bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noisy neighbours and myna problems: Interaction webs and aggression around tree hollows in urban habitats
Authors: Rogers Andrew M. , Griffin Andrea S. , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Kark Salit 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Interaction networks among native and invasive species in a community can inform both invasion impacts and applied management of invasive species. The intensity of aggressive interactions may be related to the overlap in species’ ecological niche and functional traits, especially in cavity‐breeding species, that often compete for limited nesting sites. Australia is home to over 100 native and introduced cavity‐nesting species, including several invasive species that are widespread globally, such as the common myna Acridotheres tristis. Here, we aimed to test the extent to which shared functional traits inform the intensity of aggression between cavity‐nesting birds.

We quantified the outcomes of aggressive interactions between birds in large hollow‐bearing trees in SE Queensland, Australia. We examined whether more similarly sized birds interacted more frequently, whether larger species won aggressive interactions more often, and whether cavity‐breeding species with similar preferences for nesting sites (breeding‐niche space) interacted more frequently.

We recorded a total of 410 aggressive interactions and 48 interacting bird species around tree hollows, including 20 cavity‐nesting bird species. These interactions were dominated by the invasive common myna, the native noisy miner (a non‐cavity‐breeder) and the native rainbow lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus, but the common myna won the largest total number of interspecific interactions. On average, larger birds won aggressive interactions more frequently, yet there were some important exceptions to this finding; the common myna (113 ± 30 g) won 26 of the 29 interactions against the larger native rainbow lorikeet (126 ± 44 g). Importantly, species with more similar nest‐site preferences were observed aggressively interacting more frequently.

Synthesis and applications. The impact of the invasive common myna was higher‐site preferences. Control efforts for the myna should focus on birds that nest in natural tree hollows. An analysis of shared traits by managers could be used to help identify how many local species would benefit from common myna control in a given area and test if further behavioural studies of common myna are warranted.
Biologically infallible? Men’s views on male age‐related fertility decline and sperm freezing
Authors: Law Caroline 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTrends in people having children later in life and increasing evidence of male age‐related fertility decline (ARFD) has led some to propose sperm freezing as a suitable response. However, little consideration has been given to how men might respond to such a proposal, and there has been a paucity of empirical data to inform such a consideration. This paper arises from in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with men (n = 25) who do not have children but want or expect to have them in the future. Data on men’s perceptions of male ARFD and sperm freezing are presented and discussed in accordance with theoretical and conceptual tools relating to reproductive masculinity, biomedicalisation, gendered risk perception and meanings of sperm and masculinity. It suggests that that men’s overall lack of concern regarding male ARFD and resistance towards ideas of sperm freezing result not only from a lack of exposure to evidence regarding male ARFD but are also shaped by ideals of reproductive masculinity, and may indicate resistance towards the idea of reproductive control. It argues that these positions perpetuate a gender unequal politicisation of ARFD and perpetuate particular gendered subjectivities relating to culpability and responsibility for guarding against risks of ARFD.
Feeling less alone online: patients’ ambivalent engagements with digital media
Authors: Petersen Alan , Schermuly Allegra , Anderson Alison 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDigital media offer the chronically ill, especially those who experience related isolation, unparalleled opportunities to connect with others. This article asks, how do these individuals ascribe meaning to and use these media to manage their condition and related isolation? Using the concepts of affordance and emotional community, and drawing on the findings from an Australian study on patients’ use of digital media, we examine individuals’ ambivalent ascriptions of media, which are both feared and distrusted for the risks they present and embraced as invaluable tools of social connection. We argue that this ambivalence is explicable in terms of the communities to which the chronically ill belong which are founded on strong emotional bonds. In a context in which individuals tend to feel isolated through pain and/or stigmatisation, digital media may offer powerful means for sharing and affirming their experiences, the subjective benefits of which may outweigh the perceived risks. The article discusses the functions and features of digital media that the chronically ill value and distrust and concludes by considering the implications of our analysis for strategies to address the needs of people who feel isolated as a consequence of their condition.
Out‐of‐Network Air Ambulance Bills: Prevalence, Magnitude, and Policy Solutions
Authors: FUSE BROWN ERIN C. , TRISH ERIN , LY BICH , HALL MARK , ADLER LOREN 
Published: June 2020

Policy Points
Out‐of‐network air ambulance bills are a type of surprise medical bill and are driven by many of the same market failures behind other surprise medical bills, including patients’ inability to choose in‐network providers in an emergency or to avoid potential balance billing by out‐of‐network providers.
The financial risk to consumers is high because more than three‐quarters of air ambulances are out‐of‐network and their prices are high and rising. Consumers facing out‐of‐network air ambulance bills have few legal protections owing to the Airline Deregulation Act's federal preemption of state laws.
Any federal policies for surprise medical bills should also address surprise air ambulance bills and should incorporate substantive consumer protections—not just billing transparency—and correct the market distortions for air ambulances.
ContextOut‐of‐network air ambulance bills are a growing problem for consumers. Because most air ambulance transports are out‐of‐network and prices are rising, patients are at risk of receiving large unexpected bills. This article estimates the prevalence and magnitude of privately insured persons’ out‐of‐network air ambulance bills, describes the legal barriers to curtailing surprise air ambulance bills, and proposes policies to protect consumers from out‐of‐network air ambulance bills.MethodsWe used the Health Care Cost Institute's 2014‐2017 data from three large national insurers to evaluate the share of air ambulance claims that are out‐of‐network and the prevalence and magnitude of potential surprise balance bills, focusing on rotary‐wing transports. We estimated the magnitude of potential balance bills for out‐of‐network air ambulance services by calculating the difference between the provider's billed charges and the insurer's out‐of‐network allowed amount, including the patient's cost‐sharing. For in‐network air ambulance transports, we calculated the average charges and allowed amounts, both in absolute magnitude and as a multiple of the rate that Medicare pays for the same service.FindingsWe found that less than one‐quarter of air ambulance transports of commercially insured patients were in‐network. Two‐in‐five transports resulted in a potential balance bill, averaging $19,851. In the latter years of our data, in‐network rates for transports by independent (non‐hospital‐based) carriers averaged $20,822, or 369% of the Medicare rate for the same service.ConclusionsBecause the states’ efforts to curtail air ambulance balance billing have been preempted by the Airline Deregulation Act, a federal solution is needed. Owing to the failure of market forces to discipline either prices or supply, out‐of‐network air ambulance rates should be benchmarked to a multiple of Medicare rates or, alternatively, air ambulance services could be delivered and financed through an approach that combines competitive bidding and public utility regulation.
Differentiation of Antemortem and Postmortem Appendicular Fractures Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Intensity Changes in Bone and Soft Tissues,
Authors: Oetelaar Garrett , Heng Hock Gan , Lim Chee Kin , Cox Abigail , Weng Hsin‐Yi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntraosseous T1‐weighted (T1W) and short‐tau inversion recovery (STIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity changes—so‐called bone marrow edema—may be able to differentiate antemortem and postmortem fractures in human forensic imaging. The primary objective of this study was to investigate this hypothesis using an animal model. Three juvenile Landrace pigs were anesthetized and underwent MRI of both tibiae and both radii using a 1.5 T magnet. T1W, T2‐weighted (T2W), STIR, and T2* sequences were included. Antemortem fractures were induced in both tibiae and postmortem fractures in both radii, and MRI was repeated. Two board‐certified radiologists blinded to fracture group jointly evaluated the images for intraosseous and soft tissue signal intensity changes. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) in identifying antemortem fractures were calculated based on intraosseous, soft tissue, and combined intraosseous and soft tissue signal intensity changes. Intraosseous and soft tissue signal intensity changes, when present, were hyperintense in all sequences. Intraosseous hyperintensity in T1W and T2W sequences yielded Sp of 100% for antemortem fractures. Regardless of sequence, soft tissue hyperintensity was comparatively more sensitive than intraosseous hyperintensity. Sensitivity for each sequence could be maximized by assessment of soft tissue and intraosseous hyperintense signals together; for the T1W sequence, such assessment optimized diagnostic utility yielding a Se of 100% and Sp of 83%. In summary, MRI—particularly the T1W sequence—can differentiate antemortem and postmortem fractures and may be a useful adjunct to the forensic analyses of fractures.
Safety and efficacy of single‐needle leukocyte apheresis for treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Shindo Yoichiro , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Imai Tetsuro , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Kuwaki Kotaro , Yamauchi Ryosuke , Yoshimura Tetsuhiro , Araki Toshihiro , Morita Masaru , Tsuruta Kozo , Yamasaki Sayo , Fukami Kei , Torimura Takuji 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeukocyte apheresis (LCAP) is a safe and effective treatment for active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. Nevertheless, a limitation of LCAP is its requirement for two puncture sites (double‐needle [DN] apheresis), sometimes leading to problems with needle puncture. Single‐needle (SN) apheresis is useful in hemodialysis and reduces needle puncture pain. If SN apheresis were found to be useful in LCAP for UC, it may reduce patient burden. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of SN apheresis with that of DN apheresis. Twenty‐four patients with active UC were retrospectively enrolled. They underwent either SN apheresis (n = 12) or conventional double‐needle (DN) apheresis (n = 12) at the Kurume University Hospital from February 2014 to March 2018. At each session, we recorded access problems defined by the time required to initiate apheresis and the frequency of puncture‐related problems, as well as blood circuit clotting, defined as clotting necessitating interruption of apheresis and changing of the circuit. Efficacy was assessed using partial Mayo scores. The number of apheresis sessions was comparable between SN and DN apheresis (9.0 ± 2.0 times vs 9.6 ± 1.4 times, mean ± SEM). SN significantly reduced the time required to start apheresis (10.0 ± 5.4 minutes vs 19.4 ± 11.9 minutes, P < .05) as well as needle puncture troubles (0.9% vs 11.5%, P < .05). SN had comparable frequency of blood clotting episodes (5.6% vs 8.7%). SN apheresis had similar clinical efficacy (P < .001 in SN and P < .01 in DN). The improvement and remission rates were comparable between groups. SN apheresis may be safe and effective and may reduce patient burden during UC treatment. Nevertheless, further comparative studies are needed.
Biochemical evaluation of processed ascites in patients undergoing cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy
Authors: Nakamura Hironori , Hanafusa Norio , Kitamura Kentaro , Nakamura Hiroaki , Sekihara Hiroyuki , Shimizu Kazuaki , Anayama Mariko , Makino Yasushi , Tamura Katsuhiko , Nagasawa Masaki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe biochemical composition of processed ascites is not well researched and may differ among institutions. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical characteristics of processed ascites of 11 patients with liver cirrhosis and carcinoma who underwent cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy. The ascites due to carcinoma were more acidic and had higher lactate dehydrogenase activity than those due to liver cirrhosis. The ascites due to liver cirrhosis contained a higher amount of immunoglobulin than those due to carcinoma. Immunoglobulin preparations were approximately 2.95% IgG in liver cirrhosis ascites and 2.25% IgG in carcinoma ascites. Moreover, the concern about IgA infusion in the patient with IgA deficiency made it important to identify the source of the ascites. The present study provided fundamental information regarding the safety of cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy.
Low‐density‐lipoprotein apheresis‐mediated endothelial activation therapy to severe‐peripheral artery disease study: Rationale and study design
Authors: Ueda Eiko , Toya Yoshiyuki , Wakui Hiromichi , Kawai Yuki , Azushima Kengo , Fujita Takayuki , Saigusa Yusuke , Yamanaka Takeharu , Yabuki Yuichiro , Mikami Taro , Goda Motohiko , Sugano Teruyasu , Tamura Kouichi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel approach is required for standard therapy‐resistant peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a single‐center, single‐arm, interventional study (LDL Apheresis‐Mediated Endothelial Activation Therapy to Severe‐Peripheral Artery Disease study), which aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) with a dextran sulfate cellulose column in PAD with controlled serum cholesterol levels. The study participants have standard therapy‐resistant PAD with controlled serum cholesterol levels. A total of 35 patients undergo 10 sessions of LA therapy. The ankle‐brachial index and vascular quality of life questionnaire are assessed before and after the treatment period as primary outcomes. Registration of patients began in November 2015 and is planned to be concluded in October 2020.
Impact of Labeled Glasses in a Bar Laboratory Setting: No Effect on Ad Libitum Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Clarke Natasha , Rose Abigail K 
Published: June 2020

AimsInformation provided on glass labels may be an effective method to reduce alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of glass labels conveying unit information and a health warning in reducing ad libitum alcohol consumption.MethodsA cluster‐randomized experimental study was conducted to measure the efficacy of a labeled glass in reducing alcohol consumption in a semi naturalistic bar laboratory setting, in a sample of 81 pairs (n = 162) of UK young adult drinkers. Pairs were randomized to receive two 340‐ml glasses of beer or wine: labeled or plain (control). Alcohol consumption was assessed in an ad libitum drinking period, and urge to drink was measured at baseline and postdrinking period. Focus groups (n = 2) were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to gain an insight into the acceptability and the perceived effectiveness of the glasses.ResultsMean unit consumption was 1.62 (SD ± 0.83) units in the labeled glass condition and 1.69 (SD ± 0.82) units in the non labeled glass condition. There were no significant effects of the labeled glasses on ad libitum alcohol consumption (95% CI −0.25 to 0.37, p = 0.35), despite participants (85%) noticing the information. Qualitative analysis of focus groups indicated that although participants perceived the glasses as a useful tool for increasing awareness of units and guidelines, they were viewed as limited in their potential to change drinking behavior due to the unappealing design of the glass and a view that unit guidelines were not relevant to drinking patterns or contexts.ConclusionsLabeled glasses did not change alcohol consumption in the current study, potentially due to ineffectiveness of this type of message in a young adult population. The information on the glasses was attended to, highlighting that glasses could be a feasible tool for providing information.
Alcohol Use Disorders Are Associated With a Unique Impact on Airway Epithelial Cell Gene Expression
Authors: Bailey Kristina L. , Smith Harry , Mathai Susan K. , Huber Jonathan , Yacoub Mark , Yang Ivana V. , Wyatt Todd A. , Kechris Katerina , Burnham Ellen L. 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUDs) and cigarette smoking both increase risk for the development of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), likely through adverse effects on proximal airway mucociliary clearance and pathogen recognition. Smoking‐related alterations on airway gene expression are well described, but little is known about the impact of AUDs. We measured gene expression in human airway epithelial cells (AECs), hypothesizing that AUDs would be associated with novel differences in gene expression that could alter risk for CAP.MethodsBronchoscopy with airway brushings was performed in participants with AUDs and controls to obtain AECs. An AUD Identification Test was used to define AUD. RNA was extracted from AECs, and mRNA expression data were collected on an Agilent micro‐array. Differential expression analyses were performed on the filtered and normalized data with correction for multiple testing. Enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler.ResultsExpression data from 19 control and 18 AUD participants were evaluated. After adjustment for smoking, AUDs were associated with significant differential expression of 520 AEC genes, including genes for ribosomal proteins and genes involved in protein folding. Enrichment analyses indicated significant differential expression of 24 pathways in AUDs, including those implicated in protein targeting to membrane and viral gene expression. Smoking‐associated AEC gene expression differences mirrored previous reports, but differed from those associated with AUDs.ConclusionsAUDs have a distinct impact on AEC gene expression that may influence proximal airway function independent of smoking. Alcohol‐associated alterations may influence risk for CAP through modifying key mechanisms important in protecting proximal airway integrity.
Saving or tunnelling: value effects of tax avoidance in Chinese listed local government‐controlled firms
Authors: Qu Wenzhou , Kang Shaoqing , Wang Lihong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the value effect of tax avoidance and its underlying mechanisms among Chinese listed local government‐controlled (LG) firms. We show that tax avoidance does not promote firm value in LG firms with government ownership smaller than 40 percent and the above negative tunnelling effect is more pronounced when the control rights are concentrated in the local government and weaker when other large shareholders can act as a countervailing force. Finally, we observe a positive relation between tax avoidance and related‐party transactions as well as overinvestment, again indicating a tunnelling effect in LG firms with government ownership smaller than 40 percent.
When and how to use lithium
Authors: Barroilhet S. A. , Ghaemi S. N. 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundLithium is an old proven medication, but it is infrequently used in current practice. This review examines evidence for its benefits and risks and provides clinical guidance to its use.MethodNarrative review.ResultsBesides its benefit in bipolar illness, lithium has important underappreciated proven benefits in prevention of unipolar depression and suicide. Emerging data support neurobiological benefits for cognition and possible dementia prevention. Likely benefits also exist in low doses for mood temperaments (cyclothymia and hyperthymia). High doses (over 1.0 mmol/L) should be avoided since they increase side effects, complications associated with long‐term use, and risk of toxicity. Conversely, low dosing can be legitimate, especially for suicide and dementia prevention. Nuisance side effects of lithium may affect adherence, and medically serious side‐effects can occur. Managing strategies are available for side effects.ConclusionLithium is the most effective medication in psychiatry, because it has disease‐modifying, not just symptomatic, effects. It is effective not only for bipolar illness but also for prevention of suicide, episodes of unipolar depression, mood temperaments, and possibly dementia. Its many benefits need better appreciation, while lowered dosing can reduce risks.
Prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance evaluation and fetal outcome in high‐risk fetal tumors: A retrospective single‐center cohort study over 20 years
Authors: Ulm Barbara , Muin Dana , Scharrer Anke , Prayer Daniela , Dovjak Gregor , Kasprian Gregor 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionFetal tumors are rare and usually followed by poor outcome. We describe our single‐center experience with fetal tumors evaluated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our aims were to evaluate mortality and morbidity including long‐term outcome and to determine which ultrasound and MRI characteristics were helpful for pre‐ and perinatal management.Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on prenatally diagnosed tumors between 1998 and 2018. Poor outcome included fetal or neonatal death and survival with serious illness. MRI addressed tumor morphology (sacrococcygeal teratomas), compromise of surrounding structures (head and neck tumors) and early depiction of brain alterations specific to tuberous sclerosis (rhabdomyomas).ResultsOf 68 pregnancies, 15 (22%) were terminated and eight children (8/53, 15%) died pre‐ or postnatally. Of the 45 survivors (45/68, 66%), 24 (24/45, 53%) were healthy, eight (8/45, 18%) had a minor illness and 13 (13/45, 29%) a serious illness. Diffusion‐ and T1‐weighted MRI reliably predicted tumor morphology in teratomas. To detect head and neck tumors critical to airway obstruction, MRI was superior to ultrasound in delivery planning. Rhabdomyomas were frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis, regardless of their number or size in ultrasound; MRI could depict specific brain alterations from the early third trimester onwards. For several rare tumors, MRI provided critical differential diagnoses that could not be clearly displayed in ultrasound.ConclusionsThe rate of survivors with serious long‐term illness among fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of a tumor was high. MRI is specifically helpful for risk stratification in fetal teratomas and delivery planning in head and neck tumors.