bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should we stay or should we go: EU input legitimacy under threat? Social media and Brexit
Authors: Sebastião Dina , Borges Susana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to reflect on the conditions of referenda as an EU input legitimacy, on the era of social media microtargeting campaigns. Taking the case of Brexit as an example, it takes conclusions for the democracy as an inherent value of the EU multilevel polity and opens prospects for possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is interdisciplinary based, complementing political science approaches on EU democratic legitimacy and communication studies on social media and political communication. These are the theoretical frameworks for analysing the case of Brexit referendum campaign, which is based on an empirical tracing of strategies and contents used. This empirical assessment is supported by official reports of the House of Commons and of the UK Information Commissioner’s Office and media news on the case. Analysis and discussion of it allows to come to conclusions.

Findings

Primary finding is that manipulation and disinformation occurred in Brexit campaign, creating a biased, fake and unbalanced information. Second main finding is that microtargeting and suppression of public debate enhances the typical polarisation of binary options on a referendum, and in the case of Brexit deepened the social cleavage that already shaped voter’s preferences, once information consumed by citizens functioned as “eco-chambers”, strengthening preconceptions. The ultimate conclusion in this case is a sign that social media can deepen the historical gap between elites and voters in the EU, with negative consequences for democracy and social legitimacy of the EU political system.

Research limitations/implications

The almost impossible access to the digital microtargeted adverts used in campaigns, to allow a more detailed analysis of the EU content issued.

Practical implications

Conclusions of this research are useful for politicians and advisers of policy-making to reflect on the future of the political system of the EU in terms of democracy, and the Europe as a whole and think about measures to be taken either on the level of improving legitimacy processes or regulation of digital media.

Social implications

If practical implications are taken from conclusions of this study, enhancing democratic processes, avoiding privacy data manipulation and providing accurate, impartial and trustworthy information to citizens public can be a social benefit achieved mainly through regulation.

Originality/value

Despite some studies have been released on Brexit referendum, they have mainly been single-disciplinary. This study innovates because it conciliates political science theoretical views with communications studies’ ones, to produce strengthened reasoning ground on the purposed of this research: to search evidence that new political communication strategies within the social media landscape can be of special negative influence in EU referenda and for the future of the multilevel polity.
An illumination‐compensated Gaussian beam migration for enhancing subsalt imaging
Authors: Liu Shaoyong , Yan Zhe , Zhu Wenting , Han Bingkai , Gu Hanming , Hu Shanzheng
Published: May 2021

Seismic images of Earth's subsurface are essential for oil and gas exploration. Gaussian beam migration is popular for seismic imaging owing to its flexibility and efficiency of implementation. However, the practical use of classic Gaussian beam migration is limited for complicated structures such as subsalt because of poor seismic illumination in those areas. We propose an illumination‐compensated Gaussian beam migration under the framework of least‐squares migration, enhancing the subsalt imaging effectively. A novel scheme based on the Born modelling and migration of Gaussian beam is developed to estimate the point spreading function, with which the illumination compensation can be efficiently implemented in the local wavenumber domain. As the aim of least‐squares migration, the proposed illumination‐compensated Gaussian beam migration produces true‐amplitude images in subsalt areas, which facilitates the seismic interpretation of subsalt structures. The total computational cost of the proposed method includes one Born modelling process and two conventional Gaussian beam migrations, and thus it is much more efficient than the classic least‐squares migration which requires multiple iterations. Numerical examples have demonstrated the effectiveness of the adaptive strategies, manifesting applicable potential in oil and gas exploration of subsalt targets.
Roadkill islands: Carnivore extinction shifts seasonal use of roadside carrion by generalist avian scavenger
Authors: Fielding Matthew W. , Buettel Jessie C. , Brook Barry W. , Stojanovic Dejan , Yates Luke A.
Published: May 2021

Global road networks facilitate habitat modification and are integral to human expansion. Many animals, particularly scavengers, use roads as they provide a reliable source of food, such as carrion left after vehicle collisions. Tasmania is often cited as the ‘roadkill capital of Australia’, with the isolated offshore islands in the Bass Strait experiencing similar, if not higher, levels of roadkill. However, native mammalian predators on the islands are extirpated, meaning the remaining scavengers are likely to experience lower interference competition.

In this study, we used a naturally occurring experiment to examine how the loss of mammalian carnivores within a community impacts roadside foraging behaviour by avian scavengers.

We monitored the locations of roadkill and forest ravens Corvus tasmanicus, an abundant scavenger species, on eight road transects across the Tasmanian mainland (high scavenging competition) and the Bass Strait islands (low scavenging competition). We represented raven observations as one‐dimensional point patterns, using hierarchical Bayesian models to investigate the dependence of raven spatial intensity on habitat, season, distance to roadkill and route location.

We found that roadkill carcasses were a strong predictor of raven presence along road networks. The effect of roadkill was amplified on roads on the Bass Strait islands, where roadside carrion was a predictor of raven presence across the entire year. In contrast, ravens were more often associated with roadkill on Tasmanian mainland roads in the autumn, when other resources were low. This suggests that in the absence of competing mammalian scavengers, ravens choose to feed on roadside carrion throughout the year, even in seasons when other resources are available. This lack of competition could be disproportionately benefiting forest ravens, leading to augmented raven populations and changes to the vertebrate community structure.

Our study provides evidence that scavengers modify their behaviour in response to reduced scavenger species diversity, potentially triggering trophic shifts and highlighting the importance of conserving or reintroducing carnivores within ecosystems.
JobKeeper: The Australian Short‐Time Work Program
Authors: Walkowiak Emmanuelle
Published: May 2021

JobKeeper is a short‐time work subsidy implemented between March 2020 and March 2021 in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic to reinforce the resilience of the labour market. As a job retention (JR) program, JobKeeper supports businesses, protects jobs and employment relationships and secures income of Australian workers. Drawing on microeconomic and macroeconomic evaluations of the JR programs published in other countries in a pre‐pandemic period, this paper studies how the generosity, responsiveness, governance and eligibility criteria of JobKeeper may shape its efficiency and equity. We show that expected benefits of JobKeeper may be limited by some negative economic effects of short‐time work subsidies. Locking employees in their current position potentially crowds out more efficient matches on the labour market. These displacement effects may slow down economic recovery. As a wage subsidy, JobKeeper distorts the relative wage and employment prospects between eligible and non‐eligible workers. These substitution effects can increase the dualization of the Australian labour market and institutionalise lay‐offs inequities for workers holding a temporary visa. Finally, we argue that subsidies for part‐time work also generate incentives for working time reorganisations that should be evaluated.
Plural and Collective in the Sogdian Ancient Letters
Authors: Sims‐Williams Nicholas
Published: May 2021

In most varieties of Sogdian, all regular plural forms of nouns and adjectives are formed with a suffix which derives from the Old Iranian collective suffix *‐tā‐. In the earliest substantial Sogdian documents, however, the so‐called ‘Ancient Letters’ of the early 4th century ce, it can be shown that forms with this suffix differ in their syntax as well as their morphology from the plural forms inherited from Old Iranian and thus form a grammatical category distinct from ‘plural’.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose naltrexone in painful diabetic neuropathy: A randomized, double‐blind, active‐control, crossover clinical trial
Authors: Srinivasan Anand , Dutta Pinaki , Bansal Dipika , Chakrabarti Amitava , Bhansali Anil Kumar , Hota Debasish
Published: May 2021

Background

There is a need for newer therapies for chronic painful diabetic neuropathy as the existing drugs have their own limitations. Clinical trials on low‐dose naltrexone (1‐5 mg/d) showed efficacy and safety in certain chronic painful conditions, but not in painful diabetic neuropathy. Hence the present study was planned.

Methods

Sixty‐seven participants with painful diabetic neuropathy were randomized to receive either 2 mg naltrexone or 10 mg amitriptyline daily following a 2‐week run‐in period. The participants were followed up every 2 weeks for a total of 6 weeks. Up‐titration was done (to 4 mg naltrexone or 25/50 mg amitriptyline) if the pain reduction was less than 20% on the visual analog scale (VAS) during the next follow‐up visit. Efficacy was assessed using the change in VAS score at the end of 6 weeks from baseline. Safety was evaluated at each follow‐up visit. After 2 weeks of washout period, the participants were crossed over to receive the comparator drug for another 6 weeks with similar evaluations.

Results

The difference (confidence interval) in the change in VAS score between groups from baseline was 1.64 (−0.92 to 4.20) in per‐protocol analysis and 1.5 (−1.11 to 4.13) in intention‐to‐treat analysis. Eight and fifty‐two adverse events were reported in the naltrexone and amitriptyline groups, respectively (P < .001). The most common adverse events were mild diarrhea with naltrexone and somnolence with amitriptyline.

Conclusions

Low‐dose naltrexone exhibited similar efficacy and a superior safety profile compared with amitriptyline in painful diabetic neuropathy.
Screening and detection of chromosomal copy number alterations in the domestic horse using SNP‐array genotyping data
Authors: Pirosanto Y. , Laseca N. , Valera M. , Molina A. , Moreno‐Millán M. , Bugno‐Poniewierska M. , Ross P. , Azor P. , Demyda‐Peyrás S.
Published: May 2021

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of infertility in horses. However, they are difficult to detect using automated methods. Here, we propose a simple methodology based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array data that allows us to detect the main chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a single procedure. As proof of concept, we were able to detect chromosomal abnormalities in 33 out of 268 individuals, including monosomies, chimerisms, and male and female sex‐reversions, by analyzing the raw signal intensity produced by an SNP array‐based genotyping platform. We also demonstrated that the procedure is not affected by the SNP density of the array employed or by the inbreeding level of the individuals. Finally, the methodology proposed in this study could be performed in an open bioinformatic environment, thus permitting its integration as a flexible screening tool in diagnostic laboratories and genomic breeding programs.
Gridlock, Bureaucratic Control, and Nonstatutory Policymaking in Congress
Authors: Bolton Alexander
Published: May 2021

Increasing ideological polarization and dysfunction in Congress raise questions about whether and how Congress remains capable of constraining the activities of other actors in the separation of powers system. In this article, I argue Congress uses nonstatutory policymaking tools to overcome the burdens of legislative gridlock in an increasingly polarized time to constrain executive branch actors. I leverage a new data set of committee reports issued by the House and Senate appropriations committees from fiscal years 1923 through 2019 to empirically explore these dynamics and evaluate my argument. Traditionally, these reports are a primary vehicle through which Congress directs agency policymaking in the appropriations process. Committees increasingly turn to them when passing legislation is most difficult and interbranch agency problems are most pronounced. In this way, nonstatutory mechanisms may help maintain the balance of power across branches, even when Congress faces gridlock‐induced incapacity.
Laparoscopic side‐to‐side duodenoduodenostomy versus diamond‐shaped anastomosis for annular pancreas in the neonate
Authors: Li Bing , Chen Bing W. , Xia Lin S.
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this report is to present our experience of the last 5 years with repairs of congenital annular pancreas in neonates to determine the efficacy and outcomes of laparoscopic side‐to‐side duodenoduodenostomy compared to laparoscopic diamond‐shaped anastomosis.

Methods

A total of 35 patients with congenital annular pancreas in neonates were operated by laparoscopic procedure at our hospital during January 2015 and September 2020. Twenty patients underwent laparoscopic side‐to‐side duodenoduodenostomy (group A), and 15 patients of the control group underwent laparoscopic diamond‐shaped anastomosis (group B). The clinical data between the two groups were compared.

Results

The operative time is 77.5 ± 18.7 min in group A (range 50 ~ 125 min), and 92.5 ± 20.2 min in group B (range 75–155 min) (P = 0.029). Feedings started on postoperative day 4.5 ± 0.9 (range 3–6 days) in group A, whereas 6.5 ± 0.8 (range 4–7 days) in group B (P = 0.013). The cases in group A were discharged uneventfully in a mean of 9.2 ± 2.3 (range 7–15 days) postoperative day, and 11.4 ± 3.7 days (range 8–20 days) in group B (P = 0.041). The cases of group A have been followed up for 33.1 ± 15.4 months (range 3–60 months), group B had been followed up for 32.0 ± 14.0 months (range 6–55 months) (P > 0.05), and all the cases were doing well at the last follow‐up examination.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic side‐to‐side duodenoduodenostomy is beneficial to the recovery of intestinal function postoperatively in the neonate with annular pancreas.
The intensification of work in Europe: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Adăscăliței Dragoș , Heyes Jason , Mendonça Pedro
Published: May 2021

Using the most recent two waves of the European Working Conditions Survey (2010 and 2015) in a multilevel setting, the paper argues that national institutions have a significant effect on shifts in work intensity. We find that work has intensified in the aftermath of the economic crisis, but that intensification is restricted by labour market regulation and collective bargaining institutions. However, the effect of working time regulations varies across employment groups, with intensity levels for temporary agency workers increasing as regulations become more stringent. Furthermore, higher levels of unemployment intensify work for agency workers but not for workers on a fixed‐term contract relative to workers on a permanent contract.
Single nucleotide variants of succinate dehydrogenase A gene in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamai Takao , Higashi Satoru , Murakami Satoshi , Arai Kyoko , Namatame Takashi , Kijima Toshiki , Abe Hideyuki , Jamiyan Tsengelmaa , Ishida Kazuyuki , Shirataki Hiromichi , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: May 2021

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)‐deficient renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is mainly associated with a mutation in the SDHB gene and sometimes with mutations in the SDHC or SDHD genes. However, only three cases of succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA)‐deficient RCC have been reported, and the relation between SDHA mutations and RCC has not been clarified. This study assessed the role of SDHA gene mutations in human RCC. We investigated SDHA/B/C/D gene mutations in 129 human RCCs. Targeted next‐generation sequencing and direct Sanger sequencing revealed single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of the SDHA gene with amino acid sequence variations in 11/129 tumors, while no SDHB/C/D gene mutations were found. Tumor cells with SNVs of the SDHA gene were characterized by eosinophilic cytoplasm and various patterns of proliferation. Immunohistochemistry examination found that the 11 tumors with SNVs of the SDHA gene showed significant reduction of SDHA protein and SDHB protein expression compared to the 19 tumors without SDHA or SDHB mutations (both P < .0001). Western blotting showed a greater decrease in the expression of SDHA and SDHB proteins in the 11 tumors with SNVs of the SDHA gene than in the 19 tumors without (both P < .0001). There was a positive correlation between SDHA and SDHB protein levels (P < .0001). On immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, the 11 tumors with SNVs of the SDHA gene had higher protein expression for nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) compared to the 19 tumors without the mutation (P < .01). These observations suggest that SDHA gene mutations might be associated with a subset of RCC.
Activation of EHF via STAT3 phosphorylation by LMP2A in Epstein‐Barr virus–positive gastric cancer
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Okabe Atsushi , Usui Genki , Fukuyo Masaki , Matsusaka Keisuke , Rahmutulla Bahityar , Mano Yasunobu , Hoshii Takayuki , Funata Sayaka , Hiura Nobuhiro , Fukayama Masashi , Tan Patrick , Ushiku Tetsuo , Kaneda Atsushi
Published: May 2021

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is associated with approximately 10% of gastric cancers (GCs). We previously showed that EBV infection of gastric epithelial cells induces aberrant DNA methylation in promoter regions, which causes silencing of critical tumor suppressor genes. Here, we analyzed gene expressions and active histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, and H3K27ac) genome‐widely in EBV‐positive GC cell lines and in vitro EBV‐infected GC cell lines to elucidate the transcription factors contributing to tumorigenesis through enhancer activation. Genes associated with “signaling of WNT in cancer” were significantly enriched in EBV‐positive GC, showing increased active β‐catenin staining. Genes neighboring activated enhancers were significantly upregulated, and EHF motif was significantly enriched in these active enhancers. Higher expression of EHF in clinical EBV‐positive GC compared with normal tissue and EBV‐negative GC was confirmed by RNA‐seq using The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, and by immunostaining using our cohort. EHF knockdown markedly inhibited cell proliferation. Moreover, there was significant enrichment of critical cancer pathway–related genes (eg, FZD5) in the downstream of EHF. EBV protein LMP2A caused upregulation of EHF via phosphorylation of STAT3. STAT3 knockdown was shown to inhibit cellular growth of EBV‐positive GC cells, and the inhibition was rescued by EHF overexpression. Our data highlighted the important role of EBV infection in gastric tumorigenesis via enhancer activation.
Using chemical speciation modelling to discuss variations in patch test reactions to different aluminium and chromium salts
Authors: Nikpour Saman , Hedberg Yolanda S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis to metals is diagnosed by applying a metal salt in a patch test. The bioavailability of the metal salt might depend on the choice of metal salt, the concentration, sweat composition, and pH.

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to apply chemical speciation modelling, which is based on experimentally derived input data and calculates the concentrations of chemical forms (species) in solutions, to reproduce and discuss clinical patch test results of aluminium and chromium.

Methods

Joint Expert Speciation System (JESS), Hydra/Medusa, and Visual MINTEQ were employed to study the bioavailable fraction and chemical form of clinically applied aluminium and chromium salts as a function of salt type, applied concentration, sweat composition, and pH.

Results

Investigated aluminium and chromium salts can have a very low bioavailability with a large dependency on sweat composition, pH, metal salt, and concentration. Both aluminium and chromium ions could shift the pH towards acidic or basic values based on their chemical form.

Conclusions

Reported seasonal and interpatient variability in positive reactions to aluminium is likely related to sweat pH and composition. Potassium dichromate increases the pH, whereas aluminium and trivalent chromium chloride strongly decrease the pH, possibly increasing skin diffusion.
A biodiversity hotspot in turmoil: Doing away with circular 5/2001 could have catastrophic consequences for Sri Lanka's forests
Authors: Samarasinghe Dinal J. S. , Wikramanayake Eric D. , Jayakody Sevvandi , Fernando Suranjan , Gunawardana Jagath , Braczkowski Alexander
Published: May 2021

In 2017, Sri Lanka set a goal to increase its forest cover to 32% by 2030 (Sri Lanka UN‐REDD, 2017). However, on November 4th 2020, the government published circular MWFC/1/2020 revoking the circular 5/2001 of August 10th 2001, one of the country's most crucial forest protection directives. The revocation of the 5/2001 circular could severely hamper this target, posing a threat of deforestation to a variety of ecosystems which are not part of any formally designated protected areas (PA) in Sri Lanka, also known as Other State Forests. This includes forested areas adjoining PAs which are crucial for habitat connectivity and standalone state forest lands. Such a retrograde step could have potentially catastrophic ramifications on Sri Lanka's declining forest cover. It would also severely weaken the country's commitments to inter alia, the UNREDD Programme, Kyoto protocol and CBD. We therefore call on the Government of Sri Lanka to urgently reconsider and reverse this decision.
Niche differences may reduce susceptibility to competition between native and non‐native birds in oceanic islands
Authors: Soares Filipa C. , Leal Ana I. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , de Lima Ricardo F.
Published: May 2021

Aim

Few bird extinctions on oceanic island have been attributed to competition with non‐native species, even though it might be an overlooked driver of biodiversity loss. We evaluate the potential competition between native and non‐native island bird species, identifying species and island characteristics that enhance it and may promote future extinctions.

Location

Seventy‐three (>100 km2) oceanic islands worldwide.

Methods

We compiled a species list for each island and used single‐trait meta‐analyses to assess differences between native and non‐native species. Then, we used single‐trait beta regression models to identify species traits linked to potential competition. Finally, we used a trait‐based approach to calculate the potential competition between native and non‐native species on each island and identify island characteristics linked to potential competition.

Results

Native bird species tended to be smaller forest dwellers, that were either carnivore, frugivore or insectivore, and that foraged in flight, in the canopy or at mid‐height. In contrast, non‐native birds tended to be open habitat granivores, that were either ground or unspecialized foragers. Potential competition tended to be higher for native species with typical non‐native traits and forest‐dwelling unspecialized non‐native species. Potential competition between native and non‐native birds was consistently higher in islands that were larger, had more non‐native birds or were drier.

Main conclusions

Niche differentiation of native and non‐native species may explain the scarcity of reported competition‐driven extinctions since non‐natives clearly tend to favour and are better adapted to anthropogenic environments. However, the few non‐native birds that occur in native ecosystems may be problematic. The loss of native ecosystems coupled with the introduction of species that might outcompete native species may enhance the relevance of competition in future island extinctions.
Creation and relations—A sami perspective on Scandinavian creation theology
Authors: Webber Torbjørn Brox
Published: May 2021

From a Sami perspective, this article discusses how Scandinavian creation theology can support a stronger resilience against that which threatens the creation in all its variations. Sápmi is the land of the Indigenous Sami people in the northern part of Scandinavia and Kola penisiluania in Russia. During the 19th and 20th century the Norwegian part of Sápmi was colonized in the so‐called Norwegianization project. Today we see an increasing battle around natural resources. The article briefly depicts Sami indigenous theology, which emphasizes the circle of life, creation, and humanity's relationship within the creation and its Creator. It then presents several basic features of Scandinavian creation theology that highlight the egalitarianism surrounding the creation and how all people stand in relation to this with an ethical obligation to defend life where it is threatened.
Atrial cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Marschall Alexander , Rodriguez Torres Diego , Rueda Liñares Andrea , del Castillo Carnevali Hugo , Dejuán Bitriá Carmen , Fraile Sanz Cristina , Duarte Torres Juan , Álvarez Antón Salvador , Martí Sánchez David
Published: May 2021

In this rare case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) tumor thrombus with right atrial (RA) invasion, we describe its diagnostic workup based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). An 85‐year‐old man underwent transthoracic echocardiography due to dyspnea, revealing a RA mass. Comprehensive cMRI evaluation, including cine bright blood, T1‐ and T2‐weighed, fat‐suppressed, and contrast‐enhanced imaging, was performed and diagnosis of ICC tumor thrombus with RA invasion was made. This first description of cMRI‐guided diagnosis of RA invasion by ICC tumor thrombus points out the usefulness of cMRI for the diagnostic approach of RA masses suggestive of tumor thrombus.
Fundamental and clinical neuropharmacology, a terra incognita with constantly expanding frontiers
Authors: Zimmer Luc
Published: May 2021

Neuropharmacology is the science that studies the effects of drugs on the central nervous system. Examining the recent history of neuropharmacology allows us to identify future challenges and to project into the future. The contemporary history of neuropharmacology begins with the empirical use of psychotropic alkaloids in barbiturate preparations. Then the discovery of neuroleptics in the 1950s truly opened up the field of pharmacological science, with psychopharmacological clinical exploration in psychiatry, complemented by the contributions of neurochemists and biochemists discovering and exploring neurotransmission. These studies also contributed to the development of dopaminergic and serotonergic drugs used in neurology. The more recent period brought the advent of neuropsychopharmacology, sharing therapeutic targets in neurology and psychiatry on the one hand, and a translational research approach on the other. Moreover, the pharmacology of brain drugs is still a growing discipline in 2020. Despite emerging pharmacological concepts (biased agonists, glial targeting, epigenetic therapeutics, etc.), entire areas of brain‐based therapeutics need to be renewed, particularly in psychiatry, offering great challenges to a new generation of pharmacologists and clinicians.
Increased connectivity and depth improve the effectiveness of marine reserves
Authors: Goetze Jordan S. , Wilson Shaun , Radford Ben , Fisher Rebecca , Langlois Tim J. , Monk Jacquomo , Knott Nathan A. , Malcolm Hamish , Currey‐Randall Leanne M. , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Harasti David , Barrett Neville , Babcock Russell C. , Bosch Nestor E. , Brock Danny , Claudet Joachim , Clough Jock , Fairclough David V. , Heupel Michelle R. , Holmes Thomas H. , Huveneers Charlie , Jordan Alan R. , McLean Dianne , Meekan Mark , Miller David , Newman Stephen J. , Rees Matthew J. , Roberts Kelsey E. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Speed Conrad W. , Travers Michael J. , Treml Eric , Whitmarsh Sasha K. , Wakefield Corey B. , Harvey Euan S.
Published: May 2021

Marine reserves are a key tool for the conservation of marine biodiversity, yet only ~2.5% of the world's oceans are protected. The integration of marine reserves into connected networks representing all habitats has been encouraged by international agreements, yet the benefits of this design has not been tested empirically. Australia has one of the largest systems of marine reserves, providing a rare opportunity to assess how connectivity influences conservation success. An Australia‐wide dataset was collected using baited remote underwater video systems deployed across a depth range from 0 to 100 m to assess the effectiveness of marine reserves for protecting teleosts subject to commercial and recreational fishing. A meta‐analytical comparison of 73 fished species within 91 marine reserves found that, on average, marine reserves had 28% greater abundance and 53% greater biomass of fished species compared to adjacent areas open to fishing. However, benefits of protection were not observed across all reserves (heterogeneity), so full subsets generalized additive modelling was used to consider factors that influence marine reserve effectiveness, including distance‐based and ecological metrics of connectivity among reserves. Our results suggest that increased connectivity and depth improve the aforementioned marine reserve benefits and that these factors should be considered to optimize such benefits over time. We provide important guidance on factors to consider when implementing marine reserves for the purpose of increasing the abundance and size of fished species, given the expected increase in coverage globally. We show that marine reserves that are highly protected (no‐take) and designed to optimize connectivity, size and depth range can provide an effective conservation strategy for fished species in temperate and tropical waters within an overarching marine biodiversity conservation framework.
Twitter conferences as a low‐carbon, far‐reaching and inclusive way of communicating research in ornithology and ecology
Authors: Caravaggi Anthony , Olin Agnes B. , Franklin Kirsty A. , Dudley Steve P.
Published: May 2021

Academic conferences play an important role in the scientific community by providing an opportunity for researchers to discuss their work and to network. However, drawbacks of traditional face‐to‐face (F2F) conferences, such as the ostensible exclusion of non‐scientists, the substantial environmental footprint, and the large costs in terms of both time and money are increasingly being recognized. As a result, alternative and complementary formats are being explored. One of these is the Twitter conference (TC), in which research is presented and discussed on the social media platform Twitter. Here, we use hashtag and presenter data from several ornithology and ecology conferences (both TCs and F2F events) to explore the potential reach of the tweets and the magnitude of the difference in greenhouse gas emissions between the two conference types. We found that TCs generated greater engagement than F2F events, have the potential to reach a very large audience and result in a substantial reduction in emissions. Further, we argue that the format promotes presenter and audience diversity due to participation being flexible and virtually cost‐free. While we recognize some disadvantages of this format compared to F2F events, especially in relation to the social and networking aspects of conferences, we envision that virtual events, such as TCs, will play an important role in the future of science dissemination and outreach. By embracing such opportunities, academic conferences can move towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Curcumin mouthwashes versus chlorhexidine in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Maweri Sadeq A. , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser , Deshisha Esraa A. , Alshafei Ameera K. , Ahmed Azza I. , Almudayfi Nada O. , Alshammari Sara A. , Alsharif Alla , Kassim Saba
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the available evidence regarding the efficacy of curcumin mouthwashes on plaque and gingivitis.

Methods

A comprehensive online search of multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was performed to identify all relevant studies published up to August 2020, using the following keywords: curcumin, turmeric, gingivitis, periodontal health, and plaque control. All clinical trials that compared the efficacy of curcumin mouthwash with chlorhexidine in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software. The risk of bias was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane assessment tool.

Results

Six randomized clinical trials (comprising 320 subjects) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Five studies showed a high risk of bias and only one study showed a low risk of bias. The pooled data of the six included studies revealed comparable efficacy of curcumin and chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque (I2 = 91%; standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.27, 95% CI: −0.53, 1.07,p = 0. 51) and gingival inflammation (I2 = 40%; SMD: −0.13, 95% CI: −0.35, 0.09,p = 0.24), with no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that curcumin mouthwashes have promising anti‐plaque and anti‐gingivitis properties. Further clinical trials with adequate sample sizes and standardized methodologies are required to discern the efficacy of curcumin mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Comparing protection‐motivation theory‐based intervention with routine public dental health care
Authors: Kimhasawad Wachiree , Punyanirun Kulnipa , Somkotra Tewarit , Detsomboonrat Palinee , Trairatvorakul Chutima , Songsiripradubboon Siriporn
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste has a major effect on the reduction in dental caries. However, among young children, tooth brushing requires skill and motivation from caregivers and is not widely practised. To find a more effective way to train caregivers, Protection‐Motivation Theory (PMT)‐based educational programmes were compared with the basic one with regard to the incremental caries rate in children, caregiver's motivation and caregiver's awareness.

Methods

In a quasi‐experimental study, 9‐ to18‐month‐old children and their caregivers (N = 102) were allocated to PMT or control groups. The PMT group received PMT‐based oral health education programme while the control group received public hospital's current one. Children's caries status and motivation and awareness among caregivers were measured. Mann‐Whitney U test was used to find out the difference between control and test groups.

Results

After 12 months, the PMT group showed lower dmft, dmfs and incremental caries rate compared with control. Chi‐square test showed the control group was at more risk of developing additional dental caries (RR 2.23, 95% C.I.: 1.41–3.54, p < 0.001), and when early carious lesions were included (RR 2.40, 95% C.I.: 1.56–3.69, p < 0.001). In terms of motivation and awareness among caregivers, the PMT group rated their perception of disease severity and belief in self‐efficacy significantly higher than the control group.

Conclusions

PMT‐based education programmes encourage suitable motivation and awareness that changes oral healthcare behaviour of caregivers, relating to decreased incremental caries rate in infants and toddlers comparing with regular health education methods.
Trial registration and selective outcome reporting in Endodontic Research: Evidence over a 5‐year period
Authors: Tzanetakis Giorgos N. , Koletsi Despina
Published: May 2021

Aim

To assess the prevalence of registration of clinical trials in endodontic research and to identify outcome reporting discrepancies between trial registration entries and respective final publications. Associations with publication characteristics, such as journal, year of publication, origin, number of centres and authors, funding and statistical significance of the findings, were also sought.

Methodology

All reports of endodontic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 4 endodontic specialty and 4 general dental journals from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 were identified. Trial registration frequency patterns were assessed for the included RCTs, whilst for the ones registered, outcome reporting discrepancies were recorded. Article characteristics such as year of publication, geographic region, number of centres, authors participating in the publication, funding, type of registration and others were identified. Descriptive statistics and univariable/multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the effect of study characteristics on identified registration practices.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐five RCTs were included, with the majority published in specialty journals (121/155; 78.1%). A total of 42.6% of the identified RCTs was registered (66/155), mostly retrospectively (38/66; 57.6%). There was strong evidence that each additional year for more recent publication accounted for 1.42 times higher odds of being registered (adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.80; p = .004). More than 1/3 of registered RCTs presented outcome reporting discrepancies (24/66; 36.4%), whilst such inconsistencies were almost evenly distributed between primary and secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Trial registration policies in endodontic research should be reviewed and active endorsement of prospective registration practices should be prioritized for better clarity and transparency of the disseminated research. Outcome reporting discrepancies shall thus be eliminated, offering increased credibility in research findings and eliminating bias in this respect.
A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature on health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants
Authors: Li Jialin , Lowres Nicole , Koo Fung Kuen , Gallagher Robyn
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants and identify potential education barriers.

Background

Health professionals caring for Chinese immigrants often encounter communication barriers, leading to uncertainty of quality of care.

Design

This study is a quantitative and qualitative systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched, limited to 1980 to October 2020.

Review methods

Articles were included if they reported results about health professional communication with Chinese patients. Quality was appraised using Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines and thematic synthesis conducted.

Results

Of 1363 articles, seven studies were included. These described provider–patient communication in primary care, oncology and palliative settings only. Three core themes were identified: (1) family‐centred health communication where family controls provider–patient information exchange; (2) mismatch of provider–patient health beliefs and knowledge on diet, nutrition, traditional medicine, place for death and disease prevention and (3) mismatch of language and resources as skilled providers proficient in specific dialects are limited; communication resources are perceived as infrequently available and content is insufficient.

Conclusion

Studies describing health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants are limited. Key barriers identified included cultural and language disparities and communication resources are inadequate to support health professionals' needs.
Circulating diazepam‐binding inhibitor in infancy: Relation to markers of adiposity and metabolic health
Authors: Díaz Marta , Blasco‐Roset Albert , Villarroya Joan , López‐Bermejo Abel , de Zegher Francis , Villarroya Francesc , Ibáñez Lourdes
Published: May 2021

Background

Diazepam‐binding inhibitor (DBI) controls feeding behaviour and glucose homeostasis. Individuals born small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) with excessive postnatal catch‐up in weight are at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Objective

To assess serum concentrations of DBI (0‐2 years) in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA, n = 70) vs SGA infants (n = 33) with spontaneous catch‐up and their relationship with endocrine‐metabolic and adiposity markers.

Methods

Longitudinal assessments included auxology, fasting glucose, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor, high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin, DBI and body composition (absorptiometry). DBI was measured cross‐sectionally in pregnant and non‐pregnant women and in 2‐day‐old newborns. DBI mRNA expression levels were assessed in adult and neonatal tissues.

Results

Cord blood DBI concentrations were similar in AGA and SGA newborns and about fivefold higher than those in women. Serum DBI levels decreased by age 2 days, were higher in SGA vs AGA infants at age 2 years and associated negatively with markers of adiposity and insulin resistance and positively with high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin. DBI mRNA expression was lower in placenta than in other tissues.

Conclusion

The increased DBI concentrations at birth are unrelated to prenatal growth. The higher DBI levels in SGA subjects at age 2 years may be related to catch‐up growth or represent an adaptive mechanism to promote lipogenesis.
IR transmission prediction, processing, and characterization of dense La2Ce2O7
Authors: Kim Hyunjun , Akdim Brahim , Park James , Jang Woo‐Yong , Hay Randall S. , Urbas Augustine M. , Woodward Christopher
Published: May 2021

High‐throughput computation, based on density functional theory (HT‐DFT), is used to predict the bounds for optical transparency, from the ultraviolet to the infrared, for materials in the pyrochlore family. The HT‐DFT approach adopted here uses an initial screening from Materials‐Project database, with millions of calculated properties. Band gaps and phonon spectra were calculated from selected pyrochlore crystal structures taken from the Materials Project database. Short and long wavelength bounds for optical transparency were calculated for chemistries with stable, cubic structures. The calculations predict that La2Ce2O7 has one of the broadest range of transparency for the pyrochlore family. Based on these calculations, dense polycrystalline samples of La2Ce2O7were produced by sintering and hot‐isostatic pressing. Transparency was characterized by methods that did not require large samples with high optical quality, obtaining 7.15 and 7.5 µm at 95% and 90% normalized transmittance, respectively. Bandgap calculations suggest a lower bound of UV transparency cut‐off of 0.3 µm. The infrared wavelength cut‐off is higher than that reported for other pyrochlores, and higher than for yttria, zirconia, or other common infrared transparent ceramics. We discuss our prediction and characterization methods as well as the suitability of pyrochlores for mid‐ and far‐infrared optical applications.
Two centuries of changes in Andean crop distribution
Authors: González‐Orozco Carlos E. , Porcel Mario
Published: May 2021

Aim

Historical changes in crop distributions of tropical regions are poorly understood and rarely quantified due to the scarcity of historical records. As early as 1796, Francisco José de Caldas recorded crop distribution and drew maps depicting crop regions for eight crops. Using Caldas’ crop regions, we identify changes of crop distribution in relation to latitude and elevation, as well as compare their elevational limits over two centuries.

Location

The northern Andean mountain range between Colombia and Ecuador.

Taxon

Wheat, barley, potato, maize, sugarcane, cacao, plantain and cassava.

Methods

We analysed Caldas’ crop regions and compared them with a current homologous replication of the same crops. We tested whether elevational ranges and mean elevation of the crops varied between the colonial and contemporary periods and analysed the relationship between elevation and latitude.

Results

In quantifying the historical and contemporary distributions, we identified a large expansion of 740.1 meters in the elevational range over 224 years for all eight crops. We also found crops located at lower latitudes south towards Quito distributed at a higher elevation.

Main conclusions

Our findings use historical data never used before to investigate the evolution of crop distribution since the colonial period. Our analysis provides evidence to conclude that Caldas’ work on climate and agriculture was essential to developing the field of tropical agriculture climatology, a discipline for which Caldas established but was never given recognition.
Association of visit‐to‐visit glycemic variability with risk of cardiovascular diseases in high‐risk Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A subanalysis of the EMPATHY trial
Authors: Sato Midori , Inaishi Jun , Saisho Yoshifumi , Sato Yasunori , Komuro Issei , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Long‐term glycemic variability is important for predicting diabetic complications, but evaluation in a Japanese population is lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between visit‐to‐visit glycemic variability (VVV) and cardiovascular diseases (CV) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, using the prospective cohort of the EMPATHY trial.

Materials and Methods

Among 4532 participants with at least three HbA1c measurements, VVV was defined using the coefficient of variation (CV‐HbA1c). The outcomes were the composite cardiovascular endpoints, including cardiac, cerebral, renal, and vascular events. The odds ratios (ORs) for the development of outcomes were estimated by using logistic regression models.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 38 months, 190 subjects developed CV events. The risk of developing CV events increased significantly with increasing quintile of CV‐HbA1c, after multivariable adjustment including the mean‐HbA1c (OR for the fifth vs first quintile, 1.73; 95%CI, 1.03–2.91; P for trend test = 0.003). There was a stronger association between CV‐HbA1c and CV events in patients with a mean‐HbA1c of <7% compared with those with a mean‐HbA1c of ≥7% (OR per 1 standard deviation, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.23–1.85 and 1.13; 95%CI, 0.98–1.29, respectively; P for interaction = 0.02).

Conclusions

Increases of VVV were associated with the risk of CV events in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes independent of the mean‐HbA1c. The long‐term variability of HbA1c as well as the mean HbA1c might be an important glycemic indicator in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with a mean‐HbA1c of <7%.