bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies and fertilizer applications: Implications for yield responses in Ethiopia
Authors: Abay Kibrom A. , Abay Mehari H. , Amare Mulubrhan , Berhane Guush , Aynekulu Ermias
Published: December 2021

Lack of accurate information about soil nutrient deficiencies coupled with limited access to appropriate fertilizers could lead to mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer applications. Such anomalies and mismatches are likely to have important implications for agricultural productivity. In this article we use experimental (spectral soil analysis) data from Ethiopia to examine farmers’ response to soil nutrient deficiencies and its implications for yield responses. We find that farmers’ response to macronutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) deficiencies is not always consistent with agronomic recommendations. For example, we find that farmers in our sample are applying nitrogen fertilizers to soils lacking phosphorus, potentially due to lack of information on soil nutrient deficiencies or lack of access to appropriate fertilizers in rural markets. On the other hand, farmers respond to perceivably poor‐quality and acidic soils by applying higher amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. We further show that such mismatches between fertilizer applications and soil macronutrient deficiencies are potentially yield‐reducing. Those farmers matching their soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer application are likely to enjoy additional yield gains. Marginal yield response associated with nitrogen (phosphorus) application increases with nitrogen (phosphorus) deficiency in soils. Similarly, we find that farmers’ response to acidic soils is not yield‐enhancing. These findings suggest that such mismatches may explain heterogeneities in marginal returns to chemical fertilizers and the observed low adoption rates of chemical fertilizers in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Improving Trial Generalizability Using Observational Studies
Authors: Lee Dasom , Yang Shu , Dong Lin , Wang Xiaofei , Zeng Donglin , Cai Jianwen
Published: December 2021

Complementary features of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs) can be used jointly to estimate the average treatment effect of a target population. We propose a calibration weighting estimator that enforces the covariate balance between the RCT and OS, therefore improving the trial-based estimator's generalizability. Exploiting semiparametric efficiency theory, we propose a doubly robust augmented calibration weighting estimator that achieves the efficiency bound derived under the identification assumptions. A nonparametric sieve method is provided as an alternative to the parametric approach, which enables the robust approximation of the nuisance functions and data-adaptive selection of outcome predictors for calibration. We establish asymptotic results and confirm the finite sample performances of the proposed estimators by simulation experiments and an application on the estimation of the treatment effect of adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage non-small-cell lung patients after surgery.
Seed size and pubescence facilitate secondary dispersal by dung beetles
Authors: Pedersen Karen M. , Blüthgen Nico
Published: December 2021

In tropical forests, primary dispersal by animals is the most important form of seed dispersal. Dung beetles are secondary seed dispersers attracted to mammal feces. When they bury dung of frugivorous mammals, they move seeds to new sites, possibly protecting them from seed predation or pathogens, or moving to better micro‐climates and away from conspecifics. As a result, secondary dispersal by dung beetles potentially increases rates of seed survival and germination. Previous studies examined how dung beetles filter seeds by size. However, other seed traits have not been examined. We discovered that pubescent seeds covered with hairs on their surface hold a thin layer of dung and possibly “trick” the dung beetles into burying them like a dung ball. In a lowland tropical forest (Chocó Ecuador), we collected dung balls from dung beetles (Canthon angustatus, Oxysternon conspicillatum, Sulcophanaeus noctis, and Scybalocanthon trimaculatus), and fecal samples from brown‐headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) and mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata). We characterized the traits of seed morphospecies found within samples and counted them. Our data show that larger size is coupled with a higher proportion of pubescence in seeds. The association between seed size and pubescence may extend beyond our study area supported by an analysis of the literature data for neotropical seeds at the genus level. Large pubescent seeds were more likely to be included in dung balls than smooth large seeds. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that secondary dispersal by dung beetles exerts some selection pressure on the phenotype of endozoochorous seeds.
The role of FoxO1 and its modulation with small molecules in the development of diabetes mellitus: A review
Authors: Nathanael Joshua , Suardana Putu , Vianney Yoanes Maria , Dwi Putra Sulistyo Emantoko
Published: December 2021

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) is one of the metabolic disorders suffered by a global human being. Certain factors, such as lifestyle and heredity, can increase a person's tendency for T2D. Various genes and proteins play a role in the development of insulin resistance and ultimately diabetes in which one central protein that is discussed in this review is FoxO1. In this review, we regard FoxO1 activation as detrimental, promote high plasma glucose level, and induce insulin resistance. Indeed, many contrasting studies arise since FoxO1 is an important protein to alleviate oxidative stress and promote cell survival, for example, also by preventing hyperglycemic‐induced cell death. Inter‐relation to PPARG, another important protein in metabolism, is also discussed. Ultimately, we discussed contrasting approaches of targeting FoxO1 to combat diabetes mellitus by small molecules.
Pediatric obesity and body weight following the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dubnov‐Raz Gal , Maor Shay , Ziv‐Baran Tomer
Published: December 2021

Background

The SARS‐CoV‐19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns affected children's lifestyle dramatically. The effect of such changes on children's weight and obesity status is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare body weight and obesity rates in children from before the pandemic to 6 months after the major periods of lockdowns in Israel.

Methods

We used data from medical records of pediatric emergency department visits, where weight is routinely measured, to compare weight and obesity prevalence in the fourth quartile of 2020 (n = 2468) as compared with the fourth quartiles of 2018–2019 (n = 5300). Weight was transformed to age‐ and sex‐specific standard‐deviation‐scores (SDS) for analysis.

Results

Weight‐SDS increased by a mean of 0.07 during the first 6 months of the pandemic, yet this was only significant in preschoolers. Obesity rates also increased in this age group only, by 37%, from 8.1% to 11.1% (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Weight‐SDS and obesity prevalence increased during the SARS‐CoV‐19 pandemic, yet only in younger children. Additional studies from other populations are needed.
Suppression of P2X3 receptor‐mediated currents by the activation of α2A‐adrenergic receptors in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Hao Jia‐Wei , Qiao Wen‐Long , Li Qing , Wei Shuang , Liu Ting‐Ting , Qiu Chun‐Yu , Hu Wang‐Ping
Published: December 2021

Aims

The α2‐adrenergic receptor (α2‐AR) agonists have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various pain. For example, dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective α2A‐AR agonist, can be used for peripheral analgesia. However, it is not yet fully elucidated for the precise molecular mechanisms. P2X3 receptor is a major receptor processing nociceptive information in primary sensory neurons. Herein, we show that a functional interaction of α2A‐ARs and P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons could contribute to peripheral analgesia of DEX.

Methods

Electrophysiological recordings were carried out on rat DRG neurons, and nociceptive behavior was quantified in rats.

Results

The activation of α2A‐ARs by DEX suppressed P2X3 receptor‐mediated and α,β‐methylene‐ATP (α,β‐meATP)‐evoked inward currents in a concentration‐dependent and voltage‐independent manner. Pre‐application of DEX shifted the α,β‐meATP concentration‐response curve downwards, with a decrease of 50.43 ± 4.75% in the maximal current response of P2X3 receptors to α,β‐meATP in the presence of DEX. Suppression of α,β‐meATP‐evoked currents by DEX was blocked by the α2A‐AR antagonist BRL44408 and prevented by intracellular application of the Gi/o protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, and the cAMP analog 8‐Br‐cAMP. DEX also suppressed α,β‐meATP‐evoked action potentials through α2A‐ARs in rat DRG neurons. Finally, the activation of peripheral α2A‐ARs by DEX had an analgesic effect on the α,β‐meATP‐induced nociception.

Conclusions

These results suggested that activation of α2A‐ARs by DEX suppressed P2X3 receptor‐mediated electrophysiological and behavioral activity via a Gi/o proteins and cAMP signaling pathway, which was a novel potential mechanism underlying analgesia of peripheral α2A‐AR agonists.
Retransplanting a previously transplanted kidney: A safe strategy in times of organ shortage?
Authors: Karakizlis Hristos , van Rosmalen Marieke , Boide Philipp , Askevold Ingolf , Vogelaar Serge , Lorf Thomas , Berlakovich Gabrielle , Nitschke Martin , Padberg Winfried , Weimer Rolf
Published: December 2021

Background

The shortage of organs for transplantation remains a global problem. The retransplantation of a previously transplanted kidney might be a possibility to expand the pool of donors. We provide our experience with the successful reuse of transplanted kidneys in the Eurotransplant region.

Methods

A query in the Eurotransplant database was performed between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015, to find kidney donors who themselves had previously received a kidney graft.

Results

Nine out of a total of 68,554 allocated kidneys had previously been transplanted. Four of these kidneys were transplanted once again. The mean interval between the first transplant and retransplantation was 1689±1682 days (SD; range 55–5,333 days). At the time of the first transplantation the mean serum creatinine of the donors was 1.0 mg/dl (.6–1.3 mg/dl) and at the second transplantation 1.4 mg/dl (.8–1.5 mg/dl). The mean graft survival in the first recipient was 50 months (2–110 months) and in the second recipient 111 months (40–215 months).

Conclusion

Transplantation of a previously transplanted kidney may successfully be performed with well‐preserved graft function and long‐term graft survival, even if the first transplantation was performed a long time ago. Such organs should be considered even for younger recipients in carefully selected cases.
An Analysis of Public Decision Making to Visit Archaeological Museums in Greece Using the Discrete Choice Model
Authors: Doxanaki Anastasia , Linardakis Michalis
Published: December 2021

This study explores how the decision to visit an archaeological museum in Greece is influenced by a range of structural attributes, including admission fee, opening‐hours, collection type, and use of multisensory experiences, using the discrete choice model (DCM). DCM is used to study individual preferences towards a set of scenarios that describe a range of choices regarding museum attributes. Study conclusions are drawn from estimated model parameters that determine the most favoured attributes identifying the basis of visiting archaeological museums in Greece. According to the study, participants assess positively the introduction of specific museum services and exhibition features which seem to affect their decision making to visit archaeological museums. The results obtained are useful both from a theoretical point of view, given that there are few writings on this topic, and from a practical point of view, as they provide elements for visitors’ particular needs towards which museum practitioners and cultural policy makers should redirect their attention.
Decrements in health‐related quality of life associated with adverse events in people with diabetes
Authors: Keng Mi Jun , Leal Jose , Bowman Louise , Armitage Jane , Mihaylova Borislava ,   ASCEND Study Collaborative Group
Published: December 2021

Aim

To estimate the decrements in health‐related quality of life (QoL) associated with a range of adverse events to inform assessments of the effects of diabetes treatments on QoL in contemporary clinical practice.

Methods

Participants' QoL utility measures were derived from the five‐level EuroQoL five‐dimensional (EQ‐5D‐5L) questionnaires completed by 11 683 ASCEND participants (76% of 15 480 recruited). EQ‐5D utility decrements associated with cardiovascular (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, transient ischaemic attack [TIA], ischaemic stroke, heart failure), bleeding (gastrointestinal [GI] bleed, intracranial haemorrhage, other major bleed), cancer (GI tract cancer, non‐GI tract cancer), and microvascular events (end‐stage renal disease [ESRD], amputation) were estimated using a linear regression model following adjustment for participants' sociodemographic and clinical risk factors.

Results

Amputation was associated with the largest EQ‐5D utility decrement (−0.206), followed by heart failure (−0.185), intracranial haemorrhage (−0.164), GI bleed (−0.091), other major bleed (−0.096), ischaemic stroke (−0.061), TIA (−0.057), and non‐GI tract cancer (−0.026). We were unable to detect decrements in EQ‐5D utility associated with myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, GI tract cancer, or ESRD. EQ‐5D utility was lower at older age, independent of other factors.

Conclusion

These estimated decrements in QoL associated with cardiovascular, bleeding, cancer, and other adverse events can inform assessments of the overall value of treatments in patients with diabetes.
Body mass index and cancer mortality in patients with incident type 2 diabetes: A population‐based study of adults in England
Authors: Alam Nasra N. , Wright Alison K. , Rutter Martin K. , Buchan Iain , Ashcroft Darren M. , Sperrin Matthew , Renehan Andrew G.
Published: December 2021

Aims

We evaluated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cancer mortality in incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD (1998‐2015), linked with the Office of National Statistics mortalities, and derived an incident type 2 diabetes cohort (N = 176 886; aged 30‐85 years). We determined BMI ±12 months diabetes diagnosis. The primary outcome was cancer mortality, categorized into deaths from obesity‐related cancers (ORCs) and non‐ORCs. Secondary outcomes were site‐specific cancer mortality and main causes of deaths [cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), non‐cancer non‐CVD]. We developed gender‐specific Cox models and expressed risk as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, stratified by smoking status.

Results

With 886 850 person‐years follow‐up, 7593 cancer deaths occurred. Among women who never smoked, there were positive associations between BMI and deaths from endometrial (hazard ratios per 5 kg/m2: 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.26‐1.61). Among men, associations between BMI and ORC mortality were inverse but attenuated towards null among never smokers and excluding deaths in the first 2 years. In men, the proportion of CVD deaths increased from 36.8% in BMI category 22.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 to 43.6% in BMI category ≥40 kg/m2 (p < .001).

Conclusions

We found some relationships between BMI and cancer mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, but interpretations need to account for smoking status, reverse causality and deaths from CVD.
Mysterious window: A right coronary artery‐left ventricular fistula diagnosed by multiple imaging approaches
Authors: Yu Yi , Wang Qian , Li Cheng , Sun Jian , Li Wei , Wang Qun‐shan , Li Yi‐gang
Published: December 2021

Prevalence of primary coronary cameral fistula (CCF) is extremely rare, especially for CCF with its drainage channel into the left ventricle (LV). We describe a 45‐year‐old male patient with giant aneurysm associated with proximal right coronary artery (RCA), and the distal end of RCA draining into the LV through a fistula, which was discovered by echocardiography. Dual‐source computer tomography revealed only the CCF‐related giant RCA aneurysm. The drainage site of the fistula and the above coexistent abnormality could not be visualized clearly by coronary artery angiography because of deficient contrast medium filling into the aneurysm. The patient underwent surgical resection of the giant aneurysm and occlusion of the fistula in 2015. Finally, the patient accepted another operation to occlude the residual coronary fistula in 2021.
Detecting myositis as a cause of unexplained dysphagia: Proposal for a diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Grond Thalia , Beule Achim G. , Boehmer Maik , Thomas Christian , Muhle Paul , Claus Inga , Roderigo Malte , Rudack Claudia , Wiendl Heinz , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias , Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) can present with dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. In such cases, diagnostic evaluation may be difficult, especially if serological and electromyographical findings are unsuspicious. In this observational study we propose and evaluate a diagnostic algorithm to identify IIM as a cause of unexplained dysphagia.

Methods

Over a period of 4 years, patients with unexplained dysphagia were offered diagnostic evaluation according to a specific algorithm: The pattern of dysphagia was characterized by instrumental assessment (swallowing endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, high‐resolution manometry). Patients with an IIM‐compatible dysphagia pattern were subjected to further IIM‐focused diagnostic procedures, including whole‐body muscle magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, creatine kinase blood level, IIM antibody panel and, as a final diagnostic step, muscle biopsy. Muscle biopsies were taken from affected muscles. In cases where no other muscles showed abnormalities, the cricopharyngeal muscle was targeted.

Results

Seventy‐two patients presented with IIM‐compatible dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. As a result of the specific diagnostic approach, 19 of these patients were diagnosed with IIM according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Eighteen patients received immunomodulatory therapy as a result of the diagnosis. Of 10 patients with follow‐up swallowing examination, dysphagia improved in three patients after therapy, while it remained at least stable in six patients.

Conclusions

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy constitutes a potentially treatable etiology in patients with unexplained dysphagia. The diagnostic algorithm presented in this study helps to identify patients with an IIM‐compatible dysphagia pattern and to assign those patients for further IIM‐focused diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
A guide to studying protein aggregation
Authors: Housmans Joëlle A. J. , Wu Guiqin , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic
Published: December 2021

Disrupted protein folding or decreased protein stability can lead to the accumulation of (partially) un‐ or misfolded proteins, which ultimately cause the formation of protein aggregates. Much of the interest in protein aggregation is associated with its involvement in a wide range of human diseases and the challenges it poses for large‐scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation of therapeutic proteins and peptides. On the other hand, protein aggregates can also be functional, as observed in nature, which triggered its use in the development of biomaterials or therapeutics as well as for the improvement of food characteristics. Thus, unmasking the various steps involved in protein aggregation is critical to obtain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of amyloid formation. This knowledge will allow a more tailored development of diagnostic methods and treatments for amyloid‐associated diseases, as well as applications in the fields of new (bio)materials, food technology and therapeutics. However, the complex and dynamic nature of the aggregation process makes the study of protein aggregation challenging. To provide guidance on how to analyse protein aggregation, in this review we summarize the most commonly investigated aspects of protein aggregation with some popular corresponding methods.
Innovative firms’ cash holdings, tax policies, and institutional environments
Authors: Li Fengfei , Lin Tse‐Chun
Published: December 2021

Based on 21,653 innovative firms from 61 non‐U.S. economies, we find a positive relationship between a firm's innovativeness and cash holdings. This relationship is stronger after the implementation of patent boxes that provide preferential tax treatment for patent income. Moreover, innovative multinationals facing higher repatriation taxes accumulate higher total cash holdings. The positive innovativeness–cash relationship varies with institutional environments and is more pronounced in countries with higher R&D tax credits, less developed financial markets, better governance, stronger shareholder rights, more technicians, better infrastructure, greater investment freedom, and in industries with fiercer competition and longer innovation cycles. Innovative firms with higher cash holdings invest more in R&D and generate more patents. Overall, our findings provide insights into the driving forces underlying the large cash accumulation in innovative firms worldwide.
Macroinvertebrate community composition and richness along extreme gradients: The role of local, catchment, and climatic variables in Patagonian headwater streams
Authors: Astorga Roine Anna , Reid Brian , Uribe Luis , Moreno‐Meynard Paulo , Fierro Pablo , Madriz Isaí , Death Russell G.
Published: December 2021

We investigated how interacting multi‐scale environmental variables affect taxonomic composition and functional feeding groups of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams of western Patagonia in southern Chile (45–47°S), a region characterised by extreme climatic gradients, intact forested catchments, and recent intense land use change. The opportunity of establishing biological/functional diversity patterns for near‐reference conditions of headwaters streams is paramount.

We used multi‐dimensional scaling ordination and boosted regression tree analysis to evaluate the link between reach, catchment, spatial, and regional climatic variables and macroinvertebrate community structure.

The high diversity of predators in low productivity streams, together with genera previously unreported for this latitudinal range underscore the unique characteristics and very limited understanding of Patagonian freshwater stream communities.

Two main groups of environmental variables were linked to both taxonomic and functional feeding group diversity. The strongly associated variables were related to forest cover (and inversely alpine zone) at the catchment scale, together with stream velocity at the local scale. The second group reflected local indicators of productivity and weathering inputs, associated with the regional east–west precipitation gradient.

We present a conceptual model for the catchment scale effects on invertebrate functional groups in forested headwater streams. While the results highlight potentially singular characteristics of the study region, they also suggest a macro‐ecological generalisation of how global change variables, operating on mountain catchments, may differentially affect stream ecosystems as a consequence of the variations in the forest/alpine gradient, across both deciduous and evergreen temperate biomes.
Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C screening and treatment for people with lived experience of homelessness: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Paisi Martha , Crombag Neeltje , Burns Lorna , Bogaerts Annick , Withers Lyndsey , Bates Laura , Crowley Daniel , Witton Robert , Shawe Jill
Published: December 2021

Background

People experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with rates higher than the general population. However, their access to HCV diagnosis is limited and treatment uptake is low.

Objectives

To identify and describe the barriers and facilitators for HCV screening and treatment for adults with lived experience of homelessness in highly developed countries.

Methods

Bibliographic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SocINDEX) and grey literature (Google, EThOS, the Health Foundation, Social Care Online, the World Health Organisation, Shelter, Crisis and Pathway) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised all studies. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist were used. The analysis involved a three‐stage process: coding, theme generation and theme mapping under Penchansky and Thomas's modified access model.

Results

Twelve papers/reports were included in the review. Several interacting factors influence access of people with lived experience of homelessness to HCV testing and treatment. Some mirror those identified for the general population. The precarious conditions associated with the lived experience of homelessness along with the rigidity of hospital settings and lack of awareness emerged as dominant barriers. Flexibility, outreach, effective communication, tailoring and integration of services were found to be important facilitators. Evidence from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups is limited.

Conclusions

People experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers in accessing and completing HCV treatment, relating to both their lived experience and characteristics of health systems. Although some barriers are readily amenable to change, others are more difficult to modify. The facilitators identified could inform future targeted measures to improve HCV diagnosis and treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Research is warranted into successful models to promote screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our team includes a peer advocate, a hepatology nurse and a community volunteer, all with significant experience in promoting and engaging in HCV care and outreach for people experiencing homelessness. They contributed to the protocol, interpretation and reporting of the review findings.
Theory of crystal nucleation of glass‐forming liquids: Some new developments
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Tropin Timur V.
Published: December 2021

Experiments on crystal nucleation are predominantly interpreted theoretically in terms of classical nucleation theory (CNT). This theory relies on thermodynamic concepts developed by Gibbs. Their application implies that the bulk properties of critical clusters governing nucleation are widely identical to those of the newly evolving macroscopic phases. Size effects are incorporated into CNT exclusively by a curvature dependence of the surface tension. This method works well but only down to temperatures near to the maximum of the steady‐state nucleation rate. This maximum (at) is correlated with the glass transition temperature,, that is,. For lower temperatures, significant deviations between theoretical predictions and experimental data are observed. We describe here different methods how a curvature dependence of the surface tension can be introduced to describe crystal nucleation correctly in the range. Problems occurring at, denoted sometimes as “breakdown of CNT,” are shown to be caused by the glass transition of the liquid. Modifications of CNT are advanced resolving them and giving also the possibility of interpretation of a variety of further experimental data in crystal nucleation (including hysteresis effects in cooling and heating, nucleation flashes in heating) in terms of CNT.
COVID‐19 outbreaks in aged‐care facilities in Australia
Authors: Quigley Ashley , Stone Haley , Nguyen Phi Yen , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , MacIntyre C. Raina
Published: December 2021

Background

Aged‐care facilities (ACF’s) provide unique challenges when implementing infection control methods for respiratory outbreaks such as COVID‐19. Research on this highly vulnerable setting is lacking and there was no national reporting data of COVID‐19 cases in ACFs in Australia early in the pandemic. We aimed to estimate the burden of aged‐care worker (ACW) infections and outbreaks of COVID‐19 in Australian aged‐care.

Methods

A line list of publicly available aged‐care related COVID‐19 reported cases from January 25 to June 10, 2020 was created and was enhanced by matching data extracted from media reports of aged‐care related COVID‐19 relevant outbreaks and reports. Rate ratios (RR) were used to predict risk of infection in ACW and aged‐care residents, and were calculated independently, by comparing overall cases to ACW and aged‐care residents' cases.

Results

A total of 14 ACFs with COVID‐19 cases were recorded by June 2020 nationwide, with a high case fatality rate (CFR) of 50% (n = 34) and 100% (n = 3) seen in two ACFs. Analysis on the resident risk found that the COVID‐19 risk is 1.27 times higher (unadjusted RR 1.27 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to1.61; P = 0.047) as compared with the risk of infection in the general population. In over 60% of cases identified in ACFs, the source of infection in the index case was unknown. A total of 28 deaths associated within ACFs were reported, accounting for 54.9% of total deaths in New South Wales and 26.9% of total deaths in Australia.

Conclusions

This high‐risk population requires additional prevention and control measures, such as routine testing of all staff and patients regardless of symptoms. Prompt isolation and quarantine as soon as a case is confirmed within a facility is essential.
Developing curricular‐content and systems‐related impact indicators for intellectual disability awareness training for acute hospital settings: A modified International Delphi Survey
Authors: Taggart Laurence , Marriott Anna , Cooper Madeline , Atkinson Dave , Griffiths Lynn , Ward Cathy , Mullhall Peter
Published: December 2021

Aim

To identify, and reach consensus on, curricular‐content and delivery methods, as well as ways to maximize the impact of intellectual disability awareness training programmes in acute hospital settings.

Background

With the continuing evidence of avoidable deaths and unwarranted variations in the quality of care to people with an intellectual disability in acute hospitals, it could be purported that current training provided to hospital staff appears to be making a minimal difference in the care provided to this population.

Design

A two‐round modified Delphi survey was conducted between June 2020–January 2021.

Methods

International experts from primary healthcare and hospital settings, and intellectual disability health fields participated in the survey. Initial curricular‐content items were developed from the literature, and based on the combined clinical and academic experience base of the authors. Items were evaluated in terms of agreement/consensus, importance and stability of responses. There were 57 expert responses in Round 1 and 45 in Round 2.

Results

The consensus was reached with regard to 55 of 65 curricular‐content indicators relating to Aims, Design, Content and Delivery. Ten curricular‐content indicators failed to be agreed on relating to the mode of training delivery. With regard to systems‐related impact indicators, 28 out of 31 reached consensus. The expert panel identified and agreed on seven system barriers that could obstruct the successful implementation of the awareness training programmes in acute hospital settings.

Conclusions

This is the first international Delphi survey to agree on curricular‐content and identify systems‐related facilitators for intellectual disability awareness training. Potential system barriers have been highlighted which could be addressed by systemic improvement. Implications for developing, and robustly testing the efficacy of, intellectual disability awareness training programmes are discussed, as are the implications for other cognitively impaired populations.

Impact

In order to maximize the impact, investment in acute hospital staff education will need to be accompanied by wider changes to systems and structures concerning the governance of service provision for people with an intellectual disability.
The impact of a “successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status” on patient‐related outcome parameters during long‐term supportive periodontal care
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Pandis Nikolaos , Stopfer Nikolaus , Haririan Hady , Bruckmann Corinna , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: December 2021

Aim

To assess the importance of achieving a successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status (PPS) during long‐term supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 100 periodontitis patients, who continued for ≥7.5 years after active periodontal treatment with SPC and were judged as overall adherent. The effect of various predictors on three patient‐related outcome parameters was assessed: (1) number of diseased teeth at last SPC, (2) number of teeth lost due to periodontitis, and (3) number of teeth lost due to any reason.

Results

One‐fifth of the patients were classified as stable after active periodontal treatment. After a mean follow‐up of 10.77 years, 24 patients lost 38 teeth due to periodontitis. An unstable PPS and a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at first SPC, and inadequate oral hygiene levels over time, significantly increased the risk for a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at last SPC and for more lost teeth due to periodontitis. However, high adherence to SPC appeared to mitigate the negative effect of an unstable PPS, especially regarding tooth loss due to periodontitis. Further, tooth loss due to any reason was about 3 times higher than tooth loss due to periodontitis and was affected by a larger number of predictors.

Conclusions

Successfully treated patients with a stable PPS maintained a small number of diseased teeth and barely lost any teeth during long‐term SPC compared to patients who did not achieve a stable PPS after active periodontal therapy.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in China: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ren Shuai , Cai Pengpeng , Liu Yaqian , Wang Tianpei , Zhang Yan , Li Qian , Gu Yuanliang , Wei Liqin , Yan Caiwang , Jin Guangfu
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection rates have been changing with different populations and geographic areas. We systematically evaluated the longitudinal trends in H. pylori prevalence in China over the past decades.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of literature reporting the prevalence of H. pylori infection in mainland China from 1990 to 2019 in the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. We conducted a meta‐analysis of qualified studies using a random effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

A total of 412 eligible studies with 1 377 349 subjects were included. The pooled H. pylori prevalence was 44.2% (95%CI: 43.0–45.5%) in mainland China, with an estimated 589 million individuals infected with H. pylori. The prevalence was relatively high in the Northwest (51.8%, 95%CI: 47.5–56.1%), East (47.7%, 95%CI: 45.4–50.0%), and Southwest China (46.6%, 95%CI: 42.1–51.1%). The prevalence significantly decreased from 58.3% (95%CI: 50.7–65.5%) in the period 1983–1994 to 40.0% (95%CI: 38.2–41.8%) in the period 2015–2019. The prevalence increased with age, ranging from 28.0% (95%CI: 23.9–32.5%) in children and adolescents to 46.1% (95%CI: 44.5–47.6%) in adults.

Conclusion

Although the burden of H. pylori infections is still huge in China, the infection rate has been decreasing over the past decades. Targeted H. pylori eradication strategies may be considered in areas or populations with a high incidence of gastric cancer.
Anomalies and the Expected Market Return
Authors: DONG XI , LI YAN , RAPACH DAVID E. , ZHOU GUOFU
Published: December 2021

We provide the first systematic evidence on the link between long‐short anomaly portfolio returns—a cornerstone of the cross‐sectional literature—and the time‐series predictability of the aggregate market excess return. Using 100 representative anomalies from the literature, we employ a variety of shrinkage techniques (including machine learning, forecast combination, and dimension reduction) to efficiently extract predictive signals in a high‐dimensional setting. We find that long‐short anomaly portfolio returns evince statistically and economically significant out‐of‐sample predictive ability for the market excess return. The predictive ability of anomaly portfolio returns appears to stem from asymmetric limits of arbitrage and overpricing correction persistence.
Usefulness of deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies in diagnosing coeliac disease in children younger than 3 years old
Authors: Hill Madison , Watkins Runa , Leonard‐Puppa Elaine , Waddell Jaylyn , Blanchard Samra , Kader Howard
Published: December 2021

Aim

The standard serological test to screen for coeliac disease (CD) is tissue transglutaminase (tTG) but some experts recommend including deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies for children younger than 3 years old. This study evaluated the utility of DGP‐immunoglobulin A (IgA) and DGP‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) serologies when screening children younger than 3 years old for CD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted including children 3 years old and under, who had DGP and/or tTG serologies along with duodenal biopsies during their initial diagnostic evaluation. Serology results were compared to the gold‐standard histopathology by χ2 to determine the significance of including DGP‐IgG/IgA serologies when screening for CD in this age group.

Results

We identified 478 patients, 52 who were younger than 3 years old, 43 of whom met inclusion criteria. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the DGP‐IgA test was 91.7% whereas, DGP‐IgG was 77.8%. When DGP serology was examined in conjunction with tTG‐IgA, the PPV with DGP‐IgA was 90.9% and with DGP‐IgG was 87.5%.

Conclusions

In isolation, DGP‐IgA provides a high PPV and specificity for CD in children younger than 3 years old, whereas DGP‐IgG had a much lower PPV in this age group. When used alone or in conjunction with tTG‐IgA, the DGP‐IgA test results in a high PPV of 91.7 and 90.9%, respectively. Based on our study, we recommend obtaining both the DGP‐IgA and the tTG‐IgA serology when screening infants and children younger than 3 years old for coeliac disease.
Soy isoflavones supplementation improves reproductive performance and serum antioxidant status of sows and the growth performance of their offspring
Authors: Li Desheng , Dang De Xin , Xu Shengyu , Tian Yumin , Wu De , Su Yuhong
Published: December 2021

A total of 60 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, average parity was 1.39) were used to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISO) supplementation on reproductive performance, serum antioxidant enzyme parameters, and milk compositions of sows, and the growth performance of offspring. Sows were randomly assigned to 4 groups based on the parity. There were 15 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were based on a corn‐soybean meal‐based basal diet and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg ISO. With the increase of the ISO dosage, average daily feed intake of sows increased linearly; oestrus interval decreased linearly and quadratically. In addition, on day 10 of lactation, linear increases in serum superoxide dismutase levels, linear and quadratic increases in serum total antioxidant capacity, and linear decreases in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed in increasing ISO dosage in the diet of sows. The body weight on day 10 and 21 and the average daily gain during days 3–10 and 3–21 of offspring increased linearly at graduated doses of ISO increased. Therefore, feeding sows with graded levels of ISO containing diet during late‐gestation and lactation periods improved the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring in a dose‐dependent manner.
Women's law-making and contestations of “marriage” in African conflict situations
Authors: Bunting Annie , Tasker Heather , Lockhart Emily
Published: December 2021

International criminal law has developed significantly over the past 20 years since the establishment of the ad hoc Tribunals and International Criminal Court. Much scholarly attention has focused on the politics and jurisprudence of these courts, with particular focus on the prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence. This article adds to the literature with comparative, qualitative research with survivors of conflict-related forced marriage in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, revealing context-specific understandings of marriage, consent and harm. We argue women exercise “tactic agency” in captivity in ways that are, taken together, “law-making” in their contestations over the socio-legal categories of marriage. Their contestations of marriage impact the norms within rebel groups as well as the development of new crimes against humanity in international criminal law. Building on the empirical findings, we argue that prosecution of crimes against humanity and reparation programs ought to be flexible and responsive enough to capture the varied experiences of women and girls abducted in war for purposes of sexual exploitation.
The Covid‐19 Pandemic and Iranian Health Diplomacy
Authors: Dolatabadi Ali Bagheri , Kamrava Mehran
Published: December 2021

Iran's foreign policy changed with the spread of Covid‐19 in three main ways. First, the pandemic propelled its health diplomacy into prominence. Second, the pandemic altered the customary view of the country's diplomacy. For more than four decades, Iran has regarded this diplomacy from the perspective of humanitarianism and ethics. But the pandemic imparted new object lessons. Third, the pandemic ushered Iran into a new era of cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO). Considering Iran's medical and other scientific achievements over the past three decades, it seems likely that pursuing this diplomacy can improve Iran's position in the WHO and enhance its prestige and influence within this and other international organizations, possibly easing the pressure of sanctions in the future.
Mysteries of the bryophyte–tracheophyte transition revealed: enter the eophytes
Authors: Tomescu Alexandru M. F.
Published: December 2021

This article is a Commentary on Edwards et al. (2022a,b), 233: 1440–1455 and 1456–1465.
Spatiotemporal changes in gibberellin content are required for soybean nodulation
Authors: Chu Xitong , Su Huanan , Hayashi Satomi , Gresshoff Peter M. , Ferguson Brett J.
Published: December 2021

The plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is required at different stages of legume nodule development, with its spatiotemporal distribution tightly regulated. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses established that several key GA biosynthesis and catabolism enzyme encoding genes are critical to soybean (Glycine max) nodule formation.

We examined the expression of several GA oxidase genes and used a Förster resonance energy transfer‐based GA biosensor to determine the bioactive GA content of roots inoculated with DsRed‐labelled Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. We manipulated the level of GA by genetically disrupting the expression of GA oxidase genes. Moreover, exogenous treatment of soybean roots with GA3 induced the expression of key nodulation genes and altered infection thread and nodule phenotypes.

GmGA20ox1a, GmGA3ox1a, and GmGA2ox1a are upregulated in soybean roots inoculated with compatible B. diazoefficiens. GmGA20ox1a expression is predominately localized to the transient meristem of soybean nodules and coincides with the spatiotemporal distribution of bioactive GA occurring throughout nodule organogenesis. GmGA2ox1a exhibits a nodule vasculature‐specific expression pattern, whereas GmGA3ox1a can be detected throughout the nodule and root. Disruptions in the level of GA resulted in aberrant rhizobia infection and reduced nodule numbers.

Collectively, our results establish a central role for GAs in root hair infection by symbiotic rhizobia and in nodule organogenesis.
Genetic effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in growth hormone receptor gene on the risk of non‐syndromic mandibular prognathism in the Korean population
Authors: Park Hae Jeong , Ahn Sung Jea , Jang Jinung , Kim Su‐Jung , Park Young‐Guk , Kim Kyung‐A
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the association of three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene with mandibular prognathism (MP) and relationships between mandibular morphology and GHR gene SNPs in the Korean population.

Materials and methods

A total of 325 subjects were divided into two groups based on sagittal maxillomandibular relationship by the lateral cephalography: the MP and control groups. From the SNPs in the GHR gene, three SNPs (rs6180, rs6182 and rs6184) were selected. SNP genotyping was performed using direct sequencing. The craniofacial measurements of lateral cephalography were analysed.

Results

We found a lack of association between GHR and MP. However, in the analysis according to the values of cephalometric measurements, rs6180 was significantly associated with ANB, SNB, effective mandibular length and SNMP in females. Additionally, rs6182 and rs6184 were significantly associated with ramal height in males.

Conclusion

Growth hormone receptor SNPs may affect not only the sagittal development of mandible but also the vertical development of ramal height, and GHR SNPs may gender‐differently influence mandibular morphology. This finding supports that the GHR might be susceptible on mandibular morphogenesis in the Korean population.
Physiology and acclimation potential are tuned with phenology in larvae of a prolonged breeder amphibian
Authors: Enriquez‐Urzelai Urtzi , Nicieza Alfredo G. , Montori Albert , Llorente Gustavo A. , Urrutia Miren Bego
Published: December 2021

Due to the speed of climate changes, rapid buffering mechanisms such as phenotypic plasticity – which may depend on breeding phenology – could be key to avoid extinction. The links between phenology and plasticity, however, remain understudied. Here we explored the matching between phenology and the thermal sensitivity of standard (SMR) and routine metabolic rates (RMR), metabolic scope (i.e. the difference between RMR and SMR), survival and growth‐development trajectories in larvae of a prolonged breeder amphibian Alytes almogavarii acclimated to 10 and 20°C, belonging to three cohorts: autumn pre‐overwintering, autumn overwintering and spring tadpoles. At 20°C, survival of autumn pre‐overwintering larvae was lower than for the rest. Although all cohorts showed acclimation potential, patterns for SMR and RMR differed, leading to differences in metabolic scope. Regardless of temperature, overwintering tadpoles arrested growth and development, while pre‐overwintering and spring tadpoles showed higher growth and development at 20°C. At 10°C pre‐overwintering tadpoles allocated more energy to development compared to spring tadpoles to advance development before winter. Overall, we demonstrate that the effects of temperature depend on phenology, consistent with future, expected thermal regimes. This suggests that extreme events can yield different vulnerability to climate change within populations (e.g. associated to discrete within‐year cohorts), and not only between species or populations.