bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential proteins associated with plasma membrane in X‐ and/or Y‐chromosome bearing spermatozoa in indicus cattle
Authors: Laxmivandana Rongala , Patole Chhaya , Sharma Tilak Raj , Sharma Kewal Krishan , Naskar Soumen
Published: April 2021

The differential proteins associated with plasma membrane of spermatozoa are less known, identification of which shall help overcome limitations of currently used methods of sperm sexing, considered as a high priority for livestock sector of many countries. This study has reported plasma membrane proteomics of unsorted spermatozoa and differential expression of plasma membrane‐associated proteins between X‐ and Y‐chromosome bearing spermatozoa of indicus cattle (Bos indicus). Isolation of plasma membrane fraction using percoll gradient, relatively a rapid method, from bovine spermatozoa has been reported to enrich isolation of plasma membrane proteins. Significant enrichment for plasma membrane‐associated proteins was observed in plasma membrane fraction (p < .05) as compared to the total cell lysate using LC‐MS/MS. Furthermore, these experiments were conducted in flow cytometry sorted, sexed‐semen samples. Thirteen proteins were identified as differentially abundant between X‐ and Y‐sorted spermatozoa. Among these, two proteins were downregulated in Y‐sorted spermatozoa compared to the X‐sorted spermatozoa (p < .05), while four and seven proteins could be noted in X‐ and Y‐sorted spermatozoa, respectively. Proteins that are presumed to support sperm capacitation and sperm migration velocity were found to be abundant in Y‐sorted spermatozoa while those associated with structural molecule activity were identified as abundant in X‐sorted spermatozoa in the present study. Our study provides better insight into the plasma membrane proteomics of spermatozoa of indicus cattle and furnishes data that might aid in design and development of alternate and open technology for sex‐sorting of semen.
Circulating regulators of the wingless pathway in precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ueland Thor , Abraityte Aurelija , Norum Hilde , Varathalingam Sharanga , Gullestad Lars , Aukrust Pål , Andreassen Arne K.
Published: April 2021

Background and objective

Dysregulated Wnt signalling has been implicated in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that plasma levels of secreted Wnt proteins would be increased in patients with precapillary PH, correlate with indices of vascular resistance and cardiac function and give information on long‐term prognosis.

Methods

We measured the Wnt ligand Wnt5a and secreted Wnt antagonists Dickkopf (DKK) DKK1, DKK3, secreted frizzled‐related protein 3 (sFRP3), Wnt inhibitory factor‐1 (WIF1) and sclerostin (SOST) in 106 patients with precapillary PH and 40 healthy controls. A second sample was obtained after a median of 4 months (n = 52). During a median of 90 months follow‐up, 67 patients died.

Results

Our main findings were (i) Precapillary PH is characterized by enhanced systemic Wnt activity as reflected by elevated plasma levels of Wnt5a and secreted antagonists irrespective of diagnostic subgroups. (ii) WIF1 and in particular Wnt5a correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac dysfunction. (iii) High levels of Wnt5a, sFRP3, DKK3 and WIF1 were associated with poor prognosis in age‐ and sex‐adjusted analysis (hazard ratios per log/SD change ~1.4) and for DKK3 after further adjustment with right arterial pressure, pulmonary oxygen saturation, cardiac index, N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide and peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Finally, an elevation of Wnt5a and DKK3 during follow‐up was independently associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that Wnt signalling pathways could be implicated in the pathogenesis of precapillary PH, and that some of the Wnt‐related molecules (i.e., Wnt5a and DKK3) should be further investigated in these patients.
GATT/WTO membership–poverty nexus: An unconditional quantile regression approach
Authors: Kouwoaye Amèvi Rocard
Published: April 2021

This paper uses unconditional quantile regression methods to evaluate the incidence of GATT/WTO membership on poverty in countries with different poverty rates. My results suggest that GATT/WTO membership increases significantly poverty across the entire unconditional distribution of poverty. Countries with the highest poverty rates incur larger poverty increases after joining GATT/WTO than countries with lower poverty rates. However, the results point out heterogeneity among countries depending on the reforms carried upon GATT/WTO membership. The results indicate that countries that conducted extensive policy reforms and were not subject to Article XXVI 5(c) are associated with poverty reduction. Also, by splitting the sample into groups of countries that have and do not have a comparative advantage in agriculture, I find that countries with lower poverty rates that are net exporters of agricultural products experience poverty reduction, whereas poverty increases in net importing countries across poverty quantiles. These results are robust across different unconditional quantile regression methods and to the selection bias.
Carbon dioxide laser surgery for chronic proliferative and obstructive otitis externa in 26 dogs
Authors: Aslan Jeylan , Shipstone Michael A. , Mackie John T.
Published: April 2021

Background

Some dogs with chronic otitis externa (OE) develop proliferation of the tissues surrounding the opening of the external ear canal, resulting in obstruction. Traditionally total ear canal ablation with bulla osteotomy (TECABO) has been recommended.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel treatment using carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery and to describe the histopathological features of chronic proliferative and obstructive OE.

Animals

Twenty‐six dogs were included, 16 with bilateral and 10 with unilateral disease (42 ears were treated). Dogs with nonpatent horizontal ear canal or macroscopic calcification of the ear canal were excluded. For histopathological evaluation, tissue samples were collected from 11 dogs (17 ears).

Methods and materials

Hyperplastic tissue around the canal opening and within the vertical ear canal was dissected and ablated using a CO2laser. Biopsy samples were evaluated for sebaceous and ceruminous gland hyperplasia, epidermal hyperplasia, inflammation and fibrosis.

Results

Following CO2laser surgery there was a good or excellent outcome with substantial resolution of proliferative changes in 39 of 42 ears from 24 of 26 dogs. One surgery was sufficient in 21 dogs and three dogs had two surgeries. Two dogs had recurrence of proliferative tissue after one surgery and underwent TECABO. Two dogs had no recurrence of proliferative tissue after surgery, yet had persistent luminal infection and underwent TECABO. The remainder of the dogs were effectively medically managed long‐term following surgery. Histologically, eight ears had a predominantly sebaceous gland response, three had a predominantly ceruminous response and six had a mixed glandular pattern. Epidermal hyperplasia, inflammation and fibrosis varied from mild to severe.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Carbon dioxide laser surgery is an effective treatment of proliferative OE causing obstruction of the ear canal opening and vertical canal, and should be considered as an alternative to TECABO whenever possible.
CT measures of adrenal gland length and caudal pole diameter are reproducible in large breed dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Perfetti Simone , Diana Alessia , Baron Toaldo Marco , Cipone Mario , Quinci Manuela , Pey Pascaline
Published: April 2021

Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly available to evaluate dogs with suspected adrenal disease, however, published studies describing the reproducibility of CT methods for quantifying adrenal gland (AG) measurements are lacking. This prospective, pilot, observer agreement study aimed to evaluate reproducibility and repeatability of two different methods of measurement of AGs on CT to establish a usable technique and define standard reference ranges. Multiplanar reformatted (MPR) CT images of both AGs of six large breed dogs were obtained with the MPR axis parallel to the spine and parallel to the long axis of the AG. Ten measurements were performed: maximal length and diameter at cranial and caudal poles on dorsal, sagittal, and transverse images; and minimal diameter of cranial and caudal poles on transverse images. Three observers with different levels of experience repeated these measurements three times for each dog. Intra‐ and interobserver variability were calculated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The differences in time to perform measurements between the two methods were tested with Student'st‐test. Regardless of the measurement method used, length of AGs on dorsal and sagittal MPR images had the lowest intra‐ and inter‐observer variability (ICC = 0.93‐0.99), diameter of caudal pole on transverse plane showed low intra‐ and interobserver variability (ICC = 0.77‐0.80) and diameter of cranial pole had the highest variability (ICC = 0.12‐0.61). Although length was the less variable measurement, its use may be unrealistic in daily practice. Interestingly measurement of caudal pole on transverse plane was characterized by low intra‐ and interobserver variability. No difference in time performing the measurements was noted between the two methods.
Stable homotopy refinement of quantum annular homology
Authors: Akhmechet Rostislav , Krushkal Vyacheslav , Willis Michael
Published: April 2021

We construct a stable homotopy refinement of quantum annular homology, a link homology theory introduced by Beliakova, Putyra and Wehrli. For each

$r\geq ~2$

we associate to an annular link

$L$

a naive

$\mathbb {Z}/r\mathbb {Z}$

-equivariant spectrum whose cohomology is isomorphic to the quantum annular homology of

$L$

as modules over

$\mathbb {Z}[\mathbb {Z}/r\mathbb {Z}]$

. The construction relies on an equivariant version of the Burnside category approach of Lawson, Lipshitz and Sarkar. The quotient under the cyclic group action is shown to recover the stable homotopy refinement of annular Khovanov homology. We study spectrum level lifts of structural properties of quantum annular homology.
Effect of Warm-Up and Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on 4-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance
Authors: Gurton William H. , Faulkner Steve H. , James Ruth M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To examine whether an ecologically valid, intermittent, sprint-based warm-up strategy impacted the ergogenic capacity of individualized sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on 4-km cycling time-trial (TT) performance. Methods: A total of 8 male cyclists attended 6 laboratory visits for familiarization, determination of time to peak blood bicarbonate, and 4 × 4-km cycling TTs. Experimental beverages were administered doubleblind. Treatments were conducted in a block-randomized, crossover order: intermittent warm-up + NaHCO3 (IWSB), intermittent warm-up + placebo, control warm-up + NaHCO3 (CWSB), and control warm-up + placebo (CWP). The intermittent warm-up comprised exercise corresponding to lactate threshold (5 min at 50%, 2 min at 60%, 2 min at 80%, 1 min at 100%, and 2 min at 50%) and 3 × 10-second maximal sprints. The control warm-up comprised 16.5 minutes cycling at 150 W. Participants ingested 0.3 g·kg body mass−1 NaHCO3 or 0.03 g·kg body mass−1 sodium chloride (placebo) in 5 mL·kg body mass−1 fluid (3:2, water and sugar-free orange squash). Paired t tests were conducted for TT performance. Hematological data (blood bicarbonate and blood lactate) and gastrointestinal discomfort were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Performance was faster for CWSB versus IWSB (5.0 [6.1] s; P = .052) and CWP (5.8 [6.0] s; P = .03). Pre-TT bicarbonate concentration was elevated for CWSB versus IWSB (+9.3 mmol·L−1; P < .001) and CWP (+7.1 mmol·L−1; P < .001). Post-TT blood lactate concentration was elevated for CWSB versus CWP (+2.52 mmol·L−1; P = .022). Belching was exacerbated pre-warm-up for IWSB versus intermittent warm-up +placebo (P = .046) and CWP (P = .027). Conclusion: An intermittent, sprint-based warm-up mitigated the ergogenic benefits of NaHCO3 ingestion on 4-km cycling TT performance.
Validation of an Adapted Questionnaire for Outdoor Walking Among Older Adults: The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS
Authors: Akinrolie Olayinka , Webber Sandra C. , Salbach Nancy M. , Barclay Ruth
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the construct and known-groups validity of the total score of five items adapted from the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire to measure outdoor walking (CHAMPS-OUTDOORS) in older adults. Data from the baseline assessment of the Getting Older Adult OUTdoors (GO-OUT) trial were used. Construct validity of the CHAMPS-OUTDOORS used objective measures of outdoor walking (accelerometry–GPS), Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire, RAND-36, 6-min walk test, 10-m walk test, and Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test. For known-groups validity, we compared the CHAMPS-OUTDOORS of those who walked < or ≥1.2 m/s. Sixty-five participants had an average age of 76.5 ± 7.8 years. The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS was moderately correlated with total outdoor walking time (r = .33) and outdoor steps (r = .33) per week measured by accelerometry-GPS, and weakly correlated with Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test score (r = .27). The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS did not distinguish known groups based on crosswalk speed (p = .33). The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS may be used to assess outdoor walking in the absence of accelerometry GPS. Further research examining reliability is needed.
Missing water from the Qiangtang Basin on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yong Bin , Wang Chi-Yuen , Chen Jiansheng , Chen Jiaqi , Barry D.A. , Wang Tao , Li Ling
Published: April 2021

The Qiangtang Basin is a large endorheic basin in the inner part of the Tibetan Plateau, and has been thought to be a dry region in contrast with the surrounding wet outer region that feeds all the major Asian rivers. Combining surface hydrological data with modeling and satellite data from 2002 to 2016 CE, our study reveals that an enormous amount of water, ~54 ± 4 km3, is unaccounted for annually in the Qiangtang Basin. The amount of missing water is comparable to the total annual discharge of the Yellow River. Data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission show little increase of local terrestrial water storage. Thus, the missing water must have flowed out of the basin through underground passages. Interpreting this result in the context of recent seismic and geological studies of Tibet, we suggest that a significant amount of meteoric water in the Qiangtang Basin leaks out by way of groundwater flow through deep normal faults and tensional fractures along the nearly north-south rift valleys that are oriented subnormal to and cross the surficial hydrological divide on the southern margin of the basin. Cross-basin groundwater outflow of such a magnitude defies the traditional view of a basin-scale water cycle and leads to a very different picture from the previous hydrological view of the Qiangtang Basin. This finding calls for major rethinking of the regional water balance.
Supplemental Material: History of the Larsen C Ice Shelf reconstructed from sub–ice shelf and offshore sediments
Authors: Smith James A , al. et
Published: April 2021

Figures S1–S4 (RPI data), Figures S5–S6 (14C and 210Pb data), Table S1 (rock magnetic parameters), Tables S2–S3 (radiocarbon dates), chronology, sedimentological methods, and supplemental references.
Numerical-Analytical Study of Linked Orbits in the Restricted Elliptic Doubly Averaged Three-Body Problem
Authors: Vashkov’yak M. A.
Published: April 2021

The restricted elliptic doubly averaged three-body problem is considered. The terms up to the second order inclusive with respect to the orbital eccentricity of the perturbing body are retained in the expansion of the perturbing function. The elements of the elliptical orbit for the perturbed body are deemed arbitrary. The special, so-called linked orbits of a negligible-mass body are investigated by numerically integrating the averaged equations in Keplerian elements. For such orbits the points of their intersection with the orbital plane of the perturbing body are on different sides of this orbit. The evolution of hypothetical and some real cometary orbits is described in the simplest Sun-Jupiter-comet model; their differences from the corresponding orbits in the circular problem have been revealed.
Crossed unfused renal ectopia with pelviureteric junction obstruction associated with nephrolithiasis: a rare troublesome triad managed by robotic surgery
Authors: Banthia Ravi , Srivastava Aneesh , Singh Uday Pratap , Lal Hira
Published: April 2021

We report a rare case of non-fused renal ectopia with pelviureteric junction obstruction and multiple pelvic and renal calculi thereby discussing vascular anatomy of the non-fused ectopic kidney along with robot assisted surgical management of this rare clinical entity which amounts for good preoperative workup for best surgical and clinical outcome.
Trigger finger is associated with risk of incident cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mineoka Yusuke , Ishii Michiyo , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Yuge Hiroki , Toyoda Machiko , Nakamura Naoto , Katsumi Yasukazu , Fukui Michiaki
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Trigger finger is one of the complications affecting the upper extremity in patients with diabetes. Diabetes is also a well-known risk factor that predisposes individuals to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This retrospective cohort study aimed to establish the association between trigger finger and the patients with incident CVD with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

Trigger finger was diagnosed by palpating a thickened tendon during ﬂexion or on the manifestation of a locking phenomenon during extension or ﬂexion of either ﬁnger. The relationship between trigger finger and other clinical parameters or complications of diabetes was examined by a comparative analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between trigger finger and incidence of CVD. We calculated the propensity scores using sex, body mass index, age, smoking status, duration of diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hemoglobin A1c as the number of patients with incident CVD during the follow-up period was low.

Results

Among the 399 patients with type 2 diabetes, 54 patients had trigger finger. Patients with trigger finger were significantly older in age and had been suffering from diabetes for a longer duration. They also displayed worse renal function and glycemic control, along with a higher incidence of hypertension, neuropathy and nephropathy. During the average 5.66±1.12 years of follow-up, a total of 18 incidents occurred. According to the Cox regression analysis, trigger finger was shown to be associated with enhanced risk of the incidence of CVD after adjustment for the covariates (adjusted HR=3.33 (95% CI 1.25 to 8.66), p=0.017).

Conclusions

Trigger finger is associated with the risk of incident CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, clinicians must consider these factors at the time of diagnosis of such patients.
Delivering nutrition interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review
Authors: Shah Shailja , Padhani Zahra Ali , Als Daina , Munyuzangabo Mariella , Gaffey Michelle F , Ahmed Wardah , Siddiqui Fahad J , Meteke Sarah , Kamali Mahdis , Jain Reena P , Radhakrishnan Amruta , Ataullahjan Anushka , Das Jai K , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: April 2021

Background

Low/middle-income countries (LMICs) face triple burden of malnutrition associated with infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases. This review aims to synthesise the available data on the delivery, coverage, and effectiveness of the nutrition programmes for conflict affected women and children living in LMICs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases and grey literature using terms related to conflict, population, and nutrition. We searched studies on women and children receiving nutrition-specific interventions during or within five years of a conflict in LMICs. We extracted information on population, intervention, and delivery characteristics, as well as delivery barriers and facilitators. Data on intervention coverage and effectiveness were tabulated, but no meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

Ninety-one pubblications met our inclusion criteria. Nearly half of the publications (n=43) included population of sub-Saharan Africa (n=31) followed by Middle East and North African region. Most publications (n=58) reported on interventions targeting children under 5 years of age, and pregnant and lactating women (n=27). General food distribution (n=34), micronutrient supplementation (n=27) and nutrition assessment (n=26) were the most frequently reported interventions, with most reporting on intervention delivery to refugee populations in camp settings (n=63) and using community-based approaches. Only eight studies reported on coverage and effectiveness of intervention. Key delivery facilitators included community advocacy and social mobilisation, effective monitoring and the integration of nutrition, and other sectoral interventions and services, and barriers included insufficient resources, nutritional commodity shortages, security concerns, poor reporting, limited cooperation, and difficulty accessing and following-up of beneficiaries.

Discussion

Despite the focus on nutrition in conflict settings, our review highlights important information gaps. Moreover, there is very little information on coverage or effectiveness of nutrition interventions; more rigorous evaluation of effectiveness and delivery approaches is needed, including outside of camps and for preventive as well as curative nutrition interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019125221.
Dry eye: why artificial tears are not always the answer
Authors: Kim Minji , Lee Yonghoon , Mehra Divy , Sabater Alfonso L , Galor Anat
Published: April 2021

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease that manifests in patients with a variety of symptoms and signs such as ocular pain, visual issues, rapid tear evaporation and/or decreased tear production. It is a global health problem and is the leading cause of optometry and ophthalmology clinic visits. The mainstay therapy for DED is artificial tears (ATs), which mimics tears and improves tear stability and properties. ATs have been found to improve symptoms and signs of disease in all DED subtypes, including aqueous deficient DED and evaporative DED. However, given the heterogeneity of DED, it is not surprising that ATs are not effective in all patients. When AT fails to relieve symptoms and/or signs of DED, it is critical to identify the underlying contributors to disease and escalate therapy appropriately. This includes underlying systemic diseases, meibomian gland dysfunction, anatomical abnormalities and neuropathic dysfunction. Thus, this review will discuss the benefits and limitations of ATs and review conditions when escalation of therapy should be considered in DED.
Action plans in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a qualitative study—‘I do what I can do’
Authors: Kalluri Meena , Younus Sarah , Archibald Nathan , Richman-Eisenstat Janice , Pooler Charlotte
Published: April 2021

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, incurable fibrotic lung disease in which patients and caregivers report a high symptom burden. Symptoms are often poorly managed and patients and caregivers struggle to alleviate their distress in the absence of self-management support.

Aim

To explore perceptions of symptoms, symptom management strategies and self-efficacy for patients with IPF and caregivers who received self-management education and action plans created and provided in a Multidisciplinary Collaborative Interstitial Lung Disease (MDC-ILD) Clinic.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted with participants recruited from the MDC-ILD Clinic. Participants received an early integrated palliative approach; most attended ILD pulmonary rehabilitation and some received home care support. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Patient participants completed Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) for symptom assessment and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-Efficacy Scale to assess self-management efficacy.

Results

Thirteen patients and eight self-declared caregiver participants were interviewed. IPF severity ranged from mild to advanced disease. Participants integrated and personalised self-management strategies. They were intentional and confident, focused on living well and engaged in anticipatory planning. Twelve participants completed the MYMOP. Five reported dyspnoea. Four reported fatigue as an additional or only symptom. One reported cough. Five declared no dyspnoea, cough or fatigue. Participants reported 80% self-efficacy in symptom management.

Conclusions

The approach to symptom self-management and education was beneficial to patients with IPF and caregiver participants. Participants personalised the strategies, focusing on living, and planned both in the moment and for the future. They were confident and expressed dignity and meaning in their lives.
Prognostic implications of left atrial dilation in aortic regurgitation due to bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Butcher Steele C , Fortuni Federico , Kong William , Vollema E Mara , Prevedello Francesca , Perry Rebecca , Ng Arnold Chin Tse , Poh Kian Keong , Almeida Ana G , González-Gómez Ariana , Shen Mylène , Yeo Tiong-Cheng , Shanks Miriam , Popescu Bogdan A , Galian-Gay Laura , Fijalkowski Marcin , Liang Michael , Tay Edgar , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Selvanayagam Joseph B , Pinto Fausto J , Zamorano José , Pibarot Philippe , Evangelista Arturo , Bax Jeroen J , Delgado Victoria
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of left atrial volume index (LAVI) in patients with moderate to severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).

Methods

554 individuals (45 (IQR 33–57) years, 80% male) with BAV and moderate or severe AR were selected from an international, multicentre registry. The association between LAVI and the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality or aortic valve surgery was investigated with Cox proportional hazard regression analyses.

Results

Dilated LAVI was observed in 181 (32.7%) patients. The mean indexed aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta diameters were 13.0±2.0 mm/m2, 19.4±3.7 mm/m2, 16.5±3.8 mm/m2and 20.4±4.5 mm/m2, respectively. After a median follow-up of 23 (4–82) months, 272 patients underwent aortic valve surgery (89%) or died (11%). When compared with patients with normal LAVI (<35 mL/m2), those with a dilated LAVI (≥35 mL/m2) had significantly higher rates of aortic valve surgery or mortality (43% and 60% vs 23% and 36%, at 1 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively, p<0.001). Dilated LAVI was independently associated with reduced event-free survival (HR=1.450, 95% CI 1.085 to 1.938, p=0.012) after adjustment for LV ejection fraction, aortic root diameter, LV end-diastolic diameter and LV end-systolic diameter.

Conclusions

In this large, multicentre registry of patients with BAV and moderate to severe AR, left atrial dilation was independently associated with reduced event-free survival. The role of this parameter for the risk stratification of individuals with significant AR merits further investigation.
Improving selection of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to benefit from cetuximab based on KIR genotypes
Authors: Manzanares-Martin Barbara , Cebrián Aranda Arancha , del Puerto-Nevado Laura , González Rafael , Solanes Sonia , Gómez-España Maria Auxiliadora , García-Foncillas Jesús , Aranda Enrique
Published: April 2021

Aim

Cetuximab is a standard-of-care treatment forKRASwild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but it may also be effective in a subgroup ofKRASmutant patients by its immunomodulatory activity. Here, we explore if KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genotyping can provide a significant added value in the clinical outcome of patients withKRASmutant mCRC based on cetuximab treatment.

Methods

We included 69 patients with histologically confirmed mCRC andKRASmutation, positive EGFR expression, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2. Based on KIR gene content, haplotype (A or B) was defined and genotypes (AA or Bx) were grouped for each patient.

Results

We demonstrated with new evidence the immunomodulatory activity of cetuximab in patients withKRASmutant mCRC. Patients with homozygous genotypes (AA or BB) showed shorter 12-month progression-free survival (PFS12) and poorer overall survival (OS) than those with heterozygotes (AB). Moreover, multivariate analysis confirmed stratification of patients based on genotype was an independent marker of PFS12 (HR 2.16) and the centromeric and telomeric distribution of KIRs was an independent predictor of both PFS12 (HR 2.26) and OS (HR 1.93) in patients with mCRC withKRASmutation treated with cetuximab.

Conclusions

Selection of patients with mCRC based on their KIR genotypes opens a therapeutic opportunity for patients withKRASmutation, and it should be tested in clinical trials in comparison with other alternatives with scarce benefit.

Trial registration number

NCT01450319, EudraCT 2010-023580-18.
Breastfeeding in women with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Ikram Naira , Eudy Amanda , Clowse Megan E B
Published: April 2021

Objective

Many rheumatologists and women with rheumatic disease worry that the disease or treatment will prevent breast feeding. International guidelines establish, however, that most antirheumatic medications are compatible with breast feeding. We sought to identify the frequency and predictors of desire to and actually breast feeding in women with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

Pregnant women with rheumatic disease were enrolled prospectively. Demographics and breastfeeding intention were collected at study entry, while actual breastfeeding decision was recorded postpartum. Maternal diagnosis, demographics and medication use was collected throughout the study. Predictors of breast feeding and intention were identified using stepwise logistic regression.

Results

A total of 265 pregnancies were included in the study, 88 with SLE, 33 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, 100 with arthritis and 44 with other rare rheumatic diagnoses. Of these, 79% intended to breastfeed, 84% of women ever breast fed and 65% were still breast feeding at an average of 7.6 weeks postpartum. Medication concern was the most commonly cited reason not to breastfeed though only 5% of women were taking or planning to start a non-lactation compatible medication at their postpartum visit. In multivariate analysis, women with a college degree were more likely and women with SLE were less likely to intend to breastfeed. Actual breast feeding was most strongly predicted by the woman’s intention to breastfeed, but also increased with maternal age, decreased if the baby was born preterm and decreased the further the postpartum appointment occurred from delivery.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the majority of women with rheumatic disease want to and can breastfeed successfully. Additionally, very few women required a medication that was not compatible with breast feeding to control their rheumatic disease in the postpartum period. Despite this, an important minority of patients did not continue breast feeding due to their personal concerns about the risks of antirheumatic medications to their infant.
First multicenter experience using the Silk Vista flow diverter in 60 consecutive intracranial aneurysms: technical aspects
Authors: Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Onal Yilmaz , Cohen José E , Kalousek Vladimir , Rivera Rodrigo , Sordo Juan Gabriel , Echeverria Daniel , Pereira Vitor M , Blasco Jordi , Mardighian Dikran , Velioglu Murat , van Adel Brian , Wang Bill Hao , Gomori J Moshe , Filioglo Andrei , Čulo Branimir , Lynch Jeremy , Binboga Ali Burak , Onay Mehmet , Galvan Fernandez Jorge , Schüller Arteaga Miguel , Guio Jose David , Bhogal Pervinder , Makalanda Levan , Wong Ken , Aggour Mohamed , Gentric Jean Christophe , Gavrilovic Vladimir , Navia Pedro , Fernandez Prieto Andrés , González Eva , Aldea Jesus , López Jose Luis , Lorenzo-Gorriz Antonio , Madelrieux Thomas , Rouchaud Aymeric , Mounayer Charbel
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the technical success and procedural safety of the new Silk Vista device (SV) by evaluating the intraprocedural and periprocedural complication rate after its use in several institutions worldwide.

Methods

The study involved a retrospective review of multicenter data regarding a consecutive series of patients with intracranial aneurysms, treated with the SV between September 2020 and January 2021. Clinical, intra/periprocedural and angiographic data, including approach, materials used, aneurysm size and location, device/s, technical details and initial angiographic aneurysm occlusion, were analyzed.

Results

60 aneurysms were treated with SV in 57 procedures. 66 devices were used, 3 removed and 63 implanted. The devices opened instantaneously in 60 out of 66 (91%) cases and complete wall apposition was achieved in 58 out of 63 (92%) devices implanted. In 4 out of 66 (6%) devices a partial opening of the distal end occurred, and in 5 (8%) devices incomplete apposition was reported. There were 3 (5%) intraprocedural thromboembolic events managed successfully with no permanent neurological morbidity, and 4 (7%) postprocedural events. There was no mortality in this study. The initial occlusion rates in the 60 aneurysms were as follows: O’Kelly–Marotta (OKM) A in 34 (57%) cases, OKM B in 15 (25%) cases, OKM C in 6 (10%) cases, and OKM D in 5 (8%) cases.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the use of the new flow diverter Silk Vista for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is feasible and technically safe.
Are patients with rheumatic diseases on immunosuppressive therapies protected against preventable infections? A cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Kiltz Uta , Celik Aylin , Tsiami Styliani , Buehring Bjoern , Baraliakos Xenofon , Andreica Ioana , Kiefer David , Braun Juergen
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of infections, prevalence of hospitalisation due to infections, the vaccination status and perceived screening of infections prior to the start of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) of a patient cohort with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD).

Methods

Consecutive CIRD patients reporting to our specialised centre were prospectively included (n=975) in this cross-sectional study. Data on comorbidities including infections, treatment, vaccination status, screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and hepatitis B (HepB) were collected. Antibodies against measles and HepB were measured by ELISA. The vaccination status was assessed by a predefined vaccination score (0–26) categorising patients into four immunisation states: low (0–6), moderate (7–13), good (14–20), high (21–26).

Results

All patients on bDMARDs (n=499) were screened for LTBI, and 469 for HepB (94%). All LTBI patients (n=16) received isoniazid (3.2%) and 16 chronic HepB patients received lamivudine (3.4%). Protective measles specific IgG-antibodies were found in 901 patients (92.4%). Although 629 patients were educated about vaccination strategies (64.5%), only 540 showed a vaccination card (55.4%). Only 49% of patients had undergone pneumococcal vaccination and less than 30% were protected against HepB and influenza, while 7.6% have not protective antibody titres against measles. No patient met the German national vaccination recommendations requiring a complete documentation of vaccines. The mean vaccination score was 13.3±4.2 with 5.7% of patients having a low, 43.9% a moderate, 47.0% a good and 3.3% a high score.

Conclusions

The majority of CIRD patients are n0t sufficiently vaccinated against pneumococci, HepB, influenza and measles. Although CIRD patients and general practitioners regularly receive professional information about the need of vaccination, vaccination rates were low to moderate. Interdisciplinary quality projects should be planned to change that inacceptable result.
Multi-elemental risk assessment of various baby rice cereals: some cause for concern?
Authors: Sadiq Nausheen W. , Beauchemin Diane
Published: April 2021

This study used batch and online methods to accurately determine how much arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) can be leached from baby rice cereals into a baby’s body. Speciation analysis of the saliva and gastric juice leachates was conducted to further assess the risk associated with the continued consumption of baby rice cereal for infants. A simple 15 min chromatographic analysis successfully separated eight species consisting of As(III), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), As(V), Se(IV), Se(VI), Cr(III), and Cr(VI). Given that 95%–100% As, 29%–100% Cr, 62%–100% Pb, 70%–100% Se, 63%–100% Cd, 36%–100% Cu, 67%–100% Fe, and 70%–100% Zn were bio-accessible and the speciation analysis results showed all bio-accessible As and Se to be in the forms of As(V) and Se(VI) and 70%–100% of Cr to be in the Cr(III) form, a variety of foods should be fed to infants rather than just baby rice cereal to ensure a well-balanced diet and less exposure to As at such a young age.
Correctional services during and beyond COVID-19
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Bucerius Sandra , Tetrault Justin , Crewe Ben , Pyrooz David
Published: April 2021

Correctional services, both institutional and within the community, are impacted by COVID-19. In the current paper, we focus on the current situation and examine the tensions around how COVID-19 has introduced new challenges while also exacerbating strains on the correctional system. Here, we make recommendations that are directly aimed at how correctional systems manage COVID-19 and address the nature and structure of correctional systems that should be continued after the pandemic. In addition, we highlight and make recommendations for the needs of those who remain incarcerated in general, and for Indigenous people in particular, as well as for those who are serving their sentences in the community. Further, we make recommendations for those working in closed-custody institutions and employed to support the re-entry experiences of formerly incarcerated persons. We are at a critical juncture—where reflection and change are possible—and we put forth recommendations toward supporting those working and living in correctional services as a way forward during the pandemic and beyond.
Price response functions and spread impact in correlated financial markets
Authors: Henao-Londono Juan C. , Krause Sebastian M. , Guhr Thomas
Published: April 2021

Recent research on the response of stock prices to trading activity revealed long-lasting effects, even across stocks of different companies. These results imply non-Markovian effects in price formation and when trading many stocks at the same time, in particular trading costs and price correlations. How the price response is measured depends on data set and research focus. However, it is important to clarify how the details of the price response definition modify the results. Here, we evaluate different price response implementations for the Trades and Quotes (TAQ) data set from the NASDAQ stock market and find that the results are qualitatively the same for two different definitions of time scale, but the response can vary by up to a factor of two. Furthermore, we show the key importance of the order between trade signs and returns, displaying the changes in the signal strength. Moreover, we confirm the dominating contribution of immediate price response directly after a trade, as we find that delayed responses are suppressed. Finally, we test the impact of the spread in the price response, detecting that large spreads have stronger impact.
Angiogenic Actions of Paeoniflorin on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and in Ischemic Stroke Rat Model
Authors: Liu Ruiying , Zheng Ying , Han Tao , Lan Jie , He Laixi , Shi Jianyou
Published: April 2021

Ischemic stroke is one of the major diseases with high morbidity, mortality, and disability rate all over the world. Chinese herb-derived active components would provide valuable candidate compounds for ischemic stroke therapy. Paeoniflorin (PF) is an active ingredient from Paeoniae Radix which possesses neurovascular effect after ischemia. However, so far, few studies are reported on the efficacy and mechanism of PF from angiogenesis aspects. Results from our in vitro studies showed that the ability for proliferation, migration, and tube formation in bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) was promoted by coculturing with PF (100 [Formula: see text]M). Furthermore, to investigate the angiogenic effects of PF in vivo, we constructed an ischemic stroke model in rats and found that PF could reduce cerebral infarction, alleviate pathological injury, and increase the secretion of pro-angiogenic factors and cerebral vascular density after intraperitonially administration of 40 mg ⋅ kg[Formula: see text] ⋅ day[Formula: see text] for 14 days. Up-regulating the expression of VEGF/VEGF-R2 might be the mechanism of PF’s angiogenic action. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that PF is an active monomer of Traditional Chinese Medicine which shows angiogenic actions on endothelial progenitor cells and in ischemic stroke rat model.
Serum Starvation Sensitizes Anticancer Effect of Anemarrhena asphodeloides via p38/JNK-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Ji Kon-Young , Kim Ki Mo , Kim Yun Hee , Shim Ki-Shuk , Lee Joo Young , Kim Taesoo , Chae Sungwook
Published: April 2021

The molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides (A. asphodeloides) on colon cancer is unknown. This is the first study evaluating the anticancer effect of A. asphodeloides extract (AA-Ex) in serum-starved colorectal cancer cells. Changes in cell proliferation and morphology in serum-starved MC38 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells were investigated using MTS assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry, and cell cycle regulator expression was determined using qRT-PCR. Apoptosis regulator protein levels and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were assessed using western blotting. AA-Ex sensitively suppressed proliferation of serum-starved colorectal cancer cells, with MC38 and HCT116 cells showing greater changes in proliferation after treatment with AA-Ex under serum starvation than HaCaT and RAW 264.7 cells. AA-Ex inhibited cell cycle progression in serum-starved MC38 and HCT116 cells and increased the expression of cell cycle inhibitors (p53, p21, and p27). Furthermore, AA-Ex induced apoptosis in serum-starved MC38 and HCT116 cells. Consistently, AA-Ex suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 and upregulated pro-apoptotic molecules (cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved-PARP) in serum-starved cells. AA-Ex treatment under serum starvation decreased AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the cell survival signaling pathway but increased p38 and JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, AA-Ex treatment with serum starvation increased the levels of the transcription factors of the p38 and JNK pathway. Serum starvation sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to the anticancer effect of A. asphodeloidesvia p38/JNK-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Hence, AA-Ex possesses therapeutic potential for colon cancer treatment.
Combined Optimization of Frequency Band and Time Segment Using Quantum Particle Swarm Algorithm for Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wei Qingguo , Lu Zongwu
Published: April 2021

Common spatial pattern (CSP) is a popular algorithm for spatial filtering and subsequent feature extraction in motor imagery-based (MI) brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. The performance of CSP, however, depends heavily on the subject-specific frequency band and time segment used for classifying mental tasks. Accurate selection of most informative frequency band and time segment poses a great challenge. In this study, quantum particle swarm optimization is proposed for sole selection of frequency band and joint selection of frequency band and time segment, which are realized by a wrapping approach, incorporating CSP for feature extraction and support vector machine for classification into the classification model. The classification error rate is used as the fitness function of quantum particle swarm optimization. The classification performance of quantum particle swarm optimization based CSP algorithm for joint selection of frequency band and time segment is evaluated by comparing with other three CSP algorithms using either fixed frequency band and time segment or fixed time segment and the frequency band selected by particle swarm optimization and quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization, on two MI data sets with different number of channels and trials. Experimental results suggest that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other three algorithms in terms of classification error rate. Across all subjects from the two data sets, the averaged error rate of the proposed algorithm was 7.45%, 2.97% and 2.05% lower than the CSP with fixed frequency band and time segment, that with selected frequency bands by particle swarm optimization and that with selected bands by quantum particle swarm optimization. The proposed algorithm can facilitate the real-world application of BCIs.
Dual-Identity Incompatibility as a Cause of Radicalization: A Case Study of Hong Kong
Authors: NG VITRIERAT SOPHIA
Published: April 2021

This study focuses on increasing support for radical means among the Hong Kong youth. Previous studies have suggested the incompatibility between two components of a dual identity as a cause of radicalization, yet few have explored the mechanics of this process in detail. This study employs qualitative methods to investigate how the growing incompatibility between the identity of Hong Kong citizens as Hongkongers and as Chinese may contribute to radicalization among tertiary students. This study first conducted quantitative analyses to confirm the positive relationship between identity incompatibility and support for radical means. Past research has argued that nested identities should not be perceived as mutually exclusive. However, qualitative interviews revealed that some respondents did perceive the two identities in zero-sum terms and saw mainland China as a “cultural other.” Our study distinguished these two types of identity incompatibilities as either an “ambiguous incompatibility” or a “manifest incompatibility.” We propose that a “manifest incompatibility” has contributed to radicalization through three pathways: (1) pathways defined by the need for an identity, (2) emotional pathways, and (3) ideological pathways. Support for radical means is likely driven by a variety of factors that include perceived threats to a local identity, the negative emotions that accompany identity incompatibility, and the adoption of a new ideology that involves the rejection of previously accepted moral principles. By illuminating the possible mechanisms that explain how identity incompatibility may lead to a rise in support for the use of radical means, this study not only contributes to the theoretical discussion on radicalization but also sheds light on the widespread participation in recent protests in Hong Kong.