bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms and impacts of an incentive‐based conservation program with evidence from a randomized control trial
Authors: Wiik Emma , Jones Julia P. G. , Pynegar Edwin , Bottazzi Patrick , Asquith Nigel , Gibbons James , Kontoleon Andreas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractConservation science needs more high‐quality impact evaluations, especially ones that explore mechanisms of success or failure. Randomized control trials (RCTs) provide particularly robust evidence of the effectiveness of interventions (although they have been criticized as reductionist and unable to provide insights into mechanisms), but there have been few such experiments investigating conservation at the landscape scale. We explored the impact of Watershared, an incentive‐based conservation program in the Bolivian Andes, with one of the few RCTs of landscape‐scale conservation in existence. There is strong interest in such incentive‐based conservation approaches as some argue they can avoid negative social impacts sometimes associated with protected areas. We focused on social and environmental outcomes based on responses from a household survey in 129 communities randomly allocated to control or treatment (conducted both at the baseline in 2010 and repeated in 2015–2016). We controlled for incomplete program uptake by combining standard RCT analysis with matching methods and investigated mechanisms by exploring intermediate and ultimate outcomes according to the underlying theory of change. Previous analyses, focused on single biophysical outcomes, showed that over its first 5 years Watershared did not slow deforestation or improve water quality at the landscape scale. We found that Watershared influenced some outcomes measured using the survey, but the effects were complex, and some were unexpected. We thus demonstrated how RCTs can provide insights into the pathways of impact, as well as whether an intervention has impact. This paper, one of the first registered reports in conservation science, demonstrates how preregistration can help make complex research designs more transparent, avoid cherry picking, and reduce publication bias.
Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection for primary rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: results from the PelvEx Collaborative
Authors:   PelvEx Collaborative
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimAt presentation, 15–20% of patients with rectal cancer already have synchronous liver metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent combined pelvic exenteration and liver (oligometastatic) resection.MethodData from 20 international institutions that performed simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection between 2007 and 2017 were accumulated. Primarily, we examined perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the impact that margin status had on survival.ResultsOf 128 patients, 72 (56.2%) were men with a median age of 60 years [interquartile range (IQR) 15 years]. The median size of the liver oligometastatic deposits was 2 cm (IQR 1.8 cm). The median duration of surgery was 406 min (IQR 240 min), with a median blood loss of 1090 ml (IQR 2010 ml). A negative resection margin (R0 resection) was achieved in 73.5% of pelvic exenterations and 66.4% of liver resections. The 30‐day mortality rate was 1.6%, and 32% of patients had a major postoperative complication. The 5‐year overall survival for patients in whom an R0 resection of both primary and metastatic disease was achieved was 54.6% compared with 20% for those with an R1/R2 resection (P = 0.006).ConclusionSimultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous resection should only be performed where an R0 resection of both pelvic and hepatic disease is anticipated.
The past and future role of conservation science in saving biodiversity
Authors: Williams David R , Balmford Andrew , Wilcove David S 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGlobal biodiversity losses continue despite tremendous growth in the volume of conservation science and many local successes. Research that can achieve conservation science's aims—arresting declines in biodiversity and preventing extinctions—is therefore of ever greater importance. Here, we ask whether conservation science, as currently performed, is progressing in such a way as to maximize its impact. We present a simple framework for how effective conservation research could progress, from identifying problems to diagnosing their proximate and ultimate causes, and from proposing, to designing, implementing, and testing responses. We then demonstrate that for three well‐known examples—South Asian vultures, whooping cranes, and bycatch of procellariform seabirds—published studies appear to follow this sequence, with considerable benefits. However, for a representative sample of the wider conservation literature, we find no evidence of such a progression. Instead, the vast majority of papers remain focused on describing the state of nature or on mechanisms directly causing changes, with very little research on designing or implementing conservation responses. This lack of research on the sorts of questions that might most help conservation science deliver its stated mission strongly suggests we will struggle to translate the huge increase in research activity into real‐world benefits.
Characteristics and survival impact of polymorphonuclear leucocyte‐predominant malignant pleural effusions secondary to lung cancer
Authors: Lee Jaehee , Lee Yong Hoon , Seo Hyewon , Do Young Woo , Lee Deok Heon , Lee Sang Yub , Lim Jae Kwang , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Shin Yup , Cha Seung Ick , Park Jae Yong , Kim Chang Ho 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn comparison with mononuclear leucocyte (MNL)‐predominant malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL)‐predominant MPEs have rarely been investigated and may be associated with a poorer prognosis.ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristics and survival impact of PMNL‐predominant MPEs secondary to lung cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with MPE secondary to lung cancer, which were classified into the PMNL‐ and MNL‐predominant groups according to cellular predominance in the pleural fluid. Clinical, hematological, radiological, and pleural fluid data were compared between the groups, and the survival impact of PMNL predominance in MPE was evaluated.ResultsOf the 193 MPEs included, 37 (19%) were characterised by PMNL predominance. Compared to the MNL‐predominant group, the PMNL‐predominant group showed significantly poorer patient performances (P = .001), higher white blood cell counts (P = .009), higher neutrophil counts, higher blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (P = .046), higher serum C‐reactive protein (P = .003), lower serum albumin (P < .001), lower pleural fluid pH (P = .002) and higher pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (P = .029) levels. In contrast, most clinical and radiological findings, including the duration of symptoms, showed no significant intergroup differences. A shift towards MNL predominance was observed in only 38% of the PMNL‐predominant patients who underwent repeat thoracentesis. Overall survival of the PMNL‐predominant group was significantly shorter than the MNL‐predominant group (P = .003).ConclusionsPMNL predominance in MPEs secondary to lung cancer may be observed in variable phases with respect to the duration of symptoms and the time of thoracentesis. Overall, PMNL‐predominant MPEs were associated with more advanced stages and poorer survival outcomes, compared to MNL‐predominant MPEs.
Lung allocation for transplant: The European perspective
Authors: Holm Are Martin , Immer Franz , Benden Christian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSince the first successful lung transplants in humans were done in the 1980s, lung transplantation has become an established treatment for end‐stage pulmonary disease. Because the access to transplantable organs is limited and unpredictable, rules that guide the allocation of lungs for transplants have emerged. Such rules are governed not only by medical and bioethical necessities, but also by local traditions, legislation, and practical circumstances. Therefore, there may be significant differences between the organ allocation practices in various parts of the world. In this brief communication, the European perspective on lung allocation is presented, also adding a very brief description of other parts of the world.
Availability, retail price and potency of legal and illegal cannabis in Canada after recreational cannabis legalisation
Authors: Mahamad Syed , Wadsworth Elle , Rynard Vicki , Goodman Samantha , Hammond David 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere is little objective market data on the price or potency of legal and illegal cannabis products following recreational cannabis legalisation.Design and MethodsIn the 2 months post‐legalisation in Canada (November–December 2018), legal and illegal cannabis retailers were identified from government lists and online directories. The store location, price and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol levels of dried herb and cannabis cookies were collected from retailer websites or Weedmaps.ResultsWe identified 185 legal retailers (22 online stores, 163 storefronts; 65 government‐run stores, 120 private stores) and 944 illegal retailers (791 delivery‐only services, 157 storefronts). Relative to legal dried herb, illegal dried herb was lower in price (1 g: $10.23 vs. $11.08, ⅛ oz: $9.37/g vs. $10.88/g, ½ oz: $8.18/g vs. $8.85/g; P < 0.05 for all) and higher in potency (THC: 20.5% vs. 16.1%, cannabidiol: 2.4% vs. 1.7%; P < 0.05 for both). Legal private stores had higher prices for dried herb than government‐run stores (1 g: $13.08 vs. $10.89, ⅛ oz: $12.75/g vs. $10.45/g, ½ oz: $10.85/g vs. $8.71/g, 1 oz: $8.54/g vs. $7.22/g; P < 0.05 for all). On average, one cannabis cookie in the illegal market contained 96 mg of THC and cost $1.57 per 10 mg of THC.Discussion and ConclusionsIn the 2 months post‐legalisation, illegal cannabis was less expensive, with higher labelled THC content than legal cannabis, although the scope of these differences was more modest than estimates from other crowdsourced and self‐reported data. Direct monitoring of cannabis price and potency from legal and illegal retailers is needed to examine the impact of legalisation over time.
Gender difference in the impact of Ischaemic heart disease on heart failure
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Jin , Kim Myung‐A , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Choi Dong‐Ju , Han Seongwoo , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Cho Myeong‐Chan , Kim Jae‐Joong , Yoo Byung‐Su , Shin Mi‐Seung , Kang Seok‐Min , Chae Shung Chull 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the impact of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) on heart failure (HF) is evolving, there is uncertainty about the role of IHD in determining the risk of clinical outcomes by gender. This study evaluated the gender difference in the impact of IHD on long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).MethodsStudy data were obtained from a nationwide registry, which is a prospective multicentre cohort that included 3200 patients who were hospitalized for HF. A total of 1638 patients with HFrEF were classified by gender. The primary outcome was all‐cause death during follow‐up.ResultsIn total, 133 women (18.9%) died and 168 men (18.0%) died during the follow‐up (median, 489 days). Women with HFrEF with IHD had a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than women without IHD at the long‐term follow‐up (74.8% vs 84.9%, log‐rank P = .001). However, the survival rate was not different in men with HFrEF with IHD compared with men without IHD. A Cox regression analysis showed that IHD had a 1.43‐fold increased risk for all‐cause mortality independently in women after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.058‐1.929, P = .020).ConclusionIschaemic heart disease was an independent risk factor for long‐term mortality in women with HFrEF. IHD should be actively evaluated in women with HF for predicting clinical outcomes and initiating appropriate treatment. Women with HF caused by IHD should be treated more meticulously to avoid a poor prognosis.
Macrophages in the pathophysiology of NAFLD: The role of sex differences
Authors: Ministrini Stefano , Montecucco Fabrizio , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Carbone Federico 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial pathological condition, which recognizes a certain sexual dimorphism. Experimental and clinical studies provided evidence for a critical role of macrophages in NAFLD development and progression. Especially, liver‐resident macrophages (also known as Kupffer cells) are likely the common final pathway of several pro‐steatosic signals. A huge amount of danger‐associated molecular patterns recognized by Kupffer cells is provided within the liver by lipid and glucose toxicity. Other pro‐inflammatory signals come from surrounding tissues into the portal vein, directly to the liver: they come from dysfunctional adipocytes, adipose tissue macrophages and gut dysbiosis. These complex crosstalks are differently represented across sexes, as sexual hormones control many of these processes. Sexual dimorphism then modulates metabolic and inflammatory cascades driving the liver from a simple steatosis to NAFLD and beyond. Here, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms underlying NALFD pathophysiology will be updated. A special attention will be paid to describe sex‐related differences that could provide insights for patient stratification and more tailored therapeutic approaches.
Phasic cholinergic signaling promotes emergence of local gamma rhythms in excitatory–inhibitory networks
Authors: Lu Yiqing , Sarter Martin , Zochowski Michal , Booth Victoria 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent experimental results have shown that the detection of cues in behavioral attention tasks relies on transient increases of acetylcholine (ACh) release in frontal cortex and cholinergically driven oscillatory activity in the gamma frequency band (Howe et al. Journal of Neuroscience, 2017, 37, 3215). The cue‐induced gamma rhythmic activity requires stimulation of M1 muscarinic receptors. Using biophysical computational modeling, we show that a network of excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) neurons that initially displays asynchronous firing can generate transient gamma oscillatory activity in response to simulated brief pulses of ACh. ACh effects are simulated as transient modulation of the conductance of an M‐type K+ current which is blocked by activation of muscarinic receptors and has significant effects on neuronal excitability. The ACh‐induced effects on the M current conductance, gKs, change network dynamics to promote the emergence of network gamma rhythmicity through a Pyramidal‐Interneuronal Network Gamma mechanism. Depending on connectivity strengths between and among E and I cells, gamma activity decays with the simulated gKs transient modulation or is sustained in the network after the gKs transient has completely dissipated. We investigated the sensitivity of the emergent gamma activity to synaptic strengths, external noise and simulated levels of gKs modulation. To address recent experimental findings that cholinergic signaling is likely spatially focused and dynamic, we show that localized gKs modulation can induce transient changes of cellular excitability in local subnetworks, subsequently causing population‐specific gamma oscillations. These results highlight dynamical mechanisms underlying localization of ACh‐driven responses and suggest that spatially localized, cholinergically induced gamma may contribute to selectivity in the processing of competing external stimuli, as occurs in attentional tasks.
Past, present and future contributions of evolutionary biology to wildlife forensics, management and conservation
Authors: Bourret Vincent , Albert Vicky , April Julien , Côté Guillaume , Morissette Olivier 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSuccessfully implementing fundamental concepts into concrete applications is challenging in any given field. It requires communication, collaboration and shared will between researchers and practitioners. We argue that evolutionary biology, through research work linked to conservation, management and forensics, had a significant impact on wildlife agencies and department practices, where new frameworks and applications have been implemented over the last decades. The Quebec government's Wildlife Department (MFFP: Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs) has been proactive in reducing the “research–implementation” gap, thanks to prolific collaborations with many academic researchers. Among these associations, our department's outstanding partnership with Dr. Louis Bernatchez yielded significant contributions to harvest management, stocking programmes, definition of conservation units, recovery of threatened species, management of invasive species and forensic applications. We discuss key evolutionary biology concepts and resulting concrete examples of their successful implementation that derives directly or indirectly from this successful partnership. While old and new threats to wildlife are bringing new challenges, we expect recent developments in eDNA and genomics to provide innovative solutions as long as the research–implementation bridge remains open.
SARS‐CoV‐2, an evolutionary perspective of interaction with human ACE2 reveals undiscovered amino acids necessary for complex stability
Authors: Armijos‐Jaramillo Vinicio , Yeager Justin , Muslin Claire , Perez‐Castillo Yunierkis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 has resulted in nearly 1,280,000 infections and 73,000 deaths globally so far. This novel virus acquired the ability to infect human cells using the SARS‐CoV cell receptor hACE2. Because of this, it is essential to improve our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics surrounding the SARS‐CoV‐2 hACE2 interaction. One way theory predicts selection pressures should shape viral evolution is to enhance binding with host cells. We first assessed evolutionary dynamics in select betacoronavirus spike protein genes to predict whether these genomic regions are under directional or purifying selection between divergent viral lineages, at various scales of relatedness. With this analysis, we determine a region inside the receptor‐binding domain with putative sites under positive selection interspersed among highly conserved sites, which are implicated in structural stability of the viral spike protein and its union with human receptor ACE2. Next, to gain further insights into factors associated with recognition of the human host receptor, we performed modeling studies of five different betacoronaviruses and their potential binding to hACE2. Modeling results indicate that interfering with the salt bridges at hot spot 353 could be an effective strategy for inhibiting binding, and hence for the prevention of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. We also propose that a glycine residue at the receptor‐binding domain of the spike glycoprotein can have a critical role in permitting bat SARS‐related coronaviruses to infect human cells.
Suspected primary mycotic rhinitis and paranasal sinusitis in seven horses (2013–2019)
Authors: Pujol R. , Tessier C. , Manneveau G. , De Fourmestraux C. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis manuscript reports seven horses suffering from mycotic rhinitis and paranasal sinusitis and describes the clinical signs, treatments and outcomes. Mycotic plaques were observed in the nasal portion of the ethmoidal labyrinth and ipsilateral nasal passage during rhinoscopy in one horse and in the paranasal sinuses during sinoscopy in six horses. Fungal culture was positive in five horses with predominance ofAspergillusspp. (n = 3). Surgical debridement was performed under rhinoscopic guidance and sinoscopic guidance through a trephine hole or directly via a bone flap. Medical treatment included topical application directly to the affected area with clotrimazole, enilconazole, nystatin or amphotericin B (mean of 10.1 ± 13.4 applications during hospitalisation) and additional inhalation of nystatin or amphotericin B (mean of 7.5 days of nebulisation during hospitalisation). The mean ± s.d. duration of hospitalisation was 12.9 ± 9.2 days. Six horses were available for long‐term follow‐up. The mean ± s.d. number of follow‐up examinations was 2.8 ± 2.6 consultations. Based on follow‐up endoscopic evaluations, it took up to 5 months to observe complete regression of the mycotic plaques. In conclusion, mycotic rhinitis and sinusitis can be effectively treated with repeated surgical debridement and topical antifungal therapeutics, associated with a good long‐term prognosis.
Successful surgical management of a medial humeral epicondyle fracture in a Thoroughbred foal
Authors: Mereu M. , Perez Olmos J. F. , Fischer C. , Mc Nally T. P. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryA 2‐week‐old 75 kg Thoroughbred filly was presented for the investigation of an acute forelimb lameness. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis of the left humerus (Salter–Harris type II fracture). The fragment was removed via arthrotomy under general anaesthesia. Two months post‐operatively, the foal was sound and at 2 years had resumed normal turn out. This case report describes a previously unreported surgical treatment for a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis in a foal.
Homelessness and Suicidality: The Role of Bullying and Parental Support
Authors: McCallops Kathleen , Aviles Ann M. , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Palkovitz Rob 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo examine the relation between homelessness and suicidality and to test bullying as a mediator and parental support as a moderator of these relations.BackgroundYouth from low‐income families are more likely to be bullied and in turn experience negative mental health outcomes. Parental support has been reported to mitigate the effects of stressful events, such as being bullied. However, these relations are still undocumented among youth experiencing homelessness.MethodThis study included a random sample of 2,049 stably housed and 64 homeless youth enrolled in the Delaware Public Schools, grades 9 through 12, who completed the 2015 Delaware Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Hayes's PROCESS macro was used to test for a moderated mediation relation between bullying, suicidality, and parental support for homeless youth.Results:Bullying mediated the relation between homelessness and suicidality, and parental support moderated the relation between bullying and suicidality. Youth experiencing homelessness reported more bullying, which was associated with more severe suicidality. For youth experiencing homelessness with low levels of parental support, bullying was associated with more severe suicidality. Conversely, for youth with high levels of parental support, bullying was not associated with more severe suicidality.ConclusionThis study indicates that bullying is a mechanism through which homelessness and suicidality are related, while also demonstrating the importance of parental support.ImplicationThe increased risk of suicidality among youth experiencing homelessness who are bullied, as well as the effects of parental support, warrant attention from school personnel and youth service providers.