bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A counterfactual approach to measure the impact of wet grassland conservation on U.K. breeding bird populations
Authors: Jellesmark Sean , Ausden Malcolm , Blackburn Tim M. , Gregory Richard D. , Hoffmann Mike , Massimino Dario , McRae Louise , Visconti Piero 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWet grassland populations of wading birds in the United Kingdom have declined severely since 1990. To help mitigate these declines, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has restored and managed lowland wet grassland nature reserves to benefit these and other species. However, the impact of these reserves on bird population trends has not been evaluated experimentally due to a lack of control populations. We compared population trends from 1994 to 2018 among 5 bird species of conservation concern that breed on these nature reserves with counterfactual trends created from matched breeding bird survey observations. We compared reserve trends with 3 different counterfactuals based on different scenarios of how reserve populations could have developed in the absence of conservation. Effects of conservation interventions were positive for all 4 targeted wading bird species: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Curlew (Numenius arquata), and Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). There was no positive effect of conservation interventions on reserves for the passerine, Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). Our approach using monitoring data to produce valid counterfactual controls is a broadly applicable method allowing large‐scale evaluation of conservation impact.
Primary cutaneous lymphomas in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL): A series of 12 cases
Authors: Liu Yi Ariel , Finn Alexander J. , Subtil Antonio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is associated with an increased risk of a second malignancy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective clinicopathologic review of 12 patients with CLL/SLL who developed a second lymphoma in the skin. Demographic data, clinical information, and histopathology from 31 biopsies were recorded. Cases of secondary cutaneous involvement by CLL/SLL (leukemia cutis) and non‐primary cutaneous lymphomas were excluded.ResultsA wide variety of primary cutaneous lymphomas was identified, including classic mycosis fungoides (3), cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (2), primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma unspecified (2), folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (1), Sézary syndrome (1), cutaneous gamma‐delta T‐cell lymphoma (1), cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T‐cell lymphoma (1), and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (1). A male predominance was observed, and the average age was 74.1 years. In all patients, CLL/SLL predated the development of the second lymphoma, which was aggressive in the majority of cases (58%). Aggressive cytotoxic T‐cell lymphomas, generally rare neoplasms, were relatively common (30%).ConclusionsCLL/SLL patients may develop a second lymphoma in the skin, which may be aggressive. Atypical cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates in this patient population should not be assumed to represent secondary CLL/SLL involvement and require thorough immunohistochemical analysis.
Cost‐effectiveness of adrenocorticotropic hormone versus oral steroids for infantile spasms
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Bergin Ann Marie , Yuskaitis Christopher J. , Harini Chellamani 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and oral steroids as first‐line treatment for infantile spasm resolution, we performed a systematic review, meta‐analysis, and cost‐effectiveness study.MethodsA decision analysis model was populated with effectiveness data from a systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing literature and cost data from publicly available prices. Effectiveness was defined as the probability of clinical spasm resolution 14 days after treatment initiation.ResultsWe included 21 studies with a total of 968 patients. The effectiveness of ACTH was not statistically significantly different from that of oral steroids (.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .60–.79 vs. .63, 95% CI = .56–.70; p = .28). Considering only the three available randomized trials with a total of 185 patients, the odds ratio of spasm resolution at 14 days with ACTH compared to high‐dose prednisolone (4–8 mg/kg/day) was .92 (95% CI = .34–2.52, p = .87). Adjusting for potential publication bias, estimates became even more favorable to high‐dose prednisolone. Using US prices, the more cost‐effective treatment was high‐dose prednisolone, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $333 per case of spasms resolved, followed by ACTH, with an ICER of $1 432 200 per case of spasms resolved. These results were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses and different assumptions. Prednisolone at 4–8 mg/kg/day was more cost‐effective than ACTH under a wide range of assumptions.SignificanceFor infantile spasm resolution 2 weeks after treatment initiation, current evidence does not support the preeminence of ACTH in terms of effectiveness and, especially, cost‐effectiveness.
Spatial behavior of northern flying squirrels in the same social network
Authors: Diggins Corinne A. , Ford W. Mark 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNorth American flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) are social species that communally den and exhibit home range overlap. However, observations on home range overlap tend to come from live‐trapped individuals and it is unknown whether overlap occurs among individuals belonging to the same social network. Since flying squirrels communally den with familiar individuals, their use of artificial nest boxes allows for the radio‐collaring and tracking of squirrels within the same social network. We captured and radio‐collared northern flying squirrels (G. sabrinus Shaw) found communally denning in nest boxes in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. We tracked squirrels captured from the same nest box (i.e., nest box groups) to determine home range overlap and subsequent den sharing between familiar individuals within those nest box groups. We found that amount of home range overlap did not differ between male–male, male–female, and female–female dyads, indicating that non‐reproductive females and scrotal males are not territorial at the 95% or 50% home range level. Regardless of sex, all dyads had a significantly higher probability of home range overlap (PHR) at the 95% than the 50% home range level (i.e., overlap between squirrels decreases in core areas of their home range). We also found flying squirrels subsequently denned with familiar individuals during 20.9% of occasions post‐collaring. Our study provides important information for understanding space use within flying squirrel social networks. Further work should be conducted to determine space use between familiar individuals including seasonal shifts in space use, degree of individual relatedness, and potential territoriality in females denning with young up to and following juvenile dispersal.
Distinct structural and functional angiogenic responses are induced by different mechanical stimuli
Authors: Kissane Roger W. P. , Tickle Peter G. , Doody Natalie E. , Al‐Shammari Abdullah A. , Egginton Stuart 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveAdequacy of the microcirculation is essential for maintaining repetitive skeletal muscle function while avoiding fatigue. It is unclear, however, whether capillary remodelling after different angiogenic stimuli is comparable in terms of vessel distribution and consequent functional adaptations. We determined the physiological consequences of two distinct mechanotransductive stimuli: (1) overload‐mediated abluminal stretch (OV); (2) vasodilator‐induced shear stress (prazosin, PR).MethodsIn situ EDL fatigue resistance was determined after 7 or 14 days of intervention, in addition to measurements of femoral artery flow. Microvascular composition (muscle histology) and oxidative capacity (citrate synthase activity) were quantified, and muscle PO2 calculated using advanced mathematical modelling.ResultsCompared to controls, capillary‐to‐fiber ratio was higher after OV14 (134%, p < .001) and PR14 (121%, p < .05), although fatigue resistance only improved after overload (7 days: 135%, 14 days: 125%, p < .05). In addition, muscle overload improved local capillary supply indices and reduced CS activity, while prazosin treatment failed to alter either index of aerobic capacity.ConclusionTargeted capillary growth in response to abluminal stretch is a potent driver of improved muscle fatigue resistance, while shear stress‐driven angiogenesis has no beneficial effect on muscle function. In terms of capillarity, more is not necessarily better.
Low or Declining Gait Speed is Associated With Risk of Developing Dementia Over 5 Years Among People Aged 85 Years and Over
Authors: Öhlin Jerry , Gustafson Yngve , Littbrand Håkan , Olofsson Birgitta , Toots Annika 
Published: January 2021

Improving dementia screening procedures beyond simple assessment of current cognitive performance is timely given the ongoing phenomenon of population aging. A slow or declining gait speed (GS) is a potential early indicator of cognitive decline scarcely investigated in very old people. Here, we investigated the 5-year associations of baseline GS, change in GS, and cognitive function with subsequent dementia development in people aged 85 years and older (n = 296) without dementia at baseline. Declining and a slow baseline GS were associated with higher odds of dementia development after adjusting for confounders (e.g., age, sex, and dependency in activities of daily living) and missing GS values at follow-up. The GS decline was associated with cognitive decline in participants who developed dementia. The results support the potential of GS tests to predict future cognitive decline among community- and nursing home-dwelling very old people.
Randomised assessor-masked trial evaluating topical manuka honey (Optimel) in treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Li Anita Lai-Wah , Li Sophia Ling , Kam Ka Wai , Young Alvin Lerrmann 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of manuka honey eye-drops in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.MethodsThis is an assessor-masked (single-blind), randomised controlled trial comparing conventional treatment group with interventional group using Optimel 16% manuka honey topical eye-drops. 59 patients were recruited to the study and randomised into two groups: one given regular lubricants and the other given Optimel 16% manuka honey eye-drops. The Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score was measured at baseline and on follow-up. 4 patients were lost to follow-up. Multiple ocular surface parameters were graded from slit lamp examination by a masked assessor. Results were compared from baseline to follow-up date 3 weeks later.ResultsPatients in the conventional treatment group demonstrated minimal difference in SPEED score at 3-week follow-up (mean difference 1.087, p=0.183), which was not statistically significant. However, measurements of tear film break-up time, corneal surface stain (Oxford), lid margin, conjunctival redness, as well as meibum quality and expressibility showed significant improvements at 3 weeks (p<0.01). Patients in the manuka honey eye-drops group showed significant difference after 3 weeks in SPEED score (mean difference 2.53, p=0.006), as well as in lid margin redness, conjunctival redness, corneal surface stain (Oxford), and meibum quality and expressibility (p=0.000).ConclusionsOptimel 16% manuka honey eye-drops showed significant improvement in symptoms and objective signs in meibomian gland dysfunction and are an effective alternative treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction.Trial registration numberNCT04457648.
Early palliative care integration trial: consultation content and interaction dynamics
Authors: Kleiner Nadine , Zambrano Sofia C. , Eychmüller Steffen , Zwahlen Susanne 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesEvidence for the positive impact of the early integration of palliative care (EPC) continues to grow. Less is known about how EPC improves patient and family outcomes, including the content of EPC consultations. Therefore, we aimed to better understand the content of EPC consultations including areas addressed, percentage covered per area and interaction style.MethodsAs part of a trial in which EPC in addition to oncology care was compared with oncology care alone, we audio recorded 10 interventions. The palliative care team led the interventions using SENS, a conversation structure, which stands for: Symptoms, End-of-life decision-making, Network and Support. We employed two approaches to analysis: the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS) to analyse interaction dynamics and SENS as a framework for content analysis.ResultsPhysician–patient communication covered 91% of the interaction. According to RIAS, the consultations were evenly dominated between physicians and patients (ratio=1.04) and highly patient-centred (ratio=1.26). Content wise, rapport was the largest category covering 27% of the consultation, followed by decision-making (21%) and by symptom assessment/management (17%) including 8.1% for physical symptoms and 5.4% for psychosocial aspects. Network discussions covered 17%, and lastly, support for the family 7%.ConclusionsEPC consultations cover a variety of end-of-life topics while putting a high value in establishing rapport, developing a relationship with patients, and on providing reassurance and positive emotional talk. EPC consultations using predefined structures may guarantee that a minimum of important aspects are addressed in a way in which the relationship with the patient remains at the centre.
Racial inequality, racial discrimination and obesity incidence in adults from the ELSA-Brasil cohort
Authors: Machado Amanda Viana , Camelo Lidyane V , Chor Dora , Griep Rosane H , Guimarães Joanna M N , Giatti Luana , Barreto Sandhi Maria 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThis study investigated whether self-reported race/skin colour and perceived racial discrimination predict higher obesity incidence after approximately 4-year follow-up of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We also investigated whether these associations are modified by educational level.MethodsFollowing exclusion of individuals defined as obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) at baseline, associations between race/skin colour and obesity incidence between the first (2008–2010) and second (2012–2014) visits were investigated in 10 130 participants. Next, associations between perceived racial discrimination and obesity incidence among black (n=1532) and brown (n=2958) individuals were investigated separately. Racial discrimination (yes/no) was assessed using the Lifetime Major Event Scale. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and research site were used. All analyses were stratified for educational level.ResultsObesity risk was higher in Blacks with high education compared with white individuals to the same education level (OR: 2.22; 95% CI 1.62 to 3.04) following adjustments. After adjustments, obesity incidence was higher among black individuals reporting racial discrimination compared with peers who did not report this experience, but only among the low education group (OR: 1.64; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.51). No statistical association with perceived discrimination was observed among brown individuals.ConclusionResults are congruent with findings from other studies reporting associations between racial inequality and obesity incidence and also suggest racial discrimination may be one of the mechanisms leading to such inequalities. Also, it supports the paradox theory by which education modify the association in distinct directions.
Vitamin D status and outcomes for hospitalised older patients with COVID-19
Authors: Baktash Vadir , Hosack Tom , Zahari Nishil , Shah Shital , Kandiah Pirabakaran , Van den Abbeele Koenraad , Mandal Amit K J , Missouris Constantinos G 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Older adults are more likely to be vitamin D deficient. The aim of the study was to determine whether these patients have worse outcomes with COVID-19.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study between 1 March and 30 April 2020 to assess the importance of vitamin D deficiency in older patients with COVID-19. The cohort consisted of patients aged ≥65 years presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (n=105). All patients were tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels during acute illness. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed via viral reverse transcriptase PCR swab or supporting radiological evidence. COVID-19-positive arm (n=70) was sub-divided into vitamin D-deficient (≤30 nmol/L) (n=39) and -replete groups (n=35). Subgroups were assessed for disease severity using biochemical, radiological and clinical markers. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were laboratory features of cytokine storm, thoracic imaging changes and requirement of non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Results
COVID-19-positive arm demonstrated lower median serum 25(OH)D level of 27 nmol/L (IQR=20–47 nmol/L) compared with COVID-19-negative arm, with median level of 52 nmol/L (IQR=31.5–71.5 nmol/L) (p value=0.0008). Among patients with vitamin D deficiency, there was higher peak D-dimer level (1914.00 μgFEU/L vs 1268.00 μgFEU/L) (p=0.034) and higher incidence of NIV support and high dependency unit admission (30.77% vs 9.68%) (p=0.042). No increased mortality was observed between groups.

Conclusion
Older adults with vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 may demonstrate worse morbidity outcomes. Vitamin D status may be a useful prognosticator.
Treatment use patterns in a large extended-treatment tobacco cessation program: predictors and cost implications
Authors: Veldhuizen Scott , Zawertailo Laurie , Noormohamed Aliya , Hussain Sarwar , Selby Peter 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTobacco dependence follows a chronic and relapsing course, but most treatment programmes are short. Extended care has been shown to improve outcomes. Examining use patterns for longer term programmes can quantify resource requirements and identify opportunities for improving retention.MethodsWe analyse 38 094 primary care treatment episodes from a multisite smoking cessation programme in Ontario, Canada that provides free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counselling. We calculate distributional measures of weeks of NRT used, clinical visits attended and total length of care. We then divide treatment courses into four exclusive categories and fit a multinomial logistic regression model to measure associations with participant characteristics, using multiple imputation to address missing data.ResultsTime in treatment (median=50 days), visits (median=3) and weeks NRT used (median=8) were well below the maximum available. Of all programme enrolments, 28.8% (95% CI=28.3% to 29.3%) were single contacts, 31.3% (30.8% to 31.8%) lasted <12 weeks, 19.2% (18.8% to 19.6%) were ≥12 weeks with an 8-week interruption and 20.7% (20.3%–21.1%) were ≥12 weeks without interruptions. Care use was most strongly associated with participant age and whether the nicotine patch was dispensed at the first visit.ConclusionTreatment use results imply that the marginal costs of extending treatment programmes are relatively low. The prevalence of single contacts supports additional engagement efforts at the initial visit, while interruptions in care highlight the ability of longer term care to address relapse. Results show that use of the nicotine patch is associated with retention in care, and that improving engagement of younger patients should be a priority.
Inflation with non-minimal kinetic and Gauss–Bonnet couplings
Authors: Granda L. N. , Jimenez D. F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Mukhanov–Sasaki equation is deduced from linear perturbations for a general scalar-tensor model with non-minimal coupling to curvature, to the Gauss–Bonnet invariant and non-minimal kinetic coupling to curvature. The general formulas for the power spectra of the primordial scalar and tensor fluctuations are obtained for arbitrary coupling functions. The results have been applied to models with power-law, exponential, natural and double-well potentials. It was found that the presence of these non-minimal couplings affect the inflationary observables leading to values favored by the latest observations, while some interesting results like sub-planckian symmetry breaking scale in natural inflation and sub-planckian v.e.v. of the scalar filed in the double-well potential were obtained. The consistency with the reheating process was discussed and some numerical cases were shown. The equivalence of the model to a sector of generalized Galileons was shown and the functions that establish the correspondence were found.
Full-Field Displacement Measurements of Helicopter Rotor Blades Using Stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Zuo Chenglin , Wei Chunhua , Ma Jun , Yue Tingrui , Liu Lei , Shi Zheyu 
Published: January 2021

This study presents a stereophotogrammetry approach to achieve full-field displacement measurements of helicopter rotor blades. The method is demonstrated in the wind tunnel test of a 2 m diameter rotor, conducted at the

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Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel of China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC). By arranging the retroreflective targets on the special hat installed directly above the rotor hub, the dynamic motion of the rotor shaft was tracked accurately, and a unified coordinate system was established on the rotor. Therefore, three-dimensional coordinates of instantaneously measured targets attached on the blade could be transformed to the unified rotor coordinate system, thereby providing a basis for consistently calculating the blade displacements at different test conditions. Moreover, location deviations of the blade caused by the vibration of the measuring system or the rotor due to freestream and rotor rotation were also effectively corrected through coordinate transformation. Comparisons of experimental and simulation results for a range of hover and forward flight conditions show good magnitude and trend agreements.
Acting like a start-up: National Library of Estonia during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Andresoo Janne 
Published: January 2021

Emergency situation was declared in Estonia in the middle of March; the country was placed under partial lockdown. Libraries had to close. One of the first steps taken by the National Library of Estonia in these exceptional circumstances was to establish a crisis management committee to monitor the overall situation and decide how the library should proceed. The library was able to react quickly and continue with basic services, providing them online or contact-free. New services were introduced, making home lending and reference enquiry more efficient and convenient. The library reopened on 18 May. Looking back, we are happy to have not just survived but managed the crisis as an opportunity. This was reflected in increased numbers of new registered readers and usage. The emergency situation clearly indicated one of the most important requirements for libraries – the need to be ready to react fast and adapt to new situations.