bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthy ageing for all? Comparisons of socioeconomic inequalities in health expectancies over two decades in the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies I and II
Authors: Bennett Holly Q , Kingston Andrew , Spiers Gemma , Robinson Louise , Corner Lynne , Bambra Clare , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona E , Jagger Carol 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite increasing life expectancy (LE), cross-sectional data show widening inequalities in disability-free LE (DFLE) by socioeconomic status (SES) in many countries. We use longitudinal data to better understand trends in DFLE and years independent (IndLE) by SES, and how underlying transitions contribute.

Methods
The Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I and II) are large population-based studies of those aged ≥65 years in three English centres (Newcastle, Nottingham, Cambridgeshire), with baseline around 1991 (CFAS I, n = 7635) and 2011 (CFAS II, n = 7762) and 2-year follow-up. We defined disability as difficulty in activities of daily living (ADL), dependency by combining ADLs and cognition reflecting care required, and SES by area-level deprivation. Transitions between disability or dependency states and death were estimated from multistate models.

Results
Between 1991 and 2011, gains in DFLE at age 65 were greatest for the most advantaged men and women [men: 4.7 years, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.3–6.2; women: 2.8 years, 95% CI 1.3–4.3]. Gains were due to the most advantaged women having a reduced risk of incident disability [relative risk ratio (RRR):0.7, 95% CI 0.5–0.8], whereas the most advantaged men had a greater likelihood of recovery (RRR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.2) and reduced disability-free mortality risk (RRR: 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6]. Risk of death from disability decreased for least advantaged men (RRR: 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.9); least advantaged women showed little improvement in transitions. IndLE patterns across time were similar.

Conclusions
Prevention should target the most disadvantaged areas, to narrow inequalities, with clear indication from the most advantaged that reduction in poor transitions is achievable.
The Effects of A Mosquito Salivary Protein on Sporozoite Traversal of Host Cells
Authors: Chuang Yu-Min , Agunbiade Tolulope A , Tang Xu-Dong , Freudzon Marianna , Almeras Lionel , Fikrig Erol 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMalaria begins when Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes take a blood meal on a vertebrate. During the initial probing process, mosquitoes inject saliva and sporozoites into the host skin. Components of mosquito saliva have the potential to influence sporozoite functionality. Sporozoite-associated mosquito saliva protein 1 (SAMSP1; AGAP013726) was among several proteins identified when sporozoites were isolated from saliva, suggesting it may have an effect on Plasmodium. Recombinant SAMSP1 enhanced sporozoite gliding and cell traversal activity in vitro. Moreover, SAMSP1 decreased neutrophil chemotaxis in vivo and in vitro, thereby also exerting an influence on the host environment in which the sporozoites reside. Active or passive immunization of mice with SAMSP1 or SAMSP1 antiserum diminished the initial Plasmodium burden after infection. Passive immunization of mice with SAMSP1 antiserum also added to the protective effect of a circumsporozoite protein monoclonal antibody. SAMSP1 is, therefore, a mosquito saliva protein that can influence sporozoite infectivity in the vertebrate host.
Monitoring operating room performance with control charts: findings from a Greek public hospital
Authors: Tsironis Loukas K , Dimitriadis Sotirios G , Kehris Evangelos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective
To describe the development and demonstrate the use of a statistical framework based on statistical quality control (SQC) in order to monitor the performance of operating rooms (ORs).

Design
Data related to scheduled surgical operations have been collected from the information system of an existing Greek hospital. The data that contain the anesthesia and operation start and completion times of the operations carried out in the 14 ORs of the hospital are analyzed using control p-charts and hypotheses testing. The results obtained provide crucial information to health-care managers.

Setting
A large Greek public hospital.

Participants
Real-world data captured on daily basis from January 2015 to November 2017.

Intervention
The proportion of the idle time of an OR over its total available time is proposed as an OR key performance index. We present two directions of data monitoring and analysis: one that uses control p-charts and a second based on hypotheses testing. The improved Laney’s p΄-chart and the Laney’s approach for cross-sectional data are employed in order to overcome overdispersion that affects OR idle time data.

Results
The proposed methodology allows hospital management (i) to monitor the percentage of the idle time of an operating room through time and (ii) to identify the ORs that demonstrate exceptionally high or low percentage of idle time at a given period of time.

Conclusion
SQC charts are simple, yet powerful tools that may support the hospital management in monitoring OR performance and decision-making. The development of a dedicated management information system that automatically captures the required data and constructs the corresponding control charts would support effectively managerial decision-making.
Testing the Accuracy of Vegetation-Based Ecoregions for Predicting the Species Composition of Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Munguía-Ortega K Ketzaly , López-Reyes Eulogio , Ceccarelli F Sara 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo properly define ecoregions, specific criteria such as geology, climate, or species composition (e.g., the presence of endemic species) must be taken into account to understand distribution patterns and resolve ecological biogeography questions. Since the studies on insects in Baja California are scarce, and no fine-scale ecoregions based on the region’s entomofauna is available, this study was designed to test whether the ecoregions based on vegetation can be used for insects, such as Calliphoridae. Nine collecting sites distributed along five ecoregions were selected, between latitudes 29.6° and 32.0°N. In each site, three baited traps were used to collect blow flies from August 2017 to June 2019 during summer, winter, and spring. A total of 30,307 individuals of blow flies distributed in six genera and 13 species were collected. The most abundant species were Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), Phormia regina (Meigen), and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart). The composition of the Calliphoridae community was different between the localities and three general groups have been distinguished, based on the species composition similarity (ANOSIM) results: Gulf-Desert, Mountains, and Pacific-Center. The vegetation-based ecoregions only reflect the blow fly species’ distributions to a certain extent, meaning that care must be taken when undertaking ecological biogeographical studies using regionalization based on organisms other than the focal taxa because vegetation does not always reflect fauna species composition.
Development of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Poultry Litter-Based Diets: Effect on Chemical Composition of Larvae
Authors: Silva Luciana Barboza , de Souza Reneton Gomes , da Silva Sandra Ribeiro , Feitosa Alisson da Costa , Lopes Elainy Cristina , Lima Stelio Bezerra Pinheiro , Dourado Leilane Rocha Barros , Pavan Bruno Ettore 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In order to investigate a low-cost and sustainable food source, the present study evaluated the use of poultry litter for rearing Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera:  Tenebrionidae). The experiment was performed with five diets containing increasing levels of poultry litter (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) replacing the control diet and five replicates with 50 larvae per sample unit. Larval growth and development were evaluated and the chemical compositions of diet and T. molitor larvae were determined. Larval development and reproduction efficiency of T. molitor were similar in all treatments. The sole use of poultry litter to feed T. molitor reduced the crude protein of flour by only 8%. Including 50% or more poultry litter in the standard diet is the best-suited formulation for larvae production and incorporation of minerals in the larvae. Mealworm can be grown successfully on diets composed by poultry litter, the diet did not affect survival, growth, and development; however, studies spanning several insect generations should be performed to determine the effects of diet composition on adult fecundity. The knowledge acquired using poultry litter to feed T. molitor will be useful to carry out new research, in addition to evidencing the possibility of low-cost mass rearing of these larvae.
Rubbing behavior of European brown bears: factors affecting rub tree selectivity and density
Authors: González-Bernardo Enrique , Bagnasco Carlotta , Bombieri Giulia , Zarzo-Arias Alejandra , Ruiz-Villar Héctor , Morales-González Ana , Lamamy Cindy , Ordiz Andrés , Cañedo David , Díaz Juan , Chamberlain Daniel E , Penteriani Vincenzo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Scent-mediated communication is considered the principal communication channel in many mammal species. Compared with visual and vocal communication, odors persist for a longer time, enabling individuals to interact without being in the same place at the same time. The brown bear (Ursus arctos), like other mammals, carries out chemical communication, for example, by means of scents deposited on marking (or rub) trees. In this study, we assessed rub tree selectivity of the brown bear in the predominantly deciduous forests of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). We first compared the characteristics of 101 brown bear rub trees with 263 control trees. We then analyzed the potential factors affecting the density of rub trees along 35 survey routes along footpaths. We hypothesized that: (1) bears would select particular trees, or tree species, with characteristics that make them more conspicuous; and (2) that bears would select trees located in areas with the highest presence of conspecifics, depending on the population density or the position of the trees within the species’ range. We used linear models and generalized additive models to test these hypotheses. Our results showed that brown bears generally selected more conspicuous trees with a preference for birches (Betula spp.). This choice may facilitate the marking and/or detection of chemical signals and, therefore, the effectiveness of intraspecific communication. Conversely, the abundance of rub trees along footpaths did not seem to depend on the density of bear observations or their relative position within the population center or its border. Our results suggest that Cantabrian brown bears select trees based on their individual characteristics and their location, with no influence of characteristics of the bear population itself. Our findings can be used to locate target trees that could help in population monitoring.
Trade-offs between fighting and breeding: a social network analysis of bison male interactions
Authors: Wyman Megan T , Pinter-Wollman Noa , Mooring Michael S 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn most polygynous species, males compete for access to females using agonistic interactions to establish dominance hierarchies. Typically, larger and stronger males become more dominant and thus gain higher mating and reproductive success over subordinate males. However, there is an inherent trade-off between time and energy invested in dominance interactions versus courtship and mating activities. Individuals may overcome this trade-off by selectively engaging in more effective mating tactics. North American bison (Bison bison) are a species of conservation concern that exhibit female-defense polygyny with two predominant mating tactics: (1) tending individual females; or (2) challenging tending males as a satellite and then mating opportunistically. Here, we use social network analysis to examine the relationship between position in the agonistic interaction network of bison males and their mating, reproductive success, and reproductive tactics and effort. To assess the potential for social network analysis to generate new insights, we compare male (node) centrality in the interaction network with traditional David’s score and Elo-rating dominance rankings. Local and global node centrality and dominance rankings were positively associated with prime-aged, heavy males with the most mating success and offspring sired. These males invested more effort in the “tending” tactic versus the “satellite” tactic, and they tended more females for longer periods during peak rut, when most females were receptive. By engaging in the most effective mating tactic, dominant males may mitigate the trade-off between allocating time and energy to agonistic interactions that establish dominance, versus courtship and mating. While less dominant males participated more in the alternative mating tactic, network analysis demonstrated that they were still important to the interaction network on both a local and global scale.
Efficient Monitoring of Adult and Immature Mosquitoes Through Metabarcoding of Bulk Samples: A Case Study for Non-Model Culicids With Unique Ecologies
Authors: Pedro Pedro M , Rodrigues de Sá Ivy Luizi , Rojas Martha Virginia Ribeiro , Amorim Jandui Almeida , Ribeiro Galardo Allan Kardec , Santos Neto Noel Fernandes , Furtado Nercy Virginia Rabelo , Pires de Carvalho Dario , Nabas Ribeiro Kaio Augusto , de Paiva Marcela , Pepe Razzolini Maria Tereza , Sallum Maria Anice Mureb 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The rapid and economical monitoring of mosquitos is imperative to understanding the dynamics of both disease vectors and nuisance species. In light of technological advances in mosquito sampling and DNA sequencing, health agencies can now utilize the full potential of metabarcoding pipelines for rapid and standardizable surveillance. Here, we describe mosquito spatial and temporal variation, with particular focus on Mansonia Blanchard species, in the Madeira (Rondônia State) and the Ribeira (São Paulo) watersheds, Brazil using metabarcoding of the D2 rDNA marker. Sampling and molecular pipelines were used to evaluate the taxonomic contribution of mosquitos in pools of culicids collected en masse from macrophyte-roots (immatures) and from Mosquito Magnet traps and protected human landings (adults). Results for adult captures are comparable to morphological diagnoses and clarify previously unknown temporal and spatial species turnover. Metabarcoding of immature stages also confirmed the extent of the geographical distribution of some species and each taxon’s association with macrophyte species. Given the benefits of metabarcoding, such as taxonomic acuity, high throughput processing, and objectivity, we suggest such techniques should be more fully incorporated into culicid monitoring schemes. The metabarcoding protocol described herein paired with standardized field sampling schemes, when used by mosquito monitoring professionals, offers substantial improvements in terms of practicality, speed and cost.
Performance of Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Scores in 760 FemaleCHEK2Germline Mutation Carriers
Authors: Borde Julika , Ernst Corinna , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Niederacher Dieter , Weber-Lassalle Konstantin , Schmidt Gunnar , Hauke Jan , Quante Anne S , Weber-Lassalle Nana , Horváth Judit , Pohl-Rescigno Esther , Arnold Norbert , Rump Andreas , Gehrig Andrea , Hentschel Julia , Faust Ulrike , Dutrannoy Véronique , Meindl Alfons , Kuzyakova Maria , Wang-Gohrke Shan , Weber Bernhard H. F , Sutter Christian , Volk Alexander E , Giannakopoulou Olga , Lee Andrew , Engel Christoph , Schmidt Marjanka K , Antoniou Antonis C , Schmutzler Rita K , Kuchenbaecker Karoline , Hahnen Eric 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundGenome-wide association studies suggest that the combined effects of breast cancer (BC)-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can improve BC risk stratification using polygenic risk scores (PRSs). The performance of PRSs in genome-wide association studies–independent clinical cohorts is poorly studied in individuals carrying mutations in moderately penetrant BC predisposition genes such as CHEK2.MethodsA total of 760 female CHEK2 mutation carriers were included; 561 women were affected with BC, of whom 74 developed metachronous contralateral BC (mCBC). For PRS calculations, 2 SNP sets covering 77 (SNP set 1, developed for BC risk stratification in women unselected for their BRCA1/2 germline mutation status) and 88 (SNP set 2, developed for BC risk stratification in female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers) BC-associated SNPs were used. All statistical tests were 2-sided.ResultsBoth SNP sets provided concordant PRS results at the individual level (r = 0.91, P &lt; 2.20 × 10−16). Weighted cohort Cox regression analyses revealed statistically significant associations of PRSs with the risk for first BC. For SNP set 1, a hazard ratio of 1.71 per SD of the PRS was observed (95% confidence interval = 1.36 to 2.15, P = 3.87 × 10−6). PRSs identify a subgroup of CHEK2 mutation carriers with a predicted lifetime risk for first BC that exceeds the surveillance thresholds defined by international guidelines. Association of PRS with mCBC was examined via Cox regression analysis (SNP set 1 hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 0.86 to 1.78, P = .26).ConclusionsPRSs may be used to personalize risk-adapted preventive measures for women with CHEK2 mutations. Larger studies are required to assess the role of PRSs in mCBC predisposition.
Growth and phenotypic plasticity of two tropical tree species under low light availability
Authors: Fagundes Marúcia da Cunha , Dalmolin Ândrea Carla , Lobo Luciana Santos , Schilling Ana Cristina , dos Santos Martielly Santana , Mielke Marcelo Schramm 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Screening tree species in tropical rainforest according to their shade tolerance is important to efficiently manage the native trees of economic significance in secondary forest enrichment regimes. The objective of this study was to determine the whole-plant light compensation point (WPLCP) and compare the phenotypic plasticity in relation to growth and carbon allocation of Cariniana legalis and Gallesia integrifolia seedlings under low light availability.

Methods
Seedlings were cultivated for 77 days under conditions of five photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (0.02, 1.1, 2.3, 4.5 and 5.9 mol photons m−2 day−1) in three replicates. Growth and carbon allocation variables were determined.

Important Findings
Growth rates of C. legalis were higher and lower than those of G. integrifolia under 1.1 and 5.9 mol photons m−2 day−1, respectively. The WPLCP differed significantly between the two species. In accordance with the criteria of the shade tolerance classification for these two tropical tree species, our results showed that C. legalis had lower WPLCP and phenotypic plasticity in terms of higher growth rates and greater shade tolerance than G. integrifolia. From a practical point of view, we demonstrated that the differential linkage between growth and changing PAR between the two species can become a useful tool for comparing and selecting tree species in forest enrichment projects.
Tree species influences soil microbial community diversity but not biomass in a karst forest in southwestern China
Authors: Liu Li-Bin , Wu Yan-Nan , Zhong Qiao-Lian , Guo Yin-Ming , Xu Xin , Yang Yong , Xu Hai-Yang , Ni Jian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThe relationships between plant species and soil microorganisms remain indeterminable in different ecosystems worldwide. In karst ecosystems, soil microbial (SM) community structure and their environmental driving factors are poorly explored, and the relationships between plant species and soil microorganisms are unclear. This study aimed to characterize the general patterns of SM community composition and biomass, and to explore the specific tree species and soil physiochemical properties highly related to SM community diversity and biomass in a karst forest.MethodsThe effects of tree species on SM community composition and biomass were firstly investigated on the basis of 212 soil samples collected from five dominant tree species (Lithocarpus confinis Huang, Platycarya longipes Wu, Itea yunnanensis Franch., Machilus cavaleriei H. Lév. and Carpinus pubescens Burkill) through phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis of a karst evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in central Guizhou Province, southwestern China. The relationships between SM community structure and tree species and soil physiochemical properties were statistically analysed.Important FindingsA total of 132 SM-PLFA biomarkers were detected. The average number of SM-PLFA biomarkers and microbial biomass in each soil sample were 65.97 and 11.22 µg g−1, respectively. Tree species influenced the number of SM-PLFA biomarkers but not the SM biomass. The number of SM-PLFA biomarkers of C. pubescens was significantly higher than that of other species (P &lt; 0.05); the numbers of SM-PLFA biomarkers amongst other species showed no significant difference. Microbial biomass showed no relationships with the soil physiochemical properties of nutrient-rich surface soils but positively correlated (P &lt; 0.05) with soil organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in deeper soils. The karst forest in the plateau-surface terrain of central Guizhou Province presented a low fungal-to-bacterial ratio, low microbial biomass storage and high microbial community diversity. Specific tree species affect the SM community diversity in this kind of karst forest.
Symbionts inMucuna pruriensstimulate plant performance through nitrogen fixation and improved phosphorus acquisition
Authors: Magadlela Anathi , Makhaye Nokhetho , Pérez-Fernández María 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsSouth Africa is mainly dominated by savanna and grasslands ecosystems which have been previously reported to be acidic and nutrient deficient, specifically with regard to phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, commonly known as velvet bean, is an indigenous legume in most African countries and has been reported to withstand these adverse soil conditions. The legume is used in many countries of the world for their medicinal value as well as for soil fertilization purposes. Although there are reports on M. pruriens growth and establishment in nutrient stressed ecosystems, no investigation has been conducted on M. pruriens symbiotic interactions, N source preference and associated growth carbon costs when subjected to P deficiency. In this study, we determined the impact of microbial symbionts on N nutrition and growth carbon costs of M. pruriens under P deficiency.MethodsMicrobe inoculation soils were collected from four geographical distinct KwaZulu-Natal locations. Thereafter, seeds were germinated in these natural soils and in early stages of nodule development, then seedlings were transferred in sterile quartz sand and supplied with Long Ashton nutrient media with varying P concentrations.Important FindingsThe 16S RNA sequence results revealed that M. pruriens was nodulated by Burkholderia sp., Paenibacillus sp. and Bacillus irrespective of P concentrations. Even though P deficiency resulted in decreased overall biomass/growth, the root biomass, nodule number and carbon costs increased. In addition, low P supplied saplings showed the highest arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi percentage root colonization. In M. pruriens, nitrogen derived from atmosphere had a positive correlation with P level and the saplings had a dual reliance on atmospheric derived N and soil derived N with increased reliance on soil N in low P supplied plants. Therefore, M. pruriens exhibited different morphological and microbial symbiosis when subjected to P deficiency.