bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predator responses to fire: A global systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Geary William L. , Doherty Tim S. , Nimmo Dale G. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Ritchie Euan G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractKnowledge of how disturbances such as fire shape habitat structure and composition, and affect animal interactions, is fundamental to ecology and ecosystem management. Predators also exert strong effects on ecological communities, through top‐down regulation of prey and competitors, which can result in trophic cascades. Despite their ubiquity, ecological importance and potential to interact with fire, our general understanding of how predators respond to fire remains poor, hampering ecosystem management.To address this important knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effects of fire on terrestrial, vertebrate predators world‐wide. We found 160 studies spanning 1978–2018. There were 36 studies with sufficient information for meta‐analysis, from which we extracted 96 effect sizes (Hedges'g) for 67 predator species relating to changes in abundance indices, occupancy or resource selection in burned and unburned areas, or before and after fire.Studies spanned geographic locations, taxonomic families and study designs, but most were located in North America and Oceania (59% and 24%, respectively), and largely focussed on felids (24%) and canids (25%). Half (50%) of the studies reported responses to wildfire, and nearly one third concerned prescribed (management) fires.There were no clear, general responses of predators to fire, nor relationships with geographic area, biome or life‐history traits (e.g. body mass, hunting strategy and diet). Responses varied considerably between species. Analysis of species for which at least three effect sizes had been reported in the literature revealed that red foxesVulpes vulpesmostly responded positively to fire (e.g. higher abundance in burned compared to unburned areas) and eastern racersColuber constrictornegatively, with variances overlapping zero only slightly for both species.Our systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed strong variation in predator responses to fire, and major geographic and taxonomic knowledge gaps. Varied responses of predator species to fire likely depend on ecosystem context. Consistent reporting of ongoing monitoring and management experiments is required to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving predator responses to fire, and any broader effects (e.g. trophic interactions). The divergent responses of species in our study suggest that adaptive, context‐specific management of predator–fire relationships is required.
Assurance of the existence of a trans‐boundary population of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) at Tsagaanshuvuut – Tsagan‐Shibetu SPA at the Mongolia–Russia border
Authors: POYARKOV Andrey D. , MUNKHTSOG Bariushaa , KORABLEV Miroslav P. , KUKSIN Alexander N. , ALEXANDROV Dmitry Y. , CHISTOPOLOVA Maria D. , HERNANDEZ‐BLANCO Jose Antonio , MUNKHTOGTOKH Ochirjav , KARNAUKHOV Alexander S. , LKHAMSUREN Namdag , BAYARAA Munkhtsog , JACKSON Rodney M. , MAHESHWARI Aishwarya , ROZHNOV Viatcheslav V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe existence of a trans‐boundary population of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut (Mongolia) – Tsagan‐Shibetu (Russia) was determined through non‐invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual. The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites. The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method (MCP) 100, the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method. The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs (minimal fixation index [FST]), and the data testify to the unity of the cross‐border group. Moreover, 5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories. This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries. In addition, regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross‐border snow leopard group. These data support that trans‐boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries. We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.
Emulsifier Composition of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) Affects Mechanical and Barrier Properties of SLN‐Protein Composite Films
Authors: Wiedenmann Verena , Oehlke Kathleen , van der Schaaf Ulrike , Koivula Hanna M. , Mikkonen Kirsi S. , Karbstein Heike P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProtein films can be applied to improve food quality and to reduce packaging waste. To overcome their poor water barrier properties, lipids are often incorporated. The function of incorporated lipid depends on the interface between filler and matrix. This study aimed to tailor the properties of a protein–lipid film by designing the oil/water interface to see if the concept of inactive/active filler is valid. Therefore, we varied the emulsifier stabilizing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to promote (via β‐lactoglobulin) or to minimize (via Tween 20) interactions between particle surface and protein. SLN were incorporated into protein films and film properties were determined. Addition of SLN led to significantly decreased water vapor permeability (WVP) of protein films. However, WVP was mainly affected by the emulsifiers and not by the lipid. Protein‐stabilized SLN (BS) replaced a lacking protein in the protein network and therefore did not influence the mechanical properties of the films at ambient temperature. BS‐composite films were temperature sensitive, as lipid and sucrose palmitate melted at temperatures above 40 °C. Tween 20‐stabilized SLN (TS) led to reduced tensile strengths, probably due to perturbative effects of TS and plasticizing effects of Tween 20. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that TS and Tween 20 increased film mobility. Melting of lipid and emulsifiers, and temperature‐dependent behavior of Tween 20 led to a strong temperature dependence of the film stiffness. By designing the interface, particles can be used to tailor mechanical properties of protein films. Tuned edible films could be used to control mass transfers between foods.
Distinguishing nutrient‐dependent plant driven bacterial colonization patterns in alfalfa
Authors: Moccia Katherine , Willems Andrew , Papoulis Spiridon , Flores Alicia , Forister Matthew L. , Fordyce James A. , Lebeis Sarah L. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryTo understand factors that influence the assembly of microbial communities, we inoculated Medicago sativa with a series of nested bacterial synthetic communities and grew plants in distinct nitrogen concentrations. Two isolates in our eight‐member synthetic community, Williamsia sp. R60 and Pantoea sp. R4, consistently dominate community structure across nitrogen regimes. While Pantoea sp. R4 consistently colonizes plants to a higher degree compared to the other six organisms across each community and each nutrient level, Williamsia sp. R60 exhibits nutrient specific colonization differences. Williamsia sp. R60 is more abundant in plants grown at higher nitrogen concentrations, but exhibits the opposite trend when no plant is present, indicating plant‐driven influence over colonization. Our research discovered unique, repeatable colonization phenotypes for individual microbes during plant microbiome assembly, and identified alterations caused by the host plant, microbes, and available nutrients.
Cross‐National Comparisons and Correlates of Harms From the Drinking of People With Whom You Work
Authors: Laslett Anne‐Marie , Stanesby Oliver , Wilsnack Sharon , Room Robin , Greenfield Thomas K. 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundWhile research in high‐income countries (HICs) has established high costs associated with alcohol’s harm to others (AHTO) in the workplace, scant attention has been paid to AHTO in the workplace in lower‐ or middle‐income countries (LMICs).AimTo compare estimates and predictors of alcohol’s impacts upon coworkers among workers in 12 countries.MethodsCross‐sectional surveys from 9,693 men and 8,606 women employed in Switzerland, Australia, the United States, Ireland, New Zealand, Chile, Nigeria, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka. Five questions were asked about harms in the past year because of coworkers’ drinking: Had they (i) covered for another worker; (ii) worked extra hours; (iii) been involved in an accident or close call; or had their (iv) own productivity been reduced; or (v) ability to do their job been affected? Logistic regression and meta‐analyses were estimated with 1 or more harms (vs. none) as the dependent variable, adjusting for age, sex, rurality of location, and the respondent worker’s own drinking.ResultsBetween 1% (New Zealand) and 16% (Thailand) of workers reported that they had been adversely affected by a coworker’s drinking in the previous year (with most countries in the 6 to 13% range). Smaller percentages (<1% to 12%) reported being in an accident or close call due to others’ drinking. Employed men were more likely to report harm from coworkers’ drinking than employed women in all countries apart from the United States, New Zealand, and Vietnam, and own drinking pattern was associated with increased harm in 5 countries. Harms were distributed fairly equally across age and geographic regions. Harm from coworkers’ drinking was less prevalent among men in HICs compared with LMICs.ConclusionsWorkforce impairment because of drinking extends beyond the drinker in a range of countries and impacts productivity and economic development, particularly affecting men in LMICs.
Association of a P2RX7 gene missense variant with brachycephalic dog breeds
Authors: Sophocleous R. A. , Sluyter V. , Curtis B. L. , Curtis S. J. , Jurak L. M. , Faulks M. , Spildrejorde M. , Gates S. , Proctor E.‐J. , Seavers A. , Watson D. , Kuit T. , Dowton M. , Stokes L. , Sluyter R. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryMissense variants are associated with various phenotypic traits and disorders in dogs. The canine P2RX7 gene, coding the ATP‐gated P2X7 receptor ion channel, contains four known missense variants. The current study aimed to examine the presence of these variants in a random sample of pedigree and mixed‐pedigree dogs. Exons 3, 8, 11 and 13 of the P2RX7 gene, encoding these four respective variants, in 65 dogs were assessed by Sanger sequencing and combined with existing sequencing data from another 69 dogs. The distribution of these variants was then evaluated in all 134 dogs combined and separately within individual breeds including 35 different pure breeds. The rs23314713 (p.Phe103Leu) and rs23315462 (p.Pro452Ser) variants were present in 47 and 40% of all dogs studied respectively, with the rs23314713 variant associated with brachycephalic breeds. Among pedigree dogs, the rs23314713 and rs23315462 variants were associated with brachycephalic and non‐brachycephalic breeds respectively. The rs851148233 (p.Arg270Cys) and rs850760787 (p.Arg365Gln) variants were present only in dogs of Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever pedigrees respectively. No other missense variants were found in exons 3, 8, 11 and 13 of the P2RX7 gene within the dogs. In conclusion, the rs23314713 and rs23315462 missense variants of the P2RX7 gene are present in a large proportion of dogs, with the rs23314713 variant associated with a number of brachycephalic breeds. However, the association of this variant with dogs of bulldog ancestry, not brachycephaly per se, cannot be excluded.
State‐of‐the‐art in marketed adjuvants and formulations in Allergen Immunotherapy: A position paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)
Authors: Jensen‐Jarolim Erika , Bachmann Martin F. , Bonini Sergio , Jacobsen Lars , Jutel Marek , Klimek Ludger , Mahler Vera , Mösges Ralph , Moingeon Philippe , O´Hehir Robyn E. , Palomares Oscar , Pfaar Oliver , Renz Harald , Rhyner Claudio , Roth‐Walter Franziska , Rudenko Michael , Savolainen Johannes , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Kündig Thomas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSince the introduction of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) over 100 years ago, focus has been on standardization of allergen extracts, with reliable molecular composition of allergens receiving the highest attention. While adjuvants play a major role in European AIT, they have been less well studied. In this Position Paper, we summarize current unmet needs of adjuvants in AIT citing current evidence. Four adjuvants are used in products marketed in Europe: aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3) is the most frequently used adjuvant, with microcrystalline tyrosine (MCT), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and calcium phosphate (CaP) used less frequently. Recent studies on humans, and using mouse models, have characterized in part the mechanisms of action of adjuvants on pre‐existing immune responses. AIT differs from prophylactic vaccines that provoke immunity to infectious agents, as in allergy the patient is presensitized to the antigen. The intended mode of action of adjuvants is to simultaneously enhance the immunogenicity of the allergen, while precipitating the allergen at the injection site to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis. Contrasting immune effects are seen with different adjuvants. Aluminium hydroxide initially boosts Th2 responses, while the other adjuvants utilized in AIT redirect the Th2 immune response towards Th1 immunity. After varying lengths of time, each of the adjuvants supports tolerance. Further studies of the mechanisms of action of adjuvants may advise shorter treatment periods than the current three‐to‐five‐year regimens, enhancing patient adherence. Improved lead compounds from the adjuvant pipeline are under development and are explored for their capacity to fill this unmet need.
De Winter syndrome may be an early electrocardiogram pattern of acute myocardial infarction, two cases report
Authors: Zhang Lingzhi , Fan Yuncao , Xu Jinzhong , Yan Jianxin , Ruan Qianzi , Jiang Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDe Winter syndrome is an electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern related to acute occlusion of the anterior descending artery. The incidence rate of De Winter syndrome is rare, but still requires much attention from clinicians.MethodsTwo patients who finnaly diagnosed with De Winter syndrome were included in our study.ResultsA 55‐year‐old male farmer, who was previously healthy, came to the emergency room due to sudden pain in the precordial area for 6 hours, accompanied with back pain and sweating. The second ECG revealed De Winter syndrome. Emergency coronary angiography was taken, which showed a severe atrioventricular block; diffuse stenosis in the proximal and middle segments of the left anterior descending branch, with 90% stenosis in the severest region. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left anterior descending artery was performed. A 70‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension arrived at the Emergency Department with chest pain for 3 hours. The first ECG was performed, which was contacted with de winter syndrome. The second ECG demonstrated acute anterior Myocardial infarction. Emergency coronary angiography showed approximately 95% stenosis at the junction of the proximal and middle segments. PCI of the proximal and middle segments of the left anterior descending artery was performed.ConclusionDe Winter syndrome is a type of acute coronary syndrome, which may be an early ECG pattern in the development of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. Therefore, once De Winter syndrome is observed on the ECG, acute coronary syndrome, especially acute anterior descending occlusion should not be ignored.
Sources of QTc variability: Implications for effective ECG monitoring in clinical practice
Authors: Hnatkova Katerina , Malik Marek 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPharmaceuticals that prolong ventricular repolarization may be proarrhythmic in susceptible patients. While this fact is well recognized, schemes for sequential QTc interval monitoring in patients receiving QT‐prolonging drugs are frequently overlooked or, if implemented, underutilized in clinical practice. There are several reasons for this gap in day‐to‐day clinical practice. One of these is the perception that serially measured QTc intervals are subject to substantial variability that hampers the distinction between potential proarrhythmic signs and other sources of QTc variability. This review shows that substantial part of the QTc variability can be avoided if more accurate methodology for electrocardiogram collection, measurement, and interpretation is used. Four aspects of such a methodology are discussed. First, advanced methods for QT interval measurement are proposed including suggestion of multilead measurements in problematic recordings such as those in atrial fibrillation patients. Second, serial comparisons of T‐wave morphologies are advocated instead of simple acceptance of historical QTc measurements. Third, the necessity of understanding the pitfalls of heart rate correction is stressed including the necessity of avoiding the Bazett correction in cases of using QTc values for clinical decisions. Finally, the frequently overlooked problem of QT‐heart rate hysteresis is discussed including the possibility of gross QTc errors when correcting the QT interval for simultaneously measured short‐term heart rate.
Knowledge of postpartum care and postbirth warning signs among midwives in Ghana
Authors: Adams Yenupini Joyce , Ray Herman E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Ghana, midwives are the primary maternity care practitioners. Their knowledge of postpartum care is critical for preventing and reducing maternal deaths because it affects the quality of care provided to women. In addition, midwives’ knowledge of postbirth warning signs is important for early identification and management of complications. This study assessed midwives’ knowledge of postpartum care and postbirth warning signs to develop interventions to improve patient care.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 246 midwives was conducted in the four main hospitals of Tamale, Ghana. Data were collected using a postpartum care knowledge questionnaire developed by JHPIEGO. Data were analyzed in SAS version 9.4 using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics.ResultsMean age of midwives was 31.9 years. The percentage of midwives who responded correctly to each postpartum care question ranged from 41.6% to 84.9%. Most midwives were knowledgeable about breastfeeding—however, knowledge about fundus location, postpartum examination, and care during first 2 hours postpartum was low. Hospital was associated with knowledge of postpartum care (P < .001). Only 28.1% of midwives identified all nine warning signs of complications. Most midwives could identify severe bleeding, severe headaches, and high temperature as warning signs—however, knowledge of warning signs of some life‐threatening complications such as chest pain, obstructed breathing, and thoughts of hurting oneself was low. More years of experience was associated with better knowledge of postbirth warning signs (P = .03).DiscussionFindings suggest a need for additional training of midwives in how to care for postpartum patients and accurately identify warning signs for life‐threatening complications.
Benefit‐risk assessment of nivolumab 240 mg flat dose relative to 3 mg/kg Q2W regimen in Japanese patients with advanced cancers
Authors: Bei Di , Osawa Mayu , Uemura Shinji , Ohno Tomoya , Gobburu Jogarao , Roy Amit , Hasegawa Mayumi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) has been approved in Japan for various cancers; however, use of a flat dose is expected to simplify dosing and administration. A quantitative clinical pharmacology approach was used to assess the benefit‐risk profile of nivolumab 240 mg Q2W relative to the approved dose of nivolumab 3 mg/kg Q2W in Japanese patients. Three exposure‐response safety analyses were performed for adverse events that led to discontinuation/death, were grade 3 or higher, and were immune‐mediated and grade 2 or higher for Japanese patients diagnosed with one of multiple tumor types. Exposure‐response analyses of efficacy were evaluated for overall survival and objective response rate. Exposures of nivolumab 240 mg Q2W were 37% higher than those of nivolumab 3 mg/kg Q2W in Japanese patients across the tumor types analyzed. Predicted safety profiles at the two doses differed by less than 2% across tumor types for adverse events leading to discontinuation/death, adverse events of grade 3 or higher, or immune‐mediated adverse events of grade 2 or higher. In addition, the predicted 1‐year and 2‐year overall survival rates, the mean overall survival and the objective response rates were comparable between the doses regardless of the tumor type analyzed. Overall, these results demonstrated that the benefit‐risk of nivolumab 240 mg Q2W was comparable to that of the previously approved 3 mg/kg Q2W dosing regimen, and was the basis for the approval of the 240 mg Q2W as an alternative dosing regimen for treatment in Japanese patients across multiple tumor types.
Accuracy of microcystic aspect on T2‐weighted MRI for the diagnosis of silent corticotroph adenomas
Authors: Kasuki Leandro , Antunes Ximene , Coelho Maria Caroline Alves , Lamback Elisa Baranski , Galvão Sarah , Silva Camacho Aline Helen , Chimelli Leila , Ventura Nina , Gadelha Mônica R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionA single study suggested that silent corticotropinomas (SCAs) have a different imaging phenotype, with microcystic aspect on T2‐weighted sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (T2‐MRI). This study only analysed manifest and silent corticotropinomas and nonfunctioning gonadotroph adenomas. Therefore, the prevalence of microcystic patterns of other tumours is not known.AimTo analyse frequency of microcystic patterns on T2‐MRI in all subtypes of pituitary adenomas and determine accuracy of this radiological finding for diagnosing SCA.MethodsConsecutive pituitary adenoma patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2016 at a single centre were included. T2‐MRIs were evaluated by a radiologist and an endocrinologist blinded to histological diagnosis.ResultsA total of 143 patients (52% female) with median age of 49 years (14‐80) were included. Clinically, there were 90 nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), 32 somatotropinomas, 13 corticotropinomas, five prolactinomas and three TSH‐secreting adenomas. Of the patients with NFPA, 12 (13%) were SCAs, 73 (79%) were gonadotropinomas and five (6%) were positive for prolactin (three) or TSH (two). A microcystic pattern was observed in 16 tumours (11%): one somatotropinoma, one corticotropinoma, seven SCAs and seven gonadotropinomas, and in no prolactinomas or TSH‐secreting adenomas. It was more common in SCAs than in other tumours (58.3% vs 6.9%, respectively, P < .001) and had a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 93% and an accuracy of 90% to define an SCA.ConclusionMicrocystic aspect on T2‐MRI is able to define SCA with a good accuracy and can be a useful tool, considering the more aggressive behaviour of these tumours.