bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characterization and identification of rare genetic variants in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: A Swedish retrospective observational study
Authors: Åkesson Alexander , Martin Myriam , Blom Anna M. , Rossing Maria , Gabrielaite Migle , Zetterberg Eva , Klintman Jenny
Published: February 2021

Complement‐mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an ultra‐rare renal disease primarily caused by genetic alterations in complement proteins. The genetic work‐up required for confirmation of diagnosis is complicated and not always logistically accessible. The aim of the present study was to apply a diagnostic scheme compliant with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines to investigate the prevalence of complement‐mediated aHUS among subjects formerly included in a retrospective cohort of clinically suspected aHUS. Clinical outcomes and genetic correlations to complement analyses were assessed. Subjects were investigated with medical record reviewing, inquiries, and laboratory analyses composed of whole genome sequencing; enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for factor I, factor H, and factor H‐specific antibodies; nephelometry for complement components three of four; flow cytometry for CD46 surface expression and immunoblotting for the presence of factor H‐related protein 1. In total, 45% (n = 60/134) of the subjects were deceased at the time of study. Twenty of the eligible subjects consented to study participation. Based on genetic sequencing and clinical characteristics, six were categorized as definite/highly suspected complement‐mediated aHUS, 10 as non‐complement‐mediated aHUS and four as having an HUS‐like phenotype. In the complement‐mediated aHUS group, two subjects had not received an aHUS diagnosis during the routine clinical management. Disease‐contributing/likely disease‐contributing genetic variants were identified in five subjects, including a novel missense variant in the complement factor H gene (c.3450A>G, p.I1150M). This study illustrates the risk for misdiagnosis in the management of patients with complement‐mediated aHUS and the importance of a comprehensive assessment of both phenotype and genotype to reach a diagnosis.
The influence of serial passage on the stability of an exogenous gene expression in recombinant baculovirus
Authors: Wu Carol P. , Chang Chia‐Jung , Li Cheng‐Hsun , Wu Yueh‐Lung
Published: February 2021

The baculovirus expression system has been widely used for industrial‐scale production of recombinant proteins. These recombinant proteins are expressed from recombinant baculoviruses carrying an expression cassette for a particular protein. Even though the baculovirus genome can accommodate large fragments of foreign genetic material, it has been shown that defective interfering particles (DIs) are generated over many passages of the recombinant virus. Defective interfering particles can affect the stability of the inserted gene, which can result in sub‐optimal expression of the recombinant protein; this can, therefore, have a significant impact on production. The stability of exogenous genes in recombinant viruses over serial passage has not yet been investigated. As such, the present study set out to assess the effect of serial passage on the stability of the expression of an exogenous gene inserted into a recombinant baculovirus and its subsequent recombinant protein yield. To achieve this, a recombinant baculovirus carrying the classical swine fever virus E2 gene was serially passaged up to 20 times. The results showed that the E2 gene expression by the recombinant baculovirus was stable for up to 10 passages without any effect on recombinant E2 production in insect cells.
High‐efficiency production of bisabolene from waste cooking oil by metabolically engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Zhao Yakun , Zhu Kun , Li Jian , Zhao Yu , Li Shenglong , Zhang Cuiying , Xiao Dongguang , Yu Aiqun
Published: February 2021

The natural plant product bisabolene serves as a precursor for the production of a wide range of industrially relevant chemicals. However, the low abundance of bisabolene in plants renders its isolation from plant sources non‐economically viable. Therefore, creation of microbial cell factories for bisabolene production supported by synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies presents a more competitive and environmentally sustainable method for industrial production of bisabolene. In this proof‐of‐principle study, for the first time, we engineered the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce α‐bisabolene, β‐bisabolene and γ‐bisabolene through heterologous expression of the α‐bisabolene synthase from Abies grandis, the β‐bisabolene synthase gene from Zingiber officinale and the γ‐bisabolene synthase gene from Helianthus annuus respectively. Subsequently, two metabolic engineering approaches, including overexpression of the endogenous mevalonate pathway genes and introduction of heterologous multidrug efflux transporters, were employed in order to improve bisabolene production. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions were optimized to maximize bisabolene production by the engineered Y. lipolytica strains from glucose. Finally, we explored the potential of the engineered Y. lipolytica strains for bisabolene production from the waste cooking oil. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bisabolene production in Y. lipolytica using metabolic engineering strategies. These findings provide valuable insights into the engineering of Y. lipolytica for a higher‐level production of bisabolene and its utilization in converting waste cooking oil into various industrially valuable products.
RADSex: A computational workflow to study sex determination using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing data
Authors: Feron Romain , Pan Qiaowei , Wen Ming , Imarazene Boudjema , Jouanno Elodie , Anderson Jennifer , Herpin Amaury , Journot Laurent , Parrinello Hugues , Klopp Christophe , Kottler Verena A. , Roco Alvaro S. , Du Kang , Kneitz Susanne , Adolfi Mateus , Wilson Catherine A. , McCluskey Braedan , Amores Angel , Desvignes Thomas , Goetz Frederick W. , Takanashi Ato , Kawaguchi Mari , Detrich Harry William , Oliveira Marcos A. , Nóbrega Rafael H. , Sakamoto Takashi , Nakamoto Masatoshi , Wargelius Anna , Karlsen Ørjan , Wang Zhongwei , Stöck Matthias , Waterhouse Robert M. , Braasch Ingo , Postlethwait John H. , Schartl Manfred , Guiguen Yann
Published: February 2021

The study of sex determination and sex chromosome organization in nonmodel species has long been technically challenging, but new sequencing methodologies now enable precise and high‐throughput identification of sex‐specific genomic sequences. In particular, restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) is being extensively applied to explore sex determination systems in many plant and animal species. However, software specifically designed to search for and visualize sex‐biased markers using RAD‐Seq data is lacking. Here, we present RADSex, a computational analysis workflow designed to study the genetic basis of sex determination using RAD‐Seq data. RADSex is simple to use, requires few computational resources, makes no prior assumptions about the type of sex‐determination system or structure of the sex locus, and offers convenient visualization through a dedicated R package. To demonstrate the functionality of RADSex, we re‐analysed a published data set of Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, where we uncovered a previously unknown Y chromosome polymorphism. We then used RADSex to analyse new RAD‐Seq data sets from 15 fish species spanning multiple taxonomic orders. We identified the sex determination system and sex‐specific markers in six of these species, five of which had no known sex‐markers prior to this study. We show that RADSex greatly facilitates the study of sex determination systems in nonmodel species thanks to its speed of analyses, low resource usage, ease of application and visualization options. Furthermore, our analysis of new data sets from 15 species provides new insights on sex determination in fish.
The ‘Third’ UN: Imagining Post‐COVID‐19 Multilateralism
Authors: Carayannis Tatiana , Weiss Thomas G.
Published: February 2021

If the United Nations system is to remain relevant, or even survive, the thinking to re‐imagine and redesign contemporary global governance will come from the Third UN. This article focuses on the ecology of supportive non‐state actors – intellectuals, scholars, consultants, think tanks, NGOs, the for‐profit private sector, and the media – that interacts with the intergovernmental machinery of the First UN and international civil servants of the Second UN to formulate and refine ideas and decision‐making in policy processes. Despite the growth in analyses of non‐state actors in global governance, the ‘other’ or ‘Third’ UN is poorly understood, often ignored, and normally discounted. Some advocate for particular ideas, others help analyze or operationalize their testing and implementation; in any case, many help the UN ‘think’ and have an impact on how we think about the United Nations.
A Singular Opportunity: Setting Standards for Victim Assistance under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Docherty Bonnie
Published: February 2021

With the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) having entered into force on 22 January 2021, the time has come for states parties to start operationalizing its obligations. The TPNW not only bans nuclear weapons but also includes provisions designed to reduce the ‘unacceptable suffering’ caused by past use and testing. These positive obligations require states parties to assist victims, remediate the contaminated environment, and provide international cooperation and assistance to support those efforts. To inform the work of the TPNW’s First Meeting of States Parties, which will start the implementation process, this commentary proposes strong standards for assisting victims in a nuclear weapons context. The standards draw on the TPNW’s language, humanitarian disarmament’s victim assistance norms, and principles for assisting victims of toxic remnants of war. This commentary addresses the types of harm, types of assistance, framework of shared responsibility, implementation measures, and guiding principles that constitute an effective and feasible assistance program for nuclear weapon victims. Collectively the proposed standards aim to advance the humanitarian purpose of the TPNW.
Simultaneous integrated boost for mediastinal lymph node recurrence after radical surgery for esophageal cancer: Interim results from a phase I/II prospective study
Authors: Qi Wei‐xiang , Zheng Siyue , Cao Lu , Xu Cheng , Zhao Shengguang , Chen Jiayi
Published: February 2021

Background

This was a single institute, phase I/II study of salvage chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with simultaneous integrated boost in patients with mediastinal lymph node (LN) recurrence after esophagectomy.

Methods

Patients who presented with a clinical diagnosis of ≤5 mediastinal LN recurrence received three consecutive levels of radiotherapy dose for the recurrences. Level 1: 58.8 Gy/2.1 Gy/28 fractions, Level 2: 64.4 Gy/2.3 Gy/28 fractions and Level 3: 70 Gy/2.5 Gy/28 fractions.

Results

A total of 17 patients (10 patients in phase I and 7 patients in phase II) were enrolled in the present study between June 2019 and July 2020. The median duration from surgery to initial recurrence was four months (range: 3–43 months). The most common site of recurrence according to JES was 106recR, accounting for 35%. Dose‐limiting toxicity was not observed during three‐month follow‐up after completion of irradiation. The most common hematological toxicities were leukocytopenia and anemia. The most common nonhematological toxicity was esophagitis. The ORR according to RECIST was 58.8% (CR: seven patients; PR: three patients). With a median follow‐up of 15 months (95% CI: 7–16 months), all patients were still alive. Among them, two patients who received a level 1 dose and one patient who received a level III dose developed multiple lung metastases after salvage CRT, and another patient who received a level 1 dose developed an out‐of‐field recurrence in the left cervical lymph node area. Another patient who received a level III dose developed chest wall recurrence after salvage CRT.

Conclusions

The regimen of salvage CRT using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique (70 Gy/2.5 Gy/28F) for mediastinal lymph node recurrence in ESCC patients after esophagectomy is feasible and well tolerated.
The future of translational research on alcohol use disorder
Authors: Ray Lara A. , Grodin Erica N. , Leggio Lorenzo , Bechtholt Anita J. , Becker Howard , Feldstein Ewing Sarah W. , Jentsch James David , King Andrea C. , Mason Barbara J. , O'Malley Stephanie , MacKillop James , Heilig Markus , Koob George F.
Published: February 2021

In March 2019, a scientific meeting was held at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Luskin Center to discuss approaches to expedite the translation of neurobiological insights to advances in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). A guiding theme that emerged was that while translational research in AUD is clearly a challenge, it is also a field ripe with opportunities. Herein, we seek to summarize and disseminate the recommendations for the future of translational AUD research using four sections. First, we briefly review the current landscape of AUD treatment including the available evidence‐based treatments and their uptake in clinical settings. Second, we discuss AUD treatment development efforts from a translational science viewpoint. We review current hurdles to treatment development as well as opportunities for mechanism‐informed treatment. Third, we consider models of translational science and public health impact. Together, these critical insights serve as the bases for a series of recommendations and future directions. Towards the goal of improving clinical care and population health for AUD, scientists are tasked with bolstering the clinical applicability of their research findings so as to expedite the translation of knowledge into patient care.
Associations between theCADM2gene, substance use, risky sexual behavior, and self‐control: A phenome‐wide association study
Authors: Arends Rachel M. , Pasman Joëlle A. , Verweij Karin J.H. , Derks Eske M. , Gordon Scott D. , Hickie Ian , Thomas Nathaniel S. , Aliev Fazil , Zietsch Brendan P. , van der Zee Matthijs D. , Mitchell Brittany L. , Martin Nicholas G. , Dick Danielle M. , Gillespie Nathan A. , de Geus Eco J.C. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Schellekens Arnt F.A. , Vink Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2021

Risky behaviors, such as substance use and unprotected sex, are associated with various physical and mental health problems. Recent genome‐wide association studies indicated that variation in the cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2) gene plays a role in risky behaviors and self‐control. In this phenome‐wide scan for risky behavior, it was tested if underlying common vulnerability could be (partly) explained by pleiotropic effects of this gene and how large the effects were. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐level and gene‐level association tests within four samples (25 and Up, Spit for Science, Netherlands Twin Register, and UK Biobank and meta‐analyses over all samples (combined sample of 362,018 participants) were conducted to test associations betweenCADM2, substance‐ and sex‐related risk behaviors, and various measures related to self‐control. We found significant associations between theCADM2gene, various risky behaviors, and different measures of self‐control. The largest effect sizes were found for cannabis use, sensation seeking, and disinhibition. Effect sizes ranged from 0.01% to 0.26% for single top SNPs and from 0.07% to 3.02% for independent top SNPs together, with sufficient power observed only in the larger samples and meta‐analyses. In the largest cohort, we found indications that risk‐taking proneness mediated the association betweenCADM2and latent factors for lifetime smoking and regular alcohol use. This study extends earlier findings thatCADM2plays a role in risky behaviors and self‐control. It also provides insight into gene‐level effect sizes and demonstrates the feasibility of testing mediation. These findings present a good starting point for investigating biological etiological pathways underlying risky behaviors.
Mild cognitive impairment: To diagnose or not to diagnose
Authors: Wang Kate N. , Page Amy T. , Etherton‐Beer Christopher D.
Published: February 2021

Older people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a slight but noticeable decline in their cognitive function, though do not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia. MCI is controversial, with some saying it is a condition that does not require diagnosis, and others stating that it is a genuine clinical syndrome. Many people with MCI will improve, and most will not progress to dementia. Managing co‐morbidities and exercising are likely to be the best treatment options. With limited evidence for effective interventions and uncertainty as to the prognostic value of the condition, the benefit of diagnosing MCI remains unclear.
Wave theory
Authors: CODY FRANCIS
Published: February 2021

In India, as elsewhere, voters and electoral observers refer to powerful, emerging political trends as “waves,” such as the “Modi wave” that brought Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power. In rural South India, during the run‐up to the 2019 national elections, how did people read signs of political waves, and how did voters align themselves with these signs as they circulated across media forms? A “wave theory” analysis finds that rural voters in the state of Tamil Nadu assess electoral chances across various factors—including candidates’ cash flow, crowd behavior, caste calculations, and professional analyses of polling data. People take electoral positions within ambient and layered ecologies of information, in which everyday speculation about political fortunes is situated alongside formalized methods of analysis, calculation, and prediction. And because electoral waves are experienced locally but often carry energy from afar, they constitute both a force and a fluid medium of convergence. [elections, democracy, prediction, crowds, money, caste, media, Tamil Nadu, India]
Long‐term prognosis in patients with non‐type 1 Brugada electrocardiogram: Results from a large Japanese cohort of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Shinohara Tetsuji , Takagi Masahiko , Kamakura Tsukasa , Sekiguchi Yukio , Yokoyama Yasuhiro , Aihara Naohiko , Hiraoka Masayasu , Aonuma Kazutaka ,   Japan Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Study (J‐IVFS) Investigators
Published: February 2021

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is diagnosed in patients with ST‐segment elevation with spontaneous, drug‐induced, or fever‐induced type 1 morphology. Prognosis in type 2 or 3 Brugada electrocardiogram (Br‐ECG) patients remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long‐term prognosis in non‐type 1 Br‐ECG patients in a large Japanese cohort of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (The Japan Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Study [J‐IVFS]).

Methods

From 567 patients with Br‐ECG in J‐IVFS, a total of 28 consecutive non‐type 1 patients who underwent programmed electrical stimulation (PES) (median age: 58 years, all male, previous sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias [VTs] 1, syncope 11, asymptomatic 16) were enrolled. Cardiac events (CEs: sudden cardiac death or sustained VT/ventricular fibrillation) during the follow‐up period were examined.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 136 months, four patients (14%) had CEs. None of patients with PES‐ have experienced CEs. There was no statistically significant clinical risk factor for the development of CEs. Using the Kaplan–Meier method, the event‐free rate significantly decreased in a group with all 3 risk factors (symptom, wide QRS complex in lead V2, and positive PES) (p = .01).

Conclusions

Our study revealed long‐term prognosis in patients with non‐type 1 Br‐ECG. The combination analysis of these risk factors may be useful for the risk stratification of CEs in non‐type 1 Br‐ECG patients. The present study suggests that the patients with all these parameters showed high risk for CEs and need to be carefully followed.
Acceptability of immediate postpartum and post‐abortion long‐acting reversible contraception provision to adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Buckingham Pip , Moulton Jessica E. , Subasinghe Asvini K. , Amos Natalie , Mazza Danielle
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods are safe for adolescents and provide the greatest assurance against rapid repeated pregnancy when inserted during the immediate postpartum (IPP) and immediate post‐abortion (IPA) period. Despite increasing enthusiasm for IPP/IPA LARC insertion, adolescents’ preferences and experiences have seldom been examined. The objective of this review was to examine the attitudes of adolescents (aged 10–19 years) towards IPP/IPA LARC, their experiences and perceptions around having an LARC device fitted IPP/IPA and the factors involved in decision‐making to use, not use or discontinue IPP/IPA LARC.

Material and methods

In January 2021, we searched seven bibliographic databases for original research articles published in English, from the year 2000. Studies of any design focused on IPP/IPA LARC were eligible for inclusion. Three of the authors assessed articles for eligibility and extracted data relevant to the outcomes of the review. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess methodological quality. Key themes emerging from the data were synthesized and reported narratively.

Results

We identified 10 relevant articles, four of which were entirely adolescent‐focused. Only three addressed IPA LARC. IPP availability was important for ensuring access to LARC postpartum. Attitudes towards LARC IPP were associated with adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics and positive perceptions related to the long duration of action. Determinants of discontinuation and nonuse included poor‐quality contraceptive counseling, intolerable side effects and subsequent distress, misconceptions about LARC safety IPP and the influence of partners and community on autonomy. No factors involved in IPA LARC decision‐making were available. Limited evidence demonstrated that adolescents may favor contraceptive implants over intrauterine devices, and in certain contexts may face greater barriers to IPA LARC access than adult women do.

Conclusions

Immediate insertion of LARC postpartum appears acceptable to adolescents who do not experience side effects and those with the opportunity to make autonomous contraception decisions. This important topic has been addressed in few studies involving an entirely adolescent population. Very limited evidence is available on IPA LARC. Further research on adolescents’ lived experiences of IPP/IPA LARC access and use is necessary to inform the provision of person‐centered care when assisting adolescents’ contraceptive choice following pregnancy.
The GG genotype of erythropoietin rs1617640 polymorphism affects the risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Slovenian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: enemy or ally?
Authors: Mankoč Ramuš Sara , Pungeršek Gregor , Petrovič Mojca Globočnik , Petrovič Danijel
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between erythropoietin rs1617640 polymorphism and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in Slovenian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The second aim was to find whether erythropoietin expression in fibrovascular membranes varies among individuals carrying different genotypes of the rs1617640.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study based on 797 unrelated Slovenian (Caucasian) participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study group consisted of 217 cases with PDR and 580 controls without clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy. Each subject was genotyped for rs1617640 polymorphism. Fibrovascular membranes from 27 subjects who underwent vitreoretinal surgery were analysed with immunohistochemistry. We searched for expression of erythropoietin, its cognate receptor and for a pan‐endothelial marker CD‐34.

Results

Our results show that subjects carrying a minor GG genotype had significantly higher risk for PDR in both unadjusted (p = 0.02) and adjusted (p = 0.04) recessive genetic models. Subjects with the GG genotype had a 1.6‐fold increased risk of developing PDR compared to subjects carrying the major T allele. In fibrovascular membranes from subjects with PDR, the mean number of cells expressing EPO was significantly higher in G allele carriers compared to the homozygotes for the common T allele.

Conclusion

In Slovenian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a significant increased risk of PDR was found in GG carriers of the erythropoietin gene rs1617640 polymorphism.
For better or for worse family‐related well‐being: A meta‐analysis of crossover effects in dyadic studies
Authors: Matei Alina , Maricuțoiu Laurenţiu P. , Vîrgă Delia
Published: February 2021

The present preregistered meta‐analysis aimed to assess the evidence regarding the work–family interactions, as dyadic studies report them. The introduction differentiated between spillover (or intra‐individual) effects and crossover (or inter‐individual) effects by using dyadic studies. Following an online and reference list search, out of the initial 339 studies, 36 eligible articles reported correlations between one partner's variables and the other partner's variables. Analyses included 1504 effect sizes and used meta‐analytical calculations and structural equation modeling. Both partners' well‐being measures had small proportions of shared variance (i.e. shared variance up to 13.69%). The following analyses focused on the potential effects that could explain the shared variance of family‐related well‐being. There was little evidence of a crossover effect from one's work‐related variables toward the partners’ family‐related well‐being. Furthermore, analyses using structural equation modeling did not yield any results to support a crossover effect from one's work–family interaction toward their partner's well‐being. These findings suggest that the literature needs new research studies regarding how family‐related demands and resources are related to well‐being and personal resources in the crossover processes.
Genetic diversity and genomic inbreeding in Japanese Black cows in the islands of Okinawa Prefecture evaluated using single‐nucleotide polymorphism array
Authors: Suezawa Ryouhei , Nikadori Hideki , Sasaki Shinji
Published: February 2021

Maintaining genetic diversity and inbreeding control are important in Japanese Black cattle production, especially in remote areas such as the islands of Okinawa Prefecture. Using a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, we evaluated the genetic diversity and genomic inbreeding in Japanese Black cows from the islands of Okinawa Prefecture and compared them to those from other locations across Japan. Linkage disequilibrium decay was slower in cows in the islands of Okinawa Prefecture. The estimated effective population size declined over time in both populations. The genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) was estimated using long stretches of consecutive homozygous SNPs (runs of homozygosity; ROH). FROH was higher in the cows on the islands of Okinawa Prefecture than on other locations. In total, 818 ROH fragments, including those containing NCAPG and PLAG1, which are major quantitative trait loci for carcass weight in Japanese Black cattle, were present at significantly higher frequencies in cows in the islands of Okinawa Prefecture. This suggests that the ROH fragments are under strong selection and that cows in the islands of Okinawa Prefecture have low genetic diversity and high genomic inbreeding relative to those at other locations. SNP arrays are useful tools for evaluating genetic diversity and genomic inbreeding in cattle.
Seedling recruitment in mountain grassland restoration: Effects of soil preparation and grazing
Authors: Durbecq Aure , d’Ambly Margaux , Buisson Elise , Jaunatre Renaud , Cluchier Alexandre , Bischoff Armin
Published: February 2021

Questions

Seedling recruitment is a key step in any seed‐based ecological restoration project. There is a controversial discussion (a) whether soil preparation is required to reduce competition of pre‐existing vegetation, or whether vegetation cover facilitate seedling recruitment, and (b) whether grazing should be excluded in initial stages of grassland restoration to protect seedlings, because grazing exclusion may also favour competitive ruderal species. We set up a combined soil preparation and grazing experiment to evaluate the effect of both factors on seedling recruitment of seeds transferred from a species‐rich donor site.

Location

Upper Durance valley, Hautes‐Alpes, France.

Methods

The experiment was set up using a full factorial split‐plot design with five replicate sites. The treatments included soil preparation (harrowed or not) and grazing (excluded or not). Seeds were transferred using plant material brushed in a non‐degraded reference grassland. The individuals of all occurring species were counted on the restoration sites, and the survival and reproduction of two focal species, Bromopsis erecta and Rhinanthus alectorolophus, were recorded for three months.

Results

Soil preparation by harrowing reduced the density of spontaneously emerging species and increased the seedling density of species transferred from the donor site. Grazing had only a weak negative effect on the recruitment of transferred species. The main effect of both treatments on seedling survival was not significant, but a significant interaction indicated that the grazing effect depended on soil preparation, with a negative effect of grazing only in non‐harrowed plots.

Conclusions

The reduction of competition by soil preparation before seed addition of brush material had a positive effect on the seedling recruitment of transferred species and can thus clearly be recommended in our study system. The weak negative effect of grazing may not always justify fencing costs.
Inter‐rater reliability of assessments regarding the quality of drug treatment, and drug‐related hospital admissions
Authors: Lönnbro Johan , Holmqvist Lina , Persson Elisabeth , Thysell Per , Åberg N. David , Wallerstedt Susanna M.
Published: February 2021

Aims

To investigate inter‐rater agreement on the quality of drug treatment, and the relationship between the drug treatment and hospital admission.

Methods

Three specialist physicians and two resident physicians determined, independently and in consensus, the quality of drug treatment from an overall medical perspective, and its association with admission, in 30 randomly selected patients (50% female, median age 72 years) admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, in April 2018. The inter‐rater agreement was evaluated with Gwet's agreement coefficient (AC1).

Results

In all, 200 (95%) out of 210 drugs at admission and 238 (97%) out of 245 drugs at discharge were assessed as reasonable drug treatment by all assessors. Conversely, none of the drugs at admission, and two at discharge, were assessed as unreasonable drug treatment by all assessors (AC1: 0.88 and 0.94 [all], 0.86 and 0.95 [specialists], 0.92 and 0.92 [residents], respectively). The assessments regarding the association between the drug treatment and the hospital admission (not related or main/contributory reason) were consistent between the assessors for 16 out of 30 patients (AC1: 0.67 [all], 0.74 [specialists], 0.54 [residents]). In none of the three cases where the hospital admission was considered possibly attributable to a prescribing error did the assessors make consistent assessments.

Conclusions

As the inter‐rater agreement ranged between weak and almost perfect, the reliability of assessments of drug treatment quality, as well as adverse consequences, appears to be a methodological concern. To yield acceptably reliable results regarding both drug treatment aspects at issue, specialist physicians should be involved.
Repurposing of thalidomide and its derivatives for the treatment of SARS‐coV‐2 infections: Hints on molecular action
Authors: Sundaresan Lakshmikirupa , Giri Suvendu , Singh Himanshi , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: February 2021

Aims

The SARS‐coV‐2 pandemic continues to cause an unprecedented global destabilization requiring urgent attention towards drug and vaccine development. Thalidomide, a drug with known anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects has been indicated to be effective in treating a SARS‐coV‐2 pneumonia patient. Here, we study the possible mechanisms through which thalidomide might affect coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19).

Methods

The present study explores the possibility of repurposing thalidomide for the treatment of SARS‐coV‐2 pneumonia by reanalysing transcriptomes of SARS‐coV‐2 infected tissues with thalidomide and lenalidomide induced transcriptomic changes in transformed lung and haematopoietic models as procured from databases, and further comparing them with the transcriptome of primary endothelial cells.

Results

Thalidomide and lenalidomide exhibited pleiotropic effects affecting a range of biological processes including inflammation, immune response, angiogenesis, MAPK signalling, NOD‐like receptor signalling, Toll‐like receptor signalling, leucocyte differentiation and innate immunity, the processes that are aberrantly regulated in severe COVID‐19 patients.

Conclusion

The present study indicates thalidomide analogues as a better fit for treating severe cases of novel viral infections, healing the damaged network by compensating the impairment caused by the COVID‐19.
Money and flexible generosity
Authors: Wang Xijing , Chen Zhansheng , G. Krumhuber Eva , Chen Hao
Published: February 2021

Previous research on money and prosociality has described a monotonic pattern, showing that money reduces generosity. The present research aimed to examine whether money differently impairs generosity when arising from altruistic versus egoistic motives. To this end, we employed economic games designed to study generosity (e.g., the Dictator game) and varied experimental currency (i.e., money vs. candy/food). The results (N = 850) showed that although money made people ignore others when others were not crucial for their future gain, generosity was not impacted when egoistic motives (Study 1: avoiding sanctions; Studies 2 and 3: building reputation) were present. In other words, although people in general showed flexible prosociality by adjusting their generosity level according to game type, this was much more strongly the case when money rather than candy/food was the currency. In addition, we demonstrate a boundary condition of money on flexible generosity, namely imbuing money with prosocial meaning (Study 3). Some implications are discussed.
Bullshitting and persuasion: The persuasiveness of a disregard for the truth
Authors: Petrocelli John V.
Published: February 2021

Although generally viewed as a common and undesirable social behaviour, very little is known about the nature of bullshitting (i.e., communicating with little to no regard for evidence or truth; Raritan Q Rev 6, 1986, 81); its consequences; and its potential communicative utility. Specifically, it is hypothesized that bullshitting may be may be relatively influential under specified conditions. Experiment 1 participants were exposed to a traditional persuasion paradigm, receiving either strong or weak arguments in either an evidence‐based or bullshit frame. Experiment 2 also incorporated a manipulation of a peripheral route cue (i.e., source attractiveness). Findings demonstrate that bullshitting can be an effective means of influence when arguments are weak, yet undermine persuasive attempts when arguments are strong. Results also suggest that bullshit frames may cue peripheral route processing of persuasive information relative to evidence‐based frames that appear to cue central route processing. Results are discussed in light of social perception and attitude change.
A late Permian–Triassic trench‐slope basin in the Central Qiangtang metamorphic belt, Northern Tibet: Stratigraphy, sedimentology, syndepositional deformation and tectonic implications
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Genhou , Gao Jinhan , Jiang Haishui , Yuan Guoli , Li Dian , Cao Wentao , Zheng Yilong , Fang Qiang , Lee Byung‐Su , Park Soo‐In , Wang Yaxi , Zhao Jia
Published: February 2021

Records of sedimentation and deformation in trench‐slope basins contain valuable tectonic information about the associated oceanic subduction zone. Here, we present a multidisciplinary study on newly discovered late Permian–Triassic sedimentary successions in the >500‐km‐long Central Qiangtang metamorphic belt (CQMB) to better understand the type of basin and the concomitant tectonism. The Mayer Kangri succession contains lithofacies associations of submarine fan siliciclastic rocks, slope‐environment limestone, deep marine chert and minor olistostromes from the forearc basin. The conodont assemblages and sandstone and andesite interlayers yield continuous stratigraphic ages from the Lopingian to middle Norian. The clastic sediments had two provenances, including the epicontinental arc in the North Qiangtang block (NQB) and synchronous volcanism in the accretionary wedge. Moreover, a large suite of the Anisian–early Carnian radiolarian cherts (>30 m thick) was discovered in the Lanling area. Regionally, the CQMB shows evident spatiotemporal variations in late Permian–Triassic sedimentation, with a general depositional trend of southward deepening and getting younger. The three identified subzones include a bathyal setting, a carbonate platform setting and a deep marine setting from north to south. These observations indicate that the late Permian–Triassic sedimentary successions in the CQMB were deposited in a trench‐slope basin environment during the northward subduction of the Longmu Co–Shuanghu Tethys Ocean beneath the NQB. Generally, the CQMB and the concomitant trench‐slope basin is among the well‐preserved ancient analogs characterized by extensional tectonism. The syndepositional horst‐graben‐like structure, forearc basin‐derived olistostromes, abyssal radiolarian cherts and synchronous volcanism provide new implications for the geological evolution of the trench‐slope basin.
Omics‐based molecular analyses of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Davey Peter A. , Power Anne Marie , Santos Romana , Bertemes Philip , Ladurner Peter , Palmowski Pawel , Clarke Jessica , Flammang Patrick , Lengerer Birgit , Hennebert Elise , Rothbächer Ute , Pjeta Robert , Wunderer Julia , Zurovec Michal , Aldred Nick
Published: February 2021

Many aquatic invertebrates are associated with surfaces, using adhesives to attach to the substratum for locomotion, prey capture, reproduction, building or defence. Their intriguing and sophisticated biological glues have been the focus of study for decades. In all but a couple of specific taxa, however, the precise mechanisms by which the bioadhesives stick to surfaces underwater and (in many cases) harden have proved to be elusive. Since the bulk components are known to be based on proteins in most organisms, the opportunities provided by advancing ‘omics technologies have revolutionised bioadhesion research. Time‐consuming isolation and analysis of single molecules has been either replaced or augmented by the generation of massive data sets that describe the organism's translated genes and proteins. While these new approaches have provided resources and opportunities that have enabled physiological insights and taxonomic comparisons that were not previously possible, they do not provide the complete picture and continued multi‐disciplinarity is essential. This review covers the various ways in which ‘omics have contributed to our understanding of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates, with new data to illustrate key points. The associated challenges are highlighted and priorities are suggested for future research.
Patterns and stratification of stressor exposure among Canadian workers
Authors: Pajovic Vesna , Shuey Kim M.
Published: February 2021

This research note identifies patterns of stressor exposure among Canadian workers, their stratification by occupational and socio‐demographic factors, and their relationship to high self‐reported work stress. Using latent class analysis and data from the Canadian Community Health Survey we examine the intersection of six stressors, identifying five distinct patterns (Few stressors, Multiple stressors, Physical, Monotonous, and Chaotic patterns of stressor exposure). Results show that the patterns of stressor exposure are stratified by gender, education, income, age group, and occupation; as well as give insight on how particular patterns of stressor exposure relate to individual perceptions of high self‐reported work stress. The project also provides a research example of using quantitative data to examine qualitative differences in patterns of experience that provide more nuanced insight into complex social phenomena.
Comparaison des représentations des amish et des mormons fondamentalistes (FLDS) dans deux téléréalités américaines
Authors: Legault‐Laberge Raphaël Mathieu , Vanasse‐Pelletier Mathilde
Published: February 2021

This research explores the representations of two minority religions in United States, the Amish and the fundamentalist Mormons (FLDS), in two reality shows produced in 2013:Breaking AmishandBreaking the Faith. To which extent these reality shows contribute to reinforce stereotypes about these minority religions? The hypothesis postulates that there is a convergence in the representations of minority religions in these reality shows which contributes to the reproduction of stereotypes. Based on theories of identity construction and on the study of new religious movements, the analysis shows that the same guiding lines are recurrent in both reality shows.
Mandibular residual ridge morphology in relation to complete dentures and implant overdentures–Part I: Predictors for perceived conventional denture stability
Authors: Xia Yuning , Ma Chufan , Chen Jihua , Witter Dick J. , Zhang Qian , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is lack of reliable predictors for success of conventional complete denture (CCD) therapy, which in turn might affect the effectiveness of subsequent implant‐retained overdenture (IOD) therapy.

Purpose

To investigate relationships between digitally obtained geometrical mandibular residual ridge measures and perceived CCD‐stability.

Materials and Methods

30 CCD wearing patients (67.9 ± 7.0 years) for whom a new set of CCDs was advised, were treated with new CCDs. Digitalized mandibular gypsum models were measured using the Geomagic Studio 2013 software. Data were obtained for (1) height, width, and cross‐section surface area of the residual ridge at different locations (midline, premolar, and anterior edge of retromolar pad) and (2) denture base surface area. Scatter plots and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate associations between the geometric data and denture base surface area, and correlated with denture stability scores (Spearman rank test).

Results

Scatter plots showed that best model fit for denture base surface area was mean ridge height (R2 = 0.906). Multivariate regression showed that height at premolar location (p = 0.001) had largest effect on denture base surface area (R2 = 0.796). Ridge morphology variables, except width at midline location, were significantly correlated with CCD‐stability (p‐values <0.05). CCD‐stability was significantly correlated with denture base surface area (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Residual ridge height at premolar location was most predictive for denture base surface area and perceived CCD‐stability.
A service evaluation exploring the effectiveness of a locally commissioned tier 3 weight management programme offering face‐to‐face, telephone and digital dietetic support
Authors: Huntriss Rosemary , Haines Matthew , Jones Lucy , Mulligan Danielle
Published: February 2021

Obesity continues to be a global health problem with significant costs associated with management, treatment, and obesity‐related comorbidities. Tier 3 weight management programmes support patients with complex obesity and traditionally offer interventions through face‐to‐face delivery. In this study, a service evaluation compared weight loss for adults with a BMI ≥ 45 kg/m2 or ≥ 40 kg/m2 with a comorbidity, who were offered a non‐randomized dietetic intervention through face‐to‐face, telephone, or digital support using the Oviva smartphone app as part of a tier 3 weight management programme. One hundred and sixty‐nine patients commenced the core programme. There were no significant differences in weight loss between patients receiving face‐to‐face (5.3 ± 5.5 kg [−4.1%]), telephone (−4 ± 5.3 kg [−3.4%]) and digital support (−6.1 ± 4.9 kg [−4.5%]) (P = .061), with data reported as intention‐to‐treat using baseline observation carried forward imputation. Completer data were also analysed at an optional 12‐week follow‐up where weight loss was maintained with no significant differences between face‐to‐face (−7.6 ± 9.3 kg [−5.6%]) and digital support (−9.2 ± 7.6) kg [−6.8%]) (P = .135). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the acceptability of the interventions (P = .261). Due to the potential scalability, resource, and cost‐savings of digital care, and improvement in accessibility for some people, digital delivery of weight management programmes should be considered as a care option in weight management services.
The perils of flawed science in wildlife trade literature
Authors: Natusch Daniel J. D. , Aust Patrick W. , Shine Richard
Published: February 2021

Despite broad scientific consensus that sustainable use of wildlife can enhance conservation efforts, ethical concerns have led some community groups to oppose use of wild animals. Voicing those concerns is legitimate, but underlying philosophical bias should not influence science‐based analysis and interpretation. We argue that philosophical biases are common in the scientific literature on trade in wildlife. The critically important case of bias surrounding the use of reptile leathers for luxury fashion illustrates the problem. Based on analysis of official seizures of fashion products made from wildlife, a recent study inferred that criminal activity (as inferred by noncompliance with regulations) was common and increasing and, hence, that authorities needed to adopt more stringent restrictions on the trade. In fact, the conclusions of that study are artifacts of pseudoreplication (e.g., multiple counts of single violations) and biased sampling (e.g., focus on companies with high rates of error) and run directly opposite to actual patterns in the data. As a proportion of overall trade, rates of noncompliance are exceptionally low (<0.4%), are declining, and result primarily from paper‐work errors rather than criminal intent (e.g., such errors are more frequent for goods shipped by government authorities than by the commercial fashion industry). The recommendation by the study authors to prohibit the international trade in wildlife‐based fashion products is imperiling a sustainable trade that can benefit biodiversity and people's livelihoods by providing financial incentives for conservation of species and habitats. This example offers a warning of the dangers of basing research on the wildlife trade on ethical or philosophical positions rather than objective evaluations of evidence.
Fishy labeling: Inter‐regional inequality of truthful product information
Authors: Kim Sang‐Hyun , Lan Hao
Published: February 2021

Over the past few years, food fraud has become a matter of great concern. We investigate how economic factors are related to the misdeeds of food retailers. Our model predicts that mislabeling is less likely in regions where (i) there are more sellers and (ii) the average income level is higher. The empirical patterns found in the DNA test data are in line with the predictions. Our findings can inform regulators of which regions and fish species to focus on when auditing.