bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional traits driving pollinator and predator responses to newly established grassland strips in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Maas Bea , Brandl Manuela , Hussain Raja Imran , Frank Thomas , Zulka Klaus Peter , Rabl Dominik , Walcher Ronnie , Moser Dietmar
Published: May 2021

Agricultural biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions are declining at alarming rates due to widespread land use intensification. They can only be maintained through targeted landscape management that supports species with different habitat preferences, dispersal capacities and other functional traits that determine their survival. However, we need better understanding whether short‐term measures can already improve functional diversity in European agroecosystems.

We investigated spatio‐temporal responses of bees (solitary bees, bumblebees and honey bees), hoverflies, carabid beetles and spiders to newly established grassland strips in Lower Austria over 3 years, and along a distance gradient to old grasslands. Specifically, we asked if new grasslands, compared to old grasslands and cereal fields, serve as temporal dispersal habitat or corridor, and how species‐specific traits affect dispersal patterns. Using a trait‐based functional diversity approach, we investigated year and distance effects for nine selected key traits per taxon (e.g. body size, feeding guild and habitat preferences).

Our results show that the functional diversity of predators and pollinators (i.e. functional richness and evenness), as well as community‐weighted means of selected key traits in new grasslands significantly differed from adjacent cereal fields, but only slowly adjusted to adjacent old grasslands. These effects significantly decreased with increasing distance to old grasslands for carabids and spiders, but not for mobile bees and hoverflies.

Synthesis and applications. Over 3 years, newly established grassland strips supported larger sized and actively foraging/hunting species in the agricultural landscape. Adjacent crops likely benefit from such measures through enhanced functional diversity and related ecosystem services. However, our results also suggest that 3‐year period is too short to enhance the occurrence of pollinators and epigeic predators in new grasslands. Agri‐environment measures need to be complemented by the conservation of permanent habitats to effectively maintain species and functional diversity. Our findings should be acknowledged by European policy and agricultural decision makers for the design of more effective agri‐environment schemes, taking into account trait‐dependent species responses to land use change.
Transcriptomes of an oceanic diatom reveal the initial and final stages of acclimation to copper deficiency
Authors: Kong Liangliang , Price Neil M.
Published: May 2021

Copper (Cu) concentration is greatly reduced in the open sea so that phytoplankton must adjust their uptake systems and acclimate to sustain growth. Acclimation to low Cu involves changes to the photosynthetic apparatus and specific biochemical reactions that use Cu, but little is known how Cu affects cellular metabolic networks. Here we report results of whole transcriptome analysis of a plastocyanin‐containing diatom, Thalassiosira oceanica 1005, during its initial stages of acclimation and after long‐term adaptation in Cu‐deficient seawater. Gene expression profiles, used to identify Cu‐regulated metabolic pathways, show downregulation of anabolic and energy‐yielding reactions in Cu‐limited cells. These include the light reactions of photosynthesis, carbon fixation, nitrogen assimilation and glycolysis. Reduction of these pathways is consistent with reduced growth requirements for C and N caused by slower rates of photosynthetic electron transport. Upregulation of oxidative stress defence systems persists in adapted cells, suggesting cellular damage by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs even after acclimation. Copper deficiency also alters fatty acid metabolism, possibly in response to an increase in lipid peroxidation and membrane damage driven by ROS. During the initial stages of Cu‐limitation the majority of differentially regulated genes are associated with photosynthetic metabolism, highlighting the chloroplast as the primary target of low Cu availability. The results provide insights into the mechanisms of acclimation and adaptation of T. oceanica to Cu deficiency.
Persistence and resistance: survival mechanisms of Candidatus Dormibacterota from nutrient‐poor Antarctic soils
Authors: Montgomery Kate , Williams Timothy J. , Brettle Merryn , Berengut Jonathan F. , Ray Angelique E. , Zhang Eden , Zaugg Julian , Hugenholtz Philip , Ferrari Belinda C.
Published: May 2021

Candidatus Dormibacterota is an uncultured bacterial phylum found predominantly in soil that is present in high abundances within cold desert soils. Here, we interrogate nine metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs), including six new MAGs derived from soil metagenomes obtained from two eastern Antarctic sites. Phylogenomic and taxonomic analyses revealed these MAGs represent four genera and five species, representing two order‐level clades within Ca. Dormibacterota. Metabolic reconstructions of these MAGs revealed the potential for aerobic metabolism, and versatile adaptations enabling persistence in the ‘extreme’ Antarctic environment. Primary amongst these adaptations were abilities to scavenge atmospheric H2 and CO as energy sources, as well as using the energy derived from H2 oxidation to fix atmospheric CO2 via the Calvin–Bassham–Benson cycle, using a RuBisCO type IE. We propose that these allow Ca. Dormibacterota to persist using H2 oxidation and grow using atmospheric chemosynthesis in terrestrial Antarctica. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed Ca. Dormibacterota to be coccoid cells, 0.3–1.4 μm in diameter, with some cells exhibiting the potential for a symbiotic or syntrophic lifestyle.
When less is more: HRM implementation, legitimacy and decoupling
Authors: Brandl Julia , Keegan Anne , Kozica Arjan
Published: May 2021

The implementation of human resource (HR) policies often proves troublesome due to the appearance, and stubborn persistence, of gaps in the process. Human resource management (HRM) scholars problematise these gaps and advocate tight implementation to reduce gaps and to ensure the desired impact of policies on organisational performance. Drawing on organisational institutionalism, we contend that gaps in implementing HR policies can actually be productive, as they secure organisational legitimacy, and thus enable organisations to operate viably within several institutional environments. We suggest that different approaches to implementation are needed, some of them premised on accepting sustained implementation gaps. We introduce minimum and moderate implementation approaches, rooted in the notion of decoupling, to complement approaches aimed at tight implementation. Our aim is to support the further development of research based on a richer interpretation of HRM implementation challenges and choices they present for HR managers.
Feasibility of commercial breadmaking using chickpea as an ingredient: Functional properties and potential health benefits
Authors: Herrera A. Catherin , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: May 2021

The use of pulses, such as chickpea, has become more relevant in baking as they exhibit potential health benefits such as reduction of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and prevention of colon cancer. It is also a good source of highly bioavailable protein at a low cost. This allows companies to develop new innovative products that meet the demand for nutritional value‐added baked goods. Further understanding of the baking properties and rheology of chickpea flours will allow the baking industry to overcome processing and quality challenges related to the effects caused by the addition of non‐gluten‐forming ingredients. Therefore, the objective of this review was to summarize the rheological properties of baking formulations using chickpea as an ingredient in order to produce quality products while preserving the nutritional aspects of this legume. It also covers health benefits linked to chickpea‐specific compounds.
Vegetable soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaf extracts: Functional components and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Lin Yushiuan , Wu Szjie
Published: May 2021

To investigate ways to extract greater dietary value from the leaves of the vegetable soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivar ‘Kaohsiung No. 9’. Our results indicate that phenolic content and flavonoid content are highest in extracts prepared with 70% methanol and 70% ethanol. The 70% ethanol extracts also had the highest quercetin (135 ± 1.62 µg/g) and kaempferol (450 ± 1.35 µg/g) contents. These results show that flavonoids are a dominant class of compounds in these vegetable soybean leaf extracts and serve as their main source of antioxidants. At an extract concentration of 5 mg/ml, the 70% methanol extracts achieved good antioxidant effects, with a DPPH radical scavenging rate of 80%, and a reducing power of 88%. In assays of anti‐inflammatory capacity using lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The 70% methanol extracts displayed the most significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, achieving up to 86% inhibition. As a similar trend was observed in expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), we deduced that vegetable soybean leaves may regulate NO synthesis through inhibiting iNOS. We also observed a significant decrease in cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 gene expression. Analysis of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis revealed that the 70% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts significantly reduced TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β synthesis, and increased the intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio from 8 to 12.8. These results indicate that vegetable soybean leaves possess antioxidant activities and exert inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators, suggesting their potential for use as dietary supplements.
Microdata analysis of Japanese farmers’ productivity: Estimating farm heterogeneity and elasticity of substitution among varieties
Authors: Akune Yuko , Hosoe Nobuhiro
Published: May 2021

Modern theories of trade and economic geography consider the role of product differentiation under monopolistic competition in manufacturing, under the assumption that agriculture produces homogeneous goods. By contrast, agribusiness studies examine the case of active high‐productivity entrepreneurs who pursue product differentiation by creating new products. To reconcile these two contradicting views of agriculture, we examine the incidence of farm heterogeneity and product differentiation. We use microdata of Japanese farmers to estimate their total factor productivity and find that heterogeneity is relatively low in the fruit, rice, and greenhouse horticulture farming sectors, and high in the livestock and poultry sectors. We find that the degree of product differentiation is relatively high in the livestock and poultry sectors, and that elasticity of substitution in the vegetable and upland field farming sectors is around three, which is similar to the findings of earlier studies.
Air Pollution and Cognitive Functions: Evidence from Straw Burning in China
Authors: Lai Wangyang , Li Shanjun , Li Yanan , Tian Xiaohui
Published: May 2021

This study examines the impact of air pollution from straw burning on human cognitive health in China by linking household health surveys with PM2.5 emissions derived from remote sensing data on fire activity. The identification strategy leverages the spatial dispersion of air pollutants due to exogenous wind directions. The results indicate that PM2.5 emissions from upwind straw burning have a negative impact on cognitive functions of respondents aged 55 and above, but PM2.5 emissions from downwind fires do not. The impact is transitory and caused by contemporaneous PM2.5 emissions on the day of cognitive testing. Our findings demonstrate a link from air pollution to cognitive declines and suggest that through this link, climate change could result in additional health costs by increasing the risk of wildfires.
Topical simvastatin–cholesterol for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis: An open‐label, split‐body clinical trial
Authors: Byth Lachlan A. , Byth Jenny
Published: May 2021

Background/Objectives

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a porokeratosis variant that is cosmetically disfiguring and may be associated with squamous cell carcinoma. It is an autosomal dominant condition caused by germline mutations in mevalonate pathway genes involved in cholesterol synthesis. Lesions are precipitated by ultraviolet radiation‐induced second‐hit mutations. Modulation of this pathway by topical simvastatin–cholesterol may lead to improvement.

Methods

This open‐label, split‐body clinical trial was carried out in 2020 at a metropolitan dermatology clinic. Eight patients contributing 13 limb pairs were recruited. Limbs within each pair were randomly allocated to 2% simvastatin/2% cholesterol cream applied twice daily or bland emollients. Lesion number, erythema, scale and patient‐reported disease activity were measured at baseline and 6 weeks. Data were analysed using Bayesian ordinal logistic regression. Odds ratios compare the odds of a higher score at 6 weeks in treated limbs with the odds in controls. Values less than one indicate improvement.

Results

Patients had a median age of 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 58 to 69 years). The median baseline DLQI was 5 (range 2–21). Odds ratios were 0.12 (95% credible interval [CI] 0.01 to 0.72) for lesion number, 0.25 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.79) for erythema score, 0.18 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.64) for scale score and 0.33 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.89) for patient‐reported disease activity.

Conclusions

Topical simvastatin–cholesterol cream improved lesion number, erythema and scale on treated limbs compared with controls. Patient‐reported disease activity also improved. These findings warrant confirmation in blinded, vehicle‐controlled trials.
Complete remission of stage IV erythrodermic mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation through combination of pralatrexate and romidepsin followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Frederiks Aaron J , Creeper Katherine J , Spagnolo Dominic V , Cannell Paul , Radeski Dejan
Published: May 2021

We report the case of a 59‐year‐old woman with stage IV erythrodermic mycosis fungoides (MF) and large cell transformation who, despite failing multiple previous treatments, achieved complete remission through a combination of pralatrexate and romidepsin followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Further studies are needed in focussing on this combined regimen in treating cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and its efficacy as a bridging regimen in facilitating successful alloSCT.
Pelvic pain: What are the symptoms and predictors for surgery, endometriosis and endometriosis severity
Authors: Conroy Isabelle , Mooney Samantha S. , Kavanagh Shane , Duff Michael , Jakab Ilona , Robertson Katharine , Fitzgerald Amy L. , Mccutchan Alexandra , Madden Siana , Maxwell Sarah , Nair Shweta , Origanti Nimita , Quinless Alish , Mirowski‐Allen Kelly , Sewell Megan , Grover Sonia R.
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition which significantly impacts the quality of life and wellbeing of many women. Laparoscopy with histopathology is recommended for investigation of pelvic pain and identification of endometriosis with concurrent removal. Never‐the‐less, the association between endometriosis and pelvic pain is challenging, with endometriosis identified in only 30–50% of women with pain.

Aims

To explore the predictors for undergoing surgery, for identifying endometriosis and endometriosis severity in a cohort of women with CPP.

Materials and Methods

This study forms part of the Persistent Pelvic Pain project, a prospective observational cohort study (ANZCTR:ACTRN12616000150448). Women referred to a public gynaecology clinic with pain were randomised to one of two gynaecology units for routine care and followed for 36 months with 6‐monthly surveys assessing demographics, medical history, quality of life, and pain symptoms measured on a Likert scale. Operative notes were reviewed and endometriosis staged.

Results

Of 471 women recruited, 102 women underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy, of whom 52 had endometriosis (n = 37 stage I–II;n = 15 Stage III–IV). Gynaecology unit, pelvic pain intensity and lower parity were all predictors of surgery (odds ratio (OR) 0.342; 95% CI 0.209–0.561; OR 1.303; 95% CI: 1.079–1.573; OR 0.767; 95% CI: 0.620–0.949, respectively). There were no predictors identified for endometriosis diagnosis and the only predictor of severity was increasing age (OR 1.155; 95% CI: 1.047–1.310).

Conclusions

Gynaecology unit and pain intensity were key predictors of undergoing laparoscopy; however, pain severity did not predict endometriosis diagnosis or staging. These findings indicate the need to review current frameworks guiding practice toward surgery for pelvic pain.
Bayesian decision rules to classification problems
Authors: Long Yuqi , Xu Xingzhong
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we analysed classification rules under Bayesian decision theory. The setup we considered here is fairly general, which can represent all possible parametric models. The Bayes classification rule we investigated minimises the Bayes risk under general loss functions. Among the existing literatures, the 0‐1 loss function appears most frequently, under which the Bayes classification rule is determined by the posterior predictive densities. Theoretically, we extended the Bernstein–von Mises theorem to the multiple‐sample case. On this basis, the oracle property of Bayes classification rule has been discussed in detail, which refers to the convergence of the Bayes classification rule to the one built from the true distributions, as the sample size tends to infinity. Simulations show that the Bayes classification rules do have some advantages over the traditional classifiers, especially when the number of features approaches the sample size.
The history, physiology and treatment safety of growth hormone
Authors: Tidblad Anders
Published: May 2021

Growth hormone treatment was introduced in the 1950s to address growth disturbances and metabolic abnormalities. Hundreds of thousands of children have been treated, with gradual expansion of treatment indications. From initially being offered only to patients with severe growth hormone deficiency, today many children are treated for conditions in which the associated short stature is not primarily thought to be due to deficient endogenous growth hormone secretion. This review discusses the history, physiology and safety of growth hormone treatment, with focus on the long‐term risks of mortality, cardiovascular morbidity and cancer. Conclusion: Continuous follow‐up is needed to increase our knowledge of the long‐term treatment safety.
Editorial: total anti‐drug antibodies detected using drug‐tolerant assays during induction with anti‐TNF therapy are associated with treatment failure—out of sight but not out of mind
Authors: Turbayne Alexander K. B. , Ward Mark G.
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tournier et al and Roblin et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16333 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16399
Comparison of short‐ and long‐term effectiveness between ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with Crohn's disease refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Manlay Luc , Boschetti Gilles , Pereira Bruno , Flourié Bernard , Dapoigny Michel , Reymond Maud , Sollelis Elisa , Gay Claire , Boube Mathilde , Buisson Anthony , Nancey Stéphane
Published: May 2021

Background

The best option between vedolizumab and ustekinumab after anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) failure remains unclear in Crohn's disease.

Aims

To compare the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in Crohn's disease patients with prior anti‐TNF exposure.

Methods

All Crohn's disease patients treated with ustekinumab or vedolizumab after exposure to at least one anti‐TNF agent were included from two referral centres. Primary endpoint was corticosteroid‐free clinical remission defined as Crohn's disease activity index <150 at week 54. Deep remission (corticosteroid‐free clinical remission and faecal calprotectin <100 µg/g) was assessed at week 14. Propensity‐matched analyses were applied to make the two groups comparable.

Results

Overall, 312 patients (ustekinumab = 224 and vedolizumab = 88) were included. After propensity score analysis, ustekinumab was more effective to achieve corticosteroid‐free clinical remission at week 54 (49.3% vs 41.2%, P = 0.04) and deep remission at Week 14 (25.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.02) than vedolizumab. The rate of primary nonresponders (6.7% vs 14.8%, P = 0.034) and the long‐term risk of drug discontinuation due to therapeutic failure (HR = 1.53 [1.04‐2.07], P = 0.029) were lower in patients treated with ustekinumab compared with vedolizumab. Predictors of ustekinumab failure were complicated phenotype (odds ratio [OR] = 2.35 [1.31‐4.22]; P = 0.004) and anti‐TNF primary non‐response (OR = 2.55 [1.27‐5.12]; P = 0.008). We did not find any predictor of corticosteroid‐free clinical remission in patients treated with vedolizumab. Vedolizumab was less effective than ustekinumab in patients >35 years old (OR = 0.41 [0.19‐0.87]), with noncomplicated phenotype (OR=0.42 [0.18‐0.96]), no prior bowel resection (OR = 0.49 [0.24‐0.96]), and no steroids at baseline (OR=0.47 [0.23‐0.97]).

Conclusion

Ustekinumab was more effective to achieve early and long‐term effectiveness than vedolizumab in Crohn's disease patients who previously failed response to anti‐TNF agents.
One‐year outcomes with ustekinumab therapy in infliximab‐refractory paediatric ulcerative colitis: a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Dhaliwal Jasbir , McKay Hayley E. , Deslandres Colette , Debruyn Jennifer , Wine Eytan , Wu Ashley , Huynh Hien , Carman Nicholas , Crowley Eileen , Church Peter C. , Walters Thomas D. , Ricciuto Amanda , Griffiths Anne M. ,   the Canadian Children IBD Network
Published: May 2021

Background

The phase 3 (UNIFI) trial of ustekinumab (anti‐interleukin 12/23) demonstrated efficacy even after prior biologic failure in adult ulcerative colitis (UC), but paediatric data are lacking.

Aim

To prospectively monitor efficacy and serum concentrations of ustekinumab given to children with UC refractory to other biologics.

Methods

Children with anti‐TNF refractory UC initiating ustekinumab intravenously at sites of the Canadian Children IBD Network prior to 12/2019 are included. The primary endpoint was steroid‐free clinical remission with subcutaneous ustekinumab at 52 weeks (Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index <10, no steroids ≥4 weeks). Ustekinumab levels were measured after week 20. Endoscopic improvement was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1, or faecal calprotectin (FCP) <250 μg/g if not re‐colonoscoped.

Results

At six sites between 01/2018 and 11/2019, 25 children (median [IQR] age 14.8 years [12.3‐16.2], 72% female) with UC duration 2.3 years (1.1‐4.2) received intravenous ustekinumab (median dose/kg of 6.4 [5.5‐7.5] mg). All patients had failed prior infliximab therapy, and 12 (48%) also vedolizumab. Five patients discontinued ustekinumab after IV induction (four undergoing colectomy). On intent to treat basis, 44% achieved the primary endpoint of steroid‐free remission at week 52, including nine (69%) of 13 who previously treated with anti‐TNF only vs two (17%) of 12 who previously failed also by vedolizumab (P = 0.008). Seven of 11 remitters met the criteria for endoscopic improvement. The median (IQR) trough levels (μg/mL) were greater with q4 vs q8 weekly dosing (8.7 [4.6‐9.9] vs 3.8 [12.7‐4.8]) P = 0.02, but greater exposure was not associated with a superior rate of clinical remission. No adverse events were associated with therapy.

Conclusion

Ustekinumab demonstrated efficacy in this paediatric cohort with otherwise treatment‐refractory UC. Treatment failure was not due to inadequate drug exposure.
Gross morphology and cnidae of edwardsiella anemones and larvae (Anthozoa, Edwardsiidae) from the Swedish West Coast
Authors: Östman Sonja Carina , Friis Møller Lene
Published: May 2021

The American ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, recently found in Skagerrak off the Swedish west coast, carried parasitic anemone larvae identified as Edwardsiella sp. In the Western Atlantic Ocean, M. leidyi are commonly infected by larvae of American Edwardsiella lineata anemones. It was questioned whether the parasitic larvae came across the Atlantic with the invasive ctenophore, or whether they belonged to the native E. carnea anemones. However, recent molecular investigations identified E. carnea and E. lineata as different species and the Swedish larvae from M. leidyi as E. carnea. Present morphological investigation supports the distinction of E. carnea anemones from E. lineata by a changeable rounded to flattened physa without rugae and by white pigmentation on basal outer tentacles. One Swedish larva developed into a juvenile with this characteristic column differentiation, identifying our larva as E. carnea and confirming its ability to produce parasitic larvae. Cnidome descriptions of E. carnea anemones and larvae reveal three similar cnidae in E. carnea and E. lineata anemones and larvae, and cnidae specific to either anemone or larval stages. Cnidome characteristics support our parasitic larvae as an Edwardsiella member, but further comparable studies of E. lineata cnidomes are warranted for evaluating their taxonomic significance.
Investigating the educational experiences of transnational students: Differences in academic integration, social integration, and institutional and goal commitment
Authors: Steele Andrea R. , Douglas Heather E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite the growing popularity of transnational education, there is a dearth of quantitative research regarding how transnational students experience higher education.

Aims

This comparative study sought to explore differences in educational experiences between transnational and onshore domestic students enrolled either at the Australian (domestic) or Singapore (transnational) campus of an Australian university.

Sample and Methods

An online survey gathered responses from 199 domestic students and 313 transnational students.

Results

Results indicated transnational students to be significantly lower than domestic students on social and academic integration, institutional commitment, and satisfaction. No group differences were found in persistence intentions. A series of regression analyses showed integration and commitment significantly predicted student persistence intentions, across both cohorts, beyond demographic and course characteristics.

Conclusions

This study offers several recommendations for how universities can better foster integration and commitment in their transnational students, including better funding the development of student societies and providing realistic course previews and career advice to students upon entry into their courses. Further, universities are encouraged to reconsider their transnational staffing models to provide more opportunities for academic support and student consultation beyond the classroom.
‘Oh no, not a group!’ The factors that lonely or isolated people report as barriers to joining groups for health and well‐being
Authors: Stuart Avelie , Stevenson Clifford , Koschate Miriam , Cohen Jessica , Levine Mark
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Belonging to groups can significantly affect people’s health and well‐being for the better (‘the social cure’) or worse (‘the social curse’). Encouraging people to join groups is a central component of the Social Prescribing movement; however, not everyone who might benefit from Social Prescribing aspires to participating in groups. This study aims to identify what barriers are preventing people from experiencing the associated health and well‐being benefits of group belonging.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were 11 white British people (aged 48‐86), 1 male and 10 female, recruited by a charity partner of a Social Prescribing project.

Results

The themes derived from the interviews are as follows: (1) ‘The dread, the fear of being in a group’: When groups do not meet needs; (2) ‘I can remember as quite a young child backing out of things’: Accumulative barriers over the lifetime, and (3) ‘I’m singing away and feeling terribly miserable’: the challenges of fitting in with others in groups. The themes reflect how people can feel deterred from social interaction, which interferes with their ability to derive a sense of belonging or shared identity associated with the ‘social cure’.

Conclusions

A key challenge for Social Prescribing is to meet the social needs of people disinclined to join groups; groups can be detrimental to health and well‐being if there are barriers to integration. Alternative ways of structuring groups or activities may be more effective and can still avail of the belonging and identity associated with ‘the social cure’.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase mutation and the p53 pathway in T1 urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Jahnson Staffan , Söderkvist Peter , Aljabery Firas , Olsson Hans
Published: May 2021

Objective

To study the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutation and the p53 pathway in T1 urinary bladder cancer (UBC).

Materials and Methods

This prospectively performed population‐based study included all patients in the Southeast Healthcare Region in Sweden with T1 UBC registered in the period 1992–2001, inclusive. Given that p53 and TERT are important factors for tumour proliferation, although their interrelationships are unknown, we assessed both the TERT and the p53 mutations. Furthermore, we conducted a p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis using two thresholds for p53 positivity: 10% of tumour cells and 50% of tumour cells (p53 IHC50%). Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to study time to tumour progression.

Results

Out of 158 patients, we observed the TERT mutation in 74 (47%), the p53 mutation in 48 (30%), and p53 IHC50% positivity in 72 patients (46%). The TERT mutation was more common in p53 mutation‐positive patients (P = 0.009), and the latter group also had more patients with p53 IHC50%‐positive tumour cells (P = 0.02). In the TERT mutation‐negative tumours a p53‐positive mutation was associated with a shorter time to progression (P = 0.03) compared to patients with p53‐negative mutation. In contrast, in tumours with both TERT mutation positivity and p53 mutation positivity, a longer time to progression was observed in the group with p53 IHC50% positivity compared to the group with p53 IHC50%‐negative tumours.

Conclusions

In stage T1 UBC, the combination of the TERT mutation and the p53 mutation was associated with tumour progression. A protective effect of the TERT promotor mutation against tumour progression induced by the p53 mutation and subsequent p53 accumulation in tumour cells might be possible, but further investigations are necessary.
Comparison of the soft and hard peri‐implant tissue dimensional changes around single immediate implants in the esthetic zone with socket shield technique versus using xenograft: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Atef Mohamed , El Barbary Ahmed , Dahrous Mona Salah El‐D , Zahran Amr Fouad
Published: May 2021

Objective

Compare the dimensional changes of the peri‐implant soft and hard tissues clinically and radiographically around single immediate implants in the esthetic zone with socket shield technique versus filling the buccal gap with xenograft.

Materials and methods

Forty‐two patients with a single non‐restorable tooth in the esthetic zone replaced with an immediate implant were randomly assigned either to the socket shield technique (test) or to grafting the buccal gap with xenograft (control). The vertical and horizontal buccal bone resorption were measured 6‐months following implant placement. The esthetic outcomes were evaluated by assessing the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and the amount of midfacial mucosal alteration, in addition to patient satisfaction assessment through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) based questionnaire 1‐year following implant restoration.

Results

The present study showed that the socket shield group yielded significantly less vertical and horizontal buccal bone resorption of 0.35 (±0.62) mm and 0.29 (±0.34) mm compared to 1.71 (±1.02) mm and 1.45 (±0.72) mm in the xenograft group respectively. Also, there was a significantly greater midfacial mucosal recession in the xenograft group of 0.466 (±0.58) mm compared to midfacial mucosal coronal migration of 0.45 (±0.75) mm in the socket shield group. However, there was no statistically significant difference regarding the total PES and patient satisfaction in both treatment groups.

Conclusion

The socket shield technique can preserve hard and soft peri‐implant tissues following immediate implant placement. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03684356).
Current preoperative strategies applied in the Dutch bariatric centers: A national survey
Authors: Kolen Aniek M. , Romeijn Marleen M. , Holthuijsen Daniëlle D. B. , Janssen Loes , Greve Jan Willem M. , Leclercq Wouter K. G. , van Dielen François M. H.
Published: May 2021

There is no consensus about the optimal management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This study aimed to identify current weight loss goals prior to bariatric surgery, as well as aimed to explore preoperative strategies related to diet, nutritional supplements and physical activity. An online survey was distributed among bariatric surgeons and dietitians in all 18 Dutch bariatric centers. This survey included the following four domains: weight loss, diet, nutritional supplements and physical activity. For the analyses one answer per center was used, either the most common answer or the answer given by the most expert responder. All 18 centers reported at least one response. Preoperative weight loss was requested in 28% of the centers, whereas 61% desired a stable weight or weight loss, and 11% had no requests. A preoperative diet was routinely recommended in 78% of the centers and on indication (ie, depending on baseline weight and/or comorbidity status) in 22%. The most frequently prescribed diet was a low‐energy diet (800‐1500 kcal/day) in 44% of the centers. Nutritional supplements were recommended in 78% of the centers. Physical activity with low intensity was recommended in 83% of the centers, while physical exercise training with mid‐ to high‐intensity was recommended in 72%. Inconsistent responses within centers were observed in 56% of the questions. The current bariatric practice within the Netherlands shows high variability and inconsistencies in preoperative management. Consensus‐building and standardization of strategies should be promoted in the future.
Neurological effects of long‐term diet on obese and overweight individuals: An electroencephalogram and event‐related potential study
Authors: Ammar Ali Muhammad , Özöğür‐Akyüz Süreyya , Duru Adil Deniz , Caliskan Melisa , Demir Ceylan , Bostancı Tuğba , Elsallak Farouk , Shkokani Mohammad , Dokur Zümray , Ölmez Tamer , Ergün Can , Bebek Nerses , Yilmaz Gizem
Published: May 2021

The rise of overweight and obesity across all age groups can be considered as an epidemic. A high body mass index not only has effects on longevity and quality of life of people who suffer from it but also has cognitive and neurological consequences. Executive function (EF)—or the neural regions that support it might act as causes of obesity. The aim of this study is to compare the differences between healthy and obese/overweight individuals and to understand how a prolonged diet of 2 months can affect EF event‐related potential (ERP) components. Among the ERP metrics, N1, N2, and P3 are measured. Subjects underwent a diet program and their electroencephalogram was recorded every 4–6 weeks using a Stroop paradigm experiment. As the diet progressed, it was observed that perhaps more neural networks and executive control are engaged as the diet begins to take effect. Attention to nonfood increases and more control is exhibited when participants are presented with food images and food word stimuli. Increase in the N2 and P3 components highlight how the diet affects the brain during various stages of diet plans.
Using a randomized controlled trial to develop conservation strategies on rented farmlands
Authors: Weigel Collin , Harden Seth , Masuda Yuta J. , Ranjan Pranay , Wardropper Chloe B. , Ferraro Paul J. , Prokopy Linda , Reddy Sheila
Published: May 2021

Addressing the environmental impacts of large‐scale agriculture requires innovative approaches to conservation program design and evaluation. We used a randomized controlled trial and a sample of 2225 landowners in the Mississippi River Basin to test a new conservation program that targets a growing but overlooked population—nonoperating landowners (NOLs). To spur adoption of conservation practices on farmland rented out by NOLs, the program provided NOLs with ready‐to‐use lease language and a financial incentive. The program's design was informed by field work, the behavioral science literature, and the social science literature on barriers to conservation on farmland. We cannot detect an effect on conservation practices from the lease language or the incentive. The take‐up rate for the incentive was one‐tenth the expected rate based on NOL responses to a hypothetical offer in a survey. The results underscore the importance of assessing program performance by rigorously testing programs in real conservation settings.
COVID‐19 in heart transplant patients: Case reports from Brazil
Authors: Miranda Soriano Rafaela Vale de , Rossi Neto Joao Manoel , Finger Marco Aurelio , Santos Carolina Casadei dos , Lin‐Wang Hui Tzu
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic continues, with a late hyperinflammatory phase. The immunosuppressive therapy used in heart transplant patients, in theory, could reduce inflammation, thus benefitting patients with COVID‐19. So far, however, there is still very little literature on this subject.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study. We described laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes from 11 heart transplant patients with COVID‐19 assisted at Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology between March and July 2020.

Results

Patients with ages of between 35 and 79 years were enrolled, and heart transplantation ranged from 3 to 264 months. The main comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (9/11; 81.8%), hypertension (10/11; 90.9%), and chronic renal disease (6/11; 54.5%). Cyclosporine A was used in 10 (90.9%) patients, mycophenolate mofetil in 9 (81.8%) patients, and mTOR inhibitor in 5 (45.5%) patients. Fever and cough were observed in 8 (72.7%) patients, and dyspnea and gastrointestinal symptoms in 5 (45.5%) patients. Lymphopenia was observed in 10 (90.9%) patients and thrombocytopenia in 5 (45.5%) patients. The higher level of troponin associated with chest tomography above 50% of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates with ground‐glass opacity (GGO) was observed in those with the worst outcomes. Nine patients needed intensive care, and hospital stay ranged from 4 to 21 days, with 2 (18.2%) patients requiring vasopressor drugs and mechanical ventilation, and three (27.3%) patients dying due to COVID‐19 complications.

Conclusion

Heart transplant patients had similar symptoms and outcomes as the general population; immunosuppressive therapy seems not to have protected them. Patients who presented higher levels of troponin and D‐dimer, associated with greater GGO pulmonary infiltrates, had worse outcomes. More studies with larger cohorts may clarify immunosuppressive effects on COVID‐19 outcomes.
On Winegrowers and More‐than‐Human Workers in Ohioan and Alsatian Vineyards
Authors: Arceño Mark Anthony
Published: May 2021

Understandings of the terroir concept range from recognizing “the environment” as being largely responsible for affecting the taste of a place‐based product like wine to considering the intervening role of social actors in its production. This article takes the perspective that non‐human life forms, as well as non‐living entities, are more than just ecologically embedded observers. They also have active roles in the terroir system itself. Here, I use multispecies framings and multisensory approaches to analyze data gathered from interviews and participant observation with winegrowers in central Ohio and eastern France over a period of 18 months. I contend that non‐human actants contribute various forms of labor throughout the terroir system, as understood through semiotic relationships with human counterparts. Attending to more‐than‐human workers is important for understanding changes to the “taste of place” in times of climatic, political, and socio‐cultural change.
The value of intercluster single cell streaks, triplet signet ring cells, and a two‐cell population in urine small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Hotait Hassan
Published: May 2021

Doublet and triplet single‐cell nuclear moulding, crush artifacts, intercluster single‐cell streaking and a two‐cell population of small dark cells and large pale cells are helpful cytological clues to detect small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in voided urine.
Measurement properties of the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Classification System‐Expanded & Revised, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System in cerebral palsy: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Piscitelli Daniele , Ferrarello Francesco , Ugolini Alessandro , Verola Sofia , Pellicciari Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Aim

To systematically review and meta‐analyse the measurement properties of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Gross Motor Function Classification System‐Expanded & Revised (GMFCS‐E&R), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Six databases were searched. Articles on the measurement properties of the GMFCS, GMFCS‐E&R, MACS, and CFCS administered to children with CP were included. Quality was assessed by means of the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist. The level and grading of evidence were defined for each measurement property.

Results

Forty‐four articles were included in the systematic review and 37 articles were included in the meta‐analysis. The level (grading) of evidence was strong (positive) for reliability and construct validity. Content validity displayed an unknown level of evidence for the GMFCS, limited evidence (positive) for the MACS, and moderate evidence (positive) for the CFCS. There was moderate (positive) evidence for measurement error in the GMFCS and MACS. The level of evidence for responsiveness was unknown. No studies investigated cross‐cultural validity.

Interpretation

These instruments can be used by health care professionals and caregivers to quantify the constructs needed to measure ability in children with CP. Current high‐quality evidence supports the use of these tools to classify ability in children with CP. Adopting the COSMIN guidelines, content, and cross‐cultural validity should be investigated further.

What this paper adds

Strong evidence supports the reliability and construct validity of the GMFCS, GMFCS‐E&R, MACS, and CFCS as functional classification systems in children with cerebral palsy.

The GMFCS, GMFCS‐E&R, MACS, and CFCS can be used by both health care professionals and caregivers.

The GMFCS, GMFCS‐E&R, MACS, and CFCS should not be used to detect change.
Diverticulum of mitral valve
Authors: Li Qiufang , Xie Xiaojun , Yang Qi , Huang Xueying , Yu Fengxu
Published: May 2021

Diverticulum arising from the heart is an uncommon finding. They are incidentally detected by echocardiography as masses arising from the cardiac valves. We present a case of an incidental finding of a diverticulum arising from the mitral valve. This was initially detected by Transthoracic echocardiography and later confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography and pathologic appearance.
Setting and Validating Multiple Standards on a Multistage‐Adaptive Test
Authors: Lewis Jennifer , Lim Hwanggyu , Padellaro Frank , Sireci Stephen G. , Zenisky April L.
Published: May 2021

Setting cut scores on multistage‐adaptive tests (MSTs) is difficult, particularly when the test spans several grade levels, and the selection of items from MST panels must reflect the operational test specifications. In this study, we describe, illustrate, and evaluate three methods for mapping panelists’ Angoff ratings into cut scores on the scale underlying an MST. The results suggest the test characteristic function and item characteristic curve methods performed similarly, but the method based on dichotomizing panelists’ ratings at a response probability of .67 was unacceptable. The study featured a rating booklet design that allowed us to systematically evaluate the validity of the Angoff ratings across test levels, which contributed internal validity evidence for the cut scores, which were also evaluated using procedural and external validity evidence. The implications of the results for future standard setting studies and research in this area are discussed.
Immature acute leukaemias: lessons from the haematopoietic roadmap
Authors: Lefeivre Thomas , Jones Luke , Trinquand Amélie , Pinton Antoine , Macintyre Elizabeth , Laurenti Elisa , Bond Jonathan
Published: May 2021

It is essential to relate the biology of acute leukaemia to normal blood cell development. In this review, we discuss how modern models of haematopoiesis might inform approaches to diagnosis and management of immature leukaemias, with a specific focus on T‐lymphoid and myeloid cases. In particular, we consider whether next‐generation analytical tools could provide new perspectives that could improve our understanding of immature blood cancer biology.