bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐transplant maintenance dialysis duration and outcomes after kidney transplantation: A multicenter population‐based cohort study
Authors: Naylor Kyla L. , Kim S. Joseph , Kuwornu John Paul , Dixon Stephanie N. , Garg Amit X. , McCallum Megan K. , Knoll Gregory A.
Published: December 2021

The association between pre‐transplant dialysis duration and post‐transplant outcomes may vary by the population and endpoints studied. We conducted a population‐based cohort study using linked healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada including kidney transplant recipients (n = 4461) from 2004 to 2014. Our primary outcome was total graft failure (i.e., death, return to dialysis, or pre‐emptive re‐transplant). Secondary outcomes included death‐censored graft failure, death with graft function, mortality, hospitalization for cardiovascular events, hospitalization for infection, and hospital readmission. We presented results by pre‐transplant dialysis duration (pre‐emptive transplant, and .01–1.43, 1.44–2.64, 2.65–4.25, 4.26–6.45, and 6.46–36.5 years, for quintiles 1–5). After adjusting for clinical characteristics, pre‐emptive transplantation was associated with a lower rate of total graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] .68, 95% CI: .46, .99), while quintile 4 was associated with a higher rate (aHR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.71), when compared to quintile 1. There was no significant relationship between dialysis duration and death‐censored graft failure, cardiovascular events, or hospital readmission. For death with graft function and mortality, quintiles 3–5 had a significantly higher aHR compared to quintile 1, while for infection, quintiles 2–5 had a higher aHR. Longer time on dialysis was associated with an increased rate of several adverse post‐transplant outcomes.
Editorial
Authors: Sheaff Michael , Kerr Keith
Published: December 2021

The guest editors provide an overview of the current role of respiratory cytology in the diagnosis and management of thoracic disease and introduce the invited special issue articles.
Mediterranean diet and diabetes risk in a cohort study of individuals with prediabetes: propensity score analyses
Authors: Cea‐Soriano Lucía , Pulido José , Franch‐Nadal Josep , Santos Juana M. , Mata‐Cases Manel , Díez‐Espino Javier , Ruiz‐García Antonio , Regidor Enrique ,   the PREDAPS Study Group
Published: December 2021

Aims

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of several dietary patterns plus physical activity to reduce diabetes onset in people with prediabetes. However, there is no evidence on the effect from the Mediterranean diet on the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the effect from high adherence to Mediterranean diet on the risk of diabetes in individuals with prediabetes.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in Spanish Primary Care setting. A total of 1184 participants with prediabetes based on levels of fasting plasma glucose and/or glycated hemoglobin were followed up for a mean of 4.2 years. A total of 210 participants developed diabetes type 2 during the follow up. Hazard ratios of diabetes onset were estimated by Cox proportional regression models associated to high versus low/medium adherence to Mediterranean diet. Different propensity score methods were used to control for potential confounders.

Results

Incidence rate of diabetes in participants with high versus low/medium adherence to Mediterranean diet was 2.9 versus 4.8 per 100 persons‐years. The hazard ratios adjusted for propensity score and by inverse probability weighting (IPW) had identical magnitude: 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.93). The hazard ratio in the adjusted model using propensity score matching 1:2 was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.84).

Conclusions

These propensity score analyses suggest that high adherence to Mediterranean diet reduces diabetes risk in people with prediabetes.
Time‐dependent analysis of adoptive immunotherapy following sequential FLAMSA‐reduced intensity conditioning and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with high‐risk myeloid neoplasia
Authors: Weller Jan Frederic , Mezger Markus , Seifert Leon Louis , Vogel Wichard , Schneidawind Dominik , Faul Christoph , Bethge Wolfgang , Lengerke Claudia , Christopeit Maximilian
Published: December 2021

Prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) are part of the sequential FLAMSA‐reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen to cure high risk myeloid neoplasia with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although DLI themselves carry significant risks, their prophylactic use has not been analyzed in a time‐dependent manner. One hundred and fourteen patients underwent FLAMSA‐RIC HSCT between 2013 and 2020. Next to Kaplan‐Meier estimation of overall, disease‐free, and graft‐versus‐host relapse‐free survival (OS, DFS, GRFS), cumulative incidences of relapse and death in remission were calculated in a competing risk model. Additionally, the contribution of prophylactic and preemptive DLI as time‐dependent covariates was assessed using a time‐varying model toward DFS (Simon‐Makuch method, Mantel‐Byar test). At 2 years, OS was 45.2% [95% CI 36.7–55.7%], DFS 31.8% [95% CI 24–42.2%] and GRFS 11.3 [95% CI 6.5–19.8]. Neither prophylactic nor preemptive DLI showed a significant influence on DFS when considered time‐dependent covariates (Mantel‐Byar, p = .3). This was further corroborated in competing risk analysis with DLI as time‐dependent covariates. Both prophylactic and preemptive DLI miss significance in their impact on survival within a high‐risk cohort in a time‐varying model. Controlled trials to address the impact of postgrafting immunotherapy approaches are needed.
Poor outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of patients with unclassified inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
Authors: Lim Yeon Jung , Arbiv Omri A. , Kalbfleisch Melanie E. , Klaassen Robert J. , Fernandez Conrad , Rayar Meera , Steele MacGregor , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Cuvelier Geoff , Pastore Yves D. , Silva Mariana , Brossard Josee , Michon Bruno , Abish Sharon , Sinha Roona , Corriveau‐Bourque Catherine , Breakey Vicky R. , Tole Soumitra , Goodyear Lisa , Sung Lillian , Zlateska Bozana , Cada Michaela , Dror Yigal
Published: December 2021

Classification of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFSs) according to clinical and genetic diagnoses enables proper adjustment of treatment. Unfortunately, 30% of patients enrolled in the Canadian Inherited Marrow Failure Registry (CIMFR) with features suggesting hereditability could not be classified with a specific syndromic diagnosis. We analyzed the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in unclassified IBMFSs (uIBMFSs) and the factors associated with outcome. Twenty‐two patients with uIBMFSs and 70 patients with classified IBMFSs underwent HSCT. Five‐year overall survival of uIBMFS patients after HSCT was inferior to that of patients with classified IBMFSs (56% vs 76.5%). The outcome of patients with uIBMFS who received cord blood was significantly lower than that of patients who received other stem cell sources (14.8% vs 90.9%). Engraftment failure was higher among patients with uIBMFS who received cord blood than those who received bone marrow. None of the following factors were significantly associated with poor survival: transfusion load, transplant indication, the intensity of conditioning regimen, human leukocyte antigen‐identical sibling/alternative donor. We suggest that identifying the genetic diagnosis is essential to modulate the transplant procedure including conditioning agents and stem cell sources for better outcome and the standard cord blood transplantation (CBT) should be avoided in uIBMFS.
Characterisation of the oral glucose and sugar tolerance tests and the enteroinsular axis response in healthy adult donkeys
Authors: Mendoza Francisco J. , Buzon‐Cuevas Antonio , Toribio Ramiro E. , Perez‐Ecija Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Background

Insulin dysregulation (ID) is diagnosed in horses and ponies using oral glucose (OGTT) and oral sugar (OSTT) tolerance tests. The enteroinsular axis plays a major role in postprandial glucose disposal and insulin response in horses, ponies and foals. The insulin and incretin response to oral carbohydrate challenges has not been characterised in donkeys.

Objectives

(a) To characterise OGTT and OSTT, and (b) to assess the plasma incretin response to OGTT and OSTT in healthy donkeys.

Study design

In vivo experiments.

Methods

Six healthy adult female Andalusian donkeys were challenged with OGTT (1 g/kg glucose, 20% solution by nasogastric tube) and OSTT (0.45 mL/kg corn syrup orally by syringe) with a 1‐week washout. Blood samples were collected for glucose (spectrophotometry), insulin (radioimmunoassay), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP, ELISA) and active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (aGLP‐1, ELISA) determination over 6 hours. Curves were analysed and proxies calculated.

Results

Glucose and insulin concentrations peaked at 180 minutes in OGTT, but at 300 and 150 minutes in OSTT, respectively. Plasma GIP concentrations increased in the OGTT and OSTT (peaked at 180 and 360 minutes, respectively), but aGLP‐1 increased only in OGTT (240 minutes).

Main limitations

Single breed, narrow age and sample, diet, season and not having donkeys with evidence of ID to provide clinical validation.

Conclusions

Donkeys have a functional enteroinsular axis that is activated by enteral carbohydrates. Donkeys have evident endocrine differences with horses, supporting the validation of the OSTT and OGTT to assess insulin sensitivity in this species to avoid extrapolation from horses.
Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence image analysis of otoliths to distinguish between wild‐born and stocked river‐spawning whitefish captured in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Finnäs Viktor , Lill Jan‐Olof , Saarinen Timo , Lindqvist Christer , Heimbrand Yvette , Jokikokko Erkki , Hägerstrand Henry
Published: December 2021

Strontium concentrations are low in fresh waters compared to seawaters. Therefore, wild‐born river‐spawning and stocked freshwater‐reared whitefish Coregonus lavaretus L. display regions with low concentrations of strontium in the centre of their otoliths. Strontium in otoliths from wild‐born river‐spawning whitefish ascending the River Tornionjoki, river‐spawning whitefish stocked as one‐summer‐old fingerlings caught ascending the River Kemijoki, and sea‐spawning whitefish caught near the Åland Islands was mapped using µ‐XRF. The strontium‐depleted regions in the centre of the whitefish otoliths, measured using ImageJ, had mean sizes of 0.18 ± 0.2 mm2 (River Tornionjoki) and 2.3 ± 0.3 mm2 (River Kemijoki), whereas the otoliths from whitefish caught at sea lacked a strontium‐depleted region altogether. Measurement of the area of the strontium‐depleted region in whitefish otoliths provides a convenient method with which to differentiate between whitefish of different provenance and to determine the origins of whitefish in mixed catches.
Identification and characterization of novel proteins associated with CHD4
Authors: Sakaguchi Chihiro , Ichihara Kazuya , Nita Akihiro , Katayama Yuta , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: December 2021

The CHD (chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein) family consists of nine chromatin remodeling factors that alter chromatin structure in an ATP‐dependent manner. CHD4 contributes to the regulation of various cellular activities and processes including development through interaction with multiple proteins including formation of the NuRD (nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase activity) complex. Functions of CHD4 that appear not to be mediated by the NuRD complex or other known interactors have also been identified, however, suggesting the existence of unrecognized proteins that also associate with CHD4. We here generated HeLa‐S3 and HEK293T cells with a knock‐in allele for FLAG epitope‐tagged CHD4 and used these cells to identify proteins that bind to CHD4 with the use of immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. LCORL (ligand‐dependent nuclear receptor corepressor like) and NOL4L (nucleolar protein 4 like) were reproducibly identified as novel CHD4 interactors. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing analysis of HEK293T cells depleted of CHD4, LCORL, or NOL4L revealed consistent up‐regulation of genes related to the Notch signaling pathway. Our results thus suggest that both LCORL and NOL4L may cooperate with CHD4 to suppress the Notch pathway in mammalian cells.
The cell type‐specific ER membrane protein UGS148 is not essential in mice
Authors: Takahashi Osamu , Tanahashi Mayuko , Yokoi Saori , Kaneko Mari , Yanaka Kaori , Nakagawa Shinichi , Maita Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Genomes of higher eukaryotes encode many uncharacterized proteins, and the functions of these proteins cannot be predicted from the primary sequences due to a lack of conserved functional domains. In this study, we focused on a poorly characterized protein UGS148 that is highly expressed in a specialized cell type called tanycytes that line the ventral wall of the third ventricle in the hypothalamus. Immunostaining of UGS148 revealed the fine morphology of tanycytes with highly branched apical ER membranes. Immunoprecipitation revealed that UGS148 associated with mitochondrial ATPase at least in vitro, and ER and mitochondrial signals occasionally overlapped in tanycytes. Mutant mice lacking UGS148 did not exhibit overt phenotypes, suggesting that UGS148 was not essential in mice reared under normal laboratory conditions. We also found that RNA probes that were predicted to uniquely detect UGS148 mRNA cross‐reacted with uncharacterized RNAs, highlighting the importance of experimental validation of the specificity of probes during the hybridization‐based study of RNA localization.
Comparison of the effect of mothers and students’ education on the promotion of oral health behaviours in female students, using the health belief model
Authors: Ashoori Fatemeh , Karimi Masoud , Seif Mozhgan
Published: December 2021

Background

Oral diseases are considered an important health challenge around the world, especially among children. This study aimed to compare the effects of mothers and students’ education on female students’ oral health behaviours.

Methods

This three‐arm randomized controlled educational trial was conducted on 261 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade female students. The participants were selected and divided into two intervention groups (students’ mothers and students) and a control group through simple random sampling. The intervention included four 60‐min and two 90‐min education sessions for the students and their mothers, respectively. The data were analysed using the SPSS 22 software.

Results

The results revealed a significant increase in the mean scores of knowledge (p < 0.001), self‐efficacy (p = 0.038), and cues to action (p < 0.001) in the students’ intervention group. However, in the students‐mothers’ group the mean score of knowledge significantly increased (p < 0.001), and perceived barriers significantly decreased (p = 0.001). After the intervention, a significant difference was observed among the three study groups regarding the mean scores of knowledge (p < 0.001), perceived susceptibility (p = 0.005), perceived severity (p = 0.005), perceived benefits (p = 0.011), cues to action (p < 0.001) and brushing and flossing behaviours (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, the mothers’ education did not have any additional effects on the students’ education. It seems that, in underprivileged communities where mothers had a low level of education, it might be better for oral health education to focus more on the students.
Effect of dental caries management using ‘CAMBRA‐kids’ mobile application for children under 5 years old
Authors: Yeo An‐Na , Lee Su‐Young
Published: December 2021

Objective

To determine effects of dental caries management using ‘CAMBRA‐kids’ mobile application for children under 5 years old for a period of a year.

Methods

This study was conducted on 119 preschoolers and parents. Parents downloaded ‘CAMBRA‐kids’ mobile application and entered risk factors and protective factors for children. Clinician entered disease indicators after clinical examination of children. Based on the input, the caries risk group was automatically determined by the ‘CAMBRA‐kids’ application. According to the caries risk level, caries management was conducted for 12 months according to guidelines.

Results

Children's caries risk level changed after conducting caries management for 1 year. In the change of CRA (Caries risk assessment) by factor, risk factors decreased in all risk groups, whereas protective factors increased in all risk groups. Disease indicators increased after 12 months in the extreme high‐risk group and the high‐risk group, but decreased in the low‐risk group.

Conclusion

This study evaluated the effect of systematic dental caries management using ‘CAMBRA‐kids’ mobile application for preschool children. As a result, dental caries management had effects on children, especially for the extreme high‐risk group and the high‐risk group. Thus, it is expected to be used in a variety of areas for caries management of preschoolers.
Epidemiology of rosacea in a population‐based study of 161,269 German employees
Authors: Hilbring Caroline , Augustin Matthias , Kirsten Natalia , Mohr Nicole
Published: December 2021

Background

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition, but data on its epidemiology and related comorbidities are scarce.

Objectives

To analyze the prevalence and associated cutaneous comorbidities of rosacea in Germany.

Methods

Voluntary dermatological full‐body examinations were conducted between 2001 and 2016 in more than 500 German companies by experienced dermatologists and documented electronically. Point‐prevalence rates were calculated, and associations were tested with chi‐squared tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 161,269 participants (mean age was 43.2 ± 10.9 years; 55.5% male) were included; 2.1% had rosacea (men: 2.1%, women 2.1%, mean age 50.7 ± 9.3 years). The prevalence of rosacea increased significantly with age (16–29 years: 0.3%; 30–39 years: 0.9%; 40–49 years: 2.0%; 50–59 years: 3.5%; 60–70 years: 5.7%). Furthermore, there was a significant decreasing prevalence from skin type I toward type IV (skin type I: 3.2%; II: 2.2%; III: 1.5%; IV: 0.4%). The most frequent dermatological comorbidities were: telangiectasia (OR = 2.5), folliculitis (OR = 1.8), seborrheic dermatitis (OR = 1.6), acne (OR = 1.6), tinea pedis (OR = 1.4), psoriasis (OR = 1.4), spider veins (OR = 1.1), and hemangioma (OR = 1.1).

Conclusions

Rosacea is a common skin condition that is most prevalent above the age of 65 years. Rosacea patients have an increased risk for associated comorbidities. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapeutic process for rosacea patients must ensure an integrated, complete dermatological approach in terms of medical care.
Prospective associations between pain at multiple sites and falls among community‐dwelling older Australians
Authors: Balogun Saliu A. , Srikanth Velandai , Leeuw Guusje van der , Callisaya Michele L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Pain at multiple sites is prevalent among older people. However, studies investigating the relationship between pain and falls focus largely on single‐site pain.

Aim

To examine the association between pain at multiple sites and falls among community‐dwelling older Australians.

Methods

Participants aged >60 years were randomly selected from the electoral roll. Falls were recorded prospectively over 12 months. Pain at multiple sites was assessed using a questionnaire. The total number of painful sites was calculated. Widespread pain was defined as pain in the upper limb, lower limb and in the axial skeletal region, with moderate to severe pain in at least one region. Log multinomial regression, with adjustment for confounders, was used to estimate whether widespread pain or number of painful sites increased the risk of a single (one fall) and multiple falls (≥2 falls).

Results

There were 299 participants (43% women; mean age 72 ± 7.0 years). The mean (standard deviation) of falls was 0.8 ± 1.5. The frequencies of single and multiple falls were 23% (n = 68) and 16% (n = 49) respectively. A higher number of painful sites was associated with an elevated risk of a single fall (relative risk (RR) = 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96–1.27) and multiple falls (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02–1.41). However, the risk of multiple, but not single fall was substantial and statistically significant. Furthermore, compared with those without pain, individuals with widespread pain had an elevated risk of single (RR = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.80–5.09) and multiple falls (RR = 3.94; 95% CI: 1.15–13.51). However, the magnitude of effects of single fall was smaller and not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Falls risk should be ascertained for older people with pain, irrespective of whether they present with a single or multiple sites pain. Nevertheless, older adults with multisite pain may require additional attention as they appear to have a significantly elevated risk of multiple falls.
Myocardial perfusion imaging failed to improve patient risk classification compared with the revised cardiac risk index for early cardiac complications after major non‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Yao Yao , Quirk Thomas , French Matthew , Dharmalingam Ashok , Collins Nicholas
Published: December 2021

Background

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is frequently used for cardiac risk assessment before major non‐cardiac surgery, but its ability to improve patient risk classification beyond simple clinical assessment is unknown.

Aim

To explore the prognostic utility of MPI above a simple clinical risk calculator, the revised cardiac risk index (RCRI).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of at‐risk patients who underwent MPI before major non‐cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital was conducted. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was defined as any myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary oedema, ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac death within 30 days of surgery. We analysed the predictive value of MPI for MACE using multivariable logistic regression and categorical net reclassification index.

Results

MACE occurred in 47 (7.4%) cases from 635 surgical procedures in 629 patients. MPI‐identified medium or large‐sized reversible perfusion defects (P = 0.02; odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1–7.1) and RCRI score two or more (P = 0.03; odds ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.8) were significantly associated with MACE after adjusting for age, coronary revascularisation, surgical priority, need for general anaesthesia, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fixed perfusion defects. MPI risk factors (LVEF, reversible perfusion and fixed perfusion defects) did not improve risk classification above baseline risk factors (age, RCRI and surgical priority).

Conclusion

MPI risk factors are weak predictors for early cardiac complications after major non‐cardiac surgery and failed to improve patient risk classification beyond essential assessment using age, RCRI and surgical priority. Clinicians should consider alternative risk assessment strategies because of MPI's poor prognostic utility and its associated time and financial costs.
Direct percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for nutritional support in patients with aerodigestive tract cancers
Authors: Yang Linda S. , Taylor Andrew C. F. , Thompson Alexander J. , Desmond Paul V. , Holt Bronte A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Conventional pull‐through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) risks infection and tumour implantation in head and neck cancers. Endoscopically inserted direct gastrostomy has lower rates of complications but is underutilised.

Aims

To describe the endoscopic steps for direct gastrostomy insertion and review our single‐centre experience to assess the technical feasibility and safety.

Methods

Patients who underwent endoscopic direct gastrostomy insertion between December 2016 and June 2021 were included. A 24Fr introducer kit for gastrostomy feeding tube (Avanos Healthcare, Australia) was used. Patient and tumour characteristics, procedural data and 30‐day outcomes were recorded.

Results

Thirty patients underwent direct PEG insertion (mean age 64 years and 24 male). All were planned for or currently undergoing radiotherapy. Twenty‐six (87%) of 30 cases were performed under conscious sedation over a median procedure time of 21 min (interquartile range 11 min). No tumour seeding was seen, and one case of PEG‐site infection was observed.

Conclusions

Direct PEG is safe and effective and should be considered for patients with aerodigestive tract cancer in need of nutritional support.
Sustainable business practices in manufacturing SMEs: The mediating effect of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Yacob Peter , Peter Darren , Chin Khor Saw
Published: December 2021

This study aims to assess the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Malaysian manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and the role of dynamic capacities in promoting sustainable business practices. The data was gathered through a survey completed by 216 Malaysian manufacturing SMEs with an SEM‐AMOS nested model comparison analysis. The findings revealed that economic, social, and environmental dimensions are related to sustainable business practices. Besides, firms' dynamic capabilities fully mediate the association between economic, social, and environmental dimensions in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. This study intended to assist academics, practitioners, policymakers, and other sectors in establishing sustainability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
Synthesis of SiBNC‐Al ceramics with different aluminum contents via polymer‐derived method
Authors: Tang Zicheng , Wang Shaofei , Tusiime Rogers , Hu Jidong , Chen Haikun , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Hui , Liu Yong
Published: December 2021

This study reports the synthesis of three types of aluminium (Al)‐modified polyborosilazane ceramic precursors (PBSAZ) from C8H19Al/HSiCl3/HMDZ/BCl3 and their thermal conversion to SiBNC‐Al ceramics at 1000°C. FT‐IR, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to characterize the structures and properties of the PBSAZ. PBSAZ is found to be built up of the Si─N─B framework, with Al successfully introduced into the ceramic network structures. The ceramic yield is 63.5 wt.% for the Al‐poor polymers (PBSAZ‐5) and 65.1 wt.% for the Al‐rich polymers (PBSAZ‐1). The high‐temperature cracking behavior and the crystal phase structures of the ceramics were characterized by XRD and Raman, which revealed that SiBNC‐Al ceramics contained Si4N3, SiC, and AlN (+SiC) crystals after heat treatment at 1600°C. The oxidation behavior of SiBNC and SiBNC‐Al ceramics at 1500°C shows that the introduction of Al improves the quality of the oxide layer, effectively suppresses the oxide layer cracking phenomenon, and reduces gas bubble generation.
Prevalence and conservation of ebp genes in Enterococcus faecalis originated from animals
Authors: Dong Jiajun , Zhang Liujun , He Hengxu , Jin Yue , Wang Yabin , Chen Liying
Published: December 2021

Aims

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and conservation of endocarditis and biofilm-associated pili (ebp) genes in Enterococcus faecalis originated from animals and the potential of developing Ebp into serological diagnostic and vaccine targets.

Methods and Results

In this work, we investigated the prevalence and conservation of ebp genes in 116 strains of E. faecalis originated from animals by using PCR and sequencing methods. The results demonstrated the presence of ebp genes (ebpA, ebpB and ebpC) in all 116 strains of E. faecalis, and their amino acid homology ranges from 96.6% to 100.0%. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis of ebp genes in all 164 E. faecalis strains (including 48 reference strains) revealed that ebp genes show no significant correlation with species origins and regions of E. faecalis, indicating that ebp genes are conserved features in E. faecalis, even though it evolved under environmental pressures from various regions and origins. Given that EbpA1 as a part of the adhesion protein EbpA has immunogenicity, we further determined whether amino acid mutations have effects on the function and 3D structure of EbpA1. The results showed that two of the 26 mutations, at amino acids positions 178 and 387, had deleterious effects on the biological function of EbpA1 protein, while all mutations had no effect on the 3D structure or binding pockets of EbpA1 protein.

Conclusions

This study suggests that ebp genes are prevalent and conserved in E. faecalis originated from diverse animal origins and regions. EbpA1 could be a potential target for serological diagnosis and vaccine development to prevent E. faecalis infection.

Significance and Impact of Study

The current study provides data to support further research on Ebp as a serological diagnostic and vaccine target against E. faecalis infection.
Identification of lead-resistant rhizobacteria of Carthamus tinctorius and their effects on lead absorption of Sunflower
Authors: Shahraki Atefeh , Mohammadi-Sichani Maryam , Ranjbar Monireh
Published: December 2021

Aims

Using rhizobacteria as plant growth-promoting agents for improving heavy-metal phytoremediation processes in contaminated soil has attracted a lot of attention mainly because of their eco-friendliness. The aim of this study was the evaluation of lead phytoremediation by Carthamus tinctorius improved with the isolated and molecularly identified lead-resistant rhizobacteria.

Methods and Results

Rhizobacteria were isolated from C. tinctorius root and was identified using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, biochemical testing and PCR. Then, the indole acetic acid production and phosphate-solubilizing activity were determined. Finally, the amount of lead in the plant was measured by atomic absorption method. Five strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus muralis, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans with the ability of mineral phosphate solubilizing, high levels of indole acetic acid production and resistance to lead were isolated from the rhizosphere of C. tinctorius. The amount of produced indole acetic acid and the level of phosphate solubilizing by the isolates were 7.1–69.54 µg ml−1 and 91–147.3 µg ml−1 respectively. Lead assimilation in aerial part of safflower ranged from 925 to 2175 ppm. P. fluorescens and B. cereus strains had the highest effect on Lead assimilation with 2175 and 1862 ppm respectively.

Conclusions

The results showed that different bacterial treatments influenced the rate of lead absorption by C. tinctorius exposed to lead stress.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Use of rhizosphere isolates of C. tinctorius can improve phytoremediation capability and lead absorption in lead-contaminated soil.
Metagenomic analysis reveals the linkages between bacteria and the functional enzymes responsible for potential ammonia and biogenic amine production in alfalfa silage
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zheng Mingli , Zheng Menghu , Cai Rui , Cui Xinyu , Wang Yan , Jiang Xin , Xu Chuncheng
Published: December 2021

Aims

To clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying ammonia (NH3) and biogenic amines (BAEs) formation in alfalfa silage, whole metagenomic sequencing analysis was performed to identify the linkages between functional bacteria and their responsible enzymes in alfalfa silage prepared with and without sucrose addition.

Methods and Results

Genes encoding nitrite reductase (nirB) resulting in NH3 formation were the most abundant and were mostly assigned to Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella oxytoca. Putrescine-related genes, classified mainly to encode ornithine decarboxylase (odcA), were predominantly carried by Escherichia coli, Ent. cloacae and Citrobacter sp. Escherichia coli and Kl. oxytoca were the important species responsible for cadaverine and tyramine formation. Ent. cloacae, E. coli, and Kl. oxytoca dominated the bacterial community in naturally fermented alfalfa silage, whilst sucrose-treated silages greatly inhibited the growth of these species by promoting the dominance of Lactobacillus plantarum, thus decreasing the concentrations of NH3, cadaverine, putrescine and tyramine.

Conclusions

Enterobacteriaceae bacteria are mainly responsible for the NH3, putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine formations in alfalfa silage.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Whole metagenomic sequencing analysis served as a useful tool to identify the linkages between functional bacteria and associated enzymes responsible for NH3 and BAEs formation.
Are retail investors really passive? Shareholder activism in the digital age
Authors: Hafeez Bilal , Kabir M. Humayun , Wongchoti Udomsak
Published: December 2021

Academics traditionally view retail investors as rationally passive toward corporate proxy fights due to the higher cost of individual information gathering and their inability to coordinate collectively. In the wake of the digital age and social media, we re‐examine retail investors’ attention and participation during the shareholder activism process. Using a sample from 2005 to 2016, we find that abnormal Google search activities (a proxy for retail investors’ attention in the literature) on firms that receive a shareholder proposal increase during the 3‐week period leading up to the voting. This increase is more pronounced for less transparent firms. Our textual analyses of proxy statements also indicate that these abnormal Google search activities particularly increase for proposals with a more negative or controversial tone. In turn, this retail investors’ attention is associated with greater participation in the voting process, especially among proposals that resonate with shareholders’ preferences and interests (high salience activism). Finally, we show that greater participation during high salience activism is more prominent after E‐proxy regulation became fully effective in 2009. By highlighting that retail investors are proactively engaged in “informed” voting during the shareholder activism process, our study further challenges the view that retail investors are narratively passive.
Linking mode of seed dispersal and climatic niche evolution in flowering plants
Authors: Vasconcelos Thais , Boyko James D. , Beaulieu Jeremy M.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Due to the sessile nature of flowering plants, movements to new geographical areas occur mainly during seed dispersal. Frugivores tend to be efficient dispersers because animals move within the boundaries of their preferable niches, so seeds are more likely to be transported to environments that are similar to where the parent plant occurs. However, this efficiency can result in less opportunity for niche shifts over macroevolutionary time, ‘trapping’ plant lineages in particular climatic conditions. Here we test this hypothesis by analysing the role that the interaction with frugivores play in changing dynamics of climatic niche evolution in five clades of flowering plants.

Location

Global.

Taxon

The flowering plant families Apocynaceae, Ericaceae, Melastomataceae, Rosaceae and Solanaceae.

Methods

We model climatic niche evolution as a variable parameter Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. However, rather than assuming regimes a priori, we use a hidden Markov model (HMM) to infer the complex evolutionary history associated with different modes of seed dispersal. In addition to allowing for a more accurate picture of the regimes, the use of HMMs allows partitioning the variance of climatic niche evolution to include dynamics independent of our focal character.

Results

Lineages dispersed by frugivores tend to have warmer and wetter climatic optima and are generally associated with areas where potential for vegetation growth is higher. However, lineages distributed in more mesic habitats, such as rainforests, are generally associated with slower rates of climatic niche evolution regardless of their mode of seed dispersal.

Main Conclusions

Characteristics of the abiotic environment may facilitate the evolution of some types of plant–animal interactions. Association with frugivores is an important modulator of how plants move in space, but its impact on their climatic niche evolution appears to be indirect. Seed dispersal by frugivores may facilitate the establishment of lineages in closed canopy biomes, but the general slower rates of climatic niche evolution in these habitats are possibly related to other general aspects of the ‘mesic syndrome’ rather than the behaviour of the animals that disperse their seeds.
Bird diversity on shelf islands does not benefit from recent land‐bridge connections
Authors: Sin Yong Chee Keita , Kristensen Nadiah P. , Gwee Chyi Yin , Chisholm Ryan A. , Rheindt Frank E.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Research in island biogeography has long focused mainly on present‐day island configurations. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on islands’ past histories of land connection, shape and size. Moreover, continental islands (=shelf islands) have received less attention than oceanic islands, and species inventories from extremely small islands are lacking in many datasets. We examine the effects of sea‐level rise since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) on bird species diversity and composition of tropical shelf islands in Southeast Asia.

Location

Sundaland.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We compiled avifaunal island inventories for 94 islands using an exhaustive literature review of historic surveys of larger islands combined with our own comprehensive island surveys from both small and large islands. Using generalised least‐squares models with spatial autocorrelation, we assessed the importance of traditional biogeographical parameters including area, maximum elevation, distance from mainland and geographical isolation, along with post‐LGM effects of change in island area and duration since isolation. We also compared the species composition on similar‐sized shelf islands from two categories—recently submerged and unsubmerged—using non‐metric multidimensional scaling.

Results

Post‐LGM effects on species diversity are minimal and insular diversity is instead well explained by present‐day island characteristics, such as area, distance to mainland and proportion of land surrounding an island within a 10 km radius (Cox and Snell Pseudo‐R2 = 0.803). Avifaunal diversity is similar across recently submerged and unsubmerged small shelf islands.

Main conclusion

Avifaunal diversity on tropical shelf islands equilibrates rapidly after isolation, indicating that both extinction and immigration rates are high. In particular, a high immigration rate of dispersive species maintains diversity, especially on small islands. Over‐water dispersal is generally restricted to short distances among Sundaic birds. Consequently, the diversity of an island can be maintained by the presence of large or stepping‐stone islands near it.
Can’t see the wood for the trees? Canopy physiognomy influences the distribution of peninsular Indian flying lizards
Authors: Chaitanya Ramamoorthi , Meiri Shai
Published: December 2021

Aim

In the absence of topographic barriers to dispersal, spatial boundaries of species are largely governed by the environmental regimes they occupy. Flying lizards (Agamidae: Draco) from peninsular India have surmounted prominent geographic barriers, but their northern distribution abruptly ends at the ‘Goa gap’, a latitudinal boundary separating the wet and dry regions of the Western Ghats. Given their exclusively arboreal habits, we posit that canopy physiognomy determines Draco distribution in regions of climatic suitability.

Location

Peninsular India.

Taxa

Draco dussumieri, Monilesaurus rouxii.

Methods

We analysed occurrence data collated from multiple sources against a suite of climatic and canopy‐specific predictors to model the occurrence of Draco. We used an information theoretic approach to binary logistic regression that incorporates presence/absence data, along with a maximum entropy‐based algorithm that models ecological niches in space using presence‐only data. Climatic data were obtained from CHELSA and WorldClim. We compared models for Draco dussumieri with the only other largely sympatric, arboreal agamid, Monilesaurus rouxii, which spans the Goa gap. Finally, we statistically tested how regions Draco inhabits differ in canopy physiognomy from the regions in the Western Ghats where it does not occur.

Results

Canopy height was the most influential predictor of Draco presence in regions of climatic suitability under both the logistic regression and maximum entropy models. While climatically suitable regions occur north of the Goa gap, these regions harbour significantly lower canopies with lesser coverage. Despite a narrower range of climatic suitability, Monilesaurus has spanned the Goa gap, presumably because it is less dependent on canopy traits.

Main conclusions

Lower canopies with lesser coverage act as a biogeographic barrier for the dispersal of Draco into regions of climatic suitability. In addition to being a climatic boundary, the Goa gap serves as a vegetational barrier that demarcates regions with significantly dissimilar canopy physiognomies. Our study highlights the importance of quantifying environmental regimes that organisms occupy to better understand distribution patterns. Our results implicitly predict the effects of deforestation on Draco distribution in the peninsula and therefore, influence its conservation strategy.
Catheter knot around the mitral valve apparatus: An exceptional complication of remote magnetic navigation
Authors: Benali Karim , Hammache Nefissa , Sellal Jean‐Marc , Mazen Elfarra , de Chillou Christian
Published: December 2021

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) is as safe and effective as manual navigation for catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. This case is the first description of a soft‐tip ablation catheter entrapment in the mitral valve apparatus during an RMN ablation procedure. The tight knot created by the catheter around a mitral valve chordae required surgical removal. This complication, which has never been reported before, highlights the need for closer fluoroscopic monitoring when performing catheter loops inside the ventricles when using the RMN system.
Improvement of left ventricular function with surgical revascularization in patients eligible for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Adabag Selçuk , Carlson Selma , Gravely Amy , Buelt‐Gebhardt Melissa , Madjid Mohammad , Naksuk Niyada
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35% is the cornerstone criterion for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) eligibility. Improvement in EF may occur in ICD‐eligible patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). However, the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of this process are unclear.

Methods and Results

We studied 427 patients with EF ≤ 35% who underwent CABG in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial and had a systematic pre‐ and postoperative (4 months) EF assessment using the identical cardiac imaging modality. All imaging studies were interpreted at a core laboratory. Improvement in EF was defined as postoperative EF > 35% and >5% absolute improvement from baseline. Of the 427 patients (mean age 61.8 ± 9.5 and 50 women), 125 (29.2%) had EF improvement. Their mean EF increased from 26.8% (±5.8%) to 43.3% (±6.5%) (p < .0001). EF improvement occurred in only 20% of patients with a preoperative EF < 25%. The odds of EF improvement were 1.96 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–4.23, p = .09) in patients with myocardial viability. In adjusted analyses, EF improvement was associated with a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35–0.96; p = .03) and heart failure mortality (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.87; p = .027).

Conclusion

Nearly 1/3rd of ICD‐eligible patients undergoing CABG had significant improvement in EF, obviating the need for primary prevention ICD implantation. These results provide patients and clinicians data on the likelihood of ICD eligibility after CABG and support the practice of reassessment of EF after revascularization.
Cost‐effectiveness of catheter ablation versus medical therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Leung Lisa W. M. , Imhoff Ryan J. , Marshall Howard J. , Frame Diana , Mallow Peter J. , Goldstein Laura , Wei Tom , Velleca Maria , Taylor Hannah , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Research evidence has shown that catheter ablation is a safe and superior treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to medical therapy, but real‐world practice has been slow to adopt an early interventional approach. This study aims to determine the cost effectiveness of catheter ablation compared to medical therapy from the perspective of the United Kingdom.

Methods

A patient‐level Markov health‐state transition model was used to conduct a cost‐utility analysis. The population included patients previously treated for AF with medical therapy, including those with heart failure (HF), simulated over a lifetime horizon. Data sources included published literature on utilization and cardiovascular event rates in real world patients, a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials for AF recurrence, and publicly available government data/reports on costs.

Results

Catheter ablation resulted in a favorable incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £8614 per additional quality adjusted life years (QALY) gained when compared to medical therapy. More patients in the medical therapy group failed rhythm control at any point compared to catheter ablation (72% vs. 24%) and at a faster rate (median time to treatment failure: 3.8 vs. 10 years). Additionally, catheter ablation was estimated to be more cost‐effective in patients with AF and HF (ICER = £6438) and remained cost‐effective over all tested time horizons (10, 15, and 20 years), with the ICER ranging from £9047–£15 737 per QALY gained.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation is a cost‐effective treatment for atrial fibrillation, compared to medical therapy, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service.
Non‐reproducible signals of adaptation to elevation between open and understorey microhabitats in snapdragon plants
Authors: Gibert Anaïs , Marin Sara , Mouginot Pierick , Archambeau Juliette , Illes Morgane , Ollivier Gabriel , Gandara Alice , Pujol Benoit
Published: December 2021

Experimental studies on local adaptation rarely investigate how different environmental variables might modify signals of adaptation or maladaptation. In plant common garden experiments, signals of adaptation or maladaptation to elevation are usually investigated in open habitats under full light. However, most plants inhabit heterogeneous habitats where environmental conditions differ. Understorey microhabitats are common and differ in terms of tree shade, temperature, water availability, microbiota, allelochemicals etc. Germination is a fitness‐related trait of major importance for the adaptation of plants to contrasted climate conditions. It is affected by shade in snapdragon plants (Antirrhinum majus) and many other plant species. Here, we tested for the reproducibility of signals extrapolated from germination results between open and understorey microhabitats in two parapatric snapdragon plant subspecies (A. m. striatum and A. m. pseudomajus) characterized by a similar elevation range by using common garden experiments at different elevations. Signals observed under one microhabitat systematically differed in the other. Most scenarios could be inferred, with signals either shifting, appearing or disappearing between different environments. Our findings imply that caution should be taken when extrapolating the evolutionary significance of these types of experimental signals because they are not stable from one local environmental condition to the next. Forecasting the ability of plants to adapt to environmental changes based on common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments must account for the multivariate nature of the environment.