bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional divergence of three glutathione transferases in two biotypes of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae
Authors: Zhang Na , Liu Deguang , Zhai Yingting , Li Xiaosai , Simon Jean‐Christophe 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a significant pest of cereal crops, but molecular factors and mechanisms that underpin its ability to develop differential biotypes on variable host plants are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the interactions between two plant secondary metabolites (i.e., gramine and gallic acid) and three glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) of S. avenae. Using artificial diets complemented or not with one of these two plant compounds, we found that gramine had relatively stronger negative effects on fitness of S. avenae biotype 3 (adapted to barley), and gallic acid on that of biotype 4 (adapted to wheat). Gramine significantly induced overexpression of SaveGST1 and SaveGST2 in biotype 4, but not in biotype 3. Gramine also reduced SaveGST3 expression in biotype 4, but not in biotype 3, suggesting biotype‐specific effect of GSTs’ regulation. In the treatments with gallic acid, the overexpression of SaveGST1, but not SaveGST2 or SaveGST3, was significantly induced in both biotypes, suggesting a critical role of SaveGST1 in detoxification of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid. The total constitutive GST activity was much higher in biotype 4 than in biotype 3. Significant increase in GST activity was obtained by the addition of both secondary metabolites in biotype 4, but not in biotype 3, showing significantly higher expression plasticity of GSTs in biotype 4. Thus, both constitutive and induced expression of GSTs could affect the adaptability of S. avenae on plants with variable secondary compounds, and thus contribute to the divergence of biotypes in this aphid species.
The UK experience of stereoelectroencephalography in children: An analysis of factors predicting the identification of a seizure‐onset zone and subsequent seizure freedom
Authors:   UK Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Collaboration
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveStereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is being used more frequently in the pre‐surgical evaluation of children with focal epilepsy. It has been shown to be safe in children, but there are no multicenter studies assessing the rates and factors associated with the identification of a putative seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) and subsequent seizure freedom following SEEG‐guided epilepsy surgery.MethodsMulticenter retrospective cohort study of all children undergoing SEEG at six of seven UK Children's Epilepsy Surgery Service centers from 2014 to 2019. Demographics, noninvasive evaluation, SEEG, and operative factors were analyzed to identify variables associated with the identification of a putative SOZ and subsequent seizure freedom following SEEG‐guided epilepsy surgery.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐five patients underwent 139 SEEG explorations using a total of 1767 electrodes. A putative SOZ was identified in 117 patients (85.7%); odds of successfully finding an SOZ were 6.4 times greater for non‐motor seizures compared to motor seizures (p = 0.02) and 3.6 times more if four or more seizures were recorded during SEEG (p = 0.03). Of 100 patients undergoing surgical treatment, 47 (47.0%) had an Engel class I outcome at a median follow‐up of 1.3 years; the only factor associated with outcome was indication for SEEG (p = 0.03); an indication of “recurrence following surgery/treatment” had a 5.9 times lower odds of achieving seizure freedom (p = 0.002) compared to the “lesion negative” cohort, whereas other indications (“lesion positive, define extent,” “lesion positive, discordant noninvasive investigations” and “multiple lesions”) were not statistically significantly different.SignificanceThis large nationally representative cohort illustrates that SEEG‐guided surgery can still achieve high rates of seizure freedom. Seizure semiology and the number of seizures recorded during SEEG are important factors in the identification of a putative SOZ, and the indication for SEEG is an important factor in postoperative outcomes.
Public sector audit in uncertain times
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , Hay David C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the future, environmental disasters and resource constraints will continue to impact the public sector audit environment. Governments will be held responsible for their responses and the corresponding financial impacts, particularly rising levels of public debt. Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are vital in keeping governments accountable. Yet, they also need legitimacy and they are subject to isomorphic pressures to gain this. Mimetic isomorphism explains SAIs’ structures, although they remain diverse, worldwide. Our analysis of extensive data about SAIs together with statistical measures about countries, an international survey and document analysis enables us to make projections about what isomorphic pressures will shape SAIs and enable them to deal with an uncertain future. Examining public debt and the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals as case studies, we show how isomorphism will shape SAIs’ responses to an uncertain future.
Clinical features of 65‐year‐old individuals in Japan diagnosed with possible sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria
Authors: Miura Hiroshi , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Wataru , Tamori Yoshikazu 
Published: June 2021

AimThe prevalence of sarcopenia and the health status of affected individuals, particularly among the young elderly, are unclear in Japan. We determined the prevalence of possible sarcopenia, a concept proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019, and then investigated its clinical features in community‐dwelling young elderly individuals in Kobe, a representative large city in Japan.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study examined 1768 residents of Kobe aged 65 years who underwent health and frailty checkups implemented by Kobe City between April 2017 and March 2019. Possible sarcopenia was diagnosed by the AWGS 2019 algorithm. Frailty status was assessed with the use of the Kihon Checklist, which was developed to identify senior citizens requiring nursing care in Japan.ResultsFifty‐one of the 1768 subjects were diagnosed with possible sarcopenia (overall prevalence of 2.9% [confidence interval: 2.1–3.7%]), with the prevalence being higher in women than in men. Individuals with possible sarcopenia had a lower body mass index, abdominal circumference, diastolic blood pressure and percentage of taking lipid‐lowering drugs as well as a higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and estimated glomerular filtration rate. They also showed a higher degree of frailty. A low body mass index and physical inactivity were significantly associated with possible sarcopenia.ConclusionsThe prevalence of possible sarcopenia based on the AWGS 2019 criteria was 2.9% among 65‐year‐olds in Japan, with affected individuals more likely to be frail compared with those without this condition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 689–696.
The impact of MYC gene amplification on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of radiation‐associated angiosarcomas of the breast
Authors: Kuba Maria Gabriela , Xu Bin , D’Angelo Sandra P , Rosenbaum Evan , Plitas George , Ross Dara S , Brogi Edi , Antonescu Cristina R 
Published: June 2021

AimsRadiation‐associated angiosarcomas (RT‐ASs) of the breast are rare tumours with a poor prognosis. MYC gene amplification is considered to be the hallmark of RT‐AS, and is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to distinguish it from other radiation‐associated vascular lesions. However, a small subset of RT‐ASs lacks MYC amplification, and this may be associated with better outcome. Loss of trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3) expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been recently postulated as an additional diagnostic marker for RT‐AS. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of MYC amplification as detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and/or next‐generation sequencing on clinicopathological features and outcome in a large cohort of RT‐ASs, compare outcome with those of radiation‐associated sarcomas (RT‐Ss) of the breast other than angiosarcoma, and evaluate expression of H3K27me3 IHC in these groups.Methods and resultsEighty‐one RT‐ASs were identified, including 73 that were MYC‐amplified and 8 (10%) that were MYC‐non‐amplified. MYC‐amplified RT‐ASs were diagnosed in older patients (median age, 69 years versus 61 years). The 5‐year disease‐specific survival and 5‐year overall survival rates were 56% and 47%, respectively. Older age, larger tumour size, positive margin and MYC amplification were associated with worse prognosis. None of the RT‐ASs showed complete loss of H3K27me3 IHC expression. All 18 RT‐Ss were MYC‐non‐amplified, and complete loss of H3K27me3 expression was seen in 2 cases. We found no difference in prognosis between RT‐AS and RT‐S.ConclusionsRT‐AS of the breast is associated with a poor prognosis. Older age at diagnosis, larger tumour size, positive margin at excision and MYC amplification are associated with worse prognosis.
Concentrated MTA Repair HP reduced biofilm and can cause reparative action at a distance
Authors: Silva Poliana Amanda Oliveira , Lima Stella Maris de Freitas , Martins Danilo César Mota , Amorim Ingrid Aquino , Lacorte Cristiano , de Almeida Jeesser Alves , Franco Octávio Luiz , Rezende Taia Maria Berto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate in vitro whether MTA Repair HP can induce repair processes at a distance, including its effects on biofilm, cell viability, migration, production of TGF‐β, phosphate and ALP, evaluated through MTA diluted extracts.MethodologyInitially, antibacterial tests were performed with the bacterium Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) in the presence of MTA extracts (dilutions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4). Growth inhibition assay by microdilution in broth, antibiofilm plate assay of young biofilm and antibiofilm assay in confocal microscopy of mature biofilm were carried out. Then, pulp cells were stimulated in the presence of several MTA dilutions, and cell viability (MTT assay), proliferation and migration capacity (scratch assay) were evaluated. To evaluate the capacity of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 dilutions of MTA Repair HP to promote the production of important agents of odontogenic differentiation and mineralization, ALP activity, TGF‐β secretion and phosphate quantification were measured. Statistical differences were verified using one‐way and two‐way anova and Tukey's post‐tests.ResultsThe test dilutions of MTA Repair HP did not inhibit planktonic S. mutans growth but were able to reduce young and mature S. mutans biofilm (p < 0.001). In addition, none of the MTA Repair HP dilutions was cytotoxic for pulp cells. The 1:2 and 1:4 dilutions of MTA Repair HP induced migration and proliferation of pulp cells (p < 0.05). ALP activity and TGF‐β secretion were independent of the tested dilution (p < 0.001). Diluted 1:4 MTA Repair HP produced less phosphate than the more concentrated 1:1 and 1:2 MTA dilutions (p < 0.001).ConclusionsUndiluted MTA Repair HP reduced S. mutans biofilm, when compared to 1:2 and 1:4 MTA dilutions. Furthermore, none of the tested dilutions was cytotoxic to pulp cells. MTA Repair HP promoted cell migration and proliferation at a distance, assessed through the dilution of the MTA. Even from a distance, MTA Repair HP has the ability to participate in some events related to repair, such as migration, proliferation and TGF production.
Structural and optical properties in Tm3+/Tm3+–Yb3+ doped NaLuF4 glass‐ceramics
Authors: Velázquez Jose J. , Balda Rolindes , Fernández Joaquin , Gorni Giulio , Sedano Mercedes , Durán Alicia , Galusek Dušan , Pascual Maria J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTransparent NaLuF4 glass‐ceramics (GCs) doped with Tm3+ and Tm3+/Yb3+ have been prepared by melting‐quenching followed by thermal treatment at temperatures near the glass transition temperature. The crystallization process has been studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). NaLuF4 nanocrystals (NCs) ranging 9–30 nm in size are the only crystalline phase, the crystal size increasing with the dopant concentration. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) measurements confirm the Tm3+ and Yb3+ incorporation in the NCs. Optical characterization included the analysis of up‐conversion (UC) as well as the Near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence. NIR emission spectra of Tm3+ and Yb3+ in co‐doped samples confirmed an efficient energy transfer between both ions. No UC emissions are observed in Tm3+ single‐doped glass and GCs. Yb3+ incorporation favors the Tm3+‐Tm3+ UC processes resulting in Tm3+ blue, yellowish‐red and NIR UC emissions after excitation at 975 nm. Blue UC emission is also observed in the codoped samples after Tm3+ excitation at 791 nm. These effects were more evident for the GCs compared to the base glasses, confirming the RE ions incorporation in the NCs. As a result, these GCs can be used to tune the UC emission from NIR to blue by selective excitation.
Atrial fibrillation recurrence and spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm after cardiac surgery: Insights from 426 patients with continuous rhythm monitoring
Authors: Charitos Efstratios I. , Herrmann Florian E. M. , Ziegler Paul D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionCardiac surgery may influence occurrence and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). In patients with a history of cardiac surgery and postoperative pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation we attempted to quantify AF characteristics and investigate factors that influence AF recurrence.MethodsIn 426 patients (319 male; age: 73 SD: 9 years) with a history of cardiac surgery (364 CABG; 69 mitral valve; 57 aortic valve and 59 combination procedures) the heart rhythm history (mean: 351 days SD: 54 days) was reconstructed and investigated for AF recurrence patterns.ResultsAF developed and subsequently recurred in 75% of patients (n = 320). The mean AF burden in these patients was 0.21 (21% of the total observed time spent in AF) and 4085 episodes of AF were observed and analyzed. AF episodes spontaneously terminated within 24 h (n = 2509), 48 h (n = 700), 72 h (n = 279), and 1 week (n = 31). The probability of spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm (SR) decreased with time spent in AF and plateaued after approximately 7 days. Patient age, LVEF and presence of coronary artery disease significantly influenced the probability of spontaneous conversion to SR. Type of cardiac surgery also significantly influenced AF episode characteristics.ConclusionAF episodes are common in patients with a history of cardiac surgery. Spontaneous conversion to SR diminishes with increasing time spent in AF and is influenced by AF characteristics and several patient‐related factors. Continuous monitoring can provide detailed information about AF recurrence that may immensely improve our understanding and influence the clinical management of AF.
Transforming a pre‐existing MRI environment into an interventional cardiac MRI suite
Authors: Bijvoet Geertruida P. , Holtackers Robert J. , Smink Jouke , Lloyd Tom , van den Hombergh Cristy L. M. , Debie Luuk J. B. M. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Vernooy Kevin , Mihl Casper , Chaldoupi Sevasti‐Maria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo illustrate the practical and technical challenges along with the safety aspects when performing MRI‐guided electrophysiological procedures in a pre‐existing diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment.Methods and ResultsA dedicated, well‐trained multidisciplinary interventional cardiac MRI team (iCMR team), consisting of electrophysiologists, imaging cardiologists, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, MRI physicists, electrophysiological (EP) and MRI technicians, biomedical engineers, and medical instrumentation technologists is a prerequisite for a safe and feasible implementation of CMR‐guided electrophysiological procedures (iCMR) in a pre‐existing MRI environment. A formal dry run “mock‐up” to address the entire spectrum of technical, logistic, and safety issues was performed before obtaining final approval of the Board of Directors. With this process we showed feasibility of our workflow, safety protocol, and bailout procedures during iCMR outside the conventional EP lab. The practical aspects of performing iCMR procedures in a pre‐existing MRI environment were addressed and solidified. Finally, the influence on neighbouring MRI scanners was evaluated, showing no interference.ConclusionTransforming a pre‐existing diagnostic MRI environment into an iCMR suite is feasible and safe. However, performing iCMR procedures outside the conventional fluoroscopic lab, poses challenges with technical, practical, and safety aspects that need to be addressed by a dedicated multi‐disciplinary iCMR team.
Pseudo‐elevation of conduction system pacing threshold through parallel connection of an intracardiac electrogram recording system
Authors: Yokota Jun , Fujiu Katsuhito , Oshima Tsukasa , Matsubara Takumi J , Matsuda Jun , Shimizu Yu , Hasumi Eriko , Kojima Toshiya , Doi Kent , Komuro Issei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractParallel connection of an electrophysiology recording system (EP system) to equipment for conduction system pacing (CSP) has been widely used for fine monitoring of intracardiac electrograms and pacing evaluation. We experienced a case showing unexpected pacing threshold exacerbation under specific conditions when the EP system was connected in parallel. We evaluated the underlying mechanism using an ex vivo model. An ex vivo pacing and intracardiac electrogram monitoring model was generated using an oscilloscope, pacing system analyzer (PSA), EP system, and simulated heart. The discrepancy between expected output at the PSA and the actual measured output value at the simulated heart was measured under various conditions and using various combinations of pacing equipment. Parallel connection of the EP system was associated with reduced electrical output from the PSA as recorded at the simulated heart. The unexpected adverse effects were particularly noticeable when using an RMC‐5000 EP system with the pacing function on. The trouble is completely resolved by simply turning off the pacing function of the system. There is a possibility that the EP system might increase the pacing threshold in CSP when the PSA and EP system is are deployed in parallel. The issue may provoke pseudo failure of CSP due to the high pacing threshold. When the RMC‐5000 is used for conduction system pacing in parallel with a PSA for the pacing test, the pacing function of RMC‐5000 should be turned off.
Safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure using an epicardial suture snaring device: Systematic review and current status
Authors: Sabzwari Syed Rafay Ali , Mehta Nikhil A. , Garg Lohit , Racharla Lekha , Kurtz Emilee , Afzal Muhammad R. , Turagam Mohit K. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe LARIAT epicardial suture snaring device has been fraught with technical challenges and procedural complications. Over time, technique modification and improved operator experience have helped overcome many of these challenges.Methods and ResultsStudies reporting left atrial appendage epicardial closure over a 12‐year period from 2009 to 2020 were evaluated. The primary efficacy outcome evaluated was left atrial appendage closure with residual flow ≤1 mm. Safety outcomes evaluated were periprocedural and long term complications after device placement. Nine studies consisting of 1430 patients were included in this analysis, of which 1386 (97%) underwent successful device placement. The mean age was 69.3 years, with a mean CHADS2‐VASC score of 3.78. Primary efficacy end point was achieved in 95.8% patients immediately after device placement, and in 92.8% patients on long term follow‐up. Early procedural complications consisted of pericardial effusion 5.6%, cardiac perforation 2.7%, pericarditis 2.6%, and need for open heart surgery 1.5%. Long term complications consisted of all‐cause mortality 2.3%, stroke 1.5%, and left atrial appendage thrombus 2.3%. Reduced complications were noted using micropuncture needles (2.20% vs. 10.14%; p < .0001), a longer duration pericardial drainage, and use of anti‐inflammatory medications (1.58% vs. 8.4%). Oral anticoagulation use decreased from 44.7% to 22.9% post device implantation, and to 8.5% on last clinical follow up.ConclusionsThe LARIAT device is effective in epicardial closure of the left atrial appendage. Improvement in device techniques such as use of micropuncture needle, prophylactic colchicine, and maintenance of a pericardial drain have helped improve safety over time.
Personalized at‐home neurofeedback compared to long‐acting methylphenidate in children with ADHD: NEWROFEED, a European randomized noninferiority trial
Authors: Purper‐Ouakil Diane , Blasco‐Fontecilla Hilario , Ros Tomas , Acquaviva Eric , Banaschewski Tobias , Baumeister Sarah , Bousquet Elisa , Bussalb Aurore , Delhaye Marie , Delorme Richard , Drechsler Renate , Goujon Allison , Häge Alexander , Kaiser Anna , Mayaud Louis , Mechler Konstantin , Menache Caroline , Revol Olivier , Tagwerker Friederike , Walitza Susanne , Werling Anna Maria , Bioulac Stephanie , Brandeis Daniel 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNeurofeedback is considered a promising intervention for the treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NEWROFEED is a prospective, multicentre, randomized (3:2), reference drug‐controlled trial in children with ADHD aged between 7 and 13 years. The main objective of NEWROFEED was to demonstrate the noninferiority of personalized at‐home neurofeedback (NF) training versus methylphenidate in the treatment of children with ADHD.MethodsThe NF group (n = 111) underwent eight visits and two treatment phases of 16 to 20 at‐home sessions with down‐training of the theta/beta ratio (TBR) for children with high TBR and enhancing the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) for the others. The control group (n = 67) received optimally titrated long‐acting methylphenidate. The primary endpoint was the change between baseline and endpoint in the Clinician ADHD‐RS‐IV total score in the per‐protocol population (90 NF/59 controls). Trial registration: US National Institute of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02778360.ResultsOur study failed to demonstrate noninferiority of NF versus methylphenidate (mean between‐group difference 8.09 90% CI [8.09; 10.56]). However, both treatment groups showed significant pre–post improvements in core ADHD symptoms and in a broader range of problems. Reduction in the Clinician ADHD‐RS‐IV total score between baseline and final visit (D90) was 26.7% (SMD = 0.89) in the NF and 46.9% (SMD = 2.03) in the control group. NF effects increased whereas those of methylphenidate were stable between intermediate and final visit.ConclusionsBased on clinicians’ reports, the effects of at‐home NF were inferior to those of methylphenidate as a stand‐alone treatment.