bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-Related Colonic Mucosal Microbiome Community Shifts in Monkeys
Authors: Vemuri Ravichandra , Sherrill Chrissy , Davis Matthew A , Kavanagh Kylie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAge-related changes in gut microbiome impact host health. The interactive relationship between the microbiome and physiological systems in an aged body system remains to be clearly defined, particularly in the context of inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate systemic inflammation, microbial translocation (MT), and differences between fecal and mucosal microbiomes. Ascending colon mucosal biopsies, fecal samples, and blood samples from healthy young and old female vervet monkeys were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, MT, and cytokine analyses, respectively. To demonstrate microbial co-occurrence patterns, we used Kendall’s tau correlation measure of interactions between microbes. We found elevated levels of plasma LBP-1, MCP-1, and CRP in old monkeys, indicative of higher MT and systemic inflammation. Microbiome analysis revealed significant differences specific to age. At the phylum level, abundances of pathobionts such as Proteobacteria were increased in the mucosa of old monkeys. At the family level, Helicobacteriaceae was highly abundant in mucosal samples (old); in contrast, Ruminococcaceae were higher in the fecal samples of old monkeys. We found significantly lower Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio and lower abundance of butyrate-producing microbes in old monkeys, consistent with less healthy profiles. Microbial community co-occurrence analysis on mucosal samples revealed 13 nodes and 41 associations in the young monkeys, but only 12 nodes and 21 associations in the old monkeys. Our findings provide novel insights into systemic inflammation and gut microbial interactions, highlight the importance of the mucosal niche, and facilitate further understanding of the decline in the stability of the microbial community with aging.
A directed acyclic graph for interactions
Authors: Nilsson Anton , Bonander Carl , Strömberg Ulf , Björk Jonas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are of great help when researchers try to understand the nature of causal relationships and the consequences of conditioning on different variables. One fundamental feature of causal relations that has not been incorporated into the standard DAG framework is interaction, i.e. when the effect of one variable (on a chosen scale) depends on the value that another variable is set to. In this paper, we propose a new type of DAG—the interaction DAG (IDAG), which can be used to understand this phenomenon.

Methods
The IDAG works like any DAG but instead of including a node for the outcome, it includes a node for a causal effect. We introduce concepts such as confounded interaction and total, direct and indirect interaction, showing that these can be depicted in ways analogous to how similar concepts are depicted in standard DAGs. This also allows for conclusions on which treatment interactions to account for empirically. Moreover, since generalizability can be compromised in the presence of underlying interactions, the framework can be used to illustrate threats to generalizability and to identify variables to account for in order to make results valid for the target population.

Conclusions
The IDAG allows for a both intuitive and stringent way of illustrating interactions. It helps to distinguish between causal and non-causal mechanisms behind effect variation. Conclusions about how to empirically estimate interactions can be drawn—as well as conclusions about how to achieve generalizability in contexts where interest lies in estimating an overall effect.
Reeb Spaces of Smooth Functions on Manifolds
Authors: Saeki Osamu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Reeb space of a continuous function is the space of connected components of the level sets. In this paper, we first prove that the Reeb space of a smooth function on a closed manifold with finitely many critical values has the structure of a finite graph without loops. We also show that an arbitrary finite graph without loops can be realized as the Reeb space of a certain smooth function on a closed manifold with finitely many critical values, where the corresponding level sets can also be preassigned. Finally, we show that a continuous map of a smooth closed connected manifold to a finite connected graph without loops that induces an epimorphism between the fundamental groups is identified with the natural quotient map to the Reeb space of a certain smooth function with finitely many critical values, up to homotopy.Dedicated to Professor Toshizumi Fukui on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Reuse of process-based models: automatic transformation into many programming languages and simulation platforms
Authors: Midingoyi Cyrille Ahmed , Pradal Christophe , Athanasiadis Ioannis N , Donatelli Marcello , Enders Andreas , Fumagalli Davide , Garcia Frédérick , Holzworth Dean , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Porter Cheryl , Raynal Hélène , Thorburn Peter , Martre Pierre 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The diversity of plant and crop process-based modelling platforms in terms of implementation language, software design and architectural constraints limits the reusability of the model components outside the platform in which they were originally developed, making model reuse a persistent issue. To facilitate the intercomparison and improvement of process-based models and the exchange of model components, several groups in the field joined to create the Agricultural Model Exchange Initiative (AMEI). Agricultural Model Exchange Initiative proposes a centralized framework for exchanging and reusing model components. It provides a modular and declarative approach to describe the specification of unit models and their composition. A model algorithm is associated with each model specification, which implements its mathematical behaviour. This paper focuses on the expression of the model algorithm independently of the platform specificities, and how the model algorithm can be seamlessly integrated into different platforms. We define CyML, a Cython-derived language with minimum specifications to implement model component algorithms. We also propose CyMLT, an extensible source-to-source transformation system that transforms CyML source code into different target languages such as Fortran, C#, C++, Java and Python, and into different programming paradigms. CyMLT is also able to generate model components to target modelling platforms such as DSSAT, BioMA, Record, SIMPLACE and OpenAlea. We demonstrate our reuse approach with a simple unit model and the capacity to extend CyMLT with other languages and platforms. The approach we present here will help to improve the reproducibility, exchange and reuse of process-based models.
Evaluation of clinical practice guideline quality: comparison of two appraisal tools
Authors: Koc Esra Meltem , Aksoy Hilal , Ayhan Baser Duygu , Baydar Artantas Aylin , Kahveci Rabia , Cihan Fatma Goksin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe tools used for critically appraising the quality of clinical practice guidelines are complex and not suitable for the busy end users. So rapid, effective and simple instruments are more preferred. The aim of this study is to compare two critical appraisal tools: iCAHE as a rapid instrument and AGREE II as a complex instrument on guideline quality assessment.Material and MethodsThe diabetes mellitus guidelines of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Turkey (SEMT) were assessed separately by four appraisers using the iCAHE and AGREE II instruments. The mean iCAHE criteria scores and the total and domain AGREE II scores given by the four appraisers are presented for each guideline.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was detected between the iCAHE scale scores of the guidelines evaluated (P = 0.063). The rank of the guidelines according to their average total iCAHE and AGREE II instrument scores was similar. The iCAHE mean scores of the guidelines were as follows: NICE, 92.85%; SIGN, 92.85%; IDF, 66.07% and SEMT, 73.21%. The AGREE II mean scores of the guidelines were as follows: NICE, 87.13%; SIGN, 78.25%; IDF, 53.44% and SEMT, 53.22%.ConclusionsIn addition to being a quality scale, the iCAHE checklist is easy, practical and short to implement. It also helps the users to understand the quality of the guideline in a shorter time. To increase the use of guidelines, it is important that users with little experience and time use the iCAHE scale as a rapid appraisal tool, but more studies are needed to decide the best appraisal tool.
Safety and efficacy of fumagillin for the treatment of intestinal microsporidiosis. A French prospective cohort study
Authors: Maillard Alexis , Scemla Anne , Laffy Benjamin , Mahloul Nadir , Molina Jean-Michel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Intestinal microsporidiosis due to Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a cause of chronic diarrhoea in immunocompromised patients. Fumagillin has been approved in France for its treatment.

Objectives
To investigate the efficacy and safety of fumagillin in a real-life setting.

Methods
As required by the French Medicine Agency, all patients receiving fumagillin were enrolled in a prospective study to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Stool examination with identification of E. bieneusi by PCR was performed at baseline, end of treatment and monthly thereafter for 6 months. Safety was monitored up to 6 months and full blood counts were monitored up to 42 days after treatment initiation. The primary endpoint was safety. Parasite clearance and relapses were secondary endpoints.

Results
From 2007 to 2018, 166 patients received fumagillin, including 6 children. Patients were transplant recipients (84%), HIV-infected patients (13%) or had another cause of immunosuppression (5%). Serious adverse events were reported in 41 patients (25%), mainly thrombocytopenia (15%) and neutropenia (5%), with two haemorrhagic events leading to one death. Severe thrombocytopenia (&lt;50 G/L) developed in 50 patients (29.6%), neutropenia (&lt;1 G/L) in 20 patients (11.8%) and severe anaemia (&lt;8 g/dL) in 21 patients (12.4%). At the end of treatment, 94% of patients with available stool examination (n = 132) had no spores detected. Among 99 patients with available follow-up after the end of treatment, three parasite relapses were documented.

Conclusions
E. bieneusi microsporidiosis was mainly diagnosed in transplant recipients. Fumagillin was associated with haematological toxicity but showed high efficacy with a low relapse rate.
Knowledge gaps in candidaemia/invasive candidiasis in haematological cancer patients
Authors: Colombo Arnaldo Lopes , Agnelli Caroline , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
As neutropenic patients with haematological cancer are not typically included in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of candidaemia, there is low quality of evidence regarding the management of this common opportunistic mycosis in this patient population, which is at high risk for poor outcomes. Herein we identify the gaps in knowledge that are not addressed by the modern RCTs and candidaemia guidelines, and outline some considerations for the future clinical research agenda in candidaemia/invasive candidiasis in haematological patients.
HPLC-UV-Based Simultaneous Determination of Canthin-6-One Alkaloids, Quassinoids, and Scopoletin: The Active Ingredients in Eurycoma Longifolia Jack and Eurycoma Harmandiana Pierre, and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Chaingam Jiranan , Juengwatanatrakul Thaweesak , Yusakul Gorawit , Kanchanapoom Tripetch , Putalun Waraporn 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Quassinoids and canthin-6-one alkaloids are bioactive markers of Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and E. harmandiana (EH) and have been commercially utilized to treat inflammation and male infertility.

Objectives
This study aims to reveal the contents of bioactive compounds and compare anti-inflammatory activities of these two species.

Methods
HPLC methods coupled with UV-Vis detection were developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of the chemical profiles and their contents in EL and EH. The anti-inflammatory activities of both species were investigated using RAW 264.7 cell line.

Results
The HPLC methods provided a sensitivity (LOD) of 0.02–0.05 µg/mL for the eight bioactive compounds (canthin-6-one alkaloids, quassinoids, and scopoletin) with high precision (% relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤6.48) and recoveries between 80.0 and 120%. The chaparrinone: eurycomanone ratio was high in EH, whereas EL had a higher ratio of eurycomanone: chaparrinone than EH. The contents of total canthin-6-one alkaloids, quassinoids, and scopoletin were 0.01–0.75, 0.19–1.54, and 0.01–0.28 mg/g, respectively, in EL roots and 0.12–1.80, 7.05–9.26, and 0.02 mg/g, respectively, in EH roots. The anti-inflammatory effects of EL and EH extracts varied among the samples due to the variation in their chemical constituents.

Conclusions
In summary, our study indicated that chaparrinone was the major compound in EH. EH exhibited anti-inflammatory activity to the same extent as EL.

Highlights
EH and EL extracts were analyzed using developed HPLC-UV methods, revealing a high concentration of chaparrinone in EH, and an anti-inflammatory assay indicated that EH had a potency comparable to that of EL.
Cannabinoids Determination in Brain: A Supplemental Helpful in Postmortem Evaluation
Authors: Palazzoli F , Santunione A L , Marchesi F , Verri P , Vandelli D , Licata M , Silingardi E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The scientific interest in cannabis has been documented by a wide literature, but postmortem studies and interpretations of autopsy findings are lacking or limited to few cases, few matrices analyzed or a small number of analytes. The present study describes the development and full in-house validation of a sensitive and simple method based on an optimized rapid clean-up procedure combined with a robust and highly sensitive liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) technique, designed to simultaneous determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) and 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid glucuronated (THC-COOH gluc.) in postmortem samples: central blood (CB), femoral blood (FB) and brain tissue (BR). The developed method was validated and applied to 24 postmortem cases involving cannabinoids. In this study, we presented a full optimization and validation of target analyses for each matrix. The procedure had proven to be reliable and accurate. This study adds new data, particularly about the cannabinoids concentrations in BR samples. Combined pattern (CB, FB, BR) can be used in the interpretation of postmortem cases, proving and strengthening the assessments made on blood data. BR matrix is a helpful supplement in the investigation of the role of cannabinoids as crucial or contributory factor in leading to death.
Measurements of Cardiac Output and Management of Blood Transfusions During Burn Surgery—An Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Stefansson Jakob Skúlason , Christensen Rasmus , Ottosen Camilla Ikast , Rasmussen Lars Simon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Burn surgery can cause extensive bleeding, which lead to perioperative blood transfusions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether blood transfusions during burn surgery, guided by standard monitoring with inspection of the operative field, measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, hourly diuresis, and concentrations of hemoglobin and lactate could sustain the preoperative cardiac output (CO) till end of surgery. We investigated 15 patients ≥18 years of age scheduled for burn surgery, where the perioperative monitoring included an arterial line. After induction of anesthesia and before start of surgery, we measured baseline values of CO with the minimally invasive LiDCOrapid, mean arterial pressure, and concentrations of hemoglobin and lactate in arterial blood. We measured these values every 30 minutes through surgery. The primary outcome was change in CO from baseline till end of surgery. Secondary outcomes included the change in concentrations of hemoglobin and lactate from baseline till end of surgery. We found no statistically significant change in CO from baseline till end of surgery (6.6 [±2.4] liters/min; 7.2 [±3.2] liters/min; P = .26). We found a statistically significant decrease in concentration of hemoglobin (7.2 [±0.8] mmol/liter; 6.2 [±0.9] mmol/liter; P = .0002), and a statistically significant increase in concentration of lactate (1.3 [±0.5] mmol/liter; 1.7 [±1] mmol/liter; P = .02). The perioperative blood transfusion guided by standard monitoring seemed to sustain CO from baseline till end of surgery; however, further research is needed to confirm this.
Pediatric Treadmill Friction Burns to the Hand: Outcomes of an Initial Nonoperative Approach
Authors: Batra Nikita , Zheng Yinan , Alberto Emily C , Ahmed Omar Z , Cheng Megan , Shupp Jeffrey W , Burd Randall S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Treadmill burns that occur from friction mechanism are a common cause of hand burns in children. These burns are deeper and more likely to require surgical intervention compared to hand burns from other mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with healing time using an initial nonoperative approach. A retrospective chart review was performed examining children (&lt;15 years) who were treated for treadmill burns to the hand between 2012 and 2019. Patient age, burn depth, total body surface area of the hand injury, and time to healing were recorded. Topical wound management strategies (silver sheet, silver cream, non-silver sheet, and non-silver cream) and associated treatment durations were determined. For patients with burns to bilateral hands, the features, treatment, and outcomes of each hand were assessed separately. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between time to healing and patient characteristics and treatment type. Seventy-seven patients with 86 hand burns (median age 3 years, range 1–11) had a median total body surface area per hand burn of 0.8% (range 0.1–1.5%). Full-thickness burns (n = 47, 54.7%) were associated with longer time to healing compared to partial-thickness burns (HR 0.28, CI 0.15–0.54, P &lt; .001). Silver sheet treatment was also associated with more rapid time to healing compared to treatment with a silver cream (HR 2.64, CI 1.01–6.89, P = .047). Most pediatric treadmill burns can be managed successfully with a nonoperative approach. More research is needed to confirm the superiority of treatment with silver sheets compared to treatment with silver creams.
The Role of Antennae in Heat Detection and Feeding Behavior in the Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Gaire Sudip , Schal Coby , Mick Russell , DeVries Zachary 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite that has significant impacts on human health and well-being. All life stages of bed bugs (except eggs) feed solely on blood, which is required to molt and reproduce. Bed bugs use multiple cues to locate their hosts, including heat, CO2, and body odors. Of these cues, detection of heat appears limited to a short distance of &lt;3 cm. However, it remains unclear if bed bugs can detect radiant heat, what structure(s) are responsible for heat detection, and if heat detection via the antennae is required for feeding. In this study, bed bug response to radiant heat was evaluated using the two-choice T-maze assay with the heat source either in contact with the surface (i.e., conduction) or not in contact (i.e., radiation) in nonantennectomized bed bugs. Further, we systematically ablated the bed bug’s antennal segments (distal tip, first segment, and all four segments) and assessed their responses to heat and feeding in a unique two-choice T-maze assay and individual feeding assays, respectively. Our two-choice assays with contact to or no contact with the surface indicated that bed bugs cannot detect radiant heat. Later, we found that the distal tip of the terminal antennal segment is responsible for orientation toward a heat source. However, &gt;50% of the bed bugs fed even when the entire antenna was removed, suggesting redundancy in sensory cues that drive feeding. These results will be used to better understand the role heat plays in bed bug host attraction and design of traps.
Effects of Low Temperature Exposure on Diapause, Development, and Reproductive Fitness of the Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): Implications for Voltinism and Laboratory Rearing
Authors: Duan Jian J , Schmude Jonathan M , Larson Kristi M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), native to Northeast Asia, is the most destructive invasive ash (Fraxinus spp.) pest in the United States. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of exposure of diapausing mature fourth instars (J-shaped larvae, JL) of EAB to cool temperatures, either 1.7 or 12.8°C for 1–9 mo, on their post-chill development including adult emergence, longevity, and lifetime fecundity under standard rearing conditions (26 ± 0.5°C, 16:8 h L:D). In addition, we determined the effect of different stages of the larvae chilled at 12.8°C for 3 mo on the subsequent post-chill development to EAB adults. Findings from the study revealed that a period (≥2 mo) of chill at 12.8°C is required for the termination of the EAB diapause. However, chill treatment of the larvae at the near zero temperature (1.7°C) does not result in the post-diapause larval development to adults, regardless of the chill time (1–9 mo). In addition, our results showed that chill treatment of immature young larvae (L1–L4 prior to JL) results in little production of EAB adults, indicating that EAB diapause predominantly as JL. Findings of this study may be useful to laboratory rearing of EAB from eggs through continuous generations and help us understand the pest’s voltinism resulting from the diapause and post-diapause development under different climatic conditions.
Fanning the Flames of Hate: Social Media and Hate Crime
Authors: Müller Karsten , Schwarz Carlo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates the link between social media and hate crime. We show that antirefugee sentiment on Facebook predicts crimes against refugees in otherwise similar municipalities with higher social media usage. To establish causality, we exploit exogenous variation in the timing of major Facebook and internet outages. Consistent with a role for “echo chambers,” we find that right-wing social media posts contain narrower and more loaded content than news reports. Our results suggest that social media can act as a propagation mechanism for violent crimes by enabling the spread of extreme viewpoints.