bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Visual Cues and Social Density on Beverage Consumption: A Field Experiment in a Bar
Authors: Kim Min Gyung , Yang Hyunjoo , Mattila Anna S.
Published: January 2021

We conducted a randomized controlled field study to explore the effectiveness of sensory marketing on beverage consumption patterns in a real bar setting. Specifically, we examined (a) the effect of visual elements (i.e., consumption-inducing text messages on coasters), (b) the effect of social density, and (c) the joint effect of visual elements and social density. We manipulated coaster type (visual consumption-inducing messages either present or absent), measured social density, and collected sales data. The results show that visual elements have a significant effect on beverage consumption, but social density does not. The joint effect between the two factors is significant such that the effect of visual elements is higher when social density is low. This study contributes to the sensory marketing literature by revealing the interaction between visual and spatial cues in a field setting.
A Comparison of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Parameters for Postoperative Quadriceps Strength in Patients After Knee Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Conley Caitlin E.W. , Mattacola Carl G. , Jochimsen Kate N. , Dressler Emily V. , Lattermann Christian , Howard Jennifer S.
Published: January 2021

Context:

Postoperative quadriceps strength weakness after knee surgery is a persistent issue patients and health care providers encounter.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters on quadriceps strength after knee surgery.

Data Sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed were systematically searched in December 2018.

Study Selection:

Studies were excluded if they did not assess quadriceps strength or if they failed to report the NMES parameters or quadriceps strength values. Additionally, studies that applied NMES to numerous muscle groups or simultaneously with other modalities/treatments were excluded. Study quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for randomized controlled trials.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 1.

Data Extraction:

Treatment parameters for each NMES treatment was extracted for comparison. Quadriceps strength means and standard deviations were extracted and utilized to calculate Hedge g effect sizes with 95% CIs.

Results:

Eight RCTs were included with an average Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale score of 5 ± 2. Hedge g effect sizes ranged from small (−0.37; 95% CI, −1.00 to 0.25) to large (1.13; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.77). Based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy Quality of Evidence table, the majority of the studies included were low quality RCTs categorized as level 2: limited quality patient-oriented evidence.

Conclusion:

Because of inconsistent evidence among studies, grade B evidence exists to support the use of NMES to aid in the recovery of quadriceps strength after knee surgery. Based on the parameters utilized by studies demonstrating optimal treatment effects, it is recommended to implement NMES treatment during the first 2 postoperative weeks at a frequency of ≥50 Hz, at maximum tolerable intensity, with a biphasic current, with large electrodes and a duty cycle ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 (2- to 3-second ramp).
On form, self, and the potential of geopoetics
Authors: Magrane Eric
Published: January 2021

The generous commentaries provided by Acker, Cresswell, Engelmann, and Nassar in response to my article, ‘Climate Geopoetics (The Earth is a Composted Poem)’, point to various potentialities for the geopoetic project upon and beyond the page. In this response, I focus on three threads woven through the commentaries: form, self, and potential.
Correcting hypophosphataemia in a paediatric patient with Sanjad–Sakati syndrome through a single oral dose of potassium phosphate intravenous solution
Authors: Sabti Mnaff A , Shamsaldeen Yousif A
Published: January 2021

Sanjad–Sakati syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder that is quite common in Kuwait. Among a wide range of complications in Sanjad–Sakati syndrome patients is the vulnerability to infections and subsequent hypophosphataemia. Hypophosphataemia is a metabolic alteration that contributes to numerous consequences such as cardiac arrhythmia. Therefore, if hypophosphataemia is left unresolved, it may culminate in death. A 20-month-old boy of 2.5 kg body weight diagnosed with Sanjad–Sakati syndrome was initially admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit after recovering from COVID-19, and then shifted to the general ward. He was diagnosed with recurrent pneumonia and urinary tract infection. After 9 days, the patient showed severe hypophosphataemia with serum phosphate concentration reaching 0.33 mmol/L. Despite the availability of potassium phosphate intravenous solution, it was difficult to administer potassium phosphate intravenously because of the small body size and low body weight of the patient. Therefore, 0.6 mL potassium phosphate containing 2.4 mEq of potassium and 5.3 mEq of phosphate was administered through a nasogastric tube. The patient showed rapid response after a single dose through the nasogastric tube. Such an intervention in Sanjad–Sakati syndrome patients shows possible advantages of shifting drug administration from intravenous to oral route that includes a convenient route of administration, whether in the intensive care unit or in the general ward. Moreover, shifting drug administration from the intravenous to oral route overcomes the risk of cannula-induced infection and reduces nurses’ workload.
A case of behavioral changes in a castrated male cat due to a functional adrenocortical adenoma producing testosterone and androstenedione
Authors: Reche Junior Archivaldo , Ramos Daniela , Ferreira Mariana , da Silva Luís Artur GP , Hirai Yumi , Horta Pedro V
Published: January 2021

Case summary

This case report describes a 9-year-old neutered male cat with a functional adrenal tumor showing aggression toward other cats in the household, excessive meowing and urine spraying. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical signs, an enlarged right adrenal gland on ultrasound, penile spines and elevated sex hormones on an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. The cat was submitted to celiotomy and adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the adrenocortical adenoma. Three months after surgery the penile spines disappeared and urine spraying, as well as excessive meowing, had greatly decreased; however, aggressive behavior took much longer to stop and required behavior therapy.

Relevance and novel information

Functional adrenal tumors producing only sex hormones and behavioral changes are uncommon. The cat reported herein started showing behavioral changes before spines appeared on the penis, and structural alterations in the adrenal gland at the abdominal ultrasonography were detected. Considering all the possible implications resulting from severe behavior problems such as cat–cat aggression, from a permanent separation of the cats to relinquishment, a detailed investigation of underlying medical mechanisms in these animals is crucial from the start. Examinations may need to be repeated later in the course.
“One ruler measures to the end”: Rule hardening in grassroots governance – taking a pilot project in urban renewal as an example
Authors: Shi Yunqing
Published: January 2021

Regarding launching an urban renewal project, rising social pressure makes the grassroots state harden the rules while the remaining high pressure from the top makes them keep rules elastic, the contradiction between which causes a dilemma in urban development nowadays. Taking a landmark pilot project as an example, via the observation of the practice of the rule-hardening principle described as “one ruler measures to the end”, this article tries to answer the question of how it is possible for power to reproduce its operational space under recently rising regulatory constraints. In this case, the principle of “rule hardening” includes both “results” and “process” and is fulfilled through a three-step mechanism of hardening in external conditions, hardening in compromising rules and hardening in the limitation of introducing pressure. Through this mechanism, the grassroots state manages to mobilize the resources embedded in the system and extend the hidden boundaries of the hard and rigorous rules on the surface that make the rules elastic and soft again, but in a more formal institutional and organizational way. This could be considered the state’s response to the rising social protests during the last phase and indicates a more subtle and less obvious manner of governance, which shows the continuous interaction between the state and the society in the long view of history.
Class and the Classroom: The Role of Individual- and School-Level Socioeconomic Factors in Predicting College Students’ Academic Behaviors
Authors: Gillen-O’Neel Cari , Roebuck Emily C. , Ostrove Joan M.
Published: January 2021

This study examines how, for emerging adults attending residential colleges, family incomes and the socioeconomic status (SES) composition of high schools are jointly associated with academic behaviors in college. Using a one-time survey, daily surveys, and additional data collection on high school SES composition, this study measured 221 college students’ (17–25 years old) SES backgrounds and academic behaviors. Findings indicated that three academic behaviors (study time, in-class engagement, and help-seeking) were predicted by an interaction between family income and high school context. Among students who attended high schools that serve many low-income students, higher family income was significantly associated with more beneficial academic behaviors in college; among students who attended high schools that serve few low-income students, there was no association between family income and academic behaviors. Results indicate that colleges may need to be especially prepared to support students from lower income families who matriculated from lower SES high schools.
Enlivening Workplace Climate Through Strategic Human Resource Management Initiatives: Unleashing Its Efficacy
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Biswas Wendrila
Published: January 2021

The study aims to explore the impact of the strategic human resource management practices on organizational climate and organizational performance. The study used simple random sampling technique, and 387 responses have been collected finally. The primary data have been collected from professionals/managers of different manufacturing units from five divisions of West Bengal, namely Burdwan, Medinipur, Malda, Presidency and Jalpaiguri. Compensation management, employee relation and human resource planning (HRP) have positive and significant impact toward organizational climate where compensation management has greater impact compared to other factors toward organizational climate. Performance management, training and development, and recruitments and selection have negative and nonsignificant impact toward organizational climate. The study implies that proper compensation, good relationship with employees, and proper planning of human resources can improve the organizational climate, which also improves the organizational performance. The study is original as no such research has been conducted in the Indian context earlier.
Factors Impacting Mobile Banking in India: Empirical Approach Extending UTAUT2 with Perceived Value and Trust
Authors: Sankaran Raja , Chakraborty Shibashish
Published: January 2021

The aim of this research is to study the factors impacting usage of mobile banking (mBanking) by consumers in India. The study adopts the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) with Social Value (SV), Monetary Value (MV), Emotional Value (EV), Quality Value (QV), Trust and the moderation effect of gender. Online and offline survey methods were used to collect primary data from 457 Indian consumers using mBanking. SPSS AMOS was utilized to empirically validate the conceptual model, test research hypothesis and moderation effect. The factors effort expectancy (EE), monetary value (MV), emotional value (EV), quality value (QV) and trust (TR) were found to be significant on behavioural intent (BI), whereas performance expectancy (PE) and social value (SV) were not found to be significant. Banking organizations can formulate strategies to attract new consumers and continue to engage in retaining consumers in using these influencing factors to adopt mBanking and other related mobile financial services (MFS). The study integrates perceived value components and trust with UTAUT2 to form a comprehensive model for examining mBanking adoption.
The Influence of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors on Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Children
Authors: Downing Robert , Michael Timothy , Place Rebecca , Hoffman Eric , Visich Paul
Published: January 2021

Pediatric obesity is a major health concern today, which pre-disposes individuals to metabolic syndrome (MS), and the risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Use of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is recognized as non-invasive way to assess vascular health. The objective of this study was to determine which MBS risk factors has an influence on increasing one’s risk of an increased CIMT in children. In southern Maine 189 children (age: 10.52 ± .52 years) had their MBS risk factors and CIMT assessed. Based on CIMT, children were divided into quartiles and compared to MBS risk factors. Children in the highest quartile for CIMT had the highest waist circumference ( P < .05) compared to all other groups, using a one-way analysis of variance. No other MBS risk factors had an influence on CIMT. It appears early identification of children with an elevated WC may be beneficial in identifying children at risk of premature CVD.
COVID-19 and the Precarity of Low-income Migrant Workers in Indian Cities
Authors: Sharma Jeevan R. , Sharma Anurag , Kapilashrami Anuj
Published: January 2021

Indian cities attract a considerable number of low-income migrants from marginal rural households experiencing difficult economic, political and social conditions at home. Based on fieldwork in Jalandhar and Guwahati, this article focuses on the precarity of low-income migrants in Indian cities. It argues that the concept of precarity, used in the context of migrant labour, should be extended to capture multiple and reinforcing forms of vulnerability, examining the relationship between structural inequalities, including difficult conditions at home, exclusion from public services and poor access to justice. It puts forward a proposition that the widespread media representations of migrant workers returning home in the context of COVID-19 are not simply a result of the sudden outbreak of the coronavirus but that these journeys must be seen as part of the history of the circulatory system of labour.
Measuring Progress Beyond GDP: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Shrotryia V. K. , Singh Shashank Vikram Pratap
Published: January 2021

Inclusive development policies and comprehensive strategies are extremely critical aspects of the holistic progress of a nation. The measurement of considerable progress through the indicator/indicators is equally important. What if the selected indicator(s) are inappropriate? It can mislead people and policymakers. That is exactly what is happening to gross domestic product (GDP) as an indicator for measuring the overall progress of any nation.

Through this academic article, an attempt has been made to address the following questions. Why do social, environmental, and human-centric indictors reveal an altogether different position concerning the health of the economy? Are we making deliberate mistakes while considering GDP as a gospel indicator for each and everything? Does it reflect the welfare aspects of human beings? Does it accurately reflect the well-being of people?

The prolonged followed GDP-driven policies are inadequate for measuring the overall progress of a nation. The progress of a nation cannot be accurately reflected through GDP as an indicator. After an extensive review, the authors found that GDP was intentionally developed for measuring only economic activities which cannot be equated with social or human well-being. The possible outcomes of GDP-driven policies have been reflected through various human, social, and environment-centric indicators, which thoughtfully provide ample grounding to authors to fulminate against the philosophical notion of GDP as a universal indicator for measuring overall national progress/human well-being. This article can add to the literature of “why happiness movement.” This article can provide sufficient theoretical grounds to move beyond GDP and look for some other holistic indicator(s).
Criminalizing solidarity: Search and rescue in a neo-colonial sea
Authors: Mainwaring Ċetta , DeBono Daniela
Published: January 2021

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) rescued over 110,000 people in the Central Mediterranean Sea between 2015 and 2017. From 2017, EU member states and agencies increasingly criminalized these organizations, accusing them of ‘colluding with smugglers’ and acting as a pull factor. In this climate, as Italy, Malta and the EU increased cooperation with Libya to stop people from taking to the seas, many suspended their operations. This article explores the search and rescue efforts of NGOs in the Central Mediterranean Sea between 2014 and 2018. We examine the criminalization of this NGO activity and argue that it is made possible through an oscillating neo-colonial imagination of the sea as mare nostrum and mare nullius, our sea and nobody’s sea, respectively. We build on the work of other scholars who have pointed to the activation of the Mediterranean as ‘empty’ in response to migration flows, erasing the historical connections of colonialism, empire, trade, and exchange in the Mediterranean as well as the contemporary legal geographies that govern the space. Here, we go further to develop the idea of a neo-colonial sea, which is alternately imagined as empty and ‘European’. We explore how NGOs disrupt these depictions, as well as the disappearing figures of the migrant and refugee amidst the contestations between NGOs and states.
A machine learning approach to modelling the spatial variations in the daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of Shanghai, China
Authors: Song Xin-Yi , Gao Ya , Peng Yubo , Huang Sen , Liu Chao , Peng Zhong-Ren
Published: January 2021

It is challenging to forecast high-resolution spatial-temporal patterns of intra-urban air pollution and identify impacting factors at the regional scale. Studies have attempted to capture features of air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using land use regression models, but this method overlooks the multi-collinearity of factors, non-linear correlations between factors and air pollutants, and it fails to perform well when processing daily data. However, machine learning is a feasible approach for establishing persuasive intra-urban air pollution daily variation models. In this article, random forest is utilised to establish intra-urban PM2.5 and NO2 spatial-temporal variation models and is compared to the traditional land use regression method. Taking the city of Shanghai, China as the case area, 36 station-measured daily records in two and a half years of PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations were collected. And over 80 different predictors associated with meteorological and geographical conditions, transportation, community population density, land use and points of interest are used to construct the land use regression and random forest models. Results from the two methods are compared and impacting factors identified. Explained variance ( R2) is used to quantify and compare model performance. The final land use regression model explains 49.3% and 42.2% of the spatial variation in ambient PM2.5 and NO2, respectively, whereas the random forest model explains 78.1% and 60.5% of the variance. Regression mappings for unsampled sites on a grid pattern of 1 km × 1 km are also implemented. The random forest model is shown to perform much better than the land use regression model. In general, the findings suggest that the random forest approach offers a robust improvement in predicting performance compared to the land use regression model in estimating daily spatial variations in ambient PM2.5 and NO2.
Locating creativity in the city using Twitter data
Authors: Reuschke Darja , Long Jed , Bennett Nick
Published: January 2021

This study applies a new methodology using the location of tweets from creatives to study where economic creativity takes place in a city. Based on a Twitter network in Brighton and Hove (United Kingdom), a creative hub, we identify freelancers and entrepreneurs in the creative industries that form the ‘core’ of the ‘creative class’ but have rarely been captured in existing spatial research. We use a comprehensive geodatabase of ‘Points-of-Interest’ and Census of Population residence and workplace locations to match tweets with types of places. Findings show that practices of economic creativity are less spatially clustered in central parts of the city and more spatially distributed across the city than studies that used business register data or cluster approaches suggested. Residential areas, which proxy for home locations, have a high incident of creative activities besides urban amenities and coworking spaces. It is concluded that local economic development should support the creation and maintenance of attractive places of social interactions across the city to foster creativity and innovation which has become even more important with the surge in homeworking due to Covid-19.
Trend shifts in road traffic collisions: An application of Hidden Markov Models and Generalised Additive Models to assess the impact of the 20 mph speed limit policy in Edinburgh
Authors: Popov Valentin , Nightingale Glenna , Williams Andrew James , Kelly Paul , Jepson Ruth , Milton Karen , Kelly Michael
Published: January 2021

Empirical study of road traffic collision (RTCs) rates is challenging at small geographies due to the relative rarity of collisions and the need to account for secular and seasonal trends. In this paper, we demonstrate the successful application of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) to describe RTCs time series using monthly data from the city of Edinburgh (STATS19) as a case study. While both models have comparable level of complexity, they bring different advantages. HMMs provide a better interpretation of the data-generating process, whereas GAMs can be superior in terms of forecasting. In our study, both models successfully capture the declining trend and the seasonal pattern with a peak in the autumn and a dip in the spring months. Our best fitting HMM indicates a change in a fast-declining-trend state after the introduction of the 20 mph speed limit in July 2016. Our preferred GAM explicitly models this intervention and provides evidence for a significant further decline in the RTCs. In a comparison between the two modelling approaches, the GAM outperforms the HMM in out-of-sample forecasting of the RTCs for 2018. The application of HMMs and GAMs to routinely collected data such as the road traffic data may be beneficial to evaluations of interventions and policies, especially natural experiments, that seek to impact traffic collision rates.
Long term outcome for onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) therapy in chronic migraine: A 2-year prospective follow-up audit of patients attending the Hull (UK) migraine clinic
Authors: Ahmed Fayyaz , Buture Alina , Tanvir Taukir , Khalil Modar
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The objective of this prospective audit was to determine the long term outcome of patients diagnosed with chronic migraine who were treated with onabotulinumtoxinA for the prevention of chronic migraine.

Background:

While long term and real-world studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in CM, there remains limited information from large patient numbers on the number of cycles and duration of onabotulinumtoxinA needed to successfully convert chronic migraine to episodic migraine, development of resistance to treatment and sustainability of response after stopping treatment.

Methods:

A total of 655 adult patients diagnosed with chronic migraine who received onabotulinumtoxinA at the Hull Migraine Clinic were followed up prospectively for a minimum of 2 years. OnabotulinumtoxinA was delivered as per the PREEMPT study protocol and patients were asked to keep a headache diary for at least 30 days prior to and continuously after receiving onabotulinumtoxinA. The primary outcome assessed in this prospective real-world audit was either the number of patients who achieved a ≥50% reduction in headache days or migraine days or an increment in crystal clear days twice that of baseline in a 30-day period. Patients were also assessed for analgesic medication overuse.

Results:

Treatment data were available for 655 patients who commenced treatment between July 2010 and October 2016 and followed for at least 2 years (24–70 months), with the last follow-up taking place in September 2018. Of the 655 patients, 380 patients responded to treatment after two cycles and went on to receive the third cycle. Of these, 152 patients were still on active treatment at 2 years. A further 61 patients had relapsed and were on treatment at 2 years. Of the 228 patients who stopped treatment, 112 were successfully converted to episodic migraine and showed a sustained response, 28 reverted to chronic migraine after the initial response despite continuing treatment (developed resistance), 14 were lost to follow up and 61 patients after achieving remission relapsed after a mean of 9 months (range 4–24 months) and recommenced treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA.

Conclusion:

After a minimum of 2 years, 29.4% of patients with chronic migraine who initially responded to treatment were successfully converted to episodic migraine and maintained a sustained response. Forty percent of the initial cohort of responders continued therapy with onabotulinumtoxinA to manage their chronic migraine.
Family Separation as State-Corporate Crime
Authors: Barak Maya Pagni
Published: January 2021

Historically, state practices of family separation have been used against disempowered, marginalized, and otherwise “undesirable” groups of people to correct, exterminate, punish, reform, and profit. Recent family separation efforts by the Trump administration normalize harmful state practices that, in collaboration with private and nonprofit actors, violate migrants’ human and legal rights. These efforts are criminogenic, producing conditions that facilitate crimes against migrant children and families. Ultimately, framing family separation as a form of state-corporate crime holds important implications for crimmigration studies, immigration reform, and understanding crimes of the powerful.
Analysis of disease model iPSCs derived from patients with a novel Fanconi anemia–like IBMFS ADH5/ALDH2 deficiency
Authors: Mu Anfeng , Hira Asuka , Niwa Akira , Osawa Mitsujiro , Yoshida Kenichi , Mori Minako , Okamoto Yusuke , Inoue Kazuko , Kondo Keita , Kanemaki Masato T. , Matsuda Tomonari , Ito Etsuro , Kojima Seiji , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Ogawa Seishi , Tanaka Keigo , Matsuo Keitaro , Saito Megumu K. , Takata Minoru
Published: January 2021

We have recently discovered Japanese children with a novel Fanconi anemia–like inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS). This disorder is likely caused by the loss of a catabolic system directed toward endogenous formaldehyde due to biallelic variants in ADH5 combined with a heterozygous ALDH2*2 dominant-negative allele (rs671), which is associated with alcohol-induced Asian flushing. Phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes from these patients displayed highly increased numbers of spontaneous sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), reflecting homologous recombination repair of formaldehyde damage. Here, we report that, in contrast, patient-derived fibroblasts showed normal levels of SCEs, suggesting that different cell types or conditions generate various amounts of formaldehyde. To obtain insights about endogenous formaldehyde production and how defects in ADH5/ALDH2 affect human hematopoiesis, we constructed disease model cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We found that ADH5 is the primary defense against formaldehyde, and ALDH2 provides a backup. DNA repair capacity in the ADH5/ALDH2-deficient cell lines can be overwhelmed by exogenous low-dose formaldehyde, as indicated by higher levels of DNA damage than in FANCD2-deficient cells. Although ADH5/ALDH2-deficient cell lines were healthy and showed stable growth, disease model iPSCs displayed drastically defective cell expansion when stimulated into hematopoietic differentiation in vitro, displaying increased levels of DNA damage. The expansion defect was partially reversed by treatment with a new small molecule termed C1, which is an agonist of ALDH2, thus identifying a potential therapeutic strategy for the patients. We propose that hematopoiesis or lymphocyte blastogenesis may entail formaldehyde generation that necessitates elimination by ADH5/ALDH2 enzymes.
Maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy and asthma in children: population-based cohort study and sibling design
Authors: Momen Natalie C. , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic use during pregnancy may affect asthma risk in offspring. However, epidemiological studies yielded conflicting findings, with an observed association possibly confounded by shared familial factors. We sought to assess the association between maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy and childhood asthma in the offspring, by accounting for time-stable familial factors.

We conducted a population-based cohort study and sibling study using data from Danish nationwide registers, which comprised 407 804 liveborn singletons from 2005 to 2011. Antibiotic use during pregnancy was defined as at least one antibiotic prescription filled by the mother from 1 month prior to pregnancy up until delivery, identified in the National Prescription Registry. First-time asthma in the offspring was determined by hospital treatment or asthma medication treatment after age 5 years. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of asthma using Cox regression in the population-based cohort and stratified Cox regression in the sibling cohort.

Approximately 36.5% of pregnant women redeemed antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotic use during pregnancy was associated with childhood asthma in cohort analyses (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18–1.24), but not in sibling analyses (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90–1.03). In the population-based analyses, higher risks of asthma were seen with longer duration of maternal antibiotic use, a higher number of prescriptions and prescriptions of multiple types of antibiotics. All these associations disappeared in the sibling analyses.

The associations observed by previous studies for prenatal exposure to antibiotics and offspring asthma risk are likely to be due to confounding factors shared within families.
Functional lower airways genomic profiling of the microbiome to capture active microbial metabolism
Authors: Sulaiman Imran , Wu Benjamin G. , Li Yonghua , Tsay Jun-Chieh , Sauthoff Maya , Scott Adrienne S. , Ji Kun , Koralov Sergei B. , Weiden Michael , Clemente Jose C. , Jones Drew , Huang Yvonne J. , Stringer Kathleen A. , Zhang Lingdi , Geber Adam , Banakis Stephanie , Tipton Laura , Ghedin Elodie , Segal Leopoldo N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Microbiome studies of the lower airways based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing assess microbial community structure but can only infer functional characteristics. Microbial products, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the lower airways have significant impact on the host's immune tone. Thus, functional approaches to the analyses of the microbiome are necessary.

Methods

Here we used upper and lower airway samples from a research bronchoscopy smoker cohort. In addition, we validated our results in an experimental mouse model. We extended our microbiota characterisation beyond 16S rRNA gene sequencing with the use of whole-genome shotgun (WGS) and RNA metatranscriptome sequencing. SCFAs were also measured in lower airway samples and correlated with each of the sequencing datasets. In the mouse model, 16S rRNA gene and RNA metatranscriptome sequencing were performed.

Results

Functional evaluations of the lower airway microbiota using inferred metagenome, WGS and metatranscriptome data were dissimilar. Comparison with measured levels of SCFAs shows that the inferred metagenome from the 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was poorly correlated, while better correlations were noted when SCFA levels were compared with WGS and metatranscriptome data. Modelling lower airway aspiration with oral commensals in a mouse model showed that the metatranscriptome most efficiently captures transient active microbial metabolism, which was overestimated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Conclusions

Functional characterisation of the lower airway microbiota through metatranscriptome data identifies metabolically active organisms capable of producing metabolites with immunomodulatory capacity, such as SCFAs.
The mechanism of enriched environment repairing the learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress by regulating the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated and insulin-like growth factor-2 in hippocampus
Authors: Guan Su-zhen , Fu You-juan , Zhao Feng , Liu Hong-ya , Chen Xiao-hui , Qi Fa-qiu , Liu Zhi-hong , Ng Tzi Bun
Published: January 2021

Background

Prenatal stress can cause neurobiological and behavioral defects in offspring; environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating the development of brain and behavioral; this study was designed to test and verify whether an enriched environment can repair learning and memory impairment in offspring rats induced by prenatal stress and to explore its mechanism involving the expression of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) in the hippocampus of the offspring.

Methods

Rats were selected to establish a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model during pregnancy. Offspring were weaned on 21st day and housed under either standard or an enriched environment. The learning and memory ability were tested using Morris water maze and Y-maze. The expression of IGF-2 and Arc mRNA and protein were respectively measured by using RT-PCR and Western blotting.

Results

There was an elevation in the plasma corticosterone level of rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy. Maternal stress’s offspring exposed to an enriched environment could decrease their plasma corticosterone level and improve their weight. The offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy exhibited abnormalities in Morris water maze and Y-maze, which were improved in an enriched environment. The expression of IGF-2, Arc mRNA, and protein in offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy was boosted and some relationships existed between these parameters after being exposed enriched environment.

Conclusions

The learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress can be rectified by the enriched environment, the mechanism of which is related to the decreasing plasma corticosterone and increasing hippocampal IGF-2 and Arc of offspring rats following maternal chronic stress during pregnancy.
Comparative mitogenome analyses uncover mitogenome features and phylogenetic implications of the subfamily Cobitinae
Authors: Yu Peng , Zhou Li , Yang Wen-Tao , Miao Li-jun , Li Zhi , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Wang Yang , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: January 2021

Background

Loaches of Cobitinae, widely distributed in Eurasian continent, have high economic, ornamental and scientific value. However, the phylogeny of Cobitinae fishes within genera or family level remains complex and controversial. Up to now, about 60 Cobitinae mitogenomes had been deposited in GenBank, but their integrated characteristics were not elaborated.

Results

In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitogenomes of a female Cobits macrostigma. Then we conducted a comparative mitogenome analysis and revealed the conserved and unique characteristics of 58 Cobitinae mitogenomes, including C. macrostigma. Cobitinae mitogenomes display highly conserved tRNA secondary structure, overlaps and non-coding intergenic spacers. In addition, distinct base compositions were observed among different genus and significantly negative linear correlation between AT% and AT-skew were found among Cobitinae, genus Cobitis and Pangio mitogenomes, respectively. A specific 3 bp insertion (GCA) in the atp8-atp6 overlap was identified as a unique feature of loaches, compared to other Cypriniformes fish. Additionally, all protein coding genes underwent a strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the paraphyly of Cobitis and polyphyly of Misgurnus. The strict molecular clock predicted that Cobitinae might have split into northern and southern lineages in the late Eocene (42.11 Ma), furthermore, mtDNA introgression might occur (14.40 Ma) between ancestral species of Cobitis and ancestral species of Misgurnus.

Conclusions

The current study represents the first comparative mitogenomic and phylogenetic analyses within Cobitinae and provides new insights into the mitogenome features and evolution of fishes belonging to the cobitinae family.
Publisher Correction to: BMC Plant Biology, Volume 20, supplement 1
Authors:   BMC Plant Biology
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The role of ultrasonographic lung aeration score in the prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications: an observational study
Authors: Szabó Marcell , Bozó Anna , Darvas Katalin , Soós Sándor , Őzse Márta , Iványi Zsolt D.
Published: January 2021

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are important contributors to mortality and morbidity after surgery. The available predicting models are useful in preoperative risk assessment, but there is a need for validated tools for the early postoperative period as well. Lung ultrasound is becoming popular in intensive and perioperative care and there is a growing interest to evaluate its role in the detection of postoperative pulmonary pathologies.

Objectives

We aimed to identify characteristics with the potential of recognizing patients at risk by comparing the lung ultrasound scores (LUS) of patients with/without PPC in a 24-h postoperative timeframe.

Methods

Observational study at a university clinic. We recruited ASA 2–3 patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. LUS was assessed preoperatively, and also 1 and 24 h after surgery. Baseline and operative characteristics were also collected. A one-week follow up identified PPC+ and PPC- patients. Significantly differing LUS values underwent ROC analysis. A multi-variate logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise model building was performed to find independent predictors of PPCs.

Results

Out of the 77 recruited patients, 67 were included in the study. We evaluated 18 patients in the PPC+ and 49 in the PPC- group. Mean ages were 68.4 ± 10.2 and 66.4 ± 9.6 years, respectively (p = 0.4829). Patients conforming to ASA 3 class were significantly more represented in the PPC+ group (66.7 and 26.5%; p = 0.0026). LUS at baseline and in the postoperative hour were similar in both populations. The median LUS at 0 h was 1.5 (IQR 1–2) and 1 (IQR 0–2; p = 0.4625) in the PPC+ and PPC- groups, respectively. In the first postoperative hour, both groups had a marked increase, resulting in scores of 6.5 (IQR 3–9) and 5 (IQR 3–7; p = 0.1925). However, in the 24th hour, median LUS were significantly higher in the PPC+ group (6; IQR 6–10 vs 3; IQR 2–4; p < 0.0001) and it was an independent risk factor (OR = 2.6448 CI95% 1.5555–4.4971; p = 0.0003). ROC analysis identified the optimal cut-off at 5 points with high sensitivity (0.9444) and good specificity (0.7755).

Conclusion

Postoperative LUS at 24 h can identify patients at risk of or in an early phase of PPCs.
Differing effects of beta-blockers on long-term clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention between patients with mid-range and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Shitara Jun , Naito Ryo , Kasai Takatoshi , Endo Hirohisa , Wada Hideki , Doi Shinichiro , Konishi Hirokazu , Tsuboi Shuta , Ogita Manabu , Dohi Tomotaka , Okazaki Shinya , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the difference in effects of beta-blockers on long-term clinical outcomes between ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients with mid-range ejection fraction (mrEF) and those with reduced ejection fraction (rEF).

Methods

Data were assessed of 3508 consecutive IHD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 1997 and 2011. Among them, 316 patients with mrEF (EF = 40–49%) and 201 patients with rEF (EF < 40%) were identified. They were assigned to groups according to users and non-users of beta-blockers and effects of beta-blockers were assessed between mrEF and rEF patients, separately. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and non-fatal acute coronary syndrome.

Results

The median follow-up period was 5.5 years in mrEF patients and 4.3 years in rEF patients. Cumulative event-free survival was significantly lower in the group with beta-blockers than in the group without beta-blockers in rEF (p = 0.003), whereas no difference was observed in mrEF (p = 0.137) between those with and without beta-blockers. In the multivariate analysis, use of beta-blockers was associated with reduction in clinical outcomes in patients with rEF (hazard ratio (HR), 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36–0.97;p = 0.036), whereas no association was observed among those with mrEF (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.49–1.10;p = 0.137).

Conclusions

Our observational study showed that use of beta-blockers was not associated with long-term clinical outcomes in IHD patients with mrEF, whereas a significant association was observed in those with rEF.
System models for resilience in gerontology: application to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Klasa Katarzyna , Galaitsi Stephanie , Wister Andrew , Linkov Igor
Published: January 2021

The care needs for aging adults are increasing burdens on health systems around the world. Efforts minimizing risk to improve quality of life and aging have proven moderately successful, but acute shocks and chronic stressors to an individual’s systemic physical and cognitive functions may accelerate their inevitable degradations. A framework for resilience to the challenges associated with aging is required to complement on-going risk reduction policies, programs and interventions. Studies measuring resilience among the elderly at the individual level have not produced a standard methodology. Moreover, resilience measurements need to incorporate external structural and system-level factors that determine the resources that adults can access while recovering from aging-related adversities. We use the National Academies of Science conceptualization of resilience for natural disasters to frame resilience for aging adults. This enables development of a generalized theory of resilience for different individual and structural contexts and populations, including a specific application to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combination of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) could predict the severity and prognosis of candidemia more accurately than the Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score
Authors: Asai Nobuhiro , Ohashi Wataru , Sakanashi Daisuke , Suematsu Hiroyuki , Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Watanabe Hiroki , Shiota Arufumi , Koizumi Yusuke , Yamagishi Yuka , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: January 2021

Background

Candidemia has emerged as an important nosocomial infection, with a mortality rate of 30–50%. It is the fourth most common nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) in the United States and the seventh most common nosocomial BSI in Europe and Japan. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score for determining the severity and prognosis of candidemia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted to hospital with candidemia between September 2014 and May 2018. The severity of candidemia was evaluated using the SOFA score and the Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. Patients’ underlying diseases were assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results

Of 70 patients enrolled, 41 (59%) were males, and 29 (41%) were females. Their median age was 73 years (range: 36–93 years). The most common infection site was catheter-related bloodstream infection (n=36, 51%).The 30-day, and in-hospital mortality rates were 36 and 43%, respectively.

Univariate analysis showed that SOFA score ≥5, APACHE II score ≥13, initial antifungal treatment with echinocandin, albumin < 2.3, C-reactive protein > 6, disturbance of consciousness, and CCI ≥3 were related with 30-day mortality. Of these 7, multivariate analysis showed that the combination of SOFA score ≥5 and CCI ≥3 was the best independent prognostic indicator for 30-day and in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The combined SOFA score and CCI was a better predictor of the 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality than the APACHE II score alone.