bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale genetic structuring in a group‐living lizard, the gidgee skink (Egernia stokesii)
Authors: Pearson Sarah K. , Johnston Gregory R. , Bull C. Michael , Fenner Aaron L. , Gardner Michael G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBy constraining gene flow, group living and natal philopatry can result in fine‐scale genetic structure. Although the genetic structure of some group‐living lizards has been characterised, studies are few compared with those for group‐living bird and mammal species. The Egerniinae group of lizards exhibits a high diversity of social structures, making it a useful group for comparative studies of genetic structure across a broader range of social taxa. A well‐studied member of Egerniinae is Egernia stokesii, a lizard that forms long‐term pair bonds and stable social groups and exhibits natal philopatry and limited dispersal. Evidence exists for consistent E. stokesii social structure across seven close but disconnected rocky outcrops within a 40 × 10 km area. We used summary statistics, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian clustering, and discriminant analysis of principal components to assess if E. stokesii exhibit a consistent pattern of fine‐scale genetic structure across the same seven outcrops. Due to E. stokesii social structure and constrained dispersal, we predicted significant genetic structuring – based on microsatellite markers – among outcrops. We found significant fine‐scale genetic structuring and evidence for two genetic clusters. We discuss features of E. stokesii biology and ecology that may explain our findings. Some rocky outcrops, and some social groups, contained lizards from both genetic clusters. An examination of the composition of mixed cluster social groups did not detect any notable patterns. Therefore, further work is necessary to identify how the observed patterns may have arisen. Future investigations in E. stokesii and other group‐living lizard species are likely to contribute greatly to our understanding of the genetic consequences of group living.
Association of Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Opioid Prescription Patterns Among Postpartum Women
Authors: Nidey Nichole , Carnahan Ryan , Carter Knute D. , Strathearn Lane , Bao Wei , Greiner Andrea , Jelliffee‐Pawlowski Laura , Tabb Karen M. , Ryckman Kelli 
Published: April 2020

Background and ObjectivesPostpartum women represent a large population with opioid exposure who also have an increased risk of experiencing mood and anxiety disorders. However, the effect that mood and anxiety disorders have on opioid use postpartum has received little attention in the literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the association of mood and anxiety disorders with filling opioid prescriptions within the first 3 months postpartum.MethodsA retrospective cohort study (n = 25 279) was completed using claims data for a sample of privately insured women who gave birth in the state of Iowa. The interactive effects of mood and anxiety disorders and delivery mode on filling at least one and two or more opioid prescriptions were examined in logistic regression models.ResultsThe presence of mood and anxiety disorders among women who delivered vaginally increased their odds of filling at least one opioid fill by nearly 50% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35‐1.63) and by 20% (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.43) among women with cesarean delivery.Discussion and ConclusionPostpartum women with mood and anxiety disorders were more likely to fill opioid prescriptions postpartum compared to women without these conditions.Scientific SignificanceThis study extends prior research by examining the intersection of risk of mood and anxiety disorders and opioid use postpartum. Findings from this study support the need for future research to identify the drivers of increased opioid use among postpartum women with mood and anxiety disorders. (Am J Addict 2020;29:463–470)
Past, present, and future of anti‐IgE biologics
Authors: Guntern Pascal , Eggel Alexander 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAbout 20 years after the identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and its key role in allergic hypersensitivity reactions against normally harmless substances, scientists have started inventing strategies to block its pathophysiological activity in 1986. The initial concept of specific IgE targeting through the use of anti‐IgE antibodies has gained a lot of momentum and within a few years independent research groups have reported successful generation of first murine monoclonal anti‐IgE antibodies. Subsequent generation of optimized chimeric and humanized versions of these antibodies has paved the way for the development of therapeutic anti‐IgE biologicals as we know them today. With omalizumab, there is currently still only one therapeutic anti‐IgE antibody approved for the treatment of allergic conditions. Since its application is limited to the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria, major efforts have been undertaken to develop alternative anti‐IgE biologicals that could potentially be used in a broader spectrum of allergic diseases. Several new drug candidates have been generated and are currently assessed in pre‐clinical studies or clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the molecular properties of past and present anti‐IgE biologicals and suggest concepts that might improve treatment efficacy of future drug candidates.
Discussion on “Predictively consistent prior effective sample sizes,” by Beat Neuenschwander, Sebastian Weber, Heinz Schmidli, and Anthony O'Hagan
Authors: Rosner Gary L. , Müller Peter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNeuenschwander et al. address a seemingly easy but often complicated problem in applied Bayesian methodology. We discuss some issues that relate to the question of why one might care about the effective sample size () in a Bayesian model and the motivation for reporting the .
Virtual reality simulation‐based learning of teaching with alternative perspectives taking
Authors: Ke Fengfeng , Xu Xinhao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study examined participatory simulation‐based learning of teaching in a virtual reality (VR) supported learning environment and its affordance for alternative perspectives taking. This VR‐supported, embodiment‐integrated learning environment is designed to enable collaborative and contextualized microteaching practicing by university teaching assistants. A total of 42 chemistry teaching assistants participated in a 3‐hour teaching training session, during which they were randomly assigned to a VR‐supported simulation group and a live simulation group. The study found teaching knowledge development for all participants after simulation‐based training. The live simulation participants better performed in the post‐session knowledge test than the VR simulation participants. Qualitative data indicated a multitude of challenges and opportunities in VR simulation‐based learning, including a concurrent, yet, inequivalent experience of the “diving‐in” and “stepping‐out” learning perspectives during virtual collaborative role‐playing in a hybrid learning space.
Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic

Participatory simulation is implemented and found effective in diverse academic fields.
The design and research of alternative perspectives for simulation‐based learning is lacking.
The training of current and future instructors on effective teaching practices is a critical issue.
What this paper adds

Participatory simulation‐based teaching training is feasible and effective.
Live simulation outperforms the virtual reality simulation in a physically collocated learning setting.
Pros and cons of a hybrid learning space for participatory simulation and alterative perspectives taking are discussed.
Implications for practice and/or policy

We should design a consecutive and intelligible experience of alternative learning perspectives in simulation‐based learning.
It is important to prepare and scaffold learners for virtual participatory simulation‐based learning.
The present and future scope of real‐world evidence research in diabetes: What questions can and cannot be answered and what might be possible in the future?
Authors: Zaccardi Francesco , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe last decade has witnessed an exponential growth in the opportunities to collect and link health‐related data from multiple resources, including primary care, administrative, and device data. The availability of these “real‐world,” “big data” has fuelled also an intense methodological research into methods to handle them and extract actionable information. In medicine, the evidence generated from “real‐world data” (RWD), which are not purposely collected to answer biomedical questions, is commonly termed “real‐world evidence” (RWE). In this review, we focus on RWD and RWE in the area of diabetes research, highlighting their contributions in the last decade; and give some suggestions for future RWE diabetes research, by applying well‐established and less‐known tools to direct RWE diabetes research towards better personalized approaches to diabetes care. We underline the essential aspects to consider when using RWD and the key features limiting the translational potential of RWD in generating high‐quality and applicable RWE. Only if viewed in the context of other study designs and statistical methods, with its pros and cons carefully considered, RWE will exploit its full potential as a complementary or even, in some cases, substitutive source of evidence compared to the expensive evidence obtained from randomized controlled trials.
Safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of repeat subcutaneous dosing of avexitide (exendin 9‐39) for treatment of post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia
Authors: Tan Marilyn , Lamendola Cynthia , Luong Roger , McLaughlin Tracey , Craig Colleen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of repeat dosing of two formulations of subcutaneous (SC) avexitide (exendin 9‐39) in patients with post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH).MethodsIn this phase 2, multiple‐ascending‐dose study conducted at Stanford University, 19 women with PBH underwent a baseline oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with metabolic and symptomatic assessments. Fourteen were then sequentially assigned to receive one of four ascending‐dose levels of twice‐daily lyophilized (Lyo) avexitide by SC injection for 3 days. On the basis of safety, efficacy and tolerability, five additional participants then received a novel liquid formulation (Liq) of avexitide by SC injection at a fixed dose of 30 mg twice daily for 3 days. All 19 participants underwent a repeat OGTT on day 3 of dosing to quantify metabolic, symptomatic and pharmacokinetic responses.ResultsTreatment with Lyo avexitide reduced the magnitude of symptomatic hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia at all dose levels, with dose‐dependent improvements in glucose nadir, insulin peak and symptom score; doses ≥20 mg twice daily did not require glycaemic rescue (administered at glucose <2.8 mmol/L). Participants receiving Liq avexitide 30 mg twice daily did not require any glycaemic rescue, and on average achieved a 47% increase in glucose nadir, a 67% reduction in peak insulin, and a 47% reduction in overall symptom score. Equivalent doses of Liq versus Lyo avexitide yielded higher and more sustained plasma concentrations. Both formulations were well tolerated.ConclusionsIn patients with PBH, twice‐daily administration of SC avexitide effectively raised the glucose nadir and prevented severe hypoglycaemia requiring rescue intervention. Avexitide may represent a viable therapy for PBH.
Seed size predicts global effects of small mammal seed predation on plant recruitment
Authors: Dylewski Łukasz , Ortega Yvette K. , Bogdziewicz Michał , Pearson Dean E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent studies demonstrate that by focusing on traits linked to fundamental plant life‐history trade‐offs, ecologists can begin to predict plant community structure at global scales. Yet, consumers can strongly affect plant communities, and means for linking consumer effects to key plant traits and community assembly processes are lacking. We conducted a global literature review and meta‐analysis to evaluate whether seed size, a trait representing fundamental life‐history trade‐offs in plant offspring investment, could predict post‐dispersal seed predator effects on seed removal and plant recruitment. Seed size predicted small mammal seed removal rates and their impacts on plant recruitment consistent with optimal foraging theory, with intermediate seed sizes most strongly impacted globally – for both native and exotic plants. However, differences in seed size distributions among ecosystems conditioned seed predation patterns, with relatively large‐seeded species most strongly affected in grasslands (smallest seeds), and relatively small‐seeded species most strongly affected in tropical forests (largest seeds). Such size‐dependent seed predation has profound implications for coexistence among plants because it may enhance or weaken opposing life‐history trade‐offs in an ecosystem‐specific manner. Our results suggest that seed size may serve as a key life‐history trait that can integrate consumer effects to improve understandings of plant coexistence.
Computed‐tomography‐guided transforaminal intrathecal nusinersen injection in adults with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and severe spinal deformity. Feasibility, safety and radiation exposure considerations
Authors: Spiliopoulos S. , Reppas L. , Zompola C. , Palaiodimou L. , Papadopoulou M. , Filippiadis D. , Palialexis K. , Ploussi A. , Efstathopoulos E. , Tsivgoulis G. , Brountzos E. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeThe purpose was to investigate our centre’s experience on computed‐tomography‐guided (CT‐guided), transforaminal, intrathecal administration of nusinersen in adult subjects with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 and severe spinal deformity.MethodThis is a retrospective, single‐centre study investigating the feasibility and safety of CT‐guided, transforaminal, lumbar puncture for the intrathecal administration of nusinersen (Spinranza®; Biogen; Cambridge, MA, USA) in a cohort of adult subjects with SMA type 2, severe neuromuscular scoliosis and previous spinal surgery. Between January 2019 and October 2019, five male, adult, SMA type 2 subjects were eligible to be treated in our centre with nusinersen. The mean age of the patients was 31 ± 9 years (range 19–43 years). The study’s outcome measures were technical success, adverse events and radiation exposure.ResultsIn total, four patients completed the four loading doses, whilst the fifth patient received only one loading dose; two patients also received their first maintenance doses. Overall, 20 consecutive transforaminal, intrathecal treatments were analysed. Technical success was 100% (20/20 intrathecal infusions). No adverse events were documented following the procedures. Mean dose–length product (DLP) value per injection was 665.4 ± 715.5 mGy*cm. Estimated mean effective dose per injection was 12.7 ± 12.9 mSv. Subgroup analysis between the chronologically first 10 versus subsequent 10 procedures demonstrated a clear trend towards less radiation exposure in the latter, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (DLP: 984.7 ± 903.3 vs. 436.7 ± 321.5 mGy*cm, P = 0.165; respectively).ConclusionsIn this retrospective series, CT‐guided transforaminal access for intrathecal injection of nusinersen was proven feasible and safe. A decrease in radiation dose over time was noted. Protocols to minimize radiation exposure are essential.
Pressure tolerance of deep‐sea enzymes can be evolved through increasing volume changes in protein transitions: a study with lactate dehydrogenases from abyssal and hadal fishes
Authors: Gerringer Mackenzie E. , Yancey Paul H. , Tikhonova Olga V. , Vavilov Nikita E. , Zgoda Victor G. , Davydov Dmitri R. 
Published: April 2020

We explore the principles of pressure tolerance in enzymes of deep‐sea fishes using lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) as a case study. We compared the effects of pressure on the activities of LDH from hadal snailfishes Notoliparis kermadecensis and Pseudoliparis swirei with those from a shallow‐adapted Liparis florae and an abyssal grenadier Coryphaenoides armatus. We then quantified the LDH content in muscle homogenates using mass‐spectrometric determination of the LDH‐specific conserved peptide LNLVQR. Existing theory suggests that adaptation to high pressure requires a decrease in volume changes in enzymatic catalysis. Accordingly, evolved pressure tolerance must be accompanied with an important reduction in the volume change associated with pressure‐promoted alteration of enzymatic activity (

). Our results suggest an important revision to this paradigm. Here, we describe an opposite effect of pressure adaptation—a substantial increase in the absolute value of

in deep‐living species compared to shallow‐water counterparts. With this change, the enzyme activities in abyssal and hadal species do not substantially decrease their activity with pressure increasing up to 1–2 kbar, well beyond full‐ocean depth pressures. In contrast, the activity of the enzyme from the tidepool snailfish, L. florae, decreases nearly linearly from 1 to 2500 bar. The increased tolerance of LDH activity to pressure comes at the expense of decreased catalytic efficiency, which is compensated with increased enzyme contents in high‐pressure‐adapted species. The newly discovered strategy is presumably used when the enzyme mechanism involves the formation of potentially unstable excited transient states associated with substantial changes in enzyme–solvent interactions.
The effect of platelet‐rich plasma as a scaffold in regeneration/revitalization endodontics of immature permanent teeth assessed using 2‐dimensional radiographs and cone beam computed tomography: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: ElSheshtawy A. S. , Nazzal H. , El Shahawy O. I. , El Baz A. A. , Ismail S. M. , Kang J. , Ezzat K. M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the outcomes of platelet‐rich plasma as a scaffold in regenerative/revitalization endodontics (RET) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 2‐dimensional radiographs.MethodologyTwenty‐six healthy patients with mean age of 12.66 ± 4.47, and immature permanent anterior teeth with necrotic pulps, were randomly allocated to two groups, whereby RET was performed using platelet‐rich plasma (PRP, test group) and blood clot (BLC, control group). Changes in root length (RL), root dentinal thickness (RDT), apical foramen width (AFW) and radiographic root area (RRA), were assessed using both radiographic methods, whilst changes in periapical area diameter (PAD) were assessed using CBCT, over a period of 12 months.T‐test and chi‐square/Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical data between BLC and PRP groups, respectively. Changes in RL, RDT, AFW, RRA and PAD were examined by comparing the two groups (PRP versus BLC) using multilevel modelling, considering the clustering effect of repeated measures of several teeth originating from the same participant.ResultsChanges in RL, RDT, AFW, RRA and PAD, over time, were found to be significant for both groups. There was, however, no difference between the RET techniques (PRP versus BLC), using both radiographic and CBCT methods. The results of both assessment techniques (CBCT and 2‐dimensional radiographic methods) were highly consistent (overall ICC ranged between 0.80 and 0.94). In addition, a significant effect of baseline PAD was found on RL, RRA and AD at 12 months (RL effect = −0.68,P < 0.001; RRA effect = −1.91,P = 0.025; AD effect = 0.08,P = 0.024).ConclusionThe current study highlights successful and comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes of RET techniques using PRP and BLC. Standardized and calibrated 2‐dimensional radiographic assessment was as effective as CBCT in assessing RET outcomes; therefore, the routine use of CBCT in RET is not recommended. Although an effect of baseline periapical lesion diameter on root development outcomes, at 12 months, were observed, more studies are recommended in order to assess such an effect.
Peyronie’s disease: Contemporary evaluation and management
Authors: Ziegelmann Matthew J , Bajic Petar , Levine Laurence A 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPeyronie’s disease is a common yet poorly understood condition characterized by penile pain, curvature, sexual dysfunction and psychological bother. Peyronie’s disease represents a penile wound healing disorder, and is thought to arise from exuberant scarring in response to penile trauma in genetically predisposed men. In the absence of active treatment, the majority of men experience stable or worsening symptoms, with few reporting spontaneous resolution in penile curvature or other deformity. In contrast, penile pain improves or resolves in the majority of men. Treatment options vary based on symptom severity and stability. Several oral therapies are commonly prescribed, although to date there are no strong data to support any oral agents as monotherapy for Peyronie’s disease. Other options including penile traction therapy and intralesional injections result in modest improvements for many patients, particularly when used early after symptom onset. Penile straightening through approaches, such as penile plication and plaque incision or partial excision and grafting, represent the most rapid and reliable approach to correct penile curvature once the symptoms have stabilized. Side‐effects vary based on the type of surgery carried out, and include penile shortening, sensation changes and erectile dysfunction in the minority of men. In patients with drug refractory erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease, placement of a penile prosthesis will address both issues, and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. The current review provides a practical approach to the modern evaluation and management of patients presenting with Peyronie’s disease.
Hypochlorous acid-generating electrochemical scaffold eliminates Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Zmuda H.M. , Mohamed A. , Raval Y.S. , Call D.R. , Schuetz A.N. , Patel R. , Beyenal H. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
Wound infections involving Candida albicans can be challenging to treat because of the fungus’ ability to penetrate wound tissue and form biofilms. The goal of this study was to assess the activity of a hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-generating electrochemical scaffold (e-scaffold) against C. albicans biofilms in vitro and on porcine dermal explants (ex vivo).

Methods and Results
C. albicans biofilms were grown either on acrylic-bottom six-well plates (in vitro) or on skin tissue excised from porcine ears (ex vivo), and the polarized e-scaffold was used to generate a continuous supply of low concentration HOCl near biofilm surfaces. C. albicans biofilms grown in vitro were reduced to undetectable amounts within 24 h of e-scaffold exposure, unlike control biofilms (5·28 ± 0·034 log10 (CFU cm-2); P &lt; 0·0001). C. albicans biofilms grown on porcine dermal explants were also reduced to undetectable amounts in 24 h, unlike control explant biofilms (4·29 ± 0·057 log10 (CFU cm-2); P &lt; 0·0001). There was a decrease in the number of viable mammalian cells (35·6 ± 6·4%) in uninfected porcine dermal explants exposed to continuous HOCl-generating e-scaffolds for 24 h compared to explants exposed to nonpolarized e-scaffolds (not generating HOCl) (P &lt; 0·05).

Conclusions
Our HOCl-generating e-scaffold is a potential antifungal-free strategy to treat C. albicans biofilms in chronic wounds.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Wound infections caused by C. albicans are difficult to treat due to presence of biofilms in wound beds. Our HOCl producing e-scaffold provides a promising novel approach to treat wound infections caused by C. albicans.