bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of species richness and human impacts in resisting invasive species in tropical forests
Authors: Mungi Ninad Avinash , Qureshi Qamar , Jhala Yadvendradev V. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The biotic resistance hypothesis suggests that biodiversity‐rich areas should be resistant to biological invasions. Globally, conservationists use this hypothesis to protect diverse ecosystems. However, supporting data are often contradictory, possibly due to several confounding factors. Complexity in inferences increases in the tropics, which are sparsely studied.

We hypothesize that human impacts, forest type and climate would modulate the relationship between native and invasive plant richness. To understand these interacting and varying effects of native richness and human disturbance on plant invasions, we sampled 354 grids of 25 km2 with equal representation of protected areas (PAs) and multi‐use areas (MAs) to record abundance of native and non‐native plants from 34 PAs across five forest types in tropical India. We used linear mixed effect models to investigate the occurrence and abundance of invasive plants with respect to varying native richness, human impacts, forest types and climate.

Human use of forests increased the richness and abundance of invasive plants across all forest types. After accounting for human use, native species richness of tropical wet forests had a negative relationship with invasive plants richness and abundance, while the relationship reversed with increasing aridity and temperature. Human infrastructure facilitated invasions within PAs.

Synthesis. The biotic resistance hypothesis explained a lower number of invasions within protected tropical wet forests but not within dry forests. Human‐free protected areas had lower richness and abundance of invasive plants across all systems, especially in wet tropical forests. Our results support the contextual importance of the biotic resistance hypothesis, while stressing the importance of protected areas, insulated from human impacts, to preserve the integrity of vulnerable natural systems.
Tracking towards care: Relational affordances of self‐tracking in gym culture
Authors: Kristensen Dorthe Brogård , Kuruoglu Alev Pinar , Banke Signe 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the past few years, self‐tracking technologies have been celebrated for the possibilities they offer to ‘optimize’ fitness and wellbeing, yet also criticized for being rigid and isolating. In this article, we identify complex tracking arrangements that consist of a variety of data and multiple modalities of tracking emplaced within arrangements of actors and objects (digital/analog tracking devices and data output). We inquire into how these arrangements afford care. Based on our ethnographic research of gym culture in Denmark, we find that individuals make the technologies ‘work’ for them in ways that shield them from bodily or emotional distress. Fitness practitioners combine digital tracking technologies with analog methods and enrol other human actors in recording, interpreting, questioning and tinkering with their data; in other words, they perform data work in ways that mend or prevent ruptures and brokenness and thus afford ‘care’. We highlight the role of the personal trainer, who often complements or salvages the outputs of digital technologies. We argue that tracking has the capacity to afford care and wellness when it is emplaced within socialities and when actors are able to exercise their capacities and knowledge in ways that mitigate the data outputs.
Narrative frames as choice over structure of American Indian sexual and reproductive health consequences of historical trauma
Authors: Cox Genevieve R. , Anastario Mike , FireMoon Paula , Ricker Adriann , Rink Elizabeth 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that the historical trauma associated with settler colonialism affects the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of American Indian (AI) communities today. This article examines how one AI community narratively frames the influence of historical trauma within the context of community‐based participatory research (CBPR) and the implications of this framing for health behaviours, internalized oppression, SRH outcomes, and future CBPR interventions. We found that AIs framed the SRH consequences of historical trauma with renderings that favoured personal choice over structural explanations. Our findings suggest future interventions could: (1) include educational components on historical trauma and the continued role settler colonialism plays in structural violence against AI bodies and communities; and (2) recognize the role that the individualized logic of westernized/white culture may play in the erasure of traditional collectivist AI culture, internalized oppression, and SRH.
X‐GmbH v Finanzamt Stuttgart – Körperschaften: Abuse of Tax Law and Exchange of Tax Information in EU law
Authors: Kuźniacki Błażej 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Court of Justice of the European Union has taken an evolutionary approach to the understanding of an EU standard for the prevention of abuse of tax law under EU primary law (the free movement of capital) in a landmark case regarding the rules on German controlled foreign companies (CFC rules). This case note contrasts the narrow understanding of wholly artificial arrangements under Cadbury Schweppes Overseas Ltd v Commissioners of Inland Revenue with a seemingly broader one in X‐GmbH v Finanzamt Stuttgart – Körperschaften. The note then examines the link between the genuine exchange of tax information with third countries as a way of ensuring effective fiscal supervision, and the prevention of tax avoidance. Finally, the significance of X‐GmbH is highlighted to all the Member States in respect of the transposition of Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Anti‐Tax Avoidance Directive, and for third countries, and the compatibility of the UK's diverted profits tax with EU law.
Planned complex suicide involving combined drug intoxication and femoral catheterization
Authors: Pélissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure , Deveaux Marc , Sastre Caroline , Baillif‐Couniou Valerie , Christia Marie‐Amandine , Champeaux‐Fesquet Chantal , Leonetti Georges 
Published: July 2021

AbstractComplex planned suicide is characterized by the simultaneous use of two or more methods to ensure that death occurs even if one method fails. The authors present an original combination of two self‐killing methods. A 42‐year‐old cardiologist, with a major depressive syndrome and several suicide attempts, as well as cocaine addiction, was found dead at his home with a femoral catheter inserted in the right femoral artery. The autopsy concluded that death was due to major hemorrhagic process in a context of suicide. Toxicological analyses, performed in peripheral blood by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and by liquid chromatography‐diode array detection, revealed the presence of ethanol (0.13 g/L), cocaine, and metabolites (cocaine: 432 µg/L, benzoylecgonine: 3286 µg/L, ecgonine methyl ester: 1195 µg/L, cocaethylene: 41 µg/L), a potentially lethal concentration of citalopram (1.03 mg/L), toxic concentrations of hydroxyzine (0.11 mg/L), bromazepam (2.06 mg/L), and lidocaine (7.30 mg/L). At the end of these analyses, the death was reclassified as planned complex suicide combining drug intoxication and catheterization of the femoral artery. The authors discuss the main aspects of this case and stress the importance of meticulous analysis of all available evidence: witness reports, victim's medical history and occupation, findings of at‐the‐scene examination, autopsy, and toxicological analyses, in order to exclude homicide and to understand the sequence of events that led to death.
Evaluating the New Common Agricultural Policy: Improving the Rules
Authors: Cagliero Roberto , Legnini Marzia , Licciardo Francesco 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThirty years after their conception and adoption, European rural development policies are about to enter a new programming period, splitting away from the cohesion funds and showing, for the first time since the implementation of agricultural policies, real integration with the so‐called first Pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The proposal for the new CAP from 2023–2027 includes some improvements through a new delivery model and organisational approach, which may reinforce future evaluations. As to overseeing the implementation of the CAP, the Commission proposed to move from a compliance‐based to a performance‐based approach. Nevertheless, we can highlight some elements that may weaken evaluation processes, with the risk of repeating past failures, as is the case in the current CAP programming period from 2014–2020. This article analyses the new framework proposed for the evaluation of the future CAP and is intended to promote a discussion on how to make evaluations more usable, useful and reliable for their users and evaluation practitioners. The analysis concerns only the rules for evaluation and does not discuss other specific monitoring, performance framework and control requirements, which are interrelated with evaluation.
Functional and patient‐reported changes in swallowing and voice after combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Frowen Jacqui , Gough Karla , Hughes Rhys , Drosdowsky Allison , Duffy Mary , Kiss Nicole , Phipps‐Nelson Jo , Siva Shankar , Solomon Benjamin , Ball David 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to describe the nature and impact of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) before and after chemoradiation.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted on patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for limited‐stage SCLC. Patients received either 40, 45 or 50 Gy, commencing the second cycle of chemotherapy. Outcomes included: videofluoroscopy (VFSS) to investigate aspiration, swallowing function and oesophageal motility; oral intake limitations; patient‐reported dysphagia; and patient‐reported dysphonia. Data were collected before treatment and one, three and six months post‐treatment.ResultsTwelve patients were enrolled. Oropharyngeal swallowing was safe and functional at all times. Three patients exhibited oesophageal motility disorders before treatment, and a further three post‐treatment. Oral intake was most compromised one month post‐treatment with five patients either tube dependent or eating very limited diets. At all other times patients were eating normal or near‐normal diets. Despite normal oropharyngeal swallowing on VFSS, three patients reported moderate or severe dysphagia one month post‐treatment. Three additional patients reported moderate or severe difficulties three and six months post‐treatment. Patients who reported dysphagia one month post‐treatment all received a mean and maximum oesophageal dose of ≥15.7 Gy and ≥42 Gy, respectively. Dose–response relationships were not apparent three and six months post‐treatment. Voice problems varied, with worst scores reported one month post‐treatment.ConclusionsThis study identified discordance between observed swallowing function and patient‐reported problems, which has clinical implications for patient management, and highlights future research needs. Ongoing efforts to reduce mucosal toxicity in patients with lung cancer are essential.
The relationship between common variants in the DPEP1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical severity of osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Mei Yufeng , Feng Min , Wang Chunsheng , Yang Pei , Tian Run 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimPrevious studies have provided evidence linking the DPEP1 gene to the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in Europeans. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between DPEP1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical severity of OA in a Chinese Han population.MethodsThis study comprised two independent samples. For the discovery stage, 1022 patients with knee OA and 1864 controls were recruited. Fourteen tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the DPEP1 gene were selected and genotyped. Associated SNPs in the discovery data set were subsequently genotyped in the replication data set consisting of 826 hip OA cases and 1662 controls. Both genotypic and allelic genetic associations were tested. The relationship of significant SNPs to the expression of DPEP1 and its neighboring genes was examined using the GTEx database.ResultsA nonsynonymous SNP, rs1126464, was determined to be associated with the disease status of OA in both the discovery and replication stages (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.68‐0.82, P = 7.16 × 10−11). This SNP was further characterized as being significantly related to a higher Kellgren‐Lawrence grade in OA patients (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55‐0.74, P = 2.53 × 10−9). According to the GTEx data, SNP rs1126464 was significantly related to the gene expression of 15 genes in multiple types of human tissues.ConclusionWe reported a common DNA variant in the DPEP1 gene that contributes to the risk of OA, providing additional evidence that the DPEP1 gene plays a significant role in the pathological mechanisms of OA.
Feasibility and reliability of evaluate PD‐L1 expression determination using small biopsy specimens in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Minjiang , Xu Yan , Zhao Jing , Li Ji , Liu Xiangning , Zhong Wei , Wang Mengzhao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundProgrammed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is a useful biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who would probably benefit from immunotherapy. In most patients with advanced stage NSCLC, only small biopsy specimens were available for the evaluation of PD‐L1 expression. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and reliability of PD‐L1 testing on small biopsy samples.MethodsSmall specimens of advanced NSCLC patients obtained via endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA), endobronchial biopsy (EBB), or computed tomography (CT)‐guided core‐needle biopsy were collected. Tumor cell count and tissue sufficiency for PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were evaluated and compared. The clinical course of patients who received immunotherapy in the study population was also examined.ResultsTissue acquisitions for PD‐L1 testing in three groups were all above 90%, with no statistically significant differences. The PD‐L1 expressions levels were concordant in most patients with more than one sample (8/11). In the EBB group, PD‐L1‐positive patients had higher objective response rate (ORR) (53.2% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.048) and longer progression‐free survival (PFS) (312 vs. 179 days, p = 0.035) than PD‐L1 negative patients. In the core needle biopsy group, patients with positive PD‐L1 expression also trended to have higher ORR and longer PFS. However, in the EBUS‐TBNA group, both ORR and PFS were similar between patients with positive or negative PD‐L1 expression.ConclusionsThis study showed that EBUS‐TBNA, EBB, and core needle biopsy provides adequate samples for PD‐L1 testing. The predictive value of PD‐L1 expression on different small samples still warrants further studies.
Distribution of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in southern Australia and insight into the Culicoides victoriae morpho‐variants
Authors: Mee Peter T , Walker Peter J , Weeks Andrew R , Hoffmann Ary A , Duchemin Jean‐Bernard 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCertain Culicoides species (biting midges) are important vectors globally of a range of viruses, protozoa and filarial parasites, imposing a significant economic and health burden. In a changing climate, understanding which Culicoides species occur in a region is important for biosecurity risk management. We examined the occurrence of predominant Culicoides species in south‐east Australia and provide insight into five Culicoides victoriae morpho‐variants. Culicoides were surveyed using Centre for Disease Control light traps and Yellow Sticky traps, with identification performed morphologically and molecularly. Two polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assays based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I were developed to differentiate morphologically similar C. victoriae, with a subset sequenced for nuclear carbomoylphosphate synthase. The structure of the five C. victoriae morpho‐variants was investigated through phylogenetic trees, haplotype networks and the Barcode Index Number system (BINs) in the Barcode of Life Data (BOLD) database. Twenty‐five different Culicoides species were identified in the sampled region with Culicoides austropalpalis, C. victoriae, C. marksi and C. molestus Gp sp No 2 being the most common. Two PCR‐RFLP assays were developed using either one or three enzymes, with a 90% or 99% success rate, respectively, of being able to differentiate the five C. victoriae morpho‐variants. Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence divergence supported by wing patterning allowed the recognition of multiple potentially new species of C. victoriae and identified species in uncharacterised regions.
Phylogenetic homogenization of Amazonian tree assemblages in forest islands after 26 years of isolation
Authors: Santo‐Silva Edgar E. , Benchimol Maíra , Peres Carlos A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuestionLosses in species richness and functional diversity of tree assemblages have often been observed in Neotropical fragmented landscapes, but the way in which tree phylogenetic diversity responds to forest insularization over decadal timescales remains unclear. Here, we examine how tree phylogenetic diversity and structure have responded to profound landscape alteration and subsequent non‐random species losses within forest islands created within a vast hydroelectric reservoir.LocationBalbina Hydroelectric Dam Reservoir, Central Brazilian Amazonia.MethodsWe used a large tree data set including 435 subplots of 0.05 ha each in 34 forest islands of variable sizes and three continuous forest sites in the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam, which contained 11,000 stems representing 365 species and 188 genera. In each subplot we quantified tree phylogenetic diversity and structure and investigated their relationship with landscape structure metrics and the proportion of species within specific functional groups.ResultsWe uncovered a reduction in phylogenetic diversity in small (<10 ha) isolated islands, particularly in more fire‐prone areas near forest edges and surrounded by low amounts of forest cover. Additionally, assemblage‐wide phylogenetic decay was a result of non‐random species losses, given that tree assemblages dominated by small‐seeded, soft‐wooded pioneer species exhibited lower values of phylogenetic diversity and structure. We also uncovered a phylogenetic signal in traits associated with disturbance‐adapted species within this major man‐made forest archipelago.ConclusionWe uncovered pronounced phylogenetic diversity decay that was mostly driven by the proliferation of disturbance‐adapted species, such as small‐seeded pioneer species exhibiting fast life histories. Our results undermine more optimistic views based on studies in fragmented landscapes dominated by terrestrial matrix habitats, and indicate that true land‐bridge forest islands experience more detrimental effects on different components of tree diversity. Our study contributes to elucidate a growing underestimation of the pervasive threats posed by mega‐dams to tropical forest biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
A Phase 1 study of the long‐acting anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibody GSK3511294 in patients with asthma
Authors: Singh Dave , Fuhr Rainard , Bird Nicholas P. , Mole Sarah , Hardes Kelly , Man Yau Lun , Cahn Anthony , Yancey Steven W. , Pouliquen Isabelle J. 
Published: July 2021

AimsGSK3511294 is a humanized anti‐interleukin (IL)‐5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) engineered for extended half‐life and improved IL‐5 affinity versus other anti‐IL‐5 mAbs. This study examined its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and effect on blood eosinophil counts.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, parallel‐group, single‐ascending‐dose, multicenter, Phase 1 study (205 722;NCT03287310) in patients with asthma and a blood eosinophil count ≥200 cells μL−1. Patients were randomized 3:1 within dose cohorts to receive a single subcutaneous dose of GSK3511294 (2, 10, 30, 100 or 300 mg) or placebo and followed for up to 40 weeks to assess safety (primary endpoint), ratio to baseline in blood eosinophil count, plasma PK parameters and frequency/titers of binding antidrug antibodies (all secondary).ResultsForty‐eight patients received the study drug and completed the study. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 92% of placebo‐treated and 81% of GSK3511294‐treated patients. There were no AEs leading to study withdrawal or serious AEs; hypersensitivity (one event in one patient) and injection‐site reaction (three events in two patients) occurred infrequently. Marked reductions (>48%) in blood eosinophil count were seen from 24 hours post‐dose with all GSK3511294 doses but not placebo; suppression was maintained for longer with increasing dose (82% and 83% adjusted reductions vs placebo with 100 and 300 mg, respectively, at week 26). PK were linear and dose proportional over the dose range; terminal half‐life was 38‐53 days.ConclusionsGSK3511294 was well tolerated, with linear and dose proportional PK, extended half‐life and blood eosinophil count reduction, supporting less frequent dosing versus other anti‐IL‐5 mAbs.
Recognition of seizure semiology and semiquantitative FDG‐PET analysis of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis
Authors: Li Tao‐Ran , Zhang Yu‐Di , Wang Qun , Shao Xiao‐Qiu , Lv Rui‐Juan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsAnti‐leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is characterized by complex manifestations of seizures. Here, we report a new seizure semiology, attempt to classify the disease by semiology type, and explore the metabolic pattern of each group.MethodsAnti‐LGI1 AE patients were retrospectively screened between May 2014 and September 2019 in our tertiary epilepsy center. All enrolled patients had seizures during long‐range video electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, and all patients (except one) underwent [18F] fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Voxel‐based metabolic analysis and z‐distribution analysis were carried out to determine the metabolic pattern.ResultsThirty‐three patients were enrolled. According to the patients’ seizure semiology, we divided the patients into four groups: focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS, n = 17), faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS)‐only (n = 6), FBDS‐plus (n = 8), and focal aware motor seizures (FAMS) (n = 2). No significant differences were found in the clinical manifestations or accessory tests except for the onset age (FIAS < FBDS‐plus) and seizure semiology. This was the first study to extensively describe the clinical manifestations and EEG of FAMS in anti‐LGI1 AE patients. In addition, we found that the patients with different semiologies all showed a wide range of abnormal metabolism, which is not limited to the temporal regions and basal ganglia, and extends far beyond our previous interpretation of FDG‐PET data.ConclusionOur results showed that FAMS can serve as a rare indicative seizure semiology of anti‐LGI1 AE and that individuals with this disease exhibited widespread functional network alterations.