bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat fragmentation and food security in crop pollination systems
Authors: Montoya Daniel , Haegeman Bart , Gaba Sabrina , De Mazancourt Claire , Loreau Michel
Published: May 2021

Ensuring stable food supplies is a major challenge for the 21st century. There is consensus that increased food production is necessary, but not sufficient, to achieve food security, and that agriculture should also aim at stabilizing crop production over time. In this context, biodiversity‐based approaches to food security are increasingly being supported based on the fact that biodiversity can increase and stabilize crop production. However, agricultural systems are often highly fragmented and our current understanding of how such fragmentation affects biodiversity and food production remains incomplete, thus limiting our capacity to manage agricultural landscapes for food security.

We developed a spatially explicit model of crop dynamics to investigate how the fragmentation of natural habitats for agricultural conversion impacts food production and food security, with a focus on animal‐dependent crop production.

Fragmentation produces a variety of spatial and biodiversity‐mediated effects that affect both the mean and stability (temporal invariability) of animal‐dependent crop production.

Fragmentation has a dual effect on animal‐dependent production. On the one hand, spatial aggregation of natural land decreases animal‐dependent production by reducing the Landscape Pollination Potential, a metric that captures fragmentation and pollinator spillover effects within the agricultural landscape. But aggregation increases animal‐dependent production by maintaining a higher pollinator diversity in larger fragments of natural habitat. The net effects of fragmentation on animal‐dependent crop production depend on the land‐use change pattern, the strength of the pollinator spillover to crop land and the animal pollination dependence of crops.

Synthesis. Our study sheds new light in the food security debate by showing that high and stable crop production depends on biodiversity and the spatial fragmentation of agricultural landscapes, and by revealing the ecological mechanisms of food security in crop pollination systems. Management for food security should consider factors such as pollinators’ spillover, the amount and spatial aggregation of semi‐natural habitat and the animal pollination dependence of crops. This information would be useful to design agricultural landscapes for high Landscape Pollination Potential. These results are highly relevant in the global change context, and given the worldwide trends in agriculture, which shifts towards more animal‐dependent crop production.
Foreign land acquisitions and environmental regulations: Does the pollution‐haven effect hold?
Authors: Raimondi Valentina , Scoppola Margherita
Published: May 2021

The recent wave of foreign land acquisitions (FLA) has raised several concerns in terms of their environmental and social sustainability. An unexplored issue is whether pollution‐haven mechanisms are driving the pattern of FLA. This paper investigates whether and how differences in environmental stringency between investing and target country affect the pattern of FLA. We estimate a panel gravity equation and use different indexes to measure the environmental stringency. Our results show that, by and large, differences in environmental stringency do affect FLA. The wider the gap in the environmental stringency between the investor and the target country, the higher is the number of firms investing abroad. Our results also show that the impact of environmental stringency differentials on FLA depends on the investor country and on corruption in the target country, and that in a number of estimations the choice over the index of stringency may be a relevant factor.
Progression from isolated gestational proteinuria to preeclampsia with severe features
Authors: Tzur Yossi , Rimon Eli , Geva Gil , Herzlich Jacky , Kupferminc Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The association between the degree of isolated gestational proteinuria and preeclampsia with severe features and other placental‐mediated complications is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a higher isolated proteinuria level is associated with an increased frequency of preeclampsia with severe features.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women who were past 24 weeks of gestation and were diagnosed as having new‐onset proteinuria ≥300 mg in a 24‐h urine collection. Exclusion criteria included diagnosis of preeclampsia within 72 h from admission, chronic renal disease or chronic hypertension. The study population was divided into tertiles by proteinuria level and the association with preeclampsia with severe features was assessed in both bivariable and multivariable analysis. The main outcome measures was the development of preeclampsia with severe features.

Results

Overall, 165 women were diagnosed with isolated gestational proteinuria, and 38 (23.0%) of them developed preeclampsia with severe features. Women in the increasing proteinuria tertile were more likely to develop preeclampsia with severe features (5.5%, 21.8%, 41.8%, respectively; p = 0.004). A multivariable logistic regression model controlling for background characteristics as well as gestational age at diagnosis, blood pressure, and kidney and liver function tests showed an increased risk of 14% to develop preeclampsia with severe features for every 500‐mg rise in proteinuria level (adjusted odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.27).

Conclusions

A higher isolated gestational proteinuria level was associated with an increased risk to develop preeclampsia with severe features among pregnant women past 24 weeks of gestation.
Therapeutic RNA interference: A novel approach to the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria
Authors: Forbes Thomas A. , Brown Bob D. , Lai Chengjung
Published: May 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural biological pathway that inhibits gene expression by targeted degradation or translational inhibition of cytoplasmic mRNA by the RNA induced silencing complex. RNAi has long been exploited in laboratory research to study the biological consequences of the reduced expression of a gene of interest. More recently RNAi has been demonstrated as a therapeutic avenue for rare metabolic diseases. This review presents an overview of the cellular RNAi machinery as well as therapeutic RNAi design and delivery. As a clinical example we present primary hyperoxaluria, an ultrarare inherited disease of increased hepatic oxalate production which leads to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones. In the most common form of the disease (Type 1), end‐stage kidney disease occurs in childhood or young adulthood, often necessitating combined kidney and liver transplantation. In this context we discuss nedosiran (Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and lumasiran (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals), which are both novel RNAi therapies for primary hyperoxaluria that selectively reduce hepatic expression of lactate dehydrogenase and glycolate oxidase respectively, reducing hepatic oxalate production and urinary oxalate levels. Finally, we consider future optimizations advances in RNAi therapies.
Novel imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole‐based anticancer agents as potential focal adhesion kinase inhibitors: Synthesis, in silico and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Başoğlu Faika , Ulusoy‐Güzeldemirci Nuray , Akalın‐Çiftçi Gülşen , Çetinkaya Serap , Ece Abdulilah
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to synthesize imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole derivatives, characterize them with spectroscopical techniques and investigate for cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on glioma C6 cancer cell line. The in vitro anticancer activities were also investigated against focal adhesion kinase. Most of the compounds, particularly the derivatives carrying 3‐oxo‐1‐tiya‐4‐azaspiro[4.5]decane moiety, exhibited higher or comparable activities in comparison with the reference drug, cisplatin. Compounds with methyl, propyl, phenyl moieties at the eighth and second position of the spirothiazolidinone ring showed high FAK inhibitory activities. In addition, molecular docking studies shed light on the binding modes of the synthesized compounds. The critical interactions with amino acid residues located in the active site were revealed. The results obtained from both biological assay data and computational results might provide insight into developing new inhibitors against focal adhesion kinase.
A comparative study of human‐and rhesus‐specific antithymocyte globulins in Rhesus macaques
Authors: Shaw Brian I. , Schmitz Robin , Flores Walter J. , Magnani Diogo M. , Li Jie , Song Mingqing , Kirk Allan D.
Published: May 2021

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (RATG) preparations are widely used in transplantation. They are developed in vivo against thymocytes and contain polyclonal antibodies specific for myriad cellular targets. The rhesus monkey is commonly used as a preclinical transplant model, but the fidelity of commercially available human‐specific RATGs to anticipate the effects of RATGs in rhesus has not been established. We therefore developed two rhesus‐specific ATGs (rhATG) and compared them to human‐specific RATG (huATG, Thymoglobulin®) in rhesus monkeys, assessing the magnitude and phenotype of depletion peripherally and in lymph nodes. Four primates were assigned to each group and received 20 mg/kg of drug. Depletion, repopulation, and changes in lymphocyte subsets were evaluated in peripheral blood and lymph nodes by flow cytometry over four months. We observed similar qualitative changes in lymphocyte subsets, but a generally more profound depletion with huATG compared to either rhATG. Peripheral homeostatic proliferation rather than thymic output was the major mechanism for repopulation with all RATGs. Repopulation was slower but qualitatively similar when examining RATGs in additional animals receiving concomitant chronic immunosuppression. Depletional induction is similar to human‐ and rhesus‐specific RATGs in rhesus macaques. Both rhesus‐ and human‐specific agents appear appropriate for preclinical modeling of clinical RATG use.
Initiation of four basal insulins and subsequent treatment modification in people treated for type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom: Changes over the period 2003–2018
Authors: Brunetti Vanessa C. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Platt Robert W. , Filion Kristian B.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Aim of this study is to describe changes in the utilization of basal insulins (glargine, detemir, degludec, neutral protamine Hagedorn [NPH]) among individuals with type 2 diabetes between 2003 and 2018 in the United Kingdom (UK).

Materials and Methods

Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum, we created three study cohorts of individuals with type 2 diabetes: (1) all users of antidiabetic drugs (n = 686,170); (2) initiators of antidiabetic drugs (n = 382,247); and (3) initiators of basal insulins (n = 85,369). Trends in prescription rates were determined using Poisson regression overall and stratified by sex, cardiovascular disease history, and obesity. Crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CI) comparing rates of treatment change between classes of basal insulins, with an intention‐to‐treat exposure definition.

Results

During the study period, prescription rates of insulin analogues increased in the all‐user cohort from 118.3 (95% CI: 116.4, 120.2) prescriptions per 1000 person‐years in 2003 to 579.4 (95% CI: 576.9, 582.0) in 2018. Prescription rates of NPH decreased from 770.5 (95% CI: 765.0, 775.3) in 2003 to 457.7 (95% CI: 455.5, 460.0) in 2018. Compared to initiators of NPH, initiators of detemir were more likely to change treatment (adjusted HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.37) while glargine initiators were less likely to change treatment (adjusted HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.88).

Conclusions

Basal insulin prescription evolved between 2003 and 2018. Our study provides insight into the evolving use of basal insulin among individuals with type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Systematic analysis of goal‐related movement sequences during maternal behaviour in a female mouse model for Rett syndrome
Authors: Stevenson Parker K. , Casenhiser Devin M. , Lau Billy Y. B. , Krishnan Keerthi
Published: May 2021

Rodent dams seek and gather scattered pups back to the nest (pup retrieval), an essential aspect of maternal care. Systematic analysis of the dynamic sequences of goal‐related movements that comprise the entire behavioural sequence, which would be ultimately essential for understanding the underlying neurobiology, is not well‐characterized. Here, we present such analysis across 3 days in alloparental female mice (Surrogates or Sur) of two genotypes; Mecp2Heterozygotes (Het), a female mouse model for Rett syndrome and their wild type (WT) siblings. We analysed CBA/CaJ and C57BL/6J WT surrogates for within‐strain comparisons. Frame‐by‐frame analysis over different phases was performed manually using DataVyu software. We previously showed that surrogate Het are inefficient at pup retrieval, by end‐point analysis such as latency index and errors. Here, the sequence of searching, pup‐approach and successful retrieval streamlines over days for WT, while Het exhibits variations in this pattern. Goal‐related movements between Het and WT are similar in other phases, suggesting context‐driven atypical patterns in Het during the pup retrieval phase. We identified proximal pup approach and pup grooming as atypical tactile interactions between pups and Het. Day‐by‐day analysis showed dynamic changes in goal‐related movements in individual animals across genotypes and strains. Overall, our approach (1) highlights natural variation in individual mice on different days, (2) establishes a “gold‐standard” manually curated dataset to help build behavioural repertoires using machine learning approaches, and (3) suggests atypical tactile sensory processing and possible regression in a female mouse model for Rett syndrome.
Diagnostic and prognostic utility of computed tomography perfusion imaging in posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Katyal Anubhav , Calic Zeljka , Killingsworth Murray , Bhaskar Sonu Menachem Maimonides
Published: May 2021

Background

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging could be useful in the diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) and in identifying patients who are likely to experience favorable outcomes following reperfusion therapy. The current study sought to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic capability of CTP in acute ischemic PCS by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched using the terms: “posterior circulation”, “CT perfusion”, “acute stroke”, and “reperfusion therapy”. The following studies were included: (1) patients aged 18 years or above; (2) patients diagnosed with PCS; and (3) studies with good methodological design. Pooled sensitivity (SENS), specificity (SPEC), and area under the curve (AUC), computed using the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, were used to determine diagnostic/prognostic capability.

Results

Out of 14 studies included, a meta‐analysis investigating diagnostic accuracy of CTP was performed on nine studies. Meta‐analysis demonstrated comparable diagnostic accuracy of CTP to non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT) (AUCCTP: 0.90 [95% CI 0.87–0.92] vs. AUCNCCT: 0.96 [95% CI 0.94–0.97]); however, with higher pooled sensitivity (SENSCTP: 72% [95% CI 57%–83%] vs. SENSNCCT: 25% [95% CI 17%–35%]) and lower specificity (SPECCTP: 90% [95% CI 83%–94%] vs. SPECNCCT: 96% [95% CI 95%–98%]) than NCCT. Meta‐analysis to determine prognostic capability of CTP could not be performed.

Conclusions

CTP has limited diagnostic utility in acute ischemic PCS, albeit with superior diagnostic sensitivity and inferior diagnostic specificity to NCCT. Further prospective trials are required to validate the prognostic capability of CTP‐derived parameters in PCS.
Global decisions versus local realities: Sustainability standards, priorities and upgrading dynamics in agricultural global production networks
Authors: Krauss Judith E. , Krishnan Aarti
Published: May 2021

Voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) in global production networks (GPNs) have grown significantly in prominence. Existing research largely assumed that VSSs create linear upgrading outcomes for all GPN actors and has studied VSSs from the point of adoption in the GPNs, rather than a broader range of stages in their lifecycle. To address these limitations, and building on literature around power and agency in GPNs, we develop the constellation of priorities (CoP) model to unpack the diverse and often diverging boardroom (Northern lead firm) and local (Southern supplier) priorities involved in such standards. Through in‐depth fieldwork on horticulture in Kenya and cocoa in Nicaragua across the VSS lifecycle, we find significant divergences in priorities between farmer groups in both countries and lead firms in the UK and Germany. We demonstrate analytically and empirically that diverging priorities coupled with power asymmetries produced contestations, leading to simultaneous economic and environmental downgrading, and social upgrading.
Inflammation, angiogenesis and sensory nerve sprouting in the synovium of bony ankylosed and not bony ankylosed knees with end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Huang Jiaxin , Zhu Haijia , Lv Shuaijie , Tong Peijian , Xun Liu , Zhang Shanxing
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Clinical practice showed that patients with haemophilia (PwH) with bony ankylosed end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy knees reported milder pain than those with not bony ankylosed knees.

Aim

To compare the differences in pain sensation and the histopathological differences in synovial samples of affected knee joints between PwH with bony ankylosed end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy knees and those with not bony ankylosed knees.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2019, the synovial samples of knee joints were collected during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery for end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy. The visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10) pain score was reviewed from the chart data of the patients. The thickness of the inner layer of the synovium in haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining sections was measured. The expression levels of Ki67, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, CD31, VEGF, NGF and PGP9.5 in the synovium were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method.

Results

Fifty‐two end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy knee synovial samples from 36 male PwH (34 type A and 2 type B) were collected. Fifteen knees had bony ankylosed (BA‐group), and 37 were not bony ankylosed (Not‐BA‐group). The mean age of patients at TKA surgery of BA‐group and Not‐BA‐group was 32 years (15) and 32 years (10), respectively (p = 0.824). Before TKA surgery, the mean VAS pain scores of patients in the Not‐BA‐group were significantly higher than those in the BA‐group (p < 0.001). The mean thickness of the inner layer of the synovium, the mean rate of Ki67+ cells, the mean density of CD31+ vascular endothelial cells and the expression levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, VEGF and NGF in samples in the Not‐BA‐group was significantly higher than those in samples in the BA‐group (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.001, p = 0.117, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.008), respectively. The mean density of PGP9.5+ sensory neural fibres in the Not‐BA‐group was slightly higher than in the BA‐group (p = 0.131). Linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the VAS pain score and indicators including the synovial thickness, the rate of Ki67+ cells, the expression level of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, VEGF, NGF and the densities of CD31+ vascular endothelial cells and PGP9.5+ nerve fibres (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Worsened hypertrophic synovitis, angiogenesis and sensory nerve sprouting in the synovium may play a critical role in causing worse pain sensation in PwH with not bony ankylosed haemophilic arthropathy knees than in those with bony ankylosed knees.
Disruption in the apparel industry? Automation, employment and reshoring
Authors: BÁRCIA DE MATTOS Fernanda , EISENBRAUN Jeff , KUCERA David , ROSSI Arianna
Published: May 2021

Amid concern about the impact of automation on employment, there is consensus that jobs comprising repetitive codifiable tasks are at greatest risk. The apparel industry has been strategic in economic development as an entry point into global markets and as a creator of jobs. Although routine work characterizes the bulk of employment in apparel manufacturing, the penetration of automation technologies remains limited. Drawing on interviews with key personnel at leading apparel brands, this article offers new insights into the current and projected use of technology, identifying practical bottlenecks and discussing potential implications for the global distribution of production and employment.
Effects of microwave technology on the subcutaneous abdominal fat and anthropometric indices of overweight adults: A clinical trial
Authors: Pahlavani Naseh , Nattagh‐Eshtivani Elyas , Amanollahi Alireza , Ranjbar Golnaz , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Navashenaq Jamshid Gholizadeh , Shabaninezhad Zeinab , Sharahi Najibeh Razgardani , Maleki Moona , Malekahmadi Mahsa , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective

Non‐invasive body contouring devices have fewer side effects and are the new techniques for the treatment of obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of microwave technology on the abdominal obesity and anthropometric indices of overweight adults.

Materials and Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 53 overweight adults aged 18–65 years who referred to Behbood Clinic in Tehran, Iran. The participants were exposed to microwave technology (radiofrequency: 2.5 GHz) based on a standard treatment protocol at three intervals (0, 20, and 40 days). Abdominal obesity, body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, body fat mass, and fat thickness were measured at the beginning and 20, 40, and 60 days after the study. In addition, three‐day dietary records were collected at intervals.

Results

In total, 77.6% of the subjects were female and 22.4% were male. The mean calorie intake of the participants was 2245.14 ± 1981.16 kcal/day. Microwave shock significantly reduced fat thickness in four abdominal areas (p < 0.001). Moreover, waist circumference (p < 0.001) and total fat thickness of the abdomen decreased (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

According to the results, microwave technology and radiofrequency could effectively reduce anthropometric indices. In general, the reduction of these indicators and weight may be more significant in men compared to women.
Effects of robotic care interventions for dementia care: A systematic review and meta‐analysis randomised controlled trials
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Tonapa Santo Imanuel , Sun Tien‐Lung , Chia‐Ju Lin , Lee Bih‐O
Published: May 2021

Background

The role of robotic care has been studied because it may be a care option applicable to dementia care. However, the effects of robotic care in dementia care are still inconclusive.

Aim

To explore the span of the effects of robotic care intervention among patients with dementia.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

This study searched systematically using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, SocINDEX, UpToDate (OVID) and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were patients with dementia, randomised controlled trials and publications in English. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality in the included studies. The meta‐analysis was performed using a fixed‐effects model to calculate the pooled effects of robotic care interventions. STATA 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

A total of 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and included 1684 participants. Overall, the robotic care interventions had positive effects on agitation (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI [−0.22–0.33]), anxiety (SMD = −0.07; 95% CI [−0.42–0.28]), cognitive function (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [−0.08–0.40]), depression (SMD = −0.35; 95% CI [−0.69–0.02]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [−0.29–0.61]), total hours of sleep during daytime (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI [−0.55 to 0.07]) and quality of life (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI [−0.23–0.70]).

Conclusion

Robotic care intervention may be an effective and alternative intervention for improving the health outcomes for people with dementia. The robotic care effect on anxiety should be confirmed. Further studies may consider the frequency, duration of intervention and possible negative outcomes after robotic care interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

As a non‐pharmacological approach, nursing staff may consider the robotic care intervention in providing care for patients with dementia since this intervention has clinical benefits.
Property Rights to Client Relationships and Financial Advisor Incentives
Authors: CLIFFORD CHRISTOPHER P. , GERKEN WILLIAM C.
Published: May 2021

We study the effect of a change in property rights on employee behavior in the financial advice industry. Our identification comes from staggered firm‐level entry into the Protocol for Broker Recruiting, which waived nonsolicitation clauses for advisor transitions among member firms, effectively transferring ownership of client relationships from the firm to the advisor. After the shock, advisors appear to tend to client relationships more by investing in client‐facing industry licenses, shifting to fee‐based advising, and reducing customer complaints. Our findings support property rights based investment theories of the firm and document offsetting costs to restricting labor mobility.
Transitioning from cerebrospinal fluid to blood tests to facilitate diagnosis and disease monitoring in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alawode D. O. T. , Heslegrave A. J. , Ashton N. J. , Karikari T. K. , Simrén J. , Montoliu‐Gaya L. , Pannee J. , O´Connor A. , Weston P. S. J. , Lantero‐Rodriguez J. , Keshavan A. , Snellman A. , Gobom J. , Paterson R. W. , Schott J. M. , Blennow K. , Fox N. C. , Zetterberg H.
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasingly prevalent worldwide, and disease‐modifying treatments may soon be at hand; hence, now, more than ever, there is a need to develop techniques that allow earlier and more secure diagnosis. Current biomarker‐based guidelines for AD diagnosis, which have replaced the historical symptom‐based guidelines, rely heavily on neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. While these have greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of AD pathophysiology, they are less practical for application in primary care, population‐based and epidemiological settings, or where resources are limited. In contrast, blood is a more accessible and cost‐effective source of biomarkers in AD. In this review paper, using the recently proposed amyloid, tau and neurodegeneration [AT(N)] criteria as a framework towards a biological definition of AD, we discuss recent advances in biofluid‐based biomarkers, with a particular emphasis on those with potential to be translated into blood‐based biomarkers. We provide an overview of the research conducted both in CSF and in blood to draw conclusions on biomarkers that show promise. Given the evidence collated in this review, plasma neurofilament light chain (N) and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau; T) show particular potential for translation into clinical practice. However, p‐tau requires more comparisons to be conducted between its various epitopes before conclusions can be made as to which one most robustly differentiates AD from non‐AD dementias. Plasma amyloid beta (A) would prove invaluable as an early screening modality, but it requires very precise tests and robust pre‐analytical protocols.
High prevalence and low diversity of chigger infestation in small mammals found inBangkok Metropolitanparks
Authors: Wulandhari S. A. , Paladsing Y. , Saesim W. , Charoennitiwat V. , Sonthayanon P. , Kumlert R. , Morand S. , Sumruayphol S. , Chaisiri K.
Published: May 2021

Chiggers are recognized as vectors of scrub typhus disease caused by the bacteria,Orientia tsutsugamushi. The risk of disease exposure is mainly related to chigger bites when humans or animals roam into vector‐infested habitats. In big cities, urban public parks could provide areas for the animal–human interface and zoonotic pathogen transmission. The ecology and epidemiology of urban scrub typhus are still poorly understood in Thailand. Small mammals were trapped and examined for chigger infestation in urban public parks across metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand. We found a high prevalence of infestation (76.8%) with surprisingly low diversity. Two chigger species,Leptotrombidium delienseandAscoschoengastia indica, were identified using morphological characteristics and molecular confirmation. The generalized linear model identified host intrinsic variables (i.e. body mass index) with host density, habitat composition and open field as the extrinsic factors explaining the abundance of chigger infestation. The bacteriaO. tsutsugamushiwas not detected in chiggers (90 chigger‐pooled samples) and animal host tissues (164 spleen samples). However, the existence of chigger vectors calls for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and public health authorities to develop a comprehensive scrub typhus monitoring and prevention strategy in the parks and nearby communities.
Incidence of hyperkalemic RTA in pediatric post‐renal transplant patients and the role of fludrocortisone
Authors: Alabdulqader Muneera A. , Azzam Ahmad , Alshami Alanoud A.
Published: May 2021

Background

One of the most common forms of post‐transplant tubulopathy is hyperkalemic (RTA). The true incidence of hyperkalemic RTA in pediatric patients has not yet been studied. (CNIs) remain mostly blamed. Most cases are managed with sodium bicarbonate and potassium binding resins. Few studies have addressed the role of fludrocortisone in managing such patients. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fludrocortisone in the treatment of post‐transplant hyperkalemic RTA.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort study of all pediatric (aged ≤16 years) post‐kidney transplant patients who were followed up in KFSH‐D, Saudi Arabia from January 2015 until September 2019. A total of 136 pediatric post‐renal transplant patients were reviewed, of these, 39 patients who were commenced on fludrocortisone post‐transplant treatment and were followed up for at least 6 months after fludrocortisone initiation were included in this study.

Results

The incidence of hyperkalemic RTA in our center was 60.6%. The medication requirements decreased significantly after fludrocortisone initiation. The median sodium bicarbonate dose decreased from 1.2 mEq/kg/day (range, 0.0–4.7) prior to fludrocortisone treatment to 0.0 mEq/kg/day (range, 0.0–4.3) at 6‐month follow‐up (p < .001). Similarly, the median (SPS) dose decreased from 1.2 g/kg/day (range, 0.0–4.0) before fludrocortisone treatment to 0.0 g/kg/day (range, 0.0–3.6) (p < .001) at 6‐month follow‐up. The initial mean potassium level 5.17 mmol/L ± 0.61SD dropped to 4.60 mmol/L ± 0.46SD at 6‐month follow‐up (p < .001). The initial mean serum bicarbonate level 22.31 mmol/L ± 3.67SD increased to 24.5 mmol/L ± 2.8SD at 6‐month follow‐up (p < .01). No effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Hyperkalemic RTA incidence was high in our cohort. Fludrocortisone is safe and effective drug in the treatment of post‐kidney transplant hyperkalemic RTA.
Course of renal allograft function after diagnosis and treatment of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Zierhut Henriette , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Buescher Anja , Höcker Britta , Mauz‐Körholz Christine , Tönshoff Burkhard , Metzler Markus , Pohl Martin , Pape Lars , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta
Published: May 2021

Background

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a life‐threatening complication in renal transplant recipients. Immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic treatment potentially affect allograft function. The aim of this study was to evaluate graft function of pediatric kidney transplant recipients following diagnosis and standardized treatment of PTLD.

Methods

Patients were identified from the German Ped‐PTLD registry, and data on renal function were retrospectively retrieved from patient charts. For PTLD treatment, immunosuppressive therapy was reduced and all children received rituximab (375 mg/m2) for up to six doses. Two patients required additional low‐dose chemotherapy. Renal allograft function was monitored by consecutive measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at defined time points. Follow‐up was up to 60 months after PTLD.

Results

Twenty patients were included in this cohort analysis. Median time from transplantation to PTLD was 2.4 years. Histopathology showed monomorphic lesions in 16 and polymorphic in 4 patients. Two patients experienced PTLD relapse after 2 and 14 months. Range‐based analysis of variance showed stable allograft function in 17 of 20 patients (85%). Mean eGFR increased during early treatment phase. One patient experienced graft rejection 5.3 years after diagnosis of PTLD. Another patient developed recurrence of primary renal disease (focal‐segmental glomerulosclerosis) and lost his renal allograft 3.8 years post‐transplant (2.0 years after PTLD diagnosis).

Conclusion

Treatment of PTLD with rituximab with or without low‐dose chemotherapy in combination with reduced immunosuppression, mostly comprising of an mTOR inhibitor‐based, calcineurin inhibitor‐free regimen, is associated with stable graft function and favorable graft survival in pediatric renal transplant patients.
Disaggregated gravity: Benchmark estimates and stylized facts from a new database
Authors: Borchert Ingo , Larch Mario , Shikher Serge , Yotov Yoto V.
Published: May 2021

We use the new International Trade and Production Database for Estimation to obtain benchmark gravity estimates for an unprecedented range of 170 industries. We document differences and similarities of standard gravity variables across four broad sectors: Agriculture, Mining and Energy, Manufacturing, and Services. We test the robustness of our main estimates against some key data and estimation approaches from the related literature. The findings from these experiments confirm the robustness of our main findings and reinforce some stylized facts, while highlighting possible caveats for gravity estimation in other contexts.
College Student Exercise Motivation: The Role of Belongingness and College Self-Efficacy
Authors: Sebastian Bini B , Slaten Christopher D , Williams Michael Steven , Elison Zachary M.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the role of college self-efficacy in the relationship between university belongingness and exercise motivation among a group of college students (N = 311). Multiple social factors have been identified as playing an important role in students’ physical health and wellness (Leslie et al., 1999; Wallace et al., 2000); however, the mechanisms by which university belongingness influences various exercise motives are unexplored. In the current study, college self-efficacy was examined as a mediator between university belongingness and six types of exercise motivation: stress management, appearance, enjoyment, revitalization, weight management, and positive health (Markland & Ingledew, 1997). Results showed that college self-efficacy mediated the relationship between belongingness and exercise motivation for stress management, enjoyment, revitalization, and positive health. These findings highlight how college self-efficacy helps explain the relationship between university belongingness and motivation to exercise, providing insight into prevention research and implications for university personnel to help foster greater health promotion on campus.
Corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons in human stroke survivors
Authors: Urbin Michael A. , Collinger Jennifer L. , Wittenberg George F.
Published: May 2021

Key points

Muscle weakness after stroke results from damage to corticospinal fibres that structurally and functionally connect cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.

Here, we show an asymmetry in corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons that is linked to maximal voluntary output of hand muscles weakened by stroke. Spike timing‐dependent plasticity of synapses between corticospinal and spinal motor neurons transiently reversed recruitment failures in some survivors. These modulatory effects were strongly associated with recruitment asymmetry and hand impairment.

Our findings highlight the functional relevance of spinal motor neuron recruitment by corticospinal inputs and the viability of corticospinal motor neuronal synapses for restoring activation of lower motor neurons after stroke.

Corticospinal input to spinal motor neurons is structurally and functionally altered by hemiparetic stroke. The pattern and extent to which corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons is reorganized and whether such changes are linked to the severity of motor impairments is not well understood. Here, we performed experiments using the triple stimulation technique to quantify corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons serving paretic and non‐paretic intrinsic hand muscles of humans with longstanding motor impairment secondary to stroke (n = 13). We also examined whether recruitment failures could be transiently reversed by strengthening corticospinal–motoneuronal synaptic connectivity via targeted, temporally controlled non‐invasive stimulation to elicit spike timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). Asymmetries were detected in corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons, central conduction time and motor‐evoked potential (MEP) latency. However, only recruitment asymmetry correlated with maximal voluntary motor output from the paretic hand. STDP‐like effects were observed as an increase in spinal motor neuron recruitment. Control experiments to isolate the locus of plasticity demonstrated a modulation in MEPs elicited by electrical stimulation of primary motor cortex but not F‐wave size or persistence, suggesting that plasticity was mediated through enhanced efficacy of residual corticospinal–motor neuronal synapses. The modulation in recruitment was strongly associated with baseline recruitment asymmetry and impairment severity. Our findings demonstrate that asymmetry in corticospinal recruitment of spinal motor neurons is directly related to impairments experienced by stroke survivors. These recruitment deficits may be partially and transiently reversed by spike timing‐dependent plasticity of synapses between upper and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, downstream of supraspinal circuits damaged by stroke.
Removing energy with an exoskeleton reduces the metabolic cost of walking
Authors: Shepertycky Michael , Burton Sarah , Dickson Andrew , Liu Yan-Fei , Li Qingguo
Published: May 2021

Store energy and save energy

Many devices have been developed to harvest energy from walking or running, but their use often comes at cost to the wearer in the form of increased metabolic demand. Shepertycky
et al.
designed a device that can harvest mechanical energy from a natural walking gait and convert it to useable electrical energy while also reducing the metabolic energy consumption of the user (see the Perspective by Riemer
et al.
). The key to achieving “something from nothing” comes from designing the device to use muscle-centric control of the knee exoskeleton resistance to reduce active muscle force during the late part of the leg swing cycle.

Science
, aba9947, this issue p.
957
; see also abh4007, p.
909
Stacking-engineered ferroelectricity in bilayer boron nitride
Authors: Yasuda Kenji , Wang Xirui , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Jarillo-Herrero Pablo
Published: May 2021

Stacking a ferroelectric

Properties of layered van der Waals structures can depend sensitively on the stacking arrangement of constituent layers. This phenomenon has been exploited to engineer superconducting, correlated insulator, and magnetic states. Two groups now show that ferroelectricity can also be engineered through stacking: Parallel-stacked bilayers of hexagonal boron nitride exhibit ferroelectric switching even though the bulk material is not ferroelectric (see the Perspective by Tsymbal). To explore these phenomena, Yasuda
et al.
used transport measurements, whereas Vizner Stern
et al.
focused on atomic force microscopy.

Science
, abd3230 and abe8177, this issue p.
1458
and p.
1462
; see also abi7296, p.
1389
Extracting electricity with exosuit braking
Authors: Riemer Raziel , Nuckols Richard W. , Sawicki Gregory S.
Published: May 2021

An exosuit lets wearers tense their muscles less and save energy in portions of their stride
Two outbreaks of Flavobacterium meningosepticum type E in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Hazuka B T , Dajani A S , Talbot K , Keen B M
Published: May 2021

Two separate outbreaks due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum type E occurred in a neonatal intensive care unit in March-April and July 1975. The first outbreak involved all five infants in the unit. Two infants developed meningitis, one had bacteremia, and two were colonized. During the second outbreak, five of seven infants were colonized but none developed disease. The upper respiratory tract was colonized first in most instances, and the organism persisted at this site for a mean of 17.3 days. Duration of colonization was more prolonged in infants receiving antibiotics than in untreated infants. Extensive environmental surveillance failed to demonstrate a reservoir, however, F. meningosepticum was recovered from three nasoendotracheal tubes and from an aerosol tube before colonization of four infants. The organism was resistant to most antimicrobial colonization of four infants. The organism was resistant to most antimicrobial agents tested and developed resistance to others during the treatment course of one infant. Although F. meningosepticum was not recovered from cultures of transport vehicles, several other gram-negative bacteria were isolated and were also resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of rotavirus infections in calves
Authors: Ellens D J , de Leeuw P W
Published: May 2021

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of rotavirus infection in calves is described. The assay was more efficient for the detection of rotavirus antigens in calf feces than were electron microscopy and immunoelectroosmorphoresis.
Neonatal Calcaneous Osteomyelitis Related to Contaminated Mineral Oil
Authors: Myers Martin G. , McMahon Brian J. , Koontz Franklin P.
Published: May 2021

Contaminated mineral oil may have been associated with calcaneous osteomyelitis in a newborn.
Staphylococcus aureus
is viable for 1 month as a suspension in mineral oil.
Effect of temperature on survival of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis and Escherichia coli in pus
Authors: Hagen J C , Wood W S , Hashimoto T
Published: May 2021

Approximately 40 to 60% of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis in pus from experimental intra-abdominal abscesses lost their viability within 24 h when stored at refrigeration temperature (4 degrees C) either aerobically or anaerobically. No viability loss of B. fragilis was noted when pus was stored at 25 degrees C. Only slight loss of viaability of B. fragilis was observed at 15 degrees C. Escherichia coli coexisting in pus with B. fragilis increased several 100fold in 24 h when stored at 25 degrees C, but no significant growth occurred when they were kept at 15 degrees C. Approximately 20 to 40% of E. coli lost their viability when such pus was stored at 4 degrees C. We suggest that 15 degrees C may be an alternative temperature for storage of anaerobic specimens in laboratories where some delay in routine processing is unavoidable.
Presumptive diagnosis of anaerobic bacteremia by gas-liquid chromatography of blood cultures
Authors: Wüst J
Published: May 2021

By quantitative gas-liquid chromatography of glucose-containing blood cultures at the moment of first signs of growth, a presumptive diagnosis of anaerobic bacteremia could be made in 24 out of 26 cultures yielding obligate anaerobes upon subsequent culture. With Bacteroides sp. (20 strains isolated), elevated levels of isovaleric acid (greater than or equal to 0.1 mumol/ml) and/or succinic acid (greater than or equal to 5 mumol/ml) were detected in the medium used. An exception to this were two strains of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron that did not produce sufficient quantities of these acids. In the case of butyrate-producing gram-positive cocci (four strains), butyric acid in amounts of greater than or equal to 0.8 mumol/ml was detected. Propionibacteria (five strains) produced propionic acid in amounts of greater than or equal to 3.9 mumol/ml. No false positive results were found in 103 blood cultures with growth of aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacteria only.
API Computer Profiles: Correlation of API 20E with API 10S
Authors: Phillips Sandra B. , Amsterdam Daniel
Published: May 2021

A comparison of identifications of 201 clinical isolates with the 21-test API 20 Enteric kit and the subset of tests in API 10S indicated 85.6% agreement at the species level and 93.5% agreement at the genus level.
Living on the edge: population parameters of the wedge clamDonax hanleyanusin the southernmost limit of its distribution range, southwestern Atlantic, Argentina
Authors: Risoli M.C. , Defeo O. , Lomovasky B.J.
Published: May 2021

The wedge clam Donax hanleyanus Philippi, 1845 is a conspicuous member of the sandy beach macrofauna along hundreds of kilometres in the northern coasts of Argentina. Age, growth, mortality, and productivity of this species were assessed in the southernmost limit of its distribution range (Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires province, Argentina). The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth function were SL∞ = 23.23 mm, K = 1.62 year−1, and t0 = 0.08 years. The maximum individual production was 7.9 × 10−7g shell-free wet mass (SFWM)·year−1at a shell length of 14–16 mm. Individuals between 10 and 12 mm contributed the most to the secondary production (P) of 0.01 g SFWM·m−2·year−1. The mean annual biomass (B) was 0.002 g SFWM·m−2·year−1. Annual P/B ratio and mortality coefficient (Z) were 4.48 year−1and 4.78 year−1, respectively. Low production and high mortality could be caused by a sharp decrease in habitat quality, given the suboptimal temperatures at the southernmost edge of the species distribution. These results strongly limit its potential for future commercial exploitation.
Growth of perturbations using Lambert W equation of state
Authors: Banerjee Manisha , Das Sudipta , Al Mamon Abdulla , Saha Subhajit , Bamba Kazuharu
Published: May 2021

Recently, a novel equation of state (EoS) parameter for dark energy has been introduced which deals with a special mathematical function, known as the Lambert [Formula: see text] function. In this paper, we study the effect on the growth of perturbations for the Lambert [Formula: see text] dark energy model. We perform the analysis for two different approaches. In the first case, we consider the universe to be filled with two different fluid components, namely, the baryonic matter component and the Lambert [Formula: see text] dark energy component, while in the second case, we consider that there is a single fluid component in the universe whose equation of state parameter is described by the Lambert [Formula: see text] function. We then compare the growth rates of Lambert [Formula: see text] model with that for a standard [Formula: see text]CDM model as well as the CPL model. Our results indicate that the presence of Lambert [Formula: see text] dynamical dark energy sector changes the growth rate and affects the matter fluctuations in the universe to a great extent.