bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between predators and parasitoids: Complex interactions among shelter traits, predation and parasitism in a shelter‐building caterpillar community
Authors: Baer Christina S. , Marquis Robert J.
Published: August 2020

Shelter‐building is widespread in the animal world and such shelters often influence the success of their builders. Shelters built by caterpillars influence the likelihood of attacks by natural enemies, but how particular shelter traits influence caterpillar survival is not known. Furthermore, the differential effects of certain shelter traits on some natural enemies, such as predators, may lead to ‘enemy‐free space’ for other natural enemies (parasitoids). The parasitoid enemy‐free space hypothesis has not been directly tested for shelter‐building caterpillars.

To understand how shelter traits influence caterpillar survival, shelter traits, predation and parasitism were measured simultaneously for 24 caterpillar morphospecies (1,465 caterpillars) in a tropical dry forest and analysed in a phylogenetic context.

Shelter type, shelter openness and whether shelters accumulated frass had different amounts of phylogenetic signal, with frass accumulation displaying the most and shelter openness the least.

All three traits affected the frequency with which caterpillar species experienced predation. Predation was elevated in two shelter types (leaf folds and leaf rolls) compared to cut‐and‐fold shelters. Combinations of shelter openness and frass accumulation also affected predation, with closed frass‐free shelters having the lowest predation and closed frass‐filled shelters having the highest.

Parasitism was not affected by shelter traits but was strongly correlated with evolutionary history and negatively correlated with predation.

These results confirm a trade‐off between predation and parasitism and demonstrate that predation can be more frequent than parasitism. Different shelter types result in different amounts of predation. These defensive shelter traits and their effectiveness also vary phylogenetically. Together, our results suggest that predation and parasitism determine the success of shelter‐building caterpillars, and that success is a function of the specific shelter they construct. More generally, our results demonstrate the importance of considering the effects of defensive traits on both predators and parasitoids when investigating interactions between herbivores and natural enemies.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
An empirical attack tolerance test alters the structure and species richness of plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Biella Paolo , Akter Asma , Ollerton Jeff , Nielsen Anders , Klecka Jan
Published: August 2020

Ecological network theory hypothesizes that the structuring of species interactions can convey stability to the system. Investigating how these structures react to species loss is fundamental for understanding network disassembly or their robustness. However, this topic has mainly been studied in‐silico so far.

Here, in an experimental manipulation, we sequentially removed four generalist plants from real plant–pollinator networks. We explored the effects on, and drivers of, species and interaction disappearance, network structure and interaction rewiring. First, we compared both the local extinctions of species and interactions and the observed network indices with those expected from three co‐extinction models. Second, we investigated the trends in network indices and rewiring rate after plant removal and the pollinator tendency at establishing novel links in relation to their proportional visitation to the removed plants. Furthermore, we explored the underlying drivers of network assembly with probability matrices based on ecological traits.

Our results indicate that the cumulative local extinctions of species and interactions increased faster with generalist plant loss than what was expected by co‐extinction models, which predicted the survival or disappearance of many species incorrectly, and the observed network indices were lowly correlated to those predicted by co‐extinction models. Furthermore, the real networks reacted in complex ways to plant removal. First, network nestedness decreased and modularity increased. Second, although species abundance was a main assembly rule, opportunistic random interactions and structural unpredictability emerged as plants were removed. Both these reactions could indicate network instability and fragility. Other results showed network reorganization, as rewiring rate was high and asymmetries between network levels emerged as plants increased their centrality. Moreover, the generalist pollinators that had frequently visited both the plants targeted of removal and the non‐target plants tended to establish novel links more than who either had only visited the removal plants or avoided to do so.

With the experimental manipulation of real networks, our study shows that despite their reorganizational ability, plant–pollinator networks changed towards a more fragile state when generalist plants are lost.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Variation in thermal traits describing sex determination and development in Western Australian sea turtle populations
Authors: Bentley Blair P. , Stubbs Jessica L. , Whiting Scott D. , Mitchell Nicola J.
Published: August 2020

Both the development rate and sex of sea turtle embryos depend on incubation temperature, as all species of sea turtle are ectotherms and show temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). Theory predicts that selection should act on populations to optimize developmental times and primary sex ratios.

In this study, we use a consistent methodology to measure development rates and model the reaction norm that defines TSD in three populations of flatback turtles Natator depressus and two populations of green turtles Chelonia mydas that nest in Western Australia.

We show that development rates vary between and within species, likely reflecting adaptation to local beach microclimates. Similarly, the parameters that define the TSD reaction norm vary between the two species, and among N. depressus populations, with pivotal temperatures (TPIV) varying by 1.5°C (29.6–31.1°C), and the transitional ranges of temperatures (TRT) varying by 1.4–3.3°C. In contrast, we found a similar TPIV for the two C. mydas populations, but a wider TRT at the northernmost tropical rookery.

Our findings support the view that thermal parameters in geographically separated populations of sea turtles are broadly similar, but the variation we describe will be highly relevant for predicting how populations will respond to climate change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Don't worry if you fail to save the world on your first go
Authors: Kirsch Stuart
Published: August 2020

During these tumultuous times, many anthropologists want to use their skills and knowledge to help make a difference. This guest editorial offers 12 practical tips on doing engaged research – ranging from ‘accept that you won't always be in charge’ to ‘listen to people with different perspectives’.
Talking about bushfires: Difference and division in Australia's environmental crisis
Authors: Peace Adrian
Published: August 2020

In late 2019 and early 2020, bushfires consumed vast swathes of land across southern parts of Australia. The scale and intensity of the fires was unprecedented and the extent of destruction was without parallel. This article asks to what extent anthropology's focus on culture and cultural processes can inform our understanding of the complex politics generated by a situation such as this. It is argued that local people, who were directly affected by the fires, and the political elite, who commented on them from a distance, had different understandings of – and attached different meanings to – these extraordinary events. These cultural differences were especially evident on the question of the extent to which climate change was responsible for generating this environmental disaster.
From spirits to conspiracy? Nomadic perceptions of climate change, pandemics and disease
Authors: Stammler Florian M. , Ivanova Aytalina
Published: August 2020

This article illustrates how the Yamal‐Nenets, a group of reindeer pastoralists in West Siberia, perceive a series of recent natural disasters to be connected to one another through a conspiracy – i.e. caused by the agency of malevolent human forces which are beyond the pastoralists’ control. Recent fieldwork during the peak of the global Covid‐19 epidemic served as a trigger for this observation. Their self‐confidence in the robustness of their lifestyle and their embeddedness within their natural environment is so strong that Yamal‐Nenets nomads believe only evil forces – not nature – can stop them from being mobile. Alongside Covid‐19, they interpret the severe consequences of natural disasters, such as iced pastures, related reindeer starvation and the outbreak of anthrax as man‐made attempts to reduce the number of people and animals in the tundra. The blame they place on humans for these disasters takes place in the context of hitherto unseen gas industry developments in the area. Such interpretations may become a general pattern for changing perceptions of the world by remote indigenous populations when deprived of their once customary shamanic dialogue with the spirits.
Epidemic temporalities: A concise literature review
Authors: Roth Emmanuelle
Published: August 2020

How do individuals and institutions make sense of epidemics in time, before, during and after outbreaks? This concise review follows a linear chronology of outbreak ‘events’ to explore debates in medical anthropology on epidemic temporalities. It excavates key notions relating to the technologies, imaginary and governance of epidemic anticipation, epidemic emergency and epidemic aftermaths. Building upon ethnographic works which depict how epidemic temporalities are constructed, and how they travel and affect social life, it argues that they are an integral component of the evental construction of epidemics.
Between Georgia and Ohio: Constructing the Covid‐19 Disaster in the United States
Authors: Kim Jaymelee J. , Reinke Amanda J. , Eldridge Erin R. , Grant Maya
Published: August 2020

As the Covid‐19 pandemic continues to unfold around the world, governments engage in diverse decision‐making processes that shape everyday living patterns, rituals and livelihoods. This article compares and examines state‐level governmental influences on the social construction of the Covid‐19 disaster in the United States, specifically analyzing the states of Ohio and Georgia. The authors interrogate how governing bodies and officials in these states differentially construct the crisis and reshape social norms during periods of liminality.
Whose development? The dilemma of rural artisan women in southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wayessa Bula
Published: August 2020

This article examines the socio‐economic situation of pottery‐making households in southwestern Ethiopia. In this region, pottery production lies exclusively within the women's domain, and taboos and restrictions surrounding the practice prohibit male involvement. Potters are marginalized, banned from land ownership and sometimes form endogamous castes. Ethiopian development policy and the perception of indigenous pottery technology as ‘unproductive’ have threatened the continuity of the tradition and the livelihood of rural potters. Meanwhile, foreign‐made plastic and enamel products are gradually replacing indigenous pottery.
MY COVID‐19 DIARY, PART 2
Authors: Munyikwa Michelle
Published: August 2020

Written in weekly instalments, Michelle Munyikwa's Covid‐19 diary reflects upon the experience of an unfolding pandemic from her dual role as a medical trainee and anthropologist living in the United States. In this second instalment of her diary Covid‐19 dairy, the author reflects upon ethics, risk, pandemic futures and the murder of George Floyd as the crisis continues in the United States.
Scientific Advice at a Time of Emergency. SAGE and Covid‐19
Authors: Freedman Lawrence
Published: August 2020

The challenge for experts in government is often described as one of speaking unwelcome truths to a resistant power. Yet, just as problematic can be instances where the advice is welcome and so left unchallenged. Two such cases in which the UK government followed flawed expert advice are considered: intelligence assessments and military advice leading up to the 2003 Iraq War and the role of SAGE (the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) during the first stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic in 2020. Governments need to interrogate advice and make sure that they understand its underlying assumptions and implications. It remains vital to protect the independence of the experts, but to get the best out of their advice early and active political engagement is required rather than an arms‐length relationship.
Researching Fact Checking: Present Limitations and Future Opportunities
Authors: Dias Nicholas , Sippitt Amy
Published: August 2020

The fact checking field has grown tremendously in the past decade, as has academic interest in the practice, with dozens of studies testing the effectiveness of corrections. However, research on fact checking is not yet optimised to help fact checkers address the global challenges of mis‐ and disinformation. In this paper, we review the literature on fact checking’s effects and identify two key gaps. First, we discuss the limited diversity and external validity of existing studies, which have overwhelmingly been conducted in Western countries and under artificial, experimental conditions. Second, we argue that research has narrowly focussed on the short‐term, corrective effects of individual fact checks, largely ignoring the multiple ways fact checkers conceive of their impact. Thus, research has overlooked the cultural and systemic changes that fact checkers pursue. We conclude by highlighting opportunities for further research and for improving communication between academics and fact checkers.
Risk of pre‐eclampsia in patients with a maternal genetic predisposition to common medical conditions: a case–control study
Authors: Gray KJ , Kovacheva VP , Mirzakhani H , Bjonnes AC , Almoguera B , Wilson ML , Ingles SA , Lockwood CJ , Hakonarson H , McElrath TF , Murray JC , Norwitz ER , Karumanchi SA , Bateman BT , Keating BJ , Saxena R
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess whether women with a genetic predisposition to medical conditions known to increase pre‐eclampsia risk have an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia in pregnancy.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting and population

Pre‐eclampsia cases (n = 498) and controls (n = 1864) in women of European ancestry from five US sites genotyped on a cardiovascular gene‐centric array.

Methods

Significant single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 21 traits in seven disease categories (cardiovascular, inflammatory/autoimmune, insulin resistance, liver, obesity, renal and thrombophilia) with published genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) were used to create a genetic instrument for each trait. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of each continuous scaled genetic instrument with pre‐eclampsia. Odds of pre‐eclampsia were compared across quartiles of the genetic instrument and evaluated for significance.

Main outcome measures

Genetic predisposition to medical conditions and relationship with pre‐eclampsia.

Results

An increasing burden of risk alleles for elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and increased body mass index (BMI) were associated with an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (DBP, overall OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.21, P = 0.025; BMI, OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00–1.20, P = 0.042), whereas alleles associated with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were protective (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.97, P = 0.008), driven primarily by pleiotropic effects of variants in the FADS gene region. The effect of DBP genetic loci was even greater in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia cases (at <34 weeks of gestation, OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.08–1.56, P = 0.005). For other traits, there was no evidence of an association.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the underlying genetic architecture of pre‐eclampsia may be shared with other disorders, specifically hypertension and obesity.

Tweetable abstract

A genetic predisposition to increased diastolic blood pressure and obesity increases the risk of pre‐eclampsia.
Plant and root‐zone water isotopes are difficult to measure, explain, and predict: Some practical recommendations for determining plant water sources
Authors: von Freyberg Jana , Allen Scott T. , Grossiord Charlotte , Dawson Todd E.
Published: August 2020

Stable isotope ratios of water (δ18O, δ2H) have long been used to study a core question in plant ecology and ecohydrology: ‘From where do plants take up water?’ Indeed, decades of research has involved sampling potential plant water sources in the subsurface, classifying those sources as distinct endmembers (e.g. deep vs. shallow soil waters) and then evaluating their contributions to a xylem water sample through mixing‐model analysis to identify the depths of root water uptake.

However, more detailed interrogations of the subsurface and plant domains have revealed under‐considered transport and isotopic fractionation phenomena. These now apparent complexities raise new questions and challenge the many past assumptions inherent in endmember‐mixing models that now seem overly simple.

Here, we introduce discussions of these recent insights and provide an overview of isotope effects that occur naturally in the root zone and in the plant, as well as artificially during sample handling. Better accounting for these complexities and their associated uncertainties can lead to more accurate and robust study designs, analytical frameworks and, ultimately, inferences.

Finally, to more robustly characterize plant water sources using δ18O and δ2H, we provide some practical recommendations that aim at maximizing the isotopic contrast between endmembers and/or minimizing potential uncertainties.
RUbble Biodiversity Samplers: 3D‐printed coral models to standardize biodiversity censuses
Authors: Wolfe Kennedy , Mumby Peter J.
Published: August 2020

To ensure standardized, quantitative and repeatable methodologies, marine ecologists have engineered a range of artificial units to survey benthic communities with varying designs depending on target taxa, life history stage and habitat. In tropical ecosystems, autonomous units have typically lacked microhabitat complexity (e.g. planar tiles), short‐term efficacy (<1 year deployment) and/or a truly standardized design to sample cryptobenthic diversity.

Coral rubble is characterized by high microhabitat complexity, which is unresolved in sampling efforts. Yet, rubble can support the greatest density and diversity of metazoan taxa.

We engineered RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) as a dismantlable lightweight 3D‐printed model to standardize cryptobenthic biodiversity sampling.

We demonstrate the effectiveness of RUBS with preliminary results from short‐term (1–14 days) deployments in Palau, Western Micronesia.

RUbble Biodiversity Samplers uphold the microhabitat complexity inherent in coral rubble (~50% interstitial space) and provide an effective and efficient methodology to sample cryptobenthic fauna, which could be applied in comparative studies.

The RUBS concept provides a platform for the broader implementation of 3D‐printed models in marine ecology to overcome issues of standardization regardless of habitat type.
Semicompact canopy form in mixoploid plants differentiated from the endosperm of Pyrus communis cv. Natanzi: Evidence from flow cytometric analysis and anatomical and morphological traits
Authors: Ameri Atefe , Davarynejad Golamhossein , Moshtaghi Nasrin , Tehranifar Ali
Published: August 2020

Endosperm culture can be considered a method to achieve polyploid plants. An experiment was conducted to determine the ploidy levels in leaf cells of plantlets originating from the endosperm and cotyledonary segment explants after organogenesis. The ploidy level of plantlets was determined by flow cytometry. Also, anatomical and morphological traits of the analysed plantlets were compared to identify the phenotypic difference in the plants. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that plantlets with cotyledon origin were diploid, while plantlets differentiated from the endosperm were mixoploid. Mixoploid and diploid plants differed in genome size. Mixoploidʼs leaves developed with a steep angle (27.23 ± 2.62°, n = 3), low leaf area index (0.233 ± 0.002, n = 3) and small cross‐sectional area of the plant canopy (104.2 ± 2.11 cm2, n = 3) at the maturity of the leaf. The higher light interception (39.137 ± 0.047 μmol m−2 s−1, n = 3) was also recorded in mixoploid plants compared to diploid plants. The shorter internode in the upper part of, and longer internode in the lower part of, the plant canopy is consistent with the semicompact phenotype of mixoploid plants. Their stomatal conductance values were higher than those in diploid plants. The light interception showed a strong positive correlation with stomatal conductance. The comparison of stomatal density and length in haploid, diploid and triploid leaves of mixoploid plants has revealed that with the increase in ploidy level, stomatal density decreased because of enlargement in stomatal length. This study offers trees with a semidense canopy and better photosynthesis conditions for semidense orchard construction.
CD8+ T cells are increased in the subventricular zone with physiological and pathological aging
Authors: Moreno‐Valladares Manuel , Moreno‐Cugnon Leire , Silva Tulio Mateo , Garcés Juan Pablo , Saenz‐Antoñanzas Ander , Álvarez‐Satta María , Matheu Ander
Published: August 2020

Age‐related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with less functional neurogenic niches. It has been recently shown that aged subventricular zone (SVZ) suffers an infiltration of T cells, which affects neural stem cell activity in mice. Whether this occurs in human neurogenic niches or to which extent T‐cell infiltration is also taking place in neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. In this work, we studied the presence of T cells in both human neurogenic niches in young and old individuals. There was a significant increase in the number of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in the SVZ of elderly individuals, which was not detected in the dentate gyrus. Moreover, we also found CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in the SVZ of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. However, T‐cell count was similar when compared non‐neuropathological elderly with disease diagnosed patients. Our study reveals the infiltration of T cells in old human brains, particularly in the SVZ under non‐pathological conditions and also in neurodegenerative contexts.
Rapid senescence‐like response after acute injury
Authors: Chu Xiaogang , Wen Jin , Raju Raghavan Pillai
Published: August 2020

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest. Short‐term programmed senescence such as in embryonic development and slowly progressing senescence as in aging are both well described. However, acute senescence in living organisms is not well understood. We hypothesized that hemorrhagic shock injury (HI) caused by whole body hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, resulting in organ dysfunction due to severe blood loss, could lead to acute senescence in vivo. Our experiments, for the first time, demonstrate a rapidly emerged, senolytics‐responsive, senescence‐like response in the rat liver in less than five hr following hemorrhagic shock. We conclude that the senescence, or pseudosenescence, observed is necessary to maintain tissue homeostasis following the injury.
Corporate governance and carbon performance: role of carbon strategy and awareness of climate risk
Authors: Luo Le , Tang Qingliang
Published: August 2020

This study investigates whether corporate governance (CG) leads to improved corporate social responsibility (CSR) in relation to carbon performance. We draw on multiple theoretical lenses for CSR and use a sample of the top 350 listed UK companies. Our results show that overall CG quality has a discernible influence on carbon performance, based on outcome‐based carbon emissions. Our empirical findings and inferences still hold with an action‐based performance measure as well. In addition, we find that the relationship between CG and carbon performance is significantly moderated by carbon strategy and managerial awareness of carbon risk. Our evidence supports the claim that reforms of CG in the UK have promoted CSR behaviour in carbon performance, and this insight is not documented elsewhere.
Decreased oxytocin plasma levels and oxytocin receptor expression in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Carrasco J. L. , Buenache E. , MacDowell K. S. , De la Vega I. , López‐Villatoro J. M. , Moreno B. , Díaz‐Marsá M. , Leza J. C.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense affective reactions with underlying social and interpersonal cognitive deficits. Oxytocin has largely been associated with both stress regulation and social cognition in psychiatric patients and in non‐clinical populations in previous studies. Finally, abnormal oxytocin levels have been preliminary reported in BPD patients.

Methods

53 patients with moderate‐severe BPD and 31 healthy control subjects were investigated for plasma levels of oxytocin and protein expression of oxytocin receptor in blood mononuclear cells. Clinical assessments were made for severity, functionality, and comorbidity with axis I and II conditions.

Results

Oxytocin plasma levels were significantly lower in BPD patients compared with controls. In addition, protein expression of oxytocin receptor was significantly reduced in the BPD group. A positive correlation was found between plasma oxytocin levels and the activity index score of the Zuckerman‐Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ). Oxytocin receptor protein expression, on the contrary, had a negative correlation with the ZKPQ sociability index score.

Conclusions

Results support the evidence of a dysfunction of the oxytocin system in borderline personality disorder, which could be involved in emotional dysregulation and interpersonal disturbances in these patients.
The lethal 23%: predator demography influences predation risk for threatened prey
Authors: Moseby K. E. , McGregor H. , Read J. L.
Published: August 2020

Globally, wildlife managers often control predator populations to protect biodiversity, livestock or other valued resources. Most assume that the predation impact of each individual predator is the same and that removing any individual predator produces a benefit to the target species. However, research suggests predation efficacy can vary within a predator species according to phenotypic characteristics. Understanding these individual differences may be critical for managing predation impacts on particular categories of prey including small populations where predation effects are amplified. We used dietary data from 1748 feral cats euthanized over 30 years during a control programme in arid Australia to determine whether any predator attributes could predict their effect on different prey weight classes. Feral cats in our study ate a wide range of prey including reptiles, mammals, birds and invertebrates. Demography (body mass) was a highly significant predictor of diet. Cats weighing 3 kg fed predominantly on prey <50 g increasing to >500 g when cats attained a body mass of 6 kg. Of more significance was that diet varied between demographic groups but also within a single demographic group (adult males) based on body mass, with results having significant implications for threatened prey. Modelling indicated that for a fixed predator population size, the predation rate on prey in a >500 g weight class increased by 28% when the ratio of large (>4.2 kg) to small adult males varied according to its natural range (12%–80% over the 30‐year study). Results suggest that variations in predator demography can significantly impact predation rates on prey species and should be included in predator–prey models for small prey populations. On average, large male cats comprised 23% of the population and our findings suggest that targeting this ‘lethal demographic’ and manipulating predator demography should be prioritized along with lowering predator density to reduce predation impacts on prey weighing more than 500g.
‘Self‐fumigation’ of nests by an endangered avian host using insecticide‐treated feathers increases reproductive success more than tenfold
Authors: Alves F. , Langmore N. , Heinsohn R. , Stojanovic D.
Published: August 2020

Parasites can cause great fitness cost to their hosts, however, their impact on host populations is often unknown. In healthy populations, parasites are not expected to cause declines, but they can be devastating to small and/or declining populations. Nest ectoparasites can have detrimental impacts on the breeding output of their hosts and are emerging as a threat to several endangered bird species. Therefore, finding cost‐effect ways to reduce the impact of parasites on endangered hosts is crucial. Although ‘close‐order’ management techniques available to manage nest parasites are effective, they are often expensive and might not be suitable for species that are intolerant of intensive manipulation. We tested a low cost, ‘close‐order’ management technique to control parasites and boost nest productivity in an endangered passerine. The endangered forty‐spotted pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus is exploited by an ectoparasitic fly Passeromyia longicornis, an obligate subcutaneous parasite of nestling birds. We offered adult pardalotes the opportunity to ‘self‐fumigate’ their nests by supplying feathers treated with insecticide with which to line their nests and tested whether this boosted nest productivity. Pardalotes readily incorporated the experimental feathers in nest building, and survival of hatchlings was significantly higher in nests lined with treated feathers (95%) compared to nests lined with control feathers (8%). This represents a substantially greater improvement in reproductive success than in previous experimental studies, offering the strongest evidence yet that self‐fumigation is a highly effective, simple and low cost ‘close‐order’ management technique for defending endangered birds against ectoparasites.
Dietary partitioning of three large carnivores in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Authors: Briers‐Louw Willem D. , Leslie Alison J.
Published: August 2020

Between 2011 and 2012, the carnivore guild in Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR), Malawi, was restored following the reintroduction of lion (Panthera leo) and leopard (Panthera pardus). The aim of this study was to describe and compare the diet of lion, leopard and resident spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) using scat analysis. Lions and spotted hyaenas displayed the greatest dietary overlap (Oab = 0.88) and selected mainly medium‐ to large‐bodied prey species. Lions had a mean preferred prey weight of 120.33 ± 42.14 kg (SE), with warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) making up 60.64% of relative biomass consumed. Spotted hyaenas had a mean preferred prey weight of 102.40 ± 41.69 kg and had a more generalised diet (Ba = 0.46) compared to lions (Ba = 0.36). In contrast, leopards occupied a dietary niche substantially lower than that of lions and spotted hyaenas, selecting relatively smaller prey with a mean preferred prey weight of 27.50 ± 6.74 kg. Our results suggest that coexistence between the resident hyaena and reintroduced lion and leopard in MWR is facilitated by dietary partitioning. We advise long‐term monitoring of reintroduced carnivores in small, enclosed reserves to assess their impacts on predator and prey populations.
Factors influencing the diurnal behaviour of white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tichagwa Tafadzwa , Pegg Nicola , Ndagurwa Hilton G. T. , Zhuwau Colum
Published: August 2020

Activity periods and diurnal behaviour of southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) were studied in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, from August 2016 to July 2017 using camera trapping and focal group sampling, respectively. Camera trap data showed that diurnal and nocturnal movements of white rhino varied significantly with moon phase, with more frequent nocturnal photographic captures during full‐ and third‐quarter moon phases than during new and crescent moon phases. Permutational MANOVA and canonical correspondence analysis of focal group observation data were used to test the effects of season, time of day, habitat type, distance to roads, moon phase, presence/absence of other mammals, age/sex category, individual identity and herd composition on daytime behaviour. Weather conditions accounted for the majority of variation in rhino behaviour, with more time spent feeding during cloudy and rainy weather than sunny weather. Time of day and moon phase also accounted for high variation in behaviour, followed by habitat attributes and age/sex category. Variance partitioning by sets of explanatory variables showed that weather conditions had the greatest explanatory power in the variation of rhino behaviour, followed by temporal attributes, habitat attributes and age/sex category. Our findings provide insights for white rhino population management strategies aimed at increasing the effectiveness of security patrols, minimising disturbance and improving sightings for tourists.
Performance and safety of treatment options for erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury: A review of the literature
Authors: Afferi Luca , Pannek Jürgen , Louis Burnett Arthur , Razaname Cedric , Tzanoulinou Stamatina , Bobela Wojciech , da Silva Rodrigo Araujo Fraga , Sturny Mikael , Stergiopulos Nikos , Cornelius Julian , Moschini Marco , Iselin Christophe , Salonia Andrea , Mattei Agostino , Mordasini Livio
Published: August 2020

Background

For a large proportion of patients with spinal cord injury, sexuality and reproduction are important issues. However, sparse data exist regarding available treatment options for this patient population.

Objectives

We sought to review performance and safety rates of all currently available treatment options for erectile dysfunction in spinal cord injury men.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature review without time restrictions was performed using PubMed/EMBASE database for English‐, Italian‐, German‐, and Spanish‐language articles. Articles' selection was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant papers on erectile dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients were included in the final analyses.

Results and Discussion

Overall, 47 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Of these, most evidence dealt with phosphodiesterase 5‐inhibitors and intracavernous drug injection. Both treatment options are associated with high levels of performance and with patients/partners' satisfaction; side effects are acceptable. Overall, penile prostheses and vacuum erection devices are in general less approved by spinal cord injury patients and are correlated with increased rates of complications in comparison with phosphodiesterase 5‐inhibitors and intracavernous drug injection. Sacral neuromodulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and intraurethral suppositories have been poorly studied, but preliminary studies did not show convincing results.

Conclusion

The best treatment options for erectile dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients emerged to be phosphodiesterase 5‐inhibitors and intracavernous drug injection. The choice of erectile dysfunction treatment should be based on several aspects, including residual erectile function, spinal cord injury location, and patients' comorbidities. Future studies assessing the applicability of less well‐studied treatments, as well as evaluating innovative options, are needed in this specific population.
Healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards termination of pregnancy at viable stage
Authors: Roets Ellen , Dierickx Sigrid , Deliens Luc , Chambaere Kenneth , Dombrecht Laure , Roelens Kristien , Beernaert Kim
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Upon prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations, termination of pregnancy (TOP) may be an option, sometimes at a gestational age when the fetus is already viable (late TOP). We aimed to study attitudes towards late TOP of all tertiary healthcare professionals involved in late TOP practice.

Material and methods

A mail survey was conducted among all physicians and paramedical professionals involved in late TOP decision‐making in all eight centers with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Flanders, Belgium (N = 117). The questionnaire contained general and case‐based attitude items.

Results

Response rate was 79%. Respondents were either physicians (51.1%) or paramedical professionals (49.9%). The composition of professionals involved in late TOP decision‐making was heterogeneous between the eight centers. Late TOP was highly accepted in both lethal fetal conditions (100%) and serious (but not lethal) fetal conditions (95.6%). Where the fetus is healthy, 19.8% of respondents agreed with late TOP for maternal psychological problems and fewer respondents (13.2%) agreed with late TOP in the case of maternal socio‐economic problems (P = .002). Physicians more often preferred feticide over neonatal palliative care in the case of non‐lethal fetal conditions compared with paramedical professionals (68.1% vs 53.2%, P = .013). Almost nine out of ten respondents (89.1%) agreed that in the event of a serious (non‐lethal) neonatal condition, administering drugs with the explicit intention to end neonatal life was acceptable. Behavioral intentions indicate that even in situations with an unclear diagnosis and unpredictable prognosis, 85.6% of professionals would still consider late TOP.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals practicing late TOP in Flanders, Belgium have a high degree of tolerance towards late TOP, irrespective of sociodemographic factors, and are demanding legislative change regarding active life‐ending in the fetal and neonatal periods. Further research should explore the correlation of attitudes to late TOP with actual medical decisions taken in daily clinical practice.
Intervertebral joint polarity reversions in extant and extinct crocodylians
Authors: Iijima Masaya , Kubo Tai
Published: August 2020

Procoely in presacral and caudal vertebrae except the biconvex first caudal vertebra is regarded as a key diagnostic feature of eusuchian crocodylomorphs, although its individual variation, which may have an impact on the evolutionary and functional interpretations, remains unexplored. Here, we examined 19 extant species as well as a few fossil species of crocodylians to identify individual (intraspecific) variation in the intervertebral joint polarities. We found joint alteration in eight individuals from seven extant species and three individuals from two extinct species. Most variant specimens show sacrocaudal joint alteration, while single Osteolaemus tetraspis peculiarly displays multiple joint polarity reversions (cotyle to condyle and vice versa) in anterior caudal vertebrae. Because the sacrocaudal joint polarity is frequently reversed and the first caudal vertebra becomes procoelous, caution should be taken when identifying an isolated first caudal vertebra of basal and outgroups of eusuchians. Almost exclusive occurrences of joint alteration at the less mobile sacrocaudal joint in crocodylians are consistent with the hypothesis that the joint alteration takes place at joints with a lesser range of motion.
Attainment, attendance, and school difficulties in UK primary schoolchildren with probable ADHD
Authors: May Felix , Ford Tamsin , Janssens Astrid , Newlove‐Delgado Tamsin , Emma Russell Abigail , Salim Javid , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Hayes Rachel
Published: August 2020

Background

Among children aged 6–16, there is a clear association between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and academic attainment. We wanted to know whether this association was replicated in younger children.

Aims

To explore the relationship between children aged 4–8 with probable ADHD and their academic attainment and school attendance. Secondly, the study aimed to explore their behaviour within school and their reported attitudes towards school.

Sample

A total of 1,152 children who were taking part in the Supporting Teachers and Children in Schools (STARS) cluster randomized controlled trial.

Methods

ADHD status was established by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire predictive algorithm to identify children with probable ADHD. Using baseline data, random‐effects regression models on ADHD status were fitted to attainment, attendance, special educational needs (SEN) provision, and attitudes towards school and classroom behaviour; models that were also fitted to attainment were evaluated again at 9, 18, and 30 months after baseline.

Results

Children with probable ADHD (n = 47) were more likely than controls (n = 1,105) to have below‐expected attainment in literacy (odds ratio (OR) 16.7, 95% CI 6.93‐to‐40.1), numeracy (OR 11.3, 95% CI 5.34‐to‐24.1) and to be identified as having SEN (OR‐55.2, 95%‐CI 22.1‐to‐137). Their attendance was poorer with more unauthorized absences (rate ratio (RR)‐1.91, 95%‐CI‐1.57‐to‐2.31). They had more teacher‐reported behavioural problems (mean difference (MD) 5.0, 95%‐CI 4.6‐to‐5.4) and less positive attitudes towards school (MD −1.1, 95% CI −0.56 to −1.85). Poorer attainment in literacy and numeracy persisted at all follow‐ups.

Conclusions

Children aged as young as 4 whose behaviour indicates probable ADHD struggle to cope at school in terms of academic attainment, attendance, classroom behaviour, and attitude towards school when compared to other children. Early identification and intervention to help these children manage in school are needed.
Association between dietary sugar intake and colorectal adenoma among cancer screening examinees in Japan
Authors: Cho Hourin , Budhathoki Sanjeev , Kanehara Rieko , Goto Atsushi , Yamaji Taiki , Kakugawa Yasuo , Saito Yutaka , Matsuda Takahisa , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: August 2020

Although intake of highly sugary foods is considered to be a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer through hyperinsulinemia, the association of sugar intake and colorectal adenoma, a precursor lesion to most colorectal cancer, is poorly understood, particularly in Asian populations. We undertook a cross‐sectional study in a Japanese population to investigate the association between dietary sugar intake and the prevalence of colorectal adenoma. Study subjects were selected from participants who underwent magnifying colonoscopy with dye spraying as part of a cancer screening program and who responded to a self‐administered questionnaire before the colonoscopy. A total of 738 cases with colorectal adenoma and 697 controls were enrolled. Dietary intakes of glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and total sugars (sum of these six mono‐ or disaccharides) were calculated from a food frequency questionnaire, and divided into quartiles based on the distribution among controls. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of colorectal adenoma were estimated using unconditional logistic regression models, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Total sugar intake was not significantly associated with the prevalence of colorectal adenoma (odds ratio for the highest intake group compared to reference group = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.81‐1.73; P for trend = .34). Furthermore, no statistically significant positive associations were observed for any of the six mono‐ or disaccharides. Findings were similar on additional analyses by site, size, and number of adenomas. Our findings do not support an association between high sugar intake and increased odds ratios of colorectal adenoma.
Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD): More than meets the eye. The role of multimodal imaging in today's management of AMD—A review
Authors: Guymer Robyn , Wu Zhichao
Published: August 2020

Multimodal imaging (MMI) allows a more granular grading of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) disease severity, with many novel risk factors having been recently identified. With this imaging information, we are better able to counsel our patients with more accurate and individualized progression scenarios. MMI also allows identification of anatomical features that increase our understanding of disease processes involved in progression to late AMD. Treatment protocols for neovascular AMD (nAMD) depend largely on the optical coherence tomography (OCT) appearance to determine disease activity, which allows us to individualize treatment. In geographic atrophy (GA), new intervention trials require the ability to define the extent of GA, so that GA growth rate can be determined. This is achieved through fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, which allows greater accuracy of border identification, as well as revealing FAF patterns predictive of growth rates. As we strive to bring interventions earlier in the disease course, OCT imaging provides an ability to identify the first signs of atrophy, which may serve as novel surrogate biomarkers for GA, thereby facilitating trials. In the future, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify relevant features on MMI could further enhance our ability to determine disease severity, predict progression and assist in identifying disease activity parameters to support clinical decision making when treating nAMD. Newer developments may allow frequent, remote capturing of images, reducing clinic visits, detecting progression and monitoring neovascular activity in‐between clinic visits. Being aware of these new imaging insights in AMD, greatly enhance our clinical management of AMD.
Micro and Martsolf syndromes in 34 new patients: Refining the phenotypic spectrum and further molecular insights
Authors: Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Abdel‐Ghafar Sherif F. , Ismail Suzan R. , Desouky Lubna M. , Issa Mahmoud Y. , Effat Laila K. , Zaki Maha S.
Published: August 2020

Micro and Martsolf syndromes are rare clinically and genetically overlapping disorders caused by mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18 and TBC1D20 genes. We describe 34 new patients, 27 with Micro and seven with Martsolf. Patients presented with the characteristic clinical manifestations of the two syndromes, including postnatal microcephaly, congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, optic atrophy, spasticity and intellectual disability. Brain imaging showed in the majority of cases polymicrogyria, thin corpus callosum, cortical atrophy, and white matter dysmyelination. Unusual additional findings were pectus excavatum (four patients), pectus carinatum (three patients), congenital heart disease (three patients) and bilateral calcification in basal ganglia (one patient). Mutational analysis of RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 revealed 21 mutations, including 14 novel variants. RAB3GAP1 mutations were identified in 22 patients with Micro, including a deletion of the entire gene in one patient. On the other hand, RAB3GAP2 mutations were identified in two patients with Micro and all Martsolf patients. Moreover, exome sequencing unraveled a TBC1D20 mutation in an additional family with Micro syndrome. Our results expand the phenotypic and mutational spectrum associated with Micro and Martsolf syndromes. Due to the overlapped severities and genetic basis of both syndromes, we suggest to be comprehended as one entity “Micro/Martsolf spectrum” or “RAB18 deficiency.”