bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Join the ant hunt: how accurately can the public recognise red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Australia?
Authors: McNaught Melinda K , Wylie Ross , Bell Robert 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA national eradication program for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, has been ongoing in Australia since 2001 when the pest was first officially identified in Brisbane, Queensland. Through a range of communication strategies, the program has encouraged the public to report suspect S. invicta and to submit ant samples for identification. There is now a 16‐year dataset of ant specimen submissions from the public and, in the last 5 years, digital ant photograph submissions. Analysis of this dataset shows that, at the end of 2017, the program has processed over 45 000 identifiable ant samples from 41 genus groups from the public in the greater Brisbane region, as well as viewed almost 7000 digital photo submissions. Of these submissions, 8486 were S. invicta samples, with 898 of these originating from a photo. The 10 most commonly submitted local ant genera represent 90% of non‐target ant samples received. Eight of these genera share two or more traits with S. invicta. Since photos were introduced, there has been a reduction in the average yearly non‐target samples received, along with an increase in the proportion of positive detections within public submissions. We conclude that the program's messaging about how to recognise S. invicta has been effective and that photo submissions are a cost‐effective and successful engagement tool. Our study shows that a high level of confidence can be placed on the ability of the public to recognise and report suspect S. invicta and demonstrates again the importance of awareness campaigns in enhancing the probability of passive detection of a target species.
Structure and function of the bird fovea
Authors: Bringmann Andreas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe cellular structure and functional relevance of the bird fovea are still incompletely understood. This review gives an overview of the cellular composition of the bird fovea, with special regard to Müller glial cells that provide the mechanical stability of the foveal tissue. A survey of previous data shows that the visual acuity of different bird groups (with the exception of owls) depends on the eye size, while the shape of the foveal pit does not correlate with the visual acuity. Among various bird groups, the foveal pit may have two depths, shallow (80‒120 µm) or deep (190‒240 µm). There is a long‐lasting debate whether the bird fovea acts as a local image enlarger or as a focus indicator and movement detector. These functions are supported by the refraction of the incoming light at the tissue surface. However, it was shown that Müller cells form highly refractive layers in the centre and walls of the deep avian fovea (Nature, 1978, 275, 127). Analysis of the light path through the tissue may suggest that Müller cell layers serve at least two optical functions: magnification of the image in the foveal centre and light focusing into a point within and/or a ring around the foveal centre. It is suggested that Müller glial cells contribute to various optical functions of the bird fovea.
Elevation‐richness pattern of vascular plants in wadis of the arid mountain Gebel Elba, Egypt
Authors: Abutaha Maged M. , El‐Khouly Ahmed A. , Jürgens Norbert , Morsy Amal A. , Oldeland Jens 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMountains provide a unique opportunity to study drivers of species richness across relatively short elevation gradients. However, few studies have reported elevational patterns for arid mountains. We studied elevation‐richness pattern along an elevational gradient at the arid mountain Gebel Elba, south‐east of Egypt, expecting a unimodal richness pattern. We sampled 133 vegetation plots (10 × 10 m) in four wadis along an elevational gradient from 130 to 680 m which represents the transition from desert to mountain wadi systems. We used generalised additive models to describe the relationship between elevation and plant species richness. We found a strong increase in species richness and Shannon diversity at low elevations followed by a plateau at mid‐ to high elevations. When we analysed each tributary as a single gradient, no pattern was found. The analysed elevational gradient seems to be a major stress gradient in terms of temperature and water availability, exhibiting a trend of increasing species richness that changes to a plateau pattern; a pattern rarely observed for wadi systems in arid mountains. We discuss the observed pattern with the climatic stress hypothesis and the environmental heterogeneity hypothesis as possible explanations for the pattern.
Implications of vaginal instrumental delivery for children's school achievement: A population‐based linked administrative data study
Authors: Hsieh David C. , Smithers Lisa G. , Black Mairead , Lynch John W. , Dekker Gustaff , Wilkinson Chris , Stark Michael J. , Mol Ben W. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundVaginal instrumental delivery is a common obstetrical intervention, but its effect on children's later development is not well known.AimsTo determine if vaginal instrumental delivery is associated with adverse neurodevelopment as measured by school achievement.Material and methodsWe performed a whole‐of‐population study involving linkage of routinely collected perinatal data with school assessments among children born in South Australia from 1999 to 2008. Participants were singleton children born by forceps (n = 5494), ventouse (n = 6988), or normal delivery (n = 80 803). School achievement was measured through performance on the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), at around eight years of age. This assessment involved five domains and scores were categorised according to performing at or above National Minimum Standards (NMS). Effects of instrumental versus normal vaginal delivery were analysed via augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW), taking into account a variety of maternal, perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, instrumental delivery was not associated with poor NAPLAN scores. AIPW analyses also suggested that instrumental delivery had minimal adverse effect on NAPLAN scores, with the largest difference being lower spelling scores among forceps‐delivered children (−0.022 (95% CI −0.0053–0.009)) compared with spontaneous vaginal births. The findings were consistent among exploratory subgroup analyses involving births in the absence of prolonged labour, with APGAR ≥ 9, and among normotensive and non‐diabetic mothers.ConclusionIn singleton children born at term, instrumental delivery does not have an adverse effect on neurodevelopment as measured by NAPLAN performance at age eight.
Subcontracting Academia: Alienation, Exploitation and Disillusionment in theUKOverseas Syrian Refugee Research Industry
Authors: Sukarieh Mayssoun , Tannock Stuart 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs the political economy of social science research has shifted, subcontracted research assistants have taken over an ever growing part of the research process. In this article, we report on a case study of the experiences of local research assistants employed onUK‐directed research projects on Syrian refugees in Lebanon. While refugee research is framed in theUKas a noble project of helping the world's most vulnerable, these assistants speak critically of their sense of alienation, exploitation and disillusionment with the research they work on. Such problems arise, we argue, not just from subcontracted labour relations in the workplace itself, but also the broader political economy of how overseas social science research is currently produced. Addressing these problems requires giving better recognition to the work, interests and concerns of research assistants, but also rethinking and restructuring the global production of social science research more generally.
The treatment outcomes in IgG4‐related orbital disease: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Detiger Sanne E. , Karim A. Faiz , Verdijk Robert M. , van Hagen P. Martin , van Laar Jan A. M. , Paridaens Dion 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is an immune‐mediated systemic fibro inflammatory disease. Treatment of IgG4‐related orbital disease (IgG4‐ROD) is often indicated to relieve the symptoms and to prevent complications. For IgG4‐ROD, no international formal treatment guidelines are available and the optimal treatment strategy is uncertain. In this systematic review, we describe the efficacy of conventional and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in IgG4‐ROD. A systematic search of Embase, Medline, Web‐of‐Science, PubMed publisher, Cochrane and Google Scholar was performed for treatment outcomes in IgG4‐ROD. Relevant articles on treatment of IgG4‐ROD were retrieved to last date of inclusion 3 January 2018. The following inclusion criteria were used: articles in English or English translation, studies evaluating the use of DMARDs (conventional and biologic) in the treatment of IgG4‐ROD. Meta‐analysis and review articles were excluded. A final selection after full‐text evaluation was made by independent reviewers, based on treatment of IgG4‐ROD with DMARDs and the availability of treatment outcomes. With this systematic review, we identified 35 studies and case reports/series on IgG4‐ROD, describing 95 patients, treated with conventional and/or biologic DMARDs. The success of conventional DMARDs varies between 36% and 75% in patients with IgG4‐ROD, while rituximab is successful in the majority (93%) of the patients. Based on this systematic review, rituximab is the most effective DMARD in IgG4‐ROD, while the efficacy of conventional DMARDs is limited. We propose early initiation of rituximab in case of refractory and organ‐ or life‐threatening disease.
Population/regional differences in efficacy of 3 drug categories (antidiabetic, respiratory and psychotropic agents) among East Asians: A retrospective study based on multiregional clinical trials
Authors: Sai Kimie , Yoshida Akiomi , Hanatani Tadaaki , Imatoh Takuya , Takeuchi Masahiro , Narukawa Mamoru , Watanabe Hiroshi , Uyama Yoshiaki , Saito Yoshiro 
Published: February 2019

AimsThis study aimed to identify population/regional differences in drug efficacy and the influencing factors among East Asians to be considered when planning multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs) to facilitate rapid drug approval in Asians.MethodsA retrospective analysis of efficacy (intergroup difference in endpoint between control and study drug treatment) among East Asian populations for 3 drug categories, antidiabetic, respiratory and psychotropic agents, was conducted in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies using their MRCT data. Common endpoints by drug category were selected; background factors that commonly affected the endpoints among regions were analysed first; then the population/regional differences were evaluated by the interaction term region‐by‐treatment using an analysis of covariance model after adjusting for background factors.ResultsAmong 17 endpoints for eight pharmaceutical products from 3 drug categories, no substantial population/regional differences were detected in the 3 drug categories examined (P > .05), except for haemoglobin A1c change between Japan and Korea for an antidiabetic drug, insulin glulisine (P = .0068). However, no such regional differences were evident in patients with clinically important higher haemoglobin A1c baseline values (majority subgroup). Variability in disease severity at baseline and concomitant drugs were determined to be potential influencing factors for regional differences.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the regional variability in efficacy of these 3 drug categories is not large among East Asians, and reveals the importance of considering background factors when planning MRCTs. Further studies are needed to evaluate regional variability in the efficacy of other drug categories and clarify the factors leading to regional differences in East Asians.
The aims of expanded universal carrier screening: Autonomy, prevention, and responsible parenthood
Authors: van der Hout Sanne , Dondorp Wybo , de Wert Guido 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExpanded universal carrier screening (EUCS) entails a population‐wide screening offer for multiple disease‐causing mutations simultaneously. Although there is much debate about the conditions under which EUCS can responsibly be introduced, there seems to be little discussion about its aim: providing carrier couples with options for autonomous reproductive choice. While this links in with current accounts of the aim of foetal anomaly screening, it is different from how the aim of ancestry‐based carrier screening has traditionally been understood: reducing the disease burden in the population. The reasons why the aim of EUCS is presented in terms of ‘autonomy’ rather than ‘prevention’ have not been spelled out in the literature. This paper seeks to fill this gap by considering the morally relevant similarities and dissimilarities between foetal anomaly screening, ancestry‐based carrier screening and EUCS. When carrier screening is performed in the prenatal period, enhancing autonomy appears the most appropriate aim of EUCS, as the alternative of ‘prevention through selective abortion’ would urge women to terminate wanted pregnancies. However, when screening is conducted in the preconception period, carrier couples can avoid the birth of affected children by other means than selective abortion, for instance preimplantation genetic diagnosis. To the extent that this increased control over passing on a genetic disorder raises questions of parental responsibility, it seems necessary that the account of the aims of EUCS is wider than only in terms of enhancing reproductive autonomy.
Bioethics and activism: A natural fit?
Authors: Rogers Wendy 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBioethics is a practically oriented discipline that developed to address pressing ethical issues arising from developments in the life sciences. Given this inherent practical bent, some form of advocacy or activism seems inherent to the nature of bioethics. However, there are potential tensions between being a bioethics activist, and academic ideals. In academic bioethics, scholarship involves reflection, rigour and the embrace of complexity and uncertainty. These values of scholarship seem to be in tension with being an activist, which requires pragmatism, simplicity, certainty and, above all, action. In this paper I explore this apparent dichotomy, using the case example of my own involvement in international efforts to end forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China. I conclude that these tensions can be managed and that academic bioethics requires a willingness to be activist.
Aquablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia in large prostates (80–150 mL): 6‐month results from the WATER II trial
Authors: Desai Mihir , Bidair Mo , Zorn Kevin C. , Trainer Andrew , Arther Andrew , Kramolowsky Eugene , Doumanian Leo , Elterman Dean , Kaufman Ronald P. , Lingeman James , Krambeck Amy , Eure Gregg , Badlani Gopal , Plante Mark , Uchio Edward , Gin Greg , Goldenberg Larry , Paterson Ryan , So Alan , Humphreys Mitch , Roehrborn Claus , Kaplan Steven , Motola Jay , Bhojani Naeem 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo present 6‐month safety and effectiveness data from a multicentre prospective study of aquablation in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with prostate volumes between 80 and 150 mL.MethodsBetween September and December 2017, 101 men with LUTSattributable to BPHwere prospectively enrolled at 16 centres in Canada and the USA.ResultsThe mean prostate volume was 107 mL. The mean length of hospital stay after the aquablation procedure was 1.6 days (range: same day to 6 days). The primary safety endpoint (Clavien–Dindo grade 2 or higher or any grade 1 event resulting in persistent disability) at 3 months occurred in 45.5% of men, which met the study design goal of < 65% (P < 0.001). At 6 months, 22% of the patients had experienced a Clavien–Dindo grade 2, 14% a grade 3 and 5% a grade 4 adverse event. Bleeding complications requiring intervention and/or transfusion were recorded in eight patients prior to discharge and in six patients after discharge. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score improved from 23.2 ± 6.3 at baseline to 6.7 ± 5.1 at 3 months, meeting the study's primary efficacy endpoint goal (P < 0.001). The maximum urinary flow rate increased from 8.7 to 18.8 mL/s (P < 0.001) and post‐void residual urine volume decreased from 131 at baseline to 47 at 6 months (P < 0.0001). At 6 months, prostate‐specific antigen concentration reduced from 7.1 ± 5.9 ng/mL at baseline to 4.0 ± 3.9 ng/mL, a 44% reduction.ConclusionsAquablation is safe and effective in treating men with larger prostates (80–150 mL), without significant increase in procedure or resection time.
Cannabinoids differentially modulate cortical information transmission through the sensorimotor or medial prefrontal basal ganglia circuits
Authors: Antonazzo Mario , Gutierrez‐Ceballos Amaia , Bustinza Irati , Ugedo Luisa , Morera‐Herreras Teresa 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeIn the sensorimotor (SM) and medial prefrontal (mPF) basal ganglia (BG) circuits, the cortical information is transferred to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) through the hyperdirect trans‐subthalamic pathway and through the direct and indirect trans‐striatal pathways. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor, which is highly expressed in both BG circuits, may participate in the regulation of motor and motivational behaviours. Here, we investigated the modulation of cortico‐nigral information transmission through the BG circuits by cannabinoids.Experimental ApproachWe used single‐unit recordings of SNr neurons along with simultaneous electrical stimulation of motor or mPF cortex in anaesthetized rats.Key ResultsCortical stimulation elicited a triphasic response in the SNr neurons from both SM and mPF‐BG circuits, which consisted of an early excitation (hyperdirect transmission pathway), an inhibition (direct transmission pathway), and a late excitation (indirect transmission pathway). In the SM circuit, after Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol or WIN 55,212‐2 administration, the inhibition and the late excitation were decreased or completely lost, whereas the early excitation response remained unaltered. However, cannabinoid administration dramatically decreased all the responses in the mPF circuit. The CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (2 mg·kg−1, i.v.) did not modify the triphasic response, but blocked the effects induced by cannabinoid agonists.Conclusions and ImplicationsCB1 receptor activation modulates the SM information transmission through the trans‐striatal pathways and profoundly decreases the cortico‐BG transmission through the mPF circuit. These results may be relevant for elucidating the involvement of the cannabinoid system in motor performance and in decision making or goal‐directed behaviour.
Reducing risk of Type 2 diabetes in HIV: a mixed‐methods investigation of the STOP‐Diabetes diet and physical activity intervention
Authors: Duncan A. D. , Peters B. S. , Rivas C. , Goff L. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo conduct a mixed‐methods feasibility study of the effectiveness and acceptability of an individualized diet and physical activity intervention designed to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes experienced by people living with HIV.MethodsParticipants with impaired fasting glucose and HIV were invited to take part in a 6‐month diet and physical activity intervention. Individualized advice to achieve 10 lifestyle goals was delivered monthly. Diabetes risk was assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention by measurement of the glucose and insulin response to a 3‐h meal tolerance test. Six‐month change was analysed using paired t‐tests. Research interviews exploring the acceptability of the intervention and factors influencing behaviour change were conducted with those who participated in the intervention, and those who declined participation.ResultsThe intervention (n=28) significantly reduced the following: glucose and insulin, both fasting and postprandial incremental area under the curve (glucose 7.9% and 17.6%; insulin 22.7% and 31.4%, respectively); weight (4.6%); waist circumference (6.2%); systolic blood pressure (7.4%); and triglycerides (36.7%). Interview data demonstrated the acceptability of the intervention. However, participants expressed concern that deliberate weight loss might lead to disclosure of HIV status or association with AIDS‐related illness. The belief that antiretroviral medications drove diabetes risk was associated with declining study participation or achieving fewer goals.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated the beneficial effects of a lifestyle intervention in mitigating the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes associated with HIV. Future interventions should be designed to further reduce the unique barriers that prevent successful outcomes in this cohort.
Text‐message responsiveness to blood glucose monitoring reminders is associated with HbA1c benefit in teenagers with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: McGill D. E. , Volkening L. K. , Butler D. A. , Wasserman R. M. , Anderson B. J. , Laffel L. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsTo evaluate an 18‐month text‐messaging intervention in teenagers with Type 1 diabetes and to assess factors associated with text responsiveness and glycaemic benefit.MethodsTeenagers with diabetes (N = 147), aged 13–17 years, received two‐way text reminders at self‐selected times to check blood glucose levels and reply with blood glucose results.ResultsAt baseline, the participants (48% boys, 78% white, 63% pump‐treated) had a mean ± sd age of 14.9 ± 1.3 years, diabetes duration of 7.1 ± 3.9 years and HbA1c concentration of 69 ± 12 mmol/mol (8.5 ± 1.1%). The mean proportion of days with ≥1 blood glucose response declined over time (0–6 months, 60 ± 26% of days, 7–12 months, 53 ± 31% of days, 13–18 months, 43 ± 33% of days). Over 18 months, 49% responded with ≥1 blood glucose result on ≥50% of days (high responders). Regression analysis controlling for baseline HbA1c revealed no significant change in HbA1c from baseline to 18 months in high responders (P = 0.54) compared with a significant HbA1c increase in low responders (+0.3%, P = 0.01). In participants with baseline HbA1c ≥64 mmol/mol (≥8%), high responders were 2.5 times more likely than low responders to have a clinically significant [≥5.5 mmol/mol (≥0.5%)] HbA1c decrease over 18 months (P < 0.05). In participants with baseline HbA1c <64 mmol/mol(<8%), high responders were 5.7 times more likely than low responders to have an 18‐month HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (<7.5%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsTeenagers with Type 1 diabetes who responded to text reminders on ≥50% of days over 18 months experienced clinically significant glycaemic benefit. There remains a need to tailor interventions to maintain teenager engagement and optimize improvements.