bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially discrete disturbance processes enhance grassland floral resources
Authors: Duquette Cameron A. , Hovick Torre J. , Geaumont Benjamin A. , Harmon Jason P. , Limb Ryan F. , Sedivec Kevin K.
Published: April 2022

Grasslands provide essential floral resources for both managed and wild pollinators. However, grassland flowers in remaining native landscapes are threatened due to non‐native plant invasions and alterations to historic disturbance regimes such as fire and grazing. The potential for managed disturbance to promote grassland floral resources remains unclear. Fire and grazing historically occurred interactively, but uniform application of each may be a detriment to floral resources and the pollinators depending on them. Though fire can increase resources available to plants and stimulate flowering, it initially destroys floral resources and may delay flower availability. Similarly, grazing removes competitors of flowering plants, but destroys flower heads.

To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the impacts of rotational fire and cattle grazing (patch‐burn grazing with one and two seasons of fire per year) versus traditional season‐long grazing with no fire on floral resources in mixed‐grass prairie. In patch‐burn treatments, part of each pasture is burned each year, which focuses grazing activity due to the high‐quality regrowth. We aimed to use fire to remove litter around flowering plants while also sheltering established flower heads from grazing pressure by directing cattle away from regenerating forbs in unburned portions of the landscape. Over two summers, we performed weekly flower surveys in season‐long grazing and patch‐burn grazing pastures. We analysed total seasonal floral resources, maximum floral abundance and seasonal species richness between treatments.

Over 2 years, we surveyed 1,238,241 ramets of 160 species, focusing on 36 common species for individual analysis. We found broad positive associations between patch‐burn grazing and total seasonal flower abundance, maximum flower abundance and species richness compared to traditional management. In most cases, patch‐burn grazing with dormant and growing season fires produced higher floral abundance, total seasonal floral resources and species richness than patch‐burning with dormant season fires alone, suggesting benefits of increased levels of pyrodiversity.

Synthesis and applications. Under increasing pressure to manage for declining pollinators, rangeland managers must consider strategies to enhance floral resources within the context of livestock production goals. The spatiotemporal interaction of cattle grazing and fire shows promise for promoting floral resource abundance and diversity.
Above‐ and belowground drivers of intraspecific trait variability across subcontinental gradients for five ubiquitous forest plants in North America
Authors: Cardou Françoise , Munson Alison D. , Boisvert‐Marsh Laura , Anand Madhur , Arsenault André , Bell F. Wayne , Bergeron Yves , Boulangeat Isabelle , Delagrange Sylvain , Fenton Nicole J. , Gravel Dominique , Hamel Benoît , Hébert François , Johnstone Jill F. , Kumordzi Bright B. , Macdonald S. Ellen , Mallik Azim , McIntosh Anne C. S. , McLaren Jennie R. , Messier Christian , Morris Dave , Shipley Bill , Sirois Luc , Thiffault Nelson , Aubin Isabelle
Published: April 2022

Intraspecific trait variability (ITV) provides the material for species' adaptation to environmental changes. To advance our understanding of how ITV can contribute to species' adaptation to a wide range of environmental conditions, we studied five widespread understorey forest species exposed to both continental‐scale climate gradients, and local soil and disturbance gradients. We investigated the environmental drivers of between‐site leaf and root trait variation, and tested whether higher between‐site ITV was associated with increased trait sensitivity to environmental variation (i.e. environmental fit).

We measured morphological (specific leaf area: SLA, specific root length: SRL) and chemical traits (Leaf and Root N, P, K, Mg, Ca) of five forest understorey vascular plant species at 78 sites across Canada. A total of 261 species‐by‐site combinations spanning ~4300 km were sampled, capturing important abiotic and biotic environmental gradients (neighbourhood composition, canopy structure, soil conditions, climate). We used multivariate and univariate linear mixed models to identify drivers of ITV and test the association of between‐site ITV with environmental fit.

Between‐site ITV of leaf traits was primarily driven by canopy structure and climate. Comparatively, environmental drivers explained only a small proportion of variability in root traits: these relationships were trait specific and included soil conditions (Root P), canopy structure (Root N) and neighbourhood composition (SRL, Root K). Between‐site ITV was associated with increased environmental fit only for a minority of traits, primarily in response to climate (SLA, Leaf N, SRL).

Synthesis. By studying how ITV is structured along environmental gradients among species adapted to a wide range of conditions, we can begin to understand how individual species might respond to environmental change. Our results show that generalisable trait–environment relationships occur primarily aboveground, and only accounted for a small proportion of variability. For our group of species with broad ecological niches, variability in traits was only rarely associated with higher environmental fit, and primarily along climatic gradients. These results point to promising research avenues on the various ways in which trait variation can affect species' performance along different environmental gradients.
State repression of racist associations: Dilemmas of tolerance in the Nordic countries
Authors: Backlund Anders
Published: April 2022

When faced with organised racism, liberal democracies attempt to strike a balance between combating extremism and protecting core values such as freedom of association. Earlier research has argued that states that have experienced nondemocratic regime control in the twentieth century—either through a domestic takeover or a foreign occupation—are more likely to take a repressive approach to racist associations. In this study, I show that the previously overlooked Nordic region speaks against this explanation. Finland, which managed to avert a domestic authoritarian threat, is more repressive of racist associations than are the Scandinavian countries. The latter, two of which faced Nazi occupation, take a more liberal approach, which targets illegal actions rather than associations. These findings lead me to argue that the explanatory power of historical legacies cannot be reduced to a binary indicator such as nondemocratic regime control. I conclude by proposing a direction for future research on state repression of organised racism.
Case report: First case of intracranial abscess treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Hong Kong
Authors: Chau Jeffrey Cheuk Wai , Yan Wing Wa , Pang Kai Yuen
Published: April 2022

We report on a 53 year old male suffering from intracranial abscess due to intracranial spread of infection from necrotic tissue in nasopharynx. He was suffering from recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with chemoradiotherapy done. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a new modality of adjunctive treatment available in the recent 2 years in Hong Kong. This patient is the first intracranial abscess patient being treated with HBOT in Hong Kong. We notice a rapid improvement in his cognitive level as well as neurological deficit after a series of 20 HBOT treatment sessions.
Assessing star value: The influence of prior performance and visibility on compensation strategy
Authors: Terry Ryan P. , McGee Jeffrey E. , Kass Malcolm J. , Collings David G.
Published: April 2022

The greatest competition among rivals in many industries is not for market share but human capital. In the so‐called talent war, organisations compete aggressively to attract star employees—individuals with disproportionate productivity and external visibility—in pursuit of competitive advantage. Building on human capital and resource‐based view theories, we argue that firms' compensation strategies are influenced by the intangible assets that define stars. With data from Major League Baseball, we find that organisations are likely to pay higher wages to stars based on their prior performance and visibility. Furthermore, our data indicate that firm competitive position influences which of these intangible assets holds greater value for managers. We discuss the implications of these findings for organisations waging a war for talent and suggest directions for future research on a matter that is far from over.
Chronogram or phylogram for ancestral state estimation? Model‐fit statistics indicate the branch lengths underlying a binary character's evolution
Authors: Wilson Jeremy D. , Mongiardino Koch Nicolás , Ramírez Martín J.
Published: April 2022

Modern methods of ancestral state estimation (ASE) incorporate branch length information, and it has been demonstrated that ASEs are more accurate when conducted on the branch lengths most correlated with a character's evolution; however, a reliable method for choosing between alternate branch length sets for discrete characters has not yet been proposed.

In this study, we simulate paired chronograms and phylograms, and generate binary characters that evolve in correlation with one of these. We then investigate (a) the effect of alternate branch lengths on ASE error and (b) whether phylogenetic signal statistics and/or model‐fit statistic can be used to select the branch lengths most correlated with a binary character.

In agreement with previous studies, we find that ASEs are more accurate when conducted on the branch lengths most correlated with the character. Phylogenetic signal statistics show limited utility for selecting the correct branch lengths, but model‐fit statistics are found to be more accurate, with the correct branch lengths generally returning greater model‐fit (lower AICc and BIC values). Using this method to choose between alternate branch length sets is more accurate when tree and character properties are more favourable for model optimization, and when shape differences between alternate phylogenies are greater.

Our results indicate that researchers conducting ASEs on discrete characters should carefully consider which branch lengths are appropriate, and, in the absence of other evidence, we suggest estimating model‐fit values over alternate branch length sets and evolutionary models and choosing the branch length/model combination that returns better model‐fit.
flexsdm: An r package for supporting a comprehensive and flexible species distribution modelling workflow
Authors: Velazco Santiago José Elías , Rose Miranda Brooke , de Andrade André Felipe Alves , Minoli Ignacio , Franklin Janet
Published: April 2022

Species distribution models (SDM) are widely used in diverse research areas because of their simple data requirements and application versatility. However, SDM outcomes are sensitive to data input and methodological choices. Such sensitivity and diverse applications mean that flexibility is necessary to create SDMs with tailored protocols for a given set of data and model use.

We introduce the r package flexsdm for supporting flexible species distribution modelling workflows. flexsdm functions and their arguments serve as building blocks to construct a specific modelling protocol for user's needs. The main flexsdm features are modelling flexibility, integration with other modelling tools, simplicity of the objects returned and function speed. As an illustration, we used flexsdm to define a complete workflow for California red fir Abies magnifica.

This package provides modelling flexibility by incorporating comprehensive tools structured in three steps: (a) The Pre‐modelling functions that prepare input, for example, sampling bias correction, sampling pseudo‐absences and background points, data partitioning, and reducing collinearity in predictors. (b) The Modelling functions allow fitting and evaluating different modelling approaches, including individual algorithms, tuned models, ensembles of small models and ensemble models. (c) The Post‐modelling functions include tools related to models' predictions, interpolation and overprediction correction.

Because flexsdm comprises a large part of the SDM process, from outlier detection to overprediction correction, flexsdm users can delineate partial or complete workflows based on the combination functions to meet specific modelling needs.
Sex differences in telomere length, lifespan, and embryonic dyskerin levels
Authors: Lansdorp Peter M.
Published: April 2022

Telomerase levels in most human cells are insufficient to prevent loss of telomeric DNA with each replication cycle. The resulting “Hayflick” limit may have allowed lifespan to increase by suppressing the development of tumors early in life be it at the expense of compromised cellular responses late in life. At any given age, the average telomere length in leukocytes shows considerably variation between individuals with females having, on average, longer telomeres than males. Sex differences in average telomere length are already present at birth and correspond to reported differences in the average life expectancy between the sexes. Levels of telomerase RNA and dyskerin, encoded by DKC1, are known to limit telomerase activity in embryonic stem cells. X‐linked DKC1 is expressed from both alleles in female embryo cells and higher levels of dyskerin and telomerase could elongate telomeres prior to embryo implantation. The hypothesis that embryonic telomerase levels set the stage for the sex differences in telomere length and lifespan deserves further study.
Role of upregulation of the KATP channel subunit SUR1 in dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Cui , Xiao Xue , Han Shuai‐Shuai , Bi Ming‐Xia , Jiao Qian , Chen Xi , Yan Chun‐Ling , Du Xi‐Xun , Jiang Hong
Published: April 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels play an important role in the selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Furthermore, the expression of the KATP channel subunit sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) is upregulated in the remaining nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism underlying this selective upregulation of the SUR1 subunit and its subsequent roles in PD progression are largely unknown. In 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐month‐old A53T α‐synuclein transgenic (α‐SynA53T+/+) mice, only the SUR1 subunit and not SUR2B or Kir6.2 was upregulated, accompanied by neuronal damage. Moreover, the occurrence of burst firing in dopaminergic neurons was increased with the upregulation of the SUR1 subunit, whereas no changes in the firing rate were observed except in 9‐month‐old α‐SynA53T+/+ mice. After interference with SUR1 expression by injection of lentivirus into the SN, the progression of dopaminergic neuron degeneration was delayed. Further studies showed that elevated expression of the transcription factors FOXA1 and FOXA2 could cause the upregulation of the SUR1 subunit in α‐SynA53T+/+ mice. Our findings revealed the regulatory mechanism of the SUR1 subunit and the role of KATP channels in the progression of dopaminergic neuron degeneration, providing a new target for PD drug therapy.
Recent trends in prescription drug misuse in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and sex
Authors: Schepis Ty S. , McCabe Sean E. , Ford Jason A.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

To examine changes in United States past‐year opioid, stimulant, and benzodiazepine prescription drug misuse (PDM) and poly‐PDM by demographics.

Methods

Data were from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 282,768), examining annualized PDM change by demographics.

Results

Opioid and poly‐PDM significantly declined among those under 35 years, White, and multiracial residents.

Discussion and Conclusions

Age and race/ethnicity are important moderators of recent PDM trends, warranting investigation of mechanisms.

Scientific Significance

Results highlight ongoing PDM declines in younger groups but expand the literature by showing limited changes in adults 35 and older and non‐opioid PDM.
Risk factors for severe reactions in food allergy: Rapid evidence review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Turner Paul J. , Arasi Stefania , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara , Baseggio Conrado Alessia , Deschildre Antoine , Gerdts Jennifer , Halken Susanne , Muraro Antonella , Patel Nandinee , Van Ree Ronald , de Silva Debra , Worm Margitta , Zuberbier Torsten , Roberts Graham ,   the Global Allergy, Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) Food Allergy Guideline Group
Published: April 2022

This rapid review summarizes the most up to date evidence about the risk factors for severe food‐induced allergic reactions. We searched three bibliographic databases for studies published between January 2010 and August 2021. We included 88 studies and synthesized the evidence narratively, undertaking meta‐analysis where appropriate. Significant uncertainties remain with respect to the prediction of severe reactions, both anaphylaxis and/or severe anaphylaxis refractory to treatment. Prior anaphylaxis, an asthma diagnosis, IgE sensitization or basophil activation tests are not good predictors. Some molecular allergology markers may be helpful. Hospital presentations for anaphylaxis are highest in young children, yet this age group appears at lower risk of severe outcomes. Risk of severe outcomes is greatest in adolescence and young adulthood, but the contribution of risk taking behaviour in contributing to severe outcomes is unclear. Evidence for an impact of cofactors on severity is lacking, although food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis may be an exception. Some medications such as beta‐blockers or ACE inhibitors may increase severity, but appear less important than age as a factor in life‐threatening reactions. The relationship between dose of exposure and severity is unclear. Delays in symptom recognition and anaphylaxis treatment have been associated with more severe outcomes. An absence of prior anaphylaxis does not exclude its future risk.
Amplifying the Archive: Methodological Plurality and Geographies of the Black Atlantic
Authors: Watkins Case , Carney Judith A.
Published: April 2022

First published in 2001, Judith Carney’s Black Rice drew on a complex methodology to argue that enslaved Africans, despite the brutal oppression of bondage, made fundamental intellectual and cultural contributions to agricultural landscapes and economies in the Americas. This thesis sparked a spirited debate in the Anglophone academy, especially among historians, some of whom took issue with the book’s inclusive geographical methodology. That discussion provides a point of departure to show how plural geographical methods work to amplify the archive, historical and otherwise, and enhance our knowledge with more complex and inclusive narratives. After summarising the debate touched off by Black Rice, we update its thesis with inter‐ and multi‐disciplinary research findings over the past two decades. We then survey theoretical and methodological developments in subsequent geographies of the Black Atlantic, before exploring new pathways and connections made possible when we amplify the archive beyond colonial and other written texts.
Safety of sequential biological therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: results from a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Moens Annick , Sadat Seyed Tabib Nasim , Ballet Vera , Sabino João , Vermeire Séverine , Ferrante Marc
Published: April 2022

Background

Biologicals represent the cornerstone of treatment for moderate‐to‐severe inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Many patients cycle between biologicals when encountering loss of response or adverse events. Aim: To assess the occurrence of serious infections and malignancies with exposure to several (classes of) biologicals.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre including consecutive IBD patients exposed to adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab or vedolizumab between 1996 and 2019. All serious infections and malignancies, as well as potential confounders, were accounted for.

Results

In total, 1575 patients were included with a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 10 (6–16) years and a duration of biological therapy of 71 (39–112) months. Incidence rates of serious infections were 3.4 per 100 patients' years (PY) in the post‐biological setting. Serious infections after biological exposure were associated with systemic steroids in monotherapy (hazard ratio 2.96 [95% confidence interval 1.78–4.93], p < 0.0001), combination therapy of systemic steroids and a biological (2.44 [1.37–4.34], p = 0.002), female gender (1.25 [1.04–1.51], p = 0.02), and prior serious infections in the pre‐biological setting (1.42 [1.03–1.96], p = 0.03). Malignancy rates were 1.06 per 100PY in the post‐biological setting and increased with older age at biological initiation (1.04 [1.02–1.05], p < 0.0001). The risk for serious infections or malignancies was independent of type and number of biologicals to which the patient was exposed.

Conclusion

This study shows that the sequential use of biological therapy in IBD does not seem to convey an overall higher risk of serious infections or malignancies, but that underlying more refractory disease seems to increase this risk.
The Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™): a clinical outcome measure for the severity of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Simpson Eric L. , Bissonnette Robert , Paller Amy S. , King Brett , Silverberg Jonathan I. , Reich Kristian , Thyssen Jacob P. , Doll Helen , Sun Luna , DeLozier Amy M. , Nunes Fabio P. , Eichenfield Lawrence F.
Published: April 2022

Background

The validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™) is a standardized severity assessment for use in clinical trials and registries for atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives

To investigate the reliability, validity, responsiveness and within-patient meaningful change of the vIGA-AD.

Methods

Data were analysed from adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD in the BREEZE-AD1 (N = 624 patients; NCT03334396), BREEZE-AD2 (N = 615; NCT03334422) and BREEZE-AD5 (N = 440; NCT03435081) phase III baricitinib clinical studies.

Results

Across studies, test–retest reliability for stable patients showed moderate-to-good agreement [range of Kappa values for Patient Global Impression of Severity–Atopic Dermatitis (PGI-S-AD), 0·516–0·639; for Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), 0·658–0·778]. Moderate-to-large correlations between vIGA-AD and EASI or body surface area (range at baseline, 0·497–0·736; Week 16, 0·716–0·893) supported convergent validity. Known-groups validity was demonstrated vs. EASI and PGI-S-AD (vIGA-AD for severe vs. moderate EASI categories at baseline, P < 0·001). Responsiveness was demonstrated vs. EASI (P < 0·001 for much improved vs. improved and improved vs. stable). Anchor- and distribution-based methods supported a vIGA-AD change of –1·0 as clinically meaningful. These findings are limited to populations defined by the studies’ inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Conclusions

The vIGA-AD demonstrated sufficient reliability, validity, responsiveness and interpretation standards for use in clinical trials.

What is already known about this topic?  A description of the development of the validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™) has been published previously.

What does this study add?  The current study validates the vIGA-AD by demonstrating appropriate test–retest reliability, convergent validity, known-groups validity and responsiveness across three baricitinib clinical studies.In addition, a 1-point change was identified as a clinically meaningful patient-perceived change minimal clinically important difference in the vIGA-AD.

What are the clinical implications of the work?  The vIGA-AD is a measure for investigator assessment of atopic dermatitis suitable for use in clinical research.
Response to ‘Patients with nodular prurigo commonly have pre-existing psychological disease that requires treatment concomitant with cutaneous therapies’
Authors: Griffin Laoise R. , Ryan Sheila , Ramsay Bart
Published: April 2022

Linked Article: Pathmarajah et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:1258–9.
IL‐27 improves adoptive CD8+ T cells’ antitumor activity via enhancing cell survival and memory T cell differentiation
Authors: Ding Miao , Fei Yi , Zhu Jianmin , Ma Ji , Zhu Guoqing , Zhen Ni , Zhu Jiabei , Mao Siwei , Sun Fenyong , Wang Feng , Pan Qiuhui
Published: April 2022

IL‐27 is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine that triggers enhanced antitumor immunity, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. In the present study, we sought to develop IL‐27 into a therapeutic adjutant for adoptive T cell therapy using our well‐established models. We have found that IL‐27 directly improved the survival status and cytotoxicity of adoptive OT‐1 CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, IL‐27 treatment programs memory T cell differentiation in CD8+ T cells, characterized by upregulation of genes associated with T cell memory differentiation (T‐bet, Eomes, Blimp1, and Ly6C). Additionally, we engineered the adoptive OT‐1 CD8+ T cells to deliver IL‐27. In mice, the established tumors treated with OT‐1 CD8+ T‐IL‐27 were completely rejected, which demonstrated that IL‐27 delivered via tumor antigen–specific T cells enhances adoptive T cells’ cancer immunity. To our knowledge, this is the first application of CD8+ T cells as a vehicle to deliver IL‐27 to treat tumors. Thus, this study demonstrates IL‐27 is a feasible approach for enhancing CD8+ T cells’ antitumor immunity and can be used as a therapeutic adjutant for T cell adoptive transfer to treat cancer.
Integration of qualitative and quantitative methods for land‐use‐change modeling in a deforestation frontier
Authors: Siegel Katherine , Farah Perez Aldo , Kinnebrew Eva , Mills‐Novoa Megan , Ochoa José , Shoffner Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Development and implementation of effective protected area management to reduce deforestation depend in part on identifying factors contributing to forest loss and areas at risk of conversion, but standard land‐use‐change modeling may not fully capture contextual factors that are not easily quantified. To better understand deforestation and agricultural expansion in Amazonian protected areas, we combined quantitative land‐use‐change modeling with qualitative discourse analysis in a case study of Brazil's Jamanxim National Forest. We modeled land‐use change from 2008 to 2018 and projected deforestation through 2028. We used variables identified in a review of studies that modeled land‐use change in the Amazon (e.g., variables related to agricultural suitability and economic accessibility) and from a critical discourse analysis that examined documents produced by different actors (e.g., government agencies and conservation nonprofit organizations) at various spatial scales. As measured by analysis of variance, McFadden's adjusted pseudo R2, and quantity and allocation disagreement, we found that including variables in the model identified as important to deforestation dynamics through the qualitative discourse analysis (e.g., the proportion of unallocated public land, distance to proposed infrastructure developments, and density of recent fires) alongside more traditional variables (e.g., elevation, distance to roads, and protection status) improved the predictive ability of these models. Models that included discourse analysis variables and traditional variables explained up to 19.3% more of the observed variation in deforestation probability than a model that included only traditional variables and 4.1% more variation than a model with only discourse analysis variables. Our approach of integrating qualitative and quantitative methods in land‐use‐change modeling provides a framework for future interdisciplinary work in land‐use change.
Local abundances of terrestrial mammal and bird species around indigenous villages in Suriname
Authors: Van Kuijk Marijke , De Jager Monique , Van Oosterhout Martin , De Laender Leen , Parahoe Minu
Published: April 2022

Hunting is an important threat to tropical wildlife, yet many people are dependent on forest fauna for protein provisioning. We analyzed abundances of terrestrial mammal and bird species around four indigenous villages in the south of Suriname, using camera trap data and the Royle–Nichols abundance model. We hypothesized that hunting pressure increases with decreasing distance to a village and with increasing village size (expressed as cropland area). We detected 24 animal species in all villages combined, including several rare species. For 11 of the 24 species, we were able to examine if and how distance to a village and village size related to local abundances and found a positive effect of distance to village on local abundances in five species, and a negative effect of village size in one species. Because villages, and thus hunting, affect local abundances of terrestrial bird and mammal species in our study, we recommend monitoring forest fauna in areas where people are highly dependent on animals for food provisioning.
A comparison of pediatric liver transplant anesthesia practices with new organ procurement and transplant network pediatric policy requirements: A report from the society for the advancement of transplant anesthesia and the society for pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Moguilevitch Marina , Polaner David M. , Mann Glenn , Mauner Aaron , Beagley Britni , Hendrickse Adrian , Stoll William D , DeMarchi Lorenzo , Damian Daniela , Sridhar Srikanth , Costandi Andrew , Tran Lieu , Jorge Lydia M , Mandell M. Susan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) pediatric policies on knowledge and skill requirements for key personnel failed to address the Director of Anesthesia for Pediatric Liver Transplantation. A Joint Committee representing the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia and Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) surveyed all pediatric anesthesia liver transplant practices to determine if practices were aligned with policies and what changes would be needed for compliance.

Methods

A survey of the Director or equivalent at each program collected data about specialized knowledge and skill sets. Questions focused on (1) skill and knowledge of the Director and team, (2) requirements for appointment, (3) experience in pediatrics, and (4) characteristics of the program including the availability of pediatric resources.

Results

Response rate was 73% (n = 63). Most responding programs had a Director (67%) with certification, selection committee, and continuing education credits outlined in existing policies. Team members met similar requirements. Alternate pathways for acquiring knowledge and skill sets were identified between programs.

Conclusions

Pediatric liver transplant anesthesiologists use knowledge and skill pathways that align with the new pediatric policies. We suggest that collaborative work with oversight agencies is needed to resolve high case volume requirements originally designed for adult programs.

Most pediatric liver transplant anesthesiologists in the US have specialized knowledge and skills for expert care consistent with current oversight policies. Differences in pathways to acquire knowledge and skill sets were still aligned with the new policies for pediatric transplant surgeons and bylaws for the Director of Transplant Anesthesia. We conclude that minimal changes in case volume requirements to the existing Pediatric Transplant Anesthesiology Directorship criteria that authenticates the pediatric anesthesia Director's position would improve the safety of care without limiting access to transplantation.
The English national health service diabetes prevention programme (NHS DPP): A scoping review of existing evidence
Authors: Whelan Maxine , Bell Lauren
Published: April 2022

Aims

The English National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) is commissioned by NHS England and has been rolled out across England to adults identified as being at high risk of type 2 diabetes. The present scoping review aimed to identify the extent and nature of evidence to date on the NHS DPP and describe what the evidence has reported.

Methods

A scoping review involving searches of various sources (including MEDLINE, CINAHL, MediArXiv, Google Scholar and GreyLit) was conducted on 31 August 2021 and repeated on 09 February 2022. Only articles reporting on the NHS DPP made available since 2015 were eligible for inclusion.

Results

65 articles were included. Of these, 37 were journal publications. Most articles were made available in 2018 and 2020 (totaln = 25). The majority of articles reported on uptake and retention (n = 27) whilst others reported on implementation considerations (n = 24), programme outcomes (n = 21), stakeholder experience (n = 8) and screening and referral processes (n = 3). Various research methods were reported and included qualitative (n = 9) and document analysis (n = 8). Articles revealed preliminary evidence on service user characteristics, rates of referral, uptake and retention as well as how far the NHS DPP is being delivered in line with its evidence base and service specification.

Conclusions

The evidence is accumulating on NHS DPP uptake and retention most, with emerging evidence on programme outcomes (such as weight loss and HbA1c). More evidence is warranted on stakeholder experience to decipher how to overcome low initial and long‐term engagement reported by the current evidence base.
The effects of empagliflozin, dietary energy restriction, or both on appetite‐regulatory gut peptides in individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity: The SEESAW randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sargeant Jack A. , King James A. , Yates Thomas , Redman Emma L. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Chatterjee Sudesna , Edwardson Charlotte L. , Gray Laura J. , Poulin Benoit , Waheed Ghazala , Waller Helen L. , Webb David R. , Willis Scott A. , Wilding John P. H. , Khunti Kamlesh , Stensel David J. , Davies Melanie J.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To assess the impact of the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (25 mg once‐daily), dietary energy restriction, or both combined, on circulating appetite‐regulatory peptides in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity.

Materials and Methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 68 adults (aged 30‐75 years) with T2D (drug naïve or on metformin monotherapy; HbA1c 6.0%‐10.0% [42‐86 mmol/mol]) and body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher were randomized to (a) placebo only, (b) placebo plus diet, (c) empagliflozin only or (d) empagliflozin plus diet for 24 weeks. Dietary energy restriction matched the estimated energy deficit elicited by SGLT2 inhibitor therapy through urinary glucose excretion (~360 kcal/day). The primary outcome was change in postprandial circulating total peptide‐YY (PYY) during a 3‐hour mixed‐meal tolerance test from baseline to 24 weeks. Postprandial total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), acylated ghrelin and subjective appetite perceptions formed secondary outcomes, along with other key components of energy balance.

Results

The mean weight loss in each group at 24 weeks was 0.44, 1.91, 2.22 and 5.74 kg, respectively. The change from baseline to 24 weeks in postprandial total PYY was similar between experimental groups and placebo only (mean difference [95% CI]: −8.6 [−28.6 to 11.4], 13.4 [−6.1 to 33.0] and 1.0 [−18.0 to 19.9] pg/ml in placebo‐plus diet, empagliflozin‐only and empagliflozin‐plus‐diet groups, respectively [all P ≥ .18]). Similarly, there was no consistent pattern of difference between groups for postprandial total GLP‐1, acylated ghrelin and subjective appetite perceptions.

Conclusions

In people with T2D and overweight or obesity, changes in postprandial appetite‐regulatory gut peptides may not underpin the less than predicted weight loss observed with empagliflozin therapy.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02798744, www.ClinicalTrials.gov; 2015‐001594‐40, www.EudraCT.ema.europa.eu; ISRCTN82062639, www.ISRCTN.org.
A randomized pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic trial of two regular human insulins demonstrates bioequivalence in type 1 diabetes and availability of biosimilar insulin may improve access to this medication
Authors: Vencio Sérgio , Caiado‐Vencio Rafael , Caixeta Leonardo Ferreira , Masierek Małgorzata , Mlynarski Wojciech , Drzewoski Józef , Gregory Justin M.
Published: April 2022

Aims

To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects and safety of therapeutic dosages of a regular insulin (experimental drug) produced by Bioton S.A. (Warsaw, Poland) versus Humulin® R, a regular insulin (reference drug) produced by Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, Indiana).

Materials and Methods

In a single‐centre, randomized, double‐blinded phase 1 crossover study, we used the manual euglycaemic clamp technique to compare PK and PD profiles between single subcutaneous doses (0.3 units/kg) of the two regular insulins in participants with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) with a washout period of 14 (± 7) days between tests.

Results

We evaluated 56 participants. The mean participant age and body mass index were 32.9 years and 22.9 kg/m2, respectively. The ratios (experimental/reference) of the geometric means of maximum plasma insulin concentration and for plasma insulin area under the curve (AUC) were 0.909 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.822‐1.01) and 0.993 (90% CI 0.944‐1.04), respectively. The ratios of the geometric means of maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR) and for GIR AUC were 0.999 (95% CI 0.912‐1.09) and 1.04 (95% CI 0.962‐1.12), respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental product regular human insulin and comparator Humulin® R are bioequivalent in patients with T1DM. Wider entry to the pharmaceutical market of affordable, biosimilar regular insulins may substantially improve access to insulin for many socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with diabetes.
Linguistic capital and status: The interaction between language skills, personal reputation, and perceived collaboration performance
Authors: Lauring Jakob , Vulchanov Ivan Olav , Stoermer Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Although language has become a central theme in international business and management research, this stream still holds many unexplored research avenues. One area that has attracted some attention, but lacks extensive systematic assessment, is the connection between language and personal reputation. Qualitative research has offered tentative insights suggesting that proficiency in key organizational languages increases the status of individuals over and above their functional abilities. In this study, we use data from 171 pairs of expatriate academics and their local academic collaboration partners. We asked the local academic peers to rate expatriate academics' reputation, their local and English language skills, and collaboration performance. As expected, we found a positive association between academic reputation and collaboration performance. In line with analyses from qualitative research, we show a moderation effect of language skills, where high common organizational language (English) proficiency compensates for a weaker perceived reputation in predicting collaboration performance. Surprisingly, however, there was no moderating effect of local language skills.
A randomized, double‐blind trial of triheptanoin for drug‐resistant epilepsy in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome
Authors: Striano Pasquale , Auvin Stéphane , Collins Abigail , Horvath Rita , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Tzadok Michal , Miller Ian , Kay Koenig Mary , Lacy Adrian , Davis Ronald , Garcia‐Cazorla Angela , Saneto Russell P. , Brandabur Melanie , Blair Susan , Koutsoukos Tony , De Vivo Darryl
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy and long‐term safety of triheptanoin in patients >1 year old, not on a ketogenic diet, with drug‐resistant seizures associated with glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS).

Methods

UX007G‐CL201 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Following a 6‐week baseline period, eligible patients were randomized 3:1 to triheptanoin or placebo. Dosing was titrated to 35% of total daily calories over 2 weeks. After an 8‐week placebo‐controlled period, all patients received open‐label triheptanoin through Week 52.

Results

The study included 36 patients (15 children, 13 adolescents, eight adults). A median 12.6% reduction in overall seizure frequency was observed in the triheptanoin arm relative to baseline, and a 13.5% difference was observed relative to placebo (p = .58). In patients with absence seizures only (n = 9), a median 62.2% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in the triheptanoin arm relative to baseline. Only one patient with absence seizures only was present in the control group, preventing comparison. No statistically significant differences in seizure frequency were observed. Common treatment‐emergent adverse events included diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea, mostly mild or moderate in severity. No serious adverse events were considered to be treatment related. One patient discontinued due to status epilepticus.

Significance

Triheptanoin did not significantly reduce seizure frequency in patients with Glut1DS not on the ketogenic diet. Treatment was associated with mild to moderate gastrointestinal treatment‐related events; most resolved following dose reduction or interruption and/or medication for treatment. Triheptanoin was not associated with any long‐term safety concerns when administered at dose levels up to 35% of total daily caloric intake for up to 1 year.
Seizure forecasting using minimally invasive, ultra‐long‐term subcutaneous EEG: Generalizable cross‐patient models
Authors: Pal Attia Tal , Viana Pedro F. , Nasseri Mona , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Biondi Andrea , Winston Joel S. , P. Martins Isabel , Nurse Ewan S. , Dümpelmann Matthias , Worrell Gregory A. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Freestone Dean R. , Kjaer Troels W. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Richardson Mark P.
Published: April 2022

This study describes a generalized cross‐patient seizure‐forecasting approach using recurrent neural networks with ultra‐long‐term subcutaneous EEG (sqEEG) recordings. Data from six patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy and monitored with an sqEEG device were used to develop a generalized algorithm for seizure forecasting using long short‐term memory (LSTM) deep‐learning classifiers. Electrographic seizures were identified by a board‐certified epileptologist. One‐minute data segments were labeled as preictal or interictal based on their relationship to confirmed seizures. Data were separated into training and testing data sets, and to compensate for the unbalanced data ratio in training, noise‐added copies of preictal data segments were generated to expand the training data set. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the training data were used to normalize all data, preserving the pseudo‐prospective nature of the analysis. Different architecture classifiers were trained and tested using a leave‐one‐patient‐out cross‐validation method, and the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance classifiers. The importance of each input signal was evaluated using a leave‐one‐signal‐out method with repeated training and testing for each classifier. Cross‐patient classifiers achieved performance significantly better than chance in four of the six patients and an overall mean AUC of 0.602 ± 0.126 (mean ± SD). A time in warning of 37.386% ± 5.006% (mean ± std) and sensitivity of 0.691 ± 0.068 (mean ± std) were observed for patients with better than chance results. Analysis of input channels showed a significant contribution (p < .05) by the Fourier transform of signals channels to overall classifier performance. The relative contribution of input signals varied among patients and architectures, suggesting that the inclusion of all signals contributes to robustness in a cross‐patient classifier. These early results show that it is possible to forecast seizures training with data from different patients using two‐channel ultra‐long‐term sqEEG.
Identifying subcutaneous tissue microcalcification by Fluo‐3 AM imaging in cutaneous calciphylaxis
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Liu Yuqiu , Yang Xin , Liu Bicheng , Zhang Xiaoliang
Published: April 2022

Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), is typically characterized by subcutaneous tissue calcification and excruciatingly painful cutaneous lesions with high mortality. It is critical for dermatologists to make early diagnosis and appropriate management, yet currently only 56% of calciphylaxis cases are correctly diagnosed by conventional histological stain1. Specially, the identification of subtle calcium deposits of subcutaneous can be challenging but is believed crucial for early diagnosis of calciphylaxis2. More sensitive calcification staining is in high demand. In this study, Fluo‐3 AM was found to be a rapid, sensitive and reliable fluorescent probe for the detection of calcium deposits and could be a promising diagnostic tool for calciphylaxis.
A thermomechanical constitutive model for investigating the fatigue behavior of Sn‐rich solder under thermal cycle loading
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Liu Sheng , Ma Kun , Shi Tielin , Qian Zhengfang , Liang Kang , Dong Fang
Published: April 2022

Based on crystal plastic theory, a novel thermomechanical constitutive model was proposed for Sn‐rich solder. Material parameters of the proposed constitutive model were determined by fitting the stress–strain curves under uniaxial tensile testings. Combined with the proposed model and the material parameters, crystal plastic finite element method was used to investigate the effects of the microstructure features of grain orientation, grain boundary, and intermetallic compound on the fatigue behaviors of Sn‐rich solder joint under the condition of thermal cycle loading. Results showed that the mean absolute percentage error between the simulation and experimental tensile curves was 3.50%, and the three microstructure features affected the fatigue behaviors of Sn‐rich solder from different aspects, which were analyzed in detail. Besides, it was concluded that the proposed constitutive model could be effectively used to investigate the fatigue behaviors of Sn‐rich solder joint from micro perspective.