bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimate false‐negative RT‐PCR rates for SARS‐CoV‐2. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Negro Antonella , Pirotti Tommaso , Trenti Tommaso 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundMolecular‐based tests used to identify symptomatic or asymptomatic patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 are characterized by high specificity but scarce sensitivity, generating false‐negative results. We aimed to estimate, through a systematic review of the literature, the rate of RT‐PCR false negatives at initial testing for COVID‐19.MethodsWe systematically searched Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL as well as a list of reference literature. We included observational studies that collected samples from respiratory tract to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA using RT‐PCR, reporting the number of false‐negative subjects and the number of final patients with a COVID‐19 diagnosis. Reported rates of false negatives were pooled in a meta‐analysis as appropriate. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies and graded the quality of evidence according to the GRADE method. All information in this article is current up to February 2021.ResultsWe included 32 studies, enrolling more than 18,000 patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. The overall false‐negative rate was 0.12 (95%CI from 0.10 to 0.14) with very low certainty of evidence. The impact of misdiagnoses was estimated according to disease prevalence; a range between 2 and 58/1,000 subjects could be misdiagnosed with a disease prevalence of 10%, increasing to 290/1,000 misdiagnosed subjects with a disease prevalence of 50%.ConclusionsThis systematic review showed that up to 58% of COVID‐19 patients may have initial false‐negative RT‐PCR results, suggesting the need to implement a correct diagnostic strategy to correctly identify suspected cases, thereby reducing false‐negative results and decreasing the disease burden among the population.
Soil bacterial and fungal communities are linked with plant functional types and soil properties under different grazing intensities
Authors: Wang Zhen , Ding Yong , Jin Ke , Struik Paul C. , Sun Shixian , Ji Baoming , Zhang Yujuan , Li Xiliang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAs a grassland management strategy in the typical steppe, livestock grazing can affect soil microbes and ecosystem functions via vegetation removal, trampling and manure deposition. However, the effects of grazing and its main consequences (e.g. the shifts in plant functional types and alterations in soil properties) on soil bacterial and fungal community composition remain unresolved. Taking advantage of a 5‐year grazing exclosure experiment that tested different grazing intensities [control: no grazing (G0); light: 0.75 sheep ha−1(G1); moderate: 1.50 sheep ha−1(G2); heavy: 2.25 sheep ha−1(G3); and overgrazing: 3.00 sheep ha−1(G4)], we examined grazing‐related changes in plant communities, soil chemistry and soil microbial communities. Grazing intensity affected the diversity and composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities via changes in plant species and soil nutrient contents. Increased grazing intensity reduced soil organic carbon (OC), suppressed the dominant bacterial phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes, and increased the abundance of oligotrophic bacteria in subordinate phyla (e.g. Verrucomicroba and Chloroflexi). Increased grazing intensity also promoted the dominant fungal phylum Ascomycetes because of the poor‐nutrient soil environment. The decreased soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the G2 treatment was associated with an effect on the fungal community composition. Structural equation modelling demonstrated that responses of the bacterial community to grazing intensity were related to changes in soil OC and soil pH, whereas the combination of C4plant community biomass and soil pH drove changes in the fungal community. Our study provides novel evidence that grazing affects plant functional group and soil chemistry through the soil pH and C/N ratio, which in turn affects bacterial and fungal communities.HighlightsHeavy and overgrazing suppressed bacterial phylum Proteobacteria and increased fungal phylumAscomycete.Soil OC was the predominant driver of changes in bacterial richness and community composition.C4plant community biomass modulated fungal richness and community composition.
Web‐based decision support system for patient‐tailored selection of antiseizure medication in adolescents and adults: An external validation study
Authors: Hadady Levente , Klivényi Péter , Perucca Emilio , Rampp Stefan , Fabó Dániel , Bereczki Csaba , Rubboli Guido , Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Sperling Michael R. , Beniczky Sándor 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeAntiseizure medications (ASMs) should be tailored to individual characteristics, including seizure type, age, sex, comorbidities, comedications, drug allergies, and childbearing potential. We previously developed a web‐based algorithm for patient‐tailored ASM selection to assist health care professionals in prescribing medication using a decision support application (https://epipick.org). In this validation study, we used an independent dataset to assess whether ASMs recommended by the algorithm are associated with better outcomes than ASMs considered less desirable by the algorithm.MethodsFour hundred twenty‐five consecutive patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy were followed for at least 1 year after starting an ASM chosen by their physician. Patient characteristics were fed into the algorithm, blinded to the physician's ASM choices and outcome. The algorithm recommended ASMs, ranked in hierarchical groups, with Group 1 ASMs labeled as the best option for that patient. We evaluated retention rates, seizure freedom rates, and adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation. Survival analysis contrasted outcomes between patients who received favored drugs and those who received lower ranked drugs. Propensity score matching corrected for possible imbalances between the groups.ResultsAntiseizure medications classified by the algorithm as best options had a higher retention rate (79.4% vs. 67.2%, p = 0.005), higher seizure freedom rate (76.0% vs. 61.6%, p = 0.002), and lower rate of discontinuation due to adverse effects (12.0% vs. 29.2%, p < 0.001) than ASMs ranked as less desirable by the algorithm.ConclusionsUse of the freely available decision support system is associated with improved outcomes. This drug selection application can provide valuable assistance to health care professionals prescribing medication for individuals with epilepsy.
The epilepsy–autism spectrum disorder phenotype in the era of molecular genetics and precision therapy
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Di Micco Valentina , Trivisano Marina , Ferretti Alessandro , Curatolo Paolo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with infants with epileptic encephalopathy, and early interventions targeting social and cognitive deficits can have positive effects on developmental outcome. However, early diagnosis of ASD among infants with epilepsy is complicated by variability in clinical phenotypes. Commonality in both biological and molecular mechanisms have been suggested between ASD and epilepsy, such as occurs with tuberous sclerosis complex. This review summarizes the current understanding of causal mechanisms between epilepsy and ASD, with a particularly genetic focus. Hypothetical explanations to support the conjugation of the two conditions include abnormalities in synaptic growth, imbalance in neuronal excitation/inhibition, and abnormal synaptic plasticity. Investigation of the probable genetic basis has implemented many genes, although the main risk supports existing hypotheses in that these cluster to abnormalities in ion channels, synaptic function and structure, and transcription regulators, with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and “mTORpathies” having been a notable research focus. Experimental models not only have a crucial role in determining gene functions but are also useful instruments for tracing disease trajectory. Precision medicine from gene therapy remains a theoretical possibility, but more contemporary developments continue in molecular tests to aid earlier diagnoses and better therapeutic targeting.
Extracellular vesicles from equine mesenchymal stem cells decrease inflammation markers in chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Arévalo‐Turrubiarte Magdalena , Baratta Mario , Ponti Giovanna , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Martignani Eugenio 
Published: November 2021

SummaryBackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used therapeutically in equine medicine. MSCs release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which affect cell processes by inhibiting cell apoptosis and regulating inflammation. To date, little is known about equine EVs and their regenerative properties.ObjectivesTo characterise equine MSC‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and evaluate their effect on equine chondrocytes treated with pro‐inflammatory cytokines in vitro.Study designIn vitro experiments with randomised complete block design.MethodsMesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and synovial fluid were cultured in vitro. The MSC culture medium was centrifuged and filtered. Isolated particles were analysed for size and concentration (total number of particles per mL). Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to evaluate the morphology and CD9 expression of the particles. Chondrocytes from healthy equines were treated with the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. MSC‐derived EVs from bone marrow and synovial fluid cells were added as co‐treatments in vitro. Gene expression analysis by real‐time PCR was performed to evaluate the effects of EVs.ResultsThe particles isolated from MSCs derived from different tissues did not differ significantly in size and concentration. The particles had a round‐like shape and positively expressed CD9. EVs from bone marrow cells displayed reduced expression of metalloproteinase‐13.Main limitationsSample size and characterisation of the content of EVs.ConclusionsEVs isolated from equine bone marrow MSCs reduced metalloproteinase 13 gene expression; this gene encodes an enzyme related to cartilage degradation in inflamed chondrocytes in vitro. EVs derived from MSCs can reduce inflammation and could potentially be used as an adjuvant treatment to improve tissue and cartilage repair in the articular pathologies.
Evidence for a role of extracellular heat shock protein 70 in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Tukaj Stefan , Mantej Jagoda , Sitko Krzysztof , Bednarek Marta , Zillikens Detlef , Ludwig Ralf J. , Bieber Katja , Kasperkiewicz Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHeat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and Hsp70 are chaperones implicated in different inflammatory disorders, given their property to impact innate and adaptive immune responses. Here, we determined the so far unknown role of extracellular Hsp70 in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), an anti‐type VII collagen autoantibody‐mediated blistering dermatosis. The in vivo pathophysiological relevance of extracellular Hsp70 was demonstrated in an anti‐type VII collagen antibody transfer‐induced EBA mouse model in which elevated blood levels of this chaperone were recorded. We found that Hsp70‐treated mice had a more intense clinical disease severity compared to controls that were paralleled by increased levels of cutaneous matrix metalloproteinase 9 and plasma hydrogen peroxide. The latter finding was confirmed in an independent reactive oxygen species release assay using EBA‐specific immune complexes combined with recombinant Hsp70. Finally, cell culture experiments using human naive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed that extracellular Hsp70 stimulated the secretion of the T cell–derived pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8. This work extends knowledge about the role of Hsps in autoimmune bullous diseases, suggesting that extracellular Hsp70 represents a pathophysiological factor and potential treatment target in EBA.
Quantifying socio‐economic novelty in fisheries social‐ecological systems
Authors: Ammar Yosr , Voss Rudi , Niiranen Susa , Blenckner Thorsten 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSocio‐economic development has shaped fisheries social‐ecological systems (SES) worldwide across different scales. No work has yet undertaken how this development led to novel, not experienced before, systems structure in marine SES. Here, we quantify socio‐economic novelty as the degree of dissimilarity relative to a specific spatiotemporal baseline in the Baltic Sea fisheries SES between 1975 and 2015. We used catch by "gears," catch by "commercial groups" and trade ("import" and "export") as respective indicators of novelty at national, regional and international governance levels. We found that socio‐economic novelty increased over time nonlinearly in relation to the 1975–1979 baseline. The contribution to total novelty shifted from the dominance of “gears” and “commercial groups” in the late 1990s and early 2000s to “import” and “export” after the mid‐2000s, i.e. from national and regional levels to the international level. The fastest increase in novelty occurred with the trade dominance shift, primarily related to monetary value rather than quantity. Spatially, novelty emerged with a large difference across countries, and a major contribution by Sweden, Denmark and Poland. We identified the influence of different management interventions and governance actions on the emergence of novelty in the Baltic SES. The decreasing socio‐economic novelty at national and regional levels could indicate reduced variability due to management intervention in recent years which might decrease SES resilience to shocks. Calculating socio‐economic novelty and studying its drivers at different scales could provide a better understanding of SES complexity and inform urgently needed adaptation and transformation towards sustainable future pathways.
Experiences of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities: Multiregional perspectives
Authors: Paul Alicia M. , Hussey Meghan M. , Woodman Ashley C. , Smith Ashlyn L. , Shriver Timothy P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study described the benefits, challenges, and support needs of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia‐Pacific.BackgroundGrowing up with a sibling with an intellectual disability can influence young people in various ways. Previous research has focused primarily on Western contexts and the use of parent rather than sibling perceptions.MethodTwenty‐two siblings of people with intellectual disabilities between ages 8 and 25 years participated in three semistructured focus groups during Special Olympics Regional Sibling and Family Workshops. Participants discussed their personal experiences and perceived support needs. Transcripts were coded for themes and subthemes using an iterative process.ResultsThematic analysis revealed positive themes related to valuing siblings with intellectual disabilities, close relationships, and personal growth. Challenging themes found were related to the self, family, and broader community. For supports needed, themes included future planning and services for siblings with intellectual disabilities.ConclusionSiblings from these regions described their experiences as a combination of benefits and challenges, noting the distinct influence of stigma on their relationships and the need for higher quality services.ImplicationsFindings point to a need for a whole‐family‐centered approach to support siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in the Global South.
School‐age adopted children's early responses to remote schooling during COVID‐19
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , McCormick Nora , Virginia Haylie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis mixed‐methods exploratory study sought to address the experiences of 89 adoptive parents (heterosexual, lesbian, and gay) in the United States with school‐age children in relation to the transition to remote schooling and their children's mental health during the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic.BackgroundThe transition to remote schooling and associated confinement during the COVID‐19 pandemic presents challenges for families, particularly when children are struggling with mental health and learning challenges.MethodsData were collected via an online survey between May and June 2020. Before the pandemic, almost half of the children received special education services.ResultsFindings revealed that although a minority of children were doing well with remote schooling, the majority were struggling due to lack of motivation and an inability to work independently. Some parents voiced challenges with teacher communication and inconsistencies across classes and were overwhelmed by the demands of their new role as proctor/teacher. Some were dissatisfied with how children's school services had been implemented and noted difficulties with the online format of various services (e.g., therapy was less engaging). Regarding children's mental health, half of parents said it had stayed the same, one third said it had worsened, and the remainder said it had improved. The mental health of children adopted via foster care seemed to have benefited from the additional time spent at home. Yet most children were described as struggling in part due to social isolation and loss of routine, which manifested in a variety of ways, including anxiety, schoolwork avoidance, and boundary testing. Most parents tried to show patience, tolerance, and reassurance, but more than one third reported stress and frustration associated with not knowing how to best support their children.ConclusionThe transition to remote schooling during COVID‐19 may be especially challenging for adoptive families and other families whose children have higher levels of need.ImplicationsFindings have implications for parents, teachers, school social workers and psychologists, and other professionals who work with children and families.
Characterization of isothermal and cyclic thermal damage of EB‐PVD TBCs with the help of the 3D‐DIC technique
Authors: Yang Shun , Yuan Huang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are working under complex elevated temperature loading conditions. In the present work, a damage model for the isothermal and cyclic thermal loads was developed to quantify the failure process of the coatings subjected to isothermal and cyclic thermal exposures. Effects of different damage mechanisms, such as thermal exposure, thermal cycling, aluminum migration, and thermal dwell times, were experimentally and computationally studied. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was introduced to evaluate degradation of TBCs. The complex damage can be quantified with the help of the DIC strain variations. The introduced model provides a general method to estimate the remaining life.
Extinction of rare fish predicts an abrupt loss of ecological function in the future of Amazonian streams
Authors: Colares Lucas Ferreira , Lobato Cleonice Maria Cardoso , Montag Luciano Fogaça de Assis , Dunck Bárbara 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Species are going extinct 1,000 times faster than expected due to human impacts. When the extinction of species culminates in functional loss, ecosystem functioning is altered. Functional extinction risk depends on taxonomic and functional rarity, with the non‐redundant traits found in rare species being the most vulnerable.

To investigate the relationship between taxonomic rarity and functional extinction, we ran extinction simulations driven by taxonomic rarity. Firstly, we sampled the fish fauna of 40 pristine Amazonian streams and compiled functional traits related to the body size, defence, diet, stratification, and activity of species. Then, we removed species, beginning with the rarest and ending with the commonest (and vice‐versa) and compared the observed patterns with random extinction at local and regional scales.

Following the removal of rare species, the functional rarity and body size of the community both decreased, and functional extinctions occurred after less than 10% of extinction at both spatial scales. Otherwise, the removal of common species resulted in an increase in functional rarity at the local scale, although widespread species ensured the persistence of a set of unique functional traits at a regional scale. Additionally, more than 60% of the common species had to go extinct before any functional extinction occurred at either scale.

If the ongoing mass extinction targets rare species, Amazonian stream ecosystems will be impacted by the loss of fish species associated with vulnerable functions.

We propose an extinction risk assessment based on the ecosystem and recommend that future studies apply our approach to other taxa and ecosystems, to better understand the effects of human impacts on ecosystem functioning.
Fire management alters the thermal landscape and provides multi‐scale thermal options for a terrestrial turtle facing a changing climate
Authors: Robertson Ellen P. , Tanner Evan P. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Mays Jonathan D. , Knutson Jennifer , Weir John R. , Loss Scott R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAs effects of climate change intensify, there is a growing need to understand the thermal properties of landscapes and their influence on wildlife. A key thermal property of landscapes is vegetation structure and composition. Management approaches can alter vegetation and consequently the thermal landscape, potentially resulting in underappreciated consequences for wildlife thermoregulation. Consideration of spatial scale can clarify how management overlaid onto existing vegetation patterns affects thermal properties of landscapes relevant to wildlife. We examined effects of temperature, fire management, and vegetation structure on multi‐scale habitat selection of an ectothermic vertebrate (the turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis) in the Great Plains of the central United States by linking time‐since‐fire data from 18 experimental burn plots to turtle telemetry locations and thermal and vegetation height data. Within three 60‐ha experimental landscapes, each containing six 10‐ha sub‐blocks that are periodically burned, we found that turtles select time‐since‐fire gradients differently depending on maximum daily ambient temperature. At moderate temperatures, turtles selected sub‐blocks with recent (<1 year) time‐since‐fire, but during relatively hot and cool conditions, they selected sub‐blocks with later (2–3 year) time‐since‐fire that provided thermal buffering compared with recently burned sub‐blocks. Within 10‐ha sub‐blocks, turtles selected locations with taller vegetation during warmer conditions that provided thermal buffering. Thermal performance curves revealed that turtle activity declined as temperatures exceeded ~24–29°C, and on “heat days” (≥29°C) 73% of turtles were inactive compared with 37% on non‐heat days, emphasizing that thermal extremes may lead to opportunity costs (i.e., foregone benefits turtles could otherwise accrue if active). Our results indicate that management approaches that promote a mosaic of vegetation heights, like spatiotemporally dynamic fire, can provide thermal refuges at multiple spatial scales and thus be an actionable way to provide wildlife with multiple thermal options in the context of ongoing and future climate change.