bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastics and the functional traits of fishes: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Salerno Martina , Berlino Manuel , Mangano M. Cristina , Sarà Gianluca 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOver the years, concern about the effects of microplastics has grown. Here, we answered the main question “What are the impacts of microplastics on the functional traits of fish species?” through a meta‐analysis. The general impact of microplastic exposure on the functional traits of fishes and specifically on eight variables, namely, behaviour, development, fecundity, feeding, growth, health, hatching and survival was explored. Subgroup analyses were performed to detect correlations between the impact of microplastics and the following factors: species, life stage, habitat, water column habitat, day of exposure to microplastics and microplastic size, type and shape. A meta‐regression analysis allowed understanding the correlation between the impact of microplastics and the size of organisms. Generally, microplastics have a negative effect on the functional traits of fishes. Feeding and behaviour, followed by growth showed the greatest impact. Among the subgroup analysis, four of the eight variables considered showed a significant difference between groups: species, life stage, microplastic shape and days of exposure to microplastics. Depending on their life stage, organisms may be more sensitive to microplastic pollution. Changes in growth rates, development of early life stage and behavioural patterns in fishes may have a negative effect on the structure and functions of aquatic ecosystem in the long term and consequently affect the ability of aquatic ecosystems to provide ecosystem services and sustain human communities.
Macroecological patterns of forest structure and allometric scaling in mangrove forests
Authors: Rovai Andre S. , Twilley Robert R. , Castañeda‐Moya Edward , Midway Stephen R. , Friess Daniel A. , Trettin Carl C. , Bukoski Jacob J. , Stovall Atticus E.L. , Pagliosa Paulo R. , Fonseca Alessandra L. , Mackenzie Richard A. , Aslan Aslan , Sasmito Sigit D. , Sillanpää Mériadec , Cole Thomas G. , Purbopuspito Joko , Warren Matthew W. , Murdiyarso Daniel , Mofu Wolfram , Sharma Sahadev , Tinh Pham Hong , Riul Pablo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimMangrove wetlands span broad geographical gradients, resulting in functionally diverse tree communities. We asked whether latitudinal variation, allometric scaling relationships and species composition influence mangrove forest structure and biomass allocation across biogeographical regions and distinct coastal morphologies.LocationGlobal.Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedMangrove ecosystems.MethodsWe built the largest field‐based dataset on mangrove forest structure and biomass to date (c. 2,800 plots from 67 countries) to address macroecological questions pertaining to structural and functional diversity of mangroves spanning biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients. We used frequentist inference statistics and machine learning models to determine environmental drivers that control biomass allocation within and across mangrove communities globally.ResultsAllometric scaling relationships and forest structural complexity were consistent across biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients, suggesting that mangrove biomass is controlled by regional forcings rather than by latitude or species composition. For instance, nearly 40% of the global variation in biomass was explained by regional climate and hydroperiod, revealing nonlinear thresholds that control biomass accumulation across broad geographical gradients. Furthermore, we found that ecosystem‐level carbon stocks (average 401 ± 48 MgC/ha, covering biomass and the top 1 m of soil) varied little across diverse coastal morphologies, reflecting regional bottom‐up geomorphic controls that shape global patterns in mangrove biomass apportioning.Main conclusionsOur findings reconcile views of wetland and terrestrial forest macroecology. Similarities in stand structural complexity and cross‐site size–density relationships across multiscale environmental gradients show that resource allocation in mangrove ecosystems is independent of tree size and invariant to species composition or latitude. Mangroves follow a universal fractal‐based scaling relationship that describes biomass allocation for several other terrestrial tree‐dominated communities. Understanding how mangroves adhere to these universal allometric rules can improve our ability to account for biomass apportioning and carbon stocks in response to broad geographical gradients.
Clinical phenotype of severe and moderate haemophilia: Who should receive prophylaxis and what is the target trough level?
Authors: Collins Peter W. , Obaji Samya G. , Roberts Heledd , Gorsani Deepan , Rayment Rachel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionOne of the most often stated tenets of haemophilia care is that prophylaxis converts a person from a severe to a moderate phenotype. In this review, we argue that this is not an accurate assumption and that people on prophylaxis predominantly have factor VIII/IX levels in the mild range.Moderate haemophilia and prophylaxisPeople with moderate haemophilia, who are treating with on‐demand regimens, experience joint bleeds and often develop significant arthropathy. This is especially true for people with a baseline level of 1‒3 IU/dl, as first reported 55 years ago, and confirmed in more recent studies. Evidence is emerging suggesting that people with severe haemophilia who are using prophylaxis have better musculoskeletal outcomes than people with moderate haemophilia treated episodically.Trough levelsThe debate around the optimum trough level whilst on prophylaxis is ongoing. It is not appropriate to extrapolate information about baseline levels to recommendations about target trough levels on prophylaxis because these are different situations. Studies are emerging that support higher target trough levels than previously used, but in spite of this, the aim of achieving zero bleeds remains elusive with both factor replacement and non‐replacement therapies.ConclusionsWe recommend that people with moderate haemophilia, especially those with a baseline of 1–3 IU/dl, should be offered prophylaxis based on the same criteria as people with severe haemophilia. Trough levels should be maintained above 3 IU/dl or higher if a level of 3 IU/dl does not control breakthrough bleeding and prophylaxis should be tailored to the bleeding phenotype. This advice is in line with recently published guidelines from the World Federation of Haemophilia and the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation.
Epidemics in premodern Middle Eastern society and thought
Authors: Ayalon Yaron 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article examines thought about and responses to epidemics in the Middle East before the 19th century. Its focus is mostly on approaches to plagues, the responses of state officials to them, and people's reactions in the Ottoman period (16th–18th centuries), with some attention given to the early Islamic and Mamluk periods. Among issues explored are distribution of grain, price control measures, tax adjustments, and an array of other actions taken mostly locally, including quarantine. The latter referred primarily to the question of flight: whether it was permissible to leave a plague‐ridden area, and how many people actually took such action. As I show here, flight was a common response despite prohibitions on the practice appearing in the Islamic plague literature.
Antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility and effect of Bio‐C Temp bioceramic intracanal medicament on osteoblast biology
Authors: Guerreiro J. C. M. , Ochoa‐Rodrígez V. M. , Rodrigues E. M. , Chavez‐Andrade G. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Faria G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo analyse the antimicrobial and biological properties of a new bioceramic intracanal medicament (Bio‐C Temp), and to compare it with two calcium hydroxide‐based intracanal medicaments (Calen® and UltraCal® XS).MethodologyThe direct contact and the crystal violet tests were performed to assess the antimicrobial activity of intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. The cytocompatibility and the effect of the medication on the biology of the human osteoblast‐like cell line (Saos‐2) were evaluated with methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT), neutral red, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization (alizarin red) assays. The data were analysed using one‐way anova and Tukey’s tests, two‐way anova and Bonferroni’s tests, or Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests (α = 0.05).ResultsBio‐C Temp had significantly less antibacterial activity and biofilm biomass reduction than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the viability of Saos‐2 exposed to the various intracanal medicaments, except regarding the 1 : 2 dilution, when the Bio‐C Temp group had significantly lower cell viability than the UltraCal® XS and Calen® groups (P < 0.05). Bio‐C Temp induced significantly greater ALP activity than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05) at day 1. Calen® induced significantly greater deposition of mineralized nodules than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05), and no difference was observed between Bio‐C Temp and UltraCal® XS (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBio‐C Temp had similar cytocompatibility at higher dilutions, and higher or similar induction of ALP activity and deposition of mineralized nodules in comparison with Calen® and UltraCal® XS. However, it had significantly less antibacterial and antibiofilm activity than Calen® and UltraCal® XS.
A study of the possible factors affecting COVID‐19 spread, severity and mortality and the effect of social distancing on these factors: Machine learning forecasting model
Authors: Zawbaa Hossam M. , El‐Gendy Ahmed , Saeed Haitham , Osama Hasnaa , Ali Ahmed M. A. , Gomaa Dina , Abdelrahman Mona , Harb Hadeer S. , Madney Yasmin M. , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundsSARS‐CoV‐2 is affecting different countries all over the world, with significant variation in infection‐rate and death‐ratio. We have previously shown a presence of a possible relationship between different variables including the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, average age, gender, and malaria treatment, and the rate of spread, severity and mortality of COVID‐19 disease. This paper focuses on developing machine learning models for this relationship.MethodsWe have used real‐datasets collected from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to develop a model from China data as the baseline country. From this model, we predicted and forecasted different countries' daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases and examined if there was any possible effect of the variables mentioned above.ResultsThe model was trained based on China data as a baseline model for daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases. This machine learning application succeeded in modelling and forecasting daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases. The modelling and forecasting of viral spread resulted in four different regions; these regions were dependent on the malarial treatments, BCG vaccination, weather conditions, and average age. However, the lack of social distancing resulted in variation in the effect of these factors, for example, double‐humped spread and mortality cases curves and sudden increases in the spread and mortality cases in different countries.The process of machine learning for time‐series prediction and forecasting, especially in the pandemic COVID‐19 domain, proved usefulness in modelling and forecasting the end status of the virus spreading based on specific regional and health support variables.ConclusionFrom the experimental results, we confirm that COVID‐19 has a very low spread in the African countries with all the four variables (average young age, hot weather, BCG vaccine and malaria treatment); a very high spread in European countries and the USA with no variable (old people, cold weather, no BCG vaccine and no malaria). The effect of the variables could be on the spread or the severity to the extent that the infected subject might not have symptoms or the case is mild and can be missed as a confirmed‐case. Social distancing decreases the effect of these factors.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco
Authors: Adarmouch Latifa , Tourari Samya , Sebbani Majda , Amine Mohamed 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco.MethodsAn online survey was carried out in June 2020. The study population consisted of physicians (General practitioners and specialists) who run private practices in different regions of Morocco. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic and professional data, the impact noticed by the physicians and the strategies they adopted to tackle this impact.ResultsWe analysed 225 responses. Specialists represented 71.6% of the respondents. The majority (94.2%) of the private practices were located in urban areas. Almost all respondents have noticed a change in the demand for medical services, mainly a decrease (96.4%). There was an increase in urgent consultations (30.7%) and consultations for acute motives (39.1%). Respondents also reported less (69.3%) or no (23.1%) regular follow‐up visits for patients with chronic diseases. Decreased incomes concerned 97.3% of the practices. Practitioners reacted by working less hours (87.6%), delaying some procedures (78.2%) and applying recommended safety measures (100%). Telemedicine was used in an informal way to facilitate the communication with patients.Discussion and ConclusionDuring this pandemic, private practices were challenged to contribute to the continuity of healthcare services while ensuring the safety of the staff and the patients. Several strategies were adopted to cope with the new situation and to survive its many challenges.
Pouring petrol on the flames: Using oncolytic virotherapies to enhance tumour immunogenicity
Authors: Teijeira Crespo Alicia , Burnell Stephanie , Capitani Lorenzo , Bayliss Rebecca , Moses Elise , Mason Georgina H. , Davies James A. , Godkin Andrew J. , Gallimore Awen M. , Parker Alan L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Oncolytic viruses possess the ability to infect, replicate and lyse malignantly
transformed tumour cells. This oncolytic activity amplifies the therapeutic advantage
and induces a form of immunogenic cell death, characterized by increased CD8
+ T‐cell infiltration into the tumour microenvironment. This
important feature of oncolytic viruses can result in the warming up of immunologically
‘cold’ tumour types, presenting the enticing possibility that oncolytic
virus treatment combined with immunotherapies may enhance efficacy. In this review, we
assess some of the most promising candidates that might be used for oncolytic
virotherapy: immunotherapy combinations. We assess their potential as separate agents or
as agents combined into a single therapy, where the immunotherapy is encoded within the
genome of the oncolytic virus. The development of such advanced agents will require
increasingly sophisticated model systems for their preclinical assessment and
evaluation. In vivo rodent model systems are fraught with limitations in this regard.
Oncolytic viruses replicate selectively within human cells and therefore require human
xenografts in immune‐deficient mice for their evaluation. However, the use of
immune‐deficient rodent models hinders the ability to study immune responses
against any immunomodulatory transgenes engineered within the viral genome and expressed
within the tumour microenvironment. There has therefore been a shift towards the use of
more sophisticated ex vivo patient‐derived model systems based on organoids and
explant co‐cultures with immune cells, which may be more predictive of efficacy
than contrived and artificial animal models. We review the best of those model systems
here.
Thermal strengthening of low‐expansion glasses and thin‐walled glass products by ultra‐fast heat extraction
Authors: Sajzew Roman , Wondraczek Lothar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThermal strengthening remains the primary method for enhancing the practical strength of commodity glass products, however, the process is limited in terms of applicable glass thickness and coefficient of thermal expansion. The primary reasons for this limitation are the achievable heat transfer coefficient when using conventional gas cooling, and the occurrence of transient surface tension in the early stages of rapid quenching. We revisit this problem for the case of thin borosilicate glass sheet. Using liquid gallium as the cooling medium, ultra‐fast heat extraction is achieved, with a heat transfer coefficient exceeding 5000 Wm−2 K−1. The low vapor pressure of gallium even at high temperatures enables preheating to a wide range of sheet entrant temperatures. We demonstrate thermal strengthening of low‐expansion borosilicate glass with persistent surface compression of up to 85 MPa, and quenching to a fictive temperature of ~190 K above the glass transition temperature. Glass sheet obtained in this way exhibits notably enhanced surface defect resistance to sharp indentation. In addition to thermal strengthening, the extraordinarily high heat extraction rates achieved by liquid metal immersion enable exploitation of high‐Tf glass properties beyond small and thin sample geometry.
Efficacy of lifestyle intervention program for Arab women with prediabetes using social media as an alternative platform of delivery
Authors: Al‐Hamdan Rasha , Avery Amanda , Al‐Disi Dara , Sabico Shaun , Al‐Daghri Nasser M , McCullough Fiona 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis 6‐month interventional study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different educational programs among Saudi women with prediabetes referred by primary care.Materials and MethodsA total of 253 (100 group education program [GEP], 84 WhatsApp education program [WEP] and 69 control group [CG]) eligible participants were invited to take part in the study, out of whom 120 received intervention (40 GEP, 43 WEP and 37 CG). GEP participants received focused, individualized lifestyle modification advice with bimonthly support sessions, WEP participants received the same intervention, but delivered through social media (WhatsApp). The CG received standard care. Anthropometrics, biochemical profiles and macronutrient intake were measured at baseline, and 3 and 6 months. The primary end‐points were glycated hemoglobin and weight, with lipids and dietary changes as secondary outcomes.ResultsGlycated hemoglobin significantly improved in all groups post‐intervention (GEP baseline 6.0 ± 0.2 vs 6 months 5.5 ± 0.54; P < 0.001, WEP 6.0 ± 0.26 vs 5.3 ± 0.51; P < 0.001, CG 6.0 ± 0.37 vs 5.7 ± 0.49; P < 0.001), but with no difference in between‐group comparisons (P = 0.33). Within‐group comparisons showed a reduction in weight, but only in the GEP group (90.6 kg ± 27.3 vs 84.8 kg ± 24.3; P < 0.01), and this was significant in between‐group comparison (P = 0.003). Significant between‐group comparisons with respect to energy (g) intake (P = 0.005) were also observed, as well as triglycerides (P < 0.001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.001), all in favor of the GEP group.ConclusionsDiabetes prevention programs, whether delivered through a focused educational group, social media or standard care, are equally efficacious in improving glycated hemoglobin levels among Saudi women with prediabetes, but a focused educational group was more effective in terms of successful weight loss.
Conducting research on diet–microbiome interactions: A review of current challenges, essential methodological principles, and recommendations for best practice in study design
Authors: Shanahan Erin R. , McMaster Jessica J. , Staudacher Heidi M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDiet is one of the strongest modulators of the gut microbiome. However, the complexity of the interactions between diet and the microbial community emphasises the need for a robust study design and continued methodological development. This review aims to summarise considerations for conducting high‐quality diet–microbiome research, outline key challenges unique to the field, and provide advice for addressing these in a practical manner useful to dietitians, microbiologists, gastroenterologists and other diet–microbiome researchers. Searches of databases and references from relevant articles were conducted using the primary search terms ‘diet’, ‘diet intervention’, ‘dietary analysis’, ‘microbiome’ and ‘microbiota’, alone or in combination. Publications were considered relevant if they addressed methods for diet and/or microbiome research, or were a human study relevant to diet–microbiome interactions. Best‐practice design in diet–microbiome research requires appropriate consideration of the study population and careful choice of trial design and data collection methodology. Ongoing challenges include the collection of dietary data that accurately reflects intake at a timescale relevant to microbial community structure and metabolism, measurement of nutrients in foods pertinent to microbes, improving ability to measure and understand microbial metabolic and functional properties, adequately powering studies, and the considered analysis of multivariate compositional datasets. Collaboration across the disciplines of nutrition science and microbiology is crucial for high‐quality diet–microbiome research. Improvements in our understanding of the interaction between nutrient intake and microbial metabolism, as well as continued methodological innovation, will facilitate development of effective evidence‐based personalised dietary treatments.
MECP2 and the biology of MECP2 duplication syndrome
Authors: D’Mello Santosh R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X‐linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein‐2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi‐functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections, and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and zcomplex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule‐associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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