bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: irritable bowel syndrome: natural history, bowel habit stability and overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Yadav Yamini S. , Eslick Guy D. , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: December 2021

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) characteristically fluctuate over time. We aimed to review the natural history of IBS and IBS subgroups including bowel habit disturbances, and the overlap of IBS with other gastrointestinal disorders. The community incidence of IBS is approximately 67 per 1000 person years. The prevalence of IBS is stable over time because symptoms fluctuate and there is a portion who experience resolution of their GI symptoms similar in number to those developing new‐onset IBS. The proportion who report resolution of symptoms varies amongst population‐based studies from 17% to 55%. There is evidence of substantial movement between subtypes of IBS. For example in a clinical trial cohort, only one in four patients retained their baseline classification throughout the study periods, two in three moved between IBS‐C (constipation) and IBS‐M (mixed), while over half switched between IBS‐D (diarrhoea) and IBS‐M. The least stable group was IBS‐M. There are very limited data on drivers of bowel habit change in IBS. There are emerging evidence fluctuations in intestinal immune activity might account for symptom variability over time. It is of clinical importance to recognise the substantial overlap of IBS symptoms with other gastrointestinal syndromes including gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. This is important to ensure the correct clinical diagnosis of IBS is made and patients are not over investigated. Knowledge of the natural history, stability of subgroups and overlap of IBS with other gastrointestinal conditions should be considered in therapeutic decision making.
Longitudinal association of magnetic resonance elastography‐associated liver stiffness with complications and mortality
Authors: Higuchi Mayu , Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Inada Kento , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Hayakawa Yuka , Osawa Leona , Takaura Kenta , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Kaneko Shun , Yasui Yutaka , Takahashi Yuka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Loomba Rohit , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: December 2021

Background

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has the highest diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis; however, the association between MRE‐associated liver stiffness and the development of hepatic and extrahepatic complications as well as mortality remains unclear.

Aim

In this study, we investigated the longitudinal association between MRE‐associated liver stiffness and complications and mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 2373 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease. All patients received standard of care and the development of complications was assessed every 1‐6 months.

Results

Newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), decompensation, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), extrahepatic cancer and death were observed in 99, 117, 73, 77 and 170 patients respectively. In multivariable analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for HCC, decompensation, MACE, extrahepatic cancer and mortality were 1.28 (1.2‐1.4), 1.34 (1.3‐1.4), 0.96 (0.9‐1.1), 1.00 (0.9‐1.1) and 1.17 (1.1‐1.2), respectively, with each 1‐kPa increase in liver stiffness. Similarly, the aHR (95% CI) for HCC, decompensation, MACE, extrahepatic cancer and mortality were 4.20 (2.2‐8.2), 67.5 (9.2‐492), 0.83 (0.4‐1.7), 0.90 (0.5‐1.7) and 2.90 (1.6‐5.4), respectively, in patients with cirrhosis (>4.7 kPa) compared to those with minimal fibrosis (<3 kPa).

Conclusions

Increased MRE‐associated liver stiffness was associated with increased risk for HCC, decompensation and mortality in a dose‐dependent fashion but not with MACE or extrahepatic cancer, implicating a significant role for MRE in liver‐related events and mortality; however, further studies are warranted to explore its role in MACE and extrahepatic cancer.
Corporate Tax Avoidance and Firm Diversification: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Qin Zhigang , Liu Wen , Chen Maonan
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the relationship between the diversified operation strategy of Chinese listed firms and corporate tax avoidance. In contrast to the traditional viewpoint that diversified firms are more prone to tax avoidance, the present study concludes that the tax avoidance level of diversified firms is lower than that of specialized operation firms. Further research also shows that the nature of the property rights and supervision faced by firms can affect the conclusion drawn from the baseline analysis. Our findings reflect that diversified state‐owned enterprises have lower tax avoidance levels than diversified non‐state‐owned enterprises, and the impacts of internal and external supervision on tax avoidance are different. A possible explanation for the reduced tax avoidance with diversification is that diversification weakens internal control and reduces a firm's ownership concentration.
Health technology assessment of paediatric medicines: European landscape, challenges and opportunities inside the conect4children project
Authors: Moretti Francesco , Ruiz Fabrice , Bonifazi Fedele , Pizzo Elena , Kindblom Jenny M. ,   the c4c HTA expert group
Published: December 2021

The medicine development process is complex and requires time and effort to ensure safety, efficacy and quality. In paediatrics, this process is even more challenging, as it involves a subgroup of the population that already faces a considerable gap in the clinical evaluation of medicines and devices compared to the adult population. Moreover, access to therapies is heavily influenced by national health technology assessment (HTA) recommendations, which often form the basis for pricing and reimbursement decisions that affect the availability of effective treatments within the national health systems. Yet performing an HTA to assess the relative effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of a new children's treatment has several non‐trivial implications, creating a critical issue for the paediatric population. In addition, the advent of innovative health technologies for children emphasises the need to empower the role of HTAs in paediatrics. This article aims at describing the most relevant elements of the drug development process in the paediatric field by focusing on the HTA. Particular attention will be paid to the factors that influence market access for new paediatric medicines and patients' access to treatment. The article will also highlight some central methodological challenges in conducting HTA in the paediatric field. Finally, the article will provide insight into how initiatives, such as conect4children, may subsequently reinforce HTA awareness in the paediatric community and strengthen collaborations through network mechanisms.
Determinants of elevated depressive symptoms in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Shuyuan , Wischik Dora Lendvai , Whittemore Robin , Jeon Sangchoon , Qing Long , Guo Jia
Published: December 2021

Background

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of developing elevated depressive symptoms than women without GDM. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic (eg, location), clinical (eg, health care–seeking behaviors), and psychological (eg, active coping skills) factors associated with elevated depressive symptoms in Chinese women with GDM.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis of a cross‐sectional study among Chinese women with GDM. Data (n = 323) were collected in 2018 from two hospitals in Hunan Province in China. The Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale was used, with a criterion score ≥20 indicative of clinically elevated depressive symptoms. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were completed.

Findings

The women had a mean age of 32.71 (SD = 5.17), and the majority were married (84.2%), college‐educated (65.6%), and with Han ethnicity (89.8%). About 68% of women had elevated depressive symptoms. Women with higher active coping scores were less likely (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.10‐0.38) to have elevated depressive symptoms. Women from one geographical location (Changde) who had more emergency room visits had higher odds (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.88‐5.10) of elevated depressive symptoms.

Discussion

There was a high co‐occurrence of GDM and elevated depressive symptoms among pregnant women in our sample. Assessment for depressive symptoms in women with GDM is warranted. More research about increasing active coping skills may improve health outcomes in women with GDM.
Response: “The Signal and the Noise”—a response to Clayton et al. (2021)
Authors: Rew Lynn , Young Cara C. , Monge Maria , Bogucka Roxanne
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this response is to clarify points about the steps we took in a systematic review of the literature and to reaffirm our findings.
Factors influencing genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome in a large US health care system
Authors: Powell C. Bethan , Laurent Cecile , Garcia Christine , Hoodfar Elizabeth , Karlea Audrey , Kobelka Christine , Lee Jaimie , Roh Janise , Kushi Lawrence H.
Published: December 2021

Investigate whether disparities and other factors influence referral to genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) in a large health care system. Examination of clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors from electronic health records associated with genetic referral and testing within 12 months after a new cancer diagnosed between August 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018. For patients meeting institutional criteria for HBOC testing, 60.6% were referred for genetic counseling, 88% of whom underwent germline testing; at least one pathogenic variant was found in 15.3%. Referral rates for patients with breast (69%) or ovarian cancer (65.7%) were much higher than for metastatic prostate (11.1%, p < 0.0001) or pancreatic cancer (22.3%, p < 0.0001); referral criteria were implemented more recently for the latter two cancers. Younger age, family history, and chemotherapy were associated with referral. Higher Elixhauser comorbidity score and prior cancer were associated with non‐referral. No other factors were associated with genetic referral for all eligible cancers combined, although differences were seen in specific cancers. Race was a significant factor only for breast cancer, with fewer Asians than Whites referred. Health disparities in referral to genetics for HBOC cancers are mitigated in a comprehensive integrated health care system.
De novo lipogenesis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Quantification with stable isotope tracers
Authors: Belew Getachew Debas , Jones John G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized as an abnormal accumulation of triglyceride in hepatocytes. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis may play an important role in the accumulation of lipids in the liver during NAFLD. Due to the importance of lipid biosynthetic fluxes in NAFLD and T2D, tracer methodologies have been developed for their study and quantification. Here, we address novel approaches to measure and quantify DNL using stable isotope tracers. Deuterated water is a widely used tracer for quantifying DNL rates in both animal models and humans. Enrichment of lipid hydrogens from 2H2O can be resolved and quantified by 2H NMR and MS spectroscopy of isolated lipids. NMR provides a much higher level of positional enrichment information compared with MS which yields a more detailed picture of lipid biosynthetic. It can also be used to quantify low levels of lipid 13C enrichment from a second tracer such as [U‐13C]sugar with minimal interference of one tracer with the other.

Conclusions

Despite the clear association between elevated DNL activity and increased hepatic triglyceride levels, implementation of non‐destructive and novel methods to quantify DNL and its contribution to NAFLD are also of huge interest.
Clinical audit of orthodontic chart documentation by dental undergraduates
Authors: Arunachalam Sivakumar , Parolia Abhishek , Pau Allan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Clinical audit is a quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes through the systematic review of care against explicit criteria and the implementation of change. The objective of this audit was to evaluate the quality of orthodontic chart documentation by dental undergraduates against established guidelines.

Materials and Methods

An audit checklist with 13 criteria for good documentation was adapted from guidelines proposed by the American Association of Orthodontists and British Orthodontic Society. Orthodontic chart documentation in 103 removable appliance therapy patients under 4th and 5th year dental undergraduates’ care was retrieved from the electronic record of the University dental clinic and audited. The audit exercise explored in detail the thirteen criteria for good documentation and eight assessment attributes of the first criterion, namely, basic orthodontic examination. The level of compliance was measured as the percentage records meeting the criteria. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS 26.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

There was no complete compliance for any of the criteria. Thirty‐five (33.9%) patient charts reported basic orthodontic examination documentation adequately. Compliance was the highest for documentation of treatment modality (77.6%), appliance delivery encounters (77.6%), and appliance adjustment appointments (83.5%). About 51.4% of the 68 patient charts (treatment of 35 patients of the total 103 were in the progress stage) stated adequately the outcome of treatment. Only 22% of the 68 patient charts had the details for retention protocol. There was statistically significant difference in chart documentation between male and female students for basic orthodontic assessment and appliance delivery and patient instructions attributes.

Conclusion

The clinical audit demonstrated poor compliance with the criteria for orthodontic chart documentation. The audit should be repeated after the provision of learning opportunities and self‐critical analysis.
Potential of intraoral optical scanning to evaluate motor skills’ improvement for tooth preparation: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Matthisson Lea , Zitzmann Nicola U. , Zaugg Lucia K. , Joda Tim
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This prospective cohort study investigated the potential of digital assessment using intraoral scanning (IOS) combined with software analysis (prepCheck) to evaluate the outcome of repetitive tooth preparation and its influence on the acquisition of motor skills in dental students.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐six students completed 177 full‐crown preparations of the same tooth in six practice sessions followed by a final examination. Preparations were assessed digitally using prepCheck and conventionally by calibrated faculty instructors. In addition, students assessed their own performance and this was compared with the instructors’ assessments.

Results

Conventional assessment showed that students preparations improved over time, with 43.5% of students receiving score 2 (highest grade) at the fifth practice session. With the prepCheck assessment, statistically significant improvements indicated by an enlarged area within the tolerance range set at 0.2 mm were found between the first and the second practice session (7.5% improvement; 95% CI: 2.2%, 12.7%, p = 0.006), and between the first run and the final exam preparation (6.7%; 95% CI: 1.7%, 12.5%, p = 0.011). Agreement between instructor/student assessments was best immediately after students received visual feedback using prepCheck (76% agreement; Spearman's rho 0.78).

Conclusion

These data indicate that IOS technology was useful for student's self‐evaluation by visual feedback.
Adaptation of clinical subjects in Dentistry to virtual environments during the COVID‐19 pandemic in a Spanish University: A case study
Authors: de Pedro Miguel , Adanero‐Velasco Alberto , Vizoso‐Noval Beatriz , Muñoz‐Corcuera Marta , Gutiérrez‐Cárdenas Lisbet
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The evolution of the pandemic has generated a crisis in all areas, also including the faculties of dentistry. We detail how the teaching guides for clinical subjects have been adapted in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the Universidad Europea of Madrid, moving to a 100% online environment.

Usual development of clinical practices in the DDS degree of UEM

Students in the fourth and fifth year of DDS degree take the courses “Introduction to Clinical Practice” and “Supervised Practice.” Within the framework of continuous assessment, different systems and procedures are used to evaluate knowledge, skills or competences.

Curricular adaptation during the period of the COVID‐19 pandemic

It was necessary to adapt the practical contents to virtual contents. 35% of the course (12 weeks) was adapted to a 100% online environment. Several activities were carried out that could be evaluated in real time, including lectures, clinical cases and resolution of multidisciplinary dental treatments.

Development of clinical practices in health education in other institutions during the pandemic

A narrative review was conducted to identify how this situation has been addressed in other institutions and countries; finding that similarly, it has been possible to establish monitoring of clinical practices in a virtual environment. An online questionnaire was conducted to the fourth and fifth year students of DDS degree to stablish the acceptance of the adaptation during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of online training for the development of clinical practice, a system has been established to ensure appropriate clinical training for undergraduate students in dentistry. Some of the developments were well accepted by the students.
Spatial molecular heterogeneity of POM during decomposition at different soil depths resolved by VNIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Guigue Julien , Just Christopher , Luo Siwei , Fogt Marta , Schloter Michael , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Hobley Eleanor
Published: December 2021

Soil organic matter (SOM) is composed of fractions with different functions and reactivity. Among these, particulate organic matter (POM) is the main educt of new inputs of organic matter in soils and its chemical fate corresponds to the first stages of the SOM decomposition cascade ultimately leading to the association of organic and mineral phases. We aimed at investigating the molecular changes of POM during decomposition at a sub‐millimetre scale by combining direct measurements of POM elemental and molecular composition with laboratory imaging visible–near‐infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy. For this, we set up an incubation experiment to compare the molecular composition of straw and composted green manure, materials greatly differing in their C/N ratio, during their decomposition in reconstituted topsoil or subsoil of a Luvisol, and recorded hyperspectral images at high spatial and spectral resolutions of complete soil cores at the start and end of the incubation. Hyperspectral imaging was successfully combined with machine learning ensembles to produce a precise mapping of POM alkyl/O‐N alkyl ratio and C/N, revealing the spatial heterogeneity in the composition of both straw and green manure. We found that both types of organic amendment were more degraded in the reconstituted topsoil than in subsoil after the incubation. We also measured consistent trends in molecular changes undergone by straw, with the alkyl/O‐N alkyl ratio slightly increasing from 0.06 to 0.07, and C/N dropping by about 40 units. The green manure material was very heterogeneous, with no clear molecular changes detected as a result of incubation. The imaging VNIR spectroscopy approach presented here enables high‐resolution mapping of the spatial distribution of the molecular characteristics of organic particles in soil cores, and offers opportunities to disentangle the roles of POM chemistry and morphology during the first steps of the decomposition cascade of organic matter in soils.

Highlights

VNIR imaging combined with machine learning to map POM molecular composition.

Prediction of C/N and alkyl/O‐N alkyl ratios of POM at sub‐millimetre scale.

More advanced decomposition of organic amendments in topsoil than in subsoil.

Heterogeneity of POM molecular composition resolved for individual particles.
Motor and respiratory decline in patients with late onset Pompe disease after cessation of enzyme replacement therapy during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tard Céline , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Michaud Maud , Spinazzi Marco , Nadaj Pakleza Aleksandra , Durr Hélène , Bouhour Françoise , Lefeuvre Claire , Thomas Romain , Arrassi Azzeddine , Taouagh Nadjib ,   Pompe Study Group, Solé Guilhem , Laforêt Pascal
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Data on interruption of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) are scarce in late onset Pompe disease. Due to the COVID‐19 crisis, eight neuromuscular reference centers in France were obligated to stop the treatment for 31 patients.

Methods

We collected the motor and respiratory data from our French registry, before COVID‐19 and at treatment restart.

Results

In 2.2 months (mean), patients showed a significant deterioration of 37 m (mean) in the 6‐min walk test and a loss of 210 ml (mean) of forced vital capacity, without ad integrum restoration after 3 months of ERT restart.

Conclusions

This national study based on data from the French Pompe Registry shows that the interruption of ERT, even as short as a few months, worsens Pompe patients' motor and respiratory function.
Editor Profile: Alexander Wlodawer
Authors:   The FEBS Journal Editorial Team, Wlodawer Alexander
Published: December 2021

In this special interview series, we profile members of The FEBS Journal editorial board to highlight their research focus, perspectives on the journal and future directions in their field. Alexander Wlodawer is Senior Investigator at the Center for Structural Biology at the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research (NCI CCR), based in Maryland, USA. He has served as an editorial board member of The FEBS Journal since 2007.
Engagement and emerging elementary‐level L2 Spanish: Detailing the status quo and identifying opportunities
Authors: Gurzynski‐Weiss Laura , Coulter‐Kern Mackenzie , Kuntz Tess
Published: December 2021

While many elementary‐level children in the United States still do not have access to a second/additional language (L2), an increasing number are educated via Foreign Language Exposure (FLEX) tracks. Our two‐semester study examines elementary‐level L2 learners' engagement, emerging L2 Spanish vocabulary use, and awareness of the arbitrary nature of the relationship between form and meaning, and if this changes from a fall to a subsequent spring semester. The study examines learners' language engagement as operationalized by use of language‐related episodes, self‐corrections, modified output, turns, and learners' performance on four tasks: two information‐gap picture‐description tasks, one written production task, and one form–meaning relational task. Results indicate that, even with minimal FLEX‐based exposure, learners demonstrate positive gains in terms of L2 engagement, use of L2 Spanish, and understanding of the arbitrary nature of form–meaning relationships.
Cumulative growth and stress responses to the 2018–2019 drought in a European floodplain forest
Authors: Schnabel Florian , Purrucker Sarah , Schmitt Lara , Engelmann Rolf A. , Kahl Anja , Richter Ronny , Seele‐Dilbat Carolin , Skiadaresis Georgios , Wirth Christian
Published: December 2021

Droughts increasingly threaten the world's forests and their potential to mitigate climate change. In 2018–2019, Central European forests were hit by two consecutive hotter drought years, an unprecedented phenomenon that is likely to occur more frequently with climate change. Here, we examine tree growth and physiological stress responses (increase in carbon isotope composition; Δδ13C) to this consecutive drought based on tree rings of dominant tree species in a Central European floodplain forest. Tree growth was not reduced for most species in 2018, indicating that water supply in floodplain forests can partly buffer meteorological water deficits. Drought stress responses in 2018 were comparable to former single drought years but the hotter drought in 2018 induced drought legacies in tree growth while former droughts did not. We observed strong decreases in tree growth and increases in Δδ13C across all tree species in 2019, which are likely driven by the cumulative stress both consecutive hotter droughts exerted. Our results show that consecutive hotter droughts pose a novel threat to forests under climate change, even in forest ecosystems with comparably high levels of water supply.
Uncovering the critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress for European ecosystems
Authors: Fu Zheng , Ciais Philippe , Makowski David , Bastos Ana , Stoy Paul C. , Ibrom Andreas , Knohl Alexander , Migliavacca Mirco , Cuntz Matthias , Šigut Ladislav , Peichl Matthias , Loustau Denis , El‐Madany Tarek S. , Buchmann Nina , Gharun Mana , Janssens Ivan , Markwitz Christian , Grünwald Thomas , Rebmann Corinna , Mölder Meelis , Varlagin Andrej , Mammarella Ivan , Kolari Pasi , Bernhofer Christian , Heliasz Michal , Vincke Caroline , Pitacco Andrea , Cremonese Edoardo , Foltýnová Lenka , Wigneron Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2021

Understanding the critical soil moisture (SM) threshold (θcrit) of plant water stress and land surface energy partitioning is a basis to evaluate drought impacts and improve models for predicting future ecosystem condition and climate. Quantifying the θcrit across biomes and climates is challenging because observations of surface energy fluxes and SM remain sparse. Here, we used the latest database of eddy covariance measurements to estimate θcrit across Europe by evaluating evaporative fraction (EF)‐SM relationships and investigating the covariance between vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and gross primary production (GPP) during SM dry‐down periods. We found that the θcrit and soil matric potential threshold in Europe are 16.5% and −0.7 MPa, respectively. Surface energy partitioning characteristics varied among different vegetation types; EF in savannas had the highest sensitivities to SM in water‐limited stage, and the lowest in forests. The sign of the covariance between daily VPD and GPP consistently changed from positive to negative during dry‐down across all sites when EF shifted from relatively high to low values. This sign of the covariance changed after longer period of SM decline in forests than in grasslands and savannas. Estimated θcrit from the VPD–GPP covariance method match well with the EF–SM method, showing this covariance method can be used to detect the θcrit. We further found that soil texture dominates the spatial variability of θcrit while shortwave radiation and VPD are the major drivers in determining the spatial pattern of EF sensitivities. Our results highlight for the first time that the sign change of the covariance between daily VPD and GPP can be used as an indicator of how ecosystems transition from energy to SM limitation. We also characterized the corresponding θcrit and its drivers across diverse ecosystems in Europe, an essential variable to improve the representation of water stress in land surface models.
A global meta‐analysis of the impacts of tree plantations on biodiversity
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Weiwei , Li Xiaona , Wu Juying
Published: December 2021

Aim

Planted forests are becoming increasingly common world‐wide for a variety of reasons, including water conservation and carbon sequestration, although the effects of tree plantations on biodiversity are unclear with respect to whether planted ecosystems are “green deserts” or valuable habitats for biodiversity.

Location

Global.

Time period

1980–2020.

Taxa studied

Flora, fauna and microorganisms.

Methods

By conducting a meta‐analysis of 361 observations from 138 sites world‐wide, we explored the global patterns and associated drivers of biodiversity responding to tree plantations by comparing biodiversity levels in plantations and adjacent habitats (primary or secondary forests).

Results

Overall, the biodiversity (species richness) and abundance across multitrophic levels in tree plantations were lower than those in primary forests, reached similar values to secondary succession, but varied with plantation and management regimes. Specifically, the biodiversity across multitrophic levels in reforestation was higher than that in afforestation; the biodiversity in mixed, native species and unmanaged plantations was higher than that in monoculture, exotic species and managed plantations. The diversity of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants in reforestation was lower than that in primary forests, whereas belowground biodiversity in reforestation showed no difference from primary forests. Invertebrate diversity in reforestation was lower than that in secondary succession, whereas plant diversity was higher than that in secondary succession. Moreover, the biodiversity in reforestation increased with reforestation age. Furthermore, structural equation models showed that aboveground faunal diversity in reforestation was driven by canopy coverage and plant diversity and that reforestation affected belowground biodiversity mainly by changing soil organic carbon.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that reforestation by planting mixed native species will be more beneficial to biodiversity. We reveal that biodiversity in intensively managed plantations is significantly lower than that in restoration‐oriented plantations. We highlight that primary forests are not replaceable, but that planted forests might be a reliable way to restore biodiversity rapidly.
Do residential care and low social capital negatively influence oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Karkada Deeksha , D’Costa Valerie Gloria , Acharya Shashidhar
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To compare oral health status, OHRQoL and social capital between dependent older adults living in a residential care setting (RC) and community dwellers living independently (CD) and to assess the possible role of social capital and residential status as independent predictors of OHRQoL in a sample of older adults in the Udupi region of Karnataka, South India.

Background

As the global population ages, a greater number of older adults are now living in residential care settings than ever before. This study provides insights into the role of residential care and social capital in influencing the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults.

Materials and Methods

A total of 296 older adults, comprising 148 dependent older adults living in residential care (RC) and 148 community dwelling older adults living independently (CD), completed the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and a Social Capital Scale after undergoing clinical oral examination for dentition and periodontal status.

Results

The caries experience in both the residential care group (RC) and the community dwelling group (CD) was high with mean DMF scores of 21.6 (SD = 9.6) and 20.1 (SD = 10.7) respectively. The Mean Social Capital score was significantly higher (P = .01) among the RC group (33.2, SD = 5.1) than the CD group (31.5, SD = 5.7), whereas the mean GOHAI score was significantly higher (P = .02) among the CD (61.5, SD = 6.8) than the RC group (59.5, SD = 7.9). Linear regression showed lower DMFT scores (β: −0.26, P ˂ .001), being a community dweller (β: 0.14, P = .01) and having higher social capital (β: 0.11, P = .04) were associated with better OHRQoL (higher GOHAI scores) after adjusting for possible confounders.

Conclusion

Dependent older adults living in residential care had higher social capital but poorer OHRQoL. Caries experience, residential status and social capital were independently associated with OHRQoL.
Egg components reverse the atrophy induced by injury in skeletal muscles
Authors: Sawano Shoko , Kobayashi Yuya , Maesawa Suzuka , Mizunoya Wataru
Published: December 2021

Skeletal muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle tissue caused by factors such as inactivity, malnutrition, aging, and injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether egg components exert inhibitory effects on muscle atrophy. An egg mix solution was orally administered for 10 consecutive days to male C57BL/6J mice injected with cardiotoxin in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. The administration of egg mixture significantly decreased the atrogin‐1 and MuRF‐1 protein levels, key factors in muscle atrophy, as observed by western blotting. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of egg components such as avidin, lecithin, biotin, 3‐sn‐phosphatidylcholine, and L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine on dexamethasone (DEX)‐treated C2C12 myotubes. Lecithin, biotin, 3‐sn‐phosphatidylcholine, and L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine in egg yolk significantly recovered the diameters of C2C12 myotubes decreased upon DEX application. Avidin did not show such reversal. Biotin, 3‐sn‐phosphatidylcholine, and L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine also attenuated atrogin‐1 protein expression enhanced by DEX. Our findings reveal that egg yolk components could contribute to the reversal of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by muscle injury.
Use of person‐centred language among scientific research focused on childhood obesity
Authors: Fisch Claudia , Whelan John , Evans Sheridan , Whitaker Liza‐Ann , Gajjar Swapnil , Ali Lamiaa , Fugate Colony , Puhl Rebecca , Hartwell Micah
Published: December 2021

Background

Stigma towards children with obesity can begin as early as 3 years old, leading to increased risk for poorer mental health outcomes and lower quality of life. This includes discriminatory language used by peers and adults, which may be compounded by use within the medical community and in published research.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to investigate adherence to person‐centred language (PCL) in childhood obesity‐related medical publications.

Methods

We searched PubMed for childhood obesity‐related articles from 2018 through 2020, from journals frequently publishing childhood‐obesity‐related research. Articles were randomized and searched for a list of predetermined, stigmatizing terms.

Results

Of the sample of 300 articles, only 21.7% were adherent to PCL guidelines. The most frequent labels found were ‘obese’ appearing in 70.33% of articles and ‘overweight’ in 63.7%. Labels such as ‘chubby’, ‘large’, and ‘fat’ were less common, but still appeared in the medical literature.

Conclusions

A majority of childhood obesity‐related articles did not adhere to PCL guidelines. Given the negative effects of stigma among children with obesity, it is imperative to advocate for PCL use within the medical community. Increased stringency by journal editors and publishers may be the next step in this process.
The O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index is a clinically useful indicator of treatment outcome in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with Hunner lesions: A post hoc analysis of the Japanese phase III trial of KRP‐116D, 50% dimethyl sulfoxide solution
Authors: Yoshimura Naoki , Uno Takashi , Sasaki Mitsuru , Ohinata Akira , Nawata Shigeki , Ueda Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical KRP‐116D, 50% dimethyl sulfoxide solution, in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients with Hunner lesions (Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis), and to evaluate the correlations between efficacy variables and global response assessment to determine what constitutes a minimal clinically important change.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of the Japanese phase III trial of KRP‐116D. Changes at Week 12 from baseline in objective and subjective outcomes were compared between the KRP‐116D and placebo groups in Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis or non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis patients. Correlations between efficacy variables at Week 12 and global response assessment were analyzed. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the cut‐off value of efficacy valuables were calculated to determine clinically meaningful changes.

Results

The effectiveness of intravesical treatment with KRP‐116D was demonstrated in Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis, but not in non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis patients. Global response assessment was closely correlated with subjective outcomes including O’Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, O’Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index, and a numeric rating scale for bladder pain, but was less correlated with voiding variables including micturition frequency, voided volume, and maximum voided volume. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, the cut‐off value for the O’Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index was −5 (sensitivity 81.3%, specificity 83.3%).

Conclusions

Clinical benefit of intravesical KRP‐116D in Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis patients was confirmed in this post hoc analysis. A five‐point reduction in O’Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index is a clinically meaningful indicator for assessing patient satisfaction with KRP‐116D treatment in patients with Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis.
Chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding 4 (CHD4) regulates early B cell identity and V(D)J recombination*
Authors: Hagman James R. , Arends Tessa , Laborda Curtis , Knapp Jennifer R. , Harmacek Laura , O’Connor Brian P.
Published: December 2021

B lymphocytes develop from uncommitted precursors into immunoglobulin (antibody)‐producing B cells, a major arm of adaptive immunity. Progression of early progenitors to antibody‐expressing cells in the bone marrow is orchestrated by the temporal regulation of different gene programs at discrete developmental stages. A major question concerns how B cells control the accessibility of these genes to transcription factors. Research has implicated nucleosome remodeling ATPases as mediators of chromatin accessibility. Here, we describe studies of chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding 4 (CHD4; also known as Mi‐2β) in early B cell development. CHD4 comprises multiple domains that function in nucleosome mobilization and histone binding. CHD4 is a key component of Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase, or NuRD (Mi‐2) complexes, which assemble with other proteins that mediate transcriptional repression. We review data demonstrating that CHD4 is necessary for B lineage identity: early B lineage progression, proliferation in response to interleukin‐7, responses to DNA damage, and cell survival in vivo. CHD4‐NuRD is also required for the Ig heavy‐chain repertoire by promoting utilization of distal variable (VH) gene segments in V(D)J recombination. In conclusion, the regulation of chromatin accessibility by CHD4 is essential for production of antibodies by B cells, which in turn mediate humoral immune responses to pathogens and disease.
A “More Political” Commission? Reassessing EC Politicization through Language
Authors: Pansardi Pamela , Tortola Pier Domenico
Published: December 2021

This article contributes to the study of the European Commission's (EC) politicization by examining this phenomenon from the angle of communication. We elaborate a novel approach based on two linguistic indicators – charisma and technicality – which we then apply through a content analysis of 8,947 speeches delivered by Commission members between 1999 and 2019. Contrary to the narrative of an ever more political Commission, we find that the linguistic politicization of the EC decreased over the period under exam, reaching its nadir during Jean‐Claude Juncker's presidential term (2014–19). Our findings raise the question of whether language is yet another ordinary dimension of politicization, or rather it is used strategically by the Commission to underplay its underlying politicization as measured in more traditional institutional, policy, and individual terms. Either way, our study highlights the multi‐faceted nature of the politicization concept, and the need for deeper and more nuanced analyses of it.
Competition Policy in Action: Regulating Tech Markets with Hierarchy and Experimentalism
Authors: Monti Giorgio , Rangoni Bernardo
Published: December 2021

Although experimentalist governance – presented as a novel alternative to conventional hierarchical governance – has attracted attention over the past 15 years, we still know little about its real spread and scope conditions. Examining the application of competition policy to the digital sector, the article reveals that the European Competition Network and the procedures modernized in the early 2000s actually host a variety of governance processes, ranging from hierarchical development and enforcement of stable solutions at one extreme to experimentalist discretion of local actors, review of their implementation experiences, and central revisions in their light at the other. Futher, shifts from hierarchy to experimentalism might reverse. As for explanations, variation in governance processes cannot be explained by formal distributions of power, which were the same. Instead, the greater the uncertainty about solutions and the weaker the readily available coalitions in their support, the more actors favored experimentalist governance, and vice versa. The broader implications thus caution against general claims, challenge the influence of legal factors, and suggest that far from being necessarily antitethical, functional and political factors may bear together on the spread of distinct forms of governance.
Does Anyone Care? Cohesion Policy Issues in Sub‐national Politics
Authors: Gross Martin
Published: December 2021

A key element of the European Union's (EU) attempt to foster citizens' EU identification is its goal to improve citizens' quality of life via its Cohesion policy (CP). Although recent findings demonstrate that the allocation of CP money positively affects sub‐national parties' positions on EU integration and CP, we still do not know if sub‐national parties actually talk about CP issues in their manifestos. Using a unique data set based on manually coded 812 manifestos written by 95 different parties in 47 regions in Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2016, it is argued that several party‐level characteristics are decisive for sub‐national parties' emphasis of CP issues. Even though sub‐national parties emphasize CP issues only to a small degree, the results of multilevel mixed‐effects Tobit regressions show that it is particularly regional government parties which emphasize CP issues when drafting their regional election manifestos.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate inhibits replication of white spot syndrome virus in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Zhang Yitong , Wen Jinxuan , Xu Yao , Wang Hao , Lu Liqun , Song Rui , Zou Jixing
Published: December 2021

The freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii is native to North America and Mexico, and it was introduced to China in 1929. The production and consumption of P. clarkii in China are the highest worldwide, reaching 208.96 million tons in 2020. The white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a major pathogen that affects shrimp, crayfish, crabs and lobsters, and it has caused widespread loss to the P. clarkii industry. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a small‐molecule compound, has a multitude of biological functions and the ability to bind to the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LamR). EGCG has potential antiviral effects against WSSV. In this study, we evaluated the potential anti‐WSSV applications of EGCG in P. clarkii. We demonstrated that various concentrations (10 μg/g·bw, 20 μg/g·bw and 40 μg/g·bw) of EGCG can suppress WSSV infection in P. clarkii. Histopathological examination revealed no characteristic pathological changes due to EGCG administration in P. clarkii tissues. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics studies of EGCG in P. clarkii revealed its rapid absorption (Tmax = 2 h), and the peak concentrations of EGCG were 73.78 µg/g in the liver and 24.87 µg/g in the muscle. Our results indicate the high potential applications of EGCG against WSSV in P. clarkii.
Inactivation of seeding activity of amyloid β‐protein aggregates in vitro
Authors: Nakano Hiroto , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Ikeda Tokuhei , Watanabe‐Nakayama Takahiro , Ono Kenjiro , Yamada Masahito
Published: December 2021

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The evolutionary relationship between arm vertebrae shape and ecological lifestyle in brittle stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Authors: Goharimanesh Mona , Ghassemzadeh Fereshteh , De Kegel Barbara , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Stöhr Sabine , Mirshamsi Omid , Adriaens Dominique
Published: December 2021

Ophiuroidea are one of the most diverse classes among extant echinoderms, characterized by their flexible arms composed of a series of ossicles called vertebrae, articulating with each other proximally and distally. Their arms show a wide range of motion, important for feeding and locomotion, associated with their epizoic and non‐epizoic lifestyles. It remains to be explored to what degree the phenotypic variation in these ossicles also reflects adaptations to these lifestyles, rather than only their phylogenetic affinity. In this study, we analyzed the 3D shape variation of six arm vertebrae from the middle and distal parts of an arm in 12 species, belonging to the intertidal, subtidal and bathyal zones and showing epizoic and non‐epizoic behaviors. A PERMANOVA indicated a significant difference in ossicle morphology between species and between lifestyles. A principal component analysis showed that the morphology of epizoic ophiuroids is distinct from non‐epizoic ones; which may reflect variation in arm function related to these different lifestyles. The Phylogenetic MANOVA and phylogenetic signal analysis showed that shape variation in the vertebral articulation seems to reflect ecological and functional adaptations, whereas phylogeny controls more the lateral morphology of the vertebrae. This suggests a convergent evolution through ecological adaptation to some degree, indicating that some of these characters may have limited taxonomic value.
Increased maternal serum aquaporin‐9 expression in pregnancies complicated with early‐onset preeclampsia
Authors: Ölmez Fatma , Oğlak Süleyman Cemil , Gedik Özköse Zeynep
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate maternal serum aquaporin‐9 (AQP9) concentrations in patients with early‐onset preeclampsia and compare them with the uncomplicated control group with normal blood pressure.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study including pregnant women who were diagnosed with early‐onset preeclampsia between 200/7–340/7 weeks of gestation. Demographic and clinical characteristics, complete blood count and biochemical parameters, and serum AQP9 concentrations were documented. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to illustrate the sensitivity and specificity performance characteristics of AQP9 and a cut‐off value was estimated by using the Youden index.

Results

The mean serum concentrations of maternal AQP9 were significantly increased in the early‐onset preeclampsia group (722.22 ± 211.80 pg/mL) than the control group (499.97 ± 68.89 pg/mL, p < 0.001). When we analyze the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the serum AQP9 value can be considered a statistically significant parameter for diagnosing preeclampsia. According to the Youden index, a 587.70 ng/mL cut‐off value of serum AQP9 level can be used to diagnose early‐onset preeclampsia with 80.0% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity.

Conclusion

Maternal serum AQP9 concentrations were significantly increased in early‐onset preeclampsia patients than healthy normotensive pregnant patients. We suggest that AQP9 might be a crucial biomarker of the inflammatory process in early‐onset preeclampsia.