bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐lags and the unbiased estimation of life‐history and demographic parameters
Authors: van de Pol Martijn , Brouwer Lyanne
Published: July 2021

Biological processes exhibit complex temporal dependencies due to the sequential nature of allocation decisions in organisms' life cycles, feedback loops and two‐way causality. Consequently, longitudinal data often contain cross‐lags: the predictor variable depends on the response variable of the previous time step. Although statisticians have warned that regression models that ignore such covariate endogeneity in time series are likely to be inappropriate, this has received relatively little attention in biology. Furthermore, the resulting degree of estimation bias remains largely unexplored.

We use a graphical model and numerical simulations to understand why and how regression models that ignore cross‐lags can be biased, and how this bias depends on the length and number of time series. Ecological and evolutionary examples are provided to illustrate that cross‐lags may be more common than is typically appreciated and that they occur in functionally different ways.

We show that routinely used regression models that ignore cross‐lags are asymptotically unbiased. However, this offers little relief, as for most realistically feasible lengths of time‐series conventional methods are biased. Furthermore, collecting time series on multiple subjects—such as populations, groups or individuals—does not help to overcome this bias when the analysis focusses on within‐subject patterns (often the pattern of interest). Simulations, a literature search and a real‐world empirical example together suggest that approaches that ignore cross‐lags are likely biased in the direction opposite to the sign of the cross‐lag (e.g. towards detecting density dependence of vital rates and against detecting life‐history trade‐offs and benefits of group living). Next, we show that multivariate (e.g. structural equation) models can dynamically account for cross‐lags, and simultaneously address additional bias induced by measurement error, but only if the analysis considers multiple time series.

We provide guidance on how to identify a cross‐lag and subsequently specify it in a multivariate model, which can be far from trivial. Our tutorials with data and R code of the worked examples provide step‐by‐step instructions on how to perform such analyses.

Our study offers insights into situations in which cross‐lags can bias analysis of ecological and evolutionary time series and suggests that adopting dynamical models can be important, as this directly affects our understanding of population regulation, the evolution of life histories and cooperation, and possibly many other topics. Determining how strong estimation bias due to ignoring covariate endogeneity has been in the ecological literature requires further study, also because it may interact with other sources of bias.
Changes in soil bacteria functional ecology associated with Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting in a natural habitat
Authors: Orlofsky Ezra , Zabari Limor , Bonito Gregory , Masaphy Segula
Published: July 2021

Morchella rufobrunnea is a saprobic edible mushroom, found in a range of ecological niches, indicating nutritional adjustment to different habitats and possible interaction with soil prokaryotic microbiome (SPM). Using the 16S rRNA gene, we examined the SPM of M. rufobrunnea that appeared in a natural habitat in Northern Israel. Three sample types were included: bare soil without mushroom, soil beneath young mushroom initials and soil beneath the mature fruiting body. Morchella rufobrunnea developmental stage was significantly associated with changes in bacterial populations (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0005). Indicator analysis with point‐biserial correlation coefficient found 180 operational taxonomic units (OTU) uniquely associated with distinct stages of development. The Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxonomy (FAPROTAX) database helped to infer ecological roles for indicator OTU. The functional ecological progression begins with establishment of a photoautotrophic N‐fixing bacterial mat on bare soil. Pioneer heterotrophs including oligotrophs, acidifying nutrient mobilizers and nitrifiers are congruent with appearance of young M. rufobrunnea initials. Under the mature fruiting body, the population changed to saprobes, organic‐N degraders, denitrifiers, insect endosymbionts and fungal antagonists. Based on this work, M. rufobrunnea may be able to influence SPM and change the soil nutritional profile.
The two Pseudomonas aeruginosa DksA stringent response proteins are largely interchangeable at the whole transcriptome level and in the control of virulence‐related traits
Authors: Fortuna Alessandra , Bähre Heike , Visca Paolo , Rampioni Giordano , Leoni Livia
Published: July 2021

The stringent response regulator DksA plays a key role in Gram negative bacteria adaptation to challenging environments. Intriguingly, the plant and human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is unique as it expresses two functional DksA paralogs: DksA1 and DksA2. However, the role of DksA2 in P. aeruginosa adaptive strategies has been poorly investigated so far. Here, RNA‐Seq analysis and phenotypic assays showed that P. aeruginosa DksA1 and DksA2 proteins are largely interchangeable. Relative to wild type P. aeruginosa, transcription of 1779 genes was altered in a dksA1 dksA2 double mutant, and the wild type expression level of ≥90% of these genes was restored by in trans complementation with either dksA1 or dksA2. Interestingly, the expression of a small sub‐set of genes seems to be preferentially or exclusively complemented by either dksA1 or dksA2. In addition, evidence has been provided that the DksA‐dependent regulation of virulence genes expression is independent and hierarchically dominant over two major P. aeruginosa regulatory circuits, i.e., quorum sensing and cyclic‐di‐GMP signalling systems. Our findings support the prominent role of both DksA paralogs in P. aeruginosa environmental adaptation.
Analysis of the quiet life hypothesis implications in the WAEMU banking sector
Authors: Eggoh Jude , Dannon Hodonou , Ndiaye Abdoulaye
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between market power and cost efficiency for a sample of 63 banks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) from seven countries over the period of 2004–2016. Our empirical methodology relies on a panel data analysis. Our results show that an increase in market power reduces banking efficiency in the WAEMU countries, and therefore suggest that competition in the banking sector improves cost efficiency. These findings are consistent with the quiet life hypothesis. However, our nonlinear investigation indicates that beyond a specific threshold of competition, this latter deteriorates the cost efficiency of banks, thus confirming the efficient structure hypothesis. These results indicate the efficiency improvement of the banking system in the WAEMU countries by the control of operating costs. Moreover, the central bank and the banking regulators must increase their supervision over the most competitive banks of the WAEMU.
Total water intake by kilogram of body weight: Analysis of the Australian 2011 to 2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
Authors: Mallett Laura J. , Premkumar Vidhun , Brown Leanne J. , May Jennifer , Rollo Megan E. , Schumacher Tracy L.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Water is critical for human survival, yet water intake equations may not reflect contemporary populations. This research aims to determine the total water intake of a representative Australian population, per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg) and stratified by age and sex.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the 2011 to 2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 10 146) was conducted. Dietary intake from food and beverages was assessed by a 24‐hour recall, with respondent's weight objectively measured. Data were descriptively analysed, with multiple linear regressions used to identify the impact of demographic and physiologic factors on total water intake (mL/kg).

Results

The median (interquartile range) daily total water intake per kilogram of body weight for children (2‐8 years), adolescents (9‐18 years) and adults (19+ years) were 77.1 (57.4‐100) mL/kg, 40.4 (29.3‐53.4) mL/kg and 35.5 mL/kg (26.1‐47.8), respectively. Increasing height and waist circumference were associated with reduced total water intake, with a change of −1.03 mL/kg (−1.43, −0.618) [coefficient (95% confidence interval)] in children for height and −0.448 mL/kg (−0.484, −0.412) in adults for waist circumference. Similarly, seasonality decreased intake, with greatest reductions in winter [adolescents: −4.11 mL/kg (−6.83, −1.40)]. In comparison, being male, living in rural areas and having a physical occupation were associated with greater intake, by 1.73 mL/kg (0.347, 3.10), 4.74 mL/kg (3.47, 6.00) and 2.82 (trade workers: 1.08, 4.59) in adults, respectively.

Conclusions

Total water intake (mL/kg) decreased with age in both sexes. The results highlight possibilities to incorporate other factors into water intake equations to improve their accuracy.
Genomic library preparation and hybridization capture of formalin‐fixed tissues and allozyme supernatant for population genomics and considerations for combining capture‐ and RADseq‐based single nucleotide polymorphism data sets
Authors: O’Connell Kyle A. , Mulder Kevin P. , Wynn Addison , de Queiroz Kevin , Bell Rayna C.
Published: July 2021

Until recently many historical museum specimens were largely inaccessible to genomic inquiry, but high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches have allowed researchers to successfully sequence genomic DNA from dried and fluid‐preserved museum specimens. In addition to preserved specimens, many museums contain large series of allozyme supernatant samples, but the amenability of these samples to HTS has not yet been assessed. Here, we compared the performance of a target‐capture approach using alternative sources of genomic DNA from 10 specimens of spring salamanders (Plethodontidae: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) collected between 1985 and 1990: allozyme supernatants, allozyme homogenate pellets and formalin‐fixed tissues. We designed capture probes based on double‐digest restriction‐site associated sequencing (RADseq) derived loci from frozen blood samples available for seven of the specimens and assessed the success and consistency of capture and RADseq approaches. This study design enabled direct comparisons of data quality and potential biases among the different data sets for phylogenomic and population genomic analyses. We found that in phylogenetic analyses, all enrichment types for a given specimen clustered together. In principal component space all capture‐based samples clustered together, but RADseq samples did not cluster with corresponding capture‐based samples. Single nucleotide polymorphism calls were on average 18.3% different between enrichment types for a given individual, but these discrepancies were primarily due to differences in heterozygous/homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism calls. We demonstrate that both allozyme supernatant and formalin‐fixed samples can be successfully used for population genomic analyses and we discuss ways to identify and reduce biases associated with combining capture and RADseq data.
How COVID‐19 Medical Supply Shortages Led to Extraordinary Trade and Industrial Policy
Authors: Bown Chad P.
Published: July 2021

Early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, a global shortage of hospital gowns, gloves, surgical masks, and respirators caused policymakers globally to panic. China increased imports and decreased exports of this personal protective equipment, removing supplies from world markets. Shortages led to European Union and US export controls as well as other extraordinary policy actions, including a US effort to reserve supplies manufactured in China by a US‐headquartered multinational. By April 2020, China's exports had mostly resumed, and over the rest of the year its export volumes surged. But China's export prices also skyrocketed and remained elevated through 2020, reflecting severe and continued shortages. This paper explores these and other government actions, such as US trade war tariffs and US industrial policy in the form of over $1 billion of subsidies to build out its domestic personal protective equipment supply chain, as well as potential lessons for future pandemic preparedness and international policy cooperation.
Can rainfall shocks enhance access to rented land? Evidence from Malawi
Authors: Tione Sarah E. , Holden Stein T.
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the spatial downside and upside rainfall shock effects on tenant household renting behavior and access to rented land in the short‐term and medium‐term. We model the tenant households’ demand decisions within the state‐contingent framework with renting‐in of land as a risky input choice. Our data are a 3‐year balanced household panel, combined with the corresponding seasonal district‐wise rainfall shock data across regional agro‐ecological zones in Malawi. Using the correlated and dynamic random effects panel probit and Tobit models that control for unobserved heterogeneity, spatial heterogeneities were revealed. Land rental markets were found to be more active in the Central Region of Malawi with intermediate population density. The 1‐year and 2‐year lagged downside rainfall shocks enhanced tenant households’ land access. For the more land constrained Southern Region of Malawi, with less prevalence of land rental markets, the 2‐year lagged downside rainfall shock is associated with less access to rented land. The revealed dynamic and spatial effects of covariate rainfall shocks on land rental market activity call for further studies on how policies could facilitate rental markets to enhance land‐use efficiency and land access for the most land‐constrained households in Malawi.
Disease expression caused by different variants in the BEST1 gene: genotype and phenotype findings in bestrophinopathies
Authors: Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Nasser Fadi , Stingl Katarina , Schimpf‐Linzenbold Simone , Biskup Saskia , Brzozowska Agnieszka , Rejdak Robert , Kohl Susanne , Zrenner Eberhart
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To analyse the spectrum of clinical features and molecular genetic data in a series of patients carrying likely disease‐associated variants in the BEST1 gene.

Methods

Retrospective observational analysis of clinical data extracted from the medical records of visual function, multimodal imaging and electrophysiology of 62 eyes of 31 patients. Molecular genetic analysis was performed by means of panel‐based NGS or Sanger sequencing.

Results

The spectrum of variants in the BEST1 gene comprised 19 different variants and three of which are novel. Fundus photographs and OCT images allowed categorization of 52 eyes as Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) with stages 1 to 5 and 10 eyes with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB), with more severe phenotype. One patient was shown to be heterozygous for a variant, which has so far been described only in ARB, but this patient had the BVMD phenotype. There was no significant progression of the visual acuity during the follow‐up period of 5 years both in BVMD and ARB. The most prevalent pattern of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in BVMD was ‘patchy’. There were diverse visual field defects in static automated perimetry (SAP) depending on the stage. The Arden ratio was significantly lower in ARB patients and in eyes with stage 5 of BVMD.

Conclusions

The genotype does not always predict the phenotype in patients with BVMD and ARB; however, having two mutations in the BEST1 gene causes a more severe phenotype. FAF helped to distinguish ARB from BVMD. Most of the observed eyes did not progress functionally during the follow‐up. ARB and the atrophic stage of BVMD as the disease end‐stage had the worst visual functions and EOG results.
Limited resources restrict the provision of adequate neonatal respiratory care in the countries of Africa
Authors: Tooke Lloyd , Ehret Danielle E. Y. , Okolo Angela , Dlamini‐Nqeketo Sithembile , Joolay Yaseen , Minto’o Steeve , Pillay Shakti , Abdallah Yaser , Naburi Helga , Ndour Daouda , Brobby Naana , Stevenson Alexander G.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Over two thirds of newborn deaths occur in Africa and South Asia, and respiratory failure is a major contributor of these deaths. The exact availability of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surfactant in Africa is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the availability of newborn respiratory care treatments in the countries of Africa.

Methods

Surveys, in English, French and Portuguese, were sent to neonatal leaders in all 48 continental countries and the two islands with populations over 1 million.

Results

Forty‐nine (98%) countries responded. Twenty‐one countries reported less than 50 paediatricians, and 12 countries had no neonatologists. Speciality neonatal nursing was recognised in 57% of countries. Most units were able to provide supplemental oxygen. CPAP was available in 63% and 67% of the most well‐equipped government and private hospitals. Surfactant was available in 33% and 39% of the most well‐equipped public and private hospitals, respectively. Availability of CPAP and surfactant was greatly reduced in smaller cities. Continuous oxygen saturation monitoring was only available in 33% of countries.

Conclusion

The availability of proven life‐saving interventions in Africa is inadequate. There is a need to sustainably improve availability and use of these interventions.
Effects of low and high levels of maternal nutrition consumed for the entirety of gestation on the development of muscle, adipose tissue, bone, and the organs of Wagyu cattle fetuses
Authors: Zhang Yi , Otomaru Kounosuke , Oshima Kazunaga , Goto Yuji , Oshima Ichiro , Muroya Susumu , Sano Mitsue , Saneshima Rena , Nagao Yukiko , Kinoshita Aoi , Okamura Yasuko , Roh Sanggun , Ohtsuka Akira , Gotoh Takafumi
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high and low levels of energy intake during the entire gestation period on the skeletal muscle development, organ development, and adipose tissue accumulation in fetuses of Wagyu (Japanese Black) cows, a breed with highly marbled beef. Cows were allocated to a high‐nutrition (n = 6) group (fed 120% of the nutritional requirement) or low‐nutrition (n = 6) group (fed 60% of the nutritional requirement). The cows were artificially inseminated with semen from the same sire, and the fetuses were removed by cesarean section at 260 ± 8.3 days of fetal age and slaughtered. The whole‐body, total muscle, adipose, and bone masses of the fetal half‐carcasses were significantly higher in the high‐nutrition group than the low‐nutrition group (p = 0.0018, 0.009, 0.0004, and 0.0362, respectively). Fifteen of 20 individual muscles, five of six fat depots, nine of 17 organs, and seven of 12 bones that were investigated had significantly higher masses in the high‐nutrition group than the low‐nutrition group. The crude components and amino acid composition of the longissimus muscle significantly differed between the low‐ and high‐nutrition groups. These data indicate that maternal nutrition during gestation has a marked effect on the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue development of Wagyu cattle fetuses.
Tropical forest understorey riparian and upland composition, structure, and function in areas with different past land use
Authors: Heartsill‐Scalley Tamara , Crowl Todd A.
Published: July 2021

Questions

Although past land‐use effects on composition and structure are described for many forest types, forested riparian areas have been overlooked. Riparian areas may contain unique species and high species richness, as well as contribute basal leaf‐litter resources for aquatic fauna. We asked: (a) does past land use alter composition in riparian vs upland areas in wet tropical forest; (b) which vegetation life forms characterize riparian zones; and (c) what is the composition and quantity of leaf litter in riparian zones compared to uplands?

Location

Riparian and upland locations in tropical wet forest, Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico.

Methods

Stratified random sampling was conducted in riparian and upland areas of LFDP with high and low past land use. Understorey vegetation life form composition and cover were sampled in plots. Leaf‐litter species composition and components were estimated with collecting baskets placed throughout riparian zones and uplands.

Results

Ferns and lianas were more abundant in riparian areas than uplands. Ordination of species composition groups was distinct for riparian and upland areas with different past land use when based on leaf litter, but this ordination pattern was not as clear in plot vegetation.

Conclusion

Characterized by greater presence of ferns and lianas, riparian zones had higher species richness values and greater leaf litter biomass. Distinct leaf‐litter species composition within riparian and upland areas may result from a combination of different land‐use histories, various plant types, and environmental conditions. Although riparian areas are proportionally a small component of the forested landscape, they are significant contributors to ecosystem process, terrestrial and aquatic linkages, and plant community composition.
Making pharmaceutical companies report what matters about innovation
Authors: Cohen Adam , Ultee Rebecca , van Veldhoven Glenn
Published: July 2021

There is a lack of transparency about the cost of innovation of the pharmaceutical industry even though these costs are claimed to be the major driver for high prices for medicines.

This is reflected by annual reports of the major pharmaceutical firms that contain a low number of pages on innovation and its detailed costs in comparison with pages about remuneration of executives where the detail is excessive.

This disbalance provides an objective view of the transparency priorities of a company and has the potential to shift this focus in favour of transparent and detailed information on the cost of innovation by adjusting the regulation for financial reporting.
Methodological issues in research on drug‐related admissions: A meta‐epidemiological review with focus on causality assessments
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M. , Hoffmann Mikael , Lönnbro Johan
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate methodological aspects potentially related to the diverging scientific literature on the prevalence of drug‐related hospitalisations, focusing on causality assessments.

Methods

Original studies contributing data to a recent meta‐analysis were reviewed. Methodological aspects, in particular those related to causality assessments, were extracted and compiled.

Results

Thirteen studies provided data on the prevalence of drug‐related admissions. Seven studies focused on adverse drug reactions (prevalences 1.3‐10%), and six studies used the broader concept of drug‐related problems (prevalences 4.5‐41%). In 10 out of 13 studies, causality between the drug and the specified problem was assessed. One study required a probable causal relationship; the remaining studies merely required a possible causal relationship. Five studies assessed the association between the problem assumed to be related to drug therapy and the admission, at one end requiring the former to be demonstrated as the underlying cause and, at the other, merely requiring a temporal relationship between drug intake and admission. Three out of eight studies involving multiple assessors for all/some cases reported the inter‐rater agreement, ranging from none to almost perfect. Physicians were involved in the assessments in five studies, reporting prevalences of 3.2% to 4.5%, while studies without such medical input reported prevalences of 8.8% to 41%.

Conclusions

This review illustrates that methodological issues contribute to the diverse literature on drug‐related admissions. We provide suggestions for harmonisation of research, including explicitly assessing the drug‐problem‐admission relationships from a medical perspective, focusing on problems where the drug treatment is the probable culprit.
High level of phosphatidylcholines/lysophosphatidylcholine ratio in urine is associated with prostate cancer
Authors: Li Xin , Nakayama Kenji , Goto Takayuki , Kimura Hiroko , Akamatsu Shusuke , Hayashi Yujiro , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kobayashi Takashi , Shimizu Koji , Nonomura Norio , Ogawa Osamu , Inoue Takahiro
Published: July 2021

The altered levels of phospholipids (PLs) and lysophospholipids (LPLs) in prostate cancer (CaP) and benign tissues in our previous findings prompted us to explore PLs and LPLs as potential biomarkers for CaP. Urinary lipidomics has attracted increasing attention in clinical diagnostics and prognostics for CaP. In this study, 31 prostate tissues obtained from radical prostatectomy were assessed using high‐resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (HR‐MALDI‐IMS). Urine samples were collected after digital rectal examination (DRE), and urinary lipids were extracted using the acidified Bligh‐Dyer method. The discovery set comprised 75 patients with CaP and 44 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at Kyoto University Hospital; the validation set comprised 74 patients with CaP and 59 with BPH at Osaka University Hospital. Urinary lipidomic screening was performed using MALDI time‐of‐flight MS (MALDI‐TOF/MS). The levels of urinary lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were compared between the CaP and BPH groups. The (PC [34:2] + PC [34:1])/LPC (16:0) ratio was significantly higher (P < .001) in CaP tissues than in benign epithelial tissues. The urinary PCs/LPC ratio was significantly higher (P < .001) in the CaP group than in the BPH group in the discovery and validation sets.
Inhibition of IRAK1/4 enhances the antitumor effect of lenvatinib in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Kawamura Yoshifumi , Saijo Ken , Imai Hiroo , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: July 2021

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an extremely aggressive tumor associated with poor prognosis due to a lack of efficient therapies. In Japan, lenvatinib is the only drug approved for patients with ATC; however, its efficacy is limited. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required for patients with ATC. The present study aimed to identify compounds that enhance the antiproliferative effects of lenvatinib in ATC cells using a compound library. IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I was identified as a candidate compound. Combined treatment with lenvatinib and IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I showed synergistic antiproliferative effects via the induction of cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the ATC cell lines 8305C, HTC/C3, ACT‐1, and 8505C. Furthermore, IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I enhanced the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation by lenvatinib in 8305C, HTC/C3, and 8505C cells. In an HTC/C3 xenograft mouse model, tumor volume was lower in the combined IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I and lenvatinib group compared with that in the vehicle control, IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I, and lenvatinib groups. IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I was identified as a promising compound that enhances the antiproliferative and antitumor effects of lenvatinib in ATC.
How many men work in the English early years sector? Why is the low figure so ‘stubbornly resistant to change’?
Authors: Warin Jo , Wilkinson Joann , Greaves Helen M.
Published: July 2021

This study draws on data from the GenderEYE project, research conducted in England between 2018 and 2020, which aimed to examine the recruitment, support and retention of male teachers within early years education (EYE) with a view of developing a more gender diverse workforce in this sector. Data collection was by means of a survey, 9 case studies with early years settings and interviews with key stakeholders. In this study, we examine a key finding about the persistently low numbers of male EYE professionals, linking this to another finding concerning a lack of specific strategy to recruit and support men.
Symptom severity is associated with signs of central sensitization in patients with asthma
Authors: Rodríguez‐Torres Janet , López‐López Laura , Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , Prados‐Román Esther , Ortíz‐Rubio Araceli , Valenza Marie C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Asthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, dyspnoea, chest tightness and cough. In addition to respiratory symptoms, previous studies have reported the presence of pain.

Objective

To analyse the nociceptive processing of young adults with well‐controlled asthma.

Methods

A cross‐sectional case–control study was performed. Patients diagnosed with persistent well‐controlled asthma were recruited from the ‘Complejo Hospitalario Universitario’ (Granada). Main outcomes included pain processing, measured by the pressure‐pain thresholds (PPTs) and temporal summation and latency of pain; symptoms, including cough (Leicester Cough Questionnaire) and dyspnoea (Borg scale); and catastrophic cognitions about breathlessness, assessed by the Breathlessness Catastrophizing Scale (BCS).

Results

Seven‐two participants were finally recruited in our study. Patients with asthma presented lower pressure thresholds (p < 0.05) and significant differences in latency and summation tests. These patients also presented a greater cough level, with significant differences in all subscales (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the BCS between groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results show a decrease of PPTs and a greater pain intensity in latency and summation tests, suggesting an abnormal pain processing in patients with asthma.
The impact of hypoglycaemia on the quality of life of family members of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Jensen Mette Valdersdorf , Broadley Melanie , Speight Jane , Scope Alison , Preston Louise , Heller Simon , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Pouwer Frans , Hendrieckx Christel ,   the Hypo‐RESOLVE Consortium
Published: July 2021

Aim

To summarize and critically appraise the recent qualitative evidence regarding the impact of hypoglycaemia on the quality of life of family members of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Four databases were searched systematically (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library), and results were screened for eligibility. Article quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data were extracted, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and Enhancing transparency in reporting of qualitative research (ENTREQ) guidelines.

Results

Eight qualitative studies were included in the final review. The majority of participants were partners or spouses of adults with type 1 diabetes. Thematic synthesis resulted in six analytical themes: ‘Hypoglycaemia alters everyday life, reducing freedoms and increasing disruptions’, ‘Hypoglycaemia has an adverse impact on sleep’, ‘Hypoglycaemia negatively changes the relationship with the person with diabetes’, ‘Hypoglycaemia negatively impacts emotional well‐being’, ‘The detection, prevention, and treatment of hypoglycaemia consumes time and energy’ and ‘Family members have unmet needs for informational and emotional support regarding hypoglycaemia’. Across the six analytical themes, family members described how hypoglycaemia has a severe negative impact on different aspects of their lives, including daily living, personal relationships and emotional well‐being.

Conclusions

Family members experience the impact of hypoglycaemia as a major recurrent challenge in their lives. The unmet needs of family members need further attention in research and clinical practice.
Diets of erythritol, xylitol, and sucrose affect the digestive activity and gut bacterial community in adult house flies
Authors: Burgess Edwin R. , Taylor E. E. , Acevedo Anthony , Tworek Michaela , Nayduch Dana , Khurana Neetika , Miller Jon S. , Geden Christopher J.
Published: July 2021

Polyol sweeteners, including erythritol and xylitol, have been investigated for their potential in insect control against a number of pests including mosquitoes, fruit flies, ants, and filth flies. Several insecticidal modes of action for the polyols have been proposed in non‐biting flies and include: (1) dehydration from excessive regurgitation, (2) arrestment of physiological processes due to abnormally high hemolymph osmolality or osmotic diarrhea, and (3) alteration of the gut microbiome. Here, we explored the proposed modes of action in the house fly,Musca domesticaL. (Diptera: Muscidae), a non‐biting fly of medical and veterinary importance. House flies fed erythritol or xylitol regurgitated at a significantly higher rate when compared to flies that ingested sucrose. Flies that ingested sucrose solutions had higher hemolymph osmolality than erythritol but not xylitol, and deposited significantly more fecal spots than flies fed polyol solutions. Cultivable bacteria were least abundant in flies fed solutions of either sucrose or xylitol and most abundant in control flies provided water only. Of the potential modes of action tested, physiological stress from excessive post‐feeding regurgitation seems the likeliest cause of death related to polyol consumption. However, we cannot rule out a classical toxicological or biochemical mode of action from these results. Although the efficacy of polyols as active ingredients is still under debate, their use as other components in fly control products may be beneficial. Due to widespread resistance to a limited number of insecticidal chemicals registered for house fly control, it is important that new control chemicals be thoroughly assessed for usefulness.
Increased attentional network activity in premature ejaculation patients with anxiety revealed by resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Shaowei , Zhang Xing , Wang Qing , Xu Yan , Huang Xinfei , Liu Tao , Yang Zhaoxu , Xiang Ziliang , Lu Chao , Chen Yun , Chen Jianhuai , Yang Jie
Published: July 2021

Psychological account hypothesizes that premature ejaculation (PE) is a learned pattern of rapid ejaculation maintained by anxiety about sexual failure, whereas neuropsychological accounts hypothesizes that PE is the result of dysfunction of central nervous system regulating ejaculatory. However, the central neural mechanism underlying PE patients with anxiety remains unclear. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected in 20 PE (diagnoses based on PE Guidelines drafted by the International Society for Sexual Medicine [ISSM]) patients with anxiety and 25 matched healthy controls (HCs) from January 2019 to December 2020. The values of fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) were compared between groups. Moreover, the correlations between fALFF and the severity of PE and anxiety of patients were examined. PE patients with anxiety had increased fALFF values in the right inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part) and middle frontal gyrus. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the scores of PE diagnostic tool (PEDT) and fALFF values of the right inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part), as well as the right middle frontal gyrus. Moreover, fALFF values of the right inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part) and middle frontal gyrus were positively correlated with the scores of self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS). Our results suggested that increased attentional network activity might play a critical role in the neural basis of PE patients with anxiety.
Survival, causes of death and recurrence up to 3 years after stroke: A population‐based study
Authors: Aked Joseph , Delavaran Hossein , Lindgren Arne G.
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Up‐to‐date population‐based information about long‐term survival, causes of death and recurrence after stroke is needed.

Methods

Four hundred consecutive individuals in a population‐based cohort of first‐ever stroke between 2015 and 2016 in Lund, Sweden, were followed up to 3 years regarding (i) survival (Swedish Population Register); (ii) causes of death (Swedish Causes of Death Register); and (iii) stroke recurrence (interview and medical chart review). Index and recurrent ischaemic stroke cases were classified using the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) and Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project; and comorbidities were classified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Cox regression was used to determine predictors for 3‐year mortality. Survival rates were compared with three local studies over a 30‐year timespan.

Results

Amongst 400 first‐ever stroke patients, 265 (66%) survived 3 years post‐stroke. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.11), stroke severity (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.08–1.13) and comorbidities (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.22–1.53) were independently related to 3‐year mortality. Amongst index ischaemic stroke patients, survival was lowest amongst those with cardio‐aortic embolism (51/91; 56%). Cerebrovascular disease (54/135; 40%) and ischaemic heart disease (25/135; 19%) were the most common causes of death. Within 3 years, 30 (8%) had recurrent stroke. Amongst patients with index ischaemic stroke, 16/29 (55%) had a different TOAST pathogenetic mechanism or hemorrhagic stroke upon recurrence. Stroke survival improved between 1983–1985 and 2015–2016 (p = 0.002), but no significant change was observed between 2001–2002 and 2015–2016 (p = 0.48).

Conclusions

Stroke survival rates are relatively high, but their improvement over recent decades may be slowing down, possibly due to the composition of the first‐ever stroke population. The common occurrence of changed pathogenetic mechanisms between first‐ever and recurrent stroke highlights the value of reassessment in recurrent stroke.
Early life socioeconomic status predicts cognition regardless of education level
Authors: Bertola Laiss , Benseñor Isabela M. , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Giatti Luana , Moreno Arlinda B. , Viana Maria Carmen , Lotufo Paulo A. , Suemoto Claudia K.
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Early life socioeconomic status (SES) may impact cognitive performance later in life. We investigated the effect on cognitive performance of early life SES, education, and late life SES in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.

Methods

Path analysis was used to decompose associations between SES measures across the lifespan and cognition. The model included direct paths to cognition from early life SES, education, and late life SES, and indirect paths from early life passing through education and late life SES. We investigated whether the effects of early life SES are similar across middle‐aged and older adults.

Results

In 13,395 adults, the mean age was 51.5 (8.9) years, 54% were female, 53% were white, and 56% had at least college education. The direct path from early life SES remained significant in the presence of mediation paths through education, late life SES, or both, contributing to cognitive performance in both middle‐aged and older adults. The indirect and total effect of early life SES was smaller for middle‐aged compared to older adults. Early life SES continues to impact cognitive performance later in life independently of educational attainment and late life SES. The higher percent of mediation through education suggests that education may improve later life cognition even in the presence of low early life SES.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of public health initiatives to improve early life SES and education to foster cognitive aging in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Etiology‐specific response to antiseizure medication in focal epilepsy
Authors: Doerrfuss Jakob I. , Kowski Alexander B. , Holtkamp Martin
Published: July 2021

Objective

In focal epilepsy, data on the etiology‐specific response to antiseizure medication (ASM) are surprisingly sparse. In this study, we sought to reappraise whether seizure outcome of pharmacological treatment is linked to the underlying etiology. Furthermore, we assessed ASM load with respect to the cause of epilepsy.

Methods

Data were retrospectively obtained from the electronic database of the three sites of an academic adult epilepsy outpatient clinic. For each patient, presumed cause of epilepsy was categorized into one of nine etiological groups. Individual drug loads were calculated according to the 2020 World Health Organization Center for Drug Statistics Methodology ATC/DDD Index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the association between different etiologies and outcome regarding 12‐month seizure freedom as well as ASM load.

Results

A total of 591 patients with focal epilepsy were included in the final analysis. Ischemic stroke was the etiology with the highest rate of 12‐month terminal seizure freedom (71.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 57.9–82.2) and, considering all etiological groups, was an independent predictor of seizure freedom (odds ratio = 2.093, 95% CI = 1.039–4.216). The lowest rates of seizure freedom were observed in patients with hippocampal sclerosis (28.2%, 95% CI = 15.0–44.9) and malformation of cortical development (16.7%, 95% CI = 2.1–48.4). In patients with ischemic stroke, median ASM load (1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = .5–1.8) was significantly lower compared to that in patients with hippocampal sclerosis (median = 1.8, IQR = 1.2–3.0, p = .008) and brain tumors (median = 1.7, IQR = .7–3.2, p = .049).

Significance

Response to treatment with ASM is highly etiology‐specific and best in patients with epilepsy due to ischemic stroke. Interestingly, this most favorable treatment outcome can be achieved by the lowest ASM load considering all etiological groups. In focal epilepsy, etiology should be taken into account when counseling patients about their expected seizure outcome with pharmacological treatment and when tailoring initial ASM doses.
Comparative assessment of food web structure and fisheries productivity of three reservoirs in Ghana
Authors: Abobi Seth Mensah , Kluger Lotta Clara , Wolff Matthias
Published: July 2021

Three Ghanaian reservoirs (Tono, Bontanga and Golinga) were compared through a food web modelling approach (Ecopath with Ecosim) to assess production characteristics and food web structures. The lakes differ in size and morphology, generating specific conditions for fish growth and production. While the two top fishery target species were Sarotherodon galilaeus (L.) and Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in all reservoirs, the mean trophic level of the catch was lowest in the largest and deepest reservoir (Tono) due to higher trophic level species occupying less accessible deep “refuge” habitats. The smallest lake had the highest fish production under optimal conditions of water supply (17.1 compared with 15.5 and 10.1 t/km2/year for lakes Bontanga and Tono), but it appears to be most vulnerable under conditions of drought. For the planning and construction of adequately sized reservoirs used for fishery and irrigation purposes, the water budget (ratio of inflow and evaporation) needs to be estimated.
Tempo‐spatial variability of urban leisure functional zones: An analysis based on geo‐big data
Authors: Jing Ying , Shu Junjiao , Wang Rushan , Zhang Xiang
Published: July 2021

New insights into urban functional zones with a specific focus on leisure is of great significance for human‐oriented urban development. The spatiotemporal pattern of urban leisure functional zones (ULFZ) reflects to what extent human psychological needs are satisfied. This article aims to discern ULFZ and reveal their changing regularity based on the taxi trajectory data and points of interests (POIs) by the DBSCAN algorithm, latent dirichlet allocations (LDA) and spatial analytical techniques. Results are concluded as follows: 1) the spatial distribution of ULFZs are dynamic and imbalanced at various periods; 2) among urban leisure subfunctions, cultural function is severely weaker than entertaining, sportive, and tourist function; and 3) the changes in ULFZ are kind of consistent at multiple spatial scales. This research benefits the leisure‐oriented urban planning.
Cross‐national differences in consumer responses to savoury crackers containing blackcurrant pomace
Authors: Reißner Anne‐Marie , Struck Susanne , Alba Katerina , Proserpio Cristina , Foschino Roberto , Turner Charlotta , Hernando Isabel , Zahn Susann , Rohm Harald
Published: July 2021

Juice‐pressing residues, among them blackcurrant pomace, are valuable materials for being upgraded in food products. Their excellent nutritional profiles in line with their functional properties allow a wide range of applications. The current study was performed to evaluate the overall liking of a pomace‐enriched thin crispy‐baked bread product in five European countries, and to obtain suggestions for improvements. Moreover, data on the frequency of snack consumption, openness to new foods and an opinion on residues in food applications were acquired. Four hundred and sixty‐six consumers from United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Italy and Germany were involved. On a 9‐point hedonic scale, the pomace cracker was rated towards the direction of liking with 5.94 ± 1.90 on average. Contingency tables showed that the overall‐liking correlated highly significant (p < 0.01) with the country of origin and sex of the respondents and their openness to new products. Significantly higher liking scores were provided by British and Spanish consumers and, among these respondents, savoury snacks were stated to be consumed most frequently. Therefore, the snack consumption frequency also appeared to be a driver for cross‐national differences in hedonic responses. The consent for using pomace in food products was remarkably high (>90%) in all countries and stresses consumer awareness in terms of healthy longevity and sustainability.
Predictors of community mental health nursing services use in Switzerland: Results from a representative national survey
Authors: Burr Christian , Richter Dirk
Published: July 2021

Community mental health services are the service of choice in the mental health field. In recent years, demand for these services has increased significantly. Nurses play a central role in community mental health services. Nevertheless, predictive factors of the use of such services are unclear, especially in Switzerland. This study aimed to examine relevant predictors of persons with mental health problems' use of community mental health nursing services in Switzerland. Swiss Health Survey 2017 data were used to compare those who use community mental health nursing services with those who do not. We found that age, number of doctor visits, problems with instrumental activities of daily life, use of informal help, use of emergency services, taking psychotropic medication, being female, and living without a partner were positive predictors, while experiencing severe physical symptoms was a negative predictor. Several of our findings confirm the similarity between the utilization of community mental health nursing services and the use of community mental health services in general. Our results suggest that community mental health nursing services deserve the same prominent place in the mental health system and its corresponding policies. This should be taken as an argument for policy development and better reimbursement. In research, health surveys should focus on nursing and need‐related questions. Additionally, it is necessary to develop community mental health nursing services from an add‐on service into independent nursing services and evaluate these services.