bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning ahead: Dynamic models forecast blue whale distribution with applications for spatial management
Authors: Barlow Dawn R. , Torres Leigh G.
Published: September 2021

Resources in the ocean are ephemeral, and effective management must therefore account for the dynamic spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystems and species of concern. We focus on the South Taranaki Bight (STB) of New Zealand, where upwelling generates productivity and prey to support an important foraging ground for blue whales that overlaps with anthropogenic pressure from industrial activities.

We incorporate regional ecological knowledge of upwelling dynamics, physical–biological coupling and associated lags in models to forecast sea surface temperature (SST) and net primary productivity (NPP) with up to 3 weeks lead time. Forecasted environmental layers are then implemented in species distribution models to predict suitable blue whale habitat in the STB. Models were calibrated using data from the austral summers of 2009–2019, and ecological forecast skill was evaluated by predicting to withheld data.

Boosted regression tree models skilfully forecasted SST (CV deviance explained = 0.969–0.970) and NPP (CV deviance explained = 0.738–0.824). The subsequent blue whale distribution forecast models had high predictive performance (AUC = 0.889), effectively forecasting suitable habitat on a daily scale with 1–3 weeks lead time.

The spatial location and extent of forecasted blue whale habitat were variable, with the proportion of petroleum and mineral permit areas that overlapped with daily suitable habitat ranging from 0% to 70%. Hence, the STB and these forecast models are well‐suited for dynamic management that could reduce anthropogenic threats to whales while decreasing regulatory burdens to industry users relative to a traditional static protected area.

Synthesis and applications. We develop and test ecological forecast models that predict sea surface temperature, net primary productivity and blue whale suitable habitat up to 3 weeks in the future within New Zealand's South Taranaki Bight region. These forecasts of whale distribution can be effectively applied for dynamic spatial management due to model foundation on quantified links and lags between physical forcing and biological responses. A framework to operationalize these forecasts through a user‐driven application is in development to proactively inform conservation management decisions. This framework is implemented through stakeholder engagement, allows flexibility based on management objectives, and is amenable to improvement as new knowledge and feedback are received.
A Learning Health Systems Approach to Frailty Prediction Using EHR Data
Authors: Bokov Alex , Stevens Kathleen , Tripathy Chandana , Espinoza Sara
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

To predict occurrence of preventable patient safety events using only data elements that are almost universally supported in EHR systems.

Study Design

We drew a random sample was drawn from the EHR records of adult patients not restricted to any particular age range or diagnosis and therefore representative of a real‐world health system population. This sample was subdivided into a developmental and a test subset. We used the Rockwood Deficit Accumulation method to construct a frailty index from ICD10 codes, lab value‐flags, and vital signs on a per‐visit basis with a rolling two‐year time‐window (EFI, electronic frailty index). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to model days elapsed from a randomly selected visit to the first occurrence of the selected outcomes (which are also based on routinely available EHR data elements). In contrast to previous studies, we treated EFI as a time‐varying predictor with multiple follow‐ups per patient, which is more realistic than relying on one static time‐point. We used a representative sample of the adult patient population rather than limiting it to older individuals and found EFI to be a useful metric even at relatively young ages.

Population Studied

We accessed EHR data for 14,844 patients randomly sampled from our academic health center's data warehouse which supports our ACT/SHRINE node and is regularly updated from our institution's EHR system.

Principal Findings

We found that this electronic frailty index was robustly predictive of ED utilization, hospitalization, discharge from hospital to SNF/ICF, hospital readmission, all‐cause mortality, and complications including in‐hospital trauma and infections.

Conclusions

Though currently frailty indexes are most used in geriatrics and gerontology, we find evidence that age‐related declines follow a lifelong trajectory that is observable in patient charts even in younger patients (18–45).

Implications for Policy or Practice

Frailty predicts poor patient outcomes and healthcare services utilization. Accurate assessment of frailty can inform clinical management decisions and assist with anticipating healthcare resource utilization. Deficit accumulation indexes have a much simpler algorithm than most other frailty scores (e.g. HCC‐RAF). Because they capture a large number of conditions, they are robust against missing data and variations between disparate data sources. To further reduce barriers to implementation and accelerate the evolution of this tool, we are making the source code freely available under and open source license. Our next goal will be a side‐by‐side comparison of HCC‐RAF and EFI for predicting the outcomes presented here as well as cost of care. If EFI can be shown to out‐perform CMS risk scores, the implications for value‐based care will be significant.

Primary Funding Source

National Institutes of Health.
Anaerobic oxidation of methane mediated by microbial extracellular respiration
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Yuan Zhiguo , Hu Shihu
Published: September 2021

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) can be microbially mediated by the reduction of different terminal electron acceptors. AOM coupled to reduction of sulfate, manganese/iron oxides, humic substances, selenate, arsenic and other artificial extracellular electron acceptors are recognized as processes associated with microbial extracellular respiration. In these processes, methane‐oxidizing archaea transfer electrons to external electron acceptors or to interdependent microbial species, which are mechanistically dependent on versatile extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways. This review compiles recent progress in the research of electromicrobiology of AOM based on the catalogue of different electron acceptors. Naturally distributed and artificially constructed EET‐mediated AOM is summarized, with the discussion of their environmental importance and application potentials. The diversity of responsible microorganisms involved in EET‐mediated AOM is discussed with both methane‐oxidizing archaea and their putative bacterial partners. More importantly, the review highlights progress and deficiencies in our understanding of EET pathways in EET‐mediated AOM, raising open research questions for future research.
Sex‐specific effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor function in orbitofrontal cortex pyramidal neurons of mice
Authors: Licheri Valentina , Chandrasekaran Jayapriya , Bird Clark W. , Valenzuela C. Fernando , Brigman Jonathan L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can produce behavioral and cognitive deficits that persist into adulthood. These include impairments in executive functions, learning, planning, and cognitive flexibility. We have previously shown that moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) significantly impairs reversal learning, a measure of flexibility mediated across species by different brain areas that include the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). Reversal learning is likewise impaired by genetic or pharmacological inactivation of GluN2B subunit‐containing N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs). In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that moderate PAE persistently alters the number and function of GluN2B subunit‐containing NMDARs in OFC pyramidal neurons of adult mice.

Methods

We used a rodent model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and left offspring undisturbed until adulthood. Using whole‐cell, patch‐clamp recordings, we assessed NMDAR function in slices from 90‐ to 100‐day‐old male and female PAE and control mice. Pharmacologically isolated NMDA receptor‐mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (NMDA‐eEPSCs) were recorded in the absence and presence of the GluN2B antagonist, Ro25‐6981(1 µM). In a subset of littermates, we evaluated the level of GluN2B protein expression in the synaptic fraction using Western blotting technique.

Results

Our results indicate that PAE females show significantly larger (~23%) NMDA‐eEPSC amplitudes than controls, while PAE induced a significant decrease (~17%) in NMDA‐eEPSC current density of pyramidal neurons recorded in slices from male mice. NMDA‐eEPSC decay time was not affected in PAE‐exposed mice from either sex. The contribution of GluN2B subunit‐containing NMDARs to the eEPSCs was not significantly altered by PAE. Moreover, there were no significant changes in protein expression in the synaptic fraction of either PAE males or females.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that low‐to‐moderate PAE modulates NMDAR function in pyramidal neurons in a sex‐specific manner, although we did not find evidence that the effect is mediated by dysfunction of synaptic GluN2B subunit‐containing NMDARs.
A Western diet with alcohol in drinking water recapitulates features of alcohol‐associated liver disease in mice
Authors: Schonfeld Michael , O’Neil Maura , Villar Maria T. , Artigues Antonio , Averilla Janice , Gunewardena Sumedha , Weinman Steven A. , Tikhanovich Irina
Published: September 2021

Background

Mouse models of alcohol‐associated liver disease vary greatly in their ease of implementation and the pathology they produce. Effects range from steatosis and mild inflammation with the Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet to severe inflammation, fibrosis, and pyroptosis seen with the Tsukamoto–French intragastric feeding model. Implementation of all of these models is limited by the labor‐intensive nature of the protocols and the specialized skills necessary for successful intragastric feeding. We thus sought to develop a new model to reproduce features of alcohol‐induced inflammation and fibrosis with minimal operational requirements.

Methods

Over a 16‐week period, mice were fed ad libitum with a pelleted high‐fat Western diet (WD; 40% calories from fat) and alcohol added to the drinking water. We found the optimal alcohol consumption to be that at which the alcohol concentration was 20% for 4 days and 10% for 3 days per week. Control mice received WD pellets with water alone.

Results

Alcohol consumption was 18 to 20 g/kg/day in males and 20 to 22 g/kg/day in females. Mice in the alcohol groups developed elevated serum transaminase levels after 12 weeks in males and 10 weeks in females. At 16 weeks, both males and females developed liver inflammation, steatosis, and pericellular fibrosis. Control mice on WD without alcohol had mild steatosis only. Alcohol‐fed mice showed reduced HNF4α mRNA and protein expression. HNF4α is a master regulator of hepatocyte differentiation, down‐regulation of which is a known driver of hepatocellular failure in alcoholic hepatitis.

Conclusion

A simple‐to‐administer, 16‐week WD alcohol model recapitulates the inflammatory, fibrotic, and gene expression aspects of human alcohol‐associated steatohepatitis.
Integrative data analysis of self‐efficacy in 4 clinical trials for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kruger Eric S. , Serier Kelsey N. , Pfund Rory A. , McKay James R. , Witkiewitz Katie
Published: September 2021

Background

Self‐efficacy has been proposed as a key predictor of alcohol treatment outcomes and a potential mechanism of success in achieving abstinence or drinking reductions following alcohol treatment. Integrative data analysis, where data from multiple studies are combined for analyses, can be used to synthesize analyses across multiple alcohol treatment trials by creating a commensurate measure and controlling for differential item functioning (DIF) to determine whether alcohol treatments improve self‐efficacy.

Method

The current study used moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA) to examine the effect of treatment on self‐efficacy across four different treatment studies (N = 3720; 72.5% male, 68.4% non‐Hispanic white). Self‐efficacy was measured using the Alcohol Abstinence Self‐Efficacy Scale (AASE) in the COMBINE Study (n = 1383) and Project MATCH (n = 1726), and the Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ) in two studies of Telephone Continuing Care (TEL Study 1: n = 303; TEL Study 2: n = 212). DIF was examined across time, study, treatment condition, marital status, age, and sex.

Results

We identified 12 items from the AASE and DTCQ to create a commensurate measure of self‐efficacy using MNLFA. All active treatments, including cognitive–behavioral treatment, a combined behavioral intervention, medication management, motivation enhancement treatment, telephone continuing care, twelve‐step facilitation, and relapse prevention, were associated with significant increases in self‐efficacy from baseline to posttreatment that were maintained for up to a year. Importantly, treatment as usual in community settings, which consisted of weekly group therapy that included addiction counseling and twelve‐step recovery support, was not associated with significant increases in self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Alcohol self‐efficacy increases following treatment and numerous evidence‐based treatments are associated with significant increases in self‐efficacy, which are maintained over time. Community treatment that focuses solely on addiction counseling and twelve‐step support may not promote increases in self‐efficacy.
Psychiatric Admissions, Referrals, and Suicidal Behavior Before and During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Denmark: A Time‐Trend Study
Authors: Rømer Troels Boldt , Christensen Rune Haubo Bojesen , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj , Folke Fredrik , Christensen Helle Collatz , Benros Michael Eriksen
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess the patterns in psychiatric admissions, referrals, and suicidal behavior before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This study utilized health records from hospitals and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) covering 46% of the Danish population (n = 2,693,924). In a time‐trend study, we compared the number of psychiatric in‐patients, referrals to mental health services and suicidal behavior in years prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic to levels during the first lockdown (March 11 – May 17, 2020), inter‐lockdown period (May 18 – December 15, 2020), and second lockdown (December 16, 2020 – February 28, 2021).

Results

During the pandemic, the rate of psychiatric in‐patients declined compared to pre‐pandemic levels (RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.94 – 0.96, p < 0.01), with the largest decrease of 19% observed three weeks into the first lockdown. Referrals to mental health services were not significantly different (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.92 – 1.10, p = 0.91) during the pandemic; neither was suicidal behavior among hospital contacts (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.94 – 1.14, p = 0.48) nor EMS contacts (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00 – 1.18, p = 0.06). Similar trends were observed across nearly all age groups, sexes, and types of mental disorders examined. In the age group <18, an increase in the rate of psychiatric in‐patients (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07 – 1.15, p < 0.01) was observed during the pandemic; however, this did not exceed the pre‐pandemic, upwards trend in psychiatric hospitalizations in the age group <18 (p = 0.78).

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been associated with a decrease in psychiatric hospitalizations, while no significant change was observed in referrals to mental health services and suicidal behavior. Psychiatric hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased during the pandemic; however, this appears to be a continuation of a pre‐pandemic trend.
Nutritional content and bioconversion efficiency of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): harvest as larvae or prepupae?
Authors: Parry Nina J , Weldon Christopher W
Published: September 2021

Most research on nutritional composition that relates to use of fly larvae as an alternative ingredient in animal feed has focused on the prepupal stage of Hermetia illucens. However, crude protein and lipid content of H. illucens larvae vary dramatically during larval development, and little evidence has been presented to support use of prepupae for animal feed. The aim of this study was to establish the nutritional value of larvae and prepupae of H. illucens reared on organic waste streams for use in animal feed. The effect of harvesting of either larvae or prepupae on waste reduction was also measured. Freshly hatched neonates (90 mg) were placed on 12 kg of mixed pre‐consumer waste and held at 28°C. Moisture content, crude protein, crude lipid, ash, fibre, survival, total biomass, individual larval biomass, waste reduction and bioconversion on a dry matter basis were determined and compared between larvae harvested on Day 15 and prepupae harvested on Day 20. Prepupae had higher fibre content than larvae, while moisture content, crude protein, crude lipid and ash did not differ between the two groups. Total biomass was higher in larvae than in prepupae due to mortality between the two stages. Size of individual larvae was very similar between the two groups. In terms of nutritional content or biomass production, it is not detrimental to harvest larvae early or to harvest a mixture of larvae and prepupae or prepupae only. However, harvesting later, when larvae have become prepupae, would lead to a reduction in potential harvest and total biomass output, especially as survival declines over time. Bioconversion and waste reduction did not differ between Day 15 and Day 20, indicating that nutrient recovery from waste was not improved by harvesting at the prepupal stage.
Comparison of major histocompatibility complex‐B variability in Sri Lankan indigenous chickens with five global chicken populations using MHC‐B SNP panel
Authors: Manjula P. , Fulton J. E. , Seo D. , Lee J. H.
Published: September 2021

In the present study, we investigated the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐B haplotypes diversity of Sri Lankan indigenous chickens from three different geographical sites consisting of highly mixed populations using 90 SNPs in the MHC‐B region. A total of 48 haplotypes were identified. Those included 37 novel haplotypes and 11 previously identified ‘standard’ haplotypes. The MHC‐linked marker, LEI0258, had 23 alleles showing less diversity than defined by MHC‐B SNP haplotypes. Among those identified haplotypes, five standard haplotypes—BSNP‐O02, BSNP‐M01, BSNP‐A04, BSNP‐K03, BSNP‐T04—were most commonly observed, suggesting past introgression of imported breeds. Comparison of the MHC‐B haplotypes of Sri Lankan and four other global populations with previously defined haplotypes indicated the sharing of 23 standard haplotypes with common origins. Novel haplotypes are population‐specific and not shared among the geographical boundaries. Backyard indigenous chickens are unselected, highly crossbred, and generally thrive under dynamic environmental conditions. Hence free‐range production systems may be responsible for maintaining high diversity in the MHC‐B region with novel haplotypes.
Baby wipes and nappy rash – what is the relationship? A review
Authors: Mactaggart Emma , Orchard David , Mui Tam Mei
Published: September 2021

Baby wipes are a commonly used cleansing method for infants. A literature review has been performed to assess if using baby wipes is beneficial or harmful compared to water and cloth in terms of nappy rash. This includes a detailed analysis of baby wipe ingredients, as many skin irritants as well as allergens are identified. MedLine, Embase and PubMed were searched and after 420 titles and abstracts were screened, 21 studies remained for inclusion. Baby wipes are deemed as superior to water and cloth in the majority of the literature. However, no definitive conclusion can be drawn as many studies are also industry funded. The most notable allergens identified are fragrances, such as linalool, cocamidopropyl betaine (surfactant), formaldehyde‐releasing preservatives and other preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. As not all allergens are listed on the label accurately, this can be misleading for the consumer.
Association study of transition of laboratory marker levels and transition of disease activity of atopic dermatitis patients treated with dupilumab
Authors: Mizuno Maki , Horiguchi Go , Teramukai Satoshi , Ichiyama Susumu , Ito Michiko , Hoashi Toshihiko , Kanda Naoko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: September 2021

Background

Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks signalling pathways of interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13, is effective in treating patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We previously showed that transitions of serum thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) levels and eosinophil numbers were strongly associated with that of AD activity and that the transitions of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were weakly and not associated with that of AD activity, respectively, in patients treated without dupilumab.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the association of the transition of laboratory marker levels and transition of disease activity in dupilumab‐treated AD patients (present study) was different from that in patients who are not treated with dupilumab (previous study).

Methods

Sixty AD outpatients treated with dupilumab were included in this study. Associations between the transition of the eczema area and severity index (EASI) score and those of above‐mentioned laboratory marker levels were evaluated using a mixed effects model of EASI as the response variable, laboratory markers as fixed effects and patients as random effects.

Results

The transitions of serum TARC and LDH levels were associated strongly with that of AD activity, but the transitions of serum IgE level and eosinophil numbers were associated with that of AD activity intermediately and weakly, respectively.

Conclusions

Laboratory markers are useful for evaluating the effects of treatments for AD, but the meaning of each laboratory marker depends on the drugs used for treatment.
Single‐base editing of rs12603332 on chromosome 17q21 with a cytosine base editor regulates ORMDL3 and ATF6α expression
Authors: Weng Ning , Miller Marina , Pham Alexa K. , Komor Alexis C. , Broide David H.
Published: September 2021

Background

Genetic association studies have demonstrated that the SNP rs12603332 located on chromosome 17q21 is highly associated with the risk of the development of asthma.

Methods

To determine whether SNP rs1260332 is functional in regulating levels of ORMDL3 expression, we used a Cytosine Base Editor (CBE) plasmid DNA or a CBE mRNA to edit the rs12603332 C risk allele to the T non‐risk allele in a human lymphocyte cell line (i.e., Jurkat cells) and in primary human CD4 T cells that carry the C risk alleles.

Results

Jurkat cells with the rs12603332 C risk allele expressed significantly higher levels of ORMDL3 mRNA, as well as the ORMDL3 regulated gene ATF6α as assessed by qPCR compared to Jurkat clones with the T non‐risk allele. In primary human CD4 T cells, we edited 90 ± 3% of the rs12603332‐C risk allele to the T non‐risk allele and observed a reduction in ORMDL3 and ATF6α expression. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that the non‐risk allele rs12603332‐T could be the central element of the E‐box binding motif (CANNTG) recognized by the E47 transcription factor. An EMSA assay confirmed the bioinformatics prediction demonstrating that a rs12603332‐T containing probe bound to the transcription factor E47 in vitro.

Conclusions

SNP rs12603332 is functional in regulating the expression of ORMDL3 as well as ORMDL3 regulated gene ATF6α expression. In addition, we demonstrate the use of CBE technology in functionally interrogating asthma‐associated SNPs using studies of primary human CD4 cells.
Mental imagery‐based self‐regulation: Effects on physical activity behaviour and its cognitive and affective precursors over time
Authors: Ackermann Nicole , Cameron Linda D. , Maki Julia , Carter Chelsey R. , Liu Ying , Dart Hank , Bowen Deborah J. , Colditz Graham A. , Waters Erika A.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

(1) Test whether a mental imagery‐based self‐regulation intervention increases physical activity behaviour over 90 days; (2) Examine cognitive and affective precursors of change in physical activity behaviour.

Design

A randomized control trial with participants (N = 500) randomized to one of six intervention conditions in a 3 (risk communication format: bulleted list, table, risk ladder) x 2 (mental imagery behaviour: physical activity, active control [sleep hygiene]) factorial design.

Methods

After receiving personalized risk estimates via a website on a smartphone, participants listened to an audiorecording that guided them through a mental imagery activity related to improving physical activity (intervention group) or sleep hygiene behaviour (active control). Participants received text message reminders to complete the imagery for 3 weeks post‐intervention, 4 weekly text surveys to assess behaviour and its cognitive and affective precursors, and a mailed survey 90 days post‐baseline.

Results

Physical activity increased over 90 days by 19.5 more minutes per week (95%CI: 2.0, 37.1) in the physical activity than the active control condition. This effect was driven by participants in the risk ladder condition, who exercised 54.8 more minutes (95%CI 15.6, 94.0) in the physical activity condition than participants in the active control sleep hygiene group. Goal planning positively predicted physical activity behaviour (b = 12.2 minutes per week, p = 0.002), but self‐efficacy, image clarity, and affective attitudes towards behaviours did not (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Mental imagery‐based self‐regulation interventions can increase physical activity behaviour, particularly when supported by personalized disease risk information presented in an easy‐to‐understand format.
Decreased proliferation of aged rat beta cells corresponds with enhanced expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1
Authors: Aitken Talon J. , Crabtree Jacqueline E. , Jensen Daelin M. , Hess Kavan H. , Leininger Brennan R. , Tessem Jeffery S.
Published: September 2021

Background

Over 400 million people are diabetic. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are characterized by decreased functional β‐cell mass and, consequently, decreased glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. A potential intervention is transplantation of β‐cell containing islets from cadaveric donors. A major impediment to greater application of this treatment is the scarcity of transplant‐ready β‐cells. Therefore, inducing β‐cell proliferation ex vivo could be used to expand functional β‐cell mass prior to transplantation. Various molecular pathways are sufficient to induce proliferation of young β‐cells; however, aged β‐cells are refractory to these proliferative signals. Given that the majority of cadaveric donors fit an aged demographic, defining the mechanisms that impede aged β‐cell proliferation is imperative.

Results

We demonstrate that aged rat (5‐month‐old) β‐cells are refractory to mitogenic stimuli that otherwise induce young rat (5‐week‐old) β‐cell proliferation. We hypothesized that this change in proliferative capacity could be due to differences in cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor expression. We measured levels of p16INK4a, p15INK4b, p18INK4c, p19INK4d, p21CIP1, p27KIP1 and p57KIP2 by immunofluorescence analysis. Our data demonstrates an age‐dependent increase of p27KIP1 in rat β‐cells by immunofluorescence and was validated by increased p27KIP1 protein levels by western blot analysis. Interestingly, HDAC1, which modulates the p27KIP1 promoter acetylation state, is downregulated in aged rat islets. These data demonstrate increased p27KIP1 protein levels at 5 months of age, which may be due to decreased HDAC1 mediated repression of p27KIP1 expression.

Significance

As the majority of transplant‐ready β‐cells come from aged donors, it is imperative that we understand why aged β‐cells are refractory to mitogenic stimuli. Our findings demonstrate that increased p27KIP1 expression occurs early in β‐cell aging, which corresponds with impaired β‐cell proliferation. Furthermore, the correlation between HDAC1 and p27 levels suggests that pathways that activate HDAC1 in aged β‐cells could be leveraged to decrease p27KIP1 levels and enhance β‐cell proliferation.
Onset and progression of puberty in Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Tanner Mila , Miettinen Päivi J. , Hero Matti , Toppari Jorma , Raivio Taneli
Published: September 2021

Objective

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY and variants, KS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder in humans. However, little is known about the onset and progression of puberty in patients with KS. In this study, we describe the onset and progression of puberty in a large series of boys with KS in a single tertiary centre.

Design and Patients

Retrospective data (Tanner stages, testicular length, testosterone supplementation, levels of luteinizing hormone [LH] and testosterone) before possible testosterone treatment on 72 KS patients with 47,XXY karyotype were reviewed, and G (n = 59 patients) and P (n = 56 patients) stages were plotted on puberty nomograms.

Measurements and Results

One boy had a delayed onset of puberty, as he was at the G1 stage at the age of 13.8 years (−2.2 SDs). No observations of delay were made of boys at Stage G2. The progression of G stages was within normal limits in the majority of patients; only few boys were late at G3 (4.1%; 1 out of 24) and G4 (7.4%; 2 out of 27). Testosterone supplementation was started at the average age of 15.5 years to 35 boys (47%), 2 of whom were over 18 years old. LH level was on average 18.2 IU/L (SD: 6.3 IU/L) and testosterone 9.1 nmol/L (SD: 3.1 nmol/L) when testosterone supplementation was started.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that puberty starts within the normal age limits in boys with KS, and testosterone supplementation is not needed for the initial pubertal progression in the majority of patients.
Causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and coronary artery disease: A Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Simons Pomme I. H. G. , Cornelissen Merel E. B. , Valkenburg Olivier , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Burgess Stephen , Brouwers Martijn C. G. J.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it remains uncertain whether this increased risk is the result of PCOS per se or, alternatively, is explained by obesity, a common feature of PCOS. The aim of this study was to assess the causal association between PCOS and CAD and the role of obesity herein.

Design and Methods

We conducted two‐sample Mendelian randomisation analyses in large‐scale, female‐specific datasets to study the association between genetically predicted (1) risk of PCOS and risk of CAD, (2) body mass index (BMI) and risk of PCOS and (3) BMI and risk of CAD. Primary analyses were conducted with the inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method. Simple median, penalized weighted median and contamination mixture analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the outcomes.

Results

IVW analyses did not show a statistically significant association between PCOS and CAD (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89, 1.11). In contrast, genetically predicted BMI was statistically significantly associated with an increased odds of PCOS (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.26, 4.56) and CAD (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.67). Similar results were obtained when secondary analyses were performed.

Conclusion

These sex‐specific analyses show that the genetically predicted risk of PCOS is not associated with the risk of CAD. Instead, the genetically predicted risk of obesity (and its downstream metabolic effects) is the common denominator of both PCOS and CAD risk.
Opportunity to elevate the quality of data reporting in Cytopathology
Authors: Vrbin Colleen M.
Published: September 2021

Accurate and thorough data analysis and reporting are essential to ensuring that the findings of research studies are interpreted appropriately. A detailed methods section in a manuscript contains enough information to permit a researcher with access to the study components, including the data, to replicate the findings. This descriptive study of 2.5 years of Cytopathology articles uncovers opportunities to elevate the quality of methods and data reporting. The findings include the following: approximately 4 out of 5 articles (79%) identified the calculations or statistical test performed, nearly 3 out of 4 articles (74%) that involved significance testing included the threshold for significance in the methods section, 7 out of 10 (70%) articles defined the abbreviations and/or symbols used, and roughly half (51%) of the articles documented the software used for analysis. Omission of any of these areas of reporting (calculations or statistics performed, significance level utilized, abbreviations and/or symbols applied, and software used) could lead to a misinterpretation in the reported study or the inability to replicate findings in similar research. This study identified that there is an opportunity to elevate the quality of data reporting in this journal.
Inequality of opportunity and mass incidents: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Guangsu , Liu Lizhong , Song Yang
Published: September 2021

This paper is one of the first to quantitatively analyse the relationship between inequality of opportunity and social stability in the context of China. Utilizing Census data of 2005 and the data of recorded mass incidents, we find a positive and robust correlation between inequality of opportunity and the outbreak of mass incidents. Amongst different types of mass incidents, inequality of opportunity displays the most significant correlation with those involving the government and the public. We also identify the lack of trust and higher unemployment as two potential channels through which inequality of opportunity exerts impacts on the happening of mass incidents.
The roles of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation in morphology and performance of an invasive species in a novel environment
Authors: Jardeleza Marcel‐Kate G. , Koch Jonathan B. , Pearse Ian S. , Ghalambor Cameron K. , Hufbauer Ruth A.
Published: September 2021

1. Species introductions provide insights into how populations respond to new environments and selection pressures through rapid adaptation and adaptive phenotypic plasticity. However, maladaptive responses are increasingly recognised to also be common in nature. The spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has rapidly invaded divergent environments providing the opportunity to examine adaptive and maladaptive phenotypic and evolutionary responses to its introduced range.

2. We studied how population density in the field and wing size of individuals varied over an elevational gradient on Hawaii. We then conducted a reciprocal common garden experiment to evaluate how temperature influenced wing size and other correlates of fitness. We did this by reciprocally rearing D. suzukii collected from low and high elevations in temperatures representative of low and high elevation.

3. We observed a wing size increase with elevation. Additionally, flies were more abundant at higher elevation. In the reciprocal common garden experiment, flies emerged faster in the warm, low‐elevation temperature and developed larger wings in the cool, high‐elevation temperature. Emergence of flies from high‐ and low‐elevation sites showed a pattern suggesting maladaptation to the temperature representing their home environment.

4. We suggest that opposing selection pressures, the high vagility of flies, and extreme plasticity in body size constrain adaptation to temperature along an elevational gradient. Although successful invasive species such as D. suzukii often exhibit local adaptation, this research demonstrates that invasive species can be successful even without such adaptation.
Sustainability in equine veterinary practice: A survey of opinions and practices amongst veterinary teams in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mair T. S. , Janska S. , Higham L. E.
Published: September 2021

Background

Veterinarians occupy a unique position at the animal–human–environment interface and could play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and other environmental impacts of human activities.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to survey the opinions of equine veterinary teams in the UK regarding the importance of sustainability issues, and current practices employed to promote sustainability.

Study design

Online survey.

Methods

The survey was distributed through various email veterinary listservs and social media sites, and was open to equine veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary students and practice administrators/managers.

Results

A total of 374 responses were received. Seventy‐seven per cent of respondents considered sustainability issues to be extremely important or very important, but only 13% felt knowledgeable/well‐informed about practical ways of promoting sustainability in equine veterinary practice. Fifty‐six per cent of respondents stated that their organisations/practices had not introduced sustainability protocols. Over 50% of respondents considered that their organisations were dealing well with the issues of antimicrobial stewardship, anthelmintic stewardship and drug disposal, but less than 25% considered that their organisations were dealing well with fossil fuels, travel, disposable materials, responsible paper sourcing, water saving and communicating sustainability issues.

Main limitations

Potential selection bias and response bias.

Conclusions

Sustainability issues are considered important by the majority of equine veterinary practice teams in the UK, but there is a widespread lack of knowledge about practical ways of promoting sustainability.
Linking environmental drivers, juvenile growth, and recruitment for Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus in the Sea of Japan
Authors: Takahashi Motomitsu , Sassa Chiyuki , Kitajima Satoshi , Yoda Mari , Tsukamoto Youichi
Published: September 2021

Growth traits of juvenile Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) were estimated based on otolith daily increments in spring during 2011–2016 in the southwestern part of the Sea of Japan (SWSJ). Spatial variability in growth traits was examined between the western and eastern areas of the study area. Back‐calculated body length at 50 days post hatch varied among areas and years between 26 and 40 mm. Body lengths at age in the eastern area were significantly smaller than those in the western area. Slower growth rate in the eastern area was associated with the lower ambient temperature in the eastern area than in the western area. In the eastern area, interannual variations in the instantaneous growth rate positively correlated with ambient temperature. Furthermore, interannual variations in back‐calculated body length during the late larval and early juvenile stages positively correlated with the juvenile abundance. These results suggest that the thermal conditions in the eastern area are indicative of the growth rate and abundance of juvenile T. japonicus in SWSJ. We further examined relationships between juvenile abundance and thermal conditions during 2003–2019 using archived data of this survey and found that the ambient temperature in the eastern area positively correlated with the juvenile abundance and also the strength of the Tsushima Warm Current. Thus, higher temperatures derived from the Tsushima Warm Current result in a faster growth rate during the late larval and early juvenile stages and subsequently higher abundance of T. japonicus juveniles in SWSJ.
Serial sampling reveals temperature associated response in transcription profiles and shifts in condition and infectious agent communities in wild Atlantic salmon
Authors: Chapman Jacqueline M. , Lennox Robert J. , Twardek William M. , Teffer Amy K. , Robertson Martha J. , Miller Kristi M. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: September 2021

Anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations have declined across their Southern distributions in North America. While river temperature has been identified as a central factor influencing migration behavior and over‐winter survival, little research has addressed the prevalence of infectious agents in wild Atlantic salmon populations. Further, current understanding of how temperature may interact with fish condition to influence infection outcomes in the wild is limited.

The objective of this research was to characterize the change in individual condition and pathogen dynamics as salmon acclimatized to the freshwater environment during the spawning migration. Serial individual sampling (non‐lethal gill biopsy and microwave fatmeter readings) was accomplished by repeated capture and release of 27 marked individuals, which revealed how lipid content, infectious agent prevalence and relative loads, and stress and osmoregulatory transcripts changed during the initial month of their annual spawning migration.

Relative infection burden (a composite metric representing the overall pathogen profile) and transcription profiles were modeled with freshwater residency, river temperature, and lipid content. Infectious agents Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Paranucleospora theridion, and Piscichylamidia salmonis were detected in the population. Relative infection burden and microbial pathogen species richness increased over the course of the study.

Water temperature and time since fresh water entry were related to salmon transcriptional response, but not relative infection burden, highlighting the metabolic cost associated with warming temperatures and dynamic nature of pathogen infection profiles in migratory fish species.

This work is the first to provide a comprehensive screening of microbial pathogen species in wild Atlantic salmon in the region, and the first to employ a unique study design that facilitates serial sampling without imposing holding stress. The high prevalence and relative load of T. bryosalmonae observed may demonstrate increased exposure to transmission pathways as a result of migratory barriers or elevated susceptibility to infection during spawning migrations in anadromous species.
Improved accuracy and reduced uncertainty in greenhouse gas inventories by refining the IPCC emission factor for direct N2O emissions from nitrogen inputs to managed soils
Authors: Hergoualc’h Kristell , Mueller Nathan , Bernoux Martial , Kasimir Äsa , van der Weerden Tony J. , Ogle Stephen M.
Published: September 2021

Most national GHG inventories estimating direct N2O emissions from managed soils rely on a default Tier 1 emission factor (EF1) amounting to 1% of nitrogen inputs. Recent research has, however, demonstrated the potential for refining the EF1 considering variables that are readily available at national scales. Building on existing reviews, we produced a large dataset (n = 848) enriched in dry and low latitude tropical climate observations as compared to former global efforts and disaggregated the EF1 according to most meaningful controlling factors. Using spatially explicit N fertilizer and manure inputs, we also investigated the implications of using the EF1 developed as part of this research and adopted by the 2019 IPCC refinement report. Our results demonstrated that climate is a major driver of emission, with an EF1 three times higher in wet climates (0.014, 95% CI 0.011–0.017) than in dry climates (0.005, 95% CI 0.000–0.011). Likewise, the form of the fertilizer markedly modulated the EF1 in wet climates, where the EF1 for synthetic and mixed forms (0.016, 95% CI 0.013–0.019) was also almost three times larger than the EF1 for organic forms (0.006; 95% CI 0.001–0.011). Other factors such as land cover and soil texture, C content, and pH were also important regulators of the EF1. The uncertainty associated with the disaggregated EF1 was considerably reduced as compared to the range in the 2006 IPCC guidelines. Compared to estimates from the 2006 IPCC EF1, emissions based on the 2019 IPCC EF1 range from 15% to 46% lower in countries dominated by dry climates to 7%–37% higher in countries with wet climates and high synthetic N fertilizer consumption. The adoption of the 2019 IPCC EF1 will allow parties to improve the accuracy of emissions’ inventories and to better target areas for implementing mitigation strategies.
Evaluation of Passive Diffusive‐Adsorptive Samplers for Use in Assessing Time‐Varying Indoor Air Impacts Resulting from Vapor Intrusion
Authors: Guo Yuanming , O'Neill Harry , Dahlen Paul , Johnson Paul C.
Published: September 2021

Passive diffusive‐adsorptive samplers are being considered for vapor intrusion (VI) pathway assessment, particularly where multi‐week time‐weighted average concentrations are desired. Recent studies have shown that passive samplers can produce accurate results under well‐controlled steady concentration conditions, and field performance was also demonstrated at several sites. The objective of this study was to examine passive sampler performance in settings with time‐varying indoor air concentrations, through a comparison of passive sampler results to concentrations determined by 24‐h active sorbent tube sampling in a series of multi‐week deployments. Sampling was performed in a well‐instrumented residential building as well as industrial buildings, over periods of time ranging from 1 to 7 weeks. Strong linear correlations were noted between passive and active sampling concentration results for some passive samplers, with passive sampling results being similar to or lower than measured active sampling results by about 50% for those samplers in the residential study and about 25% higher in the industrial building study. Other samplers produced poor agreement. The conclusion from this study is that some passive samplers have great potential for use in multi‐week indoor air quality monitoring. It was further determined that there is need for accepted procedures to validate and calibrate passive samplers for use in the field.
Indeterminacy in a model with production externality and inferiority in consumption
Authors: Iwasa Kazumichi , Nishimura Kazuo
Published: September 2021

We study the dynamic property of a constant returns two‐sector model with sector‐specific externality. In this study, we consider two types of consumption good, one of which is a pure consumption good and the other is a consumable capital good. Then, we examine the case where households tend to consume more pure consumption goods and consume less consumable capital ones. We show that if a consumable capital good is inferior it is possible that indeterminacy occurs around a steady state without capital intensity reversal between the private and the social levels.