bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A test of the Niche Variation Hypothesis in a ruminant herbivore
Authors: Jesmer Brett R. , Kauffman Matthew J. , Murphy Melanie A. , Goheen Jacob R.
Published: September 2020

Despite the shared prediction that the width of a population's dietary niche expands as food becomes limiting, the Niche Variation Hypothesis (NVH) and Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT) offer contrasting views about how individuals alter diet selection when food is limited.

Classical OFT predicts that dietary preferences do not change as food becomes limiting, so individuals expand their diets as they compensate for a lack of preferred foods. In contrast, the NVH predicts that among‐individual variation in cognition, physiology or morphology create functional trade‐offs in foraging efficiency, thereby causing individuals to specialize on different subsets of food as food becomes limiting.

To evaluate (a) the predictions of the NVH and OFT and (b) evidence for physiological and cognitive‐based functional trade‐offs, we used DNA microsatellites and metabarcoding to quantify the diet, microbiome and genetic relatedness (a proxy for social learning) of 218 moose Alces alces across six populations that varied in their degree of food limitation.

Consistent with both the NVH and OFT, dietary niche breadth increased with food limitation. Increased diet breadth of individuals—rather than increased diet specialization—was strongly correlated with both food limitation and dietary niche breadth of populations, indicating that moose foraged in accordance with OFT. Diets were not constrained by inheritance of the microbiome or inheritance of diet selection, offering support for the little‐tested hypothesis that functional trade‐offs in food use (or lack thereof) determine whether populations adhere to the predictions of the NVH or OFT.

Our results indicate that both the absence of strong functional trade‐offs and the digestive physiology of ruminants provide contexts under which populations should forage in accordance with OFT rather than the NVH. Also, because dietary niche width increased with increased food limitation, OFT and the NVH provide theoretical support for the notion that plant–herbivore interaction networks are plastic rather than static, which has important implications for understanding interspecific niche partitioning. Lastly, because population‐level dietary niche breadth and calf recruitment are correlated, and because calf recruitment can be a proxy for food limitation, our work demonstrates how diet data can be employed to understand a populations' proximity to carrying capacity.
Relative importance of soil microbes and litter quality on decomposition and nitrogen cycling in grasslands
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Zabed , Sugiyama Shu‐ichi
Published: September 2020

Microbial decomposers absorb nitrogen (N) to sustain growth during litter decomposition releasing surplus N into the soil. The balance between N release (mineralization) and absorption (immobilization) can alter nutrient cycling based mostly on the functional diversity in microbial communities. We examined the effects of soil microbes and litter quality on N cycling in an artificial grassland and two seminatural grasslands through a microcosm study. The artificial grassland soil had a higher respiration rate and a lower N mineralization rate, irrespective of the litter identity during incubation, when compared with the seminatural grassland soil. The release of mineralized nitrogen from litter was small for the artificial grassland because the soil microbes absorbed most of the mineralized N during decomposition. The artificial grassland soil had a low fungi:bacteria ratio (i.e., a high abundance of bacteria) and showed a clear separation of bacterial and fungal communities from the seminatural grassland soil. Our results suggested that stoichiometric constraint, not the biomass turnover rate, of microbial decomposers plays a key role in N cycling between aboveground and belowground communities in grasslands.
Duration of estrogen exposure during reproductive years, age at menarche and age at menopause, and risk of cardiovascular disease events, all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mishra SR , Chung H‐F , Waller M , Mishra GD
Published: September 2020

Background

Little is known about the estrogen exposure measurement and mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Objectives

To evaluate estrogen exposure measurement and describe mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause in the risk of CVD events.

Search strategy

Systematic review of literature in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for studies published up to 28 June 2020.

Selection criteria

Observational studies related to estrogen exposure measurement, including mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause and risk of CVD events.

Data collection and analysis

Synthesis of evidence was conducted by reviewing individual estimates, followed by meta‐analysis. The study received no external funding.

Main results

A total of 75 studies were included in synthesis of evidence, of which 17 studies were included in meta‐analysis. Reproductive lifespan (age at menopause – age at menarche), endogenous estrogen exposure and total estrogen exposure were used for estrogen exposure measurement. Reproductive lifespan was by far the most commonly used method for estrogen exposure measurement. A shorter reproductive lifespan was associated with a higher risk of CVD events; the pooled relative risk (95% CI) was 1.31 (1.25–1.36) for stroke events. Robust epidemiological studies with measurement of estrogen exposure and associated health risk would strengthen the evidence.

Conclusions

Reproductive lifespan was the most commonly used method for estrogen exposure measurement in epidemiological studies. A shorter reproductive lifespan was associated with a higher risk of CVD events, particularly stroke.

Tweetable abstract

A systematic review and meta‐analysis found that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan have a higher risk of stroke events.
Forensic Footwear Reliability: Part III—Positive Predictive Value, Error Rates, and Inter‐Rater Reliability*
Authors: Richetelli Nicole , Hammer Lesley , Speir Jacqueline A.
Published: September 2020

Over the course of 19 months, West Virginia University collected reports from 70 footwear experts, each performing 12 questioned‐test comparisons, resulting in a dataset that includes more than 1000 examiner attributes (education, training, certification status, etc.), 3500 impression features identified and evaluated (clarity, totality, and similarity), and 840 source conclusions. The results were used to estimate the performance of forensic footwear examiners in the United States, including error rates, predictive value (PV), and measures of inter‐rater reliability (IRR). For the dataset and mate‐prevalence (31.5%) used in this study, results indicate correct predictive value varies from 94.5% for exclusions, 85.0% for identifications, and between 70.1% and 65.2% for limited associations and association of class, respectively (with all other conclusions producing PVs between these extremes). After data transformation based on ground truth, the case study materials show a false‐positive rate of 0.48%, a false‐negative rate of 15.6%, a (correct) positive predictive value of 98.8%, and a (correct) negative predictive value of 93.3%. In addition to error rates and PVs, inter‐rater reliability was likewise computed to describe examiner reproducibility; results indicate a Gwet AC2 agreement coefficient of 0.751–0.692 when using a six‐ and four‐level reporting structure, respectively, which translates into “substantial” and “moderate agreement” for a benchmarked verbal equivalent scale. The reported performance metrics are further compared against past forensic footwear reliability studies, including a discussion of how the use of a six‐level reporting structure impacts results.
Human activities and elevational constraints restrict ranging patterns of snub‐nosed monkeys in a mountainous refuge
Authors: HUANG Pengzhen , BIAN Kun , HUANG Zhipang , Li Qi , DUNN Derek W. , FANG Gu , LIU Jiahui , WANG Mengyao , YANG Xianfeng , PAN Ruliang , GAO Cunlao , SI Kaichuang , LI Baoguo , QI Xiaoguang
Published: September 2020

Both natural conditions and anthropogenic factors affect the survivability, distribution, and population density of wildlife. To understand the extent and how these factors drive species distributions, a detailed description of animal movement patterns in natural habitats is needed. In this study, we used satellite telemetry to monitor elevational ranges favored by endangered golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), in the Qinling Mountains, central China. We investigated the abundance and distribution of food resources through sampling vegetation quadrats at different elevations and sampled anthropogenic activities using field surveys. Our results indicated that although there was no significant variation in food resources between low‐ (<1500 m) and middle‐elevations (1500–2200 m), monkeys were found most often in areas above 1500 m, where there was less anthropogenic development (e.g. houses and roads); however, monkeys rarely ranged above 2200 m and had limited food availability at this altitude. There was limited human disturbance at this elevation. We suggest that both human activity and ecological constraints (i.e. food resources) have considerable effects on elevational use of R. roxellana in the Qinling Mountains. This study highlights the critical roles these factors can play in shaping the vertical distribution of high‐altitude primates. This research provides useful insights for habitat‐based conservation plans in which human disturbance management and habitat restoration should be prioritized.
Characteristics of surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer patients with post‐recurrence cure
Authors: Sonoda Dai , Matsuura Yosuke , Kondo Yasuto , Ichinose Junji , Nakao Masayuki , Ninomiya Hironori , Ishikawa Yuichi , Nishio Makoto , Okumura Sakae , Satoh Yukitoshi , Mun Mingyon
Published: September 2020

Background

The prognosis of postoperative recurrence in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. However, depending on the recurrence patterns and treatment options, some patients can achieve long‐term survival following recurrence. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients with curable disease who developed postoperative recurrence.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 535 patients who had developed recurrence from among 1760 consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent curative resection from 1990 to 2008.

Post‐recurrence cure was defined as being cancer‐free for at least five years after treatment for recurrence in patients who had undergone radical local treatment or chemotherapy. The clinicopathological characteristics associated with post‐recurrence cure were analyzed.

Results

Among 535 patients who developed recurrence, 24 (4.5%) achieved post‐recurrence cure. The median post‐recurrence follow‐up duration was 151 (85–275) months for those who achieved post‐recurrence cure. The solitary recurrent lesions and local treatment for the initial recurrence site were significantly more for patients who could be cured after they developed recurrence. All patients with post‐recurrence cure received only radical local treatment for the recurrent lesions.

Conclusions

Some patients with solitary recurrent NSCLC lesions can be cured with only radical local treatment.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

The post‐recurrence cure patients maintained a cancer‐free status for five years after treatment for recurrence without a second recurrence. All patients with post‐recurrence cure received only radical local treatment for recurrence and had significantly higher number of solitary recurrent lesions.

What this study adds

Some patients with solitary recurrent NSCLC lesions after resection can be cured with only radical local treatment.
Street versus GAAP: Which Effective Tax Rate Is More Informative?*
Authors: Beardsley Erik L. , Mayberry Michael A. , McGuire Sean T.
Published: September 2020

This study investigates how sophisticated market participants use tax‐based information by examining whether analysts' street effective tax rates (ETRs) are informative. When assessing firm performance, analysts exclude items they believe do not reflect current performance, resulting in “street” metrics such as street ETR. However, evidence on the properties of the components of street earnings is limited. Examining the informativeness of street ETRs is important because taxes are a significant component of earnings, and the extent to which analysts understand taxes and incorporate them into their analyses is not clear. Using a hand‐collected sample of analyst reports, we find that while approximately 35% of street ETRs have at least one tax‐specific exclusion, over 90% reflect the tax effects of pre‐tax exclusions. Further, both tax‐specific exclusions and the tax effects of pre‐tax exclusions significantly contribute to differences between GAAP and street ETRs. Consistent with analysts' understanding of the implications of tax and nontax exclusions, our results suggest that street tax metrics exhibit greater predictive ability about future tax outcomes and provide more information to investors than GAAP tax metrics. We also find that ETR exclusions are of higher quality when the magnitude of the potentially excluded item is greater and when managers disclose pro forma earnings. Collectively, our findings suggest that analysts understand taxes, but selectively exert effort to incorporate tax‐based information into their assessment of firm performance. Our study should be informative to regulators and users of financial information because it provides evidence regarding the usefulness of street earnings metrics.
Acetate‐ vs lactate‐buffered crystalloid solutions: Protocol for a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Ellekjaer Karen Louise , Perner Anders , Sivapalan Praleene , Hylander Møller Morten
Published: September 2020

Background

Buffered crystalloid solutions are increasingly recommended as first‐line resuscitation fluids. However, guidelines do not distinguish between different types of buffered solutions. The aim of the outlined systematic review is to summarize and assess the effects of acetate‐ vs lactate‐buffered crystalloid solutions on patient‐important outcomes.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis comparing the use of acetate‐ vs lactate‐buffered crystalloid solutions in hospitalized patients. We will systematically search the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Epistemonikos for relevant literature. We will follow the recommendations set by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The risk of systematic errors (bias) and random errors will be assessed, and the overall quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Discussion

The outlined systematic review will provide important data on how patient‐important outcomes are affected by intravenous administration of acetate‐ vs lactate‐buffered crystalloid solutions in hospitalized patients.
Endodontic treatment of dentin dysplasia type I D
Authors: Buchanan Glynn Dale , Tredoux Sheree , Nel Chane , Gamieldien Mohamed Yasin
Published: September 2020

Dentin dysplasia (DD) Type I is a developmental condition affecting dentin, inherited in an autosomal‐dominant pattern or occurring due to a new mutation. Whilst the crowns of DD Type I affected teeth appear clinically normal, the roots are blunt and shortened. Pulp necrosis and periapical pathoses may be seen in the absence of obvious causes. Pulp stones and calcifications are frequently encountered. Endodontic management of DD may be challenging. A case of DD Type I, sub‐classification d, in which spontaneous irreversible pulpitis developed on three mandibular incisors is documented. The case was managed by conventional endodontic treatment. Knowledge of this uncommon dental condition may assist dentists to adequately diagnose and manage these cases. Extraction should not be considered the first‐line treatment option when sufficient root length is available to attempt endodontic treatment. Referral for medical evaluation is recommended to rule out systemic diseases which may mimic this condition.
Milk exosomes: A biogenic nanocarrier for small molecules and macromolecules to combat cancer
Authors: Kandimalla Raghuram , Aqil Farrukh , Tyagi Neha , Gupta Ramesh
Published: September 2020

Exosomes are unique biogenic nanocarriers of endocytic origin that are generated from most of the cells and found in biofluids like milk, plasma, saliva, and urine. Bovine milk represents the largest and an economic source for the production of exosomes. In recent past, the utility of the milk exosomes as drug carriers is intensified. Exosomes are emerging for delivery of both small and large therapeutics due to their biocompatibility. In this article, we highlighted the various exosomal isolation techniques, physicochemical properties, their biodistribution, and utility of milk exosomes in delivering the small drug molecules and siRNA to combat cancer.
Phoresy in animals: review and synthesis of a common but understudied mode of dispersal
Authors: Bartlow Andrew W. , Agosta Salvatore J.
Published: September 2020

Phoresy is a type of interaction in which one species, the phoront, uses another species, the dispersal host, for transportation to new habitats or resources. Despite being a widespread behaviour, little is known about the ecology and evolution of phoresy. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review of phoretic dispersal in animals and to bring renewed attention to this subject. We surveyed literature published between 1900 and 2020 to understand the extent of known higher‐level taxonomic diversity (phyla, classes, and orders) and functional aspects of animals that use phoretic dispersal. Species dispersing phoretically have been observed in at least 13 animal phyla, 25 classes, and 60 orders. The majority of known phoronts are arthropods (Phylum Euarthropoda) in terrestrial habitats, but phoronts also occur in freshwater and marine environments. Marine phoronts may be severely under‐represented in the literature due to the relative difficulty of studying these systems. Phoronts are generally small with low mobility and use habitats or resources that are ephemeral and/or widely dispersed. Many phoronts are also parasites. In general, animals that engage in phoresy use a wide variety of morphological and behavioural traits for locating, attaching to, and detaching from dispersal hosts, but the exact mechanisms behind these activities are largely unknown. In addition to diversity, we discuss the evolution of phoresy including the long‐standing idea that it can be a precursor to parasitism and other forms of symbioses. Finally, we suggest several areas of future research to improve our understanding of phoresy and its ecological and evolutionary significance.
Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) is a pathophysiological biomarker of early‐stage acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis among pigeon fanciers
Authors: Ji Yuan , Bourke Stephen J. , Spears Mark , Wain Louise V. , Boyd Gavin , Lynch Phillip P. , Cunningham Matthew , Boyd Kenneth , Donnelly Iona , Kohno Nobuoki , McSharry Charles
Published: September 2020

Background

Identifying early stages of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is hampered by variable presentation, heterogeneous or undetected causal antigens and lack of gold‐standard biomarkers. Krebs von den Lungen (KL)‐6 is pathophysiological biomarker of alveolar epithelial damage. Pigeon fanciers, susceptible to HP, provide a model to investigate early HP.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that plasma concentrations of KL‐6 are increased in early‐stage acute HP.

Methods

Clinical history, spirometry and blood samples were obtained from pigeon fanciers, 20 with intermittent acute symptoms indicative of developing HP, 27 with no symptoms and 10 healthy subjects with no avian exposure. Plasma KL‐6 (units/mL) and pigeon antigen‐specific IgG antibody were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Blood lymphocytes were quantified by flow cytometry and antigen specificity by in vitro cytokine production.

Results

KL‐6 was higher in fanciers than controls, median (IQR) 452 (244, 632) vs 274 (151, 377), P = .01. Although fanciers with symptoms had similar antigen exposure and lung function, they had higher KL‐6 than those without, 632 (468, 1314) vs 320 (200, 480), P < .001. KL‐6 correlated with IgG antibody titre in those with symptoms, r = .591, P = .006. High KL‐6, irrespective of symptom category, was associated with higher antibody (P = .006) and lymphocyte proliferation (P = .041), and lower CD4+ T lymphocyte proportion (P = .032).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Raised KL‐6 is associated with acute symptoms of early‐stage HP, and its correlation with antibody may support therapeutic strategies when HP is suspected. KL‐6 may act as a mechanistic biomarker of early pathogenesis by linking lung pathophysiological changes with an endotype of immune hypersensitivity.
Local translations of a universal concept: ‘Child Perspective’ in Swedish social assistance
Authors: Pålsson David , Wiklund Stefan
Published: September 2020

In recent years, scholars have called for studies exploring how key concepts originating from the children's rights discourse are understood in local contexts. In Sweden, national policy advocates that a child perspective should guide social assistance (SA), a cash benefit constituting society's last safety net. The study analyses the child perspective as an idea (i.e. an ambiguous principle), which is translated (i.e. reformulated and interpreted) at the local level. The findings indicate multiple and partly inconsistent translations of a child perspective. The study argues that it is unclear what adopting a child perspective implies for children in families receiving SA.
Altered amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity in drug‐resistant epilepsy patients with vagal nerve stimulators under different current intensity
Authors: Zhu Jin , Xu Cuiping , Zhang Xi , Qiao Liang , Wang Xueyuan , Zhang Xiaohua , Yan Xiaoming , Ni Duanyu , Yu Tao , Zhang Guojun , Li Yongjie
Published: September 2020

Background

The mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) remain unclear. This study aimed to measure spontaneous brain activity changes caused by VNS in DRE patients using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI).

Methods

The rs‐fMRI scans were performed in 16 DRE patients who underwent VNS surgery. Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) was generated and examined using paired sample t‐test to compare activity changes at different current intensity stage. The preoperative and postoperative ALFF/ReHo were also compared in eight responders (≥50% reduction of seizure frequency three months after surgery) and eight nonresponders using paired sample t‐test.

Results

The significant ALFF and ReHo changes were shown in various cortical/subcortical structures in patients under different current intensity. After three months of stimulation, responders exhibited increased ALFF in the right middle cingulate gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left cerebellum, and increased ReHo in the right postcentral gyrus, left precuneus, left postcentral gyrus, right superior parietal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus. Nonresponders exhibited decreased ALFF in the left temporal lobe and right cerebellum, increased ALFF in bilateral brainstem, decreased ReHo in bilateral lingual gyri, and increased ReHo in the right middle frontal gyrus and right anterior cingulate gyrus.

Conclusions

The spontaneous neural activity changes in DRE patients caused by VNS were in an ongoing process. Increased ALFF/ReHo in frontal cortex, cingulate gyri, precentral/postcentral gyri, parahippocampal gyri, precuneus, parietal cortex, and cerebellum may implicate in VNS‐induced improvement in seizure frequency.
Concomitant positive patch test reactions in FreeStyle‐allergic patients sensitized to isobornyl acrylate
Authors: Dendooven Ella , Foubert Kenn , Goossens An , Gilles Philippe , De Borggraeve Wim , Pieters Luc , Lambert Julien , Aerts Olivier
Published: September 2020

Background

Concomitant positive patch test reactions in patients sensitized to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) have rarely been documented.

Objectives

To report concomitant sensitizations in patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre and sensitized to IBOA.

Methods

In 2019, 26 patients with suspected ACD from FreeStyle Libre were patch tested to a baseline series and to a (meth) acrylate series containing IBOA and 2‐phenoxyethyl acrylate (PEA) 0.1% pet. Diabetes devices and patch test preparations were analyzed with gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) for the presence of IBOA and PEA.

Results

Of the 26 patients, 18 (69%) were sensitized to IBOA, and eight (44%) and 11 (61%) of these were co‐sensitized to sesquiterpene lactones and fragrances, respectively. Ten patients (56%) were co‐sensitized to PEA, which, contrary to IBOA, could not be detected in any device. The PEA test material was shown to be contaminated with IBOA.

Conclusions

Contact allergy to IBOA appears to be declining and IBOA‐sensitized patients are most often co‐sensitized to sesquiterpene lactones and fragrances. Vigilance is required when patch testing (acrylate) materials obtained from industry, as these might be contaminated and, hence, alter the results and their interpretation.
LICENSING AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN RENTAL HOUSING MARKETS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Samuel Andrew , Schwartz Jeremy , Tan Kerry
Published: September 2020

Although the goal of licensing is to ensure the quality of services, it can also induce firms to operate informally or exit altogether. This paper examines licensing in the rental housing market by developing a model that indicates licensing's impact on the size of the underground rental market, the number of vacancies, and homelessness are ambiguous. As a result, we calibrate the model using a unique dataset from Baltimore, which allows us to directly observe underground rentals and vacancies. Our calibrations show that licensing may have a modest impact on rents, while increasing quality more substantially. (JEL L15, K42, D78, E26, O17)
Optimal sizing and placement of multiple renewable distribution generation and DSTATCOM in radial distribution systems using hybrid lightning search algorithm‐simplex method optimization algorithm
Authors: Chinnaraj Sakthi Gokul Rajan , Kuppan Ravi
Published: September 2020

In this literature, the simultaneous placement of both the Renewable Distribution Generation (DG) and Distribution STATCOM (DSTATCOM) in the Radial Distribution System (RDS) for Power Loss Minimization (PLM) is discussed. Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF) is initially applied to discover the candidate location of DG and DSTATCOM in RDS. The effective Hybrid Lightning Search Algorithm‐Simplex Method (LSA‐SM) is used to compute the optimal sizing of DG and D‐STATCOM. The performance of the proposed method is tested separately on both IEEE33 and IEEE69 RDS test systems. The improvement in system Voltage Profile and operational stability before and after the allocation of DG and DSTATCOM is discussed. The improved system Voltage Stability Index values for different cases are plotted. The performance of the proposed method is compared with similar existing methods.
Counting is not Enough. Modelling Relevance in Art Exhibition Ecosystems
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ortega Nuria , Suárez Juan‐Luis , Varona Daniel
Published: September 2020

The authors present a conceptual and mathematical model for an art institution relevance index that quantifies the institution’s ability to manage and leverage its loan relationships with other art institutions, art collectors, and curators. The propose that their model innovates on prior methods descriptions of institution relevance based on the depth or size of an institution’s collections, by introducing a more complex combination of the institution’s ability to manage the type, frequency and range of lending and borrowing practices. Their mixed methods approach is based on combining traditional methods of art history that have relied on subjective accounts of an institution’s collection value with a more formalized methodological approach to quantifying what was once a discourse of practice. The show that a limitation in traditional approaches to evaluating institutional impact relied on subjective interpretation and is not scalable and therefore cannot account for the importance of the global art exhibition ecosystems.
Medical cannabis and cognitive performance in middle to old adults treated for chronic pain
Authors: Sznitman Sharon R. , Vulfsons Simon , Meiri David , Weinstein Galit
Published: September 2020

Introduction and Aims

Cannabis exposure is becoming more common in older age but little is known about how it is associated with brain health in this population. This study assesses the relationship between long‐term medical cannabis (MC) use and cognitive function in a sample of middle‐aged and old chronic pain patients.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among chronic pain patients aged 50+ years who had MC licenses (n = 63) and a comparison group who did not have MC licenses (n = 62). CogState computerised brief battery was used to assess cognitive performance of psychomotor reaction, attention, working memory and new learning. Regression models and Bayesian t‐tests examined differences in cognitive performance in the two groups. Furthermore, the associations between MC use patterns (dosage, cannabinoid concentrations, length and frequency of use and hours since last use) with cognition were assessed among MC licensed patients.

Results

Mean age was 63 ± 6 and 60 ± 5 years in the non‐exposed and MC patients, respectively. Groups did not significantly differ in terms of cognitive performance measures. Furthermore, none of the MC use patterns were associated with cognitive performance.

Discussion and Conclusions

These results suggest that use of whole plant MC does not have a widespread impact on cognition in older chronic pain patients. Considering the increasing use of MC in older populations, this study could be a first step towards a better risk–benefit assessment of MC treatment in this population. Future studies are urgently needed to further clarify the implications of late‐life cannabis use for brain health.
Characteristics associated with polypharmacy in people with type 2 diabetes: the Dutch Diabetes Pearl cohort
Authors: van Oort S. , Rutters F. , Warlé‐van Herwaarden M. F. , Schram M. T. , Stehouwer C. D. , Tack C. J. , Abbink E. J. , Wolffenbuttel B. H. , van der Klauw M. M. , DeVries J. H. , Siegelaar S. E. , Sijbrands E. J. , Özcan B. , de Valk H. W. , Silvius B. , Schroijen M. A. , Jazet I. M. , van Ballegooijen A. J. , Beulens J. W. J. , Elders P. J. , Kramers C. ,   the Diabetes Pearl from the Parelsnoer Initiative
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy in a Dutch cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We included people with type 2 diabetes from the Diabetes Pearl cohort, of whom 3886 were treated in primary care and 2873 in academic care (secondary/tertiary). With multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified for line of care, we assessed which sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics were associated with moderate (5–9 medications) and severe polypharmacy (≥10 medications) compared with no polypharmacy (0–4 medications).

Results

Mean age was 63 ± 10 years, and 40% were women. The median number of daily medications was 5 (IQR 3–7) in primary care and 7 (IQR 5–10) in academic care. The prevalence of moderate and severe polypharmacy was 44% and 10% in primary care, and 53% and 29% in academic care respectively. Glucose‐lowering and lipid‐modifying medications were most prevalent. People with severe polypharmacy used a relatively large amount of other (i.e. non‐cardiovascular and non‐glucose‐lowering) medication. Moderate and severe polypharmacy across all lines of care were associated with higher age, low educational level, more smoking, longer diabetes duration, higher BMI and more cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

Severe and moderate polypharmacy are prevalent in over half of people with type 2 diabetes in primary care, and even more in academic care. People with polypharmacy are characterized by poorer cardiometabolic status. These results highlight the significance of polypharmacy in type 2 diabetes.
The association between carotid disease, arterial stiffness and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II
Authors: Drinkwater J. J. , Chen F. K. , Brooks A. M. , Davis B. T. , Turner A. W. , Davis T. M. E. , Davis W. A.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To determine whether macrovascular disease assessed by carotid ultrasonography and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity are independently associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A random subgroup of surviving participants with type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II were invited to take part in this sub‐study in 2018–2019. In addition to standardized questionnaires, a physical examination and fasting biochemical tests, each underwent dilated colour fundus photography, carotid arterial ultrasonography with measurement of the intima–media thickness (IMT) and quantification of the degree of stenosis, and pulse wave analysis calculation of the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). The cross‐sectional association between arterial disease parameters and diabetic retinopathy was assessed using generalized estimating equation models which enabled both eyes to be included in the analysis.

Results

Some 270 participants [mean ± sd age 72 ± 9 years, 153 (57%) men and median (IQR) diabetes duration 15 (11–22) years] were included in analysis. Of 524 assessable eyes, 82 (16%) had diabetic retinopathy. In multivariable analysis, significant independent associates of diabetic retinopathy were age at diabetes diagnosis (inversely), HbA1c, insulin treatment and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (all P ≤ 0.022), as well as cfPWV [odds ratio (OR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.23 per 1 m/s increase; P = 0.008] and common carotid artery (CCA) IMT ≥1 mm (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.21, 7.23; P = 0.018).

Conclusions

The association between diabetic retinopathy and CCA IMT suggests that carotid disease may share cardiovascular risk factors with diabetic retinopathy. The association between diabetic retinopathy and cfPWV may reflect the consequences of altered intravascular haemodynamics.
Source pools and disharmony of the world's island floras
Authors: König Christian , Weigelt Patrick , Taylor Amanda , Stein Anke , Dawson Wayne , Essl Franz , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , van Kleunen Mark , Winter Marten , Chatelain Cyrille , Wieringa Jan J. , Krestov Pavel , Kreft Holger
Published: September 2020

Island disharmony refers to the biased representation of higher taxa on islands compared to their mainland source regions and represents a central concept in island biology. Here, we develop a generalizable framework for approximating these source regions and conduct the first global assessment of island disharmony and its underlying drivers. We compiled vascular plant species lists for 178 oceanic islands and 735 mainland regions. Using mainland data only, we modelled species turnover as a function of environmental and geographic distance and predicted the proportion of shared species between each island and mainland region. We then quantified the over‐ or under‐representation of families on individual islands (representational disharmony) by contrasting the observed number of species against a null model of random colonization from the mainland source pool, and analysed the effects of six family‐level functional traits on the resulting measure. Furthermore, we aggregated the values of representational disharmony per island to characterize overall taxonomic bias of a given flora (compositional disharmony), and analysed this second measure as a function of four island biogeographical variables. Our results indicate considerable variation in representational disharmony both within and among plant families. Examples of generally over‐represented families include Urticaceae, Convolvulaceae and almost all pteridophyte families. Other families such as Asteraceae and Orchidaceae were generally under‐represented, with local peaks of over‐representation in known radiation hotspots. Abiotic pollination and a lack of dispersal specialization were most strongly associated with an insular over‐representation of families, whereas other family‐level traits showed minor effects. With respect to compositional disharmony, large, high‐elevation islands tended to have the most disharmonic floras. Our results provide important insights into the taxon‐ and island‐specific drivers of disharmony. The proposed framework allows overcoming the limitations of previous approaches and provides a quantitative basis for incorporating functional and phylogenetic approaches into future studies of island disharmony.
New insights into the patterns and drivers of avian altitudinal migration from a growing crowdsourcing data source
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Yu , Ko Chie‐Jen , Chia Stephanie Yuan , Lu Ya‐Jung , Tuanmu Mao‐Ning
Published: September 2020

Altitudinal migration is a common and important but understudied behavior in birds. Difficulty in characterizing avian altitudinal migration has prevented a comprehensive understanding of this behavior. To address this, we investigated the altitudinal migration patterns and explored potential drivers for a major proportion (~70%) of the entire resident bird community along an almost 4000 m elevational gradient on the main island of Taiwan. Based on the occurrence records collected by citizen scientists, we examined the seasonal shifts in the center and the upper and lower boundaries of elevational distributions for 104 individual species. We then built phylogeny‐controlled regression models to investigate the associations between the birds’ seasonal distribution shifts and seven of their traits, and examined whether the observed shifts can be explained by three main hypotheses on potential drivers. Results showed that at least 60 species (58%) seasonally changed their distributions along elevations. While most of them (42 species) tended to move downhill in winter, a considerable number of species (14) tended to move uphill. While the species breeding at high or low elevations tended to move downhill in winter, those breeding at medium‐low elevations tended to move or extend their distributions to higher elevations. Our regression models suggested that seasonal variations in climates and food availability could be major drivers of the behavior. However, the three hypotheses can only partially explain the observed downhill migration patterns and none of them can well explain the uphill patterns, indicating an important knowledge gap. This study investigated avian altitudinal migration from a new perspective with a novel and generalizable approach, and revealed interesting patterns that could be difficult to identify with conventional approaches. It demonstrated the power of citizen science data to provide new insights into this behavior by characterizing the general patterns and mechanisms across a large number of species.
Territorial rights and colonial wrongs
Authors: Ferguson Benjamin , Veneziani Roberto
Published: September 2020

What is wrong with colonialism? The standard—albeit often implicit—answer to this question has been that colonialism was wrong because it violated the territorial rights of indigenous peoples, where territorial rights were grounded on acquisition theories. Recently, the standard view has come under attack: according to critics, acquisition based accounts do not provide solid theoretical grounds to condemn colonial relations. Indeed, historically they were used to justify colonialism. Various alternative accounts of the wrong of colonialism have been developed. According to some, colonialism involved a violation of territorial rights grounded on legitimate state theory. Others reject all explanations of colonialism's wrongfulness based on territorial rights, and argue that colonial practices were wrong because they departed from ideals of economic, social, and political association. In this article, we articulate and defend the standard view against critics: colonialism involved a procedural wrong; this wrong is not the violation of standards of equality and reciprocity, but the violation of territorial rights; and the best foundation for such territorial rights is acquisition based, not legitimacy based. We argue that this issue is not just of historical interest, it has relevant implications for the normative evaluation of contemporary inequalities.
Regional fisheries management organizations and the new biodiversity agreement: Challenge or opportunity?
Authors: Haas Bianca , Haward Marcus , McGee Jeffrey , Fleming Aysha
Published: September 2020

In 2018, the international community began formal intergovernmental negotiations over a new legally binding instrument for the protection of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Protecting marine biodiversity is imperative for a sustainable future, and all the different organizations and agreements will have to work together to achieve this common goal. One of the first key principles to be agreed was to “not undermine” the existing legal instruments or mandates of regional and sectoral marine governance organizations. While fisheries are not being discussed during the negotiations, a marine biodiversity agreement is likely to still impact regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), due to overlapping areas of interest. This article aims to firstly, assess the potential constraints posed by the commitment to “not undermine”; secondly, consider how aspects of the biodiversity agreement, such as area‐based management and environmental impact assessments, might enhance RFMOs; and thirdly, suggest meaningful ways to ensure cooperation between RFMOs and the marine biodiversity agreement.
Matrix stiffness‐mediated effects on macrophages polarization and their LOXL2 expression
Authors: Xing Xiaoxia , Wang Yaohui , Zhang Xi , Gao Xiangyu , Li Miao , Wu Sifan , Zhao Yan , Chen Jie , Gao Dongmei , Chen Rongxin , Ren Zhenggang , Zhang Kezhi , Cui Jiefeng
Published: September 2020

Previously, we reported that the secreted lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under higher stiffness stimulation contributed to the formation of lung premetastatic niche. To further clarify whether matrix stiffness also alters LOXL2 expression in other cells within tumor microenvironment, we developed a gel‐based culture system combined with a model of macrophage polarization to evaluate the effects of matrix stiffness on the polarization of M2 macrophages and their LOXL2 expression. THP‐1 cells cultured on 6KPa, 10KPa, and 16KPa stiffness substrates were first incubated with 100nM phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) for 24 hours and subsequently treated with 20nM interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and 20nM interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) for 48 hours. The polarization states of M2 macrophages under different stiffness stimulation were comparatively analyzed, and their LOXL2 expressions as well as the underlying molecular mechanism were further explored. Our results demonstrated that increased matrix stiffness remarkably strengthened M2 macrophage polarization and promoted their LOXL2 expression. Activation of integrin β5‐FAK‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 pathway participated in matrix stiffness‐mediated HIF‐1α upregulation, and HIF‐1α upregulation resulted in a significant improvement in LOXL2 expression. Additionally, M2 macrophage polarization state and LOXL2 expression in HCC tissues with COL1High/LOXHigh were consistent with the results in vitro, further confirming the regulation roles of matrix stiffness in macrophage polarization and LOXL2 expression. The findings about LOXL2 upregulation in the polarized macrophages under higher stiffness stimulation will be helpful to better understand the underlying mechanism of matrix stiffness‐induced premetastatic niche formation in HCC.
Deep sequencing analysis of serum hepatitis B virus‐RNA during nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy
Authors: Matsuda Shuya , Maekawa Shinya , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Nakakuki Natsuko , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Tatsumi Akihisa , Miura Mika , Amemiya Fumitake , Shindo Hiroko , Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Sato Tadashi , Yamashita Atsuya , Moriishi Kohji , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: September 2020

Aim

Recently, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐RNA has been reported to be detectable even when HBV particle production is inhibited by nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs). However, the dynamics of the HBV‐RNA sequence compared with those of HBV‐DNA during the emergence of antiviral resistance are yet to be elucidated.

Methods

First, we quantified serum HBV‐RNA in 181 infected patients, and its relationships with clinical characteristics as well as HBV markers were investigated. Next, we undertook simultaneous deep sequencing of HBV‐RNA/HBV‐DNA and their dynamics among four patients receiving NA therapy who were experiencing viral breakthrough.

Results

Serum HBV‐RNA was detected in 25% (31/123) of cases among patients with HBV without NAs, and the detection rate was significantly high in hepatitis B e antigen‐positive cases with high viral activity. In patients with chronic hepatitis, hepatitis B core‐related antigen was significantly correlated with serum HBV‐RNA irrespective of NA use. In the analysis of the four patients experiencing viral breakthrough, no NA resistance mutation was detected in the serum HBV‐RNA immediately before the breakthrough. However, NA‐resistant sequences appeared at the rates of 0%, 3%, 14%, and 100%, and the NA‐resistant HBV‐RNA sequence rate was correlated with the peak HBV‐DNA titer multiplied by the HBV‐DNA detection duration during the breakthrough (R2 = 0.978) observed before redisappearance of HBV‐DNA following the addition of new NA.

Conclusion

Serum HBV‐RNA could reflect the transcriptional activity of covalently closed circular DNA and hepatitis B core‐related antigen. The dynamics of HBV‐RNA could help understanding of the turnover process of HBV covalently closed circular DNA in the liver.