bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From structure to function in mutualistic interaction networks: Topologically important frugivores have greater potential as seed dispersers
Authors: Acevedo‐Quintero Juan Fernando , Zamora‐Abrego Joan Gastón , García Daniel 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Networks of mutualistic interactions between animals and plants are considered a pivotal part of ecological communities. However, mutualistic networks are rarely studied from the perspective of species‐specific roles, and it remains to be established whether those animal species more relevant for network structure also contribute more to the ecological functions derived from interactions.

Here, we relate the contribution to seed dispersal of vertebrate species with their topological role in frugivore–plant interaction networks. For one year in two localities with remnant patches of Colombian tropical dry forest, we sampled abundance, morphology, behaviour and fruit consumption from fleshy‐fruited plants of various frugivore species.

We assessed the network topological role of each frugivore species by integrating their degree of generalization in interactions with plants with their contributions to network nestedness and modularity. We estimated the potential contribution of each frugivore species to community‐wide seed dispersal, on the basis of a set of frugivore ecological, morphological and behavioural characteristics important for seed dispersal, together with frugivore abundance and frugivory degree.

The various frugivore species showed strong differences in their network structural roles, with generalist species contributing the most to network modularity and nestedness. Frugivores also showed strong variability in terms of potential contribution to seed dispersal, depending on the specific combinations of frugivore abundance, frugivory degree and the different traits and behaviours.

For both localities, the seed dispersal potential of a frugivore species responded positively to its contribution to network structure, evidencing that the most important frugivore species in the network topology were also those making the strongest contribution as seed dispersers. Contribution to network structure was correlated with frugivore abundance, diet and behavioural characteristics. This suggests that the species‐level link between structure and function is due to the fact that the occurrence of frugivore–plant interactions depends largely on the characteristics of the frugivore involved, which also condition its ultimate role in seed dispersal.
Fluid Property Discrimination in Dolostone Reservoirs Using Well Logs
Authors: WANG Guiwen , LAI Jin , LIU Bingchang , FAN Zhuoying , LIU Shichen , SHI Yujiang , ZHANG Haitao , CHEN Jing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Ordovician Majiagou Formation is one of the main gas‐producing strata in the Ordos Basin, China. The identification of hydrocarbon‐bearing intervals via conventional well logs is a challenging task. This study describes the litholog of Ma 5 (Member 5 of Majiagou Formation) dolostones, and then analyzes the responses of various conventional well logs to the presences of natural gas. The lithology of the gas bearing layers is dominantly of the dolomicrite to fine to medium crystalline dolomite. Natural gas can be produced from the low resistivity layers, and the dry layers are characterized by high resistivities. Neutron‐density crossovers are not sensitive to the presences of natural gas. In addition, there are no significant increases in sonic transit times in natural gas bearing layers. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) logs, DSI (Dipole Sonic Imager) logs and borehole image logs (XRMI) are introduced to discriminate the fluid property in Majiagou dolostone reservoirs. The gas bearing intervals have broad NMR T2 (transverse relaxation time) spectrum with tail distributions as well as large T2gm (T2 logarithmic mean values) values, and the T2 spectrum commonly display polymodal behaviors. In contrast, the dry layers and water layers have low T2gm values and very narrow T2 spectrum without tails. The gas bearing layers are characterized by low Vp/Vs ratios, low Poisson's ratios and low P‐wave impedances, therefore the fluid property can be discriminated using DSI logs, and the interpretation results show good matches with the gas test data. The apparent formation water resistivity (AFWR) spectrum can be derived from XRMI image logs by using the Archie's formula in the flushed zone. The gas bearing layers have broad apparent formation water resistivity spectrum and tail distributions compared with the dry and water layers, and also the interpretation results from the image logs exhibit good agreement with the gas test data. The fluid property in Majiagou dolostone reservoirs can be discriminated through NMR logs, DSI logs and borehole image logs. This study helps establish a predictable model for fluid property in dolostones, and have implications in dolostone reservoirs with similar geological backgrounds worldwide.
Afatinib + bevacizumab combination therapy in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with osimertinib resistance: Protocol of an open‐label, phase II, multicenter, single‐arm trial
Authors: Kobayashi Nobuaki , Hashimoto Hisashi , Kamimaki Chisato , Nagasawa Ryo , Tanaka Katsushi , Kubo Sousuke , Katakura Seigo , Chen Hao , Hirama Nobuyuki , Ushio Ryota , Aoki Ayako , Nakashima Kentaro , Teranishi Shuhei , Manabe Saki , Watanabe Hiroki , Horita Nobuyuki , Watanabe Keisuke , Hara Yu , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Piao Hongmei , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionAs most patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop progressive disease after treatment with osimertinib, it is important to develop more effective treatment options. Afatinib has been shown to be more effective in in vitro studies than osimertinib when used in cancer cell lines containing some specific EGFR mutations. Therefore, afatinib may be an effective solution, especially when used in combination with an anti‐VEGF agent such as bevacizumab.MethodsA phase II multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm trial has been initiated to evaluate the efficacy and safety of afatinib and bevacizumab combination as salvage therapy for EGFR‐mutated lung cancer in patients previously treated with osimertinib. The primary endpoint will be the objective response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints are progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs).DiscussionA previous study indicated that afatinib inhibits lung cancer cells with specific EGFR mutations more effectively than other EGFR‐TKIs such as osimertinib. Therefore, we expect that combination therapy using afatinib and bevacizumab will be effective in patients previously treated with osimertinib (registration no. jRCTs031190077).
Glasgow prognostic score predicts efficacy and prognosis in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer receiving EGFR‐TKI treatment
Authors: Kasahara Norimitsu , Imai Hisao , Naruse Ichiro , Tsukagoshi Yusuke , Kotake Mie , Sunaga Noriaki , Kaira Kyoichi , Maeno Toshitaka , Asao Takayuki , Hisada Takeshi 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. Although epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are effective for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations, some patients experience little or no response. The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is an inflammation‐related score based on C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin concentrations, and has prognostic value in various cancer settings. This study aimed to evaluate whether GPS could predict response of NSCLC to EGFR‐TKIs.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study evaluated patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations who received EGFR‐TKI monotherapy from October 2006 to December 2016. GPS values were determined using CRP and albumin concentrations from before initiation of EGFR‐TKIs. The Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsIn 214 patients, 141, 43, and two patients had GPS values of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The GPS independently predicted the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs; good GPS (0–1) conferred significantly better PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–0.96, P = 0.03) and OS (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.96, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a good GPS (0–1) independently predicted good PFS and OS among patients who had PS of 0–1. Good GPS (0–1) independently predicted good OS among patients receiving treatment in first‐line settings.ConclusionsThe GPS independently predicted the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs for EGFR‐mutated NSCLC; however, further studies are needed to validate our findings.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyGlasgow prognostic score (GPS) independently predicted the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) treatment for EGFR‐mutated NSCLC.What this study addsThe findings presented in this paper will help to identify patients who will be expected to experience limited or no response to EGFR‐TKI treatment by using GPS.
‘Please Squeeze’: A novel approach to perineal guarding at the time of delivery reduced rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury in an Australian tertiary hospital
Authors: Luxford Elizabeth , Bates Lucy , King Jennifer 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundOver the last decade the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) has been steadily increasing locally and internationally. Investigations into reducing rates, and the long‐term complications, of OASIS are required.AimsTo determine if applying a new method of perineal guarding at the time of delivery reduces the incidence of OASIS at an Australian tertiary hospital.Materials and MethodsA retrospective audit was performed for the three years prior to and following mandatory introduction of a new method of perineal guarding. The novel ‘Please Squeeze’ technique involved placement of the accoucheur’s thumb and index finger just above the line of the posterior fourchette at crowning and bringing them firmly one centimetre postero‐medially to reduce tension. Demographic data were extracted from the unit’s obstetric database (ObstetriX).ResultsThere were 9453 deliveries prior to, and 9805 deliveries following commencement of ‘Please Squeeze’, with no difference in the incidence of caesarean (30.4% vs 30.3% P = 0.87) or forceps (6.3% vs 5.8% P = 0.14) between groups. The incidence of primiparas (P = 0.005), ventouse (P < 0.001) and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) (P = 0.005) between groups. There was a clinically important 20% reduction in the incidence of OASIS across all vaginal deliveries from 3.5% to 2.8% (P = 0.006). In SVD, there was a 20% decrease in OASIS from 2.4% to 2.2% (P = 0.02), and a 14% decrease in OASIS with assisted vaginal delivery from 8% to 7.3% (P = 0.002). The incidence of episiotomy increased 16% (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe novel ‘Please Squeeze’ perineal guarding method contributed to a reduced incidence of OASIS in an Australian tertiary hospital.
Considerations on biologicals for patients with allergic disease in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic: An EAACI statement
Authors: Vultaggio Alessandra , Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mubeccel , Bavbek Sevim , Bossios Apostolos , Bousquet Jean , Boyman Onur , Chaker Adam M. , Chan Susan , Chatzipetrou Alexia , Feleszko Wojciech , Firinu Davide , Jutel Marek , Kauppi Paula , Klimek Ludger , Kolios Antonios , Kothari Akash , Kowalski Marek L. , Matucci Andrea , Palomares Oscar , Pfaar Oliver , Rogala Barbara , Untersmayr Eva , Eiwegger Thomas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic re‐shaped doctor‐patient interaction and challenged capacities of healthcare systems. It created many issues around the optimal and safest way to treat complex patients with severe allergic disease. A significant number of the patients are on treatment with biologicals, and clinicians face the challenge to provide optimal care during the pandemic. Uncertainty of the potential risks for these patients is related to the fact that the exact sequence of immunological events during SARS‐CoV‐2 is not known. Severe COVID‐19 patients may experience a “cytokine storm” and associated organ damage characterized by an exaggerated release of pro‐inflammatory type 1 and type 3 cytokines. These inflammatory responses are potentially counteracted by anti‐inflammatory cytokines and type 2 responses. This expert‐based EAACI statement aims to provide guidance on the application of biologicals targeting type 2 inflammation in patients with allergic disease. Currently, there is very little evidence for an enhanced risk of patients with allergic diseases to develop severe COVID‐19. Studies focusing on severe allergic phenotypes are lacking. At present, noninfected patients on biologicals for the treatment of asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or chronic spontaneous urticaria should continue their biologicals targeting type 2 inflammation via self‐application. In case of an active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, biological treatment needs to be stopped until clinical recovery and SARS‐CoV‐2 negativity is established and treatment with biologicals should be re‐initiated. Maintenance of add‐on therapy and a constant assessment of disease control, apart from acute management, are demanded.
Relative age is associated with bullying victimisation and perpetration among children aged eight to nine
Authors: Tiiri Elina , Lempinen Lotta , Chudal Roshan , Vuori Miika , Sourander Andre 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo assess whether relative age was associated with bullying involvement and whether the associations were independent of child psychiatric symptoms.MethodsBullying was assessed among 8576 children in the second grade, aged 8 years, by using four cross‐sectional population‐based studies with identical methodology completed by children, parents and teachers in 1989 (response rate 97%), 1999 (93%), 2005 (90%) and 2013 (86%). The main outcomes were bullying victimisation and perpetration. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with the relatively oldest as the reference group and adjusted for child psychiatric symptoms.ResultsThe relatively youngest children, born September to December, were compared with the relatively oldest, born January to April. The youngest children had increased odds of being victims according to child (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1‐1.4) and parent reports (OR 1.2 95% CI 1.008‐1.4). The youngest also had decreased odds of being perpetrators according to child (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7‐0.96) and teacher reports (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7‐0.95). These findings were independent of psychiatric symptoms.ConclusionThe relative age effects which were found in bullying involvement were independent of psychiatric symptoms. Considering this newly recognised risk factor for victimisation is important within anti‐bullying practices.
Real‐world treatment patterns and outcomes using terlipressin in 203 patients with the hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Moore Kevin , Jamil Khurram , Verleger Katharina , Luo Linlin , Kebede Nehemiah , Heisen Marieke , Corman Shelby , Leonardi Roberta , Bakker Rachel , Maï Christine , Shamseddine Nisreen , Huang Xingyue , Allegretti Andrew S. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundHepatorenal syndrome and acute kidney injury are common complications of decompensated cirrhosis, and terlipressin is recommended as first‐line vasoconstrictor therapy. However, data on its use outside of clinical trials are lacking.AimsTo assess practice patterns and outcomes around vasoconstrictor use for hepatorenal syndrome in UK hospitals.MethodsThis was a multicentre chart review study. Data were extracted from medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatorenal syndrome and treated by vasoconstrictor drugs between January 2013 and December 2017 at 26 hospitals in the United Kingdom. The primary outcome was improvement of kidney function, defined as complete response (serum creatinine improved to ≤1.5 mg/dL), partial response (serum creatinine reduction of ≥20% but >1.5 mg/dL) and overall response (complete or partial response). Other outcomes included need for dialysis, mortality, liver transplantation and adverse events.ResultsOf the 225 patients included in the analysis, 203 (90%) were treated with terlipressin (median duration, 6 days; range: 2‐24 days). Mean (±standard deviation) serum creatinine at vasopressor initiation was 3.25 ± 1.64 mg/dL. Terlipressin overall response rate was 73%. Overall response was higher in patients with mild acute kidney injury (baseline serum creatinine <2.25 mg/dL), compared to those with moderate (serum creatinine ≥2.25 mg/dL and <3.5 mg/dL) or severe (serum creatinine ≥3.5 mg/dL). Ninety‐day survival was 86% for all patients (93% for overall responders vs 66% for treatment nonresponders, P < 0.0001).ConclusionTerlipressin is the most commonly prescribed vasoconstrictor for patients with hepatorenal syndrome in the United Kingdom. Treatment with terlipressin in patients with less severe acute kidney injury (serum creatinine <2.25 mg/dL) was associated with higher treatment responses, and 90‐day survival.
Sublingual Omp16‐driven redirection of the allergic intestinal response in a pre‐clinical model of food allergy
Authors: Orsini Delgado Maria Lucía , Rizzo Gastón Pascual , Fossati Carlos Alberto , Pasquevich Karina Alejandra , Cassataro Juliana , Smaldini Paola Lorena , Docena Guillermo Horacio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIgE‐mediated food allergy remains a significant and growing worldwide problem. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) shows an excellent safety profile for food allergy, but the clinical efficacy needs to be improved. This study assessed the effects of the Toll‐like receptor 4 agonist outer membrane protein (Omp) 16 from Brucella abortus combined with cow´s milk proteins (CMP) through the sublingual route to modulate cow's milk allergy in an experimental model.MethodsMice sensitized with cholera toxin and CMP were orally challenged with the allergen to elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Then, mice were treated with a very low amount of CMP along with Omp16 as a mucosal adjuvant, and finally, animals were re‐exposed to CMP. Systemic and mucosal immune parameters were assessed in vivo and in vitro.ResultsWe found that the sublingual administration of Omp16 + CMP induced a buccal Th1 immune response that modulated the intestinal allergic response with the suppression of symptoms, reduction of IgE and IL‐5, and up‐regulation of IgG2a and IFN‐γ. The adoptive transfer of submandibular IFN‐γ‐producing α4β7+CD4+ and CD8+ cells conferred protection against allergic sensitization. The use of Omp16 + CMP promoted enhanced protection compared to CMP alone.ConclusionIn conclusion, Omp16 represents a promising mucosal adjuvant that can be used to improve the clinical and immune efficacy of SLIT for food allergy.
Association between liver fibrosis and cognition in a nationally representative sample of older adults
Authors: Parikh N. S. , Kumar S. , Rosenblatt R. , Zhao C. , Cohen D. E. , Iadecola C. , Kamel H. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeLiver fibrosis, a common yet often subclinical manifestation of chronic liver disease, may have an unrecognized role in cognitive impairment. We evaluated the association between a validated liver fibrosis index and cognitive measures among older adults.MethodsWe examined the association between liver fibrosis and cognitive performance among participants aged 60 years and older in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Liver fibrosis was measured with the validated Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) liver fibrosis score. The outcomes were performance on four standardized cognitive tests of immediate and delayed verbal learning, verbal fluency, and attention/concentration. We used linear regression to evaluate the association between FIB‐4 score and performance on cognitive tests while adjusting for potential confounders. In sensitivity analyses, we examined this association in participants without known liver disease.ResultsAmong 3217 adult participants, the mean age was 69 years, and 54% were women. Standard liver chemistries were largely in the normal range. However, 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.0–6.0] had liver fibrosis based on a validated cut‐off. In adjusted linear regression models, higher liver fibrosis scores were associated with worse immediate recall (β −0.39; 95% CI −0.58, −0.21), language fluency (β −0.46; 95% CI −0.72, −0.21), and attention/concentration (β −1.34; 95% CI −2.25, −0.43), but not delayed recall (β −0.10; 95% CI −0.20, 0.01). Results were similar when limiting the study population to participants without known clinical liver disease.ConclusionLiver fibrosis, including subclinical liver fibrosis, may be an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment among older adults.
Global human influence maps reveal clear opportunities in conserving Earth’s remaining intact terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Riggio Jason , Baillie Jonathan E. M. , Brumby Steven , Ellis Erle , Kennedy Christina M. , Oakleaf James R. , Tait Alex , Tepe Therese , Theobald David M. , Venter Oscar , Watson James E. M. , Jacobson Andrew P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties 15, there is momentum around setting bold conservation targets. Yet, it remains unclear how much of Earth's land area remains without significant human influence and where this land is located. We compare four recent global maps of human influences across Earth's land, Anthromes, Global Human Modification, Human Footprint and Low Impact Areas, to answer these questions. Despite using various methodologies and data, these different spatial assessments independently estimate similar percentages of the Earth's terrestrial surface as having very low (20%–34%) and low (48%–56%) human influence. Three out of four spatial assessments agree on 46% of the non‐permanent ice‐ or snow‐covered land as having low human influence. However, much of the very low and low influence portions of the planet are comprised of cold (e.g., boreal forests, montane grasslands and tundra) or arid (e.g., deserts) landscapes. Only four biomes (boreal forests, deserts, temperate coniferous forests and tundra) have a majority of datasets agreeing that at least half of their area has very low human influence. More concerning, <1% of temperate grasslands, tropical coniferous forests and tropical dry forests have very low human influence across most datasets, and tropical grasslands, mangroves and montane grasslands also have <1% of land identified as very low influence across all datasets. These findings suggest that about half of Earth's terrestrial surface has relatively low human influence and offers opportunities for proactive conservation actions to retain the last intact ecosystems on the planet. However, though the relative abundance of ecosystem areas with low human influence varies widely by biome, conserving these last intact areas should be a high priority before they are completely lost.
Thinking inside the box: Custom pacemaker improves device longevity in a congenital heart patient
Authors: Von Wald Lisa , Brucker Rachel , Salerno Stéphane , Ries Andrew , Roukoz Henri 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients with congenital heart disease have unique pacing challenges and often require epicardial systems. High pacing threshold is one of the major factors that decrease these systems' durability. Sometimes surgical reintervention or lead replacement is difficult or prohibitive in these patients due to repeated surgeries and extensive epicardial scar. We present a case report of a patient with Fontan physiology and chronically high epicardial lead pacing thresholds requiring frequent generator changes and a unique solution focusing on improving generator longevity.