bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REGALS: a general method to deconvolve X-ray scattering data from evolving mixtures
Authors: Meisburger Steve P. , Xu Da , Ando Nozomi
Published: February 2021

Mixtures of biological macromolecules are inherently difficult to study using structural methods, as increasing complexity presents new challenges for data analysis. Recently, there has been growing interest in studying evolving mixtures using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in conjunction with time-resolved, high-throughput or chromatography-coupled setups. Deconvolution and interpretation of the resulting datasets, however, are nontrivial when neither the scattering components nor the way in which they evolve are known a priori. To address this issue, the REGALS method (regularized alternating least squares) is introduced, which incorporates simple expectations about the data as prior knowledge, and utilizes parameterization and regularization to provide robust deconvolution solutions. The restraints used by REGALS are general properties such as smoothness of profiles and maximum dimensions of species, making it well suited for exploring datasets with unknown species. Here, REGALS is applied to the analysis of experimental data from four types of SAXS experiment: anion-exchange (AEX) coupled SAXS, ligand titration, time-resolved mixing and time-resolved temperature jump. Based on its performance with these challenging datasets, it is anticipated that REGALS will be a valuable addition to the SAXS analysis toolkit and enable new experiments. The software is implemented in both MATLAB and Python and is available freely as an open-source software package.
Coherent crystal branches: the impact of tetragonal symmetry on the 2D confined polymer nanostructure
Authors: Liang Ziying , Zheng Nan , Ni Bo , Lai Ziwei , Niu Hui , Zhang Shuailin , Cao Yan
Published: February 2021

The symmetry of polymer crystals greatly affects the optical, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the materials. Past studies have shown that the two-dimensional (2D) confined crystallization of polymer nanorods could produce anisotropic structures. However, few researchers have focused on understanding confined nanostructures from the perspective of crystal symmetry. In this research, we demonstrate the molecular chain self-assembly of tetragonal crystals under cylindrical confinement. We specifically selected poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (P4MP1) with a 41 or 72 helical conformation (usually crystallizing with a tetragonal lattice) as the model polymer. We found a coherent crystal branching of the tetragonal crystal in the P4MP1 nanorods. The unusual 45°- and 135°-{200} diffractions and the meridional 220 diffraction (from 45°-tilted crystals) have shown a uniform crystal branching between the a
1-axis crystals and the 45°-tilted crystals in the rod long axis, which originates from a structural defect associated with tetragonal symmetry. Surprisingly, this chain packing defect in the tetragonal cell can be controlled to develop along the rod long axis in 2D confinement.
Performance of Ghanaian women businesses community: the moderating role of social competence
Authors: Sallah Cynthia Ayorkor , Caesar Livingstone Divine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating dynamics of social competence in the relationship between intangible resources and the performance of women businesses from an emerging market context. Developed economy literature provides ample evidence of a positive relationship between intangible resources and the performance of women business ventures. Little is known of the complexity of this orthodoxy in developing markets such as Ghana. In particular, this paper investigates the moderating role of social competence in the relationship between intangible resources available to women entrepreneurs and performance.

Design methodology approach

An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used. First phase involved qualitative data collected through interviews, and the second phase was quantitative data collected from 264 participants. Content analysis and multiple regression analysis were used.

Findings

Social competence is important to the success of women businesses as it influences the outcome of entrepreneurial interactions and communications. Also, it positively moderated the relationship between organisational reputational capital (RC) and women business growth. On the flip side, it negatively moderated the relationship between human capital, social capital, individual RC and women business growth.

Practical implications

To sustainably grow their businesses, women entrepreneurs must ascertain the right level of social competence needed. The utilization of social competence at higher rather than lower levels could mean more costs and more training for which the business may not have immediate use.

Originality value

This paper advocates the need to improve the content of entrepreneurial training packages to include the reinforcement of social competency skills in terms of relationship management as this may be the key to the facilitation of access to resources for innovation and growth.
To grow or survive: Which are the strategies of a perennial grass to face severe seasonal stress?
Authors: Keep Thomas , Sampoux Jean‐Paul , Barre Philippe , Blanco‐Pastor José‐Luis , Dehmer Klaus J. , Durand Jean‐Louis , Hegarty Matt , Ledauphin Thomas , Muylle Hilde , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Ruttink Tom , Surault Fabien , Willner Evelin , Volaire Florence
Published: February 2021

More severe seasonal stresses resulting from climate change affect the survival of perennial plant species. The growth–survival trade‐off exemplified in dormant species is a key issue to understand adaptation. As the validity of this trade‐off has yet to be tested in non‐dormant species, it was assessed by exploring the intraspecific variability of strategies to face drought and frost within perennial ryegrass.

Three common gardens compared 385 European perennial ryegrass populations along a latitudinal environmental gradient over 3‐years. Persistence, productivity and physiological traits were recorded under contrasting seasonal environments.

Decoupling plant responses, that is, growth under favourable summers/winters and plant survival under harsh summers/winters, showed a general trade‐off between growth potential and dehydration survival. Three groups of perennial ryegrass populations were identified according to their contrasting strategies: (a) year‐round productive but stress sensitive populations from wet areas; (b) drought‐tolerant populations with low summer growth potential from drought‐prone areas and (c) frost‐tolerant populations with low winter growth potential from frost‐prone areas. Overall, the populations surviving drought best were more resource conservative, whereas populations of the other groups were more resource acquisitive. However, such overall functional patterns were less meaningful than seasonal variations of resource acquisition potentials. The predicted potential biogeographical distribution of these groups suggests shifts of areas of suitability under climate change over the next decades in Europe. Dehydration escape and dehydration tolerance through reduction of growth potential in summer may become the strategies best adapted to an increasingly large area of Europe.

The large intraspecific variability of phenological adaptations within perennial ryegrass reveals that the seasonal modulation of growth potential is crucial to plant adaptation under severe chronic abiotic stresses. The global plant economics spectrum cannot account for contrasting seasonal trade‐offs, which points out the importance of integrating phenological traits as key components of plant strategies. The identification of the trade‐off between growth potential and frost or drought stress survival in this non‐dormant species provides key knowledge to understand the future regional distribution of this major species for grassland ecosystem services.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Intraspecific variation in incubation behaviours along a latitudinal gradient is driven by nest microclimate and selection on neonate quality
Authors: Lundblad Carl G. , Conway Courtney J.
Published: February 2021

The strategies by which animals allocate reproductive effort across their lifetimes vary, and the causes of variation in those strategies are actively debated. In birds, most research has focused heavily on variation in clutch size and fecundity, but incubation behaviour and other functionally related traits have received less attention. Variation in incubation period duration is notable because time‐dependent sources of clutch mortality should impose strong directional selection to minimize the incubation period. However, life‐history theory predicts multiple mechanisms by which inter‐ and intraspecific variation in incubation behaviours may be adaptive.

We conducted one of the first studies of intraspecific latitudinal variation in avian incubation behaviours across a large portion of a single species’ range. We placed motion‐activated nest cameras inside burrowing owl nests at five study sites to quantify variation in daily nest attentiveness, cumulative nest attendance and incubation period duration. We tested predictions of two alterative hypotheses that have been proposed to explain variation in incubation periods: the parental risk tolerance hypothesis and the neonate quality hypothesis.

Daily nest attentiveness, cumulative nest attendance and incubation period duration in burrowing owls were all positively correlated with latitude. Burrowing owls reduced their daily nest attentiveness at low latitudes and on days when the average nest temperature was within the range that is optimal for embryo development. Further, longer incubation periods were most strongly associated with greater cumulative nest attendance instead of reduced daily nest attentiveness.

These results support predictions of the neonate quality hypothesis: longer incubation periods result from stronger selection on neonate quality rather than selection to reduce reproductive effort in response to low extrinsic mortality risk. However, some owls facultatively reduced their daily nest attentiveness, and this result supports the general hypothesis that incubation decisions reflect a trade‐off between reproduction and self‐maintenance, and that the optimal solution to that trade‐off varies systematically in response to latitudinal gradients in adult mortality.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Mixed infections alter transmission potential in a fungal plant pathogen
Authors: Barrett Luke G. , Zala Marcello , Mikaberidze Alexey , Alassimone Julien , Ahmad Muhammad , McDonald Bruce A. , Sánchez‐Vallet Andrea
Published: February 2021

Infections by more than one strain of a pathogen predominate under natural conditions. Mixed infections can have significant, though often unpredictable, consequences for overall virulence, pathogen transmission and evolution. However, effects of mixed infection on disease development in plants often remain unclear and the critical factors that determine the outcome of mixed infections remain unknown. The fungus Zymoseptoria tritici forms genetically diverse infections in wheat fields. Here, for a range of pathogen traits, we experimentally decompose the infection process to determine how the outcomes and consequences of mixed infections are mechanistically realized. Different strains of Z. tritici grow in close proximity and compete in the wheat apoplast, resulting in reductions in growth of individual strains and in pathogen reproduction. We observed different outcomes of competition at different stages of the infection. Overall, more virulent strains had higher competitive ability during host colonization, and less virulent strains had higher transmission potential. We showed that within‐host competition can have a major effect on infection dynamics and pathogen population structure in a pathogen and host genotype‐specific manner. Consequently, mixed infections likely have a major effect on the development of septoria tritici blotch epidemics and the evolution of virulence in Z. tritici.
Taking Venezuela back to the sustainability path: The role of financial development and economic integration in low‐carbon transition
Authors: Nwani Chinazaekpere
Published: February 2021

Environmental protection and sustainable development are connected. Such connection is considered highly important for Venezuela, where fossil fuel abundance has created economic and environmental challenges. Surprisingly, only limited attention has been directed to identifying policy options for charting the path to sustainable development in the economy. Contributing to filling this gap in the literature, this study examines whether financial development, de facto and de jure conditions in trade and financial integration can trigger long‐term economic shifts that will change the trajectory of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the economy using a novel estimation approach—dynamic simulations of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models. The empirical modelling framework incorporates the impact of population, economic growth, energy intensity and government consumption expenditure. ARDL‐bounds test provides evidence that the variables are cointegrated. Long‐run estimates from the dynamic ARDL analysis show that de facto and de jure conditions in trade and financial components of economic integration offer varied policy options for carbon mitigation in Venezuela. Population size, energy intensity, government consumption expenditure and de facto condition in financial integration have increasing impact on CO2 emissions, exacerbating suitability challenges in the economy. On the other hand, positive shocks in financial development, de facto condition in trade integration and de jure condition in financial integration have a mitigation effect on CO2 emissions. Overall, financial development, trade integration and the control of cross‐border financial flows are needed economic conditions that can accelerate a quick transition to a low‐carbon develpoment in Venezuela.
Ask a Statistician: A Suspicious Sequence?
Authors: Dunne-Willows Michael
Published: February 2021

When a lottery draw produced a straight run of numbers and more than 20 winners, some Twitter users cried “scam”. But it does not take foul play to produce such an outcome, says Michael Dunne-Willows
A Needle in (Many) Haystacks: Using the False Alarm Rate to Sift Gravitational Waves from Noise
Authors: Zheng Yanyan , Cavaglià Marco , Quitzow-James Ryan , Mogushi Kentaro
Published: February 2021

Yanyan Zheng, Marco Cavaglià, Ryan Quitzow-James and Kentaro Mogushi explain how statistics helps scientists spot ripples in the fabric of space and time
“‘The Scientific Method’ Doesn't Leave you”
Authors: Harkness Timandra
Published: February 2021

Timandra Harkness interviews Trevor Phillips, the former head of the UK's Commission for Racial Equality and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, about Covid-19 disparities, ethnic identities and origins, and the often fraught relationship between science and politics
Strong Public Claims May not Reflect Researchers' Private Convictions
Authors: van Doorn Johnny , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan
Published: February 2021

A survey indicates that some researchers are more modest about their findings than their published articles would suggest. Johnny van Doorn, Eric-Jan Wagenmakers and colleagues argue that authors should express this uncertainty openly
Synbiotic açaí juice (Euterpe oleracea) containing sucralose as noncaloric sweetener: Processing optimization, bioactive compounds, and acceptance during storage
Authors: Freitas Hildeane Veloso , Dos Santos Filho Antonio Luiz , Rodrigues Sueli , Abreu Virgínia Kelly Gonçalves , Narain Narendra , Lemos Tatiana De Oliveira , Gomes Wesley Faria , Pereira Ana Lúcia Fernandes
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation process of Lacticaseibacillus casei in the açaí juice, and to evaluate the addition of fructooligosaccharides and sucrose. The organic acids, anthocyanins, polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were also investigated during fermentation. Moreover, the impact of sucrose and sucralose on microbial viability and sensory acceptance of synbiotic products was evaluated during 42 days storage at refrigerated conditions. The conditions for synbiotic juice production were the initial pH of 6.1 and fermentation undertaken at 28 °C for 22 hr. During fermentation, the higher viability was obtained when a combination of 40 g/L of FOS+10 g/L of sucrose was used (9.70 ± 0.01 log CFU/mL). The lactic acid increased from 0.82 to 1.29 g/L during the fermentation while citric acid decreased from 1.05 to 0.75 g/L. The cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity increased. Thus, fermentation improved the functional value of the beverage. The L. casei viability reduced from 9.71 ± 0.04 to 8.90 ± 0.06 log CFU/ mL in the juice with sucrose, and from 9.71 ± 0.04 to 8.71 ± 0.14 log CFU/ mL in the juice with sucralose. Thus, the açaí juice is a viable matrix for the synbiotic food, which allows the viability maintenance during the storage. Regarding sensory acceptance, the internal preference mapping indicated an increase in the color preference with the storage of synbiotic juices. However, the flavor and overall acceptance reduced with storage. Nevertheless, the flavor and overall acceptance of juice with sucralose were better than the juice with sucrose. After 42 days of storage, penalty analysis revealed that beverage with sucrose showed a lack of sweet taste and excess of sour taste. Thus, a high‐quality açaí product with viable probiotic microorganism, high anthocyanins, and polyphenolic compounds contents could be obtained, which can be exploited for commercial use.

Practical Application

Synbiotic açaí juice is a healthier alternative to consuming products containing this fruit. The inclusion of probiotic microorganisms and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides increased bioactive compounds contents during the shelf life of the juice. The sensory evaluation using the internal preference mapping revealed that the juice flavor with sucralose was better accepted than the juice formulated with addition of sucrose.
Correlation between 18F‐FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters and Ki‐67 expression in pulmonary mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Juan , Wang Huoqiang
Published: February 2021

Introduction

This study aims to investigate the correlation between 18F‐Fluoro‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) semiquantitative parameters and Ki‐67 expression in pulmonary mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary MALT lymphoma in 29 lesions who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT were retrospectively analysed. PET/CT images were analysed visually and semiquantitatively by measuring maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The correlation between morphological pattern, tumour size, Ki‐67 expression and PET/CT semiquantitative parameters were also analysed.

Results

There were 16 male patients (57.1%) and 12 female patients (42.9%), and the mean age was 57.6 ± 9.7 years (range 43–73 years). Twenty‐nine pulmonary lesions were identified in 28 patients: 12 (41.4%) presenting as consolidation, 9 (31.0%) as nodules, 5 (17.2%) as masses and 3 (10.3%) as ground glass opacities (GGOs). All of the 29 lesions were 18F‐FDG avid. SUVmax of the lesions was 4.4 ± 3.0 (range 1.1–15.3), SUVmean was 2.8 ± 1.9 (range 0.8–10.3), MTV was 15.9 ± 17.6 (range 0.9–82.1) and TLG was 48.7 ± 56.6 (range 0.9–205.6). The PET/CT semiquantitative parameters were not correlated with morphological pattern of pulmonary MALT lymphoma, which were correlated significantly with tumour size and Ki‐67 expression.

Conclusion

Pulmonary MALT lymphomas are 18F‐FDG avid, and 18F‐FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV and TLG) are significantly correlated with tumour size and Ki‐67 expression. 18F‐FDG PET/CT plays a potential role in identifying lung MALT lymphomas with higher proliferation and more aggressive behaviour in clinical practice.
Comparative evaluation of Vibrio delineation methodologies in post‐genomic era
Authors: Xu Mengzhao , Xu Meiying , Tu Qichao
Published: February 2021

Vibrios are widespread in both marine and coastal water environments and are recognized as one of the most important prokaryotic pathogens because they may potentially threaten the health of both aquacultures and human beings. However, owing to highly similar physiological and biochemical properties, accurate classification and identification of Vibrio strains remains challenging. This hampers further research on the physiology, pathogeny, genomics, epidemics, and ecology of vibrios. Here, we comparatively evaluated multiple approaches including 16S rRNA gene identity, average nucleotide identity (ANI), gene content similarity and mutilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) to investigate their ability in delineating Vibrio strains. In addition, we also evaluated the possibility of applying bacterial prophages in classifying and identifying Vibrio strains. Our results showed that MLSA outperformed other methods in discriminating Vibrio species, suggesting that the other four approaches should be used with cautions in Vibrio delineation. Interestingly, we also found that prophages identified in Vibrio strains were highly specific at strain‐ and species‐level, suggesting that prophages held the potential to be used for microbial species, sub‐species, and strain‐level identifications. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the taxonomic identification and classification of complex microbial groups in the post‐genomic era.
Adaptation of bacteria to glyphosate: a microevolutionary perspective of the enzyme 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase
Authors: Rainio Miia J. , Ruuskanen Suvi , Helander Marjo , Saikkonen Kari , Saloniemi Irma , Puigbò Pere
Published: February 2021

Glyphosate is the leading herbicide worldwide, but it also affects prokaryotes because it targets the central enzyme (5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate, EPSP) of the shikimate pathway in the synthesis of the three essential aromatic amino acids in bacteria, fungi and plants. Our results reveal that bacteria may easily become resistant to glyphosate through changes in the 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase active site. This indicates the importance of examining how glyphosate affects microbe‐mediated ecosystem functions and human microbiomes.
Dramatic intracranial response to tepotinib in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation
Authors: Takamori Shinkichi , Matsubara Taichi , Fujishita Takatoshi , Ito Kensaku , Toyozawa Ryo , Seto Takashi , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Okamoto Tatsuro
Published: February 2021

Mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) pathway activation is associated with the mechanisms that influence properties affecting cancer cell survival and invasiveness. The MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METex14del) is found in 2%–3% of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies reported that NSCLC patients harboring a METex14del responded well to MET‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including tepotinib. Tepotinib is a highly selective, once‐daily oral MET inhibitor that has shown promising clinical activity in patients with NSCLC with METex14del. The Food and Drug Administration accepted a new drug application for tepotinib as a treatment for patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring METex14del in February 2021 [Correction added on 5 March 2021, after first online publication: the FDA approval date for tepotinib has been corrected from ‘September 2019’ to ‘February 2021’.]. However, in the previous clinical trials involving MET‐TKIs, only patients with stable central nervous system metastases were eligible, and those with untreated symptomatic brain metastases (BMs) were excluded. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of MET‐TKIs in that population remains unknown. We herein report a case of dramatic intracranial response to tepotinib in a patient with symptomatic BMs from lung adenocarcinoma harboring METex14del. In the current report, the symptoms derived from multiple BMs (headache and loss of appetite) rapidly disappeared, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed that all the lesions were too small to measure only 23 days after the commencement of tepotinib. For NSCLC patients with multiple BMs, whole‐brain irradiation is a standard‐of‐care therapy, but its adverse effects on neurocognition are concerning. Tepotinib might therefore be a therapeutic option for NSCLC patients with symptomatic multiple BMs harboring METex14del.
Reproducible abscopal effect in a patient with lung cancer who underwent whole‐brain irradiation and atezolizumab administration
Authors: Hotta Takamasa , Okuno Takae , Nakao Mika , Amano Yoshihiro , Isobe Takeshi , Tsubata Yukari
Published: February 2021

Due to the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the abscopal effect has gained more attention. We report a case of extracranial abscopal effect after whole‐brain irradiation therapy due to brain metastasis. After the initial abscopal effect was confirmed, a second abscopal effect was confirmed following radiation therapy for bone metastases. This case confirms the reproducibility of the abscopal effect. Moreover, the abscopal effect was not observed in metastatic lesions with low immunogenicity, even in the same patient.
Motivational interviewing: Validation of a proposed NIC nursing intervention in persons with a severe mental illness
Authors: Lozano Pilar , Butcher Howard K. , Serrano Cecilia , Carrasco Aurelio , Lagares Carolina , Lusilla Pilar , O'Ferrall Cristina
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Low adherence to treatment is a common problem in the care of patients with severe mental illnesses. Motivational interviewing is a directive, client‐centered counseling therapeutic approach designed to elicit behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Nurses use motivational interviewing, although it has not been defined from a nursing perspective nor with nursing language. Thus, nursing research on the use of these techniques is being carried out, supported by their effectiveness in many health problems. The development of motivational interviewing as a standardized nursing intervention for inclusion in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) may promote its use by mental health nurses in their daily work and thus improve the quality of care.

Objectives

To validate a proposed motivational interviewing nursing intervention for inclusion in the NIC.

Materials and methods

We followed the validation methodology of the NIC of the Iowa and the Intervention Normalization for Nursing Practice projects. The study comprised theoretical (scientific and expert validation) and empirical (terminological and clinical validation) phases.

Results

There is ample evidence supporting the efficiency of the motivational interviewing to improve the therapeutic adherence of people with severe mental illness. The group of experts agreed on the label name “motivational interviewing” for the NIC based on the modified model by Miller & Röllnick (2015), which includes 28 associated activities through the phases of engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. Development of the NANDA International and the Nursing Outcomes Classification nursing language was completed. Knowledge and drug attitude improved in the motivational intervention group.

Conclusions

We validated the nursing intervention motivational interviewing for inclusion in the NIC that will help improve therapeutic adherence. The intervention may be used for other behavioral changes.
Dripping divination in pre‐Islamic South Arabia: The oracle sanctuary of Jār al‐Labbā revisited
Authors: Weimar Jason
Published: February 2021

Since Halévy first published the Jār al‐Labbā texts (CIH 460–466), their difficult terminology combined with the poor quality of the text copies has inhibited scholarly consensus and no systematic study of them has been undertaken since Beeston’s 1949 treatment. Here, I provide an up‐to‐date study of these inscriptions, including CIH 970 and the recently published FB‐Jawf 1, which also come from the same site. I propose that Jār al‐Labbā was an oracular sanctuary known as “the domain of ʿAṯtar” from where several oracular stick inscriptions claim to originate. I further connect the enigmatic √ḎQṬ‐ritual in the Jār al‐Labbā texts with Syriac zqt “to goad, direct”, the etymology which denotes an ongoing oracular relationship with the god ʿAṯtar from whom the individuals “receive direction.” This ritual seems to have involved sacrifice and the manipulation of liquids (probably blood) to produce oracles, a practice attested elsewhere in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean.
Estimated Prevalence of Harmful Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women in Saxony‐Anhalt (NorthEast Germany) Using Biomarkers
Authors: Adler Jakob , Rissmann Anke , Kropf Siegfried , Mohnicke Klaus , Taneva Elina , Ansorge Thomas , Zenker Martin , Wex Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

Alcohol consumption is commonly accepted in Western societies and is a known risk factor in pregnancy, which could lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is mostly unknown. Prevalence estimates in publications based on questionnaires are limited by possible underreporting due to social stigmatization. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption in a large cohort of pregnant women using different biomarkers related to alcohol consumption and compare the findings with those of non‐pregnant women

Methods

Routine parameters known to be influenced by alcohol consumption (γ‐glutamyltransferase, GGT; carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin, CDT/%CDT; mean corpuscular/cell volume, MCV; combined parameter of GGT and %CDT, GGT‐CDT) were analyzed in serum samples of 2,182 pregnant women and 743 non‐pregnant, age‐matched females. Data were tested for (i) differences between pregnant and non‐pregnant women and (ii) changes across the 3 trimesters of pregnancy.

Results

Prevalence rates differ greatly according to the parameter and cutoff, which reflects the limitations of assessing alcohol consumption with biomarkers. The prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption on the basis of a single or several elevated parameters was 13.8% (95% CI: 12.4 to 15.2) in pregnant women and 18.6% (95% CI: 15.8 to 21.4) in non‐pregnant women, though 85.0% of the elevated measurements were attributable to an isolated elevation in %CDT only. Using GGT‐CDT as the parameter with the highest specificity according to the literature, the estimated prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption in pregnancy is 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2 to 0.7).

Conclusion

Estimated prevalence rates differ greatly with respect to the biomarkers and cutoffs used. The use of CDT/%CDT alone appears to overestimate harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Optogenetic brain‐stimulation reward: A new procedure to re‐evaluate the rewarding versus aversive effects of cannabinoids in dopamine transporter‐Cre mice
Authors: Humburg Bree A. , Jordan Chloe J. , Zhang Hai‐Ying , Shen Hui , Han Xiao , Bi Guo‐Hua , Hempel Briana , Galaj Ewa , Baumann Michael H. , Xi Zheng‐Xiong
Published: February 2021

Despite extensive research, the rewarding effects of cannabinoids are still debated. Here, we used a newly established animal procedure called optogenetic intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) (oICSS) to re‐examine the abuse potential of cannabinoids in mice. A specific adeno‐associated viral vector carrying a channelrhodopsin gene was microinjected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to express light‐sensitive channelrhodopsin in dopamine (DA) neurons of transgenic dopamine transporter (DAT)‐Cre mice. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA DA neurons was highly reinforcing and produced a classical “sigmoidal”‐shaped stimulation–response curve dependent upon the laser pulse frequency. Systemic administration of cocaine dose‐dependently enhanced oICSS and shifted stimulation–response curves upward, in a way similar to previously observed effects of cocaine on electrical ICSS. In contrast, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), but not cannabidiol, dose‐dependently decreased oICSS responding and shifted oICSS curves downward. WIN55,212‐2 and ACEA, two synthetic cannabinoids often used in laboratory settings, also produced dose‐dependent reductions in oICSS. We then examined several new synthetic cannabinoids, which are used recreationally. XLR‐11 produced a cocaine‐like increase, AM‐2201 produced a Δ9‐THC‐like reduction, while 5F‐AMB had no effect on oICSS responding. Immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays indicated that CB1Rs are expressed mainly in VTA GABA and glutamate neurons, while CB2Rs are expressed mainly in VTA DA neurons. Together, these findings suggest that most cannabinoids are not reward enhancing, but rather reward attenuating or aversive in mice. Activation of CB1R and/or CB2R in different populations of neurons in the brain may underlie the observed actions.
Creating a cross‐sectional, CT and MR atlas of the Pannon minipig
Authors: Petnehazy Ors , Donko Tamas , Ellis Rosie , Csoka Adam , Czeibert Kalman , Baksa Gabor , Zucker Eric , Repa Krisztina , Takacs Aliz , Repa Imre , Moizs Mariann
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to create a detailed cross‐sectional anatomical reference atlas of the Pannon minipig by correlating good resolution CT and MR images with high quality cross‐sectional anatomical images. According to the authors knowledge, no detailed anatomical atlas is available for the minipig.

Material and method

An adult female minipig was utilized for this purpose. The animal was placed in a PVC half tube, and CT generated images of 0.6 mm slice thickness and MR images of 1.41 mm slice thickness were obtained. The images covered the whole body from the most rostral portion of the snout to the tip of the tail. The CT and MR scans were aligned with frozen anatomical sections prepared with an anatomical band saw from the same animal and significant structures were identified and labelled. The terminology employed has been referenced from the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria 6th edition–2017.

Findings and conclusions

The resulting atlas consists of 109 anatomical slices and the corresponding 109 CT and 109 MR scans (altogether 327 images) and the nomenclature list for each image. Although this publication contains limited images of the resulted atlas, it is a reference source for anatomy education and clinical sciences. We are of the opinion that more comprehensive and especially online available interactive atlases should be prepared using similar methodology.
Would A National Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Tax in the United States Be Well Targeted?
Authors: Valizadeh Pourya , Ng Shu Wen
Published: February 2021

Sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes have been proposed to discourage excessive sugar consumption, but it is unclear how high‐ versus low‐SSB purchasers respond to such taxes. We first examine heterogeneity in the purchase and financial effects of a national SSB tax across different types of households buying varying amounts of SSBs. We find high‐SSB purchasers are less responsive to SSB price changes than low purchasers but make larger absolute reductions in SSB purchases in response to the tax, given their notably greater purchase levels prior to the tax. Nonetheless, the economic burden of the tax falls more heavily on high‐SSB purchasers who are more likely composed of lower income households. We then investigate whether the income regressivity of the tax will be mitigated if low‐income households are targeted by fruit and vegetable (FV) subsidies. We show that depending on the tax pass‐through and subsidy rates, FV subsidies can fully offset high‐SSB purchasers’ tax burdens, and subsidy transfers are distributed relatively uniformly across the SSB purchase distribution of low‐income households. Therefore, FV subsidy transfers would be financially more beneficial to low‐ and moderate‐SSB purchasers because they bear smaller shares of the tax burden than high‐SSB purchasers.
Virtual visits: Reminiscence in residential aged care with digital mapping technologies
Authors: Webber Sarah , Baker Steven , Waycott Jenny
Published: February 2021

Objective

Digital technologies can support reminiscence and lifestyle enrichment in residential aged care. This study explores potential benefits and risks of virtual visits using digital maps, tablet computers and virtual reality technologies.

Methods

Reminiscence sessions were conducted with metropolitan aged care facility residents (n = 7), using digital mapping applications to ‘visit’ places of personal significance. Residents and family members (n = 4) were interviewed.

Results

Some older adults found virtual visits valuable and all reminisced in various ways about personal, family and social experiences. Family members felt that virtual visits would be enriching for loved ones and that they supported sharing of life stories. Our results also highlight that VR usability improvements are needed to better suit older people.

Conclusion

Virtual visits could offer valuable opportunities for positive reminiscence for some older adults in residential aged care. Digital technologies need to provide better support for older users and people who assist them.
Distribution of the critically endangered Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) across a fragmented landscape in NW Madagascar
Authors: Ramilison Miarisoa L. , Andriatsitohaina Bertrand , Chell Coral , Rakotondravony Romule , Radespiel Ute , Ramsay Malcolm S.
Published: February 2021

Habitat loss and fragmentation affect species occurrence and distribution in rapidly changing ecosystems. These issues are especially relevant on the Island of Madagascar where modern deforestation has been widespread and is ongoing. We investigated the occurrence of the critically endangered Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) in an anthropogenically modified landscape: the Mariarano region of north‐western Madagascar. We surveyed four large forest sites from 500 to 5,000 ha and 16 forest fragments ranging from 1.5 to 19.2 ha in size. We recorded various attributes of the visited sites such as area, distance to nearest large forest and anthropogenic disturbance. We encountered sifakas in 10 of 16 fragments and in all large forest sites, with the majority of encounters occurring in habitat edge zones. Furthermore, we encountered 19 sifakas in the matrix such as in villages and fields. We found that neither human disturbance, area nor distance to a large forest predicts the presence of sifakas in the Mariarano region. Our results suggest that Coquerel's sifakas are able to persist in highly degraded and small forests fragments, but further research is needed on their long‐term viability in anthropogenically modified landscapes.
Maternal obesity prevention: The Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Early‐ and Mid‐Career Researcher Collective
Authors: Hill Briony , Shrewsbury Vanessa , Bergmeier Heidi , Iriving Michelle , Martin Jane , Bailey Cate , Walker Ruth , Harrison Cheryce L. , Hollis Jenna L. , Hunter Sue‐Anne , Kilpatrick Michelle , Lim Siew , Moran Lisa J. , Salisbury Justine , A. J. M. Schoenaker Danielle , Willcox Jane C. , Skouteris Helen
Published: February 2021

There is a clear impetus for researchers to facilitate cross‐sector and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve collective action for maternal obesity prevention. Building early‐ and mid‐career researchers’ capacity to sustainably develop collective action into the future is key. Therefore, the national Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Early‐ and Mid‐career Researcher Collective (HiPPP EMR‐C) was formed. Here, we describe the aim, key goals and future directions of the HiPPP EMR‐C. Guided by the Simplified Framework for Understanding Collective Action, we aim to build our capacity as researchers, form policy stakeholder relationships and focus on generating impact to optimise maternal and child health and well‐being.
The effects of visual field loss from glaucoma on performance in a driving simulator
Authors: Bro Tomas , Andersson Jan
Published: February 2021

Background

To examine the effects of different stages of visual field loss (VFL) from advanced glaucoma on performance in a driving simulator.

Methods

Data on performance and safety from a traffic simulator test for 104 participants with withdrawn driver’s licences due to visual field loss from advanced glaucoma were compared with data from 83 individuals without visual deficits in a cross‐sectional study. Individuals with glaucoma that regained their driving licences after a successful simulator test were then followed in a national accident database.

Results

Glaucoma participants passed the test in 71% (95% confidence interval 61–79%) of the cases. Younger participants were more successful than older. No significant differences on safety or performance measures were detected between glaucoma‐ and normally sighted participants. Compared with passed glaucoma participants, failed glaucoma participants had more collisions, more critical failed to give way events, longer time headways, and longer reaction times. This group had also a higher extent of central visual field loss. None of the participants with a regained licence were involved in a motor vehicle accident during the 2 to 4 year follow‐up after the simulator test.

Conclusion

Severity of glaucoma predicts driver safety on a group level. However, even individuals with severe visual field loss from glaucoma might drive safely, which highlights the need for individual assessments for licencing purposes.
Early middle age cholesterol levels and the association with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kananen Fabian , Strandberg Timo , Loukovaara Sirpa , Immonen Ilkka
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To examine whether serum cholesterol in early middle age is associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life.

Methods

A group of Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS) participants (n = 209) were recruited for the study. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride and body mass index (BMI) were measured at the HBS baseline visit in 1964–1973. Lipid subfractions, BMI, smoking status and statin use were recorded in 2011 and fundus photographs graded for AMD in 2005–2012. The subjects were genotyped for the main AMD risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results

TC measured at baseline 1964–1973 was significantly higher in subjects later developing intermediate or late AMD (6.67 mmol/l versus 6.20 mmol/l, p = 0.024) or with drusen size of ≥125 µm (6.68 mmol/l versus 6.21 mmol/l, p = 0.030) compared with the rest of the study population. TC, LDL and TG values at follow‐up 2011 were lower in subjects with AMD compared to those without, whereas HDL levels showed no difference. In multivariate analysis, baseline TC associated with intermediate or late AMD (OR 1.59, p = 0.004) and drusen size ≥ 125 µm (OR 1.57, p = 0.006) when corrected for age, BMI, AMD risk SNPs and smoking. Lipid values measured 2011 had no associations after correction.

Conclusions

High systemic total cholesterol in early middle age may have a role in the initial development of AMD, especially in patients later developing large drusen.
Multi‐drug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae among children in rural Vietnam more than doubled from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Larsson Mattias , Nguyen Hoa Quynh , Olson Linus , Tran Toan Khanh , Nguyen Trung Vu , Nguyen Chuc Thi Kim
Published: February 2021

Aim

This study assessed the Streptococcus pneumoniae colonisation rate and susceptibility to antibiotics among preschool children in rural Vietnam.

Method

Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 546 preschool children aged 6–59 months living in 460 households in the rural BaVi District of Hanoi and their main caregivers completed questionnaires. The samples were cultured, and the Streptococcus pneumoniae colonisation rate and antibiotic susceptibility were investigated. Resistance data from this 2014 study were compared with studies in 1999 and 2007, to identify 15‐year trends, together with clinical isolates from a national surveillance system of 16 Vietnamese hospital laboratories established in 2013.

Results

We found that 221/546 (40%) of the cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The susceptibility rates were trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole (5%), erythromycin (8%), ciprofloxacin (12%), benzyl‐penicillin (35%), tetracycline (49%), cefotaxime (55%), moxifloxacin (99%) and vancomycin (99%). All the susceptibility rates were lower in 2014 than 1999 and 2007, except tetracycline. Multi‐drug resistance was 80% in 2014, compared to 60% in 2007 and 31% in 1999. Antibiotics was reported used by 191 (35%) within one month, mainly cephalosporins 86 (45%), amoxycillin/ampicillin 69 (36%) and macrolides 30 (16%).

Conclusion

Streptococcus pneumoniae showed remarkable high resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including cephalosporins. Multi‐drug resistance rose from 31% to 80% during the 15‐year study period.
The potential of land shareholding cooperatives for inclusive agribusiness development in Africa
Authors: Francesconi Gian Nicola , Wouterse Fleur
Published: February 2021

Land Shareholding Cooperatives (LSCs) centralize management over fragmented farmland by converting farmers' plots into shares. While these cooperatives have been widely successful in boosting agricultural commercialization among rural smallholders in China, their potential has not yet been recognized in the African context. To fill this gap, we present and discuss a theoretical framework based on recent literature, an in‐depth case study from Uganda and quantitative analyses of data on horticultural cooperatives from Senegal and agricultural and livestock cooperatives from Uganda, Malawi, Madagascar, Rwanda and Kenya. We uncover the existence of cooperatives built on land sharing schemes in different parts of Africa and especially in Rwanda. We find that these LSCs are more likely to mobilize collective marketing and have a higher business‐membership ratio than traditional cooperatives, and we derive a few implications for policymaking.