bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of international web‐based educational intervention in the detection of high‐risk flat and depressed colorectal lesions higher (CATCH project) with a video: Randomized trial
Authors: Iwatate Mineo , Hirata Daizen , Francisco Carlos Paolo D. , Co Jonard Tan , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Joshi Neeraj , Banerjee Rupa , Quach Duc Trong , Aye Than Than , Chiu Han‐Mo , Lau Louis H. S. , Ng Siew C. , Ang Tiing Leong , Khomvilai Supakij , Li Xiao‐Bo , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Sano Wataru , Hattori Santa , Fujita Mikio , Murakami Yoshitaka , Shimatani Masaaki , Kodama Yuzo , Sano Yasushi ,   The CATCH project team
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Three subcategories of high‐risk flat and depressed lesions (FDLs), laterally spreading tumors non‐granular type (LST‐NG), depressed lesions, and large sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), are highly attributable to post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancer (CRC). Efficient and organized educational programs on detecting high‐risk FDLs are lacking. We aimed to explore whether a web‐based educational intervention with training on FIND clues (fold deformation, intensive stool/mucus attachment, no vessel visibility, and demarcated reddish area) may improve the ability to detect high‐risk FDLs.

Methods

This was an international web‐based randomized control trial that enrolled non‐expert endoscopists in 13 Asian countries. The participants were randomized into either education or non‐education group. All participants took the pre‐test and post‐test to read 60 endoscopic images (40 high‐risk FDLs, five polypoid, 15 no lesions) and answered whether there was a lesion. Only the education group received a self‐education program (video and training questions and answers) between the tests. The primary outcome was a detection rate of high‐risk FDLs.

Results

In total, 284 participants were randomized. After excluding non‐responders, the final data analyses were based on 139 participants in the education group and 130 in the non‐education group. The detection rate of high‐risk FDLs in the education group significantly improved by 14.7% (66.6–81.3%) compared with −0.8% (70.8–70.0%) in the non‐education group. Similarly, the detection rate of LST‐NG, depressed lesions, and large SSLs significantly increased only in the education group by 12.7%, 12.0%, and 21.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Short self‐education focusing on detecting high‐risk FDLs was effective for Asian non‐expert endoscopists. (UMIN000042348).
The cleansing effect of banking crises
Authors: Gropp Reint , Ongena Steven , Rocholl Jörg , Saadi Vahid
Published: February 2022

We assess the cleansing effects of the 2008–2009 financial crisis. U.S. regions with higher levels of supervisory forbearance on distressed banks see less restructuring in the real sector: fewer establishments, firms, and jobs are lost when more distressed banks remain in business. In these regions, the banking sector has been less healthy for several years after the crisis. Regions with less forbearance experience higher productivity growth after the crisis with more firm entries, job creation, and employment, wages, patents, and output growth. Forbearance is greater for state‐chartered banks and in regions with weaker banking competition and more independent banks.
Portfolio effect and asynchrony as drivers of stability in plant–pollinator communities along a gradient of landscape heterogeneity
Authors: Lázaro Amparo , Gómez‐Martínez Carmelo , González‐Estévez Miguel A. , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: February 2022

Understanding how pollination services can be maintained in increasingly anthropogenic landscapes is a current challenge for basic and applied ecology. The stability of plant–pollinator communities might increase in heterogeneous landscapes with a high diversity of species and alternative habitats, both through larger independent fluctuations of populations (portfolio effect) and increased species asynchrony. However, how the drivers of stability (portfolio effect and synchrony) vary along land‐use gradients remains largely unknown. Using independent samplings for plants, pollinators and their interactions in Mediterranean communities along a gradient of landscape heterogeneity, we assessed the relationships between within‐year stability and its drivers, and between the drivers of stability, landscape heterogeneity and species diversity. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between the stability of plant–pollinator interactions (temporal mean/SD of pairwise interactions) and the structure of mutualistic networks (modularity, nestedness, connectance). As expected, stability increased with larger portfolio effects and asynchronies. Interaction stability was positively related to pollinator stability, but not to plant stability. Landscape evenness increased the stability of plants, pollinators and their interactions, through increased portfolio effects. However, for plants and pollinators, the effect was detected at a smaller scale (1‐km) than for interactions (2‐km); and for pollinators and interactions, the effect was only evident from medium‐to‐high levels of landscape evenness. Temporal synchrony of species/pairwise interactions was an important driver of stability, tightly linked to species/interaction diversity. More asynchronous communities showed a larger portfolio effect and were also those with higher species evenness for all plants, pollinators and their interactions; while synchrony was also weakly positively related to species richness for plants. Interestingly, more modular mutualistic network structures conferred enhanced overall community stability, through higher portfolio effect and asynchrony. Preserving diverse communities within the heterogeneous Mediterranean landscapes may help maintain the stability of pollination services, both through effects on synchrony and the portfolio effect.
Special issue editorial: Cannabinoid signalling in the brain: New vistas
Authors: Busquets‐Garcia Arnau , Melis Miriam , Bellocchio Luigi , Marsicano Giovanni
Published: February 2022

The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed both in the brain and in the periphery. This system regulates a plethora of physiological functions and is composed of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands, and the enzymes involved in their metabolic processes. In the last few years, the development of new imaging and molecular tools has demonstrated that these receptors are distributed in many cell types (e.g., neuronal or glial cells) and intracellular compartments (e.g., mitochondria). Interestingly, cellular or molecular effects are differentially mediated by cannabinoid receptors according to their specific localization in different cell‐types or in different subcellular locations. Moreover, the endocannabinoid system is also expressed throughout the body where it can serve to modulate the connection between the brain and the periphery. Finally, better understanding of the cannabinoid receptors structure and pharmacology has led researchers to propose interesting and new allosteric modulators of synaptic communication. The latest advances and innovative research in the cannabinoid field will provide new insights and better approaches to improve its interesting potential therapeutic profile. This special issue intends to bring together a series of empirical papers, targeted reviews and opinions from leaders in the field that will highlight the new advances in cannabinoid research.
Disrupted Data: Using Longitudinal Assessment Systems to Monitor Test Score Quality
Authors: An Lily Shiao , Ho Andrew Dean , Davis Laurie Laughlin
Published: February 2022

Technical documentation for educational tests focuses primarily on properties of individual scores at single points in time. Reliability, standard errors of measurement, item parameter estimates, fit statistics, and linking constants are standard technical features that external stakeholders use to evaluate items and individual scale scores. However, these cross‐sectional, “point‐in‐time” features can mask threats to the validity of score interpretations, including those for aggregate scores and trends over time. We use test score data collected before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic to show that longitudinal analyses, not just point‐in‐time analyses, are necessary to detect threats to desired inferences. We propose that educational agencies require and vendors include longitudinal data features, including “match rates” and correlations, as standard exhibits in technical documentation.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction following traumatic brain injury: From mechanistic view to targeted therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Hakiminia Bahareh , Alikiaii Babak , Khorvash Fariborz , Mousavi Sarah
Published: February 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most prevalent causes of permanent physical and cognitive disabilities. TBI pathology results from primary insults and a multi‐mechanistic biochemical process, termed as secondary brain injury. Currently, there are no pharmacological agents for definitive treatment of patients with TBI. This article is presented with the purpose of reviewing molecular mechanisms of TBI pathology, as well as potential strategies and agents against pathological pathways. In this review article, materials were obtained by searching PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This search was considered without time limitation. Evidence indicates that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are two key mediators of the secondary injury cascade in TBI pathology. TBI‐induced oxidative damage results in the structural and functional impairments of cellular and subcellular components, such as mitochondria. Impairments of mitochondrial electron transfer chain and mitochondrial membrane potential result in a vicious cycle of free radical formation and cell apoptosis. The results of some preclinical and clinical studies, evaluating mitochondria‐targeted therapies, such as mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants and compounds with pleiotropic effects after TBI, are promising. As a proposed strategy in recent years, mitochondria‐targeted multipotential therapy is a new hope, waiting to be confirmed. Moreover, based on the available findings, biologics, such as stem cell‐based therapy and transplantation of mitochondria are novel potential strategies for the treatment of TBI; however, more studies are needed to clearly confirm the safety and efficacy of these strategies.
Microbial diversity and the abundance of keystone species drive the response of soil multifunctionality to organic substitution and biochar amendment in a tea plantation
Authors: Han Zhaoqiang , Xu Pinshang , Li Zhutao , Lin Haiyan , Zhu Chen , Wang Jinyang , Zou Jianwen
Published: February 2022

High nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs accelerate soil acidification and degradation in tea plantations, thus posing a threat to soil microbial diversity, species composition, and ecosystem service functions. The effects of organic fertilizer and biochar applications on improving soil fertility have been extensively studied on cropland; however, little is known about their effectiveness in promoting soil multifunctionality on rapidly expanding acidic soils in tea plantations. In this study, we conducted a two‐year field experiment in a subtropical tea plantation to investigate the effects of organic fertilizer substitution and biochar amendment on soil microbial communities and multifunctionality. The results showed that soil multifunctionality was enhanced in plots amended with organic fertilizer and biochar. Soil multifunctionality was significantly and positively correlated with alpha‐diversity of bacteria but not fungi. We also found that organic fertilizer substitution and biochar amendment improved soil multifunctionality by altering the abundance of keystone species. The abundance of keystone species classified as module hubs in the bacterial co‐occurrence network contributed significantly and positively to soil multifunctionality. In contrast, the keystone species categorized as module hubs in the fungal co‐occurrence network negatively affected soil multifunctionality. Soil pH was a key driver of soil microbial community composition, indicating that the increase in soil pH under organic fertilizer and biochar amendment had a crucial role in biological processes. These results suggest that organic substitution and biochar amendment are beneficial in preventing soil degradation and maintaining soil multifunctionality in subtropical tea plantations.
Perturbation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and sexual dimorphism in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yeh Matthew M , Shi Xiuhui , Yang Jingxuan , Li Min , Fung Kar‐Ming , Daoud Sayed S.
Published: February 2022

Aims

The prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is higher in postmenopausal women than men. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying this sexual dimorphism in NAFLD.

Methods

A total of 24 frozen liver samples of both sexes (normal and NAFLD/NASH) were used in this study. Total RNAseq was first used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between samples. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome were used to analyze biological pathways. RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays were used to identify genes associated with the biological pathways. Immunoblotting was used to validate protein expression of certain genes.

Results

We identified 4362 genes that are differentially expressed between NAFLD/NASH and normal samples; of those 745 genes were characterized as sex specific in NAFLD/NASH. Multiple pathway analysis platforms showed that Wnt‐signaling is a candidate shared for a common biological pathway‐associated with NAFLD/NASH. Using Wnt pathway focused PCR array we identified many genes involved in canonical pathway (Wnt/β‐catenin activation) such as CTNNB1, c‐Myc and CCND2 are overexpressed in female cases, whereas these genes are either not detected or downregulated in male cases. Immunoblot analysis validated the expression of CTNNB1 in female cases but not in male protein samples.

Conclusions

Our study suggests, for the first time, that the activation of canonical Wnt signaling could be one of the main pathways associated with sexual dimorphism in NAFLD and NASH.
Present status and future directions—Mechanisms and management of local anaesthetic failures
Authors: Parirokh Masoud , Abbott Paul V.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To review variables and management techniques that may affect anaesthesia failure during root canal treatment and methods of overcoming anaesthesia failure.

Methodology

The PubMed and Cochran databases were searched for evidence‐based investigations regarding pain during needle insertion, pain on injection, efficacy of the anaesthetic solutions and anaesthesia techniques, and premedication.

Results

Variables such as pain on injection, premedication with various types of drugs, volume of anaesthetic solutions, supplemental anaesthetic techniques, and additives to the anaesthetic solutions may influence pain perception during root canal treatment. Differences between teeth with healthy pulps versus those with irreversible pulpitis should be considered when the effects of variables are interpreted. However, there are several concerns regarding the methodology of investigations that have evaluated anaesthesia success rates.

Conclusion

Several variables may influence anaesthesia success rates. There are conditions that may help to predict a patient’s pain during endodontic procedures. These conditions could be overcome either by employing methods such as premedication with a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug prior to the treatment visit or by using supplementary techniques before or during the treatment. However, investigators need to be more careful when reporting details of their studies to reduce concerns regarding their study bias.
Plasma‐sprayed TiO2 coatings: Hydrophobicity enhanced by ZnO additions
Authors: Yusuf Yusliza , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah , Juoi Jariah Mohamad , Rahim Toibah Abd , Mustafa Zaleha
Published: February 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder mixed individually with 10 and 30 weight percentage (wt%) ZnO was thermally sprayed onto a grade B API 5 L carbon steel substrate by atmospheric plasma spraying. The effect of the addition of ZnO (10 wt% and 30 wt%) on the microstructures and wettability properties of the TiO2/ZnO coatings was investigated. The characterization of the coatings was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), laser confocal microscope, and sessile droplet system. The XRD analysis of the coating revealed that the anatase phase of TiO2 in the powder state transformed into rutile phases for the produced TiO2/ZnO coatings. Surface microstructure analysis revealed that the coatings had typical micro‐roughened surfaces of plasma spraying products. The coating with 30 wt% ZnO produced a coating with remarkable pores and microcracks compared with the TiO2 coating and coating with 10 wt% ZnO. Additionally, the increase in the wt% of ZnO increased the surface roughness value of the produced coatings and substantially changed the wettability properties of the TiO2 coating from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.
Experimental investigation on high strain rate compressive response of a ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic
Authors: Cao Junxin , Wang Mi , Wang Lingling , He Runyun
Published: February 2022

The dynamic compression tests were conducted on a ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite (ZrB2‐SiC‐G) ceramic from the strain rate of 904–3136 s–1 using the split Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of strain rate on the compressive strength, critical strain, stress–strain relation, and fracture pattern were discussed from the experimental results. The results showed that the dynamic compressive response of this ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic was obviously related to the strain rate at higher strain rates. At the strain rate of 3136 s–1, the dynamic compressive strength, critical strain, and toughness of the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic increased to 1747 MPa, 0.0423, and 69.48 × 106 J/m3, respectively. As the strain rate increased, the dynamic compressive strength and critical strain increased linearly, and the damage became more significant. Moreover, the energy absorption of the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic linearly increased with the strain rate, causing the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic fractured into numerous smaller fragments at higher strain rates.
Temperature‐induced changes of the electrical and mechanical properties of aerosol‐deposited BaTiO3 thick films for energy storage applications
Authors: Zhuo Fangping , Eckstein Udo R. , Khansur Neamul H. , Dietz Christian , Urushihara Daisuke , Asaka Toru , Kakimoto Ken‐ichi , Webber Kyle G. , Fang Xufei , Rödel Jürgen
Published: February 2022

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a room‐temperature film deposition method for the fabrication of scalable ferroelectric ceramic films on different substrates, which is particularly appealing for thick film energy storage applications. However, the electrical and mechanical properties of AD ferroelectric films are not yet satisfactorily understood. Here, we report the dielectric, energy storage, and mechanical properties of aerosol‐deposited BaTiO3 (AD‐BT) thick films with nanosized grains by combining macroscopic electric measurements with indentation tests. We find that thermal annealing is an effective way to improve dielectric permittivity and polarization of the AD‐BT film, as well as to increase the hardness and Young's modulus of the film. However, crack formation in the annealed AD‐BT film is promoted in comparison to the as‐processed sample, suggesting that the interplay between the nanosized grains and release of the internal stress during annealing may have major consequences for the mechanical properties and hence should be taken into consideration in application.
Management of Phytophthora parasitica causing gummosis in citrus using biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sawake Manisha M. , Moharil Mangesh P. , Ingle Yogesh V. , Jadhav Pravin V. , Ingle Avinash P. , Khelurkar Vaibhav C. , Paithankar Dinesh H. , Bathe Ganesh A. , Gade Aniket K.
Published: February 2022

Aim

The main aim of the present study was to develop nanotechnology-based solutions for the management of a fungus, Phytophthora parasitica causing gummosis in citrus.

Methods and Results

Biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized using two different biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride and characterized using different analytical techniques. Furthermore, in vitro (at the concentrations of 10, 15, 30, 50, 70, 100 and 150 mg/L) and in vivo (at the concentration of 100 mg/L) activities of these nanoparticles were evaluated for their antifungal efficacy against P. parasitica. The results obtained confirmed the synthesis of irregular-shaped CuONPs having a size in the range 40–100 nm in case of P. fluorescens, whereas, spherical CuONPs in the size range 20–80 were recorded in case of T. viride. As far as the in vitro antifungal efficacies of both these CuONPs is concerned, the maximum percent growth inhibition was observed in case of CuONPs synthesized from T. viride compared to CuONPs from P. fluorescens. However, in case of in vivo antifungal efficacies, CuONPs synthesized from T. viride showed the activity significantly higher than the conventionally used Bordeaux mixture.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that biosynthesized CuONPs can be effectively used as a potential fungicide against P. parasitica.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The application of nanoparticles having antifungal activities can be used as alternative fungicides to the conventional chemical fungicides. It has the potential to revolutionize the existing management strategies available for plant pathogenic fungi.
Efficacy of the incorporation between self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants on improving the freeze-dried survival of probiotic bacteria
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Tho , Nguyen Phu-Tho , Nguyen Thi-To-Uyen , Nguyen Thi-Bich-Nhu , Bui Nhi-Binh , Nguyen Huu-Thanh
Published: February 2022

Aims

This study aimed to improve the viability of probiotic bacteria during freeze-drying by the combination of self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants.

Methods and Results

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6 and Lactobacillus acidophilus VAR1 were exposed to environmental stresses including temperature, pH and increased CO2 concentration before performing freeze-drying with the addition of cryoprotectants. The results proved that tested stresses can stimulate the bacteria to synthesize more extracellular polymeric substances to form self-encapsulation that increases their freeze-dried viability. In combination with cryoprotectants to form double-layered microencapsulation, L. plantarum VAL6 stressed at pH 3.5 in combination with whey protein isolate could achieve the highest Improving Cell Viability of 4361-fold, while L. acidophilus VAR1 stressed at 25oC in combination with alginate gave a maximum Improving Cell Viability of 73.33-fold.

Conclusions

The combination of self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants significantly improves the freeze-dried viability of probiotics.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first report that uses environmental stress to stimulate extracellular polymeric substance synthesis for self-encapsulation formation combined with the addition of cryoprotectants to enhance the freeze-dried survival of probiotics. This could be a novel approach in improving the viability of probiotic strains for various applications.
The associations between reading mind in the eyes abilities, alexithymia, empathy, and bullying behavior in Turkish adolescents
Authors: Sen Demirdogen Ezgi , Aluc Nursah , Akdeniz Burak , Basar Dusum , Warikoo Nishchint , Yavuz Mesut
Published: February 2022

Problem

The development of any program to reduce bullying is possible with a better understanding of the associated underlying factors with its emergence. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate three different social cognitive abilities: abilities to read minds in the eyes, alexithymic personality traits, and empathy, in association with bullying behaviors in adolescents. Although these factors have been studied separately, our data highlighted their effect, relationship, and interconnectivity.

Methods

The participants consisted of 351 adolescents (57.8% girls) aged 13–16 years (mean: 14.32 ± 0.73 for girls, 14.38 ± 0.86 for boys). The data used in this cross‐sectional study were collected using self‐reported questionnaires. Pearson's moment product correlation analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed to evaluate the associations between variables.

Findings

Bullying behavior levels were higher in male adolescents compared with females. The results indicated that bullying behavior was associated with low levels of reading minds in the eyes abilities, alexithymic personality traits, and low affective empathy levels.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the critical impact of the poor comprehension of mental states and emotional statuses of other people and low emphatic thinking capacity in the emergence of bullying behaviors among adolescents. Therapeutic interventions focusing on improving these factors may therefore be useful in prevention and management programs for bullying behavior.
Anatomical accuracy of the KODEX‐EPD novel 3D mapping system of the left atrium during pulmonary vein isolation: A correlation with computer tomography imaging
Authors: Tovia Brodie Oholi , Rav‐Acha Moshe , Wolak Arik , Ilan Michael , Orenstein David J. , Abuhatzera Shalom , Glikson Michael , Michowitz Yoav
Published: February 2022

Background

A novel 3D mapping system (KODEX‐EPD, EPD Solutions) enables catheter localization and real‐time 3D cardiac mapping.

Objective

To evaluate left atrium (LA) anatomical mapping accuracy created by the KODEX‐EPD system during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) compared with gold standard computed tomography (CT) images acquired from the same patients before the procedure.

Methods

In 15 consecutive patients who underwent PVI, 3D mapping of the LA was created on the KODEX‐EPD system using the Achieve catheter. Pulmonary vein (PV), posterior wall, and appendage anatomy and diameters, were compared to the CT 3D reconstruction measured on the CARTO 3 system. Measurements were done independently by two physicians in each method. Linear correlation and agreement between CT and EPD measurements were assessed by Spearman correlation and Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

Mean LA mapping time was 7.7 ± 3.6 min. Very high interobserver correlation was found for both EPD and CT measurements (Spearman r = .9). High correlation (r = .75) was found between CT and EPD measurements. Bland‐Altman plot method revealed that measurements assessed by EPD were slightly higher than those assessed by CT. Mean difference was 3.5 mm, p < .01. In 2 (13.5%) patients each, disagreement regarding the presence of a left common PV and a right middle accessory vein anatomy was seen.

Conclusion

The new KODEX‐EPD mapping system allows quick and accurate mapping of the LA with high correlation to CT imaging. Some differences in left common and accessory right middle vein anatomy were seen.
Reducing the electrogram review burden imposed by insertable cardiac monitors
Authors: Gardner Roy S. , Quartieri Fabio , Betts Tim R. , Afzal Muhammad R. , Manyam Harish , Badie Nima , Dawoud Fady , Sabet Leyla , Davis Kevin , Qu Fujian , Ryu Kyungmoo , Ip John
Published: February 2022

Background

Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are essential for ambulatory arrhythmia diagnosis. However, definitive diagnoses still require time‐consuming, manual adjudication of electrograms (EGMs).

Objective

To evaluate the clinical impact of selecting only key EGMs for review.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of randomly selected Abbott Confirm Rx™ devices with ≥90 days of remote transmission history were performed, with each EGM adjudicated as true or false positive (TP, FP). For each device, up to 3 “key EGMs” per arrhythmia type per day were prioritized for review based on ventricular rate and episode duration. The reduction in EGMs and TP days (patient‐days with at least one TP EGM), and any diagnostic delay (from the first TP), were calculated versus reviewing all EGMs.

Results

In 1000 ICMs over a median duration of 8.1 months, at least one atrial fibrillation (AF), tachycardia, bradycardia, or pause EGM was transmitted by 424, 343, 190, and 325 devices, respectively, with a total of 95 716 EGMs. Approximately 90% of episodes were contributed by 25% of patients. Key EGM selection reduced EGM review burden by 43%, 66%, 77%, and 50% (55% overall), while reducing TP days by 0.8%, 2.1%, 0.2%, and 0.0%, respectively. Despite reviewing fewer EGMs, 99% of devices with a TP EGM were ultimately diagnosed on the same day versus reviewing all EGMs.

Conclusion

Key EGM selection reduced the EGM review substantially with no delay‐to‐diagnosis in 99% of patients exhibiting true arrhythmias. Implementing these rules in the Abbott patient care network may accelerate clinical workflow without compromising diagnostic timelines.
Regulation of total LC3 levels by angiotensin II in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Mondaca‐Ruff David , Quiroga Clara , Norambuena‐Soto Ignacio , Riquelme Jaime A. , San Martin Alejandra , Bustamante Mario , Lavandero Sergio , Chiong Mario
Published: February 2022

Hypertension is associated with high circulating angiotensin II (Ang II). We have reported that autophagy regulates Ang II‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hypertrophy, but the mechanism mediating this effect is still unknown. Therefore, we studied how Ang II regulates LC3 levels in VSMCs and whether Bag3, a co‐chaperone known to regulate LC3 total levels, may be involved in the effects elicited by Ang II. A7r5 cell line or rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) primary culture were stimulated with Ang II 100 nM for 24 h and LC3 I, LC3 II and Bag3 protein levels were determined by Western blot. MAP1LC3B mRNA levels were assessed by RT‐qPCR. Ang II increased MAP1LC3B mRNA levels and protein levels of LC3 I, LC3 II and total LC3 (LC3 I + LC3 II). Cycloheximide, but not actinomycin D, abolished LC3 II and total LC3 increase elicited by Ang II in RASMCs. In A7r5 cells, cycloheximide prevented the Ang II‐mediated increase of LC3 I and total LC3, but not LC3 II. Moreover, Ang II increased Bag3 levels, but this increase was not observed upon co‐administration with either losartan 1 μM (AT1R antagonist) or Y‐27632 10 μM (ROCK inhibitor). These results suggest that Ang II may regulate total LC3 content through transcriptional and translational mechanisms. Moreover, Bag3 is increased in response to Ang II by a AT1R/ROCK signalling pathway. These data provide preliminary evidence suggesting that Ang II may stimulate autophagy in VSMCs by increasing total LC3 content and LC3 processing.
Relationship between onset age of type 2 diabetes mellitus and vascular complications based on propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Huang Lingning , Wu Peiwen , Zhang Yongze , Lin Yanxian , Shen Ximei , Zhao Fengying , Yan Sunjie
Published: February 2022

Aims/Introduction

To assess the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus onset age and vascular complications in China.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of 3,568 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a propensity score‐matched (PSM) cohort analysis was carried out in two different age of onset groups (age 40 and 60 years). These groups were then subdivided into two groups, early‐onset diabetes (EOD40 and EOD60; the onset age before 40 and 60 years, respectively) and late‐onset diabetes (LOD40 and LOD60: the onset age after 40 and 60 years, respectively). Macrovascular and microvascular complications were analyzed before and after PSM.

Results

Patients categorized in both the early‐onset disease (EOD) groups had a higher risk of developing macro‐ and microvascular complications before PSM. After PSM, no differences existed between the EOD and late‐onset disease groups in the risk of macrovascular complications. Compared with the late‐onset disease group, the odds ratio of having a microvascular complication of diabetic retinopathy, chronic kidney disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the 40‐year‐old EOD group increased to 2.906, 1.967 and 1.672 (P < 0.05), respectively. The odds ratio of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the 60‐year‐old EOD group was 1.763 and 1.675 (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

The earlier the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the higher risk of microvascular, but not necessarily macrovascular, complications. It is not too late to prevent diabetes at any age. Pre‐emptive microvascular treatment or preventative measures in EOD patients who do not yet show symptoms, might be beneficial.
A review on octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch‐based Pickering‐emulsion: Instabilities and ingredients interactions
Authors: Nhouchi Zeineb , Watuzola Roxane , Pense‐Lheritier Anne Marie
Published: February 2022

Pickering emulsions endow attractive features and a wide versatility in both food and nonfood fields. In the last decades, a noticeable interest has emerged toward the use of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)‐starch to improve the long‐term stability in such systems. In this review, instabilities were pointed out, where a new kinetic equilibrium was observed in Pickering emulsions assigned to migration and size variations of particles. These features were monitored using rheological measurements to understand microstructure and droplets mobility. The elastic modulus (G′), the viscous modulus (G″), and tan(δ) values were attributed to the transition from solid to fluid and assigned to the instability of the formulation regardless of the type of the system configuration. The novelties in using OSA‐modified starch, were also exposed. The chemical modification of starch decreased creaming for months. Interaction between OSA‐modified starches and some ionic components (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) as well as hydrocolloids and proteins reduced creaming and coalescence due to dense interfacial film. Furthermore, the key parameters (oil fraction, fatty acids composition, oxidative stress oil polarity, and oil viscosity) that govern oil phase in Pickering emulsion, were analyzed. These parameters were found to be positively correlated to the stability of Pickering emulsions.
Evaluation of resting cortisol concentration testing in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs
Authors: Gallego Ana Fernandez , Gow Adam G. , Boag Alisdair M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Resting cortisol concentrations are routinely measured in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs to rule out hypoadrenocorticism based on a concentration >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess the cross‐sectional prevalence of hypoadrenocorticism in a group of dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs presented to a referral internal medicine service.

Animals

Two‐hundred and eighty‐two client‐owned dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs and with resting cortisol concentration testing performed.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records (final diagnosis, resting cortisol concentration, and adenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test results) of a referral population of dogs between May 2013 and September 2017.

Results

Resting cortisol concentration was <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L) in 79 patients (28%). Repeated resting cortisol concentration measurements were performed in 28 dogs, and in 8, resting cortisol concentrations remained <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L). Post‐ACTH cortisol concentration was <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L) in 1 dog, consistent with a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism and giving a prevalence estimate of hypoadrenocorticism in this population of dogs of 0.3% (95% confidence interval [95CI], 0.03‐1.5%). In 19 dogs with an initial resting cortisol concentration <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L), hypoadrenocorticism was excluded based on a repeat resting cortisol concentration >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L). Overall, the most common diagnosis was chronic primary inflammatory enteropathy (176/282, 62.4%), followed by extragastrointestinal neoplasia (17/282, 6%), protein‐losing enteropathy, pancreatitis and megaesophagus (10/282, 3.5% each).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although dogs with hypoadrenocorticism can present with chronic gastrointestinal signs, it was the final diagnosis in only 1 of 282 dogs presenting to a referral internal medicine service for signs of chronic enteropathy. Repeated resting cortisol concentration may be considered as a test to try and exclude hypoadrenocorticism.
Effects of the addition of oak (Quercus robur L.) and yucca (Yucca schidigera) on the water quality and growth performance of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured intensively in concrete tanks
Authors: Novriadi Romi , Albasri Hatim , Wahyudi Aldy Eka , Fadhilah Rifqi , Ali Afriadi , Trullàs Clara
Published: February 2022

The application of mixed natural extracts from oak (Quercus robur L.) and yucca (Yucca Schidigera) (OY) in an intensive culture system for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was able to improve the growth performance of shrimp and the quality of its rearing media. Twelve tanks sized 8 × 8 × 1.3 m were stocked with 500 post‐larvae m−2 per tank and treated with 2, 2.5, and 3 Kg Ha−1 of OY. Physical and chemical water parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, were measured 4 times day−1 during the trial. Measurements of other chemical parameters, including Ammonia (NH3‐N), Nitrite (NO2‐N), and Nitrate (NO3‐N), were performed the second and sixth day after the addition of OY. The same measurements were conducted in the control treatment every seventh‐day post water exchange during the 90 days of the culture period. The growth performance parameters (biomass, final body weight, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, and percentage weight gain) and nutrient retention rate were evaluated after 90 days of shrimp culture. The utilization of OY significantly increased the final body weight (FBW), percentage weight gain (PWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (%), and the final biomass of shrimp. Different dose applications of OY significantly reduced the accumulation of ammonia (NH3‐N), nitrite (NO2‐N), and nitrate (NO3) in the rearing media compared to the control. However, there were no significant differences in protein, fat, ash, dry fiber, and water content among the shrimp treated with different addition levels of OY. This research concludes that the application of OY could maintain a safe level of ammonia and other nitrogen metabolites in the rearing media and enhance the growth performance of shrimp cultured in intensive production systems using commercial concrete tanks.
Ridinilazole: a novel, narrow-spectrum antimicrobial agent targeting Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile
Authors: Collins Deirdre A , Riley Thomas V.
Published: February 2022

Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile infection (CDI) remains an urgent threat to patients in health systems worldwide. Recurrent CDI occurs in up to 30% of cases due to sustained dysbiosis of the gut microbiota which normally protects against CDI. Associated costs of initial and recurrent episodes of CDI impose heavy financial burdens on health systems. Vancomycin and metronidazole have been the mainstay of therapy for CDI for many years; however, these agents continue to cause significant disruption to the gut microbiota and thus carry a high risk of recurrence for CDI patients. Treatment regimens are now turning towards novel narrow spectrum antimicrobial agents which target C. difficile while conserving the commensal gut microbiota, thus significantly reducing risk of recurrence. One such agent, fidaxomicin, has been in therapeutic use for several years and is now recommended as a first-line treatment for CDI, as it is superior to vancomycin in reducing risk of recurrence. Another narrow spectrum agent, ridnilazole, was recently developed and is undergoing evaluation of its potential clinical utility. This review aimed to summarize experimental reports of ridinilazole and assess its potential as a first-line agent for treatment of CDI. Reported results from in vitro assessments, and from hamster models of CDI, show potent activity against C. difficile, non-inferiority to vancomycin for clinical cure and non-susceptibility among most gut commensal bacteria. Phase I and II clinical trials have been completed with ridinilazole showing high tolerability and efficacy in treatment of CDI, and superiority over vancomycin in reducing recurrence of CDI within 30 days of treatment completion. Phase III trials are currently underway, the results of which may prove its potential to reduce recurrent CDI and lessen the heavy health and financial burden C. difficile imposes on patients and healthcare systems.
Microbiomes mediate host−parasite interactions
Authors: Speer Kelly A.
Published: February 2022

Parasitic and parasitoid organisms, including nematodes, trematodes, flies, ticks and wasps, rely on chemical cues to locate a host. In previous research, these cues were assumed to originate directly from the host, but in some cases it appears that the microbiome is responsible for emitting volatile organic compounds that can attract or repel parasites (Chavez et al., 2021; Takken & Verhulst, 2013). In a From the Cover paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lutz et al. (2021) use multiscale analyses to demonstrate that members of the skin and oral, but not gut microbiome are correlated with ecto‐ and endoparasite occurrence in Afrotropical bats. That the microbiome may act as a beacon for searching parasites is an innovative mechanism for explaining how parasites find their host. This mechanism also changes our understanding of how evolutionary arms races occur between a host and parasite. Instead of reciprocal adaptations that allow the host to better defend and the parasite to better attack, each host and parasite may be attempting to manipulate or overcome manipulation of the microbiome that mediates the host−parasite interaction. While Lutz et al. (2021) establish that the skin and oral microbiomes are distinct between parasitized and nonparasitized individuals, they acknowledge that the directionality of this change cannot be determined from their data (i.e., does the microbiome differentially attract parasites or does the microbiome reflect the infection status of its host?). This leaves us with several interesting directions for future research. All of these future avenues of research have the potential to change our understanding of host−parasite coevolution, by necessitating that we extend our examination of this seemingly bipartite interaction to include a third actor—the microbiome.
Particular Social Group Trouble: Producing Categories of “Unworthy” Asylum Seekers
Authors: Frank‐Vitale Amelia
Published: February 2022

Developing ethnographic knowledge is largely about understanding and retaining nuance, complexity, and, even, contradiction. In the asylum courtroom, however, the law looks for certainty, clear percentages of likelihood of harm, and general, essential claims that a given people/country are a particular way. In this essay, I reflect on the ways in which the asylum system, by requiring that individuals be at risk because of their category (particular social group with immutable characteristics), casts other categories of people as inherently violent. I am particularly concerned with this dynamic in terms of gender‐based violence claims, where women's very real fears of domestic abuse in Honduras are frequently argued in such a way that serves to reinforce the idea that Central American men are uniquely violent. This, then, undercuts the asylum claims of young Honduran men who are, at the same time, those most likely to be killed upon deportation.
Multivariate selection mediated by aridity predicts divergence of drought‐resistant traits along natural aridity gradients of an invasive weed
Authors: Carvalho Carter , Davis Rochelle , Connallon Tim , Gleadow Roslyn M. , Moore Joslin L. , Uesugi Akane
Published: February 2022

Geographical variation in the environment underpins selection for local adaptation and evolutionary divergence among populations. Because many environmental conditions vary across species' ranges, identifying the specific environmental variables underlying local adaptation is profoundly challenging.

We tested whether natural selection mediated by aridity predicts clinal divergence among invasive populations of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) that established and spread across southern Australia during the last two centuries.

Using common garden experiments with two environmental treatments (wet and dry) that mimic aridity conditions across capeweed’s invasive range, we estimated clinal divergence and effects of aridity on fitness and multivariate phenotypic selection in populations sampled along aridity gradients in Australia. We show that: (1) capeweed populations have relatively high fitness in aridity environments similar to their sampling locations; (2) the magnitude and direction of selection strongly differs between wet and dry treatments, with drought stress increasing the strength of selection; and (3) differences in directional selection between wet and dry treatments predict patterns of clinal divergence across the aridity gradient, particularly for traits affecting biomass, flowering phenology and putative antioxidant expression.

Our results suggest that aridity‐mediated selection contributes to trait diversification among invasive capeweed populations, possibly facilitating the expansion of capeweed across southern Australia.
Disturbance and indirect effects of climate warming support a plant invader in mountains
Authors: Haider Sylvia , Palm Sebastian , Bruelheide Helge , de Villemereuil Pierre , Menzel Annette , Lachmuth Susanne
Published: February 2022

Climate warming and increased disturbance (resulting from intensified land use) are expected to enhance the invasibility of plant communities and the performance of exotic species also at high elevations, and thus pose additional threats to mountain ecosystems. The invasion success of introduced genotypes will also depend on their degree of pre‐adaption to high elevation climatic conditions, which may vary intra‐specifically across source populations. For populations currently spreading in the lowlands, climate warming might reduce the climatic distance to high‐elevation sites and thus remove a barrier to upwards spread.

Here, we investigated the various facets of mountain invasions in a single, integrative experimental study. We applied a community transplant approach between high‐ and low‐elevation sites in the European Alps to address effects of climate warming and disturbance through land use on community invasibility and the performance of the exotic species Senecio inaequidens, a potential future plant invader in the Alps. Additionally, the transplant sites served as common gardens to test the influence of climatic pre‐adaptation to current (high site) and future (low site) climatic conditions on the performance of S. inaequidens in the transplanted communities. The 16 invasive central and western European S. inaequidens source population locations covered a wide geographic range, and thus a wide amplitude of climatic distances and presumed pre‐adaptation to our gardens.

Our results attest to a strong effect of disturbance, which increased community invasibility, and promoted the performance of the exotic species. Contrary to our expectation, experimentally induced climate warming did not increase community invasibility. However, the performance of the S. inaequidens populations was positively related to their pre‐adaptation to the climatic conditions of our common gardens. Climate warming might thus promote the invasion of exotic species by reducing the climatic distance between mountain ranges and locations of potential source populations.