bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Capital Expansion and Global Value Chain Upgrading: Firm‐level Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Lamei , Chen Guifu , Peng Shuijun
Published: September 2021

Firms actively participate in the production of the global value chain (GVC), which is an important driving force for economic development. Using a difference‐in‐difference method, our research shows that industries that are relatively more human‐capital intensive experienced a larger GVC position upgrading after 2003 than they had in prior years. Second, mechanism analysis shows that human capital expansion increases firms’ GVC position not only through an imported intermediate input effect but also through an innovation effect. Third, this study shows that increases in the college‐educated labor force have a heterogeneous effect on a firm's GVC position across firms’ various characteristics. Human capital expansion has the largest positive effect on state‐owned firms relative to foreign and domestic private firms. Human capital expansion has also significantly improved the GVC position of firms located in China's eastern and central regions. The findings of this study indicate that it helps upgrading the GVC position of Chinese firms.
Does the Belt and Road Initiative Promote Bilateral Political Relations?
Authors: Lu Yue , Gu Wei , Zeng Ka
Published: September 2021

This paper examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in enhancing political relations between China and its partner countries. We postulate that an international economic cooperation scheme such as the BRI may facilitate commercial exchanges and increase the participating countries’ economic gains. This should generate incentives for these countries to avoid political tensions that may jeopardize mutually beneficial economic exchanges, and to expand the constellation of domestic coalitions in support of cordial diplomatic and political relations. We test the effect of the BRI on bilateral political relations using data on political relations between China and 91 countries along the BRI route between 2006 and 2018. Treating the promulgation of the BRI in 2013 as a policy shock, our difference‐in‐difference analysis lends substantial support to our hypotheses. Further analyses of the underlying causal mechanisms suggest that the BRI bolsters political relations by strengthening economic ties with partner countries through trade and investment related to economic cooperation.
Postprandial renal haemodynamic effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor linagliptin versus the sulphonylurea glimepiride in adults with type 2 diabetes (RENALIS): A predefined substudy of a randomized, double‐blind trial
Authors: Muskiet Marcel H. A. , Tonneijck Lennart , Smits Mark M. , Kramer Mark H. H. , Ouwens D. Margriet , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Danser A. H. Jan , Joles Jaap A. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: September 2021

Aim

To determine the effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor linagliptin on postprandial glomerular hyperfiltration compared with the sulphonylurea glimepiride in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

In this predefined substudy within a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, intervention trial, overweight people with T2D without renal impairment were treated with once‐daily linagliptin 5 mg (N = 10) or glimepiride 1 mg (N = 13) as an add‐on to metformin for 8 weeks. After a standardized liquid protein‐rich meal, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow were determined by inulin and para‐aminohippuric acid clearance, respectively, based on timed urine sampling. Intrarenal haemodynamics were estimated using the Gomez equations. Glucoregulatory/vasoactive hormones, urinary pH and fractional excretions (FE) of sodium, potassium and urea were measured.

Results

Compared with glimepiride, linagliptin increased the postprandial filtration fraction (FF; mean difference 2.1%‐point; P = .016) and estimated glomerular hydraulic pressure (mean difference 3.0 mmHg; P = .050), and tended to increase GFR (P = .08) and estimated efferent renal arteriolar resistance (RE; P = .08) from baseline to week 8. No differences in FE were noted. Glimepiride reduced HbA1c more than linagliptin (mean difference −0.40%; P = .004), without between‐group differences in time‐averaged postprandial glucose levels. In the linagliptin group, change in FF correlated with change in mean arterial pressure (R = 0.807; P = .009) and time‐averaged mean glucagon (R = 0.782; P = .008), but not with changes in glucose, insulin, intact glucagon‐like peptide‐1, renin or FENa. Change in glucagon was associated with change in RE (R = 0.830; P = .003).

Conclusions

In contrast to our hypothesis, compared with glimepiride, linagliptin does not reduce postprandial hyperfiltration, yet appears to increase FF after meal ingestion by increasing blood pressure or RE.
“But it's a nice compromise” – Qualitative multi‐centre study of barriers and facilitators to acute telestroke cooperation in a regional stroke network
Authors: Busetto Loraine , Sert Melek , Herzog Franziska , Hoffmann Johanna , Stang Christina , Amiri Hemasse , Seker Fatih , Purrucker Jan , Mundiyanapurath Sibu , Ringleb Peter Arthur , Nagel Simon , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Gumbinger Christoph
Published: September 2021

Background

Telemedical services can be used to complement on‐site services when demand for specialists exceeds supply or when specialists are not evenly distributed across health systems. Using stroke as an example, this study aimed to explore how patients and staff experience telestroke cooperation in a stroke network in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative multi‐method and multi‐centre study combining 32 non‐participant observations at one hub and four spoke hospitals with 26 semi‐structured interviews with hub and spoke staff as well as stroke patients and relatives. Observation protocols and interview transcripts were analysed to identify barriers and facilitators to telestroke cooperation from the perspectives of staff, patients and relatives.

Results

In terms of barriers to telestroke cooperation, we found technological problems, providing the treatment for one patient from two sites, competing priorities between telestroke and in‐house duties in the spoke hospitals, as well as difficulties in participating in the teleneurological examination via a videoconferencing system for older and disabled patients. In terms of facilitators, we found an overall very positive perception of telestroke provision by patients, good professional relationships within the network, and sharing of neurological expertise to be experienced as helpful for telestroke cooperation.

Conclusions

We recommend better integration of telemedical services into the care pathway, fostering relationships within the network, improved technological support and resources, and more emphasis within networks, in public awareness efforts as well as in academia on the evaluation of telemedical services from the perspectives of patients and relatives, especially older patients and patients with disabilities.
Validating the Couple Relationship Skills Inventory
Authors: Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Futris Ted G. , McGill Julianne , Richardson Evin W. , Dede Yildirim Elif
Published: September 2021

Objective

We tested the validity of the factor structure and reliability of a new research‐informed comprehensive inventory of key relationship skills predictive of couple quality, the Couple Relationship Skills Inventory (CRSI).

Background

The CRSI is based on the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Model, an evidence‐derived framework developed as a guide for couple relationship education content. For internal consistency in assessing the effectiveness of programming for couples and for general use in practice and research with couples, an important next step is the design and validation of a comprehensive measure of these core behavioral/attitudinal skills.

Method

The analytic (or “training”) sample of ethnically and economically diverse adults included 824 (independent) men and women and two cross‐validation samples (n = 763 andn = 470).

Results

Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis of individual measurement models informed refinement to a 32‐item, nine‐factor (seven‐subscale) measure and indicated excellent fit of the model to the data. Reliabilities for the full scale and the subscales were good to excellent. Cross‐validation study fit statistics and reliabilities were similar, and measurement invariance across samples was validated. Further, support for internal discriminant validity was implied by small to moderate covariances among the factors and concurrent and predictive validity was evidenced (i.e., significant associations among CRSI scores and measures of relationship quality and family harmony).

Implications

This measure provides an efficient assessment of core relational skills critical for healthy couple quality and may prove useful in practice and for future studies of couple relationships and couple relationship education.
Neutrophil elastase and its inhibitors—overlooked players in osteoarthritis
Authors: Kaneva Magdalena K.
Published: September 2021

Cartilage homeostasis is maintained by a delicate balance between anabolism and catabolism. In osteoarthritis, pathological biomechanics or injury triggers cartilage breakdown, nonresolving synovial inflammation, and bone changes, causing reduced joint mobility and incapacitating pain. Undoubtedly, the most important cartilage degrading collagenase during osteoarthritis, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13, is activated by an unlikely player: neutrophil elastase. Although primarily associated with inflammatory arthritis, neutrophil elastase is present in the osteoarthritic joint, and through activating MMP‐13, spurs a cascade of events leading not just to the aberrant destruction of the cartilage itself, but to the proteolysis of its own inhibitor, alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, as described in the new study by Wilkinson et al. Endowed with potent chondrogenic and cartilage‐protective properties, the loss of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin from cartilage will have major consequences for osteoarthritis progression, and strategies to prevent its loss, or replace it, might provide an innovative treatment opportunity that should not be ignored.

Comment on: https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16127
Microalgal protein AstaP is a potent carotenoid solubilizer and delivery module with a broad carotenoid binding repertoire
Authors: Slonimskiy Yury B. , Egorkin Nikita A. , Friedrich Thomas , Maksimov Eugene G. , Sluchanko Nikolai N.
Published: September 2021

Carotenoids are lipophilic substances with many biological functions, from coloration to photoprotection. Being potent antioxidants, carotenoids have multiple biomedical applications, including the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and retina degeneration. Nevertheless, the delivery of carotenoids is substantially limited by their poor solubility in the aqueous phase. Natural water‐soluble carotenoproteins can facilitate this task, necessitating studies on their ability to uptake and deliver carotenoids. One such promising carotenoprotein, AstaP (astaxanthin‐binding protein), was recently identified in eukaryotic microalgae, but its structure and functional properties remained largely uncharacterized. By using a correctly folded recombinant protein, here we show that AstaP is an efficient carotenoid solubilizer that can stably bind not only astaxanthin but also zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and, to a lesser extent, β‐carotene, that is, carotenoids especially valuable to human health. AstaP accepts carotenoids provided as acetone solutions or embedded in membranes, forming carotenoid–protein complexes with an apparent stoichiometry of 1:1. We successfully produced AstaP holoproteins in specific carotenoid‐producing strains of Escherichia coli, proving it is amenable to cost‐efficient biotechnology processes. Regardless of the carotenoid type, AstaP remains monomeric in both apo‐ and holoform, while its rather minimalistic mass (~ 20 kDa) makes it an especially attractive antioxidant delivery module. In vitro, AstaP transfers different carotenoids to liposomes and to unrelated proteins from cyanobacteria, which can modulate their photoactivity and/or oligomerization. These findings expand the toolkit of the characterized carotenoid binding proteins and outline the perspective of the use of AstaP as a unique monomeric antioxidant nanocarrier with an extensive carotenoid binding repertoire.
Climate cascades affect coastal Antarctic seafloor ecosystem functioning
Authors: Lohrer Andrew M. , Norkko Alf M. , Thrush Simon F. , Cummings Vonda J.
Published: September 2021

Polar seafloor ecosystems are changing rapidly and dramatically, challenging previously held paradigms of extreme dynamical stability. Warming‐related declines in polar sea ice are expected to alter fluxes of phytoplankton and under‐ice algae to the seafloor. Yet, how changes in food flux cascade through to seafloor communities and functions remains unclear. We leveraged natural spatial and temporal gradients in summertime sea ice extent to better understand the trajectories and implications of climate‐related change in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. McMurdo Sound was expected to be one of the last coastal marine environments on Earth to be affected by planetary warming, but the situation may be changing. Comparing satellite observations of selected coastal sites in McMurdo Sound between 2010–2017 and 2002–2009 revealed more ice‐free days per year, and shorter distances to open water during the warmest months each year, in the more recent period. Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) and Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) climate indices peaked concurrently between 2014 and 2017 when sea ice breakouts in McMurdo Sound were most spatially and temporally extensive. Increases in sediment chlorophyll a and phaeophytin content (indicating increased deposition of detrital algal food material) were recorded during 2014–2017 at three coastal study sites in McMurdo Sound following the major sea ice breakouts. Soft‐sediment seafloor ecosystem metabolism (measured in benthic incubation chambers as dissolved oxygen and inorganic nutrient fluxes) was correlated with sediment algal pigment concentration. Epifaunal invertebrate density, particularly opportunistic sessile suspension feeders, and infaunal community composition also shifted with increased food supply. The ecological characteristics and functions measured at the food‐poor sites shifted towards those observed at richer sites at a surprisingly fast pace. These results indicate the sensitivity of the benthos and shed light on Antarctic marine trophic cascades and trajectories of response of iconic high‐latitude seafloor habitats to a warming climate.
Dynamic interaction between outward foreign direct investment and home country industrial upgrading: Regional differences in China
Authors: Wang Mei Ling , Pang Si Lu , Wang Feng , Guo Xin , He Zheng Xia
Published: September 2021

This study examines the dynamic interaction between outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and home industrial upgrading in China by using a panel vector autoregressive model over the period 2004–2017. To investigate regional differences, the 30 Chinese provinces were divided into 3 regions. To investigate regional differences, 30 Chinese provinces were divided into region 1, region 2, and 3 regions, which represent economically developed regions, comparatively economically developed regions, and economically less developed regions. The empirical results show that OFDI significantly promotes industrial upgrading across the whole sample, while the reverse is not significant. Further, considering the heterogeneity of regional economic development levels, the results show that the OFDI from region 1 and industrial upgrading promote each other, while the opposite is true for region 3. In region 2, industrial upgrading has an incentive effect on OFDI, but not significantly affected by OFDI. In addition, to supplement our analysis, impulse response function and variance decomposition are used to demonstrate the interaction process between OFDI and industrial upgrading of the home country. Therefore, to achieve industrial upgrading, Chinese governments should adhere to the long‐term national policy of “going global,” enhance the strength of OFDI, and formulate development strategies according to local conditions.
Teaching entangled Australian sexual histories: Pedagogy and approaches
Authors: Bennett James , Johnson Marguerite
Published: September 2021

This is an era of significant shifts in power dynamics pertaining to sexualities, the body and the law reflecting major changes in the socio‐political landscape, as evident in, for example, the #MeToo movement; inquiries into systemic child sexual abuse; and campaigns for equal rights, including marriage equality. This article examines the theme of controversies throughout history and provides a series of pedagogical examples drawn from the authors' innovations in teaching an upper‐level university course on sex and scandal. Although the course spans the ancient, early modern and modern worlds, covering sexual scandals throughout the west, the focus herein is on Australian examples. It begins by introducing the theme of controversy and its place in history, then teases out the related topics of sexual scandal and contestation. This is then followed by some case studies from the course to demonstrate the subject matter included, and to elucidate specific pedagogies employed to maximize engagement and to enhance understanding in a student‐centred and supportive learning environment.
Age‐dependent association of obesity with COVID‐19 severity in paediatric patients
Authors: Guzman Benedict Vincent , Elbel Brian , Jay Melanie , Messito Mary Jo , Curado Silvia
Published: September 2021

Background

Limited research has addressed the obesity–COVID‐19 severity association in paediatric patients.

Objective

To determine whether obesity is an independent risk factor for COVID‐19 severity in paediatric patients and whether age modifies this association.

Methods

SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients at NYU Langone Health from 1 March 2020 to 3 January 2021 aged 0–21 years with available anthropometric measurements: weight, length/height and/or body mass index (BMI). Modified log‐Poisson models were utilized for the analysis. Main outcomes were 1) hospitalization and 2) critical illness (intensive care unit [ICU] admission).

Results

One hundred and fifteen of four hundred and ninety‐four (23.3%) patients had obesity. Obesity was an independent risk factor for critical illness (adjusted risk ratio [ARR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.48). This association was modified by age, with obesity related to a greater risk for critical illness in adolescents (13–21 years) [ARR 3.09, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.47], but not in children (0–12 years). Obesity was not an independent risk factor for hospitalization for any age.

Conclusion

Obesity was an independent risk factor for critical illness in paediatric patients, and this association was modified by age, with obesity related to a greater risk for critical illness in adolescents, but not in children. These findings are crucial for patient risk stratification and care.
Comprehensive immune cell profiling depicts an early immune response associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 in cancer patients
Authors: Tembhare Prashant R , Sriram Harshini , Chatterjee Gaurav , Khanka Twinkle , Gokarn Anant , Mirgh Sumeet , Rajendra Akhil , Chaturvedi Anumeha , Ghogale Sitaram G , Deshpande Nilesh , Girase Karishma , Dalvi Kajal , Rajpal Sweta , Patkar Nikhil , Trivedi Bhakti , Joshi Amit , Murthy Vedang , Shetty Nitin , Nair Sudhir , More Ashwini , Kamtalwar Sujeet , Chavan Preeti , Bhat Vivek , Bhat Prashant , Subramanian Papagudi G , Gupta Sudeep , Khattry Navin
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have highlighted multiple immune perturbations related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–associated respiratory disease [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)]. Some of them were associated with immunopathogenesis of severe COVID‐19. However, reports on immunological indicators of severe COVID‐19 in the early phase of infection in patients with comorbidities such as cancer are scarce. We prospectively studied about 200 immune response parameters, including a comprehensive immune‐cell profile, inflammatory cytokines and other parameters, in 95 patients with COVID‐19 (37 cancer patients without active disease and intensive chemo/immunotherapy, 58 patients without cancer) and 21 healthy donors. Of 95 patients, 41 had severe disease, and the remaining 54 were categorized as having a nonsevere disease. We evaluated the association of immune response parameters with severe COVID‐19. By principal component analysis, three immune signatures defining characteristic immune responses in COVID‐19 patients were found. Immune cell perturbations, in particular, decreased levels of circulating dendritic cells (DCs) along with reduced levels of CD4 T‐cell subsets such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), type 1 T helper (Th1) and Th9; additionally, relative expansion of effector natural killer (NK) cells were significantly associated with severe COVID‐19. Compared with patients without cancer, the levels of terminal effector CD4 T cells, Tregs, Th9, effector NK cells, B cells, intermediate‐type monocytes and myeloid DCs were significantly lower in cancer patients with mild and severe COVID‐19. We concluded that severely depleted circulating myeloid DCs and helper T subsets in the initial phase of infection were strongly associated with severe COVID‐19 independent of age, type of comorbidity and other parameters. Thus, our study describes the early immune response associated with severe COVID‐19 in cancer patients without intensive chemo/immunotherapy.
Functional redundancy of non‐volant small mammals increases in human‐modified habitats
Authors: Luza André Luís , Graham Catherine Helen , Hartz Sandra Maria , Karger Dirk Nikolaus
Published: September 2021

Aim

Humans are rapidly altering natural habitats across much of the globe. Here we compared 264 globally distributed communities in natural and human‐modified habitats to detect changes in community richness and functional diversity with human influence.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Non‐volant small mammals.

Methods

We calculated differences in observed to potential species richness (ΔSR) and observed to potential functional diversity (ΔFD) to account for regional pool differences. Then we determined the prevalence of four distinct scenarios of richness and functional diversity differences between human‐modified and natural habitats, and evaluated local and geographical variation in these differences. We obtained potential richness by calculating a probabilistic species pool and obtained potential functional diversity through the n‐dimensional hypervolume based on pool composition. We tested for differences in average ΔSR and ΔFD between habitats, and determined the most common scenario of ΔSR and ΔFD in human‐modified and natural habitats.

Results

We found lower ΔSR in human‐modified than natural habitats, but no difference in ΔFD. Low ΔSR and high ΔFD predominated in human‐modified habitats, and high ΔSR and ΔFD in natural habitats. Low ΔSR and high ΔFD predominated in temperate forests, whereas high ΔSR and ΔFD in tropical forests and grasslands. Scenarios of low ΔSR and high ΔFD, and high ΔSR and low ΔFD, were most common in human‐modified and natural habitats of temperate grasslands.

Main conclusions

A larger richness in human‐modified habitats does not result in larger functional diversity. Rather there seems to be an increase in functional redundancy because species which profit from human modification do not bring new functions into human‐modified habitats. While greater richness is found in human‐modified habitats from temperate biomes, this is not the case in extremely biodiverse tropical biomes. Assuming a positive relationship between richness, functional traits and ecosystem function, greater richness in modified habitats may not yield greater function.
Interleukin‐7 aggravates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury by regulating macrophage infiltration and polarization
Authors: Yan Mengwen , Yang Yaliu , Zhou Ying , Yu Changan , Li Rui , Gong Wei , Zheng Jingang
Published: September 2021

Interleukin (IL)‐7 is known to enhance the macrophages cytotoxic activity and that macrophages play a pivotal role in the development and progression of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the effects of IL‐7 on macrophages infiltration and polarization in myocardial I/R injury are currently unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the IL‐7 expression on myocardial I/R injury and their relationship with macrophages. The data showed that IL‐7 expression in mouse heart tissue increases following I/R injury and that IL‐7 knockout or anti‐IL‐7 antibody treatment significantly improve I/R injury, including reduction in myocardial infarction area, a serum troponin T level decreases and an improvement in cardiac function. On the other hand, recombinant IL‐7 (rIL‐7) supplementation induces opposite effects and the anti‐IL‐7 antibody significantly reduces the cardiomyocyte apoptosis and macrophage infiltration. rIL‐7 cannot directly cause apoptosis, but it can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis through macrophages, in addition to increase the macrophages migration in vitro. Anti‐IL‐7 antibody affects the cytokine production in T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells and also promotes the macrophages differentiation to M2 macrophages. However, anti‐IL‐7 antibody does not reduce the M1 macrophage number, and it only increases the ratio of M2/M1 macrophages in mice heart tissues after I/R injury. Taking together, these data reveal that IL‐7 plays an intensifying role in myocardial I/R injury by promoting cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the regulation of macrophage infiltration and polarization.
Variation in seasonal timing traits and life history along a latitudinal transect in Mimulus ringens
Authors: Vest Kelly , Sobel James M.
Published: September 2021

Seasonal timing traits are commonly under recurrent, spatially variable selection, and are therefore predicted to exhibit clinal variation. Temperate perennial plants often require vernalization to prompt growth and reproduction; however, little is known about whether vernalization requirements change across the range of a broadly distributed species. We performed a critical vernalization duration study in Mimulus ringens, coupled with population genomic analysis. Plants from eight populations spanning the latitudinal range were exposed to varying durations of 4°C vernalization between 0 and 56 days, and flowering response was assessed. RADSeq was also performed to generate 1179 polymorphic SNPs, which were used to examine population structure. We found unexpected life history variation, with some populations lacking vernalization requirement. Population genomic analyses show that these life history variants are highly divergent from perennials, potentially revealing a cryptic species. For perennial populations, minimum vernalization time was surprisingly consistent. However, once vernalized, northern populations flowered almost 3 weeks faster than southern. Furthermore, southern populations exhibited sensitivity to vernalization times beyond flowering competency, suggesting an ability to respond adaptively to different lengths of winter. Mimulus ringens, therefore, reveals evidence of clinal variation, and provides opportunities for future studies addressing mechanistic and ecological hypotheses both within and between incipient species.
Premature menopause among women in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey‐IV
Authors: Meher Trupti , Sahoo Harihar
Published: September 2021

Aim

Women who experience premature menopause either due to biological or induced reasons have a longer duration of exposure to severe symptoms and adverse health consequences when compared to those who undergo menopause at later age. Despite the fact that premature menopause has a profound effect on the health of women, there has been limited study on this issue. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with premature menopause among 302 557 women aged 25–39 years in India.

Methods

This study utilized secondary data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey‐IV (NFHS‐4), conducted during 2015–2016 in India. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analyses of the data.

Results

The results revealed that the prevalence of premature menopause in this sample of Indian women was 3.7%, out of which 2.1% of women had experienced natural premature menopause, whereas 1.7% had surgical premature menopause. The prevalence of premature menopause was highest in the southern region of India. Factors like age, education, wealth index, place of residence, smoking status, children ever born, age at first birth, use of hormonal contraception, sterilization, and body mass index were found to be associated with premature menopause in India.

Conclusion

A sizeable proportion of women in India are attaining menopause prematurely. Furthermore, the percentage and likelihood of experiencing premature menopause are relatively high among rural women, women with higher parity, early age at childbearing, and women who smoke.
Maternal alpha‐1‐antitrypsin as a noval marker for growth restriction in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Nori Wassan , Ali Alaa Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

Aim

To verify the role of maternal serum levels of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT), an acute‐phase inflammatory protein, as a marker for distinguishing between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and normal birth weight in pre‐eclamptic women. We correlate serum AAT levels to the essential feto‐maternal parameters for an earlier and cost–benefit diagnostic method, thus distinguishing between FGR and normal birth weight in pre‐eclamptic women.

Methods

An observational study conducted at the University hospital recruited 100 pregnant women in 32/34 weeks of a singleton single tone pregnancy; all were pre‐eclampsia cases. All were tested by laboratory and ultrasound examination. Two sets of data were collected; one is maternal parameters such as blood pressure (BP), maternal serum AAT mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and serum uric acid levels, and the other is fetal parameters such as amniotic fluid index (AFI), fetal weight centile and estimated fetal weight.

Results

A strong negative correlation proved between serum levels of AAT and all study variables except fetal weight (systolic BP, diastolic BP, MPV, PDW, serum uric acid, fetal weight percentile, and AFI) with a correlation coefficient of; −0.95, −0.95, −0.85, −0.93, −0.91, −0.94, and −0.93 respectively. The cut‐off value for AAT 0.013 mg/ml showed the highest sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker for FGR. Area under the curve was 0.99.

Conclusions

Negative correlations between maternal serum AAT and fetal parameters used to assess FGR were confirmed, suggesting that AAT is closely related to the pathophysiology of FGR among pre‐eclamptic patients and may serve as a helpful tool in distinguishing between FGR and normal birth weight babies, pending further validation in feto‐maternal outcomes.
Gestational metformin administration in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control studies
Authors: Cao Qi , Hu Yuanyuan , Fu Jing , Huang Xin , Wu Lukanxuan , Zhang Jiani , Huang Wei
Published: September 2021

Aims

To evaluate metformin's effects on pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials comparing metformin administration during pregnancy versus placebo or blank in PCOS women were selected. The primary outcomes were the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery, and miscarriage. We combined data with the Review Manager. Bayesian meta‐analysis was employed for further verification with the R software.

Results

Six randomized control trial studies involving 1229 participants were included. Metformin use was associated with reduced risk of preterm delivery (Risk ratios [RR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25–0.80; p, 0.007) and higher larger neonatal head circumference (Mean difference (MD), 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20–0.74; p, 0.0006] but had no effect on the incidence of GDM (RR 1.87; 95% CI, 0.58–1.87; p, 0.89), miscarriage (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.45–1.60; p, 0.62), pre‐eclampsia (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.43–3.21; p, 0.75), neonatal length (MD, 0.33; 95% CI, −0.12‐0.78; p, 0.15) and birthweight (MD, 73.78; 95% CI, −52.98‐200.53; p, 0.17).

Conclusions

Metformin administration in PCOS pregnancies was associated with reduced preterm delivery risk and larger neonatal head circumference.
French translation and preliminary psychometric validation of a skin‐to‐skin contact instrument for nurses (SSC‐F)
Authors: Aita Marilyn , De Clifford Faugère Gwenaëlle , Laporte Geneviève , Colson Sébastien , Feeley Nancy
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To translate and conduct the preliminary psychometric validation of a skin‐to‐skin contact instrument in French (SSC‐F) with a sample of nurses from Quebec and France working in neonatal intensive care units.

Methods

The 20 items of the SSC instrument containing four subscales (knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, training and education and implementation), developed by Vittner et al. (2017), was translated into French. The methodological steps used for psychometric validation included assessment of the item and subscale normality distributions, assessment of reliability using internal consistency, and assessment of validity using inter‐item and inter‐scale correlations and principal component analysis.

Results

The preliminary psychometric validation showed that all four subscales of the French version had adequate internal consistency (0.61–0.77), supporting the calculation of a total score for each subscale based on the English version of the instrument. The structural validity was supported by principal component analysis findings.

Practice Implications

Based on the findings of the preliminary psychometric validation of our study, the SSC‐F instrument could be used in research with French‐speaking neonatal nurses in Western countries, but gathering more evidence about its reliability and validity is warranted for clinical practice.
Tagging, ranging patterns, and behavior of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) off Argentina and Brazil: Considerations for conservation
Authors: Wells Randall S. , Cremer Marta J. , Berninsone Leonardo G. , Albareda Diego , Wilkinson Krystan A. , Stamper M. Andrew , Paitach Renan L. , Bordino Pablo
Published: September 2021

The franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is one of the most threatened cetaceans in the Southwestern Atlantic. Within their limited coastal range off Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, franciscanas face human activities, including artisanal gillnet fishing and coastal development. A lack of information on ranging patterns, population structure, and behavior for informing management led to efforts to develop and apply approaches to tag franciscanas in Argentina (Bahía Samborombón [BS], Bahía San Blas [BSB]) and Brazil (Baía Babitonga [BB]) during 2005–2013. Findings from VHF tags deployed in BS in 2005 during feasibility tests for catching and handling franciscanas for tagging suggested residency over periods of weeks. Subsequently, satellite‐linked tags confirmed patterns of residency at each site. Home range size varied, with ranges of 5–7 km2 for BB, 51–312 km2 for BS, and 49–1,014 km2 for BSB. Diving patterns varied across sites, with the animals using the entire water column, exposing them to fishing nets regardless of the depth at which the nets were set. Tracking durations and follow‐up observations indicated that this research approach is useful for studies of franciscanas. Small, definable ranges facilitate relating specific geographically based threats to appropriate population units, increasing the potential for effective conservation.
Validation of hyperacute stroke protocol modification aiming for time saving
Authors: Sakuta Kenichi , Yaguchi Hiroshi , Nakada Ryoji , Mukai Taiji , Miyagawa Shinji , Okuno Kenji , Fuga Michiyasu , Iguchi Yasuyuki
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

Since efforts to save time in hyperacute cerebral infarction largely depend on each facility, evaluation of their effects is indispensable. The effects of modification of the protocol for hyperacute stroke were examined.

Materials and methods

The data of consecutive stroke patients who underwent thrombectomy from October 2017 to February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The stroke protocols before modification were as follows. First, brain MRI was performed, and the indication for thrombectomy was assessed. If indicated, the stroke treatment team sprang into action to obtain informed consent and prepare the needed drugs or devices. The modified protocols were as follows. Once the information was obtained from emergency transportation, preparation for examination began before the patients' arrival. The patient quickly underwent contrast‐enhanced brain CT after arrival. If indicated, thrombolysis was started immediately, and the stroke treatment team began thrombectomy preparation. The cohort was dichotomized according to the period, the first term group and the second term group, and the time courses and outcomes were examined.

Results

A total of 33 patients (21 men, median age 76 years) were enrolled in the study, of whom 12 were in the second term group. Regarding the elapsed times, door to imaging, door to thrombolysis, door to puncture, and onset to reperfusion times were significantly shorter in the second term group.

Conclusion

The protocol modification in our facility provided time savings.
Outcome and prognostication after cardiac arrest
Authors: Henson Theresa , Rawanduzy Cameron , Salazar Marco , Sebastian Adonai , Weber Harli , Al‐Mufti Fawaz , Mayer Stephan A.
Published: September 2021

The outcome after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest has historically been grim at best. The current overall survival rate of patients admitted to a hospital is approximately 10%, making cardiac arrest one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The situation is improving with the incorporation of therapeutic temperature modulation, aggressive prevention of secondary brain injury, and improved access to advanced cardiovascular support, all of which have decreased mortality and allowed for better outcomes. Mortality after cardiac arrest is often the direct result of active withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapy based on the perception that neurological recovery is not possible. This reality highlights the importance of providing accurate estimates of neurological prognosis to decision makers when discussing goals of care. The current standard of care for assessing neurological status in patients with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy emphasizes a multimodal approach that includes five elements: (1) neurological examination off sedation, (2) continuous electroencephalography, (3) serum neuron‐specific enolase levels, (4) magnetic resonance brain imaging, and (5) somatosensory‐evoked potential testing. Sophisticated decision support systems that can integrate these clinical, imaging, and biomarker and neurophysiologic data and translate it into meaningful projections of neurological outcome are urgently needed.
Coastal heathland vegetation is surprisingly resistant to experimental drought across successional stages and latitude
Authors: Haugum Siri Vatsø , Thorvaldsen Pål , Vandvik Vigdis , Velle Liv Guri
Published: September 2021

In the last decade, several major dwarf‐shrub dieback events have occurred in northern European coastal heathlands. These dieback events occur after extended periods with sub‐zero temperatures under snow‐free conditions and clear skies, suggesting that coastal heathlands have low resistance to winter drought. As climate projections forecast increased drought frequency, intensity, and duration, coastal heathlands are likely to experience more such diebacks in the future. There are, however, few empirical studies of drought impacts and responses on plant communities in humid oceanic ecosystems. We established a drought experiment with two distinct levels of intensified drought to identify responses and thresholds of drought resistance in coastal heathland vegetation. We repeated the experiment in two regions, separated by five degrees latitude, to represent different bioclimatic conditions within the coastal heathlands' wide latitudinal range in Europe. As coastal heathlands are semi‐natural habitats managed by prescribed fire, and we repeated the experiment across three post‐fire successional phases within each region. Plant community structure, annual primary production, and primary and secondary growth of the dominant dwarf‐shrub Calluna vulgaris varied between climate regions. To our surprise, these wide‐ranging vegetation‐ and plant‐level response variables were largely unaffected by the drought treatments. Consequently, our results suggest that northern, coastal heathland vegetation is relatively resistant to substantial intensification in drought. This experiment represents the world's wettest (2200 mm year−1) and northernmost (65°8'N) drought experiment to date, thus filling important knowledge gaps on ecological drought responses in high‐precipitation and high‐latitude ecosystems across multiple phases of plant community succession.
Morphological diversity, evolution and biogeography of early Pleistocene rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus)
Authors: Pelletier Maxime
Published: September 2021

The early Pleistocene is the key period for understanding the evolutionary history and palaeobiogeography of rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus). In western Europe, many species were endemic, making them a reliable indicator of the evolution of the terrestrial ecosystems in which many species have evolved. However, the morphological variability of rabbit species is still poorly understood and their phylogeny remains a subject of debate. Through both qualitative (morphological description) and quantitative (linear measurements and two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics) approaches, we address here the morphometric diversity of the third lower premolar (p3), a tooth commonly used to distinguish leporid species, in order to assess intra‐ and inter‐regional morphological variations in several early Pleistocene rabbit populations. Our results suggest that the different approaches are complementary and allow, on different levels, a full characterization of the p3 variability of early Pleistocene rabbits and to imply relations between populations. The size and shape variations of this tooth reflect the taxonomic and phylogenetic signals of the different species but were probably also significantly impacted by geographical position and local climatic conditions. In view of the great morphometric variability highlighted in this work, we suggest a careful reconsideration of certain dental criteria previously considered ‘diagnostic’ in the characterization of these species. However, the overall results allowed us to discuss the phylogeny of the genus Oryctolagus and to hypothesize the ecological requirements and different phases of the dispersal of taxa in western Europe, probably associated with global climate changes.
Determinants of the market choice and the consumers behavior on the Macedonian MTPL insurance market: Empirical application of the Markov chain model
Authors: Blazheska Angela , Ivanovski Igor
Published: September 2021

Markov chain models are widely used for capturing the switching behavior of economic agents and its impact on the prospective market developments in various industries. The aim of this paper is to analyze the customers' altered behavior on the Motor Third Party Liability Insurance market in Republic of North Macedonia for the period of 2016–2018, in a setting where the policy tariff rates are equal for all the Insurance providers, that is, prices are excluded as a factor of transition. For that purpose, a stationary, homogeneous, first‐order Markov Chain model is deployed to detect the flows and the reasoning behind the decisions for customers' transition across companies. This approach is applied for the first time on the Macedonian Insurance Market and the findings offer valuable information to many interested parties including policymakers, insurance providers, as well as researchers in the field.
The paradoxes of dairy farmers in Catalonia (Spain): Crisis and ‘double bind’
Authors: Barbeta‐Viñas Marc , Requena‐i‐Mora Marina
Published: September 2021

The article analyses the crisis and ‘double bind’ situation to which Catalan dairy farmers find themselves subjected. Two contradictory commands are being imposed on them: ‘act as if nature does not matter and increase production because, otherwise, the abandonment of livestock activity threatens you’; and ‘reduce production and protect the environment to avoid an environmental catastrophe’. In the first part of the article, we study the socioeconomic crisis facing cattle farmers. In the second, we analyse farmers’ discourse on the matter as a ‘double bind’. Our conclusions indicate that in order to escape this paradoxical situation and gain some autonomy with respect to industry, farmers must establish a collective conscience and unite their interests: Although the path of producer cooperativism may be among the most realistic, it is not an easy one to follow.
A tomato NAC transcription factor, SlNAM1, positively regulates ethylene biosynthesis and the onset of tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Gao Ying , Fan Zhong‐Qi , Zhang Qiang , Li Hong‐Li , Liu Gang‐Shuai , Jing Yuan , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Zhu Ben‐Zhong , Zhu Hong‐Liang , Chen Jian‐Ye , Grierson Donald , Luo Yun‐Bo , Zhao Xiao‐Dan , Fu Da‐Qi
Published: September 2021

Fruit ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the result of selective expression of ripening‐related genes, which are regulated by transcription factors (TFs). The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) TF family is one of the largest families of plant‐specific TFs and members are involved in a variety of plant physiological activities, including fruit ripening. Fruit ripening‐associated NAC TFs studied in tomato to date include NAC‐NOR (non‐ripening), SlNOR‐like1 (non‐ripening like1), SlNAC1, and SlNAC4. Considering the large number of NAC genes in the tomato genome, there is little information about the possible roles of other NAC members in fruit ripening, and research on their target genes is lacking. In this study, we characterize SlNAM1, a NAC TF, which positively regulates the initiation of tomato fruit ripening via its regulation of ethylene biosynthesis. The onset of fruit ripening in slnam1‐deficient mutants created by CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR‐associated protein 9) technology was delayed, whereas fruit ripening in OE‐SlNAM1 lines was accelerated compared with the wild type. The results of RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) and promoter analysis suggested that SlNAM1 directly binds to the promoters of two key ethylene biosynthesis genes (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase: SlACS2 and SlACS4) and activates their expression. This hypothesis was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of ethylene production and enrich understanding of the tomato fruit ripening regulatory network.