bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human disturbance and shifts in vertebrate community composition in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Vargas Soto Juan S. , Beirne Christopher , Whitworth Andrew , Cruz Diaz Juan Carlos , Flatt Eleanor , Pillco‐Huarcaya Ruthmery , Olson Erik R. , Azofeifa Alejandro , Saborío‐R Guido , Salom‐Pérez Roberto , Espinoza‐Muñoz Deiver , Hay Leslie , Whittaker Lawrence , Roldán Carmen , Bedoya‐Arrieta Ricardo , Broadbent Eben North , Molnár Péter K.
Published: August 2021

Understanding how human modification of the landscape shapes vertebrate community composition is vital to understanding the current status and future trajectory of wildlife. Using a participatory approach, we deployed the largest camera‐trap network in Mesoamerica to date to investigate how anthropogenic disturbance shapes the occupancy and co‐occurrence of terrestrial vertebrate species in a tropical biodiversity hotspot: the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. We estimated species richness in different categories of land protection with rarefaction analysis and estimated the expected occupancy with a joint species distribution model that included covariates for anthropogenic disturbance, land protection, habitat quality, and habitat availability. Areas with the most stringent land‐use protections (e.g., Corcovado National Park, 24 species [95% CI 23–25]) harbored significantly more species than unprotected areas (20 species [19.7–20.3]), mainly due to a reduced presence of large‐bodied species of conservation concern in unprotected areas (e.g., jaguar Panthera onca and white‐lipped peccary Tayassu pecari). Small‐bodied generalist species, such as opossums (Didelphidae) and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), in contrast, were more common at disturbed sites, resulting in a significant difference in vertebrate community composition between sites with low and high disturbance. Co‐occurrence of species was also mainly associated with response to disturbance. Similar responses to disturbance create two groups of species, those whose site‐level occupancy usually increased as anthropogenic disturbance increased and those whose estimated occupancy decreased. The absence of large‐bodied species entails an important loss of ecological function in disturbed areas and can hinder forest development and maintenance. Efforts to protect and restore forested landscapes are likely having a positive effect on the abundance of some threatened species. These efforts, however, must be sustained and expanded to increase connectivity and ensure the long‐term viability of the wildlife community.
A dynamic simulation model to support reduction in illegal trade within legal wildlife markets
Authors: Oyanedel Rodrigo , Gelcich Stefan , Mathieu Emile , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: August 2021

Sustainable wildlife trade is critical for biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and food security. Regulatory frameworks are needed to secure these diverse benefits of sustainable wildlife trade. However, regulations limiting trade can backfire, sparking illegal trade if demand is not met by legal trade alone. Assessing how regulations affect wildlife market participants’ incentives is key to controlling illegal trade. Although much research has assessed how incentives at both the harvester and consumer ends of markets are affected by regulations, little has been done to understand the incentives of traders (i.e., intermediaries). We built a dynamic simulation model to support reduction in illegal wildlife trade within legal markets by focusing on incentives traders face to trade legal or illegal products. We used an Approximate Bayesian Computation approach to infer illegal trading dynamics and parameters that might be unknown (e.g., price of illegal products). We showcased the utility of the approach with a small‐scale fishery case study in Chile, where we disentangled within‐year dynamics of legal and illegal trading and found that the majority (∼77%) of traded fish is illegal. We utilized the model to assess the effect of policy interventions to improve the fishery's sustainability and explore the trade‐offs between ecological, economic, and social goals. Scenario simulations showed that even significant increases (over 200%) in parameters proxying for policy interventions enabled only moderate improvements in ecological and social sustainability of the fishery at substantial economic cost. These results expose how unbalanced trader incentives are toward trading illegal over legal products in this fishery. Our model provides a novel tool for promoting sustainable wildlife trade in data‐limited settings, which explicitly considers traders as critical players in wildlife markets. Sustainable wildlife trade requires incentivizing legal over illegal wildlife trade and consideration of the social, ecological, and economic impacts of interventions.
Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: An under recognized differential diagnosis of mitral annular mass
Authors: Habib Andrew , Rizk Judy
Published: August 2021

A 55‐year‐old obese, diabetic and hypertensive female patient with history of cerebrovascular stroke 2 years ago was referred for echocardiography. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a well‐defined rounded mass located at the posterior mitral annulus. The mass had a sharp hyperechoic outer border and a central echolucency. Transesophageal and three‐dimensional echocardiography confirmed these findings consistent with caseous calcification of the mitral annulus. This case presents a rare variant of mitral annular calcification considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses that can be recognized by its characteristic appearance on echocardiography. As with mitral annular calcification, multiple cardiovascular risk factors are commonly associated.
Young help‐seeker profiles in Israel: The case of the first Israeli headspace centre
Authors: Hoter‐Ishay Gili , Mashiach‐Eizenberg Michal , Roe David
Published: August 2021

Aim

To describe clinical and demographic characteristics of youths who seek help at the first Headspace centre in Israel and their families.

Methods

A sample of 291 (65%) of the youths (12‐ to 25‐year‐olds) who applied to Headspace between March 2016 and June 2018 completed an assessment, including reasons for referral and clinical status; the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, evaluating psychological distress; and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, measuring emotional and behavioural difficulties. Their families reported burden of care via the Burden Assessment Scale.

Results

Of the sample, 75% were between the ages of 12 and 17 years (equal gender distribution); for 45%, Headspace was their first encounter with mental health services. Participants' most‐reported referral source was school counsellors (27%), and presenting concern (51%) was emotional problems, mainly depression (18%) and anxiety (16%). Female and older participants had more emotional difficulties than did males and younger participants, respectively. Overall, most help‐seekers expressed high distress levels upon entry, and their family's burden was associated with those levels.

Conclusions

This first study of the first Headspace centre in Israel sheds light on and broadens knowledge about young help‐seekers of Headspace outside of Australia. It emphasizes the trend across all ages of help‐seeking youths with high psychological‐distress levels and the role of family and school staff in the help‐seeking process. Establishing youth services that improve access and deliver early intervention to a widely underserved population at times of high distress can be a global trajectory.
Practical irony: Reflections on a theme in the work of Jonathan Lear
Authors: Thornton Simon
Published: August 2021

In his pioneering work,A Case for Irony(2011) Johnathan Lear has advanced a powerful and novel case in support of Søren Kierkegaard's striking thesis that “no genuinely human life is possible without irony.” Lear can be credited for attempting to show not only that irony can play a positive role in living a genuinely human life, but that the role played by irony is genuinely distinctive. However, in this paper, I argue that Lear's use of psychoanalytic theory in making his case for irony is problematic; and I demonstrate that Kierkegaard's own writings contain resources to provide a stronger defense of the stated thesis. In this way, I aim to provide a critical defense of Lear's case for irony by arguing for a return to Kierkegaard in place of psychoanalysis. On my Kierkegaard‐inspired account, the experience of irony erupts as a disciplinary force in cases where an individual's concrete, practical deliberation has been substituted or “swallowed up” by disinterested theoretical contemplation, which has come to function as an uncanny simulacrum of practical deliberation. Here, the experience of irony potentiates a change in thinking.
Host plants of Halyomorpha halys in the urban ecosystem on the Azov Sea Coast of Russia
Authors: Mityushev Ilya M.
Published: August 2021

In the summer of 2019, the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855), was found for the first time in Yeysk city, the northern part of Krasnodar Krai, Southern Russia. A study was performed in 2019 and 2020 to determine presence and assess damage of H. halys on various plants. In the urban ecosystem of the Azov Sea coast of Russia, H. halys fed on 16 plant species, but no significant damage to any crop was observed. The field maple (Acer campestre L.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall), London plane (Platanus × hispanica Münchhausen), Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) and Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium Pursh), were recorded as the host plants of H. halys for the first time in Russia.
Editor Profile: Nikos Karamanos
Authors:   The FEBS Journal Editorial Team, Karamanos Nikos
Published: August 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. Nikos Karamanos is Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry, University of Patras in Greece. He joined the editorial board of The FEBS Journal in 2020, having previously served on the advisory board for several years.
Carbon limitation overrides acidification in mediating soil microbial activity to nitrogen enrichment in a temperate grassland
Authors: Ning Qiushi , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Lü Xiaotao , Kardol Paul , Zhang Yunhai , Wei Cunzheng , Xu Chengyuan , Huang Jianhui , Li Ang , Yang Junjie , Wang Jing , Peng Yang , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , He Jizheng , Xu Zhihong , Gao Yingzhi , Han Xingguo
Published: August 2021

Higher ecosystem nitrogen (N) inputs resulting from human activities often suppress soil microbial biomass and respiration, thereby altering biogeochemical cycling. Soil acidification and carbon (C) limitation may drive these microbial responses, yet their relative importance remains elusive, which limits our understanding of the longer term effects of increasing N inputs. In a field experiment with continuous N addition at seven different rates from 0 to 50 g N m−2 year−1 over 6 years in a temperate grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, we examined the responses of soil microbial biomass and respiration to changes in soil acidity and C availability by adding lime and/or glucose to soil samples. Soil microbial biomass and respiration did only weakly respond to increasing soil pH, but increased strongly in response to higher C availability with increasing N addition rates. Soil net N immobilization increased in response to glucose addition, and soil microbial biomass increased at higher rates than microbial respiration along the gradient of previous N addition rates, both suggesting increasingly reinforced microbial C limitation with increasing N addition. Our results provide clear evidence for strong N‐induced microbial C limitation, but only little support for soil acidity effects within the initial pH range of 4.73–7.86 covered by our study. Field data support this conclusion by showing reduced plant C allocation belowground in response to N addition, resulting in soil microbial C starvation over the long term. In conclusion, soil microbial biomass and respiration under N addition were strongly dependent on C availability, most likely originating from plant belowground C inputs, and was much less affected by changes in soil pH. Our data help clarify a long‐standing debate about how increasing N input rates affect soil microbial biomass and respiration, and improve the mechanistic understanding of the linkages between ecosystem N enrichment and C cycling.
Effects of inflammatory prostatitis on the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A literature review
Authors: Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: August 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major disease that affects the quality of life of middle‐aged and older men. Although >70% of men aged >70 years have pathological benign prostatic hyperplasia, its pathogenesis and progression remain unclear. In this article, we reviewed the scientific literature on this condition and examined the development of lower urinary tract symptoms. Clinically, the weight of the prostate is not always proportional to the severity of the symptoms, and many factors can influence the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Other than androgens, chronic inflammation can play an essential role in its development and the induction of symptoms, especially in symptomatic hyperplasia, because inflammatory cell infiltration is frequently observed in the prostate. Inflammation‐induced changes in the prostate environment lead to changes in gene expression and subsequent chronicity of inflammation. It has been suggested that chronic asymptomatic prostatitis might be associated with changes in prostate structure and subsequent symptoms. In animal studies, the administration of anti‐inflammatory drugs in rats with chronic prostatitis prevented the infiltration of inflammatory cells and increased the gland‐to‐stroma ratio. It is hoped that future research on the molecular biology of asymptomatic prostatitis might help to develop new therapeutic strategies for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with symptomatic prostatitis. Our conclusions provide a comprehensive insight into the prevalence and development of benign prostate hyperplasia and the treatment methods that can be used to treat it.
Ecological and geographical marginality in rear edge populations of Palaearctic forest birds
Authors: Tellería José Luis , Hernández‐Lambraño Ricardo Enrique , Carbonell Roberto
Published: August 2021

Aim

The centre–periphery hypothesis predicts that habitat suitability will decrease at the edge of a species’ range, a pattern often questioned by empirical data. Here we explore if habitat suitability decreases southwards and shapes the abundance distribution of rear edge populations of forest birds within the restricted geographical setting of the south‐western Palaearctic. We also test if birds endemic to the area fit more poorly to the latitudinal decrease in habitat suitability due to the putative effect of adaptations to regional conditions.

Location

North‐western Africa (Morocco).

Taxon

Passerines (11 species).

Methods

Bird occurrences were used to model species distribution and line transects were used to estimate bird abundance. Occurrence probabilities provided by species distribution models were used to display the spatial patterning of habitat suitability. Habitat suitability was employed to predict abundance after controlling for the effect of the distance to some regional source areas of forest birds (tree covered large areas). The species were classified as North African endemic according to an updated review of their taxonomic status.

Results

Habitat suitability decreased southwards, supporting the predicted relationship between ecological and geographical marginality in most species. Abundance was positively correlated with habitat suitability and negatively correlated with distance to source areas. The taxonomic status of birds did not affect the patterns.

Main conclusions

The southward decrease in habitat suitability predicted by the centre–periphery hypothesis shapes the distribution of rear edge populations of forest birds within the south‐western Palaearctic. As most of these populations are endemic, the results suggest that they track the gradients in isolation within the geographical setting of north‐western Africa. These results support the vulnerability of these isolated, peripheral populations of forest birds to large‐scale environmental changes in a region under the effect of increasing drought and temperature.
A new linkage group involved in sex determination in haplotilapiine cichlids
Authors: Takahashi Tetsumi
Published: August 2021

The high diversity of sex chromosomes and sex determination systems among haplotilapiines suggests that this large cichlid clade is a good model for investigating the evolution of genetics of sex determination. Nonetheless, information about sex determination in this clade remains sparse. The present study reports a microsatellite marker that is closely associated with sex in Xenotilapia rotundiventralis from Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This study is the first to suggest the role of linkage group 17 in sex determination in haplotilapiine cichlids.
Negative Home Equity and Household Labor Supply
Authors: BERNSTEIN ASAF
Published: August 2021

Using U.S. household‐level data and plausibly exogenous variation in the location‐timing of home purchases with a single lender, I find that negative home equity causes a 2% to 6% reduction in household labor supply. Supporting causality, households are observationally equivalent at origination and equally sensitive to local housing shocks that do not cause negative equity. Results also hold comparing purchases within the same year‐metropolitan statistical area that differ by only a few months. Though multiple channels are likely at work, evidence of nonlinear effects is broadly consistent with costs associated with housing lock and financial distress.
Hemorrhagic shock caused by primary splenic pregnancy with spontaneous splenic rupture
Authors: Wang Hanyi , He Dongyun , Gao Shouyang , Wang Liyan
Published: August 2021

The subject, splenic pregnancy, is very rare and interesting with about a few cases reported to date. This case report describes a healthy 17‐year‐old girl admitted to our hospital who complained of amenorrhea for 30 days, intermittent abdominal pain for 3 days and worsening for 1 h. The serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was greater than 10000.0 IU/L. Pelvic ultrasonography showed a adnexal mass and empty uterine cavity. Due to consideration of “ectopic pregnancy,” emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed. However, no clear lesions and bleeding points were detected during the operation. On postoperative day 2, hemoglobin level dropped sharply, meanwhile serum hCG increased significantly. Subsequent ultrasound showed a 4.4 × 4.1 × 2.6 cm gestational sac‐like echo below the spleen. Laparotomy detected pregnancy tissues measured 4.0 × 3.5 cm next to the splenic hilum. Finally, the splenectomy was performed. Our case suggests that early diagnosis of splenic pregnancy is very difficult, especially when other conditions are combined. Despite this, we should still enrich ourself medical knowledge and clinical experience, and try to avoid the occurrence of splenic rupture.
Pre‐natal and post‐natal diagnosis of congenital upper limb differences: The first 3 years of the Australian Hand Difference Register
Authors: O'Keefe David , Kennedy Joanne , McCombe David , Coombs Chris , Hui Lisa , Wilks Daniel , Halliday Jane
Published: August 2021

Aims

Children with a congenital upper limb difference (CoULD) are a diverse group who often require multidisciplinary care and long‐term support for functional and social impacts. The Australian Hand Difference Register (AHDR) provides a national database of children born with a CoULD and aims to facilitate research and improve health care for affected children. Using data from the first 3 years of its operation, we analysed the demographic and clinical features of participating families, including type of CoULDs and the frequency of pre‐natal and syndromic diagnoses.

Methods

Families were recruited from tertiary plastic surgery, orthopaedic and genetics clinics, as well as by self‐referral. Hand differences were classified by the consulting physician according to the Oberg–Manske–Tonkin classification system. Primary carers were invited to complete an online questionnaire covering demographic information, pregnancy and newborn outcomes and diagnostic details.

Results

Between August 2017 and September 2020, 822 families consented and 320 questionnaires were reviewed. CoULDs were detected pre‐natally in 66 (20.6%) and post‐natally in 248 children (77.5%); data for 6 (1.9%) children were missing. The most common CoULDs were radial polydactyly, symbrachydactyly with ectodermal elements and radial longitudinal deficiency, hypoplastic thumb. Twenty‐seven children (8.4%) had an associated syndrome, 7 diagnosed pre‐natally and 19 post‐natally; the most common were VACTERL association, Poland anomaly, Holt–Oram and ectrodactyly–ectodermal dysplasia–clefting syndromes.

Conclusions

The AHDR is a valuable resource for understanding the relative frequencies of CoULDs. Participation will assist future research into the diagnostic journeys of children with CoULDs, including risk factors, diagnosis and psychosocial impacts.
Maternal chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the risk of preterm birth: A retrospective cohort analysis in Chinese women
Authors: Xu Chuanlu , Bao Yirong , Zuo Jia , Li Yuhong , Tang Yuping , Qu Xiaoxian , Ying Hao
Published: August 2021

The association between different clinical states of chronic HBV infection and preterm birth (PTB) is still controversial. A retrospective cohort study among 57,386 pregnant women was conducted to examine the impact of chronic HBsAg positive, both HBsAg and HBeAg positive, and chronic active hepatitis on pregnancy complications related to the overall PTB and its subtypes (spontaneous and iatrogenic). A total of 54,245 pregnancies were included in the final study cohort, among which 2,151(4.0%) pregnant women were HBsAg positive. The PTB rate was 6.0% (129/2151) for HBV‐infected women while 4.5% (2319/52094) for those not. Compared with women not infected with HBV, multivariable‐adjusted analyses showed HBV‐infected women had a 33% higher risk of overall PTB (aRR 1.33 95%CI, 1.11–1.60), a 27% higher risk of spontaneous PTB (aRR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02–1.57) and a 50% higher risk of iatrogenic PTB (aRR 1.50, 95%CI, 1.07–2.11). The PTB rate was 8.9% (35/395) for both HBsAg and HBeAg‐positive women and 16.2% (22/136) for women with active chronic hepatitis. Multivariable‐adjusted analyses showed women who were both HBsAg and HBeAg positive had a 47% higher risk of overall PTB (aRR 1.47, 95%CI, 1.04–2.09), a 2.03 times higher risk of spontaneous PTB (aRR 2.03, 95%CI, 1.38–2.99) and a 32% higher risk of iatrogenic PTB (aRR 1.32, 95%CI, 0.62–2.81), while women with chronic active hepatitis had a 3.84 times higher risk of overall PTB (aRR 3.84, 95%CI, 2.42–6.10), a 3.88 times higher risk of spontaneous PTB (aRR 3.88, 95%CI, 2.32–6.45) and a 3.01 times higher risk of iatrogenic PTB (aRR 3.01, 95%CI, 1.22–7.44). Different maternal clinical states of chronic HBV infection are independently associated with an increased risk of overall PTB and its subtypes (spontaneous and iatrogenic).
Congruence between ocean‐dispersal modelling and phylogeography explains recent evolutionary history of Cycas species with buoyant seeds
Authors: Liu Jian , Lindstrom Anders J. , Chen Yong‐Sheng , Nathan Ran , Gong Xun
Published: August 2021

Ocean currents play a significant role in driving the long‐distance dispersal (LDD), spatial distribution and phylogeographic patterns of many organisms. Integrating phylogeographic analyses and mechanistic ocean current modelling can provide novel insights into the evolutionary history of terrestrial littoral species but has been rarely applied in this context.

We focused on a group of Cycas that have buoyant seeds and occupy coastal habitats. By integrating evidence from mechanistic simulations and whole plastomic data, we examined the role of ocean circulation in shaping the phylogeography of these Cycas species.

Plastomes of the studied Cycas species showed extreme conservatism, following a post‐Pleistocene divergence. Phylogenies revealed three subclades, corresponding to the Pacific Ocean, Sunda Shelf and Indian Ocean. The ocean modelling results indicate that hotspots of seed stranding coincide well with the contemporary distribution of the Cycas species and that drifting trajectories from the three subclades are largely confined to separate regions.

These findings suggest that ocean current systems, by driving long‐distance dispersal, have shaped the distribution and phylogeography for Cycas with buoyant seeds. This study highlights how the combination of genomic data and ocean drift modelling can help explain phylogeographic patterns and diversity in terrestrial littoral ecosystems.
The genome ofCymbidium sinenserevealed the evolution of orchid traits
Authors: Yang Feng‐Xi , Gao Jie , Wei Yong‐Lu , Ren Rui , Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Lu Chu‐Qiao , Jin Jian‐Peng , Ai Ye , Wang Ya‐Qin , Chen Li‐Jun , Ahmad Sagheer , Zhang Di‐Yang , Sun Wei‐Hong , Tsai Wen‐Chieh , Liu Zhong‐Jian , Zhu Gen‐Fa
Published: August 2021

The Orchidaceae is of economic and ecological importance and constitutes ˜10% of all seed plant species. Here, we report a genome physical map forCymbidium sinense, a well‐known species belonging to genusCymbidiumthat has thousands of natural variation varieties of flower organs, flower and leaf colours and also referred as the King of Fragrance, which make it arose into a unique cultural symbol in China. The high‐quality chromosome‐scale genome assembly was 3.52 Gb in size, 29 638 protein‐coding genes were predicted, and evidence for whole‐genome duplication shared with other orchids was provided. Marked amplification of cytochrome‐ and photosystem‐related genes was observed, which was consistent with the shade tolerance and dark green leaves ofC. sinense. Extensive duplication of MADS‐box genes, and the resulting subfunctional and expressional differentiation, was associated with regulation of species‐specific flower traits, including wild‐type and mutant‐type floral patterning, seasonal flowering and ecological adaption.CsSEP4was originally found to positively regulate gynostemium development. TheCsSVPgenes and their interaction proteins CsAP1 and CsSOC1 were significantly expanded and involved in the regulation of low‐temperature‐dependent flowering. Important genetic clues to the colourful leaf traits, purple‐black flowers and volatile trait inC.sinensewere also found. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of important phenotypic traits ofCymbidiumand its evolution and serve as a powerful platform for future evolutionary studies and molecular breeding of orchids.
Improvement of Skin Barrier Dysfunction by Phenolic‐containing Extracts of Lycium barbarum via Nrf2/HO‐1 Regulation
Authors: Liu Guan‐Ting , Li Yong‐Liang , Wang Jing , Dong Chang‐Zhi , Deng Minggao , Tai Meiling , Deng Lili , Che Biao , Lin Li , Du Zhi‐Yun , Chen Hui‐Xiong
Published: August 2021

Lycium barbarum have received an increasing popularity due to its powerful biological activity and medicinal use. However, the effect of Lycium barbarum on skin remains largely uncharacterized. The general purpose of this paper was to characterize the phenolic compounds in Lycium barbarum extract (LBE) using LC‐HRMS/QTOF method and to investigate whether topical administration of LBE can repair skin barrier dysfunction in mice. Our data demonstrated that LBE could not only decrease ROS level and matrix metalloproteinase expression, but also strengthen intrinsic antioxidant defense system including SOD, GSH‐Px and CAT, thereby resulting in increased skin collagen content and an improvement of UV‐induced skin erythema, thickness and wrinkles. Improved skin barrier functions were highly correlated with increased expression of filaggrin, involucrin and loricrin as well as antioxidant proteins such as Nrf2 and HO‐1 in UV‐irradiated mice, suggesting that LBE may be promising natural products at a lower cost for the topical application in the treatment of skin diseases with defective barrier function.
Auditory spatial attention gradients and cognitive control as a function of vigilance
Authors: Golob Edward J. , Nelson Jeremy T. , Scheuerman Jaelle , Venable Kristen B. , Mock Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2021

Selection and effort are central to attention, yet it is unclear whether they draw on a common pool of cognitive resources, and if so, whether there are differences for early versus later stages of cognitive processing. This study assessed effort by quantifying the vigilance decrement, and spatial processing at early and later stages as a function of time‐on‐task. Participants performed an auditory spatial attention task, with occasional “catch” trials requiring no response. Psychophysiological measures included bilateral cerebral blood flow (transcranial Doppler), pupil dilation, and blink rate. The shape of attention gradients using reaction time indexed early processing, and did not significantly vary over time. Later stimulus‐response conflict was comparable over time, except for a reduction to left hemispace stimuli. Target and catch trial accuracy decreased with time, with a more abrupt decrease for catch versus target trials. Diffusion decision modeling found progressive decreases in information accumulation rate and non‐decision time, and the adoption of more liberal response criteria. Cerebral blood flow increased from baseline and then decreased over time, particularly in the left hemisphere. Blink rate steadily increased over time, while pupil dilation increased only at the beginning and then returned towards baseline. The findings suggest dissociations between resources for selectivity and effort. Measures of high subjective effort and temporal declines in catch trial accuracy and cerebral blood flow velocity suggest a standard vigilance decrement was evident in parallel with preserved selection. Different attentional systems and classes of computations that may account for dissociations between selectivity versus effort are discussed.
Integration of Functional Resonance Analysis with Multicriteria Analysis for Sociotechnical Systems Risk Management
Authors: Alboghobeish Ali , Shirali Gholam Abbas
Published: August 2021

Water reservoirs are considered very important storage facilities for the condition of peak demand in the agriculture industry. The construction process of a water reservoir may be accompanied by multiple risks. This study is aimed at identifying the emerging risks resulting from variability in different functions and at prioritizing them based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. In fact, the potential variability (emerging risks), possible dependencies/couplings, and the barriers used for damping this variability were assessed using Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM). The AHP method was then applied to prioritize the various functions. The results of FRAM modeling indicated that there was the possibility of a high variability in five functions. In this context, the AHP findings showed that “initial studies on the construction of the pool” with the weight of 0.310 and “excavation” with the weight of 0.308 were the most important functions in this study. In addition, the results of this study demonstrated that AHP may be a desired alternative for the identification of performance variability and the aggregation of variability.
Domain Prediction with Grouped Income Data
Authors: Walter Paul , Groß Marcus , Schmid Timo , Tzavidis Nikos
Published: August 2021

One popular small area estimation method for estimating poverty and inequality indicators is the empirical best predictor under the unit-level nested error regression model with a continuous dependent variable. However, parameter estimation is more challenging when the response variable is grouped due to data confidentiality concerns or concerns about survey response burden. The work in this paper proposes methodology that enables fitting a nested error regression model when the dependent variable is grouped. Model parameters are then used for small area prediction of finite population parameters of interest. Model fitting in the case of a grouped response variable is based on the use of a stochastic expectation–maximization algorithm. Since the stochastic expectation–maximization algorithm relies on the Gaussian assumptions of the unit-level error terms, adaptive transformations are incorporated for handling departures from normality. The estimation of the mean squared error of the small area parameters is facilitated by a parametric bootstrap that captures the additional uncertainty due to the grouping mechanism and the possible use of adaptive transformations. The empirical properties of the proposed methodology are assessed by using model-based simulations and its relevance is illustrated by estimating deprivation indicators for municipalities in the Mexican state of Chiapas.
Elevated cerebral perfusion and preserved cognition in elite Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu athletes: Evidence for neuroprotection
Authors: Stacey Benjamin S. , Campbell Zac , Bailey Damian M.
Published: August 2021

Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular martial art that exposes participants to recurrent intermittent asphyxiation due to controlled application of neck chokes. To what extent the sport impacts the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognition has not been examined. This study compared eleven elite Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu athletes (aged 30 ± 8 y) who trained 12 ± 6 hours/week for 8 ± 4 years against eleven cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)‐ and age‐matched controls. Internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) blood flow were measured via duplex ultrasound to determine global cerebral blood flow (gCBF). Mild cognitive impairment and sub‐domains of memory, attention/concentration/visual motor coordination, and executive function were determined by psychometric testing. There was no evidence of mild cognitive impairment in the athletes, and cognitive function was comparable between groups (all p > 0.05). In contrast, resting gCBF was selectively elevated in the athletes (741 ± 186 mL∙min−1 vs. 573 ± 166 mL∙min−1, p = 0.037) due to combined differences in ICA (+65 mL∙min−1, p = 0.079) and VA (+19 mL∙min−1, p = 0.277) flow. In conclusion, the sustained elevation in resting cerebral perfusion provides preliminary evidence for adaptive neuroprotection that is independent of CRF and likely mediated by choke‐induced cerebral preconditioning and/or lifelong exposure to BJJ‐specific high‐intensity interval training.
Potenciometria e fluxo subterrâneo no aqüífero aluvionar do baixo curso do Rio Macaé, município de Macaé-RJ
Authors: Barbosa Giselle Ramalho , Silva Jr Gerson Cardoso da
Published: August 2021

Macaé city is inserted in the coastal portion of the Northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The study accomplished in the alluvial aquifer of the Macaé river lower course, whose waters fulfill the domestic needs of a significant part of the rural and peripheral population of the city, comprised the neighborhoods of Córrego do Ouro, Fazenda Severina, Virgem Santa and Aterrado do Imburo. Results comprise the hydrodynamic studies that lead to the elaboration of a potentiometric map in that alluvial aquifer. The potentiometry shows the relationship between the surface and subsurface water. The Macaé River has an effluent character in the studied area. Aquifer recharge is associated to the topographical adjacent higher grounds and discharge is towards the Macaé river channel and river mouth. The hydrographs of water level temporal variation suggest a possible hydraulic connection among the monitored water points, evidencing a lateral continuity in the area.
Simulações numéricas da formação de ilha de calor na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Moraes Nilton Oliveira , Marton Edilson , Pimentel Luiz Cláudio Gomes
Published: August 2021

The differents characteristics of ground covering in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, where regions with high percentage of asphalt and concrete are surrounded for rural areas, determine the appearance of a temperature horizontal gradient knowledge as urban heat island phenomenon. Besides, diverse scientific works have demonstrated the influence of the mesoescale atmospheric circulation and synoptic scale in the urban heat island formation and dissipation. The main subjetive of study consists in analyze from simulated results, with the mesoescale model MM5, and observacionals data, the influence of synoptic systems and locals characteristics of the RMRJ in the formation and dissipation of urban heat island.
Corncob Derived Porous Carbon Anode for Long-Term Cycling in Low-Cost Lithium Storage
Authors: Rehman Waheed Ur , Zhang Fangzhou , Manj Rana Zafar Abbas , Ma Yuanyuan , Yang Jianping
Published: August 2021

Corncob is a biomass waste that has the second cutting-edge abundance on a global scale. As a low cost and feasible agricultural waste byproduct, corncob can be used in the energy sector to produce green and cheap energy. In this research, we used corncob as a raw material to make corncob-derived carbon composites (CDCCs) through a scalable and cost-effective calcination process, without the need of acidic or alkali treatments under different conditions. The obtained CDCC possesses a large number of micropores and mesopores having a slit-like shape. It showed outstanding long-term cycling stability up to 4000 cycles, maintaining stable specific capacity of 230 mA h/g at a current density of 500 mA/g. The obtained composite anode showed outstanding performance at a current density of 1000 mA/g, with specific capacity of around 200 mA h/g up to 10,000 cycles. This method can also be applied to other biomass wastes for sustainable use in different applications.
Broad betacoronavirus neutralization by a stem helix–specific human antibody
Authors: Pinto Dora , Sauer Maximilian M. , Czudnochowski Nadine , Low Jun Siong , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Housley Michael P. , Noack Julia , Walls Alexandra C. , Bowen John E. , Guarino Barbara , Rosen Laura E. , di Iulio Julia , Jerak Josipa , Kaiser Hannah , Islam Saiful , Jaconi Stefano , Sprugasci Nicole , Culap Katja , Abdelnabi Rana , Foo Caroline , Coelmont Lotte , Bartha Istvan , Bianchi Siro , Silacci-Fregni Chiara , Bassi Jessica , Marzi Roberta , Vetti Eneida , Cassotta Antonino , Ceschi Alessandro , Ferrari Paolo , Cippà Pietro E. , Giannini Olivier , Ceruti Samuele , Garzoni Christian , Riva Agostino , Benigni Fabio , Cameroni Elisabetta , Piccoli Luca , Pizzuto Matteo S. , Smithey Megan , Hong David , Telenti Amalio , Lempp Florian A. , Neyts Johan , Havenar-Daughton Colin , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Sallusto Federica , Snell Gyorgy , Virgin Herbert W. , Beltramello Martina , Corti Davide , Veesler David
Published: August 2021

Targeting a range of betacoranaviruses

In the past 20 years, three highly pathogenic β-coronaviruses have crossed from animals to humans, including the most recent: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A spike protein that decorates these viruses has an S1 domain that binds host cell receptors and an S2 domain that fuses the viral and cell membranes to allow cell entry. The S1 domain is the target of many neutralizing antibodies but is more genetically variable than S2, and antibodies can exert selective pressure, leading to resistant variants. Pinto
et al
. identified five monoclonal antibodies that interact with a helix in the S2 domain. The most broadly neutralizing antibody inhibited all β-coronavirus subgenera and reduced viral burden in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. —VV
Expression Patterns of Plasmodium falciparum Clonally Variant Genes at the Onset of a Blood Infection in Malaria-Naive Humans
Authors: Pickford Anastasia K. , Michel-Todó Lucas , Dupuy Florian , Mayor Alfredo , Alonso Pedro L. , Lavazec Catherine , Cortés Alfred
Published: August 2021

The ability of malaria parasites to adapt to changes in the human blood environment, where they produce long-term infection associated with clinical symptoms, is fundamental for their survival. CVGs, regulated at the epigenetic level, play a major role in this adaptive process, as changes in the expression of these genes result in alterations in the antigenic and functional properties of the parasites.
How to use the fractional exhaled nitric oxide test
Authors: Hoggins Rhiannon , Velpula Madhavi , Woodward Susan , Tighe Mark Peter
Published: August 2021

Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has become a mainstream, NICE-recommended, objective test of asthma severity. We explore the uses and practical issues with the FeNO test using clinically relevant questions for general paediatricians.
Rare variant of genetically confirmed tuberous sclerosis complex presenting with bilateral renal angiomyolipoma in Wünderlich syndrome
Authors: Larrazabal Ramon Jr Bagaporo , Chiu Harold Henrison Chang , Sacdalan Dennis L
Published: August 2021

A 28-year-old woman came for non-traumatic right flank pain with hypotension and right flank mass. She had multiple hyperpigmented skin papules located on the centre area of her face, and angiomas on her toes. She was anaemic and had a blood transfusion on top of aggressive fluid resuscitation. Abdominal CT showed bilaterally enlarged kidneys and fluid collection in the right perirenal space (haemorrhage). The consideration was an angiomyolipoma in spontaneous perinephric haemorrhage. We considered tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and did genetic testing. Results revealed mutations in theTSC2gene, consistent with the diagnosis of TSC. No immediate surgical plans were considered at that time. She opted to be discharged against medical advice and was scheduled for a close outpatient follow-up. The patient followed up after 2 weeks, already on sirolimus 2 mg once daily. She reported improved overall well-being and a decrease in the flank mass size.
Sudden, severe bilateral vision loss after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Popovic Marko , Donaldson Laura , Margolin Edward A
Published: August 2021

We describe a rare complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a young man who presented with sudden, severe, bilateral visual loss after surgery. His ophthalmological examination was non-revealing; however, MRI of the brain revealed bilateral occipital lobe infarction. His infarction was presumed to be secondary to emboli arising from surgical manipulation within the atherosclerotic ascending aorta or from a cardiogenic thrombus formed due to perioperative arrhythmia.
Late unexpected complete fracture of a right ventricular lead still capturing the myocardium
Authors: Serafimova Teona , Connolly Georgia May , Sammut Eva , Diab Ihab
Published: August 2021

A 72-year-old man presented for routine dual chamber pacemaker interrogation 13 years following insertion for sick sinus syndrome. Increased noise, impedance and threshold of the right ventricular (RV) lead were identified. RV capture was maintained with an overall RV pacing burden of 47%. A routine generator replacement was scheduled alongside RV lead replacement. Fluoroscopy at the start of the procedure revealed an unexpected striking fracture of the RV pacing lead with complete separation of the proximal and distal portions within the RV. The patient was asymptomatic and described no predisposing factors. He underwent implantation of a new ventricular lead and generator and has remained well. This case demonstrates clear RV lead fracture as a late complication of pacemaker implantation despite maintained capture. This emphasises the need for a chest X-ray when a change in device parameters is noted at device interrogation even in the absence of symptoms.
Effect of unplanned athletic movement on knee mechanics: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis
Authors: Giesche Florian , Stief Felix , Groneberg David A , Wilke Jan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the effects of pre-planned and unplanned movement tasks on knee biomechanics in uninjured individuals.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

Five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Web of Science) were searched from inception to November 2020. Cross-sectional, (randomised) controlled/non-controlled trials comparing knee angles/moments of pre-planned and unplanned single-leg landings/cuttings were included. Quality of evidence was assessed using the tool of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group.

Methods

A multilevel meta-analysis with a robust random-effects meta-regression model was used to pool the standardised mean differences (SMD) of knee mechanics between pre-planned and unplanned tasks. The influence of possible effect modifiers (eg, competitive performance level) was examined in a moderator analysis.

Results

Twenty-five trials (485 participants) with good methodological quality (Downs and Black) were identified. Quality of evidence was downgraded due to potential risk of bias (eg, confounding). Moderate-quality evidence indicates that unplanned tasks evoked significantly higher external knee abduction (SMD: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.51, 14 studies) and tibial internal rotation moments (SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.79, 11 studies). No significant between-condition differences were detected for sagittal plane mechanics (p>0.05). According to the moderator analysis, increased abduction moments particularly occurred in non-professional athletes (SMD: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.95, 5 studies).

Conclusion

Unplanned movement entails higher knee abduction and tibial internal rotation moments, which could predispose for knee injury. Exercise professionals designing injury-prevention protocols, especially for non-elite athletes, should consider the implementation of assessments and exercises requiring time-constrained decision-making.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019140331.
Published models that predict hospital readmission: a critical appraisal
Authors: Grossman Liu Lisa , Rogers James R , Reeder Rollin , Walsh Colin G , Kansagara Devan , Vawdrey David K , Salmasian Hojjat
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The number of readmission risk prediction models available has increased rapidly, and these models are used extensively for health decision-making. Unfortunately, readmission models can be subject to flaws in their development and validation, as well as limitations in their clinical usefulness.

Objective

To critically appraise readmission models in the published literature using Delphi-based recommendations for their development and validation.

Methods

We used the modified Delphi process to createCritical Appraisal of Models that Predict Readmission(CAMPR), which lists expert recommendations focused on development and validation of readmission models. Guided by CAMPR, two researchers independently appraised published readmission models in two recent systematic reviews and concurrently extracted data to generate reference lists of eligibility criteria and risk factors.

Results

We found that published models (n=81) followed 6.8 recommendations (45%) on average. Many models had weaknesses in their development, including failure to internally validate (12%), failure to account for readmission at other institutions (93%), failure to account for missing data (68%), failure to discuss data preprocessing (67%) and failure to state the model’s eligibility criteria (33%).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of weaknesses in model development identified in the published literature is concerning, as these weaknesses are known to compromise predictive validity. CAMPR may support researchers, clinicians and administrators to identify and prevent future weaknesses in model development.