bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of country factors for global differences in audit pricing: New empirical evidence
Authors: Eierle Brigitte , Hartlieb Sven , Hay David C. , Niemi Lasse , Ojala Hannu
Published: February 2021

In recent years, we have seen an increasing interest in the country‐level differences in audit environments as they might have a pervasive impact on how financial statement audits are conducted around the world. We contribute to this emerging stream of research in three important ways. Firstly, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of country‐level determinants that have been employed in previous multinational auditing research. Secondly, we document economically significant differences in the overall levels of audit pricing between countries, which we interpret as a compelling evidence that audits are conducted differently in different countries. Lastly, we explain these pricing differences between countries with a large set of country variables identified in our synthesis of prior multinational auditing research. We find not only that economic and regulatory characteristics explain the most of the differences in audit pricing between countries but also that differences attributable to sociological characteristics seem to be important in the conduct of audits. As auditing as a service and profession has become increasingly globalized, our study should be of interest to a wide range of readers including researchers, practitioners and regulators.
The effect of COVID‐19 on lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly men
Authors: Can Osman , Erkoç Mustafa , Ozer Murat , Karakanli Musab Umeyir , Otunctemur Alper
Published: February 2021

Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic is the most important public health problem in 2020. Millions of people have been infected or died because of the outbreak. We know the common symptoms of the disease such as fever and cough. However, all symptoms and features of COVID‐19 are still were not known. We aimed to evaluate the change in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after COVID‐19 in men.

Methods

We prospectively assessed 94 patients with COVID‐19 during hospitalisation. The patients were divided into two groups according to age, that being over and under age 50. IPSS scores of all patients were enrolled. Additionally, we compared the scores with pre‐COVID‐19 values.

Results

LUTS scores were found to be increased in elderly patients. Additionally, the severity of the disease did not correlate with LUTS scores.

Conclusion

LUTS may be one of the symptoms of COVID‐19 in some patients. Elderly patients with increased LUTS should be evaluated for COVID‐19 when the reason unclear.
A meta‐analysis of infants’ word‐form recognition
Authors: Carbajal Maria Julia , Peperkamp Sharon , Tsuji Sho
Published: February 2021

Recognizing word forms is an important step on infants’ way toward mastering their native language. The present study takes a meta‐analytic approach to assess overarching questions on the literature of early word‐form recognition. Specifically, we investigated the extent to which there is cross‐linguistic evidence for an early recognition lexicon, and how it may be influenced by infant age, language background, and familiarity of the selected stimuli (approximated by parent‐reported word knowledge). Our meta‐analysis—with open data access on metalab.stanford.edu—was based on 32 experiments in 16 different published or unpublished studies on infants 5–15 months of age. We found an overall significant effect of word‐form familiarity on infants’ responses. This effect increased with age and was higher for infants learning Romance languages than other languages. We further found that younger, but not older, infants showed higher effect sizes for more familiar word lists. These insights should help researchers plan future studies on word‐form recognition.
Adipose triglyceride lipase promotes the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via enhancing the lipolytic pathway
Authors: Yin Haofan , Li Wentao , Mo Laiming , Deng Shaotuan , Lin Weijia , Ma Caiqi , Luo Zhaofan , Luo Chuanghua , Hong Honghai
Published: February 2021

Abnormal lipid metabolism is the sign of tumour cells. Previous researches have revealed that the lipolytic pathway may contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) role in CRC cells remains unclear. Here, we find that elevated ATGL positively correlates with CRC clinical stages and negatively associates with overall survival. Overexpression of ATGL significantly promotes CRC cell proliferation, while knockdown of ATGL inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, in vivo experiments, ATGL promotes the growth of CRC cells. Mechanistically, ATGL enhances the carcinogenic function of CRC cells via promoting sphingolipid metabolism and CoA biosynthesis pathway‐related gene levels by degrading triglycerides, which provides adequate nutrition for the progression of CRC. Our researches clarify for the first time that ATGL is a novel oncogene in CRC and may provide an important prognostic factor and therapeutic target for CRC.
KDM5A silencing transcriptionally suppresses the FXYD3‐PI3K/AKT axis to inhibit angiogenesis in hepatocellular cancer via miR‐433 up‐regulation
Authors: Ma Yu‐Shui , Wu Ting‐Miao , Qian Bin , Liu Yu‐Shan , Ding Hua , Fan Ming‐Ming , Liu Ji‐Bin , Yu Fei , Wang Hui‐Min , Shi Yi , Gu Li‐Peng , Li Liu , Tian Lin‐Lin , Wang Pei‐Yao , Wang Gao‐Ren , Wu Zhi‐Jun , Zou Qi‐Fei , Ling Chang‐Chun , Fu Da
Published: February 2021

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has been reported to belong to one of the highly vascularized solid tumours accompanied with angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). KDM5A, an attractive drug target, plays a critical role in diverse physiological processes. Thus, this study aims to investigate its role in angiogenesis and underlying mechanisms in HCC. ChIP‐qPCR was utilized to validate enrichment of H3K4me3 and KDM5A on the promotor region of miR‐433, while dual luciferase assay was carried out to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐433 and FXYD3. Scratch assay, transwell assay, Edu assay, pseudo‐tube formation assay and mice with xenografted tumours were conducted to investigate the physiological function of KDM5A‐miR‐433‐FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis in the progression of HCC after loss‐ and gain‐function assays. KDM5A p‐p85 and p‐AKT were highly expressed but miR‐433 was down‐regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Depletion of KDM5A led to reduced migrative, invasive and proliferative capacities in HCC cells, including growth and a lowered HUVEC angiogenic capacity in vitro. Furthermore, KDM5A suppressed the expression of miR‐433 by demethylating H3K4me3 on its promoterregion. miR‐433 negatively targeted FXYD3. Depleting miR‐433 or re‐expressing FXYD3 restores the reduced migrative, invasive and proliferative capacities, and lowers the HUVEC angiogenic capacity caused by silencing KDM5A. Therefore, KDM5A silencing significantly suppresses HCC tumorigenesis in vivo, accompanied with down‐regulated miR‐433 and up‐regulated FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis in tumour tissues. Lastly, KDM5A activates the FXYD3‐PI3K‐AKT axis to enhance angiogenesis in HCC by suppressing miR‐433.
Effect of homogenization and microfluidization on physicochemical and rheological properties of mayonnaise
Authors: Kadian Drishti , Kumar Anit , Badgujar Prarabdh C. , Sehrawat Rachna
Published: February 2021

Application of both homogenization and microfluidization offer remarkable reformations in the structures of food. In this research, the outcome of the homogenization and microfluidization on the emulsion of mayonnaise and resultantly on the rheological and sensory attributes of the mayonnaise was evaluated and compared. Implementation of individual processes was analyzed with regard to rheological properties and physicochemical parameters by preparing samples with and without addition of stabilizers. Mayonnaise samples showed thixotropic behavior and then categorized as shear thinning (Pseudoplastic liquid) showing yield stress. Irrespective of sample testing parameters such as different temperatures and shear rates, all samples revealed shear thinning characteristics. The viscosity of microfluidized sample with or without stabilizer was significantly increased (p < .05) as judged against the homogenized sample at both temperatures (20°C and 40°C). The storage modulus of all samples was higher as compared with the loss modulus which shows elastic nature of the mayonnaise. Power law and Weltman model were studied to explain the rheological behavior of the mayonnaise and both models were found best suited. Experimental values illustrated through attempted models very well contribute to future studies on the product and process development. As per the current literature, microfluidization can be used to achieve quick mayonnaise emulsion with better rheological characteristics and hence superior sensosry attributes.

Practical Applications

Stabilizers play a critical role in the development of mayonnaise as an additive or constituent. The present study reveals that high‐pressure homogenization (microfluidization) can be exploited to enhance rheological, physical, and chemical properties of the mayonnaise by influencing interaction between fat (oil) and gums (polysaccharides), eventually increasing viscosity. The quality of mayonnaise is usually judged by its techno‐functional and sensory attributes such as spreadability, mouthfeel, appearance, and flavor. However, spreadability and mouthfeel are two predominant attributes that largely affects acceptability of mayonnaise. Microfluidization, when applied to the mayonnaise resulted in improving spreadiability as well as mouthfeel over conventional method, that is, homogenization. Despite the fact that microfluidizer is used for the emulsion formation, stabilizers are found to be inextricable in mayonnaise preparation.
Frailty and comorbidity in predicting community COVID‐19 mortality in the U.K. Biobank: The effect of sampling
Authors: Mak Jonathan K. L. , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Wang Yunzhang , Hägg Sara , Jylhävä Juulia
Published: February 2021

Background/Objectives

Frailty has been linked to increased risk of COVID‐19 mortality, but evidence is mainly limited to hospitalized older individuals. This study aimed to assess and compare predictive abilities of different frailty and comorbidity measures for COVID‐19 mortality in a community sample and COVID‐19 inpatients.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

We analyzed (i) the full sample of 410,199 U.K. Biobank participants in England, aged 49–86 years, and (ii) a subsample of 2812 COVID‐19 inpatients with COVID‐19 data from March 1 to November 30, 2020.

Measurements

Frailty was defined using the physical frailty phenotype (PFP), frailty index (FI), and Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), and comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). PFP and FI were available at baseline, whereas HFRS and CCI were assessed both at baseline and concurrently with the start of the pandemic. Inpatient COVID‐19 cases were confirmed by PCR and/or hospital records. COVID‐19 mortality was ascertained from death registers.

Results

Overall, 514 individuals died of COVID‐19. In the full sample, all frailty and comorbidity measures were associated with higher COVID‐19 mortality risk after adjusting for age and sex. However, the associations were stronger for the concurrent versus baseline HFRS and CCI, with odds ratios of 20.40 (95% confidence interval = 16.24–25.63) comparing high (>15) to low (<5) concurrent HFRS risk category and 1.53 (1.48–1.59) per point increase in concurrent CCI. Moreover, only the concurrent HFRS or CCI significantly improved predictive ability of a model including age and sex, yielding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) >0.8. When restricting analyses to COVID‐19 inpatients, similar improvement in AUC was not observed.

Conclusion

HFRS and CCI constructed from medical records concurrent with the start of the pandemic can be used in COVID‐19 mortality risk stratification at the population level, but they show limited added value in COVID‐19 inpatients.
Can Optimism be a Remedy for Present Bias?
Authors: KANG MINWOOK , YE LEI SANDY
Published: February 2021

Under economies with hyperbolic preferences, vast research has investigated welfare‐improving tax policies to resolve capital misallocation issues. In this paper, we suggests an alternative channel to overcome a form of this issue associated with consumer's present bias—optimism, as defined by overexpectation of future productivity. We show that even though optimism negatively impacts consumers under normal circumstances, a moderate level of it can be beneficial when consumers have hyperbolic preferences. On the other hand, pessimism always negatively impacts consumer welfare. A steady‐state analysis shows that the quantitative impact of optimism on welfare can be sizable.
Androgen receptors in areas of the spinal cord and brainstem: A study in adult male cats
Authors: Coolen Rosa L. , Cambier Jacqueline C. , Spantidea Panagiota I. , van Asselt Els , Blok Bertil F. M.
Published: February 2021

Sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens, play an important role in autonomic, reproductive and sexual behavior. The areas that are important in these behaviors lie within the spinal cord and brainstem. Relevant dysfunctional behavior in patients with altered androgen availability or androgen receptor sensitivity might be explained by the distribution of androgens and their receptors in the central nervous system. We hypothesize that autonomic dysfunction is correlated with the androgen sensitivity of spinal cord and brainstem areas responsible for autonomic functions. In this study, androgen receptor immunoreactive (AR‐IR) nuclei in the spinal cord and brainstem were studied using the androgen receptor antibody PG21 in four uncastrated young adult male cats. A dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei was detected in the superior layers of the dorsal horn, including lamina I. Intensely stained nuclei, but less densely distributed, were found in lamina X and preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic cells of the intermediolateral cell column. Areas in the caudal brainstem showing a high density of AR‐IR nuclei included the area postrema, the dorsal motor vagus nucleus and the retrotrapezoid nucleus. More cranially, the central linear nucleus in the pons contained a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei. The mesencephalic periaqueductal gray (PAG) showed a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei apart from the most central part of the PAG directly adjacent to the ependymal lining. Other areas in the mesencephalon with a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei were the dorsal raphe nucleus, the retrorubral nucleus, the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area of Tsai. It is concluded that AR‐IR nuclei are located in specific areas of the central nervous system that are involved in the control of sensory function and autonomic behavior. Furthermore, damage of these AR‐IR areas might explain related dysfunction in humans.
Revisiting nocturnal heart rate and heart rate variability in insomnia: A polysomnography‐based comparison of young self‐reported good and poor sleepers
Authors: Cosgrave Jan , Phillips Jessica , Haines Ross , Foster Russell G. , Steinsaltz David , Wulff Katharina
Published: February 2021

Primary insomnia is often considered a disorder of 24‐hr hyperarousal. Numerous attempts have been made to investigate nocturnal heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV) as potential pathophysiological hallmarks of altered arousal levels in insomnia, with mixed results. We have aimed to overcome some of the pitfalls of previous studies by using a young, medication‐free, age‐ and gender‐matched population consisting of 43 students aged 18–30 years half with a subthreshold insomnia complaint. We employed at‐home ambulatory polysomnography and compared this attenuated insomnia group to a good sleeping group. The poor sleepers had significantly higher wake after sleep onset, arousal count, mean HR in all sleep stages (with the exception of Stage 1) and lower sleep efficiency. Consistent with previous research, we also found a significant group‐by‐sleep stage interaction in the prediction of nocturnal HR, highlighting the insomnia group to have a lower wake–sleep HR reduction compared to good sleepers. When restricting our analyses to insomnia with objectively determined short sleep duration, we found significantly lower standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN; a measure of HRV) compared to good sleepers. Taken together, this lends credence to the hyperarousal model of insomnia and may at least partially explain the increased prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in patients with insomnia.
Neither Demon nor Angel: Theology and Empirical Studies on Reciprocity
Authors: Massmann Alexander
Published: February 2021

Anthropological theory on gift reciprocity has amounted to a fruitful contribution to theology, as different thinkers have portrayed God’s grace as an undeserved gift that nevertheless obliges the recipient to make a non‐transactional return gift (John Milbank, John Barclay). Alternative views that highlight a radically unilateral understanding of the gift are sometimes dualistic (J. Louis Martyn, Philip Ziegler). This article connects the discourse on giving with the biological discussion of reciprocity, pursuing a realistic theology that is open to learning from the empirical sciences. In spite of abiding differences in non‐human and human gift‐giving, parallels between the two buttress a more robust view of creation than suggested by dualism. In addition, a third position, which affirms unilateral gratuity but not dualism (Kathryn Tanner), remains aloof of nature, showing tensions with human experience where it appeals to experience. However, this does not mean that theologians should embrace the model of gift reciprocity exclusively. While this conceptual scheme makes a lasting contribution to theology, more radical expressions of Paul’s theology of grace affirm an unconditional understanding of grace. Besides reciprocity, there are also facets in primate behavior that are in keeping with a unilateral practice of giving.
National myths and rebounding violence
Authors: Chlup Radek
Published: February 2021

The article takes up the sacrificial theory of national myths presented by Steven J. Mock and discloses its further potential for understanding the symbolic structures of nationalism. While Mock builds mainly on a Girardian reinterpretation of Freud, I try to show that even more interesting results may be obtained by using Maurice Bloch's theory of ritual symbolism. The advantage of Bloch's model is threefold. (1) It discloses further interesting aspects of the sacrificial symbolism in national myths not noted by Mock. I illustrate some of these by a detailed analysis of the Czech national myth. (2) Bloch's model allows us to trace the sacrificial pattern not just in myths of the modern awakening of the nation but in myths concerning present‐day political events as well. As an example, I analyse symbols of defeat in several myths of Czech 20th‐century political leaders. (3) Bloch's model is more complex and thus allows us to understand different types of national myths than those featuring symbolism of defeat. As an example, I discuss imperial nationalism, which Mock considers as one of the exceptions to his theory, and I also use Bloch to throw interesting light on the distinction between “civic” and “ethnic” nationalism.
A gene‐for‐gene interaction involving a ‘late’ effector contributes to quantitative resistance to the stem canker disease in Brassica napus
Authors: Jiquel Audren , Gervais Julie , Geistodt‐Kiener Aude , Delourme Régine , Gay Elise J. , Ollivier Bénédicte , Fudal Isabelle , Faure Sébastien , Balesdent Marie‐Hélène , Rouxel Thierry
Published: February 2021

The control of stem canker disease of Brassica napus (rapeseed), caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans is based largely on plant genetic resistance: single‐gene specific resistance (Rlm genes) or quantitative, polygenic, adult‐stage resistance. Our working hypothesis was that quantitative resistance partly obeys the gene‐for‐gene model, with resistance genes ‘recognizing’ fungal effectors expressed during late systemic colonization.

Five LmSTEE (stem‐expressed effector) genes were selected and placed under the control of the AvrLm4‐7 promoter, an effector gene highly expressed at the cotyledon stage of infection, for miniaturized cotyledon inoculation test screening of a gene pool of 204 rapeseed genotypes.

We identified a rapeseed genotype, ‘Yudal’, expressing hypersensitive response to LmSTEE98. The LmSTEE98–RlmSTEE98 interaction was further validated by inactivation of the LmSTEE98 gene with a CRISPR‐Cas9 approach. Isolates with mutated versions of LmSTEE98 induced more severe stem symptoms than the wild‐type isolate in ‘Yudal’. This single‐gene resistance was mapped in a 0.6 cM interval of the ‘Darmor_bzh’ × ‘Yudal’ genetic map.

One typical gene‐for‐gene interaction contributes partly to quantitative resistance when L. maculans colonizes the stems of rapeseed. With numerous other effectors specific to stem colonization, our study provides a new route for resistance gene discovery, elucidation of quantitative resistance mechanisms and selection for durable resistance.
The Variation of the Pelvis in Unilateral Crowe Type IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Du Yin‐qiao , Zhang Bohan , Sun Jing‐yang , Ma Hai‐yang , Shen Jun‐min , Ni Ming , Zhou Yong‐gang
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate variation of the pelvis in unilateral Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and analyze the reliability of pelvic landmarks.

Methods

We retrospectively received preoperative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs for 89 adult patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH at our institution between September 2008 and May 2019. Forty‐eight patients without a false acetabulum was type IVA and 41 with a false acetabulum was type IVB. The heights of the ilium, acetabulum, and ischium areas in affected and unaffected sides were measured. The ratios of the three areas in entire pelvis are calculated. The discrepancies of bilateral iliac crest, inferior sacroiliac articulation, teardrop, and ischial tuberosity on the bisector of the pelvis were also measured.

Results

The mean heights of the ilium, acetabulum, ischium areas in the affected side were 74.4, 88.6, and 37.0 mm, respectively, in type IVA group and 77.7, 83.5, and 37.8 mm, respectively, in type IVB group. The heights in the unaffected side were 82.1, 84.6, and 43.8 mm, respectively, in type IVA group and 84.6, 82.0, and 44.0 mm, respectively, in type IVB group. The ratios of the ilium, acetabulum, ischium areas in affected side of Crowe type IVA group were 0.37, 0.44, and 0.19, respectively, and the ratios in unaffected side were 0.39, 0.40, and 0.21, respectively. The ratios in affected side of Crowe type IVB group were 0.39, 0.42, and 0.19, respectively, and the ratios in unaffected side were 0.40, 0.39, and 0.21, respectively. The discrepancies of bilateral iliac crest, inferior sacroiliac articulation, teardrop, and ischial tuberosity on the line of the bisector of the pelvis in Crowe type IVA group were 5.6, 5.2, 2.0, and 7.1 mm, respectively. Those in Crowe type IVB group were 8.1, 3.5, 3.5, and 4.9 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Pelvic asymmetry was a common occurrence in unilateral Crowe type IV DDH in adults. Furthermore, it should be reliable to use teardrop as pelvic landmark to balance leg length discrepancy in preoperative planning.
Cardiac intramural arteriovenous malformations presented as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation storm
Authors: Lim Kyunghee , Park Jong‐Sung
Published: February 2021

We report a case of cardiac intramural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) misdiagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and presented as life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia storm that was successfully controlled by cardiac sympathetic denervation. A 46‐year‐old male patient with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator was admitted for recurrent ventricular tachycardia requiring repeated shock refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Although the patient was previously diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, multimodality imaging studies showed large left ventricular intramural AVMs, potentially representing arrhythmogenic substrates. Life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia storm, which could not be controlled by radiofrequency catheter ablation and therapeutic hypothermia. However, cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery successfully controlled the ventricular arrhythmia storm.
Retrospective analysis of 222 oral food challenges with a single dose in acute food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome
Authors: Miceli Sopo Stefano , Sinatti Dario , Gelsomino Mariannita
Published: February 2021

Background

The method of performing oral food challenge (OFC) in acute food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) has not been systematically studied. Therefore, there is a certain variability in the choice of the various centers.

Methods

Since 2011, we have been performing OFC for acute FPIES with a single dose of culprit food, a full serving size for age. In case of atypical FPIES (skin prick test, SPT, positive), we applied this protocol only if the description of previous adverse reactions was compatible with that of a classic acute FPIES, if other IgE‐mediated food allergies were absent, and if the mean diameter of the wheal evoked by the SPT with the challenged food was ≤5 mm. We have retrospectively analyzed 222 OFCs from 2011 to 2020. The grading of reactions was carried out according to the International Consensus Guidelines on FPIES of 2017.

Results

Forty‐eight of 222 OFC (21.6%) failed. The mild reactions were 22 of 48 (45.8%), the moderate ones 22 of 48 (45.8%), and the severe ones 4 of 48 (8.4%) failed OFCs. The tested food processing (in the case of cow milk and chicken egg) did affect neither probability nor severity of the reaction. Patients with positive SPT for the tested food presented four times more severe reactions (2 of 9 failed OFC, 22.2%) than patients with negative SPT (2 of 39 failed OFC, 5.1%) (P = .316).

Conclusions

The administration of a single dose in a full serving size for age appears to be a sufficiently safe method for OFC for acute FPIES, with the benefit of saving time. In patients with positive SPT for the tested food, it may be prudent to start with a smaller dose carrying on, in the absence of adverse reactions, with the administration of the full dose after a 4‐hour observation.
WRKY9 transcription factor regulates cytochrome P450 genes CYP94B3 and CYP86B1, leading to increased root suberin and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Krishnamurthy Pannaga , Vishal Bhushan , Bhal Amrit , Kumar Prakash P.
Published: February 2021

Salinity affects crop productivity worldwide and mangroves growing under high salinity exhibit adaptations such as enhanced root apoplastic barrier to survive under such conditions. We have identified two cytochrome P450 family genes, AoCYP94B3 and AoCYP86B1 from the mangrove tree Avicennia officinalis and characterized them using atcyp94b3 and atcyp86b1, which are mutants of their putative Arabidopsis orthologs and the corresponding complemented lines with A. officinalis genes. CYP94B3 and CYP86B1 transcripts were induced upon salt treatment in the roots of both A. officinalis and Arabidopsis. Both AoCYP94B3 and AoCYP86B1 were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Heterologous expression of 35S::AoCYP94B3 and 35S::AoCYP86B1 in their respective Arabidopsis mutants (atcyp94b3 and atcyp86b1) increased the salt tolerance of the transgenic seedlings by reducing the amount of Na+ accumulation in the shoots. Moreover, the reduced root suberin phenotype of atcyp94b3 was rescued in the 35S::AoCYP94B3;atcyp94b3 transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings. Gas‐chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses showed that the amount of suberin monomers (C‐16 ω‐hydroxy acids, C‐16 α, ω‐dicarboxylic acids and C‐20 eicosanol) were increased in the roots of 35S::AoCYP94B3;atcyp94b3 Arabidopsis seedlings. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified AtWRKY9 as the upstream regulator of AtCYP94B3 and AtCYP86B1 in Arabidopsis. In addition, atwrky9 showed suppressed expression of AtCYP94B3 and AtCYP86B1 transcripts, and reduced suberin in the roots. These results show that AtWRKY9 controls suberin deposition by regulating AtCYP94B3 and AtCYP86B1, leading to salt tolerance. Our data can be used for generating salt‐tolerant crop plants in the future.
Bayesian Hierarchical Factor Regression Models to Infer Cause of Death from Verbal Autopsy Data
Authors: Moran Kelly R. , Turner Elizabeth L. , Dunson David , Herring Amy H.
Published: February 2021

In low-resource settings where vital registration of death is not routine it is often of critical interest to determine and study the cause of death (COD) for individuals and the cause-specific mortality fraction (CSMF) for populations. Post-mortem autopsies, considered the gold standard for COD assignment, are often difficult or impossible to implement due to deaths occurring outside the hospital, expense and/or cultural norms. For this reason, verbal autopsies (VAs) are commonly conducted, consisting of a questionnaire administered to next of kin recording demographic information, known medical conditions, symptoms and other factors for the decedent. This article proposes a novel class of hierarchical factor regression models that avoid restrictive assumptions of standard methods, allow both the mean and covariance to vary with COD category, and can include covariate information on the decedent, region or events surrounding death. Taking a Bayesian approach to inference, this work develops an MCMC algorithm and validates the FActor Regression for Verbal Autopsy (FARVA) model in simulation experiments. An application of FARVA to real VA data shows improved goodness-of-fit and better predictive performance in inferring COD and CSMF over competing methods. Code and a user manual are made available at https://github.com/kelrenmor/farva.
Impact of early sports specialisation on paediatric ECG
Authors: Albiński Maciej , Saubade Mathieu , Benaim Charles , Menafoglio Andrea , Meyer Philippe , Capelli Bruno , Perrin Tilman , Trachsel Lukas , Hagemeyer Daniel , Casagrande Damien , Wilhelm Matthias , Pirrello Tony , Albrecht Silvia , Schmied Christian , Mivelaz Yvan , Tercier Stéphane , Baggish Aaron , Gabus Vincent
Published: February 2021

Athletes of pediatric age are growing in number. They are subject to a number of risks, among them sudden cardiac death (SCD). This study aimed to characterize the pediatric athlete population in Switzerland, to evaluate electrocardiographic findings based on the International Criteria for electrocardiography (ECG) Interpretation in Athletes, and to analyze the association between demographic data, sport type, and ECG changes. Retrospective, observational study of pediatric athletes (less than 18 years old) including medical history, physical examination, and a 12‐lead resting ECG. The primary focus was on identification of normal, borderline, and abnormal ECG findings. The secondary observation was the relation between ECG and demographic, anthropometric, sport‐related, and clinical data. The 891 athletes (mean 14.8 years, 35% girls) practiced 45 different sports on three different levels, representing all types of static and dynamic composition of the Classification of Sports by Mitchell. There were 75.4% of normal ECG findings, among them most commonly early repolarization, sinus bradycardia, and left ventricular hypertrophy; 4.3% had a borderline finding; 2.1% were abnormal and required further investigations, without SCD‐related diagnosis. While the normal ECG findings were related to sex, age, and endurance sports, no such observation was found for borderline or abnormal criteria. Our results in an entirely pediatric population of athletes demonstrate that sex, age, and type of sports correlate with normal ECG findings. Abnormal ECG findings in pediatric athletes are rare. The International Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes are appropriate for this age group.
Apheresis physician well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results of a survey
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette C. , Li Yanhua , Zantek Nicole D. , Becker Joanne , Alsammak Mohamed , Mikesell Kael , Wu Ding Wen , Foster Tisha , Chhibber Vishesh , Martin Marisa Saint , Wehrli Gay
Published: February 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has placed additional stressors on physician lives. In this study, we report findings from a survey conducted among attending physician (AP) members of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) to elucidate the status of their well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as resources provided or actions taken by their institutions and themselves personally to maintain or improve their well‐being.

Study Design and Methods

A 17‐question, voluntary, IRB‐approved survey regarding well‐being was distributed to the ASFA AP members between August 26, 2020 and September 16, 2020. The descriptive analyses were reported as number and frequency of respondents for each question. Non‐parametric chi‐square tests, ANOVA, and paired t‐tests were performed to determine differences in categorical variables, changes in well‐being scores, and compare time points, respectively.

Results

Based on the responses of 70 attending level physicians representing the United States (U.S., 53, 75.7%) and outside the U.S. (17, 24.3%), the following were observed: (1) COVID‐19 negatively affects the well‐being of a sub‐population of APs, (2) neither institutional nor individual measures to improve well‐being completely resolved the problem of decreased AP well‐being during the pandemic, and (3) personal actions may be superior to institutional resources.

Conclusion

There is a widespread decline in AP well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic that was not adequately improved by institutional or personal resources/actions taken. Institutions and physicians must work together to implement strategies including resources and actions that could further improve AP physician well‐being during a public health crisis.
The Effects of Money Supply and Interest Rates on Stock Prices, Evidence from Two Behavioral Experiments
Authors: A. Conrad Christian
Published: February 2021

What is the impact of interest rate and monetary policy on the stock market? Some studies find a positive impact of expansive monetary policy on stock prices others prove the opposite. This paper examines the effects of monetary expansion and interest rate changes on investment behavior on the stock market by illustrating two behavioral experiments with students. In our experiments the increase of money supply and the decrease of interest rates had a direct positive impact on share prices. These findings support the hypothesis that extreme expansive monetary policy with low, zero or negative interest rates encourage financial bubbles on the stock market. To avoid a crash the exit from such a policy must be slow. As happened in 1929, crashes can damage the financial system and the real economy. Central banks must take this into account in their monetary policy.
Perspectives on Counselor Education Collaborative Scholarship
Authors: Brooks Michael , Wolfgang Jeff , Adams Justin , Hughes Kim Lee
Published: February 2021

A collective case study employs a multiple-case design to investigate engaging, collaborative academic writing methods in counselor education. The researchers were particularly interested in understanding successful collaborative counseling research practices centered around Harshada Patel CoSpaces Collaborative Working Model (CCWM). Analysis from two rounds of interviews with 11 participants revealed the central tenets needed to complete scholarly work in Counselor Education. The researchers discovered leadership, institutional capacity, and communication as the three major categories based on the transcription content analysis. According to the results, counselor educators can embrace collaboration into their research practice and identity as it is a natural extension of humanistic philosophy.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer on the Shell Side of a Helically Coiled Tube Heat Exchanger for Helium Applications
Authors: Filip Radomír , Melichar Tomáš
Published: February 2021

A new heat transfer correlation for high temperature helium on the shell side of a helically coiled tube heat exchanger was derived with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. The use of suitable heat transfer correlations has an impact on the evaluation of performance of a heat exchanger in relation to the requirements for a sufficient heat transfer surface, which relates to material cost requirements; therefore, it is of high importance. A numerical model was validated with data measured using the helium cooler, which is part of an experimental channel located at the Research Center Řež (CVR) in the Czech Republic. The numerical model used for obtaining the heat transfer correlation assumes a constant heat flux on the wall of the helical coil. In total, 72 cases with varying inlet temperatures, velocities, and heat fluxes were simulated to obtain the heat transfer correlation. Furthermore, the effects of the flow rectifier within the channel regarding the heat transfer coefficient and pressure loss were discussed.
Analytical Solution for the Lifetime of a Spherical Shell of Arbitrary Thickness Under the Pressure of Corrosive Environments: The Effect of Thermal and Elastic Stresses
Authors: Pronina Yulia , Sedova Olga
Published: February 2021

This article presents analytical solutions to initial boundary value problems of thermoelasticity with a priori unknown evolving boundaries. To be more precise, we consider a spherical shell of arbitrary thickness subjected to the internal and external pressures of corrosive media at generally different temperatures, with taking into account the mechanochemical effect and inhibition of corrosion process. Conditions under which the circumferential stress can serve as the equivalent stress are determined. It was found that the life of the shell was influenced by the competing effects of the pressures and temperatures on the corrosion rate and stress values, as well as by possible moving the location of the maximal stress. It was also concluded that the elastic stress component played a decisive role in the synergistic growth of the total thermoelastic stress and the corrosion rate.
Site-Directed Cross-Linking Identifies the Stator-Rotor Interaction Surfaces in a Hybrid Bacterial Flagellar Motor
Authors: Terashima Hiroyuki , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio
Published: February 2021

The bacterial flagellum is a unique organelle that functions as a rotary motor. The interaction between the stator and rotor is indispensable for stator assembly into the motor and the generation of motor torque.
Structural Insight into the Role of the PAS Domain for Signal Transduction in Sensor Kinase BvgS
Authors: Dupré Elian , Clantin Bernard , Yuan Youhua , Lecher Sophie , Lesne Elodie , Antoine Rudy , Villeret Vincent , Jacob-Dubuisson Françoise
Published: February 2021

The whooping cough agent
Bordetella pertussis
colonizes the human respiratory tract by using virulence factors coregulated by the sensory transduction system BvgAS. BvgS is a model for a family of sensor kinase proteins, some of which are found in important bacterial pathogens.
Outer Membrane Structural Defects in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Affect Neutrophil Chemokinesis but Not Chemotaxis
Authors: Leaman Eric J. , Aung Alvin , Jacques Alexie J. , Behkam Bahareh
Published: February 2021

Neutrophils are the first responders to invading pathogens; thus, understanding their migratory response to live pathogens is crucial. We developed a microfluidic assay that separates bacteria from phagocytic neutrophils while maintaining chemical communication between the two populations.
An Expanded Gene Catalog of Mouse Gut Metagenomes
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Ren Huahui , Zhong Huanzi , Li Xiaoping , Zou Yuanqiang , Han Mo , Li Minli , Madsen Lise , Kristiansen Karsten , Xiao Liang
Published: February 2021

We established an expanded gene catalog of the mouse gut metagenome not only to increase the sample size compared to that in existing catalogs but also to provide a more comprehensive reference data set of the mouse gut microbiome for bioinformatic analysis. The expanded gene catalog comprises more than 5.8 million unique genes, as well as a wide range of taxonomic and functional information.
Presentation of mixed diabetic ketoacidosis and metabolic acidosis due to ileal neobladder reconstruction
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Nasim Muhammad Zubair , Shoukat Bilal Ahmad , Shah Syed Shabahat Ali
Published: February 2021

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus. It is characterised by the biochemical triad of hyperglycaemia, ketonemia/ketonuria, and an increased anion gap metabolic acidosis. In this case, a 40-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department, with vomiting, nausea, polydipsia, polyuria and weight loss. He was found to have an elevated plasma glucose, despite having no known history of diabetes mellitus. His medical history was significant for spina bifida and ileal neobladder reconstruction. The plasma glucose level was 38 mmol/L. Blood gas analysis showed normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with high chloride and low bicarbonate. His plasma ketone level was 4.5 mmol/L. No significant reason for hyperchloraemia was identified. On initiation of DKA regimen, his condition improved and serum ketones normalised. Due to persistent hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate infusion was administered and his metabolic acidosis resolved.
Unusual source of fever: the curious case of an infected arterial stent graft presenting as a ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm
Authors: Schmidt Emily Kate Edwina , Bhutia Sherab
Published: February 2021

A 71-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of lethargy, general malaise and intermittent high fever. He had presented 18 months ago, and again 12 months earlier with similar symptoms. On this third presentation, the fever was accompanied by right thigh swelling and pain. The patient was referred to the vascular surgeons with concern regarding an infected vascular stent graft from previous treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) 8 years earlier. CT angiogram demonstrated a collapsed right PAA sac with a large collection, consistent with ruptured PAA, and a single gas bubble around the indwelling stent graft. The patient recovered well after a course of antibiotics and surgical explantation of the graft. Infection is a potential complication of any implanted arterial advice, and needs to be considered even years after initial intervention and with no localising symptoms.
Ultrasound probe scratches the pleural surface: revealing the shades of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia
Authors: McDowell Mark , Masih Izhaq , Cruickshank Conor , Johnston Paul
Published: February 2021

We present a case of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and illustrate the changes observed using thoracic ultrasound alongside disease evolution. The case renders how COVID-19 pneumonia can sonographically correlate with chest radiograph findings and links with the oxygen requirement during different clinical stages of illness. We compare these images as the patient escalates through mild disease on low flow oxygen therapy, moderate disease on high flow oxygen therapy and severe disease requiring mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. We then reveal further imaging showing recovery of the disease process. We recommend utilising thoracic ultrasound as it provides clinical effectiveness, ensures patient, staff and equipment safety (in the much-needed personal protective equipment environment) without exposure to radiation. This case report invites clinicians and researchers to share their thoracic ultrasound experience during the COVID-19 pandemic with a wider audience. We hope our observations will increase awareness and give credibility to thoracic ultrasound in future aspects of disease management.
Micronodular pattern organising pneumonia mimicking miliary lung disease: a rare radiological presentation
Authors: Ng David , Hamilton Garun S , Hu Eric , Lau Kenneth K
Published: February 2021

Organising pneumonia (OP) is an interstitial lung disease characterised by granulation tissues in alveoli and alveolar ducts. Typical imaging findings are migratory airspace opacities with peripheral or peribronchovascular distribution. Diffuse micronodular OP (MNOP) is a rare imaging manifestation, which has imaging differential diagnosis of endobronchial infection such as tuberculosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and respiratory bronchiolitis. Although clinical and ancillary radiological findings may aid in refining the differential diagnosis, histopathological assessment is frequently required for this rare presentation due to implications of treatment and prognosis. We report a case of MNOP and performed a review of the literature.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders among homeless people
Authors: Ayano Getinet , Belete Asmare , Duko Bereket , Tsegay Light , Dachew Berihun Assefa
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess the global prevalence estimates of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders (MDDs) among homeless people.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 2020 to identify relevant studies that have reported data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs among homeless people.

Eligibility criteria

Original epidemiological studies written in English that addressed the prevalence of depressive problems among homeless people.

Data extraction and synthesis

A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to compare the prevalence across the groups as well as to identify the source of heterogeneities. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality assessment checklist was used to measure the study quality. Cochran’s Q and the I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies.

Results

Forty publications, including 17 215 participants, were included in the final analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated considerably higher prevalence rates of depressive symptoms 46.72% (95% CI 37.77% to 55.90%), dysthymia 8.25% (95% CI 4.79% to 11.86%), as well as MDDs 26.24% (95% CI 21.02% to 32.22%) among homeless people. Our subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among younger homeless people (<25 years of age), whereas the prevalence of MDD was high among older homeless people (>50 years of age) when compared with adults (25–50 years).

Conclusion

This review showed that nearly half, one-fourth and one-tenth of homeless people are suffering from depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs, respectively, which are notably higher than the reported prevalence rates in the general population. The findings suggest the need for appropriate mental health prevention and treatment strategies for this population group.