bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saltmarsh vegetation and social environment influence flexible seasonal vigilance strategies for two sympatric migratory curlew species in adjacent coastal habitats
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Hang , Liu Yu , Lloyd Huw , Li Jianqiang , Zhang Zhengwang , Li Donglai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Animals need to adjust their vigilance strategies when foraging between physically contrasting vegetated and non-vegetated habitats. Vegetated habitats may pose a greater risk for some if vegetation characteristics function as a visual obstruction but benefit others if they serve as protective shelter. Variation in group size, presence of similar species, along with variation in environmental conditions and anthropogenic disturbance can also influence vigilance investment.

Methods
In this study, we quantified the vigilance behaviour of two large-bodied, sympatric migratory curlew species—Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and Eurasian Curlew (N. arquata)—in vegetated Suaeda salsa saltmarsh and non-vegetated mudflat habitat in Liaohekou National Nature Reserve, China. We used linear mixed models to examine the effects of habitat type, season, tide time, flock size (conspecific and heterospecific), and human disturbance on curlew vigilance investment.

Results
Both species spent a higher percentage of time under visual obstruction in S. salsa habitat compared to mudflat habitat but in response, only Far Eastern Curlew increased their percentage of vigilance time, indicating that visual obstruction in this habitat is only a concern for this species. There was no evidence that S. salsa vegetation served as a form of cryptic background colouration since neither species decreased their vigilance effect in S. salsa habitat in spring compared to the autumn migration season. The effect of curlew social environment (i.e. flock size) was habitat dependent since percentage of vigilance time by curlews in saltmarsh increased with both the number of individual curlews and number of other birds present, but not in mudflat habitat.

Conclusions
We conclude that both migratory curlew species exhibit a flexible vigilance adjustment strategy to cope with the different environmental and social conditions of adjacent and sharply contrasting coastal habitats, and that the trade-off between the risks of foraging and the abundance of prey may be a relatively common phenomenon in these and other shorebird populations.
Positive change in asthma control using therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma: a one-year prospective study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxian , Lai Zhengdao , Qiu Rihuang , Guo E , Li Jing , Zhang Qingling , Li Naijian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Severe asthma is difficult to control. Therapeutic patient education enables patients to better understand their disease and cope with treatment, but the effect of therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma is unclear. We evaluated whether therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing the frequency of exacerbations in severe uncontrolled asthma.

Methods
This was a prospective, observational, and self-controlled study that enrolled 40 subjects with severe uncontrolled asthma. Patients were seen at a clinic four times (on day 1 and after 3, 6, and 12 months). After baseline data collection, the subjects completed a therapeutic patient education program and were also followed-up via telephone after 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 months to monitor asthma medication adherence and collect asthma-related information.

Results
Within the 1-year study period, a total of 23 exacerbations were recorded in 14 patients, seven of whom required emergency treatment and two of whom were hospitalized. Twelve months after the standardized therapeutic patient education program, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels improved significantly in all 40 patients. Moreover, the scores from three standardized asthma questionnaires and indices suggested improved quality of life in these patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Serum levels of biomarkers reflecting asthma immune responses did not change between baseline and the 1-year follow-up time point.

Conclusions
Therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing exacerbations in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): motivations and challenges of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE) subsidiary’s engagement with host communities in Ghana
Authors: Awuah Lyon Salia , Amoako Kwame Oduro , Yeboah Stephen , Marfo Emmanuel Opoku , Ansu-Mensah Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to explore the motivations and challenges of engaging host communities in CSR practices within the context of Newmont Ahafo Mines (NAM), a subsidiary of a Multinational Mining Enterprise (MNE) operating in Ghana’s mining sector. This paper draws insights from stakeholder theory and interviews conducted with internal stakeholders (management and employees) and stakeholders in host communities (traditional rulers and community members). The findings indicate that effective decision-making, gaining legitimacy, cost savings, management of risks, and accountability are some of the perceived motivations of NAM’s stakeholder engagement in CSR. Nonetheless, the most critical challenges to NAM in improving stakeholder engagement in CSR practices are the lack of community members’ support in CSR projects, communities’ high expectations of NAM on development projects and over-dependency on NAM on the part of host communities. Therefore, it is reasonable for MNEs in emerging economies to attune engagement practices to the host community’s context. This will enable CSR practices and policies to fully exploit the latent benefits of CSR in the mining sector.
Measurement of individual differences in face-identity processing abilities in older adults
Authors: Boutet Isabelle , Meinhardt-Injac Bozana 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Face-identity processing declines with age. Few studies have examined whether face-identity processing abilities can be measured independently from general cognitive abilities in older adults (OA). This question has practical implications for the assessment of face-identity processing abilities in OA and theoretical implications for the notion of face processing as a specific ability. The present study examined the specificity of face memory and face matching abilities in OA aged 50 + .

Methods
Performance of younger adults (YA) and OA was measured on face tasks: Cambridge Face Memory Task (CFMT), the Glasgow Face Matching Task (GFMT), holistic processing; and tasks of general cognition: fluid intelligence, selective attention, and mental rotation. Data were analyzed using multiple regression models encompassing (i) the CFMT/GFMT and measures of general cognition; and (ii) all face processing tasks.

Results
Across the two age groups, models encompassing all face tasks were significant and accounted for more variance in the data than models encompassing the CFMT/GFMT and measures of general cognition. General cognitive abilities accounted for 17% of variance for the GFMT (p < 0.01) and 3% for the CFMT (p > 0.05).

Discussion
Our results suggest that face memory can be measured independently from general cognition using the CFMT in OA. Implications for the notion of a general face processing factor across the adult lifespan are discussed.
Face mask type affects audiovisual speech intelligibility and subjective listening effort in young and older adults
Authors: Brown Violet A. , Van Engen Kristin J. , Peelle Jonathan E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIdentifying speech requires that listeners make rapid use of fine-grained acoustic cues—a process that is facilitated by being able to see the talker’s face. Face masks present a challenge to this process because they can both alter acoustic information and conceal the talker’s mouth. Here, we investigated the degree to which different types of face masks and noise levels affect speech intelligibility and subjective listening effort for young (N = 180) and older (N = 180) adult listeners. We found that in quiet, mask type had little influence on speech intelligibility relative to speech produced without a mask for both young and older adults. However, with the addition of moderate (− 5 dB SNR) and high (− 9 dB SNR) levels of background noise, intelligibility dropped substantially for all types of face masks in both age groups. Across noise levels, transparent face masks and cloth face masks with filters impaired performance the most, and surgical face masks had the smallest influence on intelligibility. Participants also rated speech produced with a face mask as more effortful than unmasked speech, particularly in background noise. Although young and older adults were similarly affected by face masks and noise in terms of intelligibility and subjective listening effort, older adults showed poorer intelligibility overall and rated the speech as more effortful to process relative to young adults. This research will help individuals make more informed decisions about which types of masks to wear in various communicative settings.
BIOlogical Factors that Limit sustAined Remission in rhEumatoid arthritis (the BIO-FLARE study): protocol for a non-randomised longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Rayner Fiona , Anderson Amy E. , Baker Kenneth F. , Buckley Christopher D. , Dyke Bernard , Fenton Sally , Filer Andrew , Goodyear Carl S. , Hilkens Catharien M. U. , Hiu Shaun , Kerrigan Sean , Kurowska-Stolarska Mariola , Matthews Fiona , McInnes Iain , Ng Wan-Fai , Pratt Arthur G. , Prichard Jonathan , Raza Karim , Siebert Stefan , Stocken Deborah , Teare M. Dawn , Young Stephen , Isaacs John D. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Our knowledge of immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) aetiology and pathogenesis has improved greatly over recent years, however, very little is known of the factors that trigger disease relapses (flares), converting diseases from inactive to active states. Focussing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the challenge that we will address is why IMIDs remit and relapse. Extrapolating from pathogenetic factors involved in disease initiation, new episodes of inflammation could be triggered by recurrent systemic immune dysregulation or locally by factors within the joint, either of which could be endorsed by overarching epigenetic factors or changes in systemic or localised metabolism.

Methods
The BIO-FLARE study is a non-randomised longitudinal cohort study that aims to enrol 150 patients with RA in remission on a stable dose of non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), who consent to discontinue treatment. Participants stop their DMARDs at time 0 and are offered an optional ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy. They are studied intensively, with blood sampling and clinical evaluation at weeks 0, 2, 5, 8, 12 and 24. It is anticipated that 50% of participants will have a disease flare, whilst 50% remain in drug-free remission for the study duration (24 weeks). Flaring participants undergo an ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy before reinstatement of previous treatment. Blood samples will be used to investigate immune cell subsets, their activation status and their cytokine profile, autoantibody profiles and epigenetic profiles. Synovial biopsies will be examined to profile cell lineages and subtypes present at flare. Blood, urine and synovium will be examined to determine metabolic profiles. Taking into account all generated data, multivariate statistical techniques will be employed to develop a model to predict impending flare in RA, highlighting therapeutic pathways and informative biomarkers. Despite initial recruitment to time and target, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has impacted significantly, and a decision was taken to close recruitment at 118 participants with complete data.

Discussion
This study aims to investigate the pathogenesis of flare in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a significant knowledge gap in our understanding, addressing a major unmet patient need.

Trial registration
The study was retrospectively registered on 27/06/2019 in the ISRCTN registry 16371380.
On the virulence of two Beauveria bassiana strains against the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Durry) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), larvae and their biological properties in relation to different abiotic factors
Authors: Hu Ruirui , Bai Penghua , Liu Baosheng , Yu Jinping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The genus Beauveria is frequently used as a mycoinsecticides in many countries to control insect pests in agriculture, it is being very effective against the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Durry) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), which is a pest of trees in forests and orchards. Multiple abiotic factors during fungal growth are well known to influence mycelial growth and several physiological adaptations in the conidia produced.

Results
In this study, the pathogenicity of the Beauveria bassiana strains Bb10331 and Bb7725 against H. cunea was evaluated. Peptone potato dextrose agar (PPDA) was used as the medium and colony diameter, conidiation capacity, conidial germination rate were directly affected by relative humidity (RH), illumination, and the ambient pH. The LC50 values of Bb10331 and Bb7725 to H. cunea were 4.72 × 106 and 3.28 × 106 conidia·ml−1, respectively, after 120 h post treatments, while their corresponding LT50 values were 71.13 and 74.54 h at the concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/ml. The Bb7725 had a conidial germination rate than did Bb10331 at the same RH. The two strains grew faster under a dark:light (D:L) photoperiod of 12:12 h, and this particular light condition was also most suitable for their conidia production. The optimum pH for the growth and conidiation of the two strains was approximately 7.0.

Conclusions
Both strains are promising for pest control, possessing effective virulence against H. cunea, but this is slightly stronger in Bb7725 than Bb10331. The values of abiotic factors apt to promote the biological properties of each B. bassiana were different.
Informing resilience building: FAO’s Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET) Biothreat Detection Module will help assess national capacities to detect agro-terrorism and agro-crime
Authors: Vasconcelos Gioia Gisela , Lamielle Gaël , Aguanno Ryan , ElMasry Ihab , Mouillé Béatrice , De Battisti Cristian , Angot Angélique , Ewann Fanny , Sivignon Adrien , Donachie Daniel , Rozov Orr , Bonbon Étienne , Poudevigne Frédéric , VonDobschuetz Sophie , Plée Ludovic , Kalpravidh Wantanee , Sumption Keith 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAttacks using animal pathogens can have devastating socioeconomic, public health and national security consequences. The livestock sector has some inherent vulnerabilities which put it at risk to the deliberate or accidental spread of disease. The growing concern of countries about the risks of agro-terrorism and agro-crime has led to efforts to prepare against potential attacks. One recent international effort is the launch of a joint OIE, FAO and INTERPOL project in 2019 to build resilience against agro-terrorism and agro-crime targeting animal health with the financial support of the Weapons Threat Reduction Programme of Global Affairs Canada. Given the importance of strong animal health surveillance systems for the early and effective response to agro-terrorism and agro-crime, the project will use the FAO Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET) and its new Biothreat Detection Module to evaluate beneficiary countries’ capacities to detect criminal or terrorist animal health events. This paper presents the development of the new SET Biothreat Detection Module and how it will be used to evaluate surveillance for agro-terrorism and agro-crime animal disease threats. The module will be piloted in early 2021 and, once finalized, will be used by beneficiary countries of the joint OIE-FAO-INTERPOL project. Results from evaluations using SET and its Biothreat Detection Module are expected to provide a baseline from which countries can build targeted capacity for animal disease surveillance including early detection and investigation of potential terrorist or criminal events involving zoonotic and non-zoonotic animal pathogens.
Role of multislice computed tomography 3D volumetric analysis in the assessment of the therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Osman Mohamed Fouad , Farag Ahmed Shawky Ali , Samy Haney Ahmed , El-Baz Tamer Mahmoud , Elkholy Shaima Fattouh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Volumetric analysis is a novel radiological technique used in the measurement of target lesions in three dimensions in order to estimate the lesion’s volume. Recently, it has been used for evaluation of the remaining liver volume after partial hepatectomy and also for evaluation of the response of tumours to treatment. It has been proven to be more accurate than the standard one or two-dimensional measurements, and it is especially useful for the evaluation of complex tumours after radiological interventional methods when the use of standard methods is limited. In the current study, our aim was to evaluate the value of the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric method “Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (vRECIST)” and to compare it with the non–three-dimensional methods (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) in the assessment of the therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Results
A retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients with confirmed radiological or pathological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent TACE as the only interventional procedure and follwed up by triphasic CT 1 and 4 months after treatment. The study revealed a significant difference between mRECIST and vRECIST in the assessment of the therapeutic response of HCC after TACE, a weak agreement was found between both methods in the detection of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD). Also, there was no significant agreement between mRECIST and vRECIST regarding the assessment by classifying the patients into responders or nonresponders.

Conclusion
Volumetric analysis is an effective method for measuring the HCC lesions and evaluating its response to locoregional treatment with a significant difference between vRECIST and mRECIST in the assessment of therapeutic response, which in turn help the interventional radiologist to decide the future treatments and change the therapeutic plans. Based on these results, we recommend vRECIST to be an essential part of the assessment of therapeutic response after locoregional therapy.
Diagnostic dilemma of primary neonatal iliopsoas abscess
Authors: Ray Sampurna , Dey Pranab Kumar , Halder Pankaj , Ghosh Arindam 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary iliopsoas abscess is extremely rare in neonates and overlooked easily. It is potentially curable with surgical drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Case presentation
A 13-day-old neonate was presented with a swelling and bluish discoloration on the left thigh and groin. There was a restriction of movement of the left lower limb, and he developed high grade fever later on, during hospital stay. In spite of a great dilemma, we could finally reach the diagnosis of primary iliopsoas abscess, performed surgical drainage, and controlled ongoing sepsis. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was doing well and there was no asymmetry in appearance of movements.

Conclusion
High index of suspicion, vigilant clinical examinations, and targeted laboratory investigations with imaging studies are of paramount importance in establishing its diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties and re-evaluates the representative features of neonatal iliopsoas abscess and its management.
Medical Oncology Patient Perceptions of Telehealth Video Visits
Authors: Granberg Rachel E. , Heyer Arianna , Rising Kristin L. , Handley Nathan R. , Gentsch Alexzandra T. , Binder Adam F. 
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE Telehealth in medical oncology has expanded secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, quantitative research on medical oncology telehealth use shows conflicting results on patient satisfaction, whereas qualitative data are sparse. Our qualitative study aimed to identify the factors influencing patient acceptability of video visits for medical oncology care before and at the onset of the expansion of telehealth because of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2019 and April 2020 with 20 patients who participated in a telehealth visit with a medical oncology provider at Thomas Jefferson University. RESULTS Of the 20 participants, 13 (65%) were female and 15 (75%) were White, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 60.5 years (11.8). Patients identified convenience, anxiety, COVID-19, and provider preference as positively influencing the acceptability of video visits; however, some patients noted limitations in provider connection, physical examinations, and visit length as disadvantages. Regarding receipt of serious or bad news, some preferred video visits for privacy, immediacy of results, news processing, and family comfort. Others preferred in-person encounters for provider support and the ability to receive written information and in-person referrals. CONCLUSION Patient-perceived factors influencing general acceptability, appropriateness of serious and bad news delivery, and future uses of telehealth were unique to each individual, but shared common themes. Understanding each patient's perspective of telehealth acceptability and tailoring use to their preferences is critical for continued utilization. Further research is needed to understand and address reasons for lack of telehealth uptake among certain patients.
Hepatic Fat in Early Childhood Is Independently Associated With Estimated Insulin Resistance: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Cohen Catherine C , Perng Wei , Sundaram Shikha S , Scherzinger Ann , Shankar Kartik , Dabelea Dana 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Fatty liver disease is a common metabolic abnormality in adolescents with obesity but remains understudied in early childhood.

Objectives
To describe hepatic fat deposition in prepubertal children and examine cross-sectional associations with metabolic markers and body composition.

Methods
Data were from 286 children ages 4 to 8 years old in the Healthy Start Study, a longitudinal prebirth cohort in Colorado (USA). Assessments included magnetic resonance imaging to quantify hepatic and abdominal fats, fasting blood draws to measure metabolic markers, and air displacement plethysmography to measure body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass).

Results
The median (interquartile range) for hepatic fat was 1.65% (1.24%, 2.11%). Log-transformed hepatic fat was higher in Hispanic [mean (95% CI): 0.63 (0.52, 0.74)] vs non-Hispanic white children [0.46 (0.38, 0.53), P = 0.01] and children with overweight/obesity [0.64 (0.49, 0.79)] vs normal-weight [0.47 (0.40, 0.53), P = 0.02]. Higher log-hepatic fat was associated with higher insulin [β (95% CI): 1.47 (0.61, 2.33) uIU/mL, P = 0.001] and estimated insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment) [0.40 (0.20, 0.60), P &lt; 0.001] in the full sample and glucose [5.53 (2.84, 8.21) mg/dL, P &lt; 0.001] and triglycerides [10.92 (2.92,18.91) mg/dL, P = 0.008] in boys, in linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographics, maternal/perinatal confounders, and percentage body fat. Log-hepatic fat was also associated with abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT; 7.37 (1.12,13.60) mm2, P = 0.02] in unadjusted models, but this was attenuated and insignificant after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions
While hepatic fat was low in children 4 to 8 years old, it was independently associated with estimated insulin resistance and exhibited sex-specific associations with glucose and triglycerides, suggesting hepatic fat may be an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction in youth.