bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac remodeling in acute myocardial infarction: Prospective insights from multimodality ultrasound imaging
Authors: Barros‐Gomes Sergio , Roger Véronique L. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Kimura Toshiyuki , Pislaru Cristina , Enriquez‐Sarano Maurice
Published: November 2021

Background

The severity of MI declined markedly in the last decade, and contemporary patterns of cardiac remodeling after MI are not defined.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled community patients with first MI and performed comprehensive two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiography. Remodeling was defined as left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume index (ESVI) above American Society of Echocardiography normal values. Remodeling patterns were characterized as an increase in LVESVI or LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), or both.

Results

Between 2014 and 2016, 213 patients (63±13 years; 34% women) were enrolled within 3 days after MI (77% non‐ST‐elevation MI). Acute remodeling was present in 51% of patients. Higher troponin and wall motion score index were associated with greater remodeling (p < 0.001). Atrial annular area, leaflet tenting and papillary muscle areas increased with greater remodeling (p < 0.001). The greater the cardiac remodeling, the lower the LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (p < 0.001). This decrease in LV function was accompanied by stroke volume augmentation and maintenance of cardiac index at the expense of increased LVEDVI. Different remodeling patterns were identified. Cases showing increased LVEDVI and normal LVESVI had smallest infarct size and better hemodynamics compared to cases with augmented LVESVI and normal LVEDVI.

Conclusion

Acute remodeling occurs in more than half of first MI cases and exhibits different patterns defined by cavity size and hemodynamic profile. Acute remodeling is a global phenomenon, which also involves the left atrium and the mitral apparatus.
Hemopericardium with cardiac tamponade as a rare presentation of a massive aortic aneurysm in a young child with autosomal recessive cutis laxa
Authors: Maghrabi Khadijah , Al‐Radi Osman , Abdelmohsen Gaser
Published: November 2021

Aortic aneurysms are rare in the pediatric age group and are commonly caused by genetic disorders associated with vasculopathy, weakness and fragility of arterial walls with progressive dilatation or even rupture. We reported a giant aortic aneurysm involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch in a 20‐month‐old girl with autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1B (ARCL1B) who presented with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and tamponade (impending rupture). Successful surgical repair has been done through excision of the aneurysmal part and replacement by Hemashield graft with preservation of the aortic valve.
Evaluation of crossed cerebellar diaschisis after cerebral infarction in MCAO rats based on DKI
Authors: Ma Zhen , Zhao Xin , Wang Xiao , Ren Qi , Zhang Shuo , Lu Lin , Wang Kaiyu , Lv Qingqing , Cheng Jingliang
Published: November 2021

Objective

To observe the expression of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), apoptosis and the effect on neurological function recovery in rat model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) was used to evaluate crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) and to provide experimental and theoretical basis for the clinical treatment.

Materials and Methods

The MCAO models were established in rats. Eighty‐four rats were randomly and evenly divided into 7 groups, including control group, 6‐h group, 12‐h group, 24‐h group, 48‐h group, 7‐day group and 14‐day group. The rats were scanned by MRI at the above time points. Then, rats were sacrificed for H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL staining to detect the expression of NMDA in the core infarct area and cerebellum. At the end, the discussion of relationships between molecular biology and MRI parameters (ADC derived from DWI, and MD, MK and FA derived from DKI) was performed.

Results

The values of MD, ADC and FA in MCAO rats were all lower than those in the control group. All MRI parameters of the contralateral cerebellum were lower than those of the ipsilateral cerebellum (p < .05). The parameters reached the lowest value at 12 h, except that the MK reached the highest at 12 h. The expression of NMDA showed a fluctuation along time in the MCAO group. Overall, it is higher in the MCAO group than in the control group, reaching the maximum at 24 h (p < .05). At the same time, the expression of NMDA in the contralateral cerebellum was higher than in the ipsilateral cerebellum.

Conclusion

It is found that NMDA and DKI of CCD have the same changing trend, which indicates that the intervention of NMDA receptor apoptosis may become a new target for the treatment of cerebral infarction, and MRI parameters can predict the occurrence and development of CCD.
Resource use among top‐level piscivores in a temperate reservoir: implications for a threatened coldwater specialist
Authors: Hansen Adam G. , Gardner Jennifer R. , Connelly Kristin A. , Polacek Matt , Beauchamp David A.
Published: November 2021

Evaluations of resource use among native piscivores in natural lakes have consistently documented significant partitioning that supports coexistence. Partitioning may be less prominent in reservoirs where water‐level fluctuations can compress habitat and trophic diversity, but studies are lacking. Stable isotopes and bioenergetic models were used to quantify trophic interactions within a native piscivore assemblage inhabiting a temperate irrigation reservoir and explore implications for coexistence with a focus on threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). As hypothesised, adult bull trout exhibited the greatest degree of trophic specialisation by consuming mostly coldwater pelagic forage fish, which were consumed seasonally by the more abundant burbot (Lota lota) and northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis). Numerous trophic niche overlap probabilities exceeded 70%, were as high as 93% and greatest between bull trout and burbot. Bioenergetics simulations demonstrated the high seasonal consumption capacity of burbot relative to northern pikeminnow. As a result, threefold to fourfold fewer burbot were required to consume the annual productivity of coldwater prey important for bull trout, particularly in the absence of small‐bodied mesothermic or eurythermal fish as a buffer. Collectively, our analysis elucidated relatively strong trophic niche overlap among similarly sized piscivores, the importance of maintaining a diverse forage fish community for promoting coexistence and the greatest potential for competitive interactions between adult bull trout and burbot if key prey were limited or less diverse. More studies in regulated systems are needed to test for consistent patterns and identify mechanisms that limit or promote coexistence amid growing human‐induced environmental change and demands on freshwater.
New records of the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) in Italy including the first records for the Adriatic coast
Authors: Cianferoni Fabio , Ceccolini Filippo
Published: November 2021

The invasive Australian pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 is recorded for the first time in Molise, Liguria and Abruzzo, respectively, based on sampling by the authors in 2014 and observations (photographs) retrieved from the internet which were taken in 2018 and 2021. The records from Molise and Abruzzo are the first ones on the Adriatic side of Italy, east of the Apennines. Furthermore, new records for the country are also provided based on collected specimens and photographs from the web taken between 2011 and 2021.
Fighting can benefit both winning and losing male convict cichlid fish
Authors: Leese Joseph M. , Snekser Jennifer L. , Itzkowitz Murray
Published: November 2021

Female mate choice can involve a complex assessment process which is hypothesized to have evolved in order for females to maximize their reproductive success. In this laboratory experiment, we examined the mate choices of female convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) (who have an extended period of mate assessment and benefit from relatively long phases of biparental care) when presented a dichotomous choice between males that they had previously observed winning or losing a fight or novel males. When winner and loser males were presented to females together, females did not show a general preference for either male, but spent substantial time alone, away from both males. When the winner male was paired with a novel male, females showed an evident preference for the winner male. Females also showed an eventual preference for the loser male when paired with a novel male, but in this case, the female spent initially more time with the novel male before shifting to the loser male. In spite of losing their initial competition, loser males were attractive to females, more so than novel males, illustrating that participation in a fight observed by a female is beneficial to the male, even if he is not ultimately victorious.
Male and female Australian magpie‐larks respond differently to variation in song frequency (pitch)
Authors: Dickerson Ashton L. , Rowland Jessica A. , Trama Asher J. E. , Wraith‐Franck Daniel M. , Hall Michelle L.
Published: November 2021

Male signals that advertise dominance are often also attractive to females, but female signals advertising dominance can make them less attractive to males. For example, in species where males are larger than females, low‐frequency male vocalisations are expected to be selected by intra‐sexual selection, inter‐sexual selection and selection to identify sex, but these selective forces may act antagonistically on female vocalisations. Consistent with this, low‐pitch human voices can be perceived as more dominant in both sexes and more attractive to the opposite sex in males, but less attractive to the opposite sex in females. Research on factors influencing the frequency of animal vocalisations has largely focused on males, and little is known about the drivers of variation in vocal pitch between sexes in animals. We tested for sex differences in a species where both sexes sing, the Australian magpie‐lark (Grallina cyanleuca), by simulating a territorial intruder with experimentally manipulated high‐ or low‐pitched playback songs. Both sexes sang significantly sooner and alarm called more in response to low‐frequency playback, regardless of the sex of the ‘intruder’, suggesting that both sexes perceived low‐frequency songs as more threatening. However, there were sex differences in how males and females changed their song frequencies in response to playback. Males sang at a lower frequency to low‐pitched male than female playback. In contrast, females sang songs with a significantly higher frequency in response to low‐ than high‐pitched male playback. Our results highlight that selection may act differently on song frequency in male and female birds.
Factors in the choice of fiscal governance: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Damasceno Girley Vieira , Gomes Ricardo Corrêa
Published: November 2021

The fiscal governance framework includes the rules and regulations that discipline the preparation, approval, and implementation of public budgets. It results from the power struggle of the actors that participate in the process of allocating public resources. Despite relevant studies published on the subject, this study aimed to provide background information on determinant factors in the choice and effects of fiscal governance framework adopted by governments in the scholarly conversation. For this, the systematic literature review method was adopted with the development of five steps: selecting a review topic, searching the literature, gathering, reading, and analyzing the scientific papers published in the last 10 years on the subject. Results show that fiscal crises and pressures and rewards of external bodies were the preponderant factors for reforms in the framework of fiscal governance adopted by governments. In another view, impacts of this framework on national public finances were investigated primarily by analysis of numerical fiscal rules. The research gaps identified indicate directions for future research.
Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and the impact of altered metabolic interorgan crosstalk
Authors: Sanches Jose Marcos , Zhao Li Na , Salehi Albert , Wollheim Claes B. , Kaldis Philipp
Published: November 2021

Diabetes is a complex and multifactorial disease that affects millions of people worldwide, reducing the quality of life significantly, and results in grave consequences for our health care system. In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the lack of β‐cell compensatory mechanisms overcoming peripherally developed insulin resistance is a paramount factor leading to disturbed blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism. Impaired β‐cell functions and insulin resistance have been studied extensively resulting in a good understanding of these pathways but much less is known about interorgan crosstalk, which we define as signaling between tissues by secreted factors. Besides hormones and organokines, dysregulated blood glucose and long‐lasting hyperglycemia in T2D is associated with changes in metabolism with metabolites from different tissues contributing to the development of this disease. Recent data suggest that metabolites, such as lipids including free fatty acids and amino acids, play important roles in the interorgan crosstalk during the development of T2D. In general, metabolic remodeling affects physiological homeostasis and impacts the development of T2D. Hence, we highlight the importance of metabolic interorgan crosstalk in this review to gain enhanced knowledge of the pathophysiology of T2D, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches to treat this disease.
Population genetic structure and connectivity in three montane freshwater invertebrate species (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Amphipoda) with differing life cycles and dispersal capabilities
Authors: Schröder Oskar , Schneider Julio V. , Schell Tilman , Seifert Linda , Pauls Steffen U.
Published: November 2021

Dispersal abilities and the resulting levels of connectivity between streams influence population structure in aquatic organisms. We investigated how different dispersal and life‐history traits affect gene flow and population structure in three aquatic invertebrate species in a central European mountain range.

We used microsatellite markers and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I barcode data to assess small‐scale population structure and connectivity of the mayfly Baetis alpinus, the stonefly Brachyptera seticornis, and the amphipod Gammarus fossarum in seven streams within Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany.

Significant population structure within the study area was detected in B. alpinus and G. fossarum, whereas B. seticornis had signatures of panmixia. In G. fossarum, that structure corresponded to stream topography, while in B. alpinus it did not. The Bavarian Forest range appears to be a contact zone for different mitochondrial lineages of B. alpinus and G. fossarum.

Limited geneflow between sample sites in B. alpinus can be explained by the species’ short adult lifespans, which restricts dispersal between sites. Since imagines are able to disperse via adult flight population structure is, however, decoupled from stream topology. Longer‐lived B. seticornis is better able to maintain geneflow between sample sites. In flightless G. fossarum, population structure corresponding to stream topology can be explained by limited dispersal capabilities between streams.

Dispersal ability alone is insufficient to predict or explain patterns of gene flow and connectivity for individual species, and should be examined together with life‐history traits when assessing population and community structure.
Scallops as a new source of food protein: high‐intensity ultrasonication improved stability of oil‐in‐water emulsion stabilised by myofibrillar protein
Authors: Yu Cuiping , Sun Shuang , Li Sihui , Yan Huijia , Zou Henan
Published: November 2021

In this study, the effect of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIUS) (200 and 400 W for 0, 5, 10 and 15 min respectively) on conformational changes, physicochemical, rheological and emulsifying properties of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) myofibrillar protein (SMP) was investigated. HIUS‐treated SMP had lower α‐helix content and higher β‐sheet content compared with the native SMP. HIUS treatment induced the unfolding of SMP and increased the surface hydrophobicity. The particle size of SMP decreased and the absolute zeta‐potential increased after ultrasonication, which in turn increased the solubility of SMP. The conformational changes and the improvement of physicochemical properties of SMP increased the ability for SMP to lower the interfacial tension at the oil–water interface and increased the percentage of adsorbed protein. As a result, the emulsifying properties, rheological properties of SMP and storage stability of emulsions were also improved. In conclusion, HIUS treatment has future potential for improving the emulsifying properties of SMP.
Information flow in the spatiotemporal organization of immune responses*
Authors: Huang Jessica Y. , Lyons‐Cohen Miranda R. , Gerner Michael Y.
Published: November 2021

Immune responses must be rapid, tightly orchestrated, and tailored to the encountered stimulus. Lymphatic vessels facilitate this process by continuously collecting immunological information (ie, antigens, immune cells, and soluble mediators) about the current state of peripheral tissues, and transporting these via the lymph across the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes (LNs), which are critical meeting points for innate and adaptive immune cells, are strategically located along the lymphatic network to intercept this information. Within LNs, immune cells are spatially organized, allowing them to efficiently respond to information delivered by the lymph, and to either promote immune homeostasis or mount protective immune responses. These responses involve the activation and functional cooperation of multiple distinct cell types and are tailored to the specific inflammatory conditions. The natural patterns of lymph flow can also generate spatial gradients of antigens and agonists within draining LNs, which can in turn further regulate innate cell function and localization, as well as the downstream generation of adaptive immunity. In this review, we explore how information transmitted by the lymph shapes the spatiotemporal organization of innate and adaptive immune responses in LNs, with particular focus on steady state and Type‐I vs. Type‐II inflammation.
Still connecting the dots: An investigation into infants' attentional bias to threat using an eye‐tracking task
Authors: Sareen Sinia , Doyle Frances L. , Kemp Lindsay J. , Northam Jaimie C. , Morgan Bronte G. , Kimonis Eva R. , Richmond Jenny L. , Le Pelley Mike E. , Eapen Valsamma , Frick Paul J. , Hawes David J. , Moul Caroline , Mehta Divya , Dadds Mark R.
Published: November 2021

An attentional bias toward threat has been theorized to be a normative aspect of infants' threat and safety learning, and an indicator of risk for internalizing psychopathology in older populations. To date, only four studies have examined this bias using the dot‐probe task in infancy and the findings are mixed. We extended the literature by examining patterns of attention to threat in a culturally and linguistically diverse sample of infants aged 5–11 months old (N = 151) using all measures previously employed in the infant dot‐probe literature. Given that an attentional bias toward threat is associated with higher risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life, we also examined how negative affect—an early correlate of later anxiety disorders—is related to attentional bias toward threat in infancy. This study was the first to use a consistent measure of negative affect across the whole sample. An eye‐tracking dot‐probe task was used to examine attentional bias toward threat (i.e., angry faces) relative to positive (i.e., happy faces) stimuli. Results showed that an attention bias to threat was not characteristic of infants at this age, and negative affect did not moderate the putative relationship between attention and emotional faces (angry, happy). These findings therefore suggest that attention biases to socio‐emotional threat may not have emerged by 11 months old.
How the past of outsourcing and offshoring is the future of post‐pandemic remote work: A typology, a model and a review
Authors: Erickson Christopher L. , Norlander Peter
Published: November 2021

Information and communication technology (ICT) challenges traditional assumptions about the capacity to manage work beyond organizational and physical boundaries. A typology connects a variety of non‐traditional work organizations made possible by ICT, including offshoring, outsourcing, remote work, virtual companies and platforms. A model illustrates how new technology serves as a proximate cause for a revision of social contracts between capital, labour and government reached through bargaining and how external shocks such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the institutional environment and limitations in practice influence how technology changes the organization of work. An historical case study of the New Deal Industrial Relations System illustrates the general features of the model for tackling major transformations in the organization of work. A review of the outsourcing and offshoring literature provides examples of how features of the model will potentially influence the future of post‐pandemic remote work.
Hydroxy-selenomethionine supplementation promotes the in vitro rumen fermentation of dairy cows by altering the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms
Authors: Zheng Yuhui , He Tengfei , Xie Tian , Wang Jidong , Yang Zhantao , Sun Xiaoge , Wang Wei , Li Shengli
Published: November 2021

Aims

This study aims to investigate the effect of hydroxy-selenomethionine supplementation on the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and microorganisms of Holstein cows.

Methods and Results

Five fermentation substrates, including control (without selenium supplementation, CON), sodium selenite supplementation (0.3 mg kg−1 DM, SS03), and hydroxy-selenomethionine supplementation (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mg kg−1 DM, SM03, SM06 and SM09, respectively) were incubated with rumen fluid in vitro. The results showed that in vitro dry matter disappearance and gas production at 48 h was significantly higher in SM06 than SM03, SS03 and CON; propionate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was higher in SM06 than CON. Moreover, higher species richness of rumen fluid was found in SM06 than others. Higher relative abundance of Prevotella and Prevotellaceae-UCG-003 and lower relative abundance of Ruminococcus-1 were detected in SM06 than CON. Besides, higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 was found in CON than other treatments.

Conclusions

It is observed that 0.6 mg kg−1 DM hydroxy-selenomethionine supplementation could increase cumulative gas production, propionate, and total VFAs production by altering the relative abundance of Prevotella, Prevotellaceae-UCG-003, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and Ruminococcus-1, so that it can be used as a rumen fermentation regulator in Holstein cows.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provides an optimal addition ratio of hydroxy-selenomethionine on rumen fermentation and bacterial composition via an in vitro test.
Start Healthy and Stay Healthy: A workplace health promotion intervention for new graduate nurses: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Brogan Elizabeth , Rossiter Chris , Fethney Judith , Duffield Christine , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Aims

This study explored the acceptability of a workplace health promotion intervention embedded into a transition to practice (TTP) programme to assist new graduate nurses in establishing healthy dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours from career commencement.

Design

A sequential mixed methods design.

Methods

The Start Healthy and Stay Healthy (SH&SH) intervention, informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel, was conducted in an Australian Local Health District. It included face‐to‐face education sessions, the use of a fitness tracker and twice‐weekly short answer messages. Participants completed three online surveys: at orientation, 6 weeks and 6 months. A sub‐sample participated in semi‐structured interviews to explore their experience of the intervention. Interview data were analysed thematically.

Results

The intervention was delivered from February to December 2019. A total of 99 nurses completed the baseline survey, 62 at 6 weeks and 69 at 6 months. After 6 months, health knowledge increased as participants correctly identified recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables and PA. Fruit consumption increased at 6 months with little change to vegetable intake. Takeaway consumption decreased, but consumption of some discretionary foods increased. Across the three time points, there was a low engagement in PA during leisure time. The interviews identified three themes: (1) Support of Colleagues and Peers, (2) The Work Environment and (3) Engagement with SH&SH.

Conclusion

Providing a targeted intervention for new graduate nurses embedded into a TTP programme improved their health knowledge, some dietary behaviours, and participation in PA by some participants.

Impact

Ensuring a healthy nursing workforce is critical to retaining staff. Implementing a workplace health promotion intervention that targets new graduate nurses can help them adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours to support them in their future careers.
Impact of comorbidities on atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sridharan Aadhavi , Maron Martin S. , Carrick Richard T. , Madias Christopher A. , Huang Dou , Cooper Craig , Drummond Jennifer , Maron Barry J. , Rowin Ethan J.
Published: November 2021

Background

The impact of comorbid disease states on the development of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains unresolved.

Objective

Evaluate the association of comorbidities linked to arrhythmias in other cardiovascular diseases (e.g., obesity, systemic hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, renal disorders, tobacco, and alcohol use) to atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) events in a large cohort of HCM patients.

Methods

A total  of 2269 patients, 54 ± 15 years of age, 1392 males, were evaluated at the Tufts HCM Institute between 2004 and 2018 and followed for an average of 4 ± 3 years for new‐onset clinical AF and SCD events (appropriate defibrillation for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or SCD).

Results

One or more comorbidity was present in 75% of HCM patients, including 50% with ≥2 comorbidities, most commonly obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) in 43%. New‐onset atrial fibrillation developed in 11% of our cohort (2.6%/year). On univariate analysis, obesity was associated with a 1.7‐fold increased risk for AF (p = .03) with 12% of obese patients developing AF (3.3%/year) as compared to 7% of patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (1.6%/year; p = .006). On multivariate analysis, age and LA transverse dimension emerged as the only variables predictive of AF. Comorbidities, including obesity, were not independently associated with AF development (p > .10 for each).

SCD events occurred in 3.3% of patients (0.8%/year) and neither obesity nor other comorbidities were associated with increased risk for SCD (p > .10 for each).

Conclusions

In adult HCM patients comorbidities do not appear to impact AF or SCD risk. Therefore, for most patients with HCM, adverse disease related events of AF and SCD appear to be primarily driven by underlying left ventricular and atrial myopathy as opposed to comorbidities.
Efficacy of a cultured conditioned medium of exfoliated deciduous dental pulp stem cells in erectile dysfunction patients
Authors: Koga Shoji , Horiguchi Yutaka
Published: November 2021

Majority of current treatment strategies against erectile dysfunction (ED) has been consisted of only a supportive care to sustain enough erection during a sexual intercourse. In this study, we investigated whether the cultured conditioned medium of human exfoliated deciduous dental pulp stem cells (SHED‐CM) had an ability to treat ED through fundamentally repairing the pathological damage of vascular endothelial cells of the corpus cavernosum. An open‐label pilot study was performed from April 2016 to October 2020. SHED‐CM was injected directly into the corpus cavernosum of penis of 38 ED patients who visited our clinic and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Efficacy was assessed using the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire. The average age and initial IIEF‐5 score of the patients enrolled in this study was 56 (31–79) years old and 13.1 (5–20) points, respectively. Medical history revealed 7 patients with diabetes, 7 patients with hypertension and 1 patient with priapism undergone shunt operation. Of these, 37 patients (97.4%) showed an improvement in IIEF‐5 of an average of 19.3 (7–25) points or 64.4 (10–300) % increase after three injections of SHED‐CM. Eighteen patients (47.4%) achieved more than 21 points (no ED) in IIEF‐5. No adverse events were encountered. This is the first clinical report of ED treatment in the literatures evaluating the efficacy of SHED‐CM. Treatment with SHED‐CM is expected to repair vascular damages of the corpus cavernosum, which are the main cause of ED, and to be widely spread as a fundamental clinical application for ED.
Hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels working as pacemaker channels in colonic interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Choi Seok , Seo Hyunhyo , Lee Kyungmin , Shin Dong Hoon , Wu Mei Jin , Wu Wenhao , Huang Xingyou , Zhang Jingwei , Hong Chansik , Jun Jae Yeoul
Published: November 2021

Hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels function as pacemaker channels in spontaneously active cells. We studied the existence of HCN channels and their functional roles in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse colon using electrophysiological, immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. HCN1 and HCN3 channels were detected in anoctamin‐1 (Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel; ANO1)‐positive cells within the muscular and myenteric layers in colonic tissues. The mRNA transcripts of HCN1 and HCN3 channels were expressed in ANO1‐positive ICC. In the deletion of HCN1 and HCN3 channels in colonic ICC, the pacemaking potential frequency was reduced. Basal cellular adenylate cyclase activity was decreased by adenylate cyclase inhibitor in colonic ICC, whereas cAMP‐specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors increased it. 8‐Bromo‐cyclic AMP and rolipram increased spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. In addition, Ca2+‐dependent adenylate cyclase 1 (AC1) mRNA was detected in colonic ICC. Sulprostone, a PGE2‐EP3 agonist, increased the pacemaking potential frequency, maximum rate of rise of resting membrane in pacemaker potentials and basal cellular adenylate cyclase activity in colonic ICC. These results indicate that HCN channels exist in colonic ICC and participate in generating pacemaking potentials. Thus, HCN channels may be therapeutic targets in disturbed colonic motility disorders.
Role of the adaptive immune system in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Kong Lingyun , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , MacIsaac Richard J , Mackay Laura K , Nikolic‐Paterson David J , Torkamani Niloufar , Zafari Neda , Marin Evelyn C S , Ekinci Elif I
Published: November 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a highly prevalent complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end‐stage kidney disease. Inflammation is recognized as an important driver of progression of DKD. Activation of the immune response promotes a pro‐inflammatory milieu and subsequently renal fibrosis, and a progressive loss of renal function. Although the role of the innate immune system in diabetic renal disease has been well characterized, the potential contribution of the adaptive immune system remains poorly defined. Emerging evidence in experimental models of DKD indicates an increase in the number of T cells in the circulation and in the kidney cortex, that in turn triggers secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and activation of cells in innate immune response. In human studies, the number of T cells residing in the interstitial region of the kidney correlates with the degree of albuminuria in people with type 2 diabetes. Here, we review the role of the adaptive immune system, and associated cytokines, in the development of DKD. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the adaptive immune system as a means of preventing the progression of DKD are discussed.
Active and passive smoking and risk of ulcerative colitis: A case–control study in Japan
Authors: Nishikawa Atsushi , Tanaka Keiko , Miyake Yoshihiro , Nagata Chisato , Furukawa Shinya , Andoh Akira , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Yoshimura Naoki , Mori Kenichiro , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Saito Mitsuru , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Imaeda Hirotsugu , Kakimoto Kazuki , Higuchi Kazuhide , Nunoi Hiroaki , Mizukami Yuji , Suzuki Seiyuu , Hiraoka Sakiko , Okada Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Keitarou , Higashiyama Masaaki , Hokari Ryota , Miura Hiromasa , Miyake Teruki , Kumagi Teru , Kato Hiromasa , Hato Naohito , Sayama Koji , Hiasa Yoichi ,   Japan Ulcerative Colitis Study Group
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Although an inverse relationship between current smoking and the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been shown in North America and Europe, evidence is limited in Asian countries, where the incidence of UC is rapidly increasing. This Japanese case–control study examined the association between active and passive smoking and risk of UC.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on smoking and potential confounding factors in 384 cases with a diagnosis of UC within the past 4 years and 665 controls.

Results

Compared with having never smoked, having ever smoked was associated with an increased risk of UC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.37). No association was observed between current smoking and risk of UC, but former smokers had a significant elevation in risk (adjusted OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.67–3.45). There was a positive dose–response relationship with pack‐years smoked (P for trend = 0.006). Among never smokers, passive smoking exposure at home was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC (adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.30–2.79). A significant dose–response gradient was also observed between pack‐years of passive smoking at home and risk of UC (P for trend = 0.0003).

Conclusions

We confirmed that former smoking elevated the risk of UC, whereas an inverse association between current smoking and the risk of UC did not reach a statistically significant level. Passive smoking may be associated with an increased risk of UC.
The role of senescence‐associated gene101 (PagSAG101a) in the regulation of secondary xylem formation in poplar
Authors: He Hui , Song Xue‐Qin , Jiang Cheng , Liu Ying‐Li , Wang Dian , Wen Shuang‐Shuang , Chai Guo‐Hua , Zhao Shu‐Tang , Lu Meng‐Zhu
Published: November 2021

Wood is produced by the accumulation of secondary xylem via proliferation and differentiation of the cambium cells in woody plants. Identifying the regulators involved in this process remains a challenging task. In this study, we isolated PagSAG101a, the homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana SAG101, from a hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) clone 84K and investigated its role in secondary xylem development. PagSAG101a was expressed predominantly in lignified stems and localized in the nucleus. Compared with non‐transgenic 84K plants, transgenic plants overexpressing PagSAG101a displayed increased plant height, internode number, stem diameter, xylem width, and secondary cell wall thickness, while opposite phenotypes were observed for PagSAG101a knock‐out plants. Transcriptome analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched for those controlling cambium cell division activity and subsequent secondary cell wall deposition during xylem formation. In addition, the tandem CCCH zinc finger protein PagC3H17, which positively regulates secondary xylem width and secondary wall thickening in poplar, could bind to the promoter of PagSAG101a and mediate the regulation of xylem differentiation. Our results support that PagSAG101a, downstream of PagC3H17, functions in wood development.
The Empirical Relevance of the Shadow Rate and the Zero Lower Bound
Authors: ELLINGTON MICHAEL
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the evolution of unconventional monetary policies under a binding zero lower bound (ZLB) constraint for the U.S. economy. In doing so, this study provides a comprehensive empirical assessment on the economic and statistical implications of allowing conventional and unconventional monetary policies to work in mutually exclusive union using shadow rates. Shadow rate Taylor rules and policy counterfactuals implied by time‐varying coefficient structural vector autoregression (VAR) models show: (i) one can reconcile plausible economic results using shadow rates when short‐term interest rates approach the ZLB and (ii) unconventional monetary policies are a viable response to recession and facilitate stability during economic recovery.
Effects of nurse‐led nonpharmacological pain interventions for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Youn Jin , Lee Myung Kyung
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to review the types of nurse‐led nonpharmacological pain interventions (NPI) offered to cancer patients and/or family caregivers, and to determine a comprehensive and robust estimate of the effect size of nurse‐led NPI for cancer patients on various pain‐related outcomes.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Studies assessing nurse‐led NPIs targeting cancer patients and published between January 2008 and December 2020 were identified by searching multiple literature databases, including MEDLINE®, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Medical Library, and CINAHL®.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. The selected randomized clinical trials were independently assessed for methodological quality. The effect sizes (ESs) of treatment were presented as standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Findings

A meta‐analysis was performed to analyze data from 22 randomized clinical trials. Three types of nurse‐led NPI were offered, mainly to cancer patients but also to some caregivers: music, physical, and psycho‐educational interventions. The dose and duration of nonpharmacological interventions varied widely. The study participants ranged in age from 44.1 to 67.3 years. Meta‐analysis indicated that, although these interventions had small effects in long‐term (g = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06–0.43, p = 0.011) to medium effects in short‐term (g = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32–0.53, p < 0.001), they significantly reduced patients’ pain, increased their knowledge of pain management, reduced barriers to pain management and pain coping, and improved other physical and emotional symptoms. The significance of the ES differed according to the type of intervention, with psycho‐educational and physical NPIs having a significant but medium short‐term ES, whereas music NPI had a significant but large short‐term ES. Only psycho‐educational NPIs had significant long‐term effects.

Conclusion

The combined ES showed that these nurse‐led NPIs were significantly effective in both the short and long‐term. Types of intervention as a potential moderator were associated with short‐term and long‐term effects of nonpharmacological interventions on patient outcomes.

Clinical relevance

Research‐tested interventions should be provided to help patients cope effectively with pain.
The impact of self‐selected short sleep on monetary risk taking
Authors: Dickinson David L. , Brookes Jama , Ferguson Cori , Drummond Sean P. A.
Published: November 2021

Risky choice has been widely studied in experimental settings, but there is a paucity of research examining the effects of self‐selected sleep schedules on risky choices. The current study examined incentivised risky choices of 100 young, healthy adults whose self‐selected (at‐home) sleep schedules were tracked via actigraphy for 1 week prior to decision making. Average nightly sleep was 6.43 h/night. On each trial of the decision task, individuals chose between two monetary gambles, with separate blocks of trials presenting amounts to gain versus amounts to lose for each paired gamble choice. In general, participants were risk‐averse when trying to maximise gains (GAINS) and risk‐seeking when trying to minimise losses (LOSSES). These tendencies were amplified in trials where gambles differed more (vs less) in their riskiness. Response times were longer for real choices (vs. dummy trials of random choice), LOSS versus GAINS trials, and when gambles were more similar versus different in risk. Gamble choices were not impacted by actigraphy measured average sleep levels, which suggests self‐selected moderate sleep deprivation does not affect risky monetary choices, as has been found in studies of experimentally induced sleep deprivation. However, our data showed that sleep variability increased risk‐taking behaviour in the LOSS condition. Thus, risky decision‐making may relate more to variability in sleep efficiency than to overall sleep duration or quality in naturalistic settings. The current study gives insight into how decision making in experimental sleep settings may or may not translate to more ecologically valid settings of self‐directed sleep.
Binge drinking induces an acute burst of markers of hepatic fibrogenesis (PRO‐C3)
Authors: Torp Nikolaj , Israelsen Mads , Nielsen Mette J. , Åstrand Claus P. , Juhl Pernille , Johansen Stine , Hansen Camilla D. , Madsen Bjørn , Villesen Ida F. , Leeming Diana J. , Thiele Maja , Hansen Torben , Karsdal Morten , Krag Aleksander
Published: November 2021

Background & Aims

Binge drinking is associated with an increased risk of liver disease. Morbidity and mortality of alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is associated with collagen deposition in the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the acute effects of binge drinking on ECM turnover are unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects on hepatic ECM turnover following a binge drinking episode.

Methods

We performed a pathophysiological intervention study with 15 non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, 15 ALD patients and 10 healthy controls. We used 40% ethanol in 9 mg/mL NaCl administered through a nasogastric tube to simulate binge drinking. Hepatic vein catheterisation allowed simultaneous hepatic‐ and systemic vein sampling. Markers of ECM formation and degradation were measured with competitive ELISA.

Results

The interstitial matrix formation marker PRO‐C3 increased by 1.2 ng/mL (10%, P < .001) 24 hours after binge drinking. In participants with existing liver fibrosis determined by elevated baseline PRO‐C3, hepatic levels increased by 0.09 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.03‐0.15, P = .005) while systemic PRO‐C3 decreased 0.11 ng/mL (95% CI: −0.15 to −0.06, P < .001) in 3 hours. PRO‐C8 increased by 30% (+0.9 ng/mL, P = .014) in liver‐diseased patients with F0‐F1 but not in any other group. Twenty‐four‐hour changes in systemic C3M and PRO‐C3 were not associated (P = .911).

Conclusions

Binge drinking induced an acute burst of PRO‐C3 in healthy individuals and patients with liver disease. Markers of ECM degradation were not correlated to markers of ECM formation, suggesting that even a single episode of binge drinking promotes excessive hepatic fibrogenesis.
State of the art treatment of hepatitis B virus hepatocellular carcinoma and the role of hepatitis B surface antigen post‐liver transplantation and resection
Authors: Schemmer Peter , Burra Patrizia , Hu Rey‐Heng , Hüber Christian M. , Loinaz Carmelo , Machida Keigo , Vogel Arndt , Samuel Didier
Published: November 2021

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The optimal goal of therapy, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and anti‐HBs production, is achieved rarely and HBsAg‐associated HCC risk is well recognized. Here we review the role of HBsAg in HCC, the link between HBsAg and HCC recurrence post‐liver transplantation or resection, and the implications for therapy. HBV‐associated carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process. The observation that HBV‐related HCC can occur in the absence of cirrhosis is compatible with a direct oncogenic effect of the virus, which may occur via multiple mechanisms, including those mediated by both mutated and unmutated HBsAg. HCC recurrence in HBsAg‐positive patients post‐liver transplantation has been reported in 10%‐15% of patients and is likely to be because of expansion of residual HCC tumour cell populations containing integrated HBV DNA, which expand and independently replicate HBV, leading to the recurrence of both HCC and HBV. The direct role of HBsAg in HCC recurrence post‐liver resection is less clear. Cirrhosis is the most important risk factor for HCC development, and precancerous cirrhotic liver remains after resection, with the potential to undergo malignant transformation regardless of the existence of HBV‐derived oncogenic drivers. The role of HBsAg in the development of HCC and its recurrence post‐surgical intervention has multiple implications for therapy and suggests a potential role for immunotherapy in the future management of HCC, in particular post‐liver transplantation. Use of hepatitis B immunoglobulins that target HBsAg directly, alongside immune‐oncology therapies, may be relevant in this setting.
The hidden half of the fine root differentiation in herbs: nonacquisitive belowground organs determine fine‐root traits
Authors: Klimešová Jitka , Herben Tomáš
Published: November 2021

Plants rely on roots for absorption of nutrients from the soil. Differences in traits of fine roots and of the root system in general thus underlie differences among individual species in their ability to live in habitats differing in nutrient status and interactions with other species. Here we examine to what extent structure of the root system is determined by whole‐plant parameters, namely the expected life span of the rooting units (either genetic individuals or ramets in clonally growing plants) and the type of belowground nonacquisitive organs such as rhizomes. By using phylogenetic comparative techniques we confirm the existence of two independent directions of variation in root traits, namely fast–slow continuum and cooperation continuum and show that the fast–slow continuum is associated with the increasing lifespan of the plant's rooting units (from annuals and stoloniferous species through rhizomatous species up to nonclonal perennial species). Lifespan of the rooting unit thus determines a range of root traits, namely root mass fraction (proportion of roots from the total biomass) and root tissue density. This shared continuum in root traits, life span of the rooting units and the type of belowground nonacquisitive organs is correlated with the environment where the species typically occur, with fast end (annual and stoloniferous species) occurring in productive and disturbed, and slow end (nonclonal perennials) in unproductive habitats. Further, clonal species have slightly shallower and thinner roots as their roots are relieved from the transport function which is served by horizontal stem‐derived organs (stolons and rhizomes). This confirms that plant lifespan and belowground nonacquisitive organs must be considered as determinants for (fine) root traits in herbs.