bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily adjustment of glucocorticoids by patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Schöfl Christof , Mayr Bernhard , Maison Nicole , Beuschlein Felix , Meyer Gesine , Badenhoop Klaus , Kienitz Tina , Quinkler Marcus
Published: May 2019

Background

Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) require lifelong glucocorticoid (GC) replacement. AI patients need to adjust GC dosage in response to stressful events and illness in order to prevent life‐threatening adrenal crisis (AC).

Aim

To evaluate self‐management of patients with AI.

Methods

Four German centres, which are using patient's diary as part of their routine clinical practice, instructed AI patients to prospectively document any discomfort, intercurrent illness or stressful events as well as changes in GC therapy on a daily basis. Diaries of 80 patients (44 females, 52.9 ± 15.9 years, 34 primary AI) were collected and analysed. A symptom score sheet was used to evaluate severity of discomfort.

Results

In total, 34 074 patient days (93.4 years) were recorded. 4622 days with discomfort were documented. On 35% of those days (n = 1621), patients increased their GC dose (4.8% of all days). Patients who recorded discomfort had a median of four episodes of discomfort, which lasted a median of 2 days. Women documented significantly more episodes of discomfort than men (P = 0.014). Low‐to‐median symptom scores resulted in GC increase by 50%‐60%, whereas high symptom scores and/or fever resulted in doubling GC daily dose. However, dose increase was only 55% in situations indicating gastrointestinal (GI) infection.

Conclusion

Severe discomfort did not always result in dose increase, especially in GI infection. However, low symptom scores resulted in an inappropriate GC increase in some patients. This underscores an urgent need for improved training methods. Keeping daily records might be a useful tool for continued and individualized patient education.
Drug dealing on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram: A qualitative analysis of novel drug markets in the Nordic countries
Authors: Demant Jakob , Bakken Silje Anderdal , Oksanen Atte , Gunnlaugsson Helgi
Published: May 2019

Introduction and Aims

Internet use has changed drug dealing over the past decade owing to the emergence of darknet services. Yet, little is known about drug dealing in public online services. This study reports findings from a Nordic comparative study on social media drug dealing. It is the first in‐depth study on the increase of digitally mediated drug dealing outside the cryptomarkets.

Design and Methods

A qualitative study using online ethnography and semi‐structured interviews. One hundred and seven participants aged 16–45 years (mean age 23.1 years), with 83.2% being male, were interviewed. Data was coded in NVivo using general themes: modus operandi, trust and risk.

Results

Ethnographical data shows a high degree of drug‐dealing activity on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook Messenger. Buyers and sellers also use encrypted platforms, such as darknet forums and the Wickr app on their smartphones. The medium used varies across the countries, as well as motivations for usage in connection with risk perceptions.

Discussion

Despite national differences, social media is a common tool used in selling and buying illegal drugs. Availability affects the prevalence of use of various social media; however, prevalence is also crucial for which media is used. Many of the participants report easily drifting in and out of social media dealing and buying, without being aware of the seriousness of the offence.

Conclusion

Based on the differences in attachment to the seller career, we advise that policing strategies should be supplemented with—and even stand in the back of—prevention campaigns.
Identification of subgroups of patients with type 2 diabetes with differences in renal function preservation, comparing patients receiving sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors with those receiving dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, using a supervised machine‐learning algorithm (PROFILE study): A retrospective analysis of a Japanese commercial medical database
Authors: Zhou Fang L. , Watada Hirotaka , Tajima Yuki , Berthelot Mathilde , Kang Dian , Esnault Cyril , Shuto Yujin , Maegawa Hiroshi , Koya Daisuke
Published: May 2019

Aims

To investigate the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors vs. dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors on renal function preservation (RFP) using real‐world data of patients with type 2 diabetes in Japan, and to identify which subgroups of patients obtained greater RFP benefits with SGLT2 inhibitors vs. DPP‐4 inhibitors.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed claims data recorded in the Medical Data Vision database in Japan of patients with type 2 diabetes (aged ≥18 years) prescribed any SGLT2 inhibitor or any DPP‐4 inhibitor between May 2014 and September 2016 (identification period), in whom estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was measured at least twice (baseline, up to 6 months before the index date; follow‐up, 9 to 15 months after the index date) with continuous treatment until the follow‐up eGFR. The endpoint was the percentage of patients with RFP, defined as no change or an increase in eGFR from baseline to follow‐up. A proprietary supervised learning algorithm (Q‐Finder; Quinten, Paris, France) was used to identify the profiles of patients with an additional RFP benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors vs. DPP‐4 inhibitors.

Results

Data were available for 990 patients prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors and 4257 prescribed DPP‐4 inhibitors. The proportion of patients with RFP was significantly greater in the SGLT2 inhibitor group (odds ratio 1.27; P = 0.01). The Q‐Finder algorithm identified four clinically relevant subgroups showing superior RFP with SGLT2 inhibitors (P < 0.1): no hyperlipidaemia and eGFR ≥79 mL/min/1.73 m2; eGFR ≥79 mL/min/1.73 m2 and diabetes duration ≤1.2 years; eGFR ≥75 mL/min/1.73 m2 and use of antithrombotic agents; and haemoglobin ≤13.4 g/dL and LDL cholesterol ≥95.1 mg/dL. In each profile, glycaemic control was similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with more favourable RFP vs. DPP‐4 inhibitors in patients with certain profiles in real‐world settings in Japan.
Acute kidney injury with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors: A meta‐analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials
Authors: Gilbert Richard E. , Thorpe Kevin E.
Published: May 2019

Three, multicentre, large‐scale, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of cardiovascular outcomes with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have each shown substantial reductions in rates of hospitalization for heart failure and progression of chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. However, safety concerns remain for this ostensibly paradigm‐shifting drug class. In particular, the US Food and Drug Administration has highlighted the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. To investigate this further, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the three trials to compare the frequency of AKI adverse event reports between participants treated with placebo and those who had received an SGLT2 inhibitor. Rather than an increase, we noted a consistent and robust reduction in the likelihood of AKI among those participants who had been randomized to receive an SGLT2 inhibitor (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.54‐0.80). We further noted that the reports of AKI were similar in frequency to those of kidney disease progression. The caveats of the non‐adjudicated reporting of AKI in the trials notwithstanding, these data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may protect vulnerable patients with type 2 diabetes from AKI and that prospective studies to evaluate this additional aspect of kidney protection are warranted.
Efficacy and safety of an expanded dulaglutide dose range: A phase 2, placebo‐controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin
Authors: Frias Juan P. , Wynne Alan G. , Matyjaszek‐Matuszek Beata , Bartaskova Dagmar , Cox David A. , Woodward Brad , Li Ying G. , Tham Lai S. , Milicevic Zvonko
Published: May 2019

Aims

Dulaglutide, a once weekly GLP‐1 receptor agonist, is approved at two doses (1.5 and 0.75 mg) for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Two higher doses of dulaglutide (3.0 and 4.5 mg) were evaluated for safety and efficacy to determine whether these doses warrant further study for improved control of glucose and body weight.

Materials and methods

This 18‐week, double‐blind, phase 2 trial randomized 318 patients with T2D using ≥1500 mg metformin, to receive subcutaneous injection of placebo (n = 82), dulaglutide 1.5 mg (n = 81), dulaglutide 3.0 mg (n = 79) or dulaglutide 4.5 mg (n = 76). The primary objective was superiority of dulaglutide doses over placebo in reduction of HbA1c at 18 weeks. Secondary objectives included superiority of dulaglutide over placebo in change from baseline in body weight and fasting serum glucose (FSG) at 18 weeks. Investigational doses of dulaglutide were compared to the 1.5 mg dose as an exploratory objective.

Results

HbA1c reduction at 18 weeks was significantly greater with dulaglutide vs placebo (placebo, −0.44% ± 0.10% [−4.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −1.23% ± 0.10% [−13.5 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 3.0 mg, −1.31% ± 0.10% [−14.3 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 4.5 mg, −1.40% ± 0.10% [−15.3 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; P < 0.001, each dose), as were changes in body weight (placebo, −1.6 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −2.8 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 3.0 mg, −3.9 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 4.5 mg, −4.1 ± 0.41 kg; P < 0.001, each dose). All three dulaglutide doses significantly reduced FSG from baseline (1.5 mg, −36.2 ± 4.7 mg/dL [−2.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; 3.0 mg, −34.5 ± 4.5 mg/dL [−1.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; 4.5 mg, −38.0 ± 4.7 mg/dL [−2.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) vs placebo (−12.4 ± 4.5 mg/dL [−0.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) (P < 0.001, all). Safety profiles of the higher doses were consistent with the established safety profile for dulaglutide. Gastrointestinal events were mostly mild to moderate, and was dose‐related for nausea.

Conclusion

All three dulaglutide doses were superior to placebo in improving glycaemic control and reducing body weight in participants with T2D using metformin. The potential for doses of dulaglutide of 3.0 and 4.5 mg to provide additional glycaemic benefit and weight reduction with an acceptable safety profile, compared with the 1.5 mg dose, warrants further study in a phase 3 trial.
Effect of detection heterogeneity in occupancy‐detection models: an experimental test of time‐to‐first‐detection methods
Authors: Medina‐Romero Margarita , O'Reilly‐Nugent Andrew , Davidson Anthony , Bray Jonathan , Wandrag Elizabeth , Gruber Bernd , Lopez‐Aldana Angelica , Palit Rakhi , Reid Tim , Adamack Aaron , Pietsch Rod , Allen Chris , Mac Nally Ralph , Duncan Richard P.
Published: May 2019

Imperfect detection can bias estimates of site occupancy in ecological surveys but can be corrected by estimating detection probability. Time‐to‐first‐detection (TTD) occupancy models have been proposed as a cost–effective survey method that allows detection probability to be estimated from single site visits. Nevertheless, few studies have validated the performance of occupancy‐detection models by creating a situation where occupancy is known, and model outputs can be compared with the truth. We tested the performance of TTD occupancy models in the face of detection heterogeneity using an experiment based on standard survey methods to monitor koala Phascolarctos cinereus populations in Australia. Known numbers of koala faecal pellets were placed under trees, and observers, uninformed as to which trees had pellets under them, carried out a TTD survey. We fitted five TTD occupancy models to the survey data, each making different assumptions about detectability, to evaluate how well each estimated the true occupancy status. Relative to the truth, all five models produced strongly biased estimates, overestimating detection probability and underestimating the number of occupied trees. Despite this, goodness‐of‐fit tests indicated that some models fitted the data well, with no evidence of model misfit. Hence, TTD occupancy models that appear to perform well with respect to the available data may be performing poorly. The reason for poor model performance was unaccounted for heterogeneity in detection probability, which is known to bias occupancy‐detection models. This poses a problem because unaccounted for heterogeneity could not be detected using goodness‐of‐fit tests and was only revealed because we knew the experimentally determined outcome. A challenge for occupancy‐detection models is to find ways to identify and mitigate the impacts of unobserved heterogeneity, which could unknowingly bias many models.
Flow intermittency influences the trophic base, but not the overall diversity of alpine stream food webs
Authors: Siebers Andre R. , Paillex Amael , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: May 2019

Alpine streams can exhibit naturally high levels of flow intermittency. However, how flow intermittency in alpine streams affects ecosystem functions such as food web trophic structure is virtually unknown. Here, we characterized the trophic diversity of aquatic food webs in 28 headwater streams of the Val Roseg, a glacierized alpine catchment. We compared stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) trophic indices to high temporal resolution data on flow intermittency. Overall trophic diversity, food chain length and diversity of basal resource use did not differ to a large extent across streams. In contrast, gradient and mixing model analysis indicated that primary consumers assimilated proportionally more periphyton and less allochthonous organic matter in more intermittent streams. Higher coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) C:N ratios were an additional driver of changes in macroinvertebrate diets. These results indicate that the trophic base of stream food webs shifts away from terrestrial organic matter to autochthonous organic matter as flow intermittency increases, most likely due to reduced CPOM conditioning in dry streams. This study highlights the significant, yet gradual shifts in ecosystem function that occur as streamflow becomes more intermittent in alpine streams. As alpine streams become more intermittent, identifying which functional changes occur via gradual as opposed to threshold responses is likely to be vitally important to their management and conservation.
Differential gene expression profiles of human periodontal ligament cells preserved in Hank's balanced salt solution and milk
Authors: Nam Ok Hyung , Oh Tae Jun , Lee Jae‐Hyung , Hwang Yu‐Shik , Choi Sung Chul
Published: May 2019

Background/Aim

Various types of storage media have been investigated to preserve avulsed teeth. However, the efficacies of storage media mainly focus on the aspect of cell viability. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the gene expression profiles of human periodontal ligament cells preserved in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk over different storage durations.

Material and Methods

Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured and preserved in HBSS and milk for 3 and 6 hours. Next, total RNA was isolated. QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐Sequencing was used to examine differences in gene expression in HBSS‐ and milk‐grown periodontal ligament cells. Bioinformatics analysis was also performed to predict the function of the differentially expressed genes.

Results

The number of differentially expressed genes shared among all groups was 101. In gene set enrichment analysis, the shared differentially expressed genes in HBSS and milk were associated with the TNF‐α signaling pathway (P = 1.07E−7). Seven hallmark gene sets were also identified in HBSS. Moreover, hallmark gene sets associated with hypoxia (P = 7.26E−5) and apoptosis (P = 4.06E−4) were identified in HBSS. In milk, 10 hallmark gene sets along with gene sets for inflammatory response (P = 6.87E−3) were identified.

Conclusions

Compared to those in milk, genes in HBSS were differentially expressed with increasing storage duration, suggesting that diverse and different gene expression may be involved in HBSS and milk. However, a more detailed functional analysis of these differentially expressed genes in storage solutions should be performed in the future.
Does acoustically simulated predation risk affect settlement and reproduction of a migratory passerine?
Authors: Stelbrink Pablo , Grendelmeier Alex , Schabo Dana , Arlettaz Raphaël , Hillig Franziska , Pasinelli Gilberto
Published: May 2019

Nest predation is one of the most important drivers of avian life history evolution and population dynamics. Increasing evidence suggests that birds are able to assess nest predation risk and avoid settling in high‐risk areas to increase their reproductive performance. However, the cues used for settlement decisions are poorly known in most species. Population sizes of the migratory wood warblerPhylloscopus sibilatrixare characterized by strong annual fluctuations, which are negatively correlated with the number of forest rodents. Wood warblers might avoid rodent‐rich areas to reduce predation risk arising either from rodents, from rodent‐hunting predators attracted to such areas or from predators not linked to rodents. To evaluate these hypotheses, we conducted a large‐scale field experiment to test whether wood warblers avoided settling in plots with high predation risk simulated by broadcasting vocalizations of rodents or predators. Moreover, we tested whether reproductive performance varied in relation to simulated predation risk. Settlement patterns did not differ between plots with rodent, predator and noise control treatments. Likewise, measures of reproductive performance did not seem to differ across treatments. Thus, the broadcasted vocalizations of rodents and predators did not seem to be perceived as threat by wood warblers. Alternatively, the species might use other cues than those presented here, either other acoustic cues, visual and/or olfactory cues or a combination of cue types during settlement. Further experimental investigations to pin point cues and senses relevant for settlement decisions in wood warblers and birds in general are needed to better understand their life history and population dynamics.
Sliding wear and solid particle erosion response of aluminium reinforced with tungsten carbide nanoparticles and aluminide particles
Authors: Chantziara Ekaterini , Lentzaris Konstantinos , Lekatou Angeliki G. , Karantzalis Alexander E.
Published: May 2019

In the present effort, aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) were produced by the addition of submicron‐sized WC particles of low (up to 2.5 vol%) content into a melt of Al1050. Casting was assisted by the use of K2TiF6 as a wetting agent and mechanical stirring in order to limit particle clustering. Particle distribution was reasonably uniform comprising both clusters and isolated particles. Various different reinforcing particles' phases were identified, both in situ (Al‐W, Al‐Ti, and Al‐W‐Ti intermetallic phases) and ex situ (WC particles) of various morphologies shapes and sizes. Increase of the reinforcing particle content led to an increase of the tendency for clustering. The wear properties of the composite were examined by dry sliding wear. The worn surfaces and the produced debris were examined by SEM‐EDX, and an effort to correlate the wear response of the produced materials with the matrix and the reinforcing phase characteristics was attempted. In general, the increase of the reinforcing phase content led to an improvement of the sliding wear response. Solid particle erosion experiments were carried out for impact angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. Τhe eroded surfaces were examined with SEM‐EDX, and possible erosion mechanisms were proposed based on morphological and other material characteristics. Intensive particle clustering seemed to deteriorate the erosion resistance of the systems. Medium concentrations of the reinforcing particles (1.0‐1.5 vol% WC) are proposed as a recipe for optimum sliding wear and solid particle erosion resistance behavior.
Experimental study on the whole‐life heterogeneous ratchetting and ratchetting‐fatigue interaction of SUS301L stainless steel butt‐welded joint
Authors: Luo Huiliang , Kang Guozheng , Kan Qianhua , Ma Chuanping
Published: May 2019

Uniaxial fatigue tests of butt‐welded joint, made from SUS301L stainless steel, were carried out under asymmetric stress‐controlled cyclic loading conditions in this work. The effects of stress amplitude and mean stress on the whole‐life heterogeneous ratchetting and fatigue life of the butt‐welded joint were investigated, respectively, for the specified subzones. The experimental observations show that the whole‐life inhomogeneous ratchetting strain concentrating in a specific fusion zone (denoted as the FZ‐1 subzone) of the welded joint becomes more significant as the stress level increases; the fatigue failure also occurs in the FZ‐1 subzone, and the fatigue life depends on both the applied mean stress and stress amplitude and is determined by the combination of ratchetting damage and fatigue one in the localized FZ‐1 subzone.
Anemochory of diapausing stages of microinvertebrates in North American drylands
Authors: Rivas Jose A. , Schröder Thomas , Gill Thomas E. , Wallace Robert L. , Walsh Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2019

Dry, ephemeral, desert wetlands are major sources of windblown sediment, as well as repositories for diapausing stages (propagules) of aquatic invertebrates. Zooplankton propagules are of the same size range as sand and dust grains. They can be deflated and transported in windstorm events. This study provides evidence that dust storms aid in dispersal of microinvertebrate propagules via anemochory (aeolian transport).

We monitored 91 windstorms at six sites in the southwestern U.S.A. over a 17‐year period. The primary study site was located in El Paso, Texas in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Additional samples were collected from the Southern High Plains region. Dust carried by these events was collected and rehydrated to hatch viable propagules transported with it.

Using samples collected over a 6‐year period, 21 m above the ground, which included 59 storm events, we tested the hypothesis that transport of propagules is correlated with storm intensity by monitoring meteorological conditions such as storm duration, wind direction, wind speed, and particulate matter (PM10; fine dust concentration). An air quality monitoring site located adjacent to the dust samplers provided quantitative hourly measurements.

Rehydration results from all events showed that ciliates were found in 92% of the samples, rotifers in 81%, branchiopods in 29%, ostracods in 4%, nematodes in 13%, gastrotrichs in 16%, and tardigrades in 3%. Overall, four bdelloid and 11 monogonont rotifer species were identified from rehydrated windblown dust samples.

Principal component analysis indicated gastrotrichs, branchiopods, nematodes, tardigrades, and monogonont rotifer occurrence positively correlated with PM10 and dust event duration. Bdelloid rotifers were correlated with amount of sediment deposited. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling showed a significant relationship between PM10 and occurrence of some taxa. Zero‐inflated, general linear models with mixed‐effects indicated significant relationships with bdelloid and nematode transport and PM10.

Thus, windstorms with high PM10 concentration and long duration are more likely to transport microinvertebrate diapausing stages in drylands.
Integrating mechanistic and correlative niche models to unravel range‐limiting processes in a temperate amphibian
Authors: Enriquez‐Urzelai Urtzi , Kearney Michael R. , Nicieza Alfredo G. , Tingley Reid
Published: May 2019

Insights into the causal mechanisms that limit species distributions are likely to improve our ability to anticipate species range shifts in response to climate change. For species with complex life histories, a mechanistic understanding of how climate affects different lifecycle stages may be crucial for making accurate forecasts. Here, we use mechanistic niche modeling (NicheMapR) to derive “proximate” (mechanistic) variables for tadpole, juvenile, and adultRana temporaria. We modeled the hydroperiod, and maximum and minimum temperatures of shallow (30 cm) ponds, as well as activity windows for juveniles and adults. We then used those (“proximate”) variables in correlative ecological niche models (Maxent) to assess their role in limiting the species’ current distribution, and to investigate the potential effects of climate change onR. temporariaacross Europe. We further compared the results with a model based on commonly used macroclimatic (“distal”) layers (i.e., bioclimatic layers from WorldClim). The maximum temperature of the warmest month (a macroclimatic variable) and maximum pond temperatures (a mechanistic variable) were the most important range‐limiting factors, and maximum temperature thresholds were consistent with the observed upper thermal limit ofR. temporariatadpoles. We found that range shift forecasts in central Europe are far more pessimistic when using distal macroclimatic variables, compared to projections based on proximate mechanistic variables. However, both approaches predicted extensive decreases in climatic suitability in southern Europe, which harbors a significant fraction of the species’ genetic diversity. We show how mechanistic modeling provides ways to depict gridded layers that directly reflect the microenvironments experienced by organisms at continental scales, and to reconstruct those predictors without extrapolation under novel future conditions. Furthermore, incorporating those predictors in correlative ecological niche models can help shed light on range‐limiting processes, and can have substantial impacts on predictions of climate‐induced range shifts.
Global patterns in the biocontrol efficacy of spiders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Michalko Radek , Pekár Stano , Dul'a Martin , Entling Martin H.
Published: May 2019

Aim

To investigate the overall effect of spiders on pest suppression and crop performance, and to explore the extent to which the biocontrol efficacy of spiders depends on the characteristics of spiders, pests, agroecosystems, climate and geography.

Location

Global.

Time period

1970–2017.

Major taxa studied

Spiders.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of 58 published studies where we investigated (a) the overall effect of spiders on pest density and crop performance; (b) the extent to which the biocontrol efficacy of spiders depends on the taxonomy of pests (aphids, leafhoppers, beetles, and lepidopteran larvae), the hunting strategy of spiders (hunters, web‐weavers), crop type (vine, cabbage, wheat, rice), climate, and geography.

Results

Spiders suppressed agricultural pest insects in 79% of cases. The mean effect size of increased spider density on pest suppression was large (Hedge's d = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI95 )= 0.66–1.12). Spider pest suppression efficacy slightly increased also with taxonomic diversity (d = 0.33; CI95 = 0.05–0.61). The effects of spiders cascaded down and improved crop performance (d = 2.3, CI95 = 0.70–3.84). The effects of spiders seemed to escalate rather than attenuate down through the agricultural food‐chains (regression slopes > 1). The biocontrol efficacy of spiders was highest in rice followed by grape, cabbage and wheat. The pest suppression efficacy of spiders and the positive effect of spiders on crop yield slightly increased towards the tropics and with mean annual temperature. Spiders suppressed the four pest groups with similar efficacy.

Main conclusions

The meta‐analysis provides strong evidence that spiders are effective in natural pest control and improve crop performance. However, the efficacy of spiders differed among crops. Our study substantiates the few earlier findings that predation pressure and the intensity of trophic cascades in terrestrial ecosystems intensify towards the tropics.
The factor VIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio as a useful tool to predict relapse in patients with acquired haemophilia A: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trossaert Marc , Graveleau Julie , Thiercelin‐Legrand Marie‐Françoise , Sigaud Marianne , Guerrero Felipe , Neel Antoine , Fouassier Marc , Sailler Laurent , Chauveau Dominique , Ternisien Catherine , Huart Antoine , Gillet Benjamin , Hamidou Mohamed , Bene Marie C. , Voisin Sophie
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by the presence of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The mortality rate remains high. International recommendations define complete remission as undetectable inhibitor (<0.6 Bethesda Units [BU]) and normal FVIII activity (FVIII:C) that persists after immunosuppressive therapy stopped. For patients achieving remission, the risk of relapse reaches 20%. The risk factors for this relapse are not well known.

Aim

In this study, we examined the accuracy of the FVIII/W ratio (FVIII:C/von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF:Ag) ratio) to predict relapse in 64 consecutive patients with AHA.

Results

In this cohort, all patients had a very low FVIII/W ratio at the time of diagnosis, and this value progressively increased in the first weeks of immunosuppressive treatment. In our study, 9/55 (14%) did not achieve complete remission. Twenty‐seven patients were followed long enough (more than a year) to show that in the 22 patients who did not relapse, the FVIII/W ratio remained durably normalized. By contrast, in the five patients who relapsed during follow‐up, we noted either no normalization of the FVIII/W ratio, or a secondary decrease to an abnormal value of <0.7 after initial normalization. In all patients who relapsed, the ratio was the first abnormal biological result to be observed, always preceding changes in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), FVIII:C and anti‐FVIII reappearance.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the FVIII/W ratio could be considered a sensitive biological marker to predict recovery and/or relapse in AHA.
The effects of preoperative blood pressure on early failure rate of distal arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access
Authors: Pandey Siddharth , Kumar Manoj , Agrawal Manav , Singh Manmeet , Aggarwal Ajay , Garg Gaurav , Agarwal Samarth , Sankhwar Satyanarayan
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The first choice of vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with end‐stage renal disease is a distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Early failure rates for these AVFs vary from 10% to 53%. The effects of predialysis hypotension on failure of AVFs have been described in the literature. Weather lower blood pressures affect early AVF failure has not been extensively studied. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of preoperative blood pressures on early AVF failure.

Methods

Ours was a prospective observational study over a period of 2 years that included 224 patients who underwent distal radiocephalic AVF creation. Only those patients were included whose fistulas were made by surgeons with an experience of greater than five cases. The systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) were recorded preoperatively. Early failure was defined as failure to achieve vascular access from the fistula within first 4 months of its creation.

Findings

The overall early failure rate was 27.7%. Early failure was more common in females and diabetic patients. The systolic, diastolic, and MAPs were significantly lower in patients with early failure (P < 0.05). In a multivariable adjusted analysis, lower preoperative diastolic and MAPs were predictors for early failure of distal radiocephalic AVF.

Discussion

Our study shows that patients with early failure of AVFs have lower preoperative blood pressure. A larger study is required to substantiate our findings and define target preoperative blood pressure for AVF creation.
The nursery'sIronCurtain: Children, childhood, and the globalColdWar
Authors: Fieldston Sara
Published: May 2019

This essay surveys recent literature on children, childhood, and the Cold War. Over the past decade or so, numerous studies have explored the complex ways in which children and young people both bolstered and challenged the Cold War order. In doing so, they have shed new light on the social and cultural dynamics of the Cold War, encouraged historians to recover formerly marginalized voices, and expanded our definition of politics to include arenas far removed from the formal halls of power. Moreover, looking at youth has revealed striking similarities between the two superpowers whose rivalry defined the latter half of the 20th century.
EWSR1 translocation in primary hyalinising clear cell carcinoma of the thymus
Authors: Porubsky Stefan , Rudolph Birgit , Rückert Jens‐Carsten , Küffer Stefan , Ströbel Philipp , Roden Anja C , Jain Deepali , Tousseyn Thomas , Van Veer Hans , Huang James , Antonicelli Alberto , Kuo Tseng‐tong , Rosai Juan , Marx Alexander ,   The International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG)
Published: May 2019

Aims

In thymic carcinomas, focal clear cell change is a frequent finding. In addition to a prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology, some of these carcinomas show an exuberant hyalinised extracellular matrix, and therefore probably represent a separate entity. However, a characteristic genomic alteration remains elusive. We hypothesised that, analogous to hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the salivary gland, hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the thymus might also harbour EWSR1 translocations.

Methods and results

We identified nine archived cases of thymic carcinoma with focal clear cell features and two cases that showed remarkable hyalinised stroma and prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology. These two cases expressed p40 and were negative for Pax8, CD5, and CD117. Programmed death‐ligand 1 was highly positive in one case (70%), and negative in the other one. EWSR1 translocation was identified in both cases of hyalinising clear cell carcinoma, and was absent in all nine carcinomas that showed clear cell features without substantial hyalinisation. In one of the EWSR1‐translocated cases, a fusion between exon 13 and exon 6 of EWSR1 and ATF1, respectively was identified by next‐generation sequencing.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the EWSR1 translocation and possibly the EWSR1–ATF1 fusion might be unifying genomic alterations for thymic clear cell carcinomas with prominent hyalinised stroma, for which we propose the term ‘hyalinising clear cell carcinoma of the thymus’. Because the immunophenotype is unspecific, testing for the EWSR1 translocation might be helpful in discriminating this entity from other thymic neoplasms or metastases, in particular those with clear cell change.
Correlation between glass transition temperature and the width of the glass transition interval
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Tropin Timur V. , Fokin Vladimir M. , Zhang Rui , Abdelaziz Amir , Chua Yeong Zen , Madhavi Vadlamudi , Shaffer Tim D. , Schick Christoph
Published: May 2019

The glass transition is a kinetic phenomenon. Its basic characteristics—the glass transition temperature, Tg, and the width, δTg, of the glass transition interval—depend significantly on cooling and heating rates as it is observed experimentally by standard DSC and fast scanning calorimetry. The knowledge of these and related correlations is of outstanding importance both for a theoretical understanding of vitrification and devitrification processes and their control in a variety of technological applications. By these reasons, general kinetic criteria of vitrification and, based on them, theoretical expressions for the glass transition temperature and the width of the glass transition range in dependence on rates of change of temperature have been derived in previous papers. These results are advanced here by establishing a direct correlation between these two quantities, Tg and δTg. The ratio δTg/Tg is shown, for arbitrary cooling and heating rates, to be a function of an appropriately defined index being a straightforward generalization of the definition introduced by Angell. The theoretical results are tested and confirmed by experiment. The methods employed here can be utilized generally for the description of vitrification caused also by a variation of other external control parameters like pressure.
Timeline of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia seroconversion in serial plasma samples tested using an automated latex immunoturbidimetric assay
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E. , Sheppard Jo‐Ann I. , Smith James W. , Arnold Donald M. , Nazy Ishac
Published: May 2019

Introduction

HIT is caused by platelet‐activating IgG that recognize multimolecular PF4/heparin complexes. HIT antibodies are generally detectable by PF4‐dependent enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and by platelet serotonin‐release assay (SRA) at the beginning of the HIT‐related platelet count fall. We determined whether an automated immunoassay for HIT, the latex immunoturbidimetric assay (LIA), also detects antibodies early during the course of HIT. The LIA was also used to evaluate a patient with putative SRA‐negative HIT.

Methods

We evaluated the timing and magnitude of LIA reactivity in serial plasma samples obtained from 19 SRA‐positive patients (17 with abnormal platelet count changes indicating HIT; two with subclinical seroconversion) and one putative SRA‐negative HIT patient, all obtained from patients who participated in a clinical trial of heparin thromboprophylaxis. We determined LIA status at the onset of the HIT‐related platelet count fall.

Results

The LIA was positive in all 19 SRA‐positive patients (median value, 7.3 U/mL [range, 1.2‐35.5]; cutoff, 1.0 U/mL); for all 13 evaluable patients for whom an informative plasma sample was available at (or shortly before) the onset of the HIT‐related platelet count fall, LIA reactivity was positive. Heterogeneity in seroconversion using the LIA was observed; some patients exhibited gradual increases in reactivity, whereas other patients showed rapid increase in reactivity over a few days. The single clinical trial patient who met clinical‐pathological criteria for “SRA‐negative HIT” tested LIA‐positive.

Conclusion

The LIA detects HIT antibodies at the beginning of the HIT‐associated platelet count fall. The LIA was also positive in a patient with SRA‐negative HIT.
Worth the reward? An experimental assessment of risk‐taking behavior along a life history gradient
Authors: Behney Adam C. , O'Shaughnessy Ryan , Eichholz Michael W. , Stafford Joshua D.
Published: May 2019

Life history theory predicts that species with faster life history strategies should be willing to risk their survival more to acquire resources than those with slower life history strategies. Foraging can be a risky behavior and animals generally face a tradeoff between food consumption and predation risk. We predicted that the degree to which animals invest in current versus future reproduction (i.e. life history strategy) would determine how they approach this tradeoff. We manipulated food abundance in wetlands to assess whether life history theory could explain risk taking among females of five duck species with respect to foraging. We found evidence consistent with our prediction based on life history theory; species with a faster life history strategy were willing to engage in riskier behavior, by feeding more intensively, for a greater food reward. Females from species with faster life history strategies devoted 25% more time to feeding when in high food density treatment plots versus control plots. The percentage of time that females from species with slower life history strategies devoted to feeding was not affected by food density. These findings contribute to our understanding of life history theory and represent a possible mechanism to explain differences in life history strategies among species.
Time‐keeping programme can explain seasonal dynamics of leukocyte profile in a migrant bird
Authors: Demina Irina , Tsvey Arseny , Babushkina Olga , Bojarinova Julia
Published: May 2019

It has been proposed that immune functioning in wild animals is shaped by the trade‐off between a probability of encountering pathogens and an availability of resources for maintaining immune system in active state. Due to resources’ seasonality one can expect that immune functioning, e.g. absolute and relative counts of white blood cells, WBC (leukocyte profile) also follows an annual cycle. However, dynamics of the seasonal changes of leukocyte profile are controversial and specific inquiries so far addressed only a portion of annual cycle. To study the seasonal dynamics of the leukocyte profile and to test its possible endogenous basis we experimentally simulated annual cycle in a migratory passerine bird, chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita abietinus. We report here a clear seasonal pattern of leukocyte profile in that species. The highest WBC counts were observed during pre‐alternate moult and the lowest during the subsequent spring migration; the seasonal dynamics of HL ratio showed the opposite tendency. Surprisingly, HL ratios during autumn migration were relatively low, indicating little to no stress. Observed seasonal changes in controlled experimental conditions suggest an existence of time‐keeping programme underlying these variations. Additionally we found negative relationship between the body condition index and WBC counts and positive relationship with HL (heterophil to lymphocyte) ratio; these findings are controversial with the data obtained with other bird species in wild populations. Understanding the origins of variation of leukocyte profile per se and in relation with other parameters of physiological condition can be a useful tool in studying physiological response to environmental changes.
The effect of immediate implant placement on alveolar ridge preservation compared to spontaneous healing after tooth extraction: Radiographic results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Clementini Marco , Agostinelli Agnese , Castelluzzo Walter , Cugnata Federica , Vignoletti Fabio , De Sanctis Massimo
Published: May 2019

Aim

To radiographically evaluate the effect of immediate implant placement plus alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with a deproteneized bovine bone mineral and a collagen matrix (IMPL/DBBM/CM) as compared to ARP (DBBM/CM) or spontaneous healing (SH) on vertical and horizontal bone dimensional changes after 4 months of healing.

Materials and methods

Thirty patients requiring extraction of one single‐rooted tooth or premolar were randomly assigned to IMPL/DBBM/CM, ARP DBBM/CM or SH. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, performed before tooth extraction and after 4 months, were superimposed in order to assess changes in ridge height at the buccal and lingual aspect and in ridge width at 1 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm apical to the bone crest. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for comparison of differences between groups.

Results

No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed for the vertical bone resorption of the buccal and the lingual side, while significant differences were found between SH group (−3.37 ± 1.55 mm; −43.2 ± 25.1%) and both DBBM/CM (−1.56 ± 0.76 mm; −19.2 ± 9.1%) and IMPL/DBBM/CM (−1.29 ± 0.38 mm; −14.9 ± 4.9%) groups in the horizontal dimension at the most coronal aspect.

Conclusion

Ridge preservation techniques using DBBM and CM reduce the horizontal bone morphological changes that occur, mostly in the coronal portion of the buccal bone plate following tooth extraction, when compared to spontaneous healing. This is true regardless of whether immediate implant placement is performed or not.
Effects of floral resources on the efficacy of a primary parasitoid and a facultative hyperparasitoid
Authors: Miall Jacob H. , Abram Paul K. , Cappuccino Naomi , Mason Peter G.
Published: May 2019

Resources added to agroecosystems to enhance biological control are potentially available to multiple members of the resident insect community—not only the biological control agents for which the resources are intended. Many studies have examined the effects of sugar feeding on the efficacy of biological control agents. However, such information is lacking for other, interacting species such as facultative hyperparasitoids, which may contribute to pest suppression but can also interfere with introduced biological control agents. Under greenhouse conditions, we tested the direct effects of sugar and nectar provisioning on the longevity, host‐killing impact and offspring production of two pupal parasitoids associated with leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella: the introduced biological control agent, Diadromus pulchellus, and the native facultative hyperparasitoid, Conura albifrons. Adding sucrose, buckwheat or a combination of buckwheat and common vetch to a sugar‐deprived system (potted leek plants in cages) increased parasitoid longevity and resulted in higher leek moth parasitism and mortality compared to water or common vetch treatments. However, the two parasitoid species exhibited a distinct temporal response to the treatments, likely influenced by differences in their life histories. This study provides insight into how integrating conservation biological control techniques could affect the success of a classical biological control programme.
Stress Spillover and Crossover in Couple Relationships: Integrating Religious Beliefs and Prayer
Authors: Cooper Ashley N. , May Ross W. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: May 2019

Burgeoning research investigating the effects of daily stress on romantic relationships has paved the way for identifying a variety of means of buffering the negative effects of stress. This article reviews the literature on stress spillover from outside the relationship (extradyadic) on relationship behaviors for both partners to stress inside the relationship, or intradyadic stress, as well as crossover of stress from one partner to another. Analysis of studies on daily stress spillover and crossover in dyads highlights mediators and moderators that can shape future research. Finally, an area central to the life of many people, religious beliefs and behaviors is considered. A meaning‐making process is identified, partner‐focused petitionary prayer, that could buffer the spillover of extradyadic stress on intradyadic stress, as well as the crossover to partner stress, ultimately having an impact on relationship outcomes. The potential to develop interventions around existing daily behaviors is explored.
Antecedents of the international association for accounting education and research (1966–1983): A review of early initiatives to develop an international academic accounting association
Authors: Clarke Frank , Dean Graeme , Persson Martin
Published: May 2019

Interest in this topic followed examination of new data discussing several antecedent proposals for establishing an international academic accounting association in the period 1966–1983, culminating in the 1984 formation of the International Association for Accounting Education and Research (IAAER). Relevant correspondence between several academics is now publicly available in the R.J. Chambers Archive at the University of Sydney. This enables justified statements to be made about the pre‐1984 antecedents of the IAAER, thereby filling a vacuum in our understanding of the history of the organization. We initially discuss Ray Chambers’ and others’ desire for, and attempts to promote an international approach to accounting research and practice. Chambers unsuccessfully attempted to organize an international think‐tank, beginning in the mid‐1960s with something like the International Economic Association of that time. He persisted, through participation in the Accounting Researchers International Association, an elite accounting society. Eventually, those proposals were discarded as he and others like Adolf Enthoven and David Solomons proposed an international confederation of accounting educators and researchers in 1977 and 1978. Efforts of other leading accounting academics of that time, in particular Norlin Rueschhoff and Seigo Nakajima, are also shown to have influenced the eventual formation of the simplified 1984 IAAER body with, initially, its individual‐based membership and objectives. Later, IAAER would become much more like the international confederation of accounting educators and researchers that Chambers had proposed in the 1997 Berlin International Conference on Accounting Education.