bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
World Health Organization risk drinking levels as a treatment outcome measure in topiramate trials
Authors: Hartwell Emily E. , Feinn Richard , Witkiewitz Katie , Pond Timothy , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Although abstinence has traditionally been considered the only suitable outcome for alcohol treatment, reduced drinking is also associated with improved functioning and medical and psychiatric outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) risk drinking levels (RDLs) have been shown to be valid outcome measures in treatment trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of two 12‐week, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which a total of 308 individuals with problematic alcohol use received topiramate or placebo treatment. We compared the utility of the WHO RDLs with other treatment outcomes, including self‐reported measures of alcohol consumption, alcohol‐related problems, and quality of life, and the biomarker gamma‐glutamyltransferase.

Results

Topiramate treatment was associated with small effect sizes for both a 1‐level (d = 0.26) and a 2‐level (d = 0.19) reduction in WHO RDL, effects that were not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No heavy drinking days, one of the outcome measures recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration for alcohol medication registration trials, also exhibited a small effect (0.21), while an effect size for abstinence could not be calculated. There were medium effects of topiramate on continuous measures of percent heavy drinking days (d = 0.49) and alcohol‐related problems (d = 0.41).

Conclusions

Topiramate is an efficacious pharmacotherapy for AUD. Although continuous measures of drinking and alcohol‐related problems yielded larger effect sizes than the WHO RDLs, the latter nonetheless provide a categorical alternative for use in both clinical care and pharmacotherapy trials.
The role of thrifty genes in the origin of alcoholism: A narrative review and hypothesis
Authors: Carn David , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Benner Steven A. , Andrews Peter , Dudley Robert , Andres‐Hernando Ana , Tolan Dean R. , Johnson Richard J.
Published: June 2021

In this narrative review, we present the hypothesis that key mutations in two genes, occurring 15 and 10 million years ago (MYA), were individually and then collectively adaptive for ancestral humans during periods of starvation, but are maladaptive in modern civilization (i.e., “thrifty genes”), with the consequence that these genes not only increase our risk today for obesity, but also for alcoholism. Both mutations occurred when ancestral apes were experiencing loss of fruit availability during periods of profound climate change or environmental upheaval. The silencing of uricase (urate oxidase) activity 15 MYA enhanced survival by increasing the ability for fructose present in dwindling fruit to be stored as fat, a consequence of enhanced uric acid production during fructose metabolism that stimulated lipogenesis and blocked fatty acid oxidation. Likewise, a mutation in class IV alcohol dehydrogenase ~10 MYA resulted in a remarkable 40‐fold increase in the capacity to oxidize ethanol (EtOH), which allowed our ancestors to ingest fallen, fermenting fruit. In turn, the EtOH ingested could activate aldose reductase that stimulates the conversion of glucose to fructose, while uric acid produced during EtOH metabolism could further enhance fructose production and metabolism. By aiding survival, these mutations would have allowed our ancestors to generate more fat, primarily from fructose, to survive changing habitats due to the Middle Miocene disruption and also during the late‐Miocene aridification of East Africa. Unfortunately, the enhanced ability to metabolize and utilize EtOH may now be acting to increase our risk for alcoholism, which may be yet another consequence of once‐adaptive thrifty genes.
The impact of mental models on the treatment and research of chronic infections due to biofilms
Authors: Bjarnsholt Thomas , Mastroianni Enrico , Kirketerp‐Møller Klaus , Stewart Philip S. , Mähr Aline Meret , Domínguez Cabañes Alonso , Nørager Rune
Published: June 2021

Research on biofilms is predominantly made in in vitro contexts. However, in vivo observation of biofilms in human chronic infections shows distinct differences compared to in vitro biofilm growth. This could imply the use of an inadequate mental model both in research and healthcare practices. Drawing on knowledge from the cognitive sciences, we hypothesise that the predominance of in vitro research on biofilms is skewed towards a mental model promoting wrong inferences for researchers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the in vivo context. To explore the prevalence of such a mental model, we carried out a qualitative image analysis in which biofilm illustrations from a Google image search were coded for typical in vitro or in vivo characteristics. Further, to investigate potential misinformed and unhelpful clinical interventions related to biofilms, we conducted a quantitative questionnaire among HCPs. The questions were designed to test whether knowledge about in vitro biofilms was used in an in vivo context. This questionnaire was analysed through a chi‐squared test. Most biofilm illustrations were consistent with the in vitro model. A statistical analysis of survey responses revealed that HCPs have adequate knowledge about biofilm but often respond incorrectly when asked to apply their knowledge to in vivo contexts. The outcome of this research points to a prevalent and consolidated mental model derived from in vitro observations. This model has likely been made dominant by HCPs’ frequent exposure to visual depictions in articles and presentations. The prevalence of the in vitro model sets up the possibility of erroneous claims when the in vitro model is inadequately applied to in vivo contexts. This has potential implications for HCPs working in fields involving biofilm, such as wound care treatment.
Pertussis seroprevalence among adults of reproductive age (20–39 years) in fourteen European countries
Authors: Wehlin Lena , Ljungman Margaretha , Kühlmann‐Berenzon Sharon , Galanis Ilias , Huygen Kris , Pierard Denis , Dalby Tine , Petridou Evi , Molnár Zsuzsanna , Carollo Maria , Ausiello Clara M. , Lipnickiene Vilnele , Haider Julie , Aase Audun , Herstad Tove Karin , Rastawicki Waldemar , Rio Carla , Popovici Odette , De Ory Manchon Fernando , Bacci Sabrina , Barkoff Alex‐Mikael , Hänninen Arno , He Qiushui , Hallander Hans
Published: June 2021

The reported incidence of pertussis in European countries varies considerably. We aimed to study specific Bordetella pertussis seroprevalence in Europe by measuring serum IgG antibody levels to pertussis toxin (anti‐PT IgG). Fourteen national laboratories participated in this study including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Each country collected approximately 250 samples (N = 7903) from the age groups 20–29 years (N = 3976) and 30–39 years (N = 3927) during 2010–2013. Samples were anonymous residual sera from diagnostic laboratories and were analyzed at the national laboratories by a Swedish reference method, a commercial ELISA kit, or were sent to Sweden for analysis. The median anti‐PT IgG concentrations ranged from 4 to 13.6 IU/mL. The proportion of samples with anti‐PT IgG ≥100 IU/mL, indicating a recent infection ranged from 0.2% (Hungary) to 5.7% (Portugal). The highest proportion of sera with anti‐PT IgG levels between 50 and <100 IU/mL, indicating an infection within the last few years, was found in Portugal (12.3%) and Italy (13.9%). This study shows that the circulation of B. pertussis is quite extensive in adults, aged 20–39 years, despite well‐established vaccination programs in Europe.
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of the minor clone of KIT D816V in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia especially showing RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 transcripts
Authors: Sasaki Koji , Tsujimoto Shinichi , Miyake Mayuko , Uchiyama Yuri , Ikeda Junji , Yoshitomi Masahiro , Shimosato Yuko , Tokumasu Mayu , Matsuo Hidemasa , Yoshida Kenichi , Ohki Kentaro , Kaburagi Taeko , Yamato Genki , Hara Yusuke , Takeuchi Masanobu , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Tomizawa Daisuke , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Tawa Akio , Horibe Keizo , Hayashi Yasuhide , Matsumoto Naomichi , Ito Shuichi , Shiba Norio
Published: June 2021

KIT D816V mutation within exon 17 has been particularly reported as one of the poor prognostic factors in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1‐RUNX1T1. The exact frequency and the prognostic impact of KIT D816V minor clones at diagnosis were not examined. In this study, the minor clones were examined and the prognostic significance of KIT D816V mutation in pediatric patients was investigated. Consequently, 24 KIT D816V mutations (7.2%) in 335 pediatric patients were identified, and 12 of 24 were only detected via the digital droplet polymerase chain reaction method. All 12 patients were confined in core binding factor (CBF)‐AML patients. The 5 year event‐free survival of the patients with KIT D816V mutation was significantly inferior to those without KIT D816V mutation (44.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.0%–69.4%] vs. 74.7% [95% CI, 63.0%–83.2%] P‐value = 0.02, respectively). The 5 year overall survival was not different between the two groups (92.9% [95% CI, 59.0%–NA vs. 89.7% [95% CI, 69.6%–96.8%] P‐value = 0.607, respectively). In this study, KIT D816V minor clones in patients with CBF‐AML were confirmed and KIT D816V was considered as a risk factor for relapse in patients with RUNX1‐RUNX1T1‐positive AML.
Visual body‐size adaptation and estimation of tactile distance
Authors: Zopf Regine , Kosourikhina Veronika , Brooks Kevin R. , Polito Vince , Stephen Ian D.
Published: June 2021

Estimating the size of bodies is crucial for interactions with physical and social environments. Body‐size perception is malleable and can be altered using visual adaptation paradigms. However, it is unclear whether such visual adaptation effects also transfer to other modalities and influence, for example, the perception of tactile distances. In this study, we employed a visual adaptation paradigm. Participants were exposed to images of expanded or contracted versions of self‐ or other‐identity bodies. Before and after this adaptation, they were asked to manipulate the width of body stimuli to appear as ‘normal’ as possible. We replicated an effect of visual adaptation such that the body‐size selected as most ‘normal’ was larger after exposure to expanded and thinner after exposure to contracted adaptation stimuli. In contrast, we did not find evidence that this adaptation effect transfers to distance estimates for paired tactile stimuli delivered to the abdomen. A Bayesian analysis showed that our data provide moderate evidence that there is no effect of visual body‐size adaptation on the estimation of spatial parameters in a tactile task. This suggests that visual body‐size adaptation effects do not transfer to somatosensory body‐size representations.
ASMR‐Experience Questionnaire (AEQ): A data‐driven step towards accurately classifying ASMR responders
Authors: Swart Thomas R. , Bowling Natalie C. , Banissy Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) describes an atypical multisensory experience of calming, tingling sensations that originate in the crown of the head in response to a specific subset of audio‐visual triggers. There is currently no tool that can accurately classify both ASMR‐Responders and non‐responders, while simultaneously identifying False‐Positive cases that are similar sensory‐emotional experiences. This study sought to fill this gap by developing a new online psychometric tool – the ASMR‐Experiences Questionnaire (AEQ). Participants watched a series of short ASMR videos and answered sensory‐affective questions immediately afterwards. Using a k‐means clustering approach, we identified five data‐driven groupings, based on tingle‐ and affect‐related scores. ASMR‐Responders differentiate based on ASMR propensity and intensity (ASMR‐Strong; ASMR‐Weak); non‐responders differentiate based on response valence (Control+; Control−; False‐Positive). Recommendations for how the AEQ and the respective output groups can be best utilized to enhance ASMR research are discussed.
Plant–herbivore assemblages composed of endophagous and exophagous insects have different patterns of diversity and specialization in Brazilian savannas
Authors: de Araújo Walter S. , Oliveira Jefferson B. B. S.
Published: June 2021

Plant–insect interactions can differ between endophagous and exophagous insect guilds, and this can influence the response patterns of these guilds to anthropogenic changes in natural habitats. We compared the species richness, abundance, and species‐level specialization of plant–herbivore assemblages composed of distinct insect guilds in Neotropical savannas. Assemblages of chewing insects were the richest in species, and the gallers were the most abundant. Galling species were more specialized than other guilds, and sucking insects were more specialized than chewers. Our results show that insect guilds are similarly influenced by disturbance, which decreased species richness and increased specialization of insect species.
Animal‐mediated seed dispersal in India: Implications for conservation of India’s biodiversity
Authors: Sengupta Asmita
Published: June 2021

Effective seed dispersal is critical for forest regeneration and recruitment as well as the restoration of degraded lands. Most tropical tree species depend on frugivorous animals to disperse their seeds; frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal is thus crucial for biodiversity conservation in megadiverse tropical systems such as India. The fauna in India are increasingly threatened due to anthropogenic interventions such as deforestation and hunting. Thus, it is imperative to have an understanding of plant–frugivore interactions across the country to curb further biodiversity loss by ensuring the maintenance of these ecological processes. In this paper, I reviewed the literature on seed dispersal by animals in India to identify important groups that disperse many plant species and/or are the only recorded dispersers of certain plant species. Hornbills, bulbuls, bears, cattle, deer, civets, elephants, macaques, nilgais, Old World fruit bats, and wild pigs meet these criteria; overall 18 species were included in this list. Six of these species are currently “Threatened” on the IUCN Red List and their loss can lead to limited dispersal for at least 86 plant species. I suggest ensuring the protection of the important seed dispersers identified in this paper, irrespective of their conservation status, to prevent further biodiversity loss. The review reveals that plant–animal interactions in India are understudied and a major knowledge gap exists with regard to seed dispersal networks within the country.
Landscape genetic analysis suggests stronger effects of past than current landscape structure on genetic patterns of Primula veris
Authors: Reinula Iris , Träger Sabrina , Hernández‐Agramonte Ignacio M. , Helm Aveliina , Aavik Tsipe
Published: June 2021

Aim

Recent changes in land use have led to substantial loss and fragmentation of semi‐natural grasslands. We assessed the relative effect of current and historical landscape composition, and landscape change on the genetic diversity and gene flow of a characteristic grassland plant.

Location

Calcareous grasslands on Muhu and Saaremaa islands in Western Estonia, Europe.

Methods

We used landscape genetic methods to study the genetic patterns of the grassland plant Primula veris. We applied a high‐throughput sequencing method (double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing, ddRADseq) to obtain 2,619 putatively neutral single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We examined the impact of the historical (80 years ago) and current amount and edge density of 19 grasslands, the amount of woody elements in the surroundings of the study grasslands and the change in the area of these habitats on the current genetic diversity within populations and genetic differentiation between populations of P. veris.

Results

Genetic diversity within populations of P. veris was lower in landscapes with more pronounced grassland loss over the past 80 years. Higher historical grassland edge density in the surrounding landscape led to higher genetic diversity of P. veris. Higher historical proportion of grasslands between the study populations led to lower genetic differentiation, indicating higher (historical) gene flow between those populations.

Main conclusions

Although the study grasslands experienced a drastic loss in the area and connectivity over the past century, patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow of P. veris still largely mirror the effect of historical landscape, especially grassland edge density and at larger scales the historical proportion of grasslands between study populations. Thus, measures of genetic diversity and gene flow in P. veris may have a lagged response to landscape change, offering a window for preserving the still existing genetic diversity through immediate restoration activities.
Gaining ‘authority to operate’: student‐led emergent volunteers and established response agencies in the Canterbury earthquakes
Authors: Nissen Sylvia , Carlton Sally , Wong Jennifer H.K.
Published: June 2021

There is growing expectation that local volunteers will play a more integrated role in disaster response, yet emergent volunteer groups are often ‘outsiders’ to crisis management. Questions have been raised, therefore, about how emergent groups can forge relationships with established response agencies. This paper analyses how the Student Volunteer Army, as an emergent group, gained ‘authority to operate’ after the earthquakes in Canterbury, New Zealand, in 2010–11. It traces how the volunteers accrued authority through multiple sources of permission and credibility and demonstrates the possibility for established response agencies and emergent groups to generate impactful and mutually supportive relationships. However, the analysis also points to two interrelated tensions that can arise, regarding the terms by which emergent groups are recognised, and the ‘distance’ considered necessary between the two parties. The discussion considers the implications for inclusiveness, risk, and responsibility of further integrations of emergent volunteers in disaster response.
The impact of antiplatelet and antithrombotic regimen after TAVI
Authors: Mach Markus , Watzal Victoria , Cuhaj Carina , Hasan Waseem , Poschner Thomas , Szalkiewicz Philipp , Strouhal Andreas , Adlbrecht Christopher , Delle‐Karth Georg , Grabenwöger Martin , Winkler Bernhard
Published: June 2021

Background

We compared the outcomes and adverse events of TAVI patients based on the discharge and long‐term antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment regimens (single antiplatelet [SAPT] vs. dual antiplatelet [DAPT] vs. anticoagulation [OAC] vs. no treatment [NT]).

Methods

The outcome of 532 consecutive patients treated with TAVI was evaluated. As the main study endpoint, the 1‐year all‐cause mortality was chosen to compare the different discharge treatment regimens and the 3‐year all‐cause mortality to compare the different long‐term treatment regimens. The secondary endpoints were adverse events as defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐II.

Results

One‐year survival after TAVI was highest amongst patients treated with DAPT compared to SAPT (P < .001) and OAC (P = .003), and patients under OAC demonstrated improved 1‐year survival over patients treated with SAPT (P = .006). Furthermore, there was a strong trend towards improved 3‐year survival for patients in the OAC cohort treated with non–vitamin K antagonists compared to vitamin K antagonists (N‐VKAs vs. VKA; log‐rank P = .056).

Conclusion

The lower all‐cause mortality for DAPT within the first year and N‐VKAs over VKA within the first 3 years warrant considerable attention in further recommendations of antithrombotic and anticoagulation regimens after TAVI.
Fit mothers for a healthy future
Authors: Stevanović‐Silva Jelena , Beleza Jorge , Coxito Pedro , Costa Rui Carlos , Ascensão António , Magalhães José
Published: June 2021

Special issue

‘FOIEGRAS—Bioenergetic Remodelling in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease’.

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) emerges as significant health burden worldwide. Lifestyle changes, unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity, can trigger NAFLD development. Persisting on these habits during pregnancy affects in utero environment and prompts a specific metabolic response in foetus resulting in offspring metabolic maladjustments potentially critical for developing NAFLD later in life. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD, particularly in children, has shifted the research focus towards preventive and therapeutic strategies. Yet, designing effective approaches that can break the NAFLD intergenerational cycle becomes even more complicated. Regular physical exercise (PE) is a powerful non‐pharmacological strategy known to counteract deleterious metabolic outcomes. In this narrative review, we aimed to briefly describe NAFLD pathogenesis focusing on maternal nutritional challenge and foetal programming, and to provide potential mechanisms behind the putative intergenerational effect of PE against metabolic diseases, including liver diseases.

Methods

Following detailed electronic database search, recent existing evidence about NAFLD development, intergenerational programming and gestational exercise effects was critically analysed and discussed.

Results

PE during pregnancy could have a great potential to counteract intergenerational transmission of metabolic burden. The interplay between different PE roles—metabolic, endocrine and epigenetic—could offer a more stable in utero environment to the foetus, thus rescuing offspring vulnerability to metabolic disturbances.

Conclusions

The better understanding of maternal PE beneficial consequences on offspring metabolism could reinforce the importance of PE during pregnancy as an indispensable strategy in improving offspring health.
A host transcriptomic signature for identification of respiratory viral infections in the community
Authors: Almansa Raquel , Herrero‐Rodríguez Carmen , Martínez‐Huélamo Misericordia , Vicente‐Andres Maria del Pilar , Nieto‐Barbero Jose Angel , Martín‐Ballesteros Miryam , Rodilla‐Carvajal Maria del Mar , de la Fuente Amanda , Ortega Alicia , Alonso‐Ramos Maria Jesus , Wacker James , Liesenfeld Oliver , Sweeney Timothy E. , Bermejo‐Martin Jesús F. , García‐Ortiz Luis ,   for the PREVISE Study Group
Published: June 2021

Background

Fever‐7 is a test evaluating host mRNA expression levels of IFI27, JUP, LAX, HK3, TNIP1, GPAA1 and CTSB in blood able to detect viral infections. This test has been validated mostly in hospital settings. Here we have evaluated Fever‐7 to identify the presence of respiratory viral infections in a Community Health Center.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in the “Servicio de Urgencias de Atención Primaria” in Salamanca, Spain. Patients with clinical signs of respiratory infection and at least one point in the National Early Warning Score were recruited. Fever‐7 mRNAs were profiled on a Nanostring nCounter® SPRINT instrument from blood collected upon patient enrolment. Viral diagnosis was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) using the Biofire‐RP2 panel.

Results

A respiratory virus was detected in the NPAs of 66 of the 100 patients enrolled. Median National Early Warning Score was 7 in the group with no virus detected and 6.5 in the group with a respiratory viral infection (P > .05). The Fever‐7 score yielded an overall AUC of 0.81 to predict a positive viral syndromic test. The optimal operating point for the Fever‐7 score yielded a sensitivity of 82% with a specificity of 71%. Multivariate analysis showed that Fever‐7 was a robust marker of viral infection independently of age, sex, major comorbidities and disease severity at presentation (OR [CI95%], 3.73 [2.14‐6.51], P < .001).

Conclusions

Fever‐7 is a promising host immune mRNA signature for the early identification of a respiratory viral infection in the community.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, circulating ketone bodies and all‐cause mortality in a general population‐based cohort
Authors: Post Adrian , Garcia Erwin , van den Berg Eline H. , Flores‐Guerrero Jose L. , Gruppen Eke G. , Groothof Dion , Westenbrink Berend Daan , Connelly Margery A. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent, paralleling the obesity epidemic. Ketone bodies are produced in the liver, but it is currently uncertain whether circulating ketone bodies are increased in the context of NAFLD. We investigated the association between NAFLD and circulating ketone bodies and determined the extent to which NAFLD and circulating ketone bodies are associated with all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Plasma ketone bodies were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in participants of the general population‐based PREVEND study. A fatty liver index (FLI) ≥60 was regarded as a proxy of NAFLD. Associations of an elevated FLI and ketone bodies with all‐cause mortality were investigated using Cox regression analyses.

Results

The study included 6,297 participants aged 54 ± 12 years, of whom 1,970 (31%) had elevated FLI. Participants with elevated FLI had higher total ketone bodies (194 [153‐259] vs 170 [133‐243] µmol/L; P < .001) than participants without elevated FLI. During 7.9 [7.8‐8.9] years of follow‐up, 387 (6%) participants died. An elevated FLI was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR: 1.34 [1.06‐1.70]; P = .02). Higher total ketone bodies were also associated with an increased mortality risk (HR per doubling: 1.29 [1.12‐1.49]; P < .001). Mediation analysis suggested that the association of elevated FLI with all‐cause mortality was in part mediated by ketone bodies (proportion mediated: 10%, P < .001).

Conclusion

Circulating ketone bodies were increased in participants with suspected NAFLD. Both suspected NAFLD and higher circulating ketone bodies are associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality.
Characteristics of gestational diabetes subtypes classified by oral glucose tolerance test values
Authors: Kotzaeridi Grammata , Blätter Julia , Eppel Daniel , Rosicky Ingo , Linder Tina , Geissler Franziska , Huhn Evelyn A. , Hösli Irene , Tura Andrea , Göbl Christian S.
Published: June 2021

Background

In clinical practice, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is treated as a homogenous disease but emerging evidence suggests that the diagnosis of GDM possibly comprises different metabolic entities. In this study, we aimed to assess early pregnancy characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus entities classified according to the presence of fasting and/or post‐load hyperglycaemia in the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test performed at mid‐gestation.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 1087 pregnant women received a broad risk evaluation and laboratory examination at early gestation and were later classified as normal glucose tolerant (NGT), as having isolated fasting hyperglycaemia (GDM‐IFH), isolated post‐load hyperglycaemia (GDM‐IPH) or combined hyperglycaemia (GDM‐CH) according to oral glucose tolerance test results. Participants were followed up until delivery to assess data on pharmacotherapy and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Women affected by elevated fasting and post‐load glucose concentrations (GDM‐CH) showed adverse metabolic profiles already at beginning of pregnancy including a higher degree of insulin resistance as compared to women with normal glucose tolerance and those with isolated defects (especially GDM‐IPH). The GDM‐IPH subgroup had lower body mass index at early gestation and required glucose‐lowering medications less often (28.9%) as compared to GDM‐IFH (47.8%, P = .019) and GDM‐CH (54.5%, P = .005). No differences were observed in pregnancy outcome data.

Conclusions

Women with fasting hyperglycaemia, especially those with combined hyperglycaemia, showed an unfavourable metabolic phenotype already at early gestation. Therefore, categorization based on abnormal oral glucose tolerance test values provides a practicable basis for clinical risk stratification.
Introduction of an interactive tool (the Dental Trauma Guide) in the undergraduate dental teaching to manage traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Wimalarathna A. A. A. K. , Herath E. M. U. C. K. , Senarath N. H. , Fonseka M. C. N. , Manathunga M. M. K. M. , Nawarathna L. S. , Andersson L.
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are complex problems where lack of proper care may result in serious complications. The need to improve the management of TDI is a frequently addressed concern. Methods of improvement in their diagnosis and management are continuously evolving. The interactive Internet tool, the Dental Trauma Guide (DTG), helps to simplify diagnostic and management dilemmas. However, it is not a freely available tool. The aim of the current study was to assess the knowledge and diagnostic skills of undergraduate dental students with access to the DTG compared with students without such access, in order to validate and promote this tool in dental education.

Materials and Methods

Two groups of students were randomly selected where one group of final year dental undergraduate students were exposed to lectures, demonstrations, discussions and tutorials on the management of TDI according to the standard undergraduate curriculum in Sri Lanka. Another test group of 21 students were provided with access to DTG during their training in paediatric dentistry. At the end of the study period, students were assessed on their knowledge of TDI using MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), based on the DTG.

Results

The students with access to the DTG were more knowledgeable in providing the correct answers to three out of the seven OSCE questions. Evaluation based on the MCQs did not reveal a significant difference (p = .913). However, users of the DTG showed a statistically significant difference with better overall knowledge based on their answers (p = .028). Following this period of evaluation, all of the students were provided with access to the DTG to supplement their learning experience.

Conclusion

The Dental Trauma Guide is a useful supplementary tool for undergraduate students to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan for TDI.
Theory of temperature‐dependent consumer–resource interactions
Authors: Synodinos Alexis D. , Haegeman Bart , Sentis Arnaud , Montoya José M.
Published: June 2021

Changes in temperature affect consumer–resource interactions, which underpin the functioning of ecosystems. However, existing studies report contrasting predictions regarding the impacts of warming on biological rates and community dynamics. To improve prediction accuracy and comparability, we develop an approach that combines sensitivity analysis and aggregate parameters. The former determines which biological parameters impact the community most strongly. The use of aggregate parameters (i.e., maximal energetic efficiency, ρ, and interaction strength, κ), that combine multiple biological parameters, increases explanatory power and reduces the complexity of theoretical analyses. We illustrate the approach using empirically derived thermal dependence curves of biological rates and applying it to consumer–resource biomass ratio and community stability. Based on our analyses, we generate four predictions: (1) resource growth rate regulates biomass distributions at mild temperatures, (2) interaction strength alone determines the thermal boundaries of the community, (3) warming destabilises dynamics at low and mild temperatures only and (4) interactions strength must decrease faster than maximal energetic efficiency for warming to stabilise dynamics. We argue for the potential benefits of directly working with the aggregate parameters to increase the accuracy of predictions on warming impacts on food webs and promote cross‐system comparisons.
“The Burning Fire of Love, the Nucleus of Reconciliation”
Authors: Clements Keith
Published: June 2021

In 2022, the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches will gather in Karlsruhe, Germany, around the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” Since its 20th‐century beginnings, the modern ecumenical movement has been closely bound up with developments in Germany, not least during the period of the Third Reich. Its early protagonists included the Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed in 1945 for his resistance to National Socialism. This article considers the theme of the forthcoming WCC assembly in 2022, “Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” from the perspective of the life and writings of Bonhoeffer, for whom speaking of reconciliation and unity raises the question of the relationship of the church as the body of Christ to the whole of humanity and the whole created order embraced by the reconciling love of God in Christ.
Thoughts on Ecumenical Dialogue in the Digital Age
Authors: Farrell Brian , Turner Jeanine W.
Published: June 2021

In the time of COVID‐19, because of travel and meeting restrictions, all kinds of meetings are taking place through videoconferencing. The global experience of continuing to work while observing social distancing guidelines is slowly removing the technological, normative, and required‐knowledge resistance that during normal circumstances would have hindered the global diffusion of videoconferencing we are now seeing. Videoconferencing is a welcome tool that has provided an opportunity for creating a sense of face‐to‐face interaction during a time when physical presence is often not possible. Nevertheless, this tool can present specific challenges to interpersonal interaction. This article discusses the challenges posed by videoconferencing technology in the specific case of ecumenical dialogue. Churches engaged in ecumenical dialogue need to ask how the search for understanding and agreement can succeed in the era of digital interaction.
Chalcedon on the Road to Justice and Peace
Authors: Smit Peter‐Ben , Suter Adrian
Published: June 2021

In the context of the bilateral dialogue between the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, the question of Christology – and with that the joint reception of the conciliar tradition of the early church – played an important role, given the “families” of churches that both traditions belong to: “Western Catholic” and “Oriental.” This paper, written from the vantage point of Old Catholic ecumenical theology, analyzes how the topic of (Chalcedonian) Christology was addressed in this dialogue and places it in the context of the broad ecumenical movement. The dialogue focused reception on the content rather than on the wording of patristic convictions. This focus, as well as the willingness to look beyond confessional categories, facilitated a joint understanding of Christology that did justice to both of the traditions involved and was a faithful reflection of the conciliar tradition regarding Christology.
Alternative Strategies in East and West?
Authors: Williamson Roger
Published: June 2021

This article describes church reactions in the two German states in the 1970s to the Programme to Combat Racism of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The decision of the WCC in 1970 to support liberation movements in Southern Africa provoked a conflict between the WCC and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) in West Germany. The Protestant Churches in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) supported the programme. The EKD sought to develop an alternative strategy based on talks with firms investing in South Africa and support for exclusively nonviolent organizations. The article describes this alternative strategy and its failure. The article reviews the analyses of ecumenist Ernst Lange (1927–74). It comments on South Africa’s transition to democracy and contemporary challenges in the light of the WCC 11th Assembly theme.
Why I Am Not a Public Theologian
Authors: Maluleke Tinyiko
Published: June 2021

Insofar as public theology is one of several contextual theologies in the world that is focused on and limited to specific contexts, its raison d’être may be understandable. But we argue that if or since public theology has ambitions to become a totalizing and global theological methodology – a ready‐made frame to be adapted to and adopted in various contexts – we shall, in this article, unmask and interrogate the unspoken imperial ambitions of global public theology. We will use Black and African theologies to evaluate it. In this article, we argue that the context in which Black and African theologies are done is too important for them to be buried under generalized and seemingly context‐less notions of public theology. To this end, we will sketch a few issues that define the context in which Black and African theologies are being done today. These include doing theology not at the helm but in the shadow of the so‐called Fourth Industrial Revolution, doing theology in the midst of violence, and doing theology in a manner that does not minimize the painful history of the continent of Africa. In closing, we will propose a theological agenda for Black and African theologies at this time.
“No Violence”
Authors: Subklew‐Jeutner Marie Anne
Published: June 2021

In 1948, at the 1st Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Amsterdam, its member churches stated their conviction that “war is contrary to the will of God.” Against this background, this article reviews the history of the debate about peace ethics in the Protestant churches in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It focuses on the issue of conscientious objection and the “the preferential option for nonviolence” expressed in 1989 at the Ecumenical Assembly for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation in the GDR. The convictions of the Protestant churches in the GDR on peace ethics were formulated under the conditions of “real existing socialism,” the division of Germany, the Cold War, and the nuclear threat. As such, these theologically based testimonies from the past can be applied only to a limited extent to the present challenges of peace ethics. Nevertheless, the central question posed during this time – “What can the church do for peace?” – remains the same and demands theological answers.
Assessing biogeographic survey gaps in bacterial diversity knowledge: A global synthesis of freshwaters
Authors: Veach Allison M. , Troia Matthew J. , Cregger Melissa A.
Published: June 2021

Freshwaters account for 0.8% of Earth's surface area, yet support >10% of known plant and animal species making them disproportionately biodiverse. Modern molecular techniques have begun to reveal microbial diversity, but application of these approaches to address global microbial biogeography is relatively unknown in freshwaters.

Our aim was to identify gaps in microbial data coverage along climatic and landscape disturbance gradients and among terrestrial biomes and hydrographic regions for all freshwater ecosystems and three freshwater habitat types: lakes and reservoirs (lentic); streams and rivers (lotic); and wetlands.

We reviewed literature on microbial diversity in freshwaters surveyed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing which identify microbial taxa. We georeferenced survey locations and used a geographic information system to identify and map gaps in survey coverage using open‐source data for climate, landscape disturbance, terrestrial biomes, and freshwater ecoregions.

We compiled 3,425 georeferenced survey locations reported from 963 studies. Streams were surveyed most frequently (60.8% of survey locations), followed by lakes (33.5%) and wetlands (5.6%). Surveys were concentrated in North America, central and western Europe, and Southeast Asia; 35% of freshwater ecoregions were surveyed at least once across freshwater habitat types, whereas 23%, 23%, and 12% were surveyed at least once for lentic, lotic, and wetland habitat types, respectively. The climatic gap analysis indicated coverage is high for temperate regions but lacking in the tropics and Arctic, particularly for wetland ecosystems.

Our assessment revealed high climatic coverage of freshwater microbial diversity knowledge, but expansive ecoregional gaps attributable to biased sampling near research institutions in North America, western Europe, and China. Future surveys should target ecoregions in Africa, South America, Central Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. An essential next step will be to curate and disseminate sequencing efforts to facilitate the study of processes driving global diversity patterns.
Emotion regulation from infancy to toddlerhood: Individual and group trajectories of full‐term and very‐low‐birthweight preterm infants
Authors: Atkinson Nicole H. , Jean Amélie D. L. , Stack Dale M.
Published: June 2021

Adaptive emotion regulation begins with infants operating jointly with their parents to regulate their emotions, which fosters the development of independent regulation. Little is known about when or how this transition occurs, or the impact of factors such as parental availability or premature birth status. The current study examined the use of self‐soothing, attentional distraction, and dyadic regulation in full‐term and healthy very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) preterm infant‐mother dyads at 5 ½, 12, and 18 months of age. At 5 ½ months, dyads participated in the Still‐Face procedure. At 12 and 18 months, dyads participated in two free‐play interactions, a puzzle task, and an interference task. Emotion regulation behaviors were coded using two systematic, observational systems. Results indicated that infants used less self‐soothing and attentional distraction and more dyadic regulation as they aged. Increased use of self‐soothing at earlier ages predicted increased use of dyadic regulation at subsequent ages. Toddlers used more independent, attention‐seeking, and escape behavior during periods of maternal unavailability. There were no significant differences between full‐term and VLBW/preterm toddlers’ emotion regulation behaviors. Results from the current study contribute to the understanding of normative development of emotion regulation and the risk associated with prematurity.
Pretending emotions in the early years: The role of language and symbolic play
Authors: Sidera Francesc , Lillard Angeline S. , Amadó Anna , Caparrós Beatriz , Rostan Carles , Serrat Elisabet
Published: June 2021

Although 3‐year‐old children sometimes simulate emotions to adapt to social norms, we do not know if even younger children can pretend emotions in playful contexts. The present study investigated (1) what emotions infants of 1–2 years old are capable of pretending and (2) the possible role of language and symbolic play in the ability to pretend emotions. The sample included 69 infants aged 18 to 31 months and their parents. Infants were administrated the Test of Pretend Play, and their parents responded to the MacArthur‐Bates CDI‐II inventory, part of the MacArthur‐Bates CDI‐I, and a questionnaire about the expression of pretend emotions. Results suggest that very young children simulate emotions. Furthermore, children's simulation of emotions was related to both symbolic play and language. Specifically, the ability to label emotions was linked to the ability to simulate them. The role of language and symbolic play in the development of the capacity to express and understand pretend emotions is discussed.
Twelve‐month‐old infants’ physiological responses to music are affected by others’ positive and negative reactions
Authors: Fawcett Christine , Kreutz Gunter
Published: June 2021

Infants show remarkable skills for processing music in the first year of life. Such skills are believed to foster social and communicative development, yet little is known about how infants’ own preferences for music develop and whether social information plays a role. Here, we investigate whether the reactions of another person influence infants’ responses to music. Specifically, 12‐month‐olds (N = 33) saw an actor react positively or negatively after listening to clips of instrumental music. Arousal (measured via pupil dilation) and attention (measured via looking time) were assessed when infants later heard the clips without the actor visible. Results showed greater pupil dilation when listening to music clips that had previously been reacted to negatively than those that had been reacted to positively (Exp. 1). This effect was not replicated when a similar, rather than identical, clip from the piece of music was used in the test phase (Exp. 2, N = 35 12‐month‐olds). There were no effects of the actor's positive or negative reaction on looking time. Together, our findings suggest that infants are sensitive to others’ positive and negative reactions not only for concrete objects, such as food or toys, but also for more abstract stimuli including music.
Longitudinal transactional relations among young children’s defiance and committed compliance and maternal assertive control
Authors: Xu Xiaoye , Spinrad Tracy L. , Eisenberg Nancy , Eggum‐Wilkens Natalie D.
Published: June 2021

The main goal of this study was to more closely understand the direction of relations between maternal behavior and young children's defiance and committed compliance. We examined 256 mother–child dyads to explore developmental transactional relations between maternal assertive control, children's committed compliance, and children's defiance at 18 (T1), 30 (T2), and 42 (T3) months of age. After controlling for maternal gentle control, SES, and child sex, results showed parent effects for children's committed compliance, such that T1 maternal assertive control negatively predicted T3 committed compliance. Furthermore, toddlers’ behavior predicted T3 parenting; that is, toddlers’ T1 defiance positively predicted T3 maternal assertive control. Results of the present study indicate relatively long‐term prediction (to 42 months) from both parent and child behaviors at 18 months of age, and the findings have implications for understanding the bidirectional and complex processes that account for young children's adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
MiR‐144‐induced KLF2 inhibition and NF‐kappaB/CXCR1 activation promote neutrophil extracellular trap–induced transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors: Le Aiping , Wu Yize , Liu Wei , Wu Chenggao , Hu Piaoping , Zou Juan , Kuang Linju
Published: June 2021

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a clinical syndrome which is associated with the formation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). Recent studies have demonstrated the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathophysiological process of TRALI. Here, the study focused on the role of miR‐144 and the molecular mechanisms in NET‐induced TRALI. Up‐regulated miR‐144 and under‐expressed KLF2 were determined in patients with TRALI. In the mouse model of a two‐event TRALI induced by intraperitoneal injections with lipopolysaccharide and anti‐H‐2Kd mAb, we determined expression patterns of miR‐144, Krüppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2), chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 1 (CXCR1) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐kappaB) p65. The results confirmed that miR‐144 was highly expressed, while KLF2 was poorly expressed in mice with TRALI. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay identified that miR‐144 could target KLF2. Using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches, we analysed the effects of miR‐144 and its interaction with KLF2 on TRALI. Enforced expression of miR‐144 was found to aggravate NET‐induced TRALI by down‐regulating KLF2 and activating the NF‐kappaB/CXCR1 signalling pathway in TRALI mice. Collectively, miR‐144‐targeted inhibition of KLF2 and activation of NF‐kappaB/CXCR1 are possible mechanisms responsible for NET‐caused TRALI. These findings aid in the development of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of TRALI.