bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The forgotten fauna: Native vertebrate seed predators on islands
Authors: Carpenter Joanna K. , Wilmshurst Janet M. , McConkey Kim R. , Hume Julian P. , Wotton Debra M. , Shiels Aaron B. , Burge Olivia R. , Drake Donald R. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Human colonization of islands has resulted in the reduction or loss of many native species, and the introduction of non‐native species, producing novel ecosystems. The impacts of these changes on mutualistic plant–animal interactions have received considerable attention, but the potential effects on some antagonistic interactions, such as seed predation, are less thoroughly understood, and often overlooked.

Using three archetypal island groups—New Zealand, the Mascarenes and Hawaiʻi—we compare the taxonomic richness and functional diversity of vertebrate seed predators from prehuman and contemporary ecosystems. We scored species on several traits relevant to seed predation, then clustered species into functionally similar groups using hierarchical clustering.

These archipelagos once supported between 19 and 24 species of exclusively avian seed predators (representing two to four orders) ranging from large, flightless herbivores to small, volant finches and parrots. Following human arrival, 63%–89% of these species went extinct, and between 12 and 23 non‐native seed predators were introduced. Contemporary seed predator faunas consist of between 14 and 26 species (representing six to seven orders), dominated by non‐native granivorous birds and omnivorous mammals.

Our results reveal several examples in which non‐native species may be functionally similar to extinct seed predators, but most non‐native species are functionally different from extinct species, and therefore may be introducing novel seed predation pressures for insular ecosystems. Mammalian seed predators are especially functionally different from the native avian seed predators, as their teeth and widespread habitat distribution allow them to destroy a more diverse range of seeds, including the largest seeds.

We highlight the need to understand how these altered seed predator communities are affecting native plant populations, particularly in the context of reduced pollination and seed dispersal. More broadly, we argue that antagonistic interactions are an integral part of any ecosystem, and therefore must be understood if we are to achieve more holistic restoration frameworks for insular ecosystems.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Metaproteomics insights into traditional fermented foods and beverages
Authors: Yang Liang , Fan Wenlai , Xu Yan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTraditional fermented foods and beverages (TFFB) are important dietary components. Multi‐omics techniques have been applied to all aspects of TFFB research to clarify the composition and nutritional value of TFFB, and to reveal the microbial community, microbial interactions, fermentative kinetics, and metabolic profiles during the fermentation process of TFFB. Because of the advantages of metaproteomics in providing functional information, this technology has increasingly been used in research to assess the functional diversity of microbial communities. Metaproteomics is gradually gaining attention in the field of TFFB research because it can reveal the nature of microorganism function at the protein level. This paper reviews the common methods of metaproteomics applied in TFFB research; systematically summarizes the results of metaproteomics research on TFFB, such as sauces, wines, fermented tea, cheese, and fermented fish; and compares the differences in conclusions reached through metaproteomics versus other omics methods. Metaproteomics has great advantages in revealing the microbial functions in TFFB and the interaction between the materials and microbial community. In the future, metaproteomics should be further applied to the study of functional protein markers and protein interaction in TFFB; multi‐omics technology requires further integration to reveal the molecular nature of TFFB fermentation.
Late Cambrian to Early Silurian Granitic Rocks of the Gemuri Area, Central Qiangtang, North Tibet: New Constraints on the Tectonic Evolution of the Northern Margin of Gondwana
Authors: WANG Haitao , ZHAI Qingguo , HU Peiyuan , ZENG Lingsen , TANG Yue , ZHU Zhicai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Paleozoic tectonic framework and paleo–plate configuration of the northern margin of Gondwana remain controversial. The South Qiangtang terrane is located along the northern margin of Gondwana and records key processes in the formation and evolution of this supercontinent. Here, we present new field, petrological, zircon U‐Pb geochronological, and Lu‐Hf isotopic data for granitic rocks of the Gemuri pluton, all of which provide new insights into the evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana. Zircon U‐Pb dating of the Gemuri pluton yielded three concordant ages of 488.5 ± 2.1, 479.9 ± 8.9, and 438.5 ± 3.5 Ma. Combining these ages with the results of previous research indicates that the South Qiangtang terrane records two magmatic episodes at 502–471 and 453–439 Ma. These two episodes are associated with enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions (∊Hf(t) = –10.1 to –3.9 and –16.6 to –6.5, respectively), suggesting the granites were formed by the partial melting of Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks (Two–stage Hf model ages (TDMC) = 2094–1704 and 2466–1827 Ma, respectively). Combining these data with the presence of linearly distributed, contemporaneous Paleozoic igneous rocks along the northern margin of Gondwana, we suggest that all of these rocks were formed in an active continental margin setting. This manifests that the two magmatic episodes within the Gemuri area were associated with southward subduction in the Proto‐ (Paleo‐) Tethys Ocean.
Gross morphological, histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens)
Authors: Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non‐protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non‐keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none‐keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.
Reducing falls through the implementation of a multicomponent intervention on a rural mixed rehabilitation ward
Authors: Ma Colleen Lok Kum , Morrissey Rebecca Ann 
Published: August 2020

AbstractProblemThere is an absence of literature to guide staff in how falls can be reduced in a diverse patient population on a mixed acute/subacute rehabilitation unit, especially one with daily fluctuations in acuity that occurs due to frequent changes in its acute/rehabilitation patient ratio.DesignPre‐intervention and post‐intervention audits.SettingThe Rehabilitation Unit at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital in Tamworth, NSW.Key measures for improvementImprovement in the number of falls and repeat fallers.Strategies for changeA multicomponent intervention involving: (a) in‐service education sessions for nursing staff about falls risk‐increasing drugs, (b) patient and family education regarding falls risks and prevention strategies, (c) improving documentation of incident reports by using a set template, (d) ensuring that the correct patient mobility status information is handed over between nursing shifts and physiotherapists providing timely and regular updates, (e) the introduction of the ‘traffic light mobility system’ and (f) enhancing the use of existing falls prevention strategies.Effects of changeThe total falls reduced in number from 36 falls to 19 with a decrease in the number of repeat fallers from 8 to 4. There was also increased compliance with existing falls risk tools and improved documentation of each falls incident which provided insight into activities and times with higher falls risk.Lessons learntA multicomponent approach remained effective even when applied to a mixed acute/subacute rehabilitation ward setting.
Screening of hydrocephalus in infants using either WHO or population‐based head circumference reference charts
Authors: Karvonen Marjo , Saari Antti , Lamidi Marja‐Leena , Selander Tuomas , Löppönen Tuija , Lönnqvist Tuula , Dunkel Leo , Sankilampi Ulla 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to compare the performances of the World Health Organization (WHO) and population‐based (PB) references in the screening for hydrocephalus in infants aged <2 years.MethodsWe collected 341 longitudinal head circumference (HC) measurements of hydrocephalic infants and 120 181 measurements of 15 145 healthy infants from primary care. The measurements were converted into z‐scores, and a new screening parameter, change in HC standard deviation score (SDS) over time (ΔHC SDS), was calculated. Comparisons were made using receiver operating characteristics analysis and linear mixed models.ResultsThe mean HC SDSWHOwas 3.5 and the mean HC SDSPBwas 2.9 in the hydrocephalic infants, and in healthy children, those numbers were 1.0 SDSWHOand 0 SDSPB, respectively. The best screening accuracy was obtained with the PB reference in combination with the ΔHC SDS parameter (AUC 0.89). The accuracy of the WHO standard could be improved to a similar level by customising the screening cut‐offs of HC SDS according to the population and combining screening parameters.ConclusionsAuxology alone was not sufficient for the screening of hydrocephalus. The WHO standard should be validated in the population, and population‐specific cut‐offs for normality defined before its introduction.
VGLL4 with low YAP expression is associated with favorable prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Joo Young , Kim Eun Kyung , Lee Won Mi , Hong Young Ok , Lee Hojung 
Published: August 2020

The Hippo pathway is a tumor suppressive pathway regulating Yes‐associated protein‐TEA domain‐containing sequence‐specific transcription factor (YAP‐TEAD) complex. VGLL (Vestigial‐like) proteins are transcriptional cofactors competing with YAP for TEAD binding and interfering oncogenic activity of YAP‐TEAD complex. We evaluated the expression of VGLL4, YAP, and TEAD4 and assessed their correlations with clinicopathologic factors and prognostic effects in 295 colorectal cancers. VGLL4 was positive in 164 (55.6%) cases and correlated with small tumor size, low pT classification, and absence of lymph node metastasis. YAP and TEAD4 were highly expressed in 138 (46.8%) cases and 144 (48.8%) cases, respectively, and high expressions were associated with presence of lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis. VGLL4 expression was significantly correlated with low YAP expression (p < 0.001) and had significantly better overall survival than negative expression (p < 0.001). High YAP (HR, 2.108; 95% confidence interval, 1.239–3.584; p = 0.006) and TEAD4 (1.724; 1.021–2.912; p = 0.042) expressions were associated with poor overall survivals. The combined VGLL4posYAPlow expression showed the best overall survival than other groups (p < 0.001). VGLL4 expression (0.381; 0.212–0.683; p = 0.001) and combined VGLL4posYAPlow expression (0.227; 0.108–0.475; p < 0.001) were independent good prognostic factors in colorectal cancers. The expressions of VGLL4, YAP, and TEAD4 can be used as prognostic markers in colorectal cancer patients.
Survival time and relapse in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin treated with prednisolone and ciclosporin: a retrospective study
Authors: Brady SL , Woodward AP , le Chevoir MAR 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo analyse outcome in dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO) treated with prednisolone and ciclosporin and to assess the effect of a number of patient variables on survival time and rate of relapse.DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of 40 client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of MUO treated with prednisolone and ciclosporin at one institution between June 2010 and January 2018 were reviewed retrospectively to assess survival times and prognostic indicators for death and/or relapse. The minimum follow‐up time was 11 months post‐diagnosis.ResultsMedian survival was 1345 days (95% confidence interval: 487‐∞).No associations with hazard of death or relapse were detected for the presence of multifocal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities, caudal fossa location of MRI abnormalities, value of cerebrospinal fluid total nucleated cell count or total protein at time of diagnosis, or suspected elevation in intracranial pressure at time of diagnosis.ConclusionProtracted survival time may be achieved with a treatment combination of prednisolone and ciclosporin. Suspected elevation in intracranial pressure at the time of diagnosis did not affect long‐term outcome in this cohort.
Medical therapy to attenuate fetal anaemia in severe maternal red cell alloimmunisation
Authors: Castleman James S. , Moise Kenneth J. , Kilby Mark D. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryHaemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) remains an important cause of fetal mortality with potential neonatal and longer‐term morbidity. HDFN is caused by maternal red cell alloimmunisation, with IgG antibodies crossing the placenta to destroy fetal erythroid cells expressing the involved antigen. Intrauterine fetal blood transfusion is the therapy of choice for severe fetal anaemia. Despite a strong evidence base and technical advances, invasive fetal therapy carries risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. Procedure‐related risks are increased when invasive, in utero transfusion is instituted prior to 22 weeks to treat severe early‐onset fetal anaemia. This review focuses upon this cohort of HDFN and discusses intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg) and novel monoclonal antibody (M281, nipocalimab) treatments which, if started at the end of the first trimester, may attenuate the transplacental passage and fetal effects of IgG antibodies. Such therapy has the ability to improve fetal survival in this severe presentation of HDFN when early in utero transfusion may be required and may have wider implications for the perinatal management in general.
Metformin changes the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Saito Akira , Kitayama Joji , Horie Hisanaga , Koinuma Koji , Ohzawa Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Hironori , Kawahira Hiroshi , Mimura Toshiki , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sata Naohiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that metformin reduces the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the pathological characteristics of resected CRC from patients treated with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). In total, 267 patients with DM underwent curative colectomy for Stage I‐III CRC and 53 (19.9%) patients had been treated medically including metformin. Pathological N‐stage was significantly lower in metformin‐treated patients (P < .05) with prolonged disease‐free survival (DFS) (P < .05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the densities of CD3(+) and CD8(+) tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the invasive front area were significantly higher in 40 patients treated with metformin compared with propensity score matched cases without metformin (P < .05). The density of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in tumor stroma was markedly increased in metformin‐treated patients (P < .001). In those tumors, there were more CD68(+) tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) infiltrated (P < .05), while the ratio of CD163(+) M2‐phenotype was markedly reduced (P < .001). Stromal fibrosis tended to be suppressed by metformin intake (P = .051). These findings suggested that metformin drastically changes the characteristics of infiltrating immune cells in CRC and reprograms the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunocompetent status, which may lead to suppression of microscopic tumor spread and improve the outcomes of patients with CRC and type 2 DM.
Complement 3 mediates periodontal destruction in patients with type 2 diabetes by regulating macrophage polarization in periodontal tissues
Authors: Li Ye , Wang Xinxin , Wang Saisai , Zhu Chunhui , Guo Jing , Li Ke , Li Ang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesDiabetes aggravates the risk and severity of periodontitis, but the specific mechanism remains confused. Complement 3 (C3) is closely related to complications of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In the present study, we concentrated on whether C3 mediates the development of periodontitis in T2DM.Materials and MethodsLevels of C3 in blood and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients were measured first. A C3‐knockout diabetic mouse model was established, real‐time PCR, Western blotting and histological investigation were performed to evaluate the progress of periodontitis. Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and TRAP staining were performed to detect alveolar bone resorption. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect polarization of macrophages.ResultsOur data showed that C3 levels were elevated in the blood and GCF of T2DM patients compared with non‐diabetic individuals. Increased C3 was closely related to the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), as well as the decline of the bone volume density (BMD) and bone volume over total volume (BV/TV) of the alveolar bones in diabetic mice. The deletion of C3 inhibited inflammatory cytokines and rescued the decreased BMD and BV/TV of the alveolar bones. C3‐mediated polarization of macrophages was responsible for the damage.ConclusionT2DM‐related upregulation of C3 contributes to the development of periodontitis by promoting macrophages M1 polarization and inhibiting M2 polarization, triggering a pro‐inflammatory effect on periodontal tissues.
Characteristics of peripheral blood differential counts in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Pakos Irene S. , Lo Kevin Bryan , Salacup Grace , Pelayo Jerald , Bhargav Ruchika , Peterson Eric , Gul Fahad , DeJoy Robert , Albano Jeri , Patarroyo‐Aponte Gabriel , Rangaswami Janani , Azmaiparashvili Zurab 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundA lot remains unknown about the features and laboratory findings that may predict worse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in complete blood count parameters and differential counts in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 who survived compared to those who died.DesignWe performed a single‐center retrospective study including 242 patients with confirmed COVID‐19. We described the characteristics of the complete blood count parameters in these patients. Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare hematologic parameters of patients who died and those who survived; multivariate logistic regression was used to look for associations with mortality.ResultsPatients with COVID‐19 who died had significantly lower median absolute monocyte count (AMC) (0.4 vs 0.5, P = .039) and median platelet count (169 vs 213, P = .009) compared to those who survived. Patients who died had a significantly higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (6.4 vs 4.5, P = .001). The NLR was positively associated with death (OR = 1.038; 95% CI, 1.003‐1.074, P = .031), while AMC was inversely associated with death (OR = 0.200; 95% CI, 0.052‐0.761, P = .018).ConclusionAmong patients with COVID‐19, a lower AMC and higher NLR are associated with higher mortality.
Pathological spontaneous activity as a prognostic marker in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Grüter T. , Motte J. , Fisse A. L. , Bulut Y. , Köse N. , Athanasopoulos D. , Otto S. , Yoon M. ‐S. , Schneider‐Gold C. , Gold R. , Pitarokoili K. 
Published: August 2020

Background and purposeMonitoring of the disease course of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) remains challenging because nerve conduction studies do not adequately correlate with functional disability. The prognostic value of pathological spontaneous activity (PSA) in needle electromyography (EMG) in different CIDP subgroups in a longitudinal context has, to date, not been analysed. We aimed to determine whether PSA was a prognostic marker or a marker of disease activity in a cohort of patients with CIDP.MethodsA total of 127 patients with CIDP spectrum disorder were retrospectively analysed over 57 ± 47 months regarding the occurrence of PSA (fibrillations and positive sharp waves). The presence of PSA at diagnosis, newly occurring PSA, and continuously present PSA were longitudinally correlated with clinical disability using the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment Overall Disability Sum Score (INCAT‐ODSS) and CIDP subtype.ResultsPathological spontaneous activity occurred in 49.6% of all CIDP patients at first diagnosis. More frequent evidence of PSA was significantly associated with a higher INCAT‐ODSS at the last follow‐up. Continuous and new occurrence of PSA were associated with higher degree of disability at the last follow‐up. The majority of patients with sustained evidence of PSA were characterized by an atypical phenotype, higher degree of disability, and the need for escalation of treatment.ConclusionsPathological spontaneous activity was associated with a higher degree of disability and occurred more frequently in atypical CIDP variants according to the longitudinal data of a large cohort of patients with CIDP. Our results showed that EMG examination was an adequate marker for disease progression and should be evaluated during the disease course.