bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ventilatory inefficiency during graded exercise in COPD: A pragmatic approach
Authors: Muller Paulo T. , Saraiva Erlandson F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveThe current approach to measuring ventilatory (in)efficiency (V′E‐V′CO2 slope, nadir and intercept) presents critical drawbacks in the evaluation of COPD subjects, owing mainly to mechanical ventilatory constraints. Thus, we aimed to compare the current approach with a new method we have developed for ventilatory efficiency calculation.MethodsThe new procedure was based on measuring the amount of CO2 cleared by the lungs (V′CO2, L/min) plotted against a predefined range of increase in minute ventilation (V′E) (ten‐fold increase based on semilog scale) during incremental exercise to symptom‐limited maximum tolerance. This value was compared to a hypothetical predicted maximum CO2 output at the predicted maximal voluntary ventilation, defining ventilatory efficiency (ηV′E, %). The results were used to compare 30 subjects with COPD (II‐IV Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, GOLD) and 10 non‐COPD smokers, to establish the best discriminative physiological variable for disease severity through logistic multinomial regression.ResultsThe new approach was more sensitive to progressive deterioration of airway obstruction, resulting in worse ηV′E as lung function worsens throughout the GOLD panel (ηV′E (%), p < .001), when compared with V′E‐V′CO2 slope (p = .715) or V′E‐V′CO2 nadir (p = .070), besides showing the best model based on the logistic regression approach.ConclusionAlthough requiring more complex calculations compared to the current procedure, the new approach is highly sensitive to true ventilatory/gas‐exchange deterioration, even throughout more severe pulmonary lung function in COPD subjects.
Associations between cachexia and metalloproteinases, haemodynamics and mortality in heart failure
Authors: Morishita Tetsuji , Uzui Hiroyasu , Sato Yusuke , Mitsuke Yasuhiko , Tada Hiroshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAddressing cachexia in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients is an urgent issue in Japan, the most aged country in the world. We investigated the possible relationships between cachexia and, metalloproteinases and haemodynamics assessed by the cardiac catheterization. We also clarified the prognostic value of cardiac cachexia in the Japanese CHF population.Methods and resultsA total of 370 participants (median age, 69 years; 35% women) were included. The haemodynamic effects of cachexia were analysed by right heart catheterization. The serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP), as myocardial collagen turnover markers, were also assessed. Cachexia was present in 88 patients (31%). Overall, 59 patients (16%) had all‐cause death. Serum MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 levels were higher in cachectic patients than in noncachectic patients (797.5 [649.0‐1066.8] vs 610.0 [461.8‐756.8] ng/mL; P = .004 and 39.0 [28.0‐49.0] vs 24.0 [19.0‐37.0] ng/mL; P = .008, respectively). Cachectic patients had greater values of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (161.9 [119.4‐225.4] vs 127.8 [90.7‐164.8] dynes/sec/cm−5, P = .020). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis demonstrated higher probabilities of all‐cause death in the cachexia group (log‐rank P = .010). Cox proportional hazards modelling showed cachexia was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.06‐3.37; P = .029). The random forest model showed that C‐reactive protein, age, haemoglobin, PVR and MMP‐2 were predictors of cardiac cachexia.ConclusionsCachexia, applying the globally accepted definition, was associated with adverse outcomes in the Japanese CHF population and accompanied by increased activity of MMP species and PVR.
Anticoagulant prescribing in patients with ischaemic stroke: what has changed over a decade?
Authors: Sharobeam Angelos , Jones Brett , Watters Aidan , Das Chandi , Lueck Christian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA study at our institution conducted 10 years ago identified that warfarin was under‐utilised in patients with atrial fibrillation. We replicated this study and compared the results. There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients appropriately anticoagulated (63% vs 9%, P < 0.001). Eighty‐seven percent of eligible patients were appropriately anticoagulated on discharge (86% previously). Seventy‐two percent of treated patients were prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant. Of these, 10% were discharged with a sub‐therapeutic dose without obvious explanation.
Corporate debt overhang and investment in emerging economies: Firm‐level evidence
Authors: Borensztein Eduardo , Ye Lei Sandy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates empirically the linkages between corporate debt overhang and investment activity at the firm level for a cross section of large‐sized emerging market and developing economies. It analyzes the extent to which investment may be discouraged by high levels of debt that put at risk future profits, as well as firm dimensions that may sharpen the debt‐investment link. Using balance sheet data from a broad set of emerging market and developing economy firms, the analysis suggests that corporate debt overhang imposes a sizable effect on investment at the firm level. This linkage is more pronounced for large firms and highly leveraged firms. The analysis also finds evidence of a nonlinear effect, in which debt overhang discourages investment more severely under high levels of indebtedness.
Marine fish diversity in Tropical America associated with both past and present environmental conditions
Authors: Polanco F. Andrea , Fopp Fabian , Albouy Camille , Brun Philipp , Boschman Lydian , Pellissier Loïc 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTropical America, including the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, presents a high level of marine biodiversity, but its fish fauna has been poorly documented. In early studies marine species distributions were interpreted based on tectonic activity during the late Cenozoic, while more recent studies have highlighted a link with the present‐day environment. Here, we described the assemblage richness and composition of fishes in Tropical America and related these properties to both the past evolution of marine environmental conditions and current environmental gradients.LocationTropical America.TaxonDemersal and benthic fishes.MethodsWe mapped the distribution of 2,216 demersal and benthic fish species of Tropical America using existing occurrence data. We computed three assemblage indicators: species richness, composition and nestedness, which we explained by environmental gradients. We linked compositional distance to environmental differences using distance‐based redundancy analysis, species richness and nestedness using a generalized linear model. We ran simulations of a mechanistic model in which three processes determine the spatial dynamics of biodiversity: speciation, dispersal and extinction. This model yielded estimates for species assemblage properties following palaeogeographic changes in the region that shaped the current coastal habitat configuration.ResultsFish species richness in Tropical America peaks around the Florida Peninsula, Bahamas and Greater Antilles. Fish composition varies along a depth gradient, between the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, and forms distinct domains within the Caribbean region. The nestedness component of β‐diversity is lower in shallower assemblages, especially those along the outer section of the Greater Caribbean. Species richness and nestedness are partly explained by current environmental conditions, but model simulations illustrate how this may be further explained by the tectonic history of the region.Main conclusionsSpecies richness peaks in the Greater Caribbean, coinciding with generally favourable current environmental conditions for demersal and benthic fishes. The high species richness and the low nestedness of fish assemblages in the Cuba region are compatible with the results of palaeo‐environmental changes that have occurred in that area. Effects of the plate tectonic history might still be present in the organization of fish fauna in this region.
Tongue muscle strength affects posterior pharyngeal wall advancement during swallowing: A cross‐sectional study of outpatients with dysphagia
Authors: Nagashima Keigo , Kikutani Takeshi , Miyashita Taishi , Yajima Yuri , Tamura Fumiyo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTongue muscle strength is important for swallowing but decreases with age, in association with reduced skeletal muscle mass. However, the relationships between pharyngeal dynamics and both skeletal muscle mass and tongue muscle strength are unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of reductions in tongue muscle strength on pharyngeal movement during swallowing in patients with dysphagia.MethodsSubjects were selected from male outpatients ≥65 years old who were examined for the main complaint of dysphagia. Patients with history of neurodegenerative disease affecting tongue movement, cerebrovascular disease or oral cancer were excluded. As a result, 82 men (mean age, 80.6 ± 6.8 years) participated. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) as physical parameters and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) as tongue muscles strength were measured. Status and dynamics of the pharyngeal organs, including change in posterior pharyngeal wall advancement (PPWA) when swallowing 3.0 mL of moderately thick liquid, were measured by analysing videofluoroscopic images. Simple bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to statistically analyse correlations between parameters.ResultsMTP showed a significant positive correlation with SMI (r = .43, P < .01). PPWA showed a significant negative correlation with MTP (r = −0.30, P < .01), but no association with SMI.ConclusionsWhile tongue muscle strength is affected by skeletal muscle mass, posterior pharyngeal wall advancement is not readily affected by decreases in skeletal muscle mass. Posterior pharyngeal wall advancement may increase to compensate for swallowing function among individuals with reduced tongue muscle strength.
Overweight and obesity among urban women with iron deficiency anaemia in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Nazia Binte , Dibley Michael J. , Islam Sajia , Rahman Mohammad Masudur , Raihana Shahreen , Bhuiyan Shams E. Tabriz , Rahman Qazi Sadequr , Rahman Hafizur , Arifeen Shams El , Huda Tanvir M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL) women of reproductive age with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in urban Bangladesh. We obtained data from the baseline assessment of a randomized control trial conducted among 525 women of reproductive age (18–49 years) with IDA (Hb < 12 gdl−1and serum ferritin <30 μg L−1). The study was carried out in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between December 2017 and January 2019. We collected information on women's socio‐demographic characteristics and anthropometry. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the following formula: weight in kilograms per height in square metres. BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg m−2was considered as overweight, whereas BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2as obese. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to ascertain the risk factors of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.9% (95% CI: 26.0–34.0) and 13.1% (95% CI: 10.4–16.3), respectively. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.0% (95% CI: 38.7–47.4). The multivariable analysis showed married women (aOR: 4.4; CI: 1.8–11.1), women aged 30–49 years (aOR: 7.6; CI: 2.4–24.1), unemployed women (aOR 1.5; CI: 1.0–2.4) and women from the wealthier households (aOR 3.9; CI: 2.3–6.8) had the highest risk of being overweight and obese compared with their counterparts. Both age and household wealth statuses showed dose–response relationships. Combination of overweight and obesity with IDA poses a particular challenge for public health interventions. The policymakers should consider what new interventions and policy initiatives are needed to address this combination of overweight and obesity with IDA.
cGMP homeostasis in malaria parasites—The key to perceiving and integrating environmental changes during transmission to the mosquito
Authors: Brochet Mathieu , Balestra Aurélia C. , Brusini Lorenzo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMalaria‐causing parasites are transmitted from humans to mosquitoes when developmentally arrested gametocytes are taken up by a female Anopheles during a blood meal. The changes in environment from human to mosquito activate gametogenesis, including a drop in temperature, a rise in pH, and a mosquito‐derived molecule, xanthurenic acid. Signaling receptors have not been identified in malaria parasites but mounting evidence indicates that cGMP homeostasis is key to sensing extracellular cues in gametocytes. Low levels of cGMP maintained by phosphodiesterases prevent precocious activation of gametocytes in the human blood. Upon ingestion, initiation of gametogenesis depends on the activation of a hybrid guanylyl cyclase/P4‐ATPase. Elevated cGMP levels lead to the rapid mobilization of intracellular calcium that relies upon the activation of both cGMP‐dependent protein kinase and phosphoinositide phospholipase C. Once calcium is released, a cascade of phosphorylation events mediated by calcium‐dependent protein kinases and phosphatases regulates the cellular processes required for gamete formation. cGMP signaling also triggers timely egress from the host cell at other life cycle stages of malaria parasites and in Toxoplasma gondii, a related apicomplexan parasite. This suggests that cGMP signaling is a versatile platform transducing external cues into calcium signals at important decision points in the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites.
Complete or overcompensatory thermal acclimation of leaf dark respiration in African tropical trees
Authors: Mujawamariya Myriam , Wittemann Maria , Manishimwe Aloysie , Ntirugulirwa Bonaventure , Zibera Etienne , Nsabimana Donat , Wallin Göran , Uddling Johan , Dusenge Mirindi Eric 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Tropical climates are getting warmer, with pronounced dry periods in large areas. The productivity and climate feedbacks of future tropical forests depend on the ability of trees to acclimate their physiological processes, such as leaf dark respiration (Rd), to these new conditions. However, knowledge on this is currently limited due to data scarcity.

We studied the impact of growth temperature on Rd and its dependency on net photosynthesis (An), leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, and leaf mass per unit area (LMA) in 16 early‐successional (ES) and late‐successional (LS) tropical tree species in multispecies plantations along an elevation gradient (Rwanda TREE project). Moreover, we explored the effect of drought on Rd in one ES and one LS species.

Leaf Rd at 20°C decreased at warmer sites, regardless if it was expressed per unit leaf area, mass, N or P. This acclimation resulted in an 8% and a 28% decrease in Rd at prevailing nighttime temperatures in trees at the intermediate and warmest sites, respectively. Moreover, drought reduced Rd, particularly in the ES species and at the coolest site.

Thermal acclimation of Rd is complete or overcompensatory and independent of changes in leaf nutrients or LMA in African tropical trees.
Contingentism versus Necessitism: The Tractatus Standpoint
Authors: Frascolla Pasquale 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe paper provides an interpretation of section 2.013 of the Tractatus which casts light on the strategic role that that section plays in the early Wittgenstein’s version of the ontology of logical atomism. The far‐reaching consequences that the proposed interpretation has on the issue of the metaphysical nature of objects are spelled out, and the identification of Tractatus objects with phenomenal qualities, that is with phenomenal abstract universals, is shown to be fully consistent with those consequences. As a by‐product of the analysis, the standpoint of the Tractatus with respect to both contingentism and necessitism is clarified.
Disparities in neonatal abstinence syndrome and health insurance status: A statewide study using non–claims real‐time surveillance data
Authors: Umer Amna , Lilly Christa , Hamilton Candice , Breyel Janine , Allen Lindsay , Rompala Ancilla , Moore Carrie , O'Dierno Patricia , John Collin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMost studies examining the relationship between neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and health insurance status in the United States (USA) have used administrative insurance claims data, which is subject to myriad limitations. We examined the association between NAS and health insurance status in a large geographically defined rural population in the United States, using non–claims data.MethodsWe utilized data from a population‐based cohort of all newborns born in 2017–2019 in the rural state of West Virginia (WV) and restricted analyses to WV residents’ births (n = 46 213). NAS was defined as neonatal withdrawal from many substances, including opiates and not limited to those cases that require pharmacological treatment.ResultsMedicaid covered more than half (52.6%) of all infants’ births in the state of WV. The incidence of NAS was 85.8 and 12.7 per 1000 livebirths in the Medicaid and privately insured groups, respectively. Among all infants diagnosed with NAS, 86.1% were enrolled in the state’s Medicaid programme. The risk of NAS in the Medicaid‐insured newborns was higher than privately insured newborns in the unadjusted analysis (risk ratio (RR) 6.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.95, 7.68) and the adjusted analysis RR 3.00, 95% CI 2.01, 4.49); adjusted risk difference 20.3 (95% CI 17.5, 23.1 cases per 1000 livebirths).ConclusionsNAS is an important indicator of the immediate effect of the opioid crisis. This study shows the disparity in NAS by health insurance status for a large rural population in the United States, and its burden on the state’s Medicaid programme. Providing timely and accurate estimates of NAS is important for public health policies and decision making.
Phylogeny and morphology of Nemalionopsis shawii (Thoreales, Rhodophyta), a new generic record from mainland China
Authors: Nan Fang‐Ru , Han Jin‐Fen , Feng Jia , Lv Jun‐Ping , Liu Qi , Liu Xu‐Dong , Xie Shu‐Lian 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThe freshwater red alga Nemalionopsis shawii Skuja is first reported for mainland China from specimens collected in Guangdong and Yunnan Province. Morphological observations and molecular sequences of rbcL and cox1 genes were used to identify and analyze the phylogenetic position of the samples. Samples from China formed a monophyletic clade with other N. shawii samples from Japan, Indonesia, and Nepal with robust support values. The pairwise genetic distances for N. shawii between the samples from China and other samples were 0.2–1.5% and 1.0–2.4% for rbcL and cox1, respectively. Both male and female reproductive structures were observed in the specimens from Guangdong, but only monosporangia in the specimen from Yunnan. The samples from China increase the diversity of morphological measurements for N. shawii. The discovery of this genus in mainland China results in a new record of a freshwater red alga for this country.
Psychophysiological responses to various slow, deep breathing techniques
Authors: Gholamrezaei Ali , Van Diest Ilse , Aziz Qasim , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Van Oudenhove Lukas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDeep breathing exercises are commonly used for several health conditions including pain and hypertension. Various techniques are available to practice deep breathing, whereas possible differential psychophysiological effects have not been investigated. We compared four deep breathing techniques and examined outcomes in blood pressure variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, baroreflex function, and emotional state. Healthy adult volunteers performed pursed‐lips breathing, left and right unilateral nostril breathing, and deep breathing with an inspiratory threshold load (loaded breathing), all at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (i.e., controlled breathing) and for three minutes each. Results showed that blood pressure variability was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed‐lips breathing versus left and right unilateral nostril breathing. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed‐lips breathing versus left unilateral nostril breathing. The effect of breathing condition on respiratory sinus arrhythmia was mediated by alterations in blood pressure variability. There was no difference between the breathing conditions in baroreflex sensitivity or effectiveness. Participants rated pursed‐lips breathing as more calming and pleasant and with more sense of control (vs. other conditions). Overall, among the four tested deep breathing techniques, loaded breathing was associated with enhanced cardiovascular effects and pursed‐lips breathing with better emotional responses, while also enhancing cardiovascular effects (albeit less than loaded breathing). These findings can be informative in applying deep breathing techniques as self‐management interventions for health conditions, in which baroreceptors stimulation and autonomic and emotional modulations can be beneficial, such as pain and hypertension.
What is going on with the hormonal control of flowering in plants?
Authors: Izawa Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

SummaryMolecular genetic studies using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system have overwhelmingly revealed many important molecular mechanisms underlying the control of various biological events, including floral induction in plants. The major genetic pathways of flowering have been characterized in‐depth, and include the photoperiod, vernalization, autonomous and gibberellin pathways. In recent years, novel flowering pathways are increasingly being identified. These include age, thermosensory, sugar, stress and hormonal signals to control floral transition. Among them, hormonal control of flowering except the gibberellin pathway is not formally considered a major flowering pathway per se, due to relatively weak and often pleiotropic genetic effects, complex phenotypic variations, including some controversial ones. However, a number of recent studies have suggested that various stress signals may be mediated by hormonal regulation of flowering. In view of molecular diversity in plant kingdoms, this review begins with an assessment of photoperiodic flowering, not in A. thaliana, but in rice (Oryza sativa); rice is a staple crop for human consumption worldwide, and is a model system of short‐day plants, cereals and breeding crops. The rice flowering pathway is then compared with that of A. thaliana. This review then aims to update our knowledge on hormonal control of flowering, and integrate it into the entire flowering gene network.