bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First evidence of altered microbiota and intestinal damage and their link to absence epilepsy in a genetic animal model, the WAG/Rij rat
Authors: Citraro Rita , Lembo Francesca , De Caro Carmen , Tallarico Martina , Coretti Lorena , Iannone Luigi Francesco , Leo Antonio , Palumbo Domenico , Cuomo Mariella , Buommino Elisabetta , Nesci Valentina , Marascio Nadia , Iannone Michelangelo , Quirino Angela , Russo Roberto , Calignano Antonio , Constanti Andrew , Russo Emilio , De Sarro Giovambattista
Published: January 2021

Objective

A large number of studies have highlighted the important role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, suggesting that its manipulation might serve as a treatment strategy. We hypothesized that the gut microbiota participates in absence seizure development and maintenance in the WAG/Rij rat model and tested this hypothesis by evaluating potential gut microbiota and intestinal alterations in the model, as well as measuring the impact of microbiota manipulation using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Methods

Initially, gut microbiota composition and intestinal histology of WAG/Rij rats (a well‐recognized genetic model of absence epilepsy) were studied at 1, 4, and 8 months of age in comparison to nonepileptic Wistar rats. Subsequently, in a second set of experiments, at 6 months of age, untreated Wistar or WAG/Rij rats treated with ethosuximide (ETH) were used as gut microbiota donors for FMT in WAG/Rij rats, and electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were obtained over 4 weeks. At the end of FMT, stool and gut samples were collected, absence seizures were measured on EEG recordings, and microbiota analysis and histopathological examinations were performed.

Results

Gut microbiota analysis showed differences in beta diversity and specific phylotypes at all ages considered and significant variances in the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio between Wistar and WAG/Rij rats. FMT, from both Wistar and ETH‐treated WAG/Rij donors to WAG/Rij rats, significantly decreased the number and duration of seizures. Histological results indicated that WAG/Rij rats were characterized by intestinal villi disruption and inflammatory infiltrates already at 1 month of age, before seizure occurrence; FMT partially restored intestinal morphology while also significantly modifying gut microbiota and concomitantly reducing absence seizures.

Significance

Our results demonstrate for the first time that the gut microbiota is modified and contributes to seizure occurrence in a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy and that its manipulation may be a suitable therapeutic target for absence seizure management.
Association of early‐life gut microbiome and lifestyle factors in the development of eczema in Hong Kong infants
Authors: Chan Carmen Wing Han , Leung Ting Fan , Choi Kai Chow , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing , Wong Cho Lee , Chow Ka Ming , Chan Judy Yuet Wa
Published: January 2021

Childhood eczema is common but its prevalence is variable in different regions of the world. In this study, we explore the associations of various risk factors such as the microbiome, environment, lifestyle, diet and maternal stress with the development of eczema among infants in Hong Kong. Upon enrolment in the study, the infants' parents provided demographic data by self‐reporting. At enrolment and 1 year after birth, the infants' allergic conditions, lifestyles and dietary factors and the degree of maternal stress were assessed using various questionnaires. The infants' gut microbiomes were analysed by 16S RNA sequencing, and the longitudinal changes in various bacterial strains were compared between control and eczema‐affected groups. Multivariate analyses (after adjustment for other significant factors) revealed that the changes in the abundance of Hungatella hathewayi in the gut were significantly associated with the development of eczema (p = 0.005). In conclusion, the increased abundance of Hungatella hathewayi was associated with an increased risk of developing eczema by 1 year of age. This study thus explored the potential risk factors for the development of eczema in Hong Kong infants, and sheds light on the possible association between early‐life gut microbiome and other environmental factors.
Many stones can form an arch, singly none: (Re‐)establishing trust in charities
Authors: Hyndman Noel , Liguori Mariannuziata , McKillop Donal
Published: January 2021

Trust in charities is critical in terms of the health of the sector, and also in relation to the establishment and maintenance of social cohesiveness. Moreover, lack of trust can not only damage the charity sector (having negative impacts on public perceptions and donor giving) but can also undermine attempts at building social capital. Yet, how trust is defined, the various forms that it takes and how it is established (or re‐established, if lost) is unclear. This paper explores the various conceptions of what trust is, applies them to charities and examines trust in relation to the sustainability of the sector. A key finding is that trust has many dimensions, and charities (and the sector as a whole) need to work on a range of fronts on an ongoing basis to protect and build perceptions of trustworthiness (‘many stones can form an arch’). As a consequence, the paper presents an outline research agenda (in the form of four key questions) that encourages future researchers to enhance understanding of the important interplay between trust and charities more fully. This focuses on the relationship between charities and beneficiaries, how trust‐building activities vary with charity size/area of activity, the potential role of communicating service delivery and what ‘good regulation’ might look like.
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth and their Parents
Authors: Lozano Alyssa , Fernández Alejandra , Tapia Maria I. , Estrada Yannine , Juan Martinuzzi Lara , Prado Guillermo
Published: January 2021

Disclosure of sexual identity and/or gender orientation is difficult for youth and is associated with elevated adverse health risks, particularly when there is parental rejection. There are limited studies conducted with Hispanic sexual minority youth (HSMY) and their families to understand the disclosure process, how the family unit changes and adapts following disclosure, and the implications for preventive interventions for HSMY and their families. This paper explores the lived experiences of youth and parents throughout the disclosure process. A phenomenological approach was used to interview 15 parent–youth dyads (N = 30) to understand what it means for Hispanic youth to disclose their sexual identity and/or gender orientation. Three themes that best described the experience emerged from the participant interviews; the experience of disclosing included intrapersonal challenges, navigating disclosure, and conceptualizing acceptance. The authors highlight implications for preventive interventions that can help these families undergoing the unique process of disclosure.
Experimental investigation and numerical modeling of creep response of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Berardi Valentino Paolo , Perrella Michele , Armentani Enrico , Cricrì Gabriele
Published: January 2021

Predictive models play an important role for increasing the reliability of composite structures over time, but a great deal of experimental data is requested. In this paper, results from creep experiments on uniaxial E‐glass fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) single ply laminates, performed at different stress levels, are presented. The tests duration was of 42 months. Analytical modeling of the viscous behavior of the tested GFRP composite, under linear and nonlinear viscoelastic hypotheses, is reported. A discussion on the comparison of creep strain response by Burgers model, with parameters obtained from fitting of data for different test duration, is also proposed. Finally, predictive finite element method (FEM) simulations were carried out for discussing the deferred behavior induced by creep, for composite layers used for repair purposes in hydrogen transportation pipes. Numerical results highlighted a non‐negligible difference in creep strain values, pointing out that a model based on experimental tests with shorter duration leads to a conservative composite design.
Fatigue life prediction of 2524‐T3 and 7075‐T62 thin‐sheet aluminium alloy with an initial impact dent under block spectrum loading
Authors: Chen D. , Cheng Z.Q. , Cunningham P.R. , Xiong J.J.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a fatigue life prediction model of post‐impacted sheets considering the effects of dent size and stress ratio. Low‐velocity impact tests at four different impact energies were performed on specimens cut from sheets of 2524‐T3 and 7075‐T62 aluminium alloy. Following the impact tests, static tensile and uni‐axial constant amplitude and block spectrum fatigue experiments were conducted. Numerical models were generated to determine the initial residual stress patterns, residual stress relaxation, and stress concentration factors around the impact dent. The S‐N curves and corresponding stress concentration factors and relaxed residual stresses of three of the post‐impacted specimens were used to determine the model parameters. Good agreement was achieved between the predictions and experimental results, and it has been demonstrated that the fatigue life prediction model can effectively simulate the effects of residual stress, stress concentration, and stress ratio on fatigue damage for post‐impacted thin sheet aluminium alloy materials.
Williams expansion utilized for assessment of crack behaviour under mixed‐mode loading in alkali‐activated fine‐grained composite
Authors: Malíková Lucie , Miarka Petr , Kucharczyková Barbara , Šimonová Hana
Published: January 2021

The paper concerns an experimental study on the crack deflection angle in a semi‐circular disc made of an alkali‐activated fine‐grained composite under mixed‐mode conditions. This study is supplemented by an extensive numerical analysis that calculates the crack deflection angles via generalized (multi‐parameter) fracture criteria. It is proved that the use of higher‐order terms of the Williams expansion for the approximation of the crack‐tip stress field leads to more accurate results. The influence of various parameters on the crack deflection angle is discussed, and recommendations on their proper choice are presented. The conclusions help in describing the crack behaviour under mixed‐mode conditions more accurately.
The rise of novelty in marine ecosystems: The Baltic Sea case
Authors: Ammar Yosr , Niiranen Susa , Otto Saskia A. , Möllmann Christian , Finsinger Walter , Blenckner Thorsten
Published: January 2021

Global environmental changes have accelerated at an unprecedented rate in recent decades due to human activities. As a consequence, the incidence of novel abiotic conditions and biotic communities, which have been continuously emerging in the Earth system, has rapidly risen. Despite growing attention to the incidence and challenges posed by novelty in terrestrial ecosystems, novelty has not yet been quantified in marine ecosystems. Here, we measured for the rate of novelty (RoN) in abiotic conditions and community structure for three trophic levels, i.e., phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish, in a large marine system ‐ the Baltic Sea. We measured RoN as the degree of dissimilarity relative to a specific spatial and temporal baseline, and contrasted this with the rate of change as a measure of within‐basin change over time. We found that over the past 35 years abiotic and biotic RoN showed complex dynamics varying in time and space, depending on the baseline conditions. RoN in abiotic conditions was smaller in the open Central Baltic Sea than in the Kattegat and the more enclosed Gulf of Bothnia, Gulf of Riga, and Gulf of Finland in the north. We found a similar spatial pattern for biotic assemblages, which resulted from changes in composition and stock size. We identified sea‐surface temperature and salinity as key drivers of RoN in biotic communities. Hence, future environmental changes that are expected to affect the biogeochemistry of the Baltic Sea, may favor the rise of biotic novelty. Our results highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of novelty development in marine ecosystems, including interactions between species and trophic levels, ecosystem functioning under novel abiotic conditions, and considering novelty in future management interventions.
De‐Centering in Practice: Governance through Co‐ordination in Spanish Economic Geography
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández José Luis
Published: January 2021

This commentary draws on the Spanish case to shed light on the three dimensions of de‐centering in economic geography: epistemological, geographical, and idiomatic. Although the geography of contributors to the most influential Companions and Handbooks of economic geography shows hints of a timid de‐centering from the UK and the USA to other English‐speaking or English‐fluent countries in America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, Spain still remains outside this language‐led process. However, reasons other than language must be taken into account for a proper understanding of this situation. Indeed, a small but engaged network of economic geographers has settled in Spain since the late 1980s. These scholars have developed a research agenda in close dialogue with some of the main concerns of Anglo‐American economic geography. Such a development has followed a path of its own, contingent to the Spanish academic environment and to some specific traits of that network: a sustained reliance on coordinated research projects with several universities involved (the how); a shared definition of the core research topics (the what); and a process of internationalisation that does not equate to getting our papers published in English‐speaking outlets (the where).
Botulinum toxin as a novel therapeutic approach for auriculotemporal neuralgia
Authors: Pinto Maria J. , Guerrero Angel L. , Costa Andreia
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Background

Auriculotemporal neuralgia is a rare headache disorder. Anesthetic nerve blockade seems to be effective in most cases; however, literature is scarce about the management of refractory cases.

Methods

Case report.

Results

We report a 44‐year‐old woman with migraine without aura presented with moderate‐to‐severe right temporoparietal headache. The pain was refractory to multiple pharmacological strategies, including intravenous analgesia. A more throughout examination lead to the diagnosis of auriculotemporal neuralgia and anesthetic nerve blocks were performed. Due to early pain recrudescence, botulinum toxin (BoNT) was tried with better and longstanding pain control.

Conclusion

BoNT may be a useful treatment option in refractory auriculotemporal neuralgia. The best approach is yet to be established; however, the “follow‐the‐pain” protocol may be a reasonable option.
Time‐resolved 3D cine phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D‐flow MRI) can quantitatively assess portosystemic shunt severity and confirm normalization of portal flow after embolization of large portosystemic shunts
Authors: Hyodo Ryota , Takehara Yasuo , Mizuno Takashi , Ichikawa Kazushige , Ishizu Yoji , Sugiyama Masataka , Naganawa Shinji
Published: January 2021

Diagnosis and severity assessments of portosystemic shunts (PSSs) are important because the pathology sometimes results in severe hepatic encephalopathy, which can be treated almost completely by shunt embolization. At present, morphological assessment of PSS is performed mainly by computed tomography, and ultrasound is used for blood flow assessment. In two cases of PSS‐related hepatic encephalopathy, we used time‐resolved 3D cine phase‐contrast (4D‐flow) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood flow before and after shunt embolization. Before the intervention, blood flow in the main trunk of the superior mesenteric vein was mostly hepatofugal. However, post‐interventional 4D‐flow MRI revealed hepatopetal superior mesenteric vein flow with significantly increased portal vein blood flow. 4D‐flow MRI is an ideal adjunct to Doppler ultrasonography, allowing for objective and visual assessment of morphology and blood flow of the portal venous system, including PSSs, and is useful in determining the indications for, and outcome of, PSS embolization.
Public attitudes towards COVID‐19 contact tracing apps: A UK‐based focus group study
Authors: Williams Simon N. , Armitage Christopher J. , Tampe Tova , Dienes Kimberly
Published: January 2021

Background

During the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic, one of the key components of many countries’ strategies to reduce the spread of the virus is contact tracing.

Objective

To explore public attitudes to a COVID‐19 contact tracing app in the United Kingdom.

Setting

Online video‐conferencing.

Participants

27 participants, UK residents aged 18 years and older.

Methods

Qualitative study consisting of six focus groups carried out between 1st‐12th May, 2020 (39‐50 days into the UK ‘lockdown’).

Results

Participants were divided as to whether or not they felt they would use the app. Analysis revealed five themes: (1) lack of information and misconceptions surrounding COVID‐19 contact tracing apps; (2) concerns over privacy; (3) concerns over stigma; (4)concerns over uptake; and (5) contact tracing as the ‘greater good’. Concerns over privacy, uptake and stigma were particularly significant amongst those stated they will not be using the app, and the view that the app is for the ‘greater good’ was particularly significant amongst those who stated they will be using the app. One of the most common misconceptions about the app was that it could allow users to specifically identify and map COVID‐19 cases amongst their contacts and in their vicinity.

Conclusions

Our participants were torn over whether digital contact tracing is a good idea or not, and views were heavily influenced by moral reasoning.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patients were involved in this study. The public were not involved in the development of the research questions, research design or outcome measures. A pilot focus group with participants not included in the present paper was used to help test and refine the focus group questions. Summary results were disseminated via email to participants prior to publication for feedback and comment.
Updates from the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours
Authors: Anderson William J , Doyle Leona A
Published: January 2021

The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue and bone tumours was published in May 2020. This ‘Blue Book’, which is also available digitally for the first time, incorporates an array of new information on these tumours, amassed in the 7 years since the previous edition. Major advances in molecular characterisation have driven further refinements in classification and the development of ancillary diagnostic tests, and have improved our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Several new entities are also included. This review summarises the main changes introduced in the 2020 WHO classification for each subcategory of soft tissue and bone tumours.
HIV DNA reservoir and elevated PD‐1 expression of CD4 T‐cell subsets particularly persist in the terminal ileum of HIV‐positive patients despite cART
Authors: Horn C , Augustin M , Ercanoglu MS , Heger E , Knops E , Bondet V , Duffy D , Chon S‐H , Nierhoff D , Oette M , Schäfer H , Vivaldi C , Held K , Anderson J , Geldmacher C , Suárez I , Rybniker J , Klein F , Fätkenheuer G , Müller‐Trutwin M , Lehmann C
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Despite its importance as an HIV anatomic sanctuary, little is known about the characteristics of the HIV reservoir in the terminal ileum (TI). In blood, the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed‐death‐1 (PD‐1) has been linked to the HIV reservoir and T‐cell immune dysfunction. We thus evaluated PD‐1 expression and cell‐associated HIV DNA in memory CD4 T‐cell subsets from TI, peripheral blood (PB) and rectum (RE) of untreated and treated HIV‐positive patients to identify associations between PD‐1 and HIV reservoir in other sites.

Methods

Using mononuclear cells from PB, TI and RE of untreated HIV‐positive (N = 6), treated (n = 18) HIV‐positive and uninfected individuals (n = 16), we identified and sorted distinct memory CD4 T‐cell subsets by flow cytometry, quantified their cell‐associated HIV DNA using quantitative PCR and assessed PD‐1 expression levels using geometric mean fluorescence intensity. Combined HIV‐1 RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry was performed on ileal biopsy sections.

Results

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)‐treated patients with undetectable HIV RNA and significantly lower levels of HIV DNA in PB showed particularly high PD‐1 expression in PB and TI, and high HIV DNA levels in TI, irrespective of clinical characteristics. By contrast, in treatment‐naïve patients HIV DNA levels in memory CD4 T‐cell subsets were high in PB and TI.

Conclusion

Elevated PD‐1 expression on memory CD4 T‐cells in PB and TI despite treatment points to continuous immune dysfunction and underlines the importance of evaluating immunotherapy in reversing HIV latency and T‐cell reconstitution. As HIV DNA particularly persists in TI despite cART, investigating samples from TI is crucial in understanding HIV immunopathogenesis.
Social information affects prospecting, but not settlement, by Black‐and‐white Warblers (Mniotilta varia)
Authors: Mann Justin T. , Mann Evan A. , Clark Anne B.
Published: January 2021

Birds use social as well as environmental cues to inform their habitat selection decisions. By manipulating social cues with song playbacks, biologists can influence where individuals search for breeding territories, which could be useful for conservation. Yet before we can predict how birds will respond to playback treatments, we must first understand how they integrate social cues with information about habitat quality at different stages in the habitat selection process. In this experiment, we examined whether vegetation structure and/or social cues affected Black‐and‐white Warbler Mniotilta varia abundance at three study areas that differed in habitat quality. We monitored Black‐and‐white Warbler habitat use across the breeding season, from the early prospecting period until after settlement decisions were made. During seasons without playback treatments, Black‐and‐white Warbler abundance was positively associated with levels of understorey vegetation cover. We then played Black‐and‐white Warbler songs daily for 5–6 weeks at selected survey sites at all study areas. We found that the model‐predicted abundance of Black‐and‐white Warblers was nearly three times greater at playback sites than at control sites during the prospecting period. During seasons with playbacks, understorey vegetation cover was no longer associated with Black‐and‐white Warbler abundance, indicating that individuals prioritized social information when searching for breeding territories. However, during the post‐settlement period, neither playbacks nor levels of understorey vegetation cover were associated with increased abundance, suggesting that playback treatments did not influence final breeding territory choice. We also found no difference in abundance between playback and control sites at a study area that represented low‐quality habitat, which suggests that playbacks should not induce maladaptive site selection.
Insights from regional and short‐term biodiversity monitoring datasets are valuable: a reply to Daskalova et al. 2021
Authors: Seibold Sebastian , Hothorn Torsten , Gossner Martin M. , Simons Nadja K. , Blüthgen Nico , Müller Jörg , Ambarlı Didem , Ammer Christian , Bauhus Jürgen , Fischer Markus , Habel Jan C. , Penone Caterina , Schall Peter , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: January 2021

Reports of major losses in insect biodiversity have stimulated an increasing interest in temporal population changes. Existing datasets are often limited to a small number of study sites, few points in time, a narrow range of land‐use intensities and only some taxonomic groups, or they lack standardised sampling. While new monitoring programs have been initiated, they still cover rather short time periods.

Daskalova et al. 2021 (Insect Conservation and Diversity, 14, 1‐18) argue that temporal trends of insect populations derived from short time series are biased towards extreme trends, while their own analysis of an assembly of shorter‐ and longer‐term time series does not support an overall insect decline. With respect to the results of Seibold et al. 2019 (Nature, 574, 671–674) based on a 10‐year multi‐site time series, they claim that the analysis suffers from not accounting for temporal pseudoreplication.

Here, we explain why the criticism of missing statistical rigour in the analysis of Seibold et al. (2019) is not warranted. Models that include ‘year’ as random effect, as suggested by Daskalova et al. (2021), fail to detect non‐linear trends and assume that consecutive years are independent samples which is questionable for insect time‐series data.

We agree with Daskalova et al. (2021) that the assembly and analysis of larger datasets is urgently needed, but it will take time until such datasets are available. Thus, short‐term datasets are highly valuable, should be extended and analysed continually to provide a more detailed understanding of insect population changes under the influence of global change, and to trigger immediate conservation actions.
Improvement of the mechanical and aesthetic properties of a coating by inkjet technology
Authors: Amorós José Luís , Blasco Encarna , Moreno Arnaldo , Feliu Carlos , Boschi Anselmo O. , Marín Natalia
Published: January 2021

Different amounts of ink, made up almost entirely of a frit that devitrified abundant small crystals of anorthoclase, were applied by inkjet printing onto a traditional unfired glaze substrate. The rheological properties of the ink and porous texture of the unfired glaze substrate were characterized. The fired coatings were analyzed by SEM–EDX to determine the elemental composition at different surface depths, and their microstructure was observed. The results confirmed the validity of the ink penetration model, developed in a previous study, for describing the composition profile in inkjet coatings as a function of the applied amount of ink and pore size and volume in the unfired glaze substrate relative to average ink particle size. Microhardness and indentation modulus of the fired glaze substrate without an ink application and of the fired ink‐containing coatings were determined. The values of these properties were verified to fit a Weibull distribution function. The coatings containing an ink application at 400 and 600 dots per inch (dpi), respectively, displayed the best mechanical behavior. The study confirmed that inkjet printing a suspension with appropriate physico‐chemical characteristics onto an unfired glaze substrate substantially improved the aesthetic characteristics and mechanical properties of the resulting fired coating.
COVID‐19: Korean nurses’ experiences and ongoing tasks for the pandemic’s second wave
Authors: Kang Younhee , Shin Kyung Rim
Published: January 2021

Nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers in the world, and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses have been recognized worldwide as frontline warriors working hard to stem suffering, infection rates and deaths. Korean nurses experienced the effects of the pandemic earlier than in most other countries, and the work of our nurses has been recognized as a successful model in responding COVID‐19. In this paper, we share the experiences of Korean nurses, including their experiences of workload, acute shortages of staff and equipment and work overload, and suggest ongoing tasks that need to be addressed to combat the pandemic’s second wave and other possible waves. Specifically, the nursing issues relating to COVID‐19 are critically reviewed and recommendations for each issue are suggested in terms of nursing staffing, practice and policy, as well as health policy.
The US COVID‐19 crises: facts, science and solidarity
Authors: Cipriano Pamela F. , Boston‐Leary Katie , Mcmillan Kendra , Peterson Cheryl
Published: January 2021

The United States leads the world in COVID‐19 cases and deaths. The government’s poorly coordinated response has lacked national mandates, failed to deploy adequate personal protective equipment, supplies and testing and devalued advice of science experts. COVID‐19 exposed racial disparities in health care and as protests against racial injustice erupted, nurses have responded to the call to confront racism as a public health crisis. Nurses also suffer from lack of personal protective equipment, burnout, extreme workloads, overwhelming deaths and fear of contracting COVID‐19. While facing danger, nurses have implemented practice changes and fostered new roles and teamwork to provide safer care. Advancing policy to provide personal protective equipment as well as financial and mental health support for nurses is a priority nationally and globally.
Integrated Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis of Torrential Flood Hazard in Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Mazer Katy E. , Tomasek Abigail A. , Daneshvar Fariborz , Bowling Laura C. , Frankenberger Jane R. , McMillan Sara K. , Novoa Hector M. , Zeballos‐Velarde Carlos
Published: January 2021

Seated at the foot of the Misti volcano in an area prone to intense seasonal rains and earthquakes, the city of Arequipa is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. During the rainy season, intense storms create large volumes of runoff that rush through the city's ephemeral streams, known locally as torrenteras. Episodic flows in these torrenteras have caused flooding, damage to bridges, homes, and other infrastructure, and caused many deaths. In recent years, while unprecedented rain events have caused extreme disasters, the city's population has continued to expand into these channels by creating informal or illegal settlements. Currently, detailed hazard maps of flood‐prone areas surrounding the torrenteras are not available to stakeholders in Arequipa. In this study, hydrologic and hydraulic models were combined to assess flash flood hazards, including inundation, velocity hazards, and slope instability hazards. Hydrologic models were created using satellite precipitation data and terrain‐sensitive, gridded climate maps to characterize flow within six torrenteras in Arequipa. These flows were used in conjunction with elevation data and data collected in the field using an online mobile application system to develop a hydraulic model of these flood events. Hydraulic model outputs were used to determine flood hazards related to inundation, velocity affecting human stability, and slope instability in case study areas of the torrenteras. We then discuss how this information can be used by disaster risk management groups, water authorities, planners and municipalities, and community groups.
Parental Bereavement After Suicide and Accident: A Comparative Study
Authors: Séguin Monique , Lesage Alain , Kiely Margaret C.
Published: January 2021

In what way is the bereavement process following suicide different from other types of bereavement? The participants were 30 survivors of suicide and 30 survivors of car accidents who were interviewed twice at an average of six months, and the second measure was taken at an average of nine months after the death, with standardized questionnaires to measure depression and grief reaction. Measures of shame, social support, family adaptation, psychological distress, and prior losses were also obtained during the second interview. All survivors were parents who had lost a son aged between 18 and 35 years. The results indicate that suicide survivors were more depressed than accident survivors at the first measure but this difference disappeared at the second measure. Survivors of suicide experienced greater feelings of shame and had experienced more life events after the death than did accident survivors. There was also a greater history of loss in parents bereaved by suicide. Parental bereavement after suicide appears to differ in several ways from other types of bereavement and appears to happen more often in vulnerable families.
Hypoxia and Anoxia Stress: Plant responses and tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Zahra Noreen , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Shaukat Kanval , Wahid Abdul , Hussain Sadam , Naseer Rubina , Raza Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Farooq Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Oxygen is a limiting factor for plant growth and development under submerged and waterlogged conditions. Plants are subjected to a varying range of oxygen concentrations, such as normoxia, hypoxia and anoxia which may differ over time and space. To endure oxygen deprivation, plants have evolved a series of morphological and anatomical adaptations, which have been extensively studied. However, metabolic reactions and molecular regulation under oxygen deprivation are not well understood. A comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to oxygen deficiency for stress tolerance and integrated approaches are imperative for developing anoxia and hypoxia tolerant varieties for the flood‐prone and waterlogged areas. In this review, adaptations and recent advances in biochemical and molecular approaches during oxygen deprivation have been discussed. Acquiring tolerance against anoxia and hypoxia is an active process consuming a considerable amount of plant resources for the functional maintenance of post‐anoxia escape strategies. Understanding of biochemical and molecular mechanisms may help devise contemporary molecular and traditional breeding approaches, and management strategies to improve anoxia‐hypoxia tolerance in crop plants.
Learning about Colour – the Legacy of the Bauhaus Masters
Authors: Tóth Alisa , Molnár Gyöngyvér , Kárpáti Andrea
Published: January 2021

Bauhaus, the German arts and crafts college, is 100 years old this year. One of the revolutionary features of its pedagogical programme was the methodology of teaching about colour, elaborated by Johannes Itten and Paul Klee, leading Bauhaus masters, and further developed by their disciples, Joseph Albers and György (George) Kepes. This methodological legacy is continued in a curriculum innovation experiment in art education that is currently being piloted in primary and secondary schools of Hungary. Developing colour perception, creation and communication are basic components of our curricular modules. In this article, we show the development of colour perception of 7,087 students in two age groups: 7–8.8 and 12–13.5 years, tested through arts‐based tasks in an interactive, online platform. Evolution of colour sensitivity, recognition of colour and form, colour memory and decoding the meaningof colours will be shown and the relevance of the results for arts education indicated.
Daily self‐care practices influence exit‐site condition in patients having peritoneal dialysis: A multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ding Xiao‐rong , Huang Hui‐e , Liao Yu‐mei , Zhu Jin‐rong , Tang Wen , Fang Xiao‐wan , Su Chun‐yan
Published: January 2021

Aims

To investigate practice patterns in exit‐site care and identify the risk factors for exit‐site infection.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data were collected in 12 peritoneal dialysis (PD) centres in 2018. Daily exit‐site care practice patterns and exit‐site status of patients receiving PD were assessed through interviews and questionnaires.

Results/findings

Most of the 1,204 patients adhered with the protocols about main aspects of exit‐site care, such as cleansing agents selection, frequency of cleansing, catheter fixation, and following the catheter protective measures. However, their adherence levels on hand hygiene, mask wearing, observing exit site, examining secretion, and communicating with PD staff were rather low. Eighty‐four patients' exit sites were evaluated as problematic exit site (PES). And 186 patients had catheter‐related infection (CRI) history. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, diabetes (OR = 1.631), traction bleeding history (OR = 2.697), antibiotic agents use (OR = 2.460), compliance on mask wearing (OR = 0.794), and observing exit site (OR = 0.806) were influencing factors of CRI history. Traction bleeding history (OR = 2.436), CRI history (OR = 10.280), and effective communication (OR = 0.808) with PD staff were influencing factors for PES.

Conclusions

The adherence levels on different aspects of exit‐site care were varied in patients having PD. Their self‐care behaviours did correlate with the exit‐site status.

Impact

The adherence level of patients’ exit‐site care practice needs attention of medical staff. Further studies about the optimal procedure in exit‐site care were warranted.
Blood flow volume of left atrial appendage measured by magnetic resonance imaging is improved after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Min Kyongjin , Hwang Sung Ho , Shim Jaemin , Choi Yun Young , Choi Ha Young , Choi Jong‐Il , Oh Yu‐Whan , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Hemodynamics of left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important factor for future risk of ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Velocity encoded cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (VENC‐MRI) can evaluate blood flow volume of LAA without any invasive procedures. We aimed to evaluate the association between radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and LAA hemodynamics measured by MRI.

Methods and Results

Consecutive RFCA cases in a single arrhythmia center were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 3120 AF patients who underwent first RFCA were analyzed. Among these patients 360 patients had both pre‐ and post‐RFCA VENC‐MRI evaluation. Atrial fibrillation was non‐paroxysmal in 174 (48.3%) patients. Mean VENC‐MRI (ml/sec) was significantly improved after RFCA with 49.93 ± 32.92 and 72.00 ± 34.82 for pre‐ and post‐RFCA, respectively. Patients with non‐paroxysmal AF (∆VENC‐MRI = 14.63 ± 40.67 vs. 30.03 ± 35.37; p < .001) and low pre‐RFCA VENC‐MRI (∆VENC‐MRI = 17.19 ± 38.35 vs. 50.35 ± 29.12; p < .001) had significantly higher improvement in VENC‐MRI. Those who experienced late recurrence before post‐RFCA MRI had significantly less improvement in LAA flow volume (∆VENC‐MRI = 15.55 ± 41.41 vs. 26.18 ± 36.77; p = .011). Late recurrence and pre‐RFCA VENC‐MRI were significantly associated with ∆VENC‐MRI after adjusting covariates. Patients who were AF before RFCA but maintained sinus rhythm after RFCA showed greatest improvement in VENC‐MRI.

Conclusion

Effective rhythm control through RFCA can be associated with significant improvement in LAA hemodynamics. Low pre‐RFCA VENC‐MRI and absence of late recurrence were associated with greater improvement in LAA hemodynamics.
The value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and programmed ventricular stimulation in patients with ventricular noncompaction and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Gunda Sampath , Ghannam Michael , Liang Jackson J. , Attili Anil , Sharaf Dabbagh Ghaith , Cochet Hubert , Lathkar‐Pradhan Sangeetha , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Jongnarangsin Krit , Morady Fred , Bogun Frank
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) including premature ventricular complexes, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The value of imaging with delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE‐CMR) and programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) for risk stratification in patients with VA and LVNC is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DE‐CMR and PVS are beneficial for risk stratification and whether CMR helps to identify VA target sites.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients with LVNC undergoing ablation for VAs were included, all patients had preprocedure DE‐CMR. A total of 23 patients (7 women, 46 ± 14 years, ejection fraction 35 ± 14) were included and followed for 2.9 ± 2.2 years. DE‐CMR scar was present in 12/23 patients (52%). PVS was performed in 20/23 patients, 8/10 patients (80%) with scar were inducible for VT compared to 0/10 (0%) patients without scar (p < .001). VA target sites in patients with scarring were located adjacent to areas of scarring in all but 1 patient and ablation was successful in 15/23 patients (65%). Patients with scar had worse survival free of VT than those without scar (log rank p = .01) and patients with inducible VT had worse survival free of VT than those who were noninducible (log rank p < .001).

Conclusions

The presence of CMR defined scar in patients with LVNC was associated with inducible VT and worse outcomes. Inducibility for VT was associated with VT recurrence. Furthermore, CMR is beneficial in localizing the arrhythmogenic substrate in LVNC and therefore can aid in procedural planning.
Half‐normal saline versus normal saline for irrigation of open‐irrigated radiofrequency catheters in atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Gianni Carola , Gallinghouse G. Joseph , Al‐Ahmad Amin , Horton Rodney P. , Bailey Shane M. , Burkhardt J. David , Bassiouny Mohamed A. , MacDonald Bryan C. , Quintero Mayedo Angel , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Trivedi Chintan , Di Biase Luigi , Hranitzky Patrick M. , Sanchez Javier E. , Natale Andrea
Published: January 2021

Background

The creation of effective and permanent lesions is a crucial factor in determining the success rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. By increasing the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) energy‐mediated lesion formation, half‐normal saline (HNS) as an irrigant for open‐irrigated ablation catheters has the potential to reduce procedural times and improve acute and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

This is a double‐blind randomized clinical trial of 99 patients undergoing first‐time RF catheter ablation for AF. Patients enrolled were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion to perform ablation using HNS or normal saline (NS) as an irrigant for the ablation catheter.

Results

The use of HNS is associated with shorter RF times (26 vs. 33 min;p = .02) with comparable procedure times (104 vs. 104 min). The rate of acute pulmonary vein reconnections (16% vs. 18%) was comparable, with a median of 1 vein reconnection in the HNS arm versus 2 in the NS arm. There was no difference in procedure‐related complications, including the incidence of postprocedural hyponatremia when using HNS. Over the 1‐year follow‐up, there is no significant difference between the HNS and NS with respect to the recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia (off antiarrhythmic drugs [AAD]: 47% vs. 52%; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–2.06; off/on AAD: 66% vs. 66%, HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.53–2.12), with a potential benefit of using HNS when considering the paroxysmal AF cohort (on/off AAD 73% vs. 62%, HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.19–2.70).

Conclusions

In a mixed cohort of patients undergoing first‐time AF ablation, irrigation of open‐irrigated RF ablation catheters with HNS is associated with shorter RF times, with a comparably low rate of procedure‐related complications. In the long term, there is no significant difference with respect to the recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia. Larger studies with a more homogeneous population are necessary to determine whether HNS improves clinical outcomes.
The role of SARS‐CoV‐2 target ACE2 in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Zhu Hanzhao , Zhang Liyun , Ma Yubo , Zhai Mengen , Xia Lin , Liu Jincheng , Yu Shiqiang , Duan Weixun
Published: January 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus responsible for the global coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, attacks multiple organs of the human body by binding to angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter cells. More than 20 million people have already been infected by the virus. ACE2 is not only a functional receptor of COVID‐19 but also an important endogenous antagonist of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). A large number of studies have shown that ACE2 can reverse myocardial injury in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as is exert anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic and anticardiomyocyte fibrosis effects by regulating transforming growth factor beta, mitogen‐activated protein kinases, calcium ions in cells and other major pathways. The ACE2/angiotensin‐(1‐7)/Mas receptor axis plays a decisive role in the cardiovascular system to combat the negative effects of the ACE/angiotensin II/angiotensin II type 1 receptor axis. However, the underlying mechanism of ACE2 in cardiac protection remains unclear. Some approaches for enhancing ACE2 expression in CVDs have been suggested, which may provide targets for the development of novel clinical therapies. In this review, we aimed to identify and summarize the role of ACE2 in CVDs.
Periodontal diseases and depression: A pre‐clinical in vivo study
Authors: Martínez María , Martín‐Hernández David , Virto Leire , MacDowell Karina S. , Montero Eduardo , González‐Bris Álvaro , Marín María José , Ambrosio Nagore , Herrera David , Leza Juan Carlos , Sanz Mariano , García‐Bueno Borja , Figuero Elena
Published: January 2021

Aim

To analyse, through a pre‐clinical in vivo model, the possible mechanisms linking depression and periodontitis at behavioural, microbiological and molecular levels.

Materials and methods

Periodontitis (P) was induced in Wistar:Han rats (oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum) during 12 weeks, followed by a 3‐week period of Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) induction. Four groups (n = 12 rats/group) were obtained: periodontitis and CMS (P+CMS+); periodontitis without CMS; CMS without periodontitis; and control. Periodontal clinical variables, alveolar bone levels (ABL), depressive‐like behaviour, microbial counts and expression of inflammatory mediators in plasma and brain frontal cortex (FC), were measured. ANOVA tests were applied.

Results

The highest values for ABL occurred in the P+CMS+ group, which also presented the highest expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, IL‐1β and NF‐kB) in frontal cortex, related to the lipoprotein APOA1‐mediated transport of bacterial lipopolysaccharide to the brain and the detection of F. nucleatum in the brain parenchyma. A dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal stress axis, reflected by the increase in plasma corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor levels in FC, was also found in this group.

Conclusions

Neuroinflammation induced by F. nucleatum (through a leaky mouth) might act as the linking mechanism between periodontal diseases and depression.