bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in dispersal distance facilitates range expansion of a lake shore plant in response to climate change
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth A. , Emery Nancy C. , Briley Laura , Christie Mark R.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Geographic variation in dispersal abilities is widespread and likely to affect species' range dynamics in response to climate change. However, distribution models that predict climate‐induced range shifts do not account for spatial variation in dispersal. We developed an eco‐genetic model to investigate how variation in dispersal distances across a species' range could interact with climate‐induced selection and alter predicted range dynamics in a species with documented variation in dispersal traits.

Location

We investigated the range of an annual plant, Cakile edentula var. lacustris, which occupies beaches spanning a 555 km latitudinal gradient along the Laurentian Great Lakes.

Methods

We built a hybrid model that combines climatic niche modelling, based on decadal climate projections, with an individual‐based model that allows for evolutionary processes to act upon a heritable dispersal kernel. We evaluated how spatial variation in dispersal distance and dispersal evolution influenced range dynamics, spatial and temporal variation in dispersal, and the distribution of neutral genetic variation. The model was parametrized with data on C. edentula's distribution, life history and dispersal characteristics.

Results

Geographic variation in dispersal distance, adaptive dispersal evolution and dispersal distance increased the potential for local populations of C. edentula to keep pace with changing climatic conditions through range shifts. Dispersal distances always increased at the expanding and contracting range edges when dispersal was allowed to evolve. Furthermore, scenarios where dispersal distances were initially lower at the range edges resulted in the largest evolutionary changes over 105 years (>1.5 km increase in mean distance at northern edge). Adaptive dispersal evolution always reduced neutral genetic diversity across the species' range.

Main conclusions

Variation in dispersal abilities across C. edentula's range and adaptive evolution led to different predicted outcomes in range dynamics during climate change illustrating the importance of including spatial variation in dispersal into species distribution models.
Impact of the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education (DICE) project on length of stay and mortality
Authors: Akiboye F. , Adderley N. J. , Martin J. , Gokhale K. , Rudge G. M. , Marshall T. P. , Rajendran R. , Nirantharakumar K. , Rayman G. ,   the DICE team
Published: July 2019

Aim

To determine whether the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education (DICE) programme, a whole‐systems approach to managing inpatient diabetes, reduces length of stay, in‐hospital mortality and readmissions.

Research design and methods

Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education initiatives included identification of all diabetes admissions, a novel DICE care‐pathway, an online system for prioritizing referrals, use of web‐linked glucose meters, an enhanced diabetes team, and novel diabetes training for doctors. Patient administration system data were extracted for people admitted to Ipswich Hospital from January 2008 to June 2016. Logistic regression was used to compare binary outcomes (mortality, 30‐day readmissions) 6 months before and after the intervention; generalized estimating equations were used to compare lengths of stay. Interrupted time series analysis was performed over the full 7.5‐year period to account for secular trends.

Results

Before‐and‐after analysis revealed a significant reduction in lengths of stay for people with and without diabetes: relative ratios 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90, 0.96), respectively; however, in interrupted time series analysis the change in long‐term trend for length of stay following the intervention was significant only for people with diabetes (P=0.017 vs P=0.48). Odds ratios for mortality were 0.63 (0.48, 0.82) and 0.81 (0.70, 0.93) in people with and without diabetes, respectively; however, the change in trend was not significant in people with diabetes, while there was an apparent increase in those without diabetes. There was no significant change in 30‐day readmissions, but interrupted time series analysis showed a rising trend in both groups.

Conclusion

The DICE programme was associated with a shorter length of stay in inpatients with diabetes beyond that observed in people without diabetes.
2D/3D Echocardiographic features of patients with reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Cimino Sara , Maestrini Viviana , Cantisani Donatella , Petronilli Valentina , Filomena Domenico , Gatto Maria C. , Birtolo Lucia I. , Piro Agostino , Lavalle Carlo , Agati Luciano
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To describe clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Twenty‐four consecutive patients underwent 2D and 3D echocardiography before and after 6 months of CRT implant. Several echocardiographic parameters including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and 3D mechanical dyssynchrony (MD) index were calculated. CRT response was defined as a decrease in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) of at least 10% at follow‐up. Patients were divided in two groups according to CRT response.

Results

Cardiac resynchronization therapy responder (CRTR+) rate was 50%. Nonresponder (CRTR−) patients showed a less significant improvement in NYHA class at follow‐up. At baseline, CRTR− presented with higher LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) (P = 0.031), LVESV (P = 0.024), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P = 0.002) and less negative GLS (P = 0.03), and with higher diastolic dysfunction, more impaired right ventricle (RV), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (P = 0.002). No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters of MD were found. Univariate determinants of CRTR+ were LVEF (OR = 1.59, CI 95% = 1.13–2.22, P = 0.007) and TAPSE (OR 1.21, CI 95% = 1.024–1.429, P = 0.025). A ROC curve analysis showed a cutoff value of LVEF of 22.15% significantly related to CRTR+ (SE 80%, SP 50%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that end‐stage HF patients, presenting before CRT with LVEF <22.15%, may not benefit from the procedure after 6 months. Mechanical dyssyncronicity did not provide additional information to improve candidate selection.
Successful treatment of a splenic abscess secondary to migrant metallic wires in a horse
Authors: Thomson C. , Archer D. , Ahern B. , Medina‐Torres C. E.
Published: July 2019

This case report discusses a successful partial splenectomy for treatment of a splenic abscess in a horse. A 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred colt was hospitalised 5 weeks after an episode of severe colic that was followed by gradual weight loss and anorexia, pyrexia for 5 days and dehydration on the day of referral. A large splenic abscess was identified ultrasonographically. Following initial medical treatment, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Multiple adhesions were released and a partial splenectomy conducted to remove the abscess. Migrant metallic wires penetrating from the small intestine into the splenic parenchyma were found to be the cause for the adhesions and the abscess. This paper summarises the potential advantages of utilising a partial vs. a total splenectomy and highlights the potential complications of these surgical procedure in equines.
Spatio‐temporal trends of the Krill fisheries in the Western Antarctic Peninsula and Southern Scotia Arc
Authors: Krüger Lucas
Published: July 2019

Krill fisheries in Antarctica have concentrated their effort on the Western Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Arc (WAP) in the last decades, following a steady increase in annual catch. Short‐term shifts in habitat exploration may have occurred and may be the cause for the increasing catch. Habitat use and effort in krill fisheries in the WAP during summer between 2012/2013 and 2016/2017, inclusive, were tested to determine how habitat use and effort reflected in the catch. Increasing trends in fishing tow duration and depth of fishing in deeper and colder waters were found. No association of the catch with the habitat explored was found, but catch was higher in years when the variability of explored habitat was lower. The relevance of these findings for fisheries management and conservation of Antarctic marine ecosystems is discussed.
Movement dynamics of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in a large river‐tributary system
Authors: Schall Megan K. , Wertz Timothy , Smith Geoffrey D. , Blazer Vicki S. , Wagner Tyler
Published: July 2019

Smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède, movement dynamics were investigated in a connected mainstem river‐tributary system. Smallmouth bass moved large distances annually (n = 84 fish, average = 24.6 ± 25.9 km, range = 0.03 to 118 km) and had three peak movement periods (pre‐spawn, post‐spawn and overwintering). Movement into and out of tributaries was common, but the movement between mainstem river and tributary habitats varied among tagging locations and season. In general, a large proportion of fish that were tagged in tributaries moved out of the tributaries after spawning (22/30 fish). Because of the importance of fish movement patterns on population dynamics, the observed individual variability in movement, quantified using a hierarchical model, and the potential for long‐distance movements are important considerations for smallmouth bass conservation and management. In addition, mainstem river‐tributary connectivity appears to play an important role for smallmouth bass during key life history events.
Species and phylogenetic endemism in angiosperm trees across the Northern Hemisphere are jointly shaped by modern climate and glacial–interglacial climate change
Authors: Feng Gang , Ma Ziyu , Sandel Brody , Mao Lingfeng , Normand Signe , Ordonez Alejandro , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: July 2019

Aims

Phylogenetic endemism describes the extent to which unique phylogenetic lineages are constrained to restricted geographic areas. Previous studies indicate that species endemism is related to both past and modern climate, but studies of phylogenetic endemism are relatively rare and mainly focused on smaller regions. Here, we provide the first assessment of the patterns of species and phylogenetic endemism in angiosperm trees across the Northern Hemisphere as well as the relative importance of modern climate and glacial–interglacial climate change as drivers of these patterns.

Location

Northern Hemisphere.

Major taxa

Angiosperm trees.

Methods

Using tree assemblages at the scale of 100 km × 100 km grid cells and simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models, we assessed the relationships between species endemism, phylogenetic endemism and modern climate variables, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to present temperature velocity.

Results

Species and phylogenetic endemism were associated with both modern climate and glacial–interglacial climate change, with higher values in areas with stable historical climate and warmer and wetter modern conditions. Notably, the multivariate SAR analyses showed that the combinations of variables with highest Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) weight always included both LGM–present climate instability and modern climate, that is, modern precipitation and temperature.

Main conclusions

Our results show that high phylogenetic endemism is partially dependent on long‐term climate stability, highlighting the threat posed by future climate changes to the preservation of rare, phylogenetically distinct lineages of trees.
State-Dependent Forward Guidance and the Problem of Inconsistent Announcements
Authors: Parra-Polania Julian A.
Published: July 2019

Forward guidance can be provided as an unconditional promise, i.e. commitment to a specific low policy rate. Alternatively, the promise may include an escape clause, i.e. a condition defining the state of the economy under which the central bank would not keep such a low rate and, instead, it would revert to setting policy under discretion. The escape clause can be expressed as a threshold in terms of a specific variable. The present paper shows that, when such a threshold is expressed in terms of an endogenous variable (e.g. output, inflation), there are cases where it becomes impossible for the central bank to act in a way that is consistent with its promise. Consistency imposes limits on the policy rate that can be set since reverting immediately to the optimal discretionary rate can be incompatible with exceeding the threshold.
Numerical Study of Tide‐Induced Airflow and Salt–Fresh Water Dynamics in Unconfined Aquifers
Authors: Zang Yong G. , Sun Dong M. , Feng Ping
Published: July 2019

This study employed a coupled water‐air two‐phase flow and salt water transport model to analyze the behaviors of generated airflow in unsaturated zones and the fluctuations of salinity at the salt–fresh water interface in a two‐layered unconfined aquifer with a sloping beach surface subjected to tidal oscillations. The simulation results show that as the new dynamic steady state including effects of tidal fluctuations is reached through multiple tidal cycles, the dispersion zone in the lower salt water wedge is broadened because fresh water/salt water therein flows continuously landward or seaward during tidal cycles. The upper salt–fresh water interface exhibits more vulnerable to the tidal fluctuations, and the variation of salinity therein is periodic, which is irrelevant to the hydraulic head but is influenced by the direction and velocity of surrounding water‐flow. With the tidal level fluctuating, airflow is mainly concentrated in the lower permeable layer due to the restraint of the upper semi‐permeable layer, and the time‐lag between the pore‐air pressure and the tidal level increases with distance from the coastline. The effect of airflow in unsaturated zones can be transmitted downward, causing both the magnitude of salinity and its amplitude in the upper salt–fresh water interface to be smaller for the case with airflow than without airflow due to the resistance of airflow to water‐flow. Sensitivity analysis reveal that distributions of airflow in unsaturated zones are affected by the permeability of the upper/lower layer and the van Genuchten parameter of the lower layer, not by the van Genuchten parameter of the upper layer, whereas the salinity fluctuations in the salt–fresh water interface are affected only by soil parameters of the lower layer.
Effects of resistance‐associated variants in genotype 2 hepatitis C virus on viral replication and susceptibility to antihepatitis C virus drugs
Authors: Suda Goki , Kimura Megumi , Shigesawa Taku , Suzuki Kazuharu , Nakamura Akihisa , Ohara Masatsugu , Kawagishi Naoki , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Maehara Osamu , Shimazaki Tomoe , Morikawa Kenichi , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Ogawa Koji , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: July 2019

Aims

Development of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has made antihepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment highly safe and effective. However, the emergence of resistant‐associated variants (RAVs) after failure of DAA therapy affects retreatment outcomes. In particular, genotype 1 HCV with P32 deletion has been reported to be highly resistant to all approved non‐structural protein (NS)5A inhibitors. However, analysis of RAVs in genotype 2 HCV has been limited. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the roles of genotype 2 HCV variants in antiviral drug efficacy.

Methods

We utilized HCV‐2b/2a (JFH‐1) chimeric virus (genotype 2a), which replicates more robustly than JFH‐1. We constructed various genotype 2a JFH‐1‐based HCV cell culture systems with NS3 (D168E), NS5A (F28S, F28S/M31I, P32 deletion, and Y93H), and NS5B (S282 T) RAVs and analyzed the replication ability and sensitivity to various anti‐HCV reagents.

Results

Genotype 2a‐based HCV with NS5A–P32 deletion could not replicate even in long‐term cultures. Genotype 2a‐based HCV with NS5A‐F28S/M31I showed significantly higher replication ability than the wild‐type strain, and replication could not be suppressed, even with high concentrations of NS5A inhibitors, including pibrentasvir and velpatasvir (<1000–10 000 fold‐resistance compared with the wild‐type strain). However, genotype 2a‐based HCV with NA5A‐F28S/M31I was sensitive to HCV protease inhibitor, NS5B inhibitor, interferon‐α, and ribavirin. Genotype 2a‐based HCV with NS5B‐S282 T was resistant to sofosbuvir, but was highly sensitive to ribavirin compared with the control.

Conclusions

When undertaking retreatment for genotype 2a HCV‐infected patients who fail to respond to DAAs, the optimized retreatment should be chosen according to the sensitivity of the emerging RAVs to anti‐HCV drugs.
Effects of message‐framed informational videos on diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy
Authors: Paragas Emmanuel Dayao , Barcelo Teresita I.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Nurses play an essential role in improving health‐related knowledge and self‐efficacy of patients through health education. This study aimed to investigate the effects of message‐framed informational videos on diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental pretest and posttest design with two experimental and one standard care comparison groups was carried out to examine the effects of the message‐framed videos. The two message‐framed informational videos were developed to provide health teachings about diabetes self‐care. The knowledge and self‐efficacy of the two video groups and lecture comparison group were measured before and after the intervention using valid and reliable instruments established by the authors.

Results

After the intervention, the knowledge and self‐efficacy of the two experimental groups were significantly higher than the comparison group. No significant difference was found in the knowledge scores between the two experimental groups, but a significant difference was noted in the average increase in their self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Message‐framed informational videos can be effective in increasing the diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy, and a gain‐framed rather than loss‐framed approach can be superior in increasing self‐efficacy.
miR‐2703 regulates the chitin biosynthesis pathway by targeting chitin synthase 1a in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Chen J. , Li T. , Pang R.
Published: July 2019

The chitin biosynthesis pathway is an important physiology process in arthropods. However, few microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of the chitin biosynthesis pathway in insects have been reported until now. In this study, four groups of samples that either upregulated or downregulated the chitin biosynthesis pathway were collected for deep sequencing, and a total of 15 unique mature miRNAs with significantly different expression levels were found, including 11 known miRNAs and four novel miRNAs. Subsequently, we showed that miR‐2703 and its new target gene chitin synthase 1a are important for ecdysone‐induced chitin biosynthesis in Nilaparvata lugens, a serious insect pest of rice. The nymphs showed an obvious moulting defect phenotype, lower survival rate and significantly reduced chitin content after miR‐2703 feeding or injection. Furthermore, we found that the transcription level of miR‐2703 was not repressed by 20‐hydroxyecdysone signalling after Broad‐Complex (BR‐C) double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection compared with the repressed levels after green fluorescent protein dsRNA injection, suggesting that the involvement of miR‐2703 in the 20‐hydroxyecdysone pathway contributes to BR‐C activity. miR‐2703 regulates the chitin biosynthesis pathway by targeting chitin synthase 1a in response to 20‐hydroxyecdysone signalling.
Hospital psychosocial interventions for patients with brain functional impairment: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qin Danling , Du Wei , Sha Sha , Parkinson Anne , Glasgow Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Psychosocial interventions could improve health and care outcomes, however, little is known about their use for patients with complex needs in the acute hospital care setting. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with psychosocial intervention use when treating patients with brain functional impairment during their hospital care. The all‐inclusive New South Wales (NSW) Admitted Patient Data were employed to identify patients with neurodevelopment disorders, brain degenerative disorders, or traumatic brain injuries admitted to NSW public hospitals for acute care from July 2001 to June 2014. We considered receipt of psychosocial interventions as the primary outcome, and used mixed effect logistic models to quantify factors in relation to outcome. Of important note, psychosocial intervention use was more common in principal hospitals, and amongst those receiving intensive care or having comorbid mental disorders in the study populations. Approximate 70.8% of patients with traumatic brain injuries did not receive psychosocial interventions, despite attempts to target those in need and an overall increasing trend in adoption. Continuing efforts are warranted to improve service delivery and uptake.
Female directors and firm performance: Evidence from the Great Recession
Authors: Papangkorn Suwongrat , Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Jiraporn Pornsit , Chueykamhang Sirisak
Published: July 2019

Empirical evidence suggests that the effect of board gender diversity on firm performance remains inconclusive. We argue that, during the times of crisis, firms likely need more monitoring and different advice than they normally do, thereby highlighting the role of female directors, who bring new ideas and different perspectives to the table. Consistent with this argument, the results show that the presence of female directors on the board significantly improved firm performance during the Great Recession of 2008, but such benefits from board gender diversity are not found outside the crisis period. In particular, during the Great Recession, an increase in the percentage of female directors by one standard deviation is associated with a rise in the return on assets of 8.41%. Several robustness checks confirm the results, including an instrumental‐variable analysis and a dynamic panel generalized method of moments. There is also evidence that the beneficial role of female directors during the crisis is not sufficiently reflected in the stock markets.
What is and isn’t working: Factors involved in sustaining community‐based health and participation initiatives for people ageing with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Spassiani Natasha A. , Meisner Brad A. , Abou Chacra Megan S. , Heller Tamar , Hammel Joy
Published: July 2019

As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) age, it is important that I/DD agencies are prepared to support healthy ageing in homes and in communities. This study explored supports and barriers to sustaining community‐based health and participation initiatives (CBHPI) for people ageing with I/DD living in group homes managed by agencies. The study utilized interviews and photovoice with 70 participants—35 individuals with I/DD and 35 management/direct support agency staff. Data were analysed through content analysis and triangulation of data where five themes emerged: Agency values and policies related to healthy ageing; resources and staff competencies; communication between management and staff; community/university partnerships; and peer relations. Findings show that I/DD agencies and people with I/DD value CBHPI, but they find them difficult to sustain due to limited resources and lack of training specific to ageing with I/DD. Conducting system‐level research within I/DD agencies to include first‐person accounts of people with I/DD, staff and management provides insight on how to effectively support the needs of people with I/DD to improve their health and community participation as they age.
How we can approach survivors of torture
Authors: Morrone Aldo
Published: July 2019

Linked article: K. Clarysse et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 1232‐1240. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15439
Skin cancer in outdoor workers exposed to solar radiation: a largely underreported occupational disease in Italy
Authors: Gobba F. , Modenese A. , John S.M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Solar UV radiation (sUVR) is one of the main carcinogen exposures in occupational settings, and UV‐induced skin cancers are the most frequent tumours in fair‐skinned individuals worldwide.

Objectives

According to this premise, we should expect a high number of occupational skin cancers reported to the national workers’ compensation authorities each year, also considering that the incidence of skin cancers has been constantly increased in recent years

Methods

We examined the data on reported non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and actinic keratoses (AK) to the Italian National Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL) from 2012 to 2017, and we compared the number of reported skin cancers for outdoor workers with the expected numbers, obtained from currently available NMSC incidence rates for the Italian population applied to the occupational sUVR‐exposed workers estimated with the CAREX methodology in Italy in 2005.

Results

The cases of NMSC reported each year to INAIL in Italy are 34 per year on average, while for AK the mean number of reported cases is of only 15/year. We estimated a number of expected NMSC cases in Italy for solar UV‐exposed workers ranging between 432 and 983, representing a proportion between reported vs. expected skin cancers of only 3.5–6.2%.

Conclusions

Our study clearly shows that occupational skin cancers in Italy are largely underreported, and, accordingly, urgent initiatives should be taken to raise appropriate awareness to the problem of occupational sUVR‐induced skin cancers, so that adequate preventive measures can be implemented rapidly.
Genetic and lifestyle risk factors for advanced liver disease among men and women
Authors: Sahlman Perttu , Nissinen Markku , Puukka Pauli , Jula Antti , Salomaa Veikko , Männistö Satu , Lundqvist Annamari , Valsta Liisa , Perola Markus , Färkkilä Martti , Åberg Fredrik
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Liver disease is traditionally categorized as alcoholic and non‐alcoholic. We studied various risk factors predictive of advanced non‐viral liver disease in general population and analyzed the interaction between these factors and alcohol consumption.

Methods

Persons without underlying liver disease who participated in the Health2000 or FINRISK studies 1992–2012 comprised a cohort of 41 260 individuals. Pattern of alcohol consumption and metabolic, lifestyle‐related, and anthropometric parameters were analyzed with Cox regression analysis using severe liver disease hospitalization, cancer, or death as end‐point. Viral liver diseases were excluded.

Results

A total of 355 liver events occurred during the mean 12.4‐year follow‐up (511 789 person‐years). In the multivariate model, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, P = 0.0083 for men; HR 1.04, P = 0.0198 for women), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (HR 1.52, P = 0.0006 for men; HR 1.58, P = 0.0167 for women), patatin‐like phospholipase‐containing domain 3 mutations (HR 1.9, P = 0.024 for men; HR 2.7, P = 0.0109 for women), and weekly binge drinking (HR 2.4, P = 0.0024 for men; HR 7.4, P < 0.0001 for women) predicted development of severe liver disease. Among men, diabetes (HR 2.7, P = 0.0002), average alcohol consumption (HR for 10 g/day 1.1, P = 0.0022), non‐married status (HR 1.9, P = 0.0397 for single; HR 2.4, P = 0.0002 for widowed/separated), and serum high‐density lipoprotein (HR 2.2, P = 0.0022) and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR 1.2, P = 0.0237) were additional risk factors. Alcohol intake increased the risk especially among persons with high WHR (P for interaction 0.009).

Conclusions

Age, patatin‐like phospholipase‐containing domain 3 haplotype, and WHR increase the risk for development of severe liver disease. We found strong synergism between alcohol and central obesity. Binge drinking is an additional risk factor.
Hyperlipidaemia prevalence and cholesterol control in obstructive sleep apnoea: Data from the European sleep apnea database (ESADA)
Authors: Gunduz C. , Basoglu O. K. , Hedner J. , Bonsignore M. R. , Hein H. , Staats R. , Bouloukaki I. , Roisman G. , Pataka A. , Sliwinski P. , Ludka O. , Pepin J. L. , Grote L. ,   the European Sleep Apnoea Database collaborators
Published: July 2019

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and hyperlipidaemia are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the association between OSA and prevalence of hyperlipidaemia in patients of the European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA) cohort.

Methods

The cross‐sectional analysis included 11 892 patients (age 51.9 ± 12.5 years, 70% male, body mass index (BMI) 31.3 ± 6.6 kg/m2, mean oxygen desaturation index (ODI) 23.7 ± 25.5 events/h) investigated for OSA. The independent odds ratio (OR) for hyperlipidaemia in relation to measures of OSA (ODI, apnoea‐hypopnoea index, mean and lowest oxygen saturation) was determined by means of general linear model analysis with adjustment for important confounders such as age, BMI, comorbidities and study site.

Results

Hyperlipidaemia prevalence increased from 15.1% in subjects without OSA to 26.1% in those with severe OSA, P < 0.001. Corresponding numbers in patients with diabetes were 8.5% and 41.5%, P < 0.001. Compared with ODI quartile I, patients in ODI quartiles II‐IV had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.15–1.55), 1.37 (1.17–1.61) and 1.33 (1.12–1.58) (P < 0.001), respectively, for hyperlipidaemia. Obesity was defined as a significant risk factor for hyperlipidaemia. Subgroups of OSA patients with cardio‐metabolic comorbidities demonstrated higher prevalence of HL. In addition, differences in hyperlipidaemia prevalence were reported in European geographical regions with the highest prevalence in Central Europe.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnoea, in particular intermittent hypoxia, was independently associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia diagnosis.
GlycA, a novel pro‐inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker is associated with mortality: results from the PREVEND study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gruppen E. G. , Kunutsor S. K. , Kieneker L. M. , van der Vegt B. , Connelly M. A. , de Bock G. H. , Gansevoort R. T. , Bakker S. J. L. , Dullaart R. P. F.
Published: July 2019

Background

Chronic diseases are associated with an inflammatory response. We determined the association of two inflammatory markers, GlycA and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), with overall and cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of men and women.

Methods

Cox regression analyses were used to examine associations of GlycA and hsCRP with all‐cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality in 5526 subjects (PREVEND cohort; average follow‐up 12.6 years).

Results

GlycA was associated with all‐cause mortality (n = 838), independent of clinical risk factors and hsCRP (hazard ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.87] for top versus bottom quartiles). For hsCRP, the association with all‐cause mortality was nonsignificant after adjustment for GlycA. GlycA and hsCRP were associated with cancer mortality in men (n = 248), but not in women (n = 132). Neither GlycA nor hsCRP was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (n = 201). In a meta‐analysis of seven population‐based studies, including 8153 deaths, the pooled multivariable‐adjusted relative risk of GlycA for all‐cause mortality was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.40–2.17) for top versus bottom quartiles. The association of GlycA with all‐cause mortality was somewhat stronger than that of hsCRP. GlycA and hsCRP were not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The associations of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality were present in men, but not in women.

Conclusions

GlycA is significantly associated with all‐cause mortality. GlycA and hsCRP were each not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality appears to be driven by men.
Smart Snacks Fundraiser Exemption Policies: Are States Supporting the Spirit of Smart Snacks?
Authors: Piekarz‐Porter Elizabeth , Lin Wanting , Chriqui Jamie F.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Under Smart Snacks, state agencies can adopt a policy regulating infrequent school‐sponsored fundraisers. Fundraiser exemptions allow noncompliant foods and beverages to be sold during the school day. This article examines fundraiser exemption policies in each state as of September 1, 2017.

METHODS

Laws were collected for all 50 states and the District of Columbia using Boolean searches of LexisNexis and Westlaw. Informal state‐level policies (eg, memos) were collected through searches of state department of education and child nutrition program websites. Policies were analyzed to determine the number of exempt fundraisers allowed in each state.

RESULTS

By September 1, 2017, 47 states adopted a fundraiser exemption policy; 21 states adopted a zero exemption policy; 19 states regulated the number of exempt fundraisers; five states regulated the number of exempt fundraising days; one state regulated the number of exempt events; and one state approved all requested exemptions. Four states had not adopted a policy and default under the rule to zero exemptions allowed.

CONCLUSIONS

A patchwork of state policies governs the school food‐related fundraiser landscape. However, the overall goal of improving the school food environment should persist as an important factor in determining how many, if any, will be allowed each school year.
Measuring Long‐Term Patterns of Political Secularization and Desecularization: Did They Happen or Not?
Authors: Brown Davis
Published: July 2019

Political secularization theories have predicted religion's decline in public and political life, and desecularization theories have predicted the reverse trend. However, there is little agreement on the timing of either phenomenon or even their existence. Until now, deep empirical tests of any of these were hampered by lack of historical country‐level data on religious preferences of governments (previously used data sets go back only to 1990). However, the new Government Religious Preference data set (GRP) measures state religion from 2015 back to the 1800s. Using GRP data, this article offers the first long‐term quantitative measurement of political secularization and in doing so, weighs in on competing claims regarding its timing. This article finds strong support that political secularization happened gradually over the long 19th century, accelerated after World War II, and peaked in the 1970s or 1980s. In contrast, the article finds only tepid support for the existence of political desecularization overall.
Making Sense of Single‐Case Design Effect Sizes
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra
Published: July 2019

Single‐case research methods provide a basis for demonstrating that an intervention produces a reliable change in a targeted outcome for individual cases. To supplement visual analysis of data in single‐case studies, researchers frequently report statistics—often referred to as effect sizes—to summarize study findings. The recent proliferation of effect sizes used in single‐case research can be confusing. In this article, after reviewing single‐case research, we provide an overview of common types of effect sizes used in single‐case research, including overlap metrics and within‐ and between‐participant effect sizes, and conclude with examples of these effect sizes in the single‐case literature. Our take‐home message is that effect sizes are useful complements to visual analysis when interpreting results of single‐case design research studies.
Sedimentation and sediment core profile of heavy metals in the Owabi reservoir in Ghana
Authors: Nartey Nora N. , Hogarh Jonathan N. , Antwi‐Agyei Philip , Nukpezah Daniel , Abaidoo Robert C. , Obiri‐Danso Kwasi
Published: July 2019

Tropical reservoirs are important for numerous socioeconomic and ecological reasons, including water supply, fishing and flood control. These functions are easily compromised, however, when reservoirs undergo accelerated sedimentation with increased inputs of chemical contaminants. The present study applied the concept of sediment core analysis to evaluate the sedimentation rate in Owabi Reservoir, which has served as a source of drinking water supply in Kumasi, Ghana, for nearly a century. The temporal variation of contamination from heavy metals was also assessed over this period. The sedimentation rate for Owabi Reservoir was estimated to be 6.82 mm/year, suggesting a relatively low rate of sedimentation, which is ecologically healthy in preventing a rapid loss of reservoir water volume. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment cores taken from the reservoir reflected varying degree of contamination from the 1930s to 2010s. The concentration of iron (Fe) (1,560–1,770 mg/kg) was found to be the highest among the metals in the sediment core, while mercury (Hg) concentration (0.01–0.04 mg/kg) was the lowest. Lead (Pb) contamination peaked in the 1980s. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination exhibited more recent peaks in the 2000s, coinciding with recent widespread issues of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Thus, even though ASGM activities are known to occur in remote districts, releases from such activities might eventually contaminate reservoirs designated as urban drinking water supplies.
Chloroplast clustering around the nucleus is a general response to pathogen perception in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ding Xue , Jimenez‐Gongora Tamara , Krenz Bjӧrn , Lozano‐Duran Rosa
Published: July 2019

It is increasingly clear that chloroplasts play a central role in plant stress responses. Upon activation of immune responses, chloroplasts are the source of multiple defensive signals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intriguingly, it has been described that chloroplasts establish physical contact with the nucleus, through clustering around it and extending stromules, following activation of effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). However, how prevalent this phenomenon is in plant–pathogen interactions, how its induction occurs, and what the underlying biological significance is are important questions that remain unanswered. Here, we describe that the chloroplast perinuclear clustering seems to be a general plant response upon perception of an invasion threat. Indeed, activation of pattern‐triggered immunity, ETI, transient expression of the Rep protein from geminiviruses, or infection with viruses or bacteria all are capable of triggering this response in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, this response seems non‐cell‐autonomous, and exogenous treatment with H2O2 is sufficient to elicit this relocalization of chloroplasts, which appears to require accumulation of ROS. Taken together, our results indicate that chloroplasts cluster around the nucleus during plant–pathogen interactions, suggesting a fundamental role of this positioning in plant defence, and identify ROS as sufficient and possibly required for the onset of this response.
The long noncoding RNA T5120 regulates nitrate response and assimilation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Fei , Xu Yiran , Chang Kexin , Li Shuna , Liu Zhiguang , Qi Shengdong , Jia Jingbo , Zhang Min , Crawford Nigel M. , Wang Yong
Published: July 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in many plant biological processes. However, it remains unknown whether lncRNAs can respond to nitrate or function in nitrate regulation.

We detected 695 lncRNAs, 480 known and 215 novel, in Arabidopsis seedling roots; six showed altered expression in response to nitrate treatment, among which T5120 showed the highest induction.

Overexpression of T5120 in Arabidopsis promoted the response to nitrate, enhanced nitrate assimilation and improved biomass and root development. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed that NLP7, a master nitrate regulatory transcription factor, directly bound to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐element (NRE)‐like motif of the T5120 promoter and activated T5120 transcription. In addition, T5120 partially restored the nitrate signalling and assimilation phenotypes of nlp7 mutant, suggesting that T5120 is involved in NLP7‐mediated nitrate regulation. Interestingly, the expression of T5120 was regulated by the nitrate sensor NRT1.1. Therefore, T5120 is modulated by NLP7 and NRT1.1 to regulate nitrate signalling.

Our work reveals a new regulatory mechanism in which lncRNA T5120 functions in nitrate regulation, providing new insights into the nitrate signalling network. Importantly, lncRNA T5120 can promote nitrate assimilation and plant growth to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
The increase in hemoglobin concentration with altitude varies among human populations
Authors: Gassmann Max , Mairbäurl Heimo , Livshits Leonid , Seide Svenja , Hackbusch Matthes , Malczyk Monika , Kraut Simone , Gassmann Norina N. , Weissmann Norbert , Muckenthaler Martina U.
Published: July 2019

Decreased oxygen availability at high altitude requires physiological adjustments allowing for adequate tissue oxygenation. One such mechanism is a slow increase in the hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) resulting in elevated [Hb] in high‐altitude residents. Diagnosis of anemia at different altitudes requires reference values for [Hb]. Our aim was to establish such values based on published data of residents living at different altitudes by applying meta‐analysis and multiple regressions. Results show that [Hb] is increased in all high‐altitude residents. However, the magnitude of increase varies among the regions analyzed and among ethnic groups within a region. The highest increase was found in residents of the Andes (1 g/dL/1000 m), but this increment was smaller in all other regions of the world (0.6 g/dL/1000 m). While sufficient data exist for adult males and females showing that sex differences in [Hb] persist with altitude, data for infants, children, and pregnant women are incomplete preventing such analyses. Because WHO reference values were originally based on [Hb] of South American people, we conclude that individual reference values have to be defined for ethnic groups to reliably diagnose anemia and erythrocytosis in high‐altitude residents. Future studies need to test their applicability for children of different ages and pregnant women.
Tyrosinase‐catalyzed oxidation of resveratrol produces a highly reactive ortho‐quinone: Implications for melanocyte toxicity
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Fujiki Yui , Matsui Nina , Ojika Makoto , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: July 2019

trans‐Resveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene, RES), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently attracted increased interest as a health‐beneficial agent. However, based on its p‐substituted phenol structure, RES is expected to be a substrate for tyrosinase and to produce a toxic o‐quinone metabolite. The results of this study demonstrate that the oxidation of RES by tyrosinase produces 4‐(3′,5′‐dihydroxy‐trans‐styrenyl)‐1,2‐benzoquinone (RES‐quinone), which decays rapidly to an oligomeric product (RES‐oligomer). RES‐quinone was identified after reduction to its corresponding catechol, known as piceatannol. RES‐quinone reacts with N‐acetylcysteine, a small thiol, to form a diadduct and a triadduct, which were identified by NMR and MS analyses. The production of a triadduct is not common for o‐quinones, suggesting a high reactivity of RES‐quinone. RES‐quinone also binds to bovine serum albumin through its cysteine residue. RES‐oligomer can oxidize GSH to GSSG, indicating its pro‐oxidant activity. These results suggest that RES could be cytotoxic to melanocytes due to the binding of RES‐quinone to thiol proteins.
Actigraphic, but not subjective, sleep measures are associated with cognitive impairment in memory clinic patients
Authors: Cabanel Nicole , Speier Christa , Müller Matthias J. , Kundermann Bernd
Published: July 2019

Aim

Sleep disturbances are prevalent in various dementia subtypes but rarely investigated in early clinical stages. Although memory clinics have become an established institution for the early diagnosis of dementia, sleep assessment is not part of their routine diagnostics. This study aimed to examine whether subjective and objective sleep variables are related to cognitive impairment in patients referred to a memory clinic.

Methods

On two consecutive days, patients underwent routine diagnostic procedures, including a neuropsychological examination (consortium to establish a registry for alzheimer's disease), and had their sleep quality evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and overnight hand‐wrist actigraphy.

Results

Data of 31 patients (age, M ± SEM: 74.1 ± 1.5; 18 women, 13 men; Clinical Dementia Rating: 0–1) were analysed. One had been diagnosed with subjective cognitive impairment, 13 with mild cognitive impairment with or without depression, and 17 with dementia syndrome due to Alzheimer's and/or cerebrovascular disease. Compared to patients with subjective or mild cognitive impairment, dementia patients showed a significantly increased nocturnal acceleration magnitude; other differences in subjective and objective sleep measures were not significant. Comparing patients with subjectively poor (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5: n = 9) and good sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≤ 5: n = 22) yielded no differences in any neuropsychological and clinical variables. In contrast, patients with low actigraphically recorded sleep efficiency (<85%: n = 11) exhibited a significantly more impaired cognitive performance than those in the high sleep efficiency group (≥85%: n = 20). Correlation analyses demonstrated that actigraphically assessed disturbed sleep continuity accompanied by increased night‐time motor activity was substantially associated with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

This study highlights that objectively assessed, but not self‐reported, parameters of disturbed sleep are closely related to cognitive dysfunction in the early stages of dementia of different aetiologies. Possible diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.
Wild men in Braunschweig – Economies of hope and fear in early modern mining
Authors: Asmussen Tina
Published: July 2019

This article investigates the myth of the Wild Man and the figure's symbolic and emotional significance for the Harz mining industry. From about the sixteenth century onward, the Wild Man became a point of identity in the montane region of the Harz Mountains. By analysing the appropriation and meanings of the Wild Man and his connection to mining in different media, especially on coins, this article stresses the importance of investigating not only material and empirical evidence, but also considering the imaginary and affective implications of mining. The changing perceptions of mythical figures such as the Wild Man reflected the desires, hopes, and anxieties of historical persons. They reflected the circumstance that mines represented sources of great wealth, but also delivered terror, injury, and death.