Showing papers by "University of East Anglia published in 2019"
Ljubljana University Medical Centre1, King's College London2, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University3, Stanford University4, American Diabetes Association5, University of Padua6, Harvard University7, University of Amsterdam8, University of Sydney9, University of Colorado Denver10, University of Sheffield11, University of Washington12, University of Cambridge13, Shanghai Jiao Tong University14, University of Virginia15, JDRF16, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven17, University of East Anglia18, San Antonio River Authority19, Steno Diabetes Center20, University of Montpellier21, University of Florida22, Nihon University23, Yale University24, Tel Aviv University25
TL;DR: This article summarizes the ATTD consensus recommendations for relevant aspects of CGM data utilization and reporting among the various diabetes populations.
Abstract: Improvements in sensor accuracy, greater convenience and ease of use, and expanding reimbursement have led to growing adoption of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). However, successful utilization of CGM technology in routine clinical practice remains relatively low. This may be due in part to the lack of clear and agreed-upon glycemic targets that both diabetes teams and people with diabetes can work toward. Although unified recommendations for use of key CGM metrics have been established in three separate peer-reviewed articles, formal adoption by diabetes professional organizations and guidance in the practical application of these metrics in clinical practice have been lacking. In February 2019, the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) Congress convened an international panel of physicians, researchers, and individuals with diabetes who are expert in CGM technologies to address this issue. This article summarizes the ATTD consensus recommendations for relevant aspects of CGM data utilization and reporting among the various diabetes populations.
1,776 citations
University of Exeter1, École Normale Supérieure2, Norwich Research Park3, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research4, University of Groningen5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, Max Planck Society7, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich8, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation9, Centre national de la recherche scientifique10, Stanford University11, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology12, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies13, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory14, Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen15, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research16, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology17, University of Maryland, College Park18, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research19, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration20, Appalachian State University21, Flanders Marine Institute22, Augsburg College23, ETH Zurich24, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences25, University of East Anglia26, Woods Hole Research Center27, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign28, University of Hong Kong29, Utrecht University30, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency31, University of Paris32, Hobart Corporation33, University of Tasmania34, University of Bern35, National Center for Atmospheric Research36, University of Reading37, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences38, National Institute for Environmental Studies39, Russian Academy of Sciences40, Goddard Space Flight Center41, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research42, Princeton University43, Met Office44, Lund University45, Auburn University46, Food and Agriculture Organization47, VU University Amsterdam48
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe data sets and methodology to quantify the five major components of the global carbon budget and their uncertainties, including emissions from land use and land use change, and show that the difference between the estimated total emissions and the estimated changes in the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere is a measure of imperfect data and understanding of the contemporary carbon cycle.
Abstract: . Accurate assessment of anthropogenic carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) emissions and
their redistribution among the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere
– the “global carbon budget” – is important to better understand the
global carbon cycle, support the development of climate policies, and
project future climate change. Here we describe data sets and methodology to
quantify the five major components of the global carbon budget and their
uncertainties. Fossil CO2 emissions ( EFF ) are based on energy
statistics and cement production data, while emissions from land use change
( ELUC ), mainly deforestation, are based on land use and land use change
data and bookkeeping models. Atmospheric CO2 concentration is measured
directly and its growth rate ( GATM ) is computed from the annual changes
in concentration. The ocean CO2 sink ( SOCEAN ) and terrestrial
CO2 sink ( SLAND ) are estimated with global process models
constrained by observations. The resulting carbon budget imbalance
( BIM ), the difference between the estimated total emissions and the
estimated changes in the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere, is a
measure of imperfect data and understanding of the contemporary carbon
cycle. All uncertainties are reported as ±1σ . For the last
decade available (2009–2018), EFF was 9.5±0.5 GtC yr −1 ,
ELUC 1.5±0.7 GtC yr −1 , GATM 4.9±0.02 GtC yr −1 ( 2.3±0.01 ppm yr −1 ), SOCEAN 2.5±0.6 GtC yr −1 , and SLAND 3.2±0.6 GtC yr −1 , with a budget
imbalance BIM of 0.4 GtC yr −1 indicating overestimated emissions
and/or underestimated sinks. For the year 2018 alone, the growth in EFF was
about 2.1 % and fossil emissions increased to 10.0±0.5 GtC yr −1 , reaching 10 GtC yr −1 for the first time in history,
ELUC was 1.5±0.7 GtC yr −1 , for total anthropogenic
CO2 emissions of 11.5±0.9 GtC yr −1 ( 42.5±3.3 GtCO2 ). Also for 2018, GATM was 5.1±0.2 GtC yr −1 ( 2.4±0.1 ppm yr −1 ), SOCEAN was 2.6±0.6 GtC yr −1 , and SLAND was 3.5±0.7 GtC yr −1 , with a BIM of 0.3 GtC. The global atmospheric CO2 concentration reached 407.38±0.1 ppm averaged over 2018. For 2019, preliminary data for the first 6–10 months indicate a reduced growth in EFF of +0.6 % (range of
−0.2 % to 1.5 %) based on national emissions projections for China, the
USA, the EU, and India and projections of gross domestic product corrected
for recent changes in the carbon intensity of the economy for the rest of
the world. Overall, the mean and trend in the five components of the global
carbon budget are consistently estimated over the period 1959–2018, but
discrepancies of up to 1 GtC yr −1 persist for the representation of
semi-decadal variability in CO2 fluxes. A detailed comparison among
individual estimates and the introduction of a broad range of observations
shows (1) no consensus in the mean and trend in land use change emissions
over the last decade, (2) a persistent low agreement between the different
methods on the magnitude of the land CO2 flux in the northern
extra-tropics, and (3) an apparent underestimation of the CO2
variability by ocean models outside the tropics. This living data update
documents changes in the methods and data sets used in this new global
carbon budget and the progress in understanding of the global carbon cycle
compared with previous publications of this data set (Le Quere et
al., 2018a, b, 2016, 2015a, b, 2014, 2013). The data generated by
this work are available at https://doi.org/10.18160/gcp-2019 (Friedlingstein
et al., 2019).
981 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that the future of antibiotic discovery looks bright as new technologies such as genome mining and editing are deployed to discover new natural products with diverse bioactivities.
708 citations
TL;DR: A range of effective interventions is available to support adequate nutrition and hydration in older persons in order to maintain or improve nutritional status and improve clinical course and quality of life.
700 citations
Earth System Research Laboratory1, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences2, Texas A&M University3, Met Office4, University of Melbourne5, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research6, University of East Anglia7, Rovira i Virgili University8, National Research Council9, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton10, National Center for Atmospheric Research11, Spanish National Research Council12, Australian National University13, University of Reading14, Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory15, Hokkaido University16, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research17, University of Giessen18, University of Milan19, University of South Carolina20, University of Toronto21, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń22, University of Southern Queensland23, University of Cape Town24, McGill University25, Deutscher Wetterdienst26, University of Lisbon27, Environment Canada28, Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean29, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory30
TL;DR: The 20CRv2c dataset as mentioned in this paper is the first ensemble of sub-daily global atmospheric conditions spanning over 100 years, which provides a best estimate of the weather at any given place and time as well as an estimate of its confidence and uncertainty.
Abstract: Historical reanalyses that span more than a century are needed for a wide range of studies, from understanding large‐scale climate trends to diagnosing the impacts of individual historical extreme weather events. The Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) Project is an effort to fill this need. It is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and is facilitated by collaboration with the international Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the Earth initiative. 20CR is the first ensemble of sub‐daily global atmospheric conditions spanning over 100 years. This provides a best estimate of the weather at any given place and time as well as an estimate of its confidence and uncertainty. While extremely useful, version 2c of this dataset (20CRv2c) has several significant issues, including inaccurate estimates of confidence and a global sea level pressure bias in the mid‐19th century. These and other issues can reduce its effectiveness for studies at many spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, the 20CR system underwent a series of developments to generate a significant new version of the reanalysis. The version 3 system (NOAA‐CIRES‐DOE 20CRv3) uses upgraded data assimilation methods including an adaptive inflation algorithm; has a newer, higher‐resolution forecast model that specifies dry air mass; and assimilates a larger set of pressure observations. These changes have improved the ensemble‐based estimates of confidence, removed spin‐up effects in the precipitation fields, and diminished the sea‐level pressure bias. Other improvements include more accurate representations of storm intensity, smaller errors, and large‐scale reductions in model bias. The 20CRv3 system is comprehensively reviewed, focusing on the aspects that have ameliorated issues in 20CRv2c. Despite the many improvements, some challenges remain, including a systematic bias in tropical precipitation and time‐varying biases in southern high‐latitude pressure fields.
409 citations
University of Queensland1, University of the West Indies2, University of Florence3, University of Southampton4, Bournemouth University5, University of Buenos Aires6, University of Grenoble7, United Nations University8, University of Washington9, University of the Witwatersrand10, Aix-Marseille University11, National Institute for Environmental Studies12, World Bank13, University of Cambridge14, University of Bristol15, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research16, ETH Zurich17, College of The Bahamas18, University of East Anglia19
TL;DR: The climate change–impact literature is reviewed, expanding on the recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and it is argued that impacts accelerating as a function of distance from the optimal temperature for an organism or an ecosystem process is a consequence of impacts accelerating.
Abstract: Increased concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases have led to a global mean surface temperature 1.0°C higher than during the pre-industrial period. We expand on the recent IPCC Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C and review the additional risks associated with higher levels of warming, each having major implications for multiple geographies, climates, and ecosystems. Limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2.0°C would be required to maintain substantial proportions of ecosystems and would have clear benefits for human health and economies. These conclusions are relevant for people everywhere, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the escalation of climate-related risks may prevent the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
406 citations
TL;DR: The results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations.
Abstract: Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to be at disproportionate risk of developing mental health comorbidities, with anxiety and depression being considered most prominent amongst these Yet, no systematic review has been carried out to date to examine rates of both anxiety and depression focusing specifically on adults with ASD This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rates of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD and the impact of factors such as assessment methods and presence of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis on estimated prevalence rates Electronic database searches for studies published between January 2000 and September 2017 identified a total of 35 studies, including 30 studies measuring anxiety (n = 26 070; mean age = 309, sd = 62 years) and 29 studies measuring depression (n = 26 117; mean age = 311, sd = 68 years) The pooled estimation of current and lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD were 27% and 42% for any anxiety disorder, and 23% and 37% for depressive disorder Further analyses revealed that the use of questionnaire measures and the presence of ID may significantly influence estimates of prevalence The current literature suffers from a high degree of heterogeneity in study method and an overreliance on clinical samples These results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations
380 citations
TL;DR: Despite recent declines in attributable mortality, inadequate WASH remains an important determinant of global disease burden, especially among young children, and contributes to global monitoring such as for the Sustainable Development Goal indicator on mortality from inadequate Wash.
361 citations
TL;DR: Nanopore sequencing coupled with a metagenomics framework that effectively removes human DNA from samples enables rapid bacterial LRI diagnosis and might contribute to a reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
Abstract: The gold standard for clinical diagnosis of bacterial lower respiratory infections (LRIs) is culture, which has poor sensitivity and is too slow to guide early, targeted antimicrobial therapy. Metagenomic sequencing could identify LRI pathogens much faster than culture, but methods are needed to remove the large amount of human DNA present in these samples for this approach to be feasible. We developed a metagenomics method for bacterial LRI diagnosis that features efficient saponin-based host DNA depletion and nanopore sequencing. Our pilot method was tested on 40 samples, then optimized and tested on a further 41 samples. Our optimized method (6 h from sample to result) was 96.6% sensitive and 41.7% specific for pathogen detection compared with culture and we could accurately detect antibiotic resistance genes. After confirmatory quantitative PCR and pathobiont-specific gene analyses, specificity and sensitivity increased to 100%. Nanopore metagenomics can rapidly and accurately characterize bacterial LRIs and might contribute to a reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
346 citations
Royal Holloway, University of London1, Victoria University of Wellington2, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration3, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research4, Norwegian Institute for Air Research5, University of Manchester6, University of Groningen7, Environmental Change Institute8, University of Oxford9, Lancaster University10, British Antarctic Survey11, Heidelberg University12, University of East Anglia13, University of Cambridge14
TL;DR: The increase in the methane burden began in 2007, with the mean global mole fraction in remote surface background air rising from about 1775 ppb in 2006 to 1850 ppb by 2017, at rates not observed since the 1980s as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Atmospheric methane grew very rapidly in 2014 (12.7±0.5 ppb/yr), 2015 (10.1±0.7 ppb/yr), 2016 (7.0± 0.7 ppb/yr) and 2017 (7.7±0.7 ppb/yr), at rates not observed since the 1980s. The increase in the methane burden began in 2007, with the mean global mole fraction in remote surface background air rising from about 1775 ppb in 2006 to 1850 ppb in 2017. Simultaneously the 13C/12C isotopic ratio (expressed as δ13CCH4) has shifted, in a new trend to more negative values that have been observed worldwide for over a decade. The causes of methane's recent mole fraction increase are therefore either a change in the relative proportions (and totals) of emissions from biogenic and thermogenic and pyrogenic sources, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics, or a decline in the atmospheric sink of methane, or both. Unfortunately, with limited measurement data sets, it is not currently possible to be more definitive. The climate warming impact of the observed methane increase over the past decade, if continued at >5 ppb/yr in the coming decades, is sufficient to challenge the Paris Agreement, which requires sharp cuts in the atmospheric methane burden. However, anthropogenic methane emissions are relatively very large and thus offer attractive targets for rapid reduction, which are essential if the Paris Agreement aims are to be attained.
329 citations
TL;DR: The UCR time series archive as discussed by the authors has become an important resource in the time series data mining community, with at least one thousand published papers making use of one data set from the archive.
Abstract: The UCR time series archive–introduced in 2002, has become an important resource in the time series data mining community, with at least one thousand published papers making use of at least one data set from the archive. The original incarnation of the archive had sixteen data sets but since that time, it has gone through periodic expansions. The last expansion took place in the summer of 2015 when the archive grew from 45 to 85 data sets. This paper introduces and will focus on the new data expansion from 85 to 128 data sets. Beyond expanding this valuable resource, this paper offers pragmatic advice to anyone who may wish to evaluate a new algorithm on the archive. Finally, this paper makes a novel and yet actionable claim: of the hundreds of papers that show an improvement over the standard baseline ( 1-nearest neighbor classification ), a fraction might be mis-attributing the reasons for their improvement. Moreover, the improvements claimed by these papers might have been achievable with a much simpler modification, requiring just a few lines of code.
Dalhousie University1, World Conservation Monitoring Centre2, University of British Columbia3, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies4, Autonomous University of Barcelona5, Food and Agriculture Organization6, IFREMER7, University of California, Los Angeles8, University of Tasmania9, Centre national de la recherche scientifique10, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research11, Hobart Corporation12, McGill University13, Institut de recherche pour le développement14, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration15, University of East Anglia16, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science17, University of Cape Town18, Stockholm University19, Plymouth Marine Laboratory20
TL;DR: An integrated global ocean assessment of climate change impacts using an ensemble of multiple climate and ecosystem models reveals that global marine animal biomass will decline under all emission scenarios, driven by increasing temperature and decreasing primary production.
Abstract: While the physical dimensions of climate change are now routinely assessed through multimodel intercomparisons, projected impacts on the global ocean ecosystem generally rely on individual models with a specific set of assumptions. To address these single-model limitations, we present standardized ensemble projections from six global marine ecosystem models forced with two Earth system models and four emission scenarios with and without fishing. We derive average biomass trends and associated uncertainties across the marine food web. Without fishing, mean global animal biomass decreased by 5% (±4% SD) under low emissions and 17% (±11% SD) under high emissions by 2100, with an average 5% decline for every 1 °C of warming. Projected biomass declines were primarily driven by increasing temperature and decreasing primary production, and were more pronounced at higher trophic levels, a process known as trophic amplification. Fishing did not substantially alter the effects of climate change. Considerable regional variation featured strong biomass increases at high latitudes and decreases at middle to low latitudes, with good model agreement on the direction of change but variable magnitude. Uncertainties due to variations in marine ecosystem and Earth system models were similar. Ensemble projections performed well compared with empirical data, emphasizing the benefits of multimodel inference to project future outcomes. Our results indicate that global ocean animal biomass consistently declines with climate change, and that these impacts are amplified at higher trophic levels. Next steps for model development include dynamic scenarios of fishing, cumulative human impacts, and the effects of management measures on future ocean biomass trends.
TL;DR: Cardiac rehabilitation may make little or no difference in all-cause mortality over the short term, but may improve all- Cause mortality in the long term (> 12 months follow-up) and downgraded results using the GRADE tool for all but one outcome.
Abstract: Background
Chronic heart failure (HF) is a growing global health challenge. People with HF experience substantial burden that includes low exercise tolerance, poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), increased risk of mortality and hospital admission, and high healthcare costs. The previous (2014) Cochrane systematic review reported that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) compared to no exercise control shows improvement in HRQoL and hospital admission among people with HF, as well as possible reduction in mortality over the longer term, and that these reductions appear to be consistent across patient and programme characteristics. Limitations noted by the authors of this previous Cochrane Review include the following: (1) most trials were undertaken in patients with HF with reduced (< 45%) ejection fraction (HFrEF), and women, older people, and those with preserved (≥ 45%) ejection fraction HF (HFpEF) were under-represented; and (2) most trials were undertaken in the hospital/centre-based setting.
Objectives
To determine the effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on mortality, hospital admission, and health-related quality of life of people with heart failure.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and three other databases on 29 January 2018. We also checked the bibliographies of systematic reviews and two trial registers.
Selection criteria
We included randomised controlled trials that compared exercise-based CR interventions with six months’ or longer follow-up versus a no exercise control that could include usual medical care. The study population comprised adults (> 18 years) with evidence of HF - either HFrEF or HFpEF.
Data collection and analysis
Two review authors independently screened all identified references and rejected those that were clearly ineligible for inclusion in the review. We obtained full papers of potentially relevant trials. Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trials, assessed their risk of bias, and performed GRADE analyses.
Main results
We included 44 trials (5783 participants with HF) with a median of six months’ follow-up. For this latest update, we identified 11 new trials (N = 1040), in addition to the previously identified 33 trials. Although the evidence base includes predominantly patients with HFrEF with New York Heart Association classes II and III receiving centre-based exercise-based CR programmes, a growing body of studies include patients with HFpEF and are undertaken in a home-based setting. All included studies included a no formal exercise training intervention comparator. However, a wide range of comparators were seen across studies that included active intervention (i.e. education, psychological intervention) or usual medical care alone. The overall risk of bias of included trials was low or unclear, and we downgraded results using the GRADE tool for all but one outcome. Cardiac rehabilitation may make little or no difference in all-cause mortality over the short term (≤ one year of follow-up) (27 trials, 28 comparisons (2596 participants): intervention 67/1302 (5.1%) vs control 75/1294 (5.8%); risk ratio (RR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 1.21; low-quality GRADE evidence) but may improve all-cause mortality in the long term (> 12 months follow up) (6 trials/comparisons (2845 participants): intervention 244/1418 (17.2%) vs control 280/1427 (19.6%) events): RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.02; high-quality evidence). Researchers provided no data on deaths due to HF. CR probably reduces overall hospital admissions in the short term (up to one year of follow-up) (21 trials, 21 comparisons (2182 participants): (intervention 180/1093 (16.5%) vs control 258/1089 (23.7%); RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.83; moderate-quality evidence, number needed to treat: 14) and may reduce HF-specific hospitalisation (14 trials, 15 comparisons (1114 participants): (intervention 40/562 (7.1%) vs control 61/552 (11.1%) RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.84; low-quality evidence, number needed to treat: 25). After CR, a clinically important improvement in shortterm disease-specific health-related quality of life may be evident (Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire - 17 trials, 18 comparisons (1995 participants): mean difference (MD) -7.11 points, 95% CI -10.49 to -3.73; low-quality evidence). Pooling across all studies, regardless of the HRQoL measure used, shows there may be clinically important improvement with exercise (26 trials, 29 comparisons (3833 participants); standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.60, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.39; I² = 87%; Chi² = 215.03; lowquality evidence). ExCR effects appeared to be consistent different models of ExCR delivery: centre vs. home-based, exercise dose, exercise only vs. comprehensive programmes, and aerobic training alone vs aerobic plus resistance programmes.
Authors’ conclusions
This updated Cochrane Review provides additional randomised evidence (11 trials) to support the conclusions of the previous version (2014) of this Cochane Review. Compared to no exercise control, CR appears to have no impact on mortality in the short term (< 12 months’ follow-up). Low- to moderate-quality evidence shows that CR probably reduces the risk of all-cause hospital admissions and may reduce HF-specific hospital admissions in the short term (up to 12 months). CR may confer a clinically important improvement in health-related quality of life, although we remain uncertain about this because the evidence is of low quality. Future ExCR trials need to continue to consider the recruitment of traditionally less represented HF patient groups including older, female, and HFpEF patients, and alternative CR delivery settings including home- and using technology-based programmes.
Arecibo Observatory1, University of Manchester2, Lafayette College3, National Radio Astronomy Observatory4, United States Naval Research Laboratory5, Swinburne University of Technology6, Goddard Space Flight Center7, West Virginia University8, ASTRON9, Curtin University10, Cornell University11, INAF12, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research13, Peking University14, Max Planck Society15, University of Orléans16, PSL Research University17, University of British Columbia18, Australia Telescope National Facility19, Paris Diderot University20, Hillsdale College21, University of East Anglia22, University of Maryland, College Park23, McGill University24, University of Birmingham25, University of Washington26, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee27, Radboud University Nijmegen28, University of Toronto29, York University30, Hungarian Academy of Sciences31, University of Cagliari32, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation33, University of Milan34, Oregon State University35, California Institute of Technology36, Vanderbilt University37, Chinese Academy of Sciences38, Monash University, Clayton campus39
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the International Pulsar Timing Array second data release, which includes recent pulsar timing data obtained by three regional consortia: the European Pulsars Timing array, the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, and the Parkes pulsar timing array, and find that the timing precisions of pulsars are generally improved compared to the previous data release.
Abstract: In this paper, we describe the International Pulsar Timing Array second data release, which includes recent pulsar timing data obtained by three regional consortia: the European Pulsar Timing Array, the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, and the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array. We analyse and where possible combine high-precision timing data for 65 millisecond pulsars which are regularly observed by these groups. A basic noise analysis, including the processes which are both correlated and uncorrelated in time, provides noise models and timing ephemerides for the pulsars. We find that the timing precisions of pulsars are generally improved compared to the previous data release, mainly due to the addition of new data in the combination. The main purpose of this work is to create the most up-to-date IPTA data release. These data are publicly available for searches for low-frequency gravitational waves and other pulsar science.
TL;DR: The prevalence of WPV against healthcare workers is high, especially in Asian and North American countries, psychiatric and emergency department settings, and among nurses and physicians, and there is a need for governments, policymakers and health institutions to take actions to address WPV towards healthcare professionals globally.
Abstract: We aim to quantitatively synthesise available epidemiological evidence on the prevalence rates of workplace violence (WPV) by patients and visitors against healthcare workers. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from their inception to October 2018, as well as the reference lists of all included studies. Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion. Data were double-extracted and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. The overall percentage of healthcare worker encounters resulting in the experience of WPV was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Differences by study-level characteristics were estimated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. We included 253 eligible studies (with a total of 331 544 participants). Of these participants, 61.9% (95% CI 56.1% to 67.6%) reported exposure to any form of WPV, 42.5% (95% CI 38.9% to 46.0%) reported exposure to non-physical violence, and 24.4% (95% CI 22.4% to 26.4%) reported experiencing physical violence in the past year. Verbal abuse (57.6%; 95% CI 51.8% to 63.4%) was the most common form of non-physical violence, followed by threats (33.2%; 95% CI 27.5% to 38.9%) and sexual harassment (12.4%; 95% CI 10.6% to 14.2%). The proportion of WPV exposure differed greatly across countries, study location, practice settings, work schedules and occupation. In this systematic review, the prevalence of WPV against healthcare workers is high, especially in Asian and North American countries, psychiatric and emergency department settings, and among nurses and physicians. There is a need for governments, policymakers and health institutions to take actions to address WPV towards healthcare professionals globally.
TL;DR: The current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in uptake and transport of calcium as well as cellular homeostasis and signal generation are described, describing known genes involved and discussing possible implications the plant’s nutritional status with regard to calcium might have on immunity.
Abstract: Calcium is an essential element needed for growth and development of plants under both non-stressed and stress conditions. It thereby fulfills a dual function, being not only an important factor for cell wall and membrane stability, but also serving as a second messenger in many developmental and physiological processes, including the response of plants to biotic stress. The perception of non-self hereby induces an influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the cytosol, which is decoded into downstream responses ultimately leading to defense. Maintaining intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial for the ability to generate this signal. This review will describe the current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in uptake and transport of calcium as well as cellular homeostasis and signal generation, describing known genes involved and discussing possible implications the plant’s nutritional status with regard to calcium might have on immunity.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the drivers of decreasing CO 2 emissions in a group of 18 developed economies that have decarbonized over the period 2005-2015 and showed that within this group, the displacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy and decreases in energy use can be explained at least in part by a lower growth in gross domestic product.
Abstract: Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from fossil fuels and industry increased by 2.2% per year on average between 2005 and 2015 1 . Global emissions need to peak and decline rapidly to limit climate change to well below 2 °C of warming 2,3 , which is one of the goals of the Paris Agreement 4 . Untangling the reasons underlying recent changes in emissions trajectories is critical to guide efforts to attain those goals. Here we analyse the drivers of decreasing CO 2 emissions in a group of 18 developed economies that have decarbonized over the period 2005–2015. We show that within this group, the displacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy and decreases in energy use explain decreasing CO 2 emissions. However, the decrease in energy use can be explained at least in part by a lower growth in gross domestic product. Correlation analysis suggests that policies on renewable energy are supporting emissions reductions and displacing fossil fuels in these 18 countries, but not elsewhere, and that policies on energy efficiency are supporting lower energy use in these 18 countries, as well as more widely. Overall, the evidence shows that efforts to reduce emissions are underway in many countries, but these efforts need to be maintained and enhanced by more stringent policy actions to support a global peak in emissions followed by global emissions reductions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement 3 .
TL;DR: Serious gaming/gamification appears to be at least as effective as controls, and in many studies, more effective for improving knowledge, skills, and satisfaction, however, the available evidence is mostly of low quality and calls for further rigorous, theory-driven research.
Abstract: Background: There is a worldwide shortage of health workers, and this issue requires innovative education solutions. Serious gaming and gamification education have the potential to provide a quality, cost-effective, novel approach that is flexible, portable, and enjoyable and allow interaction with tutors and peers. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of serious gaming/gamification for health professions education compared with traditional learning, other types of digital education, or other serious gaming/gamification interventions in terms of patient outcomes, knowledge, skills, professional attitudes, and satisfaction (primary outcomes) as well as economic outcomes of education and adverse events (secondary outcomes). Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Educational Resources Information Centre, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted from 1990 to August 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently searched, screened, and assessed the study quality and extracted data. A meta-analysis was not deemed appropriate due to the heterogeneity of populations, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes. Therefore, a narrative synthesis is presented. Results: A total of 27 RCTs and 3 cluster RCTs with 3634 participants were included. Two studies evaluated gamification interventions, and the remaining evaluated serious gaming interventions. One study reported a small statistically significant difference between serious gaming and digital education of primary care physicians in the time to control blood pressure in a subgroup of their patients already taking antihypertensive medications. There was evidence of a moderate-to-large magnitude of effect from five studies evaluating individually delivered interventions for objectively measured knowledge compared with traditional learning. There was also evidence of a small-to-large magnitude of effect from 10 studies for improved skills compared with traditional learning. Two and four studies suggested equivalence between interventions and controls for knowledge and skills, respectively. Evidence suggested that serious gaming was at least as effective as other digital education modalities for these outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to conclude whether one type of serious gaming/gamification intervention is more effective than any other. There was limited evidence for the effects of serious gaming/gamification on professional attitudes. Serious gaming/gamification may improve satisfaction, but the evidence was limited. Evidence was of low or very low quality for all outcomes. Quality of evidence was downgraded due to the imprecision, inconsistency, and limitations of the study. Conclusions: Serious gaming/gamification appears to be at least as effective as controls, and in many studies, more effective for improving knowledge, skills, and satisfaction. However, the available evidence is mostly of low quality and calls for further rigorous, theory-driven research.
TL;DR: More evidence, and particularly human clinical evidence, is needed to better understand the potential for anthocyanin-rich blueberries to benefit public health, but it is widely agreed that the regular consumption of tasty, ripe blueberries can be unconditionally recommended.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) to estimate seven socioeconomic drivers of the changes in CO2 emissions in China since 2000 and found that China's carbon emissions have plateaued since 2012 mainly because of energy efficiency gains and structural upgrading.
TL;DR: The timeline of epigenetic drug discovery and development is described, beginning with the early design based solely on phenotypic observations to the state-of-the-art rational epigenetics drug discovery using validated targets.
Abstract: The flexibility of the epigenome has generated an enticing argument to explore its reversion through pharmacological treatments as a strategy to ameliorate disease phenotypes. All three families of epigenetic proteins—readers, writers, and erasers—are druggable targets that can be addressed through small-molecule inhibitors. At present, a few drugs targeting epigenetic enzymes as well as analogues of epigenetic modifications have been introduced into the clinic use (e.g. to treat haematological malignancies), and a wide range of epigenetic-based drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Here, we describe the timeline of epigenetic drug discovery and development beginning with the early design based solely on phenotypic observations to the state-of-the-art rational epigenetic drug discovery using validated targets. Finally, we will highlight some of the major aspects that need further research and discuss the challenges that need to be overcome to implement epigenetic drug discovery into clinical management of human disorders. To turn into reality, researchers from various disciplines (chemists, biologists, clinicians) need to work together to optimise the drug engineering, read-out assays, and clinical trial design.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography1, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute2, National Oceanography Centre3, Oregon State University4, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution5, IFREMER6, University of California7, Tohoku University8, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research9, University of East Anglia10, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory11, Met Office12, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources13, Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland14, Halifax15, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research16, Massachusetts Institute of Technology17, Fisheries and Oceans Canada18, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology19, Bedford Institute of Oceanography20, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration21, University of Tokyo22, Korea Meteorological Administration23, Bangor University24, South African Weather Service25, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology26, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services27, University of Washington28, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University29, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute30, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research31, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology32, Cooperative Research Centre33, Polish Academy of Sciences34, Xiamen University35, University of British Columbia36, McMaster University37
TL;DR: The objective is to create a fully global, top-to-bottom, dynamically complete, and multidisciplinary Argo Program that will integrate seamlessly with satellite and with other in situ elements of the Global Ocean Observing System.
Abstract: The Argo Program has been implemented and sustained for almost two decades, as a global array of about 4000 profiling floats Argo provides continuous observations of ocean temperature and salinity versus pressure, from the sea surface to 2000 dbar The successful installation of the Argo array and its innovative data management system arose opportunistically from the combination of great scientific need and technological innovation Through the data system, Argo provides fundamental physical observations with broad societally-valuable applications, built on the cost-efficient and robust technologies of autonomous profiling floats Following recent advances in platform and sensor technologies, even greater opportunity exists now than 20 years ago to (i) improve Argo’s global coverage and value beyond the original design, (ii) extend Argo to span the full ocean depth, (iii) add biogeochemical sensors for improved understanding of oceanic cycles of carbon, nutrients, and ecosystems, and (iv) consider experimental sensors that might be included in the future, for example to document the spatial and temporal patterns of ocean mixing For Core Argo and each of these enhancements, the past, present, and future progression along a path from experimental deployments to regional pilot arrays to global implementation is described The objective is to create a fully global, top-to-bottom, dynamically complete, and multidisciplinary Argo Program that will integrate seamlessly with satellite and with other in situ elements of the Global Ocean Observing System (Legler et al, 2015) The integrated system will deliver operational reanalysis and forecasting capability, and assessment of the state and variability of the climate system with respect to physical, biogeochemical, and ecosystems parameters It will enable basic research of unprecedented breadth and magnitude, and a wealth of ocean-education and outreach opportunities
TL;DR: This study defines a nearly complete species-wide pan-NLRome in Arabidopsis thaliana based on sequence enrichment and long-read sequencing, and charts NLR architectural diversity, identify new architectures, and quantify selective forces that act on specific NLRs and NLR domains.
TL;DR: The influence of variability in workforce and intervention characteristics for reducing perceived stress is explored and the potential for integrating the construct of mindfulness within job demands-resources, coping, and prevention theories of work stress is considered.
Abstract: This meta-analytic review responds to promises in the research literature and public domain about the benefits of workplace mindfulness training. It synthesizes randomized controlled trial evidence from workplace-delivered training for changes in mindfulness, stress, mental health, well-being, and work performance outcomes. Going beyond extant reviews, this article explores the influence of variability in workforce and intervention characteristics for reducing perceived stress. Meta-effect estimates (Hedge’s g) were computed using data from 23 studies. Results indicate beneficial effects following training for mindfulness (g = 0.45, p < .001) and stress (g = 0.56, p < .001), anxiety (g = 0.62, p < .001) and psychological distress (g = 0.69, p < .001), and for well-being (g = 0.46, p = .002) and sleep (g = 0.26, p = .003). No conclusions could be drawn from pooled data for burnout due to ambivalence in results, for depression due to publication bias, or for work performance due to insufficient data. The potential for integrating the construct of mindfulness within job demands-resources, coping, and prevention theories of work stress is considered in relation to the results. Limitations to study designs and reporting are addressed, and recommendations to advance research in this field are made. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Deakin University1, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science2, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration3, Bedford Institute of Oceanography4, Wildlife Conservation Society5, University of South Alabama6, University of Pisa7, Parks Victoria8, University of California, Santa Cruz9, Autonomous University of Carmen10, Mammal Research Institute11, International Sleep Products Association12, BirdLife International13, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology14, Duke University15, Swansea University16, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research17, University of Exeter18, James Cook University19, University of Miami20, Macquarie University21, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute22, Australian Institute of Marine Science23, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources24, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom25, University of Cambridge26, University of Washington27, University of Tasmania28, Tethys Research Institute29, Oregon State University30, Natural Environment Research Council31, Suffolk University32, University of East Anglia33, Queen Mary University of London34, University of Southampton35, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton36, National Institute of Polar Research37, Chicago Zoological Society38, Florida State University39, University of Western Australia40
TL;DR: A broad range of case studies from diverse marine taxa are compiled to show how tracking data have helped inform conservation policy and management, including reductions in fisheries bycatch and vessel strikes, and the design and administration of marine protected areas and important habitats.
Abstract: There have been efforts around the globe to track individuals of many marine species and assess their movements and distribution, with the putative goal of supporting their conservation and management. Determining whether, and how, tracking data have been successfully applied to address real-world conservation issues is, however, difficult. Here, we compile a broad range of case studies from diverse marine taxa to show how tracking data have helped inform conservation policy and management, including reductions in fisheries bycatch and vessel strikes, and the design and administration of marine protected areas and important habitats. Using these examples, we highlight pathways through which the past and future investment in collecting animal tracking data might be better used to achieve tangible conservation benefits.
McMaster University1, Chosun University2, Dalhousie University3, Cochrane Collaboration4, Sao Paulo State University5, Wellington Management Company6, Texas A&M University7, University of East Anglia8, Jagiellonian University Medical College9, Population Health Research Institute10, University of Freiburg11, Harvard University12, City of Hope National Medical Center13
TL;DR: The Nutritional Recommendations (NutriRECS) international consortium was developed to produce rigorous evidence-based nutritional recommendations adhering to trustworthiness standards to produce trustworthy recommendations based on the values and preferences of guideline users.
Abstract: These guidelines from a Nutritional Recommendations (NutriRECS) international consortium address evidence-based recommendations concerning consumption of red meat and processed meat in adults.
TL;DR: The analysis suggests that a weak quantitative relationship may exist between the biomass and sequences produced, albeit with a large degree of uncertainty, and advocates the inclusion of mock communities when metabarcoding as this facilitates direct assessment of the quantitative ability of any given study.
Abstract: Metabarcoding has been used in a range of ecological applications such as taxonomic assignment, dietary analysis, and the analysis of environmental DNA. However, after a decade of use in these applications there is little consensus on the extent to which proportions of reads generated corresponds to the original proportions of species in a community. To quantify our current understanding we conducted a structured review and meta‐analysis. The analysis suggests that a weak quantitative relationship may exist between the biomass and sequences produced (slope = 0.52 ±0.34, p<0.01), albeit it with a large degree of uncertainty. None of the tested moderators: sequencing platform type, the number of species used in a trial, or the source of DNA were able to explain the variance. Our current understanding of the factors affecting the quantitative performance of metabarcoding is still limited: additional research is required before metabarcoding can be confidently utilised for quantitative applications. Until then, we advocate the inclusion of mock communities when metabarcoding as this facilitates direct assessment of the quantitative ability of any given study.
TL;DR: NRG1 is required for full TIR-NLR function and contributes to the signalling of some CC-NLRs, and it is proposed that some NLRs signal via NRG1 only, some via ADR1 only and some via both or neither.
Abstract: Most land plant genomes carry genes that encode RPW8-NLR Resistance (R) proteins. Angiosperms carry two RPW8-NLR subclasses: ADR1 and NRG1. ADR1s act as 'helper' NLRs for multiple TIR- and CC-NLR R proteins in Arabidopsis. In angiosperm families, NRG1 co-occurs with TIR-NLR Resistance (R) genes. We tested whether NRG1 is required for signalling of multiple TIR-NLRs. Using CRISPR mutagenesis, we obtained an nrg1a-nrg1b double mutant in two Arabidopsis accessions, and an nrg1 mutant in Nicotiana benthamiana. These mutants are compromised in signalling of all TIR-NLRs tested, including WRR4A, WRR4B, RPP1, RPP2, RPP4 and the pairs RRS1/RPS4, RRS1B/RPS4B, CHS1/SOC3 and CHS3/CSA1. In Arabidopsis, NRG1 is required for the hypersensitive cell death response (HR) and full oomycete resistance, but not for salicylic acid induction or bacterial resistance. By contrast, nrg1 loss of function does not compromise the CC-NLR R proteins RPS5 and MLA. RPM1 and RPS2 (CC-NLRs) function is slightly compromised in an nrg1 mutant. Thus, NRG1 is required for full TIR-NLR function and contributes to the signalling of some CC-NLRs. Some NRG1-dependent R proteins also signal partially via the NRG1 sister clade, ADR1. We propose that some NLRs signal via NRG1 only, some via ADR1 only and some via both or neither.
TL;DR: The likelihood that microplastic ingestion presents a significant conservation problem at current levels compared to other anthropogenic threats is assessed.
Abstract: Despite concerns regarding the environmental impacts of microplastics, knowledge of the incidence and levels of synthetic particles in large marine vertebrates is lacking. Here, we utilize an optimized enzymatic digestion methodology, previously developed for zooplankton, to explore whether synthetic particles could be isolated from marine turtle ingesta. We report the presence of synthetic particles in every turtle subjected to investigation (n = 102) which included individuals from all seven species of marine turtle, sampled from three ocean basins (Atlantic [ATL]: n = 30, four species; Mediterranean (MED): n = 56, two species; Pacific (PAC): n = 16, five species). Most particles (n = 811) were fibres (ATL: 77.1% MED: 85.3% PAC: 64.8%) with blue and black being the dominant colours. In lesser quantities were fragments (ATL: 22.9%: MED: 14.7% PAC: 20.2%) and microbeads (4.8%; PAC only; to our knowledge the first isolation of microbeads from marine megavertebrates). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) of a subsample of particles (n = 169) showed a range of synthetic materials such as elastomers (MED: 61.2%; PAC: 3.4%), thermoplastics (ATL: 36.8%: MED: 20.7% PAC: 27.7%) and synthetic regenerated cellulosic fibres (SRCF; ATL: 63.2%: MED: 5.8% PAC: 68.9%). Synthetic particles being isolated from species occupying different trophic levels suggest the possibility of multiple ingestion pathways. These include exposure from polluted seawater and sediments and/or additional trophic transfer from contaminated prey/forage items. We assess the likelihood that microplastic ingestion presents a significant conservation problem at current levels compared to other anthropogenic threats.
Erasmus University Rotterdam1, European Society of Cardiology2, Imperial College London3, Ghent University Hospital4, McGill University5, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven6, University of British Columbia7, University of Cape Town8, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital9, University of Southern California10, University of East Anglia11
TL;DR: Rates of maternal mortality or heart failure were high in women with heart disease from 2007 to 2010, however, from 2010, these rates declined despite the inclusion of more high-risk pregnancies.
Abstract: Aims Reducing maternal mortality is a World Health Organization (WHO) global health goal. Although maternal deaths due to haemorrhage and infection are declining, those related to heart disease are increasing and are now the most important cause in western countries. The aim is to define contemporary diagnosis-specific outcomes in pregnant women with heart disease. Methods and results From 2007 to 2018, pregnant women with heart disease were prospectively enrolled in the Registry Of Pregnancy And Cardiac disease (ROPAC). Primary outcome was maternal mortality or heart failure, secondary outcomes were other cardiac, obstetric, and foetal complications. We enrolled 5739 pregnancies; the mean age was 29.5. Prevalent diagnoses were congenital (57%) and valvular heart disease (29%). Mortality (overall 0.6%) was highest in the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) group (9%). Heart failure occurred in 11%, arrhythmias in 2%. Delivery was by Caesarean section in 44%. Obstetric and foetal complications occurred in 17% and 21%, respectively. The number of high-risk pregnancies (mWHO Class IV) increased from 0.7% in 2007–2010 to 10.9% in 2015–2018. Determinants for maternal complications were pre-pregnancy heart failure or New York Heart Association >II, systemic ejection fraction <40%, mWHO Class 4, and anticoagulants use. After an increase from 2007 to 2009, complication rates fell from 13.2% in 2010 to 9.3% in 2017. Conclusion Rates of maternal mortality or heart failure were high in women with heart disease. However, from 2010, these rates declined despite the inclusion of more high-risk pregnancies. Highest complication rates occurred in women with PAH.