bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fork tails evolved differently in swallows and swifts
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Arai Emi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhether sexual or viability selection drives the evolution of ornamental traits is often unclear because current function does not clarify evolutionary history, particularly when the ornamentation is a modified version of the functional traits. Here, using a phylogenetic comparative approach, we studied how deeply forked tails—a classic example of sexually selected traits that might also be a mechanical device for enhancing aerodynamic ability—evolved in two groups of aerial foragers, swallows (family: Hirundinidae) and swifts (family: Apodidae). Although apparent fork depth, the target of sexual selection, increases with increasing outermost tail feather length, fork depth can also increase with decreasing central tail feather length, which impairs the lift generated by the tail. Thus, we predicted that sexual selection, but not viability selection, should favour the evolution of short central tail feathers in species with deeply forked tails, particularly in swifts, which are less reliant on the lift generated by their tail than in swallows. We found support for these predictions because central tail feather length decreased with increasing tail fork depth, particularly in swifts. Instead, the increase in outermost tail feather length per unit tail fork depth was higher in swallows than in swifts, indicating that a similar sexual ornamentation (i.e. forked tails) differently evolved in these two aerial insectivores perhaps due to the differential cost of ornamentation. We also found support for an optical illusion that changes the relative importance of central and outermost tail feather length in sexual selection.
Development and validation of a novel non‐invasive test for diagnosing fibrotic non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gao Feng , Huang Jiao‐Feng , Zheng Kenneth I. , Pan Xiao‐Yan , Ma Hong‐Lei , Liu Wen‐Yue , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni , Li Yang‐Yang , Chen Yong‐Ping , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Zheng Ming‐Hua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThere is an immediate need for non‐invasive accurate tests for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previously, it has been suggested that MACK‐3 (a formula that combines homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance with serum serum aspartate aminotransferase and cytokeratin [CK]18‐M30 levels) accurately identifies patients with fibrotic NASH. Our aim was to assess the performance of MACK‐3 and develop a novel, non‐invasive algorithm for diagnosing fibrotic NASH.MethodsSix hundred and thirty‐six adults with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from two independent Asian cohorts were enrolled in our study. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (Fibroscan). Fibrotic NASH was defined as NASH with a NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 4 and F ≥ 2 fibrosis.ResultsMetabolic syndrome (MetS), platelet count and MACK‐3 were independent predictors of fibrotic NASH. On the basis of their regression coefficients, we developed a novel nomogram showing a good discriminatory ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.75–0.83]) and a high negative predictive value (NPV: 94.7%) to rule out fibrotic NASH. In the validation set, this nomogram had a higher AUROC (0.81, 95%CI 0.74–0.87) than that of MACK‐3 (AUROC: 0.75, 95%CI 0.68–0.82; P < 0.05) with a NPV of 93.2%. The sequential combination of this nomogram with LSM data avoided the need for liver biopsy in 56.9% of patients.ConclusionsOur novel nomogram (combining MACK‐3, platelet count and MetS) shows promising utility for diagnosing fibrotic NASH. The sequential combination of this nomogram and vibration‐controlled transient elastography limits indeterminate results and reduces the number of unnecessary liver biopsies.
Large‐scale identification of expression quantitative trait loci in Arabidopsis reveals novel candidate regulators of immune responses and other processes
Authors: Wang Xingang , Ren Min , Liu Danni , Zhang Dabao , Zhang Cuijun , Lang Zhaobo , Macho Alberto P. , Zhang Min , Zhu Jian‐Kang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe extensive phenotypic diversity within natural populations of Arabidopsis is associated with differences in gene expression. Transcript levels can be considered as inheritable quantitative traits, and used to map expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs). In order to identify putative genetic determinants for variations in gene expression, we used publicly available genomic and transcript variation data from 665 Arabidopsis accessions and applied the single nucleotide polymorphism‐set (Sequence) Kernel Association Test (SKAT) method for the identification of eQTL. Moreover, we used the penalized orthogonal‐components regression (POCRE) method to increase the power of statistical tests. Then, gene annotations were used as test units to identify genes that are associated with natural variations in transcript accumulation, which correspond to candidate regulators, some of which may have a broad impact on gene expression. Besides increasing the chances to identify real associations, the analysis using POCRE and SKAT significantly reduced the computational cost required to analyze large datasets. As a proof of concept, we used this approach to identify eQTL that represent novel candidate regulators of immune responses. The versatility of this approach allows its application to any process that is subjected to natural variation among Arabidopsis accessions.
Direct inhibition of arcuate kisspeptin neurones by neuropeptide Y in the male and female mouse
Authors: Hessler Sabine , Liu Xinhuai , Herbison Allan E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdverse energy states exert a potent suppressive influence on the reproductive axis by inhibiting the pulsatile release of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and luteinising hormone. One potential mechanism underlying this involves the metabolic‐sensing pro‐opiomelanocortin and agouti‐related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) neuronal populations directly controlling the activity of the arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurones comprising the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone pulse generator. Using acute brain slice electrophysiology and calcium imaging approaches in Kiss1‐GFP and Kiss1‐GCaMP6 mice, we investigated whether NPY and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone provide a direct modulatory influence on the activity of arcuate kisspeptin neurones in the adult mouse. NPY was found to exert a potent suppressive influence upon the neurokinin B‐evoked firing of approximately one‐half of arcuate kisspeptin neurones in both sexes. This effect was blocked partially by the NPY1R antagonist BIBO 3304, whereas the NPY5R antagonist L152,804 was ineffective. NPY also suppressed the neurokinin B‐evoked increase in intracellular calcium levels in the presence of tetrodotoxin and amino acid receptor antagonists, indicating that the inhibitory effects of NPY are direct on kisspeptin neurones. By contrast, no effects of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone were found on the excitability of arcuate kisspeptin neurones. These studies provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that AgRP/NPY neurones link energy status and luteinising hormone pulsatility by demonstrating that NPY has a direct suppressive influence upon the activity of a subpopulation of arcuate kisspeptin neurones.
Nurses' perception and experiences towards medical device‐related pressure injuries: A qualitative study
Authors: Tan Jocelyn Jie Min , Cheng Michelle Tze Min , Hassan Norasyikin Bte , He Honggu , Wang Wenru 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesThis study aims to explore nurses' perceptions and experiences regarding pressure injuries caused by medical devices and to understand the perceived challenges and barriers nurses face in preventing medical device‐related pressure injuries.BackgroundNurses have a responsibility to prevent pressure injuries and play a major role in their prevention. As there has been a lack of research on medical device‐related pressure injuries, not much is known about nurses’ perceptions and experiences. This therefore hinders the establishment of effective and efficient interventions in nurses’ education and in the practical environment.DesignA descriptive qualitative design was adopted, and the COREQ checklist was employed to report on the current study.MethodsThe study was conducted at an acute care hospital in Singapore. Purposive sampling was used, and a total of 21 enrolled and registered nurses who had recent experiences with medical device‐related pressure injuries were recruited between August and December 2018. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsFive themes emerged regarding pressure injuries: (1) preventable yet unavoidable, (2) everyone's responsibility, (3) harmonising theory with practice reality, (4) pre‐existing conditions may limit injury prevention and management; and (5) nurses expressed a need for experiential training.ConclusionsThe study's findings could be used to develop improvements in nursing practice and policy at acute care hospitals, as well as to improve awareness of medical device‐related pressure injuries among healthcare professionals. Moreover, the findings can also inform future research studies to develop effective evidence‐based practices and improve patient outcomes.Relevance to the clinical practiceThis study reveals the unique challenges and dilemmas that nurses face and will help to inform healthcare institutions and management in developing programmes and improving protocols to reduce the incidence rate of pressure injuries caused by medical device.
Is there association between dental malocclusion and bruxism? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ribeiro‐Lages Mariana Batista , Martins Mariana Leonel , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Masterson Ferreira Daniele , Tavares‐Silva Cláudia Maria , Fonseca‐Gonçalves Andréa , Serra‐Negra Júnia Maria , Maia Lucianne Cople 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesGiven that current literature largely dissociates dental malocclusion and bruxism, the objective of this study was to gather, through a systematic review, scientific evidence to support their relationship.MethodologyThis study was performed according to the PECO strategy (where P = general population; E = dental malocclusion; C = no dental malocclusion; and O = bruxism). Literature searches were conducted without language or date restrictions in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, LILACS/BBO via VHL and the grey literature. The search strategy included Medical Subject Headings/DECs, synonyms and free terms relevant to each database, with no age restrictions applied. Once the relevant data were extracted from the articles, the Fowkes and Fulton guidelines were followed to assess the quality and risk of bias. For quantitative analysis, dental malocclusions were divided into groups according to their type in order to perform odds ratio (OR) meta‐analyses with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the Review Manager software program (Cochrane, London, UK). The level of certainty of evidence was demonstrated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsAfter 1,502 studies found, 10 studies were included for qualitative analysis and nine for quantitative synthesis. Four studies presented high methodological quality. Five meta‐analyses suggested a non‐association between bruxism and Angle class I (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.41‐2.69; P = .92; I2 = 84%), Angle class II (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.77‐2.87; P = .23; I2 = 71%) or Angle class III (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.31‐1.93; P = .58; I2 = 0%). Bruxism was associated with children who did not present with a posterior crossbite (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51‐0.96; P = .03; I2 = 27%) and present crowding (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.03‐2.26; P = .03; I2 = 0%). The GRADE analysis presented a very low quality of evidence.ConclusionIndividuals who present with bruxism have a greater chance of crowding. However, bruxism is not associated with the presence of any of the other malocclusions evaluated.
Chemical components of essential oils as a base to control two grape pathogens: Sphaceloma ampelinum and Pseudocercopora vitis
Authors: Rozwalka Luciane Cristina , Moreira Rafaele Regina , Ballesteros Garcia Meira J. , Marques Francisco A. , May De Mio Louise Larissa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAnthracnose and grapevine leaf spot are the most important fungal diseases of fox grape in Brazil caused by Sphaceloma ampelinum and Pseudocercospora vitis, respectively. Severe attacks of either diseases can affect the yield in the current and subsequent years. Synthetic fungicides are recommended to control these pathogens in the field but may be harmful to the environment and human health over time and select for fungicide‐resistant pathogen populations. Among the new strategies for safe food production, free of pesticide residues, essential oils represent a promising tool to control plant pathogens. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activity of the volatile compounds of 26 essential oils on germination of P. vitis and S. ampelinum and of their principal active compounds as bases for development of new technological products. The essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cymbopogon citratus were fungitoxic to P. vitis and S. ampelinum, in vapour and liquid phases, completely inhibiting spore germination. The main compounds found in the essential oils studied were citral, geraniol, eugenol and isoeugenol. All of these, in vapour and liquid phases, were toxic to P. vitis, completely inhibiting spore germination. Citral, in the vapour phase, and citral, eugenol and isoeugenol in the liquid phase, were toxic to S. ampelinum, completely inhibiting spore germination.
Lung Cancer Staging at Diagnosis in the Veterans Health Administration: Is Rurality an Influencing Factor? A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sanchez Rolando , Zhou Yunshu , Sarrazin Mary S. Vaughan , Kaboli Peter J. , Charlton Mary , Hoffman Richard M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the association between rurality and lung cancer stage at diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data to identify veterans newly diagnosed with lung cancer between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2015. We defined rurality, based on place of residence, using Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes with the subcategories of urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine associations between rurality and stage at diagnosis, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We also analyzed data using the RUCA code for patients’ assigned primary care sites and driving distances to primary care clinics and medical centers.FindingsWe identified 4,220 veterans with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 25,978 with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Large rural residence (compared to urban) was associated with early‐stage diagnosis of NSCLC (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.24) and SCLC (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18‐1.55). However, the finding was significant only in the southern and western regions of the country. White race, female sex, chronic lung disease, higher comorbidity, receiving primary care, being a former tobacco user, and more recent year of diagnosis were also associated with diagnosing early‐stage NSCLC. Driving distance to medical centers was inversely associated with late‐stage NSCLC diagnoses, particularly for large rural areas.ConclusionsWe did not find clear associations between rurality and lung cancer stage at diagnosis. These findings highlight the complex relationship between rurality and lung cancer within VHA, suggesting access to care cannot be fully captured by current rurality codes.
Rural Caregivers: Identification of Informational Needs Through Telemedicine Questions
Authors: Bardach Shoshana H. , Gibson Allison , Parsons Kelly , Stauffer April , Jicha Gregory A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and associated disorders is increasing. Rural residents in the United States have less access to memory care specialists and educational and community resources than in other areas of the country. Over a decade ago, we initiated an interdisciplinary rural caregiving telemedicine program to reach Kentucky residents in areas of the state where resources for supporting individuals with dementia are limited. Telemedicine programs involve a short informational presentation followed by a question and answer session; programs are offered 4 times a year. The purpose of this study was to explore questions asked over 1 year of the rural caregiving telemedicine program—encompassing 5 programs—to identify the scope of dementia‐related knowledge gaps among attendees.MethodsQuestions from the 5 programs were recorded and content analyzed to identify areas of frequent informational requests.ResultsThere were a total of 69 questions over the 5 sessions. For each program, questions ended due to time constraints rather than exhausting all inquiries. The most common topical areas of questions related to risk factors, behavioral management, diagnosis, and medications.Discussion and ImplicationsThis study highlights that rural caregivers in Kentucky have diverse dementia educational needs. Rural communities may benefit from additional, targeted resources addressing these common areas of unmet informational needs.
Dealing with sleep problems during home confinement due to the COVID‐19 outbreak: Practical recommendations from a task force of the European CBT‐I Academy
Authors: Altena Ellemarije , Baglioni Chiara , Espie Colin A. , Ellis Jason , Gavriloff Dimitri , Holzinger Brigitte , Schlarb Angelika , Frase Lukas , Jernelöv Susanna , Riemann Dieter 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIn the current global home confinement situation due to the COVID‐19 outbreak, most individuals are exposed to an unprecedented stressful situation of unknown duration. This may not only increase daytime stress, anxiety and depression levels, but also disrupt sleep. Importantly, because of the fundamental role that sleep plays in emotion regulation, sleep disturbance can have direct consequences upon next day emotional functioning. In this paper, we summarize what is known about the stress−sleep link and confinement as well as effective insomnia treatment. We discuss those effects of the current home confinement situation that can disrupt sleep but also those that could benefit sleep quality. We suggest adaptions of cognitive behavioural therapy elements that are feasible to implement for those facing changed work schedules and requirements, those with health anxiety and those handling childcare and home‐schooling, whilst also recognizing the general limitations imposed on physical exercise and social interaction. Managing sleep problems as best as possible during home confinement can limit stress and possibly prevent disruptions of social relationships.
Effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function in healthy dogs
Authors: Thomason John , Mooney Allison P. , Price Joshua M. , Whittemore Jacqueline C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlucocorticoids cause hypercoagulability, but it is unknown if they counteract clopidogrel's antiplatelet effects.Hypothesis/ObjectivesDetermine the effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function.AnimalsTwenty‐four healthy dogs.MethodsDouble‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized trial. Platelet function was evaluated using a platelet function analyzer and impedance aggregometry (days 0, 14, and 28) for dogs treated with placebo, clopidogrel (2‐3 mg/kg/d), prednisone (2 mg/kg/d), or prednisone with clopidogrel PO for 28 days. Results were categorized as nonresponder versus responder (platelet function analyzer), and inadequate, ideal, or excessive response (aggregometry). Results were compared using mixed model, split‐plot repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation proportional odds models. P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsClosure times differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 10.5; P < .001), time (F [2, 40] = 14.3; P < .001), and treatment‐by‐time (F [6, 40] = 3.4; P = .01). Area under the curve (AUC) differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 19.6; P < .001), time (F [2, 40] = 35.4; P < .001), and treatment‐by‐time (F [6, 40] = 13.5; P < .001). Based on closure times, 5/6 dogs each in the clopidogrel and prednisone/clopidogrel groups were responders. All dogs in the prednisone/clopidogrel group were overcontrolled based on AUC (days 14 and 28), whereas 5/6 (day 14) and 2/6 (day 28) dogs treated with clopidogrel were overcontrolled. Compared to clopidogrel, dogs receiving prednisone/clopidogrel were 11 times (P = .03) more likely to have an excessive response.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdministration of clopidogrel/prednisone increases platelet dysfunction in healthy dogs.
Related mobile pathogenicity chromosomes in Fusarium oxysporum determine host range on cucurbits
Authors: Li Jiming , Fokkens Like , van Dam Peter , Rep Martijn 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐cucumerinum (Forc) causes severe root rot and wilt in several cucurbit species, including cucumber, melon, and watermelon. Previously, a pathogenicity chromosome, chrRC, was identified in Forc. Strains that were previously nonpathogenic could infect multiple cucurbit species after obtaining this chromosome via horizontal chromosome transfer (HCT). In contrast, F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) can only cause disease on melon plants, even though Fom contains contigs that are largely syntenic with chrRC. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic basis underlying the difference in host range between Fom and Forc. First, colonization of different cucurbit species between Forc and Fom strains showed that although Fom did not reach the upper part of cucumber or watermelon plants, it did enter the root xylem. Second, to select candidate genomic regions associated with differences in host range, high‐quality genome assemblies of Fom001, Fom005, and Forc016 were compared. One of the Fom contigs that is largely syntenic and highly similar in sequence to chrRC contains the effector gene SIX6. After HCT of the SIX6‐containing chromosome from Fom strains to a nonpathogenic strain, the recipient (HCT) strains caused disease on melon plants, but not on cucumber or watermelon plants. These results provide strong evidence that the differences in host range between Fom and Forc are caused by differences between transferred chromosomes of Fom and chrRC, thus narrowing down the search for genes allowing or preventing infection of cucumber and watermelon to genes located on these chromosomes.