bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected high frequency of early mortality in COVID‐19: a single‐centre experience during the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Consuegra Diana , Seidner‐Isaacs Yoshua , Larios‐Sanjuan Didier , Ibarra Julieth , Benavides‐Rodríguez Pedro , Viloria Samir , Buendía Emiro , Viasus Diego
Published: February 2021

We report the high frequency of early mortality in COVID‐19 patients (48.6% of 72 deaths). Early deaths were not explained by differences in age, sex and comorbidities, but they had a more severe disease at hospital admission compared with late deaths. These data highlight the importance of outpatient monitoring for the early identification of COVID‐19 patients who require hospital admission.
Residential aged care facility COVID‐19 outbreaks and magnitude of spread among residents: observations from a Victorian residential in‐reach service
Authors: Viray Paul , Low Zi , Sinnappu Rabindra , Harvey Penelope A. , Brown Sandra
Published: February 2021

There is a paucity of Australian literature exploring the spread of COVID‐19 among residents living in residential aged care facilities (RACF). In this case series of COVID‐19 outbreaks in six RACF, we collected data on the cumulative proportion of residents who tested positive for COVID‐19 within 21 days of the index case being identified. We describe the observations of a Residential In‐Reach service within these six RACF and found that rapid cohorting strategies, personal protective equipment availability and adequacy of use, embedded infection control staff, and adequate outbreak preparedness plans may have influenced the differences observed between RACF in the containment and minimisation of the spread of COVID‐19 amongst residents.
The causal relationship between remittance and poverty in South Africa: A multivariate approach
Authors: Musakwa Mercy T. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this study is to investigate the causality between international remittance inflows and poverty in South Africa using time series data from 1980 to 2017. The study was motivated by the increasing role of remittances in poverty reduction and human development on the one hand, and the burgeoning inflow of remittances on the other hand. Since 1998, South Africa remittance inflows have shown a more or less upward trend. As an example, in 1998, the country recorded an increase in remittance inflows of 18.5 per cent and later maintained a steady increase in remittance inflows with an average increase of 25.3 per cent during the period 1999 ‐2017. Using a multivariate Granger‐causality model, our results show that there is a distinct unidirectional causal flow from poverty to remittances in the short term when the infant mortality rate is used as a proxy for poverty. However, when household consumption expenditure is used as a proxy, no causality is found to prevail in both the short and the long term. Policy implications are discussed.
Surgical site infection after posterior lumbar interbody fusion and instrumentation in patients with lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Pei Honglei , Wang Haiying , Chen Meiyun , Ma Lei , Liu Guobin , Ding Wenyuan
Published: February 2021

We designed this retrospective study with aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and instrumentation in patients with lumbar degenerative disease. Eligible patients treated between January 2016 and June 2019 were included. Electronic medical records were inquired for data extraction and collection. Patients with SSI and without SSI were compared using the univariate analyses, and the association between variables and risk of SSI was investigated using multivariate logistics regression analyses. Among 1269 patients, 43 were found to have SSI, indicating a rate of 3.4%. Microbiological culture tests showed 88.4% patients had a positive result. Four SSIs were caused by mixed bacterial, and the remaining 34 by single bacteria. Multiple drug‐resistant strains were detected in 25 (65.8%) SSIs, with meticillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative staphylococcus (MRCNS) predominating (12, 48.0%). ASA III and above (odd ratio (OR), 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11 to 3.07), preoperative stay (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.23), heart disease (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.24 to 6.71), diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.66 to 6.47) and renal insufficiency (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 1.26 to 10.21), prolonged prophylactic antibiotics use (OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.30 to 8.54), and the reduced lymphocyte count (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.33) were identified as independent risk factors associated with SSI. These factors, although most not modifiable, should be kept in mind, optimised for surgical conditions, or readily adjusted in the future postoperative management of antibiotics, to reduce postoperative SSIs.
Viability of the Serengeti Cheetah Population
Authors: Kelly Marcella J. , Durant Sarah M.
Published: February 2021

Most recent population viability analyses, especially those of long‐lived species, rely on only a few years of data or data from a closely related species, combined with educated guesswork, to estimate model parameters and the variability surrounding those measures. This makes their conclusions or predictions difficult to evaluate. In our study, we used 20 years of demographic data on Serengeti cheetahs(Acinonyx jubatus)to conduct a population viability analysts. First we constructed a model of the deterministic growth rate and found that the cheetah population is nearly self‐replacing (λ = 0.997). Our model showed that population growth was most strongly influenced by adult survival, followed by juvenile survival, which is typical of long‐lived, iteroparous species. We then examined extinction risk and long‐term projections of cheetah population size with our stochastic model, Popgen. We compared the projections with over 20 years of field data and found that demographic stochasticity trials produced a stable population size, whereas environmental stochasticity trials were slightly more pessimistic. Extinction risk was highly sensitive to both adult survival and juvenile survival (from 0‐1 years). Decreasing the variance in survival rates also decreased extinction risk. Because lions are the major predator on cheetah cubs, we used our demographic records to simulate the effect of different lion numbers on juvenile survival. High lion abundance and average lion abundance resulted in extinction of nearly all cheetah populations by 50 years, whereas with low lion abundance most cheetah populations remained extant. Conservation of cheetahs may not rely solely on their protection inside national parks, but may also rely on their protection in natural areas outside national parks where other large predators are absent.
Cognitive Enhancement and the Value of Cognitive Achievement
Authors: Wang Ju
Published: February 2021

Cognitive enhancement has an increasingly wider influence on our life. The main issue that concerns epistemologists is what its epistemological implications are. Adam Carter and Duncan Pritchard argue that cognitive enhancement improves cognitive achievement, but this view faces axiological objections. A worry exists that cognitive enhancement undermines achievements and erodes intellectual character. Crucially, two parties seem to talk past each other because the nature of cognitive enhancement and the value of cognitive enhancement are not clearly distinguished. To end the stand‐off between the two parties, I take insight from Gwen Bradford’s work and argue that, other things being equal, cognitive enhancement either decreases the value of cognitive achievement or undermines cognitive achievement. In the face of this threat, I further submit that we could learn to live with cognitive enhancement in an integrated way so that the lost value can be restored.
YAP‐TEAD up‐regulates IRS2 expression to induce and deteriorate oesophageal cancer
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Nie Jiao , Lu Lin , Du Chao , Meng Fansheng , Song Duannuo
Published: February 2021

Oesophageal cancer (EC) represents a significant cause of cancer worldwide. Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is reported to correlate with the initiation of multiple cancers including EC, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of YAP‐TEAD in the occurrence and progression of EC. EC tissues and cells were obtained, followed by determination of the expression of YAP, c‐Jun, pc‐Jun and IRS2. The effect of YAP‐TEAD on the biological EC cell processes was explored through gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches. The interaction between YAP and TEAD was detected by co‐immunoprecipitation. The binding of TEAD to the c‐Jun promoter was determined using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Tumour formation in the nude mice was detected in order to ascertain the effect of YAP and IRS2 in vivo. We found elevated YAP in the EC tissues and cells. YAP silencing led to a decrease in EC cell proliferation, invasion and sphere formation. YAP‐TEAD complex bound to the promotor of c‐Jun, and c‐Jun led to an increase in the expression of IRS2 through the JNK/c‐Jun pathway. Additionally, pc‐Jun and phosphorylated JNK were localized in the nuclear in addition to displaying enhanced expression in the EC tissues. IRS2 overexpression negated the inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion and sphere formation triggering YAP silencing. YAP up‐regulated IRS2 and aggravated EC in vivo. Taken together, YAP‐TEAD activates the JNK/c‐Jun pathway to up‐regulate IRS2, ultimately promoting EC progression. Therefore, YAP‐TEAD inhibition could be a promising therapeutic approach for EC treatment.
EphA2 promotes tumorigenicity of cervical cancer by up‐regulating CDK6
Authors: Huang Changhao , Chen Zihua , He Yihong , He Zhengxi , Ban Zhenying , Zhu Yuanhang , Ding Leilei , Yang Chen , Jeong Ji‐Hak , Yuan Weijie , Yang Li
Published: February 2021

Erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) receptor tyrosine kinase plays an important role in tissue organization and homeostasis in normal organs. EphA2 is overexpressed in a variety of types of solid tumours with oncogenic functions. However, the role of EphA2 in cervical cancer (CC) is still needed to be further explored. Here, we examined the role of EphA2 by establishing a stable EphA2 knock‐down CC cell lines or a stable EphA2‐overexpressed CC cells lines. Overexpression of EphA2 increased cell proliferation and migration of CC while EphA2 knock‐down decreased the CC tumorigenicity. In addition, EphA2 knock‐down suppressed CC tumour development in the xenograft mouse model. Inhibition of EphA2 by AWL‐II‐41‐27, EphA2‐specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or knock‐down of EphA2 decreased mRNA and protein expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 6 in CC cells, which increased cellular susceptibility to epirubicin (EPI), an anti‐cancer chemotherapy drug. A clinicopathological study of EphA2 was conducted on a cohort of 158 human CC patients. EphA2 protein expression was positively correlated with CDK6 protein expression, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological stage (P < .05). This study demonstrates the oncogenic activity of EphA2 in vitro and in vivo, which provides insights into the relevant mechanisms that might lead to novel treatments for CC.
FGF8 and BMP2 mediated dynamic regulation of dental mesenchyme proliferation and differentiation via Lhx8/Suv39h1 complex
Authors: Zhou Chen , Chen Danying , Ren Jianhan , Huang Delan , Li Runze , Luo Haotian , Guan Chenyu , Cao Yang , Wang Weicai
Published: February 2021

The homeobox gene, LIM‐homeobox 8 (Lhx8), has previously been identified as an essential transcription factor for dental mesenchymal development. However, how Lhx8 itself is regulated and regulates odontogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we employed an RNAscope assay to detect the co‐expression pattern of Lhx8 and Suv39h1 in the dental mesenchyme, which coincided with the dynamic expression profiles of the early epithelium signal of Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8) and the later mesenchymal signal Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2). Moreover, FGF8 activated Lhx8, whereas BMP2 repressed Lhx8 expression at the transcriptional level. The high expression of Lhx8 in the early dental mesenchyme maintained the cell fate in an undifferentiated status by interacting with Suv39h1, a histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase constitutively expressed in the dental mesenchyme. Further in the ex vivo organ culture model, the knockdown of Suv39h1 significantly blocked the function of Lhx8 and FGF8. Mechanistically, Lhx8/Suv39h1 recognized the odontoblast differentiation‐related genes and repressed gene expression via methylating H3K9 on their promoters. Taken together, our data here suggest that Lhx8/Suv39h1 complex is inversely regulated by epithelium‐mesenchymal signals, balancing the differentiation and proliferation of dental mesenchyme via H3K9 methylation.
European Integration and the New Global Disorder*
Authors: Lavery Scott , Schmid Davide
Published: February 2021

The global context within which European integration takes place is changing. The rise of China continues and the leadership of the USA has come under strain, while the global economy remains trapped in a phase of stagnation. We argue that, to capture these dynamics, EU studies would benefit from tracing the interactions between global order and contemporary dynamics within the EU. European integration has been decisively shaped by two phases of US‐led global order in the past. However, we argue that a new global disorder has emerged. The decentring of globalization, geopolitical turbulence, monetary and financial instabilities and ideological fluidity are reshaping the context within which EU integration unfolds. This presents an old European question but under a new set of volatile conditions: how to secure a degree of relative autonomy within a rapidly changing global political economy.
Moths pollinate four crops of Cucurbitaceae in Asia
Authors: Lu Qing‐Biao , Liu Chang‐Qiu , Huang Shi‐Xun
Published: February 2021

Pollination ecology of many crops is not fully known, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Non‐bee pollinators may contribute substantially to crop yield, even if they do not receive much attention. Although moth pollination has fascinated ecologists and evolutionary biologists since Darwin, crop pollination by moths has not been well investigated and experimentally examined. Hence, we explored the pollination ecology of four cucurbit crops with crepuscular or nocturnal flowers. Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., Trichosanthes anguina L., and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. all display floral traits suggestive of moth pollination, such as opening around dusk or in evenings and secreting ample dilute nectar. We demonstrated that these crops’ flowers attracted a wide range of moth species, especially hawkmoths. The assemblage of flower‐visiting moths varied according to location and season. Pollination treatments and pollen load analysis confirmed the pollination of the four crops by moths, especially hawkmoths. Our results provide evidence for the value as wild pollinators for the four crops, for which domesticated bees cannot provide reliable pollination services in practice. This study lends support to the proposal to pay more attention to the value of non‐bee pollinators and to leave some areas unexploited in rural landscapes for the conservation of wild pollinators, including moths.
Unravelling the taxonomy and identification of a problematic group of benthic fishes from tropical rivers (Gobiidae: Glossogobius)
Authors: Hammer Michael P. , Taillebois Laura , King Alison J. , Crook David A. , Wedd Dion , Adams Mark , Unmack Peter J. , Hoese Doug F. , Bertozzi Terry
Published: February 2021

Flathead gobies (genus Glossogobius) include c. 40 small‐ to medium‐sized benthic fishes found primarily in freshwater habitats across the Indo‐Pacific, having biodiversity value as well as cultural and economic value as food fishes, especially in developing countries. To help resolve considerable confusion regarding the identification of some of the larger‐growing Glossogobius species, a systematic framework was established using nuclear genetic markers, mitochondrial DNA barcoding and phenotypic evidence for a geographically widespread collection of individuals from the waterways of tropical northern Australia. Species boundaries and distribution patterns were discordant with those previously reported, most notably for the tank goby Glossogobius giuris, which included a cryptic species. Genetic divergence was matched with accompanying unique visual characters that aid field identification. Additional taxonomic complexity was also evident, by comparison with DNA barcodes from international locations, suggesting that the specific names applicable for two of the candidate species in Australia remain unresolved due to confusion surrounding type specimens. Although flathead gobies are assumed to be widespread and common, this study demonstrates that unrealised taxonomic and ecological complexity is evident, and this will influence assessments of tropical biodiversity and species conservation. This study supports the need for taxonomic studies of freshwater fishes to underpin management in areas subject to significant environmental change.
Sentinel‐1 remote sensing data and Hydrologic Engineering Centres River Analysis System two‐dimensional integration for flash flood detection and modelling in New Cairo City, Egypt
Authors: Elkhrachy Ismail , Pham Quoc Bao , Costache Romulus , Mohajane Meriame , Rahman Khalil Ur , Shahabi Himan , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Anh Duong Tran
Published: February 2021

Digital surface models, land use and rainfall data were used to simulate water areas using Hydrologic Engineering Centres River Analysis System (HEC‐RAS) software. Multi‐temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) was used for the detection of flood prone area to calibrate HEC‐RAS, due to the lack of data validation in the New Cairo City, Egypt. The thresholding water detection method was applied to two Sentinel‐1 images, one pre‐ and one post‐flash flood event from April 24 to 27, 2018. The threshold method was used to detect water areas from SAR Sentinel‐1 images. Feature statistical agreement F1 and F2 values ranged from 73.4 to 77.7% between water areas extracted based on backscattering values between 19.97 and 16.53 in decibels (dB) and reference water areas obtained using an optical image of the Sentinel‐2 satellite. The similarity between simulated HEC‐RAS two‐dimensional (2D) of water areas and reference water areas based on SAR data ranged between 74.2 and 89.7% using feature statistical agreement values F1 and F2. It provides a clear suggestion that, in the absence of field observations, SAR data can be used to calibrate the model. Two flood hazard maps created based on water velocity and depth were obtained from HEC‐RAS 2D simulation. The obtained maps indicated that 11% of the roads and 50% of the buildings in New Cairo City are exposed to high hazard areas. Furthermore, 28% of the bare land is situated in a very high vulnerability area. We recommend the use of obtained hazard map in supporting emergency response, and designing effective emergency plans.
Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Jain Vardhmaan , Kalra Ankur , Panhwar Muhammad Siyab , Bansal Agam , Nowacki Amy , Bhatia Kirtipal , Gupta Tanush , Ineman Nichole L. , Khan Safi U. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Reed Grant W. , Puri Rishi , Kapadia Samir R. , Svensson Lars G. , Kanaa'N Anmar , Lahorra Joseph A.
Published: February 2021

Importance

The impact of pre‐existing cognitive dysfunction on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear.

Objective

To study the association between dementia and post‐TAVR outcomes.

Design

Cohort study with propensity‐score matching was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Exposures

History of dementia at the time of undergoing TAVR.

Main outcomes

All‐cause in‐hospital mortality, stroke, bleeding requiring transfusion, acute kidney injury, post‐procedural vascular complications, post‐procedural pacemaker implantation, length of stay, in‐hospital delirium, and discharge disposition in patients with and without dementia undergoing TAVR.

Results

Of 57,805 patients undergoing TAVR, 2910 (5.0%) had a diagnosis of dementia. Propensity‐score matching yielded 2895 matched pairs of patients. TAVR was associated with an increased risk of bleeding requiring transfusion (14.7% vs 8.6%, odd ratio (OR) 1.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–2.63]; p < 0.01), discharge to a rehabilitation facility (45.8% vs 31.6%, OR 2.27 [95% CI 1.67–3.08]; p < 0.001), in‐hospital delirium (7.4% vs 3.6%, OR 2.13 [95% CI 1.26–3.61]; p < 0.01), increased length of stay (6.75 ± 0.07 days vs 6.11 ± 0.06 days, slope = 1.11 [95% CI 1.03–1.19]; p < 0.01), but comparable in‐hospital mortality (2.1% vs 2.6%, OR 1.26 [95% CI 0.57–2.79]; p = 0.57] in patients with dementia compared with patients without dementia.

Conclusions and relevance

This study found that patients with dementia undergoing TAVR had a longer hospital stay as well as higher rates of discharge to a rehabilitation facility and in‐hospital delirium, which may indicate debility and functional decline during hospitalization; however, in‐hospital mortality and other outcomes were comparable between the two groups. TAVR candidates should be subjected to a comprehensive geriatric and cognitive assessment to help risk‐stratify them for potential post‐procedural functional decline. Prospective studies aimed at standardizing cognitive scoring and evaluating the post‐procedural quality of life are needed.
Geriatrics and palliative medicine leadership is needed now more than ever: What are the training gaps?
Authors: Pelleg Ayla R. , Schiller Gabrielle , Goldhirsch Suzanne L. , Fernandez Helen M. , Lindenberger Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Geriatrics and palliative medicine specialists are uniquely trained to provide expert coordinated care for older adults and seriously ill and complex patients. Health system leadership geared towards this patient population is critically important as society ages. Currently, there is no standardized approach to teaching core leadership skills. To assess the leadership training needs of geriatrics and palliative medicine fellowship graduates, we conducted a needs assessment to identify (1) early career leadership trajectories and challenges and (2) knowledge and skills deemed essential for effective leadership.

Methods

Individuals identified as leaders in geriatrics and/or palliative medicine completed an electronic survey and a semi‐structured qualitative interview. These leaders were divided into two categories: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) trained leaders or non‐ISMMS trained leaders. The semi‐structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed using thematic analysis.

Results

Within 1 year of fellowship graduation, 50% of ISMMS trained leaders had leadership positions; within 6 years, 100% had a leadership role. Based on qualitative interviews, both ISMMS trained leaders and non‐ISMMS trained leaders perceived leadership training gaps in two domains: (1) knowledge and (2) skills. Knowledge and skill gap themes included communication and management, mentorship and negotiation, program development, knowledge, and apprenticeship.

Conclusion

Geriatrics and palliative medicine physicians obtained leadership roles quickly after fellowship. Both ISMMS trained leaders and non‐ISMMS trained leaders often felt unprepared, learned “on the job,” and sought out additional leadership training. Early leadership training is needed to prepare fellowship graduates for the pressing demands of accelerated leadership.
Assessing the circularity of regions: Stakes of trade of waste for treatment
Authors: Towa Edgar , Zeller Vanessa , Achten Wouter M. J.
Published: February 2021

The degree of circularity of a region describes the proportion of materials recovered and reintroduced in that region of the total materials in that region. Quantifying the degree of circularity of a region is important, to prioritize and adequately implement circular economy (CE) strategies. Besides, regions may import and export waste treatment services. Efficient CE strategies should integrate the circularity embodied in the interregional linkages regarding waste treatment. However, the existing analyses of the degree of circularity of regions do not consider the trade of waste for treatment between regions. We fill this gap by proposing the trade‐corrected circularity index and trade‐corrected circularity gap index as two novel indicators, including their methodology and application for the case of Belgian regions. We used the multiregional physical supply and use the table we previously developed at the subnational Belgian level for 2011 and focused on Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. The results show that Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia are 0%, 6.3%, and 8.1% circular, respectively, and when considering the trade of waste for treatment, they are 7.7%, 6%, and 8.5% circular, respectively. Further results include details of the circularity per type of materials (biomass, fossil fuels, metals, and non‐metallic minerals) as well as the circularity inherent to the trade of waste between regions. This paper ends with a discussion on the methodological and conceptual findings, the CE policy implications, and the contributions to the debate on measuring the circularity of regions when the trade of waste is at stake.
Exploring Differences in Household Debt across the United States and Euro Area Countries
Authors: CHRISTELIS DIMITRIS , EHRMANN MICHAEL , GEORGARAKOS DIMITRIS
Published: February 2021

Household debt has played a central role in the global financial crisis, yet our understanding of it remains limited. We put U.S. household leverage in an international perspective, using household‐level data for the United States and 10 euro area economies. U.S. households have the highest prevalence of mortgage and consumer debt, hold comparatively large amounts and face higher debt burdens despite having higher income. We find that the U.S. economic environment is associated with a higher propensity to hold debt, primarily because a given level of collateral is associated with higher prevalence and larger amounts of mortgage debt in the United States.
Quantitative Easing and Bank Risk Taking: Evidence from Lending
Authors: KANDRAC JOHN , SCHLUSCHE BERND
Published: February 2021

We empirically test early monetary theories in which reserve creation plays a crucial role in the transmission of quantitative easing (QE). Analyzing the unprecedented injection of reserves across several Federal Reserve QE programs, we demonstrate a causal effect of bank‐level reserve accumulation on lending and risk‐taking activity. To overcome the endogeneity of bank‐level reserve increases to banks' other portfolio decisions, we employ instruments made available by a regulatory change that strongly influenced the distribution of reserves in the banking system. Consistent with the theory, we document that reserve creation leads to higher total loan growth and increased risk taking.
Disagreeing during Deflations
Authors: BANERJEE RYAN , MEHROTRA AARON
Published: February 2021

We examine inflation forecast disagreement during periods of deflation. Using a large cross‐country data set of professional forecasters’ expectations, we show that the relationship between inflation outcomes and forecast disagreement is U‐shaped: disagreement rises with both positive and negative inflation outcomes. We show that information frictions do not explain rising disagreement in deflations and other macroeconomic factors that generally tend to correlate with forecast disagreement cannot fully explain its increase. Instead, our results are consistent with forecasters having heterogeneous views about the inflation process, with those in the left‐tail of the forecast distribution shifting downward during deflations. Econometric evidence indicates that such shifts have adverse consequences for real activity.
Assessing the Gains from International Macroprudential Policy Cooperation
Authors: AGÉNOR PIERRE‐RICHARD , JACKSON TIMOTHY , KHARROUBI ENISSE , GAMBACORTA LEONARDO , LOMBARDO GIOVANNI , SILVA LUIZ A. PEREIRA DA
Published: February 2021

We study the effects of coordinated and noncoordinated macroprudential policies in a core–periphery model that emphasizes the role of international financial centers. After documenting empirically the existence of cross‐country macroprudential spillovers and policy interdependence, we derive a number of results. First, even absent financial frictions, self‐oriented policymakers attempt to manipulate asset prices to their advantage, resulting in higher long‐run capital taxes. Second, financial frictions generate a subsidization bias, as policymakers aim at eliminating the inefficiency wedge between the cost of capital and the deposit rate. Third, self‐oriented national policies imply insufficient subsidies in the long run and wider efficiency gaps in the short run, resulting in substantial gains from cooperation.
Accommodation or rejection? Teenagers’ experiences of tensions between traditional and new speakers of Irish
Authors: Coughlan Eileen
Published: February 2021

This article analyses narratives presented by teenage Irish‐speakers about encounters between new speakers of Irish and locals in Gaeltacht (traditionally Irish‐speaking) areas. It demonstrates how two conflicting ideologies of legitimate language promoted by the state in the establishment and maintenance of Irish as ‘the national language’ alienate young new speakers of Irish and young Gaeltacht‐based Irish‐speakers from each other and from the language by construing the Gaeltacht as a resource for the nation, generating unrealistic expectations from new speakers and corresponding resentment from their Gaeltacht peers. The analysis of this case contributes to wider debates about the impact of language revitalisation policies on young people, and explores the tension that may arise between the aim of increasing the number of a language's speakers and the desire to retain its traditional functions in the communities where it has been best maintained.
Serving food in a separated style influences calorie estimates and eating behavior
Authors: Ai Yijie , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Hongrui
Published: February 2021

This article aims to understand how and why a separated serving style of food (i.e., serving foods based on ingredient while maintaining their separation with no sides touching on a plate) influences calorie estimates and eating behavior. Results from two studies show that participants significantly underestimate the calorie content of their food and decrease food consumption in a separated (vs. mixed) serving style. Separate‐style foodservice calls attention to the act of eating and serves as a tool to facilitate weight management. In our studies, participants demonstrated a belief that separated (vs. mixed) food serving has the capacity to affect weight (rather than health attributes) and thereby influences calorie estimates. Even with unhealthy (e.g., fried snacks) foods, the separated serving style still makes the food appear less caloric, and increases self‐monitoring. In other words, the self‐monitoring that results from the serving of foods separately creates an anchoring effect, which decreases overall food consumption. This circumstance suggests that the visual arrangement of food intake has potential implications for food consumption and weight management.

Practical applications

In an era of increasing obesity and the erosion of healthy eating habits, it is important to identify factors that can help people maintain both a healthier weight and diet. Our findings are particularly concerned with food serving design. Given that the separate intake of foods can lower one's caloric estimates of the serving, marketing personnel would do well to formulate strategies with this in mind. These findings further emphasize the potential impact of a visual separation of foods on consumers' eating behavior. The separated serving style could be a way of increasing self‐monitoring in order to control one's food intake. While previous research supports children's preference for food arranged in a separated serving style to allow for personal eating habits, no study has yet examined the effects (e.g., food evaluation and eating behavior) of a separated serving style among adults. Especially for dieters, adults tend to arrange their meals in a separated serving style. With preexisting evidence of the positive effects of a separate serving style in mind, this article expands the application of this food style to devise an effective strategy for an active and consistent reduction of unhealthy food consumption.
Outcomes following admission to paediatric intensive care: A systematic review
Authors: Procter Claire , Morrow Brenda , Pienaar Genee , Shelton Mary , Argent Andrew
Published: February 2021

Aim

To describe the long‐term health outcomes of children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed. Studies of children under 18 years of age admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit were included. Studies focussed on neonatal admissions and investigating specific paediatric intensive care unit interventions or admission diagnoses were excluded. A table was created summarising the study characteristics and main findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies. Primary outcome was short‐, medium‐ and long‐term mortality. Secondary outcomes included measures of neurodevelopment, cognition, physical, behavioural and psychosocial function as well as quality of life.

Results

One hundred and eleven studies were included, most were conducted in high‐income countries and focussed on short‐term outcomes. Mortality during admission ranged from 1.3 to 50%. Mortality in high‐income countries reduced over time but this trend was not evident for lower income countries. Higher income countries had lower standardised mortality rates than lower income countries. Children had an ongoing increased risk of death for up to 10 years following intensive care admission as well as increased physical and psychosocial morbidity compared to healthy controls, with associated poorer quality of life.

Conclusions

There is limited high‐level evidence for the long‐term health outcomes of children after intensive care admission, with the burden of related morbidity remaining greater in poorly resourced regions. Further research is recommended to identify risk factors and modifiable factors for poor outcomes, which could be targeted in practice improvement initiatives.
Evaluation of membrane‐based therapeutic plasma exchange as adjunctive treatment for immune‐mediated hematologic disorders in dogs
Authors: Francey Thierry , Etter Mathieu , Schweighauser Ariane
Published: February 2021

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used increasingly to treat immunological diseases in dogs, although data concerning its efficacy are lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinic and the outcome of dogs with immune‐mediated hematological disorders (IMHD) treated with membrane filtration TPE.

Animals

One hundred forty‐six dogs diagnosed with IMHD, including 17 dogs treated with and 129 control dogs treated without TPE.

Methods

Retrospective study of cases selected with a search of all medical records for dogs diagnosed with IMHD (2010‐2019). Primary outcomes included the assessment of safety and efficacy of adjunctive TPE compared to medical treatment alone.

Results

The TPE group included 7 dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), 5 dogs with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), and 5 dogs with combined IMHA‐IMT; the control group included 63 dogs with IMHA, 47 dogs with IMT, and 19 dogs with IMHA‐IMT. Dogs treated with TPE were more often refractory to initial immunosuppression (71%) than controls (43%; P = .04). Complications were observed in 15/43 TPE treatments (35%). The response rate of dogs treated with TPE was 83% in IMHA (controls, 65%; P = .5) and 80% in IMT (controls, 70%; P = .71). Overall, 12/17 dogs (71%) treated with TPE reached complete remission, 2/17 (12%) partial remission, and 3/17 (18%) died or were euthanized. Eighty‐two percent of the dogs treated with TPE survived to discharge (controls, 69%; P = .4).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Despite a bias toward dogs refractory to initial immunosuppression, dogs treated with adjunctive TPE had a similar outcome as dogs treated medically.
Co‐occurrence of high densities of brown hyena and spotted hyena in central Tuli, Botswana
Authors: Vissia S. , Wadhwa R. , van Langevelde F.
Published: February 2021

Large carnivore populations are declining worldwide due to anthropogenic causes such as habitat loss and human expansion into wild areas. Competition between large carnivores can exacerbate this decline. While brown hyenaParahyaena brunneaand spotted hyenaCrocuta crocutabelong to the same family, they are rarely found in the same area or co‐occur at low densities as spotted hyena are known to exclude brown hyena. In Central Tuli, Botswana, however, brown hyena and spotted hyena are both found at high densities. We undertook a camera trap survey in this area to estimate the densities of both species, and to examine temporal overlap and co‐detection patterns of brown and spotted hyena. Estimated population densities based on spatial capture–recapture models were 10.5 ± 1.9/100 km2for brown hyena and 14.9 ± 2.2/100 km2for spotted hyena. These population densities are among the highest reported estimates in southern Africa. Strong temporal overlap was found between brown and spotted hyena, while there was no decrease in detection rate of brown hyena at camera sites where spotted hyena were also detected, which indicates that both hyena species did not tend to avoid encounters. Although both species compete for the same prey, we suggest as possible explanations that prey densities are high and that competition does not significantly negatively impact brown hyena, because brown hyena is a scavenger whereas spotted hyena scavenge and kill prey. With the found high densities of both carnivores, this study adds to the known variation in composition of existing large carnivore communities and suggests testable explanations for these densities.
Presurgical bladder wall thickness is a useful marker to predict the postsurgical improvement of symptoms in patients with pelvic organ prolapse‐related overactive bladder
Authors: Otsubo Asato , Matsuo Tomohiro , Miyata Yasuyoshi , Mukae Yuta , Mitsunari Kensuke , Ohba Kojiro , Sakai Hideki
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a cause of overactive bladder (OAB), and transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery can improve the symptoms. Bladder wall thickness (BWT) is a useful and safe marker to evaluate bladder function in urinary disorders. The main purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between BWT and changes in the OAB symptom score (OABSS) after TVM operation in patients with POP.

Methods

BWT was measured by ultrasonography before and 6 months after surgery at three sites in the bladder: the anterior wall, trigone, and dome. Similarly, the OABSS was evaluated at the time of BWT measurement. Changes induced in BWT at each site and the mean BWT at all sites after TVM surgery were analyzed. Similarly, the relationship between presurgical BWT and the decrease in OABSS was investigated.

Results

TVM surgery improved OABSS in 30 patients (responders; 73.2%), while 11 patients were judged as nonresponders (26.8%). BWT at the anterior bladder wall and dome as well as the mean BWT at all three sites were significantly decreased by TVM surgery (P < .001). Similar trends were identified in OABSS responders; however, all markers showed no significant changes in OABSS nonresponders. All the BWT‐related markers before surgery were significantly lower in OABSS responders than in OABSS nonresponders.

Conclusions

BWT at the bladder anterior wall and dome, but not the trigone, were decreased by TVM surgery. We conclude that presurgical BWT may be a useful marker to predict the improvement in OAB symptoms by TVM surgery in patients with POP‐related OAB.
Shock deformation in zircon grains from the Mien impact structure, Sweden
Authors: Martell Josefin , Alwmark Carl , Holm‐Alwmark Sanna , Lindgren Paula
Published: February 2021

Recognition of impact‐induced deformation of minerals is crucial for the identification and confirmation of impact structures as well as for the understanding of shock wave behavior and crater formation. Shock deformed mineral grains from impact structures can also serve as important geochronometers, precisely dating the impact event. We investigated zircon grains from the Mien impact structure in southern Sweden with the aim of characterizing shock deformation. The grains were found in two samples of impact melt rock with varying clast content, and in one sample of suevitic breccia. We report the first documentation of so‐called “FRIGN zircon” (former reidite in granular neoblastic zircon) from Mien (pre‐erosion diameter 9 km), which confirms that this is an important impact signature also in relatively small impact structures. Furthermore, the majority of investigated zircon grains contain other shock‐related microtextures, most notably granular and microporous textures, that occur more frequently in grains found in the impact melt than in the suevitic breccia. Our findings show that zircon grains that are prime candidates for establishing a new and improved age refinement of the Mien impact structure are present in the impact melt.
Evaluation of light emitting diode suction traps for the collection of livestock‐associated Culicoides species in South Africa
Authors: de Beer C. J. , Boikanyo S. N. B. , Venter G. J.
Published: February 2021

Risk analysis of pathogens transmitted by Culicoides (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) depends on the ability to detect all potential vectors attacking livestock in an area. Onderstepoort 220‐V ultraviolet (UV) down‐draught light traps are considered the gold standard for this purpose. To improve the flexibility of this trap in the field, in the absence of 220‐V power, the possibility of using low‐energy light emitting diodes (LEDs) was assessed. The efficiency of a standard 220‐V Onderstepoort trap (30 cm 8 W fluorescent UV light tube) was compared to that of 220‐V Onderstepoort traps fitted with either two, four or eight individual white LEDs. The Onderstepoort 220‐V trap was also compared to a 12‐V Onderstepoort trap fitted with an 8 W fluorescent UV light tube, a 12‐V Onderstepoort trap with 12 individual white LEDs and 12‐V and 220‐V Onderstepoort traps fitted with 12 individual UV LEDs. Higher numbers of Culicoides as well as species diversity were collected with a brighter light source. The use of UV LEDs in both the 12‐V and 220‐V combinations was comparable to the Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap with ration to species diversity collected. The Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap is recommended if large numbers of Culicoides need to be collected.
The Spanish version of the esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety score shows strong psychometric properties: Results of a large prospective multicenter study in Spain and Latin America
Authors: Cisternas Daniel , Taft Tiffany , Carlson Dustin A. , Glasinovic Esteban , Monrroy Hugo , Rey Paula , Hani Albis , Ardila‐Hani Andres , Leguizamo Ana Maria , Bilder Claudio , Ditaranto Andres , Varela Amanda , Agotegaray Joaquin , Remes‐Troche Jose Maria , Ruiz de León Antonio , Pérez de la Serna Julio , Marin Ingrid , Serra Jordi
Published: February 2021

Background

Anxiety is a significant modulator of sensitivity along the GI tract. The recently described Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Score (EHAS) evaluates esophageal‐specific anxiety. The aims of this study were as follows: 1. translate and validate an international Spanish version of EHAS. 2. Evaluate its psychometric properties in a large Hispano‐American sample of symptomatic individuals.

Methods

A Spanish EHAS version was developed by a Delphi process and reverse translation. Patients referred for high‐resolution manometry (HRM) were recruited prospectively from seven Spanish and Latin American centers. Several scores were used: EHAS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Eckardt score (ES), Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (GERDQ), and the Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire (BEDQ). Standardized psychometric analyses were performed.

Key Results

A total of 443 patients were recruited. Spanish EHAS showed excellent reliability (Cronbach´s alpha = 0.94). Factor analysis confirmed the presence of two factors, corresponding to the visceral anxiety and hypervigilance subscales. Sufficient convergent validity was shown by moderate significant correlations between EHAS and other symptomatic scores. Patients with high EHAS scores had significantly more dysphagia. There was no difference in EHAS scores when compared normal vs abnormal or major manometric diagnosis.

Conclusions and Inferences

A widely usable Spanish EHAS version has been validated. We confirm its excellent psychometric properties in our patients, confirming the appropriateness of its use in different populations. Our findings support the appropriateness of evaluating esophageal anxiety across the whole manometric diagnosis spectrum.
Evolution of stomatal closure to optimize water‐use efficiency in response to dehydration in ferns and seed plants
Authors: Yang Yu‐Jie , Bi Min‐Hui , Nie Zheng‐Fei , Jiang Hui , Liu Xu‐Dong , Fang Xiang‐Wen , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

Plants control water‐use efficiency (WUE) by regulating water loss and CO2 diffusion through stomata. Variation in stomatal control has been reported among lineages of vascular plants, thus giving rise to the possibility that different lineages may show distinct WUE dynamics in response to water stress.

Here, we compared the response of gas exchange to decreasing leaf water potential among four ferns and nine seed plant species exposed to a gradually intensifying water deficit. The data collected were combined with those from 339 phylogenetically diverse species obtained from previous studies.

In well‐watered angiosperms, the maximum stomatal conductance was high and greater than that required for maximum WUE, but drought stress caused a rapid reduction in stomatal conductance and an increase in WUE in response to elevated concentrations of abscisic acid. However, in ferns, stomata did not open beyond the optimum point corresponding to maximum WUE and actually exhibited a steady WUE in response to dehydration. Thus, seed plants showed improved photosynthetic WUE under water stress.

The ability of seed plants to increase WUE could provide them with an advantage over ferns under drought conditions, thereby presumably increasing their fitness under selection pressure by drought.