bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New clusters of serum electrolytes aid in stratification of diabetes and metabolic risk
Authors: Hou Yanan , Xiang Jiali , Dai Huajie , Wang Tiange , Li Mian , Lin Hong , Wang Shuangyuan , Xu Yu , Lu Jieli , Chen Yuhong , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Zhao Zhiyun , Bi Yufang , Xu Min
Published: December 2021

Background

Serum electrolytes were found to associate with type 2 diabetes. Our study aimed to stratify nondiabetes by clusters based on multiple serum electrolytes and evaluate their associations with risk of developing diabetes and longitudinal changes in glucose and lipid metabolic traits.

Methods

We performed a data‐driven cluster analysis in 4937 nondiabetes individuals aged ≥40 years at baseline from a cohort follow‐up for an average of 4.4 years. Cluster analysis was based on seven commonly measured serum electrolytes (iron, chlorine, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus) by using the k‐means method.

Results

A total of 4937 nondiabetes individuals were classified into three distinct clusters, with 1635 (33.1%) assigned to Cluster A, 1490 (30.2%) to Cluster B, and 1812 (36.7%) to Cluster C. Individuals in Cluster A had higher serum chlorine, were older, and more were women. Individuals in Cluster B had higher serum iron and body mass index (BMI). Individuals in Cluster C had higher serum phosphorus, were younger, and had lower BMI. Cluster B had 1.41‐fold higher risk of developing diabetes and Cluster C’s risk was 1.33‐fold higher compared with Cluster A. Over an average follow‐up of 4.4 years, Cluster A showed a moderate and stable BMI, Cluster B showed an accelerated deterioration in glucose metabolism, and Cluster C showed the most sharply increased serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level.

Conclusions

Clusters based on seven common serum electrolytes differed in diabetes risk and progression of glucose and lipid metabolic traits. Serum electrolytes clusters could provide a powerful tool to differentiate individuals into different risk stratification for developing type 2 diabetes.
Hematochezia in children with acute diarrhea seeking emergency department care – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Böhrer Madeleine , Fitzpatrick Eleanor , Hurley Katrina , Xie Jianling , Lee Bonita E. , Pang Xiao‐Li , Zhuo Ran , Parsons Brendon D. , Berenger Byron M. , Chui Linda , Tarr Phillip I. , Ali Samina , Vanderkooi Otto G. , Freedman Stephen B. ,   The Alberta Provincial Pediatric EnTeric Infection TEam (APPETITE), Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC)
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Although the passage of blood in stools in children represents a medical emergency, children seeking emergency department (ED) care remain poorly characterized. Our primary objective was to compare clinical characteristics and etiologic pathogens in children with acute diarrhea with and without caregiver‐reported hematochezia. Secondary objectives were to characterize interventions and resource utilization.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the Alberta Provincial Pediatric EnTeric Infection TEam (APPETITE) database. Children <18 years presenting to two pediatric EDs within a 24‐hour period and <7 days of symptoms were consecutively recruited.

Results

Of 1,061 participants, 115 (10.8%) reported hematochezia at the enrollment visit at which time those with hematochezia, compared to those without, had more diarrheal episodes/24‐hour period (9 vs. 6; difference: 2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0, 4.0; p < 0.001), and were less likely to have experienced vomiting (54.8% vs. 80.2%; difference: −25.4; 95% CI: −34.9, −16.0; p < 0.001). They were more likely to receive intravenous fluids (33.0% vs. 17.9%; difference: 15.2; 95% CI: 6.2, 24.1; p < 0.001) and require repeat health care visits (45.5% vs. 34.7%; difference: 10.7; 95% CI: 0.9, 20.6; p = 0.03). A bacterial pathogen was identified in 33.0% of children with hematochezia versus 7.9% without (difference: 25.1; 95% CI: 16.3, 33.9; p < 0.001); viruses were detected in 31.3% of children with hematochezia compared to 72.3% in those without (difference: −41.0%, 95% CI: −49.9, −32.1; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In children with acute diarrhea, caregiver report of hematochezia, compared to the absence of hematochezia, was associated with more diarrheal but fewer vomiting episodes, and greater resource consumption. The former group of children was also more likely to have bacteria detected in their stool.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who recommence clozapine following therapy interruptions
Authors: John Alexander Panickacheril , Burrows Sally , Stanley Susanne , Acabo Cherry , Shymko Gordon , Jaworska Aleksandra , Velayudhan Ajay
Published: December 2021

Objective

The proportion of patients who recommence clozapine after cessation, the time taken to resume clozapine post‐cessation, and distinguishing demographic and clinical characteristics of this group have been poorly researched. We evaluated these in the current study.

Method

We retrospectively extracted selected demographic and clinical variables and clozapine treatment interruption and recommencement data up to December 2018 of a cohort of 458 patients who first commenced clozapine between 2006 and 2016. The study was conducted at three Australian health services.

Results

Of the 310 (69%) patients who had at least one interruption of clozapine treatment, 170 (54.8%) did not resume clozapine, and 140 (45.2%) recommenced it after the first interruption. More than half of those who recommenced did so within a month and 80% by 12 months. Cox regression analysis revealed that age was significantly associated with recommencement, with a 2% decrease in the likelihood of restarting after an interruption for each year later that clozapine was initially commenced (HR = 0.98 95%CI: 0.97, 0.997, p = 0.02). Those who ceased clozapine due to adverse effects were less likely to restart than those who ceased due to noncompliance (HR = 0.63 95%CI: 0.41, 0.97, p = 0.03). More time on clozapine prior to interruption increased the likelihood of restarting it, with each additional month on clozapine increasing this likelihood by 1% (HR = 1.01 95%CI: 1.01, 1.02, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

If the distinguishing demographic and clinical characteristics of the group identified in this study are corroborated through further research, this could further validate the need to identify treatment resistance and commence clozapine early in people with schizophrenia and provide appropriate interventions to those more at risk of permanent discontinuation of clozapine.
Statistical analysis on metric and geometric features of dolmens in the Gor river megalithic landscape (Granada, Andalusia, Spain)
Authors: Esquivel Francisco Javier , Cabrero Carolina , Cámara Juan Antonio , Esquivel José Antonio
Published: December 2021

The construction of dolmens took place in Europe from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (fifth millennium BC–second millennium BC) and had a rapid development along the Atlantic façade, with an important focus in Andalusia. Within this area, the megalithic necropolises located in the banks of the Gor River (Granada, Andalusia, Spain) are studied.

In this paper, multivariate techniques are applied to characterize the dolmens associated with the Gor river megalithic landscape by means of two analyses. First, a new classification of the dolmens in necropolises using their location variables produces an optimal number of 8 necropolis instead of the traditional 11. In addition, this classification improves the traditional spatial division of the dolmens because there is no overlapping between necropolises. Secondly, a multivariate analysis of the dimensional variables, which aims to detect possible constructional patterns, is performed obtaining three main variables of grouping. The first two, length and width of the chamber, can be summarized as the area of the chamber and, in terms of this, the dolmens can be classified into two main groups. The third one, the length of the corridor, can be considered as a factor for intragroup discrimination.
The influence of diversity and employee relations on corporate philanthropy and performance
Authors: Câmara Ana , Petrenko Oleg
Published: December 2021

Drawing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity literatures, this study found that a diverse workforce is a driver of corporate philanthropy and that positive employee relations have a strengthening effect on the association between corporate philanthropy and firm performance. These results disclose that progressive and fair relationships between firms and their employees may be one reason why socially responsible practices have impact on financial outcomes. Findings confirm that managerial focus on building positive relationships with employees through the adoption of diversity policies and fair labor relations improves the effects of corporate philanthropy on the financial performance of firms.
Clinical characteristic and outcome of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of non‐Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia type: A Swedish lymphoma registry study
Authors: Brandefors Lena , Sander Birgitta , Lundqvist Kristina , Kimby Eva
Published: December 2021

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) not fulfilling the WHO diagnostic criteria (2017) for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) (named non‐WM LPL) is a rare disease and only a few systematic studies have been published. Here, we present a population‐based study of non‐WM LPL focusing on diagnostic difficulties, patient characteristics, and outcome. From 1511 patients included in the Swedish Lymphoma Registry 1 Jan 2000 – 31 Dec 2014 with a diagnosis of WM/LPL, we could confirm the diagnosis of non‐WM LP in only 33 patients. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years. A paraprotein was found in most (IgG in 54%, IgA in 15%) and 12% of the cases were non‐secretory. Compared with the WM patients, the non‐WM LPL patients were younger, had more adverse prognostic factors such as elevated LDH, anaemia, and lymphocytosis at diagnosis. In addition, the non‐WM LPL patients more often were symptomatic and received treatment at diagnosis. The overall survival (OS) did not significantly differ between the non‐WM LPL and WM groups (P = 0.247), with a median survival time of 71 and 96 months, respectively. To conclude, we found differences in clinical features between WM and non‐WM LPL, but no difference in survival.
COVID‐19 vaccine failure in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and monoclonal B‐lymphocytosis; humoural and cellular immunity
Authors: Shen Yandong , Freeman Jane A. , Holland Juliette , Solterbeck Ann , Naidu Kartik , Soosapilla Asha , Downe Paul , Tang Catherine , Kerridge Ian , Wallman Lucinda , Van Bilsen Nenna , Milogiannakis Vanessa , Akerman Anouschka , Martins Costa Gomes Gabriela , Sandgren Kerrie , Cunningham Anthony L. , Turville Stuart , Mulligan Stephen P.
Published: December 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is associated with immunocompromise and high risk of severe COVID‐19 disease and mortality. Monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) patients also have immune impairment. We evaluated humoural and cellular immune responses in 181 patients with CLL (160) and MBL (21) to correlate failed seroconversion [<50 AU/ml SARS‐CoV‐2 II IgG assay, antibody to spike protein; Abbott Diagnostics)] following each of two vaccine doses with clinical and laboratory parameters. Following first and second doses, 79.2% then 45% of CLL, and 50% then 9.5% of MBL patients respectively remained seronegative. There was significant association between post dose two antibody level with pre‐vaccination reduced IgM (p < 0.0001), IgG2 (p < 0.035), and IgG3 (p < 0.046), and CLL therapy within 12 months (p < 0.001) in univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, reduced IgM (p < 0.0002) and active therapy (p < 0.0002) retained significance. Anti‐spike protein levels varied widely and were lower in CLL than MBL patients, and both lower than in normal donors. Neutralisation activity showed anti‐spike levels <1000 AU/ml were usually negative for both an early viral clade and the contemporary Delta variant and 72.9% of CLL and 53.3% of MBL failed to reach levels ≥1000 AU/ml. In a representative sample, ~80% had normal T‐cell responses. Failed seroconversion occurred in 36.6% of treatment‐naïve patients, in 78.1% on therapy, and in 85.7% on ibrutinib.
Humanizing racialization: Social psychology in a time of unexpected transformational conjunctions
Authors: Phoenix Ann
Published: December 2021

The unexpected transformations produced by the conjunction of COVID‐19, the murder of George Floyd and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter highlight the importance of social psychological understandings and the need for a step change in theorization of the social. This paper focuses on racialization. It considers issues that social psychology needs to address in order to reduce inequalities and promote social justice. It draws on theoretical resources of intersectionality and hauntology to illuminate the ways in which social psychological research frequently makes black people visible in ways that exclude them from normative constructions. The final main part of the paper presents an analysis of an interview with the racing driver Lewis Hamilton to illustrate possible ways of humanizing racialization by giving recognition to the multiplicity and historical location of racialized positioning. The paper argues that, while social psychology has made vital contributions to the understanding of group processes and of racisms, there remains a need to humanize racialization by conducting holistic analyses of black people’s (and others’) intersectional identities.
Imeglimin population pharmacokinetics and dose adjustment predictions for renal impairment in Japanese and Western patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tomita Yoshiko , Hansson Emma , Mazuir Florent , Wellhagen Gustaf J , Ooi Qing Xi , Mezzalana Enrica , Kitamura Atsushi , Nemoto Daisuke , Bolze Sébastien
Published: December 2021

Imeglimin is an orally administered first‐in‐class drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is mainly excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The present study aimed to define the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of imeglimin using population PK analysis and to determine the optimal dosing regimen for Japanese patients with T2DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Imeglimin plasma concentrations in Japanese and Western healthy volunteers, and patients with T2DM, including patients with mild to severe CKD with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 14 ml/min/1.73 m2were included in a population PK analysis. PK simulations were conducted using a population PK model, and the area under concentration‐time curve (AUC) was extrapolated with power regression analysis to lower eGFR. The influence of eGFR, weight, and age on apparent clearance and of dose on relative bioavailability were quantified by population PK analysis. Simulations and extrapolation revealed that the recommended dosing regimen based on the AUC was 500 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) for patients with eGFR 15–45 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 500 mg with a longer dosing interval was suggested for those with eGFR less than 15. Simulations revealed that differences in plasma AUCs between Japanese and Western patients at the same dose were mainly driven by a difference in the eGFR and that the plasma AUC after 1000 and 1500 mg b.i.d. in Japanese and Western patients, respectively, was comparable in the phase IIb studies. These results indicate suitable dosages of imeglimin in the clinical setting of T2DM with renal impairment.
Why do women consume alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Dozet Danijela , Akhand Laboni Shahela , Brower Krista , Temple Valerie
Published: December 2021

Issue

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause adverse health outcomes to the mother and child, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Approach

Systematic literature review and thematic synthesis. Original studies that contained reasons for alcohol consumption in pregnancy and while breastfeeding were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Confidence in the Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CerQUAL) approach were utilised. The review protocol is available on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018116998).

Key Findings

Forty‐two eligible studies comprising women from 16 countries were included. Most commonly reported reasons of alcohol use in pregnancy were societal pressure and the belief that only “strong” alcohol and alcohol in large quantities is harmful. Other reasons were: a lack of awareness of adverse effects on the fetus; coping with adverse life experiences; consumption based on intuitive decision‐making and influenced by personal/peer experiences; belief in the beneficial properties of alcohol; advice from medical practitioners; unwanted or unplanned pregnancy; alcohol dependence; and consumption as a cultural/traditional custom. Reasons for alcohol use during breastfeeding included the belief that alcohol stimulates breast milk production, unclear advice from medical practitioners, unawareness of the risks of infant exposure and to improve mood and celebrate events.

Implications

Understanding the context of reasons for alcohol use in pregnancy is crucial for implementing prenatal health education, and preventing FASD and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes.

Conclusion

Individual beliefs, knowledge/advice, culture and personal circumstances influence alcohol use in pregnancy. Data are limited for reasons surrounding alcohol use while breastfeeding.
The origins of trust: Humans’ reliance on communicative cues supersedes firsthand experience during the second year of life
Authors: Mascaro Olivier , Kovács Ágnes Melinda
Published: December 2021

How do people learn about things that they have never perceived or inferred–like molecules, miracles or Marie‐Antoinette? For many thinkers, trust is the answer. Humans rely on communicated information, sometimes even when it contradicts blatantly their firsthand experience. We investigate the early ontogeny of this trust using a non‐verbal search paradigm in four main studies and three supplementary studies (N = 208). Infants and toddlers first see where a reward is, and then an informant communicates to them that it is in another location. We use this general experimental set‐up to assess the role of age, informants’ knowledge, cue's familiarity, and communicative context on trust in communicated information. Results reveal that infants and toddlers quickly trust familiar and novel communicative cues from well‐informed adults. When searching for the reward, they follow a well‐informed adults’ communicative cue, even when it contradicts what they just saw. Furthermore, infants are less likely to be guided by familiar and novel cues from poorly informed adults than toddlers. Thus, reliance on communication is calibrated during early childhood, up to the point of overriding evidence about informants’ knowledge. Moreover, toddlers trust much more strongly a novel cue when it is used in a communicative manner. Toddlers’ trust cannot be explained by mere compliance: it is highly reduced when communicated information is pitted against what participants currently see. Thus, humans’ strong tendency to rely on familiar and novel communicative cues emerges in infancy, and intensifies during the second year of life.
Road verges are corridors and roads barriers for the movement of flower‐visiting insects
Authors: Dániel‐Ferreira Juliana , Berggren Åsa , Wissman Jörgen , Öckinger Erik
Published: December 2021

Roads and road verges can potentially have opposite impacts on organisms that move through the landscape. While road verges can be habitat for a large number of species, and have been proposed to act as dispersal corridors, roads can act as barriers to movement. This duality of roads and road verges has however rarely been assessed simultaneously, and it is unknown to what degree it depends on the amount of traffic on the road and on the habitat quality of the road verge. We used fluorescent powdered dye to track movements of flower‐visiting insects along roads with varying traffic intensity, and in verges with contrasting habitat quality (flowering plant species richness and flower density). Insect movements along road verges were more frequent than movements into the adjacent habitats, indicating that verges act as corridors. The frequency of movements that required crossing the road was lower compared to the frequency of movements that did not, suggesting that roads are barriers. The movement patterns were independent of traffic intensity, but the barrier effect was stronger when the road verge had a higher density of flower resources. The effect of roads as a barrier and of the road verges as corridors were independent of each other. Our results suggest that flower‐visiting insects tend to remain longer in road verges with high density of flowers and we therefore suggest that managing road verge habitats for an increased plant diversity will mitigate the known negative impacts of roads on insect populations.
Effects of ungulate density and sociality on landscape heterogeneity: a mechanistic modeling approach
Authors: Ferraro Kristy M. , Schmitz Oswald J. , McCary Matthew A.
Published: December 2021

Animals can be important vectors of nutrient transfer within and across landscapes, with important implications for ecosystem productivity and composition. While it is presumed large ungulates are agents of nutrient dispersal via movement and activity, research analyzing their net effects on landscapes remains scarce. We present an individual‐based model that investigates how caribou affect the distribution of nutrients on a landscape through consumption only, as well through the cumulative effects of consumption and nutrient deposition (i.e. fecal waste and carcass deposition). We explored these dynamics in simulations that altered the context of environments, either initially containing heterogeneous or homogeneous nutrient distributions, animal densities and sociality of caribou behavior. In the consumption‐only simulations, caribou density and sociality created different patterns of heterogeneity at both the landscape and local scale depending on the initial landscape conditions. In these simulations, caribou populations crashed at high densities because the lack of animal deposition resulted in low resources across the landscape. This was not the case when considering the cumulative effects of consumption and deposition, indicating the return of nutrients from animals may be important for population stability. Additionally, in simulations considering the cumulative effects of caribou, increasing caribou density increased landscape heterogeneity irrespective of the initial condition (i.e. heterogeneous and homogeneous landscapes), and maintained or increased local heterogeneity in heterogeneous and homogenous landscape, respectively. Importantly, in all simulations the net impact of caribou at the individual patch level was extremely variable, suggesting that animal inputs are highly varied throughout the landscape. Our results indicate the movement of large ungulates such as caribou can increase the heterogeneity of available nutrients within a landscape and provide an important feedback for population stability. Thus, the loss of large ungulates from natural ecosystems via anthropogenic activity is likely to result in less heterogeneous natural landscapes.
Technology outcome measures in neuromuscular disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Bortolani Sara , Brusa Chiara , Rolle Enrica , Monforte Mauro , De Arcangelis Valeria , Ricci Enzo , Mongini Tiziana Enrica , Tasca Giorgio
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Portable and wearable devices can monitor a number of physical performances and lately have been applied to patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs).

Methods

We performed a systematic search of literature databases following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) principles, including all studies reporting the use of technological devices for motor function assessment in NMDs from 2000 to 2021. We also summarized the evidence on measurement properties (validity, reliability, responsiveness) of the analyzed technological outcome measures.

Results

One hundred studies fulfilled the selection criteria, most of them published in the past 10 years. We defined four categories that gathered similar technologies: gait analysis tools, for clinical assessment of pace and posture; continuous monitoring of physical activity with inertial sensors, which allow “unsupervised” activity assessment; upper limb evaluation tools, including Kinect‐based outcome measures to assess the reachable workspace; and new muscle strength assessment tools, such as Myotools. Inertial sensors have the evident advantage of being applied in the “in‐home” setting, which has become especially appealing during the COVID‐19 pandemic, although poor evidence from psychometric property assessment and results of the analyzed studies may limit their research application. Both Kinect‐based outcome measures and Myotools have already been validated in multicenter studies and different NMDs, showing excellent characteristics for application in clinical trials.

Conclusions

This overview is intended to raise awareness on the potential of the different technology outcome measures in the neuromuscular field and to be an informative source for the design of future clinical trials, particularly in the era of telemedicine.
Within the shadow of hierarchy: The role of hierarchical interventions in environmental collaborative governance
Authors: Zhou Lingyi , Dai Yixin
Published: December 2021

Existing literature often analyzes the effects of horizontal relationships on collaborative governance, though some scholars have started to recognize the role of hierarchical interventions. This paper identities two poorly examined areas of study. First, there is a lack of empirical studies to understand the diverse impacts of hierarchical interventions on collaborative governance. Second, there is little deliberation on how existing horizontal relationships can moderate the effects that hierarchical interventions have on collaborative governance. This paper utilizes environmental collaboration data from the Yangtze River Delta region in China to estimate the impacts of hierarchical interventions on collaborative arrangements and the contextual effects of horizontal relationships. We find that hierarchical interventions, such as top‐down regulations and performance evaluation, enhance the formalization of collaborative arrangements. Additionally, horizontal relationships derived from past experiences can moderate the effects of hierarchical interventions, notwithstanding such effects vary among different interventions.
From the nice work to the hard work: “Troubling” community‐based CareMongering during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kipp Amy , Hawkins Roberta
Published: December 2021

CareMongering is a virtually organized community‐based response to COVID‐19 formed in Canada in March 2020, in response to growing concerns about the pandemic. The goal of CareMongering is to care for community members, particularly those experiencing social exclusion, by organizing groups at a local level to support access to basic necessities, services, and resources (e.g., providing groceries and childcare to frontline workers). Following from feminist calls to “trouble” care, we explore the uncomfortable relations that emerged while practicing CareMongering through a case study of a group in Ontario, Canada. Using semi‐structured interviews with group members and organizers and ethnographic content analysis of Facebook group activity, we examine (1) difficult interactions on the group's public Facebook page, (2) strategies used to moderate the group, and (3) the affective and embodied experiences involved in virtually organizing CareMongering. We illustrate our findings through vignettes of one of the author's experiences as a CareMongering group member and composite narratives of social media interactions. We argue that by enacting critical community care, CareMongering groups have the potential to practice care that goes beyond simply caring for or about community needs to also care with communities. The hard work of critical community care involves an intersectional, reflexive, and relational approach that addresses underlying inequalities and promotes actions aimed toward making structural and collective change.
Tread lightly: Liminality and Covid‐19 reflections
Authors: Jamjoom Liela A.
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has reshaped people's lives in a multitude of different ways, and women especially have found themselves managing in‐between identities, spaces, and realities due to increased domestic, homeschooling, and work demands. In this paper, I share fragmented observations on COVID‐19 inequalities on a societal level, but I anchor those observations with my personal reflections. I use liminality as a theoretical anchor and an artistic methodological tool to explore being in‐between experiences, thoughts, and modes of writing. I stage my reflections as a 10 KM run, with points of discussion set at each kilometer. The run is symbolic of the liminal space the pandemic represents, where bodies and minds, whether knowingly or unknowingly, are in an in‐between journey – from places of origin to unfamiliar destinations. This paper adds to feminist efforts of writing differently which shows that knowledge can be produced and conveyed beyond the rigid script of academic convention. It also expands the use of liminality beyond a theoretical lens and into a methodological approach that considers writing as a melding between different genres, states, and modes of knowing.
Development and validation of a novel patient‐reported outcome measure in people with episodic migraine and chronic migraine: The Activity Impairment in Migraine Diary
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Gandhi Pranav , Stokes Jonathan , Cala Mary Lynn , Evans Christopher J. , Knoble Naomi , Gelhorn Heather L. , Revicki Dennis , Viswanathan Hema N. , Dodick David W.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the content validity and psychometric properties of the Activity Impairment in Migraine Diary (AIM‐D).

Background

Measuring treatment effects on migraine impairment requires a psychometrically sound patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure developed consistent with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance.

Methods

The AIM‐D was created from concepts that emerged during qualitative interviews with five clinicians experienced in treating migraine and concept elicitation (CE) interviews with 40 adults with episodic migraine (EM) or chronic migraine (CM). The initial version was refined based on three waves of cognitive interviews with 38 adults with EM or CM and input from a panel of clinical and measurement experts. The AIM‐D was psychometrically evaluated using data from 316 adults with EM or CM who participated in a 13‐week prospective observational study. Study participants completed PRO assessments including the AIM‐D and a daily headache diary. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the factor structure. The reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the AIM‐D were assessed. Additional PRO measures including the Patient Global Impression – Severity (PGI‐S), Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Version 2.1 Role Function‐Restrictive domain, and Headache Impact Test were used for psychometric evaluation of the AIM‐D.

Results

Based on CE interviews with adults with migraine and input from an expert panel, activity impairment was identified as the target in the preliminary conceptual framework, which had two domains: performance of daily activities (PDAs) and physical impairment (PI). Revision of the draft AIM‐D through multiple rounds of cognitive interviews and expert panel meetings resulted in a content valid 11‐item version. Exploratory factor analysis supported both one‐ and two‐domain structures for the AIM‐D, which were further supported by confirmatory factor analysis (factor loadings all >0.90). The AIM‐D domains (PDA and PI) and total score showed high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.95–0.97), acceptable test–retest reliability for weekly average scores (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.60 for participants with no change in PGI‐S between baseline and week 2), and good convergent and known‐groups validity. There was evidence of responsiveness based on changes in PGI‐S score and monthly migraine days.

Conclusion

The AIM‐D is a content valid and psychometrically sound measure designed to evaluate activity impairment and is suitable for use in clinical trials of preventive treatments for EM or CM.
The nonlinear causal relationship between short‐ and long‐term interest rates: An empirical assessment of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan
Authors: Li Huiqing , Su Yang
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we apply a rolling‐window strategy using data from the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Japan to determine the dynamic linear and nonlinear Granger causality relationship between short‐ and long‐term interest rates over time and visualize the results. Our findings from US data show an asymmetrical relationship between short‐ and long‐term interest rates. We find that in the overall sample period, the long‐term interest rate nonlinearly Granger‐causes the short‐term interest rate. Using the rolling‐window approach, when the start of the subsample is earlier than 2000 we find evidence that the long‐term interest rate Granger‐causes the short‐term interest rate, either linearly or nonlinearly, while in most of the subsamples the short‐term interest rate does not linearly or nonlinearly Granger‐cause the long‐term interest rate. However, for the UK and Japan, there are bidirectional Granger causality relationships between short‐ and long‐term interest rates.
Prevalence and characterization of undiagnosed arterial hypertension in the eastern zone of Mexico
Authors: Palomo‐Piñón Silvia , Antonio‐Villa Neftali Eduardo , García‐Cortés Luis Rey , Álvarez‐Aguilar Cleto , González‐Palomo Esteban , Bertadillo‐Mendoza Olga Margarita , Figueroa‐Suárez María Eugenia , Vargas‐Hernández Francisco , Herrera‐Olvera Imer Guillermo , Cruz‐Toledo Jairo Enoc , Cruz‐Arce Maria Adriana , Serafín‐Méndez Berenice , Muñoz‐Cortés Gerardo , Morfin‐Macias Claudia Janeth
Published: December 2021

Arterial hypertension is considered a public health problem with severe consequences at an individual and public health levels. However, there is a lack of information regarding its characterization in Mexico. The objective of this study is to estimate the proportion of undiagnosed arterial hypertension (UAH) and the overall prevalence and clinical management of arterial hypertension within the Eastern Zone of Mexico. Additionally, we explore associated factors related with both UAH and uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We obtained information from the May Measure Month (MMM) 2019 study. People were asked for cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure was measured according to the protocols of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). Data from 5901 subjects were extracted: 76.04% from the Eastern Zone of the State of Mexico. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 32.4% (95% CI 31.2‐33.6). From all subjects living with hypertension, 28.3% had UAH, 22.1% had previous diagnosis but were untreated; 29.3% were treated but had uncontrolled hypertension. Younger men adults living in the State of Michoacán had increased proportion of UAH and untreated hypertension. We observed that male sex, age, obesity, living at Michoacán were risk factors for UAH. Finally, male sex, diabetes, and living at Michoacán were related risk conditions for having uncontrolled arterial hypertension. In summary, there is a high proportion of UAH in Easter Zone of Mexico. Younger adults had higher proportion of UAH and untreated hypertension profiles. Efficient actions are required to make a timely diagnosis in the young adult population to prevent long‐term complications.
Periodontitis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality
Authors: Sung Cheng‐En , Lin Fu‐Gong , Huang Ren‐Yeong , Fang Wen‐Hui , Cheng Wan‐Chien , Tsai Yi‐Wen Cathy , Chen Wei‐Liang
Published: December 2021

Aim

Periodontitis has been proposed to lead to Helicobacter pylori infection, which could cause many gastrointestinal tract cancers. This study aimed to determine the association or otherwise between periodontitis and survival outcomes in individuals with respect to H. pylori infection.

Materials and Methods

The study population comprised 4955 subjects aged 20–90 who had received both periodontal examination and H. pylori serum test in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) database. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between periodontitis and H. pylori seropositivity (H. pylori infection). Survival analysis was performed using the NHANES III linked to mortality data. Cox proportional hazard regression was carried out to investigate the association between periodontitis and gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality in individuals with/without H. pylori infection.

Results

Compared to periodontal health, periodontitis was significantly associated with increased odds of H. pylori infection (OR = 1.271, 95% CI = 1.177–1.372). Periodontitis significantly increased the mortality risk from all causes (HR = 1.574, 95% CI = 1.327–1.866) and all cancers (HR = 1.948, 95% CI = 1.701–2.232), including gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancer (HR = 4.140, 95% CI = 3.656–4.687), gastric cancer (HR = 4.288, 95% CI = 3.969–4.632), and colorectal cancer (HR = 4.814, 95% CI = 3.849–6.020) in subjects with H. pylori infection after adjusting for health‐related factors. Periodontitis was significantly related to the decreased survival time in subjects with GI tract (p = .001) or colorectal cancer (p = .002) and H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that periodontitis was significantly associated with higher mortality risk of GI tract, gastric, and colorectal cancer in subjects with H. pylori infection. Owing to an interactive effect between periodontitis and H. pylori infection on cancer mortality, H. pylori infection has a significant moderating effect in regulating the association between periodontitis and mortality due to all cancers, including GI tract cancer and colorectal cancer.
Amantadine, a promising therapeutic agent against viral encephalopathy and retinopathy
Authors: Zhu Song , Miao Bo , Zhang Yu‐Zhou , Wang De‐Shou , Wang Gao‐Xue
Published: December 2021

Outbreaks of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) in marine and freshwater species severely devastate the aquaculture worldwide. The causative agent of VER is nervous necrosis virus (NNV), which mainly infects the early developmental stages of fish, limiting the effectiveness of vaccines. To counter this case, the anti‐NNV potentials of nine drugs with broad‐spectrum antiviral activity were explored using ribavirin as a positive drug. Toxicity of the selected drugs to SSN‐1 cells and grouper was firstly evaluated to determine the safety concentrations. For screening in vitro, amantadine and oseltamivir phosphate can relieve the cytopathic effects and inhibit NNV replication with the 90% inhibitory concentrations (IC90) of 38.74 and 106.75 mg/L, respectively. Amantadine has a stronger anti‐NNV activity than ribavirin at the with‐ and post‐NNV infection stages, indicating that it is a potential therapeutic agent against VER by acting directly on NNV. Similarly, amantadine also has a strong anti‐NNV activity in vivo with the IC90 of 27.91 mg/L at the 7 days post‐infection, while that was 73.25 mg/L for ribavirin. Following exposure to amantadine (40 mg/L) and ribavirin (100 mg/L) for 7 days, the survival rates of NNV‐infected grouper were increased to 44% and 39%, respectively. The maximum amantadine content (11.88 mg/Kg) in grouper brain was reached following exposure for 24 hr, and amantadine can be quickly excreted from fish, reducing the risk of drug residue. Results so far indicated that amantadine is a promising therapeutic agent against NNV in aquaculture, providing an effective strategy for VER control at the early developmental stages of fish.
Here comes the sun: How optimization of photosynthetic light reactions can boost crop yields
Authors: Walter Julia , Kromdijk Johannes
Published: December 2021

Photosynthesis started to evolve some 3.5 billion years ago CO2 is the substrate for photosynthesis and in the past 200–250 years, atmospheric levels have approximately doubled due to human industrial activities. However, this time span is not sufficient for adaptation mechanisms of photosynthesis to be evolutionarily manifested. Steep increases in human population, shortage of arable land and food, and climate change call for actions, now. Thanks to substantial research efforts and advances in the last century, basic knowledge of photosynthetic and primary metabolic processes can now be translated into strategies to optimize photosynthesis to its full potential in order to improve crop yields and food supply for the future. Many different approaches have been proposed in recent years, some of which have already proven successful in different crop species. Here, we summarize recent advances on modifications of the complex network of photosynthetic light reactions. These are the starting point of all biomass production and supply the energy equivalents necessary for downstream processes as well as the oxygen we breathe.
Shaping polyploid wheat for success: Origins, domestication, and the genetic improvement of agronomic traits
Authors: Liu Jie , Yao Yingyin , Xin Mingming , Peng Huiru , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin
Published: December 2021

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD, 2n = 6x = 42), which accounts for most of the cultivated wheat crop worldwide, is a typical allohexaploid with a genome derived from three diploid wild ancestors. Bread wheat arose and evolved via two sequential allopolyploidization events and was further polished through multiple steps of domestication. Today, cultivated allohexaploid bread wheat has numerous advantageous traits, including adaptive plasticity, favorable yield traits, and extended end‐use quality, which have enabled its cultivation well beyond the ranges of its tetraploid and diploid progenitors to become a global staple food crop. In the past decade, rapid advances in wheat genomic research have considerably accelerated our understanding of the bases for the shaping of complex agronomic traits in this polyploid crop. Here, we summarize recent advances in characterizing major genetic factors underlying the origin, evolution, and improvement of polyploid wheats. We end with a brief discussion of the future prospects for the design of gene cloning strategies and modern wheat breeding.
The multi‐omics basis of potato heterosis
Authors: Li Dawei , Lu Xiaoyue , Zhu Yanhui , Pan Jun , Zhou Shaoqun , Zhang Xinyan , Zhu Guangtao , Shang Yi , Huang Sanwen , Zhang Chunzhi
Published: December 2021

Heterosis is a fundamental biological phenomenon characterized by the superior performance of hybrids over their parents. Although tremendous progress has been reported in seed crops, the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis in clonally propagated crops are largely unknown. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important tuber crop and an ongoing revolution is transforming potato from a clonally propagated tetraploid crop into a seed‐propagated diploid hybrid potato. In our previous study, we developed the first generation of highly homozygous inbred lines of potato and hybrids with strong heterosis. Here, we integrated transcriptome, metabolome, and DNA methylation data to explore the genetic and molecular basis of potato heterosis at three developmental stages. We found that the initial establishment of heterosis in diploid potato was mainly due to dominant complementation. Flower color, male fertility, and starch and sucrose metabolism showed obvious gene dominant complementation in hybrids, and hybrids devoted more energy to primary metabolism for rapid growth. In addition, we identified ~2 700 allele‐specific expression genes at each stage, which likely function in potato heterosis and might be regulated by CHH allele‐specific methylation level. Our multi‐omics analysis provides insight into heterosis in potato and facilitates the exploitation of heterosis in potato breeding.
Preclinical evaluation from in‐silico to in‐vivo study of polyherbal microsponge sunscreen gel
Authors: Dutta Disha , Goyal Naveen , Sharma Dinesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background

Electromagnetic spectrum of the UV region predominantly becomes the reason for skin’s detrimental effects that give the genesis of innumerable skin ailments; because of this reason, the sunscreen products are required before condition in day to day lifestyle; products such as moisturizers, lotions, creams, shampoos, and other hair and skin preparations are accessible and accompanied by sunscreen properties, but they do not provide extended effect, also causes side effects due to harsh chemicals.

Aim

The present study focuses on the effects of polyherbal extracts containing Microsponge gel for the protection of skin from ultraviolet rays.

Materials and Methods

In the present research, already prepared Microsponge gel through quasi‐emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD) technique was used for the HPLC, in‐silico, in‐vitro antioxidant activity, and in‐vivo study. AdmetSAR software tool was utilized for the in‐silico study, whereas for the in‐vivo study, UV radiations are given on Albino rats using solarimeter.

Results

Results shown the active constituents are non‐carcinogenic and non‐toxic; IC50 values show good antioxidant activity and minimal effect of UV radiations after application of the gel formulation on animal skin.

Discussion

The results manifest prominent effects on animal skin further test for presence of ascorbic acid level and total protein in blood further verify the efficacy of the formulation.

Conclusion

The study consequently established a strong ground for further extensive clinical studies.
Skin anti‐inflammatory activity of water‐soluble fullerene nanocomposites encompassed by sodium hyaluronate
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Hui , Xu Zhe , Wang Chunru
Published: December 2021

Fullerene is one of the nanomaterials that has a value in dermatological and cosmetic applications. In present work, we designed and prepared water‐soluble nano‐scale C60 encompassed by sodium hyaluronate. The rat ear swelling test was utilized to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity of encompassed C60. The measurement shows that the rat ear swelling rate of C60 administrated group is reduced to less than 10%, which shows good anti‐inflammatory activity. Its anti‐inflammatory activity is roughly calculated as 10 times than that of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and five times than that of tanshinone. In conclusion, the fullerenes encapsulated by sodium hyaluronate have great potential in skin care and auxiliary treatment of dermatosis.