Convergent evolution of elaborate nests as structural defences in birds.

The pendent nests of some weaverbird and icterid species are among the most complex structures built by any animal, but why they have evolved remains to be explained. The precarious attachments and extended entrance tunnels characteristic of these nests are widely speculated to act as structural defences against invasion by nest predators, particularly tree-climbing snakes, but this hypothesis has yet to be systematically tested. We use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the relationship between nest structure and developmental period length, a proxy for offspring mortality, in weaverbirds (Ploceidae) and icterids (Icteridae), two bird families in which highly elaborate pendent nests have independently evolved.

Transplant and Recipient Factors in Prediction of Kidney Transplant Outcomes: A UK-Wide Paired Analysis.

Background: In kidney transplantation, the relative contribution of various donor, procedure and recipient-related factors on clinical outcomes is unknown. Previous paired studies have largely focused on examining factors predicting early outcomes, where the effect of donor factors is thought to be most important. Here, we sought to examine the relationship between early and long-term outcomes in a UK-wide paired kidney analysis.

Medical care and first aid: an interassociation consensus framework for organised non-elite sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cessation of amateur and recreational sport has had significant implications globally, impacting economic, social and health facets of population well-being. As a result, there is pressure to resume sport at all levels. The ongoing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent 'second waves' require urgent best practice guidelines to be developed to return recreational (non-elite) sports as quickly as possible while prioritising the well-being of the participants and support staff.

Interassociation consensus recommendations for pitch-side emergency care and personal protective equipment for elite sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated many novel responses in healthcare including sport and exercise medicine. The cessation of elite sport almost globally has had significant economic implications and resulted in pressure to resume sport in very controlled conditions. This includes protecting pitch-side medical staff and players from infection.

Novel therapeutic approaches for the management of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition characterised by the build-up of thick, sticky mucus that can damage many of the body's organs. It is a life-long disease that results in a shortened life expectancy, often due to the progression of advanced lung disease. Treatment has previously targeted the downstream symptoms such as diminished mucus clearance and recurrent infection.

Delphi developed syllabus for the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine: part 2.

Training in the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine (SEM) is available in many, but not all countries. In 2015, an independent Delphi group, the International Syllabus in Sport and Exercise Medicine Group (ISSEMG), was formed to create a basic syllabus for this medical specialty. The group provided the first part of this syllabus, by identifying 11 domains and a total of 80 general learning areas for the specialty, in December 2017.

Evaluating Trastuzumab in the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer.

The transmembrane oncoprotein HER2 is encoded by ERBB2 gene and overexpressed in around 20% of invasive breast cancers. It can be specifically targeted by Trastuzumab (Herceptin®), a humanised IgG1 antibody. Trastuzumab has been regarded as one of the most effective therapeutic drugs targeted to HER2 positive cancers.

The influence of different aspects of grouse moorland management on nontarget bird assemblages.

Conflict between stakeholders with opposing interests can hamper biodiversity conservation. When conflicts become entrenched, evidence from applied ecology can reveal new ways forward for their management. In particular, where disagreement exists over the efficacy or ethics of management actions, research clarifying the uncertain impacts of management on wildlife can move debates forwards to conciliation.

A Delphi developed syllabus for the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine.

Training in the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine is now available in many, but not all countries. Lack of resources may be a barrier to the development of this important specialty field and the International Syllabus in Sport and Exercise Medicine Group was convened to reduce one potential barrier, the need to develop a syllabus. The group is composed of 17 sport and exercise medicine specialists residing in 12 countries (Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Qatar, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and USA).

Consensus statement: Oral health and elite sport performance.

While the research base is limited, studies have consistently reported poor oral health in elite athletes since the first report from the 1968 Olympic Games. The finding is consistent both across selected samples attending dental clinics at major competitions and more representative sampling of teams and has led to calls from the International Olympic Committee for more accurate data on oral health. Poor oral health is an important issue directly as it can cause pain, negative effects on appearance and psychosocial effects on confidence and quality of life and may have long-term consequences for treatment burden.

Oral health and elite sport performance.

While the research base is limited, studies have consistently reported poor oral health in elite athletes since the first report from the 1968 Olympic Games. The finding is consistent both across selected samples attending dental clinics at major competitions and more representative sampling of teams and has led to calls from the International Olympic Committee for more accurate data on oral health. Poor oral health is an important issue directly as it can cause pain, negative effects on appearance and psychosocial effects on confidence and quality of life and may have long-term consequences for treatment burden.

Position statement on youth resistance training: the 2014 International Consensus.

The current manuscript has been adapted from the official position statement of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association on youth resistance training. It has subsequently been reviewed and endorsed by leading professional organisations within the fields of sports medicine, exercise science and paediatrics. The authorship team for this article was selected from the fields of paediatric exercise science, paediatric medicine, physical education, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.

The Injury/Illness Performance Project (IIPP): A Novel Epidemiological Approach for Recording the Consequences of Sports Injuries and Illnesses.

Background. Describing the frequency, severity, and causes of sports injuries and illnesses reliably is important for quantifying the risk to athletes and providing direction for prevention initiatives. Methods.

Preparticipation examination (screening): practical issues as determined by sport: a United Kingdom perspective.

Objectives: Pre-participation examination, screening and health surveillance are part of the job specification for many roles within Sports Medicine. The type and scope of this activity varies enormously, with little consensus as to best evidence-based practice. The purpose of this work was to explore and understand the practical approaches to pre-participation examination, screening and health surveillance in two contrasting sport scenarios.