bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a quantitative PCR‐based method for studying temporal DNA degradation in waterlogged bone
Authors: Thornton Isis , Cartozzo Claire , Mays D’Arcy , Singh Baneshwar , Simmons Tal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWhile several studies have examined temporal DNA degradation in bones collected from terrestrial environments, studies on temporal DNA degradation in bones collected from aquatic environments are limited and mostly based on case studies. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of long‐term submersion, aquatic environment, bone type and DNA extraction method on DNA quality and quantity. Bone samples (scapulae and ribs), collected every ~1000 ADD from a freshwater lake and river, underwent DNA extraction via ChargeSwitch® gDNA Plant Kit and organic phenol–chloroform methods, and DNA quantitation using both TaqMan and SYBR Green‐based quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods. Results suggest that in both bone types, quality of recovered DNA (i.e., degradation index) declined significantly with increase in submersion time. Among two bone types, quality of recovered DNA from scapulae declined faster than rib samples. There was no significant difference in recovered DNA quantity between bone types, DNA extraction methods, or locations but various interactions between these variables showed significant difference. Overall, it can be concluded that DNA can be extracted from waterlogged bone in sufficient quantity to generate an STR profile up to 4000 ADD.
A quasi‐experimental pilot study to the effects of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re‐ART) Outpatient for young adults
Authors: Hoogsteder Larissa M. , Schippers Eveline E. , Sweers Nienke , Stams Geert Jan J.M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIt is important to provide treatment for juvenile and young adult violent offenders, since no or (too) late treatment increases the risk of recidivism and persistent aggressive behavior in adulthood. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the intervention Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re‐ART) Outpatient, which has been developed for adolescents and young adults between 16 and 24 years old with severe aggression problems. This quasi‐experimental (pilot) study compared the effects of Re‐ART Outpatient (n = 47) with a control group (n = 29) receiving treatment as usual on measures regarding risk of violent recidivism, impulsivity, emotional/personal functioning, family functioning, motivation, handling anger, self‐reported problem behavior, coping skills, and cognitive distortions. Re‐ART showed significantly better results than the control group on risk of violent recidivism, impulsivity, emotional/personal functioning, motivation, handling anger, certain coping skills, and certain cognitive distortions. Family functioning and self‐reported rule‐breaking behavior did not differ significantly between the groups. The results implicate that Re‐ART is a promising outpatient intervention for young adults with severe aggressive behavior. The results can be explained by the fact that Re‐ART treats both systemically and individually and pays specific attention to stress reduction and the improvement of executive functions.
Lineage diversification and niche evolution in the Reeves’ Butterfly Lizard Leiolepis reevesii (Agamidae)
Authors: ZHU Xiaming , HUA Lei , FANG Mengchao , DU Yu , LIN Chixian , LIN Longhui , JI Xiang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe used mitochondrial cytochrome b and ND4 genes and 9 microsatellite loci to determine genetic diversity, population structure, evolutionary history, and migration patterns within the Reeves’ butterfly lizard Leiolepis reevesii (Agamidae). Considering molecular‐based phylogeographical lineages, we then performed niche equivalency and similarity tests between divergent lineages. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data revealed 2 lineages (A and B) diverging ≈0.84 million years ago and, respectively, restricted to the northern and southern portions of the Wuzhishan and Yinggeling mountain ranges. Lineage B contains individuals from southern Hainan; Lineage A includes individuals from all other localities and can be further divided into 3 clusters according to microsatellite data. The null hypothesis that the 2 lineages shared identical niches was rejected in all niche equivalency tests, indicating niche shifts during genetic divergence. Similarity tests provided evidence of niche conservatism, suggesting that the 2 lineages share more characteristics of their niche spaces than randomly expected. The niche similarity and equivalency tests indicated a complex niche pattern in which both lineages share a main portion of their ecological spaces. The climatic niche of Lineage B represented a marginal and specialized fraction of the entire ecological space of the climatic niche of Lineage A, with warmer conditions. Isolation caused by orogenesis and subsequent niche divergence, together with local adaptation, may have led to genetic differentiation and further lineage sorting in L. reevesii.
Gross anatomical, computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging study of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in Egyptian buffalo(Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Abdel Maksoud Mohamed K. M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe current study aimed to describe the normal gross anatomy, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint in Egyptian buffalo, and to determine the site of intra‐articular injection of this joint. This study was conducted on eighteen fresh cadaveric distal limbs of healthy Egyptian buffaloes. Six cadaveric MCP/MTP joints were freshly dissected for studying their normal morphological features and determination of the suitable site for intra‐articular injection. Another twelve MCP/MTP joints were imaged using a 16‐slice CT scanner and a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, injected with coloured latex and then sectioned into dorsal, sagittal and transverse slices. The articular surface, joint cavity, ligaments and surrounding tendons of the MCP/MTP joint were identified and briefly described. CT and MRI provided identification of the bony and soft tissue structures of the MCP/MTP joint with variable signal intensities. The present study provided a brief description of the normal gross anatomy of MCP/MTP joint in buffalo to serve as a reference for the evaluation of CT and MRI images, which in turn could enable the veterinary clinicians in interpretation of the clinical diseases in this joint.
Macroanatomic, light and scanning electron microscopic structure of the pecten oculi in northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita)
Authors: Yilmaz Bestami , Demircioglu Ismail , Korkmaz Deniz , Alan Aydın , Yilmaz Rahsan , Ciris Abdulkadir 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEyes are the most primarily required sensory organs during the migration of migratory birds and Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) are known to make long migrations. This study examined for the first time the structure of pecten oculi in northern bald ibises by using macroscopic anatomy as well as light and electron microscopic methods. In the study 20 eye globes from 10 adult bald ibises were used. The pecten was of pleated type. As in most bird species, it was located on the optic nerve head and projects into the vitreous from the optic nerve head. The wider basal part was observed to attached to retina and its free apical part was found in camera vitrea bulbi embedded in corpus vitreum. The pecten had 13–14 accordion like pleats lying between the basal and apical parts. In addition to arterial and venous vessels, numerous capillary vessels as well as melanocytes were observed within each pleat. The bridge binding the pleats at the apical part showed a stronger pigmentation compared to other parts of the pecten. The results of the study indicated that the general morphology of pecten oculi in northern bald ibises which is a migratory bird species were similar to that in other diurnal bird species.
Community awareness of speech pathology: A regional perspective
Authors: Janes Tina Leann , Zupan Barbra , Signal Tania 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveSpeech pathology has a history of low public awareness and in the absence of current research it is unclear if community awareness has changed in recent years. This study sought to explore a regional community’s awareness of speech pathology as the impetus for considering future directions pertaining to awareness and understanding of the scope of practice of this profession.DesignAn anonymous online survey was created using questions from previously validated surveys on this topic, and then distributed via snowball sampling using social media.SettingData are from residents of the Central Queensland community in Australia.ParticipantsTwo hundred and seven adults who live in Central Queensland completed the survey.Main outcome measuresComparisons were drawn between the responses from this survey to those from earlier studies.ResultsThe majority of respondents had heard of speech pathology mostly due to personal contact, but they indicated that they did not know ‘a lot’ about speech pathology. Knowledgeable individuals had higher levels of education and were better able to identify speech pathologists’ scope of practice. Personal contact with a speech pathologist also significantly contributed to self‐rated knowledge and accurate identification of scope of practice of speech pathologists.ConclusionWhile regional Central Queensland community members have heard of speech pathology, their self‐reported knowledge of the profession continues to be low. In order to optimise service access and consumer outcomes it is recommended that the profession aims to improve community awareness of speech pathology.
SECRET® ‐ SExual Chronicle REcording Table: Validation and reliability
Authors: Zaccaro Claudia , Lotti Francesco , Morselli Simone , Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Frizza Francesca , Bigazzi Barbara , Liaci Andrea , Cai Tommaso , Vignozzi Linda , Vignolini Graziano , Serni Sergio , Gravas Stavros , Moncada Ignacio , Salonia Andrea , Gacci Mauro 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecording the entire sexual history of a patient from the very first sexual experiences to the current sexual habits is a challenging issue that physicians usually address with partial and non‐standardized interviews.ObjectivesTo validate the SExual Chronicle REcording Table (SECRET®), a structured written interview, developed and copyrighted both in English and Italian languages.Materials and methodsA multicenter national validation study was performed asking 300 male patients affected by uro‐andrological diseases to complete SECRET®. The structured interview is based on four sexual dimensions (masturbation, oral, vaginal and anal sex), declined in seven items (1.Have you ever performed/Do you perform; 2.At what age did you first experience; 3.How many times a month; 4.With how many partners; 5.How much did/do you enjoy; 6.How many times did/do you use a condom; 7.How many times did/do you use the pull‐out method). Data were stratified according to four stages of life (<30; 30‐45; 45‐60; >60 years old). Validity and reliability were assessed by using standard statistical methods for SECRET® validation.ResultsOverall, 295 patients (98.4%) filled all the questions. SECRET® showed a high level of internal coherence (Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.85 to 0.97) and reproducibility (paired sample t‐test at Test–Retest: p > .10).ConclusionsSECRET® represents a novel, simple instrument to record a patient's sexual history in daily clinical practice and clinical research. SECRET® has shown a good validity, internal consistence and reliability in different clusters of patients with uro‐andrological diseases.
Conservation of endangered and rare plants requires strategies additional to deer‐proof fencing for conservation of sub‐alpine plant diversity
Authors: Koyama Asuka , Uchida Kei , Ozeki Masaaki , Iwasaki Takaya , Nakahama Naoyuki , Suka Takeshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractQuestionsDeer‐proof fencing is an essential conservation tool to protect and recover plant species diversity in deer‐overbrowsed ecosystems, including species‐rich sub‐alpine grasslands. However, community‐level conservation tools (such as fencing) may be insufficient for single‐species conservation, particularly for non‐target endangered or rare species that are sparsely distributed. We examined whether fencing that can protect and recover total plant species richness also benefits non‐target endangered or rare species.LocationA sub‐alpine semi‐natural Kirigamine grassland in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.MethodsWe conducted two complementary plant surveys (typical vegetation survey using 1‐m2 sampling units and flowering survey using 150‐m2 sampling units) to account for scarce species. We examined the community‐level responses (species richness, flowering species richness, and flowering abundance) of all species and endangered or rare species and the species‐level responses (occurrence and flowering abundance) of each species to deer fences.ResultsFencing benefited not only the community‐level response of all species, but also that of endangered or rare species. As species‐level responses, about half of 43 endangered or rare species had greater flowering abundance inside the fences than outside, but only three of them showed a positive effect on their occurrence. These results suggest that once an endangered or rare species has disappeared, it may be difficult to recover.ConclusionsContinued placement of deer fences is necessary to protect community‐level plant species richness of sub‐alpine endangered and rare species in deer‐overbrowsed ecosystems. We also highlight the necessity of additional strategies focusing on non‐target individual species across broad areas outside fences.
Disproportionality analysis in VigiBase as a drug repositioning method for the discovery of potentially useful drugs in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chrétien Basile , Jourdan Jean‐Pierre , Davis Audrey , Fedrizzi Sophie , Bureau Ronan , Sassier Marion , Rochais Christophe , Alexandre Joachim , Lelong‐Boulouard Véronique , Dolladille Charles , Dallemagne Patrick 
Published: December 2020

AimsDrug repositioning aims to propose new indications for marketed drugs. Although several methods exist, the utility of pharmacovigilance databases for this purpose is unclear. We conducted a disproportionality analysis in the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database VigiBase to identify potential anticholinesterase drug candidates for repositioning in Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsDisproportionality analysis is a validated method for detecting significant associations between drugs and adverse events (AEs) in pharmacovigilance databases. We applied this approach in VigiBase to establish the safety profile displayed by the anticholinesterase drugs used in AD and searched the database for drugs with similar safety profiles. The detected drugs with potential activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterases (BuChEs) were then evaluated to confirm their anticholinesterase potential.ResultsWe identified 22 drugs with safety profiles similar to AD medicines. Among these drugs, 4 (clozapine, aripiprazole, sertraline and S‐duloxetine) showed a human BuChE inhibition rate of over 70% at 10−5 M. Their human BuChE half maximal inhibitory concentration values were compatible with clinical anticholinesterase action in humans at their normal doses. The most active human BuChE inhibitor in our study was S‐duloxetine, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.2 μM. Combined with its ability to inhibit serotonin (5‐HT) reuptake, the use of this drug could represent a novel multitarget directed ligand therapeutic strategy for AD.ConclusionWe identified 4 drugs with repositioning potential in AD using drug safety profiles derived from a pharmacovigilance database. This method could be useful for future drug repositioning efforts.
Patient factors predict complications after partial nephrectomy: validation and calibration of the Preoperative Risk Evaluation for Partial Nephrectomy (PREP) score
Authors: Huynh Melissa J. , Wang Ye , Joshi Mugdha , Krasnow Ross , Yu Alice X. , Mossanen Matthew , Chung Benjamin I. , Chang Steven L. 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo develop and validate the Preoperative Risk Evaluation for Partial Nephrectomy (PREP) score to predict the probability of major postoperative complications after partial nephrectomy (PN) based on patient comorbidities.Patients and MethodsThe Premier Healthcare Database was used to identify patients who had undergone elective PN. Through review of International Classification of Diseases ninth revision codes, we identified patient comorbidities and major surgical complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade III–V). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of major complications. We used half of the set as the training cohort to develop our risk score and the other half as a validation cohort.ResultsFrom 2003 to 2015, 25 451 PNs were performed. The overall rate of major complications was 4.9%. The final risk score consisted of 10 predictors: age, sex, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking. In the training cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.78), while the AUC for the validation cohort was 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.75). The predicted probabilities of major complication in the low‐ (≤10 points), intermediate‐ (11–20 points), high‐ (21–30 points), and very high‐risk (>30 points) categories were 3% (95% CI 2.6–3.2), 8% (95% CI 7.2–9.2), 24% (95% CI 20.5–27.8), and 41% (95% CI 34.5–47.8), respectively.ConclusionsWe developed and validated the PREP score to predict the risk of complications after PN based on patient characteristics. Calculation of the PREP score can help providers select treatment options for patients with a cT1a renal mass and enhance the informed consent process for patients planning to undergo PN.
Morbidity and mortality after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion in octogenarians: results from the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Scientific Working Group
Authors: Mortezavi Ashkan , Crippa Alessio , Edeling Sebastian , Pokupic Sasa , Dell’Oglio Paolo , Montorsi Francesco , D'Hondt Frederiek , Mottrie Alexandre , Decaestecker Karel , Wijburg Carl J. , Collins Justin , Kelly John D. , Tan Wei Shen , Sridhar Ashwin , John Hubert , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Schwentner Christian , Rönmark Erik Peder , Wiklund Peter , Hosseini Abolfazl 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the postoperative complication and mortality rate following laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) in octogenarians.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis comparing postoperative complication and mortality rates depending on age in a consecutive series of 1890 patients who underwent RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer between 2004 and 2018 in 10 European centres. Outcomes of patients aged <80 years and those aged ≥80 years were compared with regard to postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grading) and mortality rate. Cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) and other‐cause mortality (OCM) after surgery were calculated using the non‐parametric Aalen‐Johansen estimator.ResultsA total of 1726 patients aged <80 years and 164 aged ≥80 years were included in the analysis. The 30‐ and 90‐day rate for high‐grade (Clavien–Dindo grades III–V) complications were 15% and 21% for patients aged <80 years compared to 11% and 13% for patients aged ≥80 years (P = 0.2 and P = 0.03), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for pre‐ and postoperative variables, age ≥80 years was not an independent predictor of high‐grade complications (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.3–1.1; P = 0.12). The non‐cancer‐related 90‐day mortality was 2.3% for patients aged ≥80 years and 1.8% for those aged <80 years, respectively (P = 0.7). The estimated 12‐month CSM and OCM rates for those aged <80 years were 8% and 3%, and for those aged ≥80 years, 15% and 8%, respectively (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe minimally invasive approach to RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer in well‐selected elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) achieved a tolerable high‐grade complication rate; the 90‐day postoperative mortality rate was driven by cancer progression and the non‐cancer‐related rate was equivalent to that of patients aged <80 years. However, an increased OCM rate in this elderly group after the first year should be taken into account. These results will support clinicians and patients when balancing cancer‐related vs treatment‐related risks and benefits.
Negative first follow‐up prostate biopsy on active surveillance is associated with decreased risk of upgrading, suspicion of progression and converting to active treatment
Authors: Singh Sohail , Sandhu Preeti , Beckmann Kerri , Santaolalla Aida , Dewan Kamal , Clovis Sharon , Rusere Jonah , Zisengwe Grace , Challacombe Benjamin , Brown Christian , Cathcart Paul , Popert Rick , Dasgupta Prokar , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Elhage Oussama 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the risk of disease progression and conversion to active treatment following a negative biopsy while on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsMen on an AS programme at a single tertiary hospital (London, UK) between 2003 and 2018 with confirmed low–intermediate‐risk PCa, Gleason Grade Group <3, clinical stage <T3 and a diagnostic prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of <20 ng/mL. This cohort included men diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography guided (12–14 cores) or transperineal (median 32 cores) biopsy. Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis was undertaken to determine (i) risk of upgrading, (ii) clinical or radiological suspicion of disease progression, and (iii) transitioning to active treatment. Suspicion of disease progression was defined as any biopsy upgrading, >30% positive cores, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Likert score >3/T3 or PSA level of >20 ng/mL. Conversion to treatment included radical or hormonal treatment.ResultsAmong the 460 eligible patients, 23% had negative follow‐up biopsy findings. The median follow‐up was 62 months, with one to two repeat biopsies and two MRIs per patient during that period. Negative biopsy findings at first repeat biopsy were associated with decreased risk of converting to active treatment (hazard ration [HR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.37; P < 0.001), suspicion of disease progression (HR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.94; P = 0.029), and upgrading (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23–0.99; P = 0.047). Data are limited by fewer men with multiple follow‐up biopsies.ConclusionA negative biopsy finding at the first scheduled follow‐up biopsy among men on AS for PCa was strongly associated with decreased risk of subsequent upgrading, clinical or radiological suspicion of disease progression, and conversion to active treatment. A less intense surveillance protocol should be considered for this cohort of patients.