bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of oxalyl-CoA synthetase gene (LsAAE3) and its regulatory role in β-ODAP biosynthesis in grasspea (Lathyrus sativusL.)
Authors: Kushwah Neetu Singh , Shanmugavadivel P.S. , Das Alok , Rathore Meenal , Singh Archana , Singh Narendra Pratap
Published: April 2021

Grasspea is a popular pulse crop due to its hardiness and low cost of production. Presence of anti-nutritive factor ‘β-ODAP’ in its seeds and other plant parts hinder its widespread cultivation and usage. Oxalyl-CoA synthetase is one of the key enzyme of β-ODAP biosynthesis pathway, catalyses the conversion of oxalate to oxalyl-CoA.ACYL ACTIVATING ENZYME 3(AAE3) gene has been characterised to encode an oxalyl-CoA synthetase enzyme in many plant species. We report here the isolation of full lengthAAE3homolog in grasspea with a combination of PCR based strategy andin silicoanalysis. We first identifiedAAE3homolog by PCR using degenerate primers. The partial LsAAE3sequence showed 88% amino acids sequence identity with the characterisedAAE3gene ofM. truncatula. We then predicted the full lengthAAE3sequence using the publically available transcriptome datasets of grasspea. Determination ofLsAAE3gene and protein structure and phylogenetic relationship analysis strongly suggested thatLsAAE3is a true homolog ofAAE3gene. Expression profiling ofLsAAE3in grasspea varieties with contrast in β-ODAP content revealed its inverse relationship with the β-ODAP content,LsAAE3thus negatively regulates the synthesis of β-ODAP. Involvement of AAE3 encoded oxalyl-CoA synthetase in a CoA-dependent pathway of oxalate degradation is well proven in many plant species. We also identified the CoA-dependent pathway of oxalate degradation in grasspea. Based on these observations, we hypothesized thatLsAAE3may regulate β-ODAP content, possibly, by CoA-dependent pathway of oxalate degradation in grasspea. If this hypothesis is substantiated, genetic manipulation ofLsAAE3presents viable option for reducing β-ODAP content in grass pea.
Structural biology in the time of COVID-19: perspectives on methods and milestones
Authors: Lynch Miranda L. , Snell Edward H. , Bowman Sarah E. J.
Published: April 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has wreaked unprecedented havoc on global society, in terms of a huge loss of life and burden of morbidity, economic upheaval and social disruption. Yet the sheer magnitude and uniqueness of this event has also spawned a massive mobilization of effort in the scientific community to investigate the virus, to develop therapeutics and vaccines, and to understand the public health impacts. Structural biology has been at the center of these efforts, and so it is advantageous to take an opportunity to reflect on the status of structural science vis-à-vis its role in the fight against COVID-19, to register the unprecedented response and to contemplate the role of structural biology in addressing future outbreak threats. As the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaration that COVID-19 is a pandemic has just passed, over 1000 structures of SARS-CoV-2 biomolecules have been deposited in the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (PDB). It is rare to obtain a snapshot of such intense effort in the structural biology arena and is of special interest as the 50th anniversary of the PDB is celebrated in 2021. It is additionally timely as it overlaps with a period that has been termed the `resolution revolution' in cryoelectron microscopy (CryoEM). CryoEM has recently become capable of producing biomolecular structures at similar resolutions to those traditionally associated with macromolecular X-ray crystallography. Examining SARS-CoV-2 protein structures that have been deposited in the PDB since the virus was first identified allows a unique window into the power of structural biology and a snapshot of the advantages of the different techniques available, as well as insight into the complementarity of the structural methods.
Interferon‐α activates interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 to induce regulatory T‐cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Mingfang , Yu Datang , Wang Yu , Luo Na , Han Guangming , Yang Bin
Published: April 2021

Impaired regulatory T‐cell (Treg) responses and upregulated interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) expression are associated with the development of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we show that the levels of upregulated IRAK1 expression in circulating Tregs are correlated with the percentages of apoptotic Tregs, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index scores, and serum complement C3 levels in SLE patients. High levels of plasma interferon (IFN)‐α in SLE patients induced IRAK1 phosphorylation to trigger Treg apoptosis, which was mitigated by IRAK1 inhibitor (IRAK‐Inh) treatment. Bioinformatics indicated that IRAK1 activation was related to the IFN‐α/β and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in Tregs and IFN‐α treatment induced the p38 and MAPK/ERK kinase 3/6 phosphorylation, which was attenuated by IRAK‐Inh in Tregs. Treatment with IRAK‐Inh effectively alleviated renal injury and promoted the survival of lupus‐prone B6.MRL‐Faslpr/Nju mice. Therefore, IFN‐α induced IRAK1 activation to promote Treg apoptosis, contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE and IFN‐α/IRAK1 may be therapeutic targets for SLE.
How vigilance shapes the functional response of herbivores
Authors: Sirot Etienne , Blanchard Pierrick , Loison Anne , Pays Olivier
Published: April 2021

Herbivores in quest of food have to attend areas where predators also concentrate their attacks. They have to deal with two conflicting demands, the need of feeding and that of avoiding predation. Using a theoretical approach, we study the influence of these antagonistic constraints on the shaping of an herbivore's foraging strategy and their consequences in terms of functional response.

In our model, the animal may curtail predation risk by being vigilant while foraging and by limiting its time of presence in the feeding area. Being vigilant means either stopping all feeding activities to scan for predators (exclusive vigilance) or using the time spent handling resources to do so, with reduced detection capacities (routine vigilance). Using an optimization criterium, we thus determine how long the animal will stay in the feeding area and how it will share its time and attention while present there, as a function of resource density and predation risk.

All behavioural variables show smooth but sometimes non‐monotonic variations in response to changes in these environmental conditions. When these variations are taken into account, the instantaneous intake rate of the herbivore, as well as the total biomass of plant consumed, increase in a decelerating but continuous manner with the patch's richness, in qualitative agreement with a type II functional response. This smooth pattern is explained by the possibility for the herbivore, when food abundance rises, to progressively redirect its attention to routine antipredator vigilance.

The relative importance of routine vigilance with respect to exclusive vigilance declines when predation risk increases, as well as the duration of the patch's visit and the total quantity of food eaten. The exact shape of the functional response is thus mediated by subtle adjustments of behavioural and attentional priorities, in response to variations in both food availability and predation risk.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Phenotypes of Pinus sylvestris are more coordinated under local harsher conditions across Europe
Authors: Benavides Raquel , Carvalho Bárbara , Matesanz Silvia , Bastias Cristina C. , Cavers Stephen , Escudero Adrián , Fonti Patrick , Martínez‐Sancho Elisabet , Valladares Fernando
Published: April 2021

Plant species that grow across environmental gradients show a range of trait expression, but traits do not vary independently. In fact, phenotypes are integrated expressions of multiple traits that covary due to trade‐offs among functions and processes. Understanding trait covariation structures will ultimately help with predicting species' responses to change and developing management actions.

We measured variation and covariation (a proxy of phenotypic integration) among functional traits of Pinus sylvestris from paired populations across its European distribution. Populations within a pair were close enough to be in gene flow contact but located in contrasting environmental conditions across a local gradient. Measured traits represented three axes of variation (groups of traits) related to a tree's competitive ability and the trade‐off between resource acquisition and conservation, namely plant size measures and stem and foliar traits.

Results revealed important intra‐ and inter‐population trait variability. In particular, at the population level, trait means shifted across the climatic gradient mainly described by mean annual temperature. Moreover, we found a higher degree of trait covariation in populations under harsher environments (i.e. lower environmental suitability for the species). This pattern was consistent within population pairs, suggesting that higher trait covariation may be adaptive, being more coordinated in sites with harsher conditions. At larger spatial scales, we found a less conclusive pattern with a trend of increasing covariation at the northern edge of the species distribution. This result suggests that at larger scales different processes may be involved in the trade‐off between the adaptive value of phenotypic covariation versus its constraints on trait combinations that may limit plant's response capability.

Synthesis. Trait covariation varies at different spatial scales, increasing under harsher conditions, and the robustness and repeatability of this pattern suggests its adaptive role for the species' responses to different environments.
Benefits to utilising ultrasound in examining the eye
Authors: Manton Joanna , Henry Caoimhe
Published: April 2021

Ocular ultrasound (US) is not one of ACEMs ‘big 5’ in terms of US capability that is expected of a trainee or FACEM. Most texts have a small chapter dedicated to ocular US but it is usually at the back or a subsection of a chapter where it is rarely seen or appreciated. However, it is a straightforward scan to perform with many benefits which will be discussed in this article. The eye offers an excellent medium for US beam penetration, making good quality images of the retina easy and quick to acquire. This has the added benefit of being able to share images with an ophthalmologist remotely, improving time to definitive treatment. It can also be used in patients who cannot cooperate with sitting at a slitlamp, for example moribund or trauma patients. The authors propose that ocular US teaching should be incorporated into the ACEM syllabus, being a vital adjunct to a comprehensive eye examination.
Continuous plasma exchange with dialysis for thrombotic microangiopathy in intensive care unit: Retrospective observational study
Authors: Satoh Kasumi , Okuyama Manabu , Irie Yasuhito , Kameyama Koumei , Kitamura Toshiharu , Nakae Hajime
Published: April 2021

Continuous plasma exchange with dialysis is a novel method of blood purification and is a modification of the plasma exchange. Technically, this process suggests a reduction in adverse events, cost‐effectiveness, and compatibility with hemodynamic instability. The therapeutic effect of plasma exchange on thrombotic microangiopathies has been established. We present three clinical cases in the intensive care unit that illustrate continuous plasma exchange with dialysis as a flexible blood purification therapy for critically ill patients; a radical treatment, thrombotic microangiopathies; supportive therapy, multiple organ failure; and fluid balance regulator. The retrospective analysis of 13 continuous plasma exchange with dialysis sessions showed that the platelet count increased significantly (p = 0.0096) after its administration. The total protein, albumin, fibrinogen, or calcium did not decrease significantly after continuous plasma exchange with dialysis, suggesting therapeutic efficacy and fewer adverse events. A prospective study on thrombotic microangiopathies for continuous plasma exchange with dialysis is currently underway.
Effect of high‐pressure treatment and storage temperature on top‐quality (Montanera) Iberian dry‐cured pork sausages (chorizo)
Authors: Trejo A. , Martín M.J. , Gómez‐Quintana A. , Cava R. , García‐Parra J.J. , Ramírez M.R.
Published: April 2021

The stability after hydrostatic high pressure (HHP) (600 MPa/8 min/10 °C) and 180 days of storage at 4 and 20 °C was evaluated on Iberian dry‐cured pork sausages (chorizo) packaged sliced or as half‐pieces from pigs raised outdoors. Microbiological, physical–chemical, oxidative, and sensory changes were analyzed. The evolution of mesophilic aerobic and molds and yeasts counts was different in the half and sliced packaged pork sausages after processing and during storage. Sliced and half‐packaged pork sausages had instrumental color stability after HHP and during storage. TBA‐RS values were quite stable in both products. Protein oxidation values of pork sausage in half‐products were increased by at 20 °C. In sliced pork sausage, both HPP and 20 °C storage favored the development of protein oxidation at the end of storage. In the sensory analysis, the sliced product developed more rancidity than the half‐pieces during the storage. Therefore, the storage temperature has great importance for the preservation of dry‐cured pork sausages, the increases of protein oxidation, and rancidity could reduce the shelf‐life at these conditions. The presentation of the product is also relevant when HHP is applied, and this would also compromise the stability of the product when it is stored at room temperature.

Practical Application

Chorizo is a traditional dry‐fermented pork sausage that is generally considered to be microbiologically safe. However, the initial contamination of the raw materials, and some processes, such as the slicing or packaging, can compromise the safety of these products. Additionally, packaged dry‐cured sausages require long shelf‐life, and although they are normally stored at refrigeration temperature; sometimes, they are preserved at room temperature. The application of hydrostatic high pressure could increase the safety of dry‐cured meat products even when they are stored at room temperature. Initial characteristics of each type of pork sausage could determine their technological behavior during processing or during storage under different conditions.
Determination and comparison of flavor (retronasal) threshold values of 19 flavor compounds in Baijiu
Authors: Wang Lihua , Zhu Lin , Zheng Fuping , Zhang Fengguo , Shen Caihong , Gao Xiaojuan , Sun Baoguo , Huang Mingquan , Li Hehe , Chen Feng
Published: April 2021

Nineteen compounds, including ten esters, six acids, and three alcohols, were characterized and considered as significant tastants and aromas in Baijiu (Chinese Liquor). The flavor (retronasal) threshold values (FTVs) of these 19 compounds were determined by the 10 samples test method in hydroalcoholic solutions (46% v/v in ethanol). The FTVs of the compounds were calculated based on the best estimate threshold method. All the FTVs determined by the professional Chinese Baijiu tasters were lower than those by the nonprofessional tasters. For instance, the detection (2.31 mg/kg) and recognition (11.74 mg/kg) values of ethyl hexanoate determined by the nonprofessional group were higher than the respectively corresponding values 0.44 and 3.80 mg/kg determined by the professional group. All of the odor activity values (OAVs) of ethyl valerate (OAV: 1176.00 to 2321.17), ethyl octanoate (OAV: 6841.20 to 7851.60), and 1‐butanol (OAV: 26.78 to 39.72) in Gujinggong Baijiu were more than 10‐fold larger than their dose‐over‐threshold values (DoTs), for which the DoTs of ethyl valerate, ethyl octanoate, and 1‐butanol were 92.84 to 183.25, 180.03 to 206.62, 1.18 to 1.75, respectively. On the contrary, the OAVs of ethyl heptanoate (OAV: 3.60 to 5.70) and isoamyl alcohol (OAV: 1.18 to 1.57) were lower than their corresponding DoTs at 152.62 to 241.63 and 12.26 to 16.41. The results demonstrated that it is necessary to consider and compare their DoTs and OAVs simultaneously on evaluating the contribution of flavor compounds in Baijiu.

Practical Application

Sensory evaluation of threshold values of various flavor compounds could be significantly affected by their existing matrix. Most of the published results of the flavor threshold value of compounds were determined from the matrix such as beer, whiskey, red wine, rather than Chinese Baijiu. The results of this work not only could provide valuable information for flavor studies of Chinese Baijiu but also give useful information for the Baijiu industry to quality control.
What factors are associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people?
Authors: Maximiano‐Barreto Madson Alan , Moretti Luchesi Bruna , de Moura Amanda Barros , Pavarini Sofia Cristina Iost , Chagas Marcos Hortes Nisihara
Published: April 2021

Objective

To analyse factors associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 111 formal and informal caregivers divided into three groups (lower, intermediate and higher empathy) based on the Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Index score (total, affective and cognitive empathy). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and Functional Assessment Questionnaire were applied.

Results

The participants were predominantly women (91%), and median [IQR] age was 46 [33‐57] years. In the multinomial regression analysis being an informal caregiver, being older and having depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of empathy (total score and the affective domain). No associations were found for the cognitive domain.

Conclusions

A high level of empathy, especially affective empathy, was associated with depressive symptoms, older age and being an informal caregiver. Family relationships and the lack of training among informal caregivers should be explored.
Continuous bladder irrigation after transurethral resection of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer for prevention of tumour recurrence: a systematic review
Authors: Li Mo , Toniolo Jason , Nandurkar Ruchira , Papa Nathan , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Davis Ian D. , Sengupta Shomik
Published: April 2021

Background

Non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can recur despite transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) that clears macroscopic disease, partly from re‐implantation of exfoliated cells. Immediate instillation of intravesical chemotherapy (IC) can reduce recurrence, is guideline‐recommended but is under‐utilized. Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) immediately post‐TURBT is postulated to prevent re‐implantation, and may provide a simple, cheap and practical alternative. We undertook a systematic review to assess the effect of CBI on NMIBC recurrence.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant publications were identified by online search of databases, including Ovid Medline and EMBASE (1980–2019). All published prospective randomized controlled trials comparing CBI post‐TURBT to a control group were included. The primary end‐point was recurrence.

Results

Our search yielded 514 studies, of which six met inclusion criteria. Two studies (935 participants), albeit without peer‐reviewed publication, comparing CBI to no CBI both showed a reduction in recurrence at 2 years. Four publications from three trials (331 participants) compared CBI to IC, showing similar recurrence rates at 1 year (odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 0.78–2.13) but a lower risk of adverse events (6–34% versus 27–48%).

Conclusion

CBI post‐TURBT appears to yield 1‐year recurrence rates of NMIBC comparable to immediate IC. However, existing studies are small and of heterogenous design, precluding definitive conclusions. Further trials are required to determine if CBI can be implemented routinely to reduce NMIBC recurrence, as well as the optimal irrigant, volume and duration.
The role of urban tropical botanic gardens in biodiversity conservation: An example from the KNUST botanic garden in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Eric Boateng , Manu Gordon , Asante Winston Adams , Kyere Boateng
Published: April 2021

Recent concerns to strengthen the role of Tropical Botanic Gardens (TBGs) in conservation are constrained by inadequate representation of models of best practices. This also presents minimal opportunities to explore and fully appreciate the contribution of botanic gardens to biodiversity conservation, especially in urban landscapes. We contribute to addressing this issue using the KNUST Botanic Garden. The study explores biodiversity variation in two microsites (upland and inundated areas), within the context of threats from urbanization. The composition, diversity, and conservation status of plants were assessed from three 50 × 50 m plots each located at the two microsites. A total of 78 adult plant species were recorded, with 87.2% native and 12.8% exotic species. Some species were exclusively recorded at the upland (29 species) and inundated (27 species) microsites. On average, the species diversity was significantly high (HI = 3.36). The botanic garden preserves 20 nationally threatened native species, with over half of them listed in the IUCN Red List category of vulnerable species (species facing high risk of extinction in the wild). A considerable number of threatened species were exclusive to the upland (10 species) and inundated (7 species) microsites. The results indicate that the Botanic Garden could play a critical role in biodiversity conservation if integrated into national conservation and urban development strategies to safeguard its potential. The findings of the study are discussed within the context of the contribution of botanic gardens to biodiversity conservation and holds applications for sustainable management of TBGs in urban landscapes.
Whitewashing Nature: Sanitized Depictions of Biology in Children’s Books and Parent–Child Conversation
Authors: Shtulman Andrew , Villalobos Andrea , Ziel Devin
Published: April 2021

The biological world includes many negatively valenced activities, like predation, parasitism, and disease. Do children’s books cover these activities? And how do parents discuss them with their children? In a content analysis of children’s nature books (Study 1), we found that negatively valenced concepts were rarely depicted across genres and reading levels. When parents encountered negative information in books (Studies 2–3), they did not omit it but rather elaborated on it, adding their own comments and questions, and their children (ages 3–11) were more likely to remember the negative information but less likely to generalize that information beyond the animal in the book. These findings suggest that early input relevant to biological competition may hamper children’s developing understanding of ecology and evolution.
Discrepancy between self‐perceived mycophenolic acid‐associated diarrhea and stool water content after kidney transplantation
Authors: Douwes Rianne M. , Swarte J. Casper , Post Adrian , Annema Coby , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Diarrhea is a well‐known side effect of mycophenolic acid (MPA) use in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). It is unknown whether self‐reported diarrhea using the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale (MTSOSD‐59R) corresponds to stool water content and how both relate to MPA usage.

Methods

MTSOSD‐59R questionnaires filled out by 700 KTRs from the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study (NCT03272841) were analyzed and compared with stool water content. Stool samples (N = 345) were freeze‐dried, and a water content ≥80% was considered diarrhea.

Results

Self‐perceived diarrhea was reported by 46%, while stool water content ≥80% was present in 23% of KTRs. MPA use was not associated with self‐perceived diarrhea (odds ratio(OR) 1.32; 95% confidence interval(CI), 0.87–1.99, p = .2), while it was associated with stool water content ≥80% (OR 2.88; 95%CI, 1.41–5.89, p = .004), independent of potential confounders. Adjustment for prior MPA discontinuation because of severe diarrhea, uncovered an association between MPA use and self‐perceived diarrhea (OR 1.80; 95%CI, 1.13–2.89, p = .01).

Conclusions

These results suggest that reporting bias could add to the discrepancy between both methods for diarrhea assessment. We recommend use of objective biomarkers or more extensive questionnaires which assess information on stool frequency and stool consistency, to investigate post‐transplantation diarrhea.
Secretory carcinoma of the skin with lymph node metastases and recurrence in both lungs: A case report
Authors: Taniguchi Kohei , Yanai Hiroyuki , Kaji Tatsuya , Kubo Toshio , Ennishi Daisuke , Hirasawa Akira , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: April 2021

Secretory carcinoma of the skin is an extremely rare adnexal tumor, histopathologically identical to homologous lesions in the salivary glands and breast tissue. Although this tumor was previously reported as indolent, we report a case of secretory carcinoma of the skin with metastases and recurrence. The patient, a 31‐year‐old women, had a subcutaneous mass in the right axilla. The resected specimen contained a circumscribed mass, with proliferating tumor cells that exhibited prominent nucleoli. They exhibited glandular and papillary growth patterns and there were amphophilic secretions in the glands. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for mammaglobin and S100. The tumor was surrounded by sweat glands and there was no mammary glandular tissue, suggesting that it was derived from axillary sweat glands. Accordingly, we made a diagnosis of secretory carcinoma of the skin. Four years after the operation, there were metastases in both lungs. The resected specimen revealed a tumor identical to that of the original skin tumor. Next‐generation sequencing‐based multiplex gene assay performed on the metastatic tissue revealed an ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion gene. This is a rare case report of secretory carcinoma of the skin with lymph node metastases and recurrence in both lungs.
Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and maternal hypertensive disorder of pregnancy
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Ru , Yu Tsung , Kang Lin , Lien Yueh‐Ju , Kuo Pao‐Lin
Published: April 2021

Aim

To examine the association of maternal chronic hypertension and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH)/preeclampsia with childhood neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in a large‐scale population‐based cohort.

Method

We conducted a linked Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database cohort study of children born between 2004 and 2008 (n=877 233). Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delay, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy (CP), and epilepsy/infantile spasms were identified from birth to the end of 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted with adjustment for potential confounders to estimate the effect of maternal hypertensive disorder of pregnancy on childhood outcomes.

Results

Compared with the offspring of unexposed mothers, offspring of mothers with chronic hypertension or PIH/preeclampsia exhibited increased risk of developing a wide spectrum of NDDs. Chronic hypertension was associated with increased risks of ADHD (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.​31), developmental delay (1.29, 1.21–1.38), intellectual disability (1.67, 1.43–1.95), CP (1.45, 1.14–1.85), and epilepsy/infantile spasms (1.31, 1.10–1.56) in the offspring, whereas PIH/preeclampsia was associated with increased risks of ASD (1.27, 1.12–1.43), ADHD (1.23, 1.17–1.29), developmental delay (1.29, 1.24–1.35), intellectual disability (1.53, 1.37–1.71), CP (1.44, 1.22–1.70), and epilepsy/infantile spasms (1.36, 1.22–1.52) in the offspring after adjustment for potential confounders. The co‐occurrence of maternal diabetes, preterm deliveries, or fetal growth restriction further increased the risk.

Interpretation

Chronic hypertension or PIH/preeclampsia seems to be sufficient to increase the risk of childhood NDDs.

What this paper adds

Children exposed to maternal hypertensive disorders have a higher cumulative incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) than unexposed children.

Chronic hypertension or pregnancy‐induced hypertension/preeclampsia seems to be sufficient to increase the risk of childhood NDDs.

Co‐occurrence of maternal diabetes, preterm deliveries, or fetal growth restriction further increases the risk.
Successful minimally invasive intervention in a primary central incisor after root fracture: A case report
Authors: Santos Lorena Vieira , da Hora Keila Carrera , Alves Alessandra Castro
Published: April 2021

Root fractures vary in severity, extent, and location, according to the physical and mechanical aspects of the accident. Root fractures are rare in primary teeth and they affect dentin, cementum, periodontal ligament and the pulp. This paper reports a case of a two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old baby who had a root fracture of the upper right primary central incisor (tooth 51) as a consequence of trauma that was managed with minimally invasive intervention. After clinical and radiographic examinations, the presence of tooth mobility, pain, bleeding and a horizontal apical root fracture was diagnosed on tooth 51. The treatment of choice was splinting for 120 days, which can deliver excellent results regardless of the patient's age. The tooth was preserved without needing endodontic intervention until its physiologic exfoliation and normal eruption of its permanent successor. As sequelae to the fractured tooth 51, there was some coronal color alteration and dystrophic calcification of the root canal. This tooth did not develop ankylosis or mobility during the follow‐up period. After 57 months of follow‐up, repositioning and splinting were appropriate ways to manage this horizontal root fracture in the apical third of this primary tooth. It allowed the tooth to be preserved in the arch with normal function.
Neuro‐COVID frequency and short‐term outcome in the Northern Portuguese population
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa , Seabra Mafalda , Rodrigues Rita , Carvalho Vanessa , Mendes Michel , Pereira Diogo , Caldeiras Catarina , Martins Bárbara , Silva Renata , Azevedo Ana , Lima Maria João , Monteiro Catarina , Varela Ricardo , Malheiro Sofia , Abreu Miguel , Azevedo Elsa , Leal Loureiro José , Tedim Cruz Vítor , Silva Mário Rui , Magalhães Rui , Silva Carolina , Maia Luís F. , Correia Manuel
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

COVID‐19‐related acute neurological phenotypes are being increasingly recognised, with neurological complications reported in more than 30% of hospitalised patients. However, multicentric studies providing a population‐based perspective are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentric study at five hospitals in Northern Portugal, representing 45.1% of all hospitalised patients in this region, between 1 March and 30 June 2020.

Results

Among 1261 hospitalised COVID‐19 patients, 457 (36.2%) presented neurological manifestations, corresponding to a rate of 357 per 1000 in the North Region. Patients with neurologic manifestations were younger (68.0 vs. 71.2 years, p = 0.002), and the most frequent neurological symptoms were headache (13.4%), delirium (10.1%), and impairment of consciousness (9.7%). Acute well‐defined central nervous system (CNS) involvement was found in 19.1% of patients, corresponding to a rate of 217 per 1000 hospitalised patients in the whole region. Assuming that all patients with severe neurological events were hospitalised, we extrapolated our results to all COVID‐19 patients in the region, estimating that 116 will have a severe neurological event, corresponding to a rate of nine per 1000 (95% CI = 7–11). Overall case fatality in patients presenting neurological manifestations was 19.8%, increasing to 32.6% among those with acute well‐defined CNS involvement.

Conclusions

We characterised the population of hospitalised COVID‐19 patients in Northern Portugal and found that neurological symptoms are common and associated with a high degree of disability at discharge. CNS involvement with criteria for in‐hospital admission was observed in a significant proportion of patients. This knowledge provides the tools for adequate health planning and for improving COVID‐19 multidisciplinary patient care.
Orthodox–Hussite Encounters
Authors: Noble Ivana
Published: April 2021

This article is a contribution to the ongoing debate about how the pan‐Orthodox vision of unity and the overall Christian vision of Christian unity are co‐related, following the Pan‐Orthodox Council in Crete in June 2016. The first section considers how modern Orthodox relations to ecumenism arose: in particular, how the vision of pan‐Orthodoxy and that of Christian unity were intertwined. The sections that follow concentrate on examples taken from Orthodox–Hussite relations.
Low‐intensity frequent fires in coniferous forests transform soil organic matter in ways that may offset ecosystem carbon losses
Authors: Pellegrini Adam F. A. , Caprio Anthony C. , Georgiou Katerina , Finnegan Colin , Hobbie Sarah E. , Hatten Jeffery A. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: April 2021

The impact of shifting disturbance regimes on soil carbon (C) storage is a key uncertainty in global change research. Wildfires in coniferous forests are becoming more frequent in many regions, potentially causing large C emissions. Repeated low‐intensity prescribed fires can mitigate wildfire severity, but repeated combustion may decrease soil C unless compensatory responses stabilize soil organic matter. Here, we tested how 30 years of decadal prescribed burning affected C and nitrogen (N) in plants, detritus, and soils in coniferous forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains, USA. Tree basal area and litter stocks were resilient to fire, but fire reduced forest floor C by 77% (−36.4 Mg C/ha). In mineral soils, fire reduced C that was free from minerals by 41% (−4.4 Mg C/ha) but not C associated with minerals, and only in depths ≤ 5 cm. Fire also transformed the properties of remaining mineral soil organic matter by increasing the proportion of C in a pyrogenic form (from 3.2% to 7.5%) and associated with minerals (from 46% to 58%), suggesting the remaining soil C is more resistant to decomposition. Laboratory assays illustrated that fire reduced microbial CO2respiration rates by 55% and the activity of eight extracellular enzymes that degrade cellulosic and aromatic compounds by 40–66%. Lower decomposition was correlated with lower inorganic N (−49%), especially ammonium, suggesting N availability is coupled with decomposition. The relative increase in forms of soil organic matter that are resistant to decay or stabilized onto mineral surfaces, and the associated decline in decomposition suggest that low‐intensity fires may promote mineral soil C storage in pools with long mean residence times in coniferous forests.
Above‐ and belowground biodiversity jointly drive ecosystem stability in natural alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Litong , Jiang Lin , Jing Xin , Wang Jiuluan , Shi Yu , Chu Haiyan , He Jin‐Sheng
Published: April 2021

Aim

Most existing studies that examined the biotic mechanisms of ecosystem stability have focused on aboveground biodiversity. Whether and how belowground biodiversity affects the stability of natural ecosystems is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between above‐ and belowground biodiversity and the temporal stability of grassland biomass production across a large gradient of soil and climatic conditions.

Location

Tibetan Plateau.

Time period

2001–2016.

Major taxa studied

Alpine grass and soil bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi and fauna.

Methods

We coupled a field biodiversity survey conducted in 54 alpine grassland ecosystems across the Tibetan Plateau with a satellite‐sensed proxy (enhanced vegetation index, EVI) of ecosystem productivity during 2001–2016. The temporal stability of primary productivity was calculated as the ratio of the mean annual peak EVI to the standard deviation of the annual peak EVI over this period. Plant diversity was determined using a classic vegetation survey approach, soil bacterial and AM fungal diversity were measured using a high‐throughput sequencing approach, and soil fauna was counted and identified at the order level after being extracted using a modified Berlese–Tullgren method.

Results

Our results demonstrated that both above‐ and belowground biodiversity were positively associated with ecosystem stability. Belowground biodiversity not only affected ecosystem stability directly, but also influenced it indirectly through plant diversity and soil fertility. Furthermore, soil pH, climate and its variability strongly influenced soil biodiversity, which in turn influenced ecosystem stability.

Main conclusions

Our study demonstrates the indispensable role of belowground biodiversity in regulating ecosystem stability, emphasizing the necessity of conserving this ‘hidden’ biodiversity in fragile alpine ecosystems facing ongoing environmental change.
Willingness to purchase counterfeit luxury brands: A cross‐cultural comparison
Authors: Tunçel Niray
Published: April 2021

This study examines the impact of idealism, possession‐based happiness, and the attitude toward the legality of counterfeits on the willingness to buy counterfeit luxury brands in Turkey and Slovenia. Data are collected from 205 consumers in Slovenia and 224 consumers in Turkey and analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The results confirm a negative impact of idealism on the attitude toward the legality of counterfeits and a positive impact of this attitude on the willingness to purchase counterfeit luxury brands. Turkish consumers show a positive effect of possession‐based happiness on the attitude toward counterfeits. The impact of idealism and possession‐based happiness on the willingness to purchase counterfeit luxury brands among Slovenian or Turkish consumers was not found. The study contributes to the literature by providing a cross‐cultural focus on specific personal antecedents, which the current literature has limited knowledge of and conflicting findings.
El factor ecológico: desglosando el crecimiento del empleo verde
Authors: SOFRONIOU Nick , ANDERSON Pauline
Published: April 2021

Con datos de la encuesta de población activa del Reino Unido (2011–2014), se estima el número de empleos verdes en Escocia y su variación, utilizando un marco metodológico aplicable a cualquier región basado en la CIUO‐08 y en la O*NET. Los resultados apuntan a la importancia de utilizar definiciones de empleo verde que no se restrinjan a los nuevos empleos en determinadas industrias a fin de captar el impacto de la ecologización en el empleo en general. También indican la necesidad de prestar mayor atención analítica a las cuestiones de la calidad y del crecimiento del empleo verde en sentido amplio.
Evaluación de los trabajadores por los clientes: Reputación digital y Reglamento General de Protección de Datos de la UE
Authors: TODOLÍ SIGNES Adrián
Published: April 2021

La evaluación de los trabajadores por parte de los clientes y empleadores y su publicación en internet plantean retos en el ordenamiento jurídico actual de la Unión Europea (UE). Los trabajadores sometidos a tales evaluaciones están expuestos a un grado de vigilancia de su trabajo mucho más intenso que los trabajadores tradicionales. El fenómeno surge a partir de la adopción de una perspectiva del cliente, que trata de hacer el trabajo observable en todo momento sin costo para la empresa. El autor analiza a este respecto el Reglamento General de Protección de Datos de la Unión Europea, que establece restricciones muy específicas en cuanto a la recopilación y publicación de información sobre los trabajadores.
Developing critical thinking skills for delivering optimal care
Authors: Scott Ian A. , Hubbard Ruth E. , Crock Carmel , Campbell Thomas , Perera Michael
Published: April 2021

Healthcare systems across the world are challenged with problems of misdiagnosis, non‐beneficial care, unwarranted practice variation and inefficient or unsafe practice. In countering these shortcomings, clinicians must be able to think critically, interpret and assimilate new knowledge, deal with uncertainty and change behaviour in response to compelling new evidence. Three critical thinking skills underpin effective care: clinical reasoning, evidence‐informed decision‐making and systems thinking. It is important to define these skills explicitly, explain their rationales, describe methods of instruction and provide examples of optimal application. Educational methods for developing and refining these skills must be embedded within all levels of clinician training and continuing professional development.
Thinking Beyond Generations: On the Future of Revolution Theory
Authors: Beck Colin J. , Ritter Daniel P.
Published: April 2021

A recent exchange between Allinson (2019) and Abrams (2019) on the current state of revolution theory rests on the assumption that the generational, backward‐looking view of revolution studies is also a fruitful way of thinking of the field's present and future. We argue, in contrast, that while a generational approach has important benefits, it also contains shortcomings that may lead the future of revolution studies in less fruitful directions. We examine where an overreliance on generational thinking has led us, provide an exploratory sketch of how we can begin to move beyond generational thinking, and imagine a new future for the study of revolution.
Crimes of passion: When romantic obsession leads to abusive relationships
Authors: Bélanger Jocelyn J. , Collier Katherine E. , Nisa Claudia F. , Schumpe Birga M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This research examines the relationship between passion for a romantic partner and obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) which is defined as repeated and unwanted behaviors toward a partner that invade his/her personal privacy and cause fear for his/her safety.

Method

Based on the dualistic model of passion, we predicted that obsessive passion (OP) would be associated with fear of abandonment, which in turn would be associated with ORI. In contrast, harmonious passion (HP) should not be associated with ORI.

Results

Four studies (N = 1257) supported these predictions. Study 1 found cross‐sectional support for these hypotheses from the victim's perspective. Study 2 replicated Study 1 and extended it to the perpetrator's perspective by demonstrating that the relationship between passion and ORI is mediated by fear of abandonment. Study 3 replicated these findings using an experimental manipulation of passion. Study 4 found similar results by experimentally manipulating fear of abandonment, the mediator, to demonstrate its causal influence on ORI.

Conclusions

Taken together, the present results demonstrate that passion and fear of abandonment play an important role in the type of behavior people are willing to pursue to maintain their romantic relationship.
The influence of living conditions and individual behaviors on the oral‐systemic disease connection: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Kaura Parbhakar Kamini , Farmer Julie W. , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To determine the extent to which living conditions and individual behaviors influence the association between oral health status and systemic disease outcomes in Ontario, Canada's most populated province.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of Ontario data from the Canadian Community. Health Survey 2013/14 was undertaken. Separate analyses were conducted for participants aged 35–59 years (n = 11,858) and 60+ years (n = 11,273). A series of regression models were constructed to examine the association between self‐reported oral health status and systemic disease outcomes (arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke). Models were adjusted by proxies of living conditions (income, education, ethnicity, country of birth, employment, and food security) and individual behaviors (smoking status, alcohol use, tooth brushing, life stress, physical activity, sense of belonging). Percent attenuation between models was calculated to determine the extent of the living condition‐behavior impact.

Results

In both age groups, the prevalence of arthritis and high blood pressure was the highest, followed by heart disease. There was variation in percent attenuation by age group and outcome. Among participants aged 35–59 years, living conditions had a greater impact on the oral‐systemic relationship, while individual behaviors played a greater role in this association among adults aged 60+ years.

Conclusion

There is an association between oral and systemic diseases; however, after accounting for living conditions and individual behaviors, this relationship was attenuated. This highlights the need to address upstream and midstream factors that are common to oral and systemic conditions.
Functional status in rural and urban adults: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: John Philip St. , Menec Verena , Tate Robert , Newall Nancy , O'Connell Megan , Cloutier Denise
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To document the prevalence of functional impairment in middle‐aged and older adults from rural regions and to determine urban‐rural differences.

Methods

We have conducted a secondary analysis using data from an ongoing population‐based cohort study, the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). We used a cross‐sectional sample from the baseline wave of the “tracking cohort.” The definition of rurality was the same as the one used in the CLSA sampling frame and based on the 2006 census. This definition includes rural areas, defined as all territory lying outside of population centers, and population centers, which collectively cover all of Canada. We grouped these into “Urban,” “Peri‐urban,” “Mixed” (areas with both rural and urban areas), and “Rural,” and compared functional status across these groups. Functional status was measured using the Older Americans Resource Survey (OARS) and categorized as not impaired versus having any functional impairment. Logistic regression models were constructed for the outcome of functional status and adjusted for covariates.

Findings

No differences were found in functional status between those living in rural, mixed, peri‐urban, and urban areas in unadjusted analyses and in analyses adjusting for sociodemographic and health‐related factors. There were no rural‐urban differences in any of the individual items on the OARS scales.

Conclusions

We found no rural‐urban differences in functional status.
Double Smoothed Volatility Estimation of Potentially Non‐stationary Jump‐diffusion Model of Shibor
Authors: Song Yuping , Hou Weijie , Lin Zhengyan
Published: April 2021

The occurrence‐50 of economic policies and other sudden and large shocks often bring out jumps in financial data, which can be characterized through continuous‐time jump‐diffusion model. In this article, we present the double smoothed non‐parametric approach for infinitesimal conditional volatility of jump‐diffusion model based on high frequency data. Under certain minimal conditions, we obtain the strong consistency and asymptotic normality for the estimator as the time span T → ∞ and the sample interval . The procedure and asymptotic behavior can be applied for both Harris recurrent and positive Harris recurrent processes. The finite sample properties of the underlying double smoothed volatility estimator are verified through Monte Carlo simulation and Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate in China for application.