bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity hotspots and conservation efficiency of a large drainage basin: Distribution patterns of species richness and conservation gaps analysis in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Wendi , Bussmann Rainer W. , Li Jin , Liu Bo , Xue Tiantian , Yang Xudong , Qin Fei , Liu Huiming , Yu Shengxiang
Published: March 2022

The Yangtze River Basin (YRB), a key biodiversity area and a major economic zone in China, the biodiversity of the area is confronted with severe challenges. In this paper, we analyzed species distribution patterns based on a dataset with 18,538 seed plant species to identify hotspots and evaluate conservation effectiveness and gaps of the YRB. We calculated distribution patterns of species richness with the top 5% richness algorithm and complementarity algorithm, and reconstructed a phylogenetic tree and elucidated spatial phylogenetics. There were 214 hotspot grid cells covering only 6.8% of the study region, but containing 88% seed plant species. Then, we conducted correlation analysis on distribution patterns of different algorithms and species categories, which showed moderate or weak correlations between the top 5% richness algorithm and complementary algorithm. Conservation effectiveness analysis indicated there were 116 hotspot grid cells (accounting for 73.6% of the total species) protected by current conservation networks and there are many conservation gaps remaining. Finally, we used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to predict suitable habitat areas of threatened species under current and future climate scenarios. Prediction analysis results indicated future expansion of suitable habitat to the southeast, and reduction in the central and western portions of the study area. When we considered anthropogenic areas, the suitable habitat was severely decreased, indicating the importance of optimizing the layout of conservation networks and comprehensive biodiversity conservation planning in the YRB.
1012. SENECIO SQUALIDUS: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , King Christabel
Published: March 2022

The widespread Senecio squalidus L. (Compositae: Senecioneae: Senecioninae), a diploid hybrid species with strong self‐incompatibility, that originated in the British Isles within the last 300 years, is described and illustrated. The origins of this species are briefly outlined. The history of the spread of this plant in the British Isles, and the presence of several natural hybrids is commented on. Senecio squalidus can be separated from other species, and hybrids, by allozyme differences. The species synonymy is thus minimal as it originated in the British Isles. Its morphological recognition encompasses a broader concept within Europe, including the hybrid swarm, between S. aethnensis and S. chrysanthemifolia, on Mount Etna, Sicily, where British material was originally derived. Both narrow concept and broad concept synonymy are provided, including full protologue citations and distribution of type material when known.
Changes over time in the cardiovascular risk profile of type 2 diabetes from 2007 to 2020: A community‐based study
Authors: Williams Brent A. , Brady Jonathan P. , Voyce Stephen , Kumar Neela , Paprocki Yurek , Rajpura Jigar
Published: March 2022

Aims

To quantify changes over time in cardiovascular (CV) risk factor control and in the uptake of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors from 2007 to 2020 in a real‐world community‐based cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

Materials and Methods

This study identified 95 461 T2D patients, who were followed for an average of 6.4 years through a single healthcare organization's electronic health record. The primary outcome was global risk factor control according to four factors (“ABCS”): glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c [<8%]); Blood pressure (systolic/diastolic <140/90 mmHg); Cholesterol (non‐HDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL); and Smoking (not). Concomitant presence of microvascular complications and commonly used medication classes were tracked.

Results

According to the ABCS metric, global risk factor control did not appreciably change over time; in 2020, 40.9% (95% confidence interval 40.2, 41.5) of patients had all four factors controlled. Among individual components, HbA1c control (<8%) worsened over time from 84% in 2007 to 78% in 2020, while lipid control (non‐HDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL) improved from 59% to 72%. Coexisting microvascular complications were more prevalent over time; for example, neuropathy prevalence increased from 21% (2007) to 35% (2020). Use of thiazolidinediones and sulphonylureas decreased over time while metformin, insulin, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, GLP‐1RA and SGLT2 inhibitor use increased. In 2020, GLP‐1RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors were each used by 13% of T2D patients.

Conclusions

In this community‐based study, global CV risk factor control in T2D did not improve, although glycaemic control worsened and lipid control improved. Given increased uptake of GLP‐1RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors, the collective effect of these changes on CV outcomes warrants evaluation.
Normal values of proximal aorta diameters in healthy Sub Saharan Africans: The TAHES study
Authors: Vandroux David , Aboyans Victor , Houehanou Yessito Corine , Saka Dominique , Sonou Arnaud , Houinato Dismand , Preux Pierre Marie , Magne Julien , Lacroix Philippe ,   TAHES study investigators
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Reported ranges of normal values are mostly issued from studies performed with Caucasians. This study is a part of TAHES, a population‐based prospective cohort study in Benin and aims to establish normal reference values for echocardiographic diameters of the proximal aorta in Africans.

Methods

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examinations were performed by four cardiologists following pre‐defined protocols, and analyzed off‐line by a single observer. Aortic root diameters were measured during diastole for sinuses of Vasalva (SV), sinotubular junction (STJ) and proximal ascending aorta (AA), and during systole for annulus. Upper limits were defined as the 95th percentiles.

Results

We included 513 normotensive, non‐diabetic, and cardiovascular disease‐free individuals (206 men, 307 women, age 40 ± 14 years). The diameters of the proximal aorta were significantly greater in men. The inner‐edge‐to‐inner‐edge non‐indexed upper values for the annulus, SV, STJ and AA were respectively 25, 34, 28.5, 32 mm in men and 22, 30, 26, 30 mm in women. The leading‐edge‐to‐leading‐edge upper values were respectively 38, 35, 36 for men and 34, 33, 32 mm for women. No significant differences between sexes were recorded for body surface area (BSA)‐indexed diameters of the annulus, STJ and AA. BSA‐indexed SV dimension was greater in men than women were. SV, STJ, AA indexed‐diameters correlated with age in both sexes but not for annulus indexed‐diameter.

Conclusion

Normal values from a general population in West Africa could to differ from those established in Caucasian populations. Ethnic‐specific reference diameters are here proposed for appropriate diagnosis of proximal aortic diseases in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Joint analysis of species and genetic variation to quantify the role of dispersal and environmental constraints in community turnover
Authors: Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Araújo Miguel B. , Castro‐Insua Adrián , Arenas Miguel , Posada David , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: March 2022

Spatial turnover of biological communities is determined by both dispersal and environmental constraints. However, we lack quantitative predictions about how these factors interact and influence turnover across genealogical scales. In this study, we have implemented a predictive framework based on approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to quantify the signature of dispersal and environmental constraints in community turnover. First, we simulated the distribution of haplotypes, intra‐specific lineages and species in biological communities under different strengths of dispersal and environmental constraints. Our simulations show that spatial turnover rate is invariant across genealogical scales when dispersal limitation determines the species ranges. However, when environmental constraint limits species ranges, spatial turnover rates vary across genealogical scales. These simulations were used in an ABC framework to quantify the role of dispersal and environmental constraints in 16 empirical biological communities sampled from local to continental scales, including several groups of insects (both aquatic and terrestrial), molluscs and bats. In seven datasets, the observed genealogical invariance of spatial turnover, assessed with distance–decay curves, suggests a dispersal‐limited scenario. In the remaining datasets, the variance in distance–decay curves across genealogical scales was best explained by various combinations of dispersal and environmental constraints. Our study illustrates how modelling spatial turnover at multiple genealogical scales (species and intraspecific lineages) provides relevant insights into the relative role of dispersal and environmental constraints in community turnover.
Prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivity of sandy soil using Sauter mean diameter of soil particles
Authors: Su Mingyu , Liu Chongxuan , Wang Lian‐Ping , Zheng Wenjuan
Published: March 2022

Saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil, Ksat, is a critical parameter for mathematical modelling of groundwater and soil water flow. Current empirical Ksat models, such as Kozeny–Carman model, Hazen models, or empirical approaches based on soil pedotranfer functions (PTFs) rely on the specific surface area, certain characteristic particle size(s), for example, d5, d10, d15, d50, etc., or the fractionation of sand, silt and clay. In this study, we proposed an alternative modelling framework to estimate Ksat from void ratio and arithmetic mean diameter of soil particles. We suggested to describe the particle size distribution (PSD) using a continuous mathematical distribution function, for example, the lognormal distribution function, and to obtain the Sauter mean diameter (dS) by calculating the moments of the PSD function. The proposed empirical equations were tested against the measured Ksat values for 54 sand samples with available measured PSD and void ratio as reported in Toumpanou et al. and validated using 49 sandy soil samples obtained from the Unsaturated Soil Database (UNSODA). We found that the dS was more relevant to Ksat than the number mean diameter (dN) and mass mean diameter (dM) (the RMSE was 0.486 for Ksat ‐ dN; 0.187 for Ksat ‐ dS; and 0.212 for Ksat ‐ dM, respectively). We also found that the proposed equation with dS had superior performance over the Hazen equation and PTF‐based models. Our results indicated that the Ksat calculated using dS, which was either estimated from discrete experimental data or calculated from a continuous lognormal PSD function, best matched with the measured values for coarse‐textured soils. Future studies should focus on developing empirical relationships for soil water retention curves and other soil properties based on continuous PSD functions.

Highlights

A modelling framework to estimate Ksat from the void ratio and arithmetic mean diameter is proposed.

Sauter mean diameter, dS, can be obtained by calculating the moments of the PSD function.

Ksat model using dS performs better than that using dN, dM, d5, d10, or d50 or PTF‐based models.
A model for leveraging animal movement to understand spatio‐temporal disease dynamics
Authors: Wilber Mark Q. , Yang Anni , Boughton Raoul , Manlove Kezia R. , Miller Ryan S. , Pepin Kim M. , Wittemyer George
Published: March 2022

The ongoing explosion of fine‐resolution movement data in animal systems provides a unique opportunity to empirically quantify spatial, temporal and individual variation in transmission risk and improve our ability to forecast disease outbreaks. However, we lack a generalizable model that can leverage movement data to quantify transmission risk and how it affects pathogen invasion and persistence on heterogeneous landscapes. We developed a flexible model ‘Movement‐driven modelling of spatio‐temporal infection risk’ (MoveSTIR) that leverages diverse data on animal movement to derive metrics of direct and indirect contact by decomposing transmission into constituent processes of contact formation and duration and pathogen deposition and acquisition. We use MoveSTIR to demonstrate that ignoring fine‐scale animal movements on actual landscapes can mis‐characterize transmission risk and epidemiological dynamics. MoveSTIR unifies previous work on epidemiological contact networks and can address applied and theoretical questions at the nexus of movement and disease ecology.
Corrosion fatigue and damage tolerance in the nickel‐based superalloy RR1000 subjected to SO2 environments
Authors: Bache Martin , Ball Christopher , Hardy Mark , Mignanelli Paul
Published: March 2022

When exposed to a high‐temperature corrosive environment, nickel‐based superalloys may experience surface pitting and sulphide diffusion, which will influence concurrent or subsequent fatigue behavior. Sulphur, pre‐existing in the environment or as a bi‐product of burning fossil fuels, reacts with sodium (as an atmospheric pollutant), creating molten sodium sulphate deposits on the metal surface. Combined with sodium chloride, these deposits attack the protective oxide layer allowing sulphides to migrate along grain boundaries. Continued sulphide diffusion promotes a weakened subsurface layer, inducing grain dropout and fatigue crack initiation. The present investigation focussed upon the subsequent effects of exposure to SO2 containing atmospheres on low cycle fatigue performance, together with the impact of an intermediate cleaning process. Damage tolerance data suggest that exposure to a SO2 environment fails to affect fatigue crack growth threshold or Stage II growth behaviors when compared with standard laboratory air.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Memory Failures of Everyday questionnaire in older adults using Rasch analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Blázquez Carmen , Ayala‐García Alba , Forjaz Maria João , García‐Herranz Sara , Venero César , Rodríguez‐Fernández Raquel , Díaz‐Mardomingo María del Carmen
Published: March 2022

Aim

The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) is a widely used instrument for assessing memory failure. The aim of the study was to analyze the MFE items using the Rasch model in a sample of cognitively older adults in Spain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional validation study in a sample of 214 healthy people aged ≥60 years who used centers for older people in Madrid (Spain). The MFE for the assessment of memory complaints was used. The following properties of the Rasch model were assessed: data fit, reliability, unidimensionality, local dependence and lack of differential item functioning by gender, age and marital status.

Results

The MFE showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2(140) = 160.2; P = 0.116) and high reliability (person separation index = 0.808). The questionnaire was unidimensional (6.54% t‐test; IC binomial = 0.036–0.095). The items showed lack of local dependence between them and differential item functioning. The MFE scores were transformed into linear interval scores with a median of 44.31 and an observed range of 17.9–89.2 (theoretical range: 0–100).

Conclusions

The MFE is a unidimensional, reliable instrument to assess memory complaints in cognitively healthy older adults in Spain, with usefulness in clinical research and practice. The construct validity of the MFE linear score could not be fully confirmed and this deserves further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 332–337.
Patient and public involvement in the build‐up of COVID‐19 testing in Sweden
Authors: Fredriksson Mio
Published: March 2022

Background

Patient and public involvement in healthcare can be particularly challenging during crises such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Objective

The aims of the study, which focuses on COVID‐19 testing in Sweden, were to explore (1) how, or to what extent, patients and members of the public were involved in decisions about the organization of COVID‐19 testing during the first year of pandemic and (2) whether this was seen as feasible or desirable by regional and national stakeholders.

Methods

A qualitative interview study was conducted with key organizational stakeholders at three national agencies and within three Swedish regions (n = 16).

Results

There had been no patient and public involvement activities in the area of COVID‐19 testing. The regions had, however, tried to respond to demands or critiques from patients and the public along the way and to adapt the services to respond to their preferences. The need for rapid decision‐making, the uncertainty about whom to involve, as well as a hesitation about the appropriateness of involving patients and the public contributed to the lack of involvement.

Conclusion

Future studies on patient and public involvement during crises should address what structures need to be in place to carry out involvement successfully during crises and when to use activities with varying degrees of power or decision‐making authority for patients and members of the public.

Patient or Public Contribution

Fifteen members of the public contributed with short reflections on the study findings.
THE TWICE UNEARTHED: THE TROPE OF CENSORSHIP AND THE SENSE OF HISTORY
Authors: Wurgaft Benjamin Aldes
Published: March 2022

In this review essay occasioned by Antoon De Baets's short book Crimes against History, I argue that the censorship of a historical work can produce narrative effects. Drawing on Hayden White's method of examining the literary tropes that shape historical narratives and determine much of their meaning, I suggest that the reception of works (including their censorship and even the murder or repression of history workers) can act like a second layer of tropes. When we tell stories about formerly repressed historians or formerly censored interpretations of the past, we add layers of meaning so that an original work of history that has been “rescued” comes to mean something new. The result is what I call the trope of the twice unearthed, and I suggest that one of its primary effects is to yield a particular moral sense of the meaning of the past. However, any serious consideration of the problem of censorship will show us something troubling: as Leo Strauss once argued, censorship of a less dramatic kind affects us even in liberal democracies because the political, social, and cultural systems in which we live and work act with censorious effect. Censorship is not a “crime against history” but rather one of the forces that creates history in the first place.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor therapy: use in chronic kidney disease and adjunctive sodium restriction
Authors: Tiwary Mansi , Milder Tamara Y. , Stocker Sophie L. , Day Richard O. , Greenfield Jerry R.
Published: March 2022

The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased significantly over the past few decades. This reflects the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, two leading causes of CKD. Hypertension, which can also be a complication of CKD, accelerates renal disease progression and augments cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals with diabetic kidney disease. Hence, blood pressure (BP) reduction is a vital component of CKD management. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively novel class of medications developed to treat T2DM by inducing glycosuria and hence, lowering glycaemia. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors are antihypertensive, renoprotective and cardioprotective, even in individuals without T2DM, making them effective therapeutic agents for CKD. Another therapy that has proven to be antihypertensive, renoprotective and cardioprotective is dietary sodium restriction. This review evaluates the potential combined benefits of SGLT2 inhibition and dietary sodium restriction on the BP and renal parameters of individuals with CKD.
Improving care for people with bronchiectasis: opportunities and challenges highlighted from service evaluation
Authors: Rees Megan , Liu Belinda , Pascoe Amy , Smallwood Natasha
Published: March 2022

Background

Bronchiectasis is a serious, debilitating condition warranting specialist care.

Aims

To determine if care provided in a tertiary hospital general respiratory clinic was guideline concordant and to validate the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) in the Australian context.

Methods

A single‐centre ambispective study was conducted. The first stage involved a retrospective medical record audit between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. All aspects of bronchiectasis management were reviewed. In the second prospective phase the cohort was followed for 4 years to determine survival and the validity of the BSI determined.

Results

A total of 145 patients was included, with mean age of 65 years (standard deviation = 16.6). The aetiology of bronchiectasis was explicitly documented for 58 (40%) patients, with potential causes identified in another 37 patients. Post‐infectious aetiologies were described in 62 (43%) patients. Most patients had lung function testing (n = 142; 97%) and sputum culture results (n = 120; 83%). Long‐term antibiotics were prescribed to 49 (34%) patients. Only patients culturing Pseudomonas spp. were prescribed inhaled antibiotics. Documentation regarding essential management recommendations was low, including airway clearance (46%), pneumococcal vaccination (27%) and written action plans (32%). Severe disease was common, with more than one‐third (34–48%) having BSI scores >9. One‐fifth (21%) of the cohort died during the 4‐year follow‐up period. The BSI was significantly associated with mortality risk (odds ratio 7.7; 95% confidence interval = 3.1–19.3; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our cohort had a high proportion of patients with severe disease and significant mortality; some, but not all, aspects of recommended care were delivered.
Renewable energy, economic globalization and foreign direct investment linkage for sustainable development in the E7 economies: revisiting the pollution haven hypothesis
Authors: Gyamfi Bright Akwasi , Bein Murad A. , Udemba Edmund Ntom , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: March 2022

This present study is motivated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) that concerns pertinent issues that comprises environmental sustainability (SDG‐13), sustainable development (SGD‐8), and responsible consumption (SDG‐11), among others. To this end, this study examines the long‐run and causality linkage between renewable and non‐renewable energy, foreign direct investment, and economic globalisation in a carbon‐income framework by use of both carbon dioxide emission and ecological footprint as a determinant for environmental degradation for E7 countries. Furthermore, a series of panel econometrics panel tests in conjunction with quantile regression is used to explore the relationship between the outlined variables for annual frequency data from 1990 to 2016. Empirical results trace a long‐run equilibrium relationship among the highlighted variables as reported by Westerlund (2007). Additionally, this study gives credence and validates the pollution haven for the emerging (E7) countries examined, thus, implying the detrimental effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on quality of environment in E7 economies. Interestingly, we observe that investment in renewable energy consumption will improve environmental quality. This outcome resonates with the advocacy of UN‐SDGs‐7, 11, 12, and 13, where emphasis is placed on responsible energy consumption (renewables), access to clean energy, and climate change mitigation. Conclusively, these revelations suggest the chase for adoption of low‐carbon development technologies and strategies in E7 countries.
A reflection on health and disease amid COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Park Si‐Woon
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is persisting for more than a year and it's still far from being controlled. It is making a big impact not only on physical illness but also on mental and social aspects. In this situation, we need to reflect on current medical society's view of disease and health. The dominant paradigm in contemporary medicine is the reductionist view of disease and the biomedical model of health. As a result, the healthcare system seems to be more focused on virus eradication than on patient care. We need to look back on this position in view of humanities and ethics and broaden our perspective to an ecological view of disease and the sociomedical model of health. The quarantine and health care policy also needs to be re‐built with more focus on patient care.
Implementation of food safety management systems that comply with ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP: A case study of a postpartum diet enterprise in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hsinjung , Chen Yi‐Jyuan , Yang Hui‐Ting , Hsu Kuo‐Chiang , Zhou Minyi , Chen Chin‐Shuh , Chuang Pei‐Ting
Published: March 2022

In this study, the new methodologies of the ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP systems were fully implemented in an organization from the pre‐prepared postpartum meal industry. One of the organization's dishes was chosen as an example dish. The Critical Control Points (CCPs) were identified as the acceptance of raw materials, cooking, and reheating steps in the preparation process. The impacts before and after applying these food safety systems to the end product were evaluated. The results indicated that the monthly average aerobic plate count and coliforms levels in the dish samples tested in 2018 and 2019 (before and after the implementation of the systems) had gradually decreased. The Chinese herbal medicinal materials were subjected to rapid testing and a periodic rotation scheme with enhanced intensity of monitoring. We found that the presence of aflatoxin residues in the Chinese herbal medicinal materials reflected the importance and necessity of rapid testing and third‐party testing in small‐ and medium‐sized food and beverage establishments. Meanwhile, following the full implementation of the systems, the quality and safety of the organization's dishes had gradually improved, and the number of customer complaints had decreased. The customers also increased their positive feedbacks and recommendations, so as to provide more opportunities for the organization. We expect that the methodologies, principles, and models used by the organization in this study could be applied on its other dishes as well as on other similar small‐ and medium‐sized food and beverage establishments in the industry, so as to elevate their image and boost sales.
Cinnamomum cassiaessential oil and (E)‐cinnamaldehyde as control agents of anthracnose on common bean seeds
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Aparecida Castro , Silva Adriene Aparecida , de Souza Elaine Aparecida , de Oliveira Denilson Ferreira , Macedo Willian Rodrigues , Silva Geraldo Humberto
Published: March 2022

Amongst the fungi that cause damage to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and are disseminated by seeds,Colletotrichum lindemuthianumstands out. This fungus causes anthracnose in common bean plants. The use of natural compounds, for example essential oils (EO), is a viable and safer option than chemicals to manage this disease. According to the results of the in vitro assay, we observed complete inhibition of the growth ofC. lindemuthianumwith the use ofCinnamomum cassiaEO and its major component (E)‐cinnamaldehyde, presenting MIC of 125 µg/ml, whilst the commercial fungicide presented MIC of 30.6 µg/ml. In addition in vivo assay, where seeds naturally infected withC. lindemuthianumwere treated with the EO and the substance in a solution with commercial soybean oil, we observed reducing the incidence of anthracnose over the days evaluated, as well as for the commercial fungicide used (thiophanate‐methyl). In addition, the treatments did not affect germination and initial seed vigour. This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy ofCi. cassiaessential oil and (E)‐cinnamaldehyde on the control ofC. lindemuthianumthrough the treatment of common bean seeds.
Rural depopulation and the rural‐urban gap in cognitive functioning among older adults
Authors: Glauber Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Purpose

As the population ages, the number of people with cognitive impairment will rapidly increase. Although previous research has explored the rural‐urban gap in physical health, few studies have analyzed cognitive health. The purpose of this study was to examine rural‐urban differences in cognitive health, with a focus on the moderating effect of population decline.

Methods

The study used individual‐level nationally representative data from the 2000‐2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 152,444) merged to county‐level contextual characteristics. Hierarchical linear models were used to predict the cognitive functioning of US adults aged 50 and over by rural‐urban residence, county depopulation, and their interactions while controlling for individual‐level and county‐level demographic and contextual factors.

Findings

Older adults living in rural counties had lower cognitive functioning than urban adults. The interaction between living in a rural and depopulated county was statistically significant (P < .001). The rural penalty in cognitive functioning was 40% larger for those who lived in counties that lost population between 1980 and 2010 compared to those who lived in stable or growing rural counties. These results were independent of race‐ethnicity, gender, age, education, income, region, employment status, marital status, physical health, and depression as well as the county's racial‐ethnic composition, age structure, economic and educational disadvantage, and health care shortages.

Conclusions

The results have important implications for those seeking to reduce health disparities both between rural and urban older adults and among different groups of rural people. Interventions targeting those living in rural depopulating areas are particularly warranted.
New genus of Cupressaceae from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia (Argentina) fills a gap in the evolution of the ovuliferous complex in the family
Authors: Andruchow‐Colombo Ana , Gandolfo María A. , Escapa Ignacio H. , Cúneo Néstor R.
Published: March 2022

The conifer family Cupressaceae encompasses seven subfamilies. Five of them were once considered to constitute the family Taxodiaceae, later eliminated because of its paraphyletic nature but remaining as an informal category for early‐diverging Cupressaceae lineages. Among the taxodiaceous subfamilies, Athrotaxoideae shows a unique morphology in its ovuliferous complexes (OCs) and a phylogenetically unexplored fossil record. We describe the new genus and species Patagotaxodia lefipanensis, based on OC adpressions associated with leafy branches collected at the Maastrichtian section of the Lefipán Formation (Patagonia, Argentina), and we refer it to Athrotaxoideae. We include Patagotaxodia in total evidence phylogenetic analysis to test its affinity, and we recover it within the subfamilies Athrotaxoideae or Cunninghamioideae. However, we argue that the characters supporting the athrotaxoid affinity are more meaningful in a taxodiaceous systematic context. This placement is also supported by taxon inclusion‐exclusion experiments. We discuss the position of other Cretaceous athrotaxoid records. With basis on the morphological insights provided by the OC morphology of extant and extinct Athrotaxoideae, we study the evolution of the OC morphology in the family in a phylogenetic context and discuss the results in the light of the fossil record of the family. We discuss how and when the different morphologies appeared in the family. Based on phylogenetic, temporal, morphological, and ontogenetic evidence, we conclude that the OC morphology shown by the subfamily Athrotaxoideae is intermediate between two of the most common morphologies within extant and extinct Cupressaceae species, one of which would show adaptative advantages over basal morphologies.
Policy Statement: Mental Well‐being among Anthropologists at Universities: A Call for System Transformation
Authors: Fletcher Erica Hua , Backe Emma Louise , Brykalski Tory , Fitzpatrick Alex , González Melinda , Ginzburg Shir Lerman , Meeker Rob , Riendeau Rachel P. , Thies‐Sauder Meagan , Reyes‐Foster Beatriz M.
Published: March 2022

The Anthropology of Mental Health Interest Group affirms that the state of mental health in Academic Anthropology needs serious attention and transformation. We respond to structural inequities in academia that exacerbate mental distress among graduate students and other anthropologists who experience oppression, by putting forward a policy statement with recommendations to create more equitable learning and working environments.
Public language, private language, and subsymbolic theories of mind
Authors: Dupre Gabe
Published: March 2022

Language has long been a problem‐case for subsymbolic theories of mind. The reason for this is obvious: Language seems essentially symbolic. However, recent work has developed a potential solution to this problem, arguing that linguistic symbols are public objects which augment a fundamentally subsymbolic mind, rather than components of cognitive symbol‐processing. I shall argue that this strategy cannot work, on the grounds that human language acquisition consists in projecting linguistic structure onto environmental entities, rather than extracting this structure from them.
Evaluation of buffered local anaesthesia in dental extraction: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Koja Danny B. , Bede Salwan Y.
Published: March 2022

Buffering of Local anaesthesia (LA) has been suggested as a mechanism to improve injection comfort and hasten the onset of anaesthesia.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of buffered LA in the extraction of maxillary premolars and molars.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled study included 100 patients who were indicated for extraction of maxillary posterior teeth, they were randomly divided into two groups; a study group that received infiltration of buffered 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:80,000 epinephrine LA, and a control group that received non‐buffered 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1:80,000 epinephrine LA. The buffering was performed using the Onset® LA buffering system (Onpharma®). The outcome variables included the pain during injection buccally and palatally assessed by pain Numerical rating scale, the onset of anaesthesia, the volume of local anaesthesia used, and the patient satisfaction for the whole procedure.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in pain during injection buccally and palatally in favour of the study group (p < 0.0001) with a large effect size for the palatal injection and moderate effect size for the buccal injection. The onset of anaesthesia on the buccal and palatal sides was significantly faster in the study group (p values 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). There was a non‐significant difference between the groups with respect to the volume of anaesthesia (p = 0.07). The patients in the study group reported a significantly higher satisfaction score (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Buffered LA significantly reduced the onset of action of anaesthesia and pain during injection, especially on the palatal side, and resulted in better satisfaction with the extraction procedure.
Relationship between donor fraction cell‐free DNA and clinical rejection in heart transplantation
Authors: Deshpande Shriprasad R. , Zangwill Steven D. , Kindel Steven J. , Schroder Jacob N. , Bichell David P. , Wigger Mark A. , Richmond Marc E. , Knecht Kenneth R. , Pahl Elfriede , Gaglianello Nunzio A. , Mahle William T. , Stamm Karl D. , Simpson Pippa M. , Dasgupta Mahua , Zhang Liyun , North Paula E. , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Clinical rejection (CR) defined as decision to treat clinically suspected rejection with change in immunotherapy based on clinical presentation with or without diagnostic biopsy findings is an important part of care in heart transplantation. We sought to assess the utility of donor fraction cell‐free DNA (DF cfDNA) in CR and the utility of serial DF cfDNA in CR patients in predicting outcomes of clinical interest.

Methods

Patients with heart transplantation were enrolled in two sequential, multi‐center, prospective observational studies. Blood samples were collected for surveillance or clinical events. Clinicians were blinded to the results of DF cfDNA.

Results

A total of 835 samples from 269 subjects (57% pediatric) were included for this analysis, including 28 samples associated with CR were analyzed. Median DF cfDNA was 0.43 (IQR 0.15, 1.36)% for CR and 0.10 (IQR 0.07, 0.16)% for healthy controls (p < .0001). At cutoff value of 0.13%, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.82, sensitivity of 0.86, specificity of 0.67, and negative predictive value of 0.99. There was serial decline in DF cfDNA post‐therapy, however, those with cardiovascular events (cardiac arrest, need for mechanical support or death) showed significantly higher levels of DF cfDNA on Day 0 (2.11 vs 0.31%) and Day 14 (0.51 vs 0.22%) compared to those who did not have such an event (p < .0001).

Conclusion

DF cfDNA has excellent agreement with clinical rejection and, importantly, serial measurement of DF cfDNA predict clinically significant outcomes post treatment for rejection in these patients.
Chemical screening, insecticidal and reprotoxic activities of Tecoma stans ethanolic leaf extract against the vector mosquito Culex pipiens
Authors: Hafsi Nour‐El Houda , Hamaidia Kaouther , Soltani Noureddine
Published: March 2022

To select potential plant‐based insecticides, Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae) leaf extract was screened for its larvicidal and delayed effects against a medically important mosquito species Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae). First, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was conducted on T. stans extract, collected in ethanol for its chemical characterization and detection of active constituents. Second, insecticidal bioassays were made with several concentrations on earlier fourth instar larvae (L4) of Cx. pipiens for 24 h as recommended by WHO, in order to determine the lethality parameters of the tested extract. For that, two concentrations (LC30 and LC50) were applied on L4 for 24 h, and emerged adults were observed for their reproductive performance success like fecundity, percentage of hatching (fertility), body and gonads' volume. The biochemical composition of whole bodies of adults was investigated. Also, the specific activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathion S‐transferase (GST), biomarkers of neurotoxicity and detoxification, respectively, were also determined in L4 at different time intervals. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis (GC–MS) of the extract unveiled nine phytoconstituents with 2‐[4‐cyclohexylbutanoylamino]‐3‐chloro‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (36.24%) and 1,2‐Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2‐ethylhexyl) ester (22.65%) as major components. The early L4 of Cx. pipiens were exposed to LC30 and LC50, and after 24 h, surviving individuals have been further reared until adult emergence. All over, T. stans leaves ethanolic extract impairs adults reproductive traits; it adversely affected gonad's size, fecundity and fertility, which negatively affected the survival of their offspring. Lipids contents were found to increase in both male and female adults. T. stans ethanolic extract increased GST activity and slightly inhibited AChE activity in L4. In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of T. stans could be a potential candidate used as a sustainable botanical insecticide for controlling mosquito.
The need for data management standards in public health nursing: A narrative review and case study
Authors: Modly Lori A. , Smith Daniel J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Data management is the key to the success of all projects and research. The ability to safely store, manipulate, and decipher data in real time is invaluable. Currently data management standards in public health are non‐existent. Since the invention of computers real‐time data retrieval and analysis has been possible but underutilized by researchers in the field. Historically, most small research studies and field‐based projects have utilized spreadsheets for data management, which often proves problematic as the project grows. However, a viable and superior alternative exists in relational databases, such as REDCap. Relational databases allow for easier concatenation of multiple legacy datasets, facilitate data entry with surveys that incorporate branching logic, and allow for real time data entry in the field without the need for WIFI.

Methods

One example of a public health project being transitioned from spreadsheet data management to a relational database is the Farmworker Family Health Program based out of the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility at Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. The data management transition from spreadsheets to REDCap has provided the team with unique insight into the data that has been collected in the 30 years the program has been running.

Conclusion

Through this case study, we identify the need for and recommend that those in public health nursing utilize relational databases when collecting data during research studies or as electronic medical records for field clinics.
The validity of self‐reported SARS‐CoV‐2 results among postpartum respondents
Authors: McCarthy Katharine , Maru Sheela , Nowlin Sarah , Ram Payal , Glazer Kimberly B. , Janevic Teresa
Published: March 2022

Background

Rapid and reliable health data on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pregnant individuals are needed to understand the influence of the virus on maternal health and child development, yet the validity of self‐reported COVID‐19 testing and diagnosis remains unknown.

Objectives

We assessed the validity of self‐reported COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and diagnosis during delivery among postpartum respondents as well as how diagnostic accuracy varied by respondent characteristics.

Methods

We validated receipt of a COVID‐19 PCR test and test results by comparing self‐reported results obtained through an electronic survey to electronic medical record data (gold standard) among a cross‐sectional sample of postpartum respondents who delivered at four New York City hospitals between March 2020 and January 2021. To assess validity, we calculated each indicator's sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUC). We examined respondent characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, education level, health insurance, nativity, pre‐pregnancy obesity and birth characteristics) as predictors of reporting accuracy using modified Poisson regression.

Results

A total of 276 respondents had matched electronic record and survey data. The majority, 83.7% of respondents received a SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR test during their delivery stay. Of these, 12.1% had detected SARS‐CoV‐2. Among those tested, sensitivity (90.5%) and specificity (96.5%) were high for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of accurate result reporting was somewhat lower among Hispanic women relative to white non‐Hispanic women (aRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.90, 1.00) and among those who had public or no insurance vs. private (aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82, 1.01), controlling for recall time.

Conclusion(s)

High recall accuracy result reporting for COVID‐19 PCR tests administered during labour and delivery suggest the potential for population‐based surveys as a rapid mechanism to obtain accurate data on COVID‐19 diagnostic history. Additional psychometric research is warranted to ensure accurate recall across respondent subgroups.
The Power of a Tweet? Social Media, Presidential Communication, and the Politics of Health
Authors: Haeder Simon F. , Chattopadhyay Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Social media holds the potential to transform presidential communication and leadership. We test whether presidential tweets affect public opinions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as partisan reputations for handling health policy using a survey‐based experiment. We find that negative tweets about the ACA from President Trump reduced favorability toward the ACA among Republicans and increased the partisan gap. Support was particularly reduced among Republicans with low levels of racial resentment, with a corresponding opposite effect among Democrats with high levels of racial resentment. We found only limited effects on opinions about party handling of health policy more generally.
Systematic review of the odorous volatile compounds that contribute to flavour profiles of aquatic animals
Authors: Jones Ben C. , Rocker Melissa M. , Keast Russell S. J. , Callahan Damien L. , Redmond Hannah J. , Smullen Richard P. , Francis David S.
Published: March 2022

The flavour of aquatic animal products is distinct from terrestrial foods, facilitating a competitive marketing advantage. However, the flavour of aquatic animals can also be highly variable. Importantly, differences are reported in the flavour of animals from aquaculture and wild‐capture systems. These differences can erode consumer acceptance of aquaculture products and reduce financial returns to producers. Mild ‘fish‐like’, ‘marine’, ‘crustacean‐like’, ‘seafood’ and ‘sweet’ odours are desirable. However, overt ‘fish‐like’, ‘fatty’ and ‘earthy’ odours are quality deficits and cause products to become unpalatable. Odorous volatile compounds are responsible for eliciting these characteristic odours. In this literature review, the odorous volatile compounds of 96 aquatic animal samples are reported, revealing 291 different compounds. Generalist compounds that are integral to the odour of aquatic animals are presented in addition to 86 compounds that elicit key characteristic odours. The influence of these compounds on aquatic animal flavour is explored and the specific factors likely to affect their manipulation in aquaculture products are discussed. The culture environment and diet are critical factors affecting volatile profiles of aquatic animals and are the variables that can be controlled by aquaculture producers. The information presented in this review can underpin the development of innovative aquaculture strategies that prevent environmental exposure of aquatic animals to unpalatable volatile compounds and facilitate the development of aquaculture diets that optimise the volatile profile of edible tissues.