bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Effects of PostDivorce Interparental Conflict on Children’s Mental Health Problems Through Fear of Abandonment: Does Parenting Quality Play a Buffering Role?
Authors: O’Hara Karey L. , Rhodes C. Aubrey , Wolchik Sharlene A. , Sandler Irwin N. , Yun‐Tein Jenn
Published: January 2021

In a sample of 559 children (ages 9–18), researchers investigated whether: (a) fear of abandonment mediated the association between postdivorce interparental conflict (IPC) and mental health problems, and (b) parent–child relationship quality moderated the association between IPC and fear of abandonment. Mediation analyses indicated that pretest IPC predicted fear of abandonment 3 months later, which then predicted child‐ and teacher‐reported mental health problems 10 months later. The hypothesized protective effect of a high‐quality parent–child relationship was not observed. IPC predicted fear of abandonment for all children, except for those with low‐ and moderate‐quality father–child relationships, for whom IPC was not significantly related to fear of abandonment. Findings highlight the need to optimize child coping programs and improve parenting‐after‐divorce programs to reduce IPC.
Allergen labelling: Current practice and improvement from a communication perspective
Authors: Blom W. Marty , van Dijk Liselotte M. , Michelsen‐Huisman Anouska , Houben Geert F. , Knulst André C. , Linders Yvette F. M. , Verhoeckx Kitty C. M. , Holleman Bregje C. , Lentz Leo R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Allergen information on product labels is crucial in food allergy management, though inadequacy in current labelling practices is one of the major causes for accidental reactions upon consuming prepacked food products.

Objective

This study analyses current status of communicating allergen information on food labels and provides practical recommendations for improving the label format based on communication theory.

Methods

Product labels (N 288) of seven food categories from private label products and brands were obtained at three retailers in the Netherlands. Information regarding the 14 EU‐regulated allergens was evaluated by the frequency of emphasizing allergens in the ingredient list, use of precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), icons and an allergen information section. Effectiveness of communication was assessed evaluating readability and findability of information on allergens using principles of Gestalt and Cognitive Load theories.

Results

As requested by EU regulation 1169/2011, emphasizing allergens in the ingredient list was almost 100%, all other presentations of information on allergens on labels was highly diverse. A separate allergen information section was present on most private label products. This section could, but not necessarily did, repeat allergens from the ingredient list and/or give a PAL. Brands often provided a PAL at the end of the ingredient list. Part of the products displayed an icon at different locations of the label. Label background, a lack of cohesion and variation in location of topics hamper the identification of relevant information on allergens by (allergic) consumers. Recommendations include a standardized order for mandatory and voluntary topics on the label and a separate allergen information section.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Overall, consumers encounter a wide and inconsistent range in ways of presentation of allergen information on labels. Standardization according to basic design principles can improve usability and support safe food purchases for allergic consumers.
Behçet disease, new insights in disease associations and manifestations: a next-generation sequencing study
Authors: Elfishawi M , Mossallam G , Augusto D G , Montero-Martin G , de Bruin H , Van de Pasch L , Norman P J , Rozemuller E , Fernandez-Vina M , Abrudescu A , Hollenbach J A , Zaky K , Elfishawi S
Published: January 2021

Behçet disease is a multi-system disease associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I polymorphism. High-resolution next-generation sequencing (NGS) with haplotype analysis has not been performed previously for this disease. Sixty Egyptian patients diagnosed according to the International Study Group (ISG) criteria for Behçet disease and 160 healthy geographic and ethnic-matched controls were genotyped for HLA class I loci (HLA-A, B, C). For HLA class II loci (DRB1, DRB3/4/5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1), 40 control samples were genotyped. High-resolution HLA genotyping was performed using NGS and the results were analyzed. Clinical manifestations were oral ulcers (100%), genital ulcers (100%), eye (55%) and neurological (28%) and vascular involvement (35%). HLA-B*51:08 [odds ratio (OR) = 19·75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6·5–79; P < 0·0001], HLA-B*15:03 (OR = 12·15, 95% CI = 3·7–50·7; P < 0·0001), HLA-C*16:02 (OR = 6·53, 95% CI = 3–14; P < 0·0001), HLA-A*68:02 (OR = 3·14, 95% CI = 1·1–8·9; P < 0·01) were found to be associated with Behçet disease, as were HLA-DRB1*13:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:03 (OR = 3·39, 95% CI = 0·9–18·9; P = 0·04 for both). By contrast, HLA-A*03:01 (OR = 0·13, 95% CI = 0–0·8; P = 0·01) and HLA-DPB1*17:01 were found to be protective (OR = 0·27, 95% CI = 0·06–1·03; P = 0·02). We identified strong linkage disequilibrium between HLA-B*51:08 and C*16:02 and A*02:01 in a haplotype associated with Behçet disease. HLA-B*51:08 was significantly associated with legal blindness (OR = 2·98, 95% CI = 1·06–8·3; P = 0·01). In Egyptian Behçet patients, HLA-B*51:08 is the most common susceptibility allele and holds poor prognosis for eye involvement.
IRF5 regulates airway macrophage metabolic responses
Authors: Albers G J , Iwasaki J , McErlean P , Ogger P P , Ghai P , Khoyratty T E , Udalova I A , Lloyd C M , Byrne A J
Published: January 2021

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a master regulator of macrophage phenotype and a key transcription factor involved in expression of proinflammatory cytokine responses to microbial and viral infection. Here, we show that IRF5 controls cellular and metabolic responses. By integrating ChIP sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC)-seq data sets, we found that IRF5 directly regulates metabolic genes such as hexokinase-2 (Hk2). The interaction of IRF5 and metabolic genes had a functional consequence, as Irf5−/− airway macrophages but not bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were characterized by a quiescent metabolic phenotype at baseline and had reduced ability to utilize oxidative phosphorylation after Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 activation, in comparison to controls, ex vivo. In a murine model of influenza infection, IRF5 deficiency had no effect on viral load in comparison to wild-type controls but controlled metabolic responses to viral infection, as IRF5 deficiency led to reduced expression of Sirt6 and Hk2. Together, our data indicate that IRF5 is a key component of AM metabolic responses following influenza infection and TLR-3 activation.
Clinics of ocular tuberculosis: A review
Authors: Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Gupta Vishali , Agrawal Rupesh
Published: January 2021

Ocular tuberculosis (OTB) is an extrapulmonary mycobacterial infection, which still sees variations in incidence, manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. While the disease is gaining more recognition as a differential in ocular inflammation, it remains a difficult entity to detect and treat. Global efforts to synthesize and standardize the approach to OTB could prove useful in delivering quicker, more effective care. We summarize recent insights in appropriate nomenclature, clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities and courses of treatment.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoproteinIgGassociated disorder: A comprehensive neuro‐ophthalmic review
Authors: Sharma Jaya , Bhatti M. Tariq , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V.
Published: January 2021

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an antibody‐mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that involves the optic nerves, spinal cord, and often other specific brain regions such as area postrema of the medulla. NMOSD was formerly classified as a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS), given the similar symptomatology and relapsing course but is now considered to have distinct clinical, paraclinical, immunological and prognostic features. The discovery of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) immunoglobulin G (IgG) has improved the ability to diagnose NMOSD. AQP4‐IgG targets the astrocytic AQP4 water channel leading to complement activation and increased blood‐brain barrier permeability. Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial as timely treatment may result in mitigation of long‐term disability. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐IgG associated disorder (MOGAD) is a distinct nosologic entity, which has been more recently described. Its clinical spectrum partly overlaps that of seronegative NMOSD and MS. Although it is considered to have fewer relapses and better prognosis than NMOSD, the clinical course and outcome of MOGAD has not been fully characterized.
Diabetic eye disease: A review of screening and management recommendations
Authors: Gale Michael J. , Scruggs Brittni A. , Flaxel Christina J.
Published: January 2021

The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing, and it is now the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although early detection of diabetic retinopathy is key to preventing vision loss, many patients do not receive appropriate examinations. Using a multidisciplinary approach, primary care physicians and eye care providers should follow evidence‐based recommendations for screening and monitoring diabetic patients while working to improve patients' glycaemic index, blood pressure, and metabolic risk factors. Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections in combination with panretinal photocoagulation and focal laser treatment remain the cornerstones of modern therapy. The many landmark studies for diabetic eye disease management should guide counselling and decision making for treating diabetic macular oedema, proliferative retinopathy and other diabetes‐related eye diseases.
“I don't want them to think that what they said matters”: How treatment ‐ seeking adolescents with severe obesity cope with weight‐based victimization
Authors: Walsh Órla , Dettmer Elizabeth , Regina Andrea , Ye Linlei , Christian Jennifer , Hamilton Jill , Toulany Alene
Published: January 2021

Adolescents with severe obesity are subject to a high prevalence of weight‐based victimization that may lead to pervasive mental health symptoms. However, different coping strategies could potentially modulate these psychological consequences. This study aims to explore how treatment‐seeking adolescents with severe obesity cope with weight‐based victimization. This was a qualitative research study using an interpretive phenomenological analytic approach. One‐on‐one semi structured interviews were completed with 19 adolescents (63% female) enrolled in a weight management program. The interviews were transcribed and sequentially analysed until data saturation was attained. The majority of participants (89.5%) described being a victim of weight‐based victimization and highlighted a significant emotional toll. Two key themes were identified that captured the various coping strategies used by participants. Over half (52.9%) described approach coping strategies where they acted on the source to invoke change by standing up for themselves, helping others in similar situations or becoming a bully themselves. Whilst the majority (94.1%) used avoidant coping strategies such as feigning a strong exterior façade, denial, isolation and self‐harm. Nearly half (47.1%) used both strategies. Treatment‐seeking adolescents with severe obesity commonly use avoidant coping strategies to deal with weight‐based victimization. These strategies are associated with negative mental health outcomes and should be evaluated when counselling adolescents with obesity who have experienced weight‐based victimization.
Board diversity and corporate innovation: Regional demographics and industry context
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Leung Tak Yan
Published: January 2021

Research Question/Issue

What are the causes and consequences of board diversity on innovation across a broad array of different types of diversity (education level, gender, and age), while controlling for director expertise in science and business? How do these different types of diversity affect innovation in different industry contexts?

Research Findings/Insights

We use regional demographics in China (e.g., there are in fact differences in the proportion of females by region) to instrument board characteristics. We find that gender diversity is more pertinent in facilitating innovation in male‐dominated industries, not female‐dominated industries. In low‐tech and nonpatent intensive industries, all types of diversity facilitate innovation, whereas in high‐tech and patent intensive industries, scientific experience matters more than types of diversity. We find some evidence that age diversity results in lower‐quality patents, while boards with science expertise have higher‐quality patents.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We develop unique tests to control for endogeneity of diversity in innovation by exploiting regional differences in demographics. The theory and evidence suggest that specific types of diversity matter for innovation to the greatest degree where the industry is characterized by the absence of that characteristic.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

We examine the broad context of diversity in organizations and examine whether there is a gap in firm's diversity insofar as we can infer that diversity explains innovative activity within organizations. By identifying which types of diversity matter for organizations, appropriate policy responses can be identified to enhance innovation.
NLRX1/FUNDC1/NIPSNAP1‐2 axis regulates mitophagy and alleviates intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Shaoqin , Zhou Yi , Gu Xiaocheng , Zhang Xiaoping , Jia Zhongzhi
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Mitophagy is considered to be a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of intestinal ischaemic reperfusion (IR) injury. NOD‐like receptor X1 (NLRX1) is located in the mitochondria and is highly expressed in the intestine, and is known to modulate ROS production, mitochondrial damage, autophagy and apoptosis. However, the function of NLRX1 in intestinal IR injury is unclear.

Materials and methods

NLRX1 in rats with IR injury or in IEC‐6 cells with hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) injury were measured by Western blotting, real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The function of NLRX1‐FUNDC1‐NIPSNAP1/NIPSNAP2 axis in mitochondrial homeostasis and cell apoptosis were assessed in vitro.

Results

NLRX1 is significantly downregulated following intestinal IR injury. In vivo studies showed that rats overexpressing NLRX1 exhibited resistance against intestinal IR injury and mitochondrial dysfunction. These beneficial effects of NLRX1 overexpression were dependent on mitophagy activation. Functional studies showed that HR injury reduced NLRX1 expression, which promoted phosphorylation of FUN14 domain‐containing 1 (FUNDC1). Based on immunoprecipitation studies, it was evident that phosphorylated FUNDC1 could not interact with the mitophagy signalling proteins NIPSNAP1 and NIPSNAP2 on the outer membrane of damaged mitochondria, which failed to launch the mitophagy process, resulting in the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and epithelial apoptosis.

Conclusions

NLRX1 regulates mitophagy via FUNDC1‐NIPSNAP1/NIPSNAP2 signalling pathway. Thus, this study provides a potential target for the development of a therapeutic strategy for intestinal IR injury.
Measuring behavioral social learning in a conservation context: Chilean fishing communities
Authors: Tam Jordan , Waring Timothy , Gelcich Stefan , Chan Kai M. A. , Satterfield Terre
Published: January 2021

In the sustainability and conservation sciences, “social learning” is defined as a group process which depends on trust and social capital and tends to boost conservation outcomes. We term this “collaborative social learning.” Meanwhile, the behavioral sciences define social learning as the individual use of socially acquired information and seek to explain how individuals employ social learning as part of adaptive behavior. We term this “behavioral social learning.” However, the influence of behavioral social learning on ecological outcomes is poorly understood. We conducted a study of behavioral social learning among fishers in seven communities in Chile's Region V to probe its connections with ecological outcomes and collaborative social learning. We develop and employ a novel behavioral measure of individual social learning in a simple fishing game in which fishers may pay a portion of their game earnings to observe and learn from other fishers in the game. We explore the internal and external validity of the instrument. The self‐consistency of game play, learning, and participant reflections reveals strong internal validity of the learning game. Additionally, game behavior is correlated with factors such as migration history, and the perceived availability of peers from whom to learn, suggesting the method also holds external validity. We then test whether factors associated with collaborative social learning, such as social capital, are related to social learning behavior as measured by the experiment. Interestingly, many correlates of ‘collaborative social learning’ are not strongly correlated with ‘behavioral social learning’ in our sample. We argue that this disconnect can help improve our understanding of the emergence of community‐based conservation and positive ecological outcomes as well as ‘collaborative social learning’ itself. Finally, we provide guidance on how behavioral measures of social learning could benefit community‐based natural resource management and conservation.
Influence of patient characteristics and immunosuppressant management on mortality in kidney transplant recipients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Santeusanio Andrew D. , Menon Madhav C. , Liu Caroline , Bhansali Arjun , Patel Niralee , Mahir Fahima , Rana Meenakshi , Tedla Fasika , Mahamid Ahmad , Fenig Yaniv , Zendel Alexey , Delaney Veronica , De Boccardo Graciela , Farouk Samira S. , Sehgal Vinita , Khaim Rafael , Jacobs Samantha E. , Dunn Dallas , Sullivan Timothy , Taimur Sarah , Baneman Emily , Florman Sander , Shapiro Ron
Published: January 2021

The influence of patient characteristics and immunosuppression management on COVID‐19 outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains uncertain. We performed a single‐center, retrospective review of all adult KTRs admitted to the hospital with confirmed COVID‐19 between 03/15/2020 and 05/15/2020. Patients were followed from the date of admission up to 1 month following hospital discharge or study conclusion (06/15/2020). Baseline characteristics, laboratory parameters, and immunosuppression were compared between survivors and patients who died to identify predictors of mortality. 38 KTRs with a mean baseline eGFR of 52.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 were hospitalized during the review period. Maintenance immunosuppression included tacrolimus (84.2%), mycophenolate (89.5%), and corticosteroids (81.6%) in the majority of patients. Eleven patients (28.9%) died during the hospitalization. Older age (OR = 2.05; 1.04‐4.04), peak D‐dimer (OR = 1.20; 1.04‐1.39), and peak white blood cell count (OR = 1.11; 1.02‐1.21) were all associated with mortality among KTRs hospitalized for COVID‐19. Increased mortality was also observed among KTRs with concomitant HIV infection (87.5% vs. 36.1%; p < .01). Conversely, immunosuppression intensity and degree of reduction following COVID‐19 diagnosis were not associated with either survival or acute allograft rejection. Our findings potentially support a strategy of individualization of immunosuppression targets based on patient‐specific risk factors, rather than universal immunosuppression reduction for KTRs at risk from COVID‐19.
Congenital cutaneous neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1: Clinicopathological features in early infancy
Authors: García‐Martínez Francisco Javier , Azorín Daniel , Duat‐Rodríguez Anna , Hernández‐Martín Ángela
Published: January 2021

Background and objective

Clinicopathological features of cutaneous neurofibromas presenting as large irregularly shaped congenital café‐au‐lait macules (CALM) in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients have not been well characterized. We aimed to analyze the histopathological findings of large “atypical” CALM in children with NF1.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective observational study we analyzed histopathological and immunostaining features of 21 biopsy specimens from 18 large hyperpigmented macules with irregular borders with or without hypertrichosis present during the first months of life in NF1 diagnosed children.

Results

Of the 21 biopsies, ten showed a diffuse neurofibroma pattern and four exhibited characteristics of plexiform neurofibroma (PNF). In twelve specimens we observed groups of fusiform cells arranged linearly mimicking a small caliber nerve trunk with abnormal morphology. Repeated biopsies from two of these lesions performed at different ages showed transformation to a plexiform pattern. An increased interstitial cellularity was observed in 17 samples that was more evident around eccrine glands in 16 or accompanying hair follicles and vascular structures in twelve samples. All these cells had immunoreactivity for S100‐protein, CD68 and were Melan‐A positive in 15 samples.

Conclusion

Clinicopathological findings of congenital cutaneous neurofibromas provide early diagnostic clues of NF1 with high relevance for monitoring of these patients.
The distribution of a group of keystone species is not associated with anthropogenic habitat disturbance
Authors: Fitzpatrick Benjamin R. , Baltensweiler Andri , Düggelin Christoph , Fraefel Marielle , Freitag Anne , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , Wermelinger Beat , Risch Anita C.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Red wood ants (Formica rufa group) mitigate invertebrate pest outbreaks, alter invertebrate communities, and contribute to nutrient cycling. The IUCN lists these insects as near threatened. We investigated whether disturbances of Red Wood Ant (RWA) forest habitats related to recreation, infrastructure, and forest management were associated with RWA occurrence. We also investigated the habitat associations of this group.

Location

Switzerland.

Methods

We trained random forest models to predict RWA occurrence using data from 6,341 plots distributed throughout Swiss forests. Our explanatory variables included descriptions of vegetation, terrain, climate and human disturbance of the forest. A model trained using all of these variables (Model 1) was compared to another trained using all of these variables except those describing human disturbance (Model 2). We compared the abilities of these models to differentiate between RWA presences and absences using areas under receiver operator curves (AUC). The nature of the associations between the probability of RWA occurrence predicted by Model 1 and the explanatory variables that made the greatest contributions to the AUC of this model were investigated using individual conditional expectation plots.

Results

No significant difference in AUC was detected between Models 1 and 2. RWA occurrence was positively associated with elevation, conifers, canopy gaps, ground cover vegetation and solar insolation while negatively associated with air temperature and a soil wetness index.

Main conclusions

The distribution of RWA within Swiss forests appeared unassociated with the human disturbances we investigated. To conserve RWA in Switzerland, we recommend the conservation of forests with high proportions of conifers, particularly those at high elevations. We also recommend forest management that promotes ground cover vegetation and open canopy structures. The negative associations between RWA occurrence and temperatures raise concerns for the prospects of RWA in the context of predicted climate warming.
Virtual reality for neurorehabilitation: hopes and challenges for therapists
Authors: Rathinam Chandrasekar
Published: January 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Choi et al. on pages 480–487 of this issue.
Early intervention for children with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review
Authors: Zwicker Jill G , Lee Emily J
Published: January 2021

Aim

To summarize current evidence for early identification and motor‐based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger of age with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Method

Using scoping review methodology, we independently screened over 11 000 articles and selected those that met inclusion criteria.

Results

Of the 103 included articles, 78 articles were related to early identification and are summarized in a companion article. Twenty‐two articles focused on early intervention, with an additional three articles covering both early identification and intervention. Most intervention studies were at a low level of evidence, but provide encouraging evidence that early intervention is beneficial for young children with/at risk of DCD. Direct intervention can be provided to whole classes, small groups, or individuals according to a tiers of service delivery model. Educating and building the capacity of parents and early childhood educators are also key elements of early intervention.

Interpretation

Evidence for early intervention for children with/at risk of DCD is emerging with promising results. Further studies are needed to determine best practice for early intervention and whether intervening early can prevent the negative developmental trajectory and secondary psychosocial consequences associated with DCD.
Muscle‐tendon unit in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lieber Richard L , Theologis Tim
Published: January 2021

Muscle‐tendon unit surgery for correction of deformities and movement dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is fairly complicated. An understanding of basic muscle‐tendon unit properties and their adaptation to both CP and surgery are important to develop advances in this field. In this review, we provide information to therapists, surgeons, and scientists regarding the short‐ and long‐term adaptations of the muscle‐tendon unit. Surgical releases, lengthening, and transpositions are discussed, as are some of the tissue, cellular, and molecular adaptations.

What this paper adds

Muscle strength, tone, and control must be considered in surgical interventions for cerebral palsy (CP).

Muscle‐tendon unit lengthening causes significant and lasting weakness requiring prolonged rehabilitation.

Sarcomere length increases in CP muscle may be one of the underlying causes of muscle weakness.

Muscle satellite cells are decreased and epigenetically modified in a way that may limit muscle growth in CP.
For a high fat, high protein breakfast, preprandial administration of 125% of the insulin dose improves postprandial glycaemic excursions in people with type 1 diabetes using multiple daily injections: A cross‐over trial
Authors: Smith Tenele A. , Smart Carmel E. , Howley Peter P. , Lopez Prudence E. , King Bruce R
Published: January 2021

Aim

To determine the glycaemic impact of an increased insulin dose, split insulin dose and regular insulin for a high fat, high protein breakfast in people with type 1 diabetes using multiple daily injections (≥4/day).

Methods

In this cross‐over trial, participants received the same high fat, high protein breakfast (carbohydrate:30 g, fat:40 g, protein:50 g) for 4 days. Four different insulin strategies were randomly allocated and tested; 100% of the insulin‐to‐carbohydrate ratio (ICR) given in a single dose using aspart insulin (100Asp), 125% ICR given in a single dose using aspart (125Asp) or regular insulin (125Reg) and 125% ICR given in a split dose using aspart insulin (100:25Asp). Insulin was given 0.25 hr pre‐meal and for 100:25Asp, also 1 hr post‐meal. Postprandial sensor glucose was measured for 5 hr.

Results

In all, 24 children and adults were participated. The 5‐hr incremental area under the curves for 100Asp, 125Asp, 125Reg and 100:25Asp were 620 mmol/L.min [95% CI: 451,788], 341 mmol/L.min [169,512], 675 mmol/L.min [504,847] and 434 mmol/L.min [259,608], respectively. The 5‐hr incremental area under the curve for 125Asp was significantly lower than for 100Asp (p = 0.016) and for 125Reg (p = 0.002). There was one episode of hypoglycaemia in 125Reg.

Conclusions

For a high fat, high protein breakfast, giving 125% ICR preprandially, using aspart insulin significantly improved postprandial glycaemia without hypoglycaemia. There was no additional glycaemic benefit from giving insulin in a split dose (100:25%) or replacing aspart with regular insulin.
The effects of continuous glucose monitoring system on patient outcomes and associated costs in a real‐world setting
Authors: Triki Noa , Yekutiel Naama , Levi Lilly , Azuri Joseph
Published: January 2021

Aims

Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) technologies may alert unaware hypoglycaemia or near hypoglycaemia events. However, costs are a significant concern in general CGMS use. This study describes the real‐world effects of both clinical outcomes and associated costs in a major Health Maintenance Organization, 1 year following preauthorization of CGMS for each patient.

Methods

Cohort study. Type 1 diabetes patients who were preauthorized CGMS were identified, and their medical records during the year before preauthorization were compared to the following year. Data were collected for glucose control, medical services utilization and related costs.

Results

We identified 524 eligible patients, 57% males. Adherence to CGMS use was improved by age. The proportion of patients reaching HbA1c < 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) increased in the high‐adherence group and decreased in the low‐adherence group. There were no significant changes in outpatient medical services utilization. However, there was a decrease in emergency room visit rates (30%–19%, p < 0.01) and hospitalization rates (22%–12%, p < 0.01) with the highest decrease among the high‐adherence group. Hospitalization duration also decreased. However, the total costs per patient were higher as CGMS adherence increased.

Conclusion

Continuous glucose monitoring system technologies have the potential of both improving blood glucose control and reducing inpatient utilization. However, CGMS technologies costs may put a significant burden on healthcare systems.
Inferior vena cava dilation predicts global cardiac dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A strain echocardiographic study
Authors: Garcia‐Montilla Romel , Mukundan Srini , Heitner Stephen B. , Khan Akram
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Limited data exist on the utility of ultrasonographic evaluation of inferior vena cava (IVC) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We studied the value of IVC diameter in assessing cardio‐circulatory performance in ARDS using strain echocardiography.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of Doppler echocardiograms of patients with moderate–severe ARDS was performed. Right ventricle (RV) parameters, IVC diameter, and left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters were collected. RV free wall strain (RVFWS) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) were calculated.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were dichotomized into two groups: with IVC > 2.1 cm (dilated) and with IVC ≤ 2.1 cm (nondilated). The dilated IVC group presented worse hypoxemic profile, hypotension, and poor perfusion markers. No significant associations with positive end‐expiratory pressure or lung mechanics were observed. Dilated IVC was associated with impaired RV function, high central venous pressure, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Strongest predictors of a dilated IVC were RVFWS, LVGLS, and tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity. Dilated IVC predicted a global cardiac dysfunction defined by strain echocardiography (GCDS) with high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

In ARDS, strain echocardiography analyses demonstrated that a dilated IVC is associated with GCDS and impaired hemodynamics independent of lung mechanics. A dilated IVC should be considered a marker of circulatory distress, signaling the potential necessity for improved hemodynamic optimization.
Host plant selection and larval performance in the Neotropical butterfly Mechanitis polymnia casabranca
Authors: Carvalho Márcio Romero Marques , Vasconcellos‐Neto João
Published: January 2021

The preference–performance hypothesis states that female insects oviposit on plants that result in optimal larval development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of host plants of the genus Solanum by female butterflies of Mechanitis polymnia casabranca Haensch (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and the performance of larvae reared on different species of Solanum. We performed field observations and oviposition experiments to evaluate the use of host plants. In the field, we recorded the abundance of host plants of the species Solanum robustum H. Wendl, Solanum mauritianum Scop., Solanum scuticum M. Nee, and Solanum paniculatum L. with and without oviposition by M. polymnia. In the oviposition experiment, we grew host plants representing common species in the field (S. mauritianum, S. robustum, and S. scuticum) in pots, with one plant per pot, which were then grouped in blocks of three plants, one of each species (n = 10 blocks). In the larval performance experiment, we reared larvae on leaves of one of three Solanum species and maintained them under controlled temperature and photoperiod conditions. We recorded the survival, larval development time, adult wing size, dry weight, and larval digestibility indices. In the field, females oviposited more frequently on S. robustum despite the greater abundance of S. mauritianum. In general, larvae reared on S. robustum or S. scuticum had highest larval performance. Larval mortality was higher in larvae reared on S. mauritianum (40.9%), followed by larvae reared on S. scuticum (7.5%) and S. robustum (6.8%). The adult wing size and dry weight were the highest in males and females originating from larvae reared on S. robustum. The results suggested a positive relationship between oviposition preference and larval performance in M. polymnia casabranca.
Sex differences in executive control: A systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies
Authors: Gaillard Alexandra , Fehring Daniel J. , Rossell Susan L.
Published: January 2021

The number of studies investigating sex differences in executive functions, particularly those using human functional neuroimaging techniques, has risen dramatically in the past decade. However, the influences of sex on executive function are still underexplored and poorly characterized. To address this, we conducted a systematic literature review of functional neuroimaging studies investigating sex differences in three prominent executive control domains of cognitive set‐shifting, performance monitoring, and response inhibition. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched. Following the application of exclusion criteria, 21 studies were included, with a total of 677 females and 686 males. Ten of these studies were fMRI and PET, eight were EEG, and three were NIRS. At present, there is evidence for sex differences in the neural networks underlying all tasks of executive control included in this review suggesting males and females engage different strategies depending on task demands. There was one task exception, the 2‐Back task, which showed no sex differences. Due to methodological variability and the involvement of multiple neural networks, a simple overarching statement with regard to gender differences during executive control cannot be provided. As such, we discuss limitations within the current literature and methodological considerations that should be employed in future research. Importantly, sex differences in neural mechanisms are present in the majority of tasks assessed, and thus should not be ignored in future research.

PROSPERO registration information: CRD42019124772.
Model representation and quantitative analysis of pore three‐dimensional morphological structure based on soil computed tomography images
Authors: Han Qiaoling , Bai Hao , Liu Lei , Zhao Yandong , Zhao Yue
Published: January 2021

Computed tomography technology has contributed greatly to the visualization of soil internal structure. Complex topological structure and spatial distribution of pores have become a focal area for studying the spatiotemporal evolution of soil structure. This is significant for understanding soil functions and ecological processes. Image‐processing software, such as ImageJ and Image Pro‐Plus, is widely used to visualize and quantify soil pores. However, it does not account for the irregularity and heterogeneity of pore structure, leading to low segmentation accuracy and inaccurate description of pore morphology. Therefore, we used the simplified convolutional network (SCN) method to segment the pore structure and proposed a parallel thinning method to extract the pore skeleton structure. Thereafter, using three‐dimensional modelling and quantitative analysis, we initially examined the spatiotemporal evolution of soil pores during freeze–thaw cycles. Based on the custom rule model and soil pore real model, we evaluated the performance of the distance transform method and parallel thinning method in extracting the pore skeleton structure. The parallel thinning method more effectively described the topological characteristics of pores, and the pore skeleton model had better centrality, refinement and connectivity. Quantitative analysis of pore characteristics illustrates that, although freeze–thaw cycles can affect pore structure at different scales, they do not regularly affect pore macroporosity and the three‐dimensional fractal dimension. These results illustrate that the soil pore structure of the viscous layer is sensitive to freeze–thaw cycles and provides preliminary evidence that seasonal freeze–thaw cycles can cause a soil water retention effect and weaken resistance to erosion. This study presents a novel technique for examining soil function at the pore scale and a theoretical foundation for future research on soil structure and hydrology.

Highlights

Freeze–thaw cycles have important effects on soil pore characteristics and thus on soil ecology.

We provide novel evidence of pore structural changes in response to freeze–thaw cycles.

Soil macropore skeleton was extracted using the parallel thinning method.

Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles reconfigured the soil macropore model.
Nitrogen and phosphorus co‐limit mineralization of labile carbon in deep subsoil
Authors: Peixoto Leanne , Elsgaard Lars , Rasmussen Jim , Olesen Jørgen E.
Published: January 2021

The growth of deep‐rooted crops has the potential to increase carbon deposition within deep subsoil layers, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. Yet, the mechanisms of labile carbon stabilization in deep subsoils remain uncertain. Here we studied the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur limitations on the microbial mineralization of added glucose and an artificial root exudate mixture (both spiked with 14C‐glucose) in intact soil samples from a deep subsoil (5–6 m) over a 10‐week incubation period, where the temporal respiration of CO2 and 14CO2 were quantified. We found that mineralization was co‐limited by nitrogen and phosphorus, but the cumulative amount of CO2 emitted was significantly larger from artificial root exudates than glucose, suggesting that the nitrogen carried in amino acids in root exudates (here, L‐arginine) was sufficient to overcome the nitrogen limitation in this subsoil.

Highlights

Labile C substrates and nutrients from deep‐rooted crops may affect the potential for C sequestration in subsoil.

Deep subsoil was incubated with glucose and artificial root exudates amended with N, P, and S.

C mineralization was co‐limited by N and P, but less so in soil amended with glucose.

Amino acid derived‐N in exudates from deep‐rooted crops may alleviate the N limitation in deep subsoils.
The allometry of plant height explains species loss under nitrogen addition
Authors: Xiao Yao , Liu Xiang , Zhang Li , Song Zhiping , Zhou Shurong
Published: January 2021

Light asymmetry, with a higher light acquisition per unit biomass for larger plants, has been proposed as a major mechanism of species loss after nitrogen addition. However, solid evidence for this has been scarce. We measured the allometric size‐height relationships of 25 plant species along a nitrogen addition gradient manipulated annually for eight years in a speciose alpine meadow and found that the positive relationship between species relative abundance and the height scaling exponent in natural conditions disappeared after nitrogen addition. Those species with lower height scaling exponents increased in relative abundance after nitrogen addition, thereby decreasing the community weighted mean and dispersion of the height scaling exponent and ultimately the species richness. Our results provided some unique evidence for light asymmetry induced species loss after nitrogen addition and a new insight from the perspective of allometric scaling to explain biodiversity maintenance in the face of global changes.
A model for interrogating the clinico‐radiological paradox in multiple sclerosis: Internuclear ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Nij Bijvank Jenny A. , Sánchez Aliaga Esther , Balk Lisanne J. , Coric Danko , Davagnanam Indran , Tan H. Stevie , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. , van Rijn Laurentius J. , Petzold Axel
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

The clinico‐radiological paradox in multiple sclerosis (MS) is well recognized, relevant and yet poorly understood. The suitability of an in vivo model for the clinico‐radiological paradox was tested, using internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) and the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study lesions of the MLF were rated by an experienced MS neuroradiologist blinded to all other information. The presence of an INO was objectively determined by a validated infrared oculography protocol (DEMoNS). Clinical information, including the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire, was obtained.

Results

This study included 202 patients with MS. The clinico‐radiological paradox occurred in 50 patients (25%). This consisted of 45 patients having an INO without an MLF lesion and five patients with an MLF lesion but without an INO. The visual function overall score was related to the presence of an INO (p = 0.016), but not to MLF lesions seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p = 0.207). A consensus list of potential causes for the clinico‐radiological paradox was compiled and the MRI images were deposited in a repository.

Conclusion

This study provides an objective and quantitative model to investigate the clinico‐radiological paradox. Our data suggest that pathology of the MLF is more frequently detected and more clinically relevant by infrared oculography than by MLF lesion rating on MRI.
Functional neurological disorders presenting as emergencies to secondary care
Authors: Beharry James , Palmer David , Wu Teddy , Wilson Duncan , Le Heron Campbell , Mason Deborah , Reimers Jon , Fink John , Mulder Roger , Duncan Roderick
Published: January 2021

Background

Functional neurological disorders (FND) represent a significant proportion of presentations to outpatient adult neurology services. There is little information relating to patients presenting to acute inpatient care.

Methods

We identified patients presenting as acute admissions with FND to Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, from 2016 to 2018. We analyzed relevant demographic and clinical data from electronic records and measured incidence of presentation to secondary care and healthcare utilization.

Results

One hundred sixty‐two patients presented on 173 occasions with FND, representing 9% of all admissions to the neurology service during the 3‐year study period. The mean age was 40 (SD 17) years, 111 (69%) patients were female and the median length of stay was 3 (IQR 2–4) days. A total of 92 computed tomography brain scans, 77 magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and 42 electroencephalograms were carried out. On 22 (13%) occasions, patients were referred for outpatient psychological therapy. In the 3 years prior to each patient's last presentation in the study period, these 162 patients had a total of 671 presentations to the emergency department. Healthcare demand did not decrease after the index admission. The rate of acute inpatient admission for FND was 10 per 100,000 per year for the total Christchurch Hospital catchment, 6/100,000/year in rural areas, and 11/100,000/year in urban areas.

Conclusion

FND represented almost 1 in 10 acute neurology admissions with significant inpatient healthcare resource utilization.
Within host acoustic signal preference of frog‐biting mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and midges (Diptera: Corethrellidae) on Iriomote Island, Japan
Authors: Legett Henry D. , Aihara Ikkyu , Bernal Ximena E.
Published: January 2021

Haematophagous insects can rely on specialized host‐seeking behaviors to locate hosts. Some frog‐biting flies, for example, eavesdrop on the conspicuous acoustic signals produced by male frogs and toads. Using such auditory cues to locate a host imposes an additional challenge: how to recognize appropriate sounds when different frog species produce calls with varying acoustic properties. The limited knowledge of antennal hearing in dipteran insects hinders our ability to understand how eavesdropping flies detect and recognize frog calls. Behavioral studies suggest that frog‐biting flies use broad acoustic templates to detect and recognize their victims. Here, we use within‐species call variation to examine the acoustic preferences in frog‐biting flies. Specifically, we examine the attraction of frog‐biting mosquitoes (Uranotaenia spp.) and midges (Corethrella nippon) to the calls of a Japanese treefrog, the Ryukyu Kajika frog (Buergeria japonica), on Iriomote Island, Japan. Male Ryukyu Kajika frogs produce two call types. While both calls have a high frequency peak (3 kHz), the first call type (Type I) also contains a lower frequency peak (1.8 kHz) absent in the second call type (Type II). Using field phonotaxis experiments we found that Type I calls are more attractive to both frog‐biting mosquitoes and midges. Thus, our results suggest that the frog‐biting Nematoceran flies in this community are biased towards the acoustic properties of Type I calls. We discuss this finding in the context of the evolution of antennal hearing in flies.