bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who detects corporate fraud under the thriving of the new media? Evidence from Chinese‐listed firms
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Sun Xiaoting , Wu Weixing
Published: February 2020

We test the effectiveness of corporate fraud‐detection mechanisms and the reaction of the capital market to the information released by the various types of detectors. Using corporate fraud data from 2006 to 2015, we find that the media is the most important external market system used to expose corporate fraud to the public. However, in contrast to the low incidents of fraudulent firms being exposed by analysts and short sellers, firms with abnormal short selling are more likely to be revealed to the public. Furthermore, the market reacts significantly negatively to the frauds exposed by the media.
Calculating autoecological data (optima and tolerance range) for multiple species with the ‘optimos.prime’ R package
Authors: Sathicq María Belén , Nicolosi Gelis María Mercedes , Cochero Joaquín
Published: February 2020

The calculation of autoecological data, such as optima and tolerance ranges to environmental variables, can be useful to establish the distribution and abundance of the species. These calculations, although mathematically not complex, can be prone to error when using a large database. We show how to calculate the optimum value and tolerance ranges of multiple species to multiple environmental factors in a single run, by weighted average using a specific R package (‘optimos.prime’). Using sample data from a phytoplankton database, we exemplify the use of the R package and its functions. A stand‐alone version for Windows is also provided, and source code and documents are freely available on GitHub to encourage collaborative work.
Rainforest expansion reduces understorey plant diversity and density in open forest of eastern Australia
Authors: Baker Andrew G. , Catterall Claudia , Benkendorff Kirsten , Fensham Rod J.
Published: February 2020

The expansion of rainforest pioneer trees into long‐unburnt open forests has become increasingly widespread across high rainfall regions of Australia. Increasing tree cover can limit resource availability for understorey plant communities and reduce understorey diversity. However, it remains unclear if sclerophyll and rainforest trees differ in their competitive exclusion of understory plant communities, which contain most of the floristic diversity of open forests. Here, we examine dry open forest across contrasting fire histories (burnt and unburnt) and levels of rainforest invasion (sclerophyll or rainforest midstorey) to hindcast changes in understorey plant density, richness and composition. The influence of these treatments and other site variables (midstorey structure, midstorey composition and soil parameters) on understorey plant communities were all examined. This study is the first to demonstrate significantly greater losses of understorey species richness, particularly of dry open‐forest specialists, under an invading rainforest midstorey compared to a typical sclerophyll midstorey. Rainforest pioneers displaced over half of the understorey plant species, and reduced ground cover and density of dry forest specialists by ~90%. Significant understorey declines also occurred with increased sclerophyll midstorey cover following fire exclusion, although losses were typically less than half that of rainforest‐invaded sites over the same period. Understorey declines were closely related to leaf area index and basal area of rainforest and wattle trees, suggesting competitive exclusion through shading and potentially belowground competition for water. Around 20% of displaced species lacked any capacity for population recovery, while transient seed banks or distance‐limited dispersal may hinder recovery for a further 68%. We conclude that rainforest invasion leads to significant declines in understorey plant diversity and cover in open forests. To avoid elimination of local native plant populations in open forests, fires should occur with sufficient frequency to prevent overstorey cover from reaching a level where shade‐intolerant species fail to thrive.
Environmental drivers of the metacommunity structure of insects on the surface of tropical streams of the Amazon
Authors: Cunha Erlane José , Juen Leandro
Published: February 2020

Understanding how species are distributed according to environmental and spatial variation is still one of the main issues in community ecology. We analysed the responses of semiaquatic bugs (Gerromorpha: Hemiptera) to environmental and spatial processes considered drivers of metacommunity structure in Amazonian streams. We tested the hypotheses that environmental variables determine the metacommunity structure and that the spatial structures, both dendritic and overland, are not representative of the metacommunity structure. Environmental variables and semiaquatic bugs were collected from 39 stream sites. Spatial variables were calculated in two configurations – overland and hydrographic distances between streams. We used partial redundancy analysis to test the relative importance of environment and space on the metacommunity structure, considering the two spatial configurations separately. The environmental variables were the metacommunity drivers in tropical streams, mainly structured by the depth, canopy, embeddedness and slope variables. Our results also indicate little or no dispersion limitation, as no spatial patterns were found. Thus, environmental selection determines the semiaquatic bugs' metacommunity structure due to the achievement of optimal habitats through dispersal. We also believe that dispersion cannot be ruled out as a metacommunity driver, since the peculiarities of the group show seasonal changes in dispersion ability, and spatial patterns may occur under different temporal scales.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of T‐wave amplitude difference between supine and orthostatic electrocardiogram in children and adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Wang Yuwen , Xu Yi , Li Fang , Lin Ping , Zhang Juan , Zou Runmei , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of T‐wave amplitude difference between supine and orthostatic electrocardiogram (ECG) in children and adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Methods

A total of 100 children and adolescents (POTS group, 50 males and 50 females, aged at 11.0 ± 2.4 years) diagnosed as POTS were enrolled from August 2013 to July 2016. Seventy‐one children were matched as the control group according to age and sex. All cases completed the supine and orthostatic ECG.

Results

(a) Compared with the control group, the T‐wave amplitude difference in leads I, II, aVL, V4, V5, and V6 and the heart rate (HR) difference increased in POTS group. (b) Logistic regression analysis: The T‐wave amplitude difference in leads V4, V5, and V6 and HR difference have statistical significance for POTS diagnosis. (c) Diagnostic test evaluation: When HR difference was ≥ 15 times/min, T‐wave amplitude difference in lead V5 was ≥0.15 mV, T‐wave amplitude difference in leads V4 and V6 were ≥0.10 mV, and the sensitivity and specificity of POTS diagnosis were 35.0% and 88.7%. (d) Follow‐up: There was no significant difference in HR difference and T‐wave amplitude difference in the nonresponse groups. In the response group, the T‐wave amplitude difference in lead V4 was reduced than the initial value.

Conclusions

The HR difference and T‐wave amplitude difference in leads V4, V5, and V6 between supine and orthostatic ECG are of help in assisting the diagnosis of POTS but no obviously significance on prognosis estimation of it.
Geopolicing Race, Gender, and Class: How the Police Immobilise Urban Allochthones
Authors: Çankaya Sinan
Published: February 2020

City landscapes are ever‐changing stages for the protagonists that pass through it. For police officers they serve as canvasses to positively and negatively code subjects. As such, geography matters to the body. Rather than taking geographic locations, crime statistics, predictive maps and human bodies as objective truths, I focus on the work of police officers, not in terms of an instrumental‐rational “meeting of policy targets” or attempts to reduce crime, but the work required to make raced, gendered and classed geographical differentiations. This process culminates in geopolicing: the spatial imaginations and practices of police officers as to who, what and where to police and, of course, why. Geopolicing includes the aesthetic re‐ordering and cleansing of urban “matter out of place”. Police officers perceive exclusionary territories in which landscapes racialised as white and identified as affluent are threatened by urban allochthones identified by class, race, gender, age and residential status. The findings are based on my ethnography among police officers in the city of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, between 2007 and 2011.
#WeAreBeneficiaries: Contesting Poverty Stigma Through Social Media
Authors: Meese Holly , Baker Tom , Sisson Alistair
Published: February 2020

Showcasing stories of welfare beneficiaries in their own words, a recent Aotearoa (New Zealand)‐based campaign called “We Are Beneficiaries” used social media to create a space of contestation to the widespread stigmatisation of poverty. While existing literature strongly emphasises the role played by traditional media in constructing and reinforcing stigma, and has more recently begun to explore resistance and contestation, relatively few accounts address efforts, like the We Are Beneficiaries campaign, that seek to destigmatise poverty stigma via social media. Accordingly, this paper argues that social media can serve as a counterpublic space for the destigmatisation of poverty. By discussing how the We Are Beneficiaries campaign refuted stigmatising narratives, critiqued institutions and sought to build solidarity among and with welfare beneficiaries, the paper draws attention to the potential of social media in the development of counterdiscourses as well as new political identities and claims‐making.
A multicentre prospective study evaluating the impact of proton‐pump inhibitors omeprazole and pantoprazole on voriconazole plasma concentrations
Authors: Blanco Dorado Sara , Maroñas Amigo Olalla , Latorre‐Pellicer Ana , Rodríguez Jato María Teresa , López‐Vizcaíno Ana , Gómez Márquez Aurea , Bardán García Belén , Belles Medall Dolores , Barbeito Castiñeiras Gema , Pérez del Molino Bernal María Luisa , Campos‐Toimil Manuel , Otero Espinar Francisco , Blanco Hortas Andrés , Zarra Ferro Irene , Carracedo Ángel , Lamas María Jesús , Fernández‐Ferreiro Anxo
Published: February 2020

Voriconazole is an antifungal metabolised by CYP2C19 enzyme, which can be inhibited by proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs). A prospective observational study was carried out to determine the influence of PPIs on voriconazole pharmacokinetic. The 78 patients included were divided into 4 groups: omeprazole (n = 32), pantoprazole (n = 25), esomeprazole (n = 3) and no PPI (n = 18). Patients with no PPI had no significant difference in plasma voriconazole concentration when compared with those with PPI (2.63 ± 2.13 μg/mL [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.57–3.69] vs 2.11 ± 1.73 μg/mL [95%CI 1.67–2.55], P > .05). However, voriconazole plasma concentration was significantly lower in patients treated with pantoprazole vs those treated with omeprazole (1.44 ± 1.22 μg/mL [95%CI 0.94–1.94) vs 2.67 ± 1.88 μg/mL [95%CI 2.02–3.32], P = .013) suggesting a greater CYP2C19 enzyme inhibitory effect of omeprazole. This study demonstrates the greater CYP inhibition capacity of omeprazole and should be helpful for the choice of PPIs for patients treated with voriconazole.
Efficacy of cognitive‐behavioral group therapy in patients at risk for serious mental illness presenting with subthreshold bipolar symptoms: Results from a prespecified interim analysis of a multicenter, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Leopold Karolina , Bauer Michael , Bechdolf Andreas , Correll Christoph U. , Holtmann Martin , Juckel Georg , Lambert Martin , Meyer Thomas D. , Pfeiffer Steffi , Kittel‐Schneider Sarah , Reif Andreas , Stamm Thomas J. , Rottmann‐Wolf Maren , Mathiebe Josephine , Kellmann Eva L. , Ritter Philipp , Krüger‐Özgürdal Seza , Karow Anne , Sondergeld Lene‐Marie , Roessner Veit , Sauer Cathrin , Pfennig Andrea
Published: February 2020

Objective

Most patients with bipolar disorders (BD) exhibit prodromal symptoms before a first (hypo)manic episode. Patients with clinically significant symptoms fulfilling at‐risk criteria for serious mental illness (SMI) require effective and safe treatment. Cognitive‐behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) has shown promising results in early stages of BD and in patients at high risk for psychosis. We aimed to investigate whether group CBT can improve symptoms and functional deficits in young patients at risk for SMI presenting with subthreshold bipolar symptoms.

Method

In a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, patients at clinical risk for SMI presenting with subthreshold bipolar symptoms aged 15‐30 years were randomized to 14 weeks of at‐risk for BD‐specific group CBT or unstructured group meetings. Primary efficacy endpoints were differences in affective symptomatology and psychosocial functioning at 14 weeks. At‐risk status was defined as a combination of subthreshold bipolar symptomatology, reduction of psychosocial functioning and a family history for (schizo)affective disorders. A prespecified interim analysis was conducted at 75% of the targeted sample.

Results

Of 128 screened participants, 75 were randomized to group CBT (n = 38, completers = 65.8%) vs unstructured group meetings (n = 37, completers = 78.4%). Affective symptomatology and psychosocial functioning improved significantly at week 14 (P < .001) and during 6 months (P < .001) in both groups, without significant between‐group differences. Findings are limited by the interim character of the analysis, the use of not fully validated early detection interviews, a newly adapted intervention manual, and the substantial drop‐outs.

Conclusions

Results suggest that young patients at‐risk for SMI presenting with subthreshold bipolar symptoms benefit from early group sessions. The degree of specificity and psychotherapeutic interaction needed requires clarification.
Are women more likely to wear red and pink at peak fertility? What about on cold days? Conceptual, close, and extended replications with novel clothing colour measures
Authors: Hone Liana S. E. , McCullough Michael E.
Published: February 2020

Evolutionarily minded researchers have hypothesized that women advertise their ovulatory status by wearing red or pink clothing on relatively cold days. Many of these studies have been based on samples of women who have self‐reported their clothing choices, a practice that raises questions about accuracy. In two studies, we evaluated the relationship between women’s fertility and their clothing choices using four methods for measuring clothing colour: self‐reports; trained raters’ judgements of garment coloration in outfits that women drew onto mannequins to represent what they would wear to a party with single attractive people in attendance; automated colour coding of the mannequins; and trained raters’ judgements of garment coloration as evinced in photographs that women took of themselves. Using these four measures of clothing choice along with measures of women’s fertility and outside temperature, we did not find compelling evidence that women are particularly inclined to wear red or pink during peak fertility, even on relatively cold days.
Association of CRX genotypes and retinal phenotypes confounded by variable expressivity and electronegative electroretinogram
Authors: Nishiguchi Koji M. , Kunikata Hiroshi , Fujita Kosuke , Hashimoto Kazuki , Koyanagi Yoshito , Akiyama Masato , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Momozawa Yukihide , Sonoda Koh‐Hei , Murakami Akira , Wada Yuko , Nakazawa Toru
Published: February 2020

Importance

A framework for understanding the phenotypic features of CRX retinopathy was established.

Background

To perform a phenotype‐genotype correlation analysis in two groups of patients with heterozygous mutations in distinct locations of the CRX gene, encoding the cone‐rod homeobox.

Design

Multicentre retrospective study.

Participants

Twenty‐one Japanese patients from 14 families with a heterozygous CRX mutation.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical records on CRX mutation, symptoms, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, fundus photography, fundus auto‐fluorescence, optical coherence tomography and electroretinograms (ERGs).

Results

Six different CRX heterozygous mutations were identified in the subjects. Twelve patients from 9 families shared the p.R41W mutation and 1 patient had the p.R43C mutation, both of which affect the homeobox domain of CRX. These patients often displayed adult‐onset retinal dystrophy with macular degeneration. In contrast, five patients with downstream mutations (p.S204fs, p.S213fs, p.G243X and p.L299F) displayed retinal degeneration or macular degeneration with bone‐spicule pigmentation. Three asymptomatic carriers with different mutations (p.R41W, p.S213fs and p.G243X) were present in both groups. Nearly all patients and carriers had an electronegative ERG in response to a bright flash under dark adaptation. There was no cross‐sectional association between patients' age and BCVA, despite progressive decline in BCVA.

Conclusions and Relevance

Heterozygous mutations within or downstream of the homeobox domain in CRX relate to the difference associated retinal phenotypes, which was confounded by variable expressivity and electronegative ERGs. CRX mutations should be considered in patients with an electronegative ERG with minimal or no macular changes.
Association of Karnofsky Performance Status with waitlist mortality among older and younger adults awaiting kidney transplantation
Authors: Sheshadri Anoop , Cullaro Giuseppe , Johansen Kirsten L. , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: February 2020

Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) have impaired functional status compared with the general population. We sought to explore the association between Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and death/delisting from the kidney transplantation waitlist and whether this association differed by age. Patients listed for single‐organ kidney transplantation in the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2018, were included. We performed competing‐risk regression analyses to determine the association between KPS (“Severely impaired”, “Moderately impaired”, “Non‐impaired”) and death/delisting, with deceased‐donor kidney transplantation as a competing risk. We tested for interactions between age and KPS on death/delisting. Of the 89,819 patients analyzed, 39% were impaired (KPS < 80) and 20% were aged ≥ 65 years. Older age and lower KPS were independently associated with higher risk of death/delisting (age 45‐64 years, HR 1.97 [95% CI 1.73‐2.24]; age ≥ 65 years, HR 3.62 [95% CI 3.33‐3.92] compared with age < 45 years; moderately impaired, HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.45‐1.95]; severely impaired, HR 4.80 [95% CI 3.71‐6.21] compared with non‐impaired). Lower KPS was associated with higher risk of death/delisting among all ages, but this effect was slightly less pronounced among individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Performance status should be used when counseling patients with ESRD on their risks for death/delisting.
Potential Protective Effects of the Water‐Soluble Chinese Propolis on Hypertension Induced by High‐Salt Intake
Authors: Zhou Hua , Wang Haihua , Shi Na , Wu Fang
Published: February 2020

High‐salt (HS) intake is closely associated with the ignition and progression of hypertension. The mechanisms might be involved in endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide deficiency, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines. Propolis is widely used as a natural antioxidant and is a well‐known functional food for its biological activities, which includes anti‐inflammation, antimicrobial, and liver detoxification. In this study, we successfully replicated a HS diet‐induced hypertensive rat model. We found that in the long‐term HS diet group, the myocardial function of the rats was altered and led to a significant decrease (around 49%) in heart function. However, doses of Chinese water‐soluble propolis (WSP) were found directly proportional (11%, 60%, 91%, respectively) to the myocardial function improvement in hypertensive rats. The results from the blood circulation test and hematoxylin‐eosin stains showed that propolis had protective effects on myocardial functions and blood vessels in hypertensive rats. Also, based on the results of western blot and polymerase chain reaction, WSP effectively regulated Nox2 and Nox4 levels and was responsible for a decrease in reactive oxygen species synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that Chinese WSP has a significant effect on the blood pressure of hypertensive rats and their cardiovascular functions that improved significantly. The improvement in the cardiovascular functions might be related to the process of anti‐oxidation, anti‐inflammation, and the improvements of the endothelial function in hypertensive rats.
Prediction of Survival Benefit of Filgrastim in Adult and Pediatric Patients With Acute Radiation Syndrome
Authors: Harrold John , Gisleskog Per Olsson , Perez‐Ruixo Juan Jose , Delor Isabelle , Chow Andrew , Jacqmin Philippe , Melhem Murad
Published: February 2020

Acute exposure to high doses of radiation leads to severe myelosuppression, but few treatments are currently available to treat hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome. Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (e.g., filgrastim) stimulate proliferation of neutrophil precursors and enhance mature neutrophil function. Owing to ethical constraints on conducting clinical research in lethally irradiated humans, we developed a model‐based strategy to integrate preclinical experience in irradiated nonhuman primates (NHPs) and other clinical myelosuppressive conditions to inform filgrastim dosing to treat hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome. Models predicting neutrophil counts and overall survival based on drug exposures were calibrated and scaled from NHPs to adult and pediatric human subjects. Several scenarios were examined investigating variations in filgrastim doses, dose frequency, treatment initiation, and duration, as well as the effect of age and radiation dose rate. Model‐based simulations and established safety profiles supported that a subcutaneous filgrastim dose of 10 µg/kg once daily provides a significant survival benefit (50%) over placebo in both adults and children, provided that the treatment is initiated within 1–14 days after radiation exposure and lasts 2–3 weeks. For treatment durations of longer than 3 weeks, filgrastim treatment is not expected to provide significantly greater benefit. This survival benefit is expected to hold for the wide range of radiation doses and dose rates (0.01–1,000 Gy/hours) examined.
Primary pulmonary Hodgkin lymphoma presenting as multiple cystic lung lesions: diagnostic usefulness of cell block
Authors: Parente Paola , Zanelli Magda , Zizzo Maurizio , Carosi Illuminato , Di Candia Leonarda , Sperandeo Marco , Lacedonia Donato , Fesce Vincenza Fernanda , Ascani Stefano , Graziano Paolo
Published: February 2020

Primary Pulmonary Hodgkin Lymphoma (PPHL) is a very rarely documented presentation of this disease consisting of 1% of all lymphomas; very few cases of PPHL are reported as partially cavitated, cystic lesions in the lung. TUS‐FNA represents a minimally invasive and safe procedure even in patients with cystic lesions, usually challenging for a core needle biopsy. CB obtained by TUS‐FNA resulted in an adequate sample available for additional analysis useful for lymphoma subtyping. An accurate diagnosis was reached avoiding more aggressive diagnostic procedures and without any treatment delay.
Massive mystery mass: cytological diagnosis of a neck swelling
Authors: Rakheja Garima , Handa Uma , Bhagat Ranjeev , Kaur Ravinder
Published: February 2020

Chondrosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumors. However, its presentation as a palpable mass in the neck is very rare, proving to be a clinical and cytological diagnostic dilemma. Identification of chondromyxoid stromal material, along with increased cellularity of the smears in conjunction with the radiological findings helps in clinching the diagnosis. Discussed here, is a case of well‐differentiated chondrosarcoma, radiologically seen arising from and eroding the ribs, which could be diagnosed on FNAC done from a clinically palpable neck mass.
Predictors of mathematics in primary school: Magnitude comparison, verbal and spatial working memory measures
Authors: Caviola Sara , Colling Lincoln J. , Mammarella Irene C. , Szűcs Dénes
Published: February 2020

We determined the relative importance of the so‐called approximate number system (ANS), symbolic number comparison (SNC) and verbal and spatial short‐term and working memory (WM) capacity for mathematics achievement in 1,254 Grade 2, 4 and 6 children. The large sample size assured high power and low false report probability and allowed us to determine effect sizes precisely. We used reading decoding as a control outcome measure to test whether findings were specific to mathematics. Bayesian analysis allowed us to provide support for both null and alternative hypotheses. We found very weak zero‐order correlations between ANS measures and math achievement. These correlations were not specific to mathematics, became non‐significant once intelligence was considered and ANS measures were not selected as predictors of math by regression models. In contrast, overall SNC accuracy and spatial WM measures were reliable and mostly specific predictors of math achievement. Verbal short‐term and WM and SNC reaction time were predictors of both reading and math achievement. We conclude that ANS tasks are not suitable as measures of math development in school‐age populations. In contrast, all other cognitive functions we studied are promising markers of mathematics development.
Developmental regulation of olfactory circuit formation in mice
Authors: Sakano Hitoshi
Published: February 2020

In mammals, odorants induce various behavioral responses that are critical to the survival of the individual and species. Binding signals of odorants to odorant receptors (ORs) expressed in the olfactory epithelia are converted to an odor map, a pattern of activated glomeruli, in the olfactory bulb (OB). This topographic map is used to identify odorants for memory‐based learned decisions. In the embryo, a coarse olfactory map is generated in the OB by a combination of dorsal‐ventral and anterior‐posterior targeting of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), using specific sets of axon‐guidance molecules. During the process of OSN projection, odor signals are sorted into distinct odor qualities in separate functional domains in the OB. Odor information is then conveyed by the projection neurons, mitral/tufted cells, to various regions in the olfactory cortex, particularly to the amygdala for innate olfactory decisions. Although the basic architecture of hard‐wired circuits is generated by a genetic program, innate olfactory responses are modified by neonatal odor experience in an activity‐dependent manner. Stimulus‐driven OR activity promotes post‐synaptic events and dendrite selection in the responding glomeruli making them larger. As a result, enhanced odor inputs in neonates establish imprinted olfactory memory that induces attractive responses in adults, even when the odor quality is innately aversive. In this paper, I will provide an overview of the recent progress made in the olfactory circuit formation in mice.
High burden of cardiometabolic risk factors in spouses of Indian women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Gupta Y. , Goyal A. , Kalaivani M. , Singhal S. , Bhatla N. , Gupta N. , Tandon N.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To evaluate the burden and association of cardiometabolic risk factors in the spouses of women with and without hyperglycaemia in pregnancy.

Methods

Women with (n = 204) and without (n = 197) hyperglycaemia in pregnancy, along with their spouses, participated in this cross‐sectional study. The hyperglycaemia in pregnancy group included women with gestational diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy. A detailed questionnaire was completed for all participants (men and women), documenting relevant personal and medical history, along with biochemical investigations (men).

Results

A total of 401 couples were evaluated at the time point during the pregnancy of 24.7 ± 5.2 gestational weeks (mean ± sd). Dysglycaemia (prediabetes or diabetes), overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and metabolic syndrome were detected in 120 (58.9%), 123 (60.3%) and 98 spouses (48.3%) of women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, an increased risk of dysglycaemia [odds ratio 1.43 (95% CI 0.95–2.17); P = 0.088], overweight/obesity [odds ratio 1.49 (95% CI 0.98–2.27); P = 0.064] and metabolic syndrome [odds ratio 2.00 (95% CI 1.30–3.07); P = 0.001] was seen in the spouses of women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. The prevalence of these metabolic conditions was higher in spouses of women with diabetes in pregnancy compared to spouses of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

A high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors was observed in the spouses of women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. The opportunity provided by pregnancy could be used by the healthcare system not only to improve the health of the woman and her offspring, but also her spouse.
Burden of disease of type 2 diabetes mellitus: cost of illness and quality of life estimated using the Maastricht Study
Authors: Janssen L. M. M. , Hiligsmann M. , Elissen A. M. J. , Joore M. A. , Schaper N. C. , Bosma J. H. A. , Stehouwer C. D. A. , Sep S. J. S. , Koster A. , Schram M. T. , Evers S. M. A. A.
Published: February 2020

Aims

To estimate the societal costs and quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes and to compare these results with those of people with normal glucose tolerance or prediabetes.

Methods

Data from 2915 individuals from the population‐based Maastricht Study were included. Costs were assessed through a resource‐use questionnaire completed by the participants; cost prices were based on Dutch costing guidelines. Quality of life was expressed in utilities using the Dutch EuroQol 5D‐3L questionnaire and the SF‐36 health survey. Based on normal fasting glucose and 2‐h plasma glucose values, participants were classified into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (n = 1701); prediabetes (n = 446); or type 2 diabetes (n = 768).

Results

Participants with type 2 diabetes had on average 2.2 times higher societal costs than those with normal glucose tolerance (€3,006 and €1,377 per 6 months, respectively) and had lower utilities (0.77 and 0.81, respectively). No significant differences were found between participants with normal glucose tolerance and those with prediabetes. Subgroup analyses showed that higher age, being female and having two or more diabetes‐related complications resulted in higher costs (P < 0.05) and lower utilities.

Conclusions

This study showed that people with type 2 diabetes have substantially higher societal costs and lower quality of life than people with normal glucose tolerance. The results provide important input for future model‐based economic evaluations and for policy decision‐making.
Carotid intima‐media thickness predicts carotid plaque development: Meta‐analysis of seven studies involving 9341 participants
Authors: Tschiderer Lena , Klingenschmid Gerhard , Seekircher Lisa , Willeit Peter
Published: February 2020

Background

Carotid intima‐media thickness and carotid plaque are well‐established imaging markers used to capture different stages of the atherosclerotic disease process. We aimed to quantify to which extent carotid intima‐media thickness predicts incidence of first‐ever carotid plaque.

Materials and methods

Two independent reviewers conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Web of Science. To be eligible for inclusion, prospective studies were required to involve participants free of carotid plaque at baseline and report on the association of baseline carotid intima‐media thickness with development of first‐ever carotid plaque. Study‐specific relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were collected and pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified seven relevant prospective studies involving a total of 9341 participants. Individuals were recruited between 1987 and 2012, average age at baseline was 54 years, and 63% were female. Studies reported on 1288 incident first‐ever carotid plaques, occurring over an average maximum follow‐up of 8.7 years. When individuals in the top fourth of baseline carotid intima‐media thickness distribution were compared with those in the bottom fourth, the pooled relative risk for incidence of first‐ever carotid plaque was 1.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.53‐2.07, P < .001, I2 = 2.8%). The strength of association was not modified by mean baseline age, proportion of female participants, length of follow‐up, year of baseline, and geographical location of the studies.

Conclusions

In general population studies, elevated baseline carotid intima‐media thickness is associated with incidence of carotid plaque in individuals free of carotid plaque at baseline.
Tillage and cropping effects on soil organic carbon: Biodegradation and storage in density and size fractions
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Xiujun , Gregorich Ed , McLaughlin Neil , Zhang Xiaoping , Guo Yafei , Gao Yan , Liang Aizhen
Published: February 2020

Improvements in management practices can prevent the decline of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage caused by conventional tillage practice in Northeast China. Density and size fractionation can track the transformation of plant residue into SOC and its location in the soil matrix. We used a long‐term field study in China to evaluate these changes as a result of improved management involving tillage and cropping systems. Experimental treatments included no‐till (NT) and mouldboard ploughing (MP) under monoculture maize (Zea mays L.) (MM) and maize‐soybean (Glycine max Merr.) rotation (MS); these were compared to the traditional management involving conventional tillage (CT) under MM. An incubation study was conducted to evaluate mineralization and the biodegradability of SOC. The soils were also physically fractionated by density (light fraction, LF) and size (sand, silt and clay). With improved management, the SOC storage in the clay size fraction showed the largest increase across all fractions. This increase was greater for MS than MM. The NTMS treatment resulted in a decline in silt‐OC storage compared to CTMM. The SOC mineralization (mg CO2‐C g−1 soil) was affected by tillage and driven by LF‐OC and was observed in the order: NTMM (2.06) > MPMM (1.72) ≈ NTMS (1.71) > CTMM (1.52) ≈ MPMS (1.41). Both cropping and depth affected the biodegradability of SOC. Considering the plough layer (0–20 cm), treatments under MM had a larger proportion of biodegradable SOC than those under MS. We conclude that the significant differences in SOC storage in physical fractions and SOC biodegradation were caused by differences in soil management.

Highlights

Clay size fraction showed the largest increase in SOC storage when residue was returned.

Silt size fraction lost SOC in no‐till maize‐soybean compared with traditional farming practice.

Potential SOC mineralization depended on quantity of SOC in the LF.

Biodegradability of the SOC was driven by cropping system not tillage.
A century of liming affects the Mg isotopic composition of the soil and crops in a long‐term agricultural field at Berlin‐Dahlem, Germany
Authors: Wang Yi , Wu Bei , Berns Anne E. , Bol Roland , Wombacher Frank , Ellmer Frank , Amelung Wulf
Published: February 2020

Liming is widely used to alleviate soil acidity in western and central Europe, but its role in the cycling of magnesium (Mg) in arable soil–plant systems is still ambiguous. Here, we systematically analysed Mg concentrations and the natural Mg stable isotope compositions (δ26Mg) of two Mg pools in soil profiles and a major crop (winter rye) in a long‐term German agricultural experimental field that has been managed with and without liming since 1923. The results showed that the δ26Mg signatures of the bulk soil Mg pool in the studied Albic Luvisol displayed limited variation with depth and between the liming treatments. In contrast, the exchangeable soil Mg pool exhibited an increase in δ26Mg values with depth down to 50 cm, which was more pronounced in the limed plots. We attributed this enrichment of light Mg isotopes in upper layers to the Mg addition from “Dolokorn 90” lime, as well as to the removal of heavy Mg isotopes by plant uptake. The subsequent use of a simple isotope‐mixing model suggested that only 25% of the remaining Mg in the soil exchangeable pool stemmed from the last liming practice. The other parts of the exchangeable soil Mg pool had either interacted with the bulk soil matrix or had been utilized by the plants. Almost 100 years of liming enhanced Mg uptake by the vegetation, probably via elevated Mg contents in the grain, and reflected by the stronger depletion of heavy Mg isotopes in the soil exchangeable Mg pool relative to non‐limed plots. Whole winter rye plants were enriched in heavy Mg isotopes but they displayed similar Mg isotope compositions among plant organs in all plots, indicating identical Mg uptake and translocation strategies in the different trials. Tracing the stable isotope compositions of soil and plant Mg thus opens novel opportunities to evaluate soil management impacts on the cycling and fate of this essential nutrient in agricultural systems.

Highlights

Mg concentrations and stocks in an Albic Luvisol were more heterogeneous in subsoils than in topsoils

The variation of Mg isotope compositions of bulk soil was limited with depth and between liming treatments

Liming induced a pronounced negative shift of δ26Mg values in soil exchangeable Mg pools down to a 50‐cm soil depth

Uptake of Mg by plants in limed plots was enhanced relative to that in non‐limed plots
Effect of grazing exclusion and rotational grazing on labile soil organic carbon in north China
Authors: Dong Lei , Martinsen Vegard , Wu Yantao , Zheng Ying , Liang Cunzhu , Liu Zhongling , Mulder Jan
Published: February 2020

Overgrazing has caused serious grassland soil deterioration and significant soil organic carbon (SOC) losses. Controlled grazing is recommended for restoring grassland and enhancing SOC stocks. Studies have suggested that, in particular, labile organic carbon (C) is a sensitive indicator for soil degradation and SOC recovery, but few studies of the effect of different grassland management practices have been published so far. Here, we investigate the effects of long‐term grazing exclusion and short‐term rotational grazing with different grazing intensities on labile SOC, including hot water extractable organic C (HWEC) and particulate organic C (POC), as well as potential N mineralization (Nmin) rate in soils (0–10 cm) of two grasslands in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Treatments include long‐term (34 years) exclusion, medium‐term (21 years) exclusion and continuous grazing (ambient grazing) at one of the sites, and we investigate no grazing, light grazing, moderate grazing and high‐grazing intensity at the study site for rotational grazing. Our results show that grazing exclusion significantly enhances labile SOC stocks and potential Nmin rate compared to ambient grazing (e.g., POC stock at long‐ and medium‐term exclusion and ambient grazing are 5.71 ± 0.94 Mg C ha−1, 3.25 ± 0.30 Mg C ha−1 and 2.12 ± 0.38 Mg C ha−1, respectively). However, after two decades of exclusion, the potential for further C sequestration is limited. Five years of rotational grazing significantly enhances HWEC, but not POC and potential Nmin rate, when comparing the highest grazing intensity (1.88 sheep ha−1 yr−1) with grazing exclusion during the same period. We conclude that rotational grazing may be a viable alternative to exclusion, offering a more rational use of grassland without causing soil C loss. We also show that HWEC is a particularly sensitive labile SOC indicator and is tightly correlated to POC and potential Nmin rate.

Highlights

We investigated effects of grazing exclusion and rotational grazing on labile soil organic carbon.

Grazing exclusion increased labile SOC and the highest level appeared in medium‐term exclusion.

Five years of high‐intensity rotational grazing increased HWEC with no significant effects on POC.

Rotational grazing is a viable alternative to grazing exclusion management.
Have we reached the turning point? Looking for evidence of SOC increase under conservation agriculture and cover crop practices
Authors: Camarotto Carlo , Piccoli Ilaria , Dal Ferro Nicola , Polese Riccardo , Chiarini Francesca , Furlan Lorenzo , Morari Francesco
Published: February 2020

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in agricultural soils is currently of special interest because it can help mitigate global warming through atmospheric carbon (C) sequestration. Recommended management practices, such as conservation agriculture (CA) and conventional tillage with cover crops (CC), could have significant implications for C sequestration potential. A field experiment was carried out in northeast Italy to compare the implementation of CA and CC with conventional agriculture (CV). The experiment began in 2010 on three farms to evaluate SOC stock variation over a 6‐year period. Two extensive soil sampling operations were conducted in 2011 and 2017 in 240 locations, for a total of 1,440 analysed soil samples, considering the SOC stratification within a 0–50‐cm profile. The results suggested that CA changed the SOC distribution rather than the total amount of SOC. Compared to CV, after the introduction of CA, a general increase in SOC (0.25 Mg C ha−1 y−1) was observed in the 0–30‐cm layer, whereas no stock variation was observed in the 0–50‐cm layer. In contrast, compared to CV, the use of CC decreased the SOC stocks by 0.74 Mg C ha−1 y−1 in the 0–50‐cm layer. Over a 6‐year period, no benefit in SOC sequestration was observed with CA and CC. However, we hypothesize that these findings could still be affected by transitory dynamics, highlighting the low soil reactivity to soil‐improving agricultural systems. A longer study period would be required to better understand the potential benefits of CA and CC on SOC sequestration.

Highlights

We hypothesized that conservation practices increase SOC after a 6‐year adoption

No‐tillage enhanced SOC stratification in conservation agriculture

C addition with cover crops induced SOC stock reductions due to a priming effect

An SOC increase was not observed after 6 years of conservation practices
Effects of plastic mulch and nitrogen fertilizer on the soil microbial community, enzymatic activity and yield performance in a dryland maize cropping system
Authors: Wang Xiukang , Wang Ge , Guo Tao , Xing Yingying , Mo Fei , Wang Haidong , Fan Junliang , Zhang Fucang
Published: February 2020

Farming practices that integrate plastic film mulching and nitrogen (N) fertilization have been extensively used to enhance crop productivity. However, the interactive effects of mulching and N application on soil microbial properties and crop yields have received little attention. A 2‐year field experiment was carried out in the Loess Plateau to investigate the independent and combined effects of plastic mulch and N application rate on the soil microbial population, enzymatic activity and grain yield. From 2016 to 2017, two mulching patterns (i.e., plastic mulching and no mulching) were exposed to five different N application rates (0 (N0), 80 (N80), 160 (N160), 200 (N200) and 240 (N240) kg N ha−1). N application significantly affected the soil microbial community composition, as suggested by significant increases in soil total bacteria, cellulose‐decomposing bacteria and the bacterial‐to‐fungal ratio with N rates. In contrast, the mulching pattern significantly affected soil extracellular enzyme production. Furthermore, there were significant effects of mulching, N application and their interaction on grain yield. The highest grain yield (11,728 kg N ha−1 in 2016 and 12,350 kg N ha−1 in 2017) in both growing seasons was consistently obtained under plastic mulching with a N level of 200 kg N ha−1. Our study showed that plastic mulching significantly affected extracellular enzyme production, and N fertilizer application significantly affected the composition of the soil microbial community.

Highlights

Independent and coupled effects of mulching and N application on soil biological properties and grain performance were explored.

N application significantly influenced soil microbial community composition.

Mulching pattern rather than N application independently and significantly affected soil extracellular enzyme production

The combined application of plastic mulching with 200 kg N ha−1 should be seem as an optimum crop production pattern in this area.
Functional analysis of epilepsy‐associated variants in STXBP1/Munc18‐1 using humanizedCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhu Bangfu , Mak Jennifer C. H. , Morris Andrew P. , Marson Anthony G. , Barclay Jeff W. , Sills Graeme J. , Morgan Alan
Published: February 2020

Objective

Genetic variants inSTXBP1, which encodes the conserved exocytosis protein Munc18‐1, are associated with a variety of infantile epilepsy syndromes. We aimed to develop an in vivoCaenorhabditis elegansmodel that could be used to test the pathogenicity of such variants in a cost‐effective manner.

Methods

The CRISPR/Cas9 method was used to introduce a null mutation into theunc‐18gene (theC. elegansorthologue ofSTXBP1), thereby creating a paralyzed worm strain. We subsequently rescued this strain with transgenes encoding the human STXBP1/Munc18‐1 protein (wild‐type and eight different epilepsy‐associated missense variants). The resulting humanized worm strains were then analyzed via behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical approaches.

Results

Transgenic expression of wild‐type human STXBP1 protein fully rescued locomotion in both solid and liquid media to the same level as the standard wild‐type worm strain, Bristol N2. Six variant strains (E59K, V84D, C180Y, R292H, L341P, R551C) exhibited impaired locomotion, whereas two (P335L, R406H) were no different from worms expressing wild‐type STXBP1. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that all eight variant strains displayed less frequent and more irregular pharyngeal pumping in comparison to wild‐type STXBP1‐expressing strains. Four strains (V84D, C180Y, R292H, P335L) exhibited pentylenetetrazol‐induced convulsions in an acute assay of seizure‐like activity, in contrast to worms expressing wild‐type STXBP1. No differences were seen between wild‐type and variant STXBP1 strains in terms of mRNA abundance. However, STXBP1 protein levels were reduced to 20%‐30% of wild‐type in all variants, suggesting that the mutations result in STXBP1 protein instability.

Significance

The approach described here is a cost‐effective in vivo method for establishing the pathogenicity of genetic variants in STXBP1 and potentially other conserved neuronal proteins. Furthermore, the humanized strains we created could potentially be used in the future for high‐throughput drug screens to identify novel therapeutics.