bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of changes in circular RNA expression and construction of ceRNA networks in human dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Zhenhao , Zhao Yongchao , Dai Fangjie , Su Enyong , Li Fuhai , Yan Yan
Published: January 2021

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe life‐threatening disease worldwide, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in various cardiovascular diseases and can function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, their role in human DCM has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, heart samples from DCM patients and healthy controls were used to identify circRNAs by RNA sequencing. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to validate differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 9585 circRNAs and 22050 mRNAs were detected in the two groups. Overall, 213 circRNAs and 617 mRNAs were significantly up‐regulated in the DCM group compared with the control group. Similarly, 85 circRNAs and 1125 mRNAs were significantly down‐regulated. According to the ceRNA theory, circRNAs can indirectly interact with mRNAs by directly binding to microRNAs (miRNAs), and circRNAs and mRNAs should be concurrently either up‐regulated or down‐regulated. Based on this theory, we constructed two circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA networks by using the RNA sequencing data and prediction by proprietary software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to probe the potential functions of differentially expressed circRNAs. In conclusion, this study revealed that the expression of cardiac circRNAs was altered in human DCM and explored the potential functions of circRNAs by constructing ceRNA networks. These findings provide a foundation for future studies of circRNAs in DCM.
CircCAMSAP1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through miR‐1294/GRAMD1A pathway
Authors: Luo Zongjiang , Lu Libai , Tang Qianli , Wei Wang , Chen Pengyu , Chen Yichen , Pu Jian , Wang Jianchu
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high prevalence and mortality, and it has brought huge economic and health burden for the world. It is urgent to found novel targets for HCC diagnosis and clinical intervention. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to participate in many cancer progressions including HCC, suggesting that circRNA might paly essential role in HCC initiation and progression. Our study aims to found that potential circRNA participates in HCC development and its underlying molecular mechanisms. We obtained three pairs of HCC tissues and its adjacent normal tissues data from GEO DataSets. MTT, cell colony, EdU, wound‐healing, transwell invasion and mouse xenograft model assays were used to demonstrate the biological functions of circCAMSAP1 in HCC progression. Furthermore, we conducted bioinformatics analysis, AGO2‐RIP, RNA pull‐down and luciferase reporter assays to assess the association of circCAMSAP1‐miR‐1294‐GRAMD1A axis in HCC cells. The expression of circCAMSAP1 was up‐regulated in HCC tissues compared with its adjacent normal tissues. Up‐regulation of circCAMSAP1 promoted HCC biological functions both in vitro and in vivo. The promotive effects of circCAMSAP1 on HCC progression function through miR‐1294/GRAMD1A pathway. CircCAMSAP1 was up‐regulated in HCC tissues, and circCAMSAP1 up‐regulated GRAMD1A expression to promote HCC proliferation, migration and invasion through miR‐1294. CircCAMSAP1 might be a potential prognosis and therapeutic target for HCC.
The Impact of Cohesion Policy on Regional Differences in Support for the European Union*
Authors: López‐Bazo Enrique
Published: January 2021

Cohesion Policy is a core policy of the European Union, the main objective of which is to address uneven economic growth across the EU by promoting balanced and sustainable development. Given its characteristics, it certainly has a great impact on the daily life of European citizens and can compensate population groups and places less favoured by the implementation of the internal market and economic and monetary union. As a result, Cohesion Policy is expected to shape regional support for European integration. This study tests this assumption using regional data for the EU‐28 in a period that includes the recent phases of expansion and recession, in a scenario characterized by growing anti‐EU rhetoric. The results suggest that a greater amount of EU funds spent in the region does not stimulate support for the Union. However, an appropriate temporal distribution of the resources allocated to the region could have a positive effect.
Love at first flight: wing interference patterns are species‐specific and sexually dimorphic in blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Butterworth Nathan J. , White Thomas E. , Byrne Phillip G. , Wallman James F.
Published: January 2021

Wing interference patterns (WIPs) are stable structural colours displayed on insect wings which are only visible at specific viewing geometries and against certain backgrounds. These patterns are widespread among flies and wasps, and growing evidence suggests that they may function as species‐ and sex‐specific mating cues in a range of taxa. As such, it is expected that WIPs should differ between species and show clear sexual dimorphisms. However, the true extent to which WIPs vary between species, sexes and individuals is currently unclear, as previous studies have only taken a qualitative approach, without considering how WIPs might be perceived by the insect. Here, we perform the first quantitative analysis of inter‐ and intra‐specific variation in WIPs across seven Australian species of the blowfly genus Chrysomya. Using multispectral digital imaging and a tentative model of blowfly colour vision, we provide quantitative evidence that WIPs are species‐specific, highlight that the extent of divergence is greater in males than in females and demonstrate sexual dimorphisms in several species. These data suggest that WIPs have diversified substantially in blowflies as a result of either sexual or ecological selection.
Evolutionary history and ecology shape the diversity and abundance of phytochemical arsenals across monkeyflowers
Authors: Holeski Liza M. , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Sobel James M. , Kooyers Nicholas J.
Published: January 2021

We examine the extent to which phylogenetic effects and ecology are associated with macroevolutionary patterns of phytochemical defence production across the Mimulus phylogeny. We grew plants from 21 species representing the five major sections of the Mimulus phylogeny in a common garden to assess how the arsenals (NMDS groupings) and abundances (concentrations) of a phytochemical defence, phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs), vary across the phylogeny. Very few PPGs are widespread across the genus, but many are common to multiple sections of the genus. Phytochemical arsenals cluster among sections in an NMDS and are not associated with total concentration of PPGs. There is a strong phylogenetic signal for phytochemical arsenal composition across the Mimulus genus, whereas ecological variables such as growing season length, latitude, and elevation do not significantly influence arsenal. In contrast, there is little phylogenetic signal for total PPG concentration, and this trait is significantly influenced by several ecological factors. Phytochemical arsenals and abundances are influenced by plant life history form. Both phylogenetic effects and ecology are related to phytochemical patterns across species, albeit in different ways. The independence of phytochemical defence concentrations from arsenal compositions indicates that these aspects of defence may continue to evolve independently of one another.
A digital approach to robust and esthetic implant overdenture construction
Authors: Duhn Christopher , Thalji Ghadeer , Al‐Tarwaneh Sandra , Cooper Lyndon F.
Published: January 2021

Abstarct

Objective

Overdenture therapy is an important option for implant rehabilitation. However, numerous reports suggest that mechanical/technical complications and failures can limit therapeutic success. The goal of this report is to illustrate a digital approach to design and construction of a robust overdenture with high‐esthetic value.

Materials and methods

Beginning with new denture design to establish esthetic parameters, 3D modeling of a metal framework and the denture teeth are completed in a connected manner. This enables connection of rapidly printed, prototype dentition that is attached directly to the framework without intervening wax or acrylic components. Following evaluation of the dentition and required adjustments, the final dentition is milled from resin and processed to the selective laser sintered framework.

Results

The advantages of the digital workflow include the control of dimensions and strength of the framework, the esthetic relationship of the framework to the dentition and the facilitation of esthetic try‐in of the dentition.

Conclusion

Enhancing a robust overdenture can be readily achieved using a digital workflow.

Clinical significance

The use of digital technology enables the clinical team to plan and produce prostheses with dimensions and contours that support long‐term function and esthetics. The clinical chair time can be potentially reduced by use of digital design that facilitates try‐in and reduces major errors by improved communication between the patient, dentist, and technician.
Understanding and assessing flood risk in Vietnam: Current status, persisting gaps, and future directions
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tu , Sebesvari Zita , Souvignet Maxime , Bachofer Felix , Braun Andreas , Garschagen Matthias , Schinkel Ulrike , Yang Liang Emlyn , Nguyen Linh Hoang Khanh , Hochschild Volker , Assmann André , Hagenlocher Michael
Published: January 2021

Vietnam is exposed to different types of floods that cause severe economic losses, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. Reliable information on the drivers, patterns and dynamics of flood risk is crucial for the identification, prioritization and planning of risk reduction and adaptation measures. Here, we present a systematic review of existing flood risk assessments in Vietnam. We evaluate the current status, persisting gaps, and challenges regarding the understanding and assessment of flood risk in the country. The literature review revealed that: (i) 65 % of the reviewed papers did not provide a clear definition of flood risk, (ii) assessments had a tendency to prioritize physical and environmental drivers of risk over social, economic or governance‐related drivers, (iii) future‐oriented assessments tended to focus on hazard and exposure trends, while vulnerability scenarios were often lacking, (iv) large and middle‐sized cities were assessed more frequently than others, (v) only few studies engaged with relevant local stakeholders for the assessment of risk and the development of potential solutions, and (vi) ecosystem‐based adaptation and flood risk insurance solutions were rarely considered. Based on these findings, we point out several directions for future research on flood risk in Vietnam.
X‐ray microtomosynthesis of unstained pathology tissue samples
Authors: Nguyen David T. , Larsen Thomas C. , Wang Muyang , Knutsen Russel H. , Yang Zhihong , Bennett Eric E. , Mazilu Dumitru , Yu Zu‐Xi , Tao Xi , Donahue Danielle R. , Gharib Ahmed M. , Bleck Christopher K. E. , Moss Joel , Remaley Alan T. , Kozel Beth A. , Wen Han
Published: January 2021

In pathology protocols, a tissue block, such as one containing a mouse brain or a biopsy sample from a patient, can produce several hundred thin sections. Substantial time may be required to analyse all sections. In cases of uncertainty regarding which sections to focus on, noninvasive scout imaging of intact blocks can help in guiding the pathology procedure. The scouting step is ideally done in a time window of minutes without special sample preparation that may interfere with the pathology procedures. The challenge is to obtain some visibility of unstained tissue structures at sub‐10 µm resolution.

We explored a novel x‐ray tomosynthesis method as a way to maximise contrast‐to‐noise ratio, a determinant of tissue visibility. It provided a z‐stack of thousands of images at 7.3 μm resolution (10% contrast, half‐period of 68.5 line pairs/mm), in scans of 5‐15 minutes. When compared with micro‐CT scans, the straight‐line tomosynthesis scan did not need to rotate the sample, which allowed flat samples, such as paraffin blocks, to be kept as close as possible to the x‐ray source. Thus, given the same hardware, scan time and resolution, this mode maximised the photon flux density through the sample, which helped in maximising the contrast‐to‐noise ratio. The tradeoff of tomosynthesis is incomplete 3D information.

The microtomosynthesis scanner has scanned 110 unstained human and animal tissue samples as part of their respective pathology protocols. In all cases, the z‐stack of images showed tissue structures that guided sectioning or provided correlative structural information. We describe six examples that presented different levels of visibility of soft tissue structures. Additionally, in a set of coronary artery samples from an HIV patient donor, microtomosynthesis made a new discovery of isolated focal calcification in the internal elastic lamina of coronary wall, which was the onset of medial calcific sclerosis in the arteries.
The Transition to Adult Health Care in Youth With Spina Bifida: Theory, Measurement, and Interventions
Authors: Holmbeck Grayson N. , Kritikos Tessa K. , Stern Alexa , Ridosh Monique , Friedman Catherine V.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This article focuses on the transition to adult health care in youth with spina bifida (SB) from the perspective of theory, measurement, and interventions.

Methods

The purpose of this article is to discuss (a) a theory of linkages between the transfer of medical responsibility from parent to child and the transition from pediatric to adult health care, as mediated by transition readiness; (b) measurement issues in the study of self‐management and the transition to adult health care; and (c) U.S.‐based and international interventions focused on the transition to adult health care in young adults with SB.

Findings

Individuals with SB must adhere to a complex multicomponent treatment regimen while at the same time managing a unique array of cognitive and psychosocial challenges and comorbidities that hinder self‐management, medical adherence, and the transition to adult health care. Moreover, such youth endure multiple transitions to adult health care (e.g., in the areas of urology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and primary care) that may unfold across different time frames. Finally, three transition‐related constructs need to be assessed, namely, transition readiness, transition completion, and transition success.

Conclusions

SB provides an important exemplar that highlights the complexities of conducting research on the transition to adult health care in youth with chronic health conditions. Many transition trajectories are possible, depending on the functioning level of the child and a host of other factors. Also, no single transition pathway is optimal for all patients with SB.

Clinical Relevance

The success of the process by which a child with SB transitions from pediatric to adult health care can have life‐sustaining implications for the patient.
Nurses’ perspectives of recognising and responding to unsafe practice by their peers: A national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Blair Wendy , Kable Ashley , Palazzi Kerrin , Courtney‐Pratt Helen , Doran Evan , Oldmeadow Christopher
Published: January 2021

Aims

This study aimed to identify behaviours and cues that nurses recognise as indications of unsafe practice, perceived factors that contribute to unsafe practice and actions nurses take in response.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

National cross‐sectional survey of a random sample of registered nurses (n = 231) in New Zealand, in 2017–2018. The STROBE Checklist was used to report this study.

Results

Nurses reported a high rate of episodes of unsafe practices and recognised a range of behaviours and cues that alerted them to the potential for unsafe practice. Several organisational issues were perceived to contribute to unsafe practice occurring. The reporting of episodes of unsafe practice and perceived organisational support was low for nurses compared with managers.

Conclusion

Failure to recognise and respond to unsafe practice may indicate a tolerance for substandard practice by individual nurses, or by the organisation. Nurses who recognise unsafe practice must be supported by the organisation.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Breitenstein Miriam , Nguyen Duc Khuong , Walther Thomas
Published: January 2021

We conduct a systematic literature review on environmental and climate‐related risk management in the financial sector. We classify the current literature into three categories: (i) the impact of environmental concerns on financial risk; (ii) the current state of environmental risk practices in the financial sector; and (iii) measures to assess the financial exposure to environmental risks. We find that financial institutions can reduce their risk exposure by highly committing with environmental responsibility and performance. Moreover, the increase in willingness to assess climate‐related financial risk incentivizes corporate managers to adopt more proactive environmental policies and practices.
AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AND FARM SUSTAINABILITY – A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Candemir Ahmet , Duvaleix Sabine , Latruffe Laure
Published: January 2021

We present a literature review of the role played by agricultural cooperatives in influencing farm sustainability. We first focus on the theoretical literature to highlight the various economic behaviours of cooperatives. Then we investigate all three dimensions of sustainability in developing and developed countries. We aim at linking the empirical findings to the theoretical understanding of cooperatives, in particular members’ heterogeneity. This paper shows that cooperatives play a non‐negligible role in farm economic sustainability and in the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, suggesting that both public policies and private initiatives in cooperatives may be complementary. As regards social sustainability, there are only a few studies existing on the role of agricultural cooperatives. The trade‐off between economic and environmental sustainability in cooperatives would need to be further investigated.
Perceived lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) supportive practices and the life satisfaction of LGBT employees: The roles of disclosure, authenticity at work, and identity centrality
Authors: Fletcher Luke , Everly Benjamin A.
Published: January 2021

As an increasing number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees are choosing to disclose their LGBT identity at work, it is important to understand how organizations can best manage LGBT diversity in the workplace. Previous research has established that LGBT employees are more likely to derive benefits from working in organizations with supportive LGBT practices in place. However, the psychological mechanisms behind this process are largely unknown. The present research investigates the value of both disclosure and authenticity at work in understanding why perceptions of LGBT supportive practices facilitate the life satisfaction of LGBT employees. A time‐lagged questionnaire was completed by 150 LGBT individuals working in various UK organizations. Results of a path analysis find that although both disclosure and authenticity at work are positively related with LGBT supportive practices, it is the experience of authenticity at work which mediates the relationship between perceived LGBT supportive practices and life satisfaction. We also find that disclosure and authenticity at work are positively linked, yet LGBT identity centrality moderates this relationship. These findings show that authenticity at work may be particularly important for understanding the experiences of LGBT employees.

Practitioner points

We measure perceptions of LGBT supportive practices and show evidence that such perceptions are positively related to important aspects of psychological well‐being.

Authenticity adds value to disclosure at work as we find it is a key mediating process that translates LGBT supportive practices into increased life satisfaction.

It seems that not disclosing is particularly detrimental for the authenticity for those whose LGBT identity is central to their self‐concept.
Effect of Endodontic Access Preparation on Fracture Load of Translucent versus Conventional Zirconia Crowns with Varying Occlusal Thicknesses
Authors: Nejat Amir H. , Dupree Peter , Kee Edwin , Xu Xiaoming , Zakkour Wael , Odom Mark , Bruggers Karen , Mascarenhas Faye
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of endodontic access hole preparation on fracture resistance of translucent zirconia (5Y) and conventional zirconia crowns (3Y) with varying occlusal thicknesses.

Materials and Methods

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dies, representing a prepared tooth, were milled. Zirconia crowns with 1 mm thick axial walls and varying occlusal thicknesses were milled from 3Y (Cercon HT) or 5Y (Cercon XT) zirconia discs and sintered. 160 crowns were divided into 16 groups (n = 10 per group) based on the zirconia type (3Y, 5Y), occlusal thickness (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm), and access hole preparation (with access hole, control). Crowns were cemented on the PMMA dies with resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (Rely X Luting Plus) under constant weight (500 g) and thermocycled for 10,000 cycles. In half of the samples, following 5000 cycles of thermocycling, a uniform endodontic access hole was created using a diamond bur and restored immediately with resin composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra, 3M ESPE). The fracture resistance of the specimens was tested on an Instron 5566 universal testing machine with a stainless steel ball indenter (9.0 mm dia.) and the maximum load before failure was recorded as fracture load (N). Three‐way ANOVA testing examined the effect of zirconia type, occlusal thickness, and access hole preparation on fracture loads of the crowns. Statistical tests were two‐sided and significance level was set at 95% (α = 0.05).

Results

Fracture load was significantly affected by the type of zirconia, occlusal thickness, and access hole preparation (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed that access hole preparation significantly reduced the fracture load of 3Y crowns with 0.5 or 1.0 mm of occlusal thickness and 5Y zirconia crowns with 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mm of occlusal thickness (p < 0.05). Increasing occlusal thickness reduced the effect of access hole preparation on fracture load.

Conclusion

Type of zirconia, occlusal thickness, and access hole preparation had significant effects on the fracture load of zirconia crowns. The effect of endodontic access was significant on the 3Y and 5Y zirconia crowns with ≤1.0 and ≤1.5 mm occlusal thicknesses, respectively.
Antibiotic pollution promotes dominance by harmful cyanobacteria: A case study examining norfloxacin exposure in competition experiments
Authors: Li Jing‐Jing , Chao Jing‐Jing , McKay Robert Michael Lee , Xu Run‐Bing , Wang Tao , Xu Jun , Zhang Jin‐Long , Chang Xue‐Xiu
Published: January 2021

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in freshwater lakes across the globe are often combined with other stressors. Pharmaceutical pollution, especially antibiotics in water bodies, poses a potential hazard in aquatic ecosystems. However, how antibiotics influence the risk of cyanoHABs remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of norfloxacin (NOR), one of the most widely used antibiotics globally, to a bloom‐forming cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) and a common green alga (Scenedesmus quadricauda), under both mono‐ and coculture conditions. Taxon‐specific responses to NOR were evaluated in monoculture. In addition, the growth rate and change in ratio of cyanobacteria to green algae when cocultured with exposure to NOR were determined. In monocultures of Microcystis, exposure to low concentrations of NOR resulted in decreases in biomass, chlorophyll a and soluble protein content, while superoxide anion content and superoxide dismutase activity increased. However, NOR at high concentration only slightly affected Scenedesmus. During the co‐culture trials of Microcystis and Scenedesmus, the 5 μg · L−1 NOR treatment increased the ratio of Microcystis to co‐cultured Scenedesmus by 47.2%. Meanwhile, although Scenedesmus growth was enhanced by 4.2% under NOR treatment in monoculture, it was conversely inhibited by 63.4% and 38.2% when co‐cultured with Microcystis with and without NOR, respectively. Our results indicate that antibiotic pollution has a potential risk to enhance the perniciousness of cyanoHABs by disturbing interspecific interaction between cyanobacteria and green algae. These results reinforce the need for scientists and managers to consider the influence of xenobiotics in shaping the outcome of interactions among multiple species in aquatic ecosystems.
Entecavir‐induced interferon‐λ1 suppresses type 2 innate lymphoid cells in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Si‐Qi , Shen Yue , Li Jing , Liu Yun , Cheng Li‐Sha , Wu Sheng‐Di , She Wei‐Min , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2021

The immunomodulatory effects of entecavir (ETV) in anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapy have long been recognized. This study aimed to determine the effects of ETV on non‐natural killer innate lymphoid cells (non‐NK ILCs) in HBV‐related liver disease progression. We enrolled treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (LC) patients treated with ETV for 24 months. Before and after therapy, the frequency and cytokine profiles of ILC2s and non‐NK ILCs subset homeostasis and their clinical significance were determined, and serial serum interferon (IFN)‐λ levels were analysed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of untreated LC patients were cultured with serum from untreated and ETV‐treated LC patients in addition to being subject to IFN‐λ1 neutralization and stimulation, and the frequency and cytokine production of ILC2s as well as non‐NK ILCs subset ratios were calculated. Furthermore, IFN‐λ receptor expression on non‐NK ILCs and dendritic cells (DCs) was measured. After 24 months of ETV treatment, the frequency and cytokine production of ILC2s (IL‐4, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) decreased with increased ILC1/ILC2 and decreased ILC2/ILC3 ratios, revealing a close association with disease status in LC patients. Long‐term ETV administration‐induced serum IFN‐λ1 levels were negatively correlated with ILC2s. ETV‐treated LC serum culture and IFN‐λ1 stimulation yielded similar effects on suppression of ILC2s, and IFN‐λ1 neutralization in serum culture partly inhibited this effect. The IFN‐λ receptor was detected on DCs but not on non‐NK ILCs. In conclusion, ETV suppresses the frequency and cytokine profiles of ILC2s by increasing IFN‐λ1 in LC patients.
On Whose Door to Knock? Organized Interests’ Strategic Pursuit of Access to Members of Congress
Authors: Miller David R.
Published: January 2021

Organized interests routinely seek direct contacts with, or access to, members of Congress to advance their policy goals. While studies often explore the tactics interests use to obtain access, few examine interests’ strategic considerations in choosing which members to target. Furthermore, the few empirical studies that examine organized interests’ targeting strategies yield inconclusive results concerning the types of members interests target. This article presents a conjoint experiment with federal lobbyists and policy advocates—a novel experimental sample in political science—to evaluate which types of members organized interests target when trying to advance a proposal in an empirical framework that addresses some of the inferential challenges faced by prior studies. The results indicate that organized interests target members who are undecided on or are weak supporters of the proposal of interest and who possess institutional roles providing them with influence over the proposal at its current stage of the legislative process.
First evidence of an intensive bloom of the coccolithophore Syracosphaerahalldalii in a highly variable estuarine environment (Krka River, Adriatic sea)
Authors: Skejić Sanda , Arapov Jasna , Bužančić Mia , Ninčević Gladan Živana , Bakrač Ana , Straka Maja , Mandić Jelena
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we provide the first evidence of a bloom formation of coccolithophore Syracosphaera halldalii in a salt‐wedge estuary of Krka River (Mediterranean Sea), during stratified conditions. The increase of coccolithophore abundance was firstly noticed in August 2017 and occurred again in October 2017. The increased abundance appeared over wide salinity (16.9–35.3) and temperature ranges (16.4–23.3ºC). On these two occasions, the highest abundance of S. halldalii confirmed by SEM counts reached 2.51 × 106 cells L−1 at halocline in October. The contribution of S. halldalii to total coccolithophore assemblage was more than 97%. Vertical distribution of total coccolithophores abundance varied over time and followed the temperature curve, with the highest abundances co‐occurring with maximum temperature in the water column. A positive association of coccolithophore abundances with nitrates was found, but pulses of both organic nitrogen and nitrites seem to be important for sustaining the bloom after the initial proliferation. During the entire study period, S. halldalii was found only in the heterococcolith‐bearing phase, and the absence of the holococcolith‐bearing phase could be related to increased turbulence in the estuary. SEM analysis of cell morphology was in concordance with earlier descriptions, with apical coccoliths and body coccoliths of approximately equal size and both having distinct protruding teeth along the inner rim. A single exothecal coccolith was found in association with two S. halldalii cells indicating possible dithecatism of this species.
Biotic signals associated with benthic impacts of salmon farms from eDNA metabarcoding of sediments
Authors: He Xiaoping , Gilmore Scott R. , Sutherland Terri F. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Miller Kristina M. , Westfall Kristen M. , Pawlowski Jan , Abbott Cathryn L.
Published: January 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding can rapidly characterize the composition and diversity of benthic communities, thus it has high potential utility for routine assessments of benthic impacts of marine finfish farming. In this study, 126 sediment grab samples from 42 stations were collected at six salmon farms in British Columbia, Canada. Benthic community changes were assessed by both eDNA metabarcoding of metazoans and macrofaunal polychaete surveys. The latter was done by analysing 11,466 individuals using a combination of morphology‐based taxonomy and DNA barcoding. Study objectives were to: (i) compare biotic signals associated with benthic impacts of salmon farming in the two data sources, and (ii) identify potential eDNA indicators to facilitate monitoring in Canada. Alpha diversity parameters were consistently reduced near fish cage edge and negatively correlated with pore‐water sulphide concentration, with coefficients ranging from −0.62 to −0.48. Although Polychaeta are a common indicator group, the negative correlation with pore‐water sulphide concentration was much stronger for Nematoda OTU richness (correlation coefficient: −0.86) than for Polychaeta (correlation coefficient: −0.38). Presence/absence of Capitella generally agreed well between the two methods despite that they differed in the volume of sediments sampled and the molecular marker used. Multiple approaches were used to identify OTUs related to organic enrichment statuses. We demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding generates biotic signals that could be leveraged for environmental assessment of benthic impacts of fish farms in multiple ways: both alpha diversity and Nematoda OTU richness could be used to assess the spatial extent of impact, and OTUs related to organic enrichment could be used to develop local biotic indices.
Dismantling the hub and spoke: Social accountability and rural medical education
Authors: Jattan Aaron , Penner Charles
Published: January 2021

The authors argue that more focused efforts are needed to improve postgraduate rural specialty training and that rural training sites need to be included as essential partners within academic medicine.
Precontoured Locking Compression Plate with Titanium Alloy Cable System: In Treatment of Neer Type IIb Distal Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Xie Zheng , Song Mengxiong , Zhou Jun , Yin Gang , Lin Haodong
Published: January 2021

Objective

To describe a new method which involves anatomical distal clavicle plate fixation and titanium alloy cable system‐augmented coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction to manage Neer type IIb distal clavicle fracture.

Methods

Between January 2013 and June 2018, 28 patients with acute Neer type IIb lateral clavicle fracture were treated by a new method – precontoured locking compressive distal clavicular plate fixation of the fracture combined with titanium alloy cable system‐augmented reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament. There were 11 females and 17 males treated in this way. There were 15 cases of the right side and 13 of the left. The mean age of the patients was 48.5 years (range, 18–78 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 3.9 days (range, 1–7 days). After completing the preoperative examinations and evaluations, surgeries were performed for all these patients, anatomical distal clavicle plates were used for fractures, and titanium alloy cables were implanted for the augmented reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligaments. Postoperative protocols, including arm sling management and rehabilitative activities, were unified and recommended to all the patients. These patients were followed up for at least 1 year. The mean duration of postoperative follow‐up was 23.3 months (range, 12–52 months). At the last follow‐up, the coracoclavicular distances were recorded and shoulder functional outcomes were assessed by the Constant scores and the Fudan University Shoulder Scores (FUSSs) questionnaires.

Results

Radiographic bony unions were achieved in all patients within 20 weeks. Functional and radiographic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. The mean coracoclavicular distance was 9.61 ± 0.61 mm on the injured side vs 9.62 ± 0.57 mm on the contralateral uninjured side. The mean Constant score and mean FUSS were 90.1 ± 6.6 (range, 68–98) and 86.1 ± 7.2 (range, 64–95) respectively, which indicating good restoration of function and high level of satisfaction for both the patients and their physical therapists. There were a few major complications, including one delayed healing of the skin, one severe shoulder stiffness, three incidences of moderate shoulder stiffness, and five incidences of symptomatic hardware. There is no deep infections, neurovascular injuried, delayed union or nonunion, peri‐implant fracture, loss of reduction, implant malposition or failure, or other severe complications.

Conclusion

This combined method for the treatment of Neer type IIb distal clavicle fracture could yield high bony union rate, good functional outcome, and low complication rate. Further prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the benefits of this method of treatment.
Fingernail onychomycosis caused by Microsporum canis in a teenager
Authors: Limphoka Pichaya , Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Leeyaphan Charussri
Published: January 2021

A healthy 15‐year‐old girl presented with a total dystrophic nail plate and subungual hyperkeratosis over her left 3rd fingernail. Her 2‐year‐old shorthair cat had circular erythematous patches of alopecia on the left aspect of its forehead. Fungal culture from the affected nail and her cat both grew Microsporum canis. The girl was treated with terbinafine with clinical and mycological cure.
Cost‐effectiveness of implantable ventricular assist devices in older children with stable, inotrope‐dependent dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Avanceña Anton L. V. , Hutton David W. , Lee Josie , Schumacher Kurt R. , Si Ming‐Sing , Peng David M.
Published: January 2021

Background

In a stable, inotrope‐dependent pediatric patient with dilated cardiomyopathy, we evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of continuous‐flow VAD implantation compared to a watchful waiting approach using chronic inotropic therapy.

Methods

We used a state‐transition model to estimate the costs and outcomes of 14‐year‐old (INTERMACS profile 3) patients receiving either VAD or watchful waiting. We measured benefits in terms of lifetime QALYs gained. Model inputs were taken from the literature. We calculated the ICER, or the cost per additional QALY gained, of VADs and performed multiple sensitivity analyses to test how our assumptions influenced the results.

Results

Compared to watchful waiting, VADs produce 0.97 more QALYs for an additional $156 639, leading to an ICER of $162 123 per QALY gained from a healthcare perspective. VADs have 17% chance of being cost‐effective given a cost‐effectiveness threshold of $100 000 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses suggest that VADs can be cost‐effective if the costs of implantation decrease or if hospitalization costs or mortality among watchful waiting patients is higher.

Conclusions

As a bridge to transplant, VADs provide a health benefit to children who develop stable, inotrope‐dependent heart failure, but immediate implantation is not yet a cost‐effective strategy compared to watchful waiting based on commonly used cost‐effectiveness thresholds. Early VAD support can be cost‐effective in sicker patients and if device implantation is cheaper. In complex conditions such as pediatric heart failure, cost‐effectiveness should be just one of many factors that inform clinical decision‐making.
Blockchain Adoption for Combating Deceptive Counterfeits
Authors: Pun Hubert , Swaminathan Jayashankar M. , Hou Pengwen
Published: January 2021

Counterfeiting is a severe problem in many sectors. There are two types of counterfeits: non‐deceptive and deceptive. While both types are important business challenge, deceptive counterfeit has an additional negative impact—customers have a post‐purchase regret if they expect to purchase a real product but ended up with a fake. The focus of this study is on the setting that relates to deceptive counterfeits. Our paper is one of the first that examines the effectiveness of blockchain as a solution to a supply chain challenge. Specifically, the unique feature of blockchain that we model, which none of the traditional strategies studied in the literature is capable of, is that blockchain adoption changes the analysis from a deceptive counterfeit setting to a non‐deceptive counterfeit setting. We also consider government being a decision maker and customers' privacy concern from blockchain adoption, two features that are not examined in the existing literature. We consider a market with a manufacturer and a deceptive counterfeiter. The manufacturer can signal product authenticity either with blockchain technology or through pricing. The government can provide subsidy to encourage blockchain adoption. Blockchain should be used when the counterfeit quality is intermediate or when customers have intermediate distrust about products in the market. If government provides subsidy, blockchain can be more effective than differential pricing strategy in eliminating post‐purchase regret. Our results advocate for government providing subsidy because it benefits both customers and the society and could be a better approach than government enforcement efforts.
Effects of short‐term aerobic training versus CPAP therapy on heart rate variability in moderate to severe OSA patients
Authors: Cipriano Luis Henrique Ceia , Borges Ytalo Gonçalves , Mill José Geraldo , Mauad Helder , Martins de Araújo Maria Teresa , Gouvea Sonia Alves
Published: January 2021

We compared the effects of 2‐month CPAP or exercise training (ET) therapies on the autonomic balance in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Thirty‐nine OSA patients were divided into CPAP (n = 18) and ET (n = 21) groups, being further split into hypertensive and non‐hypertensive subgroups. All patients were submitted to continuous ECG recordings for HRV analysis. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded by oscillometry. Excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were assessed through the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh questionnaire, respectively. ET decreased systolic arterial pressure in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive participants when compared to baseline values, whereas diastolic arterial pressure was decreased only in non‐hypertensive ones. CPAP had no effect over hemodynamic parameters in either subgroup. ET significantly increased the HRV parameters SDNN and pNN50 in non‐hypertensive participants, while reducing the LF/HF ratio in both subgroups. CPAP significantly decreased SDNN in both subgroups. ET significantly decreased excessive daytime sleepiness in both subgroups, but did not affect sleep quality. CPAP significantly improved sleep quality in both subgroups, although global scores were still those of poor sleepers, while excessive daytime sleepiness was normalized only in hypertensive patients. In conclusion, while short‐term ET modulated different HRV parameters, leading to a predominant vagal tone in the cardiac sympathovagal balance and decreasing blood pressure in moderate to severe OSA, short‐term CPAP had next to no effect in these parameters. We believe ET should be considered as an adjunct interventional strategy in the conservative management of hypertensive or non‐hypertensive OSA patients.
Moral disagreement scepticism leveled
Authors: Dixon Jonathan
Published: January 2021

While many have argued that moral disagreement poses a challenge to moral knowledge, the precise nature of this challenge is controversial. Indeed, in the moral epistemology literature, there are many different versions of ‘the’ argument from moral disagreement to moral scepticism. This paper contributes to this vast literature on moral disagreement by arguing for two theses: 1. All (or nearly all) moral disagreement arguments share an underlying structure; and, 2. All moral disagreement arguments that satisfy this underlying structure cannot establish moral scepticism because this underlying structure leads to a previously unrecognizedreductio ad absurdum. In short, I argue that this reductio argument (very likely) refutes all versions of the moral disagreement to moral scepticism argument in one fell swoop.
Multiscale Null Hypothesis Testing for Network-valued Data: Analysis of Brain Networks of Patients with Autism
Authors: Lovato Ilenia , Pini Alessia , Stamm Aymeric , Taquet Maxime , Vantini Simone
Published: January 2021

Networks are a natural way of representing the human brain for studying its structure and function and, as such, have been extensively used. In this framework, case–control studies for understanding autism pertain to comparing samples of healthy and autistic brain networks. In order to understand the biological mechanisms involved in the pathology, it is key to localize the differences on the brain network. Motivated by this question, we hereby propose a general non-parametric finite-sample exact statistical framework that allows to test for differences in connectivity within and between prespecified areas inside the brain network, with strong control of the family-wise error rate. We demonstrate unprecedented ability to differentiate children with non-syndromic autism from children with both autism and tuberous sclerosis complex using electroencephalography data. The implementation of the method is available in the R package nevada.
Long-term Trend Analysis of Extreme Coastal Sea Levels with Changepoint Detection
Authors: Lee Mintaek , Lee Jaechoul
Published: January 2021

Sea level rise can bring disastrous outcomes to people living in coastal regions by increasing flood risk or inducing stronger storm surges. We study long-term linear trends in monthly maximum sea levels by applying extreme value methods. The monthly maximum sea levels are extracted from multiple tide gauges around the coastal regions of the world over a period of as long as 169 years. Due to instrument changes, location changes, earthquakes, land reclamation, dredging, etc., the sea level data could contain inhomogeneous shifts in their means, which can substantially impact trend estimates if ignored. To rigorously quantify the long-term linear trends and return levels for the monthly maximum sea level data, we use a genetic algorithm to estimate the number and times of changepoints in the data. As strong periodicity and temporal correlation are pertinent to the data, bootstrap techniques are used to obtain more realistic confidence intervals to the estimated trends and return levels. We find that the consideration of changepoints changed the estimated linear trends of 89 tide gauges (approximately 30% of tide gauges considered) by more than 20cmcentury-1. Our results are summarized in maps with estimated extreme sea level trends and 50-year return levels.
An increase in CD62Ldim neutrophils precedes the development of pulmonary embolisms in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Spijkerman Roy , Jorritsma Nikita K. N. , Bongers Suzanne H. , Bindels Bas J. J. , Jukema Bernard N. , Hesselink Lillian , Hietbrink Falco , Leenen Luke P. H. , van Goor Harriët M. R. , Vrisekoop Nienke , Kaasjager Karin A. H. , Koenderman Leo ,   the COVPACH study group
Published: January 2021

Objectives

A high incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is reported in patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Neutrophils may contribute to this through a process referred to as immunothrombosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of neutrophil subpopulations in blood preceding the development of COVID‐19 associated PE.

Methods

We studied COVID‐19 patients admitted to the ICU of our tertiary hospital between 19‐03‐2020 and 17‐05‐2020. Point‐of‐care fully automated flow cytometry was performed prior to ICU admission, measuring the neutrophil activation/maturation markers CD10, CD11b, CD16 and CD62L. Neutrophil receptor expression was compared between patients who did or did not develop PE (as diagnosed on CT angiography) during or after their ICU stay.

Results

Among 25 eligible ICU patients, 22 subjects were included for analysis, of whom nine developed PE. The median (IQR) time between neutrophil phenotyping and PE occurrence was 9 (7‐12) days. A significant increase in the immune‐suppressive neutrophil phenotype CD16bright/CD62Ldim was observed on the day of ICU admission (P = 0.014) in patients developing PE compared to patients who did not.

Conclusion

The increase in this neutrophil phenotype indicates that the increased number of CD16bright/CD62Ldim neutrophils might be used as prognostic marker to predict those patients that will develop PE in critical COVID‐19 patients.