bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family caring for the elderly during the pandemic in Hong Kong: perspective from Confucian familism
Authors: Hung Andrew T.W.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to argue for the values of familial caring and relationships in addition to the provision of social media technology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion of this paper has adopted an inter-disciplinary approach by integrating health care system and psychological analysis, based on cultural philosophical argument through the hermeneutic approach of classical texts and critical analysis.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the dilemma between the public health measures for COVID-19 and sustaining elderly social psychological health through familial connection. From a Confucian perspective, the practice of filial piety (xiao, 孝), which demands taking care of parents, is essential for one’s moral formation, and for one’s becoming a virtuous (ren, 仁) person. The necessity of taking care of elderly parents by adult children is not something that can be explained in terms of consequentialism. Indeed, the rising trend of instrumental rationality seems to weaken rather than strengthen the sense of filial obligation. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic which tends to separate connections between family members, the author argues that we should emphasize the values of familial caring and relationship because it enhances the elderly’s characteristic of resilience.

Originality/value

This paper shows that while social media technology has mitigated the negative effect of social distancing, such online relationships should never replace the bodily connections between the elderly and their family members from a Confucian perspective.
In search of the vibroseis first arrival
Authors: Trickett Stewart
Published: March 2022

The first step in correcting for time delays of land seismic data due to low‐velocity weathered layers is to pick the first‐arrival times of the refracting energy. But doing so for vibroseis data can be difficult, as the seismic wavelet is often ringy and uncompact, resulting in cycle‐skipped picks. Even when we manage to pick a waveform feature consistently, it is not clear where the first‐arrival time is in relation to it. I present a novel method that shapes the seismic wavelet to a Ricker wavelet whose peak is located at the true arrival time, so the time of the first arrival is unambiguous. Further, the arrivals are less ringy and their energy more focused, so that they are less likely to cycle skip or be overwhelmed by random noise. The result is more accurate and consistent first‐arrival picks.
Measuring Financial Wellbeing with Self‐Reported and Bank Record Data*
Authors: Comerton‐Forde Carole , de New John , Salamanca Nicolás , Ribar David C. , Nicastro Andrea , Ross James
Published: March 2022

We develop scales of the financial well‐being of customers of a major Australian bank using self‐reported survey data matched to customer financial records. Using item response theory (IRT) models, we develop: (1) a Reported Financial Wellbeing Scale from information about people’s experiences and perceptions of financial outcomes; and (2) an Observed Financial Wellbeing Scale from financial record measures of customers’ account balances, net spending and payment problems. Each scale reliably differentiates between a wide range of outcomes, and the scale components have similar power to discriminate. We confirm the validity of the scales by estimating predictive models using other measurable characteristics.
Whose Streets? Roadway Protests and Weaponised Automobility
Authors: Savitzky Satya , Cidell Julie
Published: March 2022

The article examines the role of automobility in US‐based anti‐racism demonstrations and counter‐demonstrations. We contrast the spatial strategies of highway occupations by racial justice activists, with so‐called “weaponised car” attacks by the American far right. Analysing online memes and anti‐protest legislation, the article explores under‐acknowledged links between “automobile supremacy”—the structure of motorists' privilege as embedded in law, the built environment and the popular imaginary—and the patterns of racial stratification often termed “white supremacy”. We document three ways in which automobility has been enlisted as means of violence against protestors and against wider Black communities in the US: through the use of vehicles, right‐of‐way conventions, and roadways as weapons. The article demonstrates how the imperative to make way for the motorist has long provided cover for racial injustice.
Comparison of clinical prediction rules for ruling out cirrhosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Brandman Danielle , Boyle Marie , McPherson Stuart , Van Natta Mark L. , Sanyal Arun J. , Kowdley Kris , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent , Chalasani Naga , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Terrault Norah A. , McCullough Art , Bettencourt Ricki , Caussy Cyrielle , Kleiner David E. , Behling Cynthia , Tonascia James , Anstee Quentin M. , Loomba Rohit ,   Members of the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cirrhosis benefit from referral to subspecialty care. While several clinical prediction rules exist to identify advanced fibrosis, the cutoff for excluding cirrhosis due to NAFLD is unclear. This analysis compared clinical prediction rules for excluding biopsy‐proven cirrhosis in NAFLD.

Methods

Adult patients were enrolled in the NASH Clinical Research Network (US) and the Newcastle Cohort (UK). Clinical and laboratory data were collected at enrolment, and a liver biopsy was taken within 1 year of enrolment. Optimal cutoffs for each score (eg, FIB‐4) to exclude cirrhosis were derived from the US cohort, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and AUROC were calculated. The cutoffs were evaluated in the UK cohort.

Results

147/1483 (10%) patients in the US cohort had cirrhosis. All prediction rules had similarly high NPV (0.95–0.97). FIB‐4 and NAFLD fibrosis scores were the most accurate in characterising patients as having cirrhosis (AUROC 0.84–0.86). 59/494 (12%) patients in the UK cohort had cirrhosis. Prediction rules had high NPV (0.92–0.96), and FIB‐4 and NAFLD fibrosis score the most accurate in the prediction of cirrhosis in the UK cohort (AUROC 0.87–0.89).

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional analysis of large, multicentre international datasets shows that current clinical prediction rules perform well in excluding cirrhosis with appropriately chosen cutoffs. These clinical prediction rules can be used in primary care to identify patients, particularly those who are white, female, and <65, unlikely to have cirrhosis so higher‐risk patients maintain access to specialty care.
Psychometric validation of a patient‐reported experience measure of obstetric racism© (The PREM‐OB Scale™ suite)
Authors: White VanGompel Emily , Lai Jin‐Shei , Davis Dána‐Ain , Carlock Francesca , Camara Tamentanefer L. , Taylor Brianne , Clary Chakiya , McCorkle‐Jamieson Ashlee M. , McKenzie‐Sampson Safyer , Gay Caryl , Armijo Amanda , Lapeyrolerie Lillie , Singh Lavisha , Scott Karen A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Perinatal quality improvement lacks valid tools to measure adverse hospital experiences disproportionately impacting Black mothers and birthing people. Measuring and mitigating harm requires using a framework that centers the lived experiences of Black birthing people in evaluating inequitable care, namely, obstetric racism. We sought to develop a valid patient‐reported experience measure (PREM) of Obstetric Racism© in hospital‐based intrapartum care designed for, by, and with Black women as patient, community, and content experts.

Methods

PROMIS© instrument development standards adapted with cultural rigor methodology. Phase 1 included item pool generation, modified Delphi method, and cognitive interviews. Phase 2 evaluated the item pool using factor analysis and item response theory.

Results

Items were identified or written to cover 7 previously identified theoretical domains. 806 Black mothers and birthing people completed the pilot test. Factor analysis concluded a 3 factor structure with good fit indices (CFI = 0.931‐0.977, RMSEA = 0.087‐0.10, R2 > .3, residual correlation < 0.15). All items in each factor fit the IRT model and were able to be calibrated. Factor 1, “Humanity,” had 31 items measuring experiences of safety and accountability, autonomy, communication, and empathy. A 12‐item short form was created to ease respondent burden. Factor 2, “Racism,” had 12 items measuring experiences of neglect and mistreatment. Factor 3, “Kinship,” had 7 items measuring hospital denial and disruption of relationships between Black mothers and their child or support system.

Conclusions

The PREM‐OB Scale™ suite is a valid tool to characterize and quantify obstetric racism for use in perinatal improvement initiatives.
Computing Schematic Layouts for Spatial Hypergraphs on Concentric Circles and Grids
Authors: Bekos M.A. , Dekker D.J.C. , Frank F. , Meulemans W. , Rodgers P. , Schulz A. , Wessel S.
Published: March 2022

Set systems can be visualized in various ways. An important distinction between techniques is whether the elements have a spatial location that is to be used for the visualization; for example, the elements are cities on a map. Strictly adhering to such location may severely limit the visualization and force overlay, intersections and other forms of clutter. On the other hand, completely ignoring the spatial dimension omits information and may hide spatial patterns in the data. We study layouts for set systems (or hypergraphs) in which spatial locations are displaced onto concentric circles or a grid, to obtain schematic set visualizations. We investigate the tractability of the underlying algorithmic problems adopting different optimization criteria (e.g. crossings or bends) for the layout structure, also known as the support of the hypergraph. Furthermore, we describe a simulated‐annealing approach to heuristically optimize a combination of such criteria. Using this method in computational experiments, we explore the trade‐offs and dependencies between criteria for computing high‐quality schematic set visualizations.
Modifying chronic kidney disease progression with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: DeFronzo Ralph A. , Bakris George L.
Published: March 2022

In patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of kidney failure. With its increasing prevalence and limited treatment options, CKD is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Although recent guidelines for the control of hypertension and hyperglycaemia, as well as the use of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and, more recently, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors, have improved outcomes for patients with CKD and diabetes, there is still a high residual risk of CKD progression and adverse cardiovascular events. In this review, we discuss the recently published FIDELIO‐DKD and FIGARO‐DKD studies and FIDELITY prespecified individual patient analysis. Together, these studies have established finerenone, a novel non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as an effective treatment for kidney and cardiovascular protection and welcome addition to the pillars of treatment to slow CKD progression in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Response of subsoil organic matter contents and physical properties to long‐term, high‐rate farmyard manure application
Authors: Leuther Frederic , Wolff Maximilian , Kaiser Klaus , Schumann Lena , Merbach Ines , Mikutta Robert , Schlüter Steffen
Published: March 2022

Application of farmyard manure (FYM) is common practice to improve physical and chemical properties of arable soil and crop yields. However, studies on effects of FYM application mainly focussed on topsoils, whereas subsoils have rarely been addressed so far. We, therefore, investigated the effects of 36‐year FYM application with different rates of annual organic carbon (OC) addition (0, 469, 938 and 1875 g C m−2a−1) on OC contents of a Chernozem in 0–30 cm (topsoil) and 35–45 cm (subsoil) depth. We also investigated its effects on soil structure and hydraulic properties in subsoil. X‐ray computed tomography was used to analyse the response of the subsoil macropore system (≥19 μm) and the distribution of particulate organic matter (POM) to different FYM applications, which were related to contents in total OC (TOC) and water‐extractable OC (WEOC). We show that FYM‐C application of 469 g C m−2a−1caused increases in TOC and WEOC contents only in the topsoil, whereas rates of ≥938 g C m−2a−1were necessary for TOC enrichment also in the subsoil. At this depth, the subdivision of TOC into different OC sources shows that most of the increase was due to fresh POM, likely by the stimulation of root growth and bioturbation. The increase in subsoil TOC went along with increases in macroporosity and macropore connectivity. We neither observed increases in plant‐available water capacity nor in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. In conclusion, only very high application of FYM over long periods can increase OC content of subsoil at our study site, but this increase is largely based on fresh, easily degradable POM and likely accompanied by high C losses when considering the discrepancy between OC addition rate by FYM and TOC response in soil.

Highlights

A new image processing procedure to distinguish fresh and decomposed POM.

The increase of subsoil C stock based to a large extend on fresh, labile POM.

Potential of arable subsoils for long‐term C storage by large FYM application rates is limited.

The increase in TOC has no effect on hydraulic properties of the subsoil.
Efficacy and quality‐of‐life improvements with fremanezumab treatment in patients with difficult‐to‐treat migraine with associated neurological dysfunction
Authors: Lampl Christian , Rapoport Alan M. , Cohen Joshua M. , Barash Steve , Ramirez Campos Verena , Seminerio Michael J. , Ning Xiaoping , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Fremanezumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG2Δa) that selectively targets calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide, has demonstrated efficacy as a preventive treatment for adults with episodic migraine or chronic migraine and inadequate response to two to four prior preventive treatment classes in the phase 3b FOCUS study. In this post hoc analysis, efficacy and effects on quality‐of‐life outcomes for fremanezumab were evaluated in subgroups of patients with and without aura or similar neurological symptoms, here referred to as migraine with or without associated neurological dysfunction.

Methods

In the FOCUS study, 838 patients were randomized (1:1:1) to quarterly fremanezumab, monthly fremanezumab or matched placebo for 12 weeks of double‐blind treatment. For this post hoc analysis, subgroups of patients with migraine with and without associated neurological dysfunction at baseline were identified based on patient response to questions about symptoms.

Results

In patients with migraine with associated neurological dysfunction at baseline, fremanezumab significantly reduced monthly average days with neurological symptoms (quarterly, −1.7 days; monthly, −1.8 days) compared to placebo (−0.5 days; both p ≤ 0.01). In comparison with placebo, both dosing regimens of fremanezumab yielded greater reductions in monthly migraine days over 12 weeks (p < 0.0001) and improvements in Headache Impact Test 6 and Migraine‐Specific Quality of Life scores over the last 4 weeks (p < 0.05), regardless of neurological dysfunction at baseline.

Conclusions

Fremanezumab reduced days with neurological symptoms, effectively prevented migraine, and improved quality of life in patients with migraine with associated neurological dysfunction, including those with previous inadequate response to two to four migraine preventive medication classes.
Trends in resource utilization and cost of illness in patients with active epilepsy in Germany from 2003 to 2020
Authors: Willems Laurent M. , Hochbaum Maja , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Schulz Juliane , Menzler Katja , Langenbruch Lisa , Kovac Stjepana , Knake Susanne , von Podewils Felix , Hamacher Mario , Hamer Hajo M. , Reese Jens‐Peter , Frey Katharina , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to calculate epilepsy‐related direct, indirect, and total costs in adult patients with active epilepsy (ongoing unprovoked seizures) in Germany and to analyze cost components and dynamics compared to previous studies from 2003, 2008, and 2013. This analysis was part of the Epi2020 study.

Methods

Direct and indirect costs related to epilepsy were calculated with a multicenter survey using an established and validated questionnaire with a bottom‐up design and human capital approach over a 3‐month period in late 2020. Epilepsy‐specific costs in the German health care sector from 2003, 2008, and 2013 were corrected for inflation to allow for a valid comparison.

Results

Data on the disease‐specific costs for 253 patients in 2020 were analyzed. The mean total costs were calculated at €5551 (±€5805, median = €2611, range = €274–€21 667) per 3 months, comprising mean direct costs of €1861 (±€1905, median = €1276, range = €327–€13 158) and mean indirect costs of €3690 (±€5298, median = €0, range = €0–€11 925). The main direct cost components were hospitalization (42.4%), antiseizure medication (42.2%), and outpatient care (6.2%). Productivity losses due to early retirement (53.6%), part‐time work or unemployment (30.8%), and seizure‐related off‐days (15.6%) were the main reasons for indirect costs. However, compared to 2013, there was no significant increase of direct costs (−10.0%), and indirect costs significantly increased (p < .028, +35.1%), resulting in a significant increase in total epilepsy‐related costs (p < .047, +20.2%). Compared to the 2013 study population, a significant increase of cost of illness could be observed (p = .047).

Significance

The present study shows that disease‐related costs in adult patients with active epilepsy increased from 2013 to 2020. As direct costs have remained constant, this increase is attributable to an increase in indirect costs. These findings highlight the impact of productivity loss caused by early retirement, unemployment, working time reduction, and seizure‐related days off.
Ensemble methods for meningitis aetiology diagnosis
Authors: Guzmán Eduardo , Belmonte María‐Victoria , Lelis Viviane M.
Published: March 2022

In this work, we explore data‐driven techniques for the fast and early diagnosis concerning the etiological origin of meningitis, more specifically with regard to differentiating between viral and bacterial meningitis. We study how machine learning can be used to predict meningitis aetiology once a patient has been diagnosed with this disease. We have a dataset of 26,228 patients described by 19 attributes, mainly about the patient's observable symptoms and the early results of the cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Using this dataset, we have explored several techniques of dataset sampling, feature selection and classification models based both on ensemble methods and on simple techniques (mainly, decision trees). Experiments with 27 classification models (19 of them involving ensemble methods) have been conducted for this paper. Our main finding is that the combination of ensemble methods with decision trees leads to the best meningitis aetiology classifiers. The best performance indicator values (precision, recall and f‐measure of 89% and an AUC value of 95%) have been achieved by the synergy between bagging and NBTrees. Nonetheless, our results also suggest that the combination of ensemble methods with certain decision tree clearly improves the performance of diagnosis in comparison with those obtained with only the corresponding decision tree.
Hedgehog signalling in bone and osteoarthritis: the role of Smoothened and cholesterol
Authors: Smith Abbi Elise , Sigurbjörnsdóttir Elín Sóley , Steingrímsson Eiríkur , Sigurbjörnsdóttir Sara
Published: March 2022

Hedgehog signalling is essential for development, crucial for normal anatomical arrangement and activated during tissue damage repair. Dysregulation of hedgehog signalling is associated with cancer, developmental disorders and other diseases including osteoarthritis (OA). The hedgehog gene was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, and the pathway is evolutionarily conserved in most animals. Although there are several hedgehog ligands with different protein expression patterns, they share a common plasma membrane receptor, Patched1 and hedgehog signalling pathway activation is transduced through the G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐like protein Smoothened (SMO) and downstream effectors. Functional assays revealed that activation of SMO is dependent on sterol binding, and cholesterol was observed bound to SMO in crystallography experiments. In vertebrates, hedgehog signalling coordinates endochondral ossification and balances osteoblast and osteoclast activation to maintain homeostasis. A recently discovered mutation of SMO in humans (SMOR173C) is predicted to alter cholesterol binding and is associated with a higher risk of hip OA. Functional studies in mice and human tissue analysis provide evidence that hedgehog signalling is pathologically activated in chondrocytes of osteoarthritic cartilage.
Nickel release from metal tools in United States barbershops
Authors: Peterson Malina Y. , Hylwa Sara A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hairdressers and barbers are among the top occupations to develop occupationally related nickel allergy. While nickel release has previously been detected in metal items in the hairdressing trade, metal items in the barber trade have not been specifically tested. This study screened for nickel release from metal tools in United States barber trade.

Methods

One hundred ninety‐two metal tools from 12 barbershops in St. Paul, Minnesota, were tested with dimethylglyoxime test. An employee survey was conducted about each metal tool.

Results

Nickel release was detected in 10 of 192 metal tools (5.2%). Items with nickel release included one of 57 scissors (1.7%), one of 32 trimmers (3.1%), four of 13 barbershop chairs (30.8%), three of six cape clips, and one of one nail clippers.

Conclusions

Nickel release was detected in items unique to the barber trade. These items should be considered when preventing and assessing occupational nickel allergy in barbers.
Identifying more targeted antimicrobials active against selected bacterial phytopathogens
Authors: Mitchell Mathew , Thornton Logan , Riley Margaret A.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Phytopathogens are a global threat to the world’s food supply. The use of broad-spectrum bactericides and antibiotics to limit or eliminate bacterial infections is becoming less effective as levels of resistance increase, while concurrently becoming less desirable from an ecological perspective due to their collateral damage to beneficial members of plant and soil microbiomes. Bacteria produce numerous antimicrobials in addition to antibiotics, such as bacteriocins with their relatively narrow activity spectra, and inhibitory metabolic by-products, such as organic acids. There is an interest in developing these naturally occurring antimicrobials for use as alternatives or supplements to antibiotics.

Methods and Results

In this study, we investigate the inhibitory potential of 217 plant-associated bacterial isolates from 44 species including plant pathogens, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and plant commensals. Over half of the isolates were found to produce antimicrobial substances, of which 68% were active against phytopathogens. Even more intriguing, 98% of phytopathogenic strains were sensitive to the compounds produced specifically by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.

Conclusion

These data argue that plant-associated bacteria produce a broad range of antimicrobial substances, and that the substances produced preferentially target phytopathogenic bacteria.

Significance and Impact of Study

There is a need for novel antimicrobials for use in agriculture. The methods presented here reveal the potential for simple phenotypic screening methods to provide a broad range of potential drug candidates.
Phytolectin conjugated positively charged fatty acid amide impairs virulence factors and inhibits cross-kingdom biofilm formation of Candida albicans and uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Subramaniyan Siva Bala , Ameen Fuad , Singaravelu Dharshini Karnan , Elumalai Preetham , Bhat Sartaj Ahmed , Veerappan Anbazhagan
Published: March 2022

Aim

Polymicrobial biofilm encasing cross-kingdom micro-organisms are apparent in medicine, which imposes serious resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatment. The objective of the study was to explore Butea monosperma seed lectin (BMSL) conjugated antimicrobial lipid, 2-((N-[2-hydroxyethyl]palmitamido)methyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide (cN16E) to inhibit mixed-species biofilm of uropathogenic Escherichia coli–Candida albicans.

Methods and Results

Antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm of cN16E and cN16E-BMSL conjugate (BcN16E) were analysed against single- and mixed microbial cultures. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicates that the MIC of cN16E-BMSL conjugate (BcN16E) against cohabiting UPEC-C. albicans was eightfold lower than the cN16E. BcN16E affects membrane integrity to elicit antimicrobial activity. BcN16E inhibits the dual-species biofilm even with 16 times lower MIC of cN16E. BcN16E impairs the biofilm-associated virulence factors which include extracellular polysaccharides, cell surface hydrophobicity, swimming, swarming motilities, hyphal filamentous morphology, curli formation and haemolysin activity. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated BcN16E ability to inhibit dual-species biofilm formation on a urinary catheter.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the BcN16E is better than cN16E in impairing biofilm-associated virulence factors and exerting antimicrobial activity.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The findings emphasize that phytolectin has the potential to enhance the anti-virulence strategies of antimicrobials against cross-kingdom biofilm-related infections.
Impact of selection for birth weight variability on reproductive longevity: A mice model
Authors: Formoso‐Rafferty Nora , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , García‐Álvarez Andrés , Pérez Teresa , Cervantes Isabel
Published: March 2022

Uniformity, understood as a similar performance in relevant livestock traits, such as birth weight within the litter, is being included as one of the selection objectives in breeding programmes, especially for polytocous livestock species. A divergent selection experiment for birth weight within‐litter variability in mice during 23 generations showed that homogeneous animals were better for litter size, survival and feed efficiency but less heavy than heterogeneous animals. The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive longevity in both divergent lines as time to the end of the reproductive period. Two generations from both lines with an initial number of 43 females and 43 males were mated one to one and stayed together to have consecutive parturitions until the end of the reproductive life. Females were discarded when the time elapsed from the last parturition was longer than 63 days. The time to the end of the reproductive period between both lines was compared by fitting a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusting for line, generation and its interaction. The rate of parturitions in both lines was also compared using a Prentice–Williams–Peterson model adjusted for the same effects. The low variability line was associated with a higher parturition rate, e.g., adjusted hazard ratio was 2.93 (95% CI 2.17–3.94). The Cox model showed that the low variability females also presented benefits of time to the end of the reproductive period, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.26 (95% CI 0.16–0.41). The median of reproductive days was 55.50 in the high variability line whilst the median was 252.50 days for the low variability females. The homogeneous line presented important reproductive advantages suggesting higher robustness and animal welfare. Further research should confirm whether the findings presented here of a better performance in the low variability line could be properly applied to some livestock species.
Geogenomics of montane palms points to Miocene–Pliocene Andean segmentation related to strike‐slip tectonics
Authors: Sanín María José , Mejía‐Franco Fabián Gregorio , Paris Margot , Valencia‐Montoya Wendy A. , Salamin Nicolas , Kessler Michael , Olivares Ingrid , Jaramillo Juan Sebastián , Cardona Agustín
Published: March 2022

Aim

In geographically and ecologically heterogeneous landscapes, such as tropical mountains, widely distributed species may be informative proxies for studying landscape and climatic evolution. We explore historical vicariant and dispersal processes that may have determined the genetic structure and variation of a palm species complex living in cloud forests. We hypothesize that the genomic groupings reflect uplift‐based isolation by vicariance, divergence via dispersal events driven by faulted montane segments or recent divergence due to climate fluctuations.

Location

Colombian Andes.

Taxon

Geonoma undata–G. orbignyana species complex (Arecaceae).

Methods

We sampled 195 individuals of the species complex plus the outgroup (G. interrupta) across the three cordilleras of Colombia, the Colombian Massif and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We used target capture sequencing to generate a dataset of 12,750 quality‐filtered genome‐wide SNPs. We conducted phylogenetic, multivariate and population genomics and structure analyses to infer demographical history.

Results

We found four genetically distinct groups within the species complex. The geographical distributions of the genetic groups, and their inferred phylogenetic and population divergence are consistent with a history of colonization of mountain segments that were disconnected until the late Pliocene. These breaks coincide with the distribution of Pliocene strike‐slip faulting events.

Main conclusions

The faulting and resultant topographic disruption of the northernmost Andean cordillera prior to the onset of the Pleistocene is implied by the presence of phylogeographic breaks in areas that are topographically continuous today. These cordilleras were formed by connecting segments that were previously uplifted but historically detached in areas where dense fault systems occur. Large‐scale strike‐slip faulting can generate topographic gaps, features that likely caused the divergence by dispersal with gene flow of the Geonoma undata–G. orbignyana complex.
Understanding the relationships between trauma type and individual posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross‐sectional study of a clinical sample of children and adolescents
Authors: Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Skar Ane‐Marthe Solheim , Jensen Tine K.
Published: March 2022

Background

Characteristics of traumatic events may be associated with the level and specific manifestation of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study examined the differences and similarities between overall levels, profiles and networks of PTSS after sexual trauma, domestic violence, community violence, non‐interpersonal trauma, sudden loss or serious illness of a loved one, and severe bullying or threats.

Methods

PTSS were measured in a clinical sample of 4,921 children and adolescents (6–18 years old, M = 14.0, SD = 2.7, 63.7% female) referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. We compared 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each symptom with 95% CI for overall PTSS within each trauma type (self‐reported worst trauma). We also computed cross‐sectional networks and searched for differences in networks according to trauma type and overall symptom level.

Results

The overall frequencies of PTSS were highest following sexual trauma; somewhat lower for domestic violence and severe bullying or threats and lowest after community violence, non‐interpersonal trauma and sudden loss or serious illness. Psychological cue reactivity, avoidance and difficulties with sleeping and concentrating were generally among the most frequent symptoms. Sexual trauma, domestic violence and severe bullying or threats were associated with higher frequencies of negative beliefs and persistent negative emotional states. Few differences in symptom networks across trauma type emerged.

Conclusion

Different types of trauma exposure may be associated with different profiles of symptom frequencies. Knowledge about this may be useful for clinicians and for the movement towards evidence‐based personalized psychological treatment.
Phylogenetic analysis confirms the taxonomic placement of the marine flagellate Hermesinum adriaticum (Thecofilosea, Cercozoa, Rhizaria)
Authors: Dumack Kenneth , Gerdzhikov Dimitar , Klisarova Daniela
Published: March 2022

Hermesinum adriaticum is a rare marine and brackish flagellate that is of considerable interest due to its markable and fossilizable siliceous skeleton. Based on this skeleton, Hermesinum was initially considered a microalga of the Dictyochophyceae (Ochrophyta, Stramenopiles). Later on, it was assigned to the Ebriida due to its similarity to Ebria tripartita. The taxonomic assignment of the Ebriida, however, changed several times until it was placed within the Thecofilosea (Cercozoa, Rhizaria), based on genetic data of E. tripartita. We sequenced the 18S marker gene sequence of Hermesinum and confirm the close relationship of Ebria and Hermesinum.
Phytic acid and its reduction in pulse matrix: Structure–function relationship owing to bioavailability enhancement of micronutrients
Authors: Sarkhel Shubhajit , Roy Anupam
Published: March 2022

The bioavailability of minerals and proteins in the pulse is endured due to the presence of antinutrient phytic acid. Phytic acid is a proton donor that produces hydrogen ions (H+) and “phytate” anion, which readily forms salts with available minerals and protein. These phytate complexes are not bioavailable to humans and led to several public health problems like anemia, skeletal abnormalities, osteoporosis, malabsorption, and kwashiorkor syndrome due to Fe, Mn, Ca, Zn, and protein deficiency. Thus, it is a severe concern to the vegetarian population who strongly rely upon pulses to fulfill their daily nutrition requirements. Improving the bioavailability of micronutrients in the pulse matrix requires reduction of phytic acid. A phytic acid reduction strategy should ensure its efficient reduction leading to enhanced micronutrient bioavailability. This article provides a throughout view of the available phytic acid reduction technologies conducted at the postharvest stages of pulse processing. The mechanism of phytic acid reduction during conventional (soaking, cooking, and germination) and novel processing (irradiation, ultrasound, and high pressure) regarding its degradation and interaction with other components has been explored here, providing insight into structure–function relationships. Further, an in‐depth analysis of the combined treatments offering better phytic acid reductions has been explained in the light of structural alteration of phytic acid to its lower inositol phosphates. The summarized data on prospects and drawbacks of different phytic acid reduction strategies would provide background information to explore the futuristic possibilities for efficient phytic acid reduction and micronutrient fortification.

Practical Applications

The presence of phytic acid in the pulse matrix restricts the micronutrient absorption by complexing with micronutrients leading to their ineffectiveness. The bottom‐line population of the income pyramid, who are unable to intake micronutrients from other sources, suffers from several public health problems related to nutrient or combined nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, the degradation of phytic acid in pulses is necessary. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview and explanation of phytic acid degradation during various postharvest pulses processing. The chelation of micronutrients by phytate, structural alterations during processing, and structure–function correlation of pulse matrices have been comprehensively enlightened here. These insights will aid researchers in exploring the future potential for phytic acid reduction and help develop proper strategies for pulse fortification.
Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Roth Bodil , Larsson Ewa , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Poor food habits with insufficient intake of micronutrients have been described in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which could be of importance for development of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. The study aims were to examine intake and plasma/serum levels of micronutrients in IBS and whether these factors were associated with symptoms and restrictions and to study the effects of a starch‐ and sucrose‐reduced diet (SSRD).

Methods

One hundred five patients with IBS or functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) according to Rome IV criteria were included to SSRD/controls for 4 weeks. Patients completed a study questionnaire about lifestyle habits, medical health, IBS‐symptom severity score (IBS‐SSS), visual analog scale for IBS (VAS‐IBS), and diary books before and after study start. Plasma/serum levels of micronutrients were analyzed at baseline.

Results

Intake of micronutrients at baseline was lower than recommended according to national guidelines. Gastrointestinal symptoms were inversely associated with intake and plasma levels of iron. Extraintestinal symptoms and fatigue inversely associated with intake of vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, and iodine, as was plasma levels of iron, and positively associated with plasma iron‐binding capacity. Fatigue was also inversely associated with calcium, iron, and zinc intakes. Plasma ferritin was lower in participants on restrictions. SSRD increased the intake of several vitamins, selenium, and fat, whereas sodium intake was decreased, with markedly reduced symptoms.

Conclusion

Irritable bowel syndrome patients had low intake of micronutrients at baseline, which associated inversely with total IBS‐SSS, extraintestinal IBS‐SSS, and fatigue. SSRD increased the intake of several micronutrients, which correlated weakly with symptom improvement.
Decreased fetal thymus size at 24 weeks gestation by ultrasound measurement in gestational diabetes mellitus fetal thymus examination for diabetes
Authors: Karaşin Süleyman Serkan , Akselim Burak , Tosun Öznur , Karaşin Zeynep T.
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the difference in fetal thymus diameter, which we measured ultrasonographically, between the healthy pregnant group and the pregnant group with gestational diabetes.

Method

Fetal thymus and thymus/thorax ratio parameters were assessed in this case–control study. Patients were examined in two groups. They included 49 diabetics (study group) women and 71 nondiabetic (control group). We performed a binary logistic regression analysis to determine the predictive value of ultrasonographic measurements. We completed the receiver curve characteristic analysis to evaluate the cut‐off thymus diameter.

Results

The median age of pregnant women was 27. Thymus diameter and thymus‐thorax ratio were smaller in fetuses of diabetic mothers than in the nondiabetic group (p <0.05). Thymus diameter was found to be more predictive of gestational diabetes prediction (p: 0.019). There was no correlation between fasting blood glucose and thymus diameter.

Conclusion

Decreased fetal thymus anterior–posterior diameter seems to be associated with diabetic pregnancy.
Decreasing prevalence and stagnating incidence of Hepatitis C‐co‐infection among a cohort of HIV‐1‐positive patients, with a majority of men who have sex with men, in Germany, 1996–2019
Authors: Krings Amrei , Schmidt Daniel , Meixenberger Karolin , Bannert Norbert , Münstermann Dieter , Tiemann Carsten , Kollan Christian , Gunsenheimer‐Bartmeyer Barbara
Published: March 2022

Co‐infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among HIV‐positive patients leads to accelerated progression of liver disease and AIDS. Due to increased HCV prevalence and incidence, co‐infection requires monitoring trends among HIV‐positive individuals. This will help target prevention strategies and support to reach the global goals of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. In this analysis HCV prevalence and incidence were determined for the years 1996–2019 from yearly blood samples and questionnaire details among HIV‐1‐positive patients, with a majority of men who have sex with men, belonging to a nationwide, multicentre observational, prospective cohort study. The results show that HCV prevalence for acute/chronic and resolved infection increased until 2014 to 12%. Since then, prevalence of acute/chronic HCV infection rapidly decreased and prevalence of resolved infections showed a steady increase. HCV incidence was highest in 2010 and lowest in 2017; however, no significant change in HCV incidence could be seen over the years. Therefore, the introduction of directly‐acting antiviral agents for HCV treatment notably decreased prevalence and potentially incidence of acute/chronic HCV infection. Nevertheless, prevalence and incidence of HCV among these HIV‐1‐positive study participants remain high compared with the general population and justify the need for continuous HCV prevention and treatment efforts among HIV‐positive individuals.
Performance of pre‐transplant criteria in prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma progression and waitlist dropout
Authors: Piñero Federico , Thompson Marcos , Boin Ilka , Chagas Aline , Quiñonez Emilio , Bermúdez Carla , Vilatobá Mario , Santos Luisa , Anders Margarita , Hoyos Duque Sergio , Soares Lima Agnaldo , Menendez Josemaría , Padilla Martín , Poniachik Jaime , Zapata Rodrigo , Maraschio Martín , Chong Menéndez Ricardo , Muñoz Linda , Arufe Diego , Figueroa Rodrigo , Perales Simone R. , Maccali Claudia , Vergara Sandoval Rodrigo , McCormack Lucas , Varón Adriana , Marciano Sebastián , Mattera Juan , Carrilho Flair , Silva Marcelo
Published: March 2022

Background & aim

Liver transplantation (LT) selection models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been proposed to predict waitlist dropout because of tumour progression. The aim of this study was to compare the alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) model and other pre‐LT models in their prediction of HCC dropout.

Methods

A multicentre cohort study was conducted in 20 Latin American transplant centres, including 994 listed patients for LT with HCC from 2012 to 2018. Longitudinal tumour characteristics, and patterns of progression were recorded at time of listing, after treatments and at last follow‐up over the waitlist period. Competing risk regression models were performed, and model’s discrimination was compared estimating Harrell’s adapted c‐statistics.

Results

HCC dropout rate was significantly higher in patients beyond (24% [95% CI 16–28]) compared to those within Milan criteria (8% [95% IC 5%–12%]; p < .0001), with a SHR of 3.01 [95% CI 2.03–4.47]), adjusted for waiting list time and bridging therapies (c‐index 0.63 [95% CI 0.57; 0.69). HCC dropout rates were higher in patients with AFP scores >2 (adjusted SHR of 3.17 [CI 2.13–4.71]), c‐index of 0.71 (95% CI 0.65–0.77; p = .09 vs Milan). Similar discrimination power for HCC dropout was observed between the AFP score and the Metroticket 2.0 model. In patients within Milan, an AFP score >2 points discriminated two populations with a higher risk of HCC dropout (SHR 1.68 [95% CI 1.08–2.61]).

Conclusions

Pre‐transplant selection models similarly predicted HCC dropout. However, the AFP model can discriminate a higher risk of dropout among patients within Milan criteria.
Death in the Zhuangzi: Themes, arguments, and interpretations
Authors: Liu Pengbo
Published: March 2022

This paper distinguishes three major themes in the philosophy of death of the Zhuangzi. It shows that, while these themes are often intertwined in the text, they offer different outlooks on the nature of death and, correspondingly, different arguments about the significance of death and strategies for coping with death. The first sees death as a natural and inevitable part of the process of cosmic transformation that we have to accept or embrace. The second emphasizes the unity, continuity and interdependence of life and death, and advises us to appreciate death from this holistic perspective. The last strand of thought challenges our ability to know about death's nature and value. In addition, the paper reviews a few competing interpretations of the Zhuangzi in recent Anglophone literature and suggests that, first, they can be seen as attempts to articulate and develop different themes in the text, and second, they fail to offer a strong rational ground for the Zhuangist attitudes toward death, in part because they all rely on critical assumptions that are questionable or at least insufficiently defended.
Constraints in the restoration of mountain meadows invaded by the legume Lupinus polyphyllus
Authors: Hansen Wiebke , Klinger Yves P. , Otte Annette , Eckstein Rolf L. , Ludewig Kristin
Published: March 2022

Semi‐natural grasslands invaded by the legume Lupinus polyphyllus need the introduction of target species in order to promote highly endangered native target plant communities. However, which techniques are best suited to achieve both invader control and the introduction of target species at the same time? Few studies have investigated restoration techniques that support native plant communities in mountain meadows and control the invader simultaneously. We employed the restoration techniques seed bank activation and green hay transfer in combination with manual removal of the invasive L. polyphyllus on three types of grassland (Nardus grassland, mesic and wet mountain hay meadows) in the low mountain ranges of the Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in central Germany. Vegetation reacted differently to specific measures depending on the type of grassland. L. polyphyllus cover could be effectively reduced by L. polyphyllus removal in Nardus grassland and mesic hay meadow sites, but not in wet meadows. In Nardus grassland, the cover of target species was lowered by the application of green hay. The target species cover of wet mountain hay meadows declined in response to seed bank activation. When restoring mountain meadows, restoration practitioners should thus first consider the specific vegetation types. As our study indicates that target mountain meadow species may react negatively to restoration measures in the short term, the long‐term effects of the application of green hay should be studied.