bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining preservice teachers’ thinking about teaching first grade economics through inquiry
Authors: Bauml Michelle
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In recent years, the field of social studies education has seen renewed interest in using inquiry to teach intradisciplinary concepts and skills. However, prospective primary grade teachers may have few (if any) opportunities to observe classroom teachers modeling inquiry during field placements. Methods courses provide fitting contexts in which to introduce preservice teachers (PSTs) to inquiry as a basis for intellectually challenging, meaningful social studies instruction. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a published inquiry curriculum developed for the New York Social Studies Toolkit (NYSST) Project as a tool to explore PSTs’ thinking about teaching first grade economics.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study utilized focus groups with two groups of early childhood PSTs enrolled in a social studies methods course (n=28). Secondary data sources included PSTs’ handwritten comments on hard copies of the inquiry curriculum and the researcher’s analytic memos.

Findings

In the process of critiquing curriculum during focus group interviews, PSTs concentrated on the proposed tasks, evaluated those tasks for their potential to affect children’s understanding, and suggested new activities that would promote more active student engagement. Participants recognized the significance of children’s prior knowledge and were sensitive to students’ family values, although they underestimated young children’s capacity for robust discussion and intellectually challenging content.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its use of a published NYSST Project inquiry to explore how PSTs make sense of new curriculum. Its attention to PST education for primary grades contributes to elementary social studies literature. Additionally, this study addresses a general concern in teacher education about the need for PSTs to develop skills in interpreting and adapting curriculum materials. Findings suggest that engaging PSTs in discussions about social studies curriculum can help teacher educators identify latent learning goals for their courses that may be overlooked or assumed unnecessary.
Integrative ambidexterity: one paradoxical mode of learning
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina e , Bednarek Rebecca , Smith Wendy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Organizational ambidexterity brings together the paradoxical tensions between exploration and exploitation. Embracing such paradoxical tensions depends on both separating the poles to appreciate their distinct elements and integrating them to appreciate their synergies. This paper explores integrative ambidexterity that focuses on the synergies between exploration and exploitation and theorizes these as a single, paradoxical mode of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide conceptual commentary that aims to expand the attention within the ambidexterity literature from emphasizing separation to further accommodating integration.

Findings

The authors outline that attention to separating exploration and exploitation needs to be complemented with a focus on integration, hence, the notion of integrative ambidexterity.

Research limitations/implications

The authors surface three processes that advance integrative ambidexterity – novelty via memory; agility via focus; and the potential for improvisation. Together, these dynamics enable organizations to achieve an alternative approach to learning and adaptation.

Practical implications

Understanding “integrative ambidexterity,” stressing the synergies between exploration and exploitation, extends the understanding of the nature and approaches to creating learning organizations. The authors three practices offer a potential blueprint to do so.

Originality/value

Previous scholarship emphasized how leaders can separate exploration and exploitation by allocating these learning modes to distinct organizational units or addressing them in different time horizons. However, extant authors have less insight about the integration and synergies between exploration and exploitation, and the organizational factors that advance such integration.
When the larger objective matters more: support workers’ epistemic and deontic authority over adult service‐users
Authors: Antaki Charles , Webb Joseph
Published: June 2019

We report on how support workers sometimes over‐ride the wishes of people living with cognitive impairments. This can happen when they are both involved in some project (such as an institutionally‐managed game, a physical journey, an educational activity and so on). The support worker might use their deontic authority (to propose, decide or announce future actions) to do things that advance the over‐arching project, in spite of proposals for what are cast as diversions from the person with impairments. They might also use their epistemic authority (their greater knowledge or cognitive capacity) to trump their clients’ choices and preferences in subordinate projects. Not orienting to suggested courses of actions is generally interactionally dispreferred and troublesome, but, although the providers do sometimes orient to their actions as balking their clients’ wishes, they usually do not, and encounter little resistance. We discuss how people with disabilities may resist or palliate such loss of control, and the dilemmas that support staff face in carrying out their duties.
Economic fluctuations, volatility changes and the role of government spending in China: A structural analysis
Authors: Hsu Minchung , Lee Junsang , Zhao Min
Published: June 2019

We study the economic fluctuations in China by using a standard neoclassical general equilibrium model to provide a structural analysis. We have carefully constructed measurements for economic variables from Chinese data to be consistent with the literature. We show that the government spending behaviour plays an important role in accounting for the changes in the pattern of both absolute and relative volatilities. Although we find that a general moderation in economic fluctuations after 1978 can be largely explained by the total factor productivity (TFP) process, TFP itself cannot explain the change in the pattern of relative volatilities. We show that policy changes in government spending can account for the relative volatility divergency. Counterfactual experiments are also provided to discover the role of each factor in explaining the economic fluctuations in China.
Evaluation of the acaricidal activity of 63 commercialized pesticides against Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Park Geun‐Ho , Kim Hyun Kyung , Lee Wook‐Gyo , Cho Shin‐Hyeong , Kim Gil‐Hah
Published: June 2019

The acaricidal activity and residual effects of 63 commercialized pesticides against the Cheongju strain of Haemaphysalis longicornis in Korea were examined. Twenty‐two pesticides (4 carbamates, 5 organophosphates, 10 pyrethroids, 1 amitraz, 1 diamide, and 1 unclassified pesticide) caused greater than 80% mortality in H. longicornis adults under laboratory conditions using the spray method. These 22 pesticides were used to treat grassland under field conditions for investigation of the residual effects, and 100% mortality in H. longicornis adults was observed with all the carbamates (carbosulfan, benfuracarb, fenobucarb, and carbaryl) and γ‐cyhalothrin after 3 days of pesticide treatment. γ‐Cyhalothrin exhibited 56.7% mortality after 10 days of treatment, which was the longest residual effect of treated grass on H. longicornis adults. With regard to the residual effects on H. longicornis under field conditions, most of the 22 pesticides exhibited higher mortality in nymphs than in adults. In particular, benfuracarb exhibited 96.7% acaricidal activity until 10 days after treatment.

These results indicate that carbamates are highly likely to be available under field conditions and, based on this preliminary data, could be used for the control of H. longicornis adults and nymphs.
Exploring possible trade‐offs between organisational performance and employee well‐being: The role of teamwork practices
Authors: Ogbonnaya Chidiebere
Published: June 2019

There is growing evidence linking teamwork practices to performance outcomes. However, critics have raised concerns that such outcomes are achieved at the expense of increased job demands and stress among workers. Using large data from a representative sample of British workplaces (N = 4,311 workers in 664 workplaces), this study explores the pattern of relationships between teamwork practices, organisational performance, and employee well‐being. The study draws on a mutual gains model linking teamwork practices to organisational performance via affective commitment, and a conflicting outcomes model associated with high job demands and job‐related anxiety. The study also examines an interactive outcomes model that integrates the mutual gains and conflicting outcomes models. The study reports evidence that the performance gains of teamwork practices may actually come at the cost of increased job demands and job‐related anxiety. Nevertheless, these adverse outcomes tend to weaken at higher levels of affective commitment.
APOB‐associated cholesterol deficiency in Holstein cattle is not a simple recessive disease
Authors: Häfliger Irene Monika , Hofstetter Sonja , Mock Thomas , Stettler Manuela Hanna , Meylan Mireille , Mehinagic Kemal , Stokar‐Regenscheit Nadine , Drögemüller Cord
Published: June 2019

In 2015, cholesterol deficiency (CD) was reported for the first time as a new recessive defect in Holstein cattle. After GWAS mapping and identification of a disease‐associated haplotype, a causative loss‐of‐function variant in APOB was identified. CD‐clinically affected APOB homozygotes showed poor development, intermittent diarrhea and hypocholesterolemia and, consequently, a limited life expectation. Herein, we present a collection of 18 cases clinically diagnosed as CD‐affected APOB heterozygotes. CD‐clinically affected heterozygotes show reduced cholesterol and triglyceride blood concentrations. The differences in total blood cholesterol and triglycerides between nine CD‐clinically affected and 36 non‐affected heterozygotes were significant. As only some APOB heterozygotes show the clinical CD phenotype, we assume that the penetrance is reduced in heterozygotes compared to the fully penetrant effect observed in homozygotes. We conclude that APOB‐associated CD represents most likely an incomplete dominant inherited metabolic disease with incomplete penetrance in heterozygotes.
Identifying the most prevalent unmet needs of cancer survivors in Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Lisy Karolina , Langdon Laura , Piper Amanda , Jefford Michael
Published: June 2019

Understanding the unmet needs of cancer survivors is crucial to inform health service planning and optimize survivorship care. This systematic review sought to identify the most prevalent unmet needs of cancer survivors in Australia, and to determine personal, disease, and treatment‐related variables correlated with unmet needs. Seventeen studies were included in the review. Substantial heterogeneity across the included studies precluded statistical pooling of the data; narrative synthesis and vote counting were used to synthesize results. Unmet needs were ranked by the number of endorsements (n) each item received. The most frequently reported unmet needs of Australian cancer survivors are for help with psychosocial issues, including fear of cancer recurrence (n = 14; 14–42%), uncertainty about the future (n = 9; 12–26%), worry about partners, friends, and families (n = 8; 12–26%), help to reduce stress (n = 8; 12–34%), and sexual changes (n = 7; 11–29%). Survivors also needed more help with physical issues, including fatigue (n = 7; 10–27%) and usual activities (n = 6; 13–27%), and expressed supportive care unmet needs, including for affordable hospital car parking (n = 7; 12–26%), information about available services (n = 7; 11–33%), and peer support (n = 6; 13–26%). Anxiety, depression, and lower overall and physical quality of life were significantly correlated with greater unmet needs, as were younger age and more advanced disease.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and bullous pemphigoid: A systematic review and adjusted meta‐analysis
Authors: Phan Kevin , Charlton Olivia , Smith Saxon D
Published: June 2019

Background/Objective

There have been a number of case reports and small clinical series reporting the potential association between dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPPIs) for diabetes and the onset of bullous pemphigoid (BP). The aim of this study was to assess the association between DPPI use and BP, and whether this varied according to DPPI type.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. We identified five studies with cases and controls. We performed unadjusted and adjusted meta‐analyses to assess the potential association.

Results

Adjusted meta‐analysis revealed significant association between DPPI use and BP (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.59–2.86, I2 = 46%, P < 0.00001). This association was stronger between vildagliptin and BP (OR 5.08, 95% CI 1.70–15.19, P = 0.004) compared to linagliptin (OR 2.87, 95%CI 1.06–7.79, P = 0.04), and no association was found between sitagliptin and BP (OR 1.29, 95%CI 0.79–2.08, P = 0.31). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the association between DPPI use and BP remained significant in males (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.46–3.78, P = 0.0005) and females (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.10–3.22, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Limitations were that studies reviewed were retrospective by design which are susceptible to bias and lack of randomisation. Our adjusted analysis supports a significant association between DPPI use and onset of bullous pemphigoid. Vildagliptin had the highest odds of BP. These findings have clinical implications for dermatologists and the management of patients with diabetes and being treated with DPPI agents.
Assessment of mineral and bone biomarkers highlights a high frequency of hypercalciuria in asymptomatic healthy teenagers
Authors: Bacchetta Justine , Ginhoux Tiphanie , Bernoux Delphine , Dubourg Laurence , Ranchin Bruno , Roger Christelle
Published: June 2019

Aim

Assessment of mineral metabolism is complex in paediatrics.

Methods

We assessed the evolution of the main mineral and bone biomarkers (total/bone alkaline phosphatase ALP/BAP, β‐crosslaps, osteocalcin, sclerostin, C‐terminal and intact FGF23) in 100 healthy teenagers (10‐18 years, 50 boys).

Results

At a mean age of 13.7 ± 2.2 years, phosphatemia, tubular phosphate reabsorption, ALP and BAP significantly decreased along puberty in both genders, whilst parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25‐vitamin D (25D), FGF23, plasma calcium and urinary calcium were not modified. In girls, osteocalcin, β‐crosslaps and sclerostin significantly decreased at the end of puberty. Calciuria above the crystallisation threshold (>3.8 mmol/L) and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio >0.7 mmol/mmol were found in 39% and 6% of subjects, respectively. Multivariable analyses showed that renal function and PTH were significant predictors of calciuria and urinary calcium/creatinine, whilst 25D remained a predictor only of urinary calcium/creatinine ratio.

Conclusion

Using the most recent assays, this study provides data for mineral/bone biomarkers across puberty and highlights the risk of hyper‐calciuria in apparent asymptomatic healthy teenagers, not related to calcium intake but rather to 25D. Future studies are required to dissect the underlying mechanisms increasing calciuria and prevent nephrolithiasis as early as during childhood.
InDependent but not Alone: A Web‐Based Intervention to Promote Physical and Mental Health among Military Spouses
Authors: Mailey Emily L. , Irwin Brandon C. , Joyce Jillian M. , Hsu Wei‐Wen
Published: June 2019

Background

Military spouses must cope with multiple threats to their physical and mental health, yet few interventions have been developed to promote health in this population.

Methods

For this quasi‐experimental study, military spouses (N = 231) received a standard educational intervention or an interactive, theory‐based intervention; both were delivered online and lasted 10 weeks. The educational intervention directed participants to content on the existing website, Operation Live Well. The interactive intervention was based on Self‐Determination Theory, delivered weekly content via podcasts, and encouraged participants to complete weekly challenges to improve physical activity, diet, and mental health. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine self‐reported changes in stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, self‐esteem, physical activity, and diet from pre‐ to post‐intervention.

Results

Significant improvements were observed for all mental health outcomes, total physical activity, and sugar consumption. However, there were no significant group by time interaction effects.

Conclusions

Web‐based interventions may promote positive changes in mental health and health behaviours among military spouses. In this study, an interactive theory‐based intervention was no more effective than an information‐based intervention. Future studies should aim to determine the minimum “dose” needed to elicit meaningful changes in this population.
Effects of a Worksite Group Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Health: The Role of Psychological Coaching
Authors: Krebs Simone , Baaken Anke , Wurst Ramona , Goehner Wiebke , Fuchs Reinhard
Published: June 2019

Background

This study investigates whether a worksite physical activity (PA) promotion program consisting of both a “practical” PA component and a “theoretical” (psychological) coaching component (PA+C) is more effective than the same “practical” PA component alone.

Methods

N = 213 employees were assigned to two groups by cluster‐randomisation: one group received the “MoVo‐work” program including a PA component and a coaching component (PA+C group). The other group received only the PA component (PA group). Assessment of PA and health was conducted at five time points.

Results

Six weeks after program completion the percentage of physically active participants was significantly higher in the PA+C group compared to the PA group (68% vs. 45%; p = .01). At 12‐month follow‐up, the PA+C group showed a higher percentage of physically active participants and a better health status than the PA group on the descriptive level, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Results suggest that a PA promotion program including a psychological coaching component is more effective in evoking behavior change than a practical PA program alone. However, booster interventions are required to maintain the additional effects.
Social Factors Boost Well‐Being Behind Bars: The Importance of Individual and Group Ties for Prisoner Well‐Being
Authors: Kyprianides Arabella , Easterbrook Matthew J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Prisoners often suffer from social isolation and higher levels of ill‐health and ill‐being. Research has demonstrated the positive health consequences that stem from social interaction, and especially group ties, amongst non‐offender populations.

Methods

This work is based on a secondary analysis of a large‐scale dataset that includes data on prisoners residing in all prison establishments in the UK (Study 1: N = 11,880; prisons = 113), and on a questionnaire booklet that was completed by prisoners residing in one prison in the UK (Study 2: N = 157).

Results

Study 1 showed that positive prisoner interactions are associated with greater prisoner well‐being, due to the feelings of autonomy that these interactions provide. Study 2 showed that prisoners who reported being members of multiple groups had higher well‐being, an effect mediated by the satisfaction of particular psychological needs; and an effect moderated by group contact discrepancy.

Conclusions

This work provides evidence that strong prisoner ties and memberships in groups are associated with greater well‐being among prisoners, and identifies psychological needs and group contact as explanatory mechanisms; which progresses the field and has important policy and practical implications.
Policy, polycentrism, and practice: Governance imaginaries in sustainability transitions
Authors: Smith Thomas S. J.
Published: June 2019

This paper foregrounds the under‐theorised figure of the policy maker in the environmental social sciences. To do so, it focuses on the case of “social practice theory” (SPT), a school of thought which has gained prominence in human geography and further afield in recent years. The paper outlines the context of environmental policy literatures and identifies a tension in many treatments of the topic by practice‐oriented scholars: while it focuses on emergent social change, the traditional policy imaginary which has circulated in this literature often portrays benign, top‐down policy makers who, given adequate information, are amenable to conducting the right policy “intervention.” A “governance on the inside” approach is proposed as an alternative imaginary, drawing from prominent work on polycentric governance and community economies in geographical and economic scholarship, as well as more recent work in SPT itself. Opportunities for a geographical mapping of policy difference and reflexive engagement are highlighted, hinting at rich future possibilities.
Impact of genotype in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukaemia patients treated with clofarabine and cytarabine: a retrospective study
Authors: Mondesir Johanna , Alary Anne‐Sophie , Sibon David , Willems Lise , Deau Benedicte , Suarez Felipe , Hermine Olivier , Fontenay Michaela , Bouscary Didier , Kosmider Olivier , Tamburini Jerome
Published: June 2019

The treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains a challenge. Among salvage chemotherapy regimens, the clofarabine and cytarabine (CLARA) combination has been widely evaluated and has a favourable safety/efficacy balance. Predictive factors of efficacy in patients with R/R AML are unclear, particularly the impact of AML‐related gene mutations. We report our single‐centre experience on 34 R/R AML patients treated with CLARA, with a focus on the genetic characterization of our cohort. CLARA yielded a 47% response rate among this poor‐prognosis AML population, while two patients (5·8%) died due to treatment‐related toxicity. The two‐year progression‐free survival and overall survival rates were 29·4% and 35·3%, respectively. Nine patients (26%) had long‐term response with a median follow‐up of 39·5 months among the responders, of whom six underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Adverse karyotype did not correlate with response or survival, and secondary AML were more frequent among responders to CLARA, suggesting that this combination may successfully salvage R/R AML patients regardless of adverse prognostic markers. We also observed that a low mutational burden and absence of splice mutations correlated with prolonged survival after CLARA, suggesting that extensive genotyping may have prognostic implications in R/R AML.
Hydroxycarbamide treatment in children with Sickle Cell Anaemia is associated with more intact white matter integrity: a quantitative MRI study
Authors: Kapustin Daniel , Leung Jackie , Odame Isaac , Williams Suzan , Shroff Manohar , Kassner Andrea
Published: June 2019

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a devastating genetic blood disorder leading to chronic anaemia, impaired cerebrovascular dilatory capacity and cerebral infarctions. Our aim was to assess the relationship between microstructural properties of the white matter (WM) and both cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and cerebral blood flow, as well as the effects of hydroxycarbamide on these relationships. Our results demonstrate that mean CVR was increased in hydroxycarbamide‐treated patients compared to untreated patients. Moreover, untreated SCA patients had increased skew and kurtosis of mean diffusivity histograms in the WM compared to hydroxycarbamide‐treated patients and healthy age‐matched controls, indicating disruption of WM integrity. Regression analysis of CVR and WM mean diffusivity (MD) revealed a significant linear relationship between CVR and MD histogram skew and kurtosis in healthy controls, but not in either of the two SCA groups. These findings suggest that patients treated with hydroxycarbamide possess white matter MD histogram parameters which more closely resemble those of healthy controls.
Secondary dispersal mechanisms of winged seeds: a review
Authors: der Weduwen Dagmar , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: June 2019

Winged seeds, or samaras, are believed to promote the long‐distance dispersal and invasive potential of wind‐dispersed trees, but the full dispersive potential of these seeds has not been well characterised. Previous research on the ecology of winged seeds has largely focussed on the initial abscission and primary dispersal of the samara, despite it being known that the primary wind dispersal of samaras is often over short distances, with only rare escapes to longer distance dispersal. Secondary dispersal, or the movement of the seeds from the initial dispersal area to the site of germination, has been largely ignored despite offering a likely important mechanism for the dispersal of samaras to microhabitats suitable for establishment. Herein, we synthesise what is known on the predation and secondary dispersal of winged seeds by multiple dispersive vectors, highlighting gaps in knowledge and offering suggestions for future research. Both hydrochory and zoochory offer the chance for samaroid seeds to disperse over longer distances than anemochory alone, but the effects of the wing structure on these dispersal mechanisms have not been well characterised. Furthermore, although some studies have investigated secondary dispersal in samaroid species, such studies are scarce and only rarely track seeds from source to seedling. Future research must be directed to studying the secondary dispersal of samaras by various vectors, in order to elucidate fully the invasive and colonisation potential of samaroid trees.
DNA methylation changes involved in the tumor increase in F2 males born to gestationally arsenite‐exposed F1 male mice
Authors: Okamura Kazuyuki , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Kawai Tomoko , Suzuki Takehiro , Sano Tomoharu , Hata Kenichiro , Nohara Keiko
Published: June 2019

Multigenerational adverse effects from the environment such as nutrition and chemicals are among important concerns in environmental health issues. Previously, we have found that arsenite exposure of only F0 females during their pregnancy increases hepatic tumors in the F2 males in C3H mice. In the current study, we investigated the association of DNA methylation with the hepatic tumor increase in the F2 males of the arsenite group. Reduced‐representation bisulfite sequencing analysis newly identified that DNA methylation levels of regions around the transcriptional start sites of Tmem54 and Cd74 were decreased and the expression of these genes were significantly increased in the hepatic tumors of F2 males of the arsenite group. The associations between DNA methylation in these regions and gene expression changes were confirmed by treatment of murine hepatoma cell lines and hepatic stellate cell line with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. Overexpression of Cd74 in Hepa1c1c7 cells increased Trib3 expression and suppressed the expression of tumor suppressor genes Id3 and Atoh8. Human database analysis using the Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that TMEM54, CD74, and TRIB3 were significantly increased and that ATOH8 was decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma. The data also showed that high expression of TMEM54 and TRIB3 and low expression of ATOH8 were associated with poor survival. These results suggested that an increase in Tmem54 and Cd74 expression via DNA methylation reduction was involved in the tumor increase in the F2 male offspring by gestational arsenite exposure of F0 females. This study also suggested that genes downstream of Cd74 were involved in tumorigenesis.
T cell functionality in HIV-1, HIV-2 and dually infected individuals: correlates of disease progression and immune restoration
Authors: Salwe S , Padwal V , Nagar V , Patil P , Patel V
Published: June 2019

The role of suppressive anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in eliciting restoration of dysregulated immune function remains unclear in HIV-1 infection. Also, due to tailoring of therapeutic regimens towards HIV-1, this possible impairment of therapy may be even more pronounced in HIV-2 and dual (HIV-D) infection. Thus, we evaluated the impact of ART on immune restoration by assessing T cell functions, including HIV specific responses in HIV-1-, HIV-2- and HIV-D-infected individuals. Both ART-treated and naive infected subjects showed persistently altered frequency of CD4+ T cell subsets [regulatory T cells (Treg), naive/central memory, effector memory], increased immune activation, cytoxicity and decreased frequency of natural killer T (NKT)- like cells and T helper type 17 (Th17)/Treg ratio with elevated microbial translocation. Further, HIV-specific responses were dominated by gag-specific CD4+ T cells in virologically suppressed HIV-D individuals, suggesting retention of T cell memory for both viruses. Increased antigen-specific responses, including dual-functional interleukin (IL)-2/interferon (IFN)-γ CD4+ T cells, were detected in therapy receiving HIV-2-infected individuals indicative of a greater and more functionally diverse T cell memory repertoire. We delineated immune signatures specific to therapy-naive single HIV infection, as well as a unique signature associated with HIV-2 disease progression and immune restoration. Circulating Treg frequency, T cell activation and microbial translocation levels correlated with disease progression and immune restoration among all types of HIV infection. Also, memory responses negatively correlated, irrespective of type of infection, in ART receiving infected individuals, with CD4 rebound and decreased pan T cell activation. Our data highlight the need for adjunct immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies to achieve optimal immune restoration in HIV infection.
Including indigenous knowledge in species distribution modeling for increased ecological insights
Authors: Skroblin Anja , Carboon Tracy , Bidu Gladys , Chapman Nganjapayi , Miller Minyawu , Taylor Karnu , Taylor Waka , Game Edward T. , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: June 2019

Indigenous knowledge systems hold detailed information on current and past environments that can inform ecological understanding as well as contemporary environmental management. Despite its applicability, there are limited examples of indigenous knowledge being incorporated in species distribution models, which are widely used in the ecological sciences. In a collaborative manner, we designed a structured elicitation process and statistical framework to combine indigenous knowledge with survey data to model the distribution of a threatened and culturally significant species (greater bilby or mankarr [Macrotis lagotis]). We used Martu (Aboriginal people of the Australian western deserts) occurrence knowledge and presence data from track‐based surveys to create predictive species distribution models with the Maxent program. Predictions of species distribution based on Martu knowledge were broader than those created with survey data. Together the Martu and survey models showed potential local declines, which were supported by Martu observation. Both data types were influenced by sampling bias that appeared to affect model predictions and performance. Martu provided additional information on habitat associations and locations of decline and descriptions of the ecosystem dynamics and disturbance regimes that influence occupancy. We concluded that intercultural approaches that draw on multiple sources of knowledge and information types may improve species distribution modeling and inform management of threatened or culturally significant species.
Improved treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with once‐weekly semaglutide in the SUSTAIN trials
Authors: Jendle Johan , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Polonsky William H. , Silver Robert , Uusinarkaus Kari , Hansen Thomas , Håkan‐Bloch Jonas , Tadayon Sayeh , Davies Melanie J.
Published: June 2019

Aim

To investigate treatment satisfaction with semaglutide, a once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, versus placebo/active comparators in the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme.

Methods

In SUSTAIN 2–5 and 7, the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to evaluate patient‐perceived treatment satisfaction, hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. Post hoc subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the effects of gastrointestinal adverse events (GI AEs), weight loss (≥5%) or achieving glycaemic (HbA1c < 7%) targets on treatment satisfaction.

Results

Overall treatment satisfaction increased from baseline to end of treatment with all treatments across trials. Improvements were significantly greater with semaglutide versus comparators/placebo in SUSTAIN 2–5 (all P < 0.05), and generally greater in patients who achieved versus did not achieve weight loss and glycaemic targets, often with greater improvements with semaglutide 1.0 mg versus comparator/placebo in both weight loss groups. In SUSTAIN 7, improvements in overall treatment satisfaction were generally similar between semaglutide and dulaglutide, irrespective of weight loss or glycaemic control. In SUSTAIN 7, changes in overall treatment satisfaction score were generally lower in patients with versus without GI AEs at week 16 (except dulaglutide 0.75 mg), but similar by week 40. Perceived hyperglycaemia was significantly reduced from baseline to end of treatment with semaglutide versus all comparators/placebo (all P < 0.05). No differences between treatments were observed for perceived hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Semaglutide was associated with significantly greater (SUSTAIN 2–5) or similar (SUSTAIN 7) improvements in overall treatment satisfaction versus comparators/placebo. Improvements in overall treatment satisfaction were generally greater in patients achieving versus not achieving treatment targets.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01930188 (SUSTAIN 2), NCT01885208 (SUSTAIN 3), NCT02128932 (SUSTAIN 4), NCT02305381 (SUSTAIN 5) and NCT02648204 (SUSTAIN 7).

EudraCT: 2012–004827‐19 (SUSTAIN 2), 2012–004826‐92 (SUSTAIN 3), 2013–004392‐12 (SUSTAIN 4), 2013–004502‐26 (SUSTAIN 5) and 2014–005375‐91 (SUSTAIN 7).
Native valve endocarditis due to Candida albicans in two children: Two new case reports
Authors: Guner Gizem , Bal Zumrut Sahbudak , Dogan Eser , Umit Zuhal , Levent Erturk , Hilmioglu Polat Suleyha , Ozkinay Ferda , Kurugol Zafer
Published: June 2019

Candida endocarditis (CE) is a rare and serious complication of candidemia. Using current diagnostic tools a confirmed diagnosis is often delayed and outcomes remain poor. The majority of new cases occur following cardiac valvular surgery, and/or in patients with the following risk factors: intravenous drug use, cancer chemotherapy, prolonged presence of central venous catheters, and prior history of bacterial endocarditis. It is not a common complication in non‐neutropenic patients particularly with the absence of a prosthetic valve, and very few reports in the literature are available. Attempting to add to the limited data, 211 candidemia episodes from 172 nonneutropenic pediatric cases between January 2008 and December 2017 were evaluated. All patients were considered asymptomatic for underlying heart disease. However, 2 (0.9%) patients with a central venous catheter were determined as having endocarditis following echocardiography.
First report of the lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Jasminum grandiflorum L. and Jasminum sambac (L.) from Syria
Authors: Zeity M. , Ali A. Y.
Published: June 2019

In Syria, defoliation was noted on several Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac plants in various gardens in Latakia City and countryside in 2017. Subsequently, several male and female specimens of a lacebug insect were collected from the white jasmine, Jasminum grandiflorum, planted in the garden of the Latakia Center for Agricultural Research during 2018. Collected material was examined and identified as Corythauma ayyari (Drake). Infestation by this insect is considered by the authors to cause the defoliation of jasmine plants in Latakia City and it is reported to occur in Syria for the first time.
Combined impacts of warming and salinisation on trophic interactions and mortality of a specialist ephemeral wetland predator
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Wasserman Ryan J. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Froneman P. William , Callaghan Amanda , Dalu Tatenda
Published: June 2019

Wetlands are of enormous importance for biodiversity globally but are under increasing risk from multiple stressors driven by ongoing anthropogenic environmental change. As the trophic structure and dynamics of ephemeral wetlands are poorly understood, it is difficult to predict how these biodiverse ecosystems will be impacted by global change. In particular, warming and salinisation are projected to have profound impacts on these wetlands in future.

The present study examined the combined effects of warming and salinisation on species interaction strengths and mortality rates for two ephemeral wetland species. Using an ephemeral pond specialist copepod,Lovenula rayneraeSuárez‐Morales, Wasserman, & Dalu, (2015) as a model predator species, we applied a functional response approach to derive warming and salinisation effects on trophic interactions with a prey species. Furthermore, the effects of a salinisation gradient on mortality rates of adult copepods were quantified.

The predatory copepod exhibited typeIIfunctional responses towards larvalCulex pipiensmosquito prey, owing to high predation rates at low prey densities. Increased temperatures generally resulted in greater predator feeding rates, whilst increased salinities reduced consumption. However, the effects of temperature and salinity interacted: temperature effects on functional responses were suppressed under heightened salinities. Substantial mortality was observed in both male and female adultL. rayneraeat salinity levels exceeding 10 parts per thousand.

Warming and salinisation substantially altered interaction strengths in ephemeral wetland ecosystems, with implications for ecosystem function and stability. Furthermore, we demonstrated salinisation thresholds for mortality in an ephemeral wetland specialist, showing that salinisation may threaten the persistence of endemic species. The ongoing effects of warming and salinisation may therefore interact to alter trophic dynamics and species composition in ephemeral wetlands. These stressors should be considered synergistically within management practices.
Loss of CELF6 RNA binding protein impairs cocaine conditioned place preference and contextual fear conditioning
Authors: Maloney Susan E. , Rieger Michael A. , Al‐Hasani Ream , Bruchas Michael R. , Wozniak David F. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: June 2019

In addition to gene expression differences in distinct cell types, there is substantial post‐transcriptional regulation driven in part by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Loss‐of‐function RBP mutations have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Fragile‐X syndrome and syndromic autism. Work performed in animal models to elucidate the influence of neurodevelopmental disorder‐associated RBPs on distinct behaviors has showed a connection between normal post‐transcriptional regulation and conditioned learning. We previously reported cognitive inflexibility in a mouse model null for the RBP CUG‐BP, Elav‐like factor 6 (CELF6), which we also found to be associated with human autism. Specifically, these mice failed to potentiate exploratory hole‐poking behavior in response to familiarization to a rewarding stimuli. Characterization of Celf6 gene expression showed high levels in monoaminergic populations such as the dopaminergic midbrain populations. To better understand the underlying behavioral disruption mediating the resistance to change exploratory behavior in the holeboard task, we tested three hypotheses: Does Celf6 loss lead to global restricted patterns of behavior, failure of immediate response to reward or failure to alter behavior in response to reward (conditioning). We found the acute response to reward was intact, yet Celf6 mutant mice exhibited impaired conditioned learning to both reward and aversive stimuli. Thus, we found that the resistance to change by the Celf6 mutant in the holeboard was most parsimoniously explained as a failure of conditioning, as the mice had blunted responses even to potent rewarding stimuli such as cocaine. These findings further support the role of RBPs in conditioned learning.
Wildfire refugia in forests: Severe fire weather and drought mute the influence of topography and fuel age
Authors: Collins Luke , Bennett Andrew F. , Leonard Steve W. J. , Penman Trent D.
Published: June 2019

Wildfire refugia (unburnt patches within large wildfires) are important for the persistence of fire‐sensitive species across forested landscapes globally. A key challenge is to identify the factors that determine the distribution of fire refugia across space and time. In particular, determining the relative influence of climatic and landscape factors is important in order to understand likely changes in the distribution of wildfire refugia under future climates. Here, we examine the relative effect of weather (i.e. fire weather, drought severity) and landscape features (i.e. topography, fuel age, vegetation type) on the occurrence of fire refugia across 26 large wildfires in south‐eastern Australia. Fire weather and drought severity were the primary drivers of the occurrence of fire refugia, moderating the effect of landscape attributes. Unburnt patches rarely occurred under ‘severe’ fire weather, irrespective of drought severity, topography, fuels or vegetation community. The influence of drought severity and landscape factors played out most strongly under ‘moderate’ fire weather. In mesic forests, fire refugia were linked to variables that affect fuel moisture, whereby the occurrence of unburnt patches decreased with increasing drought conditions and were associated with more mesic topographic locations (i.e. gullies, pole‐facing aspects) and vegetation communities (i.e. closed‐forest). In dry forest, the occurrence of refugia was responsive to fuel age, being associated with recently burnt areas (<5 years since fire). Overall, these results show that increased severity of fire weather and increased drought conditions, both predicted under future climate scenarios, are likely to lead to a reduction of wildfire refugia across forests of southern Australia. Protection of topographic areas able to provide long‐term fire refugia will be an important step towards maintaining the ecological integrity of forests under future climate change.
Environmental variability shapes evolution, plasticity and biogeographic responses to climate change
Authors: Buckley Lauren B. , Kingsolver Joel G.
Published: June 2019

Aim

We examine how environmental variability at seasonal and interannual time‐scales influences evolutionary trajectories and the role of plasticity in response to recent and future climate change at biogeographic scales. We investigate the interplay of selection pressures at chronic (performance) and acute (thermal stress) time‐scales.

Location

Colorado, USA.

Time period

1950–2099.

Major taxa studied

A montane butterfly, clouded sulphur (Colias eriphyle W.H. Edwards, 1876).

Methods

We leverage field and laboratory data to construct phenotype‐based models that predict fitness and evolutionary responses to recent and future climate change. Our focal phenotype, wing solar absorptivity, responds plastically to developmental (pupal) temperatures and determines adult fitness via its influence on body temperature.

Results

We project that phenology accelerates with decreasing elevation and climate change, but gradients in pupal and adult temperature with climate change are modest. Fitness of the first generation is predicted to decrease at low elevations and increase at high elevations with warming. Elevational clines in optimal wing absorptivity shift towards lower absorptivities with warming. We project that temporal shifts from selection for wing darkening (to extend flight time) to selection for wing lightening (to avoid overheating) in some cool, montane locations will ultimately impose fitness costs.

Main conclusions

Our analysis suggests that shifts in the balance of selection between acute and chronic responses to environmental variation will alter biogeographic responses to climate change. Evolutionary lags may ultimately confer greater sensitivity to climate change, but plasticity can reduce evolutionary lags by facilitating trait evolution.
Expanding the clinical spectrum of dermal hyperneury: report of nine new cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Ieremia Eleni , Marušić Zlatko , Mudaliar Vivek , Kelly Susan , Gonzalvo Rodriguez Pablo , McNiff Jennifer M , LeBoit Philip E , Calonje Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Aims

Dermal hyperneury is defined as the hypertrophy of small nerves in the dermis. It has been described in a variety of settings. We present a series of nine new cases with a distinctive clinical presentation and review the existing literature. The aim of the study was to summarise the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in a case series of dermal hyperneury with unique clinical presentation.

Methods and results

Nine cases were identified from the referral practice of one of the authors. Clinical characteristics, including demographic details, were collated. The histopathological features and novel immunohistochemical findings were analysed. Four cases presented with multiple skin lesions. Clinical evaluation revealed no associated syndromic stigmata. The histology in all cases was that of dermal hyperneury. Immunohistochemistry for phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and RET was supportive of the lack of syndromic association.

Conclusion

The presentation of dermal hyperneury with multiple cutaneous lesions and no syndromic associations is distinctive, and no study with PTEN and RET immunohistochemistry has previously been reported. Comparisons with recent reports of multiple non‐syndromic mucocutaneous neuromas are discussed.