bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved estimation of gut passage time considerably affects trait‐based dispersal models
Authors: Abraham Andrew J. , Prys‐Jones Tomos O. , De Cuyper Annelies , Ridenour Chase , Hempson Gareth P. , Hocking Toby , Clauss Marcus , Doughty Christopher E. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Animals are important vectors for transporting seeds, nutrients and microbes across landscapes. However, models that quantify the magnitude of these ecosystem services across a broad range of taxa often rely on generalised mass‐based scaling parameters for gut passage time. This relationship is weak and fundamentally breaks down when considering individual species, indicating that current models may incorrectly attribute or estimate the magnitude of dispersal.

We collated a large dataset of gut passage time for endothermic animals measured using undigested markers (n = 391 species). For each species, we compiled trait data, including body mass, morphology, gut physiology, diet and phylogeny. We then compared the ability of five statistical models (constant, generalised least squares, phylogenetic generalised least squares, general linear model and random forest) to estimate the time of first marker appearance (transit time; TT) and mean marker retention time (MRT) for particle and solute markers in mammals and birds separately.

For mammals, we found that the inclusion of additional traits appreciably reduced the median root‐mean squared error across all markers in a leave‐one‐out cross validation. For birds, however, additional traits did not significantly improve our ability to predict gut passage time across markers. This may have occurred due to the smaller number of bird species included in our analysis or the absence of important explanatory factors such as differences in gastrointestinal morphology.

Using the MRTparticle random forest model from this study, we updated two trait‐based dispersal models for seed and nutrient movement by mammals. The magnitude of dispersal in our updated predictions ranged from 66% to 176% of the original model formulation for different scenarios, highlighting the importance of gut passage time for dispersal models. Furthermore, the contribution by individual or groups of species was found sizeably altered in our updated models.

Future modelling studies of dispersal by mammals, for which empirical estimates of gut passage time are absent, will benefit from predicting gut passage time using statistical models that incorporate traits including animal morphology, diet and gut physiology.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Are Countries’ Drink‐Driving Policies Associated With Harms Involving Another Driver’s Impairment?
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Cook Won K. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Li Libo , Room Robin 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionInternational drink‐driving policy research generally focuses on aggregate outcomes (e.g., rates of crashes, fatalities) without emphasizing secondhand alcohol‐related vehicular harms. In contrast, we investigate associations between drink‐driving policies and harms involving another driver’s impairment.MethodsAlcohol’s harms to others (AHTO) survey data from 12 countries (analytic N = 29,616) were linked to national alcohol policy data from the World Health Organization. We examined separately associations of two 12‐month driving‐related AHTOs (passenger with an impaired driver; vehicular crash involving someone else’s drink driving) with 3 national drinking‐driving policies—legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, use of random breath testing, use of sobriety checkpoints, and comprehensive penalties for drink‐driving (community service, detention, fines, ignition interlocks, license suspension/revocation, mandatory alcohol treatment, vehicle impoundment, and penalty point system), plus 2 alcohol tax variables (having excise taxes and value‐added tax [VAT] rate). Multilevel logistic regression addressed clustering of individuals within countries and subnational regions, while adjusting for individuals’ gender, age, marital status, risky drinking, and regional drinking culture (% male risky drinkers in sub‐national region).ResultsControlling for national‐, regional‐, and individual‐level covariates, comprehensive penalties were significantly and negatively associated with both outcomes; other vehicular policy variables were not significantly associated with either outcome. A society’s VAT rate was negatively associated with riding with a drunk driver. Regional male drinking culture was positively associated with riding with an impaired driver, but was not significantly associated with being in a vehicular crash due to someone else’s drinking. In both models, being male, being younger, and engaging in risky drinking oneself each were positively associated with vehicular harms due to someone else’s drinking.ConclusionsAlthough results are associational and not causal, comprehensive penalties may be promising policies for mitigating driving‐related harms due to another drinker. Higher VAT rate might reduce riding with a drunk driver.
AmoimyrmexCristiano, Cardoso & Sandoval, gen. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a new genus of leaf‐cutting ants revealed by multilocus molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses
Authors: Cristiano Maykon Passos , Cardoso Danon Clemes , Sandoval‐Gómez Vivian E , Simões‐Gomes Flávia Carolina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLeaf‐cutting ants (generaAcromyrmexandAtta) are the most important herbivores in the Neotropical region. Within the genusAcromyrmex, the species and subspeciesAcromyrmex striatus,Acromyrmex silvestriisubsp.silvestriiandAcromyrmex silvestriisubsp.bruchiare morphologically similar to one another but differ from the rest of their congeners. Recent studies have suggested thatAc. striatusbelongs to a currently undescribed leaf‐cutting ant genus. Herein, we propose a new phylogenetic hypothesis for leaf‐cutting ants based on five nuclear genes (wg, LW Rh, EF1αF1, EF1αF2 and Top1) and describe a new genus. We used colonies ofAc. striatus,Ac. silvestrii silvestriiandAc. silvestrii bruchicollected from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia, covering most of their known distribution. We constructed a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for these three taxa using sequences from the mtDNA COI gene. The retrieved phylogenetic tree reveals thatAc. striatus,Ac. silvestrii silvestriiandAc. silvestrii bruchiform a well‐supported clade (P.P. = 1). Through analyses of molecular phylogenetic and morphological data, we propose a new genus of leaf‐cutting ant,AmoimyrmexCristiano, Cardoso & Sandoval,gen. nov., redescribe the speciesAmoimyrmex striatus(Roger, 1863)comb. nov.andAmoimyrmex silvestrii(Emery, 1905)comb. nov., and elevateAc. silvestrii bruchito the level of species asAmoimyrmex bruchi(Forel, 1912)comb. nov. et stat. rev.. We also provide information on the geographic distribution ofAmoimyrmex, an illustrated identification key for its taxa and descriptions of all the known castes of each species, including diagnostic characteristics, high‐quality images and distribution maps. We believe that the results of this study contribute substantially to taxonomic knowledge of leaf‐cutting ants and reaffirm the complex evolutionary history of the group.
Knowledge and attitudes of Australian dermatologists towards sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: a mixed methods study
Authors: Smith Andrea L , Watts Caroline G , Robinson Samuel , Schmid Helen , Goumas Chris , Mar Victoria J , Thompson John F , Rapport Frances ,   Australian Melanoma Centre of Research Excellence Study Group, Cust Anne E 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesIn melanoma management, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to stage patients and to indicate prognosis. More recently, it has been used to select patients for adjuvant therapy. This study aimed to report knowledge of and attitudes towards SLNB for patients with melanoma among Australian dermatologists.MethodsMixed methods study using cross‐sectional questionnaires (n = 88) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 13), May–September 2019.ResultsOf the dermatologists surveyed, 56% thought SLNB had an important role in melanoma management, 26% were unsure and 18% thought SLNB unimportant. Of the 92% who would discuss SLNB with their patients, the main stated value of SLNB was for assessing eligibility for adjuvant therapies (79%); only 60% indicated SLNB was of value for providing prognostic information, and just over half (53%) thought it could improve staging. Interview data indicated that attitudes towards SLNB are shifting among dermatologists, driven by data from landmark clinical trials and the influence of professional networks. Accordingly, interviewees adopted one of three positions in relation to SLNB: (a) believed in utility of SLNB and adhered to the guidelines; (b) were unconvinced about utility of SLNB but adhered to the guidelines; and (c) were unconvinced about utility of SLNB and did not adhere to the guidelines.ConclusionAlthough most of the dermatologists surveyed were familiar with and follow the SLNB recommendations, some disagreement with and distrust of the recommendations was evident. Greater acceptance of the SLNB recommendations appeared to be driven by the improved outcomes demonstrated in stage III patients receiving adjuvant systemic therapy.
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in high‐risk acute pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Baldetti Luca , Beneduce Alessandro , Cianfanelli Lorenzo , Falasconi Giulio , Pannone Luigi , Moroni Francesco , Venuti Angela , Sacchi Stefania , Gramegna Mario , Pazzanese Vittorio , Calvo Francesco , Gallone Guglielmo , Pagnesi Matteo , Cappelletti Alberto Maria 
Published: December 2020

AbstractExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents a therapeutic option for cardiopulmonary support in patients with high‐risk pulmonary embolism (PE); however, no definite consensus exists on ECMO use in high‐risk PE. Hence, we aim to provide insights into its real‐world use pooling together all available published experiences. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis of all published studies (up to April 17, 2020) investigating ECMO support in high‐risk PE. All studies including at least four patients were collectively analyzed. Study outcomes were early all‐cause death (primary endpoint) and relevant in‐hospital adverse events. A total of 21 studies were included in the pooled analysis (n = 635 patients). In this population (mean age 47.8 ± 17.3 years, 44.5% females), ECMO was indicated for cardiac arrest in 62.3% and immediate ECMO support was pursued in 61.9% of patients. Adjunctive reperfusion therapies were implemented in 57.0% of patients. Pooled estimate rate of early all‐cause mortality was 41.1% (95% CI 27.7%‐54.5%). The most common in‐hospital adverse event was major bleeding, with an estimated rate of 28.6% (95%CI 21.0%‐36.3%). At meta‐regression analyses, no significant impact of multiple covariates on the primary endpoint was found. In this systematic review of patients who received ECMO for high‐risk PE, pooled all‐cause mortality was 41.1%. Principal indication for ECMO was cardiac arrest, cannulation was chiefly performed at presentation, and major bleeding was the most common complication.
Effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of a total mixed ration prepared with local feed resources on Tibetan plateau
Authors: Dong Zhihao , Zhao Jie , Chen Sifan , Bao Yuhong , Tao Xuxiong , Wang Siran , Li Junfeng , Liu Qinhua , Shao Tao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo improve the utilization efficiency of total mixed ration (TMR) on Tibetan plateau, the effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of the ensiled TMR prepared with local feed resources were studied. A total of 150 experimental silos were prepared in a completely randomized design to evaluate the following treatments: (a) control; (b) Lactobacillus buchneri; (c) acetic acid; (d) propionic acid; (e) 1,2‐propanediol; and (f) 1‐propanol. After 90 days of ensiling, silos were opened for fermentation quality and in vitro parameters analysis, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 14 days. The acetic acid, 1,2‐propanediol and 1‐propanol treatments increased (p < .05) pH and acetic acid content, and lowered (p < .05) the lactic acid production in comparison to control. There were no statistically significant differences in in vitro digestibility parameters among the treatments. Treatments of acetic acid, 1,2‐propanediol and 1‐propanol substantially improved the aerobic stability of the ensiled TMR, as indicated by almost unchanged pH and lactic acid contents throughout the aerobic exposure test. These results indicated that acetic acid, 1,2‐propanediol and 1‐propanol had no adverse effect on in vitro digestibility and could be effective additives for enhancing the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR prepared on Tibetan plateau.
Combination of tumor necrosis factor‐α and epidermal growth factor induces the adrenergic‐to‐mesenchymal transdifferentiation in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Huang Yue , Tsubota Shoma , Nishio Nobuhiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kadomatsu Kenji 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNeuroblastoma, a type of cancer that is common in children, is composed of two genetically clonal but epigenetically distinct cell types: mesenchymal (MES) and adrenergic (ADRN) types, controlled by super‐enhancer‐associated lineage‐specific transcription factor networks. Mesenchymal‐type cells are more migratory, resistant to chemotherapy, and prevalent in relapse tumors. Importantly, both cell types spontaneously transdifferentiate into one another, and this interconversion can be induced by genetic manipulations. However, the mechanisms of their spontaneous transdifferentiation and extracellular factors inducing this phenomenon have not yet been elucidated. Using a unique approach involving gene set enrichment analysis, we selected six ADRN and 10 MES candidate factors, possibly inducing ADRN and MES phenotypes, respectively. Treatment with a combination of 10 MES factors clearly induced the MES gene expression profile in ADRN‐type SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Considering the effects on gene expression profile, migration ability, and chemoresistance, a combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) was sufficient to synergistically induce the ADRN‐to‐MES transdifferentiation in SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, human neuroblastoma cohort analysis revealed that the expression of TNF and EGF receptors was strongly associated with MES gene expression signatures, supporting their important roles in transdifferentiation in vivo. Collectively, we propose a mechanism of neuroblastoma transdifferentiation induced by extracellular growth factors, which can be controlled in clinical situations, providing a new therapeutic possibility.
Viral panniculitis in a patient with disseminated opportunistic Enterovirus infection
Authors: Tekin Burak , Boire Nicholas , Shah Kabeer , Hanson Jennifer , Bridges Alina G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInfection‐induced panniculitis has been described in association with a broad range of microorganisms. Among those, viral panniculitis represents a minor category, with only a few anecdotal reports in the literature documenting viral infection in the subcutaneous fat. Herein, we report a woman in her 30s with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis on rituximab and prednisone, who presented with a 6‐month history of progressive multisystem manifestations, including unintentional weight loss, fever, fatigue, myopathy, pancreatitis, and sensorineural hearing loss. She had indurated plaques on her thighs characterized by predominantly lobular panniculitis with chronic lymphohistiocytic inflammation. Molecular studies performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified evidence of Enterovirus group with the highest identity of Coxsackievirus A9. Enterovirus RNA was also detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and muscle. Based on the findings, a diagnosis of disseminated enteroviral infection in the setting of B‐cell depletion was rendered. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of viral panniculitis with documentation of Coxsackievirus A9 in the skin. Since rituximab may be used for the treatment of autoimmune dermatological diseases, familiarity of the potential occurrence of severe enteroviral infections in the setting of immunosuppressive treatment is important for dermatopathologists.
Conscientious objection to abortion in the developing world: The correspondence argument
Authors: Bhakuni Himani , Miotto Lucas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper we extend Heidi Hurd’s “correspondence thesis” to the termination of pregnancy debate and argue that the same reasons that determine the permissibility of abortion also determine the justifiability of acts involving conscientious objection against its performance. Essentially, when abortion is morally justified, acts that prevent or obstruct it are morally unjustified. Therefore, despite conscientious objection being legally permitted in some global south countries, we argue that such permission to conscientiously object would be morally wrong in cases of morally justifiable termination of pregnancy. After presenting and defending our “correspondence argument” we suggest that conscientious objection should be denied as a matter of public health policy in developing counties, even in cases where adequate referral services are possible. Towards the end, we extend our argument to midwives, nurses, and prospective students in the field. Given their essential position in resource‐poor contexts; they too have no claim to conscientious objection.
Prognostic impact of renal dysfunction on embolic stroke of undetermined source—Role beyond CHA2DS2‐VASc score: Results from Taiwan Stroke Registry
Authors: Chua Su‐Kiat , Hsieh Fang‐I , Hu Chaur‐Jong , Wang I‐Kuan , Lee Jiunn‐Tay , Yeh Hsu‐Ling , Lin Kuan‐Yu , Lai Ta‐Chang , Sun Yu , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Lin Cheng‐Li , Lien Li‐Ming , Hsu Chung Y. ,   Taiwan Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe CHA2DS2‐VASc score has immense prognostic value in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). We aimed to determine the usefulness of advanced renal dysfunction and its addition to the CHA2DS2‐VASc score in improving predictive accuracy.MethodsIn total, 3775 ESUS patients were enrolled from a nationwide hospital‐based prospective study. Advanced renal dysfunction was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or patients under dialysis. Clinical outcomes included recurrent stroke and 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale >2 at first‐, third‐, and sixth‐month post‐stroke. The renal (R)‐CHA2DS2‐VASc score was derived by including advanced renal dysfunction in the CHA2DS2‐VASc score. Risk stratification improvement after including advanced renal dysfunction was assessed using C statistic, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and category‐free net reclassification index (NRI).ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors and CHA2DS2‐VASc score, advanced renal dysfunction showed significant associations with all‐cause mortality (HR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.92–4.34) and poor functional outcome at third‐ (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.47–4.94) and sixth‐month post‐stroke (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.47–4.83). IDI and NRI showed that incorporating advanced renal dysfunction significantly improved risk discrimination over the original CHA2DS2‐VASc score. R‐CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥2 increased risk by 1.94‐fold (95% CI: 1.15–3.27) for all‐cause mortality, and ≥4 increased risk by 1.62‐fold (95% CI: 1.05–2.50) of poor functional outcome at third‐month post‐stroke and by 1.81‐fold (95% CI: 1.19–2.75) at sixth‐month post‐stroke.ConclusionsAdvanced renal dysfunction was significantly associated with clinical and functional outcomes in ESUS patients and may improve prognostic impact of the CHA2DS2‐VASc score.
Cystatin C is a potential predictor of unfavorable outcomes for cerebral ischemia with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator treatment: A multicenter prospective nested case–control study
Authors: Chang Zihan , Zou Haiqiang , Xie Zhenchao , Deng Bin , Que Rongfang , Huang Zifeng , Weng Guomei , Wu Zhihuan , Pan Ying , Wang Yanping , Li Mengyan , Xie Huifang , Zhu Shuzhen , Xiong Li , CT Mok Vincent , Jin Kunlin , Yenari Midori A. , Wei Xiaobo , Wang Qing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim of this study was to explore whether cystatin C (CysC) could be used as a potential predictor of clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV‐tPA).MethodsWe performed an observational study including a retrospective analysis of data from 125 AIS patients with intravenous thrombolysis. General linear models were applied to compare CysC levels between groups with different outcomes; logistic regression analysis and receiver‐operating characteristic curves were adopted to identify the association between CysC and the therapeutic effects.ResultsCompared with the "good and sustained benefit" (GSB) outcome group (defined as ≥4‐point reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale or a score of 0–1 at 24 h and 7 days) and the "good functional outcome" (GFO) group (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 at 90 days), serum CysC baseline levels were increased in the non‐GSB and non‐GFO groups. Logistic regression analysis found that CysC was an independent negative prognostic factor for GSB (odds ratio [OR] 0.010; p = 0.005) and GFO (OR 0.011; p = 0.021) after adjustment for potential influencing factors. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves showed the CysC‐involved combined models provided credible efficacy for predicting post‐90‐day favorable clinical outcome (area under the curve 0.86; p < 0.001).ConclusionsElevated serum CysC is independently associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes after IV‐tPA therapy in AIS. Our findings provide new insights into discovering potential mediators for neuropathological process or treatment in stroke.