bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning in non‐avian reptiles 40 years on: advances and promising new directions
Authors: Szabo Birgit , Noble Daniel W. A. , Whiting Martin J. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTRecently, there has been a surge in cognition research using non‐avian reptile systems. As a diverse group of animals, non‐avian reptiles [turtles, the tuatara, crocodylians, and squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenids)] are good model systems for answering questions related to cognitive ecology, from the role of the environment on the brain, behaviour and learning, to how social and life‐history factors correlate with learning ability. Furthermore, given their variable social structure and degree of sociality, studies on reptiles have shown that group living is not a pre‐condition for social learning. Past research has demonstrated that non‐avian reptiles are capable of more than just instinctive reactions and basic cognition. Despite their ability to provide answers to fundamental questions in cognitive ecology, and a growing literature, there have been no recent systematic syntheses of research in this group. Here, we systematically, and comprehensively review studies on reptile learning. We identify 92 new studies investigating learning in reptiles not included in previous reviews on this topic – affording a unique opportunity to provide a more in‐depth synthesis of existing work, its taxonomic distribution, the types of cognitive domains tested and methodologies that have been used. Our review therefore provides a major update on our current state of knowledge and ties the collective evidence together under nine umbrella research areas: (i) habituation of behaviour, (ii) animal training through conditioning, (iii) avoiding aversive stimuli, (iv) spatial learning and memory, (v) learning during foraging, (vi) quality and quantity discrimination, (vii) responding to change, (viii) solving novel problems, and (ix) social learning. Importantly, we identify knowledge gaps and propose themes which offer important future research opportunities including how cognitive ability might influence fitness and survival, testing cognition in ecologically relevant situations, comparing cognition in invasive and non‐invasive populations of species, and social learning. To move the field forward, it will be immensely important to build upon the descriptive approach of testing whether a species can learn a task with experimental studies elucidating causal reasons for cognitive variation within and among species. With the appropriate methodology, this young but rapidly growing field of research should advance greatly in the coming years providing significant opportunities for addressing general questions in cognitive ecology and beyond.
Molecular design aided by random forests and synthesis of potent trypanocidal agents as cruzain inhibitors for Chagas disease treatment
Authors: de Albuquerque Sérgio , Cianni Lorenzo , de Vita Daniela , Duque Carla , Gomes Ana S. M. , Gomes Paula , Laughton Charles , Leitão Andrei , Montanari Carlos A. , Montanari Raphael , Ribeiro Jean F. R. , da Silva João Santana , Teixeira Cátia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCruzain is an established target for the identification of novel trypanocidal agents, but how good are in vitro/in vivo correlations? This work describes the development of a random forests model for the prediction of the bioavailability of cruzain inhibitors that are Trypanosoma cruzi killers. Some common properties that characterize drug‐likeness are poorly represented in many established cruzain inhibitors. This correlates with the evidence that many high‐affinity cruzain inhibitors are not trypanocidal agents against T. cruzi. On the other hand, T. cruzi killers that present typical drug‐like characteristics are likely to show better trypanocidal action than those without such features. The random forests model was not outperformed by other machine learning methods (such as artificial neural networks and support vector machines), and it was validated with the synthesis of two new trypanocidal agents. Specifically, we report a new lead compound, Neq0565, which was tested on T. cruzi Tulahuen (β‐galactosidase) with a pEC50 of 4.9. It is inactive in the host cell line showing a selectivity index (SI = EC50cyto/EC50T. cruzi) higher than 50.
Improving parents' knowledge of early signs of paediatric eye disease: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Staffieri Sandra E. , Rees Gwyneth , Sanfilippo Paul G. , Cole Stephen , Mackey David A. , Hewitt Alex W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImportanceEducating parents to recognize signs of eye disease and consult a healthcare professional is critical to timely diagnosis, intervention and outcomes.BackgroundWe evaluate the effectiveness of an eye‐health information pamphlet on parents' level of concern and help‐seeking intention should they hypothetically observe leukocoria or strabismus in their child.DesignDouble‐blind, randomized controlled trial conducted at a metropolitan antenatal outpatient clinic.ParticipantsIn total, 518 pregnant women were enrolled in the study.MethodsAfter completing a study‐specific, pre‐test survey describing hypothetical clinical scenarios at baseline, participants were randomly assigned to receive a pamphlet on either paediatric eye health (intervention) or infant play (control). The post‐test survey was sent by email 2 weeks after baseline.Main outcome measuresA change in the parents' level of concern if they observed leukocoria or strabismus and a change in their help‐seeking intention if they hypothetically observed leukocoria or strabismus in their child.ResultsOf the 518 women, 382 (73.7%) completed the post‐test survey. At follow‐up, women who received the intervention were more likely to report a higher level of concern if they observed leukocoria (OR 1.711 [CI: 1.176‐2.497] P = .005]) and were less likely to delay help‐seeking (OR 0.560 [CI 0.382‐0.817] P = .003). No change in the level of concern for strabismus was identified between the groups; however, at follow‐up, women who received the intervention were less likely to delay help‐seeking (OR 0.318 [CI 0.125‐0.806] P = .016).Conclusion and relevanceProviding parents with relevant, evidence‐based information can significantly improve their knowledge and positively influence help‐seeking intentions if leukocoria or strabismus are observed.
Cutis laxa: A comprehensive overview of clinical characteristics and pathophysiology
Authors: Beyens Aude , Boel Annekatrien , Symoens Sofie , Callewaert Bert 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCutis laxa (CL) syndromes comprise a rare group of multisystem disorders that share loose redundant skin folds as hallmark clinical feature. CL results from impaired elastic fiber assembly and homeostasis, and the known underlying gene defects affect different extracellular matrix proteins, intracellular trafficking, or cellular metabolism. Due to the underlying clinical and molecular heterogeneity, the diagnostic work‐up of CL patients is often challenging. In this review, we provide a practical approach to the broad differential diagnosis of CL syndromes, provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of the different subtypes, and suggest general management guidelines.
Patient‐based outcomes with conventional or mini‐implants immediately loaded with locator‐retained mandibular overdentures: A cohort study
Authors: Mifsud David P. , Cortes Arthur R. G. , Attard Nikolai J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known on the effect of varying implant diameters, especially with mini implants (ie, less than 3 mm in diameter), on oral health‐related quality of life (OHrQoL).PurposeTo compare OHrQoL and satisfaction in patients with mandibular overdentures immediately retained by either two conventional or two mini‐implants.Materials and methodsEdentulous patients receiving immediately loaded overdentures retained by Locators on either two conventional diameter (4.1 mm) or two mini (2.9 mm or less) implants were selected based on available buccal‐lingual ridge width in the intraforaminal area. Two questionnaires were used (Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 [OHIP‐14]; and Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire [DSQ]) to determine OHrQoL and overall denture satisfaction. Questionnaires were filled out at six different time points up to a 1‐year follow‐up. Mann‐Whitney U test was used for group comparisons. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to identify changes within group along the time points. Correlation between OHIP‐14 and DSQ was assessed with Spearman test.ResultsA total of 48 patients were analyzed and equally distributed to each group. The conventional group presented a significantly smaller change of OHIP functional score from the baseline to the first week of follow‐up after surgery (P = .017). In addition, total DSQ scores were significantly higher for the conventional group at 12 weeks (P = .022) and there was a significant difference between groups in satisfaction with mandibular prosthesis at 24 weeks (P = .034). Correlation between OHIP‐14 and DSQ was not significant (P > .05). Individual results of each group (ie, within group analysis) over all assessed time points revealed a significant OHrQoL (P = .001 for conventional, P = .006 for mini‐implants) and satisfaction (P < .001 for both groups) improvement in both groups.ConclusionMandibular overdentures retained by two conventional or mini‐implants lead to a significant and comparable improvements in OHrQoL and satisfaction over a 1‐year follow‐up.
Slower recovery of outpatient clinics than inpatient services for stroke and other neurological diseases after COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Yong , Fisher Marc , Liu Renyu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn this brief report, we investigated the impact of COVID‐19 on outpatient stroke clinics and inpatient services and their recovery process.MethodsWe sent a survey to physicians worldwide through the network of the World Stroke Organization to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on stroke clinics. To farther along in recovering from the outbreak, we reviewed stroke and other neurology outpatient clinic visits (approximately 50% were stroke related) and the number of inpatient services from December 2019 to July 2020 in a large neurology department in Shanghai, China, where there was no official city lockdown.ResultsWe received 112 valid survey responses from 46 countries, representing all continents except for Antarctica. Only seven of the survey responders (7/112, 6.3%) reported that they have kept their outpatient clinics open as usual, but they did exercise increased precautions for COVID‐19 by following recent guidelines regarding use of personal protective equipment and isolation techniques. The remainder of the respondents have either reduced outpatient clinic services or suspended outpatient clinics completely. Telephone consultation or telemedicine with video capability was used for new patients or follow‐ups, with limited in‐person evaluations when necessary. Outpatient clinic visits and inpatient services from a large tertiary hospital in China decreased dramatically during the peak period of the outbreak, but then rebounded back quickly following the partial or full recovery from the outbreak. Compared with the recovery process of inpatient services, outpatient clinic visits decreased faster and recovered much slower. This is consistent with our global survey data which indicates that some outpatient clinics have rescheduled their outpatient visits for 3 to 6 months.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused a significant drop of in‐person outpatient visits and inpatient services. Clinic visits recovered slower than inpatient services in stroke and other neurological diseases after the pandemic.
Clinical and endoscopist factors associated with post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancer in a population‐based sample
Authors: Dossa Fahima , Sutradhar Rinku , Saskin Refik , Hsieh Eugene , Henry Pauline , Richardson Devon P. , Leake Pierre‐Anthony , Forbes Shawn S. , Paszat Lawrence F. , Rabeneck Linda , Baxter Nancy N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimFactors associated with verified post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRC) have not been well defined and survival for these patients is not well described. We aimed to assess the association of patient, tumour and endoscopist characteristics with PCCRC.MethodsUsing population‐based data, we identified individuals diagnosed with CRC from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005 who underwent a colonoscopy within 3 years prior to diagnosis. Detected cancers were those diagnosed ≤6 months following colonoscopy; PCCRC were diagnosed >6 months to ≤3 years following colonoscopy. Post‐colonoscopy and detected cancers were verified through chart review using a hospital‐based simple random sampling frame. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to determine the association of patient, tumour and endoscopist factors with PCCRC and compared overall survival using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsUsing the random sampling frame, we identified 498 patients with PCCRC and 498 with detected CRC; we obtained records and confirmed 367 patients with PCCRC and 412 with detected cancers. In multivariable analysis, patient age (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.03) and tumour location (distal vs. proximal OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.25–0.53) were associated with PCCRC; endoscopist quality measures were not significantly associated with PCCRC. We did not find significant differences in overall survival between PCCRC and detected cancers (hazard ratio 1.12; 95% CI 0.92–1.32).ConclusionAlthough endoscopic quality measures are important for CRC prevention, endoscopist factors were not associated with PCCRC. This study highlights the need for further research into the role of tumour biology in PCCRC development.
Does pediatric heart transplant survival differ with various cardiac preservation solutions?
Authors: Shaw Taylor B. , Lirette Seth , Carter Kristen T. , Kutcher Matthew E. , Baran David A. , Copeland Jack G. , Copeland Hannah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFew studies directly compare outcomes between the most commonly used preservation solutions in pediatric heart transplantation in a large cohort of recipients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cardiac preservation solution on survival in pediatric heart transplant recipients.MethodsThe United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was retrospectively reviewed from 01/2004‐03/2018 for pediatric donor hearts. Saline, University of Wisconsin (UW), “cardioplegia,” Celsior, and Custodiol preservation solutions were evaluated. The primary endpoints were recipient survival at 30 days, 1 year, and long term.ResultsAfter exclusion criteria, 3012 recipients had preservation solution data available. The most common preservation solution used was UW in 1203 patients (40%), followed by Celsior in 542 (18%), cardioplegia in 461 (15%), saline in 408 (14%), and Custodiol in 398 (13%). Survival of recipients whose donor hearts were procured with UW was as follows: 97%—30 day, 92%—1 year; Celsior: 97%—30 day, 92%—1 year; cardioplegia: 97%—30 day, 91%—1 year; saline: 97%—30 day, 91%—1 year; and Custodiol: 96%—30 day and 92%—1 year. Analysis of Cox models for 30‐day and long‐term survival revealed no statistical differences when comparing UW to Celsior (p = .333), cardioplegia (p = .914), saline (p = .980), or Custodiol (p = .642) in adjusted models.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in 30‐day or 1‐year survival detected between commonly used preservation solutions in the pediatric heart transplant population.
Sustained type 1 diabetes self‐management: Specifying the behaviours involved and their influences
Authors: Hamilton K. , Stanton‐Fay S. H. , Chadwick P. M. , Lorencatto F. , de Zoysa N. , Gianfrancesco C. , Taylor C. , Coates E. , Breckenridge J. P. , Cooke D. , Heller S. R. , Michie S. ,   the DAFNEplus study group
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsSustained engagement in type 1 diabetes self‐management behaviours is a critical element in achieving improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and minimising risk of complications. Evaluations of self‐management programmes, such as Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE), typically find that initial improvements are rarely sustained beyond 12 months. This study identified behaviours involved in sustained type 1 diabetes self‐management, their influences and relationships to each other.MethodsA mixed‐methods study was conducted following the first two steps of the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. First, an expert stakeholder consultation identified behaviours involved in self‐management of type 1 diabetes. Second, three evidence sources (systematic review, healthcare provider‐generated ‘red flags’ and participant‐generated ‘frequently asked questions’) were analysed to identify and synthesise modifiable barriers and enablers to sustained self‐management. These were characterised according to the Capability‐Opportunity‐Motivation‐Behaviour (COM‐B) model.Results150 distinct behaviours were identified and organised into three self‐regulatory behavioural cycles, reflecting different temporal and situational aspects of diabetes self‐management: Routine (e.g. checking blood glucose), Reactive (e.g. treating hypoglycaemia) and Reflective (e.g. reviewing blood glucose data to identify patterns). Thirty‐four barriers and five enablers were identified: 10 relating to Capability, 20 to Opportunity and nine to Motivation.ConclusionsMultiple behaviours within three self‐management cycles are involved in sustained type 1 diabetes self‐management. There are a wide range of barriers and enablers that should be addressed to support self‐management behaviours and improve clinical outcomes. The present study provides an evidence base for refining and developing type 1 diabetes self‐management programmes.
China–Japan development finance competition and the revival of mercantilism
Authors: Chen Muyang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMotivationAdvanced industrial economies that used to advocate and implement charitable foreign assistance have started to (re)adopt mercantilist development finance by using official development finance credits to support private firms. This seems to be in response to the mercantilist practice of emerging Southern development partners.PurposeThis article compares mercantilist practice by Northern and Southern development partners by examining how and why the public financial agencies of China and Japan offer state‐backed credits to businesses in different ways.Approach and methodsThe practices of China's two national policy banks—China Development Bank (CDB) and Export‐Import Bank of China (Chexim), were compared to those of Japan's two public financial agencies—Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).Quantitative data was obtained from published primary sources, including official histories, annual reports and financial statements of the agencies as well as public financial almanacs and policy documents. In the absence of official data, open‐source secondary data collected by research institutes and agencies was used.Between 2016 and 2019, the author conducted 59 interviews in China and 15 in Japan with officials of the financial agencies, their clients, other stakeholders and researchers.FindingsChinese firms rely largely on public financial agencies to win international contracts. Japanese firms borrow from public financial agencies primarily for overseas investment projects, which may also attract private finance.Policy implicationsChina's rise has triggered Japan as well as other older industrial economies to respond by (re)adopting mercantilist development finance policies to encourage commercial investors to engage in development co‐operation. However, the looser relations between state and firms in older industrial economies such as Japan makes it harder to encourage private firms to follow state strategies and invest in underdeveloped regions.
Phenology of feeding preference in post‐diapause Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) caterpillars
Authors: Arriens June V. , Brown Leone M. , Crone Elizabeth E. 
Published: October 2020

1. Host plant use has important life history impacts for caterpillars, and this can change throughout development. Although food quality is important for all caterpillar instars, previous work has found a decreased diet preference in late instars, possibly owing to greater intake requirements.2. Baltimore checkerspot butterflies are highly specialised in their diet as pre‐diapause caterpillars but are less specialised post‐diapause. This study investigated phenological changes in Baltimore checkerspot caterpillar preference and performance on different post‐diapause host plants in the field and lab.3. Caterpillar preference and performance in the lab on four post‐diapause host plants followed the same rank order. The highest ranked plant was their main host plant, followed by an alternative host used for oviposition in some populations, then a commonly observed post‐diapause‐only host, and finally a previously unrecorded post‐diapause host plant.4. In contrast to lab results, field observations showed a decrease throughout the season in the use of the main host plant, turtlehead.5. This study's findings suggest that necessity and food availability drive the post‐diapause Baltimore checkerspot caterpillar diet in the field more than preference. These results also highlight that, even in relatively well‐studied species, field and laboratory observations can yield conflicting results. In this case, the contrast is most likely due to the different constraints in lab versus field conditions, such as the costs of finding preferred plants in the field.
EAN consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: von Oertzen T. J. , Macerollo A. , Leone M. A. , Beghi E. , Crean M. , Oztuk S. , Bassetti C. , Twardzik A. , Bereczki D. , Di Liberto G. , Helbok R. , Oreja‐ Guevara C. , Pisani A. , Sauerbier A. , Sellner J. , Soffietti R. , Zedde M. , Bianchi E. , Bodini B. , Cavallieri F. , Campiglio L. , Maia L. F. , Priori A. , Rakusa M. , Taba P. , Moro E. , Jenkins T. M. ,   for the EANcore COVID‐19 task force
Published: October 2020

Background and purposeThe recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has posed multiple challenges to the practice of clinical neurology including recognition of emerging neurological complications and management of coexistent neurological diseases. In a fast‐evolving pandemic, evidence‐based studies are lacking in many areas. This paper presents European Academy of Neurology (EAN) expert consensus statements to guide neurologists caring for patients with COVID‐19.MethodsA refined Delphi methodology was applied. In round 1, statements were provided by EAN scientific panels (SPs). In round 2, these statements were circulated to SP members not involved in writing them, asking for agreement/disagreement. Items with agreement >70% were retained for round 3, in which SP co‐chairs rated importance on a five‐point Likert scale. Results were graded by importance and reported as consensus statements.ResultsIn round one, 70 statements were provided by 23 SPs. In round two, 259/1061 SP member responses were received. Fifty‐nine statements obtained >70% agreement and were retained. In round three, responses were received from 55 co‐chairs of 29 SPs. Whilst general recommendations related to prevention of COVID‐19 transmission had high levels of agreement and importance, opinion was more varied concerning statements related to therapy.ConclusionThis is the first structured consensus statement on good clinical practice in patients with neurological disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic that provides immediate guidance for neurologists. In this fast‐evolving pandemic, a rapid response using refined Delphi methodology is possible, but guidance may be subject to change as further evidence emerges.