bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term health‐related quality of life following colorectal cancer surgery: patient‐reported outcomes in a remote follow‐up population
Authors: Malcolm Francesca Ligori , Adiamah Alfred , Banerjea Ayan , Whitehead Denyse , Gupta Alisha , West Joe , Humes David J. ,   the Nottingham Colorectal Service
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimRemote follow‐up (RFU) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery allows delivery of surveillance tests without the need for regular outpatient clinical appointments. However, little is known about health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in RFU patients. The main aim of this study was to quantify HRQoL in our RFU population to identify particular patient groups that may benefit from a more personalised approach to follow‐up, including access to a survivorship clinic.MethodEQ‐5D, QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐C29 questionnaires were distributed to CRC patients enrolled in a RFU programme. The primary outcome of HRQoL scores was analysed by year of RFU, demographics, operation type, stoma and adherence to RFU protocols.ResultsA total of 428 respondents were included, with a mean age of 71 years (SD 10.1 years) and a median RFU time of 2.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.6–4.8 years]. ‘Perfect health’ was reported by 26.6% of patients. The median EQ‐5D index score was 0.785 (IQR 0.671–1) and the median QLQ‐C30 Global HRQoL score was 75 (IQR 58.3–83.3). Women had a significantly lower EQ‐5D median score of 0.767 (IQR 0.666–0.879, P = 0.0088). Lower QLQ‐C30 HRQoL scores were seen in stoma patients (median 66.6, IQR 58.3–83.3, P = 0.0029). Erectile dysfunction (P = 0.0006) and poor body image (P = 0.001) were also reported more frequently in stoma patients. Patients undergoing right‐sided resection reported a lower median EQ‐5D score of 0.765 (IQR 0.666–0.879, P = 0.028) and higher pain severity (P = 0.0367) compared with left‐sided resections. There were 128 (29.4%) patients who breached RFU protocol and were seen in ad hoc colorectal clinics. However, there was no statistical difference in HRQoL between patients who adhered to or breached RFU protocols.ConclusionOverall HRQoL in patients in RFU is good, with no difference in those strictly followed up remotely. However, women, patients with right‐sided resection and patients with a stoma may require additional clinical reviews.
Field sizes and the future of farmland biodiversity in European landscapes
Authors: Clough Yann , Kirchweger Stefan , Kantelhardt Jochen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLower diversity of plant and animal farmland species are usually reported where cropland has been aggregated into larger fields, which raises prospects of curbing declines in European farmland biodiversity and associated ecosystem services by halting trends to field size increases associated to agricultural intensification, without having to set aside arable land for conservation. Here, we consider the factors underlying trade‐offs between farmer income and biodiversity as mediated by field size at local and landscape scales, and how these trade‐offs may be overcome. Field sizes are still increasing, facilitated by increasing farm sizes and land consolidation. Decreases in working time and fuel expenses when fields are larger, uptake of larger machinery and subsidies favoring larger farms provide incentives to manage land in larger units, putting farmland biodiversity further at risk. Yet, field size‐mediated ecological–economic trade‐offs are largely ignored in policy and research. We recommend internalizing the ecological effects of changes in landscape‐scale field size into land consolidation scheme design, ensuring that EU Common Agricultural Policy post‐2020 rewards farmers that maintain and recreate fine‐grained landscapes where these are essential for farmland biodiversity targets, and reducing economic–ecological trade‐offs by stimulating agricultural research and innovation for economically efficient yet biodiversity‐friendly farming in fine‐grained landscapes.
Increased paediatric presentations of severe diabetic ketoacidosis in an Australian tertiary centre during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lawrence C. , Seckold R. , Smart C. , King B. R. , Howley P. , Feltrin R. , Smith T. A. , Roy R. , Lopez P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo determine if the frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation of new‐onset type 1 diabetes to an Australian tertiary centre increased during the initial period of restrictions resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic (March to May 2020).MethodsData were collected on presentations of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes as well as on all paediatric presentations to the emergency department of a tertiary centre between 2015 and 2020. Data from the period of initial COVID restrictions in Australia (March to May 2020) were compared to the period March to May of the previous 5 years (pre‐pandemic periods).ResultsThe number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes was comparable in the pandemic period and pre‐pandemic periods (11 in 2020 vs range 6–10 in 2015–2019). The frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly higher in the pandemic period compared to the pre‐pandemic periods (45% vs 5%; P <0.003), odds ratio 16.7 (95% CI 2.0, 194.7). The overall frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis was also significantly higher during the pandemic period (73% vs 26%; P <0.007), odds ratio 7.5 (95% CI 1.7, 33.5). None of the individuals tested positive for COVID‐19. Presentations of people aged <18 years to the emergency department decreased by 27% in the pandemic period compared to the average of the pre‐pandemic periods (4799 vs 6550; range 6268 to 7131).ConclusionsA significant increase in the frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation of type 1 diabetes was observed during the initial period of COVID‐19 restrictions. We hypothesize that concern about presenting to hospital during a pandemic led to a delay in diagnosis. These data have important implications for advocacy of seeking healthcare for non‐pandemic‐related conditions during a global pandemic.
Evaluating a decision tool for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction and estimation of left ventricular filling pressures in the presence of mitral annular calcium
Authors: Haines Philip G. , Dickey John B. , Chambers Alison B. , Ogunsua Adedotun , Wu Wen‐Chih , Aurigemma Gerard P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate a decision algorithm for the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC).BackgroundIn a single center study, Abudiab et al evaluated echocardiographic parameters to estimate LVFP in patients with MAC against invasive hemodynamic measurements and developed a decision algorithm which demonstrated high predictive accuracy.MethodsRetrospectively, 55 patients (mean age 68.5 ± 11.5) with MAC and a left heart catheterization within 24 hours of an echocardiogram were identified. The decision algorithm was applied using echo data to classify patients as having normal or elevated LVFP which was then compared with the invasively obtained LVFP.ResultsThe algorithm performed poorly at predicting pre‐A LVFP as normal or high (P = .182). Accuracy for the algorithm was 0.59 [0.46, 0.72] (mean [95% CI]), sensitivity was 0.45 [0.28, 0.62], specificity was 0.73 [0.54, 0.86], false positive rate was 0.27 [0.14, 0.46], and false negative rate was 0.55 [0.38, 0.72]. E/A ratio, IVRT, and E/e'ratio showed no significant relationship to actual patient LVFP.ConclusionsThe Abudiab et al algorithm failed to demonstrate comparable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in our sample. Additional study is necessary to refine this tool prior to more widespread use in clinical practice.
The geography of banking: Evidence from branch closings
Authors: Galardo Maddalena , Garrì Iconio , Mistrulli Paolo Emilio , Revelli Davide 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the aftermath of the Great Recession, the number of bank branches declined in most developed countries. In this paper, we investigate how banks have downsized their branch networks in Italy, by comparing the pre‐ and post‐crisis spatial distribution of branches. By using a detailed data set that includes a wide set of controls for the characteristics of each bank branch, we estimate the probability of a branch being closed as a function of its distance from both proprietary and competitors' branches. We find that banks are more prone to close branches in those areas where other proprietary branches are closer and where competitors' branches are closer. This indicates that, since the start of the crisis, banks have closed branches especially in those areas where their proprietary network was relatively more populated and the competition was fiercer.
Non‐invasive epigenomic molecular phenotyping of the human brain via liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid and next generation sequencing
Authors: Pan Lisa , McClain Lora , Shaw Patricia , Donnellan Nicole , Chu Tianjiao , Finegold David , Peters David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOur goal was to undertake a genome‐wide epigenomic liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the comprehensive analysis of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) methylation signatures in the human central nervous system (CNS). Solution‐phase hybridization and massively parallel sequencing of bisulfite converted human DNA was employed to compare methylation signatures of cfDNA obtained from CSF with plasma. Recovery of cfDNA from CSF was relatively low (68–840 pg/mL) compared to plasma (2720–8390 pg/mL) and cfDNA fragments from CSF were approximately 20 bp shorter than their plasma‐derived counterparts. Distributions of CpG methylation signatures were significantly altered between CSF and plasma, both globally and at the level of functional elements including exons, introns, CpG islands, and shores. Sliding window analysis was used to identify differentially methylated regions. We found numerous gene/locus‐specific differences in CpG methylation between cfDNA from CSF and plasma. These loci were more frequently hypomethylated in CSF compared to plasma. Differentially methylated CpGs in CSF were identified in genes related to branching of neurites and neuronal development. Using the GTEx RNA expression database, we found clear association between tissue‐specific gene expression in the CNS and cfDNA methylation patterns in CSF. Ingenuity pathway analysis of differentially methylated regions identified an enrichment of functional pathways related to neurobiology. In conclusion, we present a genome‐wide analysis of DNA methylation in human CSF. Our methods and the resulting data demonstrate the potential of epigenomic liquid biopsy of the human CNS for molecular phenotyping of brain‐derived DNA methylation signatures.
Melatonin promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration via the shh signalling pathway after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Pan Bin , Jing Li , Cao Menghan , Hu Youzhong , Gao Xiao , Bu Xiangbo , Li Ziang , Feng Hu , Guo Kaijin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPeripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common and incurable disease in the clinic, but the effects of available treatments are still not satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new treatment methods. To explore the effect and mechanism of melatonin in peripheral nerve regeneration, we administered melatonin to mice with PNI by intraperitoneal injection. We applied microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed genes of mice with sciatic nerve injury after melatonin application. Then, we conducted gene ontology and protein–protein interactions to screen out the key genes related to peripheral nerve regeneration. Cell biology and molecular biology experiments were performed in Schwann cells in vitro to verify the key genes identified by microarray analysis. Our results showed that a total of 598 differentially expressed genes were detected after melatonin subcutaneously injecting into mice with sciatic nerve injury. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Shh may be the key gene for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration by melatonin. In vitro, the proliferation and migration abilities of schwann cells in the melatonin group were significantly higher than those of Schwann cells in the control group; while after treating with both melatonin and luzindole (a Shh signalling pathway inhibitor), the proliferation and migration abilities of Schwann cells decreased compared with the melatonin group. Our study suggests that melatonin might improve the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells via the Shh signalling pathway after PNI, thus promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Our study provides a new approach and target for the clinical treatment of PNI.
Microclimate limits thermal behaviour favourable to disease control in a nocturnal amphibian
Authors: Beukema Wouter , Pasmans Frank , Van Praet Sarah , Ferri‐Yáñez Francisco , Kelly Moira , Laking Alexandra E. , Erens Jesse , Speybroeck Jeroen , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Martel An 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhile epizootics increasingly affect wildlife, it remains poorly understood how the environment shapes most host–pathogen systems. Here, we employ a three‐step framework to study microclimate influence on ectotherm host thermal behaviour, focusing on amphibian chytridiomycosis in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) infected with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Laboratory trials reveal that innate variation in thermal preference, rather than behavioural fever, can inhibit infection and facilitate salamander recovery under humidity‐saturated conditions. Yet, a 3‐year field study and a mesocosm experiment close to the invasive Bsal range show that microclimate constraints suppress host thermal behaviour favourable to disease control. A final mechanistic model, that estimates range‐wide, year‐round host body temperature relative to microclimate, suggests that these constraints are rule rather than exception. Our results demonstrate how innate host defences against epizootics may remain constrained in the wild, which predisposes to range‐wide disease outbreaks and population declines.
Cost of mating in male Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Shandilya Apoorva , Singh Priya , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar Omkar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMating and reproduction not only provide benefits but can also incur substantial costs. An increasing number of recent studies have indicated that mate searching, mating, and ejaculate production requires large amount of energy which can result in high cost to males. Here, we examine the effect of number of matings of males and mating duration on mating and reproductive success in Menochilus sexmaculatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) by subjecting them to 3 consecutive matings of 30, 60, 90 min, and complete mating (a) with no interval and (b) with interval of 24 hr between the matings. The results reveal a reduction in reproductive performance for both the setup and reduction is more when mating is consecutive without gap. This shows that between subsequent matings males require time to recuperate the sperm/ejaculate. As a male engages in a greater number of matings, the time it takes to begin mating when paired with a female increases and the overall duration of mating decreases. However, frequent mating attempts made by males result in reduction in their body weight. Thus, in this ladybird beetle mating and related physiological process consume lots of energy and the body weight of males tend to decrease which further modifies their reproductive performance. The study helps us to identify the cost of mating from male's perspective and indicates that males need to rejuvenate between the matings.
Successful outcome after surgical correction of large colon atresia in a colt foal
Authors: Skov Hansen S. , Mattei C. , Treffenberg Pettersson H. , Grabski M. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis report describes successful surgical correction and long‐term survival of a case of large colon atresia in a 24‐h‐old Warmblood colt, referred with signs of unrelenting abdominal pain and a suspicion of meconium impaction. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination was indicative of large colon meconium impaction with secondary ileus. Due to deterioration of the foal, surgery was recommended. An atretic segment was found between the left ventral and dorsal large (ascending) colon. A band of fibrous tissue with no identifiable lumen connected the segments. Surgical correction was done by performing a stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis. Twelve days after surgery, the foal was discharged. Twenty‐two months after discharge, the owner reported the foal developing as expected compared with its peers, but had a mild, self‐limiting episode of colic at 20 months of age.
Ameliorative effect of ozagrel, a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, in hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced experimental vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Bhatia Pankaj , Singh Nirmal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study investigates the effect of ozagrel, a selective thromboxane A2 (TXA2) inhibitor, in rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)‐induced vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Wistar rats were administered L‐methionine (1.7 g/kg/day; p.o. × 8 weeks) to induce VCID. Morris water maze (MWM) test was employed to assess learning and memory. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed in the isolated aorta by observing endothelial‐dependent vasorelaxation and levels of serum nitrite. Various biochemical and histopathological estimations were also performed. L‐methionine produced significant impairment in endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and decreases serum nitrite levels indicating endothelial dysfunction. Further, these animals performed poorly on MWM, depicting impairment of learning and memory. Further, a significant rise in brain oxidative stress level (indicated by increase in brain thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species and decrease in reduced glutathione levels), brain acetylcholinesterase activity, brain myeloperoxidase activity, brain TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, and brain leukocyte (neutrophil) infiltration was also observed. Treatment of ozagrel (10 and 20 mg/kg, p. o.)/donepezil (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., serving as standard) ameliorated L‐methionine‐induced endothelial dysfunction, memory deficits, and biochemical and histopathological changes. It may be concluded that ozagrel markedly improved endothelial dysfunction, learning and memory, and biochemical and histopathological alteration associated with L‐methionine‐induced VCID and that TXA2 can be considered as an important therapeutic target for the management of VCID.
Role of post‐translational modifications in the acquisition of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Arora Gunjan , Bothra Ankur , Prosser Gareth , Arora Kriti , Sajid Andaleeb 
Published: October 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the primary causes of deaths due to infectious diseases. The current TB regimen is long and complex, failing of which leads to relapse and/or the emergence of drug resistance. There is a critical need to understand the mechanisms of resistance development. With increasing drug pressure, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) activates various pathways to counter drug‐related toxicity. Signaling modules steer the evolution of Mtb to a variant that can survive, persist, adapt, and emerge as a form that is resistant to one or more drugs. Recent studies reveal that about 1/3rd of the annotated Mtb proteome is modified post‐translationally, with a large number of these proteins being essential for mycobacterial survival. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and pupylation play a salient role in mycobacterial virulence, pathogenesis, and metabolism. The role of many other PTMs is still emerging. Understanding the signaling pathways and PTMs may assist clinical strategies and drug development for Mtb. In this review, we explore the contribution of PTMs to mycobacterial physiology, describe the related cellular processes, and discuss how these processes are linked to drug resistance. A significant number of drug targets, InhA, RpoB, EmbR, and KatG, are modified at multiple residues via PTMs. A better understanding of drug‐resistance regulons and associated PTMs will aid in developing effective drugs against TB.
Does rapid glacial recession affect feeding habits of alpine stream insects?
Authors: Sertić Perić Mirela , Nielsen Jens M. , Schubert Carsten J. , Robinson Christopher T. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Glacial retreat, accompanied by shifts in riparian vegetation and glacier meltwater inputs, alters the energy supply and trophic structure of alpine stream food webs. Our goal in this study was to enhance understanding of dietary niches of macroinvertebrates inhabiting different alpine streams with contrasting glacial and non‐glacial (groundwater, precipitation, snowmelt) water inputs in conjunction with seasonal and habitat‐specific variation in basal resource availability.

We measured a range of stream physico‐chemical attributes as well as carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of macroinvertebrates and primary food sources at seven sites across seasons within a Swiss glaciated catchment (Val Roseg) undergoing rapid glacial retreat (1–2 km between 1997 and 2014). Sampling sites corresponded to streams used in a previous (1997/1998) study within the same alpine catchment.

Physico‐chemical attributes showed wide variation in environmental conditions across streams and seasons. Significant correlation among physico‐chemical proxies of glacier meltwater (phosphate‐P, total inorganic carbon, conductivity, turbidity) and macroinvertebrate δ13C, δ15N, and size‐corrected standard ellipse area (a proxy for feeding niche width) values showed that the extent of glacial water input shapes the energy base among alpine streams. Feeding niche differences among common alpine stream insect taxa (Chironomidae, Baetidae, Heptageniidae) were not significant, indicating that these organisms probably are plastic in feeding behaviour, opportunistically relying on food resources available in a particular stream and season.

Seasonal trends in macroinvertebrate δ13C largely followed patterns in periphyton δ13C values, indicating that autochthonous resources were the main consumer energy source within the stream network, as shown previously. The overall range in macroinvertebrate δ13C (−33.5 to −18.4‰) and δ15N (−6.9 to 6.7‰) values also corresponded to values measured in the previous study, suggesting that macroinvertebrates altered diets in line with changes in environmental conditions and food resources during a period of rapid glacial retreat. Our results suggest that environmental changes brought on by rapid glacial retreat have not yet caused a profound change in the trophic structure within these fluvial networks.