bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The porcine abattoir blood model—Evaluation of platelet function for in‐vitro hemocompatibility investigations
Authors: Clauser Johanna C. , Maas Judith , Mager Ilona , Halfwerk Frank R. , Arens Jutta
Published: December 2021

Background

The major obstacle of blood‐contacting medical devices is insufficient hemocompatibility, particularly thrombogenicity and platelet activation. Pre‐clinical in‐vitro testing allows for the evaluation of adverse thrombogenicity‐related events, but is limited, among others, by the availability and quantity of human blood donations. The use of animal blood is an accepted alternative for several tests; however, animal and particularly abattoir blood might present species‐specific differences to human blood as well as elevated blood values, and pre‐activated platelets due to stressed animals and non‐standardized blood collection.

Material & Methods

To this end, we investigated porcine abattoir blood in comparison to human donor blood with the focus on platelet pre‐activation and remaining activation potential. By means of light transmission aggregometry, aggregation kinetics of platelet rich plasma after stimulation with three different concentrations of each adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM) and collagen (2.5 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml) were monitored.

Results

The activation with collagen revealed no significant differences in platelet behavior of the two species. In contrast, stimulation with ADP resulted in a lower maximum aggregation and a high disaggregation for porcine abattoir blood. The latter is a species‐specific phenomenon of porcine platelets. Variations within each study cohort were comparable for human and abattoir pig.

Conclusion

The similarities in platelet activation following collagen stimulation and the preservation of the porcine‐specific reaction to ADP prove a general functionality of the abattoir blood. This finding provides a first step towards the complete validation of the porcine abattoir blood model.
Biocompatibility of an apical ring plug for left ventricular assist device explantation: Results of a feasibility pre‐clinical study
Authors: Mariani Silvia , Li Tong , Hegermann Jan , Bounader Karl , Hanke Jasmin , Meyer Tanja , Jannsen‐Peters Heike , Haverich Axel , Schmitto Jan D. , Dogan Günes
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients receiving left ventricle assist devices (LVADs) as bridge to recovery remain a minority with 1%–5% of LVADs explanted after improvement of myocardial function. Nevertheless, considering the growing population of patients supported with LVADs, an increasing demand of new explantation strategies is expected in the near future. A novel plug for LVAD explantation has been developed and its biocompatibility profile needs to be proved. This study tested the biocompatibility of this novel plug in an in vivo ovine model.

Methods

Six adult Blackhead Persian female sheep received plug implantation on the cardiac apex via minimally invasive approach and were clinically observed up to 90 days. Echocardiography was performed to detect thrombus formation or further plug‐related complications. After the observation period, euthanasia was performed and samples including the plug and the surrounding tissues were obtained to be analyzed with correlative light and electron microscopy. Organ necrosis, ischemia and peripheral embolism were investigated.

Results

Three animals survived surgery and completed the follow‐up time without experiencing clinical complications. Echocardiographic controls excluded the presence of an intracavitary thrombus in the left ventricle (LV). Autopsy confirmed no signs of local infection, LV thrombus or peripheral embolism. Light and electron microscopy revealed an intact epithelium covering a layer of connective tissue on the plug surface facing the heart lumen.

Conclusions

This novel apical plug for LVAD explantation allows for endothelial and connective tissue growth on its ventricular side within 90 days from surgery. Further studies are required to fully demonstrate the biocompatibility of this apical plug and investigate the optimal anticoagulation regimen to be applied after implantation.
Incidence, outcomes, and impact of COVID‐19 on inflammatory bowel disease: propensity matched research network analysis
Authors: Hadi Yousaf , Dulai Parambir S. , Kupec Justin , Mohy‐Ud‐Din Nabeeha , Jairath Vipul , Farraye Francis A. , Kochhar Gursimran S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Accurate estimates for the risk of COVID‐19 in IBD, and an understanding of the impact of COVID‐19 on IBD course and the risk of incident post‐infectious IBD are needed.

Aims

To estimate the risk of COVID‐19 in IBD and study its impact on IBD course and the risk of incident post‐infectious IBD.

Methods

A retrospective propensity score matched cohort study utilising multi‐institutional research network TriNetX. COVID‐19 patients with and without IBD were identified to quantify the risk of COVID‐19 in patients with IBD, COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with IBD and the impact of COVID‐19 on IBD disease course. The risk of incident post‐infectious IBD in COVID‐19 patients was compared to the population not infected with COVID‐19 during a similar time period.

Results

Incidence rate ratio for COVID‐19 was lower in IBD patients compared to the non‐IBD population (0.79, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.86). COVID‐19‐infected patients with IBD were at increased risk for requiring hospitalisation compared to non‐IBD population (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.34) with no differences in need for mechanical ventilation or mortality. Patients with IBD on steroids were at an increased risk for critical care need (RR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.29‐3.82). Up to 7% of patients with IBD infected with COVID‐19 suffered an IBD flare 3‐months post‐infection. Risk for incident IBD post‐COVID was lower than that seen in the non‐COVID population (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.65).

Conclusion

We observed no increase in risk for COVID‐19 amongst patients with IBD or risk for de novo IBD after COVID‐19 infection. We confirmed prior observations regarding the impact of steroid use on COVID‐19 severity in patients with IBD.
Secondary school students’ perception of the online teaching experience during COVID‐19: The impact on mental wellbeing and specific learning difficulties
Authors: Walters Thomas , Simkiss Nicola J. , Snowden Robert J. , Gray Nicola S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Student engagement and concentration is critical for successful learning. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of online learning which may affect engagement and concentration, particularly for those students with specific learning difficulties.

Aims

Students would show lower scores on all the measures of student experience when judging these during online learning versus learning within the classroom.

This negative impact of online learning on concentration, engagement, perceived learning, and self‐worth compared to classroom education would be more significant for those with specific learning difficulties.

The drop in student experience scores due to online learning would be associated with poorer mental well‐being.

Sample

Four hundred seven pupils aged 11–18 years at a secondary education school in Wales.

Methods

A retrospective online survey comparing pupils’ normal classroom experience to learning online during the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom (March–July 2020).

Results

Pupils’ learning experiences (concentration, engagement, ability to learn, and self‐worth from learning) were significantly lower for online learning compared to the classroom learning. These differences were more marked in students with specific learning difficulties. Perceived ability to learn and engage during classroom and online learning were also associated with mental well‐being.

Conclusions

The move to online learning appears to have affected students’ ability to concentrate and engage in their schoolwork and appears to have reduced their ability to learn and get self‐worth from their work. These decreases are associated with a decrease in mental well‐being. The effects appear to be exacerbated in some students with specific learning difficulties.
Gender stereotypes in UK children and adolescents: Changing patterns of knowledge and endorsement
Authors: Wood Lara A. , Hutchison Jacqui , Aitken Mhairi , Cunningham Sheila J.
Published: December 2021

Across two studies, we investigated gender stereotype knowledge and endorsement in UK schoolchildren, and their impact on academic subject choice. In Study 1, children aged 9–11 (N = 68) and 13–15 (N = 61) completed a newly developed Gender Attribute scale assessing their knowledge and endorsement of gender stereotypes relating to academic subjects and occupations. Participants demonstrated gender stereotype knowledge and endorsement, although significantly higher knowledge than endorsement scores indicated a level of stereotype rejection. Stereotype knowledge was greater in the older age group, and older girls showed significantly higher levels of stereotype rejection than all other groups. In Study 2, children aged 13–15 (N = 165) completed the Gender Attribute scale and provided information on their school subject choices. Patterns of stereotype knowledge and endorsement followed those of Study 1. Subject choice information showed that boys selected significantly more masculine than feminine subjects, while girls chose a similar proportion of each. Further, boys’ level of gender stereotype endorsement predicted their subject choices, while girls’ did not. We suggest that in contemporary UK some progress is being made in relation to girls challenging stereotypes that work against them but that more work is needed to encourage boys into female‐dominated disciplines.
TCOF1 coordinates oncogenic activation and rRNA production and promotes tumorigenesis in HCC
Authors: Wu Chaoshen , Xia Dian , Wang Dian , Wang Shu , Sun Zhaoran , Xu Bihuai , Zhang Daoyong
Published: December 2021

Treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1 (TCOF1) is a nucleolar factor that regulates ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription in the nucleolus. TCOF1 has been previously reported to be implicated in Treacher Collins–Franceschetti syndrome (TCS), a congenital disorder of craniofacial development. Except TCS, TCOF1 has not been reported to be involved in other diseases so far. Here, we show that TCOF1 expression is aberrantly elevated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlates with HCC progression and poor outcome. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal oncogenic roles of TCOF1 in HCC. Mechanistically, TCOF1 regulates KRAS‐activated genes and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes in HCC and is required for the increased ribosomal RNA (rRNA) production, a hallmark of cancer. Interestingly, our analysis reveals an inverse correlation between TCOF1 expression and tumor infiltration of antitumor immune cells, suggesting that TCOF1 may also have an important impact on antitumor immune responses in HCC. Together, our findings support a model in which TCOF1 coordinates oncogenic activation and rRNA production to promote HCC tumorigenesis. The inverse correlation between TCOF1 expression and the infiltration of antitumor immune cells opens a new avenue to understanding the promoting role of TCOF in HCC tumorigenesis.
Fathers matter from the start: The role of expectant fathers in child development
Authors: Cardenas Sofia I. , Morris Alyssa R. , Marshall Narcis , Aviv Elizabeth C. , Martínez García Magdalena , Sellery Pia , Saxbe Darby E.
Published: December 2021

Extensive research has established that fathers’ engagement in parenting benefits children, but few studies have described how fathers contribute to child development even before birth. In this article, we consider both direct and indirect pathways through which expectant fathers shape child development during the prenatal period. Regarding direct pathways, we review work on expectant fathers’ contributions to child development through genetic and epigenetic processes, as well as neuroendocrine mechanisms. Regarding indirect pathways, we outline ways in which expectant fathers indirectly influence child development through the couple relationship. In so doing, we seek to provide a foundation from which to formulate future lines of inquiry on the role of expectant fathers in child development. This research can inform clinical interventions and policies geared toward improving the early caregiving environment and child development.
Shadow Layers for Participating Media
Authors: Desrichard François , Vanderhaeghe David , Paulin Mathias
Published: December 2021

In the movie industry pipeline, rendering programs output the main image along with a collection of Arbitrary Output Variable layers (AOVs) that retain specific information on light transport and scene properties in image space. Compositing artists use AOVs to improve the quality and appearance of the rendered picture during post‐processing, according to the artistic goal of the shot. In particular, cast shadows are manipulated to support narration and storytelling, as the human perception tolerates non‐physical edits. Conventional path tracing renderers often propose a shadow matte AOV containing radiance lost when shadow rays are occluded. Previous work has shown that they incorrectly estimate shadow and miss occluded radiance from indirect light sources, and that shadow layers must be used to correctly recover radiance from single, solid occluders. In this paper, we generalise shadow layers to an arbitrary number of occluders, and add support for participating media. We begin by quantifying the radiance loss between the radiative transfer equation and the rendering equation, and translate it into a path integral formulation for an efficient Monte Carlo integration. We propose a prototype implementation that renders the main image and shadow layers in a single pass with an affordable computational overhead.
Symmetry in graptolite zooids and tubaria (Pterobranchia, Hemichordata)
Authors: Maletz Jörg
Published: December 2021

Extant and fossil pterobranchs show distinct symmetry conditions of the individual zooids and their tubaria that are not necessarily comparable. The strict bilateral symmetry in the zooids of extant Cephalodiscida is modified to a considerable anatomical asymmetry in extant Rhabdopleurida. This type of left–right asymmetry can be recognized as antisymmetry, as dextral and sinistral developments are equally common. Antisymmetry is also recognized in the rhabdopleurid tubaria and in the proximal development and branching of planktic graptoloids. The antisymmetry of the graptoloid tubarium is modified during the Tremadocian time interval to a fixed or directional asymmetry. From the latest Tremadocian or earliest Floian onwards, proximal development in the Graptoloidea is invariably dextral and very few examples of a sinistral development have been found. The transition from antisymmetry to directional asymmetry can only be recognized in the graptolite tubaria, as the anatomy of the zooids is unknown from the fossil record. Directional asymmetry is not recognized in extant Pterobranchia.
Senior dental students' perceptions of evidence‐based dentistry
Authors: Mishler Oksana , Oh Se‐Lim , Matthews Eric , Oates Thomas W.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to assess senior dental students' knowledge and attitudes regarding evidence‐based dentistry (EBD), their use of the current literature and considerations for patient preferences.

Materials and Methods

A modified Knowledge, Attitudes, Access, and Confidence Evaluation (KACE) survey was administered to collect data from senior dental students at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). The chi‐squared test was used to compare the correct response rates of each question in the knowledge of scientific evidence domain. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was conducted to examine correlations between students' knowledge of scientific evidence and their confidence in appraising the study qualities.

Results

61 seniors (out of 130) answered all survey questions. Participants displayed an intermediate level of knowledge of EBD. Only 15% of participants correctly answered to the most appropriate design; the distribution of responses appeared significantly different amongst the questions in the basic knowledge section (chi‐squared test, p < .0001). There was no or very weak correlation between students' knowledge of scientific evidence and their confidence in appraising study qualities (Spearman's ρ = 0–0.18). The participants highly valued the use of the current literature and patient preferences. However, their preferred sources of scientific evidence were the Internet excluding Cochrane reviews (60%) and colleagues (56%). Forty per cent of participants rarely or never used textbooks.

Conclusion

Whilst seniors felt confident in evaluating study qualities and implementing EBD in routine practice, their understanding of the study design was poor. Seniors' preferred sources of scientific evidence were non–peer‐reviewed Internet sources and colleagues.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and sporting performance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on physical endurance, muscular strength and visuomotor skills
Authors: Chinzara Trish T. , Buckingham Gavin , Harris David J.
Published: December 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive brain stimulation technique that has been linked with a range of physiological and cognitive enhancements relevant to sporting performance. As a number of positive and null findings have been reported in the literature, the present meta‐analysis sought to synthesise results across endurance, strength and visuomotor skill domains to investigate if tDCS improves any aspect of sporting performance. Online database searches in August 2020 identified 43 full‐text studies which examined the acute effects of tDCS compared to sham/control conditions on physical endurance, muscular strength, and visuomotor skills in healthy adults. Meta‐analysis indicated a small overall effect favouring tDCS stimulation over sham/control (standardized mean difference (SMD) =  0.25, CI95%[.14;.36]). Effects on strength (SMD =  0.31, CI95%[.10;.51]) and visuomotor (SMD =  0.29, CI95%[.00;.57]) tasks were larger than endurance performance (SMD =  0.18, CI95%[.00;.37]). Meta‐regressions indicated effect sizes were not related to stimulation parameters, but other factors such as genetics, gender, and experience may modulate tDCS effects. The results suggest tDCS has the potential to be used as an ergogenic aid in conjunction with a specified training regime.
The impact of psychosocial defeat stress on the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis transcriptome in adult male mice
Authors: Gururajan Anand , Bastiaanssen Thomaz F. S. , Ventura Silva Ana Paula , Moloney Gerard M. , Cryan John F.
Published: December 2021

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a focal point for the convergence of inputs from canonical stress‐sensitive structures to fine‐tune the response to stress. However, its role in mediating phenotypes of stress resilience or susceptibility is yet to be fully defined. In this study, we carried out unbiased RNA‐sequencing to analyse the BNST transcriptomes of adult male mice, which were classified as resilient or susceptible following a 10‐day chronic psychosocial defeat stress paradigm. Pairwise comparisons revealed 20 differentially expressed genes in resilience (6) and susceptible (14) mice compared with controls. An in silico validation of our data against an earlier study revealed significant concordance in gene expression profiles associated with resilience to chronic stress. Enrichment analysis revealed that resilience is linked to functions including retinoic acid hydrolase activity, phospholipase inhibitor and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐receptor activities, whereas susceptibility is linked to alterations in amino acid transporter activity. We also identified differential usage of 134 exons across 103 genes associated with resilience and susceptibility; enrichment analysis for genes with differential exon usage in resilient mice was linked to functions including adrenergic receptor binding mice and oxysterol binding in susceptible mice. Our findings highlight the important and underappreciated role of the BNST in stress resilience and susceptibility and reveal research avenues for follow‐up investigations.
Novelty promotes recognition memory persistence by D1 dopamine receptor and protein kinase A signalling in rat hippocampus
Authors: Lima Karine Ramires , da Rosa Ana Carolina de Souza , Picua Steffanie Severo , e Silva Shara Souza , Soares Náthaly Marks , Mello‐Carpes Pâmela Billig
Published: December 2021

Strategies for improving memory are increasingly studied, and exposure to a novel experience can be an efficient neuromodulator. Novelty effects on memory depend on D1‐family dopamine receptors (D1Rs) activation. Here, we evaluated the novelty effect on memory persistence of Wistar rats and investigated the contribution of D1Rs and their signalling pathways by protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC). Animals with infusion cannulae inserted into the CA1 hippocampus area were trained on the novel object recognition (NOR) task, which involved exploring two different objects. After training, some rats received intrahippocampal infusions of vehicle or D1Rs agonist; others explored a novel environment for 5 min and were infused with a variety of drugs targeting D1Rs and their signalling pathways. We demonstrated that pharmacological stimulation of D1Rs or novelty exposure promoted NOR memory persistence for 14 days and that the novelty effect depended on D1Rs activation. To determine if the D1 and D5 receptor subtypes were necessary for the impact of novelty exposure on memory, we blocked or stimulated PKA or PKC—protein kinases activated mainly by D1 and D5, respectively. Only PKA inhibition impaired the effect of novelty on memory persistence. After novelty and D1Rs blocking, PKA but not PKC stimulation maintained the memory persistence effect. Thus, we concluded that novelty promoted memory persistence by a mechanism‐dependent on activating hippocampal D1Rs and PKA pathway.
Role of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Tiwari Vishvanath , Dey Sharmistha
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Two major pathological hallmarks have been identified for AD: extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Recently, proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), which belongs to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) non‐receptor tyrosine kinase family, was recognized to contribute significantly towards the pathogenesis of AD. Pyk2 can influence the formation of amyloid plaques as well as NFTs. The kinase can directly phosphorylate tau, which is a significant component of NFTs and enhances tau pathology. Several competitive inhibitors have been developed for Pyk2, tested in several cancer models, as Pyk2 is known to be overexpressed under those conditions. The current review article discusses the possible mechanistic pathways by which Pyk2 can influence the pathogenesis of AD. Besides, it describes various inhibitors for Pyk2 and their potential role as therapeutics for AD in the future.
Climate change and the suitability of local and non‐local species for ecosystem restoration
Authors: Harrison Peter A.
Published: December 2021

Restoring damaged, degraded and destroyed forest ecosystems to a target state often follows a local‐is‐best approach. However, rapidly changing climates may result in the local species no longer being the best now or into the future. This raises questions about whether there is a need to consider emerging ecosystems that bring together local and non‐local species that have not historically co‐occurred to ensure climate‐resilience of restored forest ecosystems; or whether non‐regional species may be needed to support ecosystem functionality in some areas. In this study, I present an experimental framework to assist decision‐making by evaluating the suitability of local and non‐local native species for ecosystem restoration under current and predicted climates. I applied this framework using the Tasmanian Midlands, Australia, as a case study, focusing of the diverse eucalypt flora of the island. Three key findings emerged. Firstly, the climate of the Midlands has rapidly changed across this biodiversity hotspot over the last century, and current mean annual maximum temperatures are already tracking worse case climate change scenarios. Secondly, using a combination of climate envelope modelling and habitat suitability modelling, I identified the degree to which the Midlands region provides suitable climate habitat for a range of local and non‐localEucalyptusspecies now and into the future. Thirdly, although the Midlands is predicted to support suitable climate habitat for 82% of the regionally local eucalypt species now and into the future, it is predicted that the local populations of these least vulnerable species may be at risk of climate maladaptation, particularly in the northern regions of the Midlands. Models suggests that mixing local seed with non‐local seed sources currently occupying habitat with a climate that is predicted for the Midlands will be required. The study provides a basis for managers to consider the suitability of regionally local species and identify potential areas where local seed may need to be supplemented with non‐local seed for ecosystem restoration in the face of climate change.
Increased expression of complement components in tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia type 2B brain lesions
Authors: Gruber Victoria‐Elisabeth , Luinenburg Mark J. , Colleselli Katrin , Endmayr Verena , Anink Jasper J. , Zimmer Till S. , Jansen Floor , Gosselaar Peter , Coras Roland , Scholl Theresa , Blumcke Ingmar , Pimentel José , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Höftberger Romana , Rössler Karl , Feucht Martha , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Aronica Eleonora , Mühlebner Angelika
Published: December 2021

Objective

Increasing evidence supports the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms to the neurological manifestations of epileptogenic developmental pathologies linked to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway dysregulation (mTORopathies), such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern and cellular distribution of the complement factors C1q and C3 in resected cortical tissue of clinically well‐characterized patients with TSC and FCD2B.

Methods

We applied immunohistochemistry in TSC (n = 29) and FCD2B (n = 32) samples and compared them to autopsy and biopsy controls (n = 27). Furthermore, protein expression was observed via Western blot, and for descriptive colocalization studies immunofluorescence double labeling was performed.

Results

Protein expression for C3 was significantly upregulated in TSC and FCD2B white and gray matter lesions compared to controls. Staining of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin showed a remarkable increase in the white matter of both TSC and FCD2B. Furthermore, confocal imaging revealed colocalization of complement factors with astroglial, microglial, neuronal, and abnormal cells in various patterns.

Significance

Our results demonstrate that the prominent activation of the complement pathway represents a common pathological hallmark of TSC and FCD2B, suggesting that complement overactivation may play a role in these mTORopathies.
Characteristics, treatment patterns, and residual cardiovascular risk of patients with a first acute myocardial infarction: A nationwide population‐based cohort study in Norway
Authors: Oberprieler Nikolaus G. , Farahmand Bahman , Cameron Jamie , Brobert Gunnar , Jonasson Christian , Atar Dan
Published: December 2021

There are few nationwide descriptive studies of longitudinal drug use and residual cardiovascular risk in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in contemporary clinical practice. The objectives of this work were to describe characteristics and longitudinal cardiovascular drug use of patients with a first acute MI in Norway, and to quantify residual risks of cardiovascular events and death. Using nationwide health registries in Norway, we identified 43 750 adults with a first MI (2010 to 2015) and ≥1 prescription for antiplatelet medication. We described cardiovascular medication post‐MI and calculated residual cardiovascular risks. Between 3 months and 13–15 months post MI, medication use dropped from 93.3% to 75.1% for low‐dose aspirin, 78.1% to 11.0% for dual antiplatelet therapy, 91.6% to 78.7% for antihypertensives, and 88.0% to 70.7% for lipid‐lowering therapy. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for recurrent MI were similar between subpopulations at 12 months and notably different at 12–36 months. IRRs (95% CIs) at 12–36 months were 1.52 (1.26–1.82) for 65–74 years, 2.26 (1.88–2.71) for 75–84 years, and 3.97 (3.29–4.79) for ≥85 years (vs. 18–49 years), 2.42 (2.18–2.69) for those with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), 2.26 (1.97–2.59) for peripheral artery disease (PAD), 2.17 (1.98–2.36) for hypertension, and 1.82 (1.65–2.01) for diabetes. In conclusion, secondary prevention medication use 13–15 months following a first MI is suboptimal among patients in Norway. The elderly and those with IHD, PAD, diabetes, or hypertension are at high‐risk for recurrent MI/stroke/death and should be managed closely beyond the first year.
Mobilising societal power: Understanding public support for nursing strikes
Authors: Naughton Mary
Published: December 2021

Framing is regarded as the primary mechanism through which unions generate societal power. This article examines the relationship between societal power and framing in a significant case study—a nursing strike that successfully challenged austerity wages in Ireland. Through analysis of messages of support for the strike in newspapers and on Twitter, the sources of societal power in the conflict are identified. The findings indicate that the framing strategies unions adopt and public acceptance of these strategies depend on historical and sectoral factors. In the instant case, nurses benefitted from increased societal support for the broader labour movement and recent waves of protest.
Investigation of red cell distribution width as a prognostic criterion in severe burns
Authors: Akkoç Mehmet Fatih , Bülbüloğlu Semra
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to examine red cell distribution width (RDW) as a prognostic criterion in severe burns. The study is a descriptive correlational study and was carried out retrospectively. Patients with high RDW and low albumin values among severe burn injuries in the burn unit of a university hospital constituted half of the sample. Severe burns with RDW within normal range and a prognostic criterion for which albumin level normal and closest to normal accounted for the other half. RDW and albumin values were compared with the clinical results of patients with severe burns. IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics 25 was used for data analysis. Of the burn patients, 38.33% were between the age of 65–80, 51.67% were men, and 92.5% had third‐degree burns. The mean albumin level of the patients was 2.39 ± 0.34 g/dL, and the mean RDW level was 18.47 ± 6.15%. The length of the stay in the intensive care unit was 13.45 ± 7.83 days, and the duration of central venous catheter use was 23.41 ± 8.25 days. High RDW and low albumin values were found to be associated with death, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and more blood transfusion. High RDW and hypoalbuminemia significantly affect the clinical results of severe burns. Both parameters are effective in determining the clinical course of burn patients, the length of hospital stay, presence of catheters and medication treatment protocol.
Protocol update for late endothelial progenitor cells identified by double‐positive staining
Authors: Wu Lishan , Chen Weijie , Chen Zeliang , Cao Jing , Dai Xiaoqing , Chen Hongjuan , Tan Xuerui , Yu Min
Published: December 2021

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are precursors of endothelial cells (ECs), have the capacity to circulate, proliferate and differentiate into mature ECs. EPCs are primarily identified by the uptake of 1,1‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3,3‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine‐labelled acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (Dil‐acLDL) and the binding of fluorescein‐isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated Ulex europaeus agglutinin lectin (FITC‐UEA‐I). However, the cytoplasm and nucleus are usually stained by FITC‐UEA‐I via a typical method to double‐stain late EPCs. It is necessary to explore a new method to improve the quality of fluorescence photomicrographs of late EPCs stained with FITC‐UEA‐I. Here, we described an updated protocol for double‐staining late EPCs with Dil‐acLDL and FITC‐UEA‐I, with the cells more optimally stained with FITC‐UEA‐I.
The atomic portrait of SARS‐CoV‐2 as captured by cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Fertig Tudor Emanuel , Chitoiu Leona , Terinte‐Balcan George , Peteu Victor‐Eduard , Marta Daciana , Gherghiceanu Mihaela
Published: December 2021

Transmission electron microscopy has historically been indispensable for virology research, as it offers unique insight into virus function. In the past decade, as cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) has matured and become more accessible, we have been able to peer into the structure of viruses at the atomic level and understand how they interact with the host cell, with drugs or with antibodies. Perhaps, there was no time in recent history where cryo‐EM was more needed, as SARS‐CoV‐2 has spread around the globe, causing millions of deaths and almost unquantifiable economic devastation. In this concise review, we aim to mark the most important contributions of cryo‐EM to understanding the structure and function of SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins, from surface spikes to the virus core and from virus‐receptor interactions to antibody binding.
Orthodontic maximum anchorages in malocclusion treatment: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Yijia , Wang Zheng , Huang Lingyi , Zhao Yuxi , Guan Qiuyue , Xu Hao , Han Xianglong
Published: December 2021

Objective

We did a network meta‐analysis and systematic review among patients seeking for maximum anchorage and provided a guidance of selecting certain systems in clinical practice.

Methods

Seven databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published with no language restrictions from January 1994 to February 2021 comparing any of the following seven anchorage systems for maximum anchorage orthodontic treatment were selected(PROSPERO: CRD42019117995). A network meta‐analysis (NMA) was then conducted to integrate direct evidence with indirect evidence based on logical inference to compare and rank treatments for maximum anchorages in the capacity of maintaining anchorage and duration of total treatment time.

Results

Nine publications with 522 participants were considered eligible and were taken into evaluation. According to the capacity of anchorage reinforcement, three skeleton anchorages including miniscrew implants, midpalate implants and Onplant midpalate implants were significantly more effective than conventional anchorages including headgears, TPAs and Nance buttons respectively. According to conventional anchorages, headgears and Nance buttons were significantly more effective than TPA. The strategy ranking reflected the same results as above. However, miniscrew implants required the longest total treatment time.

Conclusions

In general, miniscrew impants are most effective in reserving anchorage. Nance buttons require the least total treatment time. Total evidence is graded as moderate. Midpalatal implants might be the best choice when doing treatment planning because it has the most favorable balance between effectiveness and treatment time. But data analysis of the acceptability and acquisition cost of those anchorage systems must be done to make final decisions.
The Effectiveness of Certificates of Relief: A Correspondence Audit of Hiring Outcomes
Authors: Leasure Peter , Kaminski Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Although there are several collateral consequence relief mechanisms that could theoretically be used to improve employment outcomes for those with criminal history, many of these mechanisms are available only for first‐time/low‐level individuals or possess other requirements that limit their accessibility. Recognizing these facts, some jurisdictions have created certificates of relief, which are generally more accessible than other relief mechanisms. The goal of the current study was to test whether one state's (Ohio) certificate could improve hiring outcomes for men with criminal histories comprised of felony theft, felony drug possession, and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia convictions. This goal was achieved with the use of two field experiments. Results showed that certificate holders with criminal history received significantly fewer callbacks than those with no criminal record and fared no better than those with an identical criminal record and no certificate. Further, African‐American applicants received significantly fewer callbacks than white applicants in all criminal record categories.
Evaluating Regulatory Reform: Banks' Cost of Capital and Lending
Authors: KOVNER ANNA , VAN TASSEL PETER
Published: December 2021

We examine the effects of regulatory changes on banks' cost of capital and lending. Since the passage of the Dodd–Frank Act, the value‐weighted CAPM cost of capital for banks has averaged 10.5% and declined by more than 4% on a within‐firm basis relative to financial crisis highs. This decrease was much greater for the largest banks subject to new regulation than for other banks and firms. Over a longer 20‐year horizon, we find that changes in the systematic risk of bank equity have real economic consequences: increases in banks' cost of capital are associated with tightening in credit supply and loan rates.
Unemployment Risk
Authors: KILEY MICHAEL T.
Published: December 2021

Fluctuations in the risk of a large increase in unemployment are examined. The analysis compares medium‐term risks—that is, risks at a 3‐year horizon—to those over a 1‐year horizon. The primary approach involves quantile regressions. Robustness exercises examine risks using a logistic regression to model the probability of a large increase in the unemployment rate. U.S. experience reveals an elevated risk of large increases in unemployment over the medium term when credit growth is high and when the unemployment rate is low. Near‐term risks to unemployment are closely tied to changes in corporate bond spreads or the slope of the yield curve, consistent with research on recession prediction, but these factors do not play a sizable role in medium‐term risks. These results highlight the value of considering different near‐ and medium‐term risk factors.
Adolescents Are More Likely to Help Others on Days They Take Risks and Crave Social Connections
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Bibby Emily S. , Burroughs Melissa , Flannery Jessica E. , Nelson Benjamin W. , Duell Natasha , Prinstein Mitch J. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: December 2021

This study examined how adolescents’ risk‐taking behaviors were related to their prosocial behaviors on a daily level and how this association differed depending on adolescents’ daily and average levels of sensation seeking and social craving. Adolescents (N = 212; Mage = 15 years) completed daily diaries for 14 days. Adolescents were more likely to engage in prosocial behavior on days when they also took risks, but only when they also felt high levels of social craving. The daily link between risk‐taking and prosocial behavior did not vary based on daily or individual differences in sensation seeking. Results suggest that when adolescents feel highly motivated to connect with others, their risk‐taking and prosocial tendencies co‐occur on a daily basis.
The association between sleep and empathy in young preschoolers: A population study
Authors: Rong Tingyu , Sun Xiaoning , Zhang Zichen , Li Wen , Deng Yujiao , Wang Zijing , Meng Min , Zhu Qi , Jiang Yanrui , Zhao Jin , Zhang Yunting , Wang Guanghai , Jiang Fan
Published: December 2021

Sleep is vital for children's early socio‐emotional development, particularly empathy. This study aimed to explore the associations between sleep and empathy in young preschoolers. A sample of 23,259 preschoolers (4.3 ± 0.3 years) at the entry year of preschool was recruited as part of the Shanghai Children's Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation‐Preschool (SCHEDULE‐P) study. Caregivers reported on child sleep, affective empathy, and cognitive empathy through the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and the Griffith Empathy Measure. Ordinary least‐square regression and quantile regression were performed for the associations between sleep and empathy. Sex differences were also investigated. Night sleep duration was negatively associated with affective empathy (β = −0.35, p < 0.001), and positively associated with cognitive empathy (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). Longer nap duration was associated with higher affective empathy (β = 0.28, p < 0.001). Sleep disturbances were positively associated with affective empathy (β = 0.04, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with cognitive empathy (β = −0.09, p < 0.001). These associations were generally stronger in children at higher empathy quantiles and also those at the 10th cognitive empathy quantile. The associations between sleep and affective empathy were mainly contributed by girls, and were more common in boys in terms of cognitive empathy, particularly at the 10th and the 30th quantiles. In conclusion, longer night sleep duration and fewer sleep disturbances are associated with a more mature empathy pattern in young preschoolers. The associations are more prominent in children at the higher end of the empathy spectrum, and vary by sex. These findings highlight the importance to promote sleep health in young children for optimal socio‐emotional development.
Using citizen science to understand and map habitat suitability for a synurbic mammal in an urban landscape: the hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Authors: Turner Jessica , Freeman Robin , Carbone Chris
Published: December 2021

Urban environments are important for west European hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus. The species has been recorded in 73% of large urban areas throughout its geographic range. However, the environmental relationships determining hedgehog distribution within these landscapes are not well understood.

Taking a city‐wide perspective, this study identifies hedgehogs’ habitat relationships with urban environmental characteristics and predicts habitat suitability in a major urban centre, Greater London, UK.

We use a collated citizen science dataset of 3012 hedgehog occurrence records from Greater London, and pseudoabsences inferred from other mammal taxa, to construct a multiscale generalised linear model identifying the influence of 10 variables representing urban greenspace, built infrastructure, and the presence of the European badger Meles meles (as a predator or competitor) on hedgehog distribution.

We find a positive association of hedgehog presence with availability of gardens, parks, allotments, percentage of terraced housing, traffic, and intermediate impervious cover (roads and buildings, peaking at 31%). High impervious cover, woodland, water, human densities (above 2262 people km−2), and badger presence were negatively related to hedgehog presence. Predicted habitat suitability was high across much of Greater London but declined towards the centre and in some locations around the outskirts of the study region.

Our results emphasise the importance of public and private greenspaces for urban hedgehogs, and suggest that loss of garden, park, and allotment habitats and disturbance associated with high human densities may restrict hedgehog distribution. Despite the inherent complexity of urban environments, this study shows that citizen science is useful for developing an understanding of large‐scale species–habitat relationships in diverse urban landscapes.
Child diet and mother–child interactions mediate intervention effects on child growth and development
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , McCoy Dana C. , Siyal Saima , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Yousafzai Aisha K.
Published: December 2021

This study examined whether child diet and mother–child interactions mediated the effects of a responsive stimulation and nutrition intervention delivered from 2009 to 2012 to 1324 children aged 0–24 months living in rural Pakistan. Results showed that the intervention improved children's cognitive, language and motor development through child diet and mother–child interactions. Although the intervention did not improve child growth or socio‐emotional development, we observed positive indirect effects on child growth via child diet and on socio‐emotional development via both child diet and mother–child interactions. In addition, child diet emerged as a shared mechanism to improve both child growth and development, whereas mother–child interactions emerged as a distinct mechanism to improve child development. Nevertheless, our results suggest the two mechanisms were mutually reinforcing and that interventions leveraging both mechanisms are likely to be more effective at improving child outcomes than interventions leveraging only one of these mechanisms.
Mosquito‐bacteria interactions during larval development trigger metabolic changes with carry‐over effects on adult fitness
Authors: Giraud Émilie , Varet Hugo , Legendre Rachel , Sismeiro Odile , Aubry Fabien , Dabo Stéphanie , Dickson Laura B. , Valiente Moro Claire , Lambrechts Louis
Published: December 2021

In animals with distinct life stages such as holometabolous insects, adult phenotypic variation is often shaped by the environment of immature stages, including their interactions with microbes colonizing larval habitats. Such carry‐over effects were previously observed for several adult traits of the mosquito Aedes aegypti after larval exposure to different bacteria, but the mechanistic underpinnings are unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular changes triggered by gnotobiotic larval exposure to different bacteria in Ae. aegypti. We initially screened a panel of 16 bacterial isolates from natural mosquito breeding sites to determine their ability to influence adult life‐history traits. We subsequently focused on four bacterial isolates (belonging to Flavobacterium, Lysobacter, Paenibacillus, and Enterobacteriaceae) with significant carry‐over effects on adult survival and found that they were associated with distinct transcriptomic profiles throughout mosquito development. Moreover, we detected carry‐over effects at the level of gene expression for the Flavobacterium and Paenibacillus isolates. The most prominent transcriptomic changes in gnotobiotic larvae reflected a profound remodelling of lipid metabolism, which translated into phenotypic differences in lipid storage and starvation resistance at the adult stage. Together, our findings indicate that larval exposure to environmental bacteria trigger substantial physiological changes that impact adult fitness, uncovering a possible mechanism underlying carry‐over effects of mosquito‐bacteria interactions during larval development.