bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of life‐history variability for a south‐western cutthroat trout
Authors: Huntsman Brock M. , Lynch Abigail J. , Caldwell Colleen A. , Abadi Fitsum 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe impacts of climate change on cold‐water fishes will likely negatively manifest in populations at the trailing edge of their distributions. Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis, RGCT) occupy arid south‐western U.S. streams at the southern‐most edge of all cutthroat trout distributions, making RGCT particularly vulnerable to the anticipated warming and drying in this region. We hypothesised that RGCT possess a portfolio of life‐history traits that aid in their persistence within streams of varying temperature and stream drying conditions. We used otolith and multistate capture–mark–recapture data to determine how these environmental constraints influence life‐history trait expression (length‐ and age‐at‐maturity) and demography in RGCT populations from northern New Mexico, United States. We found evidence that RGCT reached maturity fastest at sites with warm stream temperatures and low densities. We did not find a strong relationship between discharge and any demographic rate, although apparent survival of mature RGCT decreased as stream temperature increased. Our study suggests plasticity in trait expression may be a life‐history characteristic which can assist trailing edge populations like RGCT persist in a changing climate.
Large vessel stroke in six patients following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: a retrospective case study series of acute thrombotic complications on stable underlying atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Lapergue B. , Lyoubi A. , Meseguer E. , Avram I. , Denier C. , Venditti L. , Consoli A. , Guedon A. , Houdart E. , Weisenburger‐Lile D. , Piotin M. , Maier B. , Obadia M. , Broucker T.D.E. 
Published: August 2020

Background and purposeIschaemic stroke has been described in association with COVID‐19. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been suggested, i.e. prothrombotic state, cardiac injury etc. It was sought to assess the potential association between ischaemic stroke associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and underlying atherosclerotic lesions.MethodsA retrospective analysis of stroke related to large vessel occlusion was conducted amongst patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and underlying mild atherosclerotic disease, between 19 March and 19 April 2020 in six different stroke centers in the Île‐de France area, France.ResultsThe median age was 52 years, median body mass index was 29.5 kg/m2. All patients displayed previous vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia or body mass index > 25. The delay between the first respiratory symptoms of COVID‐19 and stroke was 11.5 days. At baseline, all had tandem occlusions, i.e. intracerebral and extracerebral thrombus assessed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Cases displayed a large thrombus in the cervical carotid artery with underlying mild non‐stenosing atheroma, after an etiological workup based on angio‐computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and/or cervical echography.ConclusionOur study should alert clinicians to scrutinize any new onset of ischaemic stroke during COVID‐19 infection, mainly in patients with vascular risk factors or underlying atherosclerotic lesions.
Fracture toughness characterisation of a glass fibre‐reinforced plastic composite
Authors: Vantadori Sabrina , Carpinteri Andrea , Głowacka Karolina , Greco Fabrizio , Osiecki Tomasz , Ronchei Camilla , Zanichelli Andrea 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBy examining the state of the art, it can be realised that few research works have been done on the fracture behaviour of plastic composites reinforced with continuous glass fibres. Therefore, the present paper deals with the fracture toughness of a unidirectional glass fibre‐reinforced plastic (GFRP), such a parameter being analytically determined by means of the modified two‐parameter model (MTPM). The input data of the MTPM are obtained from an experimental campaign related to three‐point bending tests on single edge‐notched specimens characterised by different sizes. The novelty of this research work is that the MTPM, originally proposed for isotropic materials, is here employed to estimate the fracture toughness of GFRPs characterised by orthotropic mechanical properties.
Testing the diversity–biomass relationship in riverine fish communities
Authors: Woods Taylor , Comte Lise , Tedesco Pablo A. , Giam Xingli 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimWe examined the diversity–biomass relationship in stream fish communities and quantified direct and indirect effects of abiotic variables on this relationship.LocationFrance.Time period1992–2012.Major taxa studiedStream fishes.MethodsWe analysed the relationship between biodiversity (species richness and functional diversity) and fish community biomass at 1,357 stream sites distributed throughout France. We used piecewise path analysis to quantify effects of abiotic and biodiversity variables on biomass and assess relative contributions of native and non‐native species on the diversity–biomass relationship.ResultsBiodiversity showed a direct positive relationship with biomass after controlling for sampling effort, and direct effects of biodiversity variables on community biomass exceeded those of climate and physical habitat variables. Our analysis indicates that positive effects of species richness on biomass exceeded those of functional diversity. Indirect effects of abiotic variables mediated by biodiversity metrics indicated that biomass increased in warmer, lowland habitats. Human impact had no effect on native biodiversity but had a positive effect on non‐native biodiversity.Main conclusionsWe provide evidence that direct effects of biodiversity on community biomass outweigh those of abiotic variables in riverine fish communities, but resource partitioning alone is unlikely to drive the effects of biodiversity on biomass in this system. Quantification of the relative roles of anthropogenic impacts, biodiversity and environmental context in the regulation of ecosystem functioning will be necessary to understand the potential consequences of ongoing global change.
Policy and practice suggestions to improve performance on the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets: Results from a nominal group technique with HIV experts in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul , Woldemichael Kifle , Lyon Pamela , Mwanri Lillian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis paper aims to evaluate the potential solutions to address negative outcomes of HIV care and treatment, that were proposed by HIV care providers, researchers and HIV programme managers in Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA nominal group technique (NGT) was conducted with 25 experts in December 2017 in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. The NGT process included (a) an analysis of the previously qualitative study conducted with various Ethiopian HIV stakeholders who proposed possible solutions for HIV care and treatment; (b) recruitment of a panel of HIV experts in policy and practice to rate the proposed solutions in Ethiopia before a discussion (first round rating); (c) discussion with the panel of experts on the suggested solutions; and (d) conducting a second round of rating of proposed solutions. Content analysis and Wilcoxon signed rank test were applied to analyse the data.ResultsEighteen of the 25 invited panel of experts participated in the NGT. The following proposed solutions were rated and discussed as relevant, feasible and acceptable. In order of decreasing importance, the solutions were as follows: filling gaps in legislation, HIV self‐testing, the teach‐test‐link‐trace strategy, house‐to‐house HIV testing, community antiretroviral therapy (ART) groups, providing ART in private clinics and providing ART at health posts.ConclusionsThe current study findings suggested that, to address HIV negative outcomes, priority solutions could include mandatory notification of partner's HIV status, HIV self‐testing and the involvement of peer educators on the entire HIV care programme.
Association of BTLA rs1982809 polymorphism with lung cancer risk in Tunisian population
Authors: Khadhraoui Chaima , Kaabachi Wajih , Tritar Fatma , Daghfous Hafaoua , Hamzaoui Kamel , Hamzaoui Agnes 
Published: August 2020

AbstractB and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is an immune‐inhibitory receptor that negatively regulates the lymphocyte activation. A few studies have been devoted to the relationship between BTLA gene variations and cancer's risk. It has been essentially demonstrated to be involved in increasing cancer risk in chronic lymphocyte leukaemia, renal cell carcinoma, breast and colorectal cancer predispositions in Asian population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between BTLA gene polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer in the Tunisian population. In a case–control study, three BTLA single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): rs1982809 (A > G), rs9288952 (G > A) and rs9288953(C > T) were genotyped with the use of TaqMan probes in 169 lung cancer patients and in 300 controls. The rs1982809 SNP was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer compared with controls in codominant and dominant models. The heterozygous rs1982809‐AG genotype carriers had a higher risk of developing lung cancer when compared to AA genotype carriers in Tunisian population (OR (95%CI) = 1.63 (1.09–2.42), p = .01]. The AG genotype is an important risk factor associated with lymphatic invasion (OR = 3.71) and large‐sized lung tumour (OR = 1.80). It is also a risk factor for the development of an adenocarcinoma subtype (OR = 2.08). However, the BTLA rs9288953 and rs9288952 SNPs were not associated with susceptibility for lung cancer (p > .05). Haplotype comparison did not show any significant association in our research. For the survival analysis, there was no impact of BTLA SNPs on the mortality risk associated to lung cancer in Tunisian patients. The current study is the first to demonstrate an association between BTLA rs1982809 polymorphism and an increased lung cancer risk in the Tunisian population.
Thrombin generation abnormalities in Quebec platelet disorder
Authors: Brunet Justin G. , Sharma Tanmya , Tasneem Subia , Liang Minggao , Wilson Michael D. , Rivard Georges E. , Hayward Catherine P. M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionCalibrated automated thrombograms (CAT) with platelet‐poor (PPP) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) have provided useful insights on bleeding disorders. We used CAT to assess thrombin generation (TG) in Quebec platelet disorder (QPD)—a bleeding disorder caused by a PLAU duplication mutation that increases platelet (but not plasma) urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), leading to intraplatelet (but not systemic) plasmin generation that degrades α‐granule proteins and causes platelet (but not plasma) factor V (FV) deficiency.MethodsCalibrated automated thrombograms was used to test QPD (n = 7) and control (n = 22) PPP and PRP, with or without added tranexamic acid (TXA). TG endpoints were evaluated for relationships to platelet FV and uPA, plasma FV and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels, and bleeding scores.ResultsQuebec platelet disorder PPP TG was normal whereas QPD PRP had reduced endogenous thrombin potential and peak thrombin concentrations (P values < .01), proportionate to the platelet FV deficiency (R2 ≥ 0.81), but unrelated to platelet uPA, plasma FV, or bleeding scores. QPD TG abnormalities were not associated with TFPI abnormalities and were not reproduced by adding uPA to control PRP. TXA increased QPD and control PRP TG more than PPP TG, but it did not fully correct QPD PRP TG abnormalities or improve TG by plasminogen‐deficient plasma.ConclusionQuebec platelet disorder results in a platelet‐specific TG defect, proportionate to the loss of platelet FV, that is improved but not fully corrected by TXA. Our study provides an interesting example of why it is important to assess both PRP and PPP TG in bleeding disorders.
Solving the prize‐collecting Euclidean Steiner tree problem
Authors: Whittle David , Brazil Marcus , Grossman Peter A. , Rubinstein J. Hyam , Thomas Doreen A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe prize‐collecting Euclidean Steiner tree (PCEST) problem is a generalization of the well‐known Euclidean Steiner tree (EST) problem. All points given in an EST problem instance are connected by the shortest possible network in a solution. A solution can include additional points called Steiner points. A PCEST problem instance differs from an EST problem instance by the
addition of weights for each given point. A PCEST solution connects a subset of
the given points in order to maximize the net value of the network (the sum of
the selected point weights, less than the length of the network). We present an algorithmic framework for solving the PCEST problem. Included in the framework are efficient methods to determine subsets of points that must be in every solution, and subsets of points that cannot be in any solution. Also included are methods to generate and concatenate full Steiner trees.
Increasing cardiovascular medication adherence: A medical research council complex mhealth intervention mixed‐methods feasibility study to inform global practice
Authors: Khonsari Sahar , Chandler Colin , Parker Richard , Holloway Aisha 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate a mHealth intervention to increase medication adherence among Iranian coronary heart disease patients.DesignQuantitative‐dominant mixed‐methods study.Data SourceIranian coronary heart disease patients’ responses and most recent clinical documents as well as responses from Iranian cardiac nurses who participated in this study.MethodsThe study was conducted between September 2015–April 2016 drawing on the Medical Research Council's Framework. Phase one comprised of a patients’ survey and focus groups with cardiac nurses. The automated short message service reminder was piloted in phase two. We recruited 78 patients and randomized to receive either 12‐week daily reminders or usual care. The primary outcome was the effect on medication adherence; secondary outcomes were self‐efficacy, ejection fraction, functional capacity, readmission rate and quality of life.ResultsFeasibility was evidenced by high ownership of mobile phones and high interest in receiving reminders. Participants in the intervention group showed significantly higher medication adherence compared with the control group.ConclusionThe mHealth intervention was well accepted and feasible with early evidence of effectiveness that needs to be confirmed in a fully powered future randomized clinical trial.
Contamination of freshly harvested Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) seed from Mpumalanga, South Africa, with mycotoxigenic fungi
Authors: Otto Margot , Pretorius Beulah , Kritzinger Quenton , Schönfeldt Hettie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFreshly harvested Bambara groundnut (BGN) is occasionally consumed raw and can potentially become infected with mycotoxingenic field fungi. In this study, BGN samples were obtained from 12 farms in three districts of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Eight pooled samples were screened for multi‐mycotoxin contamination using Ultra Performance Liquid‐Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). To identify mycoflora, 12 samples were screened using conventional and molecular methods. Selected potential mycotoxin producing isolates were screened for mycotoxins using UPLC‐MS/MS. No mycotoxins were detected on the freshly harvested BGN samples, but they were infected with various mycotoxin producing fungal species namelyAspergillus flavus(50%),Penicillium citrinum(25%),Penicillium oxalicum(17%),Penicillium citreoviridin(0.8%), andFusarium verticillioides(0.8%). Following screening of selected fungal cultures, aflatoxin B1(0.4, 0.45 and 0.4 ppm) and fumonisin B1(0.7 ppm) were detected fromA. flavusandF. verticillioides, respectively.Identification of mycotoxigenic fungi on freshly harvested BGN presents a potential health risk.
Modified colonic transit test in healthy subjects and constipated patients: A triple‐phase, two‐center prospective study
Authors: Jiang Yongxiang , Kong Hao , Chang Tingmin , Bai Tao , Xiang Xuelian , Zhang Xiaohao , Xie Xiaoping , Zhang Lili , Zhang Chaoxian , Hou Xiaohua , Lin Rong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimClassic daily‐ingestion single‐film protocol using radiopaque markers for colonic transit time (CTT) is unsuitable for Chinese patients because of rapid colonic motility. A new modified method needs to be established.MethodsThe triple‐phase study was performed. In Phase I, the classic protocol was assessed to evaluate its feasibility for Chinese subjects. In Phase II, a modified protocol was performed in two centers on 180 healthy subjects and 90 constipated patients to determine optimal conditions. In Phase III, the simplified protocol was validated on 90 constipated patients.ResultsAll the subjects of the Phase I expelled more than 95% of the markers during the examination period, which means that the classic protocol is unsuitable for Chinese patients. The 20.9‐h mean total CTT for healthy Chinese subjects was much faster than that seen in Western countries. As shown by Phase II, the numbers of subjects went beyond the upper limit were 22 in P1TCTT and 10 in P2TCTT (8.14% vs 3.70%, P = 0.029). The percentage of values fall outside of the measurement range of excretion ratio was around half of our study subjects (45–70%), whereas this percentage was only 3.70% using P2TCTT. The simplified protocol had a diagnostic accuracy for constipation of 0.81, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.46 and 0.97, respectively.ConclusionsColon movement in Chinese individuals is significantly faster than that of Western populations. The modified protocol generated in this study is appropriate for diagnosis of constipation in population with rapid colon motility.
Capsaicin combined with ice stimulation improves swallowing function in patients with dysphagia after stroke: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cui Feifei , Yin Qingmei , Wu Chao , Shen Meifen , Zhang Yijie , Ma Chen , Zhang Haiying , Shen Fang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDysphagia is a common condition after stroke, and it is associated with many complications. Early and effective treatments are essential to the prognosis of patients with dysphagia. We aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of capsaicin combined with ice stimulation in patients with dysphagia after stroke.MethodsPatients with dysphagia admitted to our hospital from December 2017 to December 2019 were included. The control group received the ice stimulation, and the experimental group received the combined capsaicin and ice stimulation. The grade of water swallowing test (WST), standard swallowing assessment (SSA) scores and the serum substance P level was compared between control (ice only) and experimental group (capsaicin plus ice).ResultsNo differences before treatment and significance following treatment in each group (before and after) and between groups (capsaicin plus ice vs ice only) were found (all P > .05); the SSA scores were significantly reduced after intervention for both groups (all P < .001), and after intervention, SSA score in experimental group was significantly less than that of control group (P < .001). After intervention, the number of patients graded as WST level I‐II in experimental group was significantly more than that of control group (P < .001); the serum substance P level was significantly increased after intervention for both groups (all P < .05), and after intervention, the serum substance P level in experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group (P = .007).ConclusionsThe combined use of capsaicin with ice stimulation is beneficial to the recovery of swallowing function of patients with dysphagia, which should be included into the clinical practice.
“TANGO” nocturia scanning tool: Turkish validity and reliability study
Authors: Culha Mehmet Gokhan , Culha Yeliz , Buyukyilmaz Funda , Turan Nuray , Bower Wendy 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Targeting the Individual's Aetiology of Nocturia to Guide Outcomes (TANGO) screening tool, which is used to determine nocturia etiology.MethodsPatients hospitalized in urology, orthopedics, and general surgery clinics between September 2019 and January 2020 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the participants such as age, gender, drug use, and nocturia severity were assessed by the researchers. The Turkish version of the TANGO questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was filled in by the patients. The patients were asked to repeat the same test 4 weeks later.ResultsA total of 124 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 51.20 ± 18.50 (38‐82). The result of the reliability assessment showed that the total score intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.715 (individual item score weighted kappa coefficients, 0.696‐0.731) and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.727.A total of 112 patients filled in the TANGO screening tool again after 4 weeks. The test‐retest reliability analysis kappa value was 0.75 (0.68‐0.83). In the validity analysis, a moderately positive correlation was observed between the TANGO‐Urinary Incontinence Score and the number of nocturia (r = 0.452, P = .003).ConclusionAccording to the validation study, the TANGO screening tool is valid and reliable to determine the nocturia etiology for the Turkish population.
Complement factors and alpha‐fetoprotein as biomarkers for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects
Authors: Dong Naixuan , Gu Hui , Liu Dan , Wei Xiaowei , Ma Wei , Ma Ling , Liu Yusi , Wang Yanfu , Jia Shanshan , Huang Jieting , Wang Chenfei , He Xuan , Huang Tianchu , He Yiwen , Zhang Qiang , An Dong , Bai Yuzuo , Yuan Zhengwei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNeural tube defects (NTDs) are serious congenital malformations. In this study, we aimed to identify more specific and sensitive maternal serum biomarkers for noninvasive NTD screenings. We collected serum from 37 pregnant women carrying fetuses with NTDs and 38 pregnant women carrying normal fetuses. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation were conducted for differential proteomic analysis, and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to validate the results. We then used a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to establish a disease prediction model for NTD diagnosis. We identified 113 differentially expressed proteins; of these, 23 were either up‐ or downregulated 1.5‐fold or more, including five complement proteins (C1QA, C1S, C1R, C9, and C3); C3 and C9 were downregulated significantly in NTD groups. The accuracy rate of the SVM model of the complement factors (including C1QA, C1S, and C3) was 62.5%, with 60% sensitivity and 67% specificity, while the accuracy rate of the SVM model of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP, an established biomarker for NTDs) was 62.5%, with 75% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Combination of the complement factor and AFP data resulted in the SVM model accuracy of 75%, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed 75% sensitivity and 75% specificity. These data suggest that a disease prediction model based on combined complement factor and AFP data could serve as a more accurate method of noninvasive prenatal NTD diagnosis.