bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between left atrial expansion index and stroke subtype: A 10‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Hsiao Chao‐Sheng , Hsiao Shih‐Hung , Ho Ying‐Hao
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Although left atrial (LA) expansion index predicts cardiovascular events, its efficacy for predicting cerebral events is unknown.

Methods

This study enrolled 2205 patients who had sinus rhythm after echocardiography in their first visit. LA expansion index was calculated as (Volmax‐Volmin) x100%/Volmin, where Volmax was defined as maximal LA volume and Volmin as minimal LA volume. The study endpoint was ischemic stroke. Stroke subtype was classified as cardioembolic stroke (CE), noncardioembolic stroke with determined mechanism (NCE), or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

Results

Over a 10‐year (mean 9.7 years) follow‐up period, 128 (5.8%) participants reached endpoint, including 46 with CE, 33 with NCE, and 49 with ESUS. Regardless of stroke subtype, LA expansion index was lower in the event groups compared to the nonevent group. The lowest quartile of LA expansion index was associated with high CHA2DS2‐VASc score at enrollment and more events, including CE, ESUS, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, and all‐cause mortality, relative to other quartiles. The LA expansion index was an independent predictor of CE (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.723‐0.912, per 10% increase in LA expansion index; P < .0001) and ESUS (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.881‐0.976, per 10% increase in LA expansion index; p 0.003). An LA expansion index <68% predicts the presence of AF after ESUS with 84% sensitivity and 70% specificity.

Conclusion

LA expansion index is useful for predicting CE and ESUS. It is also associated with AF, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality.
Evaluation of a physiologically based model to predict Dalbulus maidis occurrence in maize crops: validation in two different subtropical areas of South America
Authors: Rossini Luca , Virla Eduardo G. , Albarracín Erica Luft , Van Nieuwenhove Guido A. , Speranza Stefano
Published: May 2021

The maize leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a specialist herbivore that develops on maize plants (Zea mays L., Poaceae). Every year, it is responsible for considerable reductions in yields of the maize fields of the Americas, because alongside its direct damages it is also a vector of three relevant plant pathogens. The transmitted diseases come to have a high incidence, resulting in significant yield losses, thereby forcing farmers and technicians to attempt a tight control of the fields mostly using non‐specific insecticides. Decision support systems based on mathematical models may be valuable in helping to reduce the use of agrochemicals in this regard, as they can provide a projection of the future situation based on past and present data. With this precondition, this work aims to apply and validate a physiologically based model to describe populations of D. maidis developing in two experimental fields located in Argentina, which are characterised by different climatic conditions. Experimentation in the two fields involved a 3‐year survey during the growing seasons 2009, 2010, and 2011, where the adult populations of maize leafhoppers were monitored from the sowing of maize plants to the end of the phenological stage at which they are most susceptible to D. maidis activity. Results showed a good response of the model in describing maize leafhopper populations, also allowing the possibility of setting a threshold for intervention and a projection of the situation if any control action is applied.
Changes in core beliefs over time predict symptoms and functioning in clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Patton Hillary N. , Cowan Henry R. , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: May 2021

Aim

The current study examined whether changes in core beliefs over time predict positive symptoms, negative symptoms, social functioning, and role functioning within individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR).

Methods

CHR participants (N = 73) completed the Brief Core Schemas Scale (BCSS) at baseline, with a subset of participants (n = 54) completing study procedures at a 12‐month follow‐up. Attenuated psychotic symptoms, social, and role functioning were assessed at both timepoints.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses showed that changes in self‐beliefs between baseline and follow‐up predicted worsening social and role functioning at 12‐month follow‐up, with trends suggesting they also predicted negative and positive symptoms at 12‐month follow‐up. The independent effect of an increase in negative self‐beliefs marginally or significantly predicted all outcomes of interest.

Conclusions

The current study shows incremental validity of self‐beliefs from a novel perspective. It suggests that worsening self‐beliefs have a clinically meaningful impact within CHR populations.
Bullying and social functioning, schemas, and beliefs among youth at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Braun Amy , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Granholm Eric , Addington Jean
Published: May 2021

Background

Individuals at clinical high‐risk (CHR) for psychosis experience high rates of bullying. There is little research on the differences between CHR who did and did not experience bullying. However, there is evidence that bullying may be related to negative schemas and social impairment.

Objectives

To examine differences in core schemas, asocial and defeatist beliefs, and social functioning between those who did and did not report bullying experiences in a large sample of CHR individuals. We hypothesized that bullying in CHR youth would be associated with poorer social functioning, increased maladaptive beliefs, and negative core schemas.

Methods

CHR participants (N = 203) were split into those who did and did not report experiencing bullying. The two groups were compared on demographic characteristics, social functioning, and belief variables, using the Brief Core Schemas Scale, the Asocial Beliefs Scale, the Defeatist Performance Attitudes Scale, and the First Episode Social Functioning Scale.

Results

72.9% reported experiencing bullying. These participants had greater severity of negative schemas about others and asocial and defeatist performance beliefs, and lower social functioning scores.

Conclusions

Prevalence of bullying among CHR participants is high. Bullying may be a risk factor for increased asocial and defeatist beliefs, negative core schemas, and poor social functioning. Targeting maladaptive schemas and beliefs during treatment may serve to improve functional outcomes in this group.
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a ratoon paddy field in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Song Kaifu , Zhang Guangbin , Yu Haiyang , Xu Hua , Lv Shihua , Ma Jing
Published: May 2021

Ratoon rice (RR) is a practice that involves achieving a second crop originating from the stubble left after the previous main rice crop (MR) harvest. There has been little previous study on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from ratoon paddy fields. A 3‐year field experiment was conducted to simultaneously measure CH4 and N2O emissions from traditional single rice (SR) and MR + RR fields in Sichuan Province, southwest China. The CH4 and N2O flux peaks were earlier for MR than SR. The CH4 emissions from the RR season accounted for 8–30% of total emissions from MR + RR. Compared with SR, MR + RR increased seasonal CH4 emissions by 3–15%. Correlation analysis showed that the seasonal variation of CH4 fluxes for MR + RR was significantly related to soil redox potential (Eh). The proportion of emitted N2O from RR to MR + RR was 11–42%. The average cumulative N2O emissions from MR and MR + RR were increased by 49 and 110% relative to those from SR plots across the 3 years, respectively. The global warming potential (GWP) of RR occupied 10–27% of MR + RR. The GWP of MR + RR was 7–62% higher than that of SR, and it was chiefly dependent on the contribution of CH4 emissions, despite the greater increase in N2O emissions. Grain yield in RR was 11–18% of that in MR + RR. MR + RR significantly increased rice yield by 19%, but the yield‐scaled GWP was comparable to SR. Our results suggest that MR + RR increases the amount of CH4 and N2O emissions from rice paddy fields and rice grain yield. The yield gaps of ratoon rice would be narrowed by optimizing field management practices to realize sustainable rice production under future climate change conditions. The CH4 and N2O emission peaks of ratoon rice were earlier than those of single rice. The CH4 and N2O emissions from ratoon rice fields were significantly higher than from single rice fields. Ratoon rice significantly increased yield and GWP compared to single rice. No significant difference in yield‐scaled GWP was observed between ratoon rice and single rice.

Highlights

The CH2 and N2O emission peaks of ratoon rice were earlier than those of single rice.

The CH4 and N2O emissions from ratoon rice fields were significantly higher than from single rice fields.

Ratoon rice significantly increased yield and GWP compared to single rice.

No significant difference in yield‐scaled GWP was observed between ratoon rice and single rice.
Rapamycin attenuates depression and anxiety‐like behaviors through modulation of the NLRP3 pathway in pentylenetetrazole‐kindled male Wistar rats
Authors: Aghaie Fatemeh , Moradifar Fatemeh , Hosseini Abdolkarim
Published: April 2021

Background

There is cumulative evidence that shows the effect of epilepsy on behavioral conditions like anxiety and depression.

Objectives

The effects of rapamycin on anxiety and depression caused by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in the rat and possible underlying mechanisms were evaluated.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental groups were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg of rapamycin, while the control group received normal saline only. Kindling was induced by sub‐threshold dose (35 mg/kg, i.p.) of PTZ for one month. When the kindling procedure was done, the seizure behaviors and the behavioral function were evaluated. For anxiety parameters, the elevated plus maze (EPM) was used. The forced swim test was employed to assess the antidepressant potential. At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized and the blood serum and brain samples were isolated for respective measurement of oxidative stress and gene expression parameters.

Results

Rapamycin delayed the development of kindling and the onset time of seizures. Rapamycin administration reduced immobility time in the FST, exerting antidepressant‐like activity. In the EPM test, rapamycin produced an anxiolytic‐like effect. In addition, rapamycin increased the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in the serum and significantly decreased the gene expression of I11b and Nlrp3 compared to the PTZ group.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the inhibitory effect of mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin) on reactive oxygen species production during NLRP3 inflammasome activation could bring about behavioral alterations in anxiety and depression.
Reproductive effort of Caragana microphylla under long‐term grazing exclusion in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Xie Lina , Guan Linjing , Guo Hongyu , Chen Weizhong , Liu Zhe , Li Qingfang , Ma Chengcang
Published: May 2021

Grazing exclusion is a commonly used method to protect and recover herbaceous plants in grasslands, and woody expansion is a common phenomenon in grasslands. However, the effects of grazing exclusion on shrub reproduction remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of long‐term grazing exclusion (0, 8, 30 and 34 years) on reproductive effort of Caragana microphylla in the semi‐arid Inner Mongolia Steppe. Our results showed that the 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased the number of flowers, juvenile pods, mature pods and seed (seed number increased 33.5%) of C. microphylla, however, the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased seed production (seed number decreased 77.9% and 88.1%) of C. microphylla. The 8‐year grazing exclusion had no significant effect on the single flower weight, while the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased (31.7% and 38.7%) the single flower weight. The grazing exclusion had no significant effect on the seed number per pod. The 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased sexual allocation (31.6%), and it had no significant effect on sexual allocation efficiency; however, the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased the sexual allocation (50.4% and 70.4%) and sexual allocation efficiency (55.5% and 60.1%). The 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased seed weight and seed vigor (seed weight increased 18.7%, seed vigor index increased 28.7%), whereas the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion decreased these indexes (seed weight decreased 14.2% and 21.0%, seed vigor index decreased 9.1% and 14.7%). These results indicated that the 8‐year grazing exclusion increased reproductive effort of C. microphylla, while the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion sharply decreased the reproductive effort of this shrub species. Our study suggests long‐term grazing exclusion limited the expansion of shrubs in grassland by decreasing sexual reproduction and thus inhibiting population growth of shrubs.
Falcon fuel: metabarcoding reveals songbird prey species in the diet of juvenile Merlins (Falco columbarius) migrating along the Pacific Coast of western North America
Authors: Bourbour Ryan P. , Aylward Cody M. , Tyson Chris W. , Martinico Breanna L. , Goodbla Alisha M. , Ely Teresa E. , Fish Allen M. , Hull Angus C. , Hull Joshua M.
Published: April 2021

During autumn migration, bird‐eating raptors are thought to rely on flocks of migrant songbirds (Passeriformes) as a critical resource to fuel the energetic demands of long‐distance migration. However, this hypothesis has been challenging to investigate, and the foraging ecology during migration of most migrant raptors remains unexplored. To address these knowledge gaps, our objective was to document the diet of a bird‐eating falcon on active migration. We swabbed visible and trace prey residues from the exterior surface of beaks and talons of migrant juvenile Merlins Falco columbarius in the autumn of 2015 and 2016 at a raptor migration monitoring station positioned on the Pacific Coast of western North America. We used a DNA metabarcoding approach and detected the presence of 40 distinct prey species derived from 210 individual prey species detections on 63 of the 72 (87.5%) migrant juvenile Merlins sampled. We detected an average of 3.3 ± 1.6 prey species on individual Merlins. We found that juvenile males selected smaller prey on average compared with juvenile females. Of the prey species detected, over 80% were migratory songbird species within the Pacific Flyway. In 2015, we detected a greater proportion of irruptive migrants in juvenile Merlin diet compared with 2016. In 2016, we found that the proportion of annual migrants consumed by Merlins corresponded to the timing of peak annual songbird migration in the Pacific Flyway. This study represents one of the first detailed descriptions of songbird prey species consumed by a migrating raptor and supports the hypothesis that migrating juvenile Merlins rely on migrant songbirds to support the energetic demands of migration.
PRILE 2021 guidelines for reporting laboratory studies in Endodontology: A consensus‐based development
Authors: Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Murray Peter E. , Ordinola‐Zapata Ronald , Peters Ove A. , Rôças Isabela Neves , Siqueira José F. , Priya Ekta , Jayaraman Jayakumar , J Pulikkotil Shaju , Camilleri Josette , Boutsioukis Christos , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , Dummer Paul Michael Howell
Published: May 2021

Reproducible, skilfully conducted and unbiased laboratory studies provide new knowledge, which can inform clinical research and eventually translate into better patient care. To help researchers improve the quality and reproducibility of their research prior to a publication peer‐review, this paper describes the process that was followed during the development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology (PRILE) 2021 guidelines and which used a well‐documented consensus‐based methodology. A steering committee was created with eight individuals (PM, RO, OP, IR, JS, EP, JJ and SP), plus the project leaders (PD, VN). The steering committee prepared an initial checklist by combining and adapting items from the modified Consolidated Statement of Reporting Trials checklist for reporting in vitro studies of dental materials and the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications principles as well as adding several new items. The steering committee then formed a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG) and PRILE Online Meeting Group (POMG) to provide expert advice and feedback on the initial draft checklist and flowchart. The members of the PDG participated in an online Delphi process to achieve consensus on the items within the PRILE 2021 checklist and the accompanying flowchart for clarity and suitability. The PRILE checklist and flowchart developed by the online Delphi process were discussed further by the POMG. This online meeting was conducted on 12 February 2021 via the Zoom platform. Following this meeting, the steering committee developed a final version of the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart, which was piloted by several authors when writing up a laboratory study for publication. Authors are encouraged to use the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart to improve the clarity, completeness and quality of reports describing laboratory studies in Endodontology. The PRILE 2021 checklist and flowchart are freely available and downloadable from the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology website (http://pride‐endodonticguidelines.org/prile/).
Changes in the volatile composition of Spanish‐style green table olives induced by pasteurisation treatment
Authors: Montaño Alfredo , Cortés‐Delgado Amparo , López‐López Antonio , Sánchez Antonio Higinio
Published: May 2021

Thermal treatment of pasteurisation is the most widely used stabilisation method for packed green table olives. In the present work, the influence of pasteurisation on the composition of volatile compounds in packed Spanish‐style green table olives was studied. To this aim, two thermal processes (P1 = 85 °C for 7 min; P2 = 85 °C for 15 min) were evaluated by comparing the contents of volatile compounds in pasteurised olives with those in unpasteurised olives. Volatiles were analysed, both in olive juice and cover brine, by means of headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Both pasteurisation treatments caused significant increases in diverse ethyl and methyl esters and in volatile compounds derived from several chemical reactions (lipid oxidation, Maillard reaction, degradation of carotenoids). Significant differences between samples subjected to P1 and P2 were only found for 1‐octen‐3‐ol, pentanal and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one in olive juice.
Analysis of laboratory blood parameter results for patients diagnosed with COVID‐19, from all ethnic group populations: A single centre study
Authors: Marwah Mandeep , Marwah Sukhjinder , Blann Andrew , Morrissey Hana , Ball Patrick , Wandroo Farooq A.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Although factors such as age, sex, diabetes, obesity and changes in certain laboratory investigations are important prognostic factors in COVID‐19 infection, these may not apply to all ethnic/racial groups. We hypothesized differences in routine biochemistry and haematology indices in Caucasian and a combined group of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients who tested positive for COVID‐19 who died, compared to survivors.

Methods

We tested our hypothesis in 445 patients (229 Caucasian, 216 BAME) admitted to secondary care with proven COVID‐19 infection, in whom standard routine laboratory indices were collected on admission.

Results

After 28 weeks, 190 (42.7%) had died within 28 days of COVID diagnosis (97 Caucasians [42.4%], 93 BAMEs [43.1%], P = .923). A general linear model analysis found the ethnicity interaction with mortality to be significant for fibrinogen, ferritin and HbA1c (after controlling for age). In a multivariate analysis, a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio > 7.4 and a urea/albumin ratio > 0.28 increased the odds of death for both the Caucasian and the BAME group. Additional factors increasing the odds ratio in the BAME group included age >60 years and being diabetic.

Conclusion

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and urea/albumin ratio are simple metrics that predict death to aid clinicians in determining the prognosis of COVID‐19 and help provide early intensive intervention to reduce mortality. In the BAME groups, intensive monitoring even at younger age and those with diabetes may also help reduce COVID‐19 associated mortality.
Two atypical gram‐negative bacteria‐binding proteins are involved in the antibacterial response in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
Authors: Ji J. , Zhou L. , Xu Z. , Ma L. , Lu Z.
Published: April 2021

The activation of immune pathways is triggered by the recognition of pathogens by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Gram‐negative bacteria‐binding proteins (GNBPs)/β‐1,3‐glucan recognition proteins (βGRPs) are a conserved family of PRRs in insects. Two GNBPs are predicted in the genome database of pea aphids; however, little is known about their functions in the aphid immune system. Here, we show that pea aphid GNBPs possess domain architectures and sequence features distinct from those of typical GNBPs/βGRPs and that their expression is induced by bacterial infection. Knockdown of their expression by dsRNA resulted in lower phenoloxidase activity, higher bacterial loads and higher mortality in aphids after infection. Our data suggest that these two atypical GNBPs are involved in the antibacterial response in the pea aphid, likely acting as PRRs in the prophenoloxidase pathway.
Reserve accumulation, inflation, and moral hazard: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Chițu Livia
Published: April 2021

This study tests whether international reserve accumulation is inflationary because of moral hazard and incentive effects. We use the 2009 allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) as a natural experiment to trace the effect of an exogenous nonmonetary shock on International Monetary Fund members' reserve holdings. In countries that received large SDR allocations, inflation was about half a percentage point higher in the 2 years following the allocation, controlling for other standard determinants. This effect is commensurate with the size of these countries' discretionary fiscal deficits. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that reserve accumulation may be inflationary because of incentive effects.
Behavior of AV synchrony pacing mode in a leadless pacemaker during variable AV conduction and arrhythmias
Authors: Garweg Christophe , Khelae Surinder Kaur , Chan Joseph Yat Sun , Chinitz Larry , Ritter Philippe , Johansen Jens Brock , Sagi Venkata , Epstein Laurence M. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Pascual Mario , Mont Lluis , Willems Rik , Splett Vincent , Stromberg Kurt , Sheldon Todd , Kristiansen Nina , Steinwender Clemens
Published: April 2021

Introduction

MARVEL 2 assessed the efficacy of mechanical atrial sensing by a ventricular leadless pacemaker, enabling a VDD pacing mode. The behavior of the enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm during variable atrio‐ventricular conduction (AVC) and/or arrhythmias has not been characterized and is the focus of this study.

Methods

Of the 75 patients enrolled in the MARVEL 2 study, 73 had a rhythm assessment and were included in the analysis. The enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm included a mode‐switching algorithm that automatically switches between VDD and ventricular only antibradycardia pacing (VVI)‐40 depending upon AVC status.

Results

Forty‐two patients (58%) had persistent third degree AV block (AVB), 18 (25%) had 1:1 AVC, 5 (7%) had variable AVC status, and 8 (11%) had atrial arrhythmias. Among the 42 patients with persistent third degree AVB, the median ventricular pacing (VP) percentage was 99.9% compared to 0.2% among those with 1:1 AVC. As AVC status changed, the algorithm switched to VDD when the ventricular rate dropped less than 40 bpm. During atrial fibrillation (AF) with ventricular response greater than 40 bpm, VVI‐40 mode was maintained. No pauses longer than 1500 ms were observed. Frequent ventricular premature beats reduced the percentage of AV synchrony. During AF, the atrial signal was of low amplitude and there was infrequent sensing.

Conclusion

The mode switching algorithm reduced VP in patients with 1:1 AVC and appropriately switched to VDD during AV block. No pacing safety issues were observed during arrhythmias.
RF electrode–tissue coverage significantly influences steam pop incidence and lesion size
Authors: Bourier Felix , Popa Miruna , Kottmaier Marc , Maurer Susanne , Bahlke Fabian , Telishevska Marta , Lengauer Sarah , Koch‐Büttner Katharina , Kornmayer Marielouise , Risse Elena , Brkic Amir , Reents Tilko , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel
Published: April 2021

Background

Steam pops are a rare complication associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation and are hard to predict. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of coverage between the RF ablation electrode and cardiac tissue on steam pop incidence and lesion size.

Methods and results

An ex vivo model using porcine cardiac preparations and contact force sensing catheters was designed to perform RF ablations at different coverage levels between the RF electrode and cardiac tissue. During coverage level I, only the distal part of the ablation electrode was in contact with tissue. During coverage level II half of the ablation electrode, and during coverage level III the entire ablation electrode was embedded in tissue. RF applications (n = 60) at different coverage levels I–III were systematically performed using the same standardized ablation protocol. Ablations during coverage level III resulted in a significantly higher rate of steam pops (100%) when compared to ablations during coverage level II (10%) and coverage level I (0%), log rank p < .001. Coverage level I ablations resulted in significantly smaller lesion depths, diameters, and impedance drops when compared to higher coverage level ablations, p < .001. In the controlled ex vivo model, there was no difference in applied contact force or energy between different coverage levels.

Conclusions

The level of coverage between RF electrode, cardiac tissue, and the surrounding fluid significantly influenced the incidence of steam pops in an ex vivo setup. Larger coverage between RF electrode and tissue resulted in significantly larger lesion dimensions.
Progressive increase in activation delay during premature stimulation is related to ventricular fibrillation in Brugada syndrome
Authors: Hasegawa Yuki , Izumi Daisuke , Ikami Yasuhiro , Otsuki Sou , Yagihara Nobue , Iijima Kenichi , Chinushi Masaomi , Minamino Tohru
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The local conduction delay has been deemed to play an important role in the perpetuation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Brugada syndrome (BrS). We evaluated the relationship between the activation delay during programmed stimulation and cardiac events in BrS patients.

Methods

This study included 47 consecutive BrS patients who underwent an electrophysiological study and received implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy. We divided the patients into two groups based on whether they had developed VF (11 patients) or not (36 patients) during the follow‐up period of 89 ± 53 months. The activation delay was assessed using the interval between the stimulus and the QRS onset during programmed stimulation. The mean increase in delay (MID) was used to characterize the conduction curves.

Results

The MID at the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) was significantly greater in patients with VF (4.5 ± 1.2 ms) than in those without VF (2.2 ± 0.9 ms) (p < .001). A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis indicated that the optimal cut‐off point for discriminating VF occurrence was 3.3 with 88.9% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity. Furthermore, patients with an MID at the RVOT ≥ 3.3 ms showed significantly higher rates of VF recurrence than those with an MID at the RVOT < 3.3 ms (p < .001). The clinical characteristics, including the signal‐averaged electrocardiogram measurement and VF inducibility were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

A prolonged MID at the RVOT was associated with VF and maybe an additional electrophysiological risk factor for VF in BrS patients.
LncRNA lnc‐ISG20 promotes renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by inducing AKT phosphorylation through miR‐486‐5p/NFAT5
Authors: Duan Yu‐Rui , Chen Bao‐Ping , Chen Fang , Yang Su‐Xia , Zhu Chao‐Yang , Ma Ya‐Li , Li Yang , Shi Jun
Published: May 2021

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) lnc‐ISG20 has been found aberrantly up‐regulated in the glomerular in the patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). We aimed to elucidate the function and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA lnc‐ISG20 on DN‐induced renal fibrosis. Expression patterns of lnc‐ISG20 in kidney tissues of DN patients were determined by RT‐qPCR. Mouse models of DN were constructed, while MCs were cultured under normal glucose (NG)/high glucose (HG) conditions. The expression patterns of fibrosis marker proteins collagen IV, fibronectin and TGF‐β1 were measured with Western blot assay. In addition, the relationship among lnc‐ISG20, miR‐486‐5p, NFAT5 and AKT were analysed using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The effect of lnc‐ISG20 and miR‐486/NFAT5/p‐AKT axis on DN‐associated renal fibrosis was also verified by means of rescue experiments. The expression levels of lnc‐ISG20 were increased in DN patients, DN mouse kidney tissues and HG‐treated MCs. Lnc‐ISG20 silencing alleviated HG‐induced fibrosis in MCs and delayed renal fibrosis in DN mice. Mechanistically, miR‐486‐5p was found to be a downstream miRNA of lnc‐ISG20, while miR‐486‐5p inhibited the expression of NFAT5 by binding to its 3'UTR. NFAT5 overexpression aggravated HG‐induced fibrosis by stimulating AKT phosphorylation. However, NFAT5 silencing reversed the promotion of in vitro and in vivo fibrosis caused by lnc‐ISG20 overexpression. Our collective findings indicate that lnc‐ISG20 promotes the renal fibrosis process in DN by activating AKT through the miR‐486‐5p/NFAT5 axis. High‐expression levels of lnc‐ISG20 may be a useful indicator for DN.
Effects of Wnt5a overexpression in spinal cord injury
Authors: González Pau , González‐Fernández Carlos , Javier Rodríguez Francisco
Published: May 2021

Accordingly to its known function in corticospinal tract (CST) developmental growth, previous reports have shown an inhibitory role of Wnt5a in CST regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Interestingly, it has been subsequently demonstrated that Wnt5a also modulates the developmental growth of non‐CST axons and that different Wnt5a receptors are expressed in neurons, oligodendrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and reactive microglia/macrophages and astrocytes after SCI. However, the role of Wnt5a in the response of these cell types, in the regeneration of non‐CST axons and in functional recovery after SCI is currently unknown. To evaluate this, rats were subjected to spinal cord contusion and injected with a lentiviral vector generated to overexpress Wnt5a. Histological analyses were performed in spinal cord sections processed for the visualization of myelin, oligodendrocytes, neurons, microglia/macrophages, astrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and serotonergic axons. Motor and bladder function recovery were also assessed. Further advancing our knowledge on the role of Wnt5a in SCI, we found that, besides its previously reported functions, Wnt5a overexpression elicits a reduction on neuronal cell density, the accumulation of NG2+ glial precursors and the descending serotonergic innervation in the affected areas, along with impairment of motor and bladder function recovery after SCI.
Baicalein alleviates osteoarthritis by protecting subchondral bone, inhibiting angiogenesis and synovial proliferation
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Kaizhe , Qian Niandong , Huang Ping , Hu Fangqiong , Ding Tao , Xu Xing , Zhou Qi , Chen Bo , Deng Lianfu , Ye Tianwen , Guo Lei
Published: May 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent chronic joint diseases with the increasing life expectancy. The main characteristics of the disease are loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone sclerosis and synovium inflammation. Physical measures, drug therapy and surgery are the mainstay of treatments for OA, whereas drug therapies are mainly limited to analgesics, glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acids and some alternative therapies because of single therapeutic target of OA joints. Baicalein, a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been widely used in anti‐inflammatory therapies. Previous studies revealed that baicalein could alleviate cartilage degeneration effectively by acting on articular chondrocytes. However, the mechanisms involved in baicalein‐mediated protection of the OA are not completely understood in consideration of integrality of arthrosis. In this study, we found that intra‐articular injection of baicalein ameliorated subchondral bone remodelling. Further studies showed that baicalein could decrease the number of differentiated osteoblasts by inhibiting pre‐osteoblasts proliferation and promoting pre‐osteoblasts apoptosis. In addition, baicalein impaired angiogenesis of endothelial cells and inhibited proliferation of synovial cells. Taken together, these results implicated that baicalein might be an effective medicine for treating OA by regulating multiple targets.
Systemic antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical peri‐implantitis treatment: A single‐blind RCT
Authors: De Waal Yvonne C. M. , Vangsted Tine E. , Van Winkelhoff Arie Jan
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this single‐blind RCT was to evaluate the adjunctive clinical and microbiological effect of systemic amoxicillin (AMX) plus metronidazole (MTZ) to non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Material and methods

Patients (N = 62) with peri‐implantitis were randomly assigned to receive full‐mouth mechanical debridement and decontamination and use of chlorhexidine (control group) or combined with antibiotic therapy of AMX/MTZ (test group). Primary outcome was change in bleeding score from baseline (T0) to 3‐month follow‐up (T3). Secondary parameters were plaque, suppuration, PPD, CAL, bone level, microbiology, adverse events and need for additional surgery. Data were analysed with linear multiple regression analysis.

Results

57 patients with 122 implants completed 3‐month follow‐up. Both groups showed major clinical improvements atT3in both peri‐implant and periodontal parameters. However, no significant differences were observed between both groups for any of the primary or secondary parameters.

Conclusions

Systemic antibiotic therapy of AMX/MTZ does not improve clinical and microbiological outcomes of non‐surgical peri‐implantitis treatment and should not be routinely recommended. Although complete disease resolution may be difficult to achieve, meticulously performed full‐mouth non‐surgical treatment, achieving a high level of daily oral hygiene and healthy periodontal tissues, can significantly improve the starting position of the subsequent (surgical) peri‐implantitis treatment phase.
External validation of blue light imaging (BLI) criteria for the optical characterization of colorectal polyps by endoscopy experts
Authors: Desai Madhav , Kennedy Kevin , Aihara Hiroyuki , Van Dam Jacques , Gross Seth , Haber Gregory , Pohl Heiko , Rex Douglas , Saltzman John , Sethi Amrita , Waxman Irving , Wang Kenneth , Wallace Michael , Repici Alessandro , Sharma Prateek
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim

Recently, the BLI Adenoma Serrated International Classification (BASIC) system was developed by European experts to differentiate colorectal polyps. Our aim was to validate the BASIC classification system among the US‐based endoscopy experts.

Methods

Participants utilized a web‐based interactive learning system where the group was asked to characterize polyps using the BASIC criteria: polyp surface (presence of mucus, regular/irregular and [pseudo]depressed), pit appearance (featureless, round/non‐round with/without dark spots; homogeneous/heterogeneous distribution with/without focal loss), and vessels (present/absent, lacy, peri‐cryptal, irregular). The final testing consisted of reviewing BLI images/videos to determine whether the criteria accurately predicted the histology results. Confidence in adenoma identification (rated “1” to “5”) and agreement in polyp (adenoma vs non‐adenoma) identification and characterization per BASIC criteria were derived. Strength of interobserver agreement with kappa (k) value was reported for adenoma identification.

Results

Ten endoscopy experts from the United States identified conventional adenoma (vs non‐adenoma) with 94.4% accuracy, 95.0% sensitivity, 93.8% specificity, 93.8% positive predictive value, and 94.9% negative predictive value using BASIC criteria. Overall strength of interobserver agreement was high: kappa 0.89 (0.82–0.96). Agreement for the individual criteria was as follows: surface mucus (93.8%), regularity (65.6%), type of pit (40.6%), pit visibility (66.9%), pit distribution (57%), vessel visibility (73%), and being lacy (46%) and peri‐cryptal (61%). The confidence in diagnosis was rated at high ≥4 in 67% of the cases.

Conclusions

A group of US‐based endoscopy experts have validated a simple and easily reproducible BLI classification system to characterize colorectal polyps with >90% accuracy and a high level of interobserver agreement.
Geriatric antibody response to COVID‐19
Authors: Moore Joshua , Groves Tyler , Pilkerton Courtney S. , Ashcraft Amie M. , Shrader Carl D.
Published: May 2021

See related editorial by Ouslander et al and related articles by Mor et al, Rudolph et al, and Domi et al. in this issue.
Involvement of children in hands‐on meal preparation and the associated nutrition outcomes: A scoping review
Authors: Ng Choon Ming , Kaur Satvinder , Koo Hui Chin , Mukhtar Firdaus
Published: May 2021

Background

Emerging research has explored hands‐on meal preparation as a strategy to improve children's nutrition‐related outcomes. This scoping review was conducted to describe the extent of studies on children's involvement in hands‐on meal preparation and the related psychosocial outcomes, actual nutrition behaviour/food consumption and weight status.

Methods

Scoping review methodology was used to select relevant studies, as well as extract and collate the data. Four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from the earliest available time up to December 2020. Observational studies, experimental studies and reviews that were conducted among children aged 5–12 years old and published from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved. Studies extracted involved children in hands‐on healthy meal preparation activities and explored the associated nutrition outcomes.

Results

In total, 28 studies (5 observational studies, 21 experimental studies, 2 reviews) were included in the final review. Studies conducted demonstrated improvement in children's psychosocial outcomes and actual nutrition behaviour/food consumption after participating in hands‐on meal preparation activities, despite differences in methodology, programme content and settings (countries/cultural origins). Limited studies assessed children's nutrients intake and weight status.

Conclusions

The current review suggests that hands‐on meal preparation comprises approach for instilling positive perceptions towards nutrition/healthy foods, potentially improving children's diet. Future studies should include the assessment of nutrient intake and weight status. The long‐term sustainability of these nutrition outcomes should be explored.
Natural variation in linalool metabolites: One genetic locus, many functions?
Authors: He Jun , Halitschke Rayko , Baldwin Ian T. , Schuman Meredith C.
Published: April 2021

The ubiquitous volatile linalool is metabolized in plants to nonvolatile derivatives. We studied Nicotiana attenuata plants which naturally vary in (S)‐(+)‐linalool contents, and lines engineered to produce either (R)‐(‐)‐ or (S)‐(+)‐linalool. Only (S)‐(+)‐linalool production was associated with slower growth of a generalist herbivore, and a large fraction was present as nonvolatile derivatives. We found that variation in volatile linalool and its nonvolatile glycosides mapped to the same genetic locus which harbored the biosynthetic gene, NaLIS, but that free linalool varied more in environmental responses. This study reveals how (S)‐(+)‐linalool and conjugates differ in their regulation and possible functions in resistance.
Mothers', Fathers' and Siblings' Housework Time Within Family Households
Authors: Schulz Florian
Published: May 2021

Objective

To investigate time use of housework for all members of family households, especially focusing on how time allocation varied by siblings' gender composition.

Background

Three knowledge gaps were addressed: the allocation of housework time between all family members; children's contributions to housework, focusing on the relevance of sibling structure; and the differences in time allocation of housework by parental education within family households. The study contributes to the understanding of the family as the primary socialization environment and the foundations of gender inequality of unpaid work time in the life course and in society.

Methods

478 four‐person households were sampled from the German Time Use Study from 2001/2002 and 2012/2013. Using information from 3,743 time diaries, absolute and relative time use for total housework on Mondays through Fridays was analyzed according to siblings' gender composition, applying linear regression.

Results

Mothers and daughters spent more time on housework in shared family households than fathers and sons. Total housework time was lowest in households with two sons and highest in households with two daughters. Older daughters spent more time on housework than younger daughters, and sons with a sister spent more time on housework than sons with a brother, regardless of the birth order. Parents' education had no impact on the time allocation in this sample.

Conclusion

Children's gender plays a role in their interaction with their parents, and both gender identity at the individual level and the dyadic gender compositions of families must be considered when explaining the household allocation of housework.
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease mechanistic subtypes drive hypoperfusion patterns
Authors: Kim Song J. , Morales Jose M. , Yaghi Shadi , Honda Tristan , Scalzo Fabien , Hinman Jason D. , Raychev Radoslav , Sharma Latisha K. , Feldmann Edward , Romano Jose G. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Liebeskind David S.
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

In symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS), borderzone infarct pattern and perfusion mismatch are associated with increased risk of recurrent strokes, which may reflect the shared underlying mechanism of hypoperfusion distal to the intracranial atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we hypothesized a correlation between hypoperfusion volumes and ICAS infarct patterns based on the respective underlying mechanistic subtypes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive symptomatic ICAS cases, acute strokes due to subocclusive (50%–99%) intracranial stenosis. The following mechanistic subtypes were assigned based on the infarct pattern on the diffusion‐weighted imaging: Branch occlusive disease (BOD), internal borderzone (IBZ), and thromboembolic (TE). Perfusion parameters, obtained concurrently with the MRI, were studied in each group.

Results

A total of 42 patients (57% women, mean age 71 ± 13 years old) with symptomatic ICAS received MRI within 24 h of acute presentation. Fourteen IBZ, 11 BOD, and 17 TE patterns were identified. IBZ pattern yielded higher total Tmax > 4 s and Tmax > 6 s perfusion delay volumes, as well as corresponding Tmax > 4 s and Tmax > 6 s mismatch volume, compared to BOD. TE pattern exhibited greater median Tmax > 6 s hypoperfusion delay in volume compared to BOD. In IBZ versus TE, the volume difference between Tmax > 4 s and Tmax > 6 s (Δ Tmax > 4 s – Tmax > 6 s) was substantially greater.

Conclusion

ICAS infarct patterns, in keeping with their respective underlying mechanisms, may correlate with distinct perfusion profiles.
Assemblage of art, discourse and ice hockey: Designing knowledge about work
Authors: Pietikäinen Sari
Published: May 2021

This article examines speculative design's capacity to co‐produce knowledge about contradictions and potentialities of work in professional ice hockey. Building on the Deleuzian concept of assemblage, speculative design has been used for two purposes: (a) to bring together the perspectives of art, anthropology, discourse studies, and professional sports in co‐constructing knowledge about hockey work; and (b) to analyze and present the key findings of an ethnography on hockey work through an art exhibition of speculative hockey memorabilia. As such, these art pieces showed the intertwined relationships of material, discursive, and affective aspects in hockey work as well as the multiplicity of aspirations, challenges, investments, and risks that go into this kind of mobile, unpredictable work. The design process also showed how knowledge production is an emergent process of exchange, dependent on interactions and relationships, and embedded in power relations.
/h/‐dropping and occupational role in Stoke‐on‐Trent's pottery industry
Authors: Leach Hannah
Published: May 2021

This article examines /h/‐dropping in the occupational community of Stoke‐on‐Trent's pottery industry. Using oral history interviews, the article presents quantitative statistical analysis of linguistic and social factors influencing /h/‐variation among these speakers, showing that specific occupational department is the best social predictor of levels of /h/‐dropping. Speakers with more manual, factory‐floor‐based roles show consistently high rates of /h/‐dropping, while speakers with less manual, more varied and/or esteemed roles show lower, and more variable, rates. This suggests a reanalysis of the broad social meanings of /h/ on a local level to enact a hierarchy internal to the industry. Qualitative analysis of individual speakers is employed to explore social meanings of /h/ in this community and how these create and reflect broader social categories. Discussion is linked to wider themes of the role of occupation in social class groupings used in variationist sociolinguistics, suggesting complexity within the classic ‘working‐class’ category.