bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory and confirmatory research in the open science era
Authors: Nilsen Erlend B. , Bowler Diana E. , Linnell John D. C.
Published: February 2020

Applied ecological research is increasingly inspired by the open science movement. However, new challenges about how we define our science when biodiversity data are being shared and re‐used are not solved. Among these challenges is the risk associated with blurring the distinction between research that mainly seeks to explore patterns with no a‐priori articulated hypotheses (exploratory research), and research that explicitly tests a‐priori formulated hypotheses (confirmatory research).

A rapid screening of a random selection of the peer‐reviewed literature suggests that neither experimental protocols nor hypothesis‐testing sensu stricto are common in applied ecological research. In addition, most experiments are carried out on small spatial scales, which contrast with current global policy needs and research trends towards addressing large spatial and temporal scales. This latter trend makes it unfeasible for policy to rely mainly on insights gained from experimental research.

To solve fundamental local, regional and global societal challenges, we need both exploratory and confirmatory research. However, the fundamental roles that confirmatory research testing a‐priori hypothesis play in establishing causal relationships need to be revaluated in applied ecological research.

A clearer distinction between exploratory and confirmatory research is currently needed, and could be facilitated by allocating journal sections to different types of research; by embracing new tools offered by the open science era, such as pre‐registration of hypothesis; by establishing new systems where post‐hoc hypotheses emerging through exploration can also be registered for later testing; and by more broad adoption of causal inference methods that foster more structured testing of hypotheses about causal mechanisms from observational biodiversity data.

Synthesis and applications. To gain the full benefits of the open science era, researchers, funding bodies and journal editors should explicitly consider approaches and incentives that encourage openness about methods and approaches, as well as value the plurality of scientific approaches needed to address questions in applied ecology and conservation science.
Homeobox B5 suppression attenuates proliferation and elevates apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines through ERK/MDM2 signalling
Authors: Su Baowei , Zhang Xueli , Luo Guang
Published: February 2020

Homeobox B5 (HOXB5), a member of the HOX gene family, is an important gene in tumourigenesis. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation and apoptosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and regulation mechanism of HOXB5 in HCC cell lines Hep3B and LM6. The data indicated high expression of HOXB5 in HCC tissues and cell lines. In HCC cells, inhibition of HOXB5 by transfection with HOXB5 siRNA significantly constrained cell viability, and Bcl‐2 levels, and it increased cell apoptosis, cytochrome c levels, BAX levels, and caspase‐3 activity. On the contrary, HOXB5 overexpression increased proliferation and Bcl‐2 levels but inhibited BAX levels and caspase‐3 activity in these cells. HOXB5 downregulation attenuated activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and expression of the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene. Incubation with the ERK activator, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (40 μmol/L), for 12 hours reversed the effects of HOXB5 inhibition on MDM2 expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in HCC cells. Overall, this study demonstrated that HOXB5 inhibition regulated MDM2 expression by controlling ERK activation and that it modulated proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells.
Action repertoires in contentious episodes: What determines governments’ and challengers’ action strategies? A cross‐national analysis
Authors: BOJAR ABEL , KRIESI HANSPETER
Published: February 2020

This paper studies the interactions between governments, challengers and third party actors in the context of 60 contentious policy episodes in 12 European countries during the Great Recession. More specifically, we focus on the endogenous dynamics that develop in the course of these episodes. Based on the combination of a new event dataset, which allows for the construction of action sequences, and a novel method (contentious episode analysis) to study the impact of actor‐specific actions on subsequent actions within a sequence, we test a set of hypotheses on the determinants of actors’ overall action repertoires within specific contexts. Overall, our results are more supportive of the interdependence of cooperation than of the interdependence of conflict: the repression‐radical mobilisation‐external legitimation of conflictive behaviour nexus is weaker than the concession‐cooperation‐mediation nexus. While the literature tends to focus on conflict dynamics, we find that there is a more systematic dynamics of cooperation in the course of contentious episodes.
Patient social risk factors and continuity of care for Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Johnston Kenton J. , Mittler Jessica , Hockenberry Jason M.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To identify patient social risk factors associated with Continuity of Care (COC) index.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), the Dartmouth Institute, and Area Resource File for 2006‐2013.

Study Design

We use regression methods to assess the effect of patient social risk factors on COC after adjusting for medical complexity. In secondary analyses, we assess the effect of social risk factors on annual utilization of physicians and specialists for evaluation and management (E&M).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We retrospectively identified 59 499 patient years for Medicare beneficiaries with one year of enrollment and three or more E&M visits.

Principal Findings

After adjustment for medical complexity, individual‐level social risk factors such as lack of education, low income, and living alone are all associated with better patient COC (P < .05). Similarly, area‐level social risk factors such as living in areas that are nonurban or high poverty, as well as in areas with low specialist or high primary care physician supply, are all associated with better patient COC (P < .05). We found the opposite pattern of associations between these same risk factors and annual patient utilization of physicians and specialists (P < .05).

Conclusions

Medicare patients with multiple social risk factors have consistently better COC; these same social risk factors are associated with reduced patient‐realized access to specialist physician care.
Biochemical, molecular, and morphological variations of flight muscles before and after dispersal flight in a eusocial termite, Reticulitermes chinensis
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Ren Jing , Chu Fei , Guan Jun‐Xia , Yang Guang‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Tong , Zhang Xin‐Ying , Ge Si‐Qin , Huang Qiu‐Ying
Published: February 2020

Swarming behavior facilitates pair formation, and therefore mating, in many eusocial termites. However, the physiological adjustments and morphological transformations of the flight muscles involved in flying and flightless insect forms are still unclear. Here, we found that the dispersal flight of the eusocial termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder led to a gradual decrease in adenosine triphosphate supply from oxidative phosphorylation, as well as a reduction in the activities of critical mitochondrial respiratory enzymes from preflight to dealation. Correspondingly, using three‐dimensional reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the flight muscles were found to be gradually deteriorated during this process. In particular, two tergo‐pleural muscles (IItpm5 and III‐tpm5) necessary to adjust the rotation of wings for wing shedding behavior were present only in flying alates. These findings suggest that flight muscle systems vary in function and morphology to facilitate the swarming flight procedure, which sheds light on the important role of swarming in successful extension and fecundity of eusocial termites.
The Duke's Parrot: The Earl of Leicester, the King's Children and the English Revolution
Authors: Peacey Jason
Published: February 2020

This article examines neglected evidence regarding the ongoing captivity of the children of Charles I, at the hands of the republican regime, long after the regicide in January 1649. While it is well known that the Long Parliament was anxious to attend to the education of the royal children, and to exert authority over their upbringing, and also that there were rumours during the 1640s about plans to install the youngest prince, the duke of Gloucester, on the throne in place of a deposed king, little attention has been paid to voluminous and intriguing evidence about their fate during the interregnum. The aim of this essay is to survey such sources, and to recover evidence of a political and parliamentary debate about the children's fate, not least in a situation where it was thought possible that they might provide a rallying point for royalists, and a security threat. That debates about their fate were protracted and convoluted is used to flesh out rather sketchy evidence – much commented upon by historians, but not taken very seriously – that there was an ongoing debate over a possible monarchical settlement until 1653.
Republicans, Unionists and Jacobites: The 1st Marquess of Tweeddale and the Restoration of the British Parliament
Authors: Townend Graham
Published: February 2020

Although John Hay, 1st marquess of Tweeddale, contributed significantly to both the ruthless overthrow of Charles I, and the establishment of the first British parliament in the 1650s, most of his political career was concerned with attempting to re‐establish this parliament after it was dissolved at the restoration of Charles II. His first attempt ended in defeat at the hands of the king and the duke of Lauderdale in 1670, but following the overthrow of James VII and II in 1688, Tweeddale tried to persuade the prince of Orange to unite Scotland and England. The prince, however, showed much more interest in securing the crown of Scotland than uniting the two kingdoms. Tweeddale, as lord high commissioner to the Scottish parliament in 1695, responded by passing legislation designed to provoke the English parliament into accepting union. He was also engaged in a jacobite intrigue to restore King James. Tweeddale intended that the restored monarch would be little more than a puppet, who could be used to legitimise what was effectively a republican regime in all but name. By this means the restored parliament would avoid the unpopularity which brought down the first British parliament in 1660. Tweeddale's scheme came to nought, but the technique he employed to manipulate the English parliament, and exploit the jacobite threat, contributed to the restoration of the British parliament ten years after his death.
A Great Electioneer and His Motives Reconsidered: The 4th Duke of Newcastle
Authors: Gaunt Richard A.
Published: February 2020

The 4th duke of Newcastle (1785–1851) is recognized as one of the most prominent peers with electoral influence in early‐19th‐century Britain. This essay considers the way in which he deployed that influence and the purposes to which it was turned. The essay explains why Newcastle became a leading symbol of the campaign for parliamentary reform and details the nature of his opposition to the bill which eventually became the ‘Great’ Reform Act of 1832. In some respects, Newcastle was an atypical electioneer, because he was less overtly concerned with the desire for office, patronage, or income. On the other hand, the methods by which that influence was deployed, and the anti‐reform purposes to which it was turned, meant that he was inevitably numbered among the reactionary forces opposing political change in this period.
Effects of Maillard‐reacted beef bone hydrolysate on the physicochemical properties of extruded meat alternatives
Authors: Chiang Jie Hong , Hardacre Allan K. , Parker Michael E.
Published: February 2020

Meat analogues are made from plant proteins using high‐moisture extrusion processing, to have the same textural and structural properties as meat. However, meat analogues exhibit very weak aroma and are almost tasteless, which has resulted in limited market success. Maillard‐reacted beef bone hydrolysate (MRP) provides important sensory aspects of heat‐treated food products, by contributing to their appearance, texture, flavor, and aroma. Therefore, MRP added at different concentrations with the plant proteins before extrusion may produce meat alternatives with high aroma and taste quality while maintaining fibrous structure. This study investigated the effects of MRP at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% wet weight) with plant proteins on the physicochemical properties of extruded meat alternatives. The textural, microstructural, chemical, and sensory properties of meat alternatives were studied, where meat alternatives consisting of 40% MRP showed the lowest degree of texturization and observed with multiple segmented layers accompanied with some fibrous microstructure. Results from protein solubility analysis suggested that a large proportion of aggregated proteins was associated with hydrogen bonds. Although the key force in the formation of fibrous structure in meat alternatives was disulphide bonds. Meat alternatives containing 20% MRP obtained highest sensory scores for appearance, meaty aroma, meaty taste, and overall acceptability. Overall results showed that the addition of MRP to produce meat alternatives changed the textural, structural, and sensory properties significantly.

Practical Application

Maillard‐reacted beef bone hydrolysate added into meat analogues to form meat alternatives with high aroma and taste quality while maintaining fibrous structure. The work demonstrated an opportunity for greater returns to the meat industry and the potential of hybrid products with less meat content.
Wellness for the Future: Cultural and Systems‐based Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Sikora Rosanna D. , Manfredi Rita A. , Chung Arlene , Kaplan Jay A. , Tyo Carissa J. , Akhtar Saadia ,   Wellness Consensus Conference Significant Subcommittee Contributors
Published: February 2020

The goal of the 2019 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference was to explore the current cultural and systemic issues in emergency medicine that impact the individual well‐being of every emergency physician and to make recommendations for future study. Burnout is epidemic in emergency medicine. Physician wellness is required to enhance patient clinical outcomes as well as to ensure professional satisfaction and longevity. For conference preparation, a consensus steering committee was created, and a decision was made to use the groundbreaking model of the National Academy of Medicine’s “Factors Affecting Clinician Well‐Being and Resilience” to further identify areas of needed study. On May 14, 2019, the Wellness Consensus Conference was attended by over 50 faculty physicians from across the United States. These attendees discussed key concepts and prior research presented by content experts. Groups of participants engaged in crowdsourcing techniques to consolidate ideas derived from those discussions. These consensus concepts were recorded and are presented within this article. A repetitive theme noted at the conference was the overwhelming effect of the system and organization factors on individual physician well‐being. The concept of ongoing assessment of professional fulfillment over the life span of the emergency physician was felt to be crucial in guiding wellness and resilience interventions in a timely manner. Examining ways to enable physicians to flourish rather than experience burnout are strong future directions for study.
Assessing the adherence to guidelines in Lynch syndrome patients: a pilot study
Authors: Goh Li‐Han , Spigelman Allan D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Cancer surveillance is important in the management of Lynch syndrome. In New South Wales, management guidelines for Lynch syndrome are published on the eviQ website. Benefits of cancer surveillance are maximized through adherence to guidelines. This has yet to be investigated in Sydney. Hence, this study aimed to determine the adherence rate of patients to these guidelines, assess their knowledge of the guidelines and determine potential factors hindering regular colonoscopies in these patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among Lynch syndrome patients from the St Vincent's Hospital Cancer Genetics Unit, Sydney. Patients who appropriately fulfilled our inclusion criteria were mailed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed twice to increase the response rate. Demographic and medical information were collected from patient medical records. Patient responses were analysed to determine adherence to the guidelines.

Results

Sixty‐two individuals were invited to participate in this study. Among them, 47 responded (76%) with two being excluded, due to potential confounding factors. Thirty (67%) had their colonoscopies at recommended intervals, while 15 (33%) had delays. Within these two groups, many were ultimately deemed non‐adherent to the guidelines due to over‐screening with other tests. In total, 31 (69%) participants were considered over‐screening for cancer, leaving only seven (16%) participants fully adherent to the guidelines. Only three (7%) had knowledge of the eviQ guidelines.

Conclusions

Adherence to the eviQ guidelines was poor. The majority of participants were being over‐screened for cancer. Knowledge of the guidelines needs to be improved.
Three types of organizational boundary spanning: Predicting CSR policy extensiveness among global consumer products companies
Authors: Lim Alwyn , Pope Shawn
Published: February 2020

As part of the rise of a worldwide corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement, companies have increasingly incorporated social and environmental concerns into their policies. This paper examines the extensiveness of these policies, proposing that an underappreciated contributor is the degree of organizational boundary spanning. The paper is novel in integrating multiple types of boundary spanning into a single empirical framework, including product, sub‐unit, and national boundary spanning. The paper adds complexity to the literature by theorizing that different types of boundary spanning associate with CSR policy extensiveness in different issue areas. The results show that product spanning associates with CSR policy extensiveness in the area of consumers, sub‐unit spanning in the areas of workers, and nation‐state spanning in all issue areas. A unique, comprehensive, and global data set of 2,714 prominent consumer goods companies in the GoodGuide database underpins these findings.
Cryonics for all?
Authors: Thau Tena
Published: February 2020

In fascinating recent work, some philosophers have argued that it would be morally permissible and prudentially rational to sign up for cryonics—if you can afford the price tag of the procedure. In this paper I ask: why not share the elixir of extended life with everyone? Should governments financially support, positively encourage, or even require people to undergo cryonics? From a general principle of beneficence, I construct a formal argument for cryonics promotion policies. I consider the objection that a subset of these policies would violate autonomy, but I argue that—to the contrary—considerations of autonomy weigh in their favour. I then consider objections based on cost and population, but argue that neither is fatal. Finally, I raise the objection that I believe poses the most serious challenge: that those who revive the cryonically preserved might inflict suffering upon them.
Is ugliness a pathology? An ethical critique of the therapeuticalization of cosmetic surgery
Authors: Aquino Yves Saint James
Published: February 2020

Pathologizing ugliness refers to the framing of unattractive features as a type of disease or deformity. By framing ugliness as pathology, cosmetic procedures are reframed as therapy rather than enhancement, thereby potentially avoiding ethical critiques regularly levelled against cosmetic surgery. As such, the practice of pathologizing ugliness and the ensuing therapeuticalization of cosmetic procedures require an ethical analysis that goes beyond that offered by current enhancement critiques. In this article, I propose using a thick description of the goals of medicine as an ethical framework for evaluating problematic medical practices. I first describe the goals of medicine based on Daniel Callahan's account. I then propose that the goals work best in conjunction with ancillary ethical concepts, namely medical knowledge and skills, standards of practice and medical duties and virtues. Next, I apply the thick description of the goals of medicine in critiquing the practice of framing ugliness as disease. Here, I demonstrate ethical conflicts between aesthetic judgments that underpin the practice of pathologizing ugliness and medical judgments that inform ethical medical practices. In particular, the thick description of the goals of medicine helps reveal ethical conflicts in at least three key domains common to clinical practices, which include (a) disease determination, (b) diagnostic evaluation and (c) establishing clinical indications. My analysis offers a novel way of critiquing the practice of pathologizing ugliness in cosmetic surgery, which tends to be neglected by enhancement critiques.
Engendering moral post‐persons: A novel self‐help strategy
Authors: Crutchfield Parker
Published: February 2020

Humans are morally deficient in a variety of ways. Some of these deficiencies threaten the continued existence of our species. For example, we appear to be incapable of responding to climate change in ways that are likely to prevent the consequent suffering. Some people are morally better than others, but we could all be better. The price of not becoming morally better is that when those events that threaten us occur, we will suffer from them. If we can prevent this suffering from occurring, then we ought to do so. That we ought to make ourselves morally better in order to prevent very bad things from happening justifies, according to some, the development and administration of moral enhancement. I address in this paper the idea that moral enhancement could give rise to moral transhumans, or moral post‐persons. Contrary to recent arguments that we shouldn’t engender moral post‐persons, I argue that we should. Roughly, the reasons for this conclusion are that we can expect moral post‐persons to resemble the morally best of us, our moral exemplars. Since moral exemplars promote their interests by promoting the interests of others (or they promote others’ interests at the expense of their own) we can expect moral post‐persons to pursue our interests. Since we should also pursue our own interests, we should bring about moral post‐persons.
Novel Illumina‐based next generation sequencing approach with one‐round amplification provides early and reliable detection of BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain mutations in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Romzova Marianna , Smitalova Dagmar , Tom Nikola , Jurcek Tomas , Culen Martin , Zackova Daniela , Mayer Jiri , Racil Zdenek
Published: February 2020

The occurrence of mutations in the BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain (KD) can lead to treatment resistance in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients. Nowadays, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is an alternative method for the detection of kinase domain mutations, compared to routinely used Sanger sequencing, providing a higher sensitivity of mutation detection. However, in the protocols established so far multiple rounds of amplification limit reliable mutation detection to approximately 5% variant allele frequency. Here, we present a simplified, one‐round amplification NGS protocol for the Illumina platform, which offers a robust early detection of BCR‐ABL1 KD mutations with a reliable detection limit of 3% variant allele frequency.
12‐year data on dermatologic cases in the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases I: Distribution of different diagnoses and main causes of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Koskela Kirsi , Pesonen Maria
Published: February 2020

Background

Skin diseases are among the most common occupational diseases, but detailed analyses on their epidemiology, diagnoses, and causes are relatively scarce.

Objectives

To analyze data on skin disease in the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD) for (1) different diagnoses and (2) main causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Methods

We retrieved data on recognized cases with occupational skin disease (OSD) in the FROD from a 12‐year‐period 2005–2016 and used national official labor force data of the year 2012.

Results

We analyzed a total of 5265 cases, of which 42% had irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), 35% ACD, 11% contact urticaria/protein contact dermatitis (CU/PCD), and 9% skin infections. The incidence rate of OSD in the total labor force was 18.8 cases/100 000 person years. Skin infections concerned mainly scabies in health care personnel. Twenty‐nine per cent of the ACD cases were caused by plastics/resins‐related allergens, mainly epoxy chemicals. Other important causes for ACD were rubber, preservatives, metals, acrylates, and hairdressing chemicals. Cases of occupational ACD due to isothiazolinones reached a peak in 2014.

Conclusion

Our analysis confirms that epoxy products are gaining importance as causes of OSD and the isothiazolinone contact allergy epidemic has started to wane.
Maximizing research on the adverse effects of child poverty through consensus measures
Authors: Pollak Seth D. , Wolfe Barbara L.
Published: February 2020

A variety of new research approaches are providing new ways to better understand the developmental mechanisms through which poverty affects children's development. However, studies of child poverty often characterize samples using different markers of poverty, making it difficult to contrast and reconcile findings across studies. Ideally, scientists can maximize the benefits of multiple disciplinary approaches if data from different kinds of studies can be directly compared and linked. Here, we suggest that individual studies can increase their potential usefulness by including a small set of common key variables to assess socioeconomic status and family income. These common variables can be used to (a) make direct comparisons between studies and (b) better enable diversity of subjects and aggregation of data regarding many facets of poverty that would be difficult within any single study. If kept brief, these items can be easily balanced with the need for investigators to creatively address the research questions in their specific study designs. To advance this goal, we identify a small set of brief, low‐burden consensus measures that researchers could include in their studies to increase cross‐study data compatibility. These US based measures can be adopted for global contexts.
Cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin as an adjunct to insulin for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bennett Hayley , Tank Amarjeet , Evans Marc , Bergenheim Klas , McEwan Phil
Published: February 2020

Aims

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, as an adjunct to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) inadequately controlled by insulin alone in the UK setting.

Methods

A cost–utility analysis was conducted to compare dapagliflozin (5 mg or 10 mg) added to insulin versus insulin monotherapy (standard of care) over a lifetime horizon. Treatment efficacy and safety data were obtained from 52‐week results of the DEPICT‐1 and DEPICT‐2 trials and a network meta‐analysis of SGLT2 inhibitors in T1DM. Direct healthcare costs, life‐years, and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were estimated from a UK payer perspective and discounted at 3.5% annually, using the Cardiff T1DM Model. Sensitivity analyses assessed uncertainty in estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

Dapagliflozin 5 mg was associated with gains of 0.23 life‐years and 0.42 QALYs, at an additional cost of £4240 per person; corresponding to an ICER of £10 143 versus standard of care. For dapagliflozin 10 mg, incremental life‐years, QALYs and costs were 0.24, 0.49 and £2964, respectively; corresponding to an ICER of £6103 versus standard of care. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, ICER estimates fell below £20 000/QALY in 78% to 90% of simulations. Cost‐effectiveness results were sensitive to changes in baseline patient characteristics and treatment effects on glycated haemoglobin; however, ICERs remained below £20 000.

Conclusions

At cost‐effectiveness thresholds conventionally applied in the UK, dapagliflozin as an adjunct to insulin appears to be a cost‐effective treatment option for people with T1DM inadequately controlled by insulin alone.
Sodium‐glucose linked transporter‐2 inhibitor renal outcome modification in type 2 diabetes: Evidence from studies in patients with high or low renal risk
Authors: Schernthaner Guntram , Groop Per‐Henrik , Kalra Philip A. , Ronco Claudio , Taal Maarten W.
Published: February 2020

Data from three completed cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs), EMPA‐REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program and DECLARE‐TIMI 58, add to the evidence supporting the potential renoprotective effects of sodium‐glucose linked transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Despite recommendations in recent guidelines, it is difficult to support a view that definitive evidence for renoprotection exists from these SGLT2 inhibitor CVOT results. To date, the only dedicated trial to report definitive data on the renal impact of SGLT2 inhibition is CREDENCE. Notably, the total number of patient‐relevant renal endpoint events (dialysis, transplant or renal death) observed in CREDENCE was significantly higher than the total for all three CVOTs collectively (183 events/4401 patients vs. 69 events/34 322 patients, respectively), which shows the increased statistical power of CREDENCE for these renal endpoints. Treatment with canagliflozin was associated with a 30% relative risk reduction (RRR) in the primary composite endpoint of end‐stage kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes and a 34% RRR for the renal‐specific elements of this primary endpoint (P <0.001). Canagliflozin has therefore become the first US‐approved SGLT2 inhibitor to include an indication for RRR, in addition to type 2 diabetes glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction. While confirmatory of the exploratory data from CVOTs, CREDENCE provides the first robust data on the effects of canagliflozin on patient‐relevant renal endpoints. Extrapolation to a conclusion of a SGLT2 inhibitor class effect cannot be made until additional renal trials with other SGLT2 inhibitors are reported.
Patterns of plant naturalization show that facultative mycorrhizal plants are more likely to succeed outside their native Eurasian ranges
Authors: Moyano Jaime , Dickie Ian A. , Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Nuñez Martin A.
Published: February 2020

The naturalization of an introduced species is a key stage during the invasion process. Therefore, identifying the traits that favor the naturalization of non‐native species can help understand why some species are more successful when introduced to new regions. The ability and the requirement of a plant species to form a mutualism with mycorrhizal fungi, together with the types of associations formed may play a central role in the naturalization success of different plant species. To test the relationship between plant naturalization success and their mycorrhizal associations we analysed a database composed of mycorrhizal status and type for 1981 species, covering 155 families and 822 genera of plants from Europe and Asia, and matched it with the most comprehensive database of naturalized alien species across the world (GloNAF). In mainland regions, we found that the number of naturalized regions was highest for facultative mycorrhizal, followed by obligate mycorrhizal and lowest for non‐mycorrhizal plants, suggesting that the ability of forming mycorrhizas is an advantage for introduced plants. We considered the following mycorrhizal types: arbuscular, ectomycorrhizal, ericoid and orchid mycorrhizal plants. Further, dual mycorrhizal species were those that included observations of arbuscular mycorrhizas as well as observations of ectomycorrhizas. Naturalization success (based on the number of naturalized regions) was highest for arbuscular mycorrhizal and dual mycorrhizal plants, which may be related to the low host specificity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the consequent high availability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal partners. However, these patterns of naturalization success were erased in islands, suggesting that the ability to form mycorrhizas may not be an advantage for establishing self‐sustaining populations in isolated regions. Taken together our results show that mycorrhizal status and type play a central role in the naturalization process of introduced plants in many regions, but that their effect is modulated by other factors.
Partial characterization of the X chromosome of Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Steyn Louis , Bierman Anandi , Burger N. Francois V. , Botha Anna‐Maria
Published: February 2020

We present the first sequencing results after separation of the X chromosome of Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the largest known X chromosome described to date, using flow cytometry. The X chromosome of D. noxia is 0.1824 pg (1C) and an estimated 178.4 Mb (1C) in size. Mapping confirmed that the X chromosome contains 13,799 protein coding genes, but with a slight bias towards GC richness when compared to the complete D. noxia genome.
Fine‐scale seascape genomics of an exploited marine species, the common cockle Cerastoderma edule, using a multimodelling approach
Authors: Coscia Ilaria , Wilmes Sophie B. , Ironside Joseph E. , Goward‐Brown Alice , O’Dea Enda , Malham Shelagh K. , McDevitt Allan D. , Robins Peter E.
Published: February 2020

Population dynamics of marine species that are sessile as adults are driven by oceanographic dispersal of larvae from spawning to nursery grounds. This is mediated by life‐history traits such as the timing and frequency of spawning, larval behaviour and duration, and settlement success. Here, we use 1725 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to study the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in the commercially important cockle species Cerastoderma edule and compare it to environmental variables and current‐mediated larval dispersal within a modelling framework. Hydrodynamic modelling employing the NEMO Atlantic Margin Model (AMM15) was used to simulate larval transport and estimate connectivity between populations during spawning months (April–September), factoring in larval duration and interannual variability of ocean currents. Results at neutral loci reveal the existence of three separate genetic clusters (mean FST = 0.021) within a relatively fine spatial scale in the north‐west Atlantic. Environmental association analysis indicates that oceanographic currents and geographic proximity explain over 20% of the variance observed at neutral loci, while genetic variance (71%) at outlier loci was explained by sea surface temperature extremes. These results fill an important knowledge gap in the management of a commercially important and overexploited species, bringing us closer to understanding the role of larval dispersal in connecting populations at a fine geographic scale.
Separation of Heavy Lanthanoids by Flash Column Chromatography for Precise Determination of Er and Yb Isotope Compositions in Rock Samples
Authors: Yokoyama Tetsuya , Fukai Ryota , Nakahara Masaki
Published: February 2020

We present a new column chemistry technique for the quantitative separation of heavy lanthanoids by an ultra‐fine‐grained LN resin (20–50 µm) with a specific emphasis on the purification of Er and Yb for their isotopic analysis. To achieve the quantitative separation of Er and Yb within a reasonable timescale, flash column chromatography was applied, where the column was attached to a newly designed vacuum box system, thus accelerating the elution speed by ten times compared with that of the normal column procedure operated by gravity flow. The recovery yields of Er and Yb were confirmed to be approximately 100%, which is important to suppress the effect of the mass‐independent fractionation of the Er and Yb isotopes during chromatography. Additionally, we have developed precise Er and Yb isotope measurements by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) using multistatic and/or dynamic methods. Moreover, in most cases, the Er and Yb isotope compositions of the measured four terrestrial rock samples were indistinguishable from those of the commercially available Er and Yb Alfa Aesar solutions. The new method presented in this work will be useful for future studies on heavy lanthanoids in various geological materials.
Centralised versus outreach models of cystic fibrosis care should be tailored to the needs of the individual patient
Authors: Geake James , Ballard Emma , O'Rourke Peter , Wainwright Claire E. , Reid David W. , Bell Scott C.
Published: February 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common life‐limiting genetic condition. As the disease progresses access to specialist tertiary multi‐disciplinary care services may become necessary. For patients living in regional/remote Australia, accessing such services may be a challenge. Here, we describe long‐term outcomes for CF patients according to their access to specialist CF centre care in childhood.
Is self‐directed mental health recovery relevant for children and young people?
Authors: Naughton Jonine N.L. , Maybery Darryl , Sutton Keith , Basu Soumya , Carroll Matthew
Published: February 2020

Consumer‐directed, personal recovery‐oriented mental health services are now the focus of mental health policies around the globe. However, there has been minimal debate about how the approach applies to young people. This study sought to address this gap through a Delphi approach, using three rounds of surveys, to gain a convergence of opinion from Australian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) practitioners regarding the relevance of personal recovery for children and adolescents. The findings suggest that concepts of personal recovery are appropriate for a young population. However, parents and carers are integral to the mental health recovery journeys of young people, either directly as guardian/decision‐maker and/or indirectly through the impact of caring for a young person with mental health problems. Further exploration of the relevance and application of personal recovery in the context of young people is warranted, particularly from the perspectives of adolescents, younger children and carers of young people with mental health problems.
Psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire among adolescent refugees living in Jordan
Authors: Al‐Amer Rasmieh , Maneze Della , Ramjan Lucie , Villarosa Amy R. , Darwish Rima , Salamonson Yenna
Published: February 2020

Refugee youth living in Arab countries have disproportionately higher rates of depression due to the effects of displacement and trauma which makes screening a priority for early intervention. The Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ‐A) is a reliable and valid scale to assess mental health issues, but its psychometric properties in Arabic refugee populations are unknown. This was a cross‐sectional study conducted between March and Mid‐April 2018, among Arabic refugee adolescents aged 13–18 years living in the Baqa'a United Nations Relief and Works Agency refugee camp in Jordan, to generate an Arabic‐language version of the questionnaire and to test its psychometric properties among adolescent refugees. Five hundred and ninety‐one adolescents completed the PHQ‐A in Arabic. Using SPSS and AMOS version 25, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was computed to assess construct validity and instrument reliability. Multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the discriminant validity of the PHQ‐A. Although exploratory factor analysis identified the nine items from the original version and explained only 37% of the variance, confirmatory factor analysis supported the one‐factor structure of the PHQ‐A. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale was 0.82 and ranged from 0.79 to 0.81 for each item. The Arabic translated version of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents showed acceptable psychometric properties for use as a screening tool for depression in Arabic adolescent refugees.
Exploring enablers and barriers to accessing health services after a fall among people with intellectual disability
Authors: Ho Portia , Bulsara Caroline , Patman Shane , Downs Jenny , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2020

Background

Adults with intellectual disability experience high rates of falls making falls prevention an important health need. The purpose of the study was to seek perspectives of older adults with intellectual disability and their caregivers to (a) explore the experiences of older adults with intellectual disability when seeking healthcare services after a fall and (b) identify enablers and barriers when taking up evidence‐based falls recommendations.

Method

A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken as part of a prospective observational cohort study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample. Data were analysed thematically using Colaizzi's method.

Results

Seventeen interviews were conducted (n = 21). Emergent themes demonstrated that participants had limited knowledge about falls prevention. Enablers included individualizing falls prevention strategies. Barriers included not being offered access to established falls prevention pathways.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to develop high‐quality falls prevention services for older adults with intellectual disability.
Historical environmental stability drives discordant niche filling dynamics across phylogenetic scales
Authors: Oliveira Brunno F. , Flenniken Jeffry M. , Guralnick Robert P. , Williams Stephen E. , Scheffers Brett R.
Published: February 2020

Aim

Regional diversity can increase owing to either the packing of species within regional niche space or the expansion of regional niche space. Yet, the primary factors dictating these dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we assess the relative influence of current environmental conditions (net primary productivity, NPP) versus historic environmental stability over the Last Glacial Maximum on niche filling patterns of vertebrates (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles) in the Australian Wet Tropics (AWTs).

Location

Australian Wet Tropics.

Taxon

Vertebrates (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles).

Methods

We measured patterns of niche filling (niche packing vs. niche expansion) as the standardized departure of observed functional diversity (FD) from its null expectation. We fitted spatial models for vertebrates, and for each constituent class (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles) separately, to evaluate the relative effects of NPP and environmental stability on species richness and niche filling patterns.

Results

Historical environmental stability had a greater effect than NPP on species richness and niche filling patterns. However, the directionality of this effect depended on phylogenetic scale, with vertebrates exhibiting niche packing while each constituent class (except reptiles) exhibited niche expansion with increasing environmental stability.

Main Conclusion

Intra‐class competition presumably leads to niche differentiation and expansion, whereas the overlap of functional traits among species from different classes leads to niche packing. That environmental stability over millennia is associated with an expanding niche space across multiple vertebrate classes suggests that the accumulation of FD within communities requires long recovery times.
Inhibition of Rac1 activity by NSC23766 prevents cartilage endplate degeneration via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Jiang Chao , Sun Ze‐Ming , Zhu Ding‐Chao , Guo Qiang , Xu Jia‐Jing , Lin Jia‐Hao , Chen Ze‐Xin , Wu Yao‐Sen
Published: February 2020

Cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration has been considered as one of important factors related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Previous researches have showed that Rac1 played a pivotal role in chondrocyte differentiation. However, the effect of Rac1 during the process of CEP degeneration remains unclear. Herein, we explored the effect of Rac1 on CEP degeneration and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. We found expression of Rac1‐GTP increased in human‐degenerated CEP tissue and IL‐1β‐stimulated rat endplate chondrocytes (EPCs). Our study revealed that Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 treatment promoted the expression of collagen II, aggrecan and Sox‐9, and decreased the expression of ADTAMTS5 and MMP13 in IL‐1β‐stimulated rat EPCs. Moreover, we also found that NSC23766 could suppress the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, suggesting that the beneficial effects of Rac1 inhibition in EPCs are mediated through the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Besides, puncture‐induced rats models showed that NSC23766 played a protective role on CEP and disc degeneration. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that Rac1 inhibition delayed the EPCs degeneration and its potential mechanism may be associated with Wnt/β‐catenin pathway regulation, which may help us better understand the association between Rac1 and CEP degeneration and provide a promising strategy for delaying the progression of IVDD.
Editorial Perspective: Why I am now convinced that emotional disorders are increasingly common among young people in many countries
Authors: Ford Tamsin
Published: February 2020

This editorial perspective comments on the evidence that mental health is deteriorating among children and young people at the same time as the impact of poor mental health is more impairing. It discusses the methodological difficulties in detecting a ‘true’ change in prevalence. There are particular gaps in the evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries and also in relation to autism spectrum disorders. The evidence in high‐income countries points to recent increases in anxiety, depression and self‐harm in teenagers, particularly young women. We need more longitudinal data to disentangle the potential explanations for these changes.