bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of a native dominant plant, Euphorbia jolkinii, on plant–flower visitor networks and pollen deposition on stigmas of co‐flowering species in subalpine meadows of Shangri‐La, SW China
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Hui , Memmott Jane , Vaughan Ian P. , Li Hai‐Dong , Ren Zong‐Xin , Lázaro Amparo , Zhou Wei , Xu Xin , Wang Wei‐Jia , Liang Huan , Li De‐Zhu , Wang Hong
Published: February 2021

Anthropogenic activity can modify the distribution of species abundance in a community leading to the appearance of new dominant species. While many studies report that an alien plant species which becomes increasingly dominant can change species composition, plant–pollinator network structure and the reproductive output of native plant species, much less is known about native plant species which become dominant in their communities.

Euphorbia jolkinii Boissier (Euphorbia, hereafter) has become a dominant native plant in the over‐grazed meadows of Shangri‐La, SW China. During the flowering season of Euphorbia and over 2 years, we quantified the impact of Euphorbia on plant richness and flower visitor richness in 12 subalpine meadows along a gradient of Euphorbia dominance. We also evaluated the floral preferences of flower visitors, interaction evenness of plant–flower visitor networks and the deposition of pollen on the stigmas of two co‐flowering plant species (Gentiana chungtienensis and Anemone rupestris) in each meadow.

The species richness of flower visitors to non‐Euphorbia plants was negatively correlated with Euphorbia dominance. As the proportion of Euphorbia increases, flower visitors to Euphorbia decreased, while flower visitors to other co‐flowering plants increased. Interaction evenness decreased as the proportion of Euphorbia increased. Furthermore, the conspecific pollen deposition of one of the two co‐flowering plant species studied, G. chungtienensis, decreased as the proportion of Euphorbia increased.

Synthesis. There appears to be little substantive difference between the impact of a newly dominant native plant and the impacts reported for many alien plants on native plant–pollinator communities. This lack of difference suggests that dominance, in addition to plant origin (alien vs. native), could play an important role in influencing the structure and functioning of native communities. This finding has considerable implications for restoration ecology. Thus, communities where natural dominance order has been changed due to anthropogenic activity may not be considered a problem as all the species are native—in reality though, they may be as damaged as communities invaded by alien species.
Facilitation and the invasibility of plant communities
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: February 2021

One of the most studied emergent functions of plant community diversity is the resistance of diverse communities to non‐native invasions. As emphasized in this Special Feature, facilitation among native species is a key mechanism by which biodiversity increases various functions, including resistance to invasion. However, when diverse assemblages facilitate non‐native species, diversity–invasibility resistance may be compromised.

Here, I review the scientific literature on plant invasion in which facilitative interactions, either among native and non‐native plant species or among non‐native species, affect community invasibility.

Native species can directly facilitate non‐native species, and also generate net indirect facilitative effects through suppressing species that compete with non‐native invaders, but examples of the latter are not common. Such direct and indirect facilitation among non‐native species contributes to ‘invasional meltdown’ that restructures native communities.

In general, facilitative interactions between native and non‐native species increased with environmental stress, suggesting that community diversity might resist invasion more effectively in environmentally favourable sites, whereas in environmentally severe sites, facilitative interactions may contribute to invasibility.

Synthesis. Native and non‐native species can facilitate each other in direct and indirect ways, with important consequences for the invasibility of communities. Facilitative interactions may alter the fundamental relationship between diversity and invasibility, particularly in environmentally severe habitats.
Settling on a national Indigenous Australian ‘voice’
Authors: Chesterman John
Published: February 2021

This article argues that the call for establishment of a national Indigenous ‘voice’ ought to be seen by the Australian government in historical context, primarily as a call for remediation for historical injustices, not just as an opportunity for improvement in the lives and governance of Indigenous Australians. Viewed this way, the call carries with it an imperative for government both to recognise the moral weight underpinning it and to be active in seeking to settle the matter, either by agreeing to the reform proposal or otherwise by negotiating an acceptable outcome. The article closes by considering possible ways in which settlement might occur.
UNDERSTANDING SCALAR POLITICS THROUGH THE FRAMEWORK OF RELATIONAL ARCHIPELAGOS: The Case of Shenzhen Fair, China
Authors: Wang June
Published: February 2021

In this article I aim to tackle two binary readings of scale: the networked/hierarchical and the political/economic. By revisiting and reframing the concept of the archipelago, I develop a framework of relational hierarchical networks that foregrounds the mutual constitution of networks and hierarchies through a processual examination of scale production, taking the Shenzhen Fair as a case study. The fair is a valuable site for interrogating the issue of scale politics—that is, how to catapult a city into China's trading circuit, while simultaneously allowing a new epistemological construction of nationhood. I present two arguments in this study: first, territorial logic and capitalist logic are entangled in constructing networks for flows of discursive and material things, and these networks form new hierarchies of place. Second, various political and economic interests might gravitate towards different geographies through the same process of networking. I also assess how the newly produced state space is a relational archipelago that unifies formerly disparate places and sectors and enables the mobility of discursive and material things, and how the redistribution of these discourses and materials reconfigures the state space.
The chimera of time: Exploring the functional properties of an emergency response room in action
Authors: Steen Riana , Patriarca Riccardo , Di Gravio Giulio
Published: February 2021

Emergency response (ER) planners have developed plans either under "all‐hazards" approach, focusing on a full spectrum of emergencies or under a specific scenario—in which planning underlines aligned actions to respond to a particular situation. Either of them represents the so‐called Work‐As‐Imagined (WAI) operation. However, the growing complexity, the scope of emerging situation and the level of uncertainty, create unpredicted challenges for ER operation, which represent another variety of work named Work‐As‐Done (WAD). These challenges require different degrees of adaptation to avoid the cascading impacts of an event into an accident, or even a disaster. Drawing upon the traditional Functional Resonance Analysis (FRAM), we provide a novel FRAM representation, which reflects adaptive capacities on functional inter‐relationships, and their evolution over time in different scenarios. Rather than using time as an aspect of the FRAM hexagon in its traditional sense, we propose an explicit time‐dependent analysis. We outline how to make the chimera of time response feasible in ER operations and how to represent respective sources of success. Based on our FRAM approach, we conduct an incident analysis referred to an event that happened in Gjøa in 2017, in Norway at the North Sea, to understand adaptation in the four different ER phases, that is mobilizing, alert/warning, combat and normalization.
The sensory properties and metabolic impact of natural and synthetic sweeteners
Authors: Mora Margaux R. , Dando Robin
Published: February 2021

The global rise in obesity, type II diabetes, and other metabolic disorders in recent years has been attributed in part to the overconsumption of added sugars. Sugar reduction strategies often rely on synthetic and naturally occurring sweetening compounds to achieve their goals, with popular synthetic sweeteners including saccharin, cyclamate, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, alitame, and advantame. Natural sweeteners can be further partitioned into nutritive, including polyols, rare sugars, honey, maple syrup, and agave, and nonnutritive, which include steviol glycosides and rebaudiosides, luo han guo (monk fruit), and thaumatin. We choose the foods we consume largely on their sensory properties, an area in which these sugar substitutes often fall short. Here, we discuss the most popular synthetic and natural sweeteners, with the goal of providing an understanding of differences in the sensory profiles of these sweeteners versus sucrose, that they are designed to replace, essential for the effectiveness of sugar reduction strategies. In addition, we break down the influence of these sweeteners on metabolism, and present results from a large survey of consumers’ opinions on these sweeteners. Consumer interest in clean label foods has driven a move toward natural sweeteners; however, neither natural nor synthetic sweeteners are metabolically inert. Identifying sugar replacements that not only closely imitate the sensory profile of sucrose but also exert advantageous effects on body weight and metabolism is critical in successfully the ultimate goals of reducing added sugar in the average consumer's diet. With so many options for sucrose replacement available, consumer opinion and cost, which vary widely with sugar replacements, will also play a vital role in which sweeteners are successful in widespread adoption.
Non‐destructive analysis in the study of historical photographs by pXRF and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopies
Authors: Zamboni Cibele Bugno , Redígolo Marcelo Miyada , Miura Vinicius Takami , Costa Isolda , Nagai Maria Luiza Emi , Salvador Pablo Antonio Vásquez , Giovanni Nogueira da Silva Dalton
Published: February 2021

Material characterization is essential to the provenance of graphic arts. Non‐destructive analytical techniques are increasingly required in the authentication process of cultural heritage. This work presents a suite of portable, non‐destructive, and complementary analytical techniques, energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, and brightfield microscopy, applied to the analysis of historical photographs depicting São Paulo city architecture, whose registration date and process of fabrication are unknown. The EDXRF analysis emphasizes the use of typical POP (printing‐out paper) photograph with baryta (BaSO4) coated paper substrate while the FTIR and microscopy analyses confirm the presence of collodion and a gelatin‐based baryta layer. This photographic process was widely employed by professional photographers from 1889 to 1930, when it was gradually abandoned in commercial use. This time interval (1889–1930) is consistent with the information surveyed on the photographic collection. In conclusion, employing complementary techniques (elemental and molecular spectroscopies and image magnification) is essential in identifying the manufacturing materials of cultural heritage material, which is the basis of contemporary authentication procedures. These data provide to curators and historians fundamental information for cataloging, adding subsidies for the correct storage and preservation (“heritage appreciation”). Still, for professional photographers, they present information on the manufacturing processes of historical photographs. The data from the present study also emphasize its perspective of use in graphic arts to aid connoisseurship in identifying forgeries during provenance and authentication studies.
Effect of deglycosylation on immunoreactivity and in vitro pepsin digestibility of major cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) allergen, Ana o 1
Authors: Zaffran Valerie D. , Gupta Sahil , Sathe Shridhar K. , Roper Michael G.
Published: February 2021

Major cashew allergen, Ana o 1, was purified in its native form from cashew seeds and subjected to enzymatic deglycosylation using PNGase F to assess the potential role of N‐glycans in immunoreactivity. Western and dot blotting with pooled human plasma containing anticashew IgE revealed that deglycosylation increased IgE‐binding of Ana o 1. Removal of N‐glycans may have exposed previously masked Ana o 1 epitopes. Purified glycosylated and deglycosylated Ana o 1 were also subjected to in vitro pepsin digestion at pH 3.0 for 2 hr. Both glycosylated and deglycosylated Ana o 1 remained stable and reactive with IgE antibodies following digestion.

Practical Application

Understanding the role of glycosylation in Ana o 1 immunoreactivity may provide insight into the potential development of hypoallergenic cashews/cashew products for sensitive individuals in the future.
Occurrence of Alternariol and Alternariolmonomethyl ether in edible oils: Their thermal stability and intake assessment in state of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Bansal Megha , Saifi Ishrat Jahan , Dev Indra , Sonkar Aashish Kumar , Dixit Sumita , Singh Sheelendra Pratap , Ansari Kausar Mahmood
Published: February 2021

Alternariol (AOH) and Alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) mycotoxins are found to be present naturally in various food commodities, such as barley, oats, pepper, rye, sorghum, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, and wheat. A few epidemiological studies have correlated the consumption of Alternaria‐contaminated cereal grains with higher occurrence of esophageal cancer in Chinese populations. In addition, several studies have reported the toxicological properties of Alternaria mycotoxins. However, surveillance data on AOH and AME occurrence are still limited. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the presence of AOH and AME in various commonly consumed, edible oils using HPLC‐FLD method. Thirty four percent of samples were found positive for AOH and 35% for AME. Moreover, AOH retained 80% stability, while AME retained 84% stability, after deep frying for 25 min, which is an important factor with respect to Indian cooking style. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of Alternaria mycotoxins in edible oils and their probable dietary intake in Indian population. This surveillance study may help in formulating guidelines for Alternaria mycotoxin levels in India, which are not yet implemented by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Practical Applications

At present, no safety guidelines exist for Alternaria mycotoxins in any part of the world. This study will help the regulatory bodies to set permissible levels of Alternaria mycotoxins to safeguard the health of consumers. This study shows that Alternaria mycotoxins are heat stable even after deep frying for 25 min. The data will also help to issue guidelines against exposure of these mycotoxins, keeping in the mind the heat stability factor.
Solubility and mass transfer coefficient of oxygen through gas– and water–lipid interfaces
Authors: Roppongi Takao , Mizuno Naho , Miyagawa Yayoi , Kobayashi Takashi , Nakagawa Kyuya , Adachi Shuji
Published: February 2021

The solubility of oxygen and its transfer rate to the lipid phase play important roles in lipid oxidation, which affects the taste and safety of lipid‐containing foods. In this study, we measured the Henry's constants (solubility) of oxygen for fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and triacylglycerols (TAGs; vegetable oils), as well as the mass transfer coefficients of oxygen at the gas– and water–lipid interfaces. The constants and coefficients were estimated by analyzing the change over time in the oxygen partial pressure or concentration in the closed container based on the mass balance equations of oxygen in the gas and liquid phases. The constant for water obtained by the method used in this study was in agreement with the previously reported value to confirm the validity of the method. The constants for lipids depended on the lipid type, and were higher in the order of fatty acid ester, fatty acid, and TAG. That is, the solubility of oxygen decreased in this order. For all lipids, the constant increased as the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain increased. The constants for fatty acids and their esters were linearly correlated with the enthalpies of evaporation of the lipids. The mass transfer coefficients of oxygen at the gas–liquid interface were on the order of 10−5 m/s for water and methyl dodecanoate and of 10−6 m/s for TAG (rapeseed oil). The coefficient at the water–lipid interface was on the order of 10−6 m/s.

Practical Application

The Henry's constants (solubility) and transfer rate of oxygen to the lipid phase, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and triacylglycerols (TAG) were measured. The lipids solubilized three to five times more oxygen than water, and mass transfer rate of oxygen at gas– and water–lipid interfaces were almost same. The constants for fatty acids and fatty acid esters were linearly correlated to their enthalpies of evaporation, and this correlation is expected to be useful for estimating the Henry's constants for other fatty acids and their esters.
The etiology of achalasia: An immune‐dominant disease
Authors: Wu Xing Yue , Liu Zu Qiang , Wang Yun , Chen Wei Feng , Gao Ping Ting , Li Quan Lin , Zhou Ping Hong
Published: February 2021

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that an autoimmune component is involved in esophageal achalasia. An increase in immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and autoimmune antibodies in serum and infiltration of immune cells in tissues support the view that immune‐mediated inflammation is a crucial pathogenesis of inhibitory neuron degeneration in the lower esophageal sphincter. Infection of viruses such as the herpes virus family has been suspected of provoking the autoimmune reaction. Meanwhile, previous reports on immunogenetics have proposed that specific risk alleles on the human leukocyte antigen complex define the susceptible population to achalasia. In this study we reviewed current knowledge regarding the immune‐related factors of achalasia, including immunology, viral infection and immunogenetic variations.
Excavations at Samahij, Bahrain, and the implications for Christianity, Islamisation and settlement in Bahrain
Authors: Insoll Timothy , Carter Robert , Almahari Salman , MacLean Rachel
Published: February 2021

The episcopal seat of Meshmahig or Mašmahig is referred to in various historical sources, such as the synods of the Church of the East of 410 and 576. These sources have been extensively explored, and it is suggested that Mašmahig can be linked to the village of Samahij in north‐east Muharraq Island, Bahrain. However, archaeological evidence for a Christian presence in Samahij, or elsewhere in Bahrain, was lacking. Excavations completed within the village cemetery at Samahij uncovered part of a large building complex. Based on the architecture, associated material culture and chronology, it is suggested this building was occupied by a Christian community, perhaps as part of a monastery or even the episcopal palace itself. This was abandoned after Islamisation, seemingly in the eighth century. The results of the first season of excavations are described, and the implications for Christianity, Islamisation and settlement in Bahrain are considered.
Higher vs Lower Doses of Dexamethasone in Patients with COVID‐19 and Severe Hypoxia (COVID STEROID 2) trial: Protocol for a secondary Bayesian analysis
Authors: Granholm Anders , Munch Marie Warrer , Myatra Sheila Nainan , Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar Tirupakuzhi , Cronhjort Maria , Wahlin Rebecka Rubenson , Jakob Stephan M. , Cioccari Luca , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Vesterlund Gitte Kingo , Meyhoff Tine Sylvest , Helleberg Marie , Møller Morten Hylander , Benfield Thomas , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Hammond Naomi , Micallef Sharon , Bassi Abhinav , John Oommen , Jha Vivekanand , Kristiansen Klaus Tjelle , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Jørgensen Vibeke Lind , Smitt Margit , Bestle Morten H. , Andreasen Anne Sofie , Poulsen Lone Musaeus , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Brøchner Anne Craveiro , Strøm Thomas , Møller Anders , Khan Mohd Saif , Padmanaban Ajay , Divatia Jigeeshu Vasishtha , Saseedharan Sanjith , Borawake Kapil , Kapadia Farhad , Dixit Subhal , Chawla Rajesh , Shukla Urvi , Amin Pravin , Chew Michelle S. , Gluud Christian , Lange Theis , Perner Anders
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can lead to severe hypoxic respiratory failure and death. Corticosteroids decrease mortality in severely or critically ill patients with COVID‐19. However, the optimal dose remains unresolved. The ongoing randomised COVID STEROID 2 trial investigates the effects of higher vs lower doses of dexamethasone (12 vs 6 mg intravenously daily for up to 10 days) in 1,000 adult patients with COVID‐19 and severe hypoxia.

Methods

This protocol outlines the rationale and statistical methods for a secondary, pre‐planned Bayesian analysis of the primary outcome (days alive without life support at day 28) and all secondary outcomes registered up to day 90. We will use hurdle‐negative binomial models to estimate the mean number of days alive without life support in each group and present results as mean differences and incidence rate ratios with 95% credibility intervals (CrIs). Additional count outcomes will be analysed similarly and binary outcomes will be analysed using logistic regression models with results presented as probabilities, relative risks and risk differences with 95% CrIs. We will present probabilities of any benefit/harm, clinically important benefit/harm and probabilities of effects smaller than pre‐defined clinically minimally important differences for all outcomes analysed. Analyses will be adjusted for stratification variables and conducted using weakly informative priors supplemented by sensitivity analyses using sceptic priors.

Discussion

This secondary, pre‐planned Bayesian analysis will supplement the primary, conventional analysis and may help clinicians, researchers and policymakers interpret the results of the COVID STEROID 2 trial while avoiding arbitrarily dichotomised interpretations of the results.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04509973; EudraCT: 2020‐003363‐25.
Clinical considerations for reposition of a dislocated hip: A qualitative study
Authors: Gydesen Christoffer R. , Møller Ann M. , Wildgaard Kim , Nielsen Jesper K. , Lunn Troels H. , Beck Torben , Thomsen Thordis
Published: February 2021

Background

A well‐known complication of having hip alloplasty surgery is dislocation of the prothesis. This affects 2%‐4% of the patients, and 75% of the dislocations occur within the first year after surgery. The aim of our study was to gain knowledge about the clinical considerations underlying the choice of anaesthesia for, and treatment of, patients with dislocated hips by specialists in anaesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

We used semi‐structured group interviews of specialists in anaesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery. An interview guide was developed and pilot tested before the group interviews. In total, 25 specialists participated, recruited from two university hospitals in Denmark. Data saturation was reached after seven group interviews. Inductive content analysis was used in the data analysis.

Results

We identified four overall themes, describing essential considerations made by the specialists: “Adhering to the principle of minimal intervention”, “Ensuring patient safety through optimal working conditions”, “Organisational considerations” and “Pain induced gastric retention”.

Conclusion

Our study illustrates different clinical considerations made by specialists in anaesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery in relation to the treatment of patients with dislocated hips. Our results hope to promote mutual understanding in joint clinical decision‐making in relation to patients with dislocated hips as well as to inspire less‐experienced anaesthesiologists and orthopaedic surgeons. Additionally, our results suggest a set of “rules of thumb” for how jointly to decide on the repositioning site of the patient during the procedure.
Diagnostic accuracy of physician’s gestalt in suspected COVID‐19: Prospective bicentric study
Authors: Nazerian Peiman , Morello Fulvio , Prota Alessio , Betti Laura , Lupia Enrico , Apruzzese Luc , Oddi Matteo , Grosso Federico , Grifoni Stefano , Pivetta Emanuele ,   ED COVID‐19 Investigators
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Physicians’ gestalt is central in the diagnostic pipeline of suspected COVID‐19, due to the absence of a single tool allowing conclusive rule in or rule out. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic test characteristics of physician's gestalt for COVID‐19 in the emergency department (ED), based on clinical findings or on a combination of clinical findings and bedside imaging results.

Methods

From April 1 to April 30, 2020, patients with suspected COVID‐19 were prospectively enrolled in two EDs. Physicians prospectively dichotomized patients in COVID‐19 likely or unlikely twice: after medical evaluation of clinical features (clinical gestalt [CG]) and after evaluation of clinical features and results of lung ultrasound or chest x‐ray (clinical and bedside imaging–integrated gestalt [CBIIG]). The final diagnosis was adjudicated after independent review of 30‐day follow‐up data.

Results

Among 838 ED enrolled patients, 193 (23%) were finally diagnosed with COVID‐19. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of CG and CBIIG for COVID‐19 were 80.8% and 91.6% (p < 0.01), 82.9% and 91.4% (p = 0.01), and 78.6% and 91.8% (p < 0.01), respectively. CBIIG had similar AUC and sensitivity to reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2 on the first nasopharyngeal swab per se (93.5%, p = 0.24; and 87%, p = 0.17, respectively). CBIIG plus RT‐PCR had a sensitivity of 98.4% for COVID‐19 (p < 0.01 vs. RT‐PCR alone) compared to 95.9% for CG plus RT‐PCR (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

In suspected COVID‐19, CG and CBIIG have fair diagnostic accuracy, in line with physicians’ gestalt for other acute conditions. Negative RT‐PCR plus low probability based on CBIIG can rule out COVID‐19 with a relatively low number of false‐negative cases.
A Validation Study of the Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders Behavioral Checklist
Authors: Klug Marilyn G. , O'Connell Ann Marie , Palme Amanda , Kobrinsky Nathan , Burd Larry
Published: February 2021

Background

The initial confirmatory factor analysis of the Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Behavioral Checklist (ABC) utilized a population of 203 children. The analysis identified 10 independent measures (executive functioning, attention and concentration, cognition, memory, confabulation, gullibility, communication skills, academic skills, living/social skills, and juvenile justice). The 10 measures differentiated children with FASD from non‐FASD controls. In this study, we present a validity study of the ABC using a different population of children with FASD and non‐FASD controls.

Methods

A chart review identified 224 children with ABC checklist scores who had been evaluated for FASD. From this sample, we implemented a case–control study of 76 children diagnosed with FASD and 76 non‐FASD controls who were matched by gender and closest age in years (mean age was 8.5 years).

Results

The averages of the total score and individual domain scores were compared between the 2 data sets and then between children with FASD and non‐FASD controls. Children with FASD had significantly higher scores on all 10 measures than the non‐FASD controls. There were very high sensitivity and specificity scores for the total score cutoff and for all 10 of the individual measures.

Conclusions

In an independent sample, we found minimal differences between the previous data and the current validation study on measures of average total score cutoffs, scores for the 10 measures and correlations. Combining the 2 samples yielded robust differences in scores between children with FASD and non‐FASD controls. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy estimates were also very high. The ABC Screen appears to have acceptable epidemiologic performance data to support its use as a screening tool and as an initial step in differentiating children with FASD from those who do not have FASD.
How executive remuneration responds to guidance: evidence from the Australian banking industry
Authors: Magee Shane , Ng Cheok Man , Wright Sue
Published: February 2021

This study investigates whether executive remuneration responds to regulatory guidance. Using an exogenous shock in the form of a regulatory guideline issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to the Australian banking industry, we analyse whether remuneration is more aligned to prudent risk‐taking since the guideline was published. We find that remuneration to both chief executive officers and the top five highest paid executives was adjusted to be more consistent with the guideline from its first year of operation. These findings are robust to the introduction of the Two Strikes Rule as an alternative explanation.
Macromoth community structure along a 95‐year post‐harvest chronosequence in managed forests of northwest Washington State (U.S.A.), with comparison to old growth forest communities
Authors: Fisher Matthew R. , Peterson Merrill A.
Published: February 2021

The effects of timber harvest in the moist coniferous forests of western North America are not well documented for ecologically important arthropods such as moths.

We assessed the response of macromoth community structure (abundance, sample size‐corrected estimates of species richness and diversity, and overall community composition) to time since deforestation at 20 previously logged sites (1–95 years post‐harvest), and compared the macromoth communities at these stands to four old growth stands.

As stand age increased following timber harvest, the number of macromoths captured in ultraviolet light traps increased and the relative abundance of dietary generalists declined, but sample size‐corrected estimates of species richness and diversity did not vary. Macromoth community composition of the youngest stands (<10 years post‐harvest) differed markedly from each other but converged soon thereafter.

Macromoth communities at old growth sites featured higher capture rates, lower dominance by dietary generalists, and higher sample size‐corrected estimates of species richness and diversity than at previously logged sites. Community composition profiles for old growth sites differed from all previously logged sites, but the differences were subtle except in comparison to the youngest logged sites. None of the 188 species we sampled were old growth specialists.

Our results reveal dramatic initial impacts of deforestation on macromoth communities in moist coniferous forests of western North America. Such effects are largely reversed within two decades post‐harvest but some effects persist for at least 95‐years following logging.
Melatonin for the prevention of fetal injury associated with intrauterine inflammation
Authors: Kim Jang Mee , Lee Seung‐Yun , Lee Ji Yeon
Published: February 2021

Intrauterine inflammation is shown to be associated with preterm birth, fetal inflammatory response syndrome, and other pregnancy‐related comorbidities such as central nervous system diseases including cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia, pulmonary diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory distress syndrome, and necrotizing enterocolitis, to name a few. Many animal studies on intrauterine inflammation demonstrate that ascending infection of reproductive organs or the production of proinflammatory cytokines by some stimuli in utero results in such manifestations. Melatonin, known for its primary function in maintaining circadian rhythm, is now recognized as one of the most potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory drugs. In some studies, melatonin injection in pregnant animals with intrauterine inflammation significantly reduced the number of preterm births, the severity of structural disintegration of the fetal lungs observed in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and perinatal brain injuries with improvement in neuromotor function. These implicated benefits of melatonin in pregnant women with intrauterine inflammation seem promising in many research studies, strongly supporting the hypothesis that melatonin has antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties that can potentially be taken by pregnant women who are at risk of having intrauterine inflammation. In this review, the potential of melatonin for improving outcomes of the pregnancies with intrauterine inflammation will be discussed.
Co‐occurrence of immune‐mediated conditions and endometriosis among adolescents and adult women
Authors: Shafrir Amy L , Palmor Marissa C. , Fourquet Jessica , DiVasta Amy D. , Farland Leslie V. , Vitonis Allison F. , Harris Holly R , Laufer Marc R. , Cramer Daniel W. , Terry Kathryn L. , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: February 2021

Problem

Associations between immune dysfunction conditions (eg, systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis) and endometriosis have been observed in adult women, but not assessed among a younger population. We investigated the association between immune‐mediated conditions and endometriosis among young women.

Method of Study

This cross‐sectional analysis in the Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood included 551 participants with surgically diagnosed endometriosis (median age=19) and 652 controls without endometriosis (median age=24). Participants completed an expanded Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project questionnaire. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to investigate the associations between autoimmune/inflammatory, atopic, chronic pain/fatigue, and endocrine disorders with endometriosis, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Participants with any autoimmune and/or inflammatory condition had an increased odds of co‐occurring endometriosis (OR: 1.87; CI: 0.92–3.80), as did participants with allergies (OR: 1.76; CI: 1.32–2.36), asthma (OR: 1.35; CI: 0.97–1.88), chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia (OR: 5.81; CI: 1.89–17.9), or previous mononucleosis (OR: 1.75; CI: 1.14–2.68). Odds of endometriosis were lower among participants with eczema (OR: 0.68; CI: 0.44–1.04). We observed a positive trend between the number of immune‐mediated conditions and the odds of endometriosis (p‐trend=0.0002). Endocrine disorders were not associated with endometriosis.

Conclusions

Among this population of adolescents and adult women, endometriosis was more likely among participants with autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, allergies, asthma, previous mononucleosis infection, and chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia. We observed that an increasing number of immune‐mediated conditions were positively associated with endometriosis risk. It is important for clinicians who care for adolescents and women with these conditions to consider endometriosis as a comorbidity.
Sputum TNF markers are increased in neutrophilic and severe asthma and are reduced by azithromycin treatment
Authors: Niessen Natalie M. , Gibson Peter G. , Baines Katherine J. , Barker Daniel , Yang Ian A. , Upham John W. , Reynolds Paul N. , Hodge Sandra , James Alan L. , Jenkins Christine , Peters Matthew J. , Marks Guy B. , Baraket Melissa , Simpson Jodie L. , Fricker Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

The AMAZES randomized controlled trial demonstrated that long‐term low‐dose azithromycin treatment reduces exacerbations of poorly controlled asthma, but the therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Dysregulation of the inflammatory tumour necrosis factor (TNF) pathway is implicated in asthma and could be suppressed by azithromycin. We aimed to determine the inflammatory and clinical associations of soluble TNF signalling proteins (TNF receptors [TNFR] 1 and 2, TNF) in sputum and serum, and to test the effect of 48 weeks of azithromycin vs placebo on TNF markers.

Methods

Sputum supernatant and serum TNFR1, TNFR2 (n = 142; 75 azithromycin‐treated, 67 placebo‐treated) and TNF (n = 48; 22 azithromycin‐treated, 26 placebo‐treated) were measured by ELISA in an AMAZES trial sub‐population at baseline and end of treatment. Baseline levels were compared between sputum inflammatory phenotypes, severe/non‐severe asthma and frequent/non‐frequent exacerbators. Effect of azithromycin on markers was tested using linear mixed models.

Results

Baseline sputum TNFR1 and TNFR2 were significantly increased in neutrophilic vs non‐neutrophilic asthma phenotypes, while serum markers did not differ. Sputum TNFR1 and TNFR2 were increased in severe asthma and correlated with poorer lung function, worse asthma control and increasing age. Serum TNFR1 was also increased in severe asthma. Sputum and serum TNFR2 were increased in frequent exacerbators. Azithromycin treatment significantly reduced sputum TNFR2 and TNF relative to placebo, specifically in non‐eosinophilic participants.

Conclusions

We demonstrate dysregulation of TNF markers, particularly in the airways, that relates to clinically important phenotypes of asthma including neutrophilic and severe asthma. Suppression of dysregulated TNF signalling by azithromycin could contribute to its therapeutic mechanism.
Tear N‐glycomics in vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Messina Angela , Palmigiano Angelo , Tosto Claudia , Romeo Donata Agata , Sturiale Luisa , Garozzo Domenico , Leonardi Andrea
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Tear fluid N‐Glycome from patients affected with vernal (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) was investigated to identify specific changes in tears and to recognize possible glyco‐biomarkers.

Methods

The analysis of the N‐glycans was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry on single tear samples. Tears from control normal subjects (CTRL), VKC and AKC patients were processed and treated with peptide N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F) to deglycosylate N‐glycoproteins. Released N‐glycans were purified, permethylated, and analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS and MALDI‐TOF MS/MS).

Results

More than 150 complex N‐glycans, including highly fucosylated biantennary, triantennary, tetra‐antennary, and bisecting species, were observed in our spectra. Three distinct patterns for CTRL, VKC, and AKC patients were identified in terms of relative intensities for some N‐glycans structures. Major variations involved bisecting and hyperfucosylated glycoforms.

The most intense ions were associated with species at m/z 1907.0 (asialo, agalacto, bisected, biantennary structure—NGA2B) in CTRL MS profiles, at m/z 2605.3 and 2966.5 in VKC, and at m/z 2792.4 in AKC corresponding to a well‐known biantennary, disialylated N‐glycan. Several peaks were associated with structures bearing one or two Lewis X epitopes. Structures were confirmed by MS/MS analysis. Quantitative differences among the three groups were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Tear MS profiles are rich in specific glycoforms, particularly those with a high fucosylation degree, indicating both core and peripheral decoration. Tear N‐glycome analysis provided important information for a better comprehension of VKC and AKC alterations at the molecular level.
Innate lymphoid cells: The missing part of a puzzle in food allergy
Authors: Sahiner Umit M. , Layhadi Janice A. , Golebski Korneliusz , István Komlósi Zsolt , Peng Yaqi , Sekerel Bulent , Durham Stephen R. , Brough Helen , Morita Hideaki , Akdis Mübeccel , Turner Paul , Nadeau Kari , Spits Hergen , Akdis Cezmi , Shamji Mohamed H.
Published: February 2021

Food allergy is an increasingly prevalent disease driven by uncontrolled type 2 immune response. Currently, knowledge about the underlying mechanisms that initiate and promote the immune response to dietary allergens is limited. Patients with food allergy are commonly sensitized through the skin in their early life, later on developing allergy symptoms within the gastrointestinal tract. Food allergy results from a dysregulated type 2 response to food allergens, characterized by enhanced levels of IgE, IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 with infiltration of mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils. Recent studies raised a possible role for the involvement of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in driving food allergy. Unlike lymphocytes, ILCs lack They represent a group of lymphocytes that lack specific antigen receptors. ILCs contribute to immune responses not only by releasing cytokines and other mediators but also by responding to cytokines produced by activated cells in their local microenvironment. Due to their localization at barrier surfaces of the airways, gut, and skin, ILCs form a link between the innate and adaptive immunity. This review summarizes recent evidence on how skin and gastrointestinal mucosal immune system contribute to both homeostasis and the development of food allergy, as well as the involvement of ILCs toward inflammatory processes and regulatory mechanisms.
Impact of vaccination by priority group on UK deaths, hospital admissions and intensive care admissions from COVID‐19
Authors: Cook T. M. , Roberts J. V.
Published: February 2021

National (and global) vaccination provides an opportunity to control the COVID‐19 pandemic, which disease suppression by societal lockdown and individual behavioural changes will not. We modelled how vaccination through the UK’s vaccine priority groups impacts deaths, hospital and ICU admissions from COVID‐19. We used the UK COVID‐19 vaccines delivery plan and publicly available data to estimate UK population by age group and vaccination priority group, including frontline health and social care workers and individuals deemed ‘extreme clinical vulnerable’ or ‘high risk’. Using published data on numbers and distributions of COVID‐19‐related hospital and ICU admissions and deaths, we modelled the impact of vaccination by age group. We then modified the model to account for hospital and ICU admission, and death among health and social care workers and the population with extreme clinical vulnerability and high risk. Our model closely matches the government’s estimates for mortality after vaccination of priority groups 1–4 and groups 1–9. The model shows vaccination will have a much slower impact on hospital and ICU admissions than on deaths. The early prioritisation of healthcare staff and clinically vulnerable patients increases the impact of vaccination on admissions and also protects the healthcare service. An inflection point, when 50% of the adult population has been vaccinated – with deaths reduced by 95% and hospital admissions by 80% – may be a useful point for re‐evaluating vaccine prioritisation. Our model suggests substantial reductions in hospital and ICU admissions will not occur until late March and into April 2021.
Accidental Environmentalism: Nature and Cultivated Affect in European Neoshamanic Ayahuasca Consumption
Authors: Harms Arne
Published: February 2021

Existing research demonstrates a positive connection between psychedelics and increased nature relatedness. Enhanced affective ties toward nature are widely framed as being built into the pharmakon itself, and the relevance of experiences remains little understood. This paper turns to neoshamanic ayahuasca ceremonies in Europe, exploring the way specialists and attendants refer to nature in speech and performance. I argue that ritual framings performed during these ceremonies provide fertile ground for affective ties to emerge through substance‐induced experiences. I trace such framings by exploring how medicine and healers are being coded; how specific materialities are rendered meaningful; and how individual experiences are discussed at such retreats. I argue that even while participants prioritize individual healing, personal development, or the satisfaction of psychonautical curiosity, environmentalism appears to be anchored by the proceedings themselves. Thus, this paper opens up for analysis ceremonial substance use as a contact zone where coherence is produced intersubjectively.
Intention to treat outcomes among patients with pancreatic cancer treated using International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery recommended pathways for resectable and borderline resectable disease
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Chatzizacharias Nikolaos , Hodson James , Marcon Francesca , Kalisvaart Marit , Punia Pankaj , Ting Ma Yuk , Dasari Bobby , Marudanayagam Ravi , Sutcliffe Robert P. , Muiesan Paolo , Mirza Darius F. , Isaac John , Roberts Keith J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery recommends upfront surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer or borderline resectable‐venous (BR‐V) disease and neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) among those with arterial involvement (BR‐A or locally advanced, LA). Though neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is a promising strategy, outcomes are rarely reported on intention‐to‐treat (ITT) basis. This study presents ITT outcomes where pathways to surgery were in line with International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery guidelines.

Methods

Patients recommended for potentially curative treatment with PDAC between 2012 and 2017 (n = 345) were classified as resectable, BR‐A/BR‐V or LA, according to NCCN criteria. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were resection rates, positive margins and toxicity among patients receiving NAT.

Results

At surgery, the resection rates were 78% (172/221), 65% (35/54) and 54% (21/39) for those with resectable, BR‐V and BR‐A/LA disease, respectively (P < 0.0001). The median survival of those resected in the BR‐A/LA cohort was 31 months. However, on an ITT basis, there was no significant difference in survival between resectable, BR‐V and BR‐A/LA disease (median: 19 versus 15 versus 19 months; P = 0.585). On review, some 31 (44%) patients of the BR‐A/LA cohort either did not receive or did not complete NAT.

Conclusion

To realize benefits of NAT, more patients need to complete NAT and to undergo resection. Upfront resection for BR‐V disease is associated with equivalent outcomes to upfront surgery for resectable disease or NAT for BR‐A/LA disease. Strategies to increase the proportion of patients who complete NAT and undergo resection are needed.