bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The travel constraints faced by retired travelers in the 21st
Authors: Moal Gaelle Marie
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to identify the travel constraints faced by retired travelers and the influence that becoming old in the 21st century exerts on the erection of travel barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies on a qualitative approach and the narrative analysis of 15 transcribed interviews with retired adults between the ages of 60 and 85 years. It uses the typology from the hierarchical leisure constraints model to identify and classify the travel constraints faced by older adults today.

Findings

Interviews with retired respondents led to the identification of 10 categories of travel constraints. The results confirm the specific influence of advancement in age and the need to reinterpret known constraints in the context of ageing today.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the understanding of the travel constraints faced by retired adults today. It reveals the necessity to take the influence of ageing today into account to fully understand travel constraints for the current generations of retired travelers.

Practical implications

This paper provides recommendations to help practitioners and social policy makers overcome the barriers that prevent retired adults from travelling.

Social implications

This research helps to understand the constraints faced by retired adults when they wish to travel and provides recommendations on how to overcome them, thus contributing to helping retired adults optimize their travel potential and reap the health and wellness benefits associated with traveling.

Originality/value

This research identifies the specific constraints faced by retired adults today and presents them in a clear and readable format of constraint categories. It extends the existing research on older consumers, marketing and tourism.
A systematic review of international franchising
Authors: Alon Ilan , Apriliyanti Indri Dwi , Henríquez Parodi Massiel Carolina
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a bibliometric meta-analysis of the already substantial and growing literature on international franchising. Franchising is a model for businesses to achieve scale with limited resources. International franchising is a mode of entry that allows firms to develop new markets with relatively little risk but also little control.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic approach, the paper identifies all articles in the ISI Web of Science from 1970 to 2018 that includes the term international franchising (in the title, the abstract or keywords) and finds 131 articles. This paper used HistCite software to analyze the bibliometric data.

Findings

Four major research clusters in the international franchising literature are identified. In addition, this study shows a change in research patterns regarding topics, theories and methodologies from the 1970s through 2018. The paper presents the most influential articles, authors and journals.

Originality/value

From the analyzes, this study develops a conceptual framework of international franchising and suggest avenues for future research.
Active microbial ecosystem in Iron‐Age tombs of the Etruscan civilization
Authors: Cirigliano Angela , Mura Francesco , Cecchini Adele , Tomassetti Maria Cristina , Maras Daniele Federico , Di Paola Monica , Meriggi Niccolò , Cavalieri Duccio , Negri Rodolfo , Quagliariello Andrea , Hallsworth John E. , Rinaldi Teresa
Published: November 2020

Earth's microbial biosphere extends down through the crust and much of the subsurface, including those microbial ecosystems located within cave systems. Here, we elucidate the microbial ecosystems within anthropogenic 'caves'; the Iron‐Age, subterranean tombs of central Italy. The interior walls of the rock (calcium‐rich macco) were painted ~2500 years ago and are covered with CaCO3 needles (known as moonmilk). The aims of the current study were to: identify biological/geochemical/biophysical determinants of and characterize bacterial communities involved in CaCO3 precipitation; challenge the maxim that biogenic activity necessarily degrades surfaces; locate the bacterial cells that are the source of the CaCO3 precipitate; and gain insight into the kinetics of moonmilk formation. We reveal that this environment hosts communities that consist primarily of bacteria that are mesophilic for temperature and xerotolerance (including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria); is populated by photosynthetic Cyanobacteria exhibiting heterotrophic nutrition (Calothrix and Chroococcidiopsis); and has CaCO3 precipitating on the rock surfaces (confirmation that this process is biogenic) that acts to preserve rather than damage the painted surface. We also identified that some community members are psychrotolerant (Polaromonas), acidotolerant or acidophilic (members of the Acidobacteria), or resistant to ionizing radiation (Brevundimonas and Truepera); elucidate the ways in which microbiology impacts mineralogy and vice versa; and reveal that biogenic formation of moonmilk can occur rapidly, that is, over a period of 10 to 56 years. We discuss the paradox that these ecosystems, that are for the most part in the dark and lack primary production, are apparently highly active, biodiverse and biomass‐rich.
Comparative proteomics of the toxigenic diazotroph Raphidiopsis raciborskii (cyanobacteria) in response to iron
Authors: D'Agostino Paul M. , Yeung Anna C. Y. , Poljak Anne , David Waite Trevor , Neilan Brett A.
Published: November 2020

Raphidiopsis raciborskii is an invasive bloom‐forming cyanobacteria with the flexibility to utilize atmospheric and fixed nitrogen. Since nitrogen‐fixation has a high requirement for iron as an ezyme cofactor, we hypothesize that iron availability would determine the success of the species under nitrogen‐fixing conditions. This study compares the proteomic response of cylindrospermopsin‐producing and non‐toxic strains of R. racibroskii to reduced iron concentrations, under nitrogen‐fixing conditions, to examine any strain‐specific adaptations that might increase fitness under these conditions. We also compared their proteomic responses at exponential and stationary growth phases to capture the changes throughout the growth cycle. Overall, the toxic strain was more competitive under Fe‐starved conditions during exponential phase, with upregulated growth and transport‐related proteins. The non‐toxic strain showed reduced protein expression across multiple primary metabolism pathways. We propose that the increased expression of porin proteins during the exponential growth phase enables toxic strains to persist under Fe‐starved conditions with this ability providing a potential explanation for the increased fitness of cylindrospermoipsin‐producing strains during unfavourable environmental conditions.
Diversity and biomass dynamics of unicellular marine fungi during a spring phytoplankton bloom
Authors: Priest Taylor , Fuchs Bernhard , Amann Rudolf , Reich Marlis
Published: November 2020

Microbial communities have important functions during spring phytoplankton blooms, regulating bloom dynamics and processing organic matter. Despite extensive research into such processes, an in‐depth assessment of the fungal component is missing, especially for the smaller size fractions. We investigated the dynamics of unicellular mycoplankton during a spring phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea by 18S rRNA gene tag sequencing and a modified CARD‐FISH protocol. Visualization and enumeration of dominant taxa revealed unique cell count patterns that varied considerably over short time scales. The Rozellomycota sensu lato (s.l.) reached a maximum of 105 cells L−1, being comparable to freshwater counts. The abundance of Dikarya surpassed previous values by two orders of magnitude (105 cells L−1) and the corresponding biomass (maximum of 8.9 mg C m−3) was comparable to one reported for filamentous fungi with assigned ecological importance. Our results show that unicellular fungi are an abundant and, based on high cellular ribosome content and fast dynamics, active part of coastal microbial communities. The known ecology of the visualized taxa and the observed dynamics suggest the existence of different ecological niches that link primary and secondary food chains, highlighting the importance of unicellular fungi in food web structures and carbon transfer.
Factors affecting the doses of roxadustat vs darbepoetin alfa for anemia treatment in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Majikawa Yoshikatsu , Reusch Michael
Published: November 2020

Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Emerging evidence suggests that roxadustat may be beneficial for patients who inadequately respond to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). This post‐hoc analysis of a Japanese, double‐blind, randomized, phase 3 study in hemodialysis‐dependent CKD patients treated with traditional ESAs assessed the impact of factors associated with ESA hyporesponsiveness on roxadustat and darbepoetin alfa (DA) doses required to maintain target hemoglobin. Endpoints included mean of average doses of roxadustat and DA per administration in the last 6 weeks (AAD/6W) by prior ESA‐resistance index (ERI), iron repletion (transferrin saturation; ferritin), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). Of 415 enrolled patients, 303 were randomized (roxadustat, n = 151; DA, n = 152). Weight‐adjusted AAD/6W increased with increasing ERI for roxadustat (ERI <3.3, 0.89 mg/kg; ERI ≥8.4, 1.51 mg/kg) and DA (ERI <3.3, 0.26 μg/kg; ERI ≥8.4, 0.91 μg/kg); the weight‐adjusted AAD/6W relative to within‐arm mean AAD/6W showed a trend toward increased DA doses for the ERI ≥8.4 category (P = .089). AAD/6W remained stable for roxadustat but increased for DA with decreasing baseline iron repletion markers. The relationship between roxadustat doses and end of treatment (EoT) hs‐CRP was not significant (estimated slope, −0.494; P = .814); a trend toward increased DA doses was observed with increasing EoT hs‐CRP (estimated slope, 2.973; P = .075). Roxadustat doses required to maintain target hemoglobin appear to be less affected by factors that underlie ESA hyporesponsiveness, relative to DA; roxadustat may be beneficial for patients hyporesponsive to ESAs.
The role of CEOs in the sustainability of defined benefit pension plans
Authors: Horton Joanne , Kiosse Paraskevi Vicky , Koumenta Maria , Mitrou Evisa
Published: November 2020

The future of defined benefit (DB) pensions is a hotly debated topic in reward management. Drawing on agency and managerial power theories, the conditions under which CEOs can affect their sustainability have been examined. We show that when the CEO is a member of the same DB plan as their employees or when the CEO is both a member and a trustee of the plan, this affects the agency and power dynamics increasing the likelihood of these plans being retained. To address endogeneity concerns, we mimic randomisation using propensity score matching and the results continue to hold. Using the introduction of pension tax penalties as an exogenous shock on CEO self‐interest, we find that it affects the propensity of DB plan closures. The study highlights the key role that CEO incentives play on pension–provision decisions and indicates how HR practitioners/regulators can harness CEO self‐interest to safeguard the sustainability of DB pension plans.
MiR‐221‐5p is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses in acute gouty arthritis by targeting IL‐1β
Authors: Li Guangwen , Zhang Huihui , Ma Hong , Qu Shiping , Xing Qian , Wang Ge
Published: November 2020

Aim

Gout is caused by the accumulation of deposited monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. Recent studies have shown that interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is a key inflammatory mediator of acute gouty arthritis (AGA), and its level is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). The purpose of this study was to study the role of miR‐221‐5p in the pathogenesis of AGA.

Methods

One hundred patients with AGA and 94 healthy individuals were recruited. The expression of serum miR‐221‐5p was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was applied for diagnostic value analysis. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction of miRNA and the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of IL‐1β. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum and proinflammatory factors.

Results

miR‐221‐5p had lower expression in the serum of AGA patients. The area under the curve was 0.884, the sensitivity was 82.0%, and the specificity was 80.9%. Serum miR‐221‐5p was negatively correlated with the expression levels of visual analog scale and IL‐1β. Cell experiments showed that overexpression of miR‐221‐5p significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐8, and IL‐1β, while down‐regulation of miR‐221‐5p was the opposite. Luciferase analysis showed that IL‐1β was the target gene of miR‐221‐5p.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that miR‐221‐5p regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines during the pathogenesis of AGA. These results suggested that miR‐221‐5p could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AGA.
The Adjustment of International Institutions to Global Power Shifts: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Kruck Andreas , Zangl Bernhard
Published: November 2020

As powers such as China and India rise, and powers such as the US or the UK decline, international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund come under pressure to adapt to new power realities. In the wake of global power shifts, both emerging and established powers may challenge the institutional status quo. Contrary to what most power transition and power shift theories assume, challengers do not always draw on power bargaining to pursue institutional adjustment. In some issue areas, they do, but in others they employ alternative strategies including strategic cooptation, rhetorical coercion and principled persuasion. In order to contribute to a better understanding of institutional adjustments to global power shifts, the introduction to this special issue theorizes these various strategies. First, we conceptualize power bargaining, strategic cooptation, rhetorical coercion and principled persuasion as distinct strategies for institutional adjustment. Second, we elaborate on the conditions under which challengers choose particular strategies. Third, we specify the conditions under which challengers are able to achieve institutional adaptation through a particular strategy. Finally, we discuss broader implications for the future of the international order and the management of global power shifts.
Increased transcriptome variation and localised DNA methylation changes in oocytes from aged mice revealed by parallel single‐cell analysis
Authors: Castillo‐Fernandez Juan , Herrera‐Puerta Erika , Demond Hannah , Clark Stephen J. , Hanna Courtney W. , Hemberger Myriam , Kelsey Gavin
Published: November 2020

Advancing maternal age causes a progressive reduction in fertility. The decline in developmental competence of the oocyte with age is likely to be a consequence of multiple contributory factors. Loss of epigenetic quality of the oocyte could impair early developmental events or programme adverse outcomes in offspring that manifest only later in life. Here, we undertake joint profiling of the transcriptome and DNA methylome of individual oocytes from reproductively young and old mice undergoing natural ovulation. We find reduced complexity as well as increased variance in the transcriptome of oocytes from aged females. This transcriptome heterogeneity is reflected in the identification of discrete sub‐populations. Oocytes with a transcriptome characteristic of immature chromatin configuration (NSN) clustered into two groups: one with reduced developmental competence, as indicated by lower expression of maternal effect genes, and one with a young‐like transcriptome. Oocytes from older females had on average reduced CpG methylation, but the characteristic bimodal methylation landscape of the oocyte was preserved. Germline differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes were appropriately methylated irrespective of age. For the majority of differentially expressed transcripts, the absence of correlated methylation changes suggests a post‐transcriptional basis for most age‐related effects on the transcriptome. However, we did find differences in gene body methylation at which there were corresponding changes in gene expression, indicating age‐related effects on transcription that translate into methylation differences. Interestingly, oocytes varied in expression and methylation of these genes, which could contribute to variable competence of oocytes or penetrance of maternal age‐related phenotypes in offspring.
Is there a trade‐off between environmental performance and financial resilience? International evidence from the subprime crisis
Authors: Marsat Sylvain , Pijourlet Guillaume , Ullah Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Companies face mounting pressure to be environmentally conscious, yet they simultanously have to cope with more frequent financial crises. Whether environmental performance (EP) improves or mitigates the resilience of a firm when confronted with a financial shock is then of particular importance. Our survival analysis shows that high pre‐crisis EP significantly increased the time of firms’ market price recovery after the subprime crisis. This result suggests that EP appears as an organisational constraint that may limit the ability of firms to be financially resilient. However, in less environmentally oriented countries, EP does not negatively influence a firm’s financial resilience.
Experimenting first with e‐cigarettes versus first with cigarettes and transition to daily cigarette use among adolescents: the crucial effect of age at first experiment
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Aubin Henri‐Jean , Falissard Bruno , Beck François , Spilka Stanislas
Published: November 2020

Background and aims

Most studies in English‐speaking countries have found a positive association between e‐cigarette experimentation and subsequent daily tobacco smoking among adolescents. However, this result may not be valid in other cultural contexts; in addition, few studies have assessed whether this association varies with the subject' age at the time of e‐cigarette experimentation. This study aimed to estimate the association between experimenting first with e‐cigarette (rather than tobacco) and subsequent daily smoking according to age at the time of experimentation.

Design

Secondary analysis; risk ratios (RRs) computed using modified Poisson regressions with inverse probability weighting.

Setting

A cross‐sectional nation‐wide representative survey performed in 2017 in France.

Participants

French adolescents (n = 24 111), aged 17 to 18.5 years, who had previously experimented with either e‐cigarettes or tobacco.

Measures

Exposure was defined as the experimentation with e‐cigarettes first (whether or not followed by experimentation with tobacco); the outcome as daily tobacco smoking at the time of data collection. Gender, age, literacy, socio‐economic status, pre‐exposure repeat school years and experimentation with drunkeness, 3 licit and 8 illicit drugs were adjusted for. Uncertainties about the sequence of events defining exposure were handled by the definition of three patterns of exposure, to avoid a misclassification bias.

Findings

Exposure reduced the risk of transition to daily smoking: RR = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54, 0.62. This effect increased in a linear manner with age at exposure (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78; 0.98 for 1 year, P < 0.001): from RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.09; 1.54 at age 9 to RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.32; 0.45 at age 17.

Conclusions

Experimenting with e‐cigarettes first (as opposed to tobacco first) appears to be associated with a reduction in the risk of daily tobacco smoking among French adolescents aged 17–18.5, but this risk varies negatively with age at experimentation, and early e‐cigarette experimenters are at higher risk.
Baseline correlations and prognostic impact of serum monoclonal proteins in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Mozas Pablo , Rivero Andrea , Rivas‐Delgado Alfredo , Fabregat Aleix , Piñeyroa Juan A. , Correa Juan G. , Nadeu Ferran , Oliver Aina , Bataller Alex , Giné Eva , Delgado Julio , Villamor Neus , Cibeira Maria T. , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , Rosiñol Laura , Campo Elías , Aróstegui Juan I. , Bladé Joan , Magnano Laura , López‐Guillermo Armando
Published: November 2020

The presence of a serum monoclonal component has been associated with poor outcomes in some lymphomas. However, data in follicular lymphoma (FL) are scarce. We studied 311 FL patients diagnosed at a single institution, for whom information on serum immunofixation electrophoresis (sIFE) at diagnosis was available. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with a positive (+sIFE) and a negative sIFE (−sIFE). sIFE was positive in 82 patients (26%). Baseline features were comparable between both groups, except for an older age and higher proportion of elevated β2‐microglobulin levels in the +sIFE group. With a median follow‐up of 4.6 years, a +sIFE was associated with a higher risk of early relapse (POD24, 27% vs. 15%, P = 0·02), shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; 42% vs. 52% at 5 years, P = 0·008), and shorter overall survival (OS; 59% vs. 77% at 10 years, P = 0·046). In patients >60 years, a +sIFE was an independent predictor of OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 2·4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·2–5·0; P = 0·02]. Approximately one quarter of patients with FL has a +sIFE at diagnosis, which is a predictor of poor outcome. These findings encourage further investigation of its relationship with B‐cell biology and the tumour microenvironment.
Cytokine levels in children and adults with wheezing and asthma show specific patterns of variability over time
Authors: Weckmann M , Thiele D , Liboschik L , Bahmer T , Pech M , Dittrich A-M , Fuchs O , Happle C , Schaub B , Ricklefs I , Rabe K F , von Mutius E , Hansen G , König I R , Kopp M V ,   ALLIANCE Study Group, Roesler B , Welchering N , Kohistani-Greif N , Landgraf-Rauf K , Laubhahn K , Schaub B , Ege M , Liebl C , Mutius E , Kurz Johanna , Fuchs Oliver , Ricklefs Isabell , Diekmann Gesa , Sultansei L , Weckmann M , Nissen G , Kopp M V , Liboschik L , Bovermann X , Steinmetz A , Voigt G , Husstedt B , Nitsche C , König I R , Thiele D , Brinkmann F , Dittrich A-M , Happle C , Malik A , Schwerk N , Dopfer C , Price M , Grychtol R , Hansen G , Zemlin M , Müller M , Rietschel E , Koningsbruggen-Rietschel S , Bahmer T , Kirsten A-M , Pedersen F , Watz H , Waschki B , Rabe K F , Herzmann C , Opitz A , Gaede K I , Zabel P
Published: November 2020

Levels of cytokines are used for in-depth characterization of patients with asthma; however, the variability over time might be a critical confounder. To analyze the course of serum cytokines in children, adolescents and adults with asthma and in healthy controls and to propose statistical methods to control for seasonal effects. Of 532 screened subjects, 514 (91·5%) were included in the All Age Asthma Cohort (ALLIANCE). The cohort included 279 children with either recurrent wheezing bronchitis (more than two episodes) or doctor-diagnosed asthma, 75 healthy controls, 150 adult asthmatics and 31 adult healthy controls. Blood samples were collected and 25 μl serum was used for analysis with the Bio-Plex Pr human cytokine 27-Plex assay. Mean age, body mass index and gender in the three groups of wheezers, asthmatic children and adult asthmatics were comparable to healthy controls. Wheezers (34·5%), asthmatic children (78·7%) and adult asthmatics (62·8%) were significantly more often sensitized compared to controls (4·5, 22 and 22·6%, respectively). Considering the entire cohort, interleukin (IL)-1ra, IL-4, IL-9, IL-17, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1-α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α showed seasonal variability, whereas IL-1β, IL-7, IL-8, IL-13, eotaxin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10, MIP-1β and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB did not. Significant differences between wheezers/asthmatics and healthy controls were observed for IL-17 and PDGF-BB, which remained stable after adjustment for the seasonality of IL-17. Seasonality has a significant impact on serum cytokine levels in patients with asthma. Because endotyping has achieved clinical importance to guide individualized patient-tailored therapy, it is important to account for seasonal effects.
Corporate governance and institutions—A review and research agenda
Authors: Zattoni Alessandro , Dedoulis Emmanouil , Leventis Stergios , Van Ees Hans
Published: November 2020

Research Question/Issue

Over the last decades, research on the relationship between national institutions, governance mechanisms, and firm outcomes has been increasing. This review aims at (i) analyzing extant research in this area, (ii) identifying influential current trends, and (iii) highlighting future avenues of research.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a content analysis of 165 articles published in top journals from accounting, finance, management, and organization disciplines, we explore research on institutions, corporate governance, and firm outcomes. Our results show that stronger national institutions aimed at protecting investors are mostly associated with better corporate governance and firm financial outcomes and that these relationships are moderated by some contingency factors.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our findings encourage scholars to further explore the relationship between national institutions, corporate governance, and firm outcomes by using theoretical frameworks and methods allowing them (i) to develop a “thicker” understanding of the national institutional context, (ii) to analyze powerful stakeholders' influence on the above relationships, and (iii) to better understand the role played by informal institutions.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings help policymakers and investors to (i) better understand how national institutions impact on both governance mechanisms and firm outcomes and (ii) develop policies or design governance mechanisms taking into consideration country‐, industry‐, and firm‐level contingencies.
Predictors of Adverse Events and Determinants of the Voriconazole Trough Concentration in Kidney Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Zhao Yi‐Chang , Lin Xiao‐Bin , Zhang Bi‐Kui , Xiao Yi‐wen , Xu Ping , Wang Feng , Xiang Da‐Xiong , Xie Xu‐Biao , Peng Feng‐Hua , Yan Miao
Published: November 2020

Voriconazole is the mainstay for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients who underwent a kidney transplant. Variant CYP2C19 alleles, hepatic function, and concomitant medications are directly involved in the metabolism of voriconazole. However, the drug is also associated with numerous adverse events. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of adverse events using binary logistic regression and to measure its trough concentration using multiple linear modeling. We conducted a prospective analysis of 93 kidney recipients cotreated with voriconazole and recorded 213 trough concentrations of it. Predictors of the adverse events were voriconazole trough concentration with the odds ratios (OR) of 2.614 (P = 0.016), cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), and hemoglobin (OR 0.181, P = 0.005). The predictive power of these three factors was 91.30%. We also found that CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, platelet count, and concomitant use of ilaprazole had quantitative relationships with voriconazole trough concentration. The fit coefficient of this regression equation was R2 = 0.336, demonstrating that the model explained 33.60% of interindividual variability in the disposition of voriconazole. In conclusion, predictors of adverse events are CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, and voriconazole trough concentration. Determinants of the voriconazole trough concentration were CYP2C19 phenotypes, platelet count, hemoglobin, concomitant use of ilaprazole. If we consider these factors during voriconazole use, we are likely to maximize the treatment effect and minimize adverse events.
Shooting shots: Estimating alcoholic drink sizes in real life using event‐level reports and annotations of close‐up pictures
Authors: Labhart Florian , Phan Thanh‐Trung , Gatica‐Perez Daniel , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Introduction and Aims

Drinks consumed in real life are diverse, in terms of beverage type, container size and alcohol by volume. To date, most ecological momentary assessment studies have assessed drinking amounts with ‘standard’ drinks, although their event‐level design allows for more advanced assessment schemes. The purpose of this empirical study is to compare participants' estimates of alcoholic drink characteristics, assessed using drink‐specific questions, with estimates generated by annotators based on pictures of the same drinks.

Design and Methods

On weekend nights, 186 young adults took 1484 close‐up pictures of their drinks using a custom‐built smartphone application. Participants reported the beverage type, drink size and alcohol by volume. Annotators described the beverage type, container size and filling level. Correspondence between participants’ and annotators' estimates was explored using descriptive statistics, difference tests and correlations.

Results

Annotators were unable to precisely identify the beverage types in most pictures of liqueurs, spirits and mixed drinks. Participants' drink size estimates converged with annotators' estimates of the container size for beer (41 cl corresponding to 16 g of pure alcohol) and mixed drinks (28 cl/35 g), and of the content size for wine (10 cl/9 g). However, annotators estimated larger sizes for liqueur/fortified wine (12 cl/14 g vs. 7 cl/9 g) and spirits (8 cl/26 g vs. 4 cl/10 g) than participants.

Discussion and Conclusions

Annotations of pictures should be considered as a complement to participants' reports rather than a substitute. Except for wine, real‐life drinks vary largely and often exceed 10 g ‘standard’ drinks.
Supremacist thinking, epistemological despair, and Christian hope
Authors: Hockenbery Jennifer
Published: November 2020

This article looks at the connection between white supremacist cults and an epistemology of despair—a view that knowledge cannot be shared or communicated between diverse people. The theology of Augustine, the fourth century African bishop, undermines the power of this epistemology by inspiring hope in dialogue as an avenue towards ending white supremacist thinking.
COVID‐19 fatality prediction in people with diabetes and prediabetes using a simple score upon hospital admission
Authors: Sourij Harald , Aziz Faisal , Bräuer Alexander , Ciardi Christian , Clodi Martin , Fasching Peter , Karolyi Mario , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Klammer Carmen , Malle Oliver , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Pawelka Erich , Peric Slobodan , Ress Claudia , Sourij Caren , Stechemesser Lars , Stingl Harald , Stulnig Thomas , Tripolt Norbert , Wagner Michael , Wolf Peter , Zitterl Andreas , Kaser Susanne ,   for the COVID‐19 in diabetes in Austria study group
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess predictors of in‐hospital mortality in people with prediabetes and diabetes hospitalized for COVID‐19 infection and to develop a risk score for identifying those at the greatest risk of a fatal outcome.

Materials and Methods

A combined prospective and retrospective, multicentre, cohort study was conducted at 10 sites in Austria in 247 people with diabetes or newly diagnosed prediabetes who were hospitalized with COVID‐19. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality and the predictor variables upon admission included clinical data, co‐morbidities of diabetes or laboratory data. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors and to develop a risk score for in‐hospital mortality.

Results

The mean age of people hospitalized (n = 238) for COVID‐19 was 71.1 ± 12.9 years, 63.6% were males, 75.6% had type 2 diabetes, 4.6% had type 1 diabetes and 19.8% had prediabetes. The mean duration of hospital stay was 18 ± 16 days, 23.9% required ventilation therapy and 24.4% died in the hospital. The mortality rate in people with diabetes was numerically higher (26.7%) compared with those with prediabetes (14.9%) but without statistical significance (P = .128). A score including age, arterial occlusive disease, C‐reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate and aspartate aminotransferase levels at admission predicted in‐hospital mortality with a C‐statistic of 0.889 (95% CI: 0.837‐0.941) and calibration of 1.000 (P = .909).

Conclusions

The in‐hospital mortality for COVID‐19 was high in people with diabetes but not significantly different to the risk in people with prediabetes. A risk score using five routinely available patient variables showed excellent predictive performance for assessing in‐hospital mortality.
Occurrence and patterns of orofacial injury in CrossFit practitioners
Authors: de Souza Bárbara Capitanio , Carteri Randhall Bruce , Lopes André Luiz , Lima Danilo Lopes Ferreira
Published: November 2020

Background

CrossFit is an activity that can provide positive influences on body composition and physical fitness. However, the occurrence or pattern of possible injuries, especially in the orofacial region, has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and patterns of orofacial injuries in CrossFit practitioners.

Material and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study carried out using an online questionnaire on the Google Forms platform. The volunteers were self‐selected men and women who practice CrossFit and reside in Brazilian municipalities. The online survey was conducted during April 2020 and comprised 12 questions. The data were analyzed, categorized, and presented as percentages.

Results

These were 65 (27.8%) participants who reported having suffered at least one episode of orofacial trauma and they were more prevalent during training sessions 58 (89.2%). Among the regions with the highest frequency of injuries, the head 23 (21%), mental protuberance 22 (19.6%), upper lip 19 (16.9%), and maxillary teeth 14 (12.5%) were the most cited.

Conclusions

The prevalence of injuries in the head region indicates a potential concern. Preference should be given to making mouthguards for the maxillary teeth, as they are significantly more affected by trauma during CrossFit when compared to the mandibular teeth.
Evidence of energy and nutrient transfer from invasive pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) spawners to juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in northern Norway
Authors: Dunlop Kathy , Eloranta Antti P. , Schoen Erik , Wipfli Mark , Jensen Jenny L.A. , Muladal Rune , Christensen Guttorm N.
Published: November 2020

Recent large influxes of non‐native Pacific pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) to North European rivers have raised concern over their potential negative impacts on native salmonids and recipient ecosystems. The eggs and carcasses of semelparous pink salmon may provide a significant nutrient and energy subsidy to native biota, but this phenomenon has not been widely documented outside the species' native distribution. We analysed the stomach contents and stable isotope values (δ15N and δ13C) in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) to determine whether these native salmonids utilise marine‐derived nutrients and energy provided by pink salmon eggs and carcasses in the subarctic river system Vesterelva, northern Norway. Although egg foraging and assimilation of marine‐derived nutrients in fish body tissues were found to be minor at the population level, a few juvenile salmon and trout had recently eaten large quantities of pink salmon eggs. Some of these individuals also had high δ15N and δ13C values, indicating a long‐term diet subsidised by marine‐derived nutrients and energy from pink salmon eggs. Hence, our study provides novel evidence that the eggs of invasive pink salmon may provide an energetic, profitable food resource for juvenile native fish. More research is needed to understand the broader ecological implications for fishes and other biota in river ecosystems invaded by pink salmon.
Coevolution, diversification and alternative states in two‐trophic communities
Authors: Northfield Tobin D. , Ripa Jörgen , Nell Lucas A. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: November 2020

Single‐trait eco‐evolutionary models of arms races between consumers and their resource species often show inhibition rather than promotion of community diversification. In contrast, modelling arms races involving multiple traits, we found that arms races can promote diversification when trade‐off costs among traits make simultaneous investment in multiple traits either more beneficial or more costly. Coevolution between resource and consumer species generates an adaptive landscape for each, with the configuration giving predictable suites of consumer and resource species. Nonetheless, the adaptive landscape contains multiple alternative stable states, and which stable community is reached depends on small stochastic differences occurring along evolutionary pathways. Our results may solve a puzzling conflict between eco‐evolutionary theory that predicts community diversification via consumer–resource interactions will be rare, and empirical research that has uncovered real cases. Furthermore, our results suggest that these real cases might be just a subset of alternative stable communities.
Misinformation, internet honey trading and beekeepers drive a plant invasion
Authors: Lenda Magdalena , Skórka Piotr , Kuszewska Karolina , Moroń Dawid , Bełcik Michał , Baczek Kwinta Renata , Janowiak Franciszek , Duncan David H. , Vesk Peter A. , Possingham Hugh P. , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: November 2020

Biological invasions are a major human induced global change that is threatening global biodiversity by homogenizing the world’s fauna and flora. Species spread because humans have moved species across geographical boundaries and have changed ecological factors that structure ecosystems, such as nitrogen deposition, disturbance, etc. Many biological invasions are caused accidentally, as a byproduct of human travel and commerce driven product shipping. However, humans also have spread many species intentionally because of perceived benefits. Of interest is the role of the recent exponential growth in information exchange via internet social media in driving biological invasions. To date, this has not been examined. Here, we show that for one such invasive species, goldenrod, social networks spread misleading and incomplete information that is enhancing the spread of goldenrod invasions into new environments. We show that the notion of goldenrod honey as a “superfood” with unsupported healing properties is driving a demand that leads beekeepers to produce goldenrod honey. Social networks provide a forum for such information exchange and this is leading to further spread of goldenrod in many countries where goldenrod is not native, such as Poland. However, this informal social information exchange ignores laws that focus on preventing the further spread of invasive species and the strong negative effects that goldenrod has on native ecosystems, including floral resources that negatively impact honeybee performance. Thus, scientifically unsupported information on “superfoods” such as goldenrod honey that is disseminated through social internet networks has real world consequences such as increased goldenrod invasions into novel geographical regions which decreases native biodiversity.
Effects of lacosamide and carbamazepine on lipids in a randomized trial
Authors: Mintzer Scott , Dimova Svetlana , Zhang Ying , Steiniger‐Brach Björn , De Backer Marc , Chellun Daya , Roebling Robert
Published: November 2020

Objective

The effects of anticonvulsants on lipids are the subject of considerable concern and investigation, but there are almost no data on this issue from randomized trials. We evaluated serum lipid profiles in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy, following randomization to lacosamide (LCM) or carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed data from a Phase 3, international, randomized, double‐blind trial of LCM vs CBZ for the initial treatment of focal epilepsy. Serum lipid profiles in patients not taking lipid‐lowering agents and providing blood samples under fasting conditions before treatment, and following 3 or 12 months of treatment with LCM or CBZ at various doses were analyzed.

Results

At 12 months, 271 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria for the analysis. No change was observed in LCM‐treated patients for total cholesterol, cholesterol fractions, or triglycerides. CBZ‐treated patients showed an increase of 21.1 mg/dL in total cholesterol, 12.6 mg/dL in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 12.5 mg/dL in non–high density lipoprotein (non‐HDL) cholesterol, and 8.5 mg/dL in HDL cholesterol; triglycerides remained unchanged. The proportion of patients with elevated total cholesterol levels (above the upper limit of the reference range) did not change in the LCM treatment group (37.0% at Baseline; 34.8% at 12 months), but increased from 30.8% (at Baseline) to 49.6% (at 12 months) in the CBZ treatment group.

Significance

This study provides Class II evidence that CBZ elevates serum lipids, whereas LCM has no effect on lipids. It supports LCM as an appropriate choice for new‐onset focal epilepsy.
Functional erosion and trait loss in fish assemblages from Neotropical reservoirs: The man beyond the environment
Authors: Dias Rosa Maria , de Oliveira Anielly Galego , Baumgartner Matheus Tenório , Angulo‐Valencia Mirtha Amanda , Agostinho Angelo Antonio
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic impacts are altering ecosystems, especially aquatic habitats, resulting in the loss of critical biodiversity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of human pressure, as surrogated by the human footprint index (HFI), on the functional diversity of fish assemblages from 109 Neotropical reservoirs while considering covariates such as temperature, flooded area and age since damming. We assessed two components of functional diversity (richness and dispersion) and the specific trait composition of each fish assemblage. We found that both components of fish functional diversity decreased with increasing human pressure and that this relationship was stronger in reservoirs near large cities. There was a positive relationship between functional diversity and reservoir area, and a negative relationship between functional diversity and reservoir age. We also observed strong relationships between all the explanatory variables and functional traits, particularly for the HFI. We can infer that the ichthyofaunas of those reservoirs under higher human pressure are likely undergoing a simplification process along with homogenization of functional diversity.
Spatial and temporal variation in Arctic freshwater chemistry—Reflecting climate‐induced landscape alterations and a changing template for biodiversity
Authors: Huser Brian J. , Futter Martyn N. , Bogan Daniel , Brittain John E. , Culp Joseph M. , Goedkoop Willem , Gribovskaya Iliada , Karlsson Jan , Lau Danny C. P. , Rühland Kathleen M. , Schartau Ann Kristin , Shaftel Rebecca , Smol John P. , Vrede Tobias , Lento Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Freshwater chemistry across the circumpolar region was characterised using a pan‐Arctic data set from 1,032 lake and 482 river stations. Temporal trends were estimated for Early (1970–1985), Middle (1986–2000), and Late (2001–2015) periods. Spatial patterns were assessed using data collected since 2001.

Alkalinity, pH, conductivity, sulfate, chloride, sodium, calcium, and magnesium (major ions) were generally higher in the northern‐most Arctic regions than in the Near Arctic (southern‐most) region. In particular, spatial patterns in pH, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium appeared to reflect underlying geology, with more alkaline waters in the High Arctic and Sub Arctic, where sedimentary bedrock dominated.

Carbon and nutrients displayed latitudinal trends, with lower levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen, and (to a lesser extent) total phosphorus (TP) in the High and Low Arctic than at lower latitudes. Significantly higher nutrient levels were observed in systems impacted by permafrost thaw slumps.

Bulk temporal trends indicated that TP was higher during the Late period in the High Arctic, whereas it was lower in the Near Arctic. In contrast, DOC and total nitrogen were both lower during the Late period in the High Arctic sites. Major ion concentrations were higher in the Near, Sub, and Low Arctic during the Late period, but the opposite bulk trend was found in the High Arctic.

Significant pan‐Arctic temporal trends were detected for all variables, with the most prevalent being negative TP trends in the Near and Sub Arctic, and positive trends in the High and Low Arctic (mean trends ranged from +0.57%/year in the High/Low Arctic to −2.2%/year in the Near Arctic), indicating widespread nutrient enrichment at higher latitudes and oligotrophication at lower latitudes.

The divergent P trends across regions may be explained by changes in deposition and climate, causing decreased catchment transport of P in the south (e.g. increased soil binding and trapping in terrestrial vegetation) and increased P availability in the north (deepening of the active layer of the permafrost and soil/sediment sloughing). Other changes in concentrations of major ions and DOC were consistent with projected effects of ongoing climate change. Given the ongoing warming across the Arctic, these region‐specific changes are likely to have even greater effects on Arctic water quality, biota, ecosystem function and services, and human well‐being in the future.
Nutritional status related to poor health outcomes in older people: Which is better, obese or lean?
Authors: Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: November 2020

Good nutritional status is crucial for maintaining growth and health in all stages of life. However, the relationship between nutritional status and health and the effect on various health‐related outcomes differ, depending on the life stage. Many adverse outcomes in older adults, directly linked to different nutritional status, are not present in middle‐aged adults, and their ideal nutritional status may differ. This article will review the optimal nutritional status, mainly evaluated by anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, for older adults from various perspectives. Overall, in older adults low body mass index is at higher risk of health problems such as mortality and difficulties in physical functioning compared with middle‐aged adults, reducing the risk of health problems for overweight and (abdominal) obesity. Overweight may be more beneficial than lower level of normal weight in older‐old and vulnerable older people. While, with or without obesity, skeletal muscle loss or weakness as well as unintentional weight loss induces health problems in older adults. The impact of metabolic syndrome on the prognosis of older adults is clearly reduced compared with middle‐aged adults, requiring a shift in medical attention in older adults from metabolic syndrome to frailty. There are still many unclear points regarding the optimal nutritional status of older people, and further research is needed to support healthy longevity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 5–13.