bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming routinely collected residential aged care provider data into timely information: Current and future directions
Authors: Seaman Karla L. , Jorgensen Mikaela L. , Raban Magdalena Z. , Lind Kimberly E. , Bell J Simon , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: August 2021

Electronic information systems are becoming increasingly common in residential aged care in Australia. These systems contain valuable data generated during day‐to‐day care delivery for older adults. These data (termed ‘routinely collected residential aged care provider data’) are currently underutilised, however have potential significant benefits for both care delivery and research purposes. Routinely collected residential aged care provider data are more readily accessible, contain up‐to‐date information and can be linked to existing national or state‐based administrative data sets, while providing more granular details about care delivered at the coalface. The aim of this paper is to provide clinicians, researchers, policymakers and providers with an understanding of the strengths of these types of data, as well as identifying areas that require future development to maximise their potential to drive improvements in resident care and outcomes. These considerations include data quality, data standardisation and models for data governance, consent and consumer involvement.
Maternal and fetal safety of intravenous immunoglobulin in women with reproductive failure
Authors: Han Aera , Lee Sung Ki , Park Joon Cheol , Park Chan Woo , Han Jae Won , Lee Ki Hwan
Published: August 2021

Problem

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) is an emerging regimen for women with reproductive failures (RF) during‐ or pre‐pregnancy who have aberrant cellular immune reactions. Studies investigating teratogenicity of IVIG have been limited. Herein, we evaluated the fetal teratogenicity of IVIG and IVIG‐related obstetric complications.

Method of study

Women who used IVIG during pregnancy due to RF with cellular immune aberrances were enrolled from four medical centers in Korea. The pregnancy outcomes were collected.

Results

A total of 370 RF women who used IVIG during their pregnancy were enrolled. Most of the patients started the IVIG therapy before 12 weeks of gestation and 229 women continued IVIG treatment beyond 12 weeks of gestation. The mean age of the subjects was 34.8 years and the mean total dosage of IVIG was 125.3 g. A total of 307 women had livebirths and six of them were twins. Of 301 singleton livebirths, obstetric complications were developed as follows: preterm births (12.0%), gestational diabetes (7.0%), preeclampsia (4.0%), placental abruption (1.3%), placenta previa (4.3%), and placenta accrete (1.7%). Total six cases (1.99%) had major fetal anomalies in livebirths. The incidence of birth defects is similar to those of the general population in Korea and the previous report in infertile women. No IVIG ‐related viral contamination was noted.

Conclusion

IVIG use during pregnancy did not increase obstetric complications and fetal teratogenicity. This study can be an evidence of maternal and fetal safety of IVIG administration during pregnancy.
Vascular biomarkers from optical coherence tomography angiography and glaucoma: where do we stand in 2021?
Authors: Shin Joshua D. , Wolf Amber T. , Harris Alon , Verticchio Vercellin Alice , Siesky Brent , Rowe Lucas W. , Packles Michelle , Oddone Francesco
Published: August 2021

Biomarkers of ocular blood flow originating from a wide variety of imaging modalities have been associated with glaucoma onset and progression for many decades. Advancements in imaging platforms including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) have provided the ability to quantify vascular changes in glaucoma patients, alongside traditional measures such as retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and optic nerve head structure. Current literature on vascular biomarkers, as measured by OCTA, indicates significant relationships between glaucoma and blood flow and capillary density in the retina and ONH. The data currently available, however, are highly diverse and lack robust longitudinal data on OCTA vascular outcomes and glaucoma progression. Herein we discuss and summarize the relevant current literature on OCTA vascular biomarkers and glaucoma reviewed through March 1, 2021. Associations between OCTA vascular biomarkers and clinical structural and functional glaucoma outcomes as well as differences between glaucoma patients and healthy controls are reviewed and summarized. The available data identify significantly decreased flow density, flow index and vessel density in the ONH, peripapillary vascular layer and macula of glaucoma patients compared with controls. Whole image vessel density is also significantly decreased in glaucoma patients compared with controls, and this outcome has been found to correspond to severity of visual field loss. OCTA vascular biomarkers alongside clinical structural outcomes may aid in assessing overall risk for glaucoma in patients.
Familial confounding affected the associations between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring speech and language, scholastic and coordination disorders
Authors: Arrhenius Bianca , Sariaslan Amir , Suominen Auli , Sourander Andre , Gyllenberg David
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study examined the associations between prenatal smoking and speech and language, scholastic, coordination and mixed developmental disorders in offspring, using sibling and population controls.

Methods

National Finnish registers were used to identify all 690 654 singletons born between 1996 and 2007 and any cases diagnosed with speech and language, scholastic, coordination and mixed developmental disorders by the end of 2012. Cases were compared to population controls, biological full‐siblings and maternal half‐siblings born during the same period. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess any associations between smoking during pregnancy and the selected developmental disorders.

Results

Prenatal smoking was higher in the mothers of the 27 297 cases (21.7%) than the 99 876 population controls (14.5%). The adjusted odds ratio for smoking throughout pregnancy, and any diagnosis of speech and language, scholastic, coordination or mixed developmental disorders, was 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.24–1.34). However, when we compared a subsample of 15 406 cases and their 20 657 siblings, the association was no longer statistically significant (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.21).

Conclusion

The sibling comparisons suggested that the associations between prenatal smoking and speech and language, scholastic, coordination and mixed developmental disorders were confounded by familial factors shared by differentially exposed siblings.
Towards a Solution to the Variety in Accounting Practices of Extractive Firms under IFRS
Authors: Nobes Christopher , Stadler Christian
Published: August 2021

Accounting for exploration and evaluation (E&E) costs is one of the last major issues to remain largely unregulated by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), even though extractive firms are an important part of several big stock markets. Under a temporary permissive standard (IFRS 6), which has been in place since 2004, firms use a wide range of accounting policies for E&E costs, thus undermining comparability. We review the IFRS annual reports of a large number of firms, looking for different policies. We identify many distinguishable methods of accounting. Along with this, we discover that disclosures are often confusing, partly because of the lack of definitions in IFRS 6. To aid insight into this complexity, we prepare a classification of these methods and give real examples of each. We then assess the methods in the context of IFRS 6 and other relevant parts of IFRS. We find that nearly all the methods comply with IFRS. This leads us to a proposal for narrowing the variety of practice by withdrawing IFRS 6, and putting E&E costs within the scope of IAS 38 Intangible Assets. As part of this, IAS 38 could be further revised to extend the scope of capitalisation of other development costs, thereby addressing one of the criticisms of current reporting practice and bringing IAS 38 more into line with the latest version of the Conceptual Framework.
Cultural competence and experiences of maternity health care providers on care for migrant women: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Ng Esperanza Debby , Downe Soo
Published: August 2021

Background

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 aim to reduce health care inequity and maternal and infant mortality rates amongst marginalized populations. To provide adequate and culturally relevant maternity care for minority ethnic groups, it is imperative to examine health care providers' views on care for migrant women. We reviewed published accounts of views and experiences of maternity health care providers providing maternity care for migrant women as a way of exploring their cultural competency.

Method

A qualitative meta‐synthesis was conducted. Systematic searches were conducted in five electronic databases from inception dates through February 2021. Qualitative data were analyzed using a framework thematic analysis based on Campinha‐Bacote's five‐component cultural competency model.

Findings

Eleven studies were included. Findings were presented according to Campinha‐Bacote's model: cultural awareness, cultural knowledge (personal responsibility, familial role and cultural influence, the influence of social and system factors, conflicting maternity care expectations), cultural encounter (language and communication), and cultural desire (establishing trust and going the extra mile, resources to boost culturally competent care).

Discussion

Our findings can inform the design of high‐quality behavioral change, health care management, sociological, and other relevant studies, along with reviews of what matters to service users about cultural responsiveness. Our data also suggest that health system constraints can exacerbate the lack of cultural competency. Improving the quality of care for migrant communities will necessitate a joint effort between health care organizations, health care providers, policymakers, and researchers in developing and implementing more culturally relevant maternity care policies and management interventions.
Transitions in lives of people with intellectual disability
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Loblinzk Julie , Wehmeyer Michael L.
Published: August 2021

Accessible summary

Transitions in the lives of people with intellectual disability is an important topic.

Articles in this special issue talk about transitions that research articles do not often discuss. They explore transitions from the viewpoint of people with intellectual disability.

Authors from many countries contributed: Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, UK and USA.

Three self‐advocates from Australia tell us their transition stories.
Palaeolake sediment records reveal a mid‐ to late Younger Dryas ice‐sheet maximum in Mid‐Norway
Authors: Høgaas Fredrik , Larsson Simon A. , Klug Martin , Olsen Lars , Wastegård Stefan
Published: August 2021

We present a revised chronology of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet’s glacial maximum during the Younger Dryas (Tautra event) in Mid‐Norway. Sediment records from palaeolakes near Leksvik show the occurrence of thick, laminated silt units with numerous dropstones between organic‐rich units and indicate that a proglacial lake was dammed between the Tautra ice margin and a local spillway. Ash beds and several radiocarbon‐dated plant macrofossil samples from corresponding stratigraphical sequences in different basins provide robust chronological constraints for the timing and duration of the proglacial lake and, consequently, the Tautra event. The existing chronological constraints on the Tautra event suggest that the glacial episode occurred at 12.9–12.6 ka. Our new chronology indicates that the Younger Dryas ice‐sheet re‐advance culminated close to 12.1 cal. ka BP, maintained this position for a maximum of 700 years and started retreating inland at c. 11.4 cal. ka BP. Our revised age for retreat from the Younger Dryas glacial maximum thus differs from the existing deglaciation chronology by approximately a thousand years, and hints at a similar late Younger Dryas glacial maximum throughout most of southern Norway.
Involvement of P2Y12 receptors in a nitroglycerin‐induced model of migraine in male mice
Authors: Gölöncsér Flóra , Baranyi Mária , Iring András , Hricisák László , Otrokocsi Lilla , Benyó Zoltán , Sperlágh Beáta
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

P2Y12 receptors regulate different forms of pain and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the participation of P2Y12 receptors in an animal model of migraine.

Experimental Approach

We tested the effect of the centrally administered selective P2Y12 antagonist PSB‐0739 and P2Y12 receptor gene (P2ry12‐/‐) deficiency in acute nitroglycerin‐treated mice. Additionally, platelet depletion was used to investigate the role of platelet P2Y12 receptors during migraine‐like pain.

Key Results

Nitroglycerin induced sensory hypersensitivity of C57BL/6 wild‐type (P2ry12+/+) mice accompanied by an increase in c‐fos and CGRP expression in the upper cervical spinal cord (C1–C2) and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Similar changes were also observed in P2Y12 gene‐deficient (P2ry12−/−) mice. Prophylactic intrathecal application of PSB‐0739 reversed thermal hyperalgesia and head grooming time in wild‐type mice but had no effect in P2ry12−/− mice. Furthermore, PSB‐0739 was also effective when applied as a post‐treatment. PSB‐0739 administration suppressed the expression of c‐fos in C1–C2 and trigeminal nucleus caudalis, and decreased the levels of dopamine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine in C1‐C2 in wild‐type mice. Nitroglycerin treatment itself did not change adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced platelet activation measured by CD62P up‐regulation in wild‐type mice. Platelet depletion by anti‐mouse CD41 antibody and clopidogrel attenuated nitroglycerin‐induced thermal hypersensitivity and head grooming time in mice.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings show that acute inhibition of P2Y12 receptors alleviates migraine‐like pain in mice by modulating the expression of c‐fos and that platelet P2Y12 receptors might contribute to this effect. Thus the blockade of P2Y12 receptors may have therapeutic potential against migraine.
Remote local photoactivation of morphine produces analgesia without opioid‐related adverse effects
Authors: López‐Cano Marc , Font Joan , Aso Ester , Sahlholm Kristoffer , Cabré Gisela , Giraldo Jesús , De Koninck Yves , Hernando Jordi , Llebaria Amadeu , Fernández‐Dueñas Víctor , Ciruela Francisco
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Opioid‐based drugs are the gold standard medicines for pain relief. However, tolerance and several side effects (i.e. constipation and dependence) may occur upon chronic opioid administration. Photopharmacology is a promising approach to improve the benefit/risk profiles of these drugs. Thus, opioids can be locally activated with high spatiotemporal resolution, potentially minimizing systemic‐mediated adverse effects. Here, we aimed at developing a morphine photo‐derivative (photocaged morphine), which can be activated upon light irradiation both in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Approach

Light‐dependent activity of pc‐morphine was assessed in cell‐based assays (intracellular calcium accumulation and electrophysiology) and in mice (formalin animal model of pain). In addition, tolerance, constipation and dependence were investigated in vivo using experimental paradigms.

Key results

In mice, pc‐morphine was able to elicit antinociceptive effects, both using external light‐irradiation (hind paw) and spinal cord implanted fibre‐optics. In addition, remote morphine photoactivation was devoid of common systemic opioid‐related undesired effects, namely, constipation, tolerance to the analgesic effects, rewarding effects and naloxone‐induced withdrawal.

Conclusion and Implications

Light‐dependent opioid‐based drugs may allow effective analgesia without the occurrence of tolerance or the associated and severe opioid‐related undesired effects.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc
Repurposing the anthelmintic praziquantel to treat psoriasis
Authors: Hao Lihua , Mao Yuancheng , Park Jin , Bae Eun Ju , Park Byung‐Hyun
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

The anthelmintic drug praziquantel has been used as a standard treatment for schistosomiasis for over 40 years. This study aimed to repurpose praziquantel to treat psoriasis.

Experimental Approach

Psoriasis‐like skin inflammation was induced in mice (C57 and Balb/C) by topical application of imiquimod or intradermal injection of recombinant IL‐23. Praziquantel was either orally or topically administered during the psoriasis induction period.

Key Results

Mice treated with either oral or topical praziquantel exhibited markedly improved psoriasiform skin symptoms when compared with control mice, as judged by disease severity score, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration and spleen size. Flow cytometric analysis of infiltrating immune cells from mouse skin displayed reduced infiltration of Th17 cells. In vitro experiments revealed that praziquantel inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and RORγt expression in splenic CD4+ T‐cells. Praziquantel also decreased STAT3 phosphorylation in HEK‐A/F cells. Down‐regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation in these cells accounts for the decreased number of Th17 cells and keratinocytes.

Conclusion and Implications

These results provide the first preclinical evidence that praziquantel may effectively treat psoriasis, and suggest that praziquantel alleviates symptoms in mice by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby suppressing Th17 immune responses.
Rift interaction zones and the stages of rift linkage in active segmented continental rift systems
Authors: Kolawole Folarin , Firkins Max C. , Al Wahaibi Thuwaiba S. , Atekwana Estella A. , Soreghan Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Although much is known about the interaction of faulting and sedimentation within the basins of active segmented continental rift systems, little is known about these processes within the interaction zones of varying geometries that separate the young interacting segments. We address this problem by exploring the non‐volcanic rift interaction zones (RIZ) along the humid, magma‐poor juvenile western branch of the East African Rift System (WB‐EARS). We examine the large‐scale ‘cross‐over’ relief profiles (basin‐to‐basin through‐going profiles extending across RIZs), the spatial patterns of rift‐linking faults (breaching faults), and axial stream morphology. Our results show that: (1) the RIZs are at different stages of their evolution; (2) distinct long‐wavelength 2‐D cross‐over topographic relief shapes, directionality of axial stream flow (sediment routing patterns), and breaching fault patterns characterise RIZs at the various stages of the linkage of interacting rift basins; (3) these stages include unbreached, partially‐breached, recently‐breached, and breached RIZs; (4) deforming RIZs exhibit different styles of directionality of breaching, including a unidirectional (distinct propagator and receiver segments), bi‐directional propagation (both segments act as propagators and receivers), and nucleation and outward propagation of a narrow intra‐RIZ subsidiary rift basin; (5) RIZ breaching is facilitated by overlap rift‐flank deformation, and/or rift tip propagation structures in the form of rift splaying, border fault rotation (rift‐tip rotation), and fault cluster networks and (6) the lateral propagation of breaching faults at the rift tips and flanks, facilitated by localized stress concentrations, is modulated by the extension direction and inherited basement structures. Our findings offer a broader insight into the geometries, structural, and morphological evolution of RIZs, and provide first‐order predictions of the large‐scale sedimentation patterns of humid early‐stage continental rift environments. Our models provide testable hypotheses for linking rift architecture and patterns of early stage sedimentation applicable to ancient rift basins.
The public servant’s role in democracy
Authors: Boyd Brendan , Wesley Jared J. , Rounce Andrea , Levasseur Karine , Caron Isabelle
Published: August 2021

This research note reports on the findings from a survey conducted in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). Despite robust debate among public administration experts about the role public servants should play in Canadian democracy, there has yet to be a systematic study of how public servants themselves view democracy and their role within it. We ask: What role do public servants play in democracy? The survey questions public servants about their views and contributions to democracy to gain a better understanding of what role they are playing in Canada’s system.
Evi1 upregulates Fbp1 and supports progression of acute myeloid leukemia through pentose phosphate pathway activation
Authors: Mizuno Hideaki , Koya Junji , Masamoto Yosuke , Kagoya Yuki , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: August 2021

Evi1 is a transcription factor essential for the development as well as progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high Evi1 AML is associated with extremely poor clinical outcome. Since targeting metabolic vulnerability is the emerging therapeutic strategy of cancer, we herein investigated a novel therapeutic target of Evi1 by analyzing transcriptomic, epigenetic, and metabolomic profiling of mouse high Evi1 leukemia cells. We revealed that Evi1 overexpression and Evi1‐driven leukemic transformation upregulate transcription of gluconeogenesis enzyme Fbp1 and other pentose phosphate enzymes with interaction between Evi1 and the enhancer region of these genes. Metabolome analysis using Evi1‐overexpressing leukemia cells uncovered pentose phosphate pathway upregulation by Evi1 overexpression. Suppression of Fbp1 as well as pentose phosphate pathway enzymes by shRNA‐mediated knockdown selectively decreased Evi1‐driven leukemogenesis in vitro. Moreover, pharmacological or shRNA‐mediated Fbp1 inhibition in secondarily transplanted Evi1‐overexpressing leukemia mouse significantly decreased leukemia cell burden. Collectively, targeting FBP1 is a promising therapeutic strategy of high Evi1 AML.
The use of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models for gastrointestinal anastomotic leak: A systematic review
Authors: Burke Joshua Richard , Helliwell Jack , Wong Jason , Quyn Aaron , Herrick Sarah , Jayne David
Published: August 2021

Aim

Anastomotic leak is the most feared complication of gastrointestinal surgery. Mesenchymal stem cell technology is used clinically to promote wound healing; however, the safety and efficacy of this technology on anastomotic healing has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells confer any benefit when applied to animal models for gastrointestinal anastomotic leak, identify the methodology and how efficacy is assessed.

Methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, WebofScience and Cochrane Library databases were interrogated between 1 January1947 to 1 May 2020. All studies where mesenchymal stem cells were applied to laboratory animal leak models to demonstrate a healing effect were considered. All experimental and histological outcomes were examined. Compliance to ARRIVE and current International Consensus was assessed.

Results

A total of 1205 studies were screened. Twelve studies reported on 438 gastrointestinal anastomoses in four species using 11 models; seven in the colon. No studies utilised a model with a known leak rate. Significant variance was observed in histological outcomes with efficacy demonstrated in five out of 12 studies. One study demonstrated a benefit in leak rate. Colorectal studies had a greater median ARRIVE compliance, 60.8% (IQR 63.2–64.5) compared to noncolorectal 45.4% (IQR 43.8–49.0).

Conclusions

Mesenchymal stem cell delivery to an animal anastomosis is safe and feasible. Use may confer benefit but findings are currently limited to surrogate histological outcomes. There is consistency in outcome measures reported but variance in how this is assessed. Poor compliance to ARRIVE but good compliance to current international consensus in leak models of the colon was observed.
Normothermic with or without hypothermic oxygenated perfusion for DCD before liver transplantation: European multicentric experience
Authors: Maroni Lorenzo , Musa Nicola , Ravaioli Matteo , Dondossola Daniele Eliseo , Germinario Giuliana , Sulpice Laurent , Cescon Matteo , Rossi Giorgio Ettore , Boudjema Karim
Published: August 2021

Grafts from donors with cardiac death (DCD) are subject to warm ischemia time (WIT) due to the no‐touch‐period (20 min in Italy and 5 min in France). These livers (LT) have higher rates of early allograft dysfunction (EAD), primary non‐function (PNF), and ischemic cholangiopathy (IC) compared to LT from brain dead donors (DBD). Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a beneficial strategy to mitigate organ damage; a further approach is the application of ex vivo hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) after cold storage (CS). We retrospectively analyzed LTs performed from 2016 to 2019 at three transplant centers using NRP‐DCD grafts: Bologna and Milan treated with HOPE (group A), Rennes preserved using CS (group B). No‐flow period, total and functional WIT were significantly higher in group A than in group B (30.5±7.7 vs. 20.5±4.1; 56.5±20.4 vs. 39.1±21.6; 41.9±12.5 vs. 25.5±3.7; respectively, P < .05), without differences in the postoperative course. In particular, the two groups had similar rates of EAD (21.1% vs. 25.0%), PNF (5.3% vs. 6.3%), IC (0% vs. 12.5%, P = .112), and non‐IC biliary complications (0% vs. 6.3%, P = .457), re‐LT (10.5% vs.12.5%). This occurred despite a high rate of UK DCD risk score > 10 (63.2% A vs. 17.6% B, P = .000), which theoretically would make a large number of these transplants “futile.” In conclusion, Italian and French groups had similar post‐LT outcomes, probably related to the use of HOPE after CS in the case of long WIT.
How can we better inform our patients about post‐heart transplantation survival? A conditional survival analysis
Authors: Clerkin Kevin J. , Griffin Jan M. , Fried Justin A. , Raikhelkar Jayant , Jain Rashmi , Topkara Veli K , Habal Marlena V. , Latif Farhana , Restaino Susan , Colombo Paolo C. , Takeda Koji , Naka Yoshifumi , Farr Maryjane A. , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: August 2021

Background

Conditional survival (CS) is a dynamic method of survival analysis that provides an estimate of how an individual's future survival probability changes based on time post‐transplant, individual characteristics, and post‐transplant events. This study sought to provide post‐transplant CS probabilities for heart transplant recipients based on different prognostic variables and provide a discussion tool for the providers and the patients.

Methods

Adult heart transplant recipients from January 1, 2004, through October 18, 2018, were identified in the UNOS registry. CS probabilities were calculated using data from Kaplan‐Meier survival estimates.

Results

CS probability exceeded actuarial survival probability at all times post‐transplant. Women had similar short‐term, but greater long‐term CS than men at all times post‐transplant (10‐year CS 1.8‐11.5% greater [95% CI 1.2–12.9]). Patients with ECMO or a surgical BiVAD had decreased survival at the time of transplant, but their CS was indistinguishable from all others by 1‐year post‐transplant. Rejection and infection requiring hospitalization during the first year were associated with a persistently decreased CS probability.

Conclusions

In this study, we report differential conditional survival outcomes based on time, patient characteristics, and clinical events post‐transplant, providing a dynamic assessment of survival. The survival probabilities will better inform patients and clinicians of future outcomes.
Individual‐resource network between Xylocopa bees and plant resources: generalist species, specialist individuals?
Authors: Araújo Thayane Nogueira , Pires Luís Paulo , Meireles Desirée Ayume Lopes , Augusto Solange Cristina
Published: August 2021

1. The resource partitioning hypothesis states that sympatric, morphologically, and functionally similar species can coexist by temporal separation or low food overlap. Also, the interindividual variations about the use of resources, i.e. individual specialisation, can promote the resilience and stability of their populations when an environmental disturbance affects food availability.

2. Two sympatric and polylectic species of carpenter bees to test both the hypotheses of food niche partitioning and the occurrence of individual specialisation were used.

3. The study was conducted in two Brazilian Savanna areas and the trophic niches of Xylocopa grisescens and X. frontalis were determined by the diversity of pollen types obtained from larval food samples. Individual‐resource networks were constructed to elucidate the patterns of resource use by the individuals of each species.

4. The populations of the two bee species moderately overlapped their trophic niche. Xylocopa grisescens mainly used the pollen of non‐poricidal plants, whereas X. frontalis used pollen from plants with poricidal anthers. Individual‐resource networks of both species are weakly connected, highly specialised, and modular.

5. In conclusion, the results suggest that the coexistence between Xylocopa grisescens and X. frontalis probably occurs due to food resource partitioning. Furthermore, the results about individual‐resource networks of both species seem to reveal the occurrence of interindividual variations regarding food resource foraging.
A single prenatal lipopolysaccharide injection has acute, but not long‐lasting, effects on cerebral kynurenine pathway metabolism in mice
Authors: Notarangelo Francesca M. , Schwarcz Robert
Published: August 2021

In rodents, a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during gestation causes chemical and functional abnormalities in the offspring. These effects may involve changes in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation and may provide insights into the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. Using CD1 mice, we examined acute and long‐term effects of prenatal LPS treatment on the levels of kynurenine and its neuroactive downstream products kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK) and quinolinic acid. To this end, LPS (100 μg/kg, i.p.) was administered on gestational day 15, and KP metabolites were measured 4 and 24 h later or in adulthood. After 4 h, kynurenine, KYNA and 3‐HK levels were elevated in the fetal brain, 3‐HK and KYNA levels were increased in the maternal plasma, and kynurenine was increased in the maternal brain, whereas no changes were seen in the placenta. These effects were less prominent after 24 h, and prenatal LPS did not affect the basal levels of KP metabolites in the forebrain of adult animals. In addition, a second LPS injection (1 mg/kg) in adulthood in the offspring of prenatally saline‐ and LPS‐treated mice caused a similar elevation in 3‐HK levels in both groups after 24 h, but the effect was significantly more pronounced in male mice. Thus, acute immune activation during pregnancy has only short‐lasting effects on KP metabolism and does not cause cerebral KP metabolites to be disproportionally affected by a second immune challenge in adulthood. However, prenatal KYNA elevations still contribute to functional abnormalities in the offspring.
Calibrating rhythmic stimulation parameters to individual electroencephalography markers: The consistency of individual alpha frequency in practical lab settings
Authors: Janssens Shanice E. W. , Sack Alexander T. , Ten Oever Sanne , de Graaf Tom A.
Published: August 2021

Rhythmic stimulation can be applied to modulate neuronal oscillations. Such ‘entrainment’ is optimized when stimulation frequency is individually calibrated based on magneto/encephalography markers. It remains unknown how consistent such individual markers are across days/sessions, within a session, or across cognitive states, hemispheres and estimation methods, especially in a realistic, practical, lab setting. We here estimated individual alpha frequency (IAF) repeatedly from short electroencephalography (EEG) measurements at rest or during an attention task (cognitive state), using single parieto‐occipital electrodes in 24 participants on 4 days (between‐sessions), with multiple measurements over an hour on 1 day (within‐session). First, we introduce an algorithm to automatically reject power spectra without a sufficiently clear peak to ensure unbiased IAF estimations. Then we estimated IAF via the traditional ‘maximum’ method and a ‘Gaussian fit’ method. IAF was reliable within‐ and between‐sessions for both cognitive states and hemispheres, though task‐IAF estimates tended to be more variable. Overall, the ‘Gaussian fit’ method was more reliable than the ‘maximum’ method. Furthermore, we evaluated how far from an approximated ‘true’ task‐related IAF the selected ‘stimulation frequency’ was, when calibrating this frequency based on a short rest‐EEG, a short task‐EEG, or simply selecting 10 Hz for all participants. For the ‘maximum’ method, rest‐EEG calibration was best, followed by task‐EEG, and then 10 Hz. For the ‘Gaussian fit’ method, rest‐EEG and task‐EEG‐based calibration were similarly accurate, and better than 10 Hz. These results lead to concrete recommendations about valid, and automated, estimation of individual oscillation markers in experimental and clinical settings.
The prevalence of anxiety in adult‐onset isolated dystonia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Medina Escobar Alex , Martino Davide , Goodarzi Zahra
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Clinically relevant anxiety and anxiety disorders are commonly associated with adult‐onset isolated dystonia, contributing substantially to quality‐of‐life impairment in patients with this movement disorder. However, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders in adult‐onset isolated dystonia remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in adult‐onset isolated dystonia.

Methods

Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety disorders determined through diagnostic interviews or from clinically relevant anxiety symptoms detected with rating scales were identified in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO). The gray literature was also examined to detect studies not captured through the search strategy.

Results

The search strategy yielded 6535 citations; 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of clinically relevant anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders for cervical dystonia was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20% to 60%); for studies examining cranial dystonia it was 25% (95% CI 21% to 30%); for studies exploring mixed populations of adult‐onset isolated dystonia it was 33.3% (95% CI 22% to 43%), 26% (95% CI 12% to 40%) for laryngeal dystonia, and 32% (95% CI 21% to 43%) for upper limb dystonia. Social phobia was the most prevalent anxiety disorder across the different forms of adult‐onset isolated dystonia. Between‐study statistical heterogeneity was high for most prevalence estimates.

Conclusions

Clinically relevant anxiety and anxiety disorders are common across all forms of adult‐onset isolated dystonia. New research avenues should explore and plan the development of pathways of care targeting these important non‐motor features.
Development and initial validation of a patient‐centered stroke outcome measure in young stroke survivors
Authors: Kodumuri Nishanth , Edmunds Amy , Seidel Amy , Fleming Phil , Vezzetti Alexandra , Mascari Rachel , Kothari Ravish , Lowe Justin , Sen Souvik
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to develop a patient‐centered stroke outcome measure and initial validation of the proposed Young Stroke Questionnaire (YSQ).

Methods

This study assessed the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ. The initial questionnaire evolved from a focus group comprised of six young stroke survivors and six stroke neurologists centralized around four patient‐centered domains. To determine the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ, 100 young stroke survivors were recruited and provided consent. Standardized clinical assessments completed included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale. Additionally, all patients were asked to complete the patient‐centered YSQ.

Results

Of the 100 enrolled patients in the study (mean age ± standard deviation = 49 ± 11.3, 58% females, 53% African American, 44% White), Cronbach alpha for all domains was >0.7. Moreover, Cronbach alpha for entire questionnaire was >0.9, indicating that the scale, with four subdomains, is internally consistent and reproducible. Discriminant validity of the scale was assessed by comparing the means of each subdomain of the YSQ among healthy subjects to the groups of stroke patients as defined by the mRS. The YSQ was able to differentiate subjects with good outcome (mRS = 0–1) from subjects with varying degree of disability as defined by the mRS (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Standardized clinical assessments are not sensitive to disabilities in young stroke survivors. When compared to standardized clinical assessments, the YSQ is significantly capable of differentiating the young survivor perspective of the impact of stroke in all four subdomains.
Enhancement of ecosystem carbon uptake in a dry shrubland under moderate warming: The role of nitrogen‐driven changes in plant morphology
Authors: Liberati Dario , Guidolotti Gabriele , de Dato Giovanbattista , De Angelis Paolo
Published: August 2021

Net ecosystem CO2 exchange is the result of net carbon uptake by plant photosynthesis and carbon loss by soil and plant respiration. Temperature increases due to climate change can modify the equilibrium between these fluxes and trigger ecosystem‐climate feedbacks that can accelerate climate warming. As these dynamics have not been well studied in dry shrublands, we subjected a Mediterranean shrubland to a 10‐year night‐time temperature manipulation experiment that analyzed ecosystem carbon fluxes associated with dominant shrub species, together with several plant parameters related to leaf photosynthesis, leaf morphology, and canopy structure. Under moderate night‐time warming (+0.9°C minimum daily temperature, no significant reduction in soil moisture), Cistus monspeliensis formed shoots with more leaves that were relatively larger and denser canopies that supported higher plant‐level photosynthesis rates. Given that ecosystem respiration was not affected, this change in canopy morphology led to a significant enhancement in net ecosystem exchange (+47% at midday). The observed changes in shoot and canopy morphology were attributed to the improved nutritional state of the warmed plants, primarily due to changes in nitrogen cycling and higher nitrogen resorption efficiency in senescent leaves. Our results show that modifications in plant morphology triggered by moderate warming affected ecosystem CO2 fluxes, providing the first evidence for enhanced daytime carbon uptake in a dry shrubland ecosystem under experimental warming.
Effects of future climate change on birch abundance and their pollen load
Authors: Rojo Jesús , Oteros Jose , Picornell Antonio , Maya‐Manzano José M. , Damialis Athanasios , Zink Katrin , Werchan Matthias , Werchan Barbora , Smith Matt , Menzel Annette , Timpf Sabine , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Bergmann Karl‐Christian , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Buters Jeroen
Published: August 2021

Climate change impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems will worsen public health issues like allergic diseases. Birch trees (Betula spp.) are important sources of aeroallergens in Central and Northern Europe. Birches are vulnerable to climate change as these trees are sensitive to increased temperatures and summer droughts. This study aims to examine the effect of climate change on airborne birch pollen concentrations in Central Europe using Bavaria in Southern Germany as a case study. Pollen data from 28 monitoring stations in Bavaria were used in this study, with time series of up 30 years long. An integrative approach was used to model airborne birch pollen concentrations taking into account drivers influencing birch tree abundance and birch pollen production and projections made according to different climate change and socioeconomic scenarios. Birch tree abundance is projected to decrease in parts of Bavaria at different rates, depending on the climate scenario, particularly in current centres of the species distribution. Climate change is expected to result in initial increases in pollen load but, due to the reduction in birch trees, the amount of airborne birch pollen will decrease at lower altitudes. Conversely, higher altitude areas will experience expansions in birch tree distribution and subsequent increases in airborne birch pollen in the future. Even considering restrictions for migration rates, increases in pollen load are likely in Southwestern areas, where positive trends have already been detected during the last three decades. Integrating models for the distribution and abundance of pollen sources and the drivers that control birch pollen production allowed us to model airborne birch pollen concentrations in the future. The magnitude of changes depends on location and climate change scenario.
Differential response of soil CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions to edaphic properties and microbial attributes following afforestation in central China
Authors: Chen Qiong , Long Chunyan , Chen Jingwen , Cheng Xiaoli
Published: August 2021

Land use change specially affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and it can act as a sink/source of GHGs. Alterations in edaphic properties and microbial attributes induced by land use change can individually/interactively contribute to GHG emissions, but how they predictably affect soil CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions remain unclear. Here, we investigated the direct and indirect controls of edaphic properties (i.e., dissolved organic carbon [DOC], soil organic C, total nitrogen, C:N ratio, ‐N, ‐N, soil temperature [ST], soil moisture [SM], pH, and bulk density [BD]) and microbial attributes (i.e., total phospholipid fatty acids [PLFAs], 18:1ω7c, nitrifying genes [ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria], and denitrifying genes [nirS, nirK, and nosZ]) over the annual soil CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from the woodland, shrubland, and abandoned land in subtropical China. Soil CO2 and N2O emissions were higher in the afforested lands (woodland and shrubland) than in the abandoned land, but the annual cumulative CH4 uptake did not significantly differ among all land use types. The CO2 emission was positively associated with microbial activities (e.g., total PLFAs), while the CH4 uptake was tightly correlated with soil environments (i.e., ST and SM) and chemical properties (i.e., DOC, C:N ratio, and ‐N concentration), but not significantly related to the methanotrophic bacteria (i.e., 18:1ω7c). Whereas, soil N2O emission was positively associated with nitrifying genes, but negatively correlated with denitrifying genes especially nosZ. Overall, our results suggested that soil CO2 and N2O emissions were directly dependent on microbial attributes, and soil CH4 uptake was more directly related to edaphic properties rather than microbial attributes. Thus, different patterns of soil CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions and associated controls following land use change provided novel insights into predicting the effects of afforestation on climate change mitigation outcomes.
Short physical performance battery score and driving a car are independent factors associated with life‐space activities in older adults with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Hashimoto Kakeru , Hirashiki Akihiro , Kawamura Koki , Sugioka Junpei , Mizuno Yumi , Tanioku Shunya , Sato Kenji , Ueda Ikue , Itoh Naoki , Nomoto Kenichiro , Kokubo Manabu , Shimizu Atsuya , Kondo Izumi
Published: August 2021

Aim

Decreased use of life spaces, as reflected in decreased Life‐Space Assessment (LSA) scores, is associated with poor prognosis in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting the extent of life‐space activities in older adults with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We carried out a prospective observational study in 98 older adults (minimum age 65 years; mean age 79.5 ± 7.4 years) who were admitted to our hospital due to cardiovascular disease. Once their medical condition was stable, they underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography and physical evaluation, and completed questionnaires.

Results

The LSA score was significantly associated with the ability to drive a car (driving 95.1 ± 21.1 points, not driving 60.4 ± 30.3 points, P < 0.001). In addition, LSA was significantly correlated with age; peak VO2; brain natriuretic peptide; and Short Physical Performance Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores. In a multiple regression analysis, Short Physical Performance Battery and driving a car were significantly associated with LSA (β = 0.28, β = 0.37, respectively).

Conclusion

Assessment of motor function and social factors in addition to clinical cardiac function might be important to understand the complete context of life‐space activity in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 900–906.
Does industrial agglomeration promote high‐quality development of the Yellow River Basin in China? Empirical test from the moderating effect of environmental regulation
Authors: Guo Siliang , Ma Heng
Published: August 2021

How to realize the ecological protection and high‐quality development (HQD) of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) has become a great challenge for China. Based on panel data from 100 prefecture‐level cities in the YRB from 2006 to 2018, this innovative paper employs the System Generalized Method of Moments (SYS‐GMM) panel model and takes environmental regulation as a situational factor to empirically examine the influence mechanism of industrial agglomeration on HQD in the YRB. Our findings reveal that: (i) overall, a “U‐shaped” relationship exists between industrial agglomeration and HQD in the YRB, and environmental regulation plays a vital role in augmenting their relationship. (ii) Presently, the industrial agglomeration degree prevails on the left side of the threshold value, and the upsurge of industrial agglomeration degree still limits HQD. (iii) From the perspective of river basins, the influence of industrial agglomeration on HQD in the upstream is not significant, and the strengthening effect of environmental regulation is not noticeable. We find a “U‐shaped” relationship between industrial agglomeration and HQD in the midstream, along with notable differences in the correlation between industrial agglomeration and different dimensions of HQD in downstream. This paper helps in further understanding the influence of industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and HQD, as well as establishes efficient policies to promote HQD in the YRB and other similar river basins through industrial agglomeration in the context of environmental constraints.