bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in the ontogeny of drug disposition
Authors: Chapron Brian D. , Chapron Alenka , Leeder J. Steven
Published: March 2021

Developmental changes that occur throughout childhood have long been known to impact drug disposition. However, pharmacokinetic studies in the paediatric population have historically been limited due to ethical concerns arising from incorporating children into clinical trials. As such, much of the early work in the field of developmental pharmacology was reliant on difficult‐to‐interpret in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Over the last 2 decades, our understanding of the mechanistic processes underlying age‐related changes in drug disposition has advanced considerably. Progress has largely been driven by technological advances in mass spectrometry‐based methods for quantifying proteins implicated in drug disposition, and in silico tools that leverage these data to predict age‐related changes in pharmacokinetics. This review summarizes our current understanding of the impact of childhood development on drug disposition, particularly focusing on research of the past 20 years, but also highlighting select examples of earlier foundational research. Equally important to the studies reviewed herein are the areas that we cannot currently describe due to the lack of research evidence; these gaps provide a map of drug disposition pathways for which developmental trends still need to be characterized.
Warning: Bilateral trade agreements do not create trade
Authors: Chafer C. , Gil‐Pareja S. , Llorca‐Vivero R.
Published: March 2021

Both bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements have grown in number over the past three decades, but their potential impact on trade may be different. This paper sheds light on the ex post (partial) effect of bilateral versus plurilateral trade agreements using the most recent econometric developments for the gravity equation on a dataset that covers 211 countries and territories over the period 1948–2013. Our results show that plurilateral trade agreements have significantly increased trade among trading partners, while this has not been the case for bilateral trade agreements.
Tertiary lymphoid structures show infiltration of effective tumor‐resident T cells in gastric cancer
Authors: Mori Takuya , Tanaka Hiroaki , Suzuki Shugo , Deguchi Sota , Yamakoshi Yoshihito , Yoshii Mami , Miki Yuichiro , Tamura Tatsuro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Wanibuchi Hideki , Ohira Masaichi
Published: March 2021

Several studies have reported that tissue‐resident memory T cells (TRM cells) or tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are associated with a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of TRM cells and TLSs in the tumor immune microenvironment in gastric cancer (GC). We performed immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining to detect the presence of CD103+ T cells and to assess the association between CD103+ T cells and TLSs. CD103+ T cells were observed in the tumor epithelium accompanied by CD8+ T cells and were associated with a better prognosis in GC. Furthermore, CD103+ T cells were located around TLSs, and patients with CD103high had more rich TLSs. Patients who had both CD103high cells and who were TLS‐rich had a better prognosis than patients with CD103low cells and who were TLS‐poor. Moreover, for patients who received PD‐1 blockade therapy, CD103high and TLS‐rich predicted a good response. Flow cytometry was performed to confirm the characteristics of CD103+CD8+ T cells and showed that CD103+CD8+ T cells in GC expressed higher levels of PD‐1, granzyme B, and interferon‐γ than CD103−CD8+ T cells. Our results suggested that CD103+CD8+ cells in GC are correlated with TLSs, resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity in GC.
Red blood cell distribution width in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Implications for outcomes
Authors: Valenti Anna Chiara , Vitolo Marco , Manicardi Marcella , Arrotti Salvatore , Magnavacchi Paolo , Gabbieri Davide , Tondi Stefano , Guiducci Vincenzo , Losi Luciano , Vignali Luigi , Sgura Fabio Alfredo , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Background

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is recently emerging as a prognostic indicator in many cardiovascular diseases. However, less is known about its predictive role in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

We retrospectively included very high‐risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing TAVI between February 2012 and December 2019. Patients were classified according to RDW tertiles. Our primary endpoint was long‐term all‐cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was a composite of in‐hospital major adverse events as defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria and/or long‐term all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 424 patients [median age 83.5 years, 52.6% females] were analysed. After a median follow‐up of 1.55 years, all‐cause mortality was 25.5%. At the multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients in the highest RDW tertile were associated with a higher risk for all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, 95%confidence interval [CI] 1.02‐2.95] compared with the lowest tertile. When considering RDW as a continuous variable, we found an 11% increased risk in overall mortality [HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00‐1.24] for each increased point in RDW. The highest RDW tertile was also independently associated with the occurrence of the composite endpoint [odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% CI 1.17‐3.76] compared with lower tertiles.

Conclusions

In our cohort, elevated basal RDW values were independent predictors of increased long‐term mortality and higher rate of in‐hospital adverse events. The inclusion of a routinely available biomarker as RDW, may help the pre‐operative risk assessment in potential TAVI candidates and optimise their management.
Clinical outcomes after intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin for the highest‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer newly defined in the Japanese Urological Association Guidelines 2019
Authors: Miyamoto Tatsuki , Miyake Makito , Toyoshima Yuta , Fujii Tomomi , Shimada Keiji , Nishimura Nobutaka , Iida Kota , Nakahama Tomonori , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Ohbayashi Chiho , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the clinical outcomes of highest‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin.

Methods

The medical charts of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin between 2000 and 2018 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into three groups (intermediate‐, high‐ and highest‐risk groups) according to the risk classification of the updated Japanese Urological Association guidelines 2019. Among the three groups, the intravesical recurrence‐free survival and progression‐free survival were estimated and compared, respectively. Furthermore, the different types of risk factors in the highest‐risk group were analyzed.

Results

Of the 165 patients, 49 (30%) patients had intravesical recurrence and 23 (14%) patients showed progression to muscle‐invasive disease during a median follow‐up period of 53 months. Significant differences were not noted in the recurrence‐free survival and progression‐free survival among the three groups. Multivariable survival analysis of 74 patients in the highest‐risk group showed that carcinoma in situ in the prostatic urethra was a significant predictor associated with recurrence (hazard ratio 3.20, P = 0.026) and progression (hazard ratio 4.36, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin can control highest‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in most patients. Our findings might aid in decision‐making regarding the treatment of this subset of patients who require intensive treatment, such as intravesical therapy with bacillus Calmette–Guérin and radical cystectomy.
Enhancing Data Science Ethics Through Statistical Education and Practice
Authors: Utts Jessica
Published: March 2021

As sources of data become more plentiful and massive datasets are easier to acquire, new ethical issues arise involving data quality and privacy, and the analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data‐driven decisions. There are numerous anecdotes involving abuses of complex data analyses and algorithms, and the impact they have had on society. In this paper, we discuss what statisticians can do to help enhance data science ethics in practice and what statistics educators can do to instil sound ethical behaviour in our students. We have opportunities to practice and teach ethical conduct relevant to all stages of the data life cycle. This paper discusses issues impacting ethical data science, with a focus on how statisticians can help raise awareness and encourage implementation of ethical best practices.
Effectiveness of double‐gloving method on prevention of surgical glove perforations and blood contamination: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Gao Xinghua , Ruan Xiangcai , Zheng Bin
Published: March 2021

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of the double‐gloving method on preventing surgical glove perforation and blood contamination compared with single gloving.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Seven electronic databases were searched including: Embase, CINAHL, OVID, Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Foreign Medical Literature Retrieval Service in March 2020.

Review method

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Risk of bias of Cochrane Handbook (Version 5.1.0) was applied to evaluate the study quality. Revman 5.3 was used to calculate the effect size of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta‐analysis with forest plot and funnel plot was performed to compare the rate of surgical glove perforation and to determine the published bias, respectively. This review has been registered with ID: CRD42020189694 on the web site of PROSPERO.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials regarding the efficacy of double gloving on reducing surgical glove perforation were identified and a total of 7090 gloves were tested. After analyzing the pooled data, we identified that the rate of surgical glove perforation in the double‐gloving group was lower than that of single gloving with statistical significance (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.89, p < .05). It was statistically significant that surgical glove perforation was lower in the double‐inner gloves as well as matched outer–inner perforated gloves compared with that of single glove (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03–0.07, p < .05).

Conclusion

Findings of this systematic review demonstrate that double gloving could reduce the rate of surgical‐glove perforation. Meanwhile, the risk of being contaminated by a blood‐borne pathogen during surgery could be reduced by wearing double gloves. We strongly suggest that surgical team members when operating should wear double gloves to protect themselves and reduce the risk of occupational blood exposure.

Impact

The necessity of double gloving for preventing blood contamination was demonstrated. The rate of surgical glove perforation is statistically significant in double‐gloving group compared to single gloving. Double gloving could reduce the risk of being contaminated during surgery by blood‐borne pathogen. Evidence is provided for surgical team and decision makers that double gloving could reduce occupational exposure.
Living under psychosocial pressure: Perception of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ebadi Mahsa , Samadi Sayyed Ali , Mardani‐Hamooleh Marjan , Seyedfatemi Naima
Published: March 2021

Problem

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience higher levels of stress compared to mothers of typically developing children. This study identified mothers' perceptions of the stress caused by lifelong caregiving to a child with ASD.

Methods

The current study was conducted in Iran using qualitative methods. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with twenty‐seven mothers. Content analysis was used to analyze and categorize the data.

Findings

The main categories included (1) psychological concerns and suffering and (2) sociocultural challenges. The first category consisted of two subcategories, including disruption in mother–child relationships and fears and worries. Also, the second category included subcategories of cultural constraints and lack of social support.

Conclusions

In this study, the mothers of autistic children experienced psychosocial pain. Identifying the stressors for these mothers could lead to appropriate planning to provide psychological, social, and cultural support for them in Iranian society.
CDX2 enhances natural killer cell–mediated immunotherapy against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through up‐regulating CXCL14
Authors: Wang Haitao , Nan Shanji , Wang Ying , Xu Chengbi
Published: March 2021

(NK) cells are at the first line of defence against tumours, but their anti‐tumour mechanisms are not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the mechanism by which NK cells can mediate immunotherapy against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We collected fifty‐two pairs of HNSCC tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues; analysis by RT‐qPCR showed underexpression of CXCL14 in HNSCC tissues. Primary NK cells were then isolated from the peripheral blood of HNSCC patients and healthy donors. CXCL14 was found to be consistently under‐expressed in the primary NK cells from the HNSCC patients. However, CXCL14 expression was increased in IL2‐activated primary NK cells and NK‐92 cells. We next evaluated NK cell migration, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α expression, cytotoxicity and infiltration in response to CXCL14 overexpression or knockdown using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approach. The results exhibited that CXCL14 overexpression promoted NK cell migration, cytotoxicity and infiltration. Subsequent in vivo experiments revealed that CXCL14 suppressed the growth of HNSCC cells via activation of NK cells. ChIP was applied to study the enrichment of H3K27ac, p300, H3K4me1 and CDX2 in the enhancer region of CXCL14, which showed that CDX2/p300 activated the enhancer of CXCL14 to up‐regulate its expression. Rescue experiments demonstrated that CDX2 stimulated NK cell migration, cytotoxicity and infiltration through up‐regulating CXCL14. In vivo data further revealed that CDX2 suppressed tumorigenicity of HNSCC cells through enhancement of CXCL14. To conclude, CDX2 promotes CXCL14 expression by activating its enhancer, which promotes NK cell–mediated immunotherapy against HNSCC.
Improving the outcomes of youth with medical limitations: Evidence from the National Job Corps Study
Authors: Hock Heinrich , Luca Dara Lee , Kautz Tim , Stapleton David
Published: March 2021

Improving work outcomes for youth with disabilities and reducing their reliance on disability benefits are important policy priorities, but existing interventions have shown limited promise. We provide new evidence to inform this discussion by re‐analyzing data from the 1990s National Job Corps Study, a randomized field experiment conducted nationwide in the United States. Job Corps, which provides comprehensive training to economically disadvantaged youth, is the nation's largest youth program outside of the school system. We examine youth who had medical limitations when they enrolled in the experiment, a group that has not previously been studied. During the 4 years after random assignment, participation in Job Corps increased the earnings of youth with medical limitations—substantially more so than for youth without medical limitations—and additionally reduced their receipt of disability cash benefits. Interventions designed specifically for such youth have not typically demonstrated reductions in benefit receipt. Hence, our re‐analysis of the field experiment suggests that Job Corps could be a promising model for helping some youth with disabilities gain a foothold in the labor market and achieve greater self‐sufficiency.
Flowers and fruits prolong survival of drosophila pupal parasitoids
Authors: Collatz Jana , Romeis Jörg
Published: March 2021

Adult parasitoids often feed on sugar sources for survival and to fuel energy. Therefore, the provision of sugar sources, such as nectar from flowers, can enhance biological control. We assessed whether Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae and Trichopria drosophilae, two pupal parasitoids of Drosophila spp., can profit from different sugar sources. In a laboratory experiment, we offered honey, cornflower and buckwheat flowers, crushed and Drosophila suzukii‐infested blueberries as well as hosts together with honey. In both parasitoid species, all food sources significantly prolonged the lifespan of females compared to the control. The flowers prolonged the lifespan in both species threefold or fourfold, in P. vindemmiae from a mean of 6 to 28 days, in T. drosophilae from 13 to 49 days. Infested and damaged blueberries also enhanced mean survival in both species. When fed honey, the presence of hosts slightly decreased lifespan in P. vindemmiae and strongly decreased it in T. drosophilae. Our results suggest that the parasitoids can utilize the fruits they encounter during host search. Flowers could enhance their biological control function even further, as long as they do not benefit the pest.
Creation of a medical ward from non‐clinical space amidst the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Locke Cameron J. , Koo Benjamin , Baron Sarah W. , Shapiro Jared , Pacifico Jessica
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Hospitals were mandated to dramatically increase capacity during the Covid‐19 crisis in New York City. Conversion of non‐clinical space into medical units designated for Covid‐19 patients became necessary to accommodate this mandate.

Methods

Non‐clinical space was converted into medical units at multiple campuses of a large academic hospital system over 1 week. The conversion required construction to deliver basic care including oxygen supplementation. Creation of provider workspaces, handwashing areas, and colour‐coded infection control zones was prioritized. Selection criteria were created with a workflow to determine appropriate patients for transfer into converted space. Staffing of converted space shifted as hospitalizations surged.

Results

The unit was open for 18 days and accommodated 170 unique patients. Five patients (2.9%) required transfer to a higher level of care. There were no respiratory arrests, cardiac arrests, or deaths in the new unit.

Conclusion

Converting non‐clinical space to a medical unit was accomplished quickly with staffing, workflow for appropriate patients, few patients who returned to a higher level of care, and no respiratory or cardiac arrests or deaths on the unit.
Evaluation of alternative diluents for clinical use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH‐aaes)
Authors: Wolfe Henry R. , Rosenberg Elizabeth , Ciftci Kadriye , Edgecombe Jill , McLane Michael P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH‐aesthetic formulation [CCH‐aaes]; QWO™ [Endo Aesthetics, Malvern PA, USA] is approved as a subcutaneous injection for treatment of cellulite. In the aesthetic practice, dilution of marketed products is commonly employed to tailor treatments to individual patients or off‐label locations. Dilution beyond the 0.23 mg/ml achievable with the proprietary diluent supplied with the CCH‐aaes lyophilized powder requires diluents readily available in clinic.

Aim

To characterize the functionality and stability of CCH‐aaes when reconstituted and/or diluted with alternative diluents, including normal saline, bacteriostatic saline, and/or proprietary diluent.

Patients/Methods

Each dilution was assessed for purity using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE), activity using collagenase (AUX‐I) and gelatinase (AUX‐II) assays, and aggregation using size‐exclusion chromatography.

Results

When reconstituted with either saline or proprietary diluent, and diluted with proprietary diluent or saline, purity, activity, and stability of CCH‐aaes is maintained for up to 24 h at 5°C or 25°C. In contrast, use of bacteriostatic saline to reconstitute and/or dilute CCH‐aaes results in up to a 40% decrease in activity and aggregation of 5.3% of CCH‐aaes protein. Importantly, inclusion of 2% lidocaine and 1:200 000 epinephrine does not negatively impact CCH‐aaes purity, concentration, or activity for up to 24 h at 5°C or 25°C.

Conclusions

From an efficacy and safety perspective, CCH‐aaes must not be/should not be reconstituted and/or diluted with bacteriostatic saline to avoid injection of protein aggregates. Ideally, CCH‐aaes should be reconstituted in proprietary diluent: further dilution with normal saline and addition of lidocaine and epinephrine is acceptable.
The association between ectopic pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease: A systematic review
Authors: Talavera Jonah I. R. , Parrill Allison M. , Elsayad Chris , Fogel Joshua , Riggs John C. , Peng Bo
Published: March 2021

Aim

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease (CeD) more commonly affect women of reproductive age. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women with IBD, IBS, and CeD.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL from the database inception date through December 31, 2020. Peer‐reviewed publications and abstracts written in English, regarding the association between EP and IBD, IBS, and CeD with controls were included. Quality assessment was conducted based on GRADE criteria. Analyses included odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity between studies was presented with I2.

Results

We included five population‐based cohort studies. The odds of EP significantly increased in Crohn's disease (CD), but not ulcerative colitis (UC) as compared to IBD‐free controls. The odds of EP significantly increased in IBS as compared to women without IBS. No significant difference was observed for odds of EP in women with and without CeD.

Conclusions

Possible evidence of associations between EP and CD as well as IBS were observed; however, not with UC and CeD. Pregnant women with chronic inflammatory bowel pathologies may warrant cautious monitoring.
SDF‐1 modulates periodontal ligament‐Mesenchymal Stem Cells (pdl‐MSCs)
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Bozkurt Buket S. , Hakki Erdogan E. , Karaoz Erdal , Unlu Ali , Kayis Seyit Ali
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

In this in vitro study, the effects of Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) was evaluated on the periodontal ligament‐Mesenchymal Stem Cells (pdl‐MSCs) functions.

Material and Methods

Real‐time cell analyzer‐single plate (RTCA‐SP) was employed for proliferation, and RTCA‐dual purpose (DP) was utilized for pdl‐MSCs migration potential treated with different SDF‐1 concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 200, and 400 ng/ml). Based on the dose‐response findings, 10 ng/ml SDF‐1 was used for further mRNA experiments. RNAs isolated at 6 and 24 h were checked using quantitative RT‐PCR for mineralized tissue‐associated genes including type I collagen (COL I), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). cRNA was synthesized for 6 h, and whole‐genome array analysis was performed for over 47.000 probes. Data were subjected to quantile normalization before analysis.

Results

Increased proliferation and migration were observed in pdl‐MSCs treated with 0.1, 1, and 10 ng/ml SDF‐1. Increased COL I was observed at both time points: 6 and 24 h. While there was no significant change for OCN, OPN, and Runx2 at 6 h, SDF‐1 up‐regulated OCN and OPN, but down‐regulated Runx2 mRNA expressions at 24 h. IL‐8 and ESM1 genes were differentially expressed over twofold when the pdl‐MSCs were exposed to SDF‐1 at whole‐genome array analysis. IL‐8 induction was confirmed with RT‐PCR.

Conclusion

Findings of this study displayed that SDF‐1 modulated pdl‐MSCs which were important for periodontal regeneration, inducing migration and proliferation, and regulating extracellular matrix synthesis in favor of the formation of new attachment.
Association between emergency department pediatric readiness and transfer of noninjured children in small rural hospitals
Authors: Lieng Monica K. , Marcin James P. , Sigal Ilana S. , Haynes Sarah C. , Dayal Parul , Tancredi Daniel J. , Gausche‐Hill Marianne , Mouzoon Jamie L. , Romano Patrick S. , Rosenthal Jennifer L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Pediatric readiness scores may be a useful measure of a hospital's preparedness to care for children. However, there is limited evidence linking these scores with patient outcomes or other metrics, including the need for interfacility transfer. This study aims to determine the association of pediatric readiness scores with the odds of interfacility transfer among a cohort of noninjured children (< 18 years old) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in small rural hospitals in the state of California.

Methods

Data from the National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment were linked with the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's ED and inpatient databases to conduct a cross‐sectional study of pediatric interfacility transfers. Hospitals were manually matched between these data sets. Logistic regression was performed with random intercepts for hospital and adjustment for patient‐level confounders.

Findings

A total of 54 hospitals and 135,388 encounters met the inclusion criteria. EDs with a high pediatric readiness score (>70) had lower adjusted odds of transfer (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33–0.93) than EDs with a low pediatric readiness score (≤ 70). The pediatric readiness section with strongest association with transfer was the “policies, procedures, and protocols” section; EDs in the highest quartile had lower odds of transfer than EDs in the lowest quartile (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91).

Conclusions

Pediatric patients presenting to EDs at small rural hospitals with high pediatric readiness scores may be less likely to be transferred. Additional studies are recommended to investigate other pediatric outcomes in relation to hospital ED pediatric readiness.
Different sets of traits explain abundance and distribution patterns of European plants at different spatial scales
Authors: Sporbert Maria , Welk Erik , Seidler Gunnar , Jandt Ute , Aćić Svetlana , Biurrun Idoia , Campos Juan Antonio , Čarni Andraž , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Chytrý Milan , Ćušterevska Renata , Dengler Jürgen , De Sanctis Michele , Dziuba Tetiana , Fagúndez Jaime , Field Richard , Golub Valentin , He Tianhua , Jansen Florian , Lenoir Jonathan , Marcenò Corrado , Martín‐Forés Irene , Moeslund Jesper Erenskjold , Moretti Marco , Niinemets Ülo , Penuelas Josep , Pérez‐Haase Aaron , Vandvik Vigdis , Vassilev Kiril , Vynokurov Denys , Bruelheide Helge
Published: March 2021

Aim

Plant functional traits summarize the main variability in plant form and function across taxa and biomes. We assess whether geographic range size, climatic niche size, and local abundance of plants can be predicted by sets of traits (trait syndromes) or are driven by single traits.

Location

Eurasia.

Methods

Species distribution maps were extracted from the Chorological Database Halle to derive information on the geographic range size and climatic niche size for 456 herbaceous, dwarf shrub and shrub species. We estimated local species abundances based on 740,113 vegetation plots from the European Vegetation Archive, where abundances were available as plant species cover per plot. We compiled a complete species‐by‐trait matrix of 20 plant functional traits from trait databases (TRY, BiolFlor and CLO‐PLA). The relationships of species’ geographic range size, climatic niche size and local abundance with single traits and trait syndromes were tested with multiple linear regression models.

Results

Generally, traits were more strongly related to local abundances than to broad‐scale species distribution patterns in geographic and climatic space (range and niche size), but both were better predicted by trait combinations than by single traits. Local abundance increased with leaf area and specific leaf area (SLA). Geographic range size and climatic niche size both increased with SLA. While range size increased with plant height, niche size decreased with leaf carbon content.

Conclusion

Functional traits matter for species’ abundance and distribution at both local and broad geographic scale. Local abundances are associated with different combinations of traits as compared to broad‐scale distributions, pointing to filtering by different environmental and ecological factors acting at distinct spatial scales. However, traits related to the leaf economics spectrum were important for species’ abundance and occurrence at both spatial scales. This finding emphasizes the general importance of resource acquisition strategies for the abundance and distribution of herbaceous, dwarf shrub and shrub species.
Community dissimilarity of angiosperm trees reveals deep‐time diversification across tropical and temperate forests
Authors: Kusumoto Buntarou , Kubota Yasuhiro , Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Matthews Thomas J. , Murphy Daniel J. , Shiono Takayuki
Published: March 2021

Question

To better understand the influence of deep‐time diversification on extant plant communities, we assessed how community dissimilarity increases with spatial and climatic distances at multiple taxonomic ranks (species, genus, family, and order) in angiosperm trees. We tested the prediction that the dissimilarity–distance relationship should change across taxonomic ranks depending on the deep‐time diversification in different biogeographical regions reflecting geohistories and geographical settings.

Location

Global.

Methods

Using a data set of plot‐based surveys across the globe (861 plots), we compiled a community composition matrix comprising 21,455 species, 2,741 genera, 240 families, and 57 orders. We then calculated Sørensen's pairwise dissimilarity (βsor), and its turnover (βsim) and nestedness (βsne) components, among plots within seven biogeographical regions. Finally, we modeled the relationships between the biotic dissimilarities and the spatial/climatic distances at each taxonomic rank, and compared them among regions.

Results

βsor and βsim increased with increasing spatial and climatic distance in all biogeographical regions: βsim was dominant in all biogeographical regions in general, while βsne showed relatively high contributions to total dissimilarity in the temperate regions with historically unstable climatic conditions. The βsim‐distance curve was more saturated at smaller spatial scales in the tropics than in the temperate regions. In general, the curves became flatter at higher taxonomic ranks (order or family), with the exception of Africa, North America, and Australia, pointing to region‐specific geographical constraints.

Conclusions

Compositional dissimilarity was generally shaped through the abrupt turnover of species along spatial/climatic gradients. The relatively high importance of the nestedness component in the temperate regions suggests that historical dispersal filters related to extinction/colonization may play important roles. Region‐specific changes in the turnover and nestedness components across taxonomic ranks suggest differential imprints of historical diversification over deep evolutionary time in shaping extant diversity patterns in each biogeographical region.
Processing of mobile laser scanning data for large‐scale deformation monitoring of anchored retaining structures along highways
Authors: Kalenjuk Slaven , Lienhart Werner , Rebhan Matthias J.
Published: March 2021

In times of steadily increasing traffic loads and extreme weather phenomena, the safe maintenance of infrastructure poses a difficult challenge to operators, especially when a vast number of aged structures exists and fundamental data is missing. This paper addresses the demand for cost‐efficient deformation monitoring of anchored retaining structures along public roads. The principal idea is to process laser scans of a motor‐vehicle‐based mobile mapping system with a high degree of automation. Starting with scene interpretation, our processing pipeline extracts the retaining wall from the rest of the point cloud, segments the anchored elements, and computes their deformations. This method requires, however, correcting for positioning errors to obtain accurate results. We exploit the high data redundancy of road patches and line markings for alignment. Due to the high degree of automation, computations scale to large numbers of point clouds and run in a repeatable manner. Even when traveling along highways with up to 100 km/h, we achieve repeatable accuracies for tilting and lateral displacements that compare to traditional, labor‐intense surveying methods.
Student nurses' strategies when speaking up for patient safety: A qualitative study
Authors: Fagan Anthea , Lea Jackie , Parker Vicki
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to understand student nurses' perceptions and experiences of witnessing and responding to risks to patient safety during their integrated learning experiences. This qualitative study's two‐phased approach included individual semi‐structured interviews, followed by focus group discussions with students. Participants included 53 pre‐registration nursing students recruited from the first, second, and third years of study at two Australian universities. All had attended at least one clinical placement experience. Interpretive Description was used as a framework to guide the study. The findings highlight that students engage in specific and deliberate strategies when attempting to speak up. Students weigh up the risk to the patient and themselves. They use questioning techniques and their knowledge, experiences, and resources when speaking up. Students highlighted the need for caution and persistence while aiming to reduce the risk of reprisal. Exposing the challenges and successes students experience will provide educators, managers, and clinicians with the understanding necessary to better support both students and clinicians to achieve safe outcomes for patients as well a students.
MEDITERRANEAN SILVER PRODUCTION AND THE SITE OF ANTAS, SARDINIA
Authors: Terpstra Taco T.
Published: March 2021

The article traces the development of Mediterranean silver production from the Iron Age to the time of Rome, focusing on the site of Antas, Sardinia. Antas is located in a rich metalliferous area, which served as a source of lead and silver beyond the regional level. The article takes data on the exploitation of metal resources as a gauge for Mediterranean developments, especially state formation and the rise in maritime connectivity. Sardinian Bronze Age chiefdoms seem not to have mined the local argentiferous ore. But studies of lead isotopes suggest that Iron Age chiefdoms began to do so in response to Phoenician demand. Metal extraction intensified under Carthaginian rule, reaching a peak under the Roman Empire. In addition, at Antas the Carthaginians initiated religious practices, which the Romans continued. This cult activity is hypothesized to result from the cross‐culturally well attested connection between metallurgy and the world of the divine.
Utility of pre‐transplant lower urinary tract investigation in pediatric renal transplant population after referral: A 16‐year institutional experience
Authors: Kim Jin K. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Raveendran Lucshman , Chua Michael E. , Ming Jessica M. , Farhat Walid A. , Koyle Martin A.
Published: March 2021

To evaluate the clinical utility of pre‐renal transplant LUT investigations in pediatric populations after their referral for transplant evaluation based on the etiology of their ESRD. A 16 year retrospective review of patients undergoing RT performed at our institution was performed. Patients were stratified into two groups: Group 1—non‐urologic and Group 2—urologic etiology for ESRD. Baseline characteristics, pre‐transplant LUT investigations, and urologic interventions were assessed. One‐year clinical outcomes were compared between those with and without LUT investigations following referral for renal transplantation (RT). 227 patients and 97 patients were identified for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. 19% of Group 1 and 73% of Group 2 had VCUG, while 1% and 13%, respectively, had UDS ordered following referral for RT. In both groups, >50% of VCUG and UDS were ordered without specific clinical concerns. These had low likelihood of prompting interventions, both pre‐transplant (Group 1—VCUG 0%, UDS 0%; Group 2—VCUG 0%, UDS 8%) or post‐transplant (Group 1—0%, Group 2—5%). In both groups, LUT investigation following referral for RT did not lead to differences in 1 year outcomes assessed. In anticipation of pediatric RT, LUT investigations ordered without clinical indications did not provide information that altered management prior to transplantation.
Optimizing the initial cultivation stages of kelp Ecklonia radiata for restoration
Authors: Suebsanguan Sarucha , Strain Elisabeth M. A. , Morris Rebecca L. , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: March 2021

Restoration of kelp forests typically relies on transplanting sporophylls to new locations and has limited application in regions with low remnant kelp cover. Cultivated kelp requires fewer sporophylls and is a potential alternative and sustainable source of transplants for large‐scale restoration projects. Naturally sourced fertile sporophylls, however, are still required as “seed” stock in cultivation practices, thus optimizing cultivation methods is important to minimize this dependency on wild stocks. To assist in optimizing the early‐stage cultivation methods for restoring beds of the laminarian kelp Ecklonia radiata, we first tested the effects of sporophyll transport, storage, and dehydration on zoospore release. We then tested for effects of inoculum storage temperature on zoospore abundance, and lastly for media sterilization and inoculum concentration effects on both zoospore settlement and resulting gametophyte densities. Our results show, to maximize zoospore release, sporophylls should be transported dry and inoculated within 3 hours. Inoculum can be stored at 4°C without affecting zoospore abundance and should be added to sterilized media at lower concentrations to reduce settled zoospore density and improve post‐settlement survival of the gametophyte stage. This study provides practical recommendations for optimizing the initial cultivation procedures of E. radiata. To develop a full life‐cycle cultivation protocol for kelp restoration purposes, future research should focus on optimizing sporophyte production, out‐planting and transplanting techniques.
Genesis of HarizhaAg–Pb–Zndeposit in the eastern Kunlun Orogen,NWChina: Evidence of fluid inclusions andC–H–O–S–Pbisotopes
Authors: Fan Xingzhu , Sun Fengyue , Xu Chenghan , Xin Wei , Wang YingChao , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2021

The Harizha Ag–Pb–Zn deposit is located in the eastern part of the eastern Kunlun Orogen, NW China. Two episodes including five paragenetic stages of vein mineralization has been recognized for the Harizha Ag–Pb–Zn deposit through petrographic observation: quartz + pyrite + arsenopyrite (Stage I), quartz + pyrite + chalcopyrite + pyrrhotite (Stage II), quartz + pyrite + chalcocite + pyrrhotite + sphalerite + galena + pyrargyrite (Stage III), quartz + calcite + pyrite + tetrahedrite + pyrolusite (Stage IV), and calcite + covellite + malachite + goethite + graphite (Stage V). In the quartz or calcite three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) were identified: L‐type, C‐type, and S‐type. The S‐type inclusions are only found in quartz in the wall rocks. The C‐type inclusions occur in quartz from early episodes (Stage I and II). The FIs from the early episodes homogenized at 240–320°C, with salinities of 9–12 wt.% NaCl equivalent. The ore‐forming fluids at the early episodes belong to an H2O–CO2–CH4–NaCl system. The FIs from late episodes (Stage III and IV) homogenized at 140–240°C, with salinities of 2–8 wt% NaCl equivalent. The ore‐forming fluids from the late episodes are dominated by an H2O–NaCl fluid system. The HO and CO isotopic compositions of quartz and calcite indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were derived from a primary magmatic‐hydrothermal system, with subsequent meteoric water involvement at a later stage. Sulfides have δ34S values of −3.7 to –1.0‰, and206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb, and208Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 18.381 to 18.425, 15.661 to 15.683, and 38.498 to 38.677, respectively. These likely suggest a magmatic sulfur affinity combined with the ore features, mineral associations, alteration characteristics, ore‐forming environment, and fluid evolutionary process. We conclude that the Harizha Ag–Pb–Zn deposit is a typical medium‐low temperature hydrothermal deposit.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Social Media Following Extreme Events
Authors: Byrd Katie , John Richard S.
Published: March 2021

With the increased use of social media in crisis communication following extreme events, it is important to understand how the public distinguishes between true and false information. A U.S. adult sample (N = 588) was presented 20 actual social media posts following a natural disaster or soft‐target terrorist attack in the United States. In this study, social media posts are conceptualized as truth signals with varying strengths, either above or below each individual's threshold for believing the post is true. Optimally, thresholds should be contingent on the (incentivized) error penalties and base‐rate of true posts, both of which were manipulated. Separate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicate that participants performed slightly better than chance for natural disasters and moderately better than chance for terror attacks. While the pooled thresholds are ordinally consistent with the base‐rate and error penalty manipulations, they are underadjusted compared to the optimal thresholds. After accounting for demographic and cognitive variables, the base‐rate manipulation significantly predicted sensitivity, specificity, and true response rates in the expected direction for both content domains, while the error penalty manipulation had no significant effect in either domain. Self‐identified political conservatives performed worse at classifying false content as false for natural disasters, but better for terror attacks.
Understanding varying COVID‐19 mortality rates reported in Africa compared to Europe, Americas and Asia
Authors: Okonji Emeka Francis , Okonji Osaretin Christabel , Mukumbang Ferdinand C. , Van Wyk Brian
Published: March 2021

The SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which causes the COVID‐19 disease, has impacted every nation on the globe, albeit disproportionately. African countries have seen lower infection and mortality rates than most countries in the Americas Europe and Asia. In this commentary, we explore some of the factors purported to be responsible for the low COVID‐19 infection and case fatality rates in Africa: low testing rate, poor documentation of cause of death, younger age population, good vitamin D status as a result of exposure to sunlight, cross‐immunity from other viruses including coronaviruses, and lessons learnt from other infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola. With the advent of a new variant of COVID‐19 and inadequate roll‐out of vaccines, an innovative and efficient response is needed to ramp up testing, contact tracing and accurate reporting of infection rates and cause of death in order to mitigate the spread of the infection.
The pigeon pea CcCIPK14‐CcCBL1 pair positively modulates drought tolerance by enhancing flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Meng Dong , Dong Biying , Niu Lili , Song Zhihua , Wang Litao , Amin Rohul , Cao Hongyan , Li Hanghang , Yang Qing , Fu Yujie
Published: March 2021

Calcineurin B‐like (CBL)‐interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) play a central role in Ca2+ signalling and promote drought tolerance in plants. The CIPK gene family in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), a major food crop affected by drought, has not previously been characterised. Here, we identified 28 CIPK genes in the pigeon pea genome. Five CcCIPK genes were strongly upregulated in roots upon drought treatment and were selected for further characterisation. Overexpression of CcCIPK13 and CcCIPK14 increased survival rates by two‐ to three‐fold relative to controls after 14 days of drought. Furthermore, the three major flavonoids, genistin, genistein and apigenin, were significantly upregulated in the same transgenic plants. Using CcCIPK14 as bait, we performed a yeast two‐hybrid screen and identified six interactors, including CcCBL1. CcCIPK14 exhibited autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of CcCBL1 in vitro. CcCBL1‐overexpressed plants displayed higher survival rates upon drought stress as well as higher expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes and flavonoid content. CcCIPK14‐overexpressed plants in which CcCBL1 transcript levels were reduced by RNA interference had lower survival rates, which indicated CcCBL1 in the same pathway as CcCIPK14. Together, our results demonstrate a role for the CcCIPK14‐CcCBL1 complex in drought stress tolerance through the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in pigeon pea.
An Integrated Assisted History Matching and Embedded Discrete Fracture Model Workflow for Well Spacing Optimization in Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Li Qiwei , Yong Rui , Wu Jianfa , Chang Cheng , Liu Chuxi , Yu Wei , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Miao Jijun
Published: March 2021

Optimum well spacing is an essential element for the economic development of shale gas reservoirs. We present an integrated assisted history matching (AHM) and embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) workflow for well spacing optimization by considering multiple uncertainty realizations and economic analysis. This workflow is applied in shale gas reservoirs of the Sichuan Basin in China. First, we applied the AHM to calibrate ten matrices and fracture uncertain parameters using a real shale gas well, including matrix permeability, matrix porosity, three relative permeability parameters, fracture height, fracture half-length, fracture width, fracture conductivity, and fracture water saturation. There are 71 history matching solutions obtained to quantify their posterior distributions. Integrating these uncertainty realizations with five-well spacing scenarios, which are 517 ft, 620 ft, 775 ft, 1030 ft, and 1550 ft, we generated 355 cases to perform production simulations using the EDFM method coupled with a reservoir simulator. Then, P10, P50, and P90 values of gas estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) for different well spacing scenarios were determined. In addition, the degradation of EUR with and without well interference was analyzed. Next, we calculated the NPVs of all simulation cases and trained the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) proxy, which describes the relationship between the net pressure value (NPV) and all uncertain matrix and fracture parameters and varying well spacing. After that, the KNN proxy was used to maximize the NPV under the current operation cost and natural gas price. Finally, the maximum NPV of 3 million USD with well spacing of 766 ft was determined.