bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of fertilisers on pollination and parasitoid interaction networks
Authors: Villa‐Galaviz Edith , Smart Simon M. , Clare Elizabeth L. , Ward Susan E. , Memmott Jane 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Grassland fertilisation drives non‐random plant loss resulting in areas dominated by perennial grass species. How these changes cascade through linked trophic levels, however, is not well understood.

We studied how grassland fertilisation propagates change through the plant assemblage into the plant–flower‐visitor, plant–leaf miner and leaf miner–parasitoid networks using a year's data collection from a long‐term grassland fertiliser application experiment. Our experiment had three fertiliser treatments each applied to replicate plots 15 m2 in size: mineral fertiliser, farmyard manure, and mineral fertiliser and farmyard manure combined, along with a control of no fertiliser.

The combined treatment had the most significant impact, and both plant species richness and floral abundance decreased with the addition of fertiliser. While insect species richness was unaffected by fertiliser treatment, fertilised plots had a significantly higher abundance of leaf miners and parasitoids and a significantly lower abundance of bumblebees. The plant–flower‐visitor and plant–herbivore networks showed higher values of vulnerability and lower modularity with fertiliser addition, while leaf miner–parasitoid networks showed a rise in generality.

The different groups of insects were impacted by fertilisers to varying degrees: while the effect on abundance was the highest for leaf miners, the vulnerability and modularity of flower‐visitor networks was the most affected. The impact on the abundance of leaf miners was positive and three times higher than the impact on parasitoids, and the impact on bumblebee abundance was negative and double the magnitude of impact on flower abundance.

Overall, our results show that while insect species richness was unaffected by fertilisers, network structure changed significantly as the replacement of forbs by grasses resulted in changes in relative abundance across trophic levels, with the direction of change depending on the type of network.

Synthesis. By studying multiple networks simultaneously, we were able to rank the relative impact of habitat change on the different groups of species within the community. This provided a more holistic picture of the impact of agricultural intensification and provides useful information when deciding on priorities for mitigation.
JTP‐109192, a novel G protein‐coupled receptor 119 agonist, prevents atherosclerosis by improving hypercholesterolaemia in congenic spontaneously hyperlipidaemic mice
Authors: Tadaki Hironobu , Ogawa Naoto , Yamanaka Masao , Motohashi Yu , Sasase Tomohiko , Kawai Takashi , Toriniwa Yasufumi , Fukuda Sumiaki , Ogawa Nobuya , Harada Kazuhito , Ohta Takeshi , Yamada Takahisa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) expression in pancreatic β‐cells and intestinal L‐cells is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Previously, we have reported that the GPR119 agonist JTP‐109192 improves glucose metabolism with single and repeated administration. Conversely, overexpression of the Gpr119 gene reportedly regulates cholesterol transporter expression in animal models, and a natural GPR119 agonist, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), improves atherosclerosis. Therefore, improving dyslipidaemia is considered a possible feature of GPR119 agonists. In the present study, the lipid‐lowering effect of JTP‐109192 was examined in BALB/c background spontaneously hyperlipidaemic (SHL) mice with repeated administration, once daily for 12 weeks. On repeated administration, JTP‐109192 revealed a cholesterol‐lowering effect and improved atherosclerosis following histopathological examination. With further investigation, the cholesterol‐lowering effect and subsequent antiatherosclerotic effect of JTP‐109192 was attributed to changes in intestinal cholesterol metabolism gene expression. Based on these results, JTP‐109192 represents a new potential antihypercholesterolaemic agent for the treatment of dyslipidaemia.
Exploration of family intervention strategies and their receptivity among Chinese American families with a member having schizophrenia: a qualitative study
Authors: Kim Keon , Kung Winnie , Hong Inhwa 
Published: October 2020

This study explores therapists’ specific intervention strategies and corresponding responses in the change process for Chinese American families with a family member having schizophrenia, based on individual family sessions notes in the context of family psychoeducation. Nine intake summaries and 103 family session notes (from nine patients and nineteen caregivers) were analysed through open, axial, and selective coding based on grounded theory. Interventions that promoted healthier family dynamics and effective communication, provided psychoeducation, practical help and emotional support, and improved coping skills were found to be effective and well received. These strategies can be integrated into a culturally sensitive family intervention protocol for this population and those of similar backgrounds. Clinicians can also employ them to enhance client receptivity in the treatment process.Practitioner points

Many immigrant Chinese families with serious mental illness may become enmeshed, with caregivers exhibiting over‐involvement and criticism of sick family members

This increases stress for both parties and clinicians need to facilitate change to establish clear boundaries

Immigrant families often need help to meet their tangible needs in dealing with external systems in their daily lives

Understanding cultural characteristics among ethnic minorities and being flexible and responsive to their needs are both essential in family interventions.
Investigation of the relationship between the pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction in women with Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Cetin Sebahat Yaprak , Buyuk Alime , Ayan Ayse 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and aimWomen with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) may have sexual dysfunctions due to vaginal dryness and may also have pelvic floor problems. The aim of this study was to examine the pelvic floor distress of women with SS with a self‐reported questionnaire, to compare this group with healthy individuals, and to examine the relationship between pelvic floor problems and sexual dysfunction.MethodsThe study included 94 women with SS, aged 47.26 ± 7.56 years, and 94 age‐matched healthy women, aged 48.15 ± 8.73 years. The Pelvic Floor Disease Inventory (PFDI‐20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ‐7), and Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) were used for assessment.ResultsThe PFDI‐20, PFIQ‐7, and FSFI scores of the healthy control group were found to be statistically significantly better than those of the primary SS group (Z = −2.69 to −8.03, P = .00). A moderate‐high correlation was found between the total and sub‐parameters of PFDI‐20 and disease duration, the total and sub‐parameters of the PFIQ‐7 and the pain sub‐parameter and total score of the FSFI (r = −0.66 to 0.78, P = .00‐.04).ConclusionAccording to the study results, as the disease duration increases, the distress increases and this distress has a negative effect on the health‐related quality of life of these women. Pelvic floor distress was associated with poor sexual function and pain. From these results, it can be recommended that the methods of pharmacology, education, exercise, relaxation, lifestyle change, and so on for pelvic floor dysfunction and pain in women with SS should be applied together with a multidisciplinary approach.
Health System‐Based Unhealthy Alcohol Use Screening and Treatment Comparing Demographically Matched Participants With and Without HIV
Authors: Silverberg Michael J. , Levine‐Hall Tory , Hood Nicole , Anderson Alexandra N. , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Lam Jennifer O. , Slome Sally B. , Flamm Jason A. , Hare Charles Bradley , Ross Thekla , Justice Amy C. , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Williams Andrew E. , Bryant Kendall J. , Weisner Constance M. , Horberg Michael A. , Sterling Stacy A. , Satre Derek D. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundUnhealthy alcohol use among persons living with HIV (PLWH) is linked to significant morbidity, and use of alcohol services may differ by HIV status. Our objective was to compare unhealthy alcohol use screening and treatment by HIV status in primary care.MethodsCohort study of adult (≥18 years) PLWH and HIV‐uninfected participants frequency matched 20:1 to PLWH by age, sex, and race/ethnicity who were enrolled in a large integrated healthcare system in the United States, with information ascertained from an electronic health record. Outcomes included unhealthy alcohol screening, prevalence, provider‐delivered brief interventions, and addiction specialty care visits. Other predictors included age, sex, race/ethnicity, neighborhood deprivation index, depression, smoking, substance use disorders, Charlson comorbidity index, prior outpatient visits, insurance type, and medical facility. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios (HR) for the outcomes of time to unhealthy alcohol use screening and time to first addiction specialty visit. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to compute prevalence ratios (PR) for other outcomes.Results11,235 PLWH and 227,320 HIV‐uninfected participants were included. By 4.5 years after baseline, most participants were screened for unhealthy alcohol use (85% of PLWH and 93% of HIV‐uninfected), but with a lower rate among PLWH (adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.85). PLWH were less likely, compared with HIV‐uninfected participants, to report unhealthy drinking among those screened (adjusted PR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.79), and among those who screened positive, less likely to receive brief interventions (adjusted PR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.90), but more likely (adjusted HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.4) to have an addiction specialty visit within 1 year.ConclusionsUnhealthy alcohol use was lower in PLWH, but the treatment approach by HIV status differed. PLWH reporting unhealthy alcohol use received less brief interventions and more addiction specialty care than HIV‐uninfected participants.
Involvement of Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b Chemokine System in Mediating the Stimulatory Effect of Embryonic Ethanol Exposure on Neuronal Density in Zebrafish Hypothalamus
Authors: Collier Adam D. , Khalizova Nailya , Chang Guo‐Qing , Min Soe , Campbell Samantha , Gulati Gazal , Leibowitz Sarah F. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEmbryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) produces marked disturbances in neuronal development and alcohol‐related behaviors, with low–moderate EtOH doses stimulating neurogenesis without producing apoptosis and high doses having major cytotoxic effects while causing gross morphological abnormalities. With the pro‐inflammatory chemokine system, Cxcl12, and its main receptor Cxcr4, known to promote processes of neurogenesis, we examined here this neuroimmune system in the embryonic hypothalamus to test directly if it mediates the stimulatory effects low–moderate EtOH doses have on neuronal development.MethodsWe used the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, which develops externally and allows one to investigate the developing brain in vivo with precise control of dose and timing of EtOH delivery in the absence of maternal influence. Zebrafish were exposed to low–moderate EtOH doses (0.1, 0.25, 0.5% v/v), specifically during a period of peak hypothalamic development from 22 to 24 hours postfertilization, and in some tests were pretreated from 2 to 22 hpf with the Cxcr4 receptor antagonist, AMD3100. Measurements in the hypothalamus at 26 hpf were taken of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcription, signaling, and neuronal density using qRT‐PCR, RNAscope, and live imaging of transgenic zebrafish.ResultsEmbryonic EtOH exposure, particularly at the 0.5% dose, significantly increased levels of cxcl12a and cxcr4b mRNA in whole embryos, number of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcripts in developing hypothalamus, and internalization of Cxcr4b receptors in hypothalamic cells. Embryonic EtOH also caused an increase in the number of hypothalamic neurons and coexpression of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcripts within these neurons. Each of these stimulatory effects of EtOH in the embryo was blocked by pretreatment with the Cxcr4 antagonist AMD3100.ConclusionsThese results provide clear evidence that EtOH’s stimulatory effects at low–moderate doses on the number of hypothalamic neurons early in development are mediated, in part, by increased transcription and intracellular activation of this chemokine system, likely due to autocrine signaling of Cxcl12a at its Cxcr4b receptor within the neurons.
Does correctional supervision of amphetamine users reduce the risk of re‐offending?
Authors: Weatherburn Don , Yeong Steve 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo examine the specific deterrent effect of offender supervision on the risk of a further offence by persons convicted of amphetamine use and/or possession.DesignObservational study of two groups matched on a wide range of factors using augmented inverse probability of treatment weighting.SettingNew South Wales (NSW), Australia.ParticipantsA total of 2099 persons convicted of amphetamine use and/or possession and placed on either a supervised good behaviour bond (1004) or a bond without supervision (1096).MeasurementsConviction for another amphetamine use/possession offence, any drug offence, assault or theft within 48 months free time after the index court appearance.FindingsOnly two of the treatment estimates were consistent with a deterrent effect. Where the outcome was an assault offence, the estimated reduction in risk of re‐offending was 1%. Where the outcome was a theft offence, the estimated reduction in the risk of reoffending was 0.07%. Neither result was statistically significant. The coefficients measuring the effect of supervision on the remaining two outcomes (use/possess amphetamine and use/possess any drug) were both positive and not statistically significant.ConclusionCorrectional supervision does not appear to have been effective in New South Wales, Australia, in reducing the risk of reoffending among people convicted of amphetamine use/possession.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of peficitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Toyoshima Junko , Shibata Mai , Kaibara Atsunori , Kaneko Yuichiro , Izutsu Hiroyuki , Nishimura Tetsuya 
Published: October 2020

AimsTo analyse the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of peficitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assess the potential PK covariates to identify the requirement for dose adjustment in RA patients.MethodsThe analysis incorporated 2464 observations from 98 healthy volunteers and 4919 observations from 989 RA patients. A population PK model for peficitinib in RA patients was constructed by a nonlinear mixed effect model using NONMEM with prior information from a healthy volunteer model.ResultsA 2‐compartment model with sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption and lag time was constructed for RA patients. Covariate exploration in the RA patient model revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lymphocyte count had a significant effect on apparent total systemic clearance (CL), which was 91.7 L/h (2.3% relative standard error). Compared with the mean population CL, the model predicted mean changes in CL of 12.3 and −10.7% in patients with observed minimum and maximum lymphocyte count of 500 and 4600 106/L, respectively, and mean changes in CL of −17.8 and 16.7% in patients with minimum and maximum eGFR of 36.4 and 188 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. The simulated population mean area under plasma concentration–time curve for 24 hours after dosing showed a 1.35‐fold increase in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 22.5 mL/min/1.73m2) compared with patients with reference eGFR (91.5 mL/min/1.73m2).ConclusionThe population PK model identified eGFR and lymphocyte count as covariates for CL. The magnitude of changes was not considered clinically relevant, indicating no requirement for dose adjustment.
Clinical outcomes of high‐intensity doses of atorvastatin in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A retrospective cohort study using real‐world data
Authors: Rahhal Alaa , Khir Fadi , Aljundi Amer Hussien , AlAhmad Yaser , Alzaeem Hakam , Habra Masa , Al‐Shekh Israa , Mahfouz Ahmed , Awaisu Ahmed , Al‐Yafei Sumaya , Arabi Abdul Rahman 
Published: October 2020

AimsTo compare the effectiveness and safety of 2 high‐intensity atorvastatin doses (40 mg vs 80 mg) among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study using real‐world data included patients admitted with ACS to the Heart Hospital in Qatar between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular disease‐associated death, nonfatal ACS and nonfatal stroke. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine the association between the 2 high‐intensity atorvastatin dosing regimens and the primary outcome at 1 month and 12 months postdischarge.ResultsOf the 626 patients included in the analyses, 475 (75.9%) received atorvastatin 40 mg, while 151 (24.1%) received atorvastatin 80 mg following ACS. Most of the patients were Asian (73%), male (97%) with a mean age of 50 years and presented with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (60%). The incidence of the primary effectiveness outcome did not differ between the atorvastatin 40‐and 80‐mg groups at 1 month (0.8 vs 1.3%; adjusted hazard ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.04–8.13, P = .690) and at 12 months (3.2 vs 4%; adjusted hazard ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.18–1.80, P = .340). Similarly, the use of the 2 doses of atorvastatin resulted in comparable safety outcomes, including liver toxicity, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with an event rate of <1% in both groups.ConclusionThe use of atorvastatin 40 mg in comparison to atorvastatin 80 mg in patients with ACS resulted in similar cardiovascular effectiveness and safety outcomes.
Investigator brochures for phase I/II trials lack information on the robustness of preclinical safety studies
Authors: Sievers Sören , Wieschowski Susanne , Strech Daniel 
Published: October 2020

AimMeaningful and ethical phase I/II trials can only be conducted with supportive prospective risk‐benefit assessment. This relies largely on preclinical animal studies addressing the safety and efficacy of treatments. These studies are reported in an Investigator's Brochure (IB) to inform ethics review boards and regulatory authorities. Our study investigated the extent, reporting quality and accessibility of preclinical safety studies (PCSSs) compiled in IBs.MethodsWe analysed a sample of 46 IBs for phase I/II trials approved at a leading German university medical centre from 2010 to 2016. We extracted all PCSSs presented in the 46 IBs and assessed them for reporting on methodological measures to reduce validity threats.ResultsThe 46 IBs included 777 PCSSs. Blinded outcome assessment, randomization and sample size calculation were reported for fewer than 1% of studies. Only 5% of the PCSSs provided a reference to published data. Compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidance was reported for 52% of PCSSs, but the GLP document itself does not include any relevant methodological requirements for the reduction of validity threats.ConclusionScarce reporting in IBs and the very limited publicly available data on PCSSs make it almost impossible for investigators to critically evaluate the robustness of preclinical evidence of drug safety. Combined with recent findings on the presentation of preclinical efficacy studies in IBs, we conclude that the current reporting patterns in IBs strongly limit the independent review of evidential support for early human trials. Regulatory authorities and IRBs should require better reporting in IBs.
Contractualist age rationing under outbreak circumstances
Authors: Nielsen Lasse 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAge rationing is a central issue in the health care priority‐setting literature, but it has become ever more salient in the light of the Covid‐19 outbreak, where health authorities in several countries have given higher priority to younger over older patients. But how is age rationing different under outbreak circumstances than under normal circumstances, and what does this difference imply for ethical theories? This is the topic of this paper. The paper argues that outbreaks such as that of Covid‐19 involve special circumstances that change how age should influence our prioritization decisions, and that while this shift in circumstances poses a problem for consequentialist views such as utilitarianism and age‐weighted consequentialism, contractualism is better equipped to cope with it. The paper then offers a contractualist prudential account of age rationing under outbreak circumstances.
Social interaction and gender as factors affecting the trajectories of children's engagement and hyperactive behaviour in preschool
Authors: Sjöman Madeleine , Granlund Mats , Axelsson Anna Karin , Almqvist Lena , Danielsson Henrik 
Published: October 2020

Background and aimsSocial interactions in preschool and a child's gender are, in cross‐sectional studies, related to the child's overall levels of hyperactive behaviour and engagement in preschool activities. However, whether social interaction and gender can predict children's engagement and hyperactivity is not thoroughly investigated. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal influence of gender, child‐to‐child interaction, and teacher responsiveness on the association between trajectories of children's levels of core engagement and hyperactive behaviour. It was hypothesized that peer‐to‐child interaction and teacher responsiveness in preschool settings are related to positive change in engagement among children with hyperactive behaviour, especially for boys.Sample and methodsSwedish preschool staff completed questionnaires assessing the variables of interest for children aged 1–5 (N = 203). Data were collected on three occasions over a two‐year period. Latent growth curve (LGC) models were used to explore whether teacher responsiveness, peer‐to‐child interaction, and gender predict trajectories of engagement and hyperactivity.ResultsThe results revealed that high levels of hyperactivity were associated with lower levels of engagement on the first occasion. Positive peer‐to‐child interactions and responsive teachers were significant predictors of an increased level of engagement and decreased level of hyperactive behaviour, especially for boys.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the need to improve social interactions, especially peer‐to‐child interactions, to improve engagement in children with hyperactive behaviour, especially boys. Implications for practices and research are discussed.