bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence for trade‐offs between bird diversity, yield and water table depth on oil palm smallholdings: Implications for tropical peatland landscape restoration
Authors: Warren‐Thomas Eleanor , Agus Fahmuddin , Akbar Panji Gusti , Crowson Merry , Hamer Keith C. , Hariyadi Bambang , Hodgson Jenny A. , Kartika Winda D. , Lopes Mailys , Lucey Jennifer M. , Mustaqim Dedy , Pettorelli Nathalie , Saad Asmadi , Sari Widia , Sukma Gita , Stringer Lindsay C. , Ward Caroline , Hill Jane K.
Published: March 2022

Tropical peat swamp forests retain large carbon stocks and support unique biodiversity, but clearance and drainage for agriculture have resulted in fires, carbon emissions and biodiversity losses. Initiatives to re‐wet cultivated peatlands may benefit biodiversity if this protects remaining forests from fire and agricultural encroachment, but there are concerns that re‐wetting could reduce yields and damage livelihoods, as relationships between drainage, on‐farm biodiversity, and crop yields have not been studied.

We examined oil palm fruit yields and bird diversity on 41 smallholder farms in Jambi (Sumatra, Indonesia), which varied in drainage intensity (12‐month mean water table per plot from August 2018 to August 2019: −52 to −3 cm below‐ground). We also compared farm bird diversity with a neighbouring area of protected peat swamp forest (11,000 ha, 21 plots; mean water table per plot −3 to +15 cm).

Bird species richness (3–18 species per plot), species composition and oil palm yields (4.5–19.2 t fresh fruit bunch ha−1 year−1) varied among farms, but were not detectably affected by water table depth, although ground‐level vegetation was more complex on wetter farms. Bird richness in oil palm (mean = 10.3 species per plot) was <50% of that in forest (26 species per plot), and only 3 of 35 conservation‐priority species found in forest were recorded in oil palm.

Synthesis and applications. Tropical peatlands in Indonesia have been drained to allow farmer access and improve farm yields, but we found no trade‐offs between drainage depth, yields and bird diversity on smallholder oil palm farms in our study landscape within the studied range of drainage depths. Current restoration initiatives to re‐wet peat may benefit farmers by reducing fire risk, without affecting yields. Wetter farms had increased understorey vegetation complexity, but this did not affect bird diversity, so we find no evidence that re‐wetting improves on‐farm biodiversity. However, on‐farm fire reduction efforts in cultivated peatlands, including re‐wetting, will be vital for reducing the risk of fires escaping into nearby forests, which contain unique and diverse bird species assemblages. Protection of remaining peatland forests from fire and clearance is key for biodiversity conservation, and for providing a source of seed dispersers and genetic material for future forest and landscape restoration efforts. Restoration of more biodiversity‐friendly land covers will improve landscape permeability and help conserve species and the ecosystem services they deliver.
The impact of an occupational therapy group cognitive rehabilitation program for people with dementia
Authors: Griffin Aislinn , O`Gorman Aoife , Robinson David , Gibb Matthew , Stapleton Tadhg
Published: March 2022

Introduction

This study was conducted to examine the impact of a group cognitive rehabilitation program for people with dementia on everyday memory function and quality of life.

Methods

Participants included in the study were community‐dwelling adults with a diagnosis of dementia. The intervention was a 5‐week occupational therapy lead group cognitive rehabilitation program delivered once a week for 1.5 h. Outcome measures included standardised memory tests, subjective everyday memory function and quality of life ratings. The measures were completed at baseline, post‐intervention and 3‐month post‐intervention.

Results

Outcome measures were completed with 58 participants. Statistically significant improvements in standardised memory scores were noted following the intervention. Similarly, self‐rated everyday memory function and quality of life scores significantly improved following the intervention. All standardised scores and subjective ratings were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Group‐based cognitive rehabilitation programs can positively impact the quality of life and everyday memory function among people with dementia.
Is care of stillborn babies and their parents respectful? Results from an international online survey
Authors: Atkins Bethany , Blencowe Hannah , Boyle Frances M. , Sacks Emma , Horey Dell , Flenady Vicki
Published: March 2022

Objective

To quantify parents' experiences of respectful care around stillbirth globally.

Design

Multi‐country, online, cross‐sectional survey.

Setting and population

Self‐identified bereaved parents (n = 3769) of stillborn babies from 44 high‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Parents' perspectives of seven aspects of care quality, factors associated with respectful care and seven bereavement care practices were compared across geographical regions using descriptive statistics. Respectful care was compared between country‐income groups using multivariable logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported experience of care around the time of stillbirth.

Results

A quarter (25.4%) of 3769 respondents reported disrespectful care after stillbirth and 23.5% reported disrespectful care of their baby. Gestation less than 30 weeks and primiparity were associated with disrespect. Reported respectful care was lower in middle‐income countries than in high‐income countries (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.29–0.42, p < 0.01). In many countries, aspects of care quality need improvement, such as ensuring families have enough time with providers. Participating respondents from Latin America and southern Europe reported lower satisfaction across all aspects of care quality compared with northern Europe. Unmet need for memory‐making activities in middle‐income countries was high.

Conclusions

Many parents experience disrespectful care around stillbirth. Provider training and system‐level support to address practical barriers are urgently needed. However, some practices (which are important to parents) can be readily implemented such as memory‐making activities and referring to the baby by name.

Tweetable abstract

One in four experience disrespectful care after stillbirth. Parents want more time with providers and their babies, to talk and memory‐make.
Context‐dependent integrated stress resistance promotes a global invasive pest
Authors: Tarusikirwa Vimbai L. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Mutamiswa Reyard , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: March 2022

In nature, insects concurrently face multiple environmental stressors, a scenario likely increasing with climate change. Integrated stress resistance (ISR) thus often improves fitness and could drive invasiveness, but how physiological mechanisms influence invasion has lacked examination. Here, we investigated cross‐tolerance to abiotic stress factors which may influence range limits in the South American tomato pinworm—a global invader that is an ecologically and socially damaging crop pest. Specifically, we tested the effects of prior rapid cold‐ and heat‐hardening (RCH and RHH), fasting, and desiccation on cold and heat tolerance traits, as well as starvation and desiccation survivability betweenT. absolutalife stages. Acclimation effects on critical thermal minima (CTmin) and maxima (CTmax) were inconsistent, showing significantly deleterious effects of RCH on adult CTmaxand CTminand, conversely, beneficial acclimation effects of RCH on larval CTmin. While no beneficial effects of desiccation acclimation were recorded for desiccation tolerance, fasted individuals had significantly higher survival in adults, whereas fasting negatively affected larval tolerances. Furthermore, fasted and desiccation acclimated adults had significantly higher starvation tolerance, showing strong evidence for cross‐tolerance. Our results show context‐dependent ISR traits that may promoteT. absolutafitness and competitiveness. Given the frequent overlapping occurrence of these divergent stressors, ISR reported here may thus partly elucidate the observed rapid global spread ofT. absolutainto more stressful environments than expected. This information is vital in determining the underpinnings of multistressor responses, which are fundamental in forecasting species responses to changing environments and management responses.
Vaccine with bacterium‐like particles displaying HIV‐1 gp120 trimer elicits specific mucosal responses and neutralizing antibodies in rhesus macaques
Authors: Wang Huaiyu , Li Pingchao , Zhang Mo , Bi Jinpeng , He Yizi , Li Fangshen , Yu Rongzhen , Gao Feng , Kong Wei , Yu Bin , Chen Ling , Yu Xianghui
Published: March 2022

Preclinical studies have shown that the induction of secretory IgA (sIgA) in mucosa and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in sera is essential for designing vaccines that can effectively block the transmission of HIV‐1. We previously showed that a vaccine consisting of bacterium‐like particles (BLPs) displaying Protan‐gp120AE‐MTQ (PAM) could induce mucosal immune responses through intranasal (IN) immunization in mice and NAbs through intramuscular (IM) immunization in guinea pigs. Here, we evaluated the ability of this vaccine BLP‐PAM to elicit HIV‐1‐specific mucosal and systemic immune responses through IN and IM immunization combination strategies in rhesus macaques. First, the morphology, antigenicity and epitope accessibility of the vaccine were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, bio‐layer interferometry and ELISA. In BLP‐PAM‐immunized macaques, HIV‐1‐specific sIgA were rapidly induced through IN immunization in situ and distant mucosal sites, although the immune responses are relatively weak. Furthermore, the HIV‐1‐specific IgG and IgA antibody levels in mucosal secretions were enhanced and maintained, while production of serum NAbs against heterologous HIV‐1 tier 1 and 2 pseudoviruses was elicited after IM boost. Additionally, situ mucosal responses and systemic T cell immune responses were improved by rAd2‐gp120AE boost immunization via the IN and IM routes. These results suggested that BLP‐based delivery in combination with the IN and IM immunization approach represents a potential vaccine strategy against HIV‐1.
The Limits of Sentimentalism: Financial Misconduct, Sensibility and Parliamentary Scandal in the Case of Powell and Bembridge
Authors: Sulich Rachel
Published: March 2022

In the late eighteenth century, the language of sentiment was deployed to justify a wealth of individual behaviours, laudable or otherwise. From illicit desire in Jean‐Jacques Rousseau's Julie to murder in Herbert Croft's Love and Madness, sensibility was, among other things, a tool of exoneration. Using Edmund Burke's appropriation of sentimentalism in the Powell–Bembridge scandal of 1783, this article examines what happens when this well‐worn mechanism fails, when sensibility reaches its limits. Burke's inability to explain away the crimes of these two men with his usual tactics exposes sensibility's ultimate resistance to certain nefarious narratives.
Could intracranial tumor volume predict prognosis of patients with brain metastases from esophageal carcinoma?
Authors: Xiao Linlin , Lin Qiang , Hu Mengzhu , Wang Yi , Hui Zhouguang , Wu Fengpeng , Wang Jun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

A previous study demonstrated that intracranial tumor volume had some correlation with gastrointestinal cancer patients' outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) and brain metastases to investigate if intracranial tumor volume would be a predictor of these patients' survival.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with brain metastases from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or esophageal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without images of brain metastases in the hospital information system were eliminated.

Results

The median follow‐up time duration was 8.4 months (interquartile range 4.0–15.2). The median overall survival (OS) from time of brain metastases diagnosis was 8.0 months for all cases. Median OS of patients with small and large cumulative intracranial tumor volume (CITV) (<6.65 cm3, ≥6.65 cm3) was 11.23 and 7.4 months, respectively. Median OS of patients with large and small largest intracranial tumor volume (LITV) (≥7.75 cm3, <7.75 cm3) was 6.4 and 10.6 months, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that CITV (hazard ratio [HR] 1.255, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.673–2.342, p = 0.475) or LITV (HR 1.037, 95% CI 0.570–1.887, p = 0.904) was not significantly associated with improved OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CITV and LITV were not significantly associated with improved OS.

Conclusion

EC patients with small intracranial tumor volume may have longer OS than those with large intracranial tumor volume, but this difference did not reach statistical difference. Future studies with a larger sample size may validate the correlation of intracranial tumor volume and patient survival.
Quantitative restoration of immune defense in old animals determined by naive antigen‐specific CD8 T‐cell numbers
Authors: Uhrlaub Jennifer L. , Jergović Mladen , Bradshaw Christine M. , Sonar Sandip , Coplen Christopher P. , Dudakov Jarrod , Murray Kristy O. , Lanteri Marion C. , Busch Michael P. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Nikolich‐Žugich Janko
Published: March 2022

Older humans and animals often exhibit reduced immune responses to infection and vaccination, and this often directly correlates to the numbers and frequency of naive T (Tn) cells. We found such a correlation between reduced numbers of blood CD8+ Tn cells and severe clinical outcomes of West Nile virus (WNV) in both humans naturally exposed to, and mice experimentally infected with, WNV. To examine possible causality, we sought to increase the number of CD8 Tn cells by treating C57BL/6 mice with IL‐7 complexes (IL‐7C, anti‐IL‐7 mAb bound to IL‐7), shown previously to efficiently increase peripheral T‐cell numbers by homeostatic proliferation. T cells underwent robust expansion following IL‐7C administration to old mice increasing the number of total T cells (>fourfold) and NS4b:H‐2Db‐restricted antigen‐specific CD8 T cells (twofold). This improved the numbers of NS4b‐specific CD8 T cells detected at the peak of the response against WNV, but not survival of WNV challenge. IL‐7C‐treated old animals also showed no improvement in WNV‐specific effector immunity (neutralizing antibody and in vivo T‐cell cytotoxicity). To test quantitative limits to which CD8 Tn cell restoration could improve protective immunity, we transferred graded doses of Ag‐specific precursors into old mice and showed that injection of 5400 (but not of 1800 or 600) adult naive WNV‐specific CD8 T cells significantly increased survival after WNV. These results set quantitative limits to the level of Tn reconstitution necessary to improve immune defense in older organisms and are discussed in light of targets of immune reconstitution.
Temporal and brain region‐specific elevations of soluble Amyloid‐β40‐42 in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tallino Savannah , Winslow Wendy , Bartholomew Samantha K. , Velazquez Ramon
Published: March 2022

Down syndrome (DS) is a leading cause of intellectual disability that also results in hallmark Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies such as amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau. The Ts65Dn mouse model is commonly used to study DS, as trisomic Ts65Dn mice carry 2/3 of the triplicated gene homologues as occur in human DS. The Ts65Dn strain also allows investigation of mechanisms common to DS and AD pathology, with many of these triplicated genes implicated in AD; for example, trisomic Ts65Dn mice overproduce amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is then processed into soluble Aβ40‐42 fragments. Notably, Ts65Dn mice show alterations to the basal forebrain, which parallels the loss of function in this region observed in DS and AD patients early on in disease progression. However, a complete picture of soluble Aβ40‐42 accumulation in a region‐, age‐, and sex‐specific manner has not yet been characterized in the Ts65Dn model. Here, we show that trisomic mice accumulate soluble Aβ40‐42 in the basal forebrain, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum in an age‐specific manner, with elevation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus as early as 4 months of age. Furthermore, we detected sex differences in accumulation of Aβ40‐42 within the basal forebrain, with females having significantly higher Aβ40‐42 at 7–8 months of age. Lastly, we show that APP expression in the basal forebrain and hippocampus inversely correlates with Aβ40‐42 levels. This spatial and temporal characterization of soluble Aβ40‐42 in the Ts65Dn model allows for further exploration of the role soluble Aβ plays in the progression of other AD‐like pathologies in these key brain regions.
Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from fecal samples reveal anthropogenic impacts on connectivity: case of a small carnivore in the central Indian landscape
Authors: Tyagi A. , Khan A. , Thatte P. , Ramakrishnan U.
Published: March 2022

Maintaining gene flow among fragmented habitat patches is critical for the long‐term persistence of wild species. Landscape genetics tools are often used to understand the impact of landscape features on gene flow among fragmented populations. The ability to detect the relationship between gene flow and landscape depends on the power of the genetic tools used, which increases with the number of genotyped loci. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) based methods allow genotyping of a high number of loci but are challenging to implement for non‐invasive samples, which are commonly used in conservation genetics research. Here we assess the impact of landscape heterogeneity on jungle cat (Felis chaus) movement using genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained from fecal samples, using a methylation‐based DNA (MBD) enrichment method. We successfully genotyped 20 jungle cat individuals at 2246 SNP loci and compared our results to a previous study that used microsatellite markers and 93 individuals. Our results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the MBD enrichment approach with fecal samples in generating genome‐wide data for endangered and cryptic species of conservation concern. Our landscape analyses revealed that roads and human‐dominated land‐use negatively impact jungle cat movement in central India. We explicitly quantified the uncertainty in our analyses and concluded that several thousand SNPs from fewer individuals provide more power than tens of microsatellites from more individuals, in quantifying the effects of landscape on gene flow. Our results provide insight into the impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification on an often‐ignored small carnivore species. Insights on connectivity for such species can help policymakers and wildlife managers move beyond connectivity contingent on charismatic species to devise holistic landscape‐level management plans for multiple carnivores.
Cyclophosphamide‐induced cardiotoxicity at conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation would occur among the patients treated with 120 mg/kg or less
Authors: Marumo Atsushi , Omori Ikuko , Tara Shuhei , Otsuka Yuki , Konuma Ryosuke , Adachi Hiroto , Wada Atsushi , Kishida Yuya , Konishi Tatsuya , Nagata Akihito , Yamada Yuta , Nagata Ryohei , Noguchi Yuma , Toya Takashi , Igarashi Aiko , Najima Yuho , Kobayashi Takeshi , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Inokuchi Koiti , Sakamaki Hisashi , Ohashi Kazuteru , Doki Noriko
Published: March 2022

Cyclophosphamide (CY)‐induced cardiotoxicity involves rare lethal complications. We previously reported the cardiac events of 811 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT) recipients; 12 out of 811 recipients (1.5%) developed fatal heart failure. The mortality rate was also very high (91.6%, 11/12). CY dose (200 mg/kg or more) was reported as the independent risk factor. The main disease in patients treated with 200 mg/kg or more of CY was severe aplastic anemia (AA). Therefore, we reduced the dose of CY during conditioning for AA (from 200 to 100 mg/kg), and then we analyzed the clinical features of 294 patients who received a total dose of at least 100 mg/kg of CY. We also compared the clinical features between the current study and our previous study. The proportion of patients treated with at least 200 mg/kg of CY was reduced from 4.2% to 0%. However, CY‐induced heart failure occurred in four of the 294 patients (1.4%), which was similar to the finding reported in our previous study (1.5%). Two of these four patients received a post‐transplant CY (PTCy) regimen (CY 100 mg/kg). All four patients were treated in the cardiac intensive care unit (C‐ICU), and two patients survived. In summary, even the CY dose of 120 mg/kg or less would cause cardiotoxicity. We should also carefully monitor patients treated with PTCy, considering the possibility of CY‐induced cardiotoxicity. Early diagnosis and ICU management have contributed to improved outcomes.
The influence of transarterial chemoembolization on serum levels of soluble programed cell death ligand‐1 in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Xiaochen Ma , Xiangyang Sun , Fubo Xie , Wencheng Jian , Qingliang Wang , Yang Xie , Caixia Li , Kai Zhang
Published: March 2022

Aims

To investigate the implications of soluble programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (sPD‐L1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and to evaluate the potential value of sPD‐L1 to guide selection of the optimal time to begin combination therapy with TACE and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Materials and methods

Thirty‐one HCC patients suitable for TACE and 55 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Three milliliters of peripheral venous blood of patients were collected on 1 day before TACE and 3, 7, and 30 days after TACE respectively for assay of sPD‐L1 using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The associations of the sPD‐L1 level with the clinical features, outcomes, and the fluctuation of sPD‐L1 during the treatment were analyzed.

Results

The initial sPD‐L1 level of patients was significantly higher than that of the control group. And it was significantly associated with BCLC stage, portal venous invasion, tumor size, and number of foci. The sPD‐L1 levels of 3 and 7 days after TACE were both significantly higher than the initial level. And that of 30 days after TACE was lower than the initial level, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference of sPD‐L1 level after embolization with embolic beads of different size. The level of sPD‐L1 of CR patients was lower than that of PR, SD patients, but the differences were not significant.

Conclusion

The level of sPD‐L1 was associated with tumor aggressiveness and outcomes, suggesting its role as a possible predictive biomarker. The increases in sPD‐L1 after TACE suggests that combined treatment with TACE and ICIs may be a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC. One week after TACE might be a suitable time to begin the administration of immunotherapy.
Diameter growth of trees in miombo and acacia woodland in an eroded landscape in NE Tanzania
Authors: Backéus Ingvar , Skoglund Jerry , Skarpe Christina , Hytteborn Håkan
Published: March 2022

Diameter increment of trees typical of miombo and acacia woodland was studied during a period of 20 years in Kondoa district, Tanzania. The study was performed in permanent plots in a severely degraded area subjected to considerable restoration efforts. A total of 15 species were selected from a database collected within a project for monitoring the landscape recovery. Growth performance of African woodland species was searched for in the literature for comparison, and a comprehensive list of citations was compiled. We found growth to fall within the range reported in earlier studies, although growth varied both between and within species. There are reports that the radial increments of trees are unimodal over their lifespan, but we found no clear support. In several species, the annual growth increased with stem diameter. Growth during the rainy ENSO year 1997/98 was pairwise compared with the preceding two years and was found to be significantly higher during the wet year, pointing to soil water as a limiting factor. We conclude that free development is an alternative to tree planting on marginal land.
Congenital anomalies and maternal age: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ahn Damin , Kim Jieon , Kang Junyeong , Kim Yun Hak , Kim Kihun
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Several studies have reported on the maternal age‐associated risks of congenital anomalies. However, there is a paucity of studies with comprehensive review of anomalies. We aimed to quantify the risk of birth defects in children born to middle‐aged mothers compared with that in children born to young or older mothers.

Material and methods

We classified maternal ages into three groups: young (<20 years old), middle (20–34 years old) and older age (≥35 years old). Observational studies that met our age criteria were eligible for inclusion. The articles searched using the Embase and MEDLINE databases were those published from 1989 to January 21, 2021. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. If heterogeneity exceeded 50%, the random effect method was used; otherwise, the fixed‐effect method was used. Prospero registration number: CRD42021235229.

Results

We included 15 cohort, 14 case–control and 36 cross‐sectional studies. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of any congenital anomaly was 1.64 (1.40–1.92) and 1.05 (0.95–1.15) in the older and young age groups, respectively (very low quality of evidence). The pooled unadjusted odds ratio of chromosomal anomaly was 5.64 (5.13–6.20) and 0.69 (0.54–0.88) in the older and young age groups, respectively. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio of non‐chromosomal anomaly was 1.09 (1.01–1.17) and 1.10 (1.01–1.21) in the older and young age groups, respectively (very low quality of evidence). The incidence of abdominal wall defects was increased in children of women in the young maternal age group.

Conclusions

We identified that very low quality evidence suggests that women in the older maternal age group had increased odds of having children with congenital anomalies compared with those in the 20–34 year age group. There was no increase in odds of children with congenital anomalies in women of <20 year age group except for abdominal defects compared with those in the 20–34 year age group. The results stem from very low quality evidence with no adjustment of confounders.
Application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling for the prediction of drug–drug interactions involving anlotinib as a perpetrator of cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Jin Zhiping , He Qingfeng , Zhu Xiao , Zhu Mingshe , Wang Yike , Wu Xin‐an , Lv Qianzhou , Xiang Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2022

Anlotinib is a small molecule of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor initially approved to treat non‐small cell lung cancer in China. Drug–drug interaction (DDI) is an extrinsic factor important for the appropriate use of anlotinib in clinical practice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that anlotinib is a substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and moderate inhibitor of several common ones; however, no clinical DDI studies have been performed to investigate inhibitory effects of anlotinib on these CYP enzymes. Thus, its drug label recommends avoiding co‐administration with substrates of these enzymes, which have narrow therapeutic windows. In this study, we performed a CYP450 inhibition study, followed by gathering in vitro and clinical pharmacokinetic data to build the first physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of anlotinib. The verified model was subsequently used to predict the DDI mediated by anlotinib. As a result, the marginal plasma exposure changes of typical CYP3A and CYP2C9 substrates were less than the bioequivalence threshold, indicating that anlotinib has a very low potential of causing clinically meaningful DDI through the inhibition of several major CYP enzymes. According to the FDA's latest guideline on DDI, the established model with the simulation results may support the revision of anlotinib labelling without further clinical studies, lifting unnecessary restrictions on anlotinib regimens.
The impact of the SMART program on cognitive and academic skills: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: May Richard J. , Tyndall Ian , McTiernan Aoife , Roderique‐Davies Gareth , McLoughlin Shane
Published: March 2022

Online interventions promoted to enhance cognitive ability hold great appeal for their potential positive impact in social, employment, and educational domains. Cognitive training programs have, thus far, not been shown to influence performance on tests of general cognitive aptitude. Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training (SMART) is an online program that claims to raise intelligence quotient (IQ). This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates the effect of SMART on indices of cognitive aptitude and academic performance. The review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019132404). A systematic literature search of bibliographic databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, Scopus, Proquest Psychology) identified five studies (N = 195) that met the criterion for inclusion. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias ‘RoB 2’ tool. Overall, there was a moderate impact of SMART on measures of nonverbal IQ (g = 0.57, 95% CI [0.24, 0.89]). There was insufficient evidence to determine the impact of SMART on any other domain. All studies included in the review were judged to be at a high risk of bias for their primary outcome. Despite the methodological limitations of published studies to date, these initial findings suggest that a large‐scale study of SMART is warranted.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

SMART is a popular, commercially available online program that claims to improve cognitive skills in children.

A number of controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of SMART and reported positive findings.

There are no existing systematic reviews or meta‐analyses of the literature for this intervention.

What this paper adds

The present study represents the first systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effect of SMART on cognitive and educational outcomes.

We identified five trials that met the criteria for inclusion in the review. All five studies were rated as having a high risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool.

We calculated a moderate overall impact of SMART on measures of nonverbal IQ. There was insufficient evidence to determine the impact of SMART in any other cognitive or educational domain.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Practitioners and/or teachers can use the review to inform their decisions about adopting SMART as an online educational tool.

While the current findings are encouraging, the number of controlled trials conducted on SMART is small and the studies have a number of significant methodological limitations.

We recommend that SMART be evaluated with larger and more robustly designed trials.
Applying the PROSPER prevention delivery system with middle schools: Emerging adulthood effects on substance misuse and conduct problem behaviors through 14 years past baseline
Authors: Spoth Richard , Redmond Cleve , Shin Chungyeol , Trudeau Linda , Greenberg Mark T. , Feinberg Mark E. , Welsh Janet
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated emerging adult effects of the PROmoting School‐Community‐University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) universal prevention delivery system implemented in middle schools. Twenty‐eight rural school districts were randomized to intervention and control conditions, with 1985 nineteen‐year‐old participants (90.6% White, 54.1% female) evaluated through age 25. Intent‐to‐treat, multi‐level, point‐in‐time analyses of covariance and growth analyses were conducted. Outcomes were assessed with self‐report measures of substance misuse (lifetime, current, frequency) and conduct problem behaviors. Analyses showed very limited point‐in‐time effects; there were growth pattern effects on measures of illicit drugs, non‐prescribed drugs, cigarettes, and drug problems. When risk moderation was observed, it favored higher‐risk participants. These emerging adult effects concerning slower growth of lifetime misuse combine with more robust adolescent stage findings to support PROSPER’s public health value.
Effect of stress‐induced hyperglycemia after non‐traumatic non‐aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage on clinical complications and functional outcomes
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Zhao Yue , Liu Yibo , Wang Xiaoyu , Xu Houshi , Fang Yuanjian , Zhang Anke , Lenahan Cameron , Luo Yujie , Chen Sheng
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite having an overall benign course, non‐traumatic non‐aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (naSAH) is still accompanied by a risk of clinical complications and poor outcomes. Risk factors and mechanisms of complications and poor outcomes after naSAH remain unknown. Our aim was to explore the effect of stress‐induced hyperglycemia (SIH) on complication rates and functional outcomes in naSAH patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with naSAH admitted to our institution between 2013 and 2018. SIH was identified according to previous criterion. Symptomatic vasospasm, delayed cerebral infarction, and hydrocephalus were identified as main complications. Outcomes were reviewed using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, 3 months, and 12 months. A statistical analysis was conducted to reveal the associations of SIH with complications and outcomes.

Results

A total of 244 naSAH patients were included in the cohort with 74 (30.3%) SIH. After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, Hunt and Hess (HH) grade, modified Fisher Scale (mFS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and subarachnoid blood distribution, SIH was significantly associated with symptomatic vasospasm (p < 0.001, 12.176 [4.904–30.231]), delayed cerebral infarction (p < 0.001, 12.434 [3.850–40.161]), hydrocephalus (p = 0.008, 5.771 [1.570–21.222]), and poor outcome at 12 months (p = 0.006, 5.506 [1.632–18.581]), whereas the correlation between SIH and poor outcome at discharge (p = 0.064, 2.409 [0.951–6.100]) or 3 months (p = 0.110, 2.029 [0.852–4.833]) was not significant. Incorporation of SIH increased the area under curve (AUC) of ROC in the combined model for predicting symptomatic vasospasm (p = 0.002), delayed cerebral infarction (p = 0.024), hydrocephalus (p = 0.037), and 12‐month poor outcome (p = 0.087).

Conclusions

SIH is a significant and independent risk factor for symptomatic vasospasm, delayed cerebral infarction, hydrocephalus, and long‐term poor outcome in naSAH patients. Identifying SIH early after naSAH is important for decision‐making and treatment planning.
1026. MECONOPSIS WANBAENSIS SUBSP. UNDULATISSIMA: Papaveraceae
Authors: Rankin David W. H. , Chambers Anne
Published: March 2022

Meconopsis wanbaensis subsp. undulatissima D. W. H. Rankin, a new subspecies from the south‐west part of Sichuan Province of China, is described and illustrated. The description of M. wanbaensis T. Yoshida is revised and its relationships with other members of Meconopsis Vig. section Grandes Fedde series Integrifoliae Grey‐Wilson are discussed.
Applying cover crop residues as diverse mixtures increases initial microbial assimilation of crop residue‐derived carbon
Authors: Shu Xin , Zou Yiran , Shaw Liz J. , Todman Lindsay , Tibbett Mark , Sizmur Tom
Published: March 2022

Increasing the diversity of crops grown in arable soils delivers multiple ecological functions. Whether mixtures of residues from different crops grown in polyculture contribute to microbial assimilation of carbon (C) to a greater extent than would be expected from applying individual residues is currently unknown. In this study, we used 13C isotope labelled cover crop residues (buckwheat, clover, radish, and sunflower) to track microbial assimilation of plant residue‐derived C using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. We also quantified microbial assimilation of C derived from the soil organic matter (SOM) because fresh residue inputs also prime the decomposition of SOM. To consider the initial stages of residue decomposition, and preclude microbial turnover, we compared a quaternary mixture of residues with the average effect of their four components 1 day after incorporation. Our results show that the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in the treatment receiving the mixed residue was significantly greater, by 132% (3.61 μg C g−1), than the mean plant residue‐derived MBC in treatments receiving the four individual components of the mixture. However, there was no evidence that the mixture resulted in any additional assimilation of C derived from native SOM than the average observed in individual residue treatments. We surmise that, during the initial stages of crop residue decomposition, a greater biodiversity of residues increases microbial assimilation to a greater extent than would be expected from applying individual residues either due to faster decomposition or greater carbon use efficiency (CUE). This might be facilitated by functional complementarity in the soil microbiota, permitted by a greater diversity of substrates, reducing competition for any single substrate. Therefore, growing and incorporating crop polycultures (e.g., cover crop mixtures) could be an effective method to increase microbial C assimilation in the early stages of cover crop decomposition.

Highlights

The effect of mixing crop residues on assimilation of C by soil microbial biomass was investigated.

The study is important due to recent interest in diverse cover crop mixtures for arable systems.

Mixing crop residues enhanced the assimilation of plant residue‐derived C into microbial biomass.

Growing and incorporating cover crop polycultures may enhance C storage in arable soils.
Functional connections between bird eggshell stiffness and nest characteristics through risk of egg collision in nests
Authors: Hung Chih‐Ming , Tsao Shu‐Han , Chiang Pei‐Lin , Wu Shang‐Ping , Tuanmu Mao‐Ning , Juang Jia‐Yang
Published: March 2022

Eggs and nests are two critical traits for the ecological success of birds. Their functional interactions, however, remain unclear. Here, we examined the functional connections between egg stiffness and nest attachment, site and structure for 1350 avian species. We revealed high eggshell stiffness for eggs in nests with a pensile attachment, located on non‐tree vegetation or having a domed shape, suggesting that birds produce stiffer eggs in response to higher egg‐collision risk in unstable or enclosed nests. Interdependence models suggested that the evolution of eggshell stiffness was more likely to be driven by than drive that of nest characters. Our results implied a trade‐off between investment in competing for established nesting niches and producing stiff eggs to explore novel niches with high collision risk, possibly mediated by predation or thermoregulation. This study highlights an overlooked connection between nests and eggshells that may have broadened the ecological niches of birds.
No evidence for general intelligence in a fish
Authors: Aellen Mélisande , Burkart Judith M. , Bshary Redouan
Published: March 2022

The average mammal or bird has a roughly ten times larger brain relative to body size than the average ectotherm vertebrate. It has been surprisingly challenging to determine how this translates into increased cognitive performance. In particular, it is unclear whether the brain size differences translate into qualitative differences in specific cognitive abilities. Here, we provide a first exploratory study to examine the possibility that the larger brains of endotherms support a different organisation of information processing, rather than specific differences in cognitive processes. In mammals, individual performance across domain‐general cognitive tasks is positively correlated, resulting in the psychometric factor g. The value of g is positively correlated with brain size. We tested wild‐caught female cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus, known for its highly sophisticated social behaviour, in four ecologically nonrelevant cognitive tasks that have been used to varying degrees to assess g in mammals. Cleaner fish solved three of these four tasks, flexibility (reversal learning), self‐control (detour around an obstacle) and numerical competence (simultaneous two‐choice task), while also providing enough interindividual variation to test for g. They did not perform above chance levels in the fourth task, which tested for object permanence. For the three retained tasks, individual performance did not load positively on one principal component. Furthermore, all pairwise correlation coefficients were close to zero. These negative results contradict a frequent criticism of g studies, which proposes that g is a default result of how brains are designed. Rather, the results provide a first indication that endotherm and ectotherm vertebrates may process cognitive tasks in fundamentally different ways due to differences in brain organisation. Our relatively low number of experiments compared to mammalian studies enhances this hypothesis, as the probability of finding a g factor by chance would have been higher.
The contribution of macroalgae‐associated fishes to small‐scale tropical reef fisheries
Authors: Wilson Shaun K. , Fulton Christopher J. , Graham Nicholas A.J. , A. Abesamis Rene , Berkström Charlotte , Coker Darren J. , Depczynski Martial , Evans Richard D. , Fisher Rebecca , Goetze Jordan , Hoey Andrew , Holmes Thomas H. , Kulbicki Michel , Noble Mae , Robinson James P.W. , Bradley Michael , Åkerlund Carolina , Barrett Luke T. , Bucol Abner A. , Birt Matthew J. , Chacin Dinorah H. , Chong‐Seng Karen M. , Eggertsen Linda , Eggertsen Maria , Ellis David , Leung Priscilla T. Y. , Lam Paul K.S. , van Lier Joshua , Matis Paloma A. , Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Piggott Camilla V.H. , Radford Ben T. , Tano Stina , Tinkler Paul
Published: March 2022

Macroalgae‐dominated reefs are a prominent habitat in tropical seascapes that support a diversity of fishes, including fishery target species. To what extent, then, do macroalgal habitats contribute to small‐scale tropical reef fisheries? To address this question we: (1) Quantified the macroalgae‐associated fish component in catches from 133 small‐scale fisheries, (2) Compared life‐history traits relevant to fishing (e.g. growth, longevity) in macroalgal and coral‐associated fishes, (3) Examined how macroalgae‐associated species can influence catch diversity, trophic level and vulnerability and (4) Explored how tropical fisheries change with the expansion of macroalgal habitats using a case study of fishery‐independent data for Seychelles. Fish that utilised macroalgal habitats comprise 24% of the catch, but very few fished species relied entirely on macroalgal or coral habitats post‐settlement. Macroalgal and coral‐associated fishes had similar life‐history traits, although vulnerability to fishing declined with increasing contribution of macroalgae association to the catch, whilst mean trophic level and diversity peaked when macroalgal‐associated fish accounted for 20%–30% of catches. The Seychelles case study revealed similar total fish biomass on macroalgal and coral reefs, although the biomass of primary target species increased as macroalgae cover expanded. Our findings reinforce that multiple habitat types are needed to support tropical fishery stability and sustainability. Whilst coral habitats have been the focus of tropical fisheries management, we show the potential for macroalgae‐associated fish to support catch size and diversity in ways that reduce vulnerability to overfishing. This is pertinent to seascapes where repeated disturbances are facilitating the replacement of coral reef with macroalgal habitats.
Larval transport pathways from three prominent sand lance habitats in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Suca Justin J. , Ji Rubao , Baumann Hannes , Pham Kent , Silva Tammy L. , Wiley David N. , Feng Zhixuan , Llopiz Joel K.
Published: March 2022

Northern sand lance (Ammodytes dubius) are among the most critically important forage fish throughout the Northeast US shelf. Despite their ecological importance, little is known about the larval transport of this species. Here, we use otolith microstructure analysis to estimate hatch and settlement dates of sand lance and then use these measurements to parametrize particle tracking experiments to assess the source–sink dynamics of three prominent sand lance habitats in the Gulf of Maine: Stellwagen Bank, the Great South Channel, and Georges Bank. Our results indicate the pelagic larval duration of northern sand lance lasts about 2 months (range: 50–84 days) and exhibit a broad range of hatch and settlement dates. Forward and backward particle tracking experiments show substantial interannual variability, yet suggest transport generally follows the north to south circulation in the Gulf of Maine region. We find that Stellwagen Bank is a major source of larvae for the Great South Channel, while the Great South Channel primarily serves as a sink for larvae from Stellwagen Bank and Georges Bank. Retention is likely the primary source of larvae on Georges Bank. Retention within both Georges Bank and Stellwagen Bank varies interannually in response to changes in local wind events, while the Great South Channel only exhibited notable retention in a single year. Collectively, these results provide a framework to assess population connectivity among these sand lance habitats, which informs the species' recruitment dynamics and impacts its vulnerability to exploitation.
Genetic and environmental influences on quality of life: The COVID‐19 pandemic as a natural experiment
Authors: van de Weijer Margot P. , Pelt Dirk H. M. , de Vries Lianne P. , Huider Floris , van der Zee Matthijs D. , Helmer Quinta , Ligthart Lannie , Willemsen Gonneke , Boomsma Dorret I. , de Geus Eco , Bartels Meike
Published: March 2022

By treating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic as a natural experiment, we examine the influence of substantial environmental change (i.e., lockdown measures) on individual differences in quality of life (QoL) in the Netherlands. We compare QoL scores before the pandemic (N = 25,772) to QoL scores during the pandemic (N = 17,222) in a sample of twins and their family members. On a 10‐point scale, we find a significant decrease in mean QoL from 7.73 (SD = 1.06) before the pandemic to 7.02 (SD = 1.36) during the pandemic (Cohen's d = 0.49). Additionally, variance decomposition shows an increase in unique environmental variance during the pandemic (0.30–1.08), and a decrease in the heritability estimate from 30.9% to 15.5%. We hypothesize that the increased environmental variance is the result of lockdown measures not impacting everybody equally. Whether these effects persist over longer periods and how they impact health inequalities remain topics for future investigation.