bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does interest alignment between hotels and online travel agencies intensify review manipulations?
Authors: Chen Yan , Tang Tianwei , Li Yongjian , Fan Di
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study examines whether a higher interest alignment between online travel agencies (OTAs; hosting platform) and hotels (business owners) will intensify review manipulation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

With a panel data set collected from a Chinese online travel agency and a travel search engine, the authors develop a matching-based difference-indifference approach to examine the presence of partnership-intensified review manipulation.

Findings

The authors find that the ratings of agency's partner hotels (with a higher interest alignment) are abnormally higher than those of matched non-partner hotels (with a lower interest alignment), after they are benchmarked with their ratings on the search engine (without a partnership business model). Further, the analysis results indicate that this partnership-intensified manipulation deteriorates the hotel's sales performance because of damaged customer trust and satisfaction.

Originality/value

Previous studies implicitly assume that review manipulator is independent from the hosting platform. This is the first study examining the role of the hosting platform in review manipulations.
Serendipitous opportunities, entry strategy and knowledge in firms' foreign market entry
Authors: Hilmersson Mikael , Johanson Martin , Lundberg Heléne , Papaioannou Stylianos
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Few researchers and even fewer practitioners would deny that serendipitous events play a central role in the growth process of firms. However, most international marketing models ignore the role of serendipity in the opportunity discovery process. The authors provide a nuanced view on international opportunities by developing the role of serendipitous opportunities in the foreign market entry process. The authors develop a model integrating the notions of serendipity, entrepreneurial logic, experiential knowledge and network knowledge redundancy. From the study’s model, the authors condense three sets of hypotheses on the relationships among experiential knowledge and entry strategy, network knowledge redundancy, entry strategy and serendipity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors confront the study’s hypotheses with data collected on-site at 168 Swedish firms covering 234 opportunities, and to test the hypotheses, the authors ran ordinary least squares (OLS) regression tests in three steps.

Findings

The results of the study’s analysis reveal that experiential knowledge and network knowledge redundancy both lead to a logic based on rigid planning and systematic search, which in turn reduces the likelihood that serendipitous opportunities will be realized in the foreign market entry process.

Originality/value

This is the first study that develops a measure of opportunities that are the outcome of serendipitous events. In addition, the authors integrate network and learning theories and internationalization theory by establishing antecedents to, and outcomes of, the entry strategy.
Export activity, R&D investment, and foreign ownership: does it matter for productivity?
Authors: Sousa Carlos M.P. , Yan Ji , Gomes Emanuel , Lengler Jorge
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The paper examines the impact of export activity on productivity and how this effect is moderated by R&D investment and foreign ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lag effect is taken into account when examining the proposed model. Data are collected from the Annual Industrial Survey of the National Bureau of Statistics of China. A dataset containing 117,340 firms across the sample period (2001–2007) are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that while R&D investment plays a significant role in strengthening the positive effect of export activity on a firm's productivity, foreign ownership surprisingly has a negative moderating role.

Originality/value

Scholarly interest in the links between export activity and productivity is on the rise. However, the bulk of research has been focused on understanding the effects of export activity on productivity at the country or industry level. Little has been done at the firm level. Another gap in the literature is that the mechanism through which the impact of export activity can be leveraged to enhance the firm's productivity has been largely ignored. To address these issues, the study adopts the learning-by-exporting theory to examine the relationship between export and productivity at the firm-level and how R&D investment and foreign ownership may explain how learning can be leveraged to enhance the firm's productivity. Finally, these relationships are examined in the context of firms from an emerging market, China, which is especially relevant for the learning-by-exporting argument used in this study.
Multi‐camera field monitoring reveals costs of learning for parasitoid foraging behaviour
Authors: de Bruijn Jessica A. C. , Vosteen Ilka , Vet Louise E. M. , Smid Hans M. , de Boer Jetske G.
Published: March 2021

Dynamic conditions in nature have led to the evolution of behavioural traits that allow animals to use information on local circumstances and adjust their behaviour accordingly, for example through learning. Although learning can improve foraging efficiency, the learned information can become unreliable as the environment continues to change. This could lead to potential fitness costs when memories holding such unreliable information persist. Indeed, persistent unreliable memory was found to reduce the foraging efficiency of the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata under laboratory conditions.

Here, we evaluated the effect of such persistent unreliable memory on the foraging behaviour of C. glomerata in the field. This is a critical step in studies of foraging theory, since animal behaviour evolved under the complex conditions present in nature.

Existing methods provide little detail on how parasitoids interact with their environment in the field, therefore we developed a novel multi‐camera system that allowed us to trace parasitoid foraging behaviour in detail. With this multi‐camera system, we studied how persistent unreliable memory affected the foraging behaviour of C. glomerata when these memories led parasitoids to plants infested with non‐host caterpillars in a semi‐field set‐up.

Our results demonstrate that persistent unreliable memory can lead to maladaptive foraging behaviour in C. glomerata under field conditions and increased the likelihood of oviposition in the non‐host caterpillar Mamestra brassica. Furthermore, these time‐ and egg‐related costs can be context dependent, since they rely on the plant species used.

These results provide us with new insight on how animals use previously obtained information in naturally complex and dynamic foraging situations and confirm that costs and benefits of learning depend on the environment animals forage in. Although behavioural studies of small animals in natural habitats remain challenging, novel methods such as our multi‐camera system contribute to understanding the nuances of animal foraging behaviour.
Antibiotic intervention redisposes bacterial interspecific interacting dynamics in competitive environments
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Xiaojie , Lin Jiafu , Yuan Yang , Huang Ting , Du Lianming , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan , Zhang Aixue , Wang Xinrong , Chu Yiwen , Zhao Kelei
Published: March 2021

Interspecific interaction happens frequently among bacterial species and can promote the colonization of polymicrobial community in various environments. However, it is not clear whether the intervention of antibiotics, which is a common therapeutic method for infectious disease, will influence the interacting dynamics of different pathogenic bacteria. By using the frequently co‐isolated bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as models, here we identify an antibiotic‐determined mutual invasion relationship between bacterial pathogens. We show that although P. aeruginosa has a significant intrinsic competitive advantage over S. aureus by producing the quorum‐sensing (QS)‐controlled anti‐staphylococcal molecules, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) can inhibit neighbouring P. aeruginosa in the presence of subinhibitory aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. streptomycin) to P. aeruginosa. Importantly, subinhibitory streptomycin decreases the expression of QS‐regulated genes in P. aeruginosa and thus relieves the survival stress of MRSA brought by P. aeruginosa. On the other side, the iron‐uptake systems and pathogenicity of MRSA can be enhanced by the extracellular products of streptomycin‐treated P. aeruginosa. Therefore, this study provides an explanation for the substitution of dominant species and persistent coexistence of bacterial pathogens in the host with repeated antibiotic therapies and contributes to further understanding the pathogenesis of chronic polymicrobial infections.
Interaction between the cell walls of microalgal host and fungal carbohydrate‐activate enzymes is essential for the pathogenic parasitism process
Authors: Lin Juan , Yan Hailong , Zhao Liang , Li Yanhua , Nahidian Bahareh , Zhu Mianmian , Hu Qiang , Han Danxiang
Published: March 2021

Fungi can parasitize microalgae, exerting profound impacts on both the aquatic ecosystems and microalgal mass cultures. In this study, the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis and the blastocladialean fungus Paraphysoderma sedebokerense were used as a model system to address the mechanisms underlying the fungal parasitism on the algal host. High‐throughput metabolic assay indicated that P. sedebokerense can utilize several carbon sources with a preference for mannose, glucose and their oligosaccharides, which was compatible with the profile of the host algal cell walls enriched with glucan and mannan. The results of dual transcriptomics analysis suggested that P. sedebokerense can upregulate a large number of putative carbohydrate‐activate enzymes (CAZymes) encoding genes, including those coding for the endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase and endo‐1,4‐β‐mannanase during the infection process. The cell walls of H. pluvialis can be decomposed by both P. sedebokerense and commercial CAZymes (e.g. cellulase and endo‐1,4‐β‐mannanase) to produce mannooligomers, while several putative parasitism‐related genes of P. sedebokerense can be in turn upregulated by mannooligomers. In addition, the parasitism can be blocked by interfering the selected CAZymes including glucanase, mannanase and lysozyme with the specific inhibitors, which provided a framework for screening suitable compounds for pathogen mitigation in algal mass culture.
Beginning on an age‐friendly journey: Barriers to implementing age‐friendly initiatives
Authors: Neville Stephen , Napier Sara , Shannon Kay , Adams Jeffery
Published: March 2021

Objective

To explore the barriers to communities in New Zealand developing age‐friendly initiatives.

Methods

A qualitative participatory approach underpinned this study. Semi‐structured digitally recorded individual interviews were undertaken with 24 government officials, local government steering group members and community representatives from an urban city, provincial city and a rural district. A general inductive data analytic process was undertaken. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed to ensure rigour in this study.

Results

(a) Being at the beginning, (b) Minimal diversity and (c) Problems getting started were three key issues identified.

Conclusions

New Zealand is in the early stages of becoming age‐friendly. Findings from this study provide a place‐based New Zealand perspective and have influenced central government social policy and practice development, culminating in resources supporting local government and communities to successfully implement age‐friendly initiatives.
Ischaemic breast necrosis following coronary artery bypass grafting using left internal mammary artery: understanding the risks
Authors: B Sandeep , Khanna Anmol , Song Colin
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure performed commonly using left internal mammary artery (LIMA). We report a case of sternal wound dehiscence and breast necrosis following LIMA harvest in a 55‐year‐old obese lady with macromastia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and end stage renal disease requiring dialysis. We also review the existing literature.

Methods

Publications were identified from Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial between 1974 and 2 January 2020. We assessed patient co‐morbidities, presentation time frame, quadrant of breast necrosis and reconstruction option utilized.

Results

There were 18 cases of breast necrosis reported post‐CABG. The patients were aged 50 or over, morbidly obese and had large tubular breasts. Other risk factors included chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes and hypertension. The presentation was delayed with necrosis only evident 7 days or more after CABG. All the reported cases had necrosis at lower inner quadrant of the left breast with nipple‐areola complex.

Conclusion

Blood supply to the breast is segmental with considerable overlap, however, this overlap is reduced in large breasts. Patients with macromastia and multiple co‐morbidities need preoperative imaging (computed tomography angiogram) to evaluate breast vascularity prior to CABG. Risk of breast necrosis needs to be explained during the informed consent. Surgical management of the hypermastia (breast reduction or amputation) may be a factor in facilitating the CABG procedure if indeed the LIMA is absolutely indicated considering the risks and benefits.
Medical management of induced and incomplete first‐trimester abortion by non‐physicians in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kristiansen Marianne Bogen , Shayo Benjamin C. , Philemon Rune , Khan Khalid Saeed , Rasch Vibeke , Linde Ditte Søndergaard
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Unsafe abortion is the cause of a substantial number of maternal mortalities and morbidities globally, but specifically in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Medical abortion methods provided by non‐physicians may be a way to reduce the burden of unsafe abortions. Currently, only one systematic review comparing non‐physicians with physicians for medical abortion exists. However, the review does not have any setting restrictions and newer evidence has since been published. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of first‐trimester abortion managed by non‐physicians compared with physicians in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Material and methods

The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Global Health Library, and EMBASE were searched using a structured search strategy. Further, the trial registries clinicaltrials.gov and The International Clinical Trial Registry Platform were searched for published and unpublished trials. Randomized controlled trials comparing provision of medical abortion by non‐physicians with that by physicians in low‐ or middle‐income countries were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Trials that reported effect estimates on the effectiveness of medical methods on complete abortion were included in the meta‐analysis. The protocol was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database, ID: CRD42020176811.

Results

Six papers from four different randomized controlled trials with a total of 4021 participants were included. Two of the four included trials were assessed to have overall low risk of bias. Four papers had outcome data on complete abortion and were included in the meta‐analyses. Medical management of first‐trimester abortion and medical treatment of incomplete abortion were found to be equally effective when provided by a non‐physician as when provided by a physician (risk ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.99‐1.01). Further, the treatment was equally safe, and women were equally satisfied when a non‐physician provided the treatment compared with a physician.

Conclusions

Provision of medical abortion or medical treatment for incomplete abortion in the first trimester is equally effective, safe, and acceptable when provided by non‐physicians compared with physicians in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We recommend that the task of providing medical abortion and medical treatment for incomplete abortion in low‐ and middle‐income countries should be shared with non‐physicians.
Handheld fundus camera performance, image quality and outcomes of diabetic retinopathy grading in a pilot screening study
Authors: Kubin Anna‐Maria , Wirkkala Joonas , Keskitalo Antti , Ohtonen Pasi , Hautala Nina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To compare the performance and image quality of the handheld fundus camera to standard table‐top fundus cameras in diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. The reliability and diagnostic accuracy of DR grading performed by an ophthalmologist and a photographer reader were evaluated.

Materials and methods

157 patients with diabetes, attending screening or follow‐up of DR, were evaluated by fundus photographs taken in mydriasis by Optomed Aurora and Canon or Zeiss Visucam fundus cameras. The image quality and the severity of DR were evaluated independently by an ophthalmologist and experienced photographer. The sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the assessments were determined.

Results

1884 fundus images from 314 eyes were analysed. In 53% of all eyes, DR was not present. 10% had mild non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 16% moderate NPDR, 6% severe NPDR and 16% proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The DR grading outcomes by Aurora highly equalled to those of Canon or Zeiss (κ = 0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.94), and there was almost perfect agreement in grading between the ophthalmologist and photographer (κ = 0.96, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.97). The image quality of Aurora was sufficient for reliable assessment according to both graders in 84‐88% of the cases.

Conclusion

The Optomed Aurora fundus camera seems appropriate for DR screening. The sufficient image quality and high diagnostic accuracy for DR grading are supportive for a less expensive and easily transportable screening system for DR. Immediate image grading carried out by a photographer would further improve and speed up the screening process in all settings.
Neuropeptides and neurohormones in immune, inflammatory and cellular responses to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Moattari Cameron R. , Granstein Richard D.
Published: March 2021

Humans are exposed to varying amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through sunlight. UVR penetrates into human skin leading to release of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones. These messengers released from local sensory nerves, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells (LCs), mast cells, melanocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) modulate local and systemic immune responses, mediate inflammation and promote differing cell biologic effects. In this review, we will focus on both animal and human studies that elucidate the roles of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF), nitric oxide and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) derivatives in mediating immune and inflammatory effects of exposure to UVR as well as other cell biologic effects of UVR exposure.
Acculturation and adjustment among rural migrant children in urban China: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Xinyin , Fu Rui , Li Dan , Liu Junsheng , Liu Shihong , Cui Liying
Published: March 2021

This one‐year longitudinal study examined relations between acculturation and adjustment in rural‐to‐urban migrant children in China. Participants included 335 migrant students (initial mean age = 12 years, 198 boys) in fourth to sixth grades in public schools in Shanghai, China. Data on acculturation were collected from children's self‐reports, and data on social, school, and psychological adjustment were obtained from multiple sources, including peer evaluations, teacher ratings, self‐reports, and school records. The results showed that accommodation to urban culture positively contributed to later social competence. Maintenance of rural culture positively contributed to later psychological well‐being for migrant children who were low on accommodation to urban culture. In addition, social competence and academic performance positively contributed to later accommodation to urban culture and maintenance of rural culture. The results help understand the developmental processes involved in the acculturation and adjustment of migrant children in contemporary societies.
Age, blood urea nitrogen, and lactate: Preoperative risk factors of laparotomy for strangulated small bowel obstruction
Authors: Hayakawa Shunsuke , Hayakawa Tetsushi , Uehara Shuhei , Miyai Hirotaka , Ogawa Ryo , Yamamoto Minoru , Tanaka Moritsugu , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Despite increasing reports of laparoscopy for strangulated small bowel obstruction (SSBO), there is no consensus on outcomes in patients with SSBO. We evaluated the safety and utility of laparoscopy for SSBO and investigated the preoperative risk factors for laparotomy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 107 patients who underwent emergency surgery for SSBO over a period of 6 years. Patients' characteristics and surgical parameters were compared between 27 patients undergoing laparoscopy alone (group L) and 80 patients undergoing laparotomy (group O, including conversion). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for laparotomy.

Results

Compared with group L, group O had significantly shorter operation time (59 vs 115 minutes, P < .001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (6 vs 10 days, P < .001), and fewer complications (3 vs 40 cases, P < .001). Age ≥ 68 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.970, P = .021), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≥ 14.6 mg/dL (OR 4.360, P = .012), and lactate ≥2.80 mmol/L (OR 12.90, P = .023) were independent risk factors for laparotomy.

Conclusion

Prognosis was better in patients with SSBO undergoing complete laparoscopy than in patients undergoing laparotomy; however, age, BUN, and lactate were independent preoperative risk factors for laparotomy.
A comparison of faecal incontinence scoring systems
Authors: Colbran Rachel , Gillespie Christopher , Ayvaz Faruk , Warwick Andrea M.
Published: March 2021

Aim

Questionnaires designed to score the severity of faecal incontinence (FI) are widely used to provide an evaluation of symptoms across settings, studies and time. The Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium have recommended the use of multiple questionnaires despite some overlap of questions. This study aimed to evaluate whether patient responses to these questionnaires are consistent.

Method

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients with FI who attended a dedicated pelvic floor unit between January 2018 and December 2019 and completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Score and St Mark's Incontinence Score simultaneously. For each questionnaire the frequency of incontinence episodes to solid stool, liquid stool and gas was divided into five categories to allow direct comparison. Answers were deemed equivalent if the allocated response was identical, slightly different if the response was in an adjacent category or very different if the response differed to a greater extent.

Results

There were 193 patients who simultaneously completed all three FI questionnaires. There were statistically significant differences between the responses regarding frequency of solid stool, liquid stool and gas incontinence on all three questionnaires (p < 0.005). Across all domains, between 58.0% and 69.9% of responses were equivalent, 14.1%–34.0% of answers were slightly different and 8.0%–18.8% were very different.

Conclusion

Even when completed at the same time, and by the same person, similar questions are answered differently a significant proportion of the time. The utility of using multiple questionnaires simultaneously in the clinical setting to assess FI symptoms should be questioned.
Heart rate variability changes by non‐invasive ventilation in obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Amra Babak , Balouchianzadeh Samin , Soltaninejad Forogh , Schoebel Christoph , Fietze Ingo , Bateni Mohammad Hossein , Abdar Esfahani Morteza , Penzel Thomas
Published: March 2021

Background

Non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is known to enhance hypoventilation and is particularly adopted as a treatment for patients diagnosed with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). The augmented risk of cardiovascular morbidity is known as a side effect of OHS.

Aims

In this paper, this inference is examined that hypoventilation and the increased risk of morbidity can be diagnosed via the assessment of changes in heart rate variability (HRV). More specifically, the study investigates the effect of NIPPV on both HRV and hypoventilation among OHS patients. The linear relationship between different HRV measures and ventilation parameters is also examined.

Materials & Methods

The reported results are attained via an interventional clinical trial study. HRV measures are evaluated before and after treatment, in a group of patients which are newly diagnosed with OHS and receive bi‐level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) treatment for three months.

Results

The results are compared and interpreted via statistical analysis.

Discussion

Throughout the study, the relationship between hypoventilation and HRV is confirmed, as well as the effect of BiPAP on some HRV measures in both time and frequency domains. Particularly significant connections are observed between hypoventilation and low‐frequency components of HRV.

Conclusion

The enhanced respiration due to the application of BiPAP can improve the performance of autonomous nervous and cardiovascular systems, in terms of HRV. Moreover, it is suggested to consider some HRV parameters to control the cardiovascular side‐effects of OHS and confine the resulting mortality rate in long term.
The non‐government alcohol and other drug workforce in Australia: Findings from a national survey
Authors: Roche Ann M. , Skinner Natalie
Published: March 2021

Introduction

There is growing interest in the role of the non‐government sector in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) service delivery system. This study examined the demographic profile of AOD workers in the non‐government (NGO) compared to government sector, to ascertain their professional development needs, job satisfaction, retention and turnover.

Methods

This study utilised cross‐sectional data from an Australian AOD workforce online survey that assessed participants' demographics, employment profile, professional development needs and barriers. The sample comprised 888 workers in direct client service roles.

Results

Binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that NGO workers were more likely to be younger (<35 years), have AOD lived experience and have an AOD vocational qualification. NGO workers were more likely to earn below the national average salary and report job insecurity; but nonetheless were more likely to feel respected and supported at work, believe their work was meaningful and be satisfied working in the AOD sector. Their top professional development barrier was personal financial cost. NGO workers were more likely to report employer financial costs as a professional development barrier, whereas government workers were more likely to report staff shortages.

Discussion and Conclusions

AOD services in Australia rely increasingly on the NGO sector. Quality services and care pivot on the size, capability and maturity of the workforce. This study highlights the need for systemic interventions addressing structural issues, and the professional development and ongoing support needs of the NGO AOD workforce. Without such support, Australia's AOD services will be potentially jeopardised.
Niche separation of wetland birds revealed from airborne laser scanning
Authors: Koma Zsófia , Grootes Meiert W. , Meijer Christiaan W. , Nattino Francesco , Seijmonsbergen Arie C. , Sierdsema Henk , Foppen Ruud , Kissling W. Daniel
Published: March 2021

Numerous organisms depend on the physical structure of their habitats, but incorporating such information into ecological niche analyses has been limited by the lack of adequate data over broad spatial extents. The increasing availability of high‐resolution measurements from country‐wide airborne laser scanning (ALS) surveys – a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology – now provides unprecedented opportunities for characterizing habitat structure. Here, we use country‐wide ALS data in combination with presence–absence observations of birds from a national monitoring scheme in the Netherlands to quantify niche filling, niche overlap and niche separation of three closely‐related wetland birds (great reed warbler, Eurasian reed warbler and Savi's warbler). We developed a workflow to derive LiDAR metrics capturing different aspects of vertical and horizontal vegetation structure and used a principal component analysis (PCA), niche equivalency and niche similarity tests to analyse the fine‐scale breeding habitat niches of these warbler species in the Netherlands. The widespread Eurasian reed warbler almost completely filled the available wetland habitat space (93%) whereas the two other species showed considerably less niche filling (64% and 74%, respectively). Substantial niche overlap occurred among all species, but each species occupied a distinct part of the habitat space. The great reed warbler mainly occurred in tall and vertically complex wetland vegetation and was absent in areas with large proportions of reedbeds. The Eurasian reed warbler occupied all parts of the wetland habitat space, whereas the Savi's warbler mainly occurred in large homogenous reedbeds with low vegetation height. Our results demonstrate that broad‐scale ecological niche analyses can incorporate the fine‐scale 3D habitat preference of species with unprecedented detail (e.g. 10 m resolution), and thus go much beyond quantifying the climate niche and 2D habitat information from land cover maps. This is important to identify habitat features and priorities for biodiversity conservation in wetlands and other habitats.
The urine light chain/glomerular filtration rate (GFR) quotient shows a high sensitivity and specificity to detect cast nephropathy in monoclonal light chain disease
Authors: Bergner Raoul , Hoffmann Martin , Uppenkamp Michael , Paschka Peter , Klank David
Published: March 2021

Background

Cast nephropathy (CN) is associated with a unfavourable outcome in monoclonal light chain (mLC) disease, but also more possible LC‐related renal diseases as well as non‐LC‐related disease can occur. Thus, it is crucial to understand the underlying renal disease. On the other hand, LC can interfere with coagulation preventing kidney biopsy as the gold standard. We sought to develop a non‐invasive algorithm to diagnose CN with a good sensitivity and specificity.

Method

We analysed data from patients with mLC disease who underwent kidney biopsy. The patients were classified in 4 groups according the renal histology: CN, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease, and other renal disease. Afterwards, different algorithms were calculated for their sensitivity and specificity.

Results

CN showed a significant higher concentration of serum‐free LC and urine LC (LCu), but there was a wide and overlapping range with the other groups. The best accuracy was achieved for a LCu/GFR ratio >2 in patients with lambda LC and either a LCu/GFR > 1 and proteinuria <8 g/24 h or a LCu/GFR > 5 in patients with proteinuria >8 g/24 h in patients with kappa LC. In lambda LC, the sensitivity and specificity for CN was 94% and 90%, respectively; in kappa LC 87% and 81%, respectively.

Discussion

In patients with coagulation disturbances due to LC, a non‐invasive algorithm can separate patients with CN from other renal disease in mLC disease.
A Longitudinal Diagnostic Model with Hierarchical Learning Trajectories
Authors: Zhan Peida , He Keren
Published: March 2021

In learning diagnostic assessments, the attribute hierarchy specifies a sequential network of interrelated attribute mastery processes, which makes a test blueprint consistent with the cognitive theory. One of the most important functions of attribute hierarchy is to guide or limit the developmental direction of students and then form a hierarchical learning trajectory. To address the issue that the existing longitudinal learning diagnosis models cannot track the development of hierarchical attributes, this study proposes a new hierarchical longitudinal learning diagnostic modeling approach and two sample models. Compared to the longitudinal learning diagnosis models that do not consider the attribute hierarchy, the proposed models, by taking the sequential mastery tree into account, can accommodate various attribute hierarchies and simultaneously track an individual's learning developmental trajectory. An empirical study was conducted to illustrate the advantages of the proposed model. The results mainly indicated that the proposed model can properly diagnose the development of hierarchical attributes in longitudinal assessments. A simulation study was further conducted to explore the model parameter recovery of the proposed models.
Risk of requiring a walking aid after 6.5 years of ocrelizumab treatment in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: Data from the OPERA I and OPERA II trials
Authors: Giovannoni Gavin , Kappos Ludwig , de Seze Jerome , Hauser Stephen L. , Overell James , Koendgen Harold , Manfrini Marianna , Wang Qing , Wolinsky Jerry S.
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Requiring a walking aid is a fundamental milestone in multiple sclerosis (MS), represented by an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥6.0. In the present study, we assess the effect of ocrelizumab (OCR) on time to EDSS score ≥6.0 in relapsing MS.

Methods

Time to EDSS score ≥6.0 confirmed for ≥24 and ≥48 weeks was assessed over the course of 6.5 years (336 weeks) in the double‐blind period (DBP) and open‐label extension (OLE) period of the OPERA I (NCT01247324) and OPERA II (NCT01412333) studies.

Results

Time to reach EDSS score ≥6.0 was significantly delayed in those initially randomized to OCR versus interferon. Over 6.5 years, the risk of requiring a walking aid confirmed for ≥24 weeks was 34% lower among those who initiated OCR earlier versus delayed treatment (average hazard ratio [HR] DBP + OLE 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.95; p = 0.024); the risk of requiring a walking aid confirmed for ≥48 weeks was 46% lower (average HR DBP+OLE 0.54, 95% CI 0.35–0.83; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

The reduced risk of requiring a walking aid in earlier initiators of OCR demonstrates the long‐term implications of earlier highly effective treatment.
Effect of bioactive glass air‐abrasion on Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm formed on moderately rough titanium surface
Authors: Abushahba Faleh , Gürsoy Mervi , Hupa Leena , Närhi Timo O.
Published: March 2021

This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three types of air‐abrasion particles on dual‐species biofilms of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, both of which were cultured on sandblasted and acid‐etched (SA) titanium discs. Out of 24 SA discs with biofilm, 18 were exposed to either air‐abrasion using Bioglass 45S5 (45S5 BG; n = 6), novel zinc (Zn)‐containing bioactive glass (Zn4 BG; n = 6), or inert glass (n = 6). The efficiency of biofilm removal was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and culturing techniques. Air‐abrasion using 45S5 BG or Zn4 BG demonstrated a significant decrease in the total number of viable bacteria compared to discs air‐abraded with inert glass or intact biofilm without abrasion. Moreover, P. gingivalis could not be detected from SEM images nor culture plates after air‐abrasion with 45S5 BG or Zn4 BG. The present study showed that air‐abrasion with 45S5 or Zn4 bioactive glasses can successfully eradicate dual‐biofilm of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis from sandblasted and acid‐etched titanium discs.
No leading‐edge effect in North Atlantic harbor porpoises: Evolutionary and conservation implications
Authors: Ben Chehida Yacine , Loughnane Roisin , Thumloup Julie , Kaschner Kristin , Garilao Cristina , Rosel Patricia E. , Fontaine Michael C.
Published: March 2021

Understanding species responses to past environmental changes can help forecast how they will cope with ongoing climate changes. Harbor porpoises are widely distributed in the North Atlantic and were deeply impacted by the Pleistocene changes with the split of three subspecies. Despite major impacts of fisheries on natural populations, little is known about population connectivity and dispersal, how they reacted to the Pleistocene changes, and how they will evolve in the future. Here, we used phylogenetics, population genetics, and predictive habitat modeling to investigate population structure and phylogeographic history of the North Atlantic porpoises. A total of 925 porpoises were characterized at 10 microsatellite loci and one quarter of the mitogenome (mtDNA). A highly divergent mtDNA lineage was uncovered in one porpoise off Western Greenland, suggesting that a cryptic group may occur and could belong to a recently discovered mesopelagic ecotype off Greenland. Aside from it and the southern subspecies, spatial genetic variation showed that porpoises from both sides of the North Atlantic form a continuous system belonging to the same subspecies (Phocoena phocoena phocoena). Yet, we identified important departures from random mating and restricted dispersal forming a highly significant isolation by distance (IBD) at both mtDNA and nuclear markers. A ten times stronger IBD at mtDNA compared with nuclear loci supported previous evidence of female philopatry. Together with the lack of spatial trends in genetic diversity, this IBD suggests that migration–drift equilibrium has been reached, erasing any genetic signal of a leading‐edge effect that accompanied the predicted recolonization of the northern habitats freed from Pleistocene ice. These results illuminate the processes shaping porpoise population structure and provide a framework for designing conservation strategies and forecasting future population evolution.
Genomic consequences of human‐mediated translocations in margin populations of an endangered amphibian
Authors: De Cahsan Binia , Westbury Michael V. , Paraskevopoulou Sofia , Drews Hauke , Ott Moritz , Gollmann Günter , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: March 2021

Due to their isolated and often fragmented nature, range margin populations are especially vulnerable to rapid environmental change. To maintain genetic diversity and adaptive potential, gene flow from disjunct populations might therefore be crucial to their survival. Translocations are often proposed as a mitigation strategy to increase genetic diversity in threatened populations. However, this also includes the risk of losing locally adapted alleles through genetic swamping. Human‐mediated translocations of southern lineage specimens into northern German populations of the endangered European fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina) provide an unexpected experimental set‐up to test the genetic consequences of an intraspecific introgression from central population individuals into populations at the species range margin. Here, we utilize complete mitochondrial genomes and transcriptome nuclear data to reveal the full genetic extent of this translocation and the consequences it may have for these populations. We uncover signs of introgression in four out of the five northern populations investigated, including a number of introgressed alleles ubiquitous in all recipient populations, suggesting a possible adaptive advantage. Introgressed alleles dominate at the MTCH2 locus, associated with obesity/fat tissue in humans, and the DSP locus, essential for the proper development of epidermal skin in amphibians. Furthermore, we found loci where local alleles were retained in the introgressed populations, suggesting their relevance for local adaptation. Finally, comparisons of genetic diversity between introgressed and nonintrogressed northern German populations revealed an increase in genetic diversity in all German individuals belonging to introgressed populations, supporting the idea of a beneficial transfer of genetic variation from Austria into North Germany.
A sunny spot: habitat management through vegetation cuts increases oviposition in abandoned fields in an endemic Mediterranean butterfly
Authors: Cini Alessandro , Benetello Fulvia , Platania Leonardo , Bordoni Adele , Boschi Sara , Franci Emiliano , Ghisolfi Gea , Pasquali Lorenzo , Negroni Riccardo , Dapporto Leonardo
Published: March 2021

The abandonment of agricultural land and the afforestation of grassland habitats represent major threats for butterflies in European and Mediterranean areas. A crucial goal for Lepidoptera conservation is to maintain and/or restore habitat quality by targeted management. Nevertheless, there are few experimental studies allowing to derive data‐driven strategies to protect butterflies of open grasslands in the Mediterranean region.

We developed a habitat management strategy for the conservation of the Italian endemic butterfly Zerynthia cassandra by adopting a three‐step procedure: (i) characterising which environmental and host plant features influence oviposition on plants; (ii) identifying and testing the effect of a data‐driven habitat management intervention; (iii) understanding which micro‐habitat features promote Z. cassandra oviposition in restored places to optimise the intervention.

Both patch (areas of 1 m radius hosting Aristolochia shoots) and plant features affect oviposition, with the strongest positive effects showed by high irradiation of the patch and plant quality (high number of flowers and leaves). Accordingly, the management consisted in vegetation cuts to increase irradiation, and 2 years of monitoring demonstrated that this procedure significantly increased oviposition (average increase of about 2 eggs per plant) and larval presence. Micro‐habitat sampling demonstrated that the maximum oviposition differed between vegetation structures, highlighting the importance of a local fine‐tuning before the intervention.

We provided a data‐driven, effective, and sustainable management strategy to increase habitat suitability and oviposition for an endemic and endangered Mediterranean butterfly. Our framework can drive management strategies for other species with similar ecological requirements and subjected to similar threats.
Rapport management in the opening sequence of African and Asian doctors in South Africa
Authors: Fawole Adebola Abosede , Rammala Johannes Ratsitana
Published: March 2021

Communication issues occur when foreign doctors from different cultural backgrounds have to treat local patients and attempt to establish rapport across cultures in order to diagnose correctly and advise treatment in a way that is acceptable to the patient. This paper reports on strategies used by Iranian and Nigerian medical doctors in public hospitals in Limpopo, South Africa, to establish and manage rapport in the opening sequence of their first meetings with local rural patients. The study used a conversation analysis method to examine the interaction of Iranian and Nigerian doctors with local South African patients against the background of Spencer‐Oatey's rapport management framework and cultural maxims of greetings and forms of address in the two countries. Recordings of opening sequences of consultations were examined to provide an understanding of the doctors’ linguistic behavior. Consultations conducted by six doctors were recorded, transcribed, translated where necessary and analyzed against the background of the Rapport Management Framework. All the Iranian doctors were found to adopt different strategies from the Nigerian doctors even though both countries are classified as high‐context cultures and would be expected to use similar communication strategies. The findings have implications for the induction of foreign medical doctors in South Africa.
Presenting symptoms of COVID‐19 and clinical outcomes in hospitalised older adults
Authors: Gregorevic Kate , Maier Andrea , Miranda Roeisa , Loveland Paula , Miller Katherine , Buising Kirsty , Marshall Caroline , O'Gorman Bronwyn , Tan Amanda , Staggard Kylie , O'Halloran Tessa , Nguyen Huong Xuan Thi , Disler Jessica , Crotty Frances , Lim Kai , Cianter Joseph , Kelly Cate , Lim Kwang
Published: March 2021

Background

In July 2020, a COVID‐19 outbreak was recognised in the geriatric wards at a subacute campus of the Royal Melbourne Hospital affecting patients and staff. Patients were also admitted to this site after diagnosis in residential care.

Aims

To describe the early symptoms and the outcomes of COVID‐19 in older adults.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 at the facility in July or August 2020 were identified and their medical records were examined to identify symptoms present before and after their diagnosis and to determine their outcomes.

Results

Overall, 106 patients were identified as having COVID‐19, with median age of 84.3 years (range 41–104 years); 64 were diagnosed as hospital inpatients after a median length of stay of 49 days, 31 were transferred from residential aged care facilities with a known diagnosis and 11 were diagnosed after discharge. There were 95 patients included in an analysis of symptom type and timing onset. Overall, 61 (64.2%) were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis of COVID‐19, having been diagnosed through screening initiated on site. Of these, 88.6% developed symptoms of COVID‐19 within 14 days. The most common initial symptom type was respiratory, but there was wide variation in presentation, including fever, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, many initially not recognised as being due to COVID‐19. Of 104 patients, 32 died within 30 days of diagnosis.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 diagnosis is challenging due to the variance in symptoms. In the context of an outbreak, asymptomatic screening can identify affected patients early in the disease course.
Innovation in teaching and learning invertebrate zoology in remote and online classrooms
Authors: Davis‐Berg Elizabeth C. , Kocot Kevin M.
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 global pandemic caused instructors to pivot to remote and online teaching, an especially challenging task in hands‐on classes such as invertebrate biology. In this special 25th anniversary issue of Invertebrate Biology, the authors present a variety of clever and effective ways to help invertebrate biology instructors adapt to teaching in an online environment. Student‐centered research and learning are essential in all biology classes, and we explore scientific writing, field trips, do‐it‐yourself laboratories, and more. These techniques will be useful for classes of varying sizes and types, from non‐major undergraduates to graduate students, even after the pandemic is over. Innovation for teaching invertebrate biology online may help facilitate more inclusive courses that serve diverse students more equitably. Ideas for how to best move traditionally hands‐on laboratories into online or remote formats are currently also being informally discussed in a collaborative online space for instructors.