bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochasticity in social structure and mating system drive extinction risk
Authors: Leach Damon , Shaw Allison K. , Weiss‐Lehman Christopher 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs anthropogenic activities continue to threaten species across the globe, many populations have seen dramatic reductions in abundance from historical values. While the underlying causes are varied, such long‐term population declines greatly increase these species’ susceptibility to extinction via stochastic processes. Previous research has established that demographic stochasticity and environmental stochasticity play important roles in extinction risk, but few studies have investigated the role of stochasticity in social dynamics, such as group formation and mating systems. Here, we developed a suite of simulation models incorporating different combinations of stochastic processes, while also varying group size and mating system. Using these models, we evaluated the interacting effects of different mating systems coupled with varied sources of stochasticity on extinction risk. Extinction risk was generally higher for populations with mating systems more dependent on even sex ratios in groups (e.g., monogamy). However, in more flexible mating systems (e.g., polygynandry), stochasticity in the formation of individual groups actually reduced extinction risk in certain scenarios. By identifying the factors most important to the stochastic extinction risk of species with different mating systems and social structures, we provide insight into conservation and management strategies for such species facing population declines.
Maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi among vertebrate hosts: a test of dilution effect mechanisms
Authors: Halsey Samniqueka J. , Miller James R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA better understanding of the mechanisms through which host diversity can influence reservoir pathogen infection is needed to mitigate disease risk. Efforts may involve computational modeling, especially since it is infeasible to perform large‐scale experimental studies of different host composition scenarios in natural settings. We used individual‐based models to examine how changes in host diversity characterized by differences in host reservoir competency for both Ixodes scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi can influence the maintenance of the pathogen and subsequent human Lyme disease risk. We simulated 1440 different host communities, with 10 repetitions each, consisting of varying densities of Peromyscus leucopus (white‐footed mouse, 0–50), Tamias striatus (eastern chipmunk, 0–30), Blarina brevicauda (short‐tailed shrew, 0–30), Sciurus carolinensis (eastern gray squirrel, 0–15), and Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum, 0–2). We then quantified support for three mechanisms (i.e., vector regulation, encounter reduction, and transmission reduction) through which biodiversity–disease relationships occurred using species richness, Shannon H diversity, and host abundance. For each of the dilution effect mechanisms, host abundance was consistently the best‐supported predictor of disease risk. In our model, a dilution effect occurred via vector regulation and transmission reduction, where increasing both species richness and host abundance reduced both density of nymphs (DON) and density of infected nymphs (DIN). However, if disease risk is measured solely by calculating nymphal infection prevalence (NIP), it may seem that host diversity amplifies disease risk. Understanding the mechanisms through which the wildlife host community influences pathogen transmission cycles in nature will help foster effective control and reduction of disease risk in humans.
The effect of climate on population growth in a cold‐adapted ungulate at its equatorial range limit
Authors: Ruprecht Joel S. , Koons David N. , Hersey Kent R. , Hobbs N. Thompson , MacNulty Daniel R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractClimatic changes are affecting the distribution and viability of species worldwide, and the effects may be greatest for heat‐sensitive organisms in populations situated near the species’ equatorial range limit. We studied the population dynamics of a cold‐adapted large herbivore, moose (Alces alces shirasi), in a population located at the extreme southern range limit of the species in Utah, USA, using a long‐term dataset of aerial counts conducted between 1958 and 2013. We used a modeling approach that acknowledges the uncertainty in the number of moose counted. To determine how climate influenced this population, we tested four models corresponding to different hypotheses suggested by previous studies of moose population dynamics: (1) High summer rainfall increases population growth, (2) severe winters reduce population growth, (3) high summer and winter temperatures cause heat stress which reduces population growth, and (4) snow conditions favorable to winter ticks reduce population growth. We then ranked these models against two additional hypotheses that tested the combined effects of the best‐performing models. The best‐supported model included summer rainfall and the number of days with snow cover in late winter, which described the conditions influencing winter tick numbers, a common parasite of moose in the region. Reproductive female ticks drop off their hosts at the end of winter to lay eggs, and fewer ticks survive in years with abundant snow cover. Positive effects of snow and rainfall indicated that moose population growth was higher following summers with more rainfall and late winters with more days of snow cover, the latter because those conditions likely reduced winter tick numbers. In accordance with global patterns in which altered precipitation regimes are influencing the dynamics of many species, the top‐performing model suggested that both summer and winter precipitation acted together to explain the most variation in moose population growth. Our analysis demonstrates the multiple pathways by which climate and population density can affect the dynamics of temperate species living at their equatorial range limits, including potential parasite‐mediated effects.
Species‐specific, age‐varying plant traits affect herbivore growth and survival
Authors: Yang Louie H. , Cenzer Meredith L. , Morgan Laura J. , Hall Griffin W. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSeasonal windows of opportunity represent intervals of time within a year during which organisms have improved prospects of achieving life history aims such as growth or reproduction, and may be commonly structured by temporal variation in abiotic factors, bottom‐up factors, and top‐down factors. Although seasonal windows of opportunity are likely to be common, few studies have examined the factors that structure seasonal windows of opportunity in time. Here, we experimentally manipulated host‐plant age in two milkweed species (Asclepias fascicularis and Asclepias speciosa) in order to investigate the role of plant‐species‐specific and plant‐age‐varying traits on the survival and growth of monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus). We show that the two plant species showed diverging trajectories of defense traits with increasing age. These species‐specific and age‐varying host‐plant traits significantly affected the growth and survival of monarch caterpillars through both resource quality‐ and quantity‐based constraints. The effects of plant age on monarch developmental success were comparable to and sometimes larger than those of plant‐species identity. We conclude that species‐specific and age‐varying plant traits are likely to be important factors with the potential to structure seasonal windows of opportunity for monarch development, and examine the implications of these findings for both broader patterns in the ontogeny of plant defense traits and the specific ecology of milkweed–monarch interactions in a changing world.
Detectability of cerebellar activity with magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography
Authors: Samuelsson John G. , Sundaram Padmavathi , Khan Sheraz , Sereno Martin I. , Hämäläinen Matti S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectrophysiological signals from the cerebellum have traditionally been viewed as inaccessible to magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Here, we challenge this position by investigating the ability of MEG and EEG to detect cerebellar activity using a model that employs a high‐resolution tessellation of the cerebellar cortex. The tessellation was constructed from repetitive high‐field (9.4T) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an ex vivo human cerebellum. A boundary‐element forward model was then used to simulate the M/EEG signals resulting from neural activity in the cerebellar cortex. Despite significant signal cancelation due to the highly convoluted cerebellar cortex, we found that the cerebellar signal was on average only 30–60% weaker than the cortical signal. We also made detailed M/EEG sensitivity maps and found that MEG and EEG have highly complementary sensitivity distributions over the cerebellar cortex. Based on previous fMRI studies combined with our M/EEG sensitivity maps, we discuss experimental paradigms that are likely to offer high M/EEG sensitivity to cerebellar activity. Taken together, these results show that cerebellar activity should be clearly detectable by current M/EEG systems with an appropriate experimental setup.
Factors affecting swallowing outcomes after total laryngectomy: Participant self‐report using the swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy questionnaire
Authors: Lee Mary T. , Govender Roganie , Roy Penny J. , Vaz Francis , Hilari Katerina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about what factors affect patient‐reported swallowing outcome after total laryngectomy. We explored whether patient demographics, surgical variables, use of adjuvant treatment, and time since surgery were associated with patient‐reported swallowing outcome.MethodsCross‐sectional study of laryngectomees in eight UK hospitals. Demographic, treatment, and surgical variables were drawn from medical notes. The swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy (SOAL) questionnaire captured perceived swallowing outcome.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty one participants had complete data on treatment‐related variables. In regression analysis, having a free jejunum flap repair and requiring chemoradiation were the only two variables that added significantly to the model of worse self‐reported swallowing outcome (R2 adjusted = .23, P < .001).ConclusionThe SOAL is a sensitive measure of self‐reported swallowing outcome after laryngectomy. Type of surgical closure and the type of additional treatment influenced the swallowing outcome reported by patients. Changes in perceived swallowing function need to be routinely evaluated to inform clinical decision‐making and intervention.
Overview of computational models of hippocampus and related structures: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Hasselmo Michael E. , Alexander Andrew S. , Dannenberg Holger , Newman Ehren L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractExtensive computational modeling has focused on the hippocampal formation and associated cortical structures. This overview describes some of the factors that have motivated the strong focus on these structures, including major experimental findings and their impact on computational models. This overview provides a framework for describing the topics addressed by individual articles in this special issue of the journal Hippocampus.
Using mHealth in postpartum women with pre‐eclampsia: Lessons learned from a qualitative study
Authors: Payakachat Nalin , Rhoads Sarah , McCoy Hannah , Dajani Nafisa , Eswaran Hari , Lowery Curtis 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo explore perceptions and attitudes of postpartum women with pre‐eclampsia towards remote monitoring (mHealth) and communication with the call center.MethodsA non‐randomized cohort study was conducted in postpartum hypertensive women, recruited from a tertiary hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Participants were categorized into users (using mHealth) and non‐users (not using mHealth) to monitor vital signs at home over a 2‐week period after discharge. Non‐users were informed about functionality of mHealth. Both groups participated in a 30‐minute phone interview at the end of the study. Directed content analysis of interview transcripts was conducted.ResultsIn total, 21 users and 16 non‐users participated in the interview. Both groups perceived that mHealth helped manage their condition. However, non‐users were concerned about the challenge of incorporating mHealth into their routine, whereas users mentioned that they liked using mHealth on a daily basis. They also stated that communication with nurses in the call center was helpful. Barriers identified by users included size of the blood pressure cuffs, size of the equipment set, wireless connection, and stress associated with mHealth monitoring. Users stated that they would have preferred using mHealth during pregnancy.ConclusionThe findings provide useful insights to inform a successful remote monitoring program among perinatal and postpartum women.
Sensing properties of Pt@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposite detecting epinephrine
Authors: Luk Hsiang‐Ning , Dai Tsai‐Hsuan , Wu Ren‐Jang , Chavali Murthy 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis proposed Pt@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposite material based electrochemical sensor towards epinephrine detection showed high sensitivity, repeatability and high stability. It can play a significant role for precision determination of epinephrine in the drug sample and can also used for either simultaneous determination or others like acetaminophen (AC) and dopamine (DA) in samples.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ontamalimab (SHP647), a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody Against Mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1), in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
Authors: Wang Yi , Marier Jean‐Francois , Lavigne Jean , Kassir Nastya , Martin Patrick 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOntamalimab (SHP647) is a fully human, immunoglobulin G2, antihuman mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1) monoclonal antibody being developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). A population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis was conducted using clinical phase 2 study data to evaluate the PK and PD of ontamalimab following subcutaneous administrations of 7.5, 22.5, 75, and 225 mg every 4 weeks in patients with moderate to severe UC or CD. A total of 440 patients with UC (n = 249; 56.6%) or CD (n = 191; 43.4%) were included in the analysis. A 2‐compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination adequately characterized concentration‐time profiles of ontamalimab. The apparent clearance and volume of distribution were 0.0127 L/h (0.305 L/day) and 6.53 L, respectively. Apparent clearance and volume of distribution were mainly dependent on baseline albumin and body weight, respectively. No differences in the PK properties of ontamalimab were observed between patients with UC or CD. The presence of antidrug antibodies did not impact the PK of ontamalimab. Nonlinear elimination occurred at very low concentrations and was unlikely to contribute to the elimination half‐life under steady‐state conditions. A linear PK/PD model described the relationship between ontamalimab and free MAdCAM‐1. Minimum concentrations of ontamalimab at steady state following 75 mg every 4 weeks were associated with >95% suppression of circulating free MAdCAM‐1. The PK/PD properties characterized support phase 3 testing in UC and CD.
Effect of telmisartan and vitamin E on liver histopathology with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, open‐label, noninferiority trial
Authors: Alam Shahinul , Abrar Mushfiqul , Islam Saiful , Kamal Mohammad , Hasan Mohammad J , Khan Md. Abdullah S , Ahmad Nooruddin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and AimTo compare the effect of telmisartan and vitamin E on liver histopathology of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients.MethodsThis noninferiority clinical trial was conducted for 1 year. Fatty liver patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 (in liver biopsy) were selected. All methods were in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients who received telmisartan and vitamin E were denoted as Group‐T and Group‐E, respectively. Forty patients >18 years old were assigned and divided into two groups (20 in each group). Histological improvements were primary outcome measures.ResultsSignificant improvement in NAS score was noted in both groups (Group E [GE]: 6 ± 0.8 to 4.36 ± 1.4; P = 0.00 and Group T [GT]: 5.6 ± 0.7to 4.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.03). Fibrosis score improved from 1.6 ± 0.5 to 1.5 ± 0.5 in GE and from 1.7 ± 0.9 to 1.5 ± 0.7 in GT (P = 0.67 and 0.42, respectively). Steatosis improved in GE from 2.07 ± 0.6 to 1.14 ± 0.66 (P = 0.00) and in GT from 1.94 ± 0.57 to 1.56 ± 0.8 (P = 0.05). Lobular inflammation improved from 2.0 ± 0.4 to 1.6 ± 0.5 in GE (P = 0.02) and from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.4 in GT (P = 0.58). Ballooning score in GE decreased from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.5 (P = 0.03), and in GT, it reduced from 1.9 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.5 (P = 0.19). NAS improvement was similar in GE (1.6 ± 1.2) and GT (0.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.07) when controlled for weight reduction.ConclusionTelmisartan was similar to vitamin E in improving the histology of NASH patients.
Up‐regulation of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Ai Wen , Li Feng , Yu Hai‐Hua , Liang Zhi‐Hua , Zhao Hong‐Peng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigated the expression pattern of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 (LINC00858) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and its feasibility as a new prognostic biomarker.MethodsWe examined LINC00858 expression in GC tissues and matched normal tissues from 189 patients using a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The correlations of LINC00858 levels in GC patients with clinicopathologic features were analyzed using a chi‐squared test. The influence of LINC00858 on the overall survival rate of GC patients was precisely calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods (log rank tests). Multivariate Cox regression assays were carried out for the identification of the independent risk factors for GC.ResultsWe observed that LINC00858 was distinctly up‐regulated in GC tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumor specimens (p < 0.01). Higher expression of LINC00858 in GC was found to be associated with TNM stage (p = 0.003) and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.007). Using Kaplan–Meier assays, we found that patients with high expression levels of LINC00858 had a distinctly poor overall survival and disease‐free survival compared to those with low expression levels of LINC00858 (p = 0.0102). Multivariate analyses confirmed that LINC00858 (p < 0.05) was an independent prognosis factor for GC patients.ConclusionsThe data obtained in our study indicate that LINC00858 may be used as a novel prognostic indicator in GC patients.
Preparation of 2,5‐disubstituted pyrimidines from vinamidinium salts and synthesis of novel disulfane derivatives
Authors: Rafiee Samani Ziba , Mehranpour Abdolmohammad , Hasaninejad Alireza 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNovel pyrimidine derivatives were prepared from the reaction of 2‐substituted 1,3‐bis(dimethylamino)‐trimethinium salts with thiourea or guanidine in the presence of ethyl‐diisopropylamine in ethanol at reflux, and also some 5‐substituted pyrimidine‐2‐thiols has been used for the synthesis of novel disulfane compounds. Infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data confirm the molecular structures of the newly synthesized compounds. The ultraviolet spectral behavior of these compounds was examined in DMSO and the ƛmax of these compounds was studied.
Cardiometabolic risk factor clustering in patients with deficient branched‐chain amino acid catabolism: A case‐control study
Authors: Gancheva Sofiya , Caspari Daria , Bierwagen Alessandra , Jelenik Tomas , Caprio Sonia , Santoro Nicola , Rothe Maik , Markgraf Daniel F. , Herebian Diran , Hwang Jong‐Hee , Öner‐Sieben Soner , Mennenga Jasmin , Pacini Giovanni , Thimm Eva , Schlune Andrea , Meissner Thomas , vom Dahl Stephan , Klee Dirk , Mayatepek Ertan , Roden Michael , Ensenauer Regina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractClassical organic acidemias (OAs) result from defective mitochondrial catabolism of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs). Abnormal mitochondrial function relates to oxidative stress, ectopic lipids and insulin resistance (IR). We investigated whether genetically impaired function of mitochondrial BCAA catabolism associates with cardiometabolic risk factors, altered liver and muscle energy metabolism, and IR. In this case‐control study, 31 children and young adults with propionic acidemia (PA), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) or isovaleric acidemia (IVA) were compared with 30 healthy young humans using comprehensive metabolic phenotyping including in vivo 31P/1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of liver and skeletal muscle. Among all OAs, patients with PA exhibited abdominal adiposity, IR, fasting hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridemia as well as increased liver fat accumulation, despite dietary energy intake within recommendations for age and sex. In contrast, patients with MMA more frequently featured higher energy intake than recommended and had a different phenotype including hepatomegaly and mildly lower skeletal muscle ATP content. In skeletal muscle of patients with PA, slightly lower inorganic phosphate levels were found. However, hepatic ATP and inorganic phosphate concentrations were not different between all OA patients and controls. In patients with IVA, no abnormalities were detected. Impaired BCAA catabolism in PA, but not in MMA or IVA, was associated with a previously unrecognised, metabolic syndrome‐like phenotype with abdominal adiposity potentially resulting from ectopic lipid storage. These findings suggest the need for early cardiometabolic risk factor screening in PA.
Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and neonate: What neonatologist need to know
Authors: Lu Qi , Shi Yuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) cause china epidemics with high morbidity and mortality, the infection has been transmitted to other countries. About three neonates and more than 230 children cases are reported. The disease condition of the main children was mild. There is currently no evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2 can be transmitted transplacentally from mother to the newborn. The treatment strategy for children with Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is based on adult experience. Thus far, no deaths have been reported in the pediatric age group. This review describes the current understanding of COVID‐19 infection in newborns and children.