bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A practical guide to question formation, systematic searching and study screening for literature reviews in ecology and evolution
Authors: Foo Yong Zhi , O'Dea Rose E. , Koricheva Julia , Nakagawa Shinichi , Lagisz Malgorzata 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Well‐conducted systematic reviews are invaluable for synthesising research findings. The conclusions of a review depend on how the research question was formulated, how relevant studies were found and how studies were selected for synthesis.

Here, we present a practical guide for ecologists and evolutionary biologists on formulating a question for a systematic review, and finding a representative sample of research findings.

We explain the steps involved using a worked example and practical training exercises. Throughout this guide we share tricks of the trade, included rules of thumb and software that we have found useful.

We hope our paper helps demystify the systematic search process and encourages more researchers to adopt a systematic and reproducible approach when searching the literature.
Impact network analysis and the ina r package: Decision support for regional management interventions
Authors: Garrett Karen A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The success of intervention projects for species management depends on both the effectiveness of management technologies and the geographical landscape of management adoption. Impact network analysis (INA) is a new framework for evaluating the likely level of success of regional species management before, during and after projects, for project implementers, policymakers and funders. INA evaluates the effects of management performance in a multilayer network analysis. The socioeconomic network represents manager communication about technologies and influence about technology adoption decisions in an agent‐based model. The linked biophysical network represents species dispersal, resulting in regional success or failure of species management.

The specific objectives of this paper are to (a) introduce the INA framework and ina r package; (b) illustrate the identification of key nodes for smart surveillance strategies; (c) illustrate the application of the INA framework for evaluating the likely degree of success of a project in intervention ecology, before, during and after an intervention; and (d) illustrate the use of INA for evaluating adaptation strategies under global change scenarios with pulse and press stressors, introducing ‘adaptation functions’ to evaluate the management response required for sustainability and resilience.

Examples of use of the ina package show key outcomes of analyses: identifying the limiting factors for effective regional management, pointing out when systems may be non‐responsive to the system components that are readily changed through management decisions, and identifying the additional adaptations that may be necessary for intervention success.

The broader goals for the development of impact network analysis and the ina package are to provide a common framework that integrates across intervention ecology, to enhance opportunities for lessons learned across systems and scientific disciplines, to support the development of a community of practice, and to create a general platform to operationalize analysis of sustainability, resilience and economic viability in intervention ecology applications.
Nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing protein X1 deficiency induces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide decline, mechanistic target of rapamycin activation, and cellular senescence and accelerates aging lung‐like changes
Authors: Shin Hyeon Jun , Kim Sang‐Hun , Park Hong‐Jai , Shin Min‐Sun , Kang Insoo , Kang Min‐Jong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated to have a causative role in organismal aging. A mitochondrial molecule, nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing protein X1 (NLRX1), represents the only NLR family member that targets this cellular location, implying that NLRX1 probably establishes a fundamental link between mitochondrial functions and cellular physiology. However, the significance of NLRX1 function in cellular senescence, a key conceptual constituent in aging biology, is yet to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that molecular hallmarks involved in aging biology including NAD+ decline, and activation of mTOR, p53, and p16INK4A are significantly enhanced in NLRX1 deficiency in vitro. Mechanistic studies of replicative cellular senescence in the presence or absence of NLRX1 in vitro reveal that NLRX1‐deficient fibroblasts fail to maintain optimal NAD+/NADH ratio, which instigates the decline of SIRT1 and the activation of mTOR, p16INK4A, and p53, leading to the increase in senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal)‐positive cells. Importantly, the enhanced cellular senescence response in NLRX1 deficiency is significantly attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling in vitro. Finally, our in vivo murine studies reveal that NLRX1 decreases with age in murine lungs and NLRX1 deficiency in vivo accelerates pulmonary functional and structural changes that recapitulate the findings observed in human aging lungs. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence for NLRX1 as a crucial regulator of cellular senescence and in vivo lung aging.
COVID‐19 impacts on drinking and mental health in emerging adults: Longitudinal changes and moderation by economic disruption and sex
Authors: Minhas Meenu , Belisario Kyla , González‐Roz Alba , Halladay Jillian , Murphy James G. , MacKillop James 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are significant concerns that the COVID‐19 pandemic may have negative effects on substance use and mental health, but most studies to date are cross‐sectional. In a sample of emerging adults, over a two‐week period during the pandemic, the current study examined: (1) changes in drinking‐related outcomes, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder and (2) differences in changes by sex and income loss. The intra‐pandemic measures were compared to pre‐pandemic measures.MethodsParticipants were 473 emerging adults (Mage = 23.84; 41.7% male) in an existing longitudinal study on alcohol misuse who were assessed from June 17 to July 1, 2020, during acute public health restrictions in Ontario, Canada. These intra‐pandemic data were matched to participant pre‐pandemic reports, collected an average of 5 months earlier. Assessments included validated measures of drinking, alcohol‐related consequences, and mental health indicators.ResultsLongitudinal analyses revealed significant decreases in heavy drinking and adverse alcohol consequences, with no moderation by sex or income loss, but with substantial heterogeneity in changes. Significant increases in continuous measures of depression and anxiety were present, both of which were moderated by sex. Females reported significantly larger increases in depression and anxiety. Income loss >50% was significantly associated with increases in depression.ConclusionsDuring the initial phase of the pandemic, reductions in heavy drinking and alcohol consequences were present in this sample of emerging adults, perhaps due to restrictions on socializing. In contrast, there was an increase in internalizing symptoms , especially in females, highlighting disparities in the mental health impacts of the pandemic.
How do key audit matter characteristics combine to impact financial statement understandability?
Authors: Ong Sau Yu , Moroney Robyn , Xiao Xinning 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe intention behind the communication of key audit matters (KAMs) is to facilitate financial statement understandability by providing information about the focus of the audit. We predict and find two KAM characteristics affecting financial statement understandability: readability and quantification. While KAM readability enhances financial statement understandability, quantification impacts understandability in different ways. When a KAM is more readable, quantification further enhances understandability, but when a KAM is less readable, understandability is lower when quantification is present than when absent. Our findings suggest that KAMs are more helpful to investors when readable and quantification is more beneficial when KAMs are readable.
Relapse after abrupt discontinuation of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lambrichts Simon , Vansteelandt Kristof , Crauwels Bo , Obbels Jasmien , Pilato Eva , Denduyver Jonas , Ernes Katrien , Maebe Pieter‐Paul , Migchels Charlotte , Roosen Lore , Buggenhout Satya , Bouckaert Filip , Schrijvers Didier , Sienaert Pascal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveMaintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M‐ECT) is considered an effective relapse prevention strategy in severe mood and psychotic disorders. How long M‐ECT should be continued, and what the outcome is after its discontinuation has not been adequately studied. In our tertiary psychiatric hospital, M‐ECT treatments were suspended at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We aimed to determine the 6‐month relapse rate and time to relapse after abrupt discontinuation of M‐ECT and to assess the impact of patient and treatment characteristics on the risk of relapse.MethodsEighty‐one patients whose M‐ECT was discontinued abruptly were followed up prospectively for 6 months, or until relapse (i.e., hospital admission, restart of ECT, change of pharmacotherapy, or suicide (attempt)). We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to assess the impact of patient and treatment characteristics on the risk of relapse.ResultsThirty‐six patients (44.44%) relapsed within 6 months following abrupt discontinuation of M‐ECT. A greater number of previous acute ECT courses, a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (compared with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder), and a shorter interval between M‐ECT treatments at the time of discontinuation were significantly associated with increased risk of relapse.ConclusionAlmost half of the patients relapsed, similar to the relapse rate after a successful acute course of ECT. Patients with a shorter interval between M‐ECT treatments at the time of discontinuation seem to be at increased risk, as well as patients with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, compared to patients with mood disorders.
Asthma phenotypes, associated comorbidities, and long‐term symptoms in COVID‐19
Authors: Eggert Lauren E. , He Ziyuan , Collins William , Lee Alexandra S. , Dhondalay Gopal , Jiang Shirley Y. , Fitzpatrick Jessica , Snow Theo T. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Artandi Maja , Barman Linda , Puri Rajan , Wittman Richard , Ahuja Neera , Blomkalns Andra , O'Hara Ruth , Cao Shu , Desai Manisha , Sindher Sayantani B. , Nadeau Kari , Chinthrajah R. Sharon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear whether asthma and its allergic phenotype are risk factors for hospitalization or severe disease from SARS‐CoV‐2.MethodsAll patients over 28 days old testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 between March 1 and September 30, 2020, were retrospectively identified and characterized through electronic analysis at Stanford. A sub‐cohort was followed prospectively to evaluate long‐term COVID‐19 symptoms.Results168,190 patients underwent SARS‐CoV‐2 testing, and 6,976 (4.15%) tested positive. In a multivariate analysis, asthma was not an independent risk factor for hospitalization (OR 1.12 [95% CI 0.86, 1.45], p = .40). Among SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive asthmatics, allergic asthma lowered the risk of hospitalization and had a protective effect compared with non‐allergic asthma (OR 0.52 [0.28, 0.91], p = .026); there was no association between baseline medication use as characterized by GINA and hospitalization risk. Patients with severe COVID‐19 disease had lower eosinophil levels during hospitalization compared with patients with mild or asymptomatic disease, independent of asthma status (p = .0014). In a patient sub‐cohort followed longitudinally, asthmatics and non‐asthmatics had similar time to resolution of COVID‐19 symptoms, particularly lower respiratory symptoms.ConclusionsAsthma is not a risk factor for more severe COVID‐19 disease. Allergic asthmatics were half as likely to be hospitalized with COVID‐19 compared with non‐allergic asthmatics. Lower levels of eosinophil counts (allergic biomarkers) were associated with a more severe COVID‐19 disease trajectory. Recovery was similar among asthmatics and non‐asthmatics with over 50% of patients reporting ongoing lower respiratory symptoms 3 months post‐infection.
Environment‐dependent alterations of immune mediators in urban and rural South African children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Tan Ge , Dreher Anita , Sokolowska Milena , Groeger David , Warwyzniak Marcin , Altunbulakli Can , Westermann Patrick , Basera Wisdom , Hobane Lelani , Botha Maresa , Gray Claudia , Mankahla Avumile , Gray Clive , Nadeau Kari C. , Hlela Carol , Levin Michael , O’Mahony Liam , Akdis Cezmi A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches for children with atopic dermatitis (AD), novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and environmental exposures that differentially contribute to disease phenotypes are required. We wished to identify AD immunological endotypes in South African children from rural and urban environments.MethodsWe measured immunological, socio‐economic and environmental factors in healthy children (n = 74) and children with AD (n = 78), in rural and urban settings from the same ethno‐linguistic AmaXhosa background in South Africa.ResultsCirculating eosinophils, monocytes, TARC, MCP‐4, IL‐16 and allergen‐specific IgE levels were elevated, while IL‐17A and IL‐23 levels were reduced, in children with AD regardless of their location. Independent of AD, children living in a rural environment had the highest levels of TNFα, TNFβ, IL‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐21, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, MDC, sICAM1, sVCAM1, VEGFA, VEGFD and Tie2, suggesting a generalized microinflammation or a pattern of trained immunity without any specific TH polarization. In contrast, IL‐15, IL‐22, Flt1, PIGF and βFGF were highest in urban children. Rural healthy children had the lowest levels of food allergen‐specific IgG4. Early life nutritional factors, medications, animal exposures, indoor environment, sunlight exposure, household size, household income and parental education levels were associated with differences in circulating cytokine levels.ConclusionsThis study highlights the immunological impact of environmental exposures and socio‐economic status in the manifestation of immune endotypes in children with AD living in urban and rural areas, which are important in selecting appropriately matched immunological therapies for treatment of AD.
Correlation between neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and clinical manifestations and complications of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: He Mengmei , Wu Tong , Zhang Luning , Ye Wei , Ma Jiyuan , Zhao Chao , Liu Jiahua , Zhou Jian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeThe role of inflammation in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has been receiving additional attention. However, the association between inflammation and the clinical manifestations and complications of RP is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of RP complicated with cataract and explore the correlations between the NLR and specific clinical features of RP.MethodsThis retrospective study included 79 RP patients complicated with cataract (125 eyes) and 63 age‐ and sex‐matched patients (63 eyes) with age‐related cataract (ARC). Patients’ ocular examination results were collected and complete blood count results were used to calculate NLRs. The correlations between the NLR of RP patients and the parameters of ocular examinations were analysed.ResultsThe NLRs of RP patients with cataracts were significantly higher than those of ARC (1.93 ± 0.83 versus 1.65 ± 0.59, p = 0.029). The NLRs increased with the severity of posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC), zonular deficiency, poor preoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (LogMAR>1), and visual field defects. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that NLR > 1.36 could predict higher degrees (PSC area >3%, >P1) of PSC (p = 0.002, 95% CI, 0.672–0.934), and that NLR > 2.12 could predict zonular weakness (p = 0.002, 95% CI, 0.665–0.928) in RP.ConclusionThe NLRs in RP patients with cataract are not only higher but also associated with several clinical manifestations of RP. The NLR can be a predictive biomarker of higher degrees of PSC (>P1) and zonular weakness in RP before cataract surgery. These results suggest that systemic inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of RP.
Corticosteroid use, myocardial injury and in‐hospital cardiovascular events in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Cangemi Roberto , Carnevale Roberto , Cammisotto Vittoria , Nocella Cristina , Bartimoccia Simona , Taliani Gloria , Falcone Marco , Calvieri Camilla , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco ,   in collaboration with the SIXTUS study group
Published: June 2021

Background and PurposeCorticosteroids are often prescribed to community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, but the relationship with major cardiovascular events (MACEs) is unclear.Experimental Approach541 CAP patients were recruited (334 males, mean age 71.9 ± 16.2 years). High‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐cTnT) was measured at admission, during the hospital stay and at discharge. MACE occurrence was registered during a long‐term follow‐up.Key ResultsOverall, 318 patients (59%) showed hs‐cTnT elevation >99th percentile (>0.014 μg/L). Age, heart failure and the increasing quintiles of hs‐cTnT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82‐2.58, P < .001) predicted MACEs. Among patients with hs‐cTnT >0.014 μg/L at admission, 102 patients (31%) were on corticosteroids and showed lower hs‐cTnT increase (P = .021), (NADPH) oxidase‐2 (Nox2) activation (P = .005) and incidence of MACEs than untreated ones (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41‐0.97, P = .038); no effect of corticosteroids on MACEs was observed in CAP patients with normal troponin. In vitro study showed that glucocorticoids have an antioxidant effect via downregulation of Nox2 activity.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe study provides evidence that corticosteroid use is associated with lower increase of hs‐cTnT and incidence of MACEs in CAP patients.
Relevance of primary lesion location, tumour heterogeneity and genetic mutation demonstrated through tumour growth inhibition and overall survival modelling in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Vera‐Yunca Diego , Parra‐Guillen Zinnia P. , Girard Pascal , Trocóniz Iñaki F. , Terranova Nadia 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe aims of this work were to build a semi‐mechanistic tumour growth inhibition (TGI) model for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients receiving either cetuximab + chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone and to identify early predictors of overall survival (OS).MethodsA total of 1716 patients from 4 mCRC clinical studies were included in the analysis. The TGI model was built with 8973 tumour size measurements where the probability of drop‐out was also included and modelled as a time‐to‐event variable using parametric survival models, as it was the case in the OS analysis. The effects of patient‐ and tumour‐related covariates on model parameters were explored.ResultsChemotherapy and cetuximab effects were included in an additive form in the TGI model. Development of resistance was found to be faster for chemotherapy (drug effect halved at wk 8) compared to cetuximab (drug effect halved at wk 12). KRAS wild‐type status and presenting a right‐sided primary lesion were related to a 3.5‐fold increase in cetuximab drug effect and a 4.7× larger cetuximab resistance, respectively. The early appearance of a new lesion (HR = 4.14), a large tumour size at baseline (HR = 1.62) and tumour heterogeneity (HR = 1.36) were the main predictors of OS.ConclusionsSemi‐mechanistic TGI and OS models have been developed in a large population of mCRC patients receiving chemotherapy in combination or not with cetuximab. Tumour‐related predictors, including a machine learning derived‐index of tumour heterogeneity, were linked to changes in drug effect, resistance to treatment or OS, contributing to the understanding of the variability in clinical response.
Multimodal play: A threshold concept for early childhood curriculum?
Authors: Grieshaber Susan , Nuttall Joce , Edwards Susan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA challenge for early childhood (EC) educators internationally is how to increase the integration of popular culture, media and digital technologies in EC settings to promote children's learning with digital media. But an ongoing puzzle is why the practices of some educators change, while others remain the same. Much research about teaching practice positions the locus of change in teacher beliefs, attitudes, values and knowledge. Re‐mediation by cultural tools (i.e., concepts and artefacts) offers an alternative explanation, but this still does not consistently result in hoped‐for shifts in practice. To gain further clarity, we investigated the idea of multimodal play as a ‘threshold concept’ for EC curriculum. Multimodal play integrates popular culture, media and digital technologies in ways that can promote children's learning. Considering multimodal play as a threshold concept may assist educators to adopt new practices in response to children's significant interest in and rapidly changing life worlds of popular culture, media and digital technologies.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Play is the signature pedagogy of early childhood education (ECE).

Professional development (PD) by EC educators about digital technologies, media and popular culture produces little change to established practices.

Successful ways to integrate digital technologies, media and popular culture in EC curricula are needed.

What this paper adds

Draws on extant literature and empirical data to explain why multimodal play could be a threshold concept in ECE.

Offers an alternative explanation to re‐mediation about why practices are difficult to change.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Research and PD about digital technologies, media and popular culture should treat multimodal play (not digital technologies) as a threshold concept in addressing signature pedagogies.

Popular culture, media and digital technologies can add to rather than displace multimodality in children's play.