bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root microbiome assembly of As‐hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata and its efficacy in arsenic requisition
Authors: Xiao Enzong , Cui Jinli , Sun Weimin , Jiang Shiming , Huang Mengyan , Kong Deguan , Wu Qihang , Xiao Tangfu , Sun Xiaoxu , Ning Zengping
Published: November 2020

The assemblage of root‐associated microorganisms plays important roles in improving their capability to adapt to environmental stress. Metal(loid) hyperaccumulators exhibit disparate adaptive capability compared to that of non‐hyperaccumulators when faced with elevated contents of metal(loid)s. However, knowledge of the assemblage of root microbes of hyperaccumulators and their ecological roles in plant growth is still scarce. The present study used Pteris vittata as a model plant to study the microbial assemblage and its beneficial role in plant growth. We demonstrated that the assemblage of microbes from the associated bulk soil to the root compartment was based on their lifestyles. We used metagenomic analysis and identified that the assembled microbes were primarily involved in root–microbe interactions in P. vittata root. Notably, we identified that the assembled root microbiome played an important role in As requisition, which promoted the fitness and growth of P. vittata. This study provides new insights into the root microbiome and potential valuable knowledge to understand how the root microbiome contributes to the fitness of its host.
Exploration of family dynamics in adults who self‐harm: a multi‐perspective approach
Authors: Buckmaster Ruth , Guerin Suzanne , O’Leary Tess , McNulty Muireann
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present study was to explore the experience of family relationships in an adult self‐harm population. Relationships are concerned with the connection between two or more individuals and therefore a multi‐perspective phenomenological design was employed to explore the perspectives of both adults who self‐harm and their family members. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with twelve adults: six who attend a community mental health service and engage in self‐harm and six of their family members. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes emerged within the data: family and societal culture, coping with traumatic relationships, inner conflict and the generational impact. Findings highlight the importance of considering family relationships in the treatment of self‐harm in adults. The impact of self‐harm on family members is also illuminated, in addition to the need to develop and assess interventions for family members.

Practitioner points

Self‐harm in adults can impact family units as a whole, resulting in changes in family dynamics and conflicting emotions of fear, resentment and empathy in family members

Preliminary research suggests that interventions examining the role of family dynamics and their relationship with self‐harming behaviours may be beneficial

Education and interventions are needed for families of such adults to help build their awareness of self‐harm

This helps families address complex emotions such as guilt, shame and resentment which have been found to arise in this cohort
How Institutions Matter in the Context of Business Exit: A Country Comparison Using GEM Data and fsQCA
Authors: Beynon Malcolm , Battisti Martina , Jones Paul , Pickernell David
Published: November 2020

Despite evidence of substantial differences in business exit rates across countries, understanding of the institutional conditions contributing to those differences is still incomplete. Methodological limitations have left considerable gaps in our understanding of business exit, due to the dominance of regression models that capture institutional conditions in isolation, but fall short of identifying complex combinations of conditions. Using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data and a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of a sample of 54 case countries, we utilize a configurational approach to examine how different combinations of regulatory, normative and cultural‐cognitive institutional conditions lead to variations in business exit rates across countries at different stages of economic development. Further, we identify distinct recipes leading to business exit that are associated with the presence or absence of high business exit rates across countries. The study contributes to institutional theory as well as the business exit literature not only by discussing which combinations of institutions determine when exit is beneficial and detrimental to the economy, but also which specific combinations apply across sets of countries.
Parent experiences of home‐schooling children with special educational needs or disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Greenway Charlotte W. , Eaton‐Thomas Karen
Published: November 2020

Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) took part in an online survey that explored their experiences of home‐schooling during the coronavirus pandemic. Two hundred and thirty‐eight parents from the UK responded to 49 questions about the resources and support they had received, their management and feelings surrounding home‐schooling. Chi‐square analyses were used to establish whether parents' experiences differed as a result of socio‐economic status (SES) or the nature of their child's SEND. Results indicated that parents were dissatisfied with the resources and support they had received for their child's educational and psychological needs. Parents felt inadequate and unprepared and believed that non‐attendance at school had and would have a detrimental effect on their child's education and mental health. Parents also described the negative impact of home‐schooling on their and their family's well‐being. Finally, SES and SEND‐type were not associated with parents' experiences of home‐schooling.
Contribution of dietary snacking behaviours to discretionary energy intake and anthropometric measures in Australian adults: A comparison using an objective vs subjective definition for snacking
Authors: Fayet‐Moore Flavia , McConnell Andrew , Petocz Peter , Cassettari Tim , Tuck Kate , Blumfield Michelle , Warner Molly , Marshall Skye
Published: November 2020

Aim

There is limited information on the snacking behaviour of Australian adults, and the role of snacking in the diet may depend on how it is defined. This study aimed to compare the dietary snacking behaviours and associated nutritional intake and body composition in Australian adults, using an objective vs a subjective definition for snacking.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were analysed from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 8361, 19+ years). Objective snacking was defined based on time of day between main meals. Subjective snacking was self‐reported by participants.

Results

Using the objective definition, 88.2% of adults were snack consumers; where snacking contributed 20.0% (SD 20.0%) of total daily energy intake and 27.0% (SD 31.4%) of total daily discretionary energy. 41.3% (SD 37.1%) of snacking energy intake came from discretionary foods. Using the subjective definition, 98.5% of adults were snack consumers, where discretionary foods contributed 52.6% (SD 35.2%) of all snacking energy. The proportion of objective and subjective snacking energy from discretionary foods did not differ across body mass index groups.

Conclusions

Objective snacking energy contributed more to core food groups than discretionary, was not associated with anthropometric measures, and contributed less to total discretionary energy than the evening meal. When snacking was defined subjectively, more than half of snacking energy was discretionary, suggesting that adults are more likely to perceive discretionary foods as snacks. Differences between snacking definitions means that associations between self‐reported snacking and diet or health outcomes, should be interpreted with caution.
Gonadal hormonal factors before menopause and incident type 2 diabetes in women: A 22‐year follow‐up of 83 799 women from the E3N cohort study
Authors: Tatulashvili Sopio , Gusto Gaelle , Cosson Emmanuel , Balkau Beverley , Gourdy Pierre , Bonnet Fabrice , Bihan Hélène , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: November 2020

Background

In many populations the incidence of type 2 diabetes is higher in men than in women. This may be explained by exposure to female gonadal hormones, but so far, there is no consensus on their role over the life course in type 2 diabetes etiology.

Methods

Data are from 83 799 French women from the E3N (Etude Épidémiologique de Femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l'Education Nationale) cohort study, followed for 22 years. Multivariable Cox models including classical risk factors were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between gonadal hormonal factors and incident type 2 diabetes.

Results

Older age at menarche, more menstrual cycles, older age at menopause, longer duration of exposure to gonadal hormones and breastfeeding were inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes cases (n = 4806). While a longer duration of menstrual cycles (HR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.07‐1.41] comparing ≥32 vs ≤24 days) and use of contraceptive pills (HR = 1.33 [1.25‐1.42]) were associated with a greater risk of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

In women, a longer exposure to endogenous gonadal hormones with a later menopause as well as breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, independently of classical diabetes risk factors. In contrast, the use of contraceptive agents was associated with incident diabetes, but the influence of each type of contraception and of exposure duration remain to be investigated.
Augmented descriptions of growth and development stages of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown from different types of planting material
Authors: Kacheyo Olivia Cynthia , van Dijk Luuk Christiaan Maria , de Vries Michiel Erik , Struik Paul Christiaan
Published: November 2020

The recent invention of hybrid breeding technology for potato has led to an increased interest in hybrid potato R&D. Hybrid true potato seeds (TPS) are used to produce planting materials such as transplants and seedling tubers, but can also be used for direct seeding of seed or ware crops. Transplants and seedling tubers can be used to produce seed tubers or ware tubers. The rise in R&D in hybrid breeding creates the need for phenological scales of growth and development of plants produced by the various planting material types of hybrid‐TPS. The BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical Industry) scale is one of the phenological scales developed for the description of the growth and development stages of plants. In 1993, a BBCH scale with descriptions for potato plants was released. The original BBCH scale gave standardised descriptions for TPS‐ and tuber‐grown plants. Differences in the morphology of plants originating from the different planting materials in terms of types of branches and differences in below‐ground growth and development were not included. Moreover, for reproductive growth stages, crucial for hybrid breeding, the original scale is incomplete as it does not carefully take the complex sympodial branching into account. Methods of describing growth of tubers and berries are complex and impossible to use when final tuber mass or berry size is unknown. The current paper augments the original BBCH scale, while retaining its structure and logic. It provides alternative and comprehensive descriptions of growth stages suitable for potato plants grown from different types of planting materials, and for all end uses of these plants. The proposed scale is detailed enough for research and breeding but still general enough for agricultural use.
Review of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Afrotropical region using herpetofauna as hosts: conservation and epidemiological consequences of knowing little about many species
Authors: Snyman Louwrens Pieter
Published: November 2020

Mosquitoes are effective vectors of disease‐causing organisms, and some species are duly very well‐studied organisms. Little fundamental biology is known for a large proportion of mosquito taxa, especially in the Afrotropics, including mosquitoes preferring herpetofauna as blood hosts. Since mosquitoes are effective vectors of pathogens, mosquitoes using herpetofauna as hosts require some scientific scrutiny, especially in light of the global decline of reptiles and amphibians. Beyond taxonomic studies, very little is known about pathogens, indigenous or alien, circulating among the Afrotropical herpetofauna. Hepatozoon spp., arguably the best studied vector‐borne pathogens affecting herpetofauna in the region, are used to illustrate this neglect and discussed in light of conservation. Apart from conservation, complex arbovirus disease dynamics warrant a renewed interest in rarely collected mosquito species, including species using herpetofauna as blood hosts. Finally, the literature pertaining to herpetophilic mosquitoes in the Afrotropics is reviewed and compared to that generated elsewhere, and taxa of interest are discussed including references to other haematophagous dipterans feeding on herpetofauna in the region.
Morphology of the spinal nerves from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the African giant rat (Cricetomys Gambianus)
Authors: Maidawa Sunday Men , Ali Magdalene Nkweshi , Imam Jibrin , Salami Suleiman Olawoye , Hassan Adamu Zoaka , Ojo Samuel Adeniyi
Published: November 2020

This study provides detailed description of the gross morphology and distribution of the nerves arising from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the African Giant Rat (AGR).

Two (2) AGRs were used for this study. The rats were euthanized using halothane. The skin and superficial fascia were removed, and dissection of the muscles in the cervical region and thoracic limbs was carried out. The vertebral canal was opened by means of a rongeur. Eight (8) pairs of spinal nerves (C1–C8) arose from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the AGR by means of dorsal and ventral roots which merged lateral to the spinal cord to form spinal nerves. Each cervical spinal nerve divided into a dorsal and ventral ramus just before exiting the intervertebral foramen. The dorsal rami divided into medial and lateral branches distributed on the medial faces of the semispinalis and splenius muscles, respectively. The ventral rami of C1, C2 and a branch from C3 interconnected to form the cervical plexus from which branches were distributed to the M. cleidomstoideus, M. cleidooccipitalis, M. occipitoscapularis, M. omotransversarius and M. trapezius. The ventral rami of C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 (first thoracic spinal nerve) interconnected to form the brachial plexus. The cervical spinal nerves gave rise to dorsal rami or primary branches that supplied the skin and muscles of the dorsal part of the neck and the ventral primary branches which interconnected to give rise to the cervical plexus and brachial plexuses of the AGR.
Homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is crucial to Sertoli cell mediated regulation of male fertility
Authors: Sarkar Rajesh K. , Sen Sharma Souvik , Mandal Kamal , Wadhwa Neerja , Kunj Neetu , Gupta Alka , Pal Rahul , Rai Umesh , Majumdar Subeer S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Infertility has become a global phenomenon and constantly declining sperm count in males in modern world pose a major threat to procreation of humans. Male fertility is critically dependent on proper functioning of testicular Sertoli cells. Defective Sertoli cell proliferation and/or impaired functional maturation may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility. Using high‐throughput “omics” approach, we found binding sites for homeobox transcription factor MEIS1 on the promoters of several genes up‐regulated in pubertal (mature) Sertoli cells, indicating that MEIS1 may be crucial for Sertoli cell‐mediated regulation of spermatogenesis at and after puberty.

Objective

To decipher the role of transcription factor MEIS1 in Sertoli cell maturation and spermatogenesis.

Materials and methods

Sc‐specific Meis1 knockdown (KD) transgenic mice were generated using pronuclear microinjection. Morphometric and histological analysis of the testes from transgenic mice was performed to identify defects in spermatogenesis. Epididymal sperm count and litter size were analyzed to determine the effect of Meis1 knockdown on fertility.

Results

Sertoli cell (Sc)‐specific Meis1 KD led to massive germ cell loss due to apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis. Unlike normal pubertal Sc, the levels of SOX9 in pubertal Sc of Meis1 KD were significantly high, like immature Sc. A significant reduction in epididymal sperm count was observed in these mice. The mice were found to be infertile or sub‐fertile (with reduced litter size), depending on the extent of Meis1 inhibition.

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrated for the first time, a role of Meis1 in Sc maturation and normal spermatogenic progression. Inhibition of Meis1 in Sc was associated with deregulated spermatogenesis and a consequent decline in fertility of the transgenic mice.

Conclusions

Our results provided substantial evidence that suboptimal Meis1 expression in Sc may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic infertility.
Common carotid artery blood flow volume in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Pereira Sujith S. , Sinha Ajay K. , Shah Divyen K. , Kempley Stephen T.
Published: November 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine carotid blood flow volume, a surrogate for cerebral blood flow, using Doppler ultrasound in extremely preterm infants.

Methods

In infants <29 weeks, right common carotid artery flow volume (RCCAF) was calculated from vessel diameter and intensity‐weighted mean velocity measured using Doppler ultrasound on days 1 and 3. In addition, left ventricular output (LVO), ductus arteriosus characteristics and invasive mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were obtained.

Results

Sixty infants with mean gestation of 25.8 weeks were studied. The median RCCAF increased from 12 (IQR 9‐15) mL/kg/min on day 1, to 14 (IQR 12‐18) mL/kg/min on day 3 (p = 0.007). RCCAF was positively correlated with invasive MABP on days 1 and 3. RCCAF significantly correlated with LVO in infants with closing or closed ductus arteriosus on day 1. Using multiple regression analysis, RCCAF was significantly associated with invasive MABP on day 1 and to inotropic treatment on day 3.

Conclusion

Doppler ultrasound can be used to measure RCCAF in extremely preterm infants receiving intensive care. RCCAF increased during the first three days and was positively related to invasive MABP on day 1. Values were lower than previously described in more mature infants.

Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 83507686.
Laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass in intestinal non‐rotation
Authors: Kermansaravi Mohammad , Daryabari Seyed Nooredin , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hosein , Karami Reza , Pazouki Abdolreza
Published: November 2020

There are some incidental findings during bariatric surgery. Some of these findings may make the operation more challenging than routine surgery. Intestinal malrotation/non‐rotation are rare congenital anomalies that may remain asymptomatic until bariatric surgery. Here we report a 30‐year‐old female patient with unknown intestinal congenital anomaly which was diagnosed during surgery and she underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, which can be a challenging procedure in intestinal malrotation/non‐rotation and conversion may be needed.
The influence of reviewer's occupation on the skill assessment of urethrovesical anastomosis in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fukuoka Kenichiro , Teishima Jun , Inoue Shogo , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Matsubara Akio
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In recent years, crowd‐sourced assessments have been reported as a timesaving, cost‐efficient, and practicable method of surgical skill evaluation. However, the differences in the assessment of surgical skills by the individual reviewers cannot be further examined in terms of characteristics of the reviewers because they are usually anonymously and randomly selected. This study aimed to reveal the effects of reviewers' occupations on their assessment of a surgeonʼs skill.

Methods

In total, 42 urologists, 19 paramedics, 73 medical students, and 28 non‐medical personnel used the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) validated robotic surgery rating tool to assess the surgical skill of surgeons in nine edited video clips of complete urethrovesical anastomosis during a robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. The total GEARS scores of the four groups of reviewers were compared, and the similarities and the differences between the ratings of the urologists group and those of the other three groups were subsequently investigated.

Results

The rankings of video clips in the order of GEARS scores were very similar in each group, and a strong positive correlation (R2 values >0.8) was observed between the scores assigned by the urologists group and those assigned by the other three groups.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the crude evaluation of robot‐assisted urethrovesical anastomosis is not affected by the reviewersʼ occupations. Non‐medical personnel may be able to provide a rudimentary screening evaluation of surgical skill.
Can post‐treatment free PSA ratio be used to predict adverse outcomes in recurrent prostate cancer?
Authors: Goldberg Hanan , Glicksman Rachel , Woon Dixon , Hoffman Ally , Shaikh Hina , Chandrasekar Thenappan , Klaassen Zachary , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Ahmad Ardalan E. , Sanmamed‐Salgado Noelia , Qu Xuanlu , Moraes Fabio Y. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Berlin Alejandro , Fleshner Neil E.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To assess whether free PSA ratio (FPSAR) at biochemical recurrence (BCR) can predict metastasis, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS), following therapy for localised disease.

Patients and Methods

A single‐centre retrospective cohort study (NCT03927287) including a discovery cohort composed of patients with an FPSAR after radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) between 2000 and 2017. For validation, an independent Biobank cohort of patients with BCR after RP was tested. Using a defined FPSAR cut‐off, the metastasis‐free‐survival (MFS), CRPC‐free survival, and CSS were compared. Multivariable Cox models determined the association between post‐treatment FPSAR, metastases, and CRPC.

Results

Overall, 822 patients (305 RP‐ and 363 RT‐treated patients and 154 Biobank patients) were analysed. In the RP cohort, a total of 272/305 (89.1%) and 33/305 (10.9%) had a FPSAR test incidentally and reflexively, respectively. In the RT cohort, 155/363 (42.7%) and 208/263 (57.3%) had a FPSAR test incidentally and reflexively, respectively. However, in the prospective Biobank RP cohort, FPSAR testing was done on all samples of patients diagnosed with BCR. A FPSAR cut‐off of 0.10 was determined using receiver operating characteristic analyses in both the RP and RT cohorts. A FPSAR of <0.10 resulted in longer median MFS (14.8 vs 9.3 years and 14.8 vs 13 years, respectively), and longer median CRPC‐free survival (median not reached vs 9.9 years and 20.7 vs 13.8 years, respectively). Multivariable analyses showed that a FPSAR of ≥0.10 was associated with increased metastasis in the RP cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.915, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.241–2.955) and RT cohort (HR 1.754, 95% CI 1.112–2.769), and increased CRPC in the RP cohort (HR 2.470, 95% CI 1.493–4.088). Findings were validated in the Biobank cohort.

Conclusions

A post‐treatment FPSAR of ≥0.10 is associated with more aggressive disease, suggesting a potentially novel role for this biomarker.
Fathers' experiences as carers for autistic children with learning disabilities
Authors: Cameron Harriet , Cooper Louise
Published: November 2020

Accessible Summary

This research explored the experience of four fathers of autistic children who also have learning disabilities.

Fathers' experiences as carers are increasingly recognised in the literature; however, the studies of parental experience tend to centre mothers. The current research builds upon the recent and important focus upon fathers' experiences.

The fathers in this study sometimes felt helpless and unable to fulfil the traditional role as protectors and providers, but they also had strong feelings of closeness with their children and developed new identities through the challenges and joys they experienced alongside their children.

Background

This small study explores the lived experience of four UK‐based fathers (one black British, one white Polish and two white British) caring for at least one child with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and autism. The key aim was to get as close as possible to understanding the experience of these fathers in their role as carers.

Methods

The study makes use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as an approach to gathering (via interview) and making sense of the fathers' experiences.

Findings and discussion

We co‐constructed three themes following analysis of the interview transcripts: "fatherhood: not doing enough, not doing it right"; "crossing worlds: relearning how to communicate and reclaiming fatherhood"; and "uncertain futures." We found that, for these fathers, the experiences of anxiety and helplessness were balanced with the appreciation of their value as protectors, their shifting sense of identity and of their closeness with their children. Relationships were central throughout.

Conclusions

The exploration of fathers' experiences helps to highlight the less‐measurable, nuanced aspects of the joys and challenges of caring for children with dual diagnoses of learning disability and autism which might be used to enhance the support provided and to inform new approaches.
Emerging insights into the structure and function of ionotropic glutamate delta receptors
Authors: Burada Ananth Prasad , Vinnakota Rajesh , Bharti Pratibha , Dutta Priyanka , Dubey Neelima , Kumar Janesh
Published: November 2020

Glutamate delta‐1 (GluD1) and delta‐2 (GluD2) receptors belong to the orphan GluD subfamily of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). GluDs were classified as ionotropic glutamate receptors based on their sequence similarity. Two decades after these GluDs were first cloned they are still considered “orphan” due to a lack of knowledge of the endogenous ligands that can activate them. Nevertheless, they are crucial for synapse formation, maturation and maintenance of CNS functions, and are implicated in multiple neuronal disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and depressive disorders. Over the last decade significant discoveries have been made, include role of GluD receptors in mediating trans‐synaptic interactions and their unique non‐swapped architecture, which is distinct from other ionotropic glutamate receptors. Also, the prospect of GluD ionotropic activity being regulated by direct interaction with metabotropic glutamate receptors is exciting. These discoveries will likely drive the field in the future, providing direction to GluD research.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Structure Guided Pharmacology of Membrane Proteins (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.14/issuetoc
Effects of protected areas on survival of threatened gibbons in China
Authors: Zhang Lu , Turvey Samuel T. , Chapman Colin , Fan Pengfei
Published: November 2020

Establishing protected areas (PAs) is an essential strategy to reduce biodiversity loss. However, many PAs do not provide adequate protection due to poor funding, inadequate staffing and equipment, and ineffective management. As part of China's recent economic growth, the Chinese government has significantly increased investment in nature reserves over the past 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate whether PAs can protect threatened species effectively. We compiled data from published literature on populations of gibbons (Hylobatidae), a threatened taxon with cultural significance, that occurred in Chinese reserves after 1980. We evaluated the ability of these PAs to maintain gibbon habitat and populations by comparing forest cover and human disturbance between reserves and their surrounding areas and modeling the impact of reserve characteristics on gibbon population trends. We also assessed the perspective of reserve staff concerning PA management effectiveness through an online survey. Reserves effectively protected gibbon habitat by reducing forest loss and human disturbance; however, half the reserves lost their gibbon populations since being established. Gibbons were more likely to survive in reserves established more recently, at higher elevation, with less forest loss and lower human impact, and that have been relatively well studied. A larger initial population size in the 1980s was positively associated with gibbon persistence. Although staff of all reserves reported increased investment and improved management over the past 20–30 years, no relationship was found between management effectiveness and gibbon population trends. We suggest early and emphatic intervention is critical to stop population decline and prevent extinction.
The association between outcomes and body mass index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chen Ziying , Huang Xu , Lu Haining , Deng Wang , Huang Linna , Wu Dawei , Wang Daoxin , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Limited information exists about the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Objective

To evaluate the hospital mortality of patients with ARDS in relation to BMI.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including patients with ARDS. ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Body weight and height were obtained to calculate BMI. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) free days within 28 days and length of stays in the ICU and hospital.

Results

Among 523 patients, 28 (5%) were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 299 (57%) were normal weight (BMI 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), 159 (30%) were overweight (BMI 25‐29.9 kg/m2) and 37 (7%) were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Increasing BMI was associated with younger age (P = 0.017), hypertension (P = 0.003) and diabetes (P = 0.02). Compared with normal weight, being overweight and obese resulted in lower mortality regardless of whether in the hospital (P = 0.019) or ICU (P = 0.044). However, after risk adjustment, only obesity was associated with lower hospital mortality (OR 0.393, 95% CI 0.169‐0.914, P = 0.030). With the increase of BMI, the in‐hospital mortality and ICU mortality of ARDS dropped gradually (from 57.1% to 24.3%, P = 0.021, and from 53.6% to 24.3%, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with lower mortality in patients with ARDS. With the increase of BMI, the mortality of ARDS drops gradually.
Knowledge‐Based View of the Use of an Intermediary in New Product Manufacturing Outsourcing
Authors: Chen Qiong , Özkan‐Seely Gülru , Wang Shouqiang , Roth Aleda
Published: November 2020

In this article, we introduce a game‐theoretic model to examine the impact of outsourcing knowledge, as well as firm‐ and market‐level factors, on a buyer's decision of whether to employ a supply chain intermediary or an agent to identify a manufacturer for her new product. The buyer faces two options: identify the manufacturer directly or explore outsourcing indirectly through an agent. In the case of direct outsourcing, the buyer evaluates, negotiates with, and identifies the manufacturers in‐house, whereas, under indirect outsourcing, the agent takes over these activities in exchange for a commission based on the transaction value between the buyer and the manufacturer. The model introduced in this article captures the buyer–agent incentive misalignment. Unexpectedly, we find that although attractiveness of indirect outsourcing increases as the buyer's outsourcing knowledge increases, it follows an inverse‐U shape as the agent gains more outsourcing knowledge. We further demonstrate that the observability of the buyer's outsourcing knowledge is another key driver of the outsourcing‐mode strategy. In addition, we show that the buyer's tendency to explore indirect outsourcing is greater if the sensitivity to the retail price or the commission rate is higher, or the base demand or cost of delayed time‐to‐market associated with the new product is lower. We extend our analysis to consider a contract form, whereby the agent's commission payment is driven by the expected savings generated for the buyer, and to consider the setting in which the buyer's outsourcing knowledge is private information.
No effects of dapagliflozin, metformin or exercise on plasma glucagon concentrations in individuals with prediabetes: A post hoc analysis from the randomized controlled PRE‐D trial
Authors: Clemmensen Kim K. B. , Blond Martin B. , Amadid Hanan , Bruhn Lea , Vistisen Dorte , Karstoft Kristian , Persson Frederik , Ried‐Larsen Mathias , Holst Jens J. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , Torekov Signe S. , Quist Jonas S. , Jørgensen Marit E. , Færch Kristine
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of dapagliflozin, metformin and exercise treatment on changes in plasma glucagon concentrations in individuals with overweight and HbA1c‐defined prediabetes.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred and twenty individuals with overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and prediabetes (HbA1c of 39‐47 mmol/mol) were randomized to a 13‐week intervention with dapagliflozin (10 mg once daily), metformin (850 mg twice daily), exercise (30 minutes of interval training 5 days per week) or control (habitual living). A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (0, 30, 60 and 120 minutes) was administered at baseline, at 13 weeks (end of intervention) and at 26 weeks (end of follow‐up). Linear mixed effects models with participant‐specific random intercepts were used to investigate associations of the interventions with fasting plasma glucagon concentration, insulin/glucagon ratio and glucagon suppression during the OGTT.

Results

At baseline, the median (Q1; Q3) age was 62 (54; 68) years, median fasting plasma glucagon concentration was 11 (7; 15) pmol/L, mean (SD) HbA1c was 40.9 (2.3) mmol/mol and 56% were women. Compared with the control group, fasting glucagon did not change in any of the groups from baseline to the end of the intervention (dapagliflozin group: −5% [95% CI: −29; 26]; exercise group: −8% [95% CI: −31; 24]; metformin group: −2% [95% CI: −27; 30]). Likewise, there were no differences in insulin/glucagon ratio and glucagon suppression during the OGTT between the groups.

Conclusions

In individuals with prediabetes, 13 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin, metformin or exercise was not associated with changes in fasting or post‐OGTT glucagon concentrations.
Resource allocation at an income‐sharing community: An application of Elinor Ostrom's commons framework
Authors: Azergun Nazli
Published: November 2020

Elinor Ostrom's framework for commons management is used here to analyse ethnographic material from long‐term fieldwork in an income‐sharing community in the United States. By requiring participants to pool labour and share resources for survival and well‐being, income‐sharing communities align with Ostrom's allocation design for common‐pool resources. These communities can figure as a node within the hybrid and polycentric networks designated by Ostrom for equitable and effective commons management, which requires both effective institutional arrangements and shared social capital among system participants. While a case is made for analysing resource‐sharing practices at these communities with Elinor Ostrom's framework, shortcomings and possible future directions are indicated.
Thomas Aquinas on the conduct of sales
Authors: Koehler Benedikt
Published: November 2020

In the Summa theologiae, Thomas Aquinas treated the conduct of sales. Aquinas took into consideration writings on the subject in the Bible, Antiquity, and early Christianity. Aquinas differentiated between selling and mis‐selling; showed that sales intermediation was an integral component of an economy; and concluded that salespeople were entitled to earn profit. Aquinas overturned a consensus that had obtained in Stoicism and early Christianity regarding duties to disclose private information on volatility of price. Aquinian disposition of the sales process anticipated the economics of information asymmetry.
Differentiation of Bilayer interventricular septum function in children with systemic lupus erythematosus by tissue Doppler and speckle tracking imaging
Authors: Mawlana Wegdan , Tolba Osama , Abdel Nabi Hend , Shabana Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Background

The ventricular septum (VS) is considered a single functional wall. However, a line with high echogenicity in the middle of the VS could be detected with the recent echocardiographic modalities which separate the left from the right side of the VS. Our study aimed to evaluate functional differences between both sides of VS by tissue Doppler and Speckle Tracking Imaging (STI) in children with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Subjects and Methods

This is a case–control study that included 40 children divided into 20 active SLE patients and 20 healthy children matched for age and sex as controls. Tissue Doppler imaging from the VS was performed with the region of interest was positioned in both sides at the mid‐part of the septum. Longitudinal strain of both sides of the VS was obtained by (STI). Ejection fraction (EF) of the right and left ventricles were assessed by real‐time 3‐dimensional echocardiography.

Results

There was significant impaired S`, È, Á, compared with controls. STI of the VS showed significant affection of the left side regarding systolic strain (SS) and strain rate late diastole (SRDA). However, strain rate systole (SRS) and strain rate early diastole (SRED) are affected on both sides of VS compared with control. Á and SRDE of the left VS correlated significantly with SLEDAI (P ≤ .05). È of the right VS correlated with the duration of the disease (P ≤ .05).

Conclusion

Bilayer analysis of VS could helps in the evaluation of right and left ventricular functions in subclinical myocarditis in SLE patients.
Trophic ecology of detritivorous fish along a reservoir cascade in a tropical semi‐arid region
Authors: de Oliveira Jean Carlos Dantas , de Oliveira Jonnata Fernandes , Marques Alexandre de Oliveira , Peretti Danielle , da Costa Rodrigo Silva , Novaes José Luís Costa
Published: November 2020

The objectives of this study were to investigate the food resources consumed by two species of detritivorous fishes along the Apodi‐Mossoró River reservoir cascade system, located in the tropical semi‐arid region of Brazil. The hypotheses tested were as follows: (a) the diet, niche breadth and niche overlap of the species in the reservoirs downstream of the cascade are different due to the blockage of food resources upstream, and (b) the two species coexist in the reservoir cascade system due to resource partitioning. The diets of the species were analysed based on the volumetric data of the food resources using NMDS ordination, and possible differences in diet were tested with PERMANOVA. The contribution of each food resource was analysed by SIMPER analysis. Trophic niche breadth was evaluated by PERMDISP analysis, and the trophic niche overlap was calculated by the Pianka index. The difference in niche overlap between the reservoirs was evaluated by Welch's t test. Plant material, detritus and sediment were the most important food resources in the diets of the two species, but they differed along the reservoir cascade. Plant material, detritus and sediments were the predominant resources in their diets, which showed differences in feeding, a narrow trophic niche and high dietary overlap. The differences in diet observed along the cascade did not follow the expected pattern, and the narrow trophic niche and high trophic overlap indicate that the sharing of food resources was not the main cause of the coexistence of these species in the reservoirs.
The young adult service: An evaluation of a youth mental health service in the independent sector in Ireland
Authors: Bond Laura , Power Paddy
Published: November 2020

Aims

Increasing concerns about the specific needs and rates of mental illness among young adults have spurred the development of youth mental health services. Yet few outcome studies exist. This study aims to evaluate a young adult service in an independent mental health sector in Ireland.

Methods

This is a service evaluation using a retrospective, descriptive and naturalistic study design. Routine demographic, diagnostic and service usage data were collected at entry into the service. Outcomes were recorded at discharge from the service using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) improvement scores. Factors associated with better or worse outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Five hundred and sixty‐seven young adults were assessed and managed during a 3‐year period by the Young Adult Service. Their characteristics fell midway between adolescent and adult mental health service populations. They had high levels of Axis I & II co‐morbidities reflecting the complex and fluid nature of emerging conditions in this age group. The majority (62.8%) had clinically improved by the end of follow‐up. Outcomes were significantly better in those who were hospitalized, prescribed psychotropic medication, received 1:1 psychology sessions and attended a group‐based psychology program or group program for specific disorders. One hundred and sixty‐six patients (29.3%) dropped out of follow‐up. Drop out was associated with longer time spent in the service, being treated solely in the community, without medication, not having a developmental disorder and not transferring from CAMHS.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that it is possible to establish an effective youth mental health service with favourable outcomes within a broader mental health system. It provides a benchmark for similar services, bridging the gap between adolescent and adult mental health services.
Compression: Nietzsche, Williams, and the problem of style
Authors: Babbiotti Paolo
Published: November 2020

The fact that Bernard Williams' writing is at times compressed, intense, almost epigrammatic, is acknowledged by many different reviewers of his work. Are these just incidental features? Or do they have any philosophical significance? The aim of this article is to study those features of Williams' style as part of a stylistic method that I (and Williams) refer to as compression. In the course of my paper, I will reflect on the idea of compression as a stylistic method for doing more with less in philosophical (and musical) writing; then I will take an excursus on some properties of Nietzsche's aphoristic writing (properties that can be found in Williams' writing as well); finally, I will locate some stylistic affinities between Williams and Nietzsche: from the image they both use to describe their philosophical style to the use of different devices (rhetorical questions, the use of em‐dashes, humor…) they both employ—devices that embody a free spirit they revealed in their own writing and towards their own environment.
Lateral patellar instability in Standardbred horses at the weanling age: Clinical and morphological features in four cases (2017–2019)
Authors: Pagliara E. , Cantatore F. , Pallante M. , Valazza A. , Riccio B. , Bertuglia A.
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to describe lateral patellar instability (LPI) in a population of weanling Standardbreds and characterise the prevalence, clinical features, imaging findings and long‐term follow‐up. A total of 222 weanling Standardbreds were examined between June 2017 and December 2019 for presales examination, and LPI was identified in four horses. Presumptive diagnosis was made on clinical and dynamic examination at walk and confirmed by radiography. One horse was subject to euthanasia for causes related to LPI (Case 3), and computed tomography (CT) of both hindlimbs was performed post‐mortem in order to better characterise the anatomical variations of the affected stifle. The intertrochlear groove angle (IGA), the angle of anteversion (AA) of the femoral neck, the anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) and the degree of tibial torsion (TT) were measured. LPI prevalence in Standardbreds weanlings was 1.8%, and it carried a poor athletic prognosis. Radiographic abnormalities were observed in the shape of the patella, characterised by a rounder profile and a less pronounced sagittal crest. The abnormal limb also presented a wider IGA, an outward rotation of the proximal aspect of the tibia and varus deformity of the femorotibial joint compared with the contralateral limb. LPI seems to occur with a high prevalence in the Standardbred weanling population, and our findings suggest that LPI is related to a combination of epiphyseal dysplasia and rotational and angular abnormalities of the affected limb. No effective treatments have been reported.
Incorporation of U, Pb and Rare Earth Elements in Calcite through Crystallisation from Amorphous Calcium Carbonate: Simple Preparation of Reference Materials for Microanalysis
Authors: Miyajima Yusuke , Saito Ayaka , Kagi Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Tatsunori , Takahashi Yoshio , Hirata Takafumi
Published: November 2020

Uncertainty for elemental and isotopic measurements in calcite by LA‐ICP‐MS is largely controlled by the homogeneity of the reference materials (RMs) used for calibration and validation. In order to produce calcite RMs with homogeneous elemental and isotopic compositions, we incorporated elements including U, Pb and rare earth elements into calcite through heat‐ and pressure‐induced crystallisation from amorphous calcium carbonate that was precipitated from element‐doped reagent solution. X‐ray absorption spectra showed that U was present as U(VI) in the synthesised calcite, probably with a different local structure from that of aqueous uranyl ions. The uptake rate of U by our calcite was higher in comparison with synthetic calcite of previous studies. Variations of element mass fractions in the calcite were better than 12% 2RSD, mostly within 7%. The 207Pb/206Pb ratio in the calcite showed < 1% variations, while the 238U/206Pb ratio showed 3–24% variations depending on element mass fractions. Using the synthetic calcite as primary RMs, we could date a natural calcite RM, WC‐1, with analytical uncertainty as low as < 3%. The method presented can be useful to produce calcite with controlled and homogeneous element mass fractions and is a promising alternative to natural calcite RMs for U‐Pb geochronology.
ISG20 and nuclear exosome promote destabilization of nascent transcripts for spliceosomal U snRNAs and U1 variants
Authors: Kawamoto Takahito , Yoshimoto Rei , Taniguchi Ichiro , Kitabatake Makoto , Ohno Mutsuhito
Published: November 2020

Primary RNA transcripts are processed in a plethora of ways to become mature functional forms. In one example, human spliceosomal U snRNAs are matured at their 3′‐end by an exonuclease termed TOE1. This process is important because mutations in TOE1 gene can cause a human genetic disease, pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH). Nevertheless, TOE1 may not be the only maturation exonuclease for U snRNAs in the cell. Here, we biochemically identify two exonucleolytic factors, Interferon‐stimulated gene 20‐kDa protein (ISG20) and the nuclear exosome as such candidates, using a newly developed in vitro system that recapitulates 3′‐end maturation of U1 snRNA. However, extensive 3′‐end sequencing of endogenous U1 snRNA of the knockdown (KD) cells revealed that these factors are not the maturation factors per se. Instead, the nascent transcripts of the spliceosomal U snRNAs as well as of unstable U1 variants were found to increase in quantity upon KD of the factors. These results indicated that ISG20 and the nuclear exosome promote the degradation of nascent spliceosomal U snRNAs and U1 variants, and therefore implied their role in the quality control of newly synthesized U snRNAs.