bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving measurement of harms from others' drinking: Using item‐response theory to scale harms from others' heavy drinking in 10 countries
Authors: Grittner Ulrike , Bloomfield Kim , Kuntsche Sandra , Callinan Sarah , Stanesby Oliver , Gmel Gerhard
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The heavy drinking of others may negatively affect an individual on several dimensions of life. Until now, there is scarce research about how to judge the severity of various experiences of such harms. This study aims to empirically scale the severity of such harm items and to determine who is at most risk of these harms.

Methods

We used population‐based survey data from 10 countries of the GENAHTO project (Gender and Alcohol's Harms to Others, data collection: 2011–2016). Questions about harms from others' drinking asked about verbal and physical harm, damage of belongings, traffic accidents, harassment, threatening behaviour, family and financial problems. We used item response theory methods (IRT) to scale severity of the aforementioned items. To acknowledge culturally based variations in different countries, we assessed ‘differential item functioning’.

Results

The items ‘family problems’, ‘financial problems’ and ‘clothes and property damage’ as well as ‘physical harm’ were scaled as more severe in most countries compared to other items. Substantial differential item functioning was present in more than half of the country pairings. The item ‘financial problems’ was most often differentially scaled. Younger people who drank more, as well as women (compared to men), reported more harm.

Discussion and Conclusions

Using IRT, we were able to evaluate grades of severity in harms from others' drinking. IRT scaling yielded in similar rankings of items as reported from other studies. However, empirical scaling allows for more differentiated severity scaling than simple summary scores and is more sensitive to cultural differences.
Consensus report: Definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Riddle Matthew C. , Cefalu William T. , Evans Philip H. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Nauck Michael A. , Oh William K. , Rothberg Amy E. , le Roux Carel W. , Rubino Francesco , Schauer Philip , Taylor Roy , Twenefour Douglas
Published: August 2021

Improvement of glucose levels into the normal range can occur in some people living with diabetes, either spontaneously or after medical interventions, and in some cases can persist after withdrawal of glucose‐lowering pharmacotherapy. Such sustained improvement may now be occurring more often due to newer forms of treatment. However, terminology for describing this process and objective measures for defining it are not well established, and the long‐term risks versus benefits of its attainment are not well understood. To update prior discussions of this issue, an international expert group was convened by the American Diabetes Association to propose nomenclature and principles for data collection and analysis, with the goal of establishing a base of information to support future clinical guidance. This group proposed “remission” as the most appropriate descriptive term, and HbA1c <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) measured at least 3 months after cessation of glucose‐lowering pharmacotherapy as the usual diagnostic criterion. The group also made suggestions for active observation of individuals experiencing a remission and discussed further questions and unmet needs regarding predictors and outcomes of remission.
A new phenomenological creep residual strength model for the life prediction of the laminated composites
Authors: Samareh‐Mousavi Seyed Sina , Taheri‐Behrooz Fathollah
Published: August 2021

Fiber‐reinforced plastics have extensive applications in advanced industries in which the material is subjected to long time sustained loadings that stimulates time‐dependent damage development in laminated composites. In the present article, a new phenomenological residual strength model is proposed for unidirectional composites under sustained loading. A normalization technique is suggested, which accumulates the spread residual strength data, and a power‐law model is developed to describe the normalized residual strength data under arbitrary states of stress and sustained times. Accelerated creep experiments were performed on T300/L20 carbon/epoxy unidirectional laminates. The residual strength data of tested T300/L20 unidirectional laminates and available data in the literature for Kevlar/epoxy and S‐glass/epoxy strands are used to examine the model predictions. It is shown that the presented normalization procedure is an effective way for modeling the residual strength of unidirectional composites, and the model can discriminate the rate of damage growth under various stress states.
“Habt ihr was für mich?”: Critical Collectivity in Terézia Mora's “Selbstbildnis mit Geschirrtuch” (2016)
Authors: Lien Duncan Gullick
Published: August 2021

Among literary responses to contemporary migration to Germany, Terézia Mora's short story “Selbstbildnis mit Geschirrtuch” stands out as a critical engagement with the various forms of exclusion migrants face. The story recasts the Holocaust‐era refugee experience of the German‐Jewish painters Felka Platek and Felix Nussbaum in contemporary Germany. Although others have considered the relation of Holocaust memory to migration, Mora approaches it from a novel perspective informed by Walter Benjamin's notion of weak messianism and Jean‐Luc Nancy's philosophy of negative community. Motifs of infernal descent are found throughout the story and dramatize the protagonist's exclusion. Weak messianism and negative community shape the response to exclusion in the narrative. Specifically, the story dramatizes alternative forms of being together beyond linguistic borders. Accordingly, this paper demonstrates how the text interrupts the temporal, physical, and linguistic borders of German society, gesturing towards the possibility of collectivity not underwritten by exclusion of the other.
Clinical features and genetic defect in six index patients with congenital fibrinogen disorders: Three novel mutations with one common mutation in Taiwan's population
Authors: Shen Ming‐Ching , Wang Jiaan‐Der , Tsai Woei , Lin Ching‐Yeh , Lin Jen‐Shiou , Kuo Su‐Feng , Lin Po‐Te , Huang Ying‐Chih , Hung Mei‐Hua
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Congenital fibrinogen disorders (CFDs) are caused by mutations in fibrinogen‐encoding genes, FGA, FGB, and FGG, which lead to quantitative or qualitative abnormalities of fibrinogen. Although the diagnosis of CFDs is based on antigenic and functional level of fibrinogen, few genotypes are clearly correlated with phenotype.

Methods

In this study, we investigated all of the referred patients diagnosed as CFDs in Taiwan's population between 1995 and 2020. Clinical features, laboratory data and genetic defects were analysed. Functional fibrinogen level was determined by the Clauss method. Antigenic fibrinogen was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Fibrinogen genes were assessed for mutations by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.

Results

A total of 18 patients from six unrelated families with CFDs were identified. One patient from a consanguineous family was diagnosed as afibrinogenemia type 1A with a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in FGB exon 4. The other five (83.3 %) index patients were all diagnosed as dysfibrinogenemia type 3A caused by two novel and one known mutation. Six (33.3 %) patients from three families had a novel mutation in FGB exon 8. The clinical features and laboratory data were highly variable among these patients with the same mutation.

Conclusions

Three novel mutations of CFDs causing afibrinogenemia and dysfibrinogenemia were identified. The point mutation in FGB exon 8 is also a common mutation in Taiwan's population. Considerable phenotypic variability among the patients with an identical mutation was observed.
Comparison between isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CRDS) for analysing the carbon isotope ratio and detection of adulteration in coconut water
Authors: Meepho Sang‐Arun , Kamdee Kiattipong , Saengkorakot Chakrit , Thapprathum Phornthip , Judprasong Kunchit
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the carbon isotope ratio (¹³C/¹²C, δ13C in unit of parts per thousand or per mill, ‰) of different coconut water samples using elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA‐IRMS) and combustion module cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CM‐CRDS). Natural coconut water from young coconuts from 12 provinces in Thailand (n = 94), adulterated coconut water containing three sweeteners (sucrose, glucose and fructose) at different concentrations and eight brands of commercial coconut water were analysed. The δ13C of all samples were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the EA‐IRMS and CM‐CRDS analyses. The natural coconut water (C3 plant) had δ13C ranging from −21.58‰ to −27.79‰ (mean −24.64 ± 0.91‰). Three sweeteners (C4 plant) contained δ13C between −11.46‰ to −13.16‰. The use of δ13C determination can detect adulteration of a singular extraneous sweetener (either glucose or sucrose) down to a level of 2% of adulteration. For the detected δ13C values of commercial products labelled as ‘no added sugar’, about 50% of products were adulterated. This study demonstrates that CM‐CRDS can be used as an alternative analytical platform to EA‐IRMS for detecting adulterated products, especially coconut water.
The Cartagena refugee definition and nationality‐based discrimination in Mexican refugee status determination
Authors: Sánchez Nájera Felipe , Freier Luisa Feline
Published: August 2021

Mexico's Refugee Law of 2011 has been praised as exceptionally progressive. A core aspect of the new law is the inclusion of an expanded refugee definition derived from the Cartagena Declaration. Nonetheless, it has also been pointed out that implementation gaps persist between Mexico's laws and policy practice. In this paper, we analyse in how far Mexico has applied the Cartagena definition to allegeable asylum seekers. Based on the analysis of a representative sample of 565 Refugee Status Determination (RSD) resolutions, we identify patterns in the country's RSD procedure from 2011 to 2016. On the one hand, we find a 98 per cent recognition rate, under the Cartagena refugee definition, for Venezuelan asylum seekers; on the other hand, a lack of application of the Cartagena definition to Central Americans. We discuss how our findings relate to broader problems associated with the RSD procedure in Latin America, and provide policy recommendations.
Heating rate effects on the thermal and mechanical properties of ZrB2
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Thompson Matthew J. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: August 2021

Zirconium diboride ceramics were densified by hot pressing and spark plasma sintering with heating rates varying from 5 to 300℃/min. Slower heating rates produced larger grains due to the longer times spent at temperatures between 1500 and 1900℃, which is the temperature range in which ZrB2 grains coarsen. Heating rates above 50℃/min resulted in rapid densification, but this led to the retention of up to 3.3 vol.% of ZrO2 particles in the ceramics. After densification, changes to the microstructure were evaluated to interpret the effects of heating rate on thermal and mechanical properties. The flexure strength of ceramics processed by hot pressing up to 80℃/min was proportional to the inverse square root of the maximum grain size based on the Griffith criteria. Conversely, densification by spark plasma sintering, which had heating rates of up to 300℃/min, resulted in microcracks that decreased the elastic modulus from >500 GPa for pristine specimens to <485 GPa for microcracked materials. The use of heating rates >20℃/min also reduced the thermal conductivity due to the presence of retained ZrO2, but improved the strength by reducing the maximum grain size.
Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness coexists with lipoprotein lipase gene mutation‐associated severe hyperlipidemia that was resistant to fenofibrate and atorvastatin, but sensitive to bezafibrate: A case report
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Yongyong , Tong Nanwei , Shao Qing , Zhou Yueyang , Mu Tong , Yang Xiaoling , Zhang Yuwei
Published: August 2021

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness is a rare genetic disease mainly caused by a point mutation in mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid. Lipoprotein lipase gene mutations are associated with familial dyslipidemias, which are difficult to manage. We reported for the first time a case that had both maternally inherited diabetes and severe hyperlipidemia caused by lipoprotein lipase gene mutation (C.347(exon3)G>C) that was resistant to fenofibrate and atorvastatin. We were able to manage the patient’s hyperlipidemia with bezafibrate, and her diabetes was well controlled with insulin. In conclusion, genetic testing is helpful in identifying rare and interesting cases when clinicians suspect inheritable diseases. Additionally, when one fibrate drug is ineffective in treating hyperlipidemia, it might be worthwhile trying another fibrate.
The mediating role of functionality orientation for purchasing remanufactured products: Cases in China, Indonesia, and Thailand
Authors: Chinen Kenichiro , Matsumoto Mitsutaka , McQuitty Shaun , Kojima Michikazu
Published: August 2021

Manufacturers face several obstacles when marketing remanufactured products (RMPs), and therefore must appeal to consumers’ motivational desires to influence their purchase decisions. Informed by regulatory focus theory, this research contributes by examining the role that consumers’ environmental awareness and functionality orientation play in influencing their willingness to purchase RMPs. Limited research attention has been paid to the importance of consumers’ functionality orientations. The critical attributes of functionality orientation are perceptions of functionality, value, and relative pricing. Potential consumers of remanufactured automobile parts in China, Indonesia, and Thailand are surveyed and the data suggest consumers’ functionality orientations can partially mediate the relationship between consumers’ environmental awareness and their willingness to purchase RMPs. This finding indicates that remanufacturers can increase consumers’ willingness to purchase RMPs by informing them of the products’ benefits for the environment and by demonstrating and confirming that RMPs have the same functionality as new products. This research improves understanding of how firms can influence consumer perceptions of RMPs, and the findings can be used to inform practitioners who seek to optimize the value proposition of RMPs by informing consumers about the environmental benefits and functionality of RMPs.
Preface: Cholinergic mechanisms
Authors: Anglister Lili , Silman Israel , Soreq Hermona
Published: August 2021

This special issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, entitled “Cholinergic Mechanisms,” presents 15 reviews and two original papers, which have been selected to cover the broad spectrum of topics and disciplines presented at the XVIth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms (ISCM‐XVI), ranging from the molecular and the cellular to the clinical and the cognitive mechanisms of cholinergic transmission. The authors discuss recent developments in the field, for instance, the association of cholinergic transmission with a number of important neurological and neuromuscular diseases in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

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Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and kisspeptin: It takes two to tango
Authors: Duittoz Anne , Cayla Xavier , Fleurot Renaud , Lehnert Jonas , Khadra Anmar
Published: August 2021

Kisspeptin (Kp), a family of peptides comprising products of the Kiss1 gene, was discovered 20 years ago; it is recognised as the major factor controlling the activity of the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and thus the activation of the reproductive axis in mammals. It has been widely documented that the effects of Kp on reproduction through its action on GnRH neurones are mediated by the GPR54 receptor. Kp controls the activation of the reproductive axis at puberty, maintains reproductive axis activity in adults and is involved in triggering ovulation in some species. Although there is ample evidence coming from both conditional knockout models and conditional‐induced Kp neurone death implicating the Kp/GPR54 pathway in the control of reproduction, the mechanism(s) underlying this process may be more complex than a sole direct control of GnRH neuronal activity by Kp. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances made in elucidating the interplay between Kp‐ and GnRH‐ neuronal networks with respect to regulating the reproductive axis. We highlight the existence of a possible mutual regulation between GnRH and Kp neurones, as well as the implication of Kp‐dependent volume transmission in this process. We also discuss the capacity of heterodimerisation between GPR54 and GnRH receptor (GnRH‐R) and its consequences on signalling. Finally, we illustrate the role of mathematical modelling that accounts for the synergy between GnRH‐R and GPR54 in explaining the role of these two receptors when defining GnRH neuronal activity and GnRH pulsatile release.
An expert consensus report on the clinical use of the Vycross® hyaluronic acid VYC‐25 L filler
Authors: Segurado María A. , Urdiales‐Gálvez Fernando , Benítez Paula A. , Carrasco Sara , Díaz Iratxe , Escoda Nuria , Farollch‐Prats Lisandro , Figueiredo Vitor , Ortíz Francisco , Sebastián María Consuelo , Uva Luís
Published: August 2021

Background

The portfolio of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and the techniques of administration have evolved in recent years. The latest innovation in the Vycross® range was the introduction of VYC‐25L (Juvéderm Volux®; Allergan plc), a first‐in‐class filler effective for chin and facial lower third remodeling. The aim here was to provide clinicians who are starting to use VYC‐25L with key advice, and to standardize procedures so that optimal and predictable outcomes can be obtained.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group of experts in esthetic medicine from Spain and Portugal reviewed the properties, treatment paradigms, administration techniques, and potential complications of VYC‐25L, on the basis of which they drafted consensus recommendations for its clinical use.

Results

The consensus panel provided specific recommendations focusing on the patient profile, dose, administration techniques, and the complications of VYC‐25L and their management. The panel identified five different profiles of patients who may benefit from VYC‐25L, and they drafted recommendations aimed to facilitate the treatment of these patients, namely, microgenia (women/men), masculinization (men), rejuvenation (women/men), facial laxity (women/men), and submental convexity (women/men). In terms of their safety, no specific recommendations were made beyond those established for other HA fillers.

Conclusions

The evolution of esthetic medicine makes it necessary to update the clinical recommendations that guide patient assessment and treatment with the new HA fillers developed. The current consensus document addresses relevant issues related to the use of VYC‐25L on different types of patient, in an attempt to standardize procedures and help specialists obtain predictable results.
How emergency nurses cope and motivate themselves to sustain their caring work: An integrative literature review
Authors: Rantung Gilny , Griffiths Debra , Plummer Virginia , Moss Cheryle
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives

The aim of this integrative review was to assess how emergency nurses cope and motivate themselves to sustain their caring work.

Background

The need to enhance sustainability of the workforce creates a demand to consolidate contemporary evidence related to emergency nurses’ motivations, how they cope and sustain themselves for caring work.

Design and methods

The integrative literature review informed by Whittemore and Knafl involved searching four databases, which yielded 977 published research papers (2008–2021). A total of 33 studies met the inclusion and quality assessment criteria. The PRISMA checklist for review was followed.

Results

No studies addressing all three areas (motivations, coping and caring sustainability) together were identified. Integration of evidence from quantitative and qualitative research was achieved in three categories: (1) emergency nurses’ motivations to sustain their work, (2) emergency nurses’ coping strategies and (3) sustaining care as emergency nurses.

Conclusion

To sustain themselves in caring work, emergency nurses need to be intrinsically and extrinsically motivated and know how to cope effectively with stressors and work demands. There is need for research examining the relationships between these aspects of emergency nursing work.

Relevance to clinical practice

To ensure the sustainability of emergency nurses’ work and careers understanding of the factors that influence and sustain their motivations and coping strategies is important for nurses and their clinical leaders and managers.
Increased afternoon step count increases heart rate variability in patients with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Miyachi Masahiko , Tamakoshi Koji , Morikawa Shuji , Negi Koji , Watanabe Koji , Moriwaki Yoshimi , Hirai Makoto
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives

The present study investigated whether morning or afternoon activity is more effective at increasing the high‐frequency (HF) index, a parasympathetic index, in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Background

A decreased HF index, a heart rate variability (HRV) parameter, is a well‐established marker of poor cardiovascular prognosis. Because blood pressure and sympathetic tone are higher in the morning, physical activity and exercise in the afternoon has been recommended for patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, there have been no reports concerning the superior effects of afternoon exercise on parasympathetic activity and sleep.

Design

This observational study was a post hoc comparison.

Methods

Patients’ physical activity was measured for 1 month to determine their habits. Patients’ HF index was measured by 24‐h Holter electrocardiography. The study enrolled 56 patients. Each patient’s morning step count (before lunch) and afternoon step count (between lunch and dinner) were compared. We adhered to the STROBE guidelines in the present study.

Results

Thirty‐one patients took more steps in the morning, and 25 patients took more steps in the afternoon. The present study showed that those who took more steps in the afternoon had a significantly higher HF index during the first hour after sleep onset and during sleep than those who took more steps in the morning (p = .003, .047).

Conclusions

The present study showed that those who took more steps in the afternoon had a significantly higher HF index during the first hour after sleep onset and a higher HF index during sleep than those who took more steps in the morning.

Relevance to clinical practice

Exercise in the afternoon may improve the prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease by not only preventing excessive blood pressure, afterload, and sympathetic tone but also positively influencing the parasympathetic system and sleep.
Experience of mental health nurses regarding mechanical restraint in patients with psychomotor agitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Manzano‐Bort Yasmina , Mir‐Abellán Ramón , Via‐Clavero Gemma , Llopis‐Cañameras Jaime , Escuté‐Amat Montserrat , Falcó‐Pegueroles Anna
Published: August 2021

Aim

To explore mental health nurses’ experiences whilst managing a patient with psychomotor agitation, and the factors that influence the decision to use mechanical restraints.

Background

Psychomotor agitation is considered a potentially violent psychiatric emergency. The management of disruptive behaviours includes mechanical restraints as the last resort although its use has consequences for patients, professionals and the therapeutic relationship.

Design

A qualitative study design with a hermeneutical approach was developed.

Methods

A total of 31 nurses were purposively sampled from six short‐ and medium‐stay mental health inpatient units. Data were obtained from semi‐structured interviews. A thematic content analysis following the seven steps of Colaizzi's method was performed. Three researchers independently conducted an inductive analysis within a perspective of a hermeneutic paradigm. The COREQ checklist was followed in carrying out this research.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Nurses’ perceptions of restraint methods, 2) Factors influencing decision‐making, 3) Consequences for professionals of the use of mechanical restraint and 4) Alternatives to mechanical restraint.

Conclusions

Aspects such as the importance of teamwork, the issue of cognitive dissonance, ethical conflict and barriers to effecting the withdrawal of these measures affect the mental health nurse's decision‐making process. The understanding of these aspects is crucial to further reducing its incidence and negative consequences and achieving the elimination of mechanical restraints.

Relevance for Clinical Practice

Knowing how nurses feel during the patient's episode of psychomotor agitation and which factors influence the decision on whether to apply coercive methods can guide us on the quality of care offered.
Sleep extension and metabolic health in male overweight/obese short sleepers: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hartescu Iuliana , Stensel David J. , Thackray Alice E. , King James A. , Dorling James L. , Rogers Eva N. , Hall Andrew P. , Brady Emer M. , Davies Melanie J. , Yates Thomas , Morgan Kevin
Published: August 2021

While limited evidence suggests that longer sleep durations can improve metabolic health in habitual short sleepers, there is no consensus on how sustained sleep extension can be achieved. A total of 18 men (mean [SD] age 41 [ 9] years), who were overweight/obese (mean [SD] body mass index 30 [3] kg/m2) and short sleepers at increased risk of type 2 diabetes were randomised to a 6‐week sleep‐extension programme based on cognitive behavioural principles (n = 10) or a control (n = 8) group. The primary outcome was 6‐week change in actigraphic total sleep time (TST). Fasting plasma insulin, insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA‐IR]), blood pressure, appetite‐related hormones from a mixed‐meal tolerance test, and continuous glucose levels were also measured. Baseline to 6‐week change in TST was greater in the sleep‐extension group, at 79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.90, 88.05) versus 6 (95% CI −4.43, 16.99) min. Change in the sleep‐extension and control groups respectively also showed: lower fasting insulin (−11.03 [95% CI −22.70, 0.65] versus 7.07 [95% CI −4.60, 18.74] pmol/L); lower systolic (−11.09 [95% CI −17.49, −4.69] versus 0.76 [95% CI −5.64, 7.15] mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (−12.16 [95% CI −17.74, −6.59] versus 1.38 [95% CI −4.19, 6.96] mmHg); lower mean amplitude of glucose excursions (0.34 [95% CI −0.57, −0.12] versus 0.05 [95% CI −0.20, 0.30] mmol/L); lower fasting peptide YY levels (−18.25 [95%CI −41.90, 5.41] versus 21.88 [95% CI −1.78, 45.53] pg/ml), and improved HOMA‐IR (−0.51 [95% CI −0.98, −0.03] versus 0.28 [95% CI −0.20, 0.76]). Our protocol increased TST and improved markers of metabolic health in male overweight/obese short sleepers.
Waterlogging and soil but not seedling competition structure tree communities in a catchment containing a tropical freshwater swamp forest
Authors: Chong Kwek Yan , Hung Sherry Ming Xuan , Koh Choon Yen , Lim Reuben Chong Jin , Loh Jolyn Weiting , Neo Louise , Seah Wei Wei , Tan Siu Yueh , Tan Hugh Tiang Wah
Published: August 2021

Questions

What are the relative influences of soil and hydrology on tree community structure, seedling survival and seedling growth? Do soil and hydrology moderate seedling responses to competition?

Location

Nee Soon catchment, Singapore.

Methods

We measured and identified trees ≥5 cm diameter in 40 plots measuring 20 m × 20 m each, set up in the wet and dry areas of the catchment, and collected topsoil for analysis of soil texture, pH, and nutrients. We also conducted randomised experiments on seedlings of two dry specialists, two wet specialists, and two generalists and compared survival and growth traits in different soil and waterlogging treatments. We repeated the experiments with one dry specialist and one wet specialist with additional paired seedling intraspecific and interspecific competition treatments.

Results

Tree communities were structured along both soil and hydrological gradients, and a distinct freshwater swamp subcommunity was identified. The six species selected for the experiments had differing survival responses to the different soil and waterlogging treatments: dry specialists survived best in the dry soil type and/or well‐drained conditions and wet specialists survived best in the wet soil type or waterlogged conditions, with generalist responses in‐between. However, both the dry specialist Aporosa frutescens and the wet specialist Baccaurea bracteata grew slower in waterlogged conditions. These results did not differ when seedlings of the two species were grown together, suggesting that dry‐specialist seedlings do not particularly outcompete wet‐specialist seedlings in the absence of waterlogging stress.

Conclusions

Soil characteristics, hydrological conditions, and tree community structure are all intertwined in the field. Manipulative experiments show that soil type and waterlogging have separate effects on seedling survival of different species that are consistent with performance trade‐offs corresponding to their respective specialisations, but waterlogging reduces seedling growth in both wet and dry specialists. Competition between seedlings is comparatively unimportant.
Changing clinical management of NAFLD in Asia
Authors: Nakatsuka Takuma , Tateishi Ryosuke , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25% of the world's population. Recently, because of the sedentary lifestyle and overnutrition resulting from urbanisation, the burden of NAFLD has rapidly increased in many Asian countries. Currently, the prevalence of NAFLD in Asia is approximately 30%, as is the case in many Western countries. In Asia, the prevalence and presentation of NAFLD vary widely across regions because of the substantial diversity in race, socioeconomic status and living environment. Furthermore, the dual aetiology of fatty liver, particularly with viral hepatitis in Asia, makes it complex and challenging to manage. Because Asians are likely to have central adiposity and insulin resistance, approximately 7%‐20% of non‐obese Asians with body mass indexes of less than 25 kg/m2are estimated to have NAFLD. Accumulating evidence indicates that NAFLD is associated with various extrahepatic comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, malignancy, in addition to liver‐specific complications. Therefore, NAFLD should be managed as a multisystem disease in conjunction with metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle modification remains the basis of NAFLD management, but few patients can achieve adequate weight loss and maintain it long term. While various pharmacological agents are in phase 3 trials for steatohepatitis, Asian patients are underrepresented in most trials. This article reviews the epidemiological trends, clinical features, optimal assessment and current management practices for NAFLD in Asia.
The effect of biliary obstruction, biliary drainage and bile reinfusion on bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhang Yangqianwen , Cheng Qingbao , Wu Jianmin , Zhu Yanjing , Shi Xuebing , Qiu Xinyao , Yang Shuai , Wang Shan , Zheng Bo , Wu Tong , Li Zhixuan , Wang Kaiting , Zhang Yani , Zhao Yan , Wang Wenwen , Bao Jinxia , Hu Ji , Wu Xuan , Wang Hongyang , Jiang Xiaoqing , Chen Lei
Published: August 2021

Background & Aims

Preoperative obstructive jaundice is usually associated with higher post‐operative mortality. Although external biliary drainage (EBD) has been widely used to relieve obstructive jaundice, the role of bile reinfusion after EBD is still controversial. The aim of our study was to study the effects of biliary obstruction, biliary drainage and bile reinfusion on bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota.

Methods

Firstly, we created a mice bile drainage collection (BDC) model to simulate the process of biliary obstruction, drainage and bile reinfusion. Then, we analysed the faecal, serum, liver and bile samples to investigate the effects of the process on bile acid profiles and gut microbiota. Finally, we evaluated the clinical effects of bile reinfusion.

Results

We evaluated the bile acid profiles of faeces, serum, liver and bile of normal mice. During biliary obstruction, secondary bile acids can still be produced, and increased in the liver and serum of mice. Compared with no bile reinfusion, bile reinfusion was beneficial to the recovery of T‐ωMCA in the liver and bile, and can restore the colon crypt length shortened by biliary obstruction. Only Ruminococcus_1 proliferated when the biliary obstruction lasted for 12 days. In the clinic, bile reinfusion cannot accelerate the patient's perioperative recovery or prolong long‐term survival.

Conclusion

We have successfully created a mice bile drainage collection model. Short‐term bile reinfusion can partially benefit the recovery of the secondary bile acids in the liver and bile, but hardly benefit the patient's perioperative recovery or long‐term survival. (247 words).
Molecular assessment of dietary niche partitioning in an endemic island radiation of tropical mammals
Authors: Petrosky Anna L. , Rowsey Dakota M. , Heaney Lawrence R.
Published: August 2021

Island radiations represent unique evolutionary histories in unique ecological contexts. These radiations provide opportunities to investigate ecological diversification in groups that typically exhibit niche partitioning among their constituents, including partitioning of food resources. DNA metabarcoding produces finer levels of diet identification than traditional methods, allowing us to examine dietary niche partitioning in communities or clades in which species share superficially similar diets. Here, we use DNA metabarcoding to investigate dietary niche partitioning in an endemic radiation of mammals in the Philippines. Our data reveal niche partitioning as well as phylogenetically‐uncorrelated adaptive evolution in this small mammal community. Because 70% of the focal species belong to the tribe Chrotomyini, an endemic Philippine radiation of murid rodents that feed extensively on earthworms, this study sheds light on dietary adaptation and its role in the co‐occurrence of closely related species. Our results reveal fine‐scale resource partitioning within this community; our data provide compelling evidence for niche partitioning of diet that was masked by previous diet categories and will help in further dissecting the model adaptive radiation of endemic small mammals on Luzon. This study reinforces the notion that DNA metabarcoding can be a valuable tool for investigating both ecological relationships and evolutionary ecology at the community and phylogenetic level, respectively.
Birth‐site habitat selection in gray seals (Halichoerus grypus): Effects of maternal age and parity and association with offspring weaning mass
Authors: Allen Sydney J. J. , Bowen W. Don , den Heyer Cornelia E.
Published: August 2021

Selection of birth‐site habitat can have important effects on the reproductive success of females and the survival of offspring. We studied birth‐site habitat selection by gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and the associated effect on offspring body mass at weaning. We identified a mosaic of eight habitats using orthorectified imagery from a photographic aerial survey conducted in January 2016. The distribution of birth sites of 814 females in 2014–2016 compared to the available habitat in 2016 provided evidence for positive selection of habitats that were not subject to tidal influence or flooding. The habitat selected for parturition varied with both female age and parity. Younger and inexperienced females were more likely to pup in beach habitat, while older and more experienced females were more commonly found inland and on vegetated dunes. Longitudinal data from 540 females observed between 2006 and 2016 revealed moderate repeatability of birth‐site habitat selection (r = 0.269, 95% CI [0.236–0.326]). Pups born in inland sand habitat that did not flood averaged 1.5 kg heavier (~2%) at weaning than those born on tidally influenced beach habitat. Overall, birth‐site habitat selection was associated with small effects on offspring body mass at weaning.
Fly pollination drives convergence of flower coloration
Authors: Garcia Jair E. , Hannah Lea , Shrestha Mani , Burd Martin , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: August 2021

Plant–pollinator interactions provide a natural experiment in signal evolution. Flowers are known to have evolved colour signals that maximise their ease of detection by the visual systems of important pollinators such as bees. Whilst most angiosperms are bee pollinated, our understanding on how the second largest group of pollinating insects, flies, may influence flower colour evolution is limited to the use of categorical models of colour discrimination that do not reflect the small colour differences commonly observed between and within flower species. Here we show by comparing flower signals that occur in different environments including total absence of bees, a mixture of bee and fly pollination within one plant family (Orchidaceae) from a single community, and typical flowers from a broad taxonomic sampling of the same geographic region, that perceptually different colours, empirically measured, do evolve in response to different types of insect pollinators. We show evidence of both convergence among fly‐pollinated floral colours but also of divergence and displacement of colour signals in the absence of bee pollinators. Our findings give an insight into how both ecological and agricultural systems may be affected by changes in pollinator distributions around the world.
Anaphylaxis and onsite treatment in schools, kindergartens, and nurseries
Authors: Korematsu Seigo , Kaku Minako , Kitada Shun , Etoh Mie , Kai Hiroko , Joh Miho , Nakano Kazue , Nakamura Midori , Sato Kensho , Wakita Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Shigetaka , Yada Kimihiro , Andou Akikazu , Ishiwa Shun , Fujimoto Tamotsu
Published: August 2021

Background

There have been no reports on both anaphylaxis incidence rate in schools, kindergarten, and nurseries, or how teachers have treated these children. This study was a fact‐finding survey aimed at determining if appropriate responses to anaphylaxis onset were implemented in Oita Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

The Oita Prefectural Allergy Control Committee administered a questionnaire using Google forms to all public and private schools, public and private kindergartens, certified child‐care facilities, and day‐care centers in the prefecture.

Results

Responses to the questionnaire were obtained from 597 institutions, of which 125 890 children were affiliated with the responding institutions. Forty‐eight children developed symptoms for which an adrenaline auto‐injector was recommended in an Oita guideline. Among these children, three used the adrenaline auto‐injector, three were prescribed the adrenaline auto‐injector but were unable to use it, 27 were unable to use it as they were not prescribed an adrenaline auto‐injector, and the final 15 responded that they handled their symptoms via another method because none of the above options apply.

Conclusions

Most children who developed symptoms which an adrenaline auto‐injector was recommended had no prescription for an adrenaline auto‐injector. There is thus a need for appropriate response training to anaphylaxis whether or not an adrenaline auto‐injector was prescribed.
The obstructive index in antenatal unilateral pelviureteric junction obstruction: A novel predictor of the failure of conservative management
Authors: Jena Rahul , Arya Amitabh , Madhavan Kumar , Lal Hira , Yadav Priyank , Ansari MS
Published: August 2021

Background

To find the impact of the obstructive index (OI) as a predictor of management in antenatal pelviureteric junction obstruction.

Methods

Records of 135 cases of antenatally detected unilateral pelviureteric junction obstruction, selected for initial observation were retrospectively analyzed. All patients who underwent pyeloplasty on follow up were assigned to Group A. Those patients who were still on conservative management were assigned to Group B. The pelvic anteroposterior diameters of the affected (PAPD[A]) and normal kidney (PAPD[N]) of the same patient, along with the cortical thickness of the affected kidneys (CT[A]) and normal kidneys (CT[N]) on postnatal ultrasound scan, the T1/2 of the affected (T1/2 [A]) and normal kidneys (T1/2 [N]), the differential renal function (DRF), and the shape of the curve on a diuretic renogram were noted for each patient at 6 weeks. The OI was defined as (PAPD[A] × T1/2 [A]) / (PAPD[N] × T1/2 [N]).

Results

The median duration of follow up was 55 months (36–110). Median age at surgery was 12 months (4–80). Group A had 30 patients with 105 in Group B. On multivariate analysis, OI and shape of curve predicted need for surgery with statistical significance. Median OI in Group A was 18.9 compared to 4.82 in Group B (P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under curve for the OI was 0.95. A level of 12.2 could predict failure of conservative management with a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 92.4%.

Conclusions

The OI can reliably predict the need for surgery at a very early stage, thus avoiding repeated tests and saving time.
Melatonin improves testicular haemodynamics, echotexture and testosterone production in Ossimi rams during the breeding season
Authors: El‐Shalofy Amr , Hedia Mohamed , Kastelic John
Published: August 2021

The objective was to determine effects of a single parenteral dose of melatonin on testicular blood flow indices, testicular echogenicity and plasma testosterone concentrations in rams during the physiological breeding season. We hypothesized that melatonin enhances testicular blood flow, echogenicity and plasma testosterone concentrations during the breeding season in rams. During the breeding season, 12 sexually mature Ossimi rams were randomly allocated to either a melatonin group (n = 8) that received 18 mg of melatonin in 1 ml of corn oil (injected SC) or a control group (n = 4) that received 1 ml corn oil only. Blood collection and ultrasonographic assessment of the testes and supratesticular arteries were conducted immediately before treatment (W0) and once weekly for 6 weeks after melatonin injection (W1‐W6). Mean plasma testosterone concentrations were greater (p < .05; at least 1 ng/ml) in the melatonin‐treated group compared to the control group from W4 to W6 after treatment. A decrease (p < .05) in both resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) began 1 week after melatonin injection (W1) and persisted until the end of the experiment, with mean RI and PI values in the melatonin group lower (p < .05) than those in the control group on W3 and W4. Furthermore, plasma testosterone concentrations in melatonin‐treated rams were inversely correlated to both RI and PI (r = −.7 and −.6, respectively, p < .01). Testicular echogenicity decreased (p < .05) 1 week after melatonin injection (W1) and remained lower (p < .05) in the melatonin‐treated group compared to the control group until the end of the study (W6). In conclusion, melatonin administration significantly altered testicular blood flow and echogenicity and increased plasma testosterone concentrations in Ossimi rams during the breeding season.
African American and Latino discrimination complaints: comparing volume and outcomes
Authors: Bullock Charles S. , Lamb Charles M. , Wilk Eric M.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Research has investigatedracial and ethnic discrimination in America without examining discrimination complaints or focusing on housing. To help fill this void, we explore volume and outcomes in Fair Housing Act complaints filed by African Americans and Latinos between 1989 and 2010 in order to compare enforcement by federal, state, and local civil rights agencies.

Methods

Relying on data obtained from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), we test a multivariate fixed effects logistic regression model.

Results

First, the data show that African Americans are more likely to file complaints than Latinos, but Latinos are slightly more likely to receive favorable outcomes. Second, an increased number of complaints filed per state capita by each group significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, but this effect is much smaller and weaker for African Americans than for Latinos. Third, local agencies are significantly more likely to provide favorable outcomes for Latinos than are federal or state agencies.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings indicate that favorable outcome rates for African Americans are more stable than those for Latinos and that independent variables such as agency caseload and level of government agency produce much greater variance in the favorability rates for Latinos as compared to African Americans.
The effectiveness of government measures during the first wave of the outbreak
Authors: Ratto María Celeste , Cabrera Juan Manuel , Zacharías Daniela , Azerrat Juan Martín
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The Covid‐19 pandemic changed the humanity life. Millions of deaths and infections that spread rapidly around the world made all countries take measures to stop the outbreaks and assume the enormous consequences that the Coronavirus is leaving behind. The challenge has been enormous; governments across the world have implemented a wide span of nonpharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the Coronavirus pandemic (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its consequences in economic terms. The aim of this article is to analyze the effects that different kinds of measures taken by Latin American governments had on the daily new infections. The countries analyzed were Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Panamá, Peru, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Methods

A time series cross‐section analysis was performed, which allows studying the evolution of the number of daily cases over time and by country. The timeframe of this study was from the day the first case of coronavirus was registered in a country, until September 14, 2020. We used data from Covid‐19 Dashboard database of Johns Hopkins University and the Oxford Covid‐19 Government Response Tracker data set.

Results

The Stringency Index did not have a significant influence at the beginning of the pandemic but turned out to be significant and inversely related to DNI during Phases 2 and 3. On the contrary, the Economic and the Sanitary Containment Index was not statistically significant for any of the phases. Furthermore, the level of wealthfare of a country, measured from its GDP per capita, exerts a substantive conditional influence on the management of the Covid‐19 crisis.

Conclusions

The scenarios have been changing and strategies had to change as well in order to be successful because they lose effectiveness and have increased social costs with time. Therefore, understanding the relative effectiveness of such measures had on the disease spreading during the first wave of the outbreak, could help governments to make more informed decisions about how to control future outbreaks of the Covid‐19 pandemic.