bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female workers' readiness for retirement planning: an evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Larisa Linda Evelina , Njo Anastasia , Wijaya Serli
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of demographical factors (age, education and income); psychological factors which are future time perspective (FTP) and financial risk tolerance (FRT); along with financial literacy on retirement planning among female workers in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a quantitative approach, where primary data was acquired through online surveys to 529 workers in various locations in Indonesia. After data cleaning, the final sample size was 304. The PLS-SEM technique was utilised to assess the structural model in the study.

Findings

The results of this study show that income affects an individual's perspective towards the future. Financial literacy is confirmed to have a direct effect on retirement planning activity. Furthermore, financial literacy appears to be a significant mediator between demographical factors and FTP in affecting retirement planning. An individual's acceptance towards risk is also affected by financial literacy.

Practical implications

The general public, especially female workers group who have no retirement funds, need to be educated on financial literacy. The government might need to encourage other parties and work together to financially educate the public, specifically regarding investments for retirement planning.

Originality/value

Most previous studies on retirement planning focused on demographical factors in general, and not specifically on a certain group. Filling the gap of existing studies, this study specifically discusses retirement planning done by female workers in Indonesia. Women's role as a workforce, with their psychological conditions and financial literacy, makes for an interesting topic to be studied further in terms of retirement planning.
Development of an integrated framework of LGSS strategies for Indian manufacturing firms to improve business performance: an empirical study
Authors: Gaikwad Lokpriya , Sunnapwar Vivek
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This article aims to explore synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices in order to propose an integrated LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the Indian manufacturing industries. The three-dimensional LGSS framework seeks to provide various combinations and support operational, financial, environmental and social needs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research method, first, the current problems faced by Indian manufacturing industries are considered and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices, and second, the framework is checked by a survey taken from 203 Indian firms by using SPSS-AMOS.

Findings

The hypothesized result suggests that the positive impact of integrated practices on firm performance in terms of operational, financial, social and environmental outcomes. It also provides a systemic and holistic approach to problem-solving through constant and incremental enhancement in the manufacturing sector.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, only Indian manufacturing industries have been studied but can be extending into different geographical areas and sectors. Future research is also possible for different behavior and characteristics of companies that can lead to recommending strategies on how companies can improve performance. Most importantly, future research can try to understand which specific practice can contribute to competitive advantage and business success.

Practical implications

Manufacturing firms that want to improve environmental sustainability should implement integrated LGSS practices into their supply chain. The set of combined practices improves operational, social, economical and environmental benefits.

Social implications

The research presents an integrated approach of LSS for the manufacturing industry which leads their business processes to achieve economic sustainability through continuous growth and improved operational efficiency. Manufacturing industries result in outcomes like reduced cost, lead time, improved quality, sustainable market position, profitability, customer satisfaction, etc.

Originality/value

This research is different from previous studies because it integrates Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices into a unique framework that fulfills a specific need of the Indian manufacturing sector that guides operational, social, environmental and financial issues in Indian industries.
A systematic review of the association between individual behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia and carer burden
Authors: George Catriona , Ferreira Nuno , Evans Rosalind , Honeyman Victoria
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to systematically review the association between behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and the development of carer burden. Although this association has been well established in the literature, it is not clear whether there are individual symptoms or clusters of symptoms that are particularly burdensome for carers.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the available literature was carried out to determine whether any specific symptom or cluster of symptoms was most closely associated with carer burden. In addition, the categorisation of behavioural symptoms, conceptualisations of burden and methods of measurement used were examined and quality of the studies appraised.

Findings

A total of 21 studies measured the association between at least one individual symptom or symptom cluster and carer burden, with all studies finding at least one symptom to be significantly associated with burden. The majority of studies were of fair to good quality. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in focus, analysis, recruitment and measurement of behaviour and burden.

Originality/value

Symptoms, which were found to be significantly associated with carer burden, were aggression/agitation, frontal systems behaviour, disinhibition, disrupted eating and sleeping behaviour, unusual motor behaviour, anxiety and psychotic symptoms. However, because of the heterogeneity of studies, there was insufficient evidence to establish whether any symptoms are more important than others in the development of carer burden. Future focus on clarifying the dimensions of carer burden and the mechanisms by which BPSD impact negatively on carers could inform the development of effective interventions.
Nitrogen fertilizer decreases survival and reproduction of female locusts by increasing plant protein to carbohydrate ratio
Authors: Le Gall Marion , Word Mira L. , Thompson Natalia , Beye Alioune , Cease Arianne J.
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen limitation theory predicts that terrestrial plants should benefit from nitrogen inputs and that herbivores should benefit from subsequent higher plant protein contents. While this pattern has generally been supported, some herbivorous insects have shown preference and higher performance on low protein (p), high carbohydrate (c) diets as juveniles.

However, little is known about the effects on reproduction in adults. Using nitrogen fertilizer, we demonstrate that high plant p:c has negative effects on Senegalese locust (Orthoptera: Oedaeleus senegalensis) reproduction and survival in an agroecological setting.

For this, we measured p:c in millet plants Pennisetum glaucum that received two levels of fertilizer (high and moderate) and a control, then we caged locusts on these plants for 2 weeks. In the laboratory, we gave locusts the choice between untreated millet leaves and leaves that received one of the two fertilization treatment.

We found that fertilization increased p:c ratio in a concentration‐dependent fashion. We counted the number of locusts alive over the course of 2 weeks and showed that fewer females survived on fertilized plants than on control plants. Females that ate plants from the high fertilization treatment laid lighter eggs. Finally, we showed that female locusts prefer unfertilized plants to plants with a high p:c.

We hypothesize that this pattern will apply broadly to species that have extensive carbohydrate needs, such as long‐distance migrators. Because many ecological studies focus primarily on nitrogen or protein, and fail to consider carbohydrates, this study has important implications for how ecologists consider nutrient limitation of primary consumers in ecosystems globally.
Interactions between seed‐dispersing ant species affect plant community composition in field mesocosms
Authors: Prior Kirsten M. , Meadley‐Dunphy Shannon A. , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: August 2020

In generalized mutualisms, species vary in the quality of services they provide to their partners directly via traits that affect partner fitness and indirectly via traits that influence interactions among mutualist species that play similar functional roles. Myrmecochory, or seed dispersal by ants, is a generalized mutualism with ant species varying in the quality of dispersal services they provide to their plant partners. Variation in ant species identity can directly impact seed dispersal patterns and plant community composition; however, we know less about how interactions among seed‐dispersing ant species indirectly influence plant partners.

The invasive ant Myrmica rubra, is a high‐quality seed‐disperser in its native range that interacts with myrmecochores (ant‐dispersed plants) and the high‐quality seed disperser Aphaenogaster sp. in its invaded range. We use this system to examine how interactions between two functionally similar mutualist ant species influence the recruitment and community composition of ant‐dispersed plants.

We performed a field mesocosm experiment and a laboratory behavioural experiment to compare discovery and dominance behaviours between ant species, and seed dispersal and seedling recruitment of four myrmecochore species among intraspecific interaction treatments of each ant species and an interspecific interaction treatment.

We found that M. rubra was better at discovering and dispersing seeds, but Aphaenogaster sp. was dominantly aggressive over M. rubra. Interspecific interactions dampened seed dispersal relative to dispersal by the better disperser. Despite this dampening, we found no effect of interspecific interactions on seedling recruitment. However, community composition of seedlings in the interspecific interaction treatment was more similar to composition in the aggressively dominant ant (Aphaenogaster sp.) treatment than in the better discoverer ant M. rubra treatment.

We show that interspecific interactions between mutualist species in the same functional guild affect the outcome of mutualistic interactions with partner species. Despite the native ant dispersing fewer seeds, its dominance over the subordinate (invasive) ant has the potential to allow for some level of biotic resistance against the effects of M. rubra on plant communities when these species coexist.
Sequencing effort dictates gene discovery in marine microbial metagenomes
Authors: Duarte Carlos M. , Ngugi David K. , Alam Intikhab , Pearman John , Kamau Allan , Eguiluz Victor M. , Gojobori Takashi , Acinas Silvia G. , Gasol Josep M. , Bajic Vladimir , Irigoien Xabier
Published: August 2020

Massive metagenomic sequencing combined with gene prediction methods were previously used to compile the gene catalogue of the ocean and host‐associated microbes. Global expeditions conducted over the past 15 years have sampled the ocean to build a catalogue of genes from pelagic microbes. Here we undertook a large sequencing effort of a perturbed Red Sea plankton community to uncover that the rate of gene discovery increases continuously with sequencing effort, with no indication that the retrieved 2.83 million non‐redundant (complete) genes predicted from the experiment represented a nearly complete inventory of the genes present in the sampled community (i.e., no evidence of saturation). The underlying reason is the Pareto‐like distribution of the abundance of genes in the plankton community, resulting in a very long tail of millions of genes present at remarkably low abundances, which can only be retrieved through massive sequencing. Microbial metagenomic projects retrieve a variable number of unique genes per Tera base‐pair (Tbp), with a median value of 14.7 million unique genes per Tbp sequenced across projects. The increase in the rate of gene discovery in microbial metagenomes with sequencing effort implies that there is ample room for new gene discovery in further ocean and holobiont sequencing studies.
Salivary and serum cathelicidin LL‐37 levels in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Cheah Chia Wei , Al‐Maleki Anis Rageh , Vadivelu Jamuna , Danaee Mahmoud , Sockalingam Sargunan , Baharuddin Nor Adinar , Vaithilingam Rathna Devi
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) due to shared risk factors, immuno‐genetics and tissue destruction pathways. Human cathelicidin LL‐37 has been suggested as a possible mechanistic link for these diseases. This study investigated the levels of salivary and serum LL‐37 in subjects with RA and CP and their correlation with disease parameters.

Method

Subjects were allocated into RA (n = 49) or non‐RA (NRA) (n = 55) groups, where 3 subgroups were further established; chronic periodontitis (CP), gingivitis (G) and periodontal health (H). Demographic and periodontal parameters were collected. Rheumatology data were obtained from hospital records. Serum and salivary LL‐37 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and compared for all groups.

Results

For salivary LL‐37, RA‐CP was significantly higher than NRA‐G and NRA‐H (P = .047). For serum LL‐37, all RA and NRA‐CP were significantly higher than NRA‐G and NRA‐H (P = .024). Salivary LL‐37 correlated negatively with clinical attachment loss (CAL) (P = .048), but positively with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in RA‐H (P = .045). Serum LL‐37 showed positive correlation with ESR (P = .037) in RA‐G, with C‐reactive protein (P = .017) in RA‐H, but negative correlation with number of teeth (P = .002) in NRA‐CP. Rheumatology data correlated positively with periodontal parameters in RA‐CP group.

Conclusion

NRA‐CP subjects with high serum LL‐37 should receive comprehensive periodontal therapy. Positive correlation between rheumatology data and periodontal parameters showed that RA disease stability may be obtained by assessing the periodontal condition. Periodontal therapy is necessary to compliment RA treatment to achieve optimum outcome for RA patients with concurrent CP.
Stability and predictability of bird assemblages in an arid riparian woodland during contrasting periods of resource availability
Authors: Westerhuis Erin L. , Nano Catherine E.M. , Morton Stephen R. , Christian Keith A. , Schlesinger Christine A.
Published: August 2020

River red gum woodlands associated with ephemeral river channels in arid Australia are recognised as important habitat for a suite of bird species, due to their distinctive structure, large canopies and abundant tree hollows. We tested the proposition that river red gum woodlands harbour a distinctive bird assemblage that is relatively stable through time. We examined patterns of bird composition between habitats (riparian woodland versus neighbouring habitat) over multiple years (from 2016 to 2018) and locations (three catchments), and we assessed these patterns in the context of variable food resource availability. Assemblages in river red gum woodlands differed from those of adjacent vegetation, despite strong temporal variability caused by arrival of nomadic species in both habitat types following above‐average rainfall. Species richness was reduced in the drier periods, yet bird assemblages in river red gum woodlands retained their distinctiveness from adjacent habitat. Flowering and fruiting of shrubs and trees were largely stimulated by rainfall; in contrast, invertebrate abundance was driven more by temperature and was higher in river red gum woodlands. Our data did not imply that river red gum woodland acted as a refuge in drier times for species from neighbouring habitat. Our study supports the hypothesis that arid bird community composition is influenced more by habitat than by temporal resource variability.
Emergent effects of light and temperature on hatching success of Streptocephalus cafer (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) resting eggs
Authors: Tladi Murphy , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Cuthbert Ross N. , Wasserman Ryan J.
Published: August 2020

Resting egg production is considered the most common form of dormancy in aquatic invertebrates. Given that many taxa at least partially terminate resting egg state using environmental cues, knowledge on environmental drivers of hatching success is important, particularly within the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Fairy shrimp (anostracans) are temporary wetland specialists that are reliant on resting egg production for population persistence. Temporary wetlands are common in many arid regions projected to experience increases in temperature, and in areas often compromised by human‐mediated activities. In this study, we assessed the combined effects of light and temperature on the hatching success of Streptocephalus cafer (Anostraca) dormant eggs from temporary wetlands in an arid environment. Both temperature and light altered hatching success, with emergent effects evident. Light caused a significant threefold increase in hatching success overall, while temperature effects were non‐linear, with hatching optimised at 27°C, and especially under light conditions. These results are discussed within the context of shifting climates and disturbances to temporary wetland ecosystems.
The impact of caregiving on the health status of regional carers in Australia: Findings from a mixed‐method study
Authors: Hutchinson Marie , Hurley John
Published: August 2020

While it is known that informal carers provide the majority of caregiving in Australia, there remains limited understanding of the challenges that regional carers face in their caring role and the impact of the caregiving role on carer well‐being.

Objective

The aim of this study was to better understand the health status of caregivers as the person they care for was entering the National Disability Support Scheme.

Design

This is a mixed‐methods study.

Setting

The study was undertaken in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Seventy‐five carers were enrolled into the study. All lived in regional New South Wales.

Main outcome measure

The World Health Organization Well‐being Index was used for quantitative data collection, and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken for the collection of qualitative data.

Result

Quantitative data indicated that carers from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and those from low socio‐economic status had significantly lower scores on the well‐being index. Two key qualitative categories were evident describing carer's journey to resilience by (a) adjusting to reality predominantly through cognitive reframing strategies and (b) carers accessing external supports.

Conclusion

The health status of regional carers who are predominantly women is experiencing low levels of well‐being. While many of these carers have initiated successful coping responses to the challenges of caring, there is an urgent need to increase the supports available to this population. As the recent National Disability Support Scheme is embedded, it is of importance to monitor if there are improvements in the health status of carers over time.
New Italian directional and intensity archaeomagnetic reference curves for the past 3000 years: Insights on secular variation and implications on dating
Authors: Tema E. , Lanos P.
Published: August 2020

We present the first Italian reference secular variation curves for both direction and intensity that cover the last 3000 years. Strict selection criteria were applied to guarantee the collection of the most reliable data within a 1000 km radius of Viterbo, including archaeomagnetic records from archaeological material and volcanic rocks. The new curves are calculated using Bayesian statistics and they depict interesting geomagnetic field features, such as high‐intensity periods. These are the first curves for Italy, including both directional and intensity data, and they can be used as reference curves for archaeomagnetic dating, not only in Italy but also in nearby countries.
Is Cross‐Section Shape a Distinct Feature in Plant Fibre Identification?
Authors: Lukesova H. , Holst B.
Published: August 2020

Correct identification of textile fibres is an important issue in archaeology because the use of different materials can yield crucial information about the society that produced the textiles. Textiles made of plant and animal fibres can normally be easily distinguished, but to distinguish between different types of plant fibres, in particular different types of bast fibres, is difficult. Some years back it was shown that the features fibre diameter, lumen diameter, dislocation (nodes), and cross markings cannot be used on their own to distinguish between the typical bast fibres used for textiles in ancient Europe: flax, hemp, and nettle. Particularly not when only a few fibres are available for an examination so that statistical analysis is not possible, as is often the case in archaeology. The last two characterization features typically used to distinguish between bast fibres are cross‐section shape and lumen shape. In this paper, we present a study of retted and unretted fibres (in the stem) of flax, nettle, and hemp, and show that also cross‐section shape and lumen shape cannot be used as distinguishing features on their own.
Techniques of Blue, Green, and White Faience Bead Production Used at the Early Bronze Age Central Anatolian Site of RESULOĞLU (Turkey)
Authors: Dardeniz G. , Yıldırım T. , Yıldırım C. , Çiftçi E.
Published: August 2020

Modern‐day Çorum is the homeland of the Hatti people, the culture that went on to form the Hittite Empire. Resuloğlu, which dates back to the latter half of the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2,500/2400–2,100/2050 BC), is a unique Hatti site with its settlement and cemetery areas systematically excavated. Among thousands of beads found at Resuloğlu, various materials were identified such as ceramic, copper and its alloys, carnelian, shells, and blue, green, and white‐colored beads. The microstructure and chemical compositions of 26 morphologically similar, colored beads were analyzed by optical microscopy, ICP–MS, XRD, and EPMA and are the focus of this paper. The results demonstrate faience bead production with efflorescence and cementation glazing techniques. The abundance of the raw materials at the Halys Basin (Central Anatolia) signals a local production, and there is a suggestion of a relationship with copper metallurgy.
Hydroureteronephrosis and fetal mummification secondary to uterine torsion in a Merino ewe
Authors: Jones EM , Neef A , Shearer PL , Gunn AJ
Published: August 2020

A 6 year old pluriparous Merino ewe was presented for investigation of a large intra‐abdominal mass. Post‐mortem examination revealed a 360° clockwise uterine torsion was present with a mummifying fetus. The torsion involved the left ureter resulting in a severe hydroureteronephrosis. Uterine torsion is uncommon in the ewe, occurring in less than 0.1% of pregnancies in one report (Mahmoud et al. Livest Res Rural Dev 2018;30), but cases are likely to be undiagnosed, particularly under the extensive management conditions typical of Australia. The chronicity of the condition in this ewe would support this statement. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of hydroureteronephrosis secondary to uterine torsion in any species.
Histaminergic neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus as a control centre for wakefulness
Authors: Yoshikawa Takeo , Nakamura Tadaho , Yanai Kazuhiko
Published: August 2020

Histamine plays pleiotropic roles as a neurotransmitter in the physiology of brain function, this includes the maintenance of wakefulness, appetite regulation and memory retrieval. Since numerous studies have revealed an association between histaminergic dysfunction and diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, a large number of compounds acting on the brain histamine system have been developed to treat neurological disorders. In 2016, pitolisant, which was developed as a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist by Schwartz and colleagues, was launched for the treatment of narcolepsy, emphasising the prominent role of brain histamine on wakefulness. Recent advances in neuroscientific techniques such as chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches have led to remarkable progress in the understanding of histaminergic neural circuits essential for the control of wakefulness. In this review article, we summarise the basic knowledge about the histaminergic nervous system and the mechanisms underlying sleep/wake regulation that are controlled by the brain histamine system.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
Comparative performance of insulinoma‐associated protein 1 (INSM1) and routine immunohistochemical markers of neuroendocrine differentiation in the diagnosis of endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Parra Ourania , Linos Konstantinos , Yan Shaofeng , Lilo Mohammed , LeBlanc Robert E.
Published: August 2020

Endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare cutaneous adnexal malignancy with predilection for the eyelids of older adults. It must be distinguished from metastatic adenocarcinomas of extracutaneous origin and from benign adnexal proliferations on partial samples when a solid growth component and mucin production are not evident. Thus, demonstration of neuroendocrine differentiation can help to ensure a correct diagnosis. Insulinoma‐associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a novel neuroendocrine marker that has recently shown greater sensitivity than synaptophysin (SYN) and chromogranin (CHR) in the diagnosis of various neuroendocrine neoplasms. We compared the performance of these three markers across 10 examples of EMPSGC. All EMPSGCs expressed INSM1. Eight of ten were also immunoreactive for SYN; however, INSM1 staining was generally more intense and stained a greater proportion of the tumor cells. CHR staining was weak and focal in most cases. INSM1 staining was present in hidrocystoma‐like components of cystic EMPSGC. These findings suggest that INSM1 may be more sensitive than SYN and CHR and thus valuable for establishing a diagnosis of EMPSGC.
The cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands
Authors: Van der Linden N. , Van Olst S. , Nekeman S. , Uyl‐de Groot C.A.
Published: August 2020

Aim

When glycaemic control for people with type 2 diabetes is not achieved with metformin and sulfonylurea alone, adding another oral anti‐diabetes drug, such as a sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, is an alternative to starting insulin. The aim of this study is to determine the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors when added to metformin and sulfonylurea in people with type 2 diabetes in the Netherlands.

Methods

A cost–utility analysis is performed using the Cardiff diabetes model, a fixed‐time increment stochastic simulation model informed by ‘United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study 68’ risk equations. The base‐case analysis uses a 40‐year time horizon, a Dutch societal perspective and differential discounting (4% for costs, 1.5% for effects). Inputs are obtained from the literature and Dutch price lists. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis are performed.

Results

Dapagliflozin is dominant compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors, resulting in a €990 cost saving and a 0.28 quality‐adjusted life year gain over 40 years. Cost savings are associated mainly with treatment costs and a reduced incidence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications, among others nephropathy, myocardial infarction and stroke. Results are robust to changes in input parameters.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin is a cost‐saving alternative to DPP‐4 inhibitors when added to metformin and sulfonylurea. The incidence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications is lower for people treated with dapagliflozin. Uncertainty around this outcome is low.
Pregnancy and development of diabetes in First Nations and non‐First Nations women in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mackenzie M. L. , Yuan Y. , Shen Y. , Toth E. L. , Bell R. C. , Oster R. T.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To conduct a retrospective population‐based study to examine the risk of developing diabetes after delivery in First Nations and non‐First Nations women in Alberta.

Methods

Delivery records (1999–2014) were linked to provincial administrative data, which allowed for a maximum follow‐up of 16 years after delivery. Prevalence of pregnancy risk factors were compared by First Nations status. Hazard ratios for diabetes after delivery by First Nations status, high pre‐pregnancy body weight (≥91 kg) and gestational diabetes status were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Age‐adjusted prevalence of gestational diabetes (7.9% vs 4.6%; P<0.0001), high pre‐pregnancy body weight (18.8% vs 10.2%; P<0.0001) and diabetes after delivery (3.9% vs 1.1%; P<0.0001) were higher in First Nations women than in non‐First Nations women. Development of diabetes after delivery was higher with First Nations status (hazard ratio 3.0, 95% CI 2.6–3.4), high pre‐pregnancy body weight (hazard ratio 3.6, 95% CI 3.3–4.0) and gestational diabetes status (hazard ratio 19.2, 95% CI 17.9–20.6). The highest risk was within First Nations women with high pre‐pregnancy body weight and gestational diabetes (hazard ratio 54.8, 95% CI 45.2–66.5) compared to women without these three risk factors. Reduced prenatal visits per pregnancy (8.4 vs 10.7; P<0.0001) and delayed first prenatal visit (time to delivery 23.7 vs 26.7 weeks; P<0.0001) were observed in First Nations women compared to non‐First Nations women.

Conclusion

First Nations women are at greater risk of developing diabetes after pregnancy, with gestational diabetes being the strongest predictor. Strategies that target the specific needs of First Nations women before, during and after pregnancy are required.
Depressive symptoms in Chinese adults with risk factors for diabetes: the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study
Authors: Xu J. , Bian Z. , Zhang Y. , Pan J. , Gao F. , Wang C. , Jia W.
Published: August 2020

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between newly diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and depressive symptoms among individuals with risk factors for diabetes in China. We also investigated the associations of depressive symptoms with pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) project. Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1728 participants were enrolled in this study and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and the modified Matsuda index. Pancreatic β‐cell function was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function, Stumvoll first‐ and second‐phase indexes. Elevated depressive symptoms were determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9 score ≥ 10).

Results

The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in the total study population was 4.8% (83 of 1728). Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes were less likely to have elevated depressive symptoms even after controlling for potential confounders [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.68; P = 0.002]. However, prediabetes was not associated with depressive symptoms. The odds for elevated depressive symptoms were increased in individuals with higher levels of the Stumvoll first‐phase index. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Elevated depressive symptoms were less prevalent in Chinese individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes among a high‐risk population for diabetes.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and major adverse limb events: A trial‐level meta‐analysis including 51 713 individuals
Authors: Huang Chen‐Yu , Lee Jen‐Kuang
Published: August 2020

Aim

To analyse large‐scale cardiovascular outcome trials of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors to evaluate whether there are safety concerns with respect to major adverse limb events overall or among various high‐risk subgroups of patients.

Methods

We performed a quantitative meta‐analysis of randomized, placebo‐controlled, cardiovascular outcome trials of SGLT‐2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for trials published up until 30 June 2020. The efficacy outcomes analysed included amputations and were stratified by several subgroup variables, including age, duration of diabetes, glucose control, renal function, established peripheral artery disease and diabetes microvascular complications. This review was registered before completing the analysis.

Results

Among 383 records identified, six studies assessing the following three SGLT‐2 inhibitors met our inclusion criteria: empagliflozin (EMPA‐REG OUTCOME study), canagliflozin (CANVAS Program and CREDENCE study), dapagliflozin (DECLARE‐TIMI 58 and DAPA‐HF trials) and ertugliflozin (VERTIS CV study). Of a total of 51 713 participants, 858 required amputation operations. The event rates of amputation were 2.0% (535/26 778) and 1.3% (323/24 927) in the SGLT‐2 inhibitor and control groups, respectively. The random effects model revealed that SGLT‐2 inhibitors were not significantly associated with an increased risk of amputation with substantial heterogeneity (pooled risk ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.60; I2 = 67.5%). This neutral effect of SGLT‐2 inhibitors was also consistent across different levels of subgroups, including subgroups with or without established peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Conclusions

SGLT‐2 inhibitors are not associated with increased risks of amputation operations even among various high‐risk subgroups, including patients with PAD. The amputation events primarily arise from critical limb ischaemia and infection instead of acute limb ischaemia. A multi‐centre study focused on major adverse limb events with a longer follow‐up is needed to confirm these results and provide guidelines for clinical practice.
Cardiovascular outcomes trials with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: A comparison of study designs, populations and results
Authors: Pantalone Kevin M. , Munir Kashif , Hasenour Clinton M. , Atisso Charles M. , Varnado Oralee J. , Maldonado Juan M. , Konig Manige
Published: August 2020

Despite treatment advances leading to improved outcomes over the past 2 decades, cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a 2‐ to 4‐fold increased risk of CVD and CV death. Individuals with T2D have not seen the same improvements in CV morbidity and mortality as those without T2D. Given this, it is important to understand the CV impact of drugs used to treat T2D. In patients with T2D, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) have shown a reduction in HbA1c and body weight regardless of their differences in chemical structure and pharmacokinetic variables. Glycaemic efficacy, accompanied by the potential for weight reduction and a low risk of hypoglycaemia, has moved GLP‐1 RAs to the first treatment of choice following metformin monotherapy in the latest American Diabetes Association treatment guidelines. Additionally, all GLP‐1 RAs have shown CV safety and several have proven CV benefit. GLP‐1 RAs have been evaluated in cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) of varying sizes, designs and patient populations with differing reported effects on CV outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the completed GLP‐1 RA CVOTs with special attention to how their design, size, patient populations and conduct may influence the interpretation of results.
Measuring vergence and fixation disparity in 3D space
Authors: Duchesne Jean , Coubard Olivier A.
Published: August 2020

As the eyes continuously move in 3D space, they rarely converge at the exact depth of the plane even when fixating a 2D image or computer screen. Rather, the lines of gaze measured by eye movement recordings show some misalignment so‐called fixation disparity. Fixation disparity occurs in front of or behind the plane, and the eyes may also be lagged vertically. For those reasons, vision research requires mathematical tools to calculate where exactly the lines of gaze cross the stimulus plane. Seminal research on vergence eye movements targeting stimuli lying on isovergence curves has been content with simple computation of the difference between the two eye rotation angles. Recently, the need of new calculations has emerged with the increasing use of eye‐trackers providing the eye coordinates on a computer screen. Previous studies have made this attempt but with restrictions. We introduce here a complete calculation of fixation disparity in 3D space allowing vision researchers to study the precision of gaze regardless of the stimulus location in 3D space and of whether the eyes lag horizontally and/or vertically.
A parietal region processing numerosity of observed actions: An FMRI study
Authors: Sawamura Hiromasa , Urgen Burcu A. , Corbo Daniele , Orban Guy A.
Published: August 2020

When observing others' behavior, it is important to perceive not only the identity of the observed actions (OAs), but also the number of times they were performed. Given the mounting evidence implicating posterior parietal cortex in action observation, and in particular that of manipulative actions, the aim of this study was to identify the parietal region, if any, that contributes to the processing of observed manipulative action (OMA) numerosity, using the functional magnetic resonance imaging technique. Twenty‐one right‐handed healthy volunteers performed two discrimination tasks while in the scanner, responding to video stimuli in which an actor performed manipulative actions on colored target balls that appeared four times consecutively. The subjects discriminated between two small numerosities of either OMAs (“Action” condition) or colors of balls (“Ball” condition). A significant difference between the “Action” and “Ball” conditions was observed in occipito‐temporal cortex and the putative human anterior intraparietal sulcus (phAIP) area as well as the third topographic map of numerosity‐selective neurons at the post‐central sulcus (NPC3) of the left parietal cortex. A further region of interest analysis of the group‐average data showed that at the single voxel level the latter area, more than any other parietal or occipito‐temporal numerosity map, favored numerosity of OAs. These results suggest that phAIP processes the identity of OMAs, while neighboring NPC3 likely processes the numerosity of the identified OAs.
Identification of putative phenotype‐modifying genetic factors associated with phenotypic diversity in Brooke‐Spiegler syndrome
Authors: Pap Éva Melinda , Farkas Katalin , Széll Márta , Németh Gábor , Rajan Neil , Nagy Nikoletta
Published: August 2020

Brooke‐Spiegler syndrome (BSS, OMIM 605041) is a rare monogenic skin disease characterized by the development of skin appendage tumors caused by mutations in the cylindromatosis gene. We recently investigated a Hungarian and an Anglo‐Saxon pedigrees affected by Brooke‐Spiegler syndrome. Despite carrying the same disease‐causing mutation (c.2806C>T, p.Arg936X) of the cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene, the affected family members of the two pedigrees exhibit striking differences in their phenotypes. To identify phenotype‐modifying genetic factors, whole exome sequencing was performed and the data from the Hungarian and Anglo‐Saxon BSS patients were compared. Three putative phenotype‐modifying genetic variants were identified: the rs1053023 SNP of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene, the rs1131877 SNP of the tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 3 (TRAF3) gene and the rs202122812 SNP of the neighbour of BRCA1 gene 1 (NBR1) gene. Our study contributes to the accumulating evidence for the clinical importance of phenotype‐modifying genetic factors, which are potentially important for the elucidation of disease prognosis.
Ablation of C9orf72 together with excitotoxicity induces ALS in rats
Authors: Dong Wei , Ma Yuanwu , Guan Feifei , Zhang Xu , Chen Wei , Zhang Li , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: August 2020

Pathogenesis of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to expansion of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) hexanucleotide repeat that impairs C9orf72 expression. Loss of function of the C9orf72 protein is one of the three main proposed C9orf72‐related ALS mechanisms. However, C9orf72 loss of function, by itself, is insufficient to cause severe phenotypes in mice. Excitotoxicity is another major disease mechanism of ALS. We speculate that loss of C9orf72 protein might cause ALS in combination with excitotoxicity. To date, the effect of C9orf72 deficiency in the background of SD rat has not been examined. To test our hypothesis, we generated a line of rat with a deletion of part of the C9orf72 gene ablating the encoded protein. These animals did not develop any ALS phenotypes; however, when they were treated with kainic acid, an excitotoxicity inducer, the rats developed motor deficits and showed loss of motor neurons (MNs), Golgi complex fragmentation, and abnormal vesicle trafficking. RNA sequencing revealed profound changes in the gene profiles that were primarily associated with neural activity. Our results demonstrated that C9orf72 ablation alone was not enough to cause ALS pathogenesis in rat; but the ablation sensitized MNs to other risk factors that synergistically caused the ALS. These results support a loss of function of C9orf72 mechanism of ALS.
Season‐long, mixed stocking of a cool‐temperate pasture
Authors: Mata‐Padrino Domingo J. , Pena‐Yewtukhiw Eugenia M. , Belesky David P. , Bryan William B. , Bowdridge Scott A.
Published: August 2020

Mixed‐species grazing offers a means to diversify livestock production systems for cool‐temperate regions typified by the Appalachian plateau of the USA. Our objective was to determine how mixed grazing influenced herbage and animal production, and sward botanical composition of three grazing systems including cattle and sheep. Three replicated systems were as follows: (A) cattle only with winter grazing; (B) cattle and sheep with winter grazing; and (C) cattle and sheep without winter grazing. Herbage mass and growth rate differed by grazing period; system C had the lowest growth rate and showed an interaction of system and grazing period. The proportion of grass in the sward differed by period, and the legume component was influenced by an interaction of system and period. Forbs and dead were influenced by period and sampling location. Herbage crude protein was not influenced by treatment. Herbage fiber components and lignin were consistently higher during the second grazing period. Steers performed similarly in all systems, but total gains varied with year. Lambs in the system without a winter grazing component were heavier than lambs in the system with a winter grazing component. Live weight gains were modest. Lamb fecal egg count was higher in the system with a winter grazing component; however, the fecal egg count per gram was relatively low throughout the experiment. Animal productivity differed with year and tended to be slightly greater for the system without a winter grazing component. Our findings suggest that livestock production systems that included mixed‐species grazing and extended‐season grazing practices contributed to desirable changes in botanical composition and improved herbage productivity patterns, especially in years with ample precipitation. The practices could be used to drive pasture composition by modifying relative abundance of various plant functional groups.
Antibiotic allergy labels and optimal antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Chakravorty Arindam , Binder Elene , Rawlins Matthew , Trevenen Michelle , Ingram Paul R. , McKeogh Anna , Murray Kevin , Dyer John , Lucas Michaela
Published: August 2020

Background

Although common, antimicrobial allergy labels (AAL) rarely reflect immunologically‐mediated hypersensitivity and can lead to poorer outcomes from alternative antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are ideally placed to assess AAL early as a means of improving antimicrobial use.

Aims

To quantify the prevalence of AAL in patients referred for antimicrobial stewardship review and assess their impact on antibiotic prescribing, patient mortality, hospital length of stay, readmission and rates of multidrug‐resistant infections.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients referred for inpatient antimicrobial prospective audit and feedback rounds (PAFR) through an electronic referral system (eReferrals) over a 12‐month period in 2015. Outcome data were collected for a period of 36 months following the initial review.

Results

Of the 639 patient records reviewed, 630 met inclusion criteria; 103 (16%) had an AAL, of which 82 (13%) had reported allergies to β‐lactam antibiotics. Those with AAL were significantly less likely to be receiving guideline‐recommended antimicrobial therapy (50% vs 64%, P = 0.0311); however, there were no significant difference in mortality, hospital length of stay, readmission or increased incidence of multidrug‐resistant infections.

Conclusions

Our cohort demonstrated that AAL was associated with reduced adherence to antibiotic guidelines. The lack of association with adverse outcomes may reflect limitations within the study including retrospective cohort study numbers and observational nature, further skewed by high rates of poor documentation. A clear opportunity exists for antimicrobial stewardship programs to incorporate allergy assessment, de‐labelling, challenge and referral into these rounds.