bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking – Recent Belgian Criminal Cases
Authors: Bouquelle Farah , Lavrysen Luc 
Published: April 2020

The article introduces international, European and Belgian legislation on trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants and discusses the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking. Notably, this contribution provides empirical insights in the functioning of the Belgian system for enforcement of wildlife trafficking regulations and provides a first set of empirical data on the effectiveness of criminal charges in this field of EU environmental law. To this extent, the four reviewed Belgian judgments are examples of effective criminal sanctioning of wildlife crime. They also show that wildlife crime is hot and organised, and that Belgium is both a final destination market for live birds and reptiles and a transit point for trafficking of ivory and sea horses to other continents, such as Asia.
To meet the targets of the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, the fight against wildlife trafficking should be stepped up. As regards Belgium, this manuscript highlights that the federal state and the three regions should better coordinate their cites policy and legislation. In view of the increase of cites-cases, the training and capacity of the inspection, customs and police services should be strengthened further. More frequent controls at the airports and ports would increase the chance of being caught. The environmental unit of the federal police should be reinforced. Moreover, a federal cites public prosecutor could be appointed for serious cites cases in which there are links with terrorism, organised crime or when public health is at stake. More research capacity and international cooperation would allow to tackle not only the couriers, but the principals and addressees in the countries of origin and destination. Finally, the assignment of cites cases to specialised sections of the courts would contribute to more efficiency and better continuity in the interpretation and enforcement of cites regulations.
<p><strong>A new species of <em>Andinia</em> (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae) with unusual bearded flowers from Ecuador</strong></p>
Authors: PONERT JAN , ANDRADE MARIO PORTILLA , CHUMOVÁ ZUZANA , TRÁVNÍČEK PAVEL 
Published: April 2020

Andinia barbata is newly described based on cultivated material originally collected near Shaglli in Ecuador. It belongs to subgenus Aenigma and differs from all others in this group by the lanceolate lip, 2.5 times longer than wide, and unusually long and thick projections from the synsepal which gives a bearded appearance to the flowers. Phylogenetic placement under the genus is supported with reconstruction of a molecular phylogeny using nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK regions and the genome size estimation (1C-value = 1.38 pg) is provided.
Size and Structure of Dry and Moist Reversible Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Wang Danyang , Lin Yanluan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe size and structure of tropical cyclones (TCs) are investigated using idealized numerical simulations. Three simulations are conducted: a pure dry TC (DRY), a moist reversible TC (REV) with fallout of hydrometeors in the atmosphere disallowed, and a typical TC (CTL). It was found that the width of the eyewall ascent region and the radius of maximum windrmare much larger in DRY and REV than those in CTL. This is closely related to the deep inflow layer (~4 km) in DRY and REV associated with a different entropy restoration mechanism under the subsidence region. With the wide ascents, the close link betweenrmand the outer radius in DRY and REV can be well predicted by the Emanuel and Rotunno (ER11) model. The magnitude of subsidence, mainly controlled by the vertical gradient of entropy in the mid- and upper troposphere, is nearly one order greater in DRY and REV than that in CTL. This study demonstrates that the falling nature of hydrometeors poses a strong constraint on the size and structure of real world TCs via the entropy distribution in the subsidence region. The wide ascent, self-stratification in the outflow, and decently reproduced wind profile in DRY and REV suggest that DRY and REV behave like a prototype of the ER11 model with CTL being an extreme type.
Dynamics of Anomalous Stratospheric Eddy Heat Flux Events in an Idealized Model
Authors: Dunn-Sigouin Etienne , Shaw Tiffany 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExtreme stratospheric eddy and sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events both involve anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux. The cause of the anomaly has been hypothesized to be due to tropospheric or stratospheric dynamics. Here, ensemble spectral nudging experiments in a dry dynamical-core model are used to quantify the role of the troposphere versus the stratosphere. The experiments focus on the wavenumber-1 heat flux since it dominates the anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux during both events. Nudging the stratospheric zonal-mean flow does not account for the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux. Nudging either tropospheric wave-1 or higher-order wavenumbers (k ≥ 2) accounts for a large fraction of the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux. Mechanism denial experiments, whereby tropospheric eddies (wave 1 or k ≥ 2) are nudged and the zonal-mean flow is fixed to climatology, suggest the climatological stratospheric zonal-mean flow is sufficient to account for the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux and wave–wave interaction plays a role in generating the anomalous tropospheric wave-1 source. Taken together, the experiments suggest the troposphere dominates the anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux during extreme stratospheric eddy and SSW events while the stratospheric zonal-mean flow plays secondary role.
Prognostic value of postoperative change in liver stiffness in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Youde , Wang Xiumei , Xiao Jing , Sun Jing , Zhang Yinghua 
Published: April 2020

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of change in liver stiffness following surgery, in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Patients with HBV-related HCC were included. Preoperative (baseline) liver stiffness and postoperative dynamic change in liver stiffness was evaluated. Results Out of 158 patients in total, postoperative liver stiffness was increased in 98 patients and decreased in 60 patients compared with baseline values. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with elevated liver stiffness had significantly worse overall survival outcomes than those with decreased liver stiffness. Similar trends were observed for diseases-free survival and recurrence outcomes. Multivariate analyses showed that Child–Turcotte–Pugh score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.209) and liver stiffness changes (HR 1.891) were independent factors associated with overall survival. Liver stiffness changes (HR 1.521) and α-fetoprotein level (HR 1.210) were found to be independent factors for disease-free survival in patients with HCC. Conclusion Increased postoperative liver stiffness may be an independent risk factor of HCC prognosis. Patients with increased liver stiffness following surgery should undergo additional examinations during follow-up.
Lupeol alleviates coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis in mice via downregulating toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Xiaoyong , Song Laichun , Tao Chao , Fang Jihui , Tao Liang 
Published: April 2020

Objectives To investigate the effect of lupeol in a mouse model of viral myocarditis induced by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3). Methods Mice were separated into controls (DMEM, n = 20) and CVB3 infected groups (i.e., untreated CVB3 [ n = 40]; CVB3 + lupeol 50 mg/kg [ n = 40]; CVB3 + lupeol 100 mg/kg [ n = 40]; CVB3 + small interfering RNA (siRNA)- toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) [n = 20]; siRNA + EXP-H mice [n = 20]). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western-blot assay, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay and histopathology were performed to investigate the cardioprotective role of lupeol. Results The elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in CVB3-infected mice (i.e., interleukin-1β [IL-1β]; interleukin-6 [IL-6]; tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were significantly reduced by lupeol 50 or 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, the mRNA level and protein level of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were inhibited by lupeol. Conclusions Lupeol alleviates CVB3-induced viral myocarditis and myocardial damage in mice. The underlying mechanism may due to downregulation of TLR4.
Applying the ICF-CY to Specialist Speech-Language Pathologists’ Practice With Toddlers With Cleft Palate Speech
Authors: Cronin Anna , McLeod Sharynne , Verdon Sarah 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate how the practice of specialist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with young children with cleft palate ± cleft lip (CP±L) maps onto the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health – Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) and consider the functionality of the categories of the ICF-CY for this specialist area of practice. Design: Cross-sectional, qualitative study. Setting: Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with SLPs working in tertiary-level hospitals, universities, and public clinics. Participants: Six specialist SLPs with 17 to 39 years of experience working with young children with CP±L as researchers and clinicians in Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States. Main Outcome Measure(s): Specialists’ practices were captured using in-depth, semistructured interviews. Data collected were analyzed by directed content analysis applying the ICF-CY as a coding schema. Results: In total, 4077 data points were coded. Most mapped onto Body Structures (684, 16.8%), Body Functions (906, 22.2%), and Environmental Factors (1626, 39.9%) with less emphasis on Activities and Participation (560, 13.7%). A “best fit” approach was taken to topics that did not map exactly onto categories of the ICF-CY (eg, velopharyngeal insufficiency [VPI]); however, there was not always an ideally suitable category available. Conclusions: The current study revealed strengths and challenges in categorizing practice within the ICF-CY for children with CP±L, including collaboration with parents and significant others, specificity around speech, language, and articulation, and the different types of VPI. Therefore, future discussion around how best to use the framework with children with CP±L is needed.
Subthreshold yellow micropulse laser for treatment of diabetic macular edema: Comparison between fixed and variable treatment regimen
Authors: Donati Maria Carla , Murro Vittoria , Mucciolo Dario Pasquale , Giorgio Dario , Cinotti Giacomo , Virgili Gianni , Rizzo Stanislao 
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To compare the efficacy between fixed and variable treatment regimens of subthreshold yellow micropulse laser for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Methods: This is a retrospective, comparative, 12-month study of 39 eyes: 24 eyes received fixed treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser treatment and 15 eyes underwent variable treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser, all eyes were followed up for 12 months. Subthreshold micropulse laser was performed with the following parameters: 100 μm spot size on slit lamp, 5% duty cycle of 0.2 s, and 250 mW power. To choose the power of the variable treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser group, continuous laser power was titrated to a barely visible burn and then switched to MicroPulse mode, multiplying the test burn power by 4 and using a 5% duty cycle of 0.2 s. Main outcomes included changes in central macular thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. Results: At baseline, the mean LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity was 0.297 ± 0.431 in the variable treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser group and 0.228 ± 0.341 in the fixed treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser group. At the end of follow-up, the mean LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity was 0.289 ± 0.473 (p = 0.785) and 0.245 ± 0.376 (p = 0.480) in the variable and fixed treatment regimens of subthreshold micropulse laser groups, respectively. Similarly, central macular thickness decreased in both groups after treatment; at baseline, the mean central macular thickness was 371.06 ± 37.8 in the variable treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser group and improved to 325.60 ± 110.0 μm (p = 0.025) at the end of the follow-ups, while it was 342.30 ± 35.4 in the fixed treatment regimen of subthreshold micropulse laser group and improved to 308.51 ± 67.5 (p = 0.037). Conclusion: Both treatment regimens are effective for the treatment of mild center-involving diabetic macular edema: fixed treatment appears more suitable minimizing treatment time and reducing the possible errors due to wrong titration in the switch from continuous to micropulse mode.
Which patients improve most after total hip arthroplasty? Influence of patient characteristics on patient-reported outcome measures of 22,357 total hip arthroplasties in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register
Authors: Peters Rinne M , van Steenbergen Liza N , Stewart Roy E , Stevens Martin , Rijk Paul C , Bulstra Sjoerd K , Zijlstra Wierd P 
Published: April 2020

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after total hip arthroplasty (THA), can be influenced by patient characteristics (case-mix factors). We used the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) to determine the effect of case-mix on improvement of PROMs after primary THA. Methods: We included all primary THAs ( n = 22,357) performed in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2018. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical function short form (HOOS-PS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ-5D index score and thermometer, and Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) measuring pain during activities and at rest, were recorded. The difference between preoperative and 3- and 12-month postoperative scores was calculated (delta-PROM) and used as primary outcome variable. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between patient characteristics (age, sex, ASA score, body mass index (BMI), Charnley class, smoking, and previous operations to the affected hip) and PROMs. Cohens’ d was used to measure effect size. Results: Postoperative improvement (delta-PROM) on HOOS-PS, OHS, EQ-5D, and pain relief were significantly higher in patients <60 years, in patients with female gender, a high ASA score (III–IV), a BMI >30 kg/m2, and patients without a previous operation to the hip. Cohen’s d indicated clinically small differences (0.2). Conclusions: Patients benefiting most in terms of postoperative improvement of self-reported physical functioning, pain relief and quality of life after primary THA were young, female, with a high ASA or BMI score, and without previous operations to the hip.
Computational Analysis of IDH1, IDH2, and TP53 Mutations in Low-Grade Gliomas Including Oligodendrogliomas and Astrocytomas
Authors: Bendahou Mohammed Amine , Arrouchi Housna , Lakhlili Wiame , Allam Loubna , Aanniz Tarik , Cherradi Nadia , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Boutarbouch Mahjouba 
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The emergence of new omics approaches, such as genomic algorithms to identify tumor mutations and molecular modeling tools to predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins, has facilitated the understanding of the dynamic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of low-grade gliomas including oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Methods: In this study, we targeted known mutations involved in low-grade gliomas, starting with the sequencing of genomic regions encompassing exon 4 of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 ( IDH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 ( IDH2) and the four exons (5-6 and 7-8) of TP53 from 32 samples, followed by computational analysis to study the impact of these mutations on the structure and function of 3 proteins IDH1, IDH2, and p53. Results: We obtain a mutation that has an effect on the catalytic site of the protein IDH1 as R132H and on the catalytic site of the protein IDH2 as R172M. Other mutations at p53 have been identified as K305N, which is a pathogenic mutation; R175 H, which is a benign mutation; and R158G, which disrupts the structural conformation of the tumor suppressor protein. Conclusion: In low-grade gliomas, mutations in IDH1, IDH2, and TP53 may be the key to tumor progression because they have an effect on the function of the protein such as mutations R132H in IDH1 and R172M in IDH2, which change the function of the enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate, or R158G in TP53, which affects the structure of the generated protein, thus their importance in understanding gliomagenesis and for more accurate diagnosis complementary to the anatomical pathology tests.
Taking Charge after Stroke: A randomized controlled trial of a person-centered, self-directed rehabilitation intervention
Authors: Fu Vivian , Weatherall Mark , McPherson Kathryn , Taylor William , McRae Anna , Thomson Tom , Gommans John , Green Geoff , Harwood Matire , Ranta Annemarei , Hanger Carl , Riley Judith , McNaughton Harry 
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose “Take Charge” is a novel, community-based self-directed rehabilitation intervention which helps a person with stroke take charge of their own recovery. In a previous randomized controlled trial, a single Take Charge session improved independence and health-related quality of life 12 months following stroke in Māori and Pacific New Zealanders. We tested the same intervention in three doses (zero, one, or two sessions) in a larger study and in a broader non-Māori and non-Pacific population with stroke. We aimed to confirm whether the Take Charge intervention improved quality of life at 12 months after stroke in a different population and whether two sessions were more effective than one. Methods We randomized 400 people within 16 weeks of acute stroke who had been discharged to institution-free community living at seven centers in New Zealand to a single Take Charge session (TC1, n = 132), two Take Charge sessions six weeks apart (TC2, n = 138), or a control intervention (n = 130). Take Charge is a “talking therapy” that encourages a sense of purpose, autonomy, mastery, and connectedness with others. The primary outcome was the Physical Component Summary score of the Short Form 36 at 12 months following stroke comparing any Take Charge intervention to control. Results Of the 400 people randomized (mean age 72.2 years, 58.5% male), 10 died and two withdrew from the study. The remaining 388 (97%) people were followed up at 12 months after stroke. Twelve months following stroke, participants in either of the TC groups (i.e. TC1 + TC2) scored 2.9 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.95 to 4.9, p = 0.004) points higher (better) than control on the Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary. This difference remained significant when adjusted for pre-specified baseline variables. There was a dose effect with Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary scores increasing by 1.9 points (95% CI 0.8 to 3.1, p < 0.001) for each extra Take Charge session received. Exposure to the Take Charge intervention was associated with reduced odds of being dependent (modified Rankin Scale 3 to 5) at 12 months (TC1 + TC2 12% versus control 19.5%, odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.99, p = 0.045). Conclusions Confirming the previous randomized controlled trial outcome, Take Charge—a low-cost, person-centered, self-directed rehabilitation intervention after stroke—improved health-related quality of life and independence. Clinical trial registration-URL http://www.anzctr.org.au . Unique identifier: ACTRN12615001163594
Comorbidity and survival after admission to the intensive care unit: A population-based study of 41,230 patients
Authors: Simpson Alasdair , Puxty Kathryn , McLoone Philip , Quasim Tara , Sloan Billy , Morrison David S 
Published: April 2020

Purpose To describe the relationship between comorbidities and survival following admission to the intensive care unit. Methods Retrospective observational study using several linked routinely collected databases from 16 general intensive care units between 2002 and 2011. Comorbidities identified from hospitalisation in the five years prior to intensive care unit admission. Odds ratios for survival in intensive care unit, hospital and at 30 days, 180 days and 12 months after intensive care unit admission derived from multiple logistic regression models. Results There were 41,230 admissions to intensive care units between 2002 and 2011. Forty-one percent had at least one comorbidity – 24% had one, 17% had more than one. Patients with comorbidities were significantly older, had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and were more likely to have received elective rather than emergency surgery compared with those without comorbidities. After excluding elective hospitalisations, intensive care unit and hospital mortality for the cohort were 24% and 29%, respectively. Asthma (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.99) and solid tumours (odds ratio 0.74, 0.67–0.83) were associated with lower odds of intensive care unit mortality than no comorbidity. Intensive care unit mortality was raised for liver disease (odds ratio 2.98, 2.43–3.65), cirrhosis (odds ratio 2.61, 1.9–3.61), haematological malignancy (odds ratio 2.29, 1.85–2.83), chronic ischaemic heart disease (odds ratio 1.53, 1.19–1.98), heart failure (odds ratio 1.79, 1.35–2.39) and rheumatological disease (odds ratio 1.53, 1.18–1.98). Conclusions Comorbidities affect two-fifths of intensive care unit admission and have highly variable effects on subsequent outcomes. Information on the differential effects of comorbidities will be helpful in making better decisions about intensive care unit support and understanding outcomes beyond surviving intensive care unit.
Improvement of lung ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibition of microRNA‐155 via reductions in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress of vagal afferent nerve
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Lianjie , Guan Jingjing , Yin Xin 
Published: April 2020

Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a common clinical concern. As the injury occurs, the pulmonary afferent nerves play a key role in regulating respiratory functions under pathophysiological conditions. The present study was to examine the effects of inhibiting microRNA‐155 on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and products of oxidative stress in the pulmonary vagal afferent nerves and the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) after LIRI. A rat model of LIRI was used. ELISA method was employed to examine proinflammatory cytokines, namely, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α; and key biomarkers of oxidative stress, 8‐isoprostaglandin F2α (8‐iso PGF2α) and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). In results, in the process of LIRI, the levels of microRNA‐155 were amplified in the vagal afferent nerves and cNTS, and this was accompanied with increases of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α; and 8‐iso PGF2α and 8‐OHdG. Application of microRNA‐155 inhibitor, but not its scramble, attenuated the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines and amplification of 8‐iso PGF2α and 8‐OHdG in those nerve tissues. In conclusion, we observed the abnormalities in the pulmonary afferent pathways at the levels of the peripheral nerves and brainstem, which is likely to affect respiratory functions as LIRI occurs. Our data suggest that blocking microRNA‐155 signal pathways plays a beneficial role in regulating LIRI via inhibiting responses of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress signal pathways to LIRI.