bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying crop pollinator dependence and its heterogeneity using multi‐level meta‐analysis
Authors: Bishop Jacob , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: December 2020

Biotic pollination can benefit crop production, but its effects are highly variable. To maximise benefits from this ecosystem service, we need a greater understanding of the factors that cause variation so that ecological intensification can be more effectively applied.

We focus on understanding the benefits of pollination to faba bean Vicia faba. We use a literature review followed by multi‐level meta‐analysis to estimate overall benefits of pollination to faba bean yield and to quantify variation (heterogeneity) in these benefits associated with different contextual factors (e.g. plant genotype, growing environment).

Our overall estimate of pollination benefit to faba bean yield, expressed as the percentage yield reduction without pollination, is 32.9% (confidence interval: 21%–43%). Based on the prediction intervals, which include the heterogeneity in pollination benefit, there is an 80% chance that pollination will increase yield of a faba bean crop.

Half of all heterogeneity in pollination dependence was due to differences between plant genotypes. The number of beans per plant showed similar pollination dependence to yield mass per plant while pod number and number of beans per pod underestimated yield benefits. There was weak evidence to suggest pollination benefits vary between pollinator species, with honeybees showing a smaller yield increase.

Differences in the experimental method used to assess pollination benefit did not significantly affect the estimate, including the growing environment, measurement scale, or whether the effects of experimental pollinator enclosures were controlled. This suggests that simplified experimental studies comparing yield of open‐pollinated and enclosed plants can provide reliable insights into pollination benefits across a large range of plant genotypes and landscapes.

Synthesis and application. We found high variability in pollination benefits both between and within publications in our meta‐analysis. Plant genotype, how yield was measured, and pollinator species affected the level of pollination benefit. Despite variability in pollination benefits due to various contextual factors (both inside and outside of grower control), there is a high likelihood that biotic pollination will increase faba bean yield. Our findings support ecological intensification and specifically the management of pollinators to maximise pollination benefits to faba bean production.
Benchmarking of single‐virus genomics: a new tool for uncovering the virosphere
Authors: Garcia‐Heredia Inmaculada , Bhattacharjee Ananda S. , Fornas Oscar , Gomez Monica L. , Martínez Joaquín M. , Martinez‐Garcia Manuel
Published: December 2020

Metagenomics and single‐cell genomics have enabled the discovery of relevant uncultured microbes. Recently, single‐virus genomics (SVG), although still in an incipient stage, has opened new avenues in viral ecology by allowing the sequencing of one single virus at a time. The investigation of methodological alternatives and optimization of existing procedures for SVG is paramount to deliver high‐quality genomic data. We report a sequencing dataset of viral single‐amplified genomes (vSAGs) from cultured and uncultured viruses obtained by applying different conditions in each SVG step, from viral preservation and novel whole‐genome amplification (WGA) to sequencing platforms and genome assembly. Sequencing data showed that cryopreservation and mild fixation were compatible with WGA, although fresh samples delivered better genome quality data. The novel TruPrime WGA, based on primase‐polymerase features, and WGA‐X employing a thermostable phi29 polymerase, were proven to be with sufficient sensitivity in SVG. The Oxford Nanopore (ON) sequencing platform did not provide a significant improvement of vSAG assembly compared to Illumina alone. Finally, the SPAdes assembler performed the best. Overall, our results represent a valuable genomic dataset that will help to standardized and advance new tools in viral ecology.
Adoption of organic soil amendments and its impact on farm performance: evidence from wheat farmers in China*
Authors: Zheng Hongyun , Ma Wanglin , Li Gucheng
Published: December 2020

This study examines the determinants of adoption of organic soil amendments (OSAs) such as organic fertiliser and farmyard manure and its impact on crop yields and net returns, using household survey data of 558 wheat farmers in China. We employ an endogenous switching regression model to account for selection bias stemming from both observable and unobservable factors. The empirical results show that household size, dependency ratio, machine ownership and non‐paid labour are main factors that determine farmers’ decision to adopt OSA, and the OSA adoption has a positive and statistically significant impact on wheat yields and net returns. In particular, the treatment effects of OSA adoption are to increase wheat yields and net returns by appropriately 22 and 24 per cent, respectively. Moreover, disaggregated analysis by farm size reveals that large‐scale households tend to obtain higher wheat yields and net returns than their small‐scale counterparts.
To Advocate or Not to Advocate: Determinants and Financial Consequences of CEO Activism
Authors: Bedendo Mascia , Siming Linus
Published: December 2020

Chief executive officers (CEOs) who engage in activism take public stands on issues that are largely unrelated to the core business of their firms. This study assesses the impact of CEO activism on shareholder value and investigates potential drivers behind the decision to advocate. We conduct an event study centred on a particular episode of CEO activism: the resignation of a group of business leaders from their roles as advisors to President Trump. We choose this setting since activism is likely to have a stronger impact when a CEO is politically connected. However, by engaging in advocacy, a CEO risks severing the very same political links that underlie the strength of the message. We find that shareholders react negatively to the decision to quit a presidential advisory council, which is consistent with a fear of weakening their firm's political influence. The decision to publicly advocate seems to be driven more by a CEO's personal political ideology than by a company's general involvement in corporate social responsibility. We also observe that managers are more likely to take a stand when they are protected by their firm's corporate governance rules. This study provides empirical evidence of the risks associated with CEO activism.
TOWARDS A POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE ON CLIMATE URBANISM
Authors: Robin Enora , Broto Vanesa Castán
Published: December 2020

The growing interest in urban areas as sites for climate action has led to new ways of conceiving and planning the urban. As climate actions reshape existing understandings of what cities are or ought to be, they constitute new modalities of what recent scholarship has referred to as ‘climate urbanism’. This research has framed climate urbanism as a climate‐inflected iteration of neoliberal urban development, geared towards the mobilization of ‘green’ private capital for large‐scale infrastructural projects, focused on carbon metrics, and conducive to population displacement through eco‐gentrification. In this intervention, we commend these efforts to deliver a critical perspective on how climate change gives rise to forms of urbanism that reproduce urban injustices without addressing the root causes of the climate crisis. However, we warn against two biases in recent scholarship, namely an emphasis on technological solutions and an overreliance on familiar contexts of climate action. The literature on climate urbanism does not yet reflect the diversity of urban responses emerging under the broad umbrella of urban climate action. Adopting a post‐colonial perspective on climate urbanism, we call for a greater engagement with the heterogeneous character of climate‐changed urban futures.
Hydrogen cyanide and carboxyhemoglobin assessment in an open space fire‐related fatality
Authors: Tabian Daniel , Bulgaru Iliescu Diana , Iov Tatiana , Barna Barabas , Toma Sebastian Ionut , Drochioiu Gabi
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) can be a major contributory factor in death from fire‐related inhalation injury. Although carbon monoxide (CO) is considered the lethal agent of smoke in fires, its liability as a cause of death is sometimes debatable. The purpose of this report is to present the case of an 80‐year‐old man with locomotor disabilities who died due to an open space fire of vegetation debris and household waste in his yard. We evaluated here the concentrations of HCN and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and their contribution to the mechanism of death. In addition, the risk factors and the contributing effect of the factors that compose the complex toxic environment that develops in fires were discussed. COHb was determined by spectrophotometry as recommended by Katsumata et al. in 1982. HCN was determined with ninhydrin in postmortem blood samples after removal with 20% phosphoric acid and capture in a potassium carbonate solution. A toxic concentration of 1.3 μg ml−1 HCN and a lethal COHb level of 73.7% were determined in the blood samples. Although death was mainly attributed to CO poisoning and extremely severe burns in this open space burning case, the additive effect of HCN in the mechanism of death was also highlighted. The results suggested the possibility that the man's clothing may have played an important role in the production of HCN in this open space fire, as well as other types of garbage that were burned.
One‐pot synthesis of 6‐aminohexanoic acid from cyclohexane using mixed‐species cultures
Authors: Bretschneider Lisa , Wegner Martin , Bühler Katja , Bühler Bruno , Karande Rohan
Published: December 2020

6‐Aminohexanoic acid (6AHA) is a vital polymer building block for Nylon 6 production and an FDA‐approved orphan drug. However, its production from cyclohexane is associated with several challenges, including low conversion and yield, and severe environmental issues. We aimed at overcoming these challenges by developing a bioprocess for 6AHA synthesis. A mixed‐species approach turned out to be most promising. Thereby, Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 strains harbouring an upstream cascade converting cyclohexane to either є‐caprolactone (є‐CL) or 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid (6HA) were combined with Escherichia coli JM101 strains containing the corresponding downstream cascade for the further conversion to 6AHA. ε‐CL was found to be a better ‘shuttle molecule’ than 6HA enabling higher 6AHA formation rates and yields. Mixed‐species reaction performance with 4 g l‐1 biomass, 10 mM cyclohexane, and an air‐to‐aqueous phase ratio of 23 combined with a repetitive oxygen feeding strategy led to complete substrate conversion with 86% 6AHA yield and an initial specific 6AHA formation rate of 7.7 ± 0.1 U gCDW‐1. The same cascade enabled 49% 7‐aminoheptanoic acid yield from cycloheptane. This combination of rationally engineered strains allowed direct 6AHA production from cyclohexane in one pot with high conversion and yield under environmentally benign conditions.
A Landscape Assessment and Associated Dataset of Stream Confluences for the Conterminous U.S.
Authors: Ebert Donald , Wickham James , Neale Anne , Mehaffey Megan
Published: December 2020

Stream confluences are important components of fluvial networks. Hydraulic forces meeting at stream confluences often produce changes in streambed morphology and sediment distribution. These changes often increase habitat heterogeneity relative to upstream and downstream locations, which have led some to identify them as biological hotspots. Despite their potential ecological importance, there are relatively few empirical studies documenting ecological patterns upstream and downstream of confluences. We have produced a publicly available dataset of stream confluences and associated watershed attributes for the conterminous United States. The dataset includes 1,085,629 stream confluences and 383 attributes for each confluence organized into 15 dataset tables for both tributary and mainstem upstream catchments and watersheds. Themes in the dataset include hydrology (e.g., stream order), land cover, land cover change, geology (e.g., calcium content of underlying lithosphere), physical condition (e.g., precipitation), measures of ecological integrity, and stressors (e.g., impaired streams). Additionally, we used measures of ecological integrity to assess the condition of the stream confluences. Aside from a generally positive east‐to‐west gradient in ecological condition, we found that approximately one‐third of the confluences had markedly contrasting ecological conditions between mainstem and tributary, catchment and watershed, or both. The dataset should support many, multifaceted studies of stream confluence ecology.
Conserved bacterial genomes from two geographically isolated peritidal stromatolite formations shed light on potential functional guilds
Authors: Waterworth Samantha C. , Isemonger Eric W. , Rees Evan R. , Dorrington Rosemary A. , Kwan Jason C.
Published: December 2020

Stromatolites are complex microbial mats that form lithified layers. Fossilized stromatolites are the oldest evidence of cellular life on Earth, dating back over 3.4 billion years. Modern stromatolites are relatively rare but may provide clues about the function and evolution of their ancient counterparts. In this study, we focus on peritidal stromatolites occurring at Cape Recife and Schoenmakerskop on the southeastern South African coastline, the former being morphologically and structurally similar to fossilized phosphatic stromatolites formations. Using assembled shotgun metagenomic analysis, we obtained 183 genomic bins, of which the most dominant taxa were from the Cyanobacteria phylum. We identified functional gene sets in genomic bins conserved across two geographically isolated stromatolite formations, which included relatively high copy numbers of genes involved in the reduction of nitrates and phosphatic compounds. Additionally, we found little evidence of Archaeal species in these stromatolites, suggesting that they may not play an important role in peritidal stromatolite formations, as proposed for hypersaline formations.
PROSPECT guideline for elective caesarean section: updated systematic review and procedure‐specific postoperative pain management recommendations
Authors: Roofthooft E. , Joshi G. P. , Rawal N. , Van de Velde M. ,   the PROSPECT Working Group* of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy and supported by the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association
Published: December 2020

Caesarean section is associated with moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain, which can influence postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction as well as breastfeeding success and mother‐child bonding. The aim of this systematic review was to update the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after elective caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia. A systematic review utilising procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language between 1 May 2014 and 22 October 2020 evaluating the effects of analgesic, anaesthetic and surgical interventions were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating pain management for emergency or unplanned operative deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia were excluded. A total of 145 studies met the inclusion criteria. For patients undergoing elective caesarean section performed under neuraxial anaesthesia, recommendations include intrathecal morphine 50–100 µg or diamorphine 300 µg administered pre‐operatively; paracetamol; non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone administered after delivery. If intrathecal opioid was not administered, single‐injection local anaesthetic wound infiltration; continuous wound local anaesthetic infusion; and/or fascial plane blocks such as transversus abdominis plane or quadratus lumborum blocks are recommended. The postoperative regimen should include regular paracetamol and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs with opioids used for rescue. The surgical technique should include a Joel‐Cohen incision; non‐closure of the peritoneum; and abdominal binders. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation could be used as analgesic adjunct. Some of the interventions, although effective, carry risks, and consequentially were omitted from the recommendations. Some interventions were not recommended due to insufficient, inconsistent or lack of evidence. Of note, these recommendations may not be applicable to unplanned deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia.
Clinical evidence, diagnostic approach and challenging therapeutic modalities for malignant melanoma of the anorectum
Authors: Mastoraki Aikaterini , Schizas Dimitrios , Ntella Vasiliki , Roka Anastasia , Vailas Michail , Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , Vassiliu Pantelis , Papaconstantinou Ioannis
Published: December 2020

Primary anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM) is a rare, aggressive tumour that accounts for approximately 1.2% of all melanomas. This rare entity represents less than 5% of anorectal malignant tumours and 0.05–1% of all malignant colorectal neoplasms. The incidence increases with age while there is a higher prevalence in Caucasians. ARMM is often asymptomatic or presents with no disease‐specific evidence so that it can mimic other rectal disorders, malignant or benign. Colonoscopy is obligatory as a diagnosing mean for ARMM. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized for the evaluation of tumour infiltration and lymph node metastases. Moreover, diagnostic establishment of ARMM requires an undeniable demonstration of essential melanocytic features in histology and immunohistochemistry. Even though the standard of treatment remains surgical resection, the choice between wide local excision and abdomino‐perineal resection is still controversial. Recently, there have been recommendations regarding new techniques which could be utilized for the surgical treatment of ARMM. Newer treatments that have been proposed such as immune‐checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies need further validation. A multicenter study would allow clarification of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for this uncommon nosological entity.
Traumatic duodenal injuries in children: a single‐centre study
Authors: Goh Barnabas , Soundappan Soundappan S. V.
Published: December 2020

Background

Traumatic duodenal injuries in children are rare, and few studies have documented duodenal injuries in children, especially in Australasia. This study assessed the mechanism, investigations, management and outcomes of children (aged <16 years) with duodenal injuries.

Methods

Retrospective review was conducted over a 16‐year period from a single paediatric trauma centre.

Results

Sixteen cases of duodenal injuries were identified: 15 cases of blunt duodenal injury and only one case of penetrating injury. Motor vehicular accidents were the most common cause of injury, followed by auto‐pedestrian injuries and handlebar injuries. Only grade I and II injuries were identified. Computed tomography aided diagnosis in all cases of blunt duodenal injuries, especially given the variable nature of symptoms. Eight patients underwent laparotomy, of whom five required duodenal repair. Three patients underwent primary repair with omental patch, one patient underwent primary repair with gastrostomy and one patient underwent two‐layered repair with t‐tube duodenostomy. There were no delays in operative management within 24 h and no complications identified.

Conclusion

In comparison to other paediatric trauma centres worldwide, the majority of duodenal injuries were low grade and attributed to blunt trauma. Computed tomography aided diagnosis in all cases of blunt duodenal injury. Primary repair of duodenal injuries was possible in the majority of cases requiring operative repair.
A novel tool to assess the quality of RWE to guide the management of retinal disease
Authors: Finger Robert P. , Daien Vincent , Talks James S. , Mitchell Paul , Wong Tien Y. , Sakamoto Taiji , Eldem Bora M. , Lövestam‐Adrian Monica , Korobelnik Jean‐François
Published: December 2020

Despite the growing importance of real‐world evidence (RWE) for guiding clinical decisions in retinal disease, there is currently no widely used guidance available for assessing the quality and relevance of RWE studies in ophthalmology. This paper summarizes the development of a user‐friendly tool that facilitates assessment of the quality of available RWE for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A literature search was conducted to identify tools developed to assess the quality of RWE, in order to identify the most appropriate framework on which to base this tool. The Good Research for Comparative Effectiveness (GRACE) guidelines was chosen for this purpose as it is designed to assess the quality of observational studies and has been extensively validated, including demonstration of strong sensitivity and specificity. The GRACE guidelines were adapted to develop a straightforward tabular tool that allows simple assessment and comparison of the quality of published evidence in retinal disease for researchers and physicians alike, and includes guidance on treatment details, outcome measures, study population, and controlling for bias. The newly developed tool provides a simple method to support assessment of the strength of evidence and certainty of conclusions drawn from RWE in retinal disease, to ensure clinical decision‐making is influenced by the highest quality evidence.
How child health care physicians struggle from gut feelings to managing suspicions of child abuse
Authors: Stolper Erik , van de Wiel Margje , Kooijman Simon , Feron Frans
Published: December 2020

Aim

We examined how gut feelings of child health care physicians’ (CHCPs) contribute to the development of a suspicion of child abuse, how they act upon this suspicion and what barriers they experience in their management. To gain insight into the youth health care chain, we compared the diagnostic reasoning and management regarding this issue by CHCPs and family physicians (FPs).

Methods

Three focus groups, 20 CHCPs, thematic content analysis.

Results

A gut feeling acted as an early alert to look for the triggering cue(s), by observing more closely and asking relevant questions. CHCPs struggled to distinguish whether the situation involved child abuse or a lack of parenting skills, and how to communicate their concerns with parents. They tried to motivate parents to improve the situation, avoiding the term child abuse and considered involving the Child Abuse Counselling and Reporting Centre (CACRC) a measure of last resort only.

Conclusion

As with FPs, gut feelings support CHCPs in becoming attentive to child abuse and to situations which can lead to child abuse. The next step, discussing their suspicion with the parents, is a difficult one, and the CACRC might actually help to make this step easier.
The ethos of business students
Authors: van Baardewijk Jelle , de Graaf Gjalt
Published: December 2020

Business schools are the “nurseries” of the corporate world. This article offers an empirical analysis of the business student ethos on the basis of research conducted at three Dutch universities. A theoretical framework in the tradition of virtue ethics and dubbed “moral ethology” is used to identify the values business schools convey to their students. The central research question is: What types of ethos do Dutch business students have? Forty‐three undergraduate students participated in Q‐methodological research, a mixed qualitative–quantitative small‐sample method. Five different types of ethos were generated: Do‐Good Managers, Market Managers, Searching Managers, Balancing Managers, and Radical Market Managers. Some general characteristics that apply to all the types of ethos were identified, such as the search for efficiency. It is argued that business schools should pay much more attention to the values that are endorsed in both life and business and should help students to address situations in which values are neglected.
COVID‐19 and Social Protection in Latin America
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the role of social protection in mitigating the impact of COVID‐19 on livelihoods and in addressing the impact of the economic crisis ahead.
Multiphase deformation history of the Porcupine Basin, offshore west Ireland
Authors: Saqab Muhammad Mudasar , Childs Conrad , Walsh John , Delogkos Efstratios
Published: December 2020

The Porcupine Basin is a large underexplored sedimentary basin located offshore west of Ireland within the structurally complex European North Atlantic Margin. The basin has evolved through multiple Jurassic–Recent phases of deformation and although the overall plate tectonic context of the margin is well‐documented, there are still uncertainties regarding the phases of tectonic activity, and their associated strain distribution and fault kinematics. Based on the analysis of large volumes of 2D and 3D seismic data from the Porcupine Basin, we provide an overview of the nature and origin of multiple fault systems, both tectonic and nontectonic, with links to regional tectonic events where possible. Three distinct basin‐wide phases of tectonically induced extensional faulting are recognized: (a) Late Jurassic N‐S to NE‐SW trending rift faults, (b) Late Cretaceous E‐W to ENE‐WSW trending normal faults and (c) Mid Eocene N‐S trending faults. The Jurassic faults were active over a period of 11.5 Myr between the Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian but with an intervening 4.5 Myr period of quiescence providing a two‐stage rift evolution. The Late Cretaceous faulting in the Porcupine Basin broadly correlates with extension in the Celtic Sea basins and is tentatively attributed to the rotational spreading of the Bay of Biscay in the south. The Mid Eocene phase of extension, which coincides with the onset of spreading between Europe and Greenland (Atlantic spreading), resulted in partial reactivation of the Jurassic faults. A series of non‐tectonic fault systems occur within specific stratigraphic intervals suggesting a compactional or gravitationally driven origin, including basinward dipping normal faults within a Palaeocene–early Eocene deltaic sequence, and multiple tiers of polygonal faults within Cretaceous, late Eocene and Neogene strata.
Let's collaborate but how: Discussing collaboration barriers and opportunities in the digital era
Authors: Rouzbehani Roya
Published: December 2020

Governments are interested in higher levels of collaboration, joint solutions and partnerships, in part to deal with cross‐sector wicked problems. However, success is limited due to the barriers to effective collaboration. This research note reports some of the results of a systematic literature review that identified common barriers to inter‐organizational collaboration across sectors, regrouping them in three key categories of cognitive, power and communication barriers. In the second part, a synergy map is used to link those barriers to less conventional approaches and solutions that can help overcome them and facilitate collaboration, including conceptual frameworks, visual thinking tools and online collaboration platforms.
Smith‐Magenis syndrome: Clinical and behavioral characteristics in a large retrospective cohort
Authors: Rive Le Gouard Nicolas , Jacquinet Adeline , Ruaud Lyse , Deleersnyder Hélène , Ageorges Faustine , Gallard Jennifer , Lacombe Didier , Odent Sylvie , Mikaty Myriam , Manouvrier‐Hanu Sylvie , Ghoumid Jamal , Geneviève David , Lehman Natacha , Philip Nicole , Edery Patrick , Héron Delphine , Rastel Coralie , Chancenotte Sophie , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Faivre Laurence , Perrin Laurence , Verloes Alain
Published: December 2020

Smith‐Magenis syndrome (SMS), characterized by dysmorphic features, neurodevelopmental disorder, and sleep disturbance, is due to an interstitial deletion of chromosome 17p11.2 (90%) or to point mutations in the RAI1 gene. In this retrospective cohort, we studied the clinical, cognitive, and behavioral profile of 47 European patients with SMS caused by a 17p11.2 deletion. We update the clinical and neurobehavioral profile of SMS. Intrauterine growth was normal in most patients. Prenatal anomalies were reported in 15%. 60% of our patients older than 10 years were overweight. Prevalence of heart defects (6.5% tetralogy of Fallot, 6.5% pulmonary stenosis), ophthalmological problems (89%), scoliosis (43%), or deafness (32%) were consistent with previous reports. Epilepsy was uncommon (2%). We identified a high prevalence of obstipation (45%). All patients had learning difficulties and developmental delay, but ID range was wide and 10% of patients had IQ in the normal range. Behavioral problems included temper tantrums and other difficult behaviors (84%) and night‐time awakenings (86%). Optimal care of SMS children is multidisciplinary and requires important parental involvement. In our series, half of patients were able to follow adapted schooling, but 70% of parents had to adapt their working time, illustrating the medical, social, educative, and familial impact of having a child with SMS.
Ethyl pyruvate improves white matter remodeling in rats after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Mao Leilei , Sun Limin , Sun Jingyi , Sun Baoliang , Gao Yanqin , Shi Hong
Published: December 2020

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in long‐term neurological deficits associated with white matter injury (WMI). Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a simple derivative of the endogenous energy substrate pyruvate with neuroprotective properties, but its role in recovery from WMI has not been explored.

Aims

This study examines the effect of EP treatment on rats following TBI using behavioral tests and white matter histological analysis up to 28 days post‐injury.

Materials and Methods

Anaesthetised adult rats were subjected to TBI by controlled cortical impact. After surgery, EP or Ringers solution (RS) was administrated intraperitoneally at 15 min after TBI and again at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h after TBI. Sensorimotor deficits were evaluated up to day 21 after TBI by four independent tests. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to assess white matter injury. Microglia activation and related inflammatory molecules were examined up to day 14 after TBI by immunohistochemistry or real‐time PCR.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that EP improves sensorimotor function following TBI as well as improves white matter outcomes up to 28 d after TBI, as shown by reduced myelin loss. Furthermore, EP administration during the acute phase of TBI recovery shifted microglia polarization toward the anti‐inflammatoryM2 phenotype, modulating the release of inflammatory‐related factors.

Conclusion

EP treatment may protect TBI‐induced WMI via modulating microglia polarization toward M2.
Differences in hearing recovery following intratympanic alone or intravenous dexamethasone with rescue intratympanic steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A randomised trial
Authors: Huang Jie , Yang Li , Cao Xihong , Wang Wuqing
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate hearing improvement at different frequencies and the safety of intratympanic (IT) and intravenous (IV) administration of dexamethasone for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods

SSNHL patients were randomly divided into two groups within 72 hours after onset and received 24 days of dexamethasone therapy. Group A received IT dexamethasone once every other day for 24 days. Group B received IV dexamethasone for 12 days, followed by IT dexamethasone once every other day for the following 12 days. Hearing recovery and side effects were compared.

Results

Subgroup analysis was performed to look for variation in hearing improvement in high frequency, low frequency and overall hearing at different time points. There was no evidence of a difference in hearing outcomes between IT dexamethasone and sequential IV plus IT treatments. Side effects of steroids were observed within 90 days after treatment. The local adverse effects of IT injection were mild. The systemic side effects in group B were more serious than those in group A.

Conclusions

IT dexamethasone was safer than IV dexamethasone, and there was no evidence of a difference in hearing outcomes between IT dexamethasone and sequential IV plus IT treatments. It is necessary to make individualised treatment decisions according to the patient's condition.
The prospective impact of 10‐day patron bans on crime in Queensland's largest entertainment precincts
Authors: Taylor Nicholas , Coomber Kerri , Zahnow Renee , Ferris Jason , Mayshak Richelle , Miller Peter G.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Night‐time entertainment precincts (NEP) are the site of a disproportionate amount of alcohol‐related violence, injuries and anti‐social behaviour. To combat this the Queensland government introduced patron bans in October 2014, giving police the power to exclude individuals from NEPs and preventing patrons from remaining in or entering the designated area or from designated premises for the ban duration. Mandatory identification scanners within licensed venues were also introduced, which are used to enforce patron bans. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of police‐issued 10‐day patron bans for preventing alcohol‐related violence or anti‐social behaviour occurring within NEPs during high‐alcohol hours.

Methods

Queensland's largest NEPs; Brisbane central business district, Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise central business district; were examined. Time‐series autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were used to estimate the influence of 10‐day patron bans on police‐recorded serious assaults, common assaults and good order offences. Analyses controlled for the introduction of relevant policy and identification scanners.

Results

The number of police‐issued patron bans did not significantly predict changes in serious assault, common assault or good order offence trends the weekend following the ban (within the 10‐day period).

Discussion and Conclusions

The current study was unable to find evidence indicating that 10‐day patron bans reduced alcohol‐related harms experienced in Queensland's largest NEPs in the short term. Further research needs to be conducted examining other types of patron bans, particularly longer bans issued in other jurisdictions or by licensees, and whether bans change individual's behaviour.
Postprandial triglyceride reduction following acute treatment of a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐2c agonist and characterization using a semi‐physiological model
Authors: Leohr Jennifer , Heathman Michael , Kjellsson Maria C.
Published: December 2020

Aim

To investigate the tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and postprandial triglyceride (TG) response of single, escalating oral doses of a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐2c (5‐HT2c) agonist in subjects with overweight/obesity and apply mechanistic population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modelling to identify a plausible drug mechanism of action.

Materials and Methods

This phase 1, single‐centre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, four‐period, two‐alternating cohorts study evaluated single escalating oral doses ranging from 5 to 130 mg of LY2140112 (LY) in subjects with overweight/obesity (body mass index: 27–39 kg/m2). Postprandial TG response (total TG, chylomicrons and very low‐density lipoprotein particles [VLDL]‐V6) following a high‐fat meal were assessed for 11 h postmeal for each dose level. The PK profile was assessed for 96 h postdose. Drug exposure and TG concentrations in chylomicrons and VLDL‐V6 were used to characterize the drug mechanism of action using non‐linear mixed‐effect modelling.

Results

Seventeen subjects entered the study and 16 subjects received at least one dose of LY. LY2140112 was generally well tolerated up to 75 mg. The PK of LY were described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. The 100 and 130 mg dose levels of LY significantly reduced the postprandial TG of VLDL‐V6 by approximately 50%, while total TG and chylomicrons were not significantly different from placebo. The application of a published lipokinetic model successfully described the postprandial TG response in this study and indicated that LY reduced the conversion of TGs from chylomicron to VLDL‐V6.

Conclusions

LY significantly reduced the postprandial TG of VLDL‐V6 following a single dose, when food consumption was controlled. The data indicate that a selective 5‐HT2c agonist alters lipid metabolism, beyond the reported reduction in satiety. The application of a semi‐physiological lipokinetic model enabled identification of a plausible drug mechanism of action of LY.
Dinner with the roommates: trophic niche differentiation and competition in a mutualistic ant‐ant association
Authors: Sprenger Philipp P. , Müsse Christian , Hartke Juliane , Feldmeyer Barbara , Schmitt Thomas , Gebauer Gerhard , Menzel Florian
Published: December 2020

1. The potential for competition is highest among species in close association. Despite net benefits for both parties, mutualisms can involve costs, including food competition. This might be true for the two neotropical ants Camponotus femoratus and Crematogaster levior, which share the same nest in a presumably mutualistic association (parabiosis).

2. While each nest involves one Crematogaster and one Camponotus partner, both taxa were recently found to comprise two cryptic species that show no partner preferences and seem ecologically similar. Since these cryptic species often occur in close sympatry, they might need to partition their niches to avoid competitive exclusion.

3. Here, we investigated first, is there interference competition between parabiotic Camponotus and Crematogaster, and do they prefer different food sources under competition? And second, is there trophic niche partitioning between the cryptic species of either genus?

4. Using cafeteria experiments, neutral lipid fatty acid and stable isotope analyses, we found evidence for interference competition, but also trophic niche partitioning between Camponotus and Crematogaster. Both preferred protein‐ and carbohydrate‐rich baits, but at protein‐rich baits Ca. femoratus displaced Cr. levior over time, suggesting a potential discovery‐dominance trade‐off between parabiotic partners. Only limited evidence was found for trophic differentiation between the cryptic species of each genus.

5. Although we cannot exclude differentiation in other niche dimensions, we argue that neutral dynamics might mediate the coexistence of cryptic species. This model system is highly suitable for further studies of the maintenance of species diversity and the role of mutualisms in promoting species coexistence.
Summative assessments of web‐based patient simulations of pre‐clinical local anaesthesia and non‐surgical extraction
Authors: McAlpin Elizabeth , Bergner Yoav , Levine Marci
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of web‐based patient simulations, a whole‐task simulation, in oral surgery education for second‐year pre‐clinical dental students on learning outcomes regarding cognitive, psychomotor and professional interpersonal skills for two topics: local anaesthesia and non‐surgical extractions.

Materials and Methods

In 2018–19, using an experimental design in a live course, we evaluated two web‐based patient simulations on student learning outcomes in an introductory course on oral maxillofacial surgery. The study was repeated across two semesters, Fall (N = 109) and Spring (N = 112), on two different topics, namely local anaesthesia and extractions, respectively. Learning outcomes were evaluated for each topic with two different assessment formats: a student‐recorded role‐play video project and a fifty‐item multiple‐choice test.

Results

For both topics, local anaesthesia and non‐surgical extractions, students in the group, Web Sim, who used the web‐based patient simulation over and above the online lesson material earned significantly higher scores in the role‐play patient video project compared with the group, No Web Sim, who only used the online lesson materials. However, scores on the fifty‐item multiple‐choice test did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the web‐based patient simulation as a formative assessment type is a useful scaffolding tool for the summative student‐recorded role‐play patient video project due to the similarity in activity types that support clinical learning objectives.
Comorbidities and complications in adults with pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: Boscoe Audra N. , Yan Yan , Hedgeman Elizabeth , van Beers Eduard J. , Al‐Samkari Hanny , Barcellini Wilma , Eber Stefan W. , Glader Bertil , Yaish Hassan M. , Chonat Satheesh , Sharma Mukta , Kuo Kevin H. M. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Wang Heng , Verhovsek Madeleine , Sheth Sujit , Grace Rachael F.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is caused by PKLR gene mutations, leading to defective red blood cell glycolysis and hemolytic anemia. Rates of comorbidities and complications by transfusion history and relative to the general population remain poorly quantified.

Methods

Data for patients aged ≥ 18 years with two confirmed PKLR mutations were obtained from the PK deficiency Natural History Study (NCT02053480). Frequencies of select conditions were compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched cohort from a general insured US population without PK deficiency.

Results

Compared with the matched population (n = 1220), patients with PK deficiency (n = 122) had significantly higher lifetime rates of osteoporosis, liver cirrhosis, and pulmonary hypertension; splenectomy and cholecystectomy rates were also significantly higher in the 8 years before the index date. Sixty‐five (53.3%) patients with PK deficiency were classified as regularly transfused, 30 (24.6%) as occasionally transfused, and 27 (22.1%) as never transfused. Regularly transfused patients were significantly more likely than never transfused patients to have had splenectomy, cholecystectomy, and/or thrombosis. Liver iron overload was reported in 62% of patients and occurred regardless of transfusion cohort.

Conclusions

Even never transfused patients with PK deficiency had higher rates of select comorbidities and complications than individuals without PK deficiency.
Distal hereditary motor neuropathies: Mutation spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Frasquet Marina , Rojas‐García Ricard , Argente‐Escrig Herminia , Vázquez‐Costa Juan Francisco , Muelas Nuria , Vílchez Juan Jesús , Sivera Rafael , Millet Elvira , Barreiro Marisa , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Turon‐Sans Janina , Cortés‐Vicente Elena , Querol Luis , Ramírez‐Jiménez Laura , Martínez‐Rubio Dolores , Sánchez‐Monteagudo Ana , Espinós Carmen , Sevilla Teresa , Lupo Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMNs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by degeneration of the motor component of peripheral nerves. Currently, only 15% to 32.5% of patients with dHMN are characterized genetically. Additionally, the prevalence of these genetic disorders is not well known. Recently, biallelic mutations in the sorbitol dehydrogenase gene (SORD) have been identified as a cause of dHMN, with an estimated frequency in undiagnosed cases of up to 10%.

Methods

In the present study, we included 163 patients belonging to 108 different families who were diagnosed with a dHMN and who underwent a thorough genetic screening that included next‐generation sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing of SORD.

Results

Most probands were sporadic cases (62.3%), and the most frequent age of onset of symptoms was 2 to 10 years (28.8%). A genetic diagnosis was achieved in 37/108 (34.2%) families and 78/163 (47.8%) of all patients. The most frequent cause of distal hereditary motor neuropathies were mutations in HSPB1 (10.4%), GARS1 (9.8%), BICD2 (8.0%), and DNAJB2 (6.7%) genes. In addition, 3.1% of patients were found to be carriers of biallelic mutations in SORD. Mutations in another seven genes were also identified, although they were much less frequent. Eight new pathogenic mutations were detected, and 17 patients without a definite genetic diagnosis carried variants of uncertain significance. The calculated minimum prevalence of dHMN was 2.3 per 100,000 individuals.

Conclusions

This study confirms the genetic heterogeneity of dHMN and that biallelic SORD mutations are a cause of dHMN in different populations.
Enacting Scales: Reflections from an Anthropologist Working in Asia's Ad World
Authors: TIVASURADEJ TIFFANY
Published: December 2020

The conference theme for EPIC2020 is all about scale. For many, scale will probably evoke images of sizing up, moving forward, getting better. But does scale carry the same meaning in all contexts? Could scaling back be the key to enacting scales successfully? And is it possible to enact scales when ethnography and the broader topic of anthropology are unheard among those around you? Reflecting on my own experience working in Thailand and China and my encounters with other design and business anthropologists working in Asia, I share an honest career narrative about enacting scales. My PechaKucha speaks truthfully about the struggles in applying ethnography, and inspires with learnings on how anthropologists can adapt the broader practice of anthropology and find ways to continue contributing to organisations across societies in Asia.
Scaling Out (Not Only Up) Distributed Collaboration Models to Get Work Done
Authors: DORNADIC ALICIA , LAVOIE NIKKI , DE FLORES SHEILA SUAREZ , TUYGAN ELVIN
Published: December 2020

In this catalyst, we the authors describe the benefits of ‘scaling out': reaching out beyond one's organization to bring in external partners to accomplish UX research. Organizations scale out their research efforts in order to cover more ground, draw from more specialties, or conduct more research more quickly than they would be able to alone. As opposed to growing an in‐house team to meeting research needs ('scaling up'), scaling out can be a more inclusive approach to generating user insights, where the voices of diverse research partners throughout the world are brought together to produce powerful UX research outcomes. A case study example of work with suppliers and clients illustrates scaling out. Collective intelligence pushes scaling out even further, as it counts research participants, users and potential users as part of the network of partners who get work done.
Researching the Researcher: How I Used Data Analysis to Understand my Reading Habits
Authors: MATHÚNA STEPHEN Ó
Published: December 2020

The digital world has given us unprecedented access to information about ourselves. As human beings we can quantify ourselves on the basis of how much we eat, how much we exercise, how many miles we've travelled, among dozens of other facets of our lives. As technology gives us access to more and more 1s and 0s, our ability to measure and codify ourselves grows exponentially.

But these data can tell us stories, if we take the opportunity to stop and reflect on them. In this talk I examine one facet of my life ‐ my reading habits ‐ and put it under the microscope. I try to learn more about myself by examining seven years’ worth of raw data, collected across 200 books. Using the research findings I make recommendations to myself about my reading habits, addressing areas such as author diversity, genre variety, among others. In addition, I explore the power of books in evoking emotional memories. Books anchor us in place, in time, and in emotional contexts. I argue that these are invaluable opportunities, in a world that moves so fast we don't often have a chance at such reflection.