bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardioprotective medication adherence in Western Australians in the first year after myocardial infarction: restricted cubic spline analysis of adherence-outcome relationships
Authors: Greenland Melanie , Knuiman Matthew W. , Hung Joseph , Nedkoff Lee , Arnet Isabelle , Rankin Jamie M. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Sanfilippo Frank M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAdherence to cardioprotective medications following myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly assessed using a binary threshold of 80%. We investigated the relationship between medication adherence as a continuous measure and outcomes in MI survivors using restricted cubic splines (RCS). We identified all patients aged ≥65 years hospitalised for MI from 2003–2008 who survived one-year post-discharge (n = 5938). Adherence to statins, beta-blockers, renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and clopidogrel was calculated using proportion of days covered to one-year post-discharge (landmark date). Outcomes were 1-year all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after the landmark date. Adherence-outcome associations were estimated from RCS Cox regression models. RCS analyses indicated decreasing risk for both outcomes above 60% adherence for statins, RASI and clopidogrel, with each 10% increase in adherence associated with a 13.9%, 12.1% and 18.0% decrease respectively in adjusted risk of all-cause death (all p < 0.02). Similar results were observed for MACE (all p < 0.03). Beta-blockers had no effect on outcomes at any level of adherence. In MI survivors, increasing adherence to statins, RASI, and clopidogrel, but not beta blockers, is associated with a decreasing risk of death/MACE with no adherence threshold beyond 60%. Medication adherence should be considered as a continuous measure in outcomes analyses.
An empirical comparison of neural networks and machine learning algorithms for EEG gait decoding
Authors: Nakagome Sho , Luu Trieu Phat , He Yongtian , Ravindran Akshay Sujatha , Contreras-Vidal Jose L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPrevious studies of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG) have demonstrated the feasibility of decoding kinematics for lower limb movements during walking. In this computational study, we investigated offline decoding analysis with different models and conditions to assess how they influence the performance and stability of the decoder. Specifically, we conducted three computational decoding experiments that investigated decoding accuracy: (1) based on delta band time-domain features, (2) when downsampling data, (3) of different frequency band features. In each experiment, eight different decoder algorithms were compared including the current state-of-the-art. Different tap sizes (sample window sizes) were also evaluated for a real-time applicability assessment. A feature of importance analysis was conducted to ascertain which features were most relevant for decoding; moreover, the stability to perturbations was assessed to quantify the robustness of the methods. Results indicated that generally the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Quasi Recurrent Neural Network (QRNN) outperformed other methods in terms of decoding accuracy and stability. Previous state-of-the-art Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) still outperformed other decoders when using smaller tap sizes, with fast convergence in performance, but occurred at a cost to noise vulnerability. Downsampling and the inclusion of other frequency band features yielded overall improvement in performance. The results suggest that neural network-based decoders with downsampling or a wide range of frequency band features could not only improve decoder performance but also robustness with applications for stable use of BCIs.
Sex is determined by XX/XY sex chromosomes in Australasian side-necked turtles (Testudines: Chelidae)
Authors: Mazzoleni Sofia , Augstenová Barbora , Clemente Lorenzo , Auer Markus , Fritz Uwe , Praschag Peter , Protiva Tomáš , Velenský Petr , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTurtles demonstrate variability in sex determination and, hence, constitute an excellent model for the evolution of sex chromosomes. Notably, the sex determination of the freshwater turtles from the family Chelidae, a species-rich group with wide geographical distribution in the southern hemisphere, is still poorly explored. Here we documented the presence of an XX/XY sex determination system in seven species of the Australasian chelid genera Chelodina, Emydura, and Elseya by conventional (karyogram reconstruction, C-banding) and molecular cytogenetic methods (comparative genome hybridization, in situ hybridization with probes specific for GATA microsatellite motif, the rDNA loci, and the telomeric repeats). The sex chromosomes are microchromosomes in all examined species of the genus Chelodina. In contrast, the sex chromosomes are the 4th largest pair of macrochromosomes in the genera Emydura and Elseya. Their X chromosomes are submetacentric, while their Y chromosomes are metacentric. The chelid Y chromosomes contain a substantial male-specific genomic region with an accumulation of the GATA microsatellite motif, and occasionally, of the rDNA loci and telomeric repeats. Despite morphological differences between sex chromosomes, we conclude that male heterogamety was likely already present in the common ancestor of Chelodina, Emydura and Elseya in the Mesozoic period.
Combining short and long read sequencing to characterize antimicrobial resistance genes on plasmids applied to an unauthorized genetically modified Bacillus
Authors: Berbers Bas , Saltykova Assia , Garcia-Graells Cristina , Philipp Patrick , Arella Fabrice , Marchal Kathleen , Winand Raf , Vanneste Kevin , Roosens Nancy H. C. , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. Plasmids are able to transfer AMR genes among bacterial isolates. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool to monitor AMR determinants. However, plasmids are difficult to reconstruct from WGS data. This study aimed to improve the characterization, including the localization of AMR genes using short and long read WGS strategies. We used a genetically modified (GM) Bacillus subtilis isolated as unexpected contamination in a feed additive, and therefore considered unauthorized (RASFF 2014.1249), as a case study. In GM organisms, AMR genes are used as selection markers. Because of the concern of spread of these AMR genes when present on mobile genetic elements, it is crucial to characterize their location. Our approach resulted in an assembly of one chromosome and one plasmid, each with several AMR determinants of which five are against critically important antibiotics. Interestingly, we found several plasmids, containing AMR genes, integrated in the chromosome in a repetitive region of at least 53 kb. Our findings would have been impossible using short reads only. We illustrated the added value of long read sequencing in addressing the challenges of plasmid reconstruction within the context of evaluating the risk of AMR spread.
Constraining size-dependence of vegetation respiration rates
Authors: Ito Akihiko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPlant autotrophic respiration is responsible for the atmospheric release of about half of all photosynthetically fixed carbon and responds to climate change in a manner different from photosynthesis. The plant mass-specific respiration rate (rA), a key parameter of the carbon cycle, has not been sufficiently constrained by observations at ecosystem or broader scales. In this study, a meta-analysis revealed a global relationship with vegetation biomass that explains 67–77% of the variance of rA across plant ages and biomes. rA decreased with increasing vegetation biomass such that annual rA was two orders of magnitude larger in fens and deserts than in mature forests. This relationship can be closely approximated by a power-law equation with a universal exponent and yields an estimated global autotrophic respiration rate of 64 ± 12 Pg C yr−1. This finding, which is phenomenologically and theoretically consistent with metabolic scaling and plant demography, provides a way to constrain the carbon-cycle components of Earth system models.
Identifying the dominant mode of moisture transport during drying of unsaturated soils
Authors: Rao Sudhakar M. , Rekapalli Monica 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDiffusion of capillary water and water vapor during moisture loss in an unsaturated soil is impeded by the chemical and geometrical interactions between water molecules/vapor and the soil structure. A reduction in moisture content contracts the diffuse and adsorbed water layers in the partly saturated soil and disturbs the connected capillary network for flow of liquid water. With further drying, the dry soil layer expands and moisture is predominantly lost as vapor through continuous air-flow channels. The water-filled capillary network and air-filled channels are moisture conduits during different stages of soil drying. It is important to identify zones of dominant moisture transport and to select appropriate tortuosity equations for correct prediction of moisture flux. Laboratory experiments were performed to determine moisture flux from compacted soil specimens at environmental relative humidity of 33, 76 and 97% respectively. Analysis of the resultant τ - θ (tortuosity - volumetric water content) relations, illustrated the existence of a critical water content (θcr), that delineates the dominant zones of capillary liquid flow and vapor diffusion. At critical water content, the pore-size occupied by the capillary water is governed by the generated soil suction. Generalized equations are proposed to predict tortuosity factor in zones of dominant capillary liquid flow and vapor transport over a wide range of relative humidity (33 to 97%).
Impairments in face discrimination and emotion recognition are related to aging and cognitive dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease with dementia
Authors: Ho Mary Wen-Reng , Chien Sarina Hui-Lin , Lu Ming-Kuei , Chen Jui-Cheng , Aoh Yu , Chen Chun-Ming , Lane Hsien-Yuan , Tsai Chon-Haw 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPatients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from motor and non-motor symptoms; 40% would develop dementia (PD-D). Impaired face and emotion processing in PD has been reported; however, the deficits of face processing in PD-D remain unclear. We investigated three essential aspects of face processing capacity in PD-D, and the associations between cognitive, neuropsychiatric assessments and task performances. Twenty-four PD-D patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 5.55) and eighteen age-matched healthy controls (HC) (mean age: 71.0 ± 6.20) received three computerized tasks, morphing-face discrimination, dynamic facial emotion recognition, and expression imitation. Compared to HC, PD-D patients had lower sensitivity (d’) and greater neural internal noises in discriminating faces; responded slower and had difficulties with negative emotions; imitated some expressions but with lower strength. Correlation analyses revealed that patients with advancing age, slow mentation, and poor cognition (but not motor symptoms) showed stronger deterioration in face perception. Importantly, these correlations were absent in the age-matched HC. The present study is among the first few examined face processing in patients with PD-D, and found consistent deficits correlated with advancing age and slow mentation. We propose that face discrimination task could be included as a potential test for the early detection of dementia in PD.
Isolation, characterisation, and genome sequencing of Rhodococcus equi: a novel strain producing chitin deacetylase
Authors: Ma Qinyuan , Gao Xiuzhen , Bi Xinyu , Tu Linna , Xia Menglei , Shen Yanbing , Wang Min 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChitin deacetylase (CDA) can hydrolyse the acetamido group of chitin polymers to produce chitosans, which are used in various fields including the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, food production, agriculture, and water treatment. CDA represents a more environmentally-friendly and easier to control alternative to the chemical methods currently utilised to produce chitosans from chitin; however, the majority of identified CDAs display activity toward low-molecular-weight oligomers and are essentially inactive toward polymeric chitin or chitosans. Therefore, it is important to identify novel CDAs with activity toward polymeric chitin and chitosans. In this study, we isolated the bacterium Rhodococcus equi F6 from a soil sample and showed that it expresses a novel CDA (ReCDA), whose activity toward 4-nitroacetanilide reached 19.20 U/mL/h during fermentation and was able to deacetylate polymeric chitin, colloidal chitin, glycol-chitin, and chitosan. Whole genome sequencing revealed that ReCDA is unique to the R. equi F6 genome, while phylogenetic analysis indicated that ReCDA is evolutionarily distant from other CDAs. In conclusion, ReCDA isolated from the R. equi F6 strain expands the known repertoire of CDAs and could be used to deacetylate polymeric chitosans and chitin in industrial applications.
Assessment of the applicability of wood anatomy and DNA barcoding to detect the timber adulterations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kannangara Sachithrani , Karunarathne Sachinthani , Ranaweera Lahiru , Ananda Kalpani , Ranathunga Disnie , Jayarathne Hashan , Weebadde Cholani , Sooriyapathirana Suneth 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe wood adulteration is a common problem and under-studied aspect in the timber industry of Sri Lanka. Hence we conducted a survey to assess the status of timber adulteration and check the applicability of morphometric parameters and DNA barcoding to detect the adulterated timber sources. We interviewed the stakeholders of the timber industry to collect information regarding timber adulterations. We measured the morphometric parameters; wood density and sizes of the xylem elements of the standard and adulterant species. For DNA barcoding, DNA was extracted from the wood of the selected standard and adulterant species and subjected to PCR using the markers, matK-trnT and atpB-rbcL. The PCR products were subjected to DNA sequencing. According to the survey, 92.5% of patrons, 73.7% of manufacturers and 96.7% of carpenters said timber adulteration is taking place in the country. The respondents said that the standard timber species; Tectona grandis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Swietenia macrophylla, profoundly undergo adulteration in Sri Lanka. The morphometric parameters did not discriminate the adulterant species from the standard species. The DNA barcodes matK-trnT and atpB-rbcL provided unique polymorphic DNA sequences with specific lengths for each species permitting the precise establishment of species identity and enabling the accurate detection of timber adulterations.
Hydrodynamic accumulation of small molecules and ions into cell-sized liposomes against a concentration gradient
Authors: Sugiyama Hironori , Osaki Toshihisa , Takeuchi Shoji , Toyota Taro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn investigations of the emergence of protocells at the origin of life, repeatable and continuous supply of molecules and ions into the closed lipid bilayer membrane (liposome) is one of the fundamental challenges. Demonstrating an abiotic process to accumulate substances into preformed liposomes against the concentration gradient can provide a clue. Here we show that, without proteins, cell-sized liposomes under hydrodynamic environment repeatedly permeate small molecules and ions, including an analogue of adenosine triphosphate, even against the concentration gradient. The mechanism underlying this accumulation of the molecules and ions is shown to involve their unique partitioning at the liposomal membrane under forced external flow in a constrained space. This abiotic mechanism to accumulate substances inside of the liposomal compartment without light could provide an energetically up-hill process for protocells as a critical step toward the contemporary cells.
Erfolgreiche Lebensstiländerung für schwer adipöse Patienten - Eine kontrollierte Studie zur Evaluation eines Patientenschulungsprogramms
Authors: Hanssen Ruth , Kohlenbach Lukas , Albus Kerstin , Edwin Thanarajah Sharmili , Cornely Oliver Andreas , Tittgemeyer Marc , Faust Michael 
Published: March 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Trotz der stetig zunehmenden Adipositasepidemie ist das konservative Therapieangebot für schwerstadipöse Patienten begrenzt, sodass die Poliklinik für Endokrinologie der Uniklinik Köln gemäß den Gemeinsamen Empfehlungen der Ersatzkassen das interdisziplinäre Patientenschulungsprogramm „Change your Life!“ (CyL) für eine langfristige Lebensstiländerung und Gewichtsreduktion entworfen hat. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie waren die Evaluation des Schulungsprogramms sowie sein Wirksamkeitsnachweis.
Methode Der Wirksamkeitsnachweis erfolgte wie von den Gemeinsamen Empfehlungen vorgesehen mittels Prä-post-Interventionsvergleich. Dabei führte die CyL-Gruppe eine 6-monatige Gewichtsreduktionsphase mit anschließender 6-monatiger Gewichtsstabilisierungsphase durch. Zudem wurden die 12 Patienten des CyL-Programms in einer gematchten, kontrollierten, prospektiven Studie mit 12 Patienten der regulären Adipositassprechstunde verglichen (Kontrollgruppe). Primärer Endpunkt war der prozentuale Gewichtsverlust nach 1 Jahr. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren metabolische Parameter, Blutdruck, Fitness sowie Lebensqualität.
Ergebnisse Die CyL-Patienten reduzierten ihr Gewicht im Median um 13,9 % (von 122 kg [25.; 75. Perzentil: 103,5; 126,0] auf 104 kg [25.; 75. Perzentil: 92,0; 116,0]; p = 0,006). Die Gewichtsreduktion der CyL-Gruppe war zudem signifikant größer als in der Kontrollgruppe (1,7 % [25.; 75. Perzentil: 0,2; 3,2]; p = 0,005). Damit einher gingen signifikante Verbesserungen metabolischer Parameter, des Blutdrucks, der Fitness sowie der Lebensqualität.
Schlussfolgerung Das Patientenschulungsprogramm CyL stellt somit eine erfolgversprechende Lebensstilintervention für schwerstadipöse Patienten dar.
Isolated Echogenic Cardiac Focus: Assessing Association with Trisomy 21 by Combining Results from a Prenatal Center with a Bayesian Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wrede Elisabeth , Knippel Alexander Johannes , Verde Pablo Emilio , Hammer Ruediger , Kozlowski Peter 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical relevance of an isolated echogenic cardiac focus (iECF) as a marker for trisomy 21 using a large second-trimester collective including a low-risk subgroup.
Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1 25 211 pregnancies from 2000–2016 and analyzed all iECF cases with regard to chromosomal anomalies. It consisted of an early second-trimester collective from 14+0−17+6 weeks (n=34 791) and a second-trimester anomaly scan collective from 18+0–21+6 weeks. Two a priori risk subgroups (high and low risk) of the latter were built based on maternal age and previous screening test results using a cut-off of 1:300. Likelihood ratios (LR) of iECF for the detection of trisomy 21, trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and structural chromosomal anomalies were estimated.
Results In total, 1 04 001 patients were included. An iECF was found in 4416 of 1 02 847 euploid fetuses (4.29%) and in 64 of 557 cases with trisomy 21 (11.49%) giving a positive LR of 2.68 (CI: 2.12–3.2). The sensitivity was 11.5% at a false-positive rate of 4.29% (CI:4.17–4.42) with p≤0.01%. In the high-and low-risk subgroups, the prevalence of iECF was comparable: 5.08% vs. 5.05%. The frequency of trisomy 21 was 0.39%, 98/24 979 vs 0.16%, 69/44 103. LR+was 3.86 (2.43–5.14) and 2.59 (1.05–4). For both subgroups the association of iECF with trisomy 21 was statistically significant. The prevalence of structural chromosomal anomalies in the second-trimester anomaly scan collective was 0.08% (52/68 967), of which 2 showed an iECF.
Conclusion The detection of an iECF at the time of 14+0–21+6 weeks significantly increases the risk for trisomy 21 in the high-risk and in the low-risk subgroups and does not statistically change the risks for trisomy 13/18 or structural abnormalitie.
Xanthine Derivatives for Kidney Protection in the Critically Ill Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Flores Saul , Culichia Corissa N. , Villarreal Enrique G. , Savorgnan Fabio , Checchia Paul A. , Loomba Rohit S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDifferent types of diuretics have been used to minimize fluid overload after resuscitation. This meta-analysis determined the effects of xanthine derivatives on creatinine, creatinine clearance, and urine output. Studies included data from pediatric patients, whoused theophylline or aminophylline, and included pre- and postxanthine data for at least one of the outcomes of interest. A total of 13 studies with 198 patients were included in the pooled analyses. The study recorded data prior, and a mean of 36 hours after xanthine administration. This meta-analysis demonstrates that xanthine derivatives in critically ill children, using a dose of approximately5 mg/kg, lead to a statistically significant increase in creatinine clearance and urine output without significantly altering serum creatinine. Xanthine derivatives may be beneficial for fluid management in critically ill children. Further studies are warranted assessing the association with additional clinical outcomes.
The “High Cost of Low Living”: Substance use Recovery among Older Formerly Homeless Adults
Authors: Padgett Deborah , Gurdak Kristen , Bond Lynden 
Published: March 2020

Background The population of older homeless substance-using adults is growing considerably, and we sought to understand how such individuals gain control of problematic substance use amidst other life problems. Methods Data were collected in an NIMH-funded study in which four in-depth interviews were conducted over 18 months with formerly homeless adults living in permanent supportive housing. The study subsample was comprised of 15 predominantly African American individuals over age 45 who were in recovery for at least six months. Cross-case analyses used a template approach followed by inductive sub-theme analyses. Results Three themes drawn from the literature yielded seven sub-themes as follows. Theme #1: Acute life stressors: (a) “substance use as primary”; (b) “acute life events and substance use”; (c) “incarceration as turning point.” Theme #2: Attributions of recovery: (a) “quitting as personal decision”; (b) “I just got to stay on top of it”; Theme #3: Social relationships: (a) “I have associates, not friends”; (b) “taking a cautious approach.” Conclusion Participants viewed substance use as the primary problem in their lives despite other adversity. Recovery was viewed as a personal decision, but maintaining recovery involved positive social relationships. Policies and practices related to recovery should address the complexities of lives-as-lived.