bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re‐emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review
Authors: Tsokana Constantina N. , Sokos Christos , Giannakopoulos Alexios , Birtsas Periklis , Valiakos George , Spyrou Vassiliki , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Rodi Burriel Angeliki , Billinis Charalambos 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEuropean brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan.
Detection of the phycotoxin pectenotoxin-2 in waters around King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Krock Bernd , Schloss Irene R. , Trefault Nicole , Tillmann Urban , Hernando Marcelo , Deregibus Dolores , Antoni Julieta , Almandoz Gastón O. , Hoppenrath Mona 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn order to set a base line for the observation of planktonic community changes due to global change, protistan plankton sampling in combination with phycotoxin measurements and solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) was performed in two bays of King George Island (KGI) in January 2013 and 2014. In addition, SPATT sampling was performed in Potter Cove during a one-year period from January 2014 until January 2015. Known toxigenic taxa were not firmly identified in plankton samples but there was microscopical evidence for background level presence of Dinophysis spp. in the area. This was consistent with environmental conditions during the sampling periods, especially strong mixing of the water column and low water temperatures that do not favor dinoflagellate proliferations. Due to the lack of significant abundance of thecate toxigenic dinoflagellate species in microplankton samples, no phycotoxins were found in net tow samples. In contrast, SPATT sampling revealed the presence of dissolved pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) and its hydrolyzed form PTX-2 seco acid in both bays and during the entire one-year sampling period. The presence of dissolved PTX in coastal waters of KGI is strong new evidence for the presence of PTX-producing species, i.e., dinoflagellates of the genus Dinophysis in the area. The presence of phycotoxins and their respective producers, even at the low background concentrations found in this study, may be the seed of possible proliferations of these species under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, phycotoxins can be used as chemotaxonomic markers for a very specific group of plankton thus allowing to track the presence of this group over time.
Bird predation does not explain spatial variation in insect herbivory in a forest–tundra ecotone
Authors: Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L. , Kozlov Mikhail V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe contribution of bird predation to the spatial variations in insect herbivory remains imperfectly understood, especially in Arctic ecosystems. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that the differences in insect herbivory between tundra and forest biomes, and between plant life-forms in these biomes, are associated with differences in the intensity of bird predation on defoliating insects. We observed substantial variation in herbivory (0% to 20% of foliage lost) among nine forest, mountain tundra, and lowland tundra sites in the Kola Peninsula (northwestern Russia) and among five woody plant species, but we found no consistent differences in herbivory between biomes and between plant life-forms. Bird attacks on artificial caterpillars were tenfold more frequent in forest than in tundra, while bird exclusion effects on herbivory did not differ between biomes, and the intensities of bird predation measured by these two methods were not correlated. Bird exclusion led to increases in insect herbivory, and this effect was significant in trees and tall shrubs but was not significant in dwarf shrubs in either forest or tundra sites. Bird predation, as measured in bird exclusion experiments, increased with an increase in the level of foliar damage inflicted by insects in forests but not in tundra habitats. We conclude that bird predation generally decreases plant losses to insects in both forest and tundra habitats, but birds are unlikely to shape the spatial patterns of plant losses to insects in Arctic ecosystems.
Diets of European polecat Mustela putorius in Great Britain during fifty years of population recovery
Authors: Sainsbury Katherine A. , Shore Richard F. , Schofield Henry , Croose Elizabeth , Hantke Georg , Kitchener Andrew C. , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFollowing nineteenth-century declines, polecats Mustela putorius are recolonising Great Britain. Polecat diet relates to two potential risks to recovery. First, rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, which are important prey for polecats, have experienced extreme population fluctuations, with near extirpation due to myxomatosis in the 1950s, recovery in 1960s–1990s and declines in 1990s–2010s. Second, polecats are secondarily exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides by eating contaminated rodents, and the frequency of polecat exposure to rodenticides is increasing. We analysed stomach contents from 99 polecats collected in 2012–2016 and compared results with earlier studies. Lagomorphs were the most abundant prey (66% frequency of occurrence, 95% confidence interval 53–74%), followed by other mammals (12%, 4–18%), amphibians (10%, 3–16%) and birds (7%, 1–13%). Diet varied seasonally; lagomorph occurrence was highest in spring and summer and lowest in autumn. Dietary niche breadth was greater in the 1960s, when rabbits were scarce, than in other decades, but did not differ between the 1990s and 2010s, indicating that diets have not diversified with recent rabbit declines. This may be because rabbit abundance is not yet low enough to cause dietary diversification or because polecats were collected in areas where rabbits were still abundant. Rodents did not increase in diet between the 1990s and 2010s and still occur with < 10% frequency, indicating that rodents need not contribute much to diet to expose polecats to rodenticides. This potentially limits the effectiveness of management actions designed to minimise polecat exposure to contaminated rodent prey.
Reducing the Dependence of the Neural Network Function to Systematic Uncertainties in the Input Space
Authors: Wunsch Stefan , Jörger Simon , Wolf Roger , Quast Günter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractApplications of neural networks to data analyses in natural sciences are complicated by the fact that many inputs are subject to systematic uncertainties. To control the dependence of the neural network function to variations of the input space within these systematic uncertainties, several methods have been proposed. In this work, we propose a new approach of training the neural network by introducing penalties on the variation of the neural network output directly in the loss function. This is achieved at the cost of only a small number of additional hyperparameters. It can also be pursued by treating all systematic variations in the form of statistical weights. The proposed method is demonstrated with a simple example, based on pseudo-experiments, and by a more complex example from high-energy particle physics.
Force Plate Gait Analysis and Clinical Results after Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Small Breed Dogs
Authors: Amimoto Hirokazu , Koreeda Tetsuaki , Ochi Yoshiyuki , Kimura Ryota , Akiyoshi Hideo , Nishida Hidetaka , Miyabayashi Takayoshi , Beale Brian S. , Hayashi Kei , Wada Naomi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate objective limb function using force plate gait analysis after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) in small breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR).
Materials and Methods Small breed dogs (15 kg or less) with unilateral CCLR treated with TPLO were evaluated using symmetry index (SI) of peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse and vector magnitude at PVF performed preoperatively and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months postoperatively after routine TPLO surgery.
Results Twelve dogs met the inclusion criteria. Hindlimb function was markedly improved after TPLO, with all three postoperative SI significantly higher after a month than preoperative values (p < 0.01). At 2 months after surgery, the SI was nearly normalized to 1.0 (preoperative SI: 0.50 ± 0.20, 0.44 ± 0.19 and 0.51 ± 0.19, and 2 months postoperative SI: 0.92 ± 0.16, 0.90 ± 0.18 and 0.92 ± 0.16 respectively). Complications were noted in two dogs (fibular fracture and a partial implant failure), neither of which required a revision surgery for acceptable functional recovery.
Conclusion The objective limb function of the affected hindlimb improved continuously after surgery and reached a near normal value at 6 months after surgery. It was suggested that TPLO for small breed dogs had good outcomes based on force plate gait analysis.
Smartphone Thermography for Lower Extremity Local Flap Perforator Mapping
Authors: Pereira Nicolás , Hallock Geoffrey G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The versatile application of local perforator flaps for coverage throughout the lower extremity has already been well proven. Often a “free-style” approach has been used to design these flaps, as conventional imaging devices for perforator identification may be too expensive or unavailable. The recent adaptation of Smartphone thermal digital imaging may now prove to be a cheaper and more readily available means for identifying the requisite perforators that will sustain these local flaps.
Methods Over the past year, a prospective study was undertaken of all patients having a local perforator flap for coverage of a lower extremity defect. Twenty-eight local perforator flaps involving all subtypes were utilized in 25 patients. Smartphone thermography was used in all patients preoperatively to identify preferable perforator or vascular network “hot spots” that allowed appropriate flap design. Intraoperative and postoperative monitoring was similarly done for all flaps to determine outcomes.
Results All local perforator flaps were based on perforators identified using smartphone thermography. All flaps (23 or 82.1%) that the thermal digital image predicted 100% viability totally survived. Five flaps were predicted to have marginal viability, but two nevertheless survived completely while the others required only minor readjustments. Peninsular and keystone variety perforator flaps were those most commonly used.Thermography always facilitated making the correct decision as to whether a proximal- or distal-based peninsular flap would be superior. Subfascial elevation of cool spots in keystone flaps were found to be least likely to interfere with flap perfusion.
Conclusion Smartphone thermography is an inexpensive and expeditious means for identification of “hot spots” that is always used by us to ensure perfusion to lower extremity perforator local flaps. This is a complementary technique for their safer design, harvest, and subsequent monitoring in conjunction with more complex screening tools as indicated.
Biomechanical and Histological Assessment of a Polyethylene Terephthalate Screw Retention Technology in an Ovine Metatarsal Fracture Model
Authors: Easley Jeremiah , Puttlitz Christian , Broomfield Cecily , Palmer Ross , Jones Alexander , McGilvray Kirk C. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective Screw loosening in fracture fixation poses a clinical risk which may lead to implant failure, particularly in poor bone quality. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel screw retention technology (SRT) for increased screw purchase in a large animal metatarsal fracture model.
Study Design This was a biomechanical, radiographic, and histological study utilizing an ovine metatarsal fracture model. Twenty-four sheep metatarsi underwent 3-mm ostectomies and were repaired with a nine-hole plate and 3.5-mm screws placed in oversized 3.5-mm holes to simulate worst case revision surgeries (i.e. no initial screw thread bone contact). Sheep were sacrificed at 3, 6 or 12 weeks (n = 6 each) post-operation. Post-sacrifice, each surgically implanted screw underwent either destructive mechanical testing or histomorphometric analyses.
Results Treated metatarsi showed improved screw retention and normal fracture healing. Significant improvement in breakout strength and pullout strength of screws treated with the SRT were found as a function of healing time. Histologically, bone ingrowth at the screw interface was also shown to significantly increase with healing time. Improvements in fracture healing, indicated by an increase in bone fraction and decrease in void space at the osteotomy, were also observed with healing time.
Conclusion The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the SRT as a method for improved screw retention in a rescue-screw type scenario.
C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio as an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients
Authors: Mohamed Shereen A. , ElHawary Rabab 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIt is necessary to stratify the risk of pediatric patients at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to predict their outcomes. This helps to allocate the scarce ICU resources to start the appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio on admission to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in predicting mortality, PICU length of stay, the need for mechanical ventilation, and the use of inotropic drugs. This cohort study was conducted at Pediatric Cairo University Hospital. The study included 178 critically ill children. Pediatric Risk of Mortality–III (PRISM-III) score was calculated; CRP and serum albumin levels were assessed within 24 hours from admission. The median CRP/albumin ratio was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors (18.60 and 4.65, respectively). The CRP/albumin ratio at a cutoff of ≥25.83 had significant discriminatory power in predicting mortality (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.795 and p < 0.001) with 85.4% accuracy. Furthermore, CRP/albumin ratio alone showed a comparable discriminatory power to that of PRISM-III score (AUCs = 0.795 and 0.793, respectively). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that each unit of increase in the CRP/albumin ratio increased the risk of mortality by 1.075 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.075). CRP/albumin ratio showed a significantly higher median in ventilated (6.86) compared with non-ventilated (5.22) patients. Patients supported with inotropes showed significantly higher median CRP/albumin ratio (11.70 and 3.68, respectively). CRP/albumin ratio at admission to PICU was a good independent predictor of mortality.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Abdou Salma A. , Daar David A. , Wilson Stelios C. , Thanik Vishal 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been shown to significantly reduce pain and narcotic consumption following major abdominal surgeries. This study investigates the literature on their use in microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Patients and Methods A systematic review of TAP blocks in autologous breast reconstruction was performed.
Results Across 10 included studies, 174 patients (5 studies) received an intraoperative TAP block injection, 185 patients (4 studies) received a TAP catheter for intermittent postoperative analgesia, and 325 patients served as controls for a total of 684 included patients. The majority of TAP block delivery techniques were ultrasound guided (7/10 studies). Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) was the most commonly used analgesic (4 studies and139 patients) followed by conventional bupivacaine (3 studies and 105 patients). Eight studies found a significant reduction in oral, intravenous, and/or total morphine requirements in the TAP group when either the daily average and/or total inpatient consumption was compared with the control. Hospital length of stay was significantly shorter for patients undergoing single intraoperative TAP block injection with any analgesic as compared with standard narcotic-based protocols (mean difference= −0.95 days; 95% CI: −1.72 to −0.17 days; p = 0.02). Looking at TAP blocks specifically with LB, there was a mean decrease of 0.83 days as compared with the control, which was not statistically significant (95% CI: −1.90 to 0.25 days; p = 0.13).
Conclusion While the current data support the use of TAP blocks in autologous breast reconstruction, additional studies with more standardized protocols should be performed to determine the most optimal practice.
Impact of Sarcopenia on Outcomes of Autologous Head and Neck Free Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Jones Alexander J. , Alwani Mohamedkazim M. , Novinger Leah J. , Pittelkow Eric , Bonetto Andrea , Sim Michael W. , Moore Michael G. , Mantravadi Avinash V. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Sarcopenia has been implicated as a positive predictor of postsurgical complications. Its role in head and neck (H&N) free flap reconstruction has yet to be examined. Our study aimed to determine the clinical impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes in patients receiving autologous free tissue reconstruction for H&N cancer (HNC).
Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted at our tertiary referral center. Patients with HNC who received oncologic resection followed by autologous free tissue reconstruction were included. Preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging was analyzed at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) to calculate skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA, cm2). Skeletal muscle index (SMI, cm2/m2) was calculated by normalizing CSA to patient height. Sarcopenia at L3 was defined as SMI ≤ 41.6 cm2/m2 for males and ≤ 32.0 cm2/m2 for females. Data analyses were performed to compare postoperative outcomes.
Results Of the 168 patients who met inclusion criteria, 47 patients (28.0%) were determined to have preoperative sarcopenia. The sarcopenic group was older (63 vs. 58 years, p = 0.017), had lower body mass index (BMI; 21.2 vs. 27.2, p < 0.001), had greater incidence of alcohol abuse (55.3 vs. 23.1%, OR = 4.11, p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, sarcopenic patients were found to have greater rates of blood transfusions (63.8 vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001). Postoperatively, sarcopenic patients had higher rates of pneumonia (p < 0.01), venous thromboembolism (p < 0.01), prolonged ventilation (p < 0.01), delirium (p < 0.01), fistula (p < 0.05), wound disruption (p < 0.05), and longer intensive care unit stays (p < 0.05). Sarcopenic patients were ultimately found to have higher overall rates of general postoperative complications (p < 0.001) and flap-specific complications (p < 0.01).
Conclusion Sarcopenia was found to be a predictor of postoperative complications in H&N free flap reconstruction, signifying its value as a negative prognostic factor in surgical outcomes. This study reflects level of evidence IV.
Postoperative Free Flap Breast Protocol Optimizing Resources and Patient Safety
Authors: Fadavi Darya , Haley Allison , Khavanin Nima , Kraenzlin Franca , Bos Tobias J. , Cho Brian H. , Carl Hannah M. , Bhat Deepa , Ostrander Benjamin T. , Manahan Michele A. , Rosson Gedge D. , Sacks Justin M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background As deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps have gained popularity in breast reconstruction, the postoperative care of these patients, including the appropriate hospital length-of-stay and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, has become a topic of debate. At our institution, we have adopted a pathway that aims for discharge on postoperative day 3, utilizing continuous tissue oximetry without ICU admission. This study aims to evaluate outcomes with this pathway to assess its safety and feasibility in clinical practice.
Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2013 and August 2014. Data of interest included patient demographics and medical history as well as complication rates and date of hospital discharge.
Results In total, 153 patients were identified undergoing 239 DIEP flaps. The mean age was 50 years (standard deviation [SD] = 10.2) and body mass index (BMI) 29.4 kg/m2 (SD = 5.2). Over the study period, the flap failure rate was 1.3% and reoperation rate 3.9%. Seventy-one percent of patients were discharged on postoperative day 3. Nine patients required hospitalization beyond 5 days. Theoretical cost savings from avoiding ICU admissions were $1,053 per patient.
Conclusion A pathway aiming for hospital discharge on postoperative day 3 without ICU admission following DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be feasibly implemented with an acceptable reoperation and flap failure rate.