease groups.

Conclusions

Here, we emphasize MSC's effect in improving proteostasis and autophagy cycling turnover, neuronal survival, synaptic activity and axonal transport. LSDs and PolyQs, though rare in their predominance, collectively affect many people and require our utmost dedication and efforts to get successful therapies due to their tremendous impact on patient s' lives and society.
Fundamental and specialized questions on host race formation and speciation – an introduction
Authors: Leung Kelley , Beukeboom Leo W.
Published: November 2021

Host race formation and speciation are at the core of the enormous insect diversification. Insect–host relationships can take many forms, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic. Despite its long history of study, many questions remain about host race formation and speciation. They are addressed in eight original papers of this special issue, including two review‐type articles. In line with the scope of Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, they include both fundamental and applied studies. They reveal that host race formation and speciation can take many forms and that they are still active topics of entomological research.
Artificial selection of stable rhizosphere microbiota leads to heritable plant phenotype changes
Authors: Jacquiod Samuel , Spor Aymé , Wei Shaodong , Munkager Victoria , Bru David , Sørensen Søren J. , Salon Christophe , Philippot Laurent , Blouin Manuel
Published: November 2021

Artificial selection of microbiota opens new avenues for improving plants. However, reported results lack consistency. We hypothesised that the success in artificial selection of microbiota depends on the stabilisation of community structure. In a ten‐generation experiment involving 1,800 plants, we selected rhizosphere microbiota ofBrachypodium distachyonassociated with high or low leaf greenness, a proxy of plant performance. The microbiota structure showed strong fluctuations during an initial transitory phase, with no detectable leaf greenness heritability. After five generations, the microbiota structure stabilised, concomitantly with heritability in leaf greenness. Selection, initially ineffective, did successfully alter the selected property as intended, especially for high selection. We show a remarkable correlation between the variability in plant traits and selected microbiota structures, revealing two distinct sub‐communities associated with high or low leaf greenness, whose abundance was significantly steered by directional selection. Understanding microbiota structure stabilisation will improve the reliability of artificial microbiota selection.
Effect of intensive olfactory training for cognitive function in patients with dementia
Authors: Cha Hyegyeong , Kim Sisook , Kim Hansong , Kim Gaeyoung , Kwon Kyum‐Yil
Published: November 2021

Aim

Recent evidence has revealed an association between neurodegenerative disorders and olfactory dysfunction. However, whether olfactory training can improve cognitive impairment in patients with dementia requires further study. The present study aimed to resolve this by developing an intensive olfactory training (IOT) protocol and assessing its impact on each of the cognitive domains in patients with dementia.

Methods

Patients were prospectively recruited between June 2020 and September 2020. Baseline evaluations included demographic data, olfactory function test, depression scale and detailed cognitive function tests. Thirty‐four patients in the experimental group underwent IOT twice a day with a 40‐odor set for 15 days, while 31 individuals in the control group received conservative management. Follow‐up evaluations using the depression scale and detailed cognitive function tests were performed after IOT.

Results

Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. The IOT group showed significant improvements in depression, attention, memory and language functions, but not global cognition, frontal executive, or visuospatial functions compared with the control group.

Conclusion

This study shows the ability of IOT to alleviate depression and improve some cognitive functions in patients with dementia. These results suggest that IOT may be an effective non‐pharmacological approach for improving the symptoms of dementia.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 5–11.
Adverse events related to AtriCure EPi‐Sense Coagulation Device—Analysis of the FDA MAUDE database
Authors: Sheth Aakash R. , Al Yafeai Zaki , Dominic Paari
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The AtriCure EPi‐Sense Device is used for the hybrid convergent procedure, an emerging treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and long‐standing persistent AF. However, data on the AE related to the EPi‐Sense device are scarce.

Methods

Keyword “EPI‐SENSE” was searched on the MAUDE database. There were 80 device reports from 2016 to 2020. After excluding reports when the device was not returned for evaluation, 79 device reports were included for final analysis.

Results

The adverse events (AE) were broadly classified into 11 categories. The most common complications were pericardial effusion (25.3%), stroke (17.7%), and atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) (8.9%). Death was reported in 15 (19%) cases, 3 of which were due to pulmonary embolism, 6 due to AEF, 3 due to unknown cause, 1 due to sepsis, 2 due to events related to acute renal failure.

Discussion

Pericardial effusion is a common AE reported in patients with convergence procedures and is well documented in the CONVERGE trial. The convergent procedure is unique in that the epicardial ablations are performed on the posterior wall with the radiofrequency probe directed towards the heart and away from the esophagus which in theory should reduce esophageal injuries. Despite that, a high number of AEF were noticed. Finally, there were also some reports of saline perfusion malfunction which can lead to injuries due to overheating.

Conclusion

This analysis of the AE related to the EPi‐Sense device highlights several major AE that are previously unreported.
Follow up from the Lebanese Heart Failure Snapshot: Reflection of geopolitical instability
Authors: Deek Hiba , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Heart failure has a great cost on the health care system. The readmission and mortality rates and their predictors are greatly affected by political and sociocultural unrests.

Aims

To determine the readmission and mortality rates and their predictors in heart failure population in times of political and sociocultural unrests.

Design

A cross‐sectional follow‐up with patients recruited for the Lebanese Heart Failure Snapshot was conducted over the month of June in 2019.

Methods

Phone calls were conducted at 30–90 days, 6–12 months following hospital discharge for patient previously admitted to one of the study hospitals for heart failure exacerbation. Follow‐up data was conducted from July 2019 till May 2020.

Findings

The mean age of the 120 participants was 71 years with a mean ejection fraction of 41%. The 30–90 days, 6–12 months readmission rates were 20%, 56%, 75%, and 78%, respectively. Readmission predictors were non‐sinus rhythm and low diastolic blood pressure at admission. Mortality rates at 30–90 days, 6–12 months were 7%, 11%, 17%, and 28%, respectively. Low diastolic blood pressure and longer length of hospital stay were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

The rapid changes in the country make it difficult to formulate an intervention plan. This was seen in the increased rates of readmission and the decreased rates of mortality. Rigorous research should be conducted at every phase of the sociocultural changes in developing countries that were hit by the COVID‐19 pandemic and had their economy largely affected.

Impact

The occurrences of the countries can greatly influence the outcomes of patients with heart failure. This is true in developing countries that were affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic socially, economically, and politically. Research should be done regularly to establish the effect of these changes on patients with heart failure. Nevertheless, nursing roles are the common denominator that should be adapted to all the changes and provided despite all challenges to assure improved outcomes. Such practices include discharge education tailored to the subjective needs of the patients and continuous, uninterrupted follow‐up despite of all the occurrences. These practices are likely to decrease adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure.
Typical m. triceps surae morphology and architecture measurement from 0 to 18 years: A narrative review
Authors: Bell Matthew , Al Masruri Ghaliya , Fernandez Justin , Williams Sîan A. , Agur Anne M. , Stott Ngaire S. , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Mirjalili Ali
Published: November 2021

The aim of this review was to report on the imaging modalities used to assess morphological and architectural properties of the m. triceps surae muscle in typically developing children, and the available reliability analyses. Scopus and MEDLINE (Pubmed) were searched systematically for all original articles published up to September 2020 measuring morphological and architectural properties of the m. triceps surae in typically developing children (18 years or under). Thirty eligible studies were included in this analysis, measuring fibre bundle length (FBL) (n = 11), pennation angle (PA) (n = 10), muscle volume (MV) (n = 16) and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) (n = 4). Three primary imaging modalities were utilised to assess these architectural parameters in vivo: two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS; n = 12), three‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS; n = 9) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 6). The mean age of participants ranged from 1.4 years to 18 years old. There was an apparent increase in m. gastrocnemius medialis MV and pCSA with age; however, no trend was evident with FBL or PA. Analysis of correlations of muscle variables with age was limited by a lack of longitudinal data and methodological variations between studies affecting outcomes. Only five studies evaluated the reliability of the methods. Imaging methodologies such as MRI and US may provide valuable insight into the development of skeletal muscle from childhood to adulthood; however, variations in methodological approaches can significantly influence outcomes. Researchers wishing to develop a model of typical muscle development should carry out longitudinal architectural assessment of all muscles comprising the m. triceps surae utilising a consistent approach that minimises confounding errors.
Modeling time‐varying higher‐order conditional moments: A survey
Authors: Soltyk Sylvia J. , Chan Felix
Published: November 2021

Since the introduction of the Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARCH) model, the literature on modeling the time‐varying second‐order conditional moment has become increasingly popular in the last four decades. Its popularity is partly due to its success in capturing volatility in financial time series, which is useful for modeling and predicting risk for financial assets. A natural extension of this is to model time variation in higher‐order conditional moments, such as the third and fourth moments, which are related to skewness and kurtosis (tail risk). This leads to an emerging literature on time‐varying higher‐order conditional moments in the last two decades. This paper outlines recent developments in modeling time‐varying higher‐order conditional moments in the economics and finance literature.

Using the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) framework as a foundation, this paper provides an overview of the two most common approaches for modeling time‐varying higher‐order conditional moments: autoregressive conditional density (ARCD) and autoregressive conditional moment (ARCM). The discussion covers both the theoretical and empirical aspects of the literature. This includes the identification of the associated skewness–kurtosis domain by using the solutions to the classical moment problems, the structural and statistical properties of the models used to model the higher‐order conditional moments and the computational challenges in estimating these models. We also advocate the use of a maximum entropy density (MED) as an alternative method, which circumvents some of the issues prevalent in these common approaches.
T1/T2 ratio: A quantitative sensitive marker of brain tissue integrity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hannoun Salem , Kocevar Gabriel , Codjia Pekes , Barile Berardino , Cotton Francois , Durand‐Dubief Francoise , Sappey‐Marinier Dominique
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine whether cerebral white matter (WM) microstructural damage, defined by decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased axial (AD) and radial (RD) diffusivities, could be detected as accurately by measuring the T1/T2 ratio, in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to healthy control (HC) subjects.

Methods

Twenty‐eight RRMS patients and 24 HC subjects were included in this study. Region‐based analysis based on the ICBM‐81 diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) atlas WM labels was performed to compare T1/T2 ratio to DTI values in normal‐appearing WM (NAWM) regions of interest. Lesions segmentation was also performed and compared to the HC global WM.

Results

A significant 19.65% decrease of T1/T2 ratio values was observed in NAWM regions of RRMS patients compared to HC. A significant 6.30% decrease of FA, as well as significant 4.76% and 10.27% increases of AD and RD, respectively, were observed in RRMS compared to the HC group in various NAWM regions. Compared to the global WM HC mask, lesions have significantly decreased T1/T2 ratio and FA and increased AD and RD (p < . 001).

Conclusions

Results showed significant differences between RRMS and HC in both DTI and T1/T2 ratio measurements. T1/T2 ratio even demonstrated extensive WM abnormalities when compared to DTI, thereby highlighting the ratio's sensitivity to subtle differences in cerebral WM structural integrity using only conventional MRI sequences.
Prevalence of sudden cardiac death in dogs with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Borgeat Kieran , Pack Matthew , Harris Jo , Laver Alex , Seo Joonbum , Belachsen Omri , Hannabuss Joshua , Todd Julie , Ferasin Luca , Payne Jessie Rose
Published: November 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in humans, independent of secondary risk factors such as thrombogenic disorders. In dogs, SCD is described in a number of heart diseases, but an association between AF and SCD is unreported.

Hypothesis

(a) A higher proportion of dogs with AF will experience SCD, and (b) SCD will be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias.

Animals

One‐hundred forty‐two dogs with AF, and 127 dogs without AF.

Methods

Retrospective, multicenter, case‐control study. Dogs included in the AF group were compared to a control group of dogs in sinus rhythm, matched for echocardiographic diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to identify proportions of each group suffering SCD, compared using chi‐squared testing. Risk factors for SCD in dogs with AF were evaluated at the univariable and multivariable level using binary logistic regression. Significance was P < .05.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of dogs with AF suffered SCD than dogs in the control group (14.8% vs 5.5%; P = .01). Younger age at diagnosis, larger left atrial size, and a history of syncope all were independent predictors of SCD in dogs with AF (χ2, 16.3; P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Atrial fibrillation was associated with a higher prevalence of SCD in dogs. A history of syncope may be a useful predictor of SCD risk.
Accessory pathway ablation during atrial fibrillation in Ebstein anomaly
Authors: Miyamoto Taro , Oginosawa Yasushi , Yagyu Keishiro , Yamagishi Yasunobu , Tsukahara Keita , Ohe Hisaharu , Kohno Ritsuko , Abe Haruhiko , Kataoka Masaharu
Published: November 2021

An 84‐year‐old woman with type B Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) with Ebstein anomaly was admitted with heart failure. She had rapid wide QRS tachycardia due to accessory pathway (AP) conduction associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Since transesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation showed a left atrial thrombus, ablation was performed using a 3D mapping system under AF. After marking the functional tricuspid anulus with intra‐cardiac echocardiography, 3D intra‐cardiac electrogram visualization (ripple map) during AF enabled clear identification of location of the AP. After ablation, there was no complication of cerebral infarction, and the heart failure improved.
The Explanatory Demands of Grounding in Law
Authors: Chilovi Samuele , Pavlakos George
Published: November 2021

A new strategy in philosophy of law appeals to explanatory gap arguments to attack legal positivism. We argue that the strategy faces a dilemma, which derives from two available readings of the constraint it places on legal grounding. To this end, we elaborate the most promising ways of spelling out the epistemic constraints governing law‐determination and show that each of the arguments based on them has problems. Throughout the paper, we evaluate a number of explanatory requirements, ultimately with a view to shedding light on the explanatory nature of both grounding in general and legal grounding in particular.
Verrucous venous malformation with thrombocytopenia in a neonate
Authors: Reyes‐Hadsall Sophia C. , Fayiga Folasade F. , Duarte Ana M.
Published: November 2021

Verrucous venous malformations (VVM) are rare, congenital, slow‐flow vascular anomalies that have been historically difficult to characterize due to clinical mimics and unclear histological evaluation. A life‐threatening complication of VVMs is localized intravascular coagulation. Herein, we describe a male neonate who presented with a congenital VVM on the left lower extremity with associated severe thrombocytopenia. We discuss the multifaceted diagnostic approach used to identify this VVM, while highlighting the use of WT‐1 as a negative predictive marker; we additionally outline novel treatment options and management beyond cutaneous involvement.
Isolation and in vitro expansion of porcine spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wan Weican , Li Bin , Zhang Xianyu , Zhang Mao , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Huaqiang
Published: November 2021

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only adult stem cells capable of passing genetic information to offspring through their ability to both self‐renew and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. SSCs can be transplanted to establish donor‐derived spermatogenesis in recipient animals, thus offering a novel reproductive tool for multiplication of elite individual animals to benefit livestock production. An optimal SSC culture in vitro can benefit various SSC‐based studies and applications, such as mechanistic study of SSC biology, SSC transplantation process and SSC‐based transgenesis technique. However, except for some model rodent animals, SSC culture remains an inefficient and unstable process. We here studied a workflow to isolate, purify and in vitro culture porcine SSCs from neonatal pig testes. Pig testicular cells were dissociated by two‐step enzymatic digestion with collagenase type IV and trypsin. We enriched the spermatogonia from the testicular cell mix by differential plating for at least 3 times to remove firmly attached non‐SSCs. We then tested the optimal culture medium formula by supplementation of different growth factors to the basic medium (DMEM/F12 + 1% FBS) and found that a combination of 20 ng/ml GDNF, 10 ng/ml LIF, 20 ng/ml FGF2 and 20 ng/ml IGF1 had the best effect on SSC growth in our defined experimental system. In the presence of 4 growth factors without specific feeders, the purified SSCs can be cultured in poly‐L‐lysine‐ and laminin‐coated dishes for 28 days and remain preserving a continuous proliferation without losing the undifferentiated spermatogonial phenotype.
Factor structure of the new Scandinavian WISC‐V version: Support for a five‐factor model
Authors: Egeland Jens , Andreassen Tor , Lund Olaf
Published: November 2021

The fifth version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is designed to measure five distinct aspects of intelligence, incorporating a new fluid reasoning index to the four indexes of the previous fourth version. Several factor analyses, however, have failed to support the fifth factor. The Scandinavian version is the only national version not showing clear superiority for the five‐factor solution in the Manual. In the present study, we analyze WISC‐V protocols from a clinical sample of 237 children tested with the new Scandinavian version. We perform six confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing three hierarchical‐, two bifactor‐, and one correlated candidate factor models. The study shows that the three‐factor model does not fit the data, and that all four‐ and five‐factor models showed good fit. The four‐factor bifactor model was somewhat better than the five‐bifactor and hierarchical models, but the correlated five‐factor model was the superior model. Finding support for five‐factors in a clinical sample representative of those most probable to be tested with the test, strengthen the claim that also the Scandinavian version measure a distinct fluid factor as intended by the test owners, and thus that clinicians may use the index scores as their main level of analysis. Review of previous CFAs show that the choice of statistical methods for CFA, bifactor or hierarchical/correlated, influence whether second order factor models are better than g‐factor models.
Evaluation of intercellular lipid lamellae in the stratum corneum by polarized microscopy
Authors: Asada Naoki , Morita Ryo , Kamiji Rikae , Kuwajima Mami , Komorisono Masahiko , Yamamura Tatsuo , Ono Naoaki , Kanaya Shigehiko , Yoshikawa Shuichi
Published: November 2021

Background

Intercellular lipids contain a lamellar structure that glows in polarized images. It could be expected that the intercellular lipid content be estimated from the luminance values calculated from polarized images of stratum corneum strips. Therefore, we attempted to develop a method for simple and rapid evaluation of the intercellular lipid content through a procedure. Herein, we demonstrated a relationship between the luminance value and the amount of ceramides, one of the main components of intercellular lipids.

Materials and methods

The stratum corneum was collected from the forearm using slides with a pure rubber‐based adhesive, which did not produce unnecessary luminescence under polarizing conditions. Images were analyzed using luminance indices. The positive secondary ion peak images were obtained using the time of flight‐secondary ion mass spectrometry; the polarized and brightfield images were obtained using a polarized microscope. The ceramide and protein amount was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and bicinchoninic acid protein assay after microscope imaging. Images and quantitative values were used to construct evaluation models based on a convolutional neural network (CNN).

Results

There was a correlation between the highlighted areas of the polarized image to overlap with the area where ceramide‐derived peak was detected. Evaluation of the CNN‐based model of the polarized images predicted the amount of ceramides per unit of stratum corneum.

Conclusion

The method proposed in the study enabled a large number of specimens to provide a simple, rapid, and efficient evaluation of the intercellular lipid content.
Skin biomechanical and viscoelastic properties measured with MyotonPRO in different areas of human body
Authors: Rosicka Katarzyna , Mierzejewska‐Krzyżowska Barbara , Mrówczyński Włodzimierz
Published: November 2021

Background

There is still a lack of clinically practical device, which allows to perform rapid and accurate examination of the skin condition. For this reason, suitability of the MyotonPRO for the assessment of skin biomechanical and viscoelastic parameters was evaluated in this study. The aim of the study was to establish the reference values of five parameters measured by MyotonPRO various locations of human skin.

Materials and methods

Oscillation frequency, dynamic stiffness, logarithmic decrement, mechanical stress relaxation and creep were measured at three different skin locations (clavicula, volar forearm and shin), using L‐shape short and medium arm probes in 32 young female volunteers. Mean values of obtained parameters recorded by both probes were compared among three skin locations while reliabilities of measurements were assessed. Additionally, relationships between all recorded parameters were examined

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the mean values of five measured parameters obtained with both probes in all investigated areas. However, statistically significant differences of mean values of almost all parameters measured among three places examined were found. Despite considerable differences in mean values of obtained parameters, there were visible strong correlations between some studied parameters in all three investigated areas of skin.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated in all locations studied that the higher value of oscillation frequency corresponds to the higher value of dynamic stiffness, moreover such tissue recovers faster to its initial shape, and it was characterized by lower creep values. Such results indicate the existence of identical relationships between the same studied parameters in different areas of skin.
Design Exploration and Performance Assessment of Advanced Recuperated Hybrid-Electric Urban Air Mobility Rotorcraft
Authors: Saias Chana Anna , Roumeliotis Ioannis , Goulos Ioannis , Pachidis Vassilios , Bacic Marko
Published: November 2021

The design of efficient, environmentally friendly, and quiet powerplant for rotorcraft architectures constitutes a key enabler for urban air mobility (UAM) application. This work focuses on the development and application of a generic methodology for the design, performance, and environmental impact assessment of a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system, utilizing simple and advanced recuperated engine cycles. A simulation framework for rotorcraft analysis comprising models for rotor aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and hybrid-electric powerplant performance is deployed for the design exploration and optimization of a hybrid-electric rotorcraft, modeled after the NASA XV-15, adapted for civil applications. Optimally designed powerplants for payload-range capacity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact have been obtained. A comparative evaluation has been performed for the optimum designs. The respective tradeoffs between engine, heat exchanger weight, thermal efficiency, as well as mission fuel burn and environmental impact have been quantified. It has been demonstrated that a recuperated gas turbine-based hybrid-electric architecture may provide improvements of up to 6% in mission range capability without sacrificing useful load. At the same time, analyses performed for a representative 100 km mission suggest reductions in fuel burn and NOX emissions of up to 12.9% and 5.2%, respectively. Analyses are carried at aircraft and mission level using realistic UAM mission scenarios.