bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults’ Engagement in Physical Activity: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Wang Haocen , King Barbara
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

Limited information is available on the process of Chinese older adults’ initiation, engagement, and maintenance of physical activity (PA), thus limiting the development of effective PA promotion programs. The purpose of the study was to investigate Chinese old adults’ perspectives and experiences with PA engagement and to develop a conceptual model illustrating the process of how community-dwelling Chinese older adults engage in PA.

Research Design and Methods

This study used grounded theory methodology. Nineteen community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged older than 60 years participated. We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with participants. Open, axial, and selective coding, along with constant comparative analysis, was performed to analyze the data.

Results

Participants described PA engagement as a complex and dynamic process, consisting of 3 stages: Getting started, Participating in PA, and Making PA part of life. The transition from one stage to the next was driven by an increasing internalized motivation toward PA through Seeing benefits. Many participants described that Staying in groups was a key strategy for them to keep physically active. Moreover, Restructuring occurred when Chinese older adults encountered trigger situations.

Discussion and Implications

This study identified the stages of how community-dwelling Chinese older adults engage in to perform and maintain PA. The developed conceptual model can inform future interventions for promoting PA among Chinese older adults.
Glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide, small glycosphingolipids with significant impact on health and disease
Authors: Reza Safoura , Ugorski Maciej , Suchański Jarosław
Published: May 2021

Numerous clinical observations and exploitation of cellular and animal models indicate that glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and galactosylceramide (GalCer) are involved in many physiological and pathological phenomena. In many cases, the biological importance of these monohexosylcermides has been shown indirectly as the result of studies on enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. Under physiological conditions, GalCer plays a key role in the maintenance of proper structure and stability of myelin and differentiation of oligodendrocytes. On the other hand, GlcCer is necessary for the proper functions of epidermis. Such an important lysosomal storage disease as Gaucher disease (GD) and a neurodegenerative disorder as Parkinson’s disease are characterized by mutations in the GBA1 gene, decreased activity of lysosomal GBA1 glucosylceramidase and accumulation of GlcCer. In contrast, another lysosomal disease, Krabbe disease, is associated with mutations in the GALC gene, resulting in deficiency or decreased activity of lysosomal galactosylceramidase and accumulation of GalCer and galactosylsphingosine. Little is known about the role of both monohexosylceramides in tumor progression; however, numerous studies indicate that GlcCer and GalCer play important roles in the development of multidrug-resistance by cancer cells. It was shown that GlcCer is able to provoke immune reaction and acts as a self-antigen in GD. On the other hand, GalCer was recognized as an important cellular receptor for HIV-1. Altogether, these two molecules are excellent examples of how slight differences in chemical composition and molecular conformation contribute to profound differences in their physicochemical properties and biological functions.
Multiple Switches From the Originator Infliximab to Biosimilars Is Effective and Safe in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Hanzel Jurij , Jansen Jeroen M , ter Steege Rinze W F , Gecse Krisztina B , D’Haens Geert R
Published: May 2021

Background

Though a single nonmedical switch from the originator infliximab (IFX) to a biosimilar is considered effective and safe for most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), very limited data are available on multiple successive switches.

Methods

We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of adult IBD patients who underwent 2 switches from the originator IFX to CT-P13 to SB2 (group 1), 1 switch from CT-P13 to SB2 (group 2), and 1 switch from the originator IFX to CT-P13 (group 3). Patients were assessed at 4 and 12 months since the most recent switch for remission using clinical (physician’s assessment) and biochemical (C-reactive protein [CRP], and fecal calprotectin [FC]) measures. Patients discontinuing treatment for ineffectiveness or adverse events before month 12 were imputed as nonremitters.

Results

One hundred seventy-six patients (Crohn’s disease 71%, ulcerative colitis 27.8%, IBD unclassified 1.2%; group 1, 69; group 2, 80; group 3, 27) were included. At 12 months after the most recent switch 76.9% (40 of 52, group 1), 65.7% (46 of 70, group 2) and 76.9% (20 of 26, group 3) of patients were in clinical remission. Treatment persistence at 12 months was 85.0%, 87.0%, and 70.1%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rate of clinical, CRP, FC remission, or treatment persistence at 12 months between the 3 groups. Infusion reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients (3/176), all in patients with antidrug antibodies from group 2.

Conclusions

Multiple successive switching and switching between biosimilars of IFX seemed to be effective and safe.
Intestinal Ultrasound in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Promising, but Work in Progress
Authors: van Wassenaer Elsa A , Benninga Marc A , van Limbergen Johan L , D’Haens Geert R , Griffiths Anne M , Koot Bart G P
Published: May 2021

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly used and promulgated as a noninvasive monitoring tool for children with inflammatory bowel disease because other diagnostic modalities such as colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging cause significant stress in the pediatric population. The most important parameters of inflammation that can be assessed using IUS are bowel wall thickness and hyperemia of the bowel wall. Research has shown that IUS has the potential to be a valuable additional point-of-care tool to guide treatment choice and to monitor and predict treatment response, although evidence of its accuracy and value in clinical practice is still limited. This review gives an update and overview of the current evidence on the use and accuracy of IUS in children with inflammatory bowel disease.
Perspectives on Community STEM: Learning from Partnerships between Scientists, Researchers, and Youth
Authors: Nation Jasmine McBeath , Hansen Alexandria Killian
Published: May 2021

Given our rapidly changing world and the pressing challenges of climate change and health care, it is more important than ever for youth and the broader public to learn scientific knowledge and skills. To reach the most people possible and increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, we need compelling educational approaches that incorporate the lived experiences of students. Partnerships between researchers, scientists, educators, and community groups can enrich and extend scientists’ research while providing authentic scientific learning experiences for undergraduate and K-12 students, especially from STEM-underrepresented groups. However, more research is needed on equitable long-term partnerships, including how these projects are organized and how partners align their interests and goals. In this article, we present recommendations from research–practice partnership projects that utilize a Community STEM model, an approach that draws from individual and collective strengths, contextualizes science learning, and positions youth as producers of content and artifacts. To situate this work, we review and highlight biology-related citizen and community science projects designed for youth. We characterize projects according to their goals and format, provide illustrative examples of three programs, and provide recommendations for other scientists and researchers. Overall, this article reviews research on all three approaches for partnerships (citizen science, community science, and community STEM) to provide recommendations for scientists who are interested in establishing partnerships within their communities. Limitations of each approach are described as well as areas for further research.
Does the size of pulmonary artery impact on recoarctation of the aorta after the Norwood procedure without patch?
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Kotani Yasuhiro , Kawabata Takuya , Kuroko Yosuke , Sano Shunji , Kasahara Shingo
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate whether recoarctation of the aorta (reCoA) after the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome correlates with pre- and postoperative anatomic factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 48 patients who underwent Norwood procedure with right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit between 2009 and 2017. Anatomical factors such as preoperative length, diameter of the main pulmonary artery (MPA), and postoperative neoaortic arch angle stratified by arch reconstruction technique were analysed using the receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

Eleven patients needed surgical intervention for reCoA at stage 2. Out of the 30 patients who underwent direct anastomosis during arch reconstruction, 7 developed reCoA. Seven patients received the full patch augmentation (patch augmentation for both lesser and greater curvatures) and were all spared from reCoA. Among the patients who had direct anastomosis, the preoperative MPA length was correlated with the postoperative arch angle (P = 0.021) and was associated with the occurrence of reCoA (P = 0.002) and the best cutoff value for MPA length was 10 mm. The postoperative arch angle was also correlated with the incidence of reCoA (P < 0.001) and was larger in patients who underwent the full patch augmentation than in patients who had direct anastomosis (126° vs 112°, P = 0.005) despite comparable MPA length.

CONCLUSIONS

ReCoA after the Norwood procedure correlates with MPA length when a direct anastomosis was used. Direct anastomosis can be considered in patients with a longer preoperative MPA. In other cases, the full patch augmentation should be considered for obtaining a large and smooth neoaortic arch.
The Geopolitical Threat Index: A Text-Based Computational Approach to Identifying Foreign Threats
Authors: Trubowitz Peter , Watanabe Kohei
Published: May 2021

Few concepts figure more prominently in the study of international politics than threat. Yet scholars do not agree on how to identify and measure threats or systematically incorporate leaders’ perceptions of threat into their models. In this research note, we introduce a text-based strategy and method for identifying and measuring elite assessments of international threat from publicly available sources. Using semi-supervised machine learning models, we show how text sourced from newspaper articles can be parsed to discern arguments that distinguish threatening from non-threatening states, and to measure and track variation in the intensity of foreign threats over time. To demonstrate proof of concept, we use news summaries from The New York Times from 1861 to 2017 to create a geopolitical threat index (GTI) for the United States. We show that the index successfully matches periods in US history that historians identify as high and low threat and correctly identifies countries that have posed a threat to US security at different points in its history. We compare and contrast GTI with traditional indicators of international threat that rely on measures of material capability and interstate behavior.
Deniability in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime: The Upside of the Dual-Use Dilemma
Authors: Pauly Reid B C
Published: May 2021

Nuclear technology is often “dual-use,” having both peaceful and military applications. This is widely regarded as a lamentable fact, as states can pursue nuclear weapons under the guise of peaceful intentions. However, this article proposes an upside to the nuclear dual-use dilemma: the deniable nature of dual-use technology makes it more amenable to coercive counterproliferation. Caught proliferators are more likely to come into compliance if they can elude audience costs by denying that they were ever out of compliance. Thus, the dual-use dilemma is both the bane of the nonproliferation regime and a boon to its coercive enforcement. Poor knowledge of past nuclear programs can hamper future verification. Counterintuitively, however, the effectiveness of nonproliferation regime institutions created to promote transparency—the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—may be enhanced by not directly challenging the denial of past nuclear activities. This research uses interviews and archival evidence from the IAEA, US government, and South African apartheid government. At a time when ongoing nuclear disputes revolve around questions of transparency and admissions of guilt, this article contributes to scholarly and policy debates about secrecy, face-saving, counterproliferation strategy, and the role of international institutions in coercive bargaining.
Evaluation of increased fiber, decreased amino acids, or decreased electrolyte balance as dietary approaches to slow finishing pig growth rates
Authors: Helm Emma T , Patience John F , Romoser Matthew R , Johnson Colin D , Ross Jason W , Gabler Nicholas K
Published: May 2021

In swine production, pig movement restrictions or packing plant closures may create the need to slow growth rates of finishing pigs to ensure they remain at a marketable body weight when packing plant access is restored. Although dietary formulations can be successful at slowing pig growth, precision is needed regarding how to best formulate diets to achieve growth rate reductions. Thus, the objective was to evaluate three dietary experimental approaches aimed at slowing growth rates in finishing pigs. These approaches consisted of either increasing neutral detergent fiber (NDF), reducing essential amino acids, or reducing the dietary electrolyte balance through the addition of acidogenic salts. A total of 94 mixed-sex pigs (72.4 ± 11.2 kg BW) across two replicates were individually penned and assigned to 1 of 8 dietary treatments (n = 11–12 pigs/treatment): 1) Control diet representative of a typical corn–soybean meal-based finisher diet (CON); 2) diet containing 15% NDF from soybean hulls (15% NDF); 3) diet containing 20% NDF from soybean hulls (20% NDF); 4) diet containing 25% NDF from soybean hulls (25% NDF); 5) diet formulated as per CON but with 50% of the soybean meal replaced with corn (89% Corn); 6) diet containing 97% corn and no soybean meal or synthetic amino acids (97% Corn); 7) diet containing 2% anhydrous calcium chloride (2% CaCl2); and 8) diet containing 4% anhydrous calcium chloride (4% CaCl2). Over 28 d, pig body weights and performance were recorded weekly. At d 28, all pigs were ultrasound scanned and switched to the CON diet to evaluate compensatory gain from d 28 to 35. Overall, increased NDF did not impact any growth performance parameter (P > 0.05). Amino acid restriction reduced average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed (G:F) linearly (linear P < 0.001). Similarly, ADG, ADFI, and G:F were linearly reduced with increased CaCl2 inclusion (linear P < 0.001). ADG differed during the compensatory gain period (P < 0.001), with 4% CaCl2-fed pigs having a 47% increase in ADG compared with CON-fed pigs. Conversely, 15% and 25% NDF-fed pigs had reduced ADG compared with CON-fed pigs during the compensatory gain period. Gain efficiency differed from day 28 to 35 (P < 0.001), with 4% CaCl2-fed pigs having a 36% increase in G:F compared with CON-fed pigs. Altogether, these data demonstrate that both amino acid restriction and CaCl2 inclusion are effective at slowing pig growth, albeit at greater inclusion rates.
Matrix Normalization Techniques for Definitive Urine Drug Testing
Authors: Rosano Thomas G , Rumberger John M , Wood Michelle
Published: May 2021

Analytical performance of stable isotope-labeled internal standardization (SIL-IS) and threshold accurate calibration (TAC) methods of matrix normalization are compared for quantitation of 51 drugs and metabolites (analytes) in urine with analysis by ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS-MS). Two SIL-IS methods of analysis were performed, one method using analyte-specific internal standardization (ASIL-IS) and another method using a shared stable isotope from another analyte for internal standardization (SSIL-IS). Variance in inter-specimen matrix effect, without the use of a matrix normalization method, was studied by UPLC–MS-MS analysis of 338 urine donor samples and showed >200% variation in ion response for some analytes. Matrix normalization methods were evaluated for precision, accuracy, calibration, multi-matrix recovery and positive casework quantitation. Acceptable calibration and quality control criteria were achieved for all methods when calibrators and controls were prepared from the same urine matrix pool. Quantitative accuracy, determined by the addition of analytes to multi-donor urine pools at two concentration levels, resulted in acceptable percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) and bias for TAC and ASIL-IS methods. SSIL-IS method quantitations in analyte-supplemented donor pools revealed a %RSD ranging from 20% to 60% for >30% of the analytes and a method bias that ranged up to 87%, with a differential matrix effect on analyte and shared internal standard accounting for the imprecision and bias. Analyte quantitation in 162 authentic case samples showed close agreement for TAC and ASIL-IS methods, with greater variance in the SSIL-IS method. The study demonstrates effective matrix normalization by ASIL-IS and TAC methods and a matrix-caused bias in the SSIL-IS method.
Use of Ground Covers to Control Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Hemiptera: Membracidae), and Other Suspected Vectors of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus
Authors: Billings Alexis C , Flores Kristen , McCalla Kelsey A , Daane Kent M , Wilson Houston
Published: May 2021

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is the causal agent of grapevine red blotch disease, which affects wine grapes and leads to reduced crop yield and quality. The pathogen-plant-vector relationship of GRBV is not well understood; however, some possible vectors have been identified: Caladonus coquilletti (Van Duzee; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Colladonus reductus (Van Duzee; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Erythroneura spp., Melanoliarus sp. (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), Osbornellus borealis DeLong. & Mohr (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Scaphytopius granticus (Ball; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Spissistilus festinus (Say). Of these species, S. festinus has been shown to transmit the virus to uninfected grapevines, making it of particular interest. Since the pathogen-plant-vector relationship of GRBV is not yet completely understood, pesticide use is not necessarily the best way to manage these possible vectors. Here we test if ground cover removal, by discing in spring, could reduce the activity of potential GRBV vectors. We show that S. festinus presence in the canopy was reduced in disc rows compared to just mowing the ground vegetation, whereas there were no differences in presence in the canopy between disc and mow rows of the other possible insect vectors. Erythroneura elegantula (Osborn; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a common pest of grapevines but not a candidate GRBV vector, was found to have higher densities in the canopy in disc rows compared to mow rows, an effect possibly mediated by changes in vine vigor associated with ground covers. We conclude that if S. festinus is a primary vector of GRBV, discing ground covers in early spring may be a viable way to reduce their presence in the vine canopy.
A Regional Approach Shows Differences Among Invasive AntsSolenopsis geminataandWasmannia auropunctata(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Within Its Native Range of Distribution
Authors: Rojas Patricia , Fragoso Carlos
Published: May 2021

Worldwide, two of the most harmful invasive ants typical of disturbed sites are Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) and Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger). Both are natives of the Neotropics and are widely distributed all over the tropics. Within its original geographic range, there are few data on its abundance and potential damage to natural ecosystems. In this study, we recorded their abundance and relationships to diversity and richness of soil ant communities in two localities with different amount of forested area (López Mateos, LM 77% and Venustiano Carranza, VC 27%), at Los Tuxtlas reserve. In each locality, four land use systems (LUS) were sampled: tropical rain forests, agroforestry plantations, annual crops, and pastures. Data were gathered from 360 ant samples obtained from litter squares, pitfall traps, and soil monoliths in 40 sampling points (20 per locality, and five per LUS). Solenopsis geminata was more abundant in LM than in VC; the opposite trend was observed for W. auropunctata. In LM, S. geminata was more abundant in crops than in the other LUS, whereas W. auropunctata tended to have higher abundances in less managed sites of both localities. Abundance and species richness of ant communities were higher in LM than in VC. At regional and local levels, we found negative relationships between the abundance of S. geminata and species richness; the inverse pattern was found for W. auropunctata. We conclude that at Los Tuxtlas, W. auropunctata can be considered as a typical dominant native species, whereas S. geminata is the common exotic invasive ant.
Incidence of CMV Infection and Disease and Adverse Events Associated with Antiviral Therapy in a Retrospective Cohort of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients at an Academic Children’s Hospital
Authors: Hayes Molly , Newman Alexander M , Boge Craig L K , Galetaki Despoina M , Elgarten Caitlin W , Freedman Jason L , Olson Timothy S , Fisher Brian T
Published: May 2021

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality among transplant recipients; the epidemiology is less understood in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) cohorts. Furthermore, there is a paucity of data related to CMV prophylactic and preemptive strategies.

Methods

A single-center retrospective observational cohort of allogeneic HCT recipients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia January 1, 2004–December 31, 2017 was constructed. Subjects were followed for 180 days after transplant to determine whether they had CMV infection or disease. Data on antiviral therapy were collected as were outcomes of CMV disease and adverse events (AEs) related to the antiviral therapy.

Results

Between January 2004 and March 2017, 345 allogeneic HCTs in 333 patients undergoing CMV surveillance testing were identified. CMV DNAemia was detected during the 180-day follow-up in 89 (25.8%) HCTs. CMV recipient-positive transplants were most likely to have CMV infection (47%). Infection rates were high for those receiving a CMV-specific prophylaxis regimen (50%). CMV DNAemia progressed to CMV disease 11.2% of the time. Of 224 subjects receiving CMV-specific prophylaxis, 19.2% experienced ≥1 AE. Of 53 receiving preemptive therapy during any CMV DNAemia episode, 32.1% experienced ≥1 AE.

Conclusions

CMV infection is common in pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients. The CMV-specific prophylaxis regimen employed in this cohort did not effectively prevent DNAemia, progression to CMV disease was uncommon, and AEs from prophylaxis and preemptive therapy were frequent. Novel approaches that reduce the impact of CMV on pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients are needed.
Insights into the role of alternative splicing in plant temperature response
Authors: Dikaya Varvara , El Arbi Nabila , Rojas-Murcia Nelson , Nardeli Sarah Muniz , Goretti Daniela , Schmid Markus
Published: May 2021

Alternative splicing occurs in all eukaryotic organisms. Since the first description of multiexon genes and the splicing machinery, the field has expanded rapidly, especially in animals and yeast. However, our knowledge about splicing in plants is still quite fragmented. Though eukaryotes show some similarity in the composition and dynamics of their splicing machinery, observations of unique plant traits are only starting to emerge. For instance, plant alternative splicing is closely linked to their ability to perceive various environmental stimuli. Due to their sessile lifestyle, temperature is a central source of information, allowing plants to adjust their development to match current growth conditions. Hence, seasonal temperature fluctuations and day–night cycles can strongly influence plant morphology across developmental stages. Here we discuss available data on temperature-dependent alternative splicing in plants. Given its fragmented state, it is not always possible to fit specific observations into a coherent picture, yet it is sufficient to estimate the complexity of this field and the need for further research. Better understanding of alternative splicing as a part of plant temperature response and adaptation may also prove to be a powerful tool for both fundamental and applied sciences.
Unveiling the singular dynamics in the cosmic large-scale structure
Authors: Rampf Cornelius , Frisch Uriel , Hahn Oliver
Published: May 2021

It is known that the gravitational collapse of cold dark matter leads to infinite-density caustics that seed the primordial dark-matter haloes in the large-scale structure. The development of these caustics begins, generically, as an almost one-dimensional phenomenon with the formation of pancakes. Focusing on the one-dimensional case, we identify a landscape of non-differentiable, and thus, singular features in the particle acceleration that emerge after the first crossing of particle trajectories. We complement our fully analytical studies by high-resolution simulations and find outstanding agreement, particularly shortly after the first crossing. We develop the methods in one space dimension but outline briefly the necessary steps for the 3D case.
Prostate cancer-associated SPOP mutations lead to genomic instability through disruption of the SPOP–HIPK2 axis
Authors: Jin Xiaofeng , Qing Shi , Li Qian , Zhuang Hui , Shen Liliang , Li Jinhui , Qi Honggang , Lin Ting , Lin Zihan , Wang Jian , Cao Xinyi , Yang Jianye , Ma Qi , Cong Linghua , Xi Yang , Fang Shuai , Meng Xiaodan , Gong Zhaohui , Ye Meng , Wang Shuyun , Wang Chenji , Gao Kun
Published: May 2021

Speckle-type Poz protein (SPOP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor, is the most frequently mutated gene in prostate cancer. The SPOP-mutated subtype of prostate cancer shows high genomic instability, but the underlying mechanisms causing this phenotype are still largely unknown. Here, we report that upon DNA damage, SPOP is phosphorylated at Ser119 by the ATM serine/threonine kinase, which potentiates the binding of SPOP to homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2), resulting in a nondegradative ubiquitination of HIPK2. This modification subsequently increases the phosphorylation activity of HIPK2 toward HP1γ, and then promotes the dissociation of HP1γ from trimethylated (Lys9) histone H3 (H3K9me3) to initiate DNA damage repair. Moreover, the effect of SPOP on the HIPK2-HP1γ axis is abrogated by prostate cancer-associated SPOP mutations. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of SPOP mutations-driven genomic instability in prostate cancer.
Cropland redistribution to marginal lands undermines environmental sustainability
Authors: Kuang Wenhui , Liu Jiyuan , Tian Hanqin , Shi Hao , Dong Jinwei , Song Changqing , Li Xiaoyong , Du Guoming , Hou Yali , Lu Dengsheng , Chi Wenfeng , Pan Tao , Zhang Shuwen , Hamdi Rafiq , Yin Zherui , Yan Huimin , Yan Changzhen , Wu Shixin , Li Rendong , Yang Jiuchun , Dou Yinyin , Wu Wenbin , Liang Liqiao , Xiang Bao , Yang Shiqi
Published: May 2021

Cropland redistribution to marginal land has been reported worldwide; however, the resulting impacts on environmental sustainability have not been investigated sufficiently. Here we investigated the environmental impacts of cropland redistribution in China. As a result of urbanization-induced loss of high-quality croplands in south China (∼8.5 t ha–1), croplands expanded to marginal lands in northeast (∼4.5 t ha–1) and northwest China (∼2.9 t ha–1) during 1990–2015 to pursue food security. However, the reclamation in these low-yield and ecologically vulnerable zones considerably undermined local environmental sustainability, for example increasing wind erosion (+3.47%), irrigation water consumption (+34.42%), fertilizer use (+20.02%) and decreasing natural habitats (−3.11%). Forecasts show that further reclamation in marginal lands per current policies would exacerbate environmental costs by 2050. The future cropland security risk will be remarkably intensified because of the conflict between food production and environmental sustainability. Our research suggests that globally emerging reclamation of marginal lands should be restricted and crop yield boost should be encouraged for both food security and environmental benefits.
Interventions to Treat Obesity in Mexican Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aceves-Martins Magaly , López-Cruz Lizet , García-Botello Marcela , Gutierrez-Gómez Yareni Yunuen , Moreno-García Carlos Francisco
Published: May 2021

Context

Prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising in the past 3 decades among Mexican children and adolescents.

Objective

To systematically review experimental studies evaluating interventions to treat obesity in Mexican children and adolescents (≤18 years old).

Data Sources

For this study, 13 databases and 1 search engine were searched.

Data Analysis

A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 2302 participants (age range, 8–16 years) from 11 states in Mexico were included. Most of the studies (n = 17 of 29) were provided in a clinical setting. A random-effect meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials was conducted and a significant effect was found on body mass index reduction that favored the intervention group (−1.52; 95%CI, −2.15 to −0.89) for short-term (≤6 mo) interventions.

Conclusions

A multicomponent, multidisciplinary, and individualized intervention that includes dietary modifications, physical activity practice, behavioral strategies, and active parental involvement might help treat childhood obesity in Mexico. However, long-term results need to be produced to identify effectiveness pointers that might help establish an integrated, long-lasting care model to treat obesity.
An Elementary Theory of Directed Technical Change and Wage Inequality
Authors: Loebbing Jonas
Published: May 2021

This article generalizes central results from the theory of (endogenously) directed technical change to settings where technology does not take a labour-augmenting form and with arbitrarily many levels of skill. Building on simple notions of complementarity, the results remain intuitive despite their generality. The developed theory allows to study the endogenous determination of labour-replacing, that is, automation technology through the lens of directed technical change theory. In an assignment model with a continuum of differentially skilled workers and capital, where capital perfectly substitutes for labour in the production of tasks, any increase in the relative supply of skilled workers stimulates investment into improving the productivity of capital, potentially leading skill premia to increase in relative skill supply. Relatedly, trade with a skill-scarce country discourages improvements in capital productivity, potentially reversing the standard Heckscher–Ohlin effects.
‘To Cause Sleepe Safe and Shure’: Dangerous Substances, Sleep Medicine and Poison Theories in Early Modern England
Authors: Hunter Elizabeth K
Published: May 2021

Recipes found in letters and manuscript receipt books testify to the use of potentially lethal substances in domestic sleep medicine. This article examines the theory behind the use of poisons to induce sleep, contrasting Galenic theory with the radical approach of the Paracelsians. According to Galenic medicine, the coldness of stupefactives such as henbane, deadly nightshade and the opium poppy were useful in counteracting fever and helping a patient to sleep. However, their coldness could also cause death. They were therefore used mainly in external medicine. The exceptions were diacodium made from native poppies that were considered less lethal, and sleeping draughts used in a surgical context. Laudanum, a new drug developed using alchemical methods to separate medicine from poison, broke with traditional safety advice. On account of its novelty, personal experience and recommendation were particularly important in establishing it within the canon of sleeping drugs considered safe for use.
Predicting circadian phase across populations: a comparison of mathematical models and wearable devices
Authors: Huang Yitong , Mayer Caleb , Cheng Philip , Siddula Alankrita , Burgess Helen J , Drake Christopher , Goldstein Cathy , Walch Olivia , Forger Daniel B
Published: May 2021

From smart work scheduling to optimal drug timing, there is enormous potential in translating circadian rhythms research results for precision medicine in the real world. However, the pursuit of such effort requires the ability to accurately estimate circadian phase outside of the laboratory. One approach is to predict circadian phase noninvasively using light and activity measurements and mathematical models of the human circadian clock. Most mathematical models take light as an input and predict the effect of light on the human circadian system. However, consumer-grade wearables that are already owned by millions of individuals record activity instead of light, which prompts an evaluation of the accuracy of predicting circadian phase using motion alone. Here, we evaluate the ability of four different models of the human circadian clock to estimate circadian phase from data acquired by wrist-worn wearable devices. Multiple datasets across populations with varying degrees of circadian disruption were used for generalizability. Though the models we test yield similar predictions, analysis of data from 27 shift workers with high levels of circadian disruption shows that activity, which is recorded in almost every wearable device, is better at predicting circadian phase than measured light levels from wrist-worn devices when processed by mathematical models. In those living under normal living conditions, circadian phase can typically be predicted to within 1 h, even with data from a widely available commercial device (the Apple Watch). These results show that circadian phase can be predicted using existing data passively collected by millions of individuals with comparable accuracy to much more invasive and expensive methods.
A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used to assess sleep in postpartum women using Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines
Authors: Sultan P , Ando K , Sultan E , Hawkins J , Blake L , Barwick F , Kawai M , Carvalho B
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

We performed a systematic review to identify the best patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of postpartum sleep in women.

Methods

We searched four databases for validated PROMs used to assess postpartum sleep. Studies were considered if they evaluated at least one psychometric measurement property of a PROM. An overall performance rating was assigned for each psychometric measurement property of each PROM based upon COSMIN criteria. A modified GRADE approach was used to assess the level of evidence and recommendations were then made for each PROM.

Results

We identified 15 validation studies of eight PROMs, in 9,070 postpartum women. An adequate number of sleep domains was assessed by five PROMs: Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Sleep Symptom Checklist (SSC). BIS and GSDS were the only PROMs to demonstrate adequate content validity and at least a low level of evidence of sufficient internal consistency, resulting in Class A recommendations. The BIS was the only PROM, which is easily accessible and free to use for noncommercial research, that achieved a Class A recommendation.

Conclusion

The BIS is the best currently available PROM of postpartum sleep. However, this PROM fails to assess several important domains such as sleep duration (and efficiency), chronotype, sleep-disordered breathing and medication usage. Future studies should focus on evaluating the psychometric measurement properties of BIS in the North American setting and in different cultural groups, or to develop a more specific PROM of postpartum sleep.
Overnight affective dynamics and sleep characteristics as predictors of depression and its development in women
Authors: Minaeva Olga , George Sandip V , Kuranova Anna , Jacobs Nele , Thiery Evert , Derom Catherine , Wichers Marieke , Riese Harriëtte , Booij Sanne H
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

We examined (1) differences in overnight affective inertia (carry-over of evening affect to the next morning) for positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) between individuals with past, current, and no depression; (2) how sleep duration and quality influence overnight affective inertia in these groups, and (3) whether overnight affective inertia predicts depression development.

Methods

We used data of 579 women from the East-Flanders Prospective Twin Survey. For aim 1 and 2, individuals with past (n = 82), current (n = 26), and without (lifetime) depression (n = 471) at baseline were examined. For aim 3, we examined individuals who did (n = 58) and did not (n = 319) develop a depressive episode at 12-month follow-up. Momentary PA and NA were assessed 10 times a day for 5 days. Sleep was assessed daily with sleep diaries. Affective inertia was operationalized as the influence of evening affect on morning affect. Linear mixed-effect models were used to test the hypotheses.

Results

Overnight affective inertia for NA was significantly larger in the current compared to the non-depressed group, and daytime NA inertia was larger in the past compared to the non-depressed group. Overnight NA inertia was differently associated with shorter sleep duration in both depression groups and with lower sleep quality in the current compared to the non-depressed group. Overnight affective inertia did not predict depression development at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Current findings demonstrate the importance of studying complex affect dynamics such as overnight affective inertia in relation to depression and sleep characteristics. Replication of these findings, preferably with longer time-series, is needed.
Evening binge alcohol disrupts cardiovagal tone and baroreflex function during polysomnographic sleep
Authors: Greenlund Ian M , Bigalke Jeremy A , Tikkanen Anne L , Durocher John J , Smoot Carl A , Carter Jason R
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

Binge alcohol consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The effects of evening binge alcohol consumption (i.e. 4–5 beverages within 2 h) on the vagal components of HRV and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) during sleep remain largely equivocal. The present study examined the effects of evening binge alcohol consumption on nocturnal cardiac vagal tone and baroreflex sensitivity during stage N2, slow wave (SWS), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We hypothesized that evening binge drinking would reduce HRV and cvBRS in each sleep stage.

Methods

Following a familiarization night within the laboratory, twenty-three participants were examined following a night of binge alcohol consumption and a fluid control (randomized, crossover design). A quality nocturnal beat-to-beat blood pressure signal was obtained in both conditions in 16 participants (seven men, nine women; 25 ± 1 years).

Results

Binge drinking reduced both the high frequency (HF) and time-domain components (i.e. pNN50 and RMSSD) of HRV in stage N2 sleep, SWS, and REM. In addition, cvBRS up-up (vagal activation) was reduced following binge alcohol consumption in stage N2 (21 ± 3 vs. 15 ± 3 ms/mmHg, p = 0.035) and REM (15[11–28] vs. 11[9–18] ms/mmHg, p = 0.009). Binge alcohol consumption reduced cvBRS down-down (vagal withdrawal) in stage N2 (23 ± 2 vs. 14 ± 2 ms/mmHg, p < 0.001), SWS (20[14–30] vs. 14[9–17] ms/mmHg, p = 0.022), and REM (14[11–24] vs. 10[7–15] ms/mmHg, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Evening binge alcohol consumption disrupts cardiac vagal tone and baroreflex function during nearly all sleep stages. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the potential role of binge drinking and alcohol abuse on cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trials Details

Alcohol and Neural Cardiovascular Control in Binge Drinkers, www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03567434, NCT03567434.
The social and economic cost of sleep disorders
Authors: Streatfeild Jared , Smith Jackson , Mansfield Darren , Pezzullo Lynne , Hillman David
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

To estimate economic cost of common sleep disorders in Australia for 2019–2020.

Methods

Costs were estimated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) using prevalence, financial, and nonfinancial data from national databases. These included: (1) financial costs associated with health care, informal care, productivity losses, non-medical accident costs, deadweight loss from taxation/welfare inefficiencies; and (2) nonfinancial costs associated with loss of well-being. They were expressed in U.S. dollars ($).

Results

Estimated overall cost of sleep disorders in Australia in 2019–2020 (population: 25.5 million) was $35.4 billion (OSA $13.1 billion; insomnia $13.3 billion, RLS $9.0 billion). Of this, the financial cost component was $10.0 billion, comprised of: health system costs $0.7 billion; productivity losses $7.7 billion; informal care $0.2 billion; other, mainly non-medical accident costs, $0.4 billion; and deadweight losses $1.0 billion. For moderate to severe OSA syndrome, insomnia unrelated to other conditions and RLS, financial costs represented $16,717, $21,982, and $16,624 per adult with the condition for the year, respectively. The nonfinancial cost was $25.4 billion.

Conclusions

The economic costs associated with sleep disorders are substantial. The financial component of $10.0 billion is equivalent to 0.73% of Australian gross domestic product. The nonfinancial cost of $25.4 billion represents 3.2% of total Australian burden of disease for the year. Health system costs of these disorders are low relative to those associated with their consequences, suggesting greater expenditure on detection, treatment and prevention is warranted.
Quantifying nitrogen uptake and translocation for mature trees: an in situ whole-tree paired 15N labeling method
Authors: Zhu Feifei , Dai Luming , Hobbie Erik A , Qu Yuying , Huang Dan , Gurmesa Geshere A , Zhou Xulun , Wang Ang , Li Yinghua , Fang Yunting
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen (N) is one of the major nutrients limiting plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. To avoid plant–microbe competition, previous studies on plant N uptake preference often used hydroponic experiments on fine roots of seedlings and demonstrated ammonium preference for conifer species; however, we lack information about N uptake and translocation in the field. In this paper, we described a method of in situ paired 15N labeling and reported the rates and time course of N uptake and translocation by mature trees in situ. We added 15N-enriched ammonium or nitrate, together with the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide, to paired Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr (larch) trees from 30-, 40- and 50-year-old plantations. Fine roots, coarse roots, leaves and small branches were collected 2, 4, 7, 14 and 30 days after labeling. Nitrate uptake and translocation averaged 1.59 ± 0.16 μg 15N g−1 day−1, which is slightly higher than ammonium (1.08 ± 0.10 μg 15N g−1 day−1), in all tree organs. Nitrate contributed 50–78% to N uptake and translocation, indicating efficient nitrate use by larch in situ. We observed no age effect. We suggest that sampling leaves after 4 days of 15N labeling is sufficient to detect mature tree N uptake preference in situ. Whole-tree 15N-ammonium recovery equaled that of 15N-nitrate 30 days after 15N addition, implying the importance of both ammonium and nitrate to mature larch N use in the long run. We conclude that our method is promising for studying mature tree N uptake preference in situ and can be applied to other conifer and broadleaf species. We suggest using highly enriched 15N tracer to overcome soil dilution and a nitrification inhibitor to minimize ammonium transformation to nitrate. Our study revealed mature tree N preference in situ and demonstrated the strong contribution of nitrate toward mature larch growth on soils rich in nitrate.
Reduction in Racial Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity From Hemorrhage in a Large-scale Quality Improvement Collaborative
Authors: Main E.K. , Chang S.-C. , Dhurjati R. , Cape V. , Profit J. , Gould J.B.
Published: May 2021

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;223:123.e1–14)

Racial and ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality continue to persist in the United States. Maternal death is 3-4 times more likely in black women than in white women, and the risk for severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is 2 times greater among black women than white women. Many of these cases are believed to be preventable by addressing the quality of care. Quality improvement (QI) collaboratives have been put forth as one way to reduce these disparities, but little is known about their effectiveness on racial/ethnic disparities in maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a QI collaborative could narrow the difference in the rates of SMM from hemorrhage between black and white pregnant women.
Rates of Maternal and Perinatal Mortality and Vertical Transmission in Pregnancies Complicated by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co-V-2) Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huntley B.J.F. , Huntley E.S. , Di Mascio D. , Chen T. , Berghella V. , Chauhan S.P.
Published: May 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136:303–312)

As of May 1, 2020, more than 3.33 million cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been confirmed globally. This novel coronavirus has the potential to increase adverse outcomes in the more than 140 million births that occur around the globe annually. While there have been a number of case reports of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, the sample sizes have been small, limiting our understanding of the virus’ impact on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies affected by SARS-CoV-2.
Public Health Agency of Sweden’s Brief Report: Pregnant and Postpartum Women With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Intensive Care in Sweden
Authors: Collin J. , Byström E. , Carnahan A.S. , Ahrne M.
Published: May 2021

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020;99:819–822)

In early April 2020, Swedish authorities observed a high number of pregnant and postpartum patients presenting with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, at that time European and American authorities were not reporting similar trends regarding pregnant and postpartum women with SARS-CoV-2 and ICU admission. This rapid assessment compared the rates of pregnant or postpartum women with treated in the ICU compared with non-pregnant women of the same age during the same period.