bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of Vibrio delineation methodologies in post‐genomic era
Authors: Xu Mengzhao , Xu Meiying , Tu Qichao 
Published: February 2021

SummaryVibrios are widespread in both marine and coastal water environments and are recognized as one of the most important prokaryotic pathogens because they may potentially threaten the health of both aquacultures and human beings. However, owing to highly similar physiological and biochemical properties, accurate classification and identification of Vibrio strains remains challenging. This hampers further research on the physiology, pathogeny, genomics, epidemics, and ecology of vibrios. Here, we comparatively evaluated multiple approaches including 16S rRNA gene identity, average nucleotide identity (ANI), gene content similarity and mutilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) to investigate their ability in delineating Vibrio strains. In addition, we also evaluated the possibility of applying bacterial prophages in classifying and identifying Vibrio strains. Our results showed that MLSA outperformed other methods in discriminating Vibrio species, suggesting that the other four approaches should be used with cautions in Vibrio delineation. Interestingly, we also found that prophages identified in Vibrio strains were highly specific at strain‐ and species‐level, suggesting that prophages held the potential to be used for microbial species, sub‐species, and strain‐level identifications. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the taxonomic identification and classification of complex microbial groups in the post‐genomic era.
Adaptation of bacteria to glyphosate: a microevolutionary perspective of the enzyme 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase
Authors: Rainio Miia J. , Ruuskanen Suvi , Helander Marjo , Saikkonen Kari , Saloniemi Irma , Puigbò Pere 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGlyphosate is the leading herbicide worldwide, but it also affects prokaryotes because it targets the central enzyme (5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate, EPSP) of the shikimate pathway in the synthesis of the three essential aromatic amino acids in bacteria, fungi and plants. Our results reveal that bacteria may easily become resistant to glyphosate through changes in the 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase active site. This indicates the importance of examining how glyphosate affects microbe‐mediated ecosystem functions and human microbiomes.
Dramatic intracranial response to tepotinib in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation
Authors: Takamori Shinkichi , Matsubara Taichi , Fujishita Takatoshi , Ito Kensaku , Toyozawa Ryo , Seto Takashi , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Okamoto Tatsuro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) pathway activation is associated with the mechanisms that influence properties affecting cancer cell survival and invasiveness. The MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METex14del) is found in 2%–3% of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies reported that NSCLC patients harboring a METex14del responded well to MET‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including tepotinib. Tepotinib is a highly selective, once‐daily oral MET inhibitor that has shown promising clinical activity in patients with NSCLC with METex14del. The Food and Drug Administration accepted a new drug application for tepotinib as a treatment for patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring METex14del in February 2021 [Correction added on 5 March 2021, after first online publication: the FDA approval date for tepotinib has been corrected from ‘September 2019’ to ‘February 2021’.]. However, in the previous clinical trials involving MET‐TKIs, only patients with stable central nervous system metastases were eligible, and those with untreated symptomatic brain metastases (BMs) were excluded. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of MET‐TKIs in that population remains unknown. We herein report a case of dramatic intracranial response to tepotinib in a patient with symptomatic BMs from lung adenocarcinoma harboring METex14del. In the current report, the symptoms derived from multiple BMs (headache and loss of appetite) rapidly disappeared, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed that all the lesions were too small to measure only 23 days after the commencement of tepotinib. For NSCLC patients with multiple BMs, whole‐brain irradiation is a standard‐of‐care therapy, but its adverse effects on neurocognition are concerning. Tepotinib might therefore be a therapeutic option for NSCLC patients with symptomatic multiple BMs harboring METex14del.
Reproducible abscopal effect in a patient with lung cancer who underwent whole‐brain irradiation and atezolizumab administration
Authors: Hotta Takamasa , Okuno Takae , Nakao Mika , Amano Yoshihiro , Isobe Takeshi , Tsubata Yukari 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDue to the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the abscopal effect has gained more attention. We report a case of extracranial abscopal effect after whole‐brain irradiation therapy due to brain metastasis. After the initial abscopal effect was confirmed, a second abscopal effect was confirmed following radiation therapy for bone metastases. This case confirms the reproducibility of the abscopal effect. Moreover, the abscopal effect was not observed in metastatic lesions with low immunogenicity, even in the same patient.
Motivational interviewing: Validation of a proposed NIC nursing intervention in persons with a severe mental illness
Authors: Lozano Pilar , Butcher Howard K. , Serrano Cecilia , Carrasco Aurelio , Lagares Carolina , Lusilla Pilar , O'Ferrall Cristina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionLow adherence to treatment is a common problem in the care of patients with severe mental illnesses. Motivational interviewing is a directive, client‐centered counseling therapeutic approach designed to elicit behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Nurses use motivational interviewing, although it has not been defined from a nursing perspective nor with nursing language. Thus, nursing research on the use of these techniques is being carried out, supported by their effectiveness in many health problems. The development of motivational interviewing as a standardized nursing intervention for inclusion in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) may promote its use by mental health nurses in their daily work and thus improve the quality of care.ObjectivesTo validate a proposed motivational interviewing nursing intervention for inclusion in the NIC.Materials and methodsWe followed the validation methodology of the NIC of the Iowa and the Intervention Normalization for Nursing Practice projects. The study comprised theoretical (scientific and expert validation) and empirical (terminological and clinical validation) phases.ResultsThere is ample evidence supporting the efficiency of the motivational interviewing to improve the therapeutic adherence of people with severe mental illness. The group of experts agreed on the label name “motivational interviewing” for the NIC based on the modified model by Miller & Röllnick (2015), which includes 28 associated activities through the phases of engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. Development of the NANDA International and the Nursing Outcomes Classification nursing language was completed. Knowledge and drug attitude improved in the motivational intervention group.ConclusionsWe validated the nursing intervention motivational interviewing for inclusion in the NIC that will help improve therapeutic adherence. The intervention may be used for other behavioral changes.
Dripping divination in pre‐Islamic South Arabia: The oracle sanctuary of Jār al‐Labbā revisited
Authors: Weimar Jason 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince Halévy first published the Jār al‐Labbā texts (CIH 460–466), their difficult terminology combined with the poor quality of the text copies has inhibited scholarly consensus and no systematic study of them has been undertaken since Beeston’s 1949 treatment. Here, I provide an up‐to‐date study of these inscriptions, including CIH 970 and the recently published FB‐Jawf 1, which also come from the same site. I propose that Jār al‐Labbā was an oracular sanctuary known as “the domain of ʿAṯtar” from where several oracular stick inscriptions claim to originate. I further connect the enigmatic √ḎQṬ‐ritual in the Jār al‐Labbā texts with Syriac zqt “to goad, direct”, the etymology which denotes an ongoing oracular relationship with the god ʿAṯtar from whom the individuals “receive direction.” This ritual seems to have involved sacrifice and the manipulation of liquids (probably blood) to produce oracles, a practice attested elsewhere in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean.
Estimated Prevalence of Harmful Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women in Saxony‐Anhalt (NorthEast Germany) Using Biomarkers
Authors: Adler Jakob , Rissmann Anke , Kropf Siegfried , Mohnicke Klaus , Taneva Elina , Ansorge Thomas , Zenker Martin , Wex Thomas 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAlcohol consumption is commonly accepted in Western societies and is a known risk factor in pregnancy, which could lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is mostly unknown. Prevalence estimates in publications based on questionnaires are limited by possible underreporting due to social stigmatization. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption in a large cohort of pregnant women using different biomarkers related to alcohol consumption and compare the findings with those of non‐pregnant womenMethodsRoutine parameters known to be influenced by alcohol consumption (γ‐glutamyltransferase, GGT; carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin, CDT/%CDT; mean corpuscular/cell volume, MCV; combined parameter of GGT and %CDT, GGT‐CDT) were analyzed in serum samples of 2,182 pregnant women and 743 non‐pregnant, age‐matched females. Data were tested for (i) differences between pregnant and non‐pregnant women and (ii) changes across the 3 trimesters of pregnancy.ResultsPrevalence rates differ greatly according to the parameter and cutoff, which reflects the limitations of assessing alcohol consumption with biomarkers. The prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption on the basis of a single or several elevated parameters was 13.8% (95% CI: 12.4 to 15.2) in pregnant women and 18.6% (95% CI: 15.8 to 21.4) in non‐pregnant women, though 85.0% of the elevated measurements were attributable to an isolated elevation in %CDT only. Using GGT‐CDT as the parameter with the highest specificity according to the literature, the estimated prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption in pregnancy is 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2 to 0.7).ConclusionEstimated prevalence rates differ greatly with respect to the biomarkers and cutoffs used. The use of CDT/%CDT alone appears to overestimate harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Optogenetic brain‐stimulation reward: A new procedure to re‐evaluate the rewarding versus aversive effects of cannabinoids in dopamine transporter‐Cre mice
Authors: Humburg Bree A. , Jordan Chloe J. , Zhang Hai‐Ying , Shen Hui , Han Xiao , Bi Guo‐Hua , Hempel Briana , Galaj Ewa , Baumann Michael H. , Xi Zheng‐Xiong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite extensive research, the rewarding effects of cannabinoids are still debated. Here, we used a newly established animal procedure called optogenetic intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) (oICSS) to re‐examine the abuse potential of cannabinoids in mice. A specific adeno‐associated viral vector carrying a channelrhodopsin gene was microinjected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to express light‐sensitive channelrhodopsin in dopamine (DA) neurons of transgenic dopamine transporter (DAT)‐Cre mice. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA DA neurons was highly reinforcing and produced a classical “sigmoidal”‐shaped stimulation–response curve dependent upon the laser pulse frequency. Systemic administration of cocaine dose‐dependently enhanced oICSS and shifted stimulation–response curves upward, in a way similar to previously observed effects of cocaine on electrical ICSS. In contrast, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), but not cannabidiol, dose‐dependently decreased oICSS responding and shifted oICSS curves downward. WIN55,212‐2 and ACEA, two synthetic cannabinoids often used in laboratory settings, also produced dose‐dependent reductions in oICSS. We then examined several new synthetic cannabinoids, which are used recreationally. XLR‐11 produced a cocaine‐like increase, AM‐2201 produced a Δ9‐THC‐like reduction, while 5F‐AMB had no effect on oICSS responding. Immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays indicated that CB1Rs are expressed mainly in VTA GABA and glutamate neurons, while CB2Rs are expressed mainly in VTA DA neurons. Together, these findings suggest that most cannabinoids are not reward enhancing, but rather reward attenuating or aversive in mice. Activation of CB1R and/or CB2R in different populations of neurons in the brain may underlie the observed actions.
Creating a cross‐sectional, CT and MR atlas of the Pannon minipig
Authors: Petnehazy Ors , Donko Tamas , Ellis Rosie , Csoka Adam , Czeibert Kalman , Baksa Gabor , Zucker Eric , Repa Krisztina , Takacs Aliz , Repa Imre , Moizs Mariann 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to create a detailed cross‐sectional anatomical reference atlas of the Pannon minipig by correlating good resolution CT and MR images with high quality cross‐sectional anatomical images. According to the authors knowledge, no detailed anatomical atlas is available for the minipig.Material and methodAn adult female minipig was utilized for this purpose. The animal was placed in a PVC half tube, and CT generated images of 0.6 mm slice thickness and MR images of 1.41 mm slice thickness were obtained. The images covered the whole body from the most rostral portion of the snout to the tip of the tail. The CT and MR scans were aligned with frozen anatomical sections prepared with an anatomical band saw from the same animal and significant structures were identified and labelled. The terminology employed has been referenced from the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria 6th edition–2017.Findings and conclusionsThe resulting atlas consists of 109 anatomical slices and the corresponding 109 CT and 109 MR scans (altogether 327 images) and the nomenclature list for each image. Although this publication contains limited images of the resulted atlas, it is a reference source for anatomy education and clinical sciences. We are of the opinion that more comprehensive and especially online available interactive atlases should be prepared using similar methodology.
Virtual visits: Reminiscence in residential aged care with digital mapping technologies
Authors: Webber Sarah , Baker Steven , Waycott Jenny 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveDigital technologies can support reminiscence and lifestyle enrichment in residential aged care. This study explores potential benefits and risks of virtual visits using digital maps, tablet computers and virtual reality technologies.MethodsReminiscence sessions were conducted with metropolitan aged care facility residents (n = 7), using digital mapping applications to ‘visit’ places of personal significance. Residents and family members (n = 4) were interviewed.ResultsSome older adults found virtual visits valuable and all reminisced in various ways about personal, family and social experiences. Family members felt that virtual visits would be enriching for loved ones and that they supported sharing of life stories. Our results also highlight that VR usability improvements are needed to better suit older people.ConclusionVirtual visits could offer valuable opportunities for positive reminiscence for some older adults in residential aged care. Digital technologies need to provide better support for older users and people who assist them.
Distribution of the critically endangered Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) across a fragmented landscape in NW Madagascar
Authors: Ramilison Miarisoa L. , Andriatsitohaina Bertrand , Chell Coral , Rakotondravony Romule , Radespiel Ute , Ramsay Malcolm S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation affect species occurrence and distribution in rapidly changing ecosystems. These issues are especially relevant on the Island of Madagascar where modern deforestation has been widespread and is ongoing. We investigated the occurrence of the critically endangered Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) in an anthropogenically modified landscape: the Mariarano region of north‐western Madagascar. We surveyed four large forest sites from 500 to 5,000 ha and 16 forest fragments ranging from 1.5 to 19.2 ha in size. We recorded various attributes of the visited sites such as area, distance to nearest large forest and anthropogenic disturbance. We encountered sifakas in 10 of 16 fragments and in all large forest sites, with the majority of encounters occurring in habitat edge zones. Furthermore, we encountered 19 sifakas in the matrix such as in villages and fields. We found that neither human disturbance, area nor distance to a large forest predicts the presence of sifakas in the Mariarano region. Our results suggest that Coquerel's sifakas are able to persist in highly degraded and small forests fragments, but further research is needed on their long‐term viability in anthropogenically modified landscapes.
The effects of visual field loss from glaucoma on performance in a driving simulator
Authors: Bro Tomas , Andersson Jan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the effects of different stages of visual field loss (VFL) from advanced glaucoma on performance in a driving simulator.MethodsData on performance and safety from a traffic simulator test for 104 participants with withdrawn driver’s licences due to visual field loss from advanced glaucoma were compared with data from 83 individuals without visual deficits in a cross‐sectional study. Individuals with glaucoma that regained their driving licences after a successful simulator test were then followed in a national accident database.ResultsGlaucoma participants passed the test in 71% (95% confidence interval 61–79%) of the cases. Younger participants were more successful than older. No significant differences on safety or performance measures were detected between glaucoma‐ and normally sighted participants. Compared with passed glaucoma participants, failed glaucoma participants had more collisions, more critical failed to give way events, longer time headways, and longer reaction times. This group had also a higher extent of central visual field loss. None of the participants with a regained licence were involved in a motor vehicle accident during the 2 to 4 year follow‐up after the simulator test.ConclusionSeverity of glaucoma predicts driver safety on a group level. However, even individuals with severe visual field loss from glaucoma might drive safely, which highlights the need for individual assessments for licencing purposes.
Early middle age cholesterol levels and the association with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kananen Fabian , Strandberg Timo , Loukovaara Sirpa , Immonen Ilkka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo examine whether serum cholesterol in early middle age is associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life.MethodsA group of Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS) participants (n = 209) were recruited for the study. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride and body mass index (BMI) were measured at the HBS baseline visit in 1964–1973. Lipid subfractions, BMI, smoking status and statin use were recorded in 2011 and fundus photographs graded for AMD in 2005–2012. The subjects were genotyped for the main AMD risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).ResultsTC measured at baseline 1964–1973 was significantly higher in subjects later developing intermediate or late AMD (6.67 mmol/l versus 6.20 mmol/l, p = 0.024) or with drusen size of ≥125 µm (6.68 mmol/l versus 6.21 mmol/l, p = 0.030) compared with the rest of the study population. TC, LDL and TG values at follow‐up 2011 were lower in subjects with AMD compared to those without, whereas HDL levels showed no difference. In multivariate analysis, baseline TC associated with intermediate or late AMD (OR 1.59, p = 0.004) and drusen size ≥ 125 µm (OR 1.57, p = 0.006) when corrected for age, BMI, AMD risk SNPs and smoking. Lipid values measured 2011 had no associations after correction.ConclusionsHigh systemic total cholesterol in early middle age may have a role in the initial development of AMD, especially in patients later developing large drusen.
Multi‐drug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae among children in rural Vietnam more than doubled from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Larsson Mattias , Nguyen Hoa Quynh , Olson Linus , Tran Toan Khanh , Nguyen Trung Vu , Nguyen Chuc Thi Kim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimThis study assessed the Streptococcus pneumoniae colonisation rate and susceptibility to antibiotics among preschool children in rural Vietnam.MethodNasopharyngeal samples were collected from 546 preschool children aged 6–59 months living in 460 households in the rural BaVi District of Hanoi and their main caregivers completed questionnaires. The samples were cultured, and the Streptococcus pneumoniae colonisation rate and antibiotic susceptibility were investigated. Resistance data from this 2014 study were compared with studies in 1999 and 2007, to identify 15‐year trends, together with clinical isolates from a national surveillance system of 16 Vietnamese hospital laboratories established in 2013.ResultsWe found that 221/546 (40%) of the cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The susceptibility rates were trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole (5%), erythromycin (8%), ciprofloxacin (12%), benzyl‐penicillin (35%), tetracycline (49%), cefotaxime (55%), moxifloxacin (99%) and vancomycin (99%). All the susceptibility rates were lower in 2014 than 1999 and 2007, except tetracycline. Multi‐drug resistance was 80% in 2014, compared to 60% in 2007 and 31% in 1999. Antibiotics was reported used by 191 (35%) within one month, mainly cephalosporins 86 (45%), amoxycillin/ampicillin 69 (36%) and macrolides 30 (16%).ConclusionStreptococcus pneumoniae showed remarkable high resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including cephalosporins. Multi‐drug resistance rose from 31% to 80% during the 15‐year study period.
The potential of land shareholding cooperatives for inclusive agribusiness development in Africa
Authors: Francesconi Gian Nicola , Wouterse Fleur 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLand Shareholding Cooperatives (LSCs) centralize management over fragmented farmland by converting farmers' plots into shares. While these cooperatives have been widely successful in boosting agricultural commercialization among rural smallholders in China, their potential has not yet been recognized in the African context. To fill this gap, we present and discuss a theoretical framework based on recent literature, an in‐depth case study from Uganda and quantitative analyses of data on horticultural cooperatives from Senegal and agricultural and livestock cooperatives from Uganda, Malawi, Madagascar, Rwanda and Kenya. We uncover the existence of cooperatives built on land sharing schemes in different parts of Africa and especially in Rwanda. We find that these LSCs are more likely to mobilize collective marketing and have a higher business‐membership ratio than traditional cooperatives, and we derive a few implications for policymaking.