bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Get Brexit Done’: The New Political Divides of England and Wales at the 2019 Election
Authors: Cooper Luke , Cooper Christabel
Published: October 2020

This article analyses the successful Conservative election campaign of 2019 and how it took advantage of a fractured political and economic landscape. It reviews the unique circumstances around the 2019 election and the ‘surprising death’ of a no‐deal Brexit. We then analyse the divergent political communication strategies in the 2017 and 2019 Conservative campaigns showing how the latter was much more coherent and politically unorthodox. Drawing on socioeconomic, demographic and British Election Study data, we argue that Boris Johnson’s messaging was carefully tailored towards the demands of voters in the ‘red wall’ seats. Conservative success was built around an appeal to voters in these economically depressed ‘geographies of discontent’. But while tremendously successful, the coalition this created is potentially fragile. An unconventional, ‘leftish’ Conservative campaign built a new, diverse bloc of voters. It includes a number of left‐wingers expecting change alongside traditional Conservative supporters, and will be hard to keep together given the economic turbulence ahead.
Development and validation of an organizational readiness to change instrument focused on cultural competency
Authors: McAlearney Ann Scheck , Gregory Megan , Walker Daniel M. , Edwards Michael
Published: October 2020

Objective

To validate a brief survey developed to be used in hospitals nationwide to assess organizational readiness to change to increase cultural competency.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Analysis of primary data collected as part of a 125‐item Organizational Assessment Survey conducted in the ten US hospitals participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Expecting Success program in 2005‐2006.

Study Design

The study utilized a cross‐sectional survey.

Data Collection

Surveys were distributed to participants in the ten hospitals based on job title and role within the organization (including clinicians, clinical administrators, other clinical professionals, and those in relevant nonclinical roles; respondents = 513; response rate = 31%). Missing data were deleted listwise. We computed internal consistency reliability via Cronbach's alpha and interrater agreement using the rwg(j) index, and conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine validity of the survey. We subsequently conducted ANOVAs to examine whether the instrument adequately distinguished between hospitals.

Principal Findings

Across 408 complete responses, a scree plot generated by the EFA and a follow‐up CFA indicated a 2‐factor solution (RMSEA = 0.06; CFI = 0.96; GFI = 0.96; RMSR = 0.08). We identified these primary factors as two scales, a 12‐item Readiness to Address Quality scale (α = 0.85; rwg(j) = 0.93) and an 11‐item Readiness to Address Disparities scale (α = 0.65; rwg(j) = 0.89). ANOVAs suggested that these scales distinguished between hospitals (RTAQ: F[9, 428] = 3.70, P < .001; RTAD: F[9, 435] = 3.02, P = .002).

Conclusions

This survey can help identify an organization's readiness to change to increase cultural competency.
Identification of furosemide in hair in a post‐mortem case by UHPLC‐MS/MS with guidance on interpretation
Authors: Gheddar Laurie , Batt Marie‐Odile , Raul Jean‐Sébastien , Kintz Pascal
Published: October 2020

Testing for drugs in hair raises several difficulties. Among them is the interpretation of the final concentration(s). In a post‐mortem case, analyses revealed the presence of furosemide (12 ng/mL) in femoral blood, although it was not part of the victim's treatment. The prosecutor requested our laboratory to undertake an additional analysis in hair to obtain information about the use of furosemide. A specific method was therefore developed and validated to identify and quantify furosemide in hair by UHPLC‐MS/MS. After decontamination of 30 mg of hair, incubation in acidic condition, extraction with ethyl acetate, the samples were analyzed by UHPLC‐MS/MS. Furosemide was found in the victim's hair at 225 pg/mg. However, it was not possible to interpret this concentration due to the absence of data in the literature. Therefore, the authors performed a controlled study in two parts. In order to establish the basis of interpretation, several volunteers were tested (four after a single 20 mg administration and twenty‐four under daily treatment). The first part indicated that a single dose is not detectable in hair using our method. The second part demonstrated concentrations ranging from 5 to 1110 pg/mg with no correlation between dosage and hair concentrations. The decedent's hair result was interpreted as repeated exposures. In the case of furosemide analysis, hair can provide information about its presence but cannot give information about dosage or frequency of use.
Pre‐operative diabetes mellitus does not worsen survival and post‐operative outcomes in Chinese patients undergoing resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Adrian H. K. , Chan Albert C. Y.
Published: October 2020

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been noted as a risk factor for worse post‐operative outcomes in many operations. The correlation between pre‐operative DM and adverse outcomes after resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was uncertain. A retrospective study was thus conducted in a tertiary center in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a non‐blinded retrospective cohort of pancreatic resections performed for PDAC between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015. Survival data and post‐operative outcomes were obtained from an institutional pancreatic resection database. Patients with benign disease or non‐PDAC malignant entities were excluded.

Results

A total of 102 patients were recruited, of which 27 (26%) had DM. The median overall survival (OS) for DM was 20 months, and the median OS for non‐DM was 15 months. The hazards ratio (HR) was 1.08 (95% CI 0.65‐1.70, P = .839). The median disease free survival (DFS) for DM was 7 months, while the median DFS for non‐DM was 9 months. The HR was 1.16 (95% CI 0.65‐2.08, P = .615). The perioperative mortality was 5.4% for non‐DM and 7.7% for DM (HR: 1.46 [95% CI 0.25‐8.47], P = .673). There was no difference in post‐operative outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pre‐operative DM did not worsen post‐operative and oncological outcomes of patients with PDAC after pancreatic resections.
Bed‐sided short‐duration renal replacement therapy provide a possible option to treat non‐critical coronavirus disease 2019 in maintenance hemodialysis patients in public health crisis
Authors: Hu Yanglin , Tu Can , Dong Jun‐Wu , Chen Wen‐Li , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Luo Dan , Shi Ming , Zhou Mengliang , Song Yuting , Zhang Chun , Xiong Fei
Published: October 2020

HD care may experience great stress with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. A modified HD modality named bed‐sided short‐duration renal replacement therapy (BSRRT) was used in noncritical maintenance HD (MHD) patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in Wuhan due to extreme situation. To determine the safety and efficacy as a substitution for intermittent HD (IHD), we conducted this study. We used the data of 88 noncritical COVID‐19 MHD patients collected from 65 medical units at the hospitals in Wuhan, China, from January 1 to March 10, 2020. t‐test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher exact probability method were used to compare the baseline characteristics, treatment, and death. Log‐rank test and Cox regression multivariate analysis was used to compare the survival of noncritical patients who were transferred to BSRRT modality versus those who were continued on the IHD. Univariate analysis showed the level of reported fatigue symptom at present, bilateral lung computed tomography infiltration and steroid treatment differed between the two groups. The outcome of death of the two groups did not show significant differences in univariate analysis (P = .0563). Multivariate Cox regression analysis dialysis showed modality of treatment after COVID‐19 diagnosis was not a significant predictor of death (P = .1000). These data suggest that for noncritical COVID‐19 MHD patients, the transfer from IHD to BSRRT does not have significant difference in the risk of death compared with IHD group. This finding suggests this modified modality could be an option for the substitution for IHD during the COVID‐19 pandemic period.
Endozoochorous seed dispersal by golden snub‐nosed monkeys in a temperate forest
Authors: YAO Hui , BAI Yanpei , CHEN Yuan , CHEN Haochun , YANG Wanji , RUAN Xiangdong , XIANG Zuofu
Published: October 2020

Seed dispersal is essential for plant recruitment and the maintenance of biodiversity. Colobine monkeys are primarily folivorous, but they also consume fruits and are often assumed to be seed predators. Although they are known to be epizoochorous seed dispersers, their role as endozoochorous seed dispersers needs reassessment. We examined potential endozoochory in golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) at Dalongtan in Shennongjia National Park, central China, by assessing potential germination of ingested seeds (n = 1806, 9 species) from fecal samples. Intact seeds were in almost all fecal samples (ranging from 5–130 seeds), and ingested seeds were from small seeded species (seed width <4.5 mm). The 2 most abundant species were Actinidia arguta (73%) and Rosa caudata (15%). The fruits of A. arguta were unripe when ingested (i.e. effective seed predation) and the ingested seeds did not germinate in the trials. Therefore, ingestion of unripe seeds does not lead to effective seed dispersal. However, germination rates of defecated R. caudata (9%) were greater than control seeds (6% and 0%), demonstrating potential endozoochorous seed dispersal. Thus, colobine monkeys do indeed disperse mainly small‐seeded from multi‐seeded fruits through potential endozoochory and this process enhances the recruitment of seedlings.
The effect of gene flow from unsampled demes in landscape genetic analysis
Authors: Shirk Andrew J. , Landguth Erin L. , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: October 2020

An assumption of correlative landscape genetic methods is that genetic differentiation at neutral markers arises solely from the degree to which the intervening landscape between individuals or populations resists gene flow. However, this assumption is violated when gene flow occurs into the sampled population from an unsampled, differentiated deme. This may happen when sampling within only a portion of a population's extent or when closely related species hybridize with the sampled population. In both cases, violation of the modelling assumptions has the potential to reduce landscape genetic model selection accuracy and result in poor inferences. We used individual‐based population genetic simulations in complex landscapes within a model selection framework to explore the potential confounding effect of gene flow from unsampled demes. We hypothesized that as gene flow from outside the sampling extent increased, model selection accuracy would decrease due to the formation of a hybrid zone where allele frequencies were perturbed in a way that was not correlated with effective distances between sampled individuals. Surprisingly, we found this expectation was unfounded, because the reduced accuracy due to admixture was counteracted by an increase in allelic diversity as alleles spread from the unsampled deme into the sampled population. These new alleles increased the power to detect landscape genetic relationships and even slightly improving model selection accuracy overall. This is a reassuring result, suggesting that sampling the full extent of a population or related species that may hybridize may be unnecessary, as long as other well‐established sampling requirements are met.
Does Public Enforcement Work in Weak Investor Protection Countries? Evidence from China*
Authors: Ke Bin , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

We examine the efficacy of public enforcement in weak investor protection countries by examining the outcomes of a comprehensive public enforcement campaign in China. The campaign, launched in 2007, was designed to help enforce China's first mandatory Corporate Governance Code, issued in 2002. The 2007 campaign was characterized by several important features: (i) the campaign required firms to identify their problems before the securities regulators conducted on‐site inspections; (ii) the campaign provided a detailed checklist of the status of a firm's compliance with the Code; (iii) the campaign was transparent with regard to the disclosure and correction of identified problems; and (iv) the campaign threatened penalties for firms that failed to correct the identified governance problems in a timely manner. Our empirical analyses suggest that the 2007 campaign was effective in improving publicly listed firms' corporate governance. The corporate governance improvement was associated with a reduction in earnings management, higher earnings response coefficients, and higher operating accounting performance. In addition, we find preliminary evidence that the detailed checklist is partially responsible for the efficacy of the campaign. Our results suggest that public enforcement, if properly implemented, works in increasing shareholder value in weak investor protection countries.
Genotype and cytokinin effects on soybean yield and biological nitrogen fixation across soil temperatures
Authors: Kempster Robert , Barat Mercedes , Bishop Laura , Rufino Mariana , Borras Lucas , Dodd Ian C.
Published: October 2020

High nitrogen (N) supply is required for high‐yielding soybean, but low soil temperatures in either early production systems or cool environments delay nodulation and limit biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Because cytokinins are key signalling hormones in mediating nodule formation and our initial controlled environment experiment indicated that seed cytokinin treatment increased early BNF and total nodule area, it was used in field trials. Cytokinin was applied (seed or foliar) to two commercial soybean genotypes (DM50I17 and DM40R16) in field trials with early (September and early November) and conventional (late November) sowing dates in Argentina. In the field, DMR50I7 achieved consistent yields across sowing dates because increased BNF compensated for limited soil N uptake in early sowing dates, also leading to 25% higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Surprisingly, soil N uptake was more cold‐sensitive than BNF with greater and prolonged N fixation in early sowing, perhaps through delayed nodulation, leading to improved N harvest index. Cytokinin seed treatment increased BNF (26%) in DM40R16 especially in early sowing dates. Although cytokinin improved cold tolerance of BNF, this was not explained by altered nodulation and did not increase yield. Here we show genetic differences in N supply in commercial soybean genotypes and the importance of BNF to maintain yield in early sown soybean.
Parenthood is associated with lower suicide risk: a register‐based cohort study of 1.5 million Swedes
Authors: Dehara Marina , Wells Michael B. , Sjöqvist Hugo , Kosidou Kyriaki , Dalman Christina , Sörberg Wallin Alma
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine whether parenthood among 25‐ to 44‐year‐olds is associated with a lower suicide rate in men and women in Sweden, and whether this is explained by selection into parenthood.

Methods

In total, 1,582,360 Swedish women and men, born between 1967 and 1985, and childless at their 25th birthday, were followed from 1992 to 2011. All data originated from linkage to national Swedish registers. Cox regression models were used with time‐varying parenthood status to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (aHR;CI) for suicide.

Results

Having one, two, three or more children was associated with 64%, 79% and 78% lower suicide rate, respectively, compared with having no children, in models with basic adjustments. When a wide range of indicators of selection into parenthood were taken into account, the suicide rate was 58% lower in parents with one child and 70% lower in parents with two or more children compared with childless individuals (aHR 0.42 [95% CI 0.36‐0.48]; 0.30 [95% CI 0.25‐0.35]; 0.30 [95% CI 0.21‐0.42]). In fathers with one, two, three or more children suicide rate was 54%, 64% and 59% lower, respectively, compared with non‐fathers whereas in mothers was 70%, 83% and 93% lower, respectively, compared with non‐mothers.

Conclusion

Parenthood among 25‐to 44‐year‐olds is associated with a lower suicide risk in both men and women but to a larger extent among women, and particularly in parents with two or more children. Although selection into parenthood is possible, a protective effect of parenthood on suicide is likely in both men and women.
Evaluating extinction debt in fragmented forests: the rapid recovery of a critically endangered primate
Authors: Alcocer‐Rodríguez M. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez V. , Galán‐Acedo C. , Cristóbal‐Azkarate J. , Asensio N. , Rito K. F. , Hawes J. E. , Veà J. J. , Dunn Jacob C.
Published: October 2020

Fragmented tropical forests can be highly dynamic, with the spatial configuration of forest patches changing through time. Yet, the lack of longitudinal studies limits our understanding of how patch dynamics affect biodiversity, especially when there is a time lag in species extinctions (extinction debt). We assessed how temporal changes in patch size, shape complexity and isolation affect populations of the Mexican howler monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana), hypothesizing that we would find an extinction debt in this relatively long‐lived species. We assessed patch occupancy, subpopulation size and immature‐to‐female ratio in 39 forest patches from Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, in both 2001 and 2013. To identify time‐lag responses to habitat disturbance, we related demographic attributes in 2013 to patch metrics in 2001 and 2013 and tested whether primate subpopulations were better predicted by current or historical patch characteristics. We also assessed how changes in patch metrics affected each demographic attribute between 2001 and 2013. Patch size and shape complexity increased over time, whereas isolation decreased. These positive spatial changes were accompanied by a 1.6‐fold increase in mean subpopulation size over the same period. In addition, occupancy and immature‐to‐female ratio were similarly related to patch attributes in both years, suggesting that there is no extinction debt. Our findings are ‘good news’, suggesting that forest recovery over a relatively short period can promote the recovery of this Critically Endangered taxon. They also highlight the importance of preventing forest loss and promoting forest regeneration in human‐modified tropical landscapes.
Do high‐dose progestins impair sexual function in women treated for endometriosis? A prospective observational longitudinal study
Authors: Oppenheimer Anne , Verdun Stéphane , Perot Mathilde , Du Cheyron Joseph , Panel Pierre , Fauconnier Arnaud
Published: October 2020

Introduction

High‐dose progestins are used as an effective therapy for painful symptoms of endometriosis but their impact on sexual function has been poorly studied. The study aims to assess the impact of high‐dose progestin on sexual function among women treated for endometriosis.

Material and methods

In this bicenter prospective observational study, women with endometriosis who received medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis and who were sexually active were included. They completed the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ, a validated tool) before (T0) and 12 months after (T1) endometriosis treatment. We classified patients into two groups according to whether they were using high‐dose progestins at T1: a high‐dose progestin group and a control group. The main outcome was sexual function measured by the SAQ score (from 0 to 30) at T1. The secondary outcomes were each individual SAQ item, the dyspareunia 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) and the quality of life assessed with EuroQoL Group 5D Index (EQ‐5D) at T1. We also assessed the change in dyspareunia VAS and quality of life between T0 and T1. The Ethics Committee of Ile‐de‐France (Act 2004‐806, 9 August 2004) approved the study.

Results

Among 214 women included, 25 (12%) were exposed to high‐dose progestins at T1. The SAQ score of women exposed to high‐dose progestins was significantly lower compared with the control group, with or without adjustment for covariates (15.5 ± 6.3 vs 18.3 ± 6.2, P = .03, adjusted effect size −0.44 [95% CI −0.86 to −0.02], P = .04). High‐dose progestin intake at T1 was associated with a lower subscore on two SAQ items: pleasure (1.8 ± 0.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.9, P = .02), and satisfaction with frequency of intercourse (1.2 ± 1.2 vs 1.8 ± 1.1, P = .02). In the overall population, dyspareunia VAS and quality of life assessed by EQ‐5D improved between T0 and T1 (45 ± 29 at T0 vs 28 ± 29 at T1, P < .001; 0.78 ± 0.14 at T0 vs 0.86 ± 0.14 at T1, P < .001, respectively). At T1, the groups did not differ significantly for dyspareunia VAS (effect size 0.36 [95% CI −0.06 to 0.78], P = .10) and quality of life (EQ‐5D, effect size 0.02 [95% CI −0.40 to 0.44], P = .91).

Conclusion

In this observational study, high‐dose progestins impair the sexual function of women treated for endometriosis even though they improved dyspareunia.
Laparoscopic surgery in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review
Authors: El Boghdady Michael , Ewalds‐Kvist Béatrice M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery may be advantageous for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients because it leads to fewer complications than open surgery. However, it could still lead to pulmonary and cardiovascular complications in CF patients. We aimed to systematically review the use of laparoscopic surgery in CF patients.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, with “cystic fibrosis and laparoscopic surgery” and “cystic fibrosis and minimally invasive surgery” used as the search terms. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were applied. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO register.

Results

Six studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria; accordingly, two studies provided high‐quality evidence and four provided moderate‐quality evidence. The interrater correlation was convincing (rs = .95, P = .02, two‐tailed). Therefore, three quantitative studies and three qualitative studies were assessed and evidence‐graded in accordance with the GRADE protocol.

Conclusion

The benefits of laparoscopic surgical interventions for patients with CF were supported with good evidential value and recognized as a safe and suitable surgical option.
Oral priming with oligodeoxynucleotide particles from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG attenuates symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate‐induced acute colitis in mice
Authors: Shigemori Suguru , Namai Fu , Ogita Tasuku , Sato Takashi , Shimosato Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Here, we investigated the effect of prophylactic oral treatment with carbonate apatite‐based particles (ID35caps) containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG‐derived immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (ID35) when used in mice with acute colitis. Mice were administered orally with control particles (carbonate apatite particles, Caps), ID35, or ID35caps for 2 days, and then were given free access to drinking water containing 3% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days (Days 0–5) to induce acute colitis. Body weight change, fecal bleeding, and stool consistency were monitored and scored as a disease activity index (DAI) to assess symptoms of colitis. On Day 10, animals were euthanized and the colon length was measured to evaluate inflammatory tissue injury. Prophylactic oral treatment with ID35caps significantly suppressed DSS‐induced elevation of the DAI score and shortening of the colon compared to the respective parameters in DSS‐exposed mice treated with Cap or ID35. We conclude that oral priming with ID35caps attenuates symptoms and inflammatory colonic injury in a mouse model of DSS‐induced acute colitis. This finding suggests that ID35caps may be a new oral agent for preventing intestinal inflammation.
Middle to Late Pleistocene environments based on stable organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes of loess‐palaeosol sequences from the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Pötter Stephan , Schmitz Arndt , Lücke Andreas , Schulte Philipp , Obreht Igor , Zech Michael , Wissel Holger , Marković Slobodan B. , Lehmkuhl Frank
Published: October 2020

Stable organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes can be used to interpret past vegetation patterns and ecosystem qualities. Here we present these proxies for two loess‐palaeosol sequences from the southern Carpathian Basin to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment during the past 350 ka and establish regional commonalities and differences. Before now, isotopic studies on loess sequences from this region were only conducted on deposits from the last glacial cycle. We conducted methodological tests involving the complete decalcification of the samples prior to stable isotope analyses. Two decalcification methods (fumigation method and wet chemical acidification), different treatment times, and the reproducibility of carbon isotope analyses were tested. Obtained results indicate that the choice of the decalcification method is important for organic carbon stable isotope analyses of loess‐palaeosol sequences because ratios vary by more than 10‰ between the wet chemical and fumigation methods, due to incomplete carbonate removal by the latter. Therefore, we suggest avoiding the fumigation method for studies on loess‐palaeosol sequences. In addition, our data show that samples withTOCcontent <0.2% bear increased potential for misinterpretation of their carbon isotope ratios. For our sites, C3‐vegetation is predominant and no palaeoenvironmental shifts leading to a change of the dominant photosynthesis pathway can be detected during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. Furthermore, the importance of further stable nitrogen isotope studies is highlighted, since this proxy seems to reflect past precipitation patterns and reveals favourable conditions in the southern Carpathian Basin, especially during interstadials.
Environmental determinants of leaf litter ant community composition along an elevational gradient
Authors: Fichaux Mélanie , Vleminckx Jason , Courtois Elodie A. , H. C. Delabie Jacques , Galli Jordan , Tao Shengli , Labrière Nicolas , Chave Jérôme , Baraloto Christopher , Orivel Jérôme
Published: October 2020

Ant communities are extremely diverse and provide a wide variety of ecological functions in tropical forests. Here, we investigated the abiotic factors driving ant composition turnover across an elevational gradient at Mont Itoupé, French Guiana. Mont Itoupé is an isolated mountain whose top is covered by cloud forests, a biogeographical rarity that is likely to be threatened according to climate change scenarios in the region. We examined the influence of six soil, climatic, and LiDAR‐derived vegetation structural variables on leaf litter ant assembly (267 species) across nine 0.12‐ha plots disposed at three elevations (ca. 400, 600, and 800m asl). We tested (a) whether species cooccurring within a same plot or a same elevation were more similar in terms of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic composition, than species from different plots/elevations, and (b) which environmental variables significantly explained compositional turnover among plots. We found that the distribution of species and traits of ant communities along the elevational gradient was significantly explained by a turnover of environmental conditions, particularly in soil phosphorus and sand content, canopy height, and mean annual relative humidity of soil. Our results shed light on the role exerted by environmental filtering in shaping ant community assembly in tropical forests. Identifying the environmental determinants of ant species distribution along tropical elevational gradients could help predicting the future impacts of global warming on biodiversity organization in vulnerable environments such as cloud forests.
Cryptic sexual dimorphism reveals differing selection pressures on continental islands
Authors: Ó Marcaigh Fionn , Kelly David J. , Analuddin Kangkuso , Karya Adi , Lawless Naomi , Marples Nicola M.
Published: October 2020

Birds are well known for their sexual dimorphism. But not all forms of dimorphism are the same, and differences in morphology can be so subtle that they are not detected by casual observation. We report that this is the case with the Sulawesi Babbler (Pellorneum celebense), the first reported instance of sexual dimorphism in this species or any of the ground babblers of the South‐East Asian islands. Our finding is based on a combination of morphometric analyses, genetic sexing, and observation of breeding condition. We highlight the utility of unsupervised clustering approaches, widely used in the biomedical literature, for the investigation of sexual dimorphism in ecological and evolutionary contexts. The sexual dimorphism was weaker on the mainland of Sulawesi and stronger on the continental islands of Kabaena, Muna, and Buton. This suggests that different evolutionary pressures have led the species to partition niches differently in these habitats, which separated only recently in geological history. This kind of intraspecific niche partitioning is an intrinsic part of the ecological niche of such species, one we must not miss if we are to fully understand these endlessly fascinating organisms and systems.

Abstract in Bahasa Indonesian is available with online material
Non‐continuous reproductive phenology of animal‐dispersed species in young forest restoration plantings
Authors: de Almeida Crislaine , Viani Ricardo Augusto Gorne
Published: October 2020

Tree species that produce resources for fauna are recommended for forest restoration plantings to attract pollinators and seed dispersers; however, information regarding the flowering and fruiting of these species during early growth stages is scarce. We evaluated the reproductive phenology of animal‐dispersed tree species widely used in Atlantic Forest restoration. We marked 16 animal‐dispersed tree species in 3‐ to 8‐year‐old forest restoration plantings in Itu‐São Paulo, southeast Brazil. We noted the age of the first reproductive event, flowering and fruiting seasonality, percentage of trees that reached reproductive stages, and intensity of bud, flower, and fruit production for each species. Flowering and fruiting are seasonal for most species; only two, Cecropia pachystachya and Ficus guaranitica, exhibited continuous flowering and fruiting throughout the year; we also identified Schinus terebinthifolia and Dendropanax cuneatus fruiting in the dry season during resource scarcity. Therefore, we recommend all as framework species, that is, species that are animal‐dispersed with early flowering and fruiting potential, for forest restoration. Further, we recommend identifying and planting similar animal‐dispersed tree species that produce fruits constantly or in the dry season to maximize fauna resource availability throughout the year in tropical forest restoration plantings.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material
Debate: Student mental health matters – the heightened need for school‐based mental health in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: Weisbrot Deborah M. , Ryst Erika
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted existing gaps in school‐based mental health services and created new and urgent needs to address student mental health. Evidence from early in the pandemic already suggests that preexisting educational and mental health disparities have increased under the stress of the current health crisis. School mental health professionals are essential to help address anxiety, to promote social adjustment in the 'new normal', and to address trauma, grief, and loss. Schools will also need to creatively support teachers during this unprecedented time. Such efforts will require adequate funding and advocacy for the inclusion of school‐based mental health supports within governmental COVID‐19 aid packages.
Novel peptide derived from IGF‐2 displays anti‐angiogenic activity in vitro and inhibits retinal angiogenesis in a model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy
Authors: Zheng Ying , Sun Qiao , Xu Xun , Wang Weijun
Published: October 2020

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a major cause of significant visual morbidity and blindness in preterm infants, is closely related to pathological angiogenesis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a new 12‐aa peptide (named peptide CW‐703) from human insulin‐like growth factor‐2, against angiogenesis in ROP.

Methods

In order to evaluate the inhibitory effect of CW‐703 on the proliferation, migration, tube formation and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ScienCell) in vitro, we used MTS assays, a modified Boyden chamber, Matrigel system and TUNEL assays. Effects in vivo were assayed using chorioallantoic membrane assays and oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) models in mice. We also performed eletrophysiological and histologic examinations to evaluate the possible toxicity of the peptide. Real‐time PCR, ELISA and western blotting were used to elucidate the mechanism of CW‐703.

Results

CW‐703 inhibited angiogenesis in vitro by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. CW‐703 also prevented angiogenesis in chicken chorioallantoic membrane assays and OIR assays in mice. No evident functional or morphologic abnormalities in neuroretina after CW‐703 injection were revealed in electrophysiological tests and histological examinations. Moreover, we elucidated that CW‐703 competed for binding to IGF‐1R and inhibited angiogenesis by inhibiting IGF‐1R/PI3K/AKT activation and downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Conclusion

The novel peptide CW‐703 may act as an effective inhibitor of ocular pathologic angiogenesis, especially in treating ROP.
Optical coherence tomography for patch test grading: A prospective study on its use for noninvasive diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Ruini Cristel , Rahimi Farnaz , Fiocco Zeno , French Lars E. , Hartmann Daniela , Oppel Eva , Sattler Elke
Published: October 2020

Background

The diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis should be confirmed by skin patch tests. Distinguishing between irritant and allergic reactions is sometimes difficult.

Objectives

To analyse the in vivo morphological changes in patch test reactions compared to healthy skin, and to detect subclinical changes in doubtful reactions using optical coherence tomography (OCT). To develop an OCT‐based algorithm to support patch‐test grading.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐nine skin patch‐test areas were scanned with OCT to evaluate the following features: architectural and vascular morphology, epidermal thickness, optical attenuation coefficient (AC), and blood flow at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.35 mm depth.

Results

Most common OCT features of acute contact allergic reactions in patch tests were spongiosis with microvesicles (94.8%), macrovesicles (60.3%), and coalescing vesicles (46.6%), the latter useful in differentiating acute allergic from irritant dermatitis (P‐value < .05). Objective quantitative parameters correlated well with the severity grade: epidermal thickness due to spongiosis, AC (P‐value < .05) and blood flow at 0.2 and 0.35 mm (P‐value < .01).

Conclusions

OCT as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, established for skin cancer diagnosis, is useful for evaluating contact allergic patch‐test reactions. Not only morphological but also objective features such as blood flow and AC correlate with the reaction severity. Further studies are needed to explore the differences in irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.
The Translational Approaches to Personalized Health Collaborative: Pharmacogenomics for African American Older Adults
Authors: J Sargent Lana , Mackiewicz Marissa , Roman Youssef , Diallo Ana , Russell Sally , Falls Katherine , Zimmerman Kristin M. , Dixon Dave L. , Prom‐Wormley Elizabeth , Hobgood Sarah , Lageman Sarah K. , Zanjani Faika , Price Elvin T.
Published: October 2020

Older adults (i.e., 60 years and older), are the leading consumers of medications, and consequently are suffering the most from medication‐related adverse events. Not only are older adults the largest consumers of medications, they are more likely to experience an adverse drug event contributing to increased hospitalization, utilization of emergency medical services, and mortality. Translational Approaches to Personalized Health (TAPH) is a transdisciplinary team of researchers conducting community‐engaged participatory research focused on the discovery and translation of pharmacogenomic (PGx) data to improve health outcomes. Underserved and ethnically diverse older adults living in urban settings are significantly under‐represented in PGx studies. To address the issue of under‐representation, our study enrolls older African American adults into a community‐based PGx study. Therefore, we will characterize the frequency of actionable PGx genotypes and identify novel PGx response genes in our cohort of older community dwelling African Americans. The translational component of our work is to use the PGx findings to improve therapeutic outcomes for medication management in older adults. Such findings will serve as a foundation for translational PGx studies aimed at improving medication efficacy and safety for older adults. In this article, we describe the process for launching the TAPH collaborative group, which includes the transdisciplinary team, community‐engaged participatory research model, study measures, and the evaluation of PGx genes.
A Programmed Method for Generating New Product Ideas from an Existing Product Line
Authors: Kumar Subodha , Singhal Jaya , Singhal Kalyan
Published: October 2020

We develop an easy‐to‐implement programmed method for generating new product ideas from existing products. In this method, whose core is a compatibility matrix, each pair of components or each pair of attributes used in a new design is already part of one or more existing products produced by the firm or its competitors. The method has theoretical significance because such new designs might exist. The method also has practical significance because in most cases, a firm can use this programmed approach almost routinely.
Dietary pattern, colonic microbiota and immunometabolism interaction: new frontiers for diabetes mellitus and related disorders
Authors: Eslami M. , Bahar A. , Hemati M. , Rasouli Nejad Z. , Mehranfar F. , Karami S. , Kobyliak N. M. , Yousefi B.
Published: October 2020

In this review, the numerous possible mechanisms that provide supportive evidence for how colonic dysbiosis denotes metabolic dysfunction, dysregulates glucose homeostasis and leads to diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders are defined. Information was gathered from articles identified by systematic reviews and searches using Google, PubMed and Scopus. The composition of the colonic microbiota plays an integral role in maintaining host homeostasis by affecting both metabolic activities and underlying functional gene transcription in individuals with diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Increased colonic microbiome‐derived concentrations of lipopolysaccharides, also known as ‘metabolic endotoxaemia’, as well as alterations in bile acid metabolism, short‐chain fatty acids, intestinal hormones and branched‐chain amino acid secretion have been associated with the diverse production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. It has been shown that changes to intestinal bacterial composition are significant even in early childhood and are associated with the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes. We hope that an improved understanding of related mechanisms linking the colonic microbiome with glucose metabolism might provide for innovative therapeutic approaches that would bring the ideal intestinal ecosystem to a state of optimal health, thus preventing and treating diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
Hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes exacerbates amyloid‐related proteins associated with dementia
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Al‐Qaissi Ahmed , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Hypoglycaemia in diabetes (T2D) may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that hypoglycaemia‐induced amyloid‐related protein changes would be exacerbated in T2D.

Materials and methods

A prospective, parallel study in T2D (n = 23) and controls (n = 23). Subjects underwent insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia with blood sampling at baseline, hypoglycaemia and post‐hypoglycaemia; proteomic analysis of amyloid‐related proteins was undertaken.

Results

At baseline, amyloid‐precursor protein (APP) (P < .01) was elevated and alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) (P < .01) reduced in T2D. At hypoglycaemia, amyloid P‐component (P < .01) was elevated and SNCA (P < .05) reduced in T2D; APP (P < .01) and noggin (P < .05) were elevated and SNCA (P < .01) reduced in controls. In the post‐hypoglycaemia follow‐up period, APP and microtubule‐associated protein tau normalized in controls but showed a below‐baseline decrease in T2D; noggin normalized in both; SNCA normalized in T2D, with a below‐baseline decrease in controls.

Conclusion

The AD‐associated protein pattern found in T2D, with basal elevated APP and reduced SNCA, was exaggerated by hypoglycaemia with increased APP and decreased SNCA. Additional AD‐associated protein levels that changed in response to hypoglycaemia, particularly in T2D, included amyloid P‐component, microtubule‐associated protein tau, apolipoproteins A1 and E3, pappalysin and noggin. These results are in accordance with the reported detrimental effects of hypoglycaemia.
The impact of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions on body weight in people with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tandon Saniya , Ayis Salma , Hopkins David , Harding Seeromanie , Stadler Marietta
Published: October 2020

Aim

To systematically review the effects of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions on body weight as a secondary outcome in people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

The Ovid Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant pharmacological (glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1] receptor agonist, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 [SGLT‐2] inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 [DPP‐4] inhibitor and metformin) and lifestyle intervention studies (diet and exercise) for adults with type 1 diabetes reporting body weight change and HbA1c published from January 2000 to May 2020. Meta‐analyses were performed for 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

Thirty‐three RCTs (n = 9344 participants), 26 pharmacological (on average 43.9 years, 83.1 kg, HbA1c 8.1%; 55.8% male) and seven lifestyle‐based interventions (on average 37.0 years, 85.0 kg, HbA1c 8.1%; 84.6% male), were analysed. The GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide 0.6 mg (mean difference [MD]: –2.22 kg [95% CI: –2.55 to –1.90]), 1.2 mg (MD: –3.74 kg [95% CI: –4.16 to –3.33]) and 1.8 mg (MD: –4.85 kg [95% CI: –5.29 to –4.41]), and the SGLT‐2 inhibitors empagliflozin 2.5 mg (MD: –1.47 kg [95% CI: –2.23 to –0.71]), 10 mg (MD: –2.77 kg [95% CI: –3.24 to –2.31]) and 25 mg (MD: –3.06 kg [95% CI: –3.57 to –2.55]) and sotagliflozin 200 mg (MD: –2.40 kg [95% CI: –2.87 to –1.94]) and 400 mg (MD: –3.23 [95% CI: –3.73 to –2.72]) were associated with significant reductions in body weight. No significant effect on body weight was found for DPP‐4 inhibitors, other GLP‐1‐receptor agonists, metformin, or for lifestyle interventions (i.e. exercise and diet).

Conclusions

In people with type 1 diabetes, several adjuvant pharmacological interventions showed weight reduction as a secondary outcome. Future studies in overweight people with type 1 diabetes are needed to establish whether the lifestyle and pharmacological interventions reviewed here have potential as components of complex interventions aimed at body weight reduction as a primary outcome.
Design and baseline characteristics of the AMPLITUDE‐O cardiovascular outcomes trial of efpeglenatide, a weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist
Authors: Gerstein Hertzel C. , Branch Kelley , Heenan Laura , Del Prato Stefano , Khurmi Nardev S. , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Pratley Richard , Rosenstock Julio , Sattar Naveed
Published: October 2020

Aim

The effect of the weekly exendin‐based glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist efpeglenatide on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in high‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown.

Materials and methods

People with T2DM and glycated haemoglobin >7%, ≥18 years old with previous CV disease, or ≥50 years old with CKD [defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25–59.9 mL/min/1.73 m2], and one or more additional CV risk factors were recruited. Participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, stratified by current, intended or neither current nor intended use of a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor to receive weekly injections of efpeglenatide (4 mg or 6 mg) or masked placebo. The primary outcome is a major adverse CV event defined as non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or CV death. Secondary outcomes include a composite kidney outcome (new onset macroalbuminuria with an increase from baseline of ≥30%, sustained 40% decrease in eGFR, renal replacement therapy, or sustained eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2). The trial will continue until ≥330 participants have had a major adverse CV event outcome and the sample size was based on accruing enough outcomes to detect non‐inferiority of efpeglenatide versus placebo.

Results

Recruitment of 4076 participants (33% women, mean age 64.5 years) occurred between 11 May 2018 and 25 April 2019 at 344 sites in 28 countries. Mean baseline glycated haemoglobin was 8.9% (1.5), 31.6% had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 89.5% had previous CV disease and 15.0% were on an SGLT2 inhibitor.

Conclusions

The results of the AMPLITUDE O trial will inform the use of exendin‐based glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist to people with T2DM and high CV risk, with and without CKD, in the presence and absence of an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Comparison of echocardiographic parameters with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of right ventricular function
Authors: Agasthi Pradyumna , Chao Chieh‐Ju , Siegel Robert J. , Pujari Sai Harika , Mookadam Farouk , Venepally Nithin R. , Wang Panwen , Ashraf Hasan , Marcotte Francois , Brown Lisa , Semkiv Oksana I. , Fath Ayman R. , Allam Mohamed N. A. , Jokerst Clinton E. , Arsanjani Reza
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The right ventricle (RV) strain measured by speckle tracking (RVS) is an echocardiographic parameter used to assess RV function. We compared RVS to RV fractional area change (FAC%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and Doppler tissue imaging‐derived peak systolic velocity (Sʹ) in the assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent cardiac MRI between Jan 2012 and Dec 2017 and a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 1 month of the MRI with no interval event. Baseline clinical characteristics and MRI parameters were extracted from chart review. Echocardiographic parameters were measured prospectively. TTE parameters including RVS, TAPSE, Sʹ, and FAC% were tested for accuracy to identify impaired RV EF (EF < 45% & <30%) using receiver operator curves.

Results

The study cohort included 500 patients with mean age 55 years ± 18 and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity 2.7 ± 1.4 m/s. The area under ROC for RVS was 0.69 (95% CI 0.63–0.75) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.88) to predict RVEF < 45% & RVEF < 30%, respectively. The RV FAC% had second highest accuracy of predicting RVEF among all the TTE parameters tested in study.

Conclusion

Right ventricular strain is the most accurate echocardiographic method to detect impaired right ventricular systolic function when using MRI as the gold standard.