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Aim: Faecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent issue which can have a detrimental impact on the patient's quality of life. Current international guidelines lack strong treatment recommendations due to few studies in the field, in combination with the heterogeneity in outcome reporting. To address this, a core outcome set (COS) is proposed to standardize outcome reporting in FI studies, facilitating meta‐analyses and enhancing therapeutic recommendations. Through several steps outlined by COMET 'what' to measure will be determined prior to determining 'how' to measure these outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify 'what' outcomes have been used in FI intervention studies so far in adult patients as a starting phase for the development of a future COS for FI. Method: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched to identify all outcomes reported in comparative effectiveness trials assessing one or more treatment option in adult patients suffering from FI. The outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to standardize outcome terminology, assess completeness, and inform subsequent steps in COS development. Results: A total of 109 studies were included, which revealed 51 unique outcomes classified into 38 domains within four core areas. On average four outcomes were reported per study (range 1–11). The most commonly reported outcomes were "severity of FI" (83%), "quality of life" (64%), "number of FI episodes" (40%), "anorectal motor function" (39%), and "frequency of bowel movements" (16%). Conclusion: This systematic review offers an overview of outcomes reported in FI studies, highlighting the heterogeneity between studies. This heterogeneity emphasizes the need for standardizing outcome reporting which can be established through the creation of a COS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serial crystallography (SX) involves combining observations from a very large number of diffraction patterns coming from crystals in random orientations. To compile a complete data set, these patterns must be indexed (i.e. their orientation determined), integrated and merged. Introduced here is TORO (Torch‐powered robust optimization) Indexer, a robust and adaptable indexing algorithm developed using the PyTorch framework. TORO is capable of operating on graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs) and other hardware accelerators supported by PyTorch, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of computational setups. In tests, TORO outpaces existing solutions, indexing thousands of frames per second when running on GPUs, which positions it as an attractive candidate to produce real‐time indexing and user feedback. The algorithm streamlines some of the ideas introduced by previous indexers like DIALS real‐space grid search [Gildea, Waterman, Parkhurst, Axford, Sutton, Stuart, Sauter, Evans & Winter (2014). Acta Cryst. D70, 2652–2666] and XGandalf [Gevorkov, Yefanov, Barty, White, Mariani, Brehm, Tolstikova, Grigat & Chapman (2019). Acta Cryst. A75, 694–704] and refines them using faster and principled robust optimization techniques which result in a concise code base consisting of less than 500 lines. On the basis of evaluations across four proteins, TORO consistently matches, and in certain instances outperforms, established algorithms such as XGandalf and MOSFLM [Powell (1999). Acta Cryst. D55, 1690–1695], occasionally amplifying the quality of the consolidated data while achieving superior indexing speed. The inherent modularity of TORO and the versatility of PyTorch code bases facilitate its deployment into a wide array of architectures, software platforms and bespoke applications, highlighting its prospective significance in SX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to evaluate the evolving phenotype and genetic spectrum of patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) in long‐term follow‐up. Longitudinal clinical and biochemical data of 22 pediatric and 9 adult individuals with SSADHD from the patient registry of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD) were studied with in silico analyses, pathogenicity scores and molecular modeling of ALDH5A1 variants. Leading initial symptoms, with onset in infancy, were developmental delay and hypotonia. Year of birth and specific initial symptoms influenced the diagnostic delay. Clinical phenotype of 26 individuals (median 12 years, range 1.8–33.4 years) showed a diversifying course in follow‐up: 77% behavioral problems, 76% coordination problems, 73% speech disorders, 58% epileptic seizures and 40% movement disorders. After ataxia, dystonia (19%), chorea (11%) and hypokinesia (15%) were the most frequent movement disorders. Involvement of the dentate nucleus in brain imaging was observed together with movement disorders or coordination problems. Short attention span (78.6%) and distractibility (71.4%) were the most frequently behavior traits mentioned by parents while impulsiveness, problems communicating wishes or needs and compulsive behavior were addressed as strongly interfering with family life. Treatment was mainly aimed to control epileptic seizures and psychiatric symptoms. Four new pathogenic variants were identified. In silico scoring system, protein activity and pathogenicity score revealed a high correlation. A genotype/phenotype correlation was not observed, even in siblings. This study presents the diversifying characteristics of disease phenotype during the disease course, highlighting movement disorders, widens the knowledge on the genotypic spectrum of SSADHD and emphasizes a reliable application of in silico approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter decomposition represents a major path for atmospheric carbon influx into Arctic soils, thereby controlling below‐ground carbon accumulation. Yet, little is known about how tundra litter decomposition varies with microenvironmental conditions, hindering accurate projections of tundra soil carbon dynamics with future climate change. Over 14 months, we measured landscape‐scale decomposition of two contrasting standard litter types (Green tea and Rooibos tea) in 90 plots covering gradients of micro‐climate and ‐topography, vegetation cover and traits, and soil characteristics in Western Greenland. We used the tea bag index (TBI) protocol to estimate relative variation in litter mass loss, decomposition rate (k) and stabilisation factor (S) across space, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify relationships among environmental factors and decomposition. Contrasting our expectations, microenvironmental factors explained little of the observed variation in both litter mass loss, as well as k and S, suggesting that the variables included in our study were not the major controls of decomposer activity in the soil across the studied tundra landscape. We use these unexpected findings of our study combined with findings from the current literature to discuss future avenues for improving our understanding of the drivers of tundra decomposition and, ultimately, carbon cycling across the warming Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed whether extended molecular profiling can predict the development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene T790M mutation, which is the most frequent resistance alteration in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after treatment with the first‐/second‐generation (1G/2G) EGFR inhibitors (tyrosine kinase inhibitors [TKIs]), but only weakly associated with clinical characteristics. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on pretreatment tumor tissue with matched normal samples from NSCLC patients with (n = 25, detected in tissue or blood rebiopsies) or without (n = 14, negative tissue rebiopsies only) subsequent EGFR p.T790M mutation after treatment with 1G/2G EGFR TKI. Several complex genetic biomarkers were assessed using bioinformatic methods. After treatment with first‐line afatinib (44%) or erlotinib/gefitinib (56%), median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 12.1 and 33.7 months, respectively. Clinical and tumor genetic characteristics, including age (median, 66 years), sex (74% female), smoking (69% never/light smokers), EGFR mutation type (72% exon 19 deletions), and TP53 mutations (41%) were not significantly associated with T790M mutation (p > 0.05). By contrast, complex biomarkers including tumor mutational burden, the clock‐like mutation signature SBS1 + 5, tumor ploidy, and markers of subclonality including mutant‐allele tumor heterogeneity, subclonal copy number changes, and median tumor‐adjusted variant allele frequency were significantly higher at baseline in tumors with subsequent T790M mutation (all p < 0.05). Each marker alone could predict subsequent development of T790M with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72–0.77, but the small number of cases did not allow confirmation of better performance for biomarker combinations in leave‐one‐out cross‐validated logistic regression (AUC 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.87). Extended molecular profiling with WES at initial diagnosis reveals several complex biomarkers associated with subsequent development of T790M resistance mutation in NSCLC patients receiving first‐/second‐generation TKIs as the first‐line therapy. Larger prospective studies will be necessary to define a forecasting model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 11‐year‐old, 500 kg, healthy mare was admitted for tenovaginoscopy. A jugular venous catheter was inserted to administer detomidine for diagnostic imaging and for anaesthesia‐related drug administration. The horse was premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine and intravenous flunixin. For sedation, 7.5 mL of a solution, presumed to be xylazine 2%, was drawn up in a syringe and labelled with a sticker. Two minutes after injection of 7.5 mL from xylazine‐labelled syringe, the horse showed severe ataxia and fell. Nystagmus and catatonia appeared while one person sat on its neck, to prevent it from rising. After 8 minutes, the horse could not be kept down and took several uncoordinated attempts to stand, still showing nystagmus and ataxia for several minutes. The xylazine‐labelled syringes were analysed. They contained pure ketamine. This case report should raise awareness about clinical errors, a healthy error culture and use of Morbidity and Mortality Rounds to improve patient and personnel care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling of Nd–Fe–B magnets is an ongoing challenge regarding circular economy. State‐of‐the‐art magnet production methods, such as hot deformation, have limitations with respect to direct recycling of magnet scrap particles that differ from pristine melt‐spun Nd–Fe–B powder. Recent work has shown that a combination of presintering by field‐assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS) and hot deformation by flash spark plasma sintering (flash SPS) has the potential to directly produce Nd–Fe–B magnets from 100% scrap material. Both processes have the capability to adjust and monitor process parameters closely, resulting in recycled magnets with properties similar to commercial magnets but made directly from crushed and recycled Nd–Fe–B powder that partially or completely replaces pristine melt‐spun Nd–Fe–B powder. Herein, a systematic study is done inserting recycled magnet particles into a flash SPS deformed magnet, considering the effects of different weight percentages of scrap material of varied particle size fractions. In some cases, coercivity HcJ of >1400 kAm−1 and remanence Br of 1.1 T can be achieved with 20 wt% scrap material. The relationship between particle size fraction, oxygen uptake, and percentage of recyclate in a final magnet are all explored and discussed with respect to magnets made from pristine material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the circular economy is considered an avenue to sustainable development, the transition toward circularity is moving slowly. Academic literature has examined how various factors can affect the adoption of circular business models in specific industries and organizational types. However, no research has systematically reviewed the determinants of circular business model adoption. Through a systematic literature review, this study provides a holistic overview of the determining drivers of and barriers to the adoption of circular business models. Building on a sample of 67 journal articles, this study identifies 54 different determinants and classifies them into eight macro categories: culture, regulation, market, strategy, business case, collaboration, operations, and knowledge. The findings can guide policy‐makers, researchers, and decision makers across industries in understanding what obstacles to avoid and drivers to employ when they wish to increase circular business model adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transboundary region of the Iishana system in the western Cuvelai Basin, between southern Angola and northern Namibia, is frequently affected by floods at irregular intervals. As a result, the predominantly rural, subsistence farming population has experienced crop failures, human, and economic losses. To date, very little is known about the generation of floods, flood concentration, and stormwater drainage dynamics in this region. In this study, 2D‐hydrodynamic modeling was applied to reconstruct one of the latest major flood events during the rainy season from November 2008 to March 2009 in order to study the runoff behavior and interconnectivity of the Iishana system. The model focused on the eastern part of the Iishana system, which was most affected by floods and flood damage due to the high population density in and around Oshakati, the regional capital. Two main streams were identified noteworthy because they merge and subsequently affect Oshakati. Regarding the simulated flood event water depths vary from 0.1 m to 14 m, with an average of 0.2 m, while water depths above 5 m were attributed to borrow pits. The inundation area ranged up to 1860 km2 and the amount of water left after the rainy season on March 25th, 2009, was determined between 0.116 and 0.547 km3, depending on the amount of evapotranspiration considered in the model. Thus, in the Angolan part of the Iishana system, significantly larger quantities of water are available for longer periods of time during the subsequent dry season, whereas the system in Namibia stores less water, resulting in a shorter water retention period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article discusses the investigation of CuIn1−xGaxS2 (CIGS) thin films for photovoltaic applications. For decades, a Cu‐rich composition has been used to create solar cells with efficiencies of up to 13.5%; however, interest in chalcopyrite sulfide has recently been revived due to its high and adjustable bandgap, making it a serious candidate as a top cell in tandem configurations. Although chalcopyrite selenides share many properties with CIGS thin films, crucial differences have been reported. To further understand these materials, we studied more than 500 samples of absorbers and resulting solar cells. First, we found that the compositional window for obtaining single‐phase CIGS thin films with a three‐stage co‐evaporation process is very narrow. Second, we reported that a combination of low copper content and sodium addition during growth is required to maximize the photoluminescence intensity (i.e., to minimize the absorber‐related open‐circuit voltage losses). Finally, we showed that solar cell performance and stability depend not only on absorber quality but also on phenomena at interfaces (absorber/buffer and grain boundaries). Altogether, we formulate growth recommendations for the manufacture of stable CIGS/CdS solar cells with state‐of‐the‐art efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Landsat satellites provide decades of near‐global surface reflectance measurements that are increasingly used to assess interannual changes in terrestrial ecosystem function. These assessments often rely on spectral indices related to vegetation greenness and productivity (e.g. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI). Nevertheless, multiple factors impede multi‐decadal assessments of spectral indices using Landsat satellite data, including ease of data access and cleaning, as well as lingering issues with cross‐sensor calibration and challenges with irregular timing of cloud‐free acquisitions. To help address these problems, we developed the 'LandsatTS' package for R. This software package facilitates sample‐based time series analysis of surface reflectance and spectral indices derived from Landsat sensors. The package includes functions that enable the extraction of the full Landsat 5, 7, and 8 records from Collection 2 for point sample locations or small study regions using Google Earth Engine accessed directly from R. Moreover, the package includes functions for 1) rigorous data cleaning, 2) cross‐sensor calibration, 3) phenological modeling, and 4) time series analysis. For an example application, we show how 'LandsatTS' can be used to assess changes in annual maximum vegetation greenness from 2000 to 2022 across the Noatak National Preserve in northern Alaska, USA. Overall, this software provides a suite of functions to enable broader use of Landsat satellite data for assessing and monitoring terrestrial ecosystem function during recent decades across local to global geographic extents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: A common cause of lameness in horses is tenovaginitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). Ultrasound and contrast tenography have become frequently used diagnostic tools for abnormalities in the DFTS, but are considered insufficiently accurate in describing specific lesions. Objectives: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic tenography (CTT) and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect artificial lesions within the DFTS. Study design: Blinded laboratory study. Methods: Using an arthroscopic hook knife, lesions (10–20 mm long and 3–5 mm deep; n = 52) were created tenoscopically in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF) and proximal scutum in 19 distal limb specimens. MRI and CTT were performed and images were reviewed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each modality and compared. Results: Computed tomographic tenography and MRI identification of SDFT and MF lesions showed similar sensitivity (75% vs. 85%, respectively; p = 1) and specificity for MF lesions (96% for both). SDFT lesions specificity was similar for CTT versus MRI (85% vs. 77%, respectively; p = 0.88). For DDFT lesions, MRI sensitivity (62%) was higher compared to CTT (38%), although not statistically significant (p = 0.58). MRI specificity (92%) was lower than CTT (96%, p = 1). Lesions in the proximal scutum were more frequently identified by MRI compared to CTT (sensitivity: 93% vs. 57%, p = 0.17; specificity: 96% vs. 100%, p = 1). Main limitations: Artificial, small lesions were assessed. An incomplete arthroscopic portal seal resulted in pressure loss and contrast leakage. Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of both modalities are good to excellent for the diagnosis of most artificially created lesions. CTT performed similarly to MRI in detecting SDFT and MF lesions. MRI showed a higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of DDFT and proximal scutum lesions. The results indicate a future application of CTT for the diagnosis of DFTS pathologies, whenever suspecting MF tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classic ecological research into the determinants of biodiversity patterns emphasised the important role of three‐dimensional (3D) vegetation heterogeneity. Yet, measuring vegetation structure across large areas has historically been difficult. A growing focus on large‐scale research questions has caused local vegetation heterogeneity to be overlooked compared with more readily accessible habitat metrics from, for example, land cover maps.Using newly available 3D vegetation data, we investigated the relative importance of habitat and vegetation heterogeneity for explaining patterns of bird species richness and composition across Denmark (42,394 km2).We used standardised, repeated point counts of birds conducted by volunteers across Denmark alongside metrics of habitat availability from land‐cover maps and vegetation structure from rasterised LiDAR data (10 m resolution). We used random forest models to relate species richness to environmental features and considered trait‐specific responses by grouping species by nesting behaviour, habitat preference and primary lifestyle. Finally, we evaluated the role of habitat and vegetation heterogeneity metrics in explaining local bird assemblage composition.Overall, vegetation structure was equally as important as habitat availability for explaining bird richness patterns. However, we did not find a consistent positive relationship between species richness and habitat or vegetation heterogeneity; instead, functional groups displayed individual responses to habitat features. Meanwhile, habitat availability had the strongest correlation with the patterns of bird assemblage composition.Our results show how LiDAR and land cover data complement one another to provide insights into different facets of biodiversity patterns and demonstrate the potential of combining remote sensing and structured citizen science programmes for biodiversity research. With the growing coverage of LiDAR surveys, we are witnessing a revolution of highly detailed 3D data that will allow us to integrate vegetation heterogeneity into studies at large spatial extents and advance our understanding of species' physical niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While oxidative stress is known as key element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and calcific aortic valve disease, its role in the degeneration of biological cardiovascular grafts has not been clarified yet. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the impact of oxidative stress on the degeneration of biological cardiovascular allografts in a standardized chronic implantation model realized in rats exhibiting superoxide dismutase 3 deficiency (SOD3(−)). Rats with SOD3 loss‐of‐function mutation (n = 24) underwent infrarenal implantation of cryopreserved valved aortic conduits, while SOD3‐competent recipients served as controls (n = 28). After a follow‐up period of 4 or 12 weeks, comparative analyses addressed degenerative processes, hemodynamics, and evaluation of the oxidative stress model. SOD3(−) rats presented decreased circulating SOD activity (p =.0079). After 12 weeks, 58% of the implant valves in SOD3(−) rats showed regurgitation (vs. 31% in controls, p =.2377). Intima hyperplasia and chondro‐osteogenic transformation contributed to progressive graft calcification (p =.0024). At 12 weeks, hydroxyapatite deposition (p =.0198) and the gene expression of runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2) (p =.0093) were significantly enhanced in group SOD3(−). This study provides the first in vivo evidence that impaired systemic antioxidant activity contributes to biological cardiovascular graft degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activations show age‐related differences across multiple brain regions that can be captured in summary statistics like single‐value scores. Recently, we described two single‐value scores reflecting deviations from prototypical whole‐brain fMRI activity of young adults during novelty processing and successful encoding. Here, we investigate the brain‐behavior associations of these scores with age‐related neurocognitive changes in 153 healthy middle‐aged and older adults. All scores were associated with episodic recall performance. The memory network scores, but not the novelty network scores, additionally correlated with medial temporal gray matter and other neuropsychological measures including flexibility. Our results thus suggest that novelty‐network‐based fMRI scores show high brain‐behavior associations with episodic memory and that encoding‐network‐based fMRI scores additionally capture individual differences in other aging‐related functions. More generally, our results suggest that single‐value scores of memory‐related fMRI provide a comprehensive measure of individual differences in network dysfunction that may contribute to age‐related cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 9‐year‐old Warmblood, high‐level showjumping mare sustained an acute, closed, vertical, comminuted fracture of the left accessory carpal bone (ACB) during a fall. The fracture was repaired under standing sedation and local anaesthesia, using a 6‐hole APTUS® 3.5 TFP and 5 × 3.5‐mm self‐tapping TriLock© screws. The mare recovered from surgery without complications. Upon follow‐up examination 9 months post‐operatively the mare was sound in all gaits and back to full athletic activity. The ACB fracture had completely healed. The displaced dorsoproximal fracture fragment was in a stationary position and there was evidence of mild nonprogressive osteoarthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat transported onto the continental shelf by Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) is the main driver of ice shelf basal melting in the Amundsen Sea. Here, we investigate the slope current system and the variability of the heat transported through the Pine Island‐Thwaites central and eastern troughs using data from five moorings deployed in the region between 5 March 2012 and 7 February 2016. Substantial variability on intermonthly time scales (3–4 months) is observed in the onshore heat flux, driven primarily by zonal wind stress north of the shelf break. Heat content, onshore flow, and heat flux are highly correlated between central and eastern troughs, which are most likely dynamically linked by the zonal wind stress forcing. This is the first time this dynamic link between troughs is observed. In the eastern the Amundsen Sea, during the El Niño of 2015/2016, strong eastward winds led to lower temperatures over the continental shelf while the onshore heat flux is intensified. We hypothesize that this anti‐correlation between heat content and heat flux results from a strengthened eastward undercurrent leading to upwelling of a colder and deeper CDW variety. These results highlight the complex and heterogeneous response of this region to environmental and the importance of velocity data for understanding the dynamics in this region. It also suggests that the hypothesized link between large‐scale atmospheric forcing (e.g., El Niño‐Southern Oscillation) and ice‐shelf melt is not produced via changes in heat content, but instead via changes in onshore heat flux. Plain Language Summary: Heat stored in the ocean is the main reason that floating ice attached to the glaciers that surround the Amundsen Sea is melting. We investigate how the strength of coastal currents and the amount of heat transported by them toward the Antarctic shore vary in time. We use continuous measurements for up to 4 yr of ocean currents at five different locations in the Amundsen Sea. The amount of heat transported by a relatively warm current varies mostly with a 3–4 months period, which is influenced by local surface winds. These are the first observations showing consistency in the variability of heat transported toward the shore across different locations in this region. Moreover, we show that changes in the local winds related to the El Niño event of 2015/2016 led to a period of low ocean temperatures and enhanced transport of heat toward the shore. We explain this contradictory behavior as a result of a stronger flow of deeper, colder waters influenced by stronger westerly winds. This suggests that the rate at which heat is transported toward the shore is likely more important than the temperature of the water in determining the melting of glaciers around the Amundsen Sea. Key Points: Zonal wind stress changes north of the shelf break drive different Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) varieties onto the eastern Amundsen Sea continental shelfHeat content, on‐shore flow, and heat flux co‐vary strongly between central and eastern continental troughsThe 2015/2016 El Niño led to stronger onshore heat flux, despite the lower onshore temperatures due to upwelling of colder CDW variety [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Due to the introduction of a new implantable pulse generator (IPG), the Interstim II, patients with either a dynamic graciloplasty or an abdominally placed IPG for sacral neuromodulation could not undergo surgery to replace their IPG in the case of end of battery life. For these patients, the Medtronic Replacement Adaptor 09106 was created. This retrospective case series aims to study safety and feasibility of the Medtronic Replacement Adaptor 09106 in patients with abdominally placed IPGs. Methods: Seventeen patients (11 women, six men) received a replacement adaptor with a follow‐up of 6 months. Outcome measures consisted of a bowel habit diary. Adverse events were classified using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: Outcome measures in the bowel habit diaries after replacement (feasibility) did not differ significantly from outcome measures before replacement. Adverse events occurred in four out of 17 patients (24%): two patients initially showed pocket site pain (Clavien–Dindo Grade I), which resolved without intervention. One patient suffered from poor wound closure (Clavien–Dindo Grade II) and one patient had persisting pocket pain (Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIa) for which a pocket revision was performed. Statistical analyses were performed making paired comparisons using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Conclusion: The Medtronic Replacement Adaptor 09106 is a valuable option for patients with dynamic graciloplasty or sacral neuromodulation and abdominal IPG and has complication rates similar to replacement of the Interstim without Replacement Adaptor 09106. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Registries are a valuable tool in the research of rare conditions such as PAH. Moreover, the risk assessment strategy has been validated in European and North American registries and has been reported to provide an accurate prediction of mortality and the clinical advantage of reaching low‐risk status. However, there is no available data from Brazil. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of a sample of PAH from Southern Brazil and to retrospectively validate the risk assessment at our population. The RESPHIRAR is a retrospective and multicentric registry on pulmonary hypertension. With a join collaboration from nine centers in Southern Brazil, demographics, clinical presentation, and hemodynamics data of PAH were collected between 2007 and 2017. Moreover, the REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL 2.0 Lite risk assessments were validated in our population. Overall, 370 PAH patients were included in the present study. Patients were predominantly female (78.5%) and had a mean age of 41.8 ± 18.8 years. Most patients (33.4%) had idiopathic PAH, 30.2% had PAH associated with congenital heart disease, and 23.5% had PAH associated with connective tissue disease. The low‐risk group showed significantly lower mortality than the intermediated‐ or high‐risk group at diagnosis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL 2.0 Lite risk assessments can predict mortality risk in PAH patients in Southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming is inducing widespread vegetation changes in Arctic tundra ecosystems, with the potential to alter carbon and nutrient dynamics between vegetation and soils. Yet, we lack a detailed understanding of how variation in vegetation and topography influences fine‐scale temperatures ("microclimate") that mediate these dynamics, and at what resolution vegetation needs to be sampled to capture these effects. We monitored microclimate at 90 plots across a tundra landscape in western Greenland. Our stratified random study design covered gradients of topography and vegetation, while nested plots (0.8–100 m2) enabled comparison across different sampling resolutions. We used Bayesian mixed‐effect models to quantify the direct influence of plot‐level topography, moisture and vegetation on soil, near‐surface and canopy‐level temperatures (−6, 2, and 15 cm). During the growing season, colder soils were predicted by shrub cover (−0.24°C per 10% increase), bryophyte cover (−0.35°C per 10% increase), and vegetation height (−0.17°C per 1 cm increase). The same three factors also predicted the magnitude of differences between soil and above‐ground temperatures, indicating warmer soils at low cover/height, but colder soils under closed/taller canopies. These findings were consistent across plot sizes, suggesting that spatial predictions of microclimate may be possible at the operational scales of satellite products. During winter, snow cover (+0.75°C per 10 snow‐covered days) was the key predictor of soil microclimate. Topography and moisture explained little variation in the measured temperatures. Our results not only underline the close connection of vegetation and snow with microclimate in the Arctic tundra but also point to the need for more studies disentangling their complex interplay across tundra environments and seasons. Future shifts in vegetation cover and height will likely mediate the impact of atmospheric warming on the tundra soil environment, with potential implications for below‐ground organisms and ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Recent studies have associated several microRNAs (miRNAs) with childhood obesity and energy homeostasis, suggesting that an individual miRNA profile could be used as an early predictor to estimate the response to weight loss interventions in the design of precision nutrition. Objective: To investigate associations between the expression of circulating adiposity‐related miRNAs and the response to a weight loss intervention. Methods: A total of 51 Spanish girls (age 7–16 years) with abdominal obesity underwent 8 weeks of a multidisciplinary intervention for weight loss. Participants were stratified into two groups in accordance with changes in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score: low‐responders (LR) and high‐responders (HR). The expression of 39 circulating miRNAs (c‐miRNAs) was evaluated in plasma of all subjects before the intervention. Results: Six miRNAs were differentially expressed between LR and HR. However, after adjustment for Tanner stage, the association was maintained only for miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p with a higher expression in HR group compared to LR group. After the intervention, miR‐221‐3p expression decreased in all subjects with a significant difference in the change within groups. However, changes in miR‐126‐3p levels were not significant. The expression of miR‐221‐3p was positively correlated with body weight, BMI and waist circumference, and negatively correlated with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Conclusions: Bioinformatic analysis evidenced that miR‐221‐3p participates in several obesity‐related pathways, and more interestingly, this miRNA targets several candidate genes to childhood obesity according to DisGeNet database. Thus, miR‐221‐3p could be used for predicting the response to a multidisciplinary intervention for weight loss in young girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial hyaluronic acid (HA) production comprises either fermentation with Streptococcus strains or extraction from rooster combs. The hard‐to‐control product quality is an obstacle to these processes. Enzymatic syntheses of HA were developed to produce high‐molecular‐weight HA with low dispersity. To facilitate enzyme recovery and biocatalyst re‐use, here the immobilization of cascade enzymes onto magnetic beads was used for the synthesis of uridine‐5'‐diphosphate‐α‐d‐N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc), UDP‐glucuronic acid (UDP‐GlcA), and HA. The combination of six enzymes in the UDP‐sugar cascades with integrated adenosine‐5'‐triphosphate‐regeneration reached yields between 60 and 100 % for 5 repetitive batches, proving the productivity. Immobilized HA synthase from Pasteurella multocida produced HA in repetitive batches for three days. Combining all seven immobilized enzymes in a one‐pot synthesis, HA production was demonstrated for three days with a HA concentration of up to 0.37 g L−1, an average MW of 2.7–3.6 MDa, and a dispersity of 1.02–1.03. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Improving species distribution models (SDMs) and species abundance models (SAMs) of woody shrubs is critical for predicting biodiversity changes in the Arctic, which is experiencing especially high warming rates. Yet, it remains relatively unexplored if SDMs and SAMs can explain local scale patterns. We aim to identify predictor differences for the distribution versus abundance of two widespread Arctic shrub species with high resolution models and to compare validation approaches to assess the models' predictive abilities. Location: Nuup Kangerlua (NK) and Kangerluarsunnguaq (K), two adjacent fjords in Southwest Greenland. Methods: We conducted two separate field surveys in either fjord to construct high resolution (~90 m) SDMs and SAMs for Betula nana and Salix glauca, analysing the predictive influences of local scale climate, topography and soil moisture indicators. We then alternatively trained and validated models in either NK or K fjord and compared these results with the common split‐sample validation approach. Finally, we assessed if including local scale biotic predictors improves SAM performance. Results: Temperature extremes and precipitation best predicted the distributions of both species, whereas insolation and soil moisture indicators best predicted abundances. Compared to split‐sample validation, both SDM and SAM performance was substantially reduced with separate survey validation. Regardless of validation approach, models performed poor to moderately well, and including local scale biotic parameters improved SAM performance. Main conclusions: Substantial differences in model performance between validation approaches highlight the usefulness of using a separate survey for validating model predictive performance. We discuss various factors that might have caused poor model performance, such as not capturing all relevant predictors or enough local scale heterogeneity in predictor or response variables. We emphasise the need to include predictors relevant at the spatial scale of study, such as local scale biotic interactions, for improved predictions at high spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Worldwide applications of extracorporeal circulation for mechanical support in cardiac and circulatory failure, which are referred to as extracorporeal life support (ECLS) or veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va‐ECMO), have dramatically increased over the past decade. In spite of the expanding use and the immense medical as well as socio‐economic impact of this therapeutic approach, there has been a lack of interdisciplinary recommendations considering the best available evidence for ECLS treatment. Methods and Results In a multiprofessional, interdisciplinary scientific effort of all scientific societies involved in the treatment of patients with acute cardiac and circulatory failure, the first evidence‐ and expert consensus‐based guideline (level S3) on ECLS/ECMO therapy was developed in a structured approach under regulations of the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) and under use of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. This article presents all recommendations created by the expert panel, addressing a multitude of aspects for ECLS initiation, continuation, weaning and aftercare as well as structural and personnel requirements. Conclusions This first evidence‐ and expert consensus‐based guideline (level S3) on ECLS/ECMO therapy should be used to apply the best available care nationwide. Beyond clinical practice advice, remaining important research aspects for future scientific efforts are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is especially strong in the region of the Arctic Ocean, and will have an important impact on its thermo‐haline structure. We analyze the results of a hindcast simulation of a new 3D ocean model of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans for the period 1970–2019. We compared the time period 1970–1999 with the time period 2010–2019. The comparison showed that there is a decrease of stratification between the two periods over most of the shallow Arctic shelf seas and in the core of the Transpolar Ice Drift. Fresh water inputs to the ocean surface decline, and inputs of momentum to the ocean increase, which can explain the decrease in stratification. The comparison also showed that the mixed layer becomes deeper during winter, in response to the weakened stratification owing to increased vertical mixing. The comparison of summer mixed layer depths between the two time periods follows a deepening pattern that is less evident. Regional exceptions include the Nansen Basin and the part of the Canadian Basin bordering the Canadian Archipelago, where the mixed layer shoals. Trends of freshwater fluxes imply that the changes of haline stratification in these regions are also influenced by other processes, for example, horizontal advection of fresh water, increased mixing and changes in the underlaying water masses. Runoff increase toward the Arctic Ocean can locally decrease but also increase salinity, and has an impact on stratification which can be explained by coastal dynamics. The results emphasize the non‐linear nature of Arctic Ocean dynamics. Plain Language Summary: We analyzed the results of an ocean model simulation for the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans for the period 1970–2019. Our model is in line with the recent observed changes in the Arctic Ocean and allows, in contrast to the rather sparse observations, a detailed assessment of stratification changes. These changes will affect the Arctic ecosystem and are also believed to affect the large scale ocean circulation. We show that major changes in upper ocean conditions are caused by changes in the fresh water supply by sea ice and varying effect of the wind on regions that are now becoming ice‐free. We also study the effect of changes in river runoff into the Arctic Ocean. Our study shows that an increase in river runoff can change the coastal circulation and results, paradoxically, in regions of higher salinity. These results point to the importance of modeling tools when it comes to a better understanding of ocean processes in a changing climate. Key Points: Results from a hindcast simulation of the Arctic Ocean for the period 1970–2019 show strong changes in stratificationThe changes in stratification are explained by altered surface stress and freshwater fluxesTrends in river runoff have little effect on the mixed layer depth but change the Arctic coastal circulation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mesophyll conductance gm determines CO2 diffusion rates from mesophyll intercellular air spaces to the chloroplasts and is an important factor limiting photosynthesis. Increasing gm in cultivated plants is a potential strategy to increase photosynthesis and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). The anatomy of the leaf and metabolic factors such as aquaporins and carbonic anhydrases have been identified as important determinants of gm. However, genes involved in the regulation and modulation of gm remain largely unknown.In this work, we investigated the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in gm and drought tolerance in rice d1 mutants, which harbor a null mutation in the Gα subunit gene, RGA1.d1 mutants in both cv Nipponbare and cv Taichung 65 exhibited increased gm, fostering improvement in photosynthesis, WUEi, and drought tolerance compared with wild‐type. The increased surface area of mesophyll cells and chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces and the reduced cell wall and chloroplast thickness in the d1 mutant are evident contributors to the increase in gm.Our results indicate that manipulation of heterotrimeric G protein signaling has the potential to improve crop WUEi and productivity under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Pre‐operative or post‐operative heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock of various natures frequently remain refractory to conservative treatment and require mechanical circulatory support. We report our clinical experience with large Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e. Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Boston, USA) and evaluate the parameters that determined patient outcome. Methods and results: The initial 50 cases of Impella 5+ implanted for acute HF between November 2018 and August 2020 at a single centre were enrolled in this study. Data, including preoperative characteristics, perioperative clinical course information, and post‐operative outcomes, were retrospectively collected from the hospital data management and quality assurance system. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed. Among the 49 patients in this study, 28 (56.0%) survived in the first 30 days post‐operatively, and 3 died of non‐cardiac reasons later. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with biventricular failure [P < 0.01, odds ratio (OR) 5.63] or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (P = 0.02, OR 15.8), whereas ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) was associated with lower mortality (P = 0.03, OR 0.24). Interestingly, the mortality was comparable between the 'solo' Impella group and the veno‐arterial extracorporal membrane oxygenation (va‐ECMO) plus Impella (ECMELLA) group, despite the severity of the patients' profile in the ECMELLA group ('solo' vs. ECMELLA; 55.6% vs. 52.6%, P = 1.00). All patients who received an additional temporary right ventricular assist device (tRVAD) were successfully weaned from va‐ECMO. Conclusions: Our results suggest that biventricular failure and DCM are predictors of higher mortality in patients with Impella. Considering the pathophysiology of HF, implantation of a large Impella system seems to be promising, especially for ICM patients. The large Impella system might be more effective for better prognosis of patients under va‐ECMO, and combination therapy with tRVAD seems to be a promising strategy for early weaning from va‐ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exciton states in cuprous oxide show a pronounced fine structure splitting associated with the crystal environment and the resulting electronic band structure. High‐resolution spectroscopy reveals an especially pronounced splitting of the yellow D excitons with one state pushed above any other state with the same principal quantum number. This large splitting offset is related to a strong mixing of these D states with the 1S exciton of the green series, as suggested by previously published calculations. Here, a detailed comparison of this theory with experimental data is given, which leads to a complete reassignment of the experimentally observed D exciton lines. The origin of different amounts of green admixture to D‐envelope states is deduced by analyzing the different terms of the Hamiltonian. The yellow–green mixing leads to level repulsion and induces an exchange interaction splitting to D‐envelope states, from which one of them becomes the highest state within each multiplet. Furthermore, the assignment of D exciton states according to their total angular momentum F is given and corrects an earlier description given in a former study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults and particularly those at risk for developing dementia typically show a decline in episodic memory performance, which has been associated with altered memory network activity detectable via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). To quantify the degree of these alterations, a score has been developed as a putative imaging biomarker for successful aging in memory for older adults (Functional Activity Deviations during Encoding, FADE; Düzel et al., Hippocampus, 2011; 21: 803–814). Here, we introduce and validate a more comprehensive version of the FADE score, termed FADE‐SAME (Similarity of Activations during Memory Encoding), which differs from the original FADE score by considering not only activations but also deactivations in fMRI contrasts of stimulus novelty and successful encoding, and by taking into account the variance of young adults' activations. We computed both scores for novelty and subsequent memory contrasts in a cohort of 217 healthy adults, including 106 young and 111 older participants, as well as a replication cohort of 117 young subjects. We further tested the stability and generalizability of both scores by controlling for different MR scanners and gender, as well as by using different data sets of young adults as reference samples. Both scores showed robust age‐group‐related differences for the subsequent memory contrast, and the FADE‐SAME score additionally exhibited age‐group‐related differences for the novelty contrast. Furthermore, both scores correlate with behavioral measures of cognitive aging, namely memory performance. Taken together, our results suggest that single‐value scores of memory‐related fMRI responses may constitute promising biomarkers for quantifying neurocognitive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chlorinated natural products, rubrolides B, I, K, L, M and O and analogues were synthesized in only five steps employing a robust and divergent synthetic strategy. The synthesis is performed without using protecting groups starting from a key intermediate, which can be synthesized from commercially available tetronic acid in only two steps. Selective halogenation and vinylogous aldol condensation enable the efficient synthesis of highly halogenated natural occurring rubrolides as well as synthetic analogues to build up a compound library for antiviral and antibiofilm testing. All synthesized compounds were then tested for their activity against the two influenza A virus strains pH1N1 and H3N2 as well as for their antibiofilm activity. Naturally occurring as well as synthetic analogues showed promising antiviral and antibiofilm activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of warm water toward the western Getz Ice Shelf along the Siple Trough, West Antarctica, is intermittently disrupted during short events of Winter Water deepening. Here we show, using mooring records, that these 5–10 days‐long events reduced the heat transport toward the ice shelf cavity by 25% in the winter of 2016. The events coincide with strong easterly winds and polynya opening in the region, but the Winter Water deepening is controlled by non‐local coastal Ekman downwelling rather than polynya‐related surface fluxes. The thermocline depth anomalies are forced by Ekman downwelling at the northern coast of Siple Island and propagate to the ice front as a coastal trapped wave. During the events, the flow at depth does no longer continue along isobaths into the ice shelf cavity but aligns with the ice front. Plain Language Summary: Ocean‐driven melting of the floating ice shelves that fringe the West Antarctica Ice Sheet has increased during the last decades. The transport of ocean heat toward the base of the ice shelves displays a large variability on daily to decadal timescales; still, the processes behind this variability are not well known. The western Getz Ice Shelf in West Antarctica experienced a persistent inflow of warm ocean water during 2016–2017, but the inflow was disrupted by intermittent events of reduced heat transport. The causes for these events are studied here, and it appears that atmospheric processes in the form of surface winds and locally reduced sea ice cover are important. Strong easterly winds push the sea ice off‐coast and depress the cold surface waters toward the ocean floor. This deepening of the cold layer happens about 100 km away from the mooring site, but influences the heat transport under the ice shelf remotely through waves traveling along the coast. Simultaneously, the ocean currents are deflected at the ice front, which causes a substantial decrease of the heat transport toward the base of the ice shelves during these events. Key Points: Observations at the western Getz Ice Shelf show eight intermittent events of Winter Water deepening below 350 m depth during winter 2016The events are associated with strong easterly winds and caused by non‐local Ekman downwellingThe ocean heat transport into the Getz Ice Shelf cavity is reduced by 25% in the winter of 2016 due to the events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic synthesis is a promising approach to produce hyaluronic acid (HA) products with defined molecular weight (MW) and dispersity. We here report on the evaluation of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) regeneration system for the synthesis of the precursors uridine‐5'‐diphosphate α‐d‐N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) and uridine‐5'‐diphosphate α‐d‐glucuronic acid (UDP‐GlcA) and integration in the one‐pot synthesis of HA. By integration of polyphosphate kinase from Ruegeria pomeroyi (RpPPK2‐3) into the enzyme cascade to synthesize UDP‐GlcA we reached 89 % yield after 1 h with a regeneration cycle number (RCN) of 17. With the UDP‐GlcNAc cascade, the ATP concentration was lowered 250‐fold and reached 94 % yield after 1 h with an RCN of 234. Integration of the RpPPK2‐3 regeneration system in one‐pot HA synthesis afforded optimization of MgCl2 and ATP starting concentrations. With 25 mM MgCl2 and 0.1 mM ATP, a HA concentration of 0.81 g L−1 with an average MW of 1.17 MDa and dispersity of about 1.08 and an RCN of 75 was obtained. We conclude that integration of NTP regeneration with RpPPK2‐3 expanded the enzymatic possibilities to produce HA with lower range MW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is contested to what extent public employment services (PES) help build resilience in young unemployed people. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 19 people born in Germany and Norway between 1990 and 1995, the article examines stories about how PES, in two different activation regimes, help young people find meaningful work. The analysis and discussion are carried out within a theoretical framework that combines the capability approach with social resilience literature in a novel way. The findings show that PES are portrayed as being more present in young Germans' lives. The German informants seem to feel undue pressure from PES and they describe differences between personal aims and the "placement priority" of PES. Sanctions imposed by PES were also a much more predominant topic among the German informants. The Norwegian data were dominated by stories about young people in activation programmes who had been demotivated by being trapped in a cycle of programme participation, which did not result in employment. Across the two countries, our data suggest that PES rarely build social resilience: PES provided young people with a means to survive, but rarely helped to build their capacity to overcome their difficult situation. In line with previous research, the stories of young Germans and Norwegians also emphasise the need for a PES that provides tailor‐made services that build on young people's motivation and ambition. The article demonstrates that combining the capability approach with social resilience theory enables a dynamic perspective on the development of people's capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) can perturb the structure and function of brain networks like the hippocampus, a key region in human memory that is commonly affected in psychiatric disorders. Here, we investigated the potential effects of a genome‐wide psychiatric risk variant in the NCAN gene encoding the ECM proteoglycan neurocan (rs1064395) on memory performance, hippocampal function and cortical morphology in young, healthy volunteers. We assessed verbal memory performance in two cohorts (N = 572, 302) and found reduced recall performance in risk allele (A) carriers across both cohorts. In 117 participants, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging using a novelty‐encoding task with visual scenes. Risk allele carriers showed higher false alarm rates during recognition, accompanied by inefficiently increased left hippocampal activation. To assess effects of rs1064395 on brain morphology, we performed voxel‐based morphometry in 420 participants from four independent cohorts and found lower grey matter density in the ventrolateral and rostral prefrontal cortex of risk allele carriers. In silico eQTL analysis revealed that rs1064395 SNP is linked not only to increased prefrontal expression of the NCAN gene itself, but also of the neighbouring HAPLN4 gene, suggesting a more complex effect of the SNP on ECM composition. Our results suggest that the NCAN rs1064395 A allele is associated with lower hippocampus‐dependent memory function, variation of prefrontal cortex structure and ECM composition. Considering the well‐documented hippocampal and prefrontal dysfunction in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, our results may reflect an intermediate phenotype by which NCAN rs1064395 contributes to disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam is exposed to different types of floods that cause severe economic losses, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. Reliable information on the drivers, patterns and dynamics of flood risk is crucial for the identification, prioritization and planning of risk reduction and adaptation measures. Here, we present a systematic review of existing flood risk assessments in Vietnam. We evaluate the current status, persisting gaps, and challenges regarding the understanding and assessment of flood risk in the country. The literature review revealed that: (i) 65 % of the reviewed papers did not provide a clear definition of flood risk, (ii) assessments had a tendency to prioritize physical and environmental drivers of risk over social, economic or governance‐related drivers, (iii) future‐oriented assessments tended to focus on hazard and exposure trends, while vulnerability scenarios were often lacking, (iv) large and middle‐sized cities were assessed more frequently than others, (v) only few studies engaged with relevant local stakeholders for the assessment of risk and the development of potential solutions, and (vi) ecosystem‐based adaptation and flood risk insurance solutions were rarely considered. Based on these findings, we point out several directions for future research on flood risk in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. MiRNA‐126 and miRNA‐146a have been described as having abnormal expressions in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. Polymorphisms in genes codifying miRNAs (miRSNPs) may alter the expression of the corresponding miRNA and, thus, interfere with susceptibility to DR. Therefore, miRSNPs in miR‐126 and miR‐146a genes could be associated with DR susceptibility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between miR‐126 rs4636297 (G/A) and miR‐146a rs2910164 (G/C) miRSNPs and DR. Methods: This case–control study included 195 type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with DR (cases) and 215 patients without DR and with ≥10 years of T1DM (controls). MiRSNPs were genotyped by real‐time PCR. Results: Genotype distributions of two analysed miRSNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in controls (p > 0.050). Frequencies of the miR‐126 rs4636297 miRSNP were not significantly different between case and control groups (p = 0.169). However, after adjustment for age, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate and ethnicity, the A allele of this miRSNP was associated with protection for DR under additive [OR: 0.444 (95% CI: 0.211–0.936), p = 0.033] and dominant [OR: 0.512 (95% CI: 0.303–0.865), p = 0.012] inheritance models. Genotype and allele frequencies of miR‐146a rs2910164 miRSNP did not differ between groups (p = 0.368 and p = 0.957), and this polymorphism was not associated with DR when assuming different inheritance models. Conclusion: Our results suggest an association between the A allele of miR‐126 rs4636297 miRSNP and protection for DR in a Southern Brazilian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Shrub vegetation has been expanding across much of the rapidly changing Arctic. Yet, there is still uncertainty about the underlying drivers of shrub community composition. Here, we use extensive vegetation surveys and a trait-based approach to answer the following questions: which abiotic and biotic factors explain abundance of shrub species and functional groups in the Arctic tundra, and can we interpret these relationships using plant traits related to resource acquisition? Location: Nuup Kangerlua (Godthåbsfjord), western Greenland. Methods: We tested the power of nine climatic, topographic and biotic variables to explain the abundances of nine shrub species using a Bayesian hierarchical modelling framework. Results: We found highly variable responses among species and functional groups to both abiotic and biotic environmental variation. The overall most important abiotic explanatory variable was annual air temperature variability, which was highly correlated with winter minimum air temperature. Functional community composition and graminoid abundance were the most influential biotic factors. While we did not find systematic patterns between shrub abundances and abiotic variables with regard to resource acquisition traits, these traits did explain relationships between shrub abundances and biotic variables. Conclusions: Shrub abundance responses to abiotic variables rarely aligned with expectations based on plants’ resource acquisition traits or functional groups. Our results, therefore, indicate that approaches exclusively based on resource acquisition traits might be limited in their ability to predict abundances of individual groups and species, particularly in response to complex abiotic environments. However, integrating community theory and functional trait concepts represents a promising pathway to better predict biotic interactions and ultimately responses of dominant shrub vegetation to rapid environmental changes across the arctic tundra biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diversity begets diversity at other trophic levels. While species richness is the most commonly used measure for plant diversity, the number of evolutionary lineages (i.e. phylogenetic diversity) could theoretically have a stronger influence on the community structure of co‐occurring organisms. However, this prediction has only rarely been tested in complex real‐world ecosystems.Using a comprehensive multitrophic dataset of arthropods and fungi from a species‐rich subtropical forest, we tested whether tree species richness or tree phylogenetic diversity relates to the diversity and composition of organisms.We show that tree phylogenetic diversity but not tree species richness determines arthropod and fungi community composition across trophic levels and increases the diversity of predatory arthropods but decreases herbivorous arthropod diversity. The effect of tree phylogenetic diversity was not mediated by changed abundances of associated organisms, indicating that evolutionarily more diverse plant communities increase niche opportunities (resource diversity) but not necessarily niche amplitudes (resource amount).Our findings suggest that plant evolutionary relatedness structures multitrophic communities in the studied species‐rich forests and possibly other ecosystems at large. As global change non‐randomly threatens phylogenetically distinct plant species, far‐reaching consequences on associated communities are expected. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular metabolism is dynamically regulated in NK cells and strongly influences their responses. Metabolic dysfunction is linked to defective NK cell responses in diseases such as obesity and cancer. The transcription factors, sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) and cMyc, are crucial for controlling NK cell metabolic and functional responses, though the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study reveals a new role for SREBP in NK cells in supporting de novo polyamine synthesis through facilitating elevated cMyc expression. Polyamines have diverse roles and their de novo synthesis is required for NK cell glycolytic and oxidative metabolism and to support optimal NK cell effector functions. When NK cells with impaired SREBP activity were supplemented with exogenous polyamines, NK cell metabolic defects were not rescued but these NK cells displayed significant improvement in some effector functions. One role for polyamines is in the control of protein translation where spermidine supports the posttranslational hypusination of translation factor eIF5a. Pharmacological inhibition of hypusination also impacts upon NK cell metabolism and effector function. Considering recent evidence that cholesterol‐rich tumor microenvironments inhibit SREBP activation and drive lymphocyte dysfunction, this study provides key mechanistic insight into this tumor‐evasion strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous published data showed an impact of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the VEGF A and VEGFR2 genes on the survival of patients with various malignancies, among others diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients and Methods: We investigated the role of four VEGF‐A and two VEGFR‐2 gene polymorphisms on the outcome of 273 patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who were treated with R‐CHOP within a prospective, randomized trial of the German High‐Grade Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL). The genomic DNA samples were analyzed using commercial DNA Probes (Applied Biosystems, USA) to detect single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the VEGF A rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs3025039 and rs1870377, and rs2305948 in the VEGFR2 receptor. Hundred healthy blood donors served as a control. Results: There was no difference between the SNP allele frequencies in lymphoma patients compared to the control group for all investigated SNPs. None of the investigated SNPs was significantly associated with EFS or OS. After adjusting for the International Prognostic Index risk factors in a multivariate analysis, these results could be confirmed. Conclusion: Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of the VEGF and VEGFR2 were not associated with a worse outcome in Caucasian patients with DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is optimized by maximizing the total number of active electrode poles (AEPs) during lead placement because there are more programming options. However, this is at the cost of increased operating time. The aims of this study were to establish if a higher number of AEPs improves SNM efficacy during the trial period and after permanent implantable pulse generator (IPG) placement and if there is there a correlation between number of AEPs and battery life of the first placed IPG. Method: This was a single centre retrospective cohort study of new patients with faecal incontinence who underwent SNM between 2000 and 2018. Exclusion criteria were sphincter defect > 30%, rectocele/enterocele Grade 3 or higher and incomplete records. Results: In all, 288/456 (63%) patients (women 91%; mean age 58.5 ± 11.7 years) were eligible for analysis. The number of AEPs during lead placement was two (n = 42, 14.5%), three (n = 82, 28.5%) and four (n = 164, 57%). There was no association between the number of AEPs during tined lead placement and long‐term efficacy. Neither the success rate of the trial phase nor the battery life after first placed IPG was influenced by the number of AEPs. Conclusion: In this study, the number of AEPs does not seem to influence long‐term efficacy of SNM success rate during the trial phase or the battery life of the first placed IPG. However, we also suggest that at the very least there should be two AEPs at lead placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Panel data are collected over several time periods for the same units and hence allow for modelling both latent heterogeneity and dynamics. Since in a dynamic setup, the dependent variable also appears as an explanatory variable in later periods, missing values lead to substantial loss of information and the possibility of inefficient estimation. For linear dynamic panel models with fixed or random effects, we suggest a Bayesian approach to deal with missing values. The Gibbs sampling scheme providing a sample from the posterior distribution is thereby augmented by draws from the full conditional distribution of the missing values. While the full conditional distribution for missing values in the dependent variable is implied by the model setup, we incorporate a flexible non‐parametric approximation to the full conditional posterior distribution of missing values in the explaining variables. Also, we provide accurate non‐nested model comparison in terms of the marginal likelihood from the resulting hybrid Gibbs sampling output. The properties and possible efficiency gains of the suggested approach are illustrated by means of a simulation study and an empirical application using a macroeconomic panel data set. The suggested Bayesian approach incorporates efficiently the uncertainty arising from missing values in estimation and model comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This topical review addresses how semiconductor systems may reveal scalable properties similar to those known from Rydberg atoms and in which ways they may be utilized for precision sensing and to realize huge long‐range interactions in semiconductor systems. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, it has a twofold purpose: First, it may serve as an introduction to Rydberg physics for semiconductor physicists unfamiliar with the topic. Second, it may also serve as an overview of the specific opportunities and challenges arising in semiconductor physics for researchers who are familiar with Rydberg physics of cold atom gases, but new to the field of semiconductor physics. The review starts with an introduction on the general properties of excitons in semiconductors. Then, the material system Cu2O, which is the best developed platform for semiconductor Rydberg physics at the moment, is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phasing by single‐wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) from multiple crystallographic data sets can be particularly demanding because of the weak anomalous signal and possible non‐isomorphism. The identification and exclusion of non‐isomorphous data sets by suitable indicators is therefore indispensable. Here, simple and robust data‐selection methods are described. A multi‐dimensional scaling procedure is first used to identify data sets with large non‐isomorphism relative to clusters of other data sets. Within each cluster that it identifies, further selection is based on the weighted ΔCC1/2, a quantity representing the influence of a set of reflections on the overall CC1/2 of the merged data. The anomalous signal is further improved by optimizing the scaling protocol. The success of iterating the selection and scaling steps was verified by substructure determination and subsequent structure solution. Three serial synchrotron crystallography (SSX) SAD test cases with hundreds of partial data sets and one test case with 62 complete data sets were analyzed. Structure solution was dramatically simplified with this procedure, and enabled solution of the structures after a few selection/scaling iterations. To explore the limits, the procedure was tested with much fewer data than originally required and could still solve the structure in several cases. In addition, an SSX data challenge, minimizing the number of (simulated) data sets necessary to solve the structure, was significantly underbid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep perforator arteriopathy (DPA) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are the commonest known cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD), which cause ischaemic stroke, intracebral haemorrhage (ICH) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). While thus far mainly considered as separate entities, we here propose that DPA and CAA share similarities, overlap and interact, so that 'pure' DPA or CAA are extremes along a continuum of age‐related small vessel pathologies. We suggest blood‐brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, endothelial damage and impaired perivascular β‐amyloid (Aβ) drainage are hallmark common mechanisms connecting DPA and CAA. We also suggest a need for new biomarkers (e.g. high‐resolution imaging) to deepen understanding of the complex relationships between DPA and CAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]