bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bipolar symptoms, somatic burden, and functioning in older‐age bipolar disorder: Analyses from the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database project
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Dols Annemiek , Rej Soham , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Beunders Alexandra J.M. , Blumberg Hilary P. , Briggs Farren B. S. , Forester Brent P. , Patrick Regan E. , Forlenza Orestes V. , Gildengers Ariel , Jimenez Esther , Vieta Eduard , Mulsant Benoit , Schouws Sigfried , Paans Nadine , Strejilevich Sergio , Sutherland Ashley , Tsai Shangying , Wilson Betsy , Eyler Lisa T.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Literature on older‐age bipolar disorder (OABD) is limited. This first‐ever analysis of the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE‐BD) investigated associations among age, BD symptoms, comorbidity, and functioning.

Methods

This analysis used harmonized, baseline, cross‐sectional data from 19 international studies (N = 1377). Standardized measures included the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D), Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

Results

Mean sample age was 60.8 years (standard deviation [SD] 12.2 years), 55% female, 72% BD I. Mood symptom severity was low: mean total YMRS score of 4.3 (SD 5.4) and moderate‐to‐severe depression in only 22%. Controlled for sample effects, both manic and depressive symptom severity appeared lower among older individuals (p's < 0.0001). The negative relationship between older age and symptom severity was similar across sexes, but was stronger among those with lower education levels. GAF was mildly impaired (mean =62.0, SD = 13.3) and somatic burden was high (mean =2.42, SD = 1.97). Comorbidity burden was not associated with GAF. However, higher depressive (p < 0.0001) and manic (p < 0.0001) symptoms were associated with lower GAF, most strongly among older individuals.

Conclusions

Findings suggest an attenuation of BD symptoms in OABD, despite extensive somatic burden. Depressive symptom severity was strongly associated with worse functioning in older individuals, underscoring the need for effective treatments of BD depression in older people. This international collaboration lays a path for the development of a better understanding of aging in BD.
An integrative histopathological and epigenetic characterization of primary intracranial mesenchymal tumors, FET:CREB‐fused broadening the spectrum of tumor entities in comparison with their soft tissue counterparts
Authors: Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Sievers Philipp , Larousserie Frédérique , Benzakoun Joseph , Guillemot Delphine , Pierron Gaëlle , Duchesne Mathilde , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Roux Alexandre , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Fenouil Tanguy , Meyronet David , Mokhtari Karima , Polivka Marc , Rousseau Audrey , Bost‐Bezeaud Frédérique , Akoury Samir , Pallud Johan , Benevello Chiara , Hasty Lauren , Gareton Albane , Lechapt Emmanuèle , Chrétien Fabrice , Blauwblomme Thomas , Beccaria Kévin , Puget Stéphanie , Sahm Felix , Varlet Pascale ,   the RENOCLIP‐LOC
Published: July 2021

FET:CREB fusions have been described in a variety of tumors from various phenotypes. Recently, these fusion transcripts were reported in intracranial tumors, variably named intracranial mesenchymal myxoid tumors or angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas. Controversy remains concerning the terminology for these tumors. Here, we report 11 cases of central nervous system mesenchymal tumors with proven FET:CREB fusion. Most DNA methylation profiles were not classifiable using the Heidelberg Brain Tumor or Sarcoma Classifier (v11b4/v12.2). However, by using unsupervised t‐SNE and hierarchical clustering analyses, six of the cases constituted a distinct cluster. The remaining four tumors showed no obvious relation to any of the other referenced classes but were close to the clusters of extra‐CNS angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas (n = 1), clear cell sarcomas (n = 1), or solitary fibrous tumors (n = 2). Our findings confirm that intracranial FET:CREB‐fused tumors do not represent a single molecular tumor entity, although most samples clustered close to each other, indicating the existence of a distinct epigenetic group that could potentially be partially masked by the low number of cases included. Further analyses are needed to characterize intracranial FET:CREB fused‐defined tumors in more detail.
I agreed to go because........examining the Agency of Children within a phenomenon conceptualised as trafficking in Ghana
Authors: Koomson Bernard , Manful Esmeranda , Dapaah Jonathan Mensah , Yeboah Eric Henry
Published: July 2021

The legal and policy framework on child trafficking is dismissive of children's agency and regards them as vulnerable personalities. This paper examines the scope of children's agency in their transportation to other communities for fishing in Ghana. Using a phenomenological design, 17 child returnees' views were elicited on their movement for fishing activities. Findings revealed that children's agentive capabilities progressed primarily from consent giving to negotiation. Highlighting the relational and material context within which children's agency unfolds, the study suggests that it is erroneous to generally ascribe the discursive label of ‘innocence’ to children who are considered as trafficked.
Recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for right‐sided colon cancer: post hoc sensitivity analyses—early recurrence, surgery by specialist and dissection in the mesocolic plane
Authors: Bertelsen Claus Anders , Neuenschwander Anders Ulrich , Kleif Jakob
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim was to investigate whether the previously reported causal treatment effect of complete mesocolic excision on the risk of recurrence was biased by inclusion of patients with potentially undiagnosed disseminated disease at the time of surgery, by non‐specialist surgery, or caused by mesocolic plane dissection.

Method

A population of 1069 patients, 813 undergoing conventional resection and 256 complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer during the period 2008–2013, was stepwise reduced in the following order by excluding patients with recurrence diagnosed within 6 months of the resection, having surgery performed by a non‐specialist without supervision, and specimens assessed as not being mesocolic plane dissection. The primary outcome measure was risk of recurrence after 5.2 years using competing risk analyses.

Results

The absolute risk reduction of complete mesocolic excision was 6.0% (95% CI 1.8–10.2; P = 0.0049) after excluding patients with recurrence within 6 months of resection, 6.1% (95% CI 1.9–10.4; P = 0.0045) after excluding non‐specialist surgery, and 7.5% (95% CI 2.9–12.0; P = 0.0013) after the exclusion of patients whose specimens were assessed as dissections not being performed in the mesocolic plane.

Conclusion

The absolute risk reduction of recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for right‐sided colon cancer in our previous study was not biased by potentially undiagnosed disseminated disease at the time of surgery or non‐specialist surgery, and was not solely caused by dissection in the mesocolic plane. Central vascular dissection with central lymphadenectomy seems a major factor for better oncological results.
Partial depletion and repopulation of microglia have different effects in the acute MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Qing , Shen Chenye , Liu Zhaolin , Ma Yuanyuan , Wang Jinghui , Dong Hongtian , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Wang Zishan , Yu Mei , Ci Lei , Sun Ruilin , Shen Ruling , Fei Jian , Huang Fang
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive and selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Microglial activation and neuroinflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of PD. However, the relationship between microglial activation and PD pathology remains to be explored.

Materials and Methods

An acute regimen of MPTP was administered to adult C57BL/6J mice with normal, much reduced or repopulated microglial population. Damages of the dopaminergic system were comprehensively assessed. Inflammation‐related factors were assessed by quantitative PCR and Multiplex immunoassay. Behavioural tests were carried out to evaluate the motor deficits in MPTP‐challenged mice.

Results

The receptor for colony‐stimulating factor 1 inhibitor PLX3397 could effectively deplete microglia in the nigrostriatal pathway of mice via feeding a PLX3397‐formulated diet for 21 days. Microglial depletion downregulated both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory molecule expression at baseline and after MPTP administration. At 1d post‐MPTP injection, dopaminergic neurons showed a significant reduction in PLX3397‐fed mice, but not in control diet (CD)‐fed mice. However, partial microglial depletion in mice exerted little effect on MPTP‐induced dopaminergic injuries compared with CD mice at later time points. Interestingly, microglial repopulation brought about apparent resistance to MPTP intoxication.

Conclusions

Microglia can inhibit PD development at a very early stage; partial microglial depletion has little effect in terms of the whole process of the disease; and microglial replenishment elicits neuroprotection in PD mice.
Carbol fuchsin stain enhances detection of poly‐(d, l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres in exenatide extended‐release cutaneous injection‐site foreign body reaction
Authors: Flugrad Rebecca , Hoerres Derek , Googe Paul B
Published: July 2021

Injection of high‐viscosity fluids into subcutaneous tissues may lead to a granulomatous reaction called sclerosing lipogranuloma (SL). Poly‐(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLG or PLGA) microspheres are used as vehicles for extended‐release drugs. Here we describe the histopathologic features of a case of SL induced by exenatide extended‐release injections, and the staining pattern of PLG microspheres and microsphere remnants with carbol fuchsin.
Signals of resilience and change in tidepool fish communities on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, Canada
Authors: Green John M. , Dunbrack Robert L. , Bates Amanda E.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Ocean warming and marine heatwaves have emerged as strong predictors of biodiversity change in coastal systems. Here, we test for systematic change in tidepool fish communities between recent and historical data sets, which include the North Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016.

Location

Periodic sampling occurred since 1966 at study site isolated from human activities on the Pacific west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Methods

Repeated fish sampling at seven wave‐exposed rocky shore tidepools was conducted on 8 (historical: 1966–1993) and 5 (recent: 2012–2016) occasions during low tide using methods that capture all individuals present (including cryptic and rare species). Species were subsequently identified using standard taxonomic approaches and abundances recorded. These data comprised the basis for analyses of both community‐level and species‐specific responses to test for differences in the historical and recent time periods.

Results

We did not detect systematic increases or declines in species density, total abundance of fishes within tidepools and community similarity between historical and recent sampling events in high‐intertidal pools. However, fish communities from low‐shore pools decreased in the number of species present, overall abundance and community similarity. Those species lost from the lower pools were non‐resident rare species typical of subtidal environments. By contrast, a warm‐affinity crevice kelpfish was observed only recently. We also found that six species had higher or lower abundances between historical and recent sampling events, and one species occurred at higher vertical heights.

Main conclusion

Fish communities in high‐intertidal pools were resilient between historical and recent sampling periods, and lacked evidence of invasion. However, some signals of community and species changes were evident in the lower shore. Overall, these communities may reach a threshold with ongoing ocean warming and continued monitoring is required to reveal any major changes as they unfold.
The labour‐oriented perspective of validating non‐formal and informal learning: Lessons learned from three Dutch case studies
Authors: Duvekot Ruud , Onstenk Jeroen
Published: July 2021

Organisations that support employees to take responsibility and ownership for their lifelong learning can reinforce the return on investment in human resources development (HRD). In this way, learning is a process driven by a dialogue on personal development and steered by HRD. The result of this dialogue is mutually beneficial to employers and employees. Based on the reflection of employees in three Dutch cases, an answer was sought to the questions of how the Validation of Non‐formal and Informal Learning (VNIL) system fits into the operationalisation of dialogues on personal development within a labour‐oriented perspective and what this means for the application of Validation of Non‐formal and Informal Learning (VNIL) in the HRD of public and private organisations. The aim is gaining insight into the linkage of personal qualities and development opportunities within public and private organisations. The extent to which organisations are able to activate dialogues using VNIL not only colours HRD strategies but also results in an open dialogue on and shared ownership of lifelong learning. Both dialogue and shared ownership reinforce the organisation's mission. Lessons learned from Dutch cases highlight available approaches and opportunities for employers and employees when activating the labour‐oriented perspective of the VNIL.
Variation in generation time reveals density regulation as an important driver of pace of life in a bird metapopulation
Authors: Araya‐Ajoy Yimen G. , Niskanen Alina K. , Froy Hannah , Ranke Peter Sjolte , Kvalnes Thomas , Rønning Bernt , Le Pepke Michael , Jensen Henrik , Ringsby Thor Harald , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Wright Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Generation time determines the pace of key demographic and evolutionary processes. Quantified as the weighted mean age at reproduction, it can be studied as a life‐history trait that varies within and among populations and may evolve in response to ecological conditions. We combined quantitative genetic analyses with age‐ and density‐dependent models to study generation time variation in a bird metapopulation. Generation time was heritable, and males had longer generation times than females. Individuals with longer generation times had greater lifetime reproductive success but not a higher expected population growth rate. Density regulation acted on recruit production, suggesting that longer generation times should be favoured when populations are closer to carrying capacity. Furthermore, generation times were shorter when populations were growing and longer when populations were closer to equilibrium or declining. These results support classic theory predicting that density regulation is an important driver of the pace of life‐history strategies.
Intraspecific variation in longevity of Drosophila prolongata (Diptera: Drosophilidae) under solitary and group conditions
Authors: Kudo Ayumi
Published: July 2021

Considerable variations in behavior and physiology exist among sexes and strains of species. The amount and allocation of energy resources can affect the health and survival of individuals. If an individual devotes a large amount of energy to interact with other conspecifics, the resources may become too scarce to maintain their physical condition, which could reduce longevity. In this study, I examined the interactive effects of sex, strain, and the presence of conspecifics on adult longevity using four strains of Drosophila prolongata. This species shows a large intraspecific variation in behavior and morphology among isofemale strains. Under solitary conditions, longevity was significantly different among strains for both sexes. The effects of same‐sex conspecifics on adult longevity were also highly variable between the sexes and among strains. When exposed to conspecifics, the longevity of males of a hyper‐aggressive strain was more notably decreased than that of females of the same strain or either sex of other less aggressive strains. These results indicate that differences in the balance of costs and benefits of social interactions lead to differences in adult longevity under group conditions between the sexes and among strains within the same species.
Christ’s Love as the New Face of Christian Apologetics in India
Authors: Wetsah Kerio
Published: July 2021

The new face of Christian apologetics emphasizes advocating the gospel through a praxis‐oriented perspective of Christ’s love. The new face does not show superiority or advantages, but manifests the benefit of our faith in Christ’s love to the world. This article argues that reigniting Christ’s love in a self‐believing world not only exemplifies but also fulfils the purpose of faith in Christ. This is the greatest evidence of apologetics we can give to our friends of other faiths. Considering the multireligious world, which has turned into a global village, we must ask how Christ’s love can be advocated without hurting the sentiments of another religion. This question takes on greater importance in a multireligious context like India, where Christians are a minority. In such a setting, no matter how much we seek to remain exclusive, advocacy is tangible only through our manifestation of Christ’s love transcending ethnic, gender, religious, political, and economic barriers. The hallmark of our advocacy should be that our presence is a blessing in a multireligious context.
God Is Love – The Experience of the Just, Compassionate, and Merciful God
Authors: Sauca Ioan
Published: July 2021

In 2022, the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is to gather in Karlsruhe, Germany, around the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” This article offers reflections on understanding the theme in a holistic way against the background of the work undertaken in the WCC on trinitarian and incarnational theology, and the reconciliation of all in Christ that is expressed in the WCC document “Towards a Common Understanding and Vision of the WCC.” It goes on to offer reflections from an Orthodox perspective on the just, merciful, and compassionate God that we experience as love.
Doubt and Hope
Authors: Shmaliy Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The article examines the theme of the forthcoming assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the context of previous assemblies – in particular, of Orthodox participation in them. More specifically, it examines the question of why the word “church” is absent in the themes of the assemblies of the WCC and how this is related to the problem of Christian unity. The article shows that due to the impossibility of offering a unanimous witness to belonging to one visible church, the WCC emphasizes that divided Christians are united in Christ. The article considers the question of how the ecumenical theology of “the world,” as reflected in assembly themes and its relationship to Christian unity, has changed during the history of the WCC, and Orthodox perspectives on the relationship between the church and the world. Finally, it refers to the challenges associated with an emphasis on the theme of “ecumenism of love.”
DNA marker analysis of flowering time, semi‐dwarf, fertility restorer, and brown midrib genes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)
Authors: Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Yonemaru Jun‐ichi , Kiyosawa Atsushi , Mizuno Hiroshi , Kasuga Sigemitsu
Published: July 2021

DNA markers for the genes for flowering time (Ma1/SbPRR37, Ma2/SbEHD1, Ma3/SbPhyB, Ma4/SbCO, Ma5/SbPhyC, and Ma6/SbGHD7), semi‐dwarfism (dw1 and dw2), fertility restorers (Rf1, Rf2, Rf5, and partial A1 mitochondrial sequence) and cytoplasmic–nuclear male sterile (CMS), and brown midrib (bmr‐2, bmr‐6, and bmr‐18) were developed in this study. These markers and previously published DNA markers for dw3 were used to analyze sorghum cultivars used in breeding programs in Japan and traditional landraces from the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (NIAS) sorghum core collection. Agronomically useful mutations were effectively detected in the cultivars by the DNA markers. Most of the mutation types for flowering and semi‐dwarfism were detected in sorghum cultivars, but only the dominant‐type allele of SbEHD1 and SbPhyB for flowering was detected in the NIAS collection. Fertility restorers and CMS were rarely detected in NIAS collection. Agronomically useful traits such as early flowering and semi‐dwarfism became combined in the modern cultivars by phenotypic evaluation for the adaptation of harvesting to the temperate zones. Fertility restorers and CMS were introduced for F1 hybrid breeding. These phenotypes are often recessive, so information on the alleles responsible would be helpful for sorghum breeding. We expect these DNA markers to facilitate and improve the efficiency of F1 sorghum breeding programs.
Histopathological and molecular profiling of lung adenocarcinoma skin metastases reveals specific features
Authors: Forest Fabien , Laville David , Habougit Cyril , Da Cruz Vanessa , Casteillo François , Yvorel Violaine , Bard‐Sorel Sandrine , Godard William , Picot Tiphanie , Tiffet Olivier , Perrot Jean‐Luc , Péoc'h Michel
Published: July 2021

Aims

Little is known regarding the histopathological and molecular features of lung adenocarcinoma skin metastases. Our study is the largest, to our knowledge, to comprehensively explore these to date.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective cohort study analysing 42 lung adenocarcinoma skin metastasis samples obtained from a database of 2659 lung adenocarcinomas collected between 2010 and 2020. EGFR exon 19 deletion was detected in one patient and KRAS mutations were detected in 12 (33.3%) patients. The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) tumour proportion score was <1% in 27 patients, ≥1% and <50% in eight patients, ≥50% in six patients and not assessable in one patient. We showed that the predominant histopathological subtype is different from that at other metastatic sites (P = 0.024). Thyroid transcription factor I (TTF‐1) was more often negative in skin metastases compared to other sites (P < 0.001). The EGFR mutation rate tended to be lower for skin metastases compared to other sites (P = 0.079). Skin metastases were associated with a high rate of PD‐L1‐negative cases (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

Our work shows that the skin metastases of lung adenocarcinoma have a specific histopathological profile.
C. Radhakrishna Rao: A Century in Statistical Science
Authors: Kannan Nandini , Kundu Debasis
Published: July 2021

In this article, the authors provide a glimpse into the legendary career of centenarian Professor C. Radhakrishna Rao, a career that is inextricably linked to the history of modern statistics from Pearson and Fisher to the age of big data and Artificial Intelligence. A scientist of extraordinary vision, his ground‐breaking contributions have influenced not only the field of statistics, but the mathematical, social, biological and economic sciences. An outstanding researcher, a gifted and inspirational teacher who could make complex concepts come to life in a classroom and a mentor who demanded excellence from his students, Professor Rao continues to inspire generations of statisticians and scientists around the world.
Development and psychometric properties of a self‐report instrument for the assessment of sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities (SEBECOMID‐S)
Authors: Gil‐Llario María Dolores , Flores‐Buils Raquel , Elipe‐Miravet Marcel , Fernández‐García Olga , Ballester‐Arnal Rafael
Published: July 2021

Background

This paper presents a description of the development and psychometric properties of a self‐report instrument for the assessment of sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities (SEBECOMID‐S).

Methods and procedures

The study included 281 people with mild intellectual disabilities. The psychometric properties were examined through exploratory factorial analysis, descriptive statistics, and reliability indices.

Results

The exploratory factor analyses offered a structure with three factors: concern about the appropriateness of their sexual behaviour, sexual practices performed, and safe sex practices. The model presents an excellent fit (χ2/df = 1.10, RMSEA = 0.019, CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.995, and SRMR = 0.065). General test reliability was good (α = 0.77, Ω = 0.76).

Conclusions

SEBECOMID‐S is a valid and reliable tool to obtain objective information about the sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities. The use of this instrument will make it possible to adjust their training to their real experiences, making it more effective.
First tracking of declining Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia breeding in the Baltic Sea reveals high migratory dispersion and disjunct annual ranges as obstacles to effective conservation
Authors: Rueda‐Uribe Cristina , Lötberg Ulrik , Ericsson Maria , Tesson Sylvie V. M. , Åkesson Susanne
Published: July 2021

The conservation of migratory species poses significant challenges that may be countered by detailed knowledge about the sites used by migrants throughout the annual cycle. We present the first GPS‐tracking data on the migration of declining Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia breeding in the Baltic Sea. For 39 Caspian terns from colonies along a latitudinal gradient from 57 to 65°N, we identified key migratory routes, stopovers and wintering areas. In autumn these seabirds migrated using coastal and freshwater stopovers along six routes to reach their wintering areas across the Sahel, the Nile River Basin and the southern Iberian Peninsula. In spring, adults returned to the breeding grounds in the Baltic using a time optimizing strategy by reducing time at stopover by 78%, whereas most subadults remained sedentary and some performed only partial return migrations. Of the stopover sites used in both seasons, 58% are protected and have a reported management plan. Conservation strategies in wintering areas, stopover sites that are not protected or had not been previously recognized, and the inclusion of the species in important migratory flyways across Europe and Africa will be important to prevent further population declines of a species that depends on aquatic habitats.
Electrogram‐guided endomyocardial biopsy yield in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis and relation to outcomes
Authors: Ezzeddine Fatima M. , Kapa Suraj , Rosenbaum Andrew , Blauwet Lori , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , AbouEzzeddine Omar F. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Bois John P. , Schirger John A. , Chareonthaitawee Panithaya , Siontis Konstantinos C.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is a useful diagnostic tool though the yield may be limited in many myocardial diseases. Data on the diagnostic yield and prognostic significance of EMB guided by abnormal electrograms (EGM‐Bx) in suspected cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are scarce.

Methods

Seventy‐nine patients (mean age: 56 ± 12 years; 61% men) with suspected CS based on clinical and imaging features underwent right or left ventricular EGM‐Bx guided by electroanatomic mapping. Tissue samples were obtained from sites with abnormal EGMs and/or abnormal cardiac imaging. The diagnostic yield of EGM‐Bx was evaluated in reference to histopathologic analysis. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and transplantation‐free survival were compared between patients with positive and negative EGM‐Bx for CS.

Results

A total of 254 samples were obtained from abnormal EGM sites, and 126 samples from normal EGM sites guided by pre‐procedure imaging findings. Abnormal histopathology was noted in 65 (26%) and 10 (8%) samples from abnormal and normal EGM sites, respectively. Histopathology confirmed CS in 16 (20%) patients, while an alternative tissue diagnosis emerged in 10 (13%) patients. Abnormal EGMs at the biopsy site had sensitivity 89% and specificity 33% for a histopathologic diagnosis of CS. LVAD and transplantation‐free survival were not significantly associated with the EGM‐Bx result (log‐rank p = .91).

Conclusion

In patients with suspected CS, abnormal EGM‐Bx has high sensitivity and low specificity for establishing a definite CS diagnosis. Consideration of substrate abnormalities apparent on preprocedural imaging as an adjunct for selection of biopsy sites may further improve EGM‐Bx yield.
Evaluation of putative CSF biomarkers in paediatric spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients before and during treatment with nusinersen
Authors: Johannsen Jessika , Weiss Deike , Daubmann Anne , Schmitz Leonie , Denecke Jonas
Published: July 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder leading to immobilization and premature death. Currently, three alternative therapeutic options are available. Therefore, biomarkers that might reflect or predict the clinical course of the individual patient with treatment are of great potential use. Currently, the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen is the prevalent and longest validated therapy for SMA. We analysed CSF candidate biomarkers for degenerative CNS processes (namely phosphorylated heavy chain (pNf‐H), light‐chain neurofilaments (NfL), total tau protein (T‐Tau), neurogranin, β‐secretase BACE‐1 and alpha‐synuclein) in 193 CSF samples of 44 paediatric SMA types 1, 2 and 3 patients before and under nusinersen treatment and related them to standardized clinical outcome scores in a single‐centre pilot study. pNf‐H and NfL correlated with disease severity and activity, emphasizing their relevance as marker of neuronal loss and clinical outcome. T‐Tau was significantly correlated with motor function scores in SMA type 1 making it an interesting marker for treatment response. Additionally, baseline T‐Tau levels were elevated in most SMA patients possibly reflecting the extension of neuronal degeneration in paediatric‐onset SMA. Further investigations of these CSF proteins might be beneficial for paediatric SMA subtypes and treatment modalities as an indicator for clinical outcome and should be analysed in larger cohorts.
The association between personalities, alternative breeding strategies and reproductive success in dunnocks
Authors: Holtmann Benedikt , Lara Carlos E. , Santos Eduardo S. A. , Gillum Joanne E. , Gemmell Neil J. , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: July 2021

Although consistent between‐individual differences in behaviour (i.e. animal personality) are ubiquitous in natural populations, relatively few studies have examined how personalities influence the formation of social relationships. Yet, behavioural characteristics of both sexes might be key when it comes to pair‐bond formation, and cooperation with partners to successfully rear offspring. We here use a wild population of dunnocks (Prunella modularis) to first investigate whether individuals mate nonrandomly (i.e. assortative mating) with regard to four behavioural traits—flight‐initiation distance (FID), provisioning, activity and vigilance—that differ in repeatability and have previously been associated with mating patterns and fitness in other species. Second, we test whether an individual's FID is associated with variability in the dunnocks' mating system (i.e. monogamous pairs vs. polygamous groups). Finally, we determine whether FID and provisioning of males and females associate with their reproductive success. We found no statistical support for assortative mating in FID between males and females. Interestingly, in polygamous groups, co‐breeding males differed in their FIDs with dominant alpha males having significantly shorter FIDs compared with subordinate beta‐males. Moreover, there was evidence for assortative mating in provisioning for alpha males and females in polygamous groups. We also found that male provisioning influenced reproductive success of both sexes, whereas female provisioning rates only positively correlated with her own but not their partner(s) reproductive output. Our results suggest that personality differences may have important implications for social relationships, the emergence of different mating patterns and ultimately reproductive success within populations.
Development of reproductive potential in protogynous coral reef fishes within Philippine no‐take marine reserves
Authors: Bucol Abner A. , Abesamis Rene A. , Stockwell Brian L. , Lowe Jake R. , Russ Garry R.
Published: July 2021

Empirical evidence for increases in the reproductive potential (egg output per unit area) of coral reef fish in no‐take marine reserves (NTMRs) is sparse. Here, we inferred the development of reproductive potential in two species of protogynous reef fishes, Chlorurus bleekeri (Labridae: Scarinae) and Cephalopholis argus (Epinephelidae), inside and outside of Philippine NTMRs. We estimated key reproductive parameters and applied these to species‐specific density and length data from 17 NTMRs (durations of protection 0–11 years) and paired fished sites (controls) in a space‐for‐time substitution approach. For C. argus, we also used density and length data collected almost annually over 29 years from a NTMR and an adjacent control at Apo Island. The results suggest that C. bleekeri can develop 6.0 times greater reproductive potential in NTMRs than controls after 11 years of protection, equivalent to approximately 582,000 more eggs produced 500 m−2 inside NTMRs. Enhancement of reproductive potential in C. argus was not evident after 11 years in the space‐for‐time substitution. At Apo Island NTMR, reproductive potential of C. argus increased approximately 6‐fold over 29 years but NTMR/control ratios in reproductive potential decreased through time (from 3.2 to 2.4), probably due to spillover of C. argus from the NTMR to the control. C. argus was estimated to produce approximately 113,000 more eggs 500 m−2 inside Apo Island NTMR at the 29th year of protection. Ratios of reproductive potential between NTMR and controls in C. bleekeri and C. argus were often greater than corresponding ratios in density or biomass. The study underscores the importance of species‐specific reproductive life history traits that drive variation in the development of larval fish subsidies that originate from NTMRs.
Self‐Injury and Domestic Violence in Young Adults During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Trajectories, Precursors, and Correlates
Authors: Steinhoff Annekatrin , Bechtiger Laura , Ribeaud Denis , Murray Aja Louise , Hepp Urs , Eisner Manuel , Shanahan Lilly
Published: July 2021

We examined the longitudinal course of, and pre‐ and during‐pandemic risk factors for, self‐injury and domestic physical violence perpetration in young adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data came from a Swiss longitudinal study (N = 786, age ˜22 in 2020), with one prepandemic (2018) and four during‐pandemic assessments (2020). The prevalence of self‐injury did not change between April (during the first Swiss national lockdown) and September 2020 (postlockdown). Domestic violence perpetration increased temporarily in males. Prepandemic self‐injury was a major risk factor for during‐pandemic self‐injury. Specific living arrangements, pandemic‐related stressor accumulation, and a lack of adaptive coping strategies were associated with during‐pandemic self‐injury and domestic violence. Stressor accumulation had indirect effects on self‐injury and domestic violence through negative emotions.
Influences of product pH and salinity on the retronasal threshold values of capsaicin
Authors: Chon Seoyeong , Kim Mina K.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the retronasal threshold values of capsaicin with regard to changes in product pH and salinity. Retronasal threshold testing was conducted using five series of the ascending three‐alternative forced‐choice method on water‐based matrices with varying pH and salinity levels. Overall, retronasal BET values of capsaicin tended to decrease with increases of pH in a water‐based model system, and the retronasal BET value of capsaicin at a pH of 6 was significantly lower than the BET values at other pH levels (p < .05). This result suggests lower capsaicin concentration is required for human to detect capsaicin‐related spiciness at pH 6 than the capsaicin concentration at pH 4.0–5.5. No significant differences in BET values of capsaicin were detected at salinity levels of 1.0–2.0% with 0.18 mg/L (p > .05). No significant differences were observed in BET values of capsaicin at salinity levels of 2.5–3.5%, which corresponded to capsaicin concentrations of 0.42 (2.5%), 0.40 (3.0%), and 0.30 mg/L (3.5%). Retronasal BET values for capsaicin at 2.5–3.5% salinity were significantly higher than those at 1.0–2.0%, suggesting that capsaicin‐related spiciness of low capsaicin concentrations may be better recognized at salinity ranges of 1.0–2.0% than at higher salinity values (2.5–3.5%).

Practical Applications

Capsaicin is well known for its spicy perception in kimchi. Analysis of the spiciness of kimchi has been heavily dependent on instrumental analysis of capsaicin content. However, a gap exists between the instrumental analysis results and the perceived spiciness intensity of kimchi products by humans. This study investigated different pH and salinity ranges similar to those found in commercially available kimchi in Korea and determined the retronasal thresholds of capsaicin. Results suggest a difference in retronasal threshold values of capsaicin according to product pH and salinity, and this finding may explain the disparity between the instrumental analysis of capsaicin and the perceived spiciness intensity in kimchi by humans.
Cloning, tissue distribution and functional characterization of the donkey (Equus asinus) oligopeptide transporter 2
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Liu Guiqin , Liu Wenqiang , Zhu Mingxia , Wang Changfa
Published: July 2021

Oligopeptide transporter 2 (PepT2) is an important transporter of oligopeptides. In the present study, we describe the molecular cloning, tissue distribution and functional characterization of a donkey (Equus asinus) PepT2. The cloned cDNA sequence was 2202 bp at full length, encoding a 733 amino acid peptide with a molecular weight of 81.9 kDa and a theoretical pI of 8.92. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the deduced peptide sequence possessed all the characteristic features of PepT2. The expression of PepT2 in the kidney and lung was significantly higher than that observed in the ileum, duodenum, jejunum, spleen, liver, heart and stomach. Functional characterization by heterologous expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed that the uptake of β‐Ala‐Lys‐N‐7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin‐3‐acetic acid (β‐Ala‐Lys‐AMCA) by donkey PepT2‐Chinese hamster ovary cells was dependent on time, pH and substrate concentration, with a low Km value of 91.51 ± 14.14 μM and a maximum velocity of 41.37 ± 2.193 pmol/min/mg protein. In the present study, for the first time, the expression and functional characteristics of donkey PepT2 were evaluated, the results of which provide new insights and a better understanding of its crucial role in oligopeptide transport in donkeys.
Effectiveness of direct acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C virus related recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma patients who had multiple courses of recurrence
Authors: Ohki Takamasa , Sato Koki , Kondo Mayuko , Goto Eriko , Sato Takahisa , Kondo Yuji , Akamatsu Masatoshi , Sato Shinpei , Yoshida Hideo , Koike Yukihiro , Obi Shuntaro
Published: July 2021

Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) using direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has been reported to alter liver function and reduce the recurrence rate after curative treatment in naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, it is not well known whether administration of DAAs had favourable effect on HCC patients with multiple courses of recurrence. We retrospectively extracted 146 HCV‐related HCC (C‐HCC) patients who received curative treatment using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) followed by eradication treatment with DAA between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. We also extracted 184 C‐HCC patients who were curatively treated using RFA without HCV eradication treatment between 1 January 2009 and 31 July 2014 as controls. We used propensity score matching method and adjusted following factors between the 2 groups: age, sex, liver function, number of recurrence times, tumour diameter and tumour numbers. We finally enrolled 47 C‐HCC patients with eradication of HCV, and 47 C‐HCC patients without HCV eradication as controls. Primary end point was time to curative treatment failure. We defined time to curative treatment failure as the interval from curative treatment initiation to premature discontinuation of this type of therapy. Their clinical data, time to curative treatment failure and overall survival were compared. We also assessed the prognostic values of time to curative treatment failure and overall survival using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. The median age was 74.8 years, 60 patients (63.8%) were male, and 81 patients (86.2%) were Child‐Pugh class A. The median tumour number was 1, tumour diameter was 20 mm, and frequency of recurrence was 3 times. There were no significant differences about patients’ backgrounds between the 2 groups. The cumulative time to curative treatment failure rates of patients who received DAA were 93.6% and 73.2% at 1 and 3 years, respectively; those of controls were 72.5%, and 37.1% (p < .01). Multivariate analysis indicated that eradication with DAAs (HR 0.23, 95% CI; 0.12–0.43, p < .01) and DCP >50 mAU/ml (HR 2.62, 95% CI; 1.45–4.74, p < .01) as independent factors contributed to time to curative treatment failure. The cumulative overall survival rates of patients who received DAAs were 93.6% and 72.6% at 1 and 3 years, respectively; those of controls were 72.8% and 37.4% (p < .01). Multivariate analysis indicated that eradication with DAAs (HR 0.32, 95% CI; 0.17–0.60, p < .01) and frequency of recurrence times (HR 1.20 per 1 time, 95% CI; 1.01–1.42, p = .038) as independent factors related to overall survival. Eradication of HCV using DAAs prolonged not only time to curative treatment failure but also overall survival even in C‐HCC patients with multiple courses of recurrence.
Robust replication of volatility and hybrid derivatives on jump diffusions
Authors: Carr Peter , Lee Roger , Lorig Matthew
Published: July 2021

We price and replicate a variety of claims written on the log price and quadratic variation of a risky asset, modeled as a positive semimartingale, subject to stochastic volatility and jumps. The pricing and hedging formulas do not depend on the dynamics of volatility process, aside from integrability and independence assumptions; in particular, the volatility process may be non‐Markovian and exhibit jumps of unknown distribution. The jump risk may be driven by any finite activity Poisson random measure with bounded jump sizes. As hedging instruments, we use the underlying risky asset, a zero‐coupon bond, and European calls and puts with the same maturity as the claim to be hedged. Examples of contracts that we price include variance swaps, volatility swaps, a claim that pays the realized Sharpe ratio, and a call on a leveraged exchange traded fund.
Severity of spleep apnea syndrome and life‐threatening tachyarrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Bencardino Gianluigi , Vitulano Nicola , Bisignani Antonio , Gabrielli Francesca Augusta , Pelargonio Gemma , Narducci Maria Lucia , Perna Francesco , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Comerci Gianluca , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Massetti Massimo , Crea Filippo
Published: July 2021

Background

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) has been reported to be associated with a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate whether in SAS patients receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) the severity of SAS was associated with the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias; (2) to assess whether changes in nocturnal apnoic/hypopnoic episodes may favor the occurrence of life‐threatening arrhythmias, that is, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)/fibrillation (VF), requiring ICD intervention.

Methods

We enrolled 46 patients with documented SAS at polysomnography (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] > 5) who also had a left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35% and, according to primary prevention indications, implanted an ICD (Boston Scientific Incepta) able to daily monitor apnoic/hypopnoic episodes occurring during sleep. Patients were followed at 3‐month intervals.

Results

At a mean follow‐up of 18 months, 21 episodes of sustained VT/FV requiring ICD intervention were documented in eight patients (17.4%). Baseline AHI was significantly higher in patients with compared to those without ICD intervention. ICD interventions, however, were not preceded by any worsening of apnoic/hypopnoic episodes. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of the week during the event, indeed, was not different from that recorded during the previous 2 weeks (25.4 ± 11, 25.6 ± 10 and 25.1 ± 10, respectively; p = .9).

Conclusions

In patients with SAS who received an ICD for primary prevention of sudden death, those with ICD interventions showed a more severe form of the disease at baseline. ICD interventions, however, were not preceded by any significant changes in SAS severity.
The COVID‐19 vaccine and interventional procedures: Exploring the relationship between steroid administration and subsequent vaccine efficacy
Authors: Chow Robert M. , Rajput Kanishka , Howie Benjamin A. , Varhabhatla Narayana
Published: July 2021

Objective

Collate available evidence and provide guidance on whether to delay steroid injections after receiving a vaccine, and whether to delay vaccination if a recent steroid injection has been administered, leaving formal recommendations to various national societies.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify information pertinent to steroid administration and the subsequent downstream effects on vaccine efficacy. The search was initiated on December 20, 2020, and the terms used were (steroid OR cortisone OR dexamethasone) AND (vaccine). The studies were limited to articles in the English language.

Results

Six studies specifically addressed the effect of steroids on vaccine efficacy. Three of the 6 studies indicated that steroids could be used during the peri‐vaccine period without significant suppression of the immune response. One study associated intra‐articular steroid injections with an increased risk of developing influenza even when vaccinated. The remaining 2 studies had mixed findings. One study showed that patients who received dexamethasone, but not prednisolone were able to mount an immune response resulting in increased IgG. Another study showed that vaccine efficacy was maintained if patients were on continuous steroids or steroids after vaccination, but not if they stopped steroids prior to vaccination.

Conclusions

Although there is no shared consensus in the studies reviewed, all but one study noted scenarios in which patients receiving steroids can still be successfully vaccinated.