bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of wet and mesic grasslands along a climatic gradient on the southern margin of the Pannonian Basin
Authors: Škvorc Željko , Ćuk Mirjana , Zelnik Igor , Franjić Jozo , Igić Ružica , Ilić Miloš , Krstonošić Daniel , Vukov Dragana , Čarni Andraž 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuestionsWhich are the main wet and mesic grassland vegetation types along the climatic gradient on the southern margin of the Pannonian basin? Which are the most important environmental gradients that determine their distribution and species composition?LocationThe southern margin of the Pannonian plain (N and E Slovenia, N Croatia, N Serbia).MethodsA database of 2,575 vegetation plots originally assigned to the Molinio‐Arrhenatheretea was compiled. Semi‐supervised classification based on the K‐means algorithm was applied to assign plots into 12 a‐priori alliances and to search for new alliances. Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination with Ellenberg's indicator values and bioclimatic variables were applied to show the influence of ecological conditions on species composition. The plots within each alliance were further classified into associations using the beta flexible method.ResultsClassification resulted in 12 alliances recognized in the EuroVegChecklist, and two new groups appeared. The first group occurs in the eastern part of the research area, where many ruderal species appear. This group was treated as a new alliance, Salvio nemorosae‐Arrhenatherion forming a vicariant syntaxon of the alliance Arrhenatherion. The second group occurs in the western part. It is a transitional group between mesic (Arrhenatherion) and wet meadows (Deschampsion) and can be treated as Alopecurion. Besides, three new associations and six new subassociations were described, together with the typification of seven associations and of three subassociations. Numerical analyses revealed floristic, ecological and geographical differentiation among analysed vegetation types.ConclusionsThe communities showed typical Central European features in the western part, but their floristic and ecological conditions changed towards the eastern part, where the continental influence was more pronounced. The vegetation structure and plant species composition in the studied area were influenced by soil moisture and soil nutrient availability as well as by strong biogeographical and climatic gradients.
C‐phycocyanin protects against ethanol‐induced gastric ulcers in rats: Role of HMGB1/NLRP3/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Alzokaky Amany Abdel‐mageed , Abdelkader Eman M. , El‐Dessouki Ahmed M. , Khaleel Sahar A. , Raslan Nahed A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGastric ulcer is a widespread inflammatory disease with high socio‐economic burden. C‐phycocyanin is one of the active constituents of Spirulina microalgae, and although it is well known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, its protective effects against gastric ulcer have not yet been identified. High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that, once secreted extracellularly, initiates several inflammatory reactions, and it is involved in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐ulcerogenic effects of C‐phycocyanin against ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer targeting HMGB1/NLRP3/NF‐κB pathway. Ulcer induction showed increase in HMGB1 expression through activation of nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa p65 (NF‐κB p65). Moreover, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were elevated in the ulcer‐treated group compared to the normal control group. However, pre‐treatment with C‐phycocyanin significantly reduced HMGB1 expression via suppression of NLRP3/NF‐κB, oxidative markers, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and ulcer index value. These results were consistent with histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination. Thus, C‐phycocyanin is a potential therapeutic strategy with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐ulcerogenic effects against ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer.
Evaluation of a learning analytics tool for supporting teachers in the creation and evaluation of accessible and quality open educational resources
Authors: Avila Cecilia , Baldiris Silvia , Fabregat Ramon , Graf Sabine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe learning analytics (LA) field seeks to analyze data about students’ interactions, and it has been applied in the development of tools for supporting both learning and teaching processes. Recent research has paid attention on how LA may benefit teachers in the creation of educational resources. However, most of the research on LA solutions is carried out to support teachers in analyzing students’ behavior data collected as they interact with virtual learning environments. While solutions to support teachers in different virtual learning and teaching contexts have become important, to date little research has been done on how LA solutions can help teachers to create and evaluate Open Educational Resources (OERs). This study aims at presenting the evaluation of a LA tool for supporting teachers in the creation and evaluation of accessible and quality OERs considering that both processes fall within the competences that teachers can acquire and strengthen by participating as authors (creation) and evaluators (evaluation) of OERs. The study was conducted with Colombian teachers and the results obtained highlight the positive effect the tool had on the teachers’ acquisition of the competences and the positive attitude they had toward using the tool.
A comparative propensity score‐matched analysis of perioperative outcomes of intracorporeal vs extracorporeal urinary diversion after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium
Authors: Hussein Ahmed A. , Elsayed Ahmed S. , Aldhaam Naif A. , Jing Zhe , Peabody James O. , Wijburg Carl J. , Wagner Andrew , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Khan Mohammad Shamim , Scherr Douglas , Schanne Francis , Maatman Thomas J. , Kim Eric , Mottrie Alexandre , Aboumohamed Ahmed , Gaboardi Franco , Pini Giovannalberto , Kaouk Jihad , Yuh Bertram , Rha Koon‐Ho , Hemal Ashok , Palou Redorta Joan , Badani Ketan , Saar Matthias , Stockle Michael , Richstone Lee , Roupret Morgan , Balbay Derya , Dasgupta Prokar , Menon Mani , Guru Khurshid A. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo compare the perioperative outcomes of intracorporeal (ICUD) vs extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the prospectively maintained International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) database. A total of 972 patients from 28 institutions who underwent RARC were included. Propensity score matching was used to match patients based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, prior radiation and abdominal surgery, receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and clinical staging. Matched cohorts were compared. Multivariate stepwise logistic and linear regression models were fit to evaluate variables associated with receiving ICUD, operating time, 90‐day high‐grade complications (Clavien–Dindo Classification Grade ≥III), and 90‐day readmissions after RARC.ResultsUtilisation of ICUD increased from 0% in 2005 to 95% in 2018. The ICUD patients had more overall complications (66% vs 58%, P = 0.01) and readmissions (27% vs 17%, P = 0.01), but not high‐grade complications (21% vs 24%, P = 0.22). A more recent RC era and ileal conduit diversion were associated with receiving an ICUD. Higher BMI, ASA score ≥3, and receiving a neobladder were associated with longer operating times. Shorter operating time was associated with male gender, older age, ICUD, and centres with a larger annual average RC volume. Longer intensive care unit stay was associated with 90‐day high‐grade complications. Higher CCI score, prior radiation therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and ICUD were associated with a higher risk of 90‐day readmissions.ConclusionsUtilisation of ICUD has increased over the past decade. ICUD was associated with more overall complications and readmissions compared to ECUD, but not high‐grade complications.
Liana communities exhibit different species composition, diversity and community structure across forest types in the Congo Basin
Authors: Mumbanza Francis M. , Bauters Marijn , Kearsley Elizabeth , Boeckx Pascal , Lubini Constantin A. , Verbeeck Hans 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLianas are poorly characterized for central African forests. We quantify variation in liana composition, diversity and community structure in different forest types in the Yangambi Man and Biosphere Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo. These attributes of liana assemblages were examined in 12 1‐ha plots, randomly demarcated within regrowth forest, old growth monodominant forest, old growth mixed forest and old growth edge forest. Using a combination of multivariate and univariate community analyses, we visualize the patterns of these liana assemblage attributes and/or test for their significant differences across forest types. The combined 12 1‐ha area contains 2,638 lianas (≥2 cm diameter) representing 105 species, 49 genera and 22 families. Liana species composition differed significantly across forest types. Taxonomic diversity was higher in old growth mixed forests compared to old growth monodominant and regrowth forests. Trait diversity was higher than expected in the regrowth forest as opposed to the rest of forest types. Similarly, the regrowth forest differed from the rest of forest types in the pattern of liana species ecological traits and diameter frequency distribution. The regrowth forest was also less densely populated in lianas and had lower liana total basal area than the rest of forest types. We speculate that the mechanism of liana competitive exclusion by dominant tree species is mainly responsible for the lower liana species diversity in monodominant compared to mixed forests. We attribute variation in liana community structure between regrowth and old growth forests mostly to short development time of size hierarchies.
Identification, characterization and epitope mapping of proteins encoded by putative allergenic napin genes from Brassica rapa
Authors: Rahman Mahmudur , Baten Abdul , Mauleon Ramil , King Graham J. , Liu Lei , Barkla Bronwyn J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundBrassica rapeseed crops contain high concentrations of oil in the seed. The remaining meal, following oil extraction, has a high protein content, but is of low value due to the presence of high amounts of napin seed storage proteins. These 2S albumin‐like proteins are difficult to digest and have been identified as major allergens in humans.ObjectiveTo comprehensively characterize the napin gene (NG) family in Brassica rapa and to gain an understanding of the structural basis of allergenicity of the expressed proteins.MethodsTo identify candidate napin genes in B rapa, 2S albumin‐like napin genes of Arabidopsis thaliana were used as query sequences to search for similarity against the B rapa var. pekinensis Chiifu‐401 v2 and the var. trilocularis R‐o‐18 v1.5 genomes. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and epitope modelling was carried out to determine structural and evolutionary relationships of NGs and their potential allergenicity.ResultsFour candidate napin genes in R‐o‐18 and ten in Chiifu‐401 were identified with high sequence similarity to A thaliana napin genes. Multiple sequence alignment revealed strong conservation among the candidate genes. An epitope survey indicated high conservation of allergenic epitope motifs with known 2S albumin‐like allergens.ConclusionNapin is thought to be responsible for a high prevalence of food allergies. Characterization of the napin gene family in B rapa will give important insight into the protein structure, and epitope modelling will help to advance studies into allergenicity including the development of precise diagnostic screenings and therapies for this potential food allergy as well as the possible manipulation of napin levels in the seed by gene editing technology.
Nasal Packs for Epistaxis: Predictors of Success
Authors:   INTEGRATE (The UK ENT Trainee Research Network)
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate factors affecting the haemostatic success of non‐dissolvable intranasal packs in the management of acute epistaxis presenting to the emergency department (ED).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingA nationwide prospective audit examining epistaxis management at 113 sites in the UK over a 30‐day period.ParticipantsPatients 16 years or older, presenting to the ED with acute epistaxis managed with non‐dissolvable intranasal packs.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was pack success, defined as successful haemostasis following nasal pack removal, not requiring further packing or surgical intervention or interventional radiology.ResultsA cohort of 969 patients presented with epistaxis to the ED, with nasal packs being inserted in 54.4% by ED staff and by ENT in a further 18.9%. Overall, nasal packs were successful in 87.5%. Longer duration packs (≥21 hours) were more successful than shorter‐duration packs (89.9% vs. 84.3%, χ2 P = .028). A patient survey supported longer packing duration. The most significant predictors of treatment failure were shorter packing duration (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.4‐3.8), alongside ischaemic heart disease (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.1‐3.3), normal admission haemoglobin (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2‐3.4) and no attempt at cautery following pack removal (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.4‐4.2).ConclusionsThe majority of epistaxis patients are packed by the ED prior to referral to ENT. Once inserted, nasal packs are highly successful, with data supporting the British Rhinological Society guidance of maintaining nasal packs for around 24 hours. Further work is needed to explore alternatives to non‐dissolvable intranasal packs to improve patient experience in epistaxis.
Diagnostic performance of 19‐gauge endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) in suspected lymphoma: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Christopher E. , Steinfort Daniel P. , Irving Louis B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionEndobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) represents a minimally invasive approach in the evaluation of mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic performance of EBUS‐TBNA in lymphoma using standard 22‐gauge (22G) needle is limited by sample volumes that are often inadequate for histopathological assessment.ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of 19‐gauge (19G) EBUS‐TBNA needle in the evaluation of suspected lymphoma.MethodsWe prospectively collected clinical and procedural information for patients undergoing EBUS‐TBNA with 19G needle at Royal Melbourne Hospital for investigation of mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy, where lymphoma was considered in the differential diagnosis. All consecutive patients between June 15, 2016 and July 10, 2019 were included. If definitive diagnosis was not achieved on EBUS‐TBNA, final diagnosis was determined through subsequent investigation or a minimum of 6 months radiologic surveillance.ResultsThirty‐nine patients underwent EBUS‐TBNA using 19G needle for evaluation of suspected lymphoma. Thirteen patients had a prior diagnosis of lymphoma (33%). Lymphoma was ultimately diagnosed in 23 patients (59%). Of these, 10 had a prior diagnosis of lymphoma (43%). 19G EBUS‐TBNA demonstrated lymphoma in 19 patients, with a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 66‐93) for detection of lymphoma. Four patients required surgical biopsy to definitively characterise lymphoma subtype. Therefore, sensitivity of 19G EBUS‐TBNA for definitive diagnosis of lymphoma was 65% (95% CI 45‐81). In patients with a prior diagnosis of lymphoma, sensitivity for definitive diagnosis of lymphoma was 80% (95% CI 48‐95).ConclusionDiagnostic performance of 19G EBUS‐TBNA appears similar to standard 22G needle in detection and definitive diagnosis of lymphoma. Further invasive testing remains necessary following non‐diagnostic EBUS‐TBNA procedures.
High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T 30 days all‐come mortality in patients with acute heart failure. A Propensity Score‐Matching Analysis Based on the EAHFE Registry. TROPICA4 Study
Authors: Roset Alex , Jacob Javier , Herrero‐Puente Pablo , Alquézar Aitor , Martín‐Sanchez Francisco Javier , Llorens Pere , Gil Victor , Cabello Irene , Richard Fernando , Garrido Jose Manuel , Gil Cristina , Llauger Lluis , Wussler Desiree , Mueller Christian , Miró Òscar ,   ICA‐SEMES Research Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute heart failure (AHF) patients with high troponin levels have a worse prognosis. High‐sensitive troponin T (hs‐TnT) has been used as a tool to stratify prognosis in many scales but always as a qualitative and not as a quantitative variable.ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to determine the best hs‐TnT cut‐off for prediction of 30‐day all‐cause mortality.MethodsThe EAHFE registry, a prospective follow‐up cohort of patients with AHF, was analysed. We performed a propensity score analysis of the optimal hs‐TnT cut‐off point previously determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsOf the 13 791 patients in the EAHFE cohort, we analysed 3190 patients in whom hs‐TnT determination was available. The area under the ROC curve for 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 0.70 (CI95% 0.68 to 0.71; P < .001), establishing an optimal cut‐off of hs‐TnT of 35 ng/L. The sensitivity and specificity of this cut‐off were 76.2 and 55.5%, respectively, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95.3%. A propensity score was made with 34 variables showing differences based on the cut‐off of 35 ng/L for hs‐TnT. In the analysis of the population obtained with the propensity score, patients with hs‐TnT > 35 ng/L showed a greater 30‐day all‐cause mortality, with a HR of 2.95 (CI95% 1.83‐4.75; P < .001). External validation reported similar results.ConclusionsAn hs‐TnT value of 35 ng/L is an adequate cut‐off to evaluate the prediction of 30‐day all‐cause mortality with a NPV of 95.3%.
Interstitial fluid drainage from rat apical area takes place via vessels in the mandibular canal
Authors: Virtej Anca , Tenstad Olav , Wiig Helge , Berggreen Ellen 
Published: April 2020

We sought to investigate the transport route for protein‐rich fluid from the apical area towards the draining lymph nodes. The first mandibular molar root canals in 24 female Wistar rats were instrumented and filled with radioactive‐labelled human serum albumin. The rats were sacrificed at different intervals beginning after 10 min (time 0) and continuing up to 72 h. Three jaw segments, gingiva around the first molar, blood samples, submandibular and cervical lymph nodes were collected and analyzed for radioactivity. The starting volume of tracer (control) for all experiments was calculated from measurements at time 0. At time 0, radioactivity was only detected in the jaw segments. Within lymph nodes and serum, the tracer was found after 4 h, with the highest amount recorded in serum up to 24 h. Lymphatics were found within the mandibular canal along blood vessels and nerves and exiting via foramen mandibularis, after immunohistochemical staining in four untreated rats. Our results show tracer distribution from the apical area towards the mandibular canal in a posterior direction. The tracer washout rate was low, and the fluid was mainly absorbed into blood vessels. The lymphatics in the mandibular canal may be more important for immune cell transport than for fluid drainage.
Spatial and temporal segregation of yellow perch in southern Lake Michigan
Authors: Doll Jason C. , Walters Justin , Starzynski David , Bollman Caleb , Rounds Kip , Becker Jesse C. , Lauer Thomas E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHistorically, yellow perch, Perca flavescens Mitchill held great recreational and commercial importance to the Lake Michigan fishery. Unfortunately, fluctuations in lake‐wide abundances in the past four decades created inconsistencies in catch. As adults, yellow perch have been commonly observed to swim great distances suggesting there is likely to be partitioning of the population within the lake. The objective was to determine whether population demographics of yellow perch in the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan were consistent with a single population. Seasonal population demographics of yellow perch collected from the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan in 2009, 2011 and 2012 were compared. Catch‐per‐unit‐effort of female yellow perch increased during later sampling periods across years. Similarly, total length of females and males increased 10% throughout the year. The proportion of females increased from 20% at the beginning of the survey period to 95% at the end. A few larval yellow perch were collected. These data suggest that Indiana waters of Lake Michigan are not a primary spawning area, rather these waters serve as a feeding or recovery area for post‐spawned yellow perch, particularly females.
A molecular dynamics study of enhanced dynamics and self‐healing processes in nano‐porous lithium metasilicate systems
Authors: Habasaki Junko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMolecular dynamics (MD) simulations of porous lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) systems have been done to clarify the mechanism of enhanced dynamics. In the porous lithium metasilicate system, enhancement of the diffusion coefficient of Li ions having the maximum in the medium density region is predicted in the NVE condition. Increasing of the diffusion coefficient occurred with decreasing density with rearrangement of coordination polyhedra, LiOx, and it means the importance of caging dynamics of ions. The formation of larger voids is observed after the maximum. Comparison of results of porous metasilicates and porous lithium disilicates revealed that how the contents of Li ions affected the dynamics of Li ions in porous systems. Self‐healing processes in NPT conditions after the runs in NVE conditions are also examined and structural changes during the healing processes are characterized.
Disenchantment with market society: Alternative life experiences
Authors: Atik Deniz , Fırat A. Fuat , Ozgun Aras , Uzunoğlu Ebru 
Published: April 2020

AbstractConsumption practices that are environmentally and socially more conscious have been studied previously; however, consumers who entirely reject market society and the ideologies associated with it in search for alternatives have received little attention. The participants in this study have had the means to enjoy all of the privileges of market society, yet chose to drop out of their well‐paid corporate positions in search of more meaningful lives. A framework to understand their motivations for this choice, the alternatives they present, and the challenges they face is developed through a qualitative inquiry using in‐depth interviews, secondary data sources and observation. To these individuals, living in market society represents an eventually dreaded path leading to a vast emptiness, contrarily their departure appears to be a decision of “choosing life.” In their alternative lives, they find meaning in sharing with and helping others, also through an existence with, not against nature. Choosing to have only occasional marketplace interactions, they exhibit a willingness to exist within and navigate multiple organizations of life, even if preference for the one experimented with is strong. The practices of such members of society show potentials for greater change to alleviate the shortcomings of a solely market‐driven way of life.