bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is linked to skin bacterial diversity in the Pacific treefrog Hyliola regilla (hypochondriaca)
Authors: Basanta María Delia , Rebollar Eria A. , García‐Castillo Mirna G. , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Byrne Allison Q. , Piovia‐Scott Jonah , Parra‐Olea Gabriela 
Published: December 2021

SummarySymbiotic bacterial communities are crucial to combating infections and contribute to host health. The amphibian skin microbiome plays an important role in protecting their hosts against pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), one of the causative agents of chytridiomycosis, which is responsible for dramatic amphibian population declines worldwide. Although symbiotic skin bacteria are known to inhibit Bd growth, an understanding of the relationship between Bd genetic variability, environmental conditions, and skin bacterial communities is limited. Therefore, we examined the associations between Bd infection load, Bd genetic diversity and skin bacterial communities in five populations of Hyliola regilla (hypochondriaca) from environmentally contrasting sites in Baja California, Mexico. We observed differences in Bd genetics and infection load among sites and environments. Genetic analysis of Bd isolates revealed patterns of spatial structure corresponding to the five sites sampled. Amphibian skin bacterial diversity and community structure differed among environments and sites. Bacterial community composition was correlated with Bd genetic differences and infection load, with specific bacterial taxa enriched on infected and un‐infected frogs. Our results indicate that skin‐associated bacteria and Bd strains likely interact on the host skin, with consequences for microbial community structure and Bd infection intensity.
Conspicuous cruciform silk decorations deflect avian predator attacks
Authors: WANG Bingjun , YU Long , MA Nina , ZHANG Zengtao , GONG Deyong , LIU Rui , LI Daiqin , ZHANG Shichang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough camouflage as an effective antipredator defense strategy is widespread across animals, highly conspicuous color patterning is not uncommon either. Many orb‐web spiders adorn their webs with extra bright white silk. These conspicuous decorations are hypothesized to deter predators by warning the presence of sticky webs, camouflaging spiders, acting as a decoy, or intimidating predators by their apparent size. The decorations may also deflect predator attacks from spiders. However, empirical evidence for this deflection function remains limited. Here, we tested this hypothesis using the X‐shaped silk cruciform decorations built by females of Argiope minuta. We employed visual modeling to quantify the conspicuousness of spiders and decorations from a perspective of avian predators. Then, we determined actual predation risk on spiders using naïve chicks as predators. Spider bodies and decorations were conspicuous against natural backgrounds to the avian visual systems. Chicks attacked the spider main bodies significantly less frequently on the decorated webs than on the undecorated webs, thus reducing predation risk. When both spiders and decorations were present, chicks also attacked the spider main bodies and their legs or decorations, and not randomly: they attacked the legs or decorations sooner and more frequently than they attacked the main bodies, independent of the ratio of the surface area between the decoration and spider size. Despite the increase in detectability, incorporating a conspicuous cruciform decoration to the web effectively defends the spider by diverting the attack toward the decoration or leg, but not by camouflaging or intimidating, thus, supporting the deflection hypothesis.
Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of the cave fish genusSinocyclocheilus(Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in southwest China
Authors: WEN Huamei , LUO Tao , WANG Yali , WANG Siwei , LIU Tao , XIAO Ning , ZHOU Jiang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractModern accumulations of genetic data offer unprecedented opportunities for understanding the systematic classification and origins of specific groups of organisms. The genusSinocyclocheilusis among the most cave abundant genera in Cyprinidae, with 76 recognized species, belonging to 4 species groups. Recent phylogenetic studies have shown that the classification of species groups within the genusSinocyclocheilusremains controversial. In this study, we constructed a sequence supermatrix of 26 species from 4 species groups of the genusSinocyclocheilususing the mitochondrial genome to reveal phylogenetic relationships, historical biogeography and patterns of species diversification in the genusSinocyclocheilus. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the monophyletic groups of the 3 species groups (S. jii,S. cyphotergous, andS. tingigroups) except theS. angularisgroup. Phylogenetic analysis showed thatS. anshuiensisandS. microphthalmus, which were recognized as numbers ofS. angularisgroup, formed a strongly supported independent clade. Therefore, we propose a new species group, theS. microphthalmusgroup, which containsS. anshuiensisandS. microphthalmus. Biogeographic reconstruction suggests that the livingSinocyclocheilusmay have originated in north‐central Guangxi at the late Eocene and dispersed outward after a vicariance at 32.31 Million years ago (Ma). Early diversification is focused on the late Oligocene (ca. 25 Ma), which is related to the second uplift of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau and the lateral extrusion of the Indochina at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary. Our results suggest that 2 uplifts of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau and climate change in the Miocene may have influenced the diversification of theSinocyclocheiluslineage.
Comparing effectiveness and return on investment of action‐ and results‐based agri‐environmental payments in Switzerland
Authors: Wuepper David , Huber Robert 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAgri‐environmental schemes are an important policy tool to foster agricultural sustainability. We assess the effectiveness and return on investment of two different schemes designed to encourage biodiversity conservation in Switzerland: payments for actions and payments for results. Empirically, we exploit a major policy reform that created a natural experiment by abruptly and unevenly increasing both payments across farmers. Using difference in differences, we estimate the effect of the policy reform on farmers for whom only the action‐ or the results‐based payments increased, as well as on those for whom both increased, compared to farmers for whom neither increased. Our findings are fourfold: First, higher payments increased the biodiversity conservation area. A payment raise by 1% increased conservation areas on average by 0.6% in the action based, and by 1% in the results‐based scheme. Second, the combination of both schemes increased average effectiveness but also windfall gains. Third, using a benefit transfer approach, we estimate a positive return of investment for all payment increases. Finally, the estimated return on investment for the results‐based payments is higher than for the action‐based payments.
Dermoscopy of inflamed seborrheic keratosis: A great mimic of malignancy
Authors: Álvarez‐Salafranca Marcial , Gómez‐Martín Ignacio , Bañuls José , Serrano Patricia , Medina Carolina , Llambrich Alex , Pizarro Ángel , Ara Mariano , Zaballos Pedro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical and dermoscopic recognition of seborrheic keratoses (SKs) is often straightforward, and biopsy might not be required. However, inflamed SKs (iSKs) can pose a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopic features of iSKs have not yet been evaluated to date.ObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic ability of a group of dermatologists to diagnose iSKs by dermoscopy. To evaluate the dermoscopic findings of a long series of inflamed seborrheic keratoses.MethodsClinical and dermoscopic images of 100 difficult‐to‐diagnose skin tumours, including 29 iSKs, were presented to 33 clinicians (24 dermatologists and 9 dermatology residents), who were blinded to the diagnosis. The dermoscopic features of a series of 219 iSKs were retrospectively analysed.ResultsiSKs were correctly identified in a 37.6% of cases. Classic dermoscopic criteria were present in only 47% of iSKs. The most frequent dermoscopic feature in iSKs was the presence of vascularization (91.3%), but only a 44.5% showed predominance of hairpin vessels. A bluish hue was observed in 18.3% of lesions. Seven dermoscopic patterns were identified, based on the dermoscopic similarity to other tumours: seborrheic keratosis‐like (28.8%); squamous cell carcinoma‐like (25.6%); melanoma‐like (17.8%); keratoacanthoma‐like (6.8%); basal cell carcinoma‐like (5.9%); verruca vulgaris‐like (5.9%); nevus‐like (2.3%).ConclusionsThe diagnosis of iSKs can be challenging even with dermoscopy. They may behave as authentic mimics of other cutaneous tumours, including squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. For this reason, histopathological examination should be mandatory in these cases.
Efficacy of regional blocks or local anaesthetic infiltration for analgesia after caesarean delivery: a network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Singh N. P. , Monks D. , Makkar J. K. , Palanisamy A. , Sultan P. , Singh P. M. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryCaesarean delivery is common and can cause severe postoperative pain but injection of local anaesthetic at various sites for regional blocks or local anaesthetic infiltration may reduce this. We aimed to compare and rank these sites. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and CENTRAL to June 2021 for randomised controlled trials and performed a random‐effects Bayesian model network meta‐analysis. The primary outcome was dose of parenteral morphine equivalents in the first 24 postoperative hours. We used surface under cumulative ranking probabilities to order techniques. We analysed 114 trials (8730 participants). The ordered mean (95% credible interval) reduction in morphine equivalents, from 34 mg with placebo, were as follows: ilio‐inguinal 15 (1–32) mg; ilio‐inguinal–iliohypogastric 13 (6–19) mg; transversalis fascia 11 (4–26) mg; erector spinae 11 (10–32); transverse abdominis 9 (4–13) mg; wound catheter infusion 8 (2–15) mg; quadratus lumborum 8 (1–15) mg; wound infiltration 8 (2–13) mg; and no intervention −4 (−10 to 2) mg. Ordered efficacies for injection sites were different for other relevant outcomes, including pain (to 4–6 h and to 24 h) and time to rescue analgesia: there was no single preferred route of injection. The ordered mean (95% credible interval) reduction in dynamic pain scores (0–10 scale) at 24 h compared with placebo were as follows: wound infusion 1.2 (0.2–2.1); erector spinae 1.3 (−0.5 to 3.1); quadratus lumborum 1.0 (0.1–1.8); ilio‐inguinal–iliohypogastric 0.6 (−0.5 to 1.8); transverse abdominis 0.6 (−0.1 to 1.2); wound infiltration 0.5 (−0.3 to 1.3); transversalis fascia −0.8 (−3.4 to 1.9); ilio‐inguinal −0.9 (−3.6 to 1.7); and no intervention −0.8 (−1.8 to 0.2). We categorised our confidence in effect sizes as low or very low.
Differences in students’ scholastic well‐being induced by familial and scholastic context
Authors: Obermeier Ramona , Schlesier Juliane , Gläser‐Zikuda Michaela 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundSince scholastic well‐being is connected with intrinsic motivation, positive emotions and effective learning, it is highly relevant for educational research. It is influenced by a variety of individual and contextual determinants and differs for several groups of students with respect to their environmental conditions.AimsUp to now, there has been neither approach in answering questions about group‐differences between students with high or low levels of scholastic well‐being nor in defining variables that are most different for these groups. The current study addresses this research gap by investigating differences in familial and scholastic aspects in two distinct groups of students (extreme high or low level of scholastic well‐being).Sample and MethodSelf‐report questionnaires fromN = 852 fifth graders were evaluated using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a discriminant analysis.ResultsResults of the discriminant analysis show that attainment of academic educational track, good classroom‐management, positive social climate in class and high clarity of instruction, as well as low parental pressure on performance are characteristics that classify students with an extreme high level of scholastic well‐being. Therefore, those variables can be used to divide students into disjoint groups without having any information about their actual scholastic well‐being.ConclusionFirstly, it can be deduced from the findings that measures within the schools to promote scholastic well‐being should start with the improvement of instructional quality and social climate. Second, reduction of parental pressure on performance as well as the implementation of successful cooperation between families and schools is vital.
Lomami Buffer Zone (DRC): Forest composition, structure, and the sustainability of its use by local communities
Authors: Batumike Rodrigue , Imani Gérard , Bisimwa Benjamin , Mambo Hwaba , Kalume John , Kavuba Fidele , Cuni‐Sanchez Aida 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe recently created Lomami National Park has an extensive Buffer Zone where local communities are allowed to use forest products sustainably. However, the management of this Buffer Zone is hampered by inadequate understanding of the floristic composition and the impacts of harvesting certain plant products. To fill in this data gap, we established and sampled 30 vegetation plots of 40 × 40 m, and investigated the population structure of 11 useful tree species preferred by local communities. We found that the Buffer Zone is mostly composed of mixed‐species undisturbed old growth forest. It contains nine tree species of international conservation concern (listed in the IUCN Red list and/or apart from the Red list, Gibourtia demeusei, not been assessed by IUCN Red list, is listed in CITES Appendix II since January 2017; UNEP‐WCMC, Review of selected Dalbergia species and Guibourtia demeusei, UNEP‐WCMC, 2017). The floristic diversity of the Buffer Zone, which requires further investigation as some species remained unidentified. Most preferred tree species (including Garcinia kola and Milicia excelsa) are abundant and showed a reverse‐J size distribution, indicating a relatively stable population structure. For these species, current levels of exploitation seem sustainable. Further research is needed for two nonabundant species of conservation concern (Autranella congolensis and Michelsonia microphylla). Although timber/firewood commercial harvesting is currently limited in the study area, the management plan of the Buffer Zone should consider these risks given increasing commercial hunting. Surveys and permanent plots provide essential information to guide the management of newly formed protected areas.Abstract in French is available with online material.
Divergent variant patterns among 19 patients withRubinstein‐Taybisyndrome uncovered by comprehensive genetic analysis including whole genome sequencing
Authors: Enomoto Yumi , Yokoi Takayuki , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Murakami Hiroaki , Tominaga Makiko , Minatogawa Mari , Abe‐Hatano Chihiro , Kuroda Yukiko , Ohashi Ikuko , Ida Kazumi , Shiiya Shizuka , Kumaki Tatsuro , Naruto Takuya , Mitsui Jun , Harada Noriaki , Kido Yasuhiro , Kurosawa Kenji 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRubinstein‐Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is characterized by dysmorphic facial features, broad thumbs, and intellectual disability. CREB‐binding protein (CREBBP) or E1A‐binding protein P300 (EP300) are causative genes. To elucidate the underlying genetic and genomic architecture related to the RSTS phenotype, we performed comprehensive genetic analysis targetingCREBBPand/orEP300in 22 clinically diagnosed patients. During the 11‐year study period, we used several analysis methods including high‐resolution melting, array‐based comparative genomic hybridization, panel‐based exome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We identified the causative variants in 19 patients (86.3%), but they were variable and complex, so we must combine multiple analysis methods. Notably, we found genetic alterations in the non‐coding regions of two patients (10.5%, 2/19): scattered deletions including a partial 5′‐untranslated region ofCREBBPin one patient (all coding exons were intact), and a deep 229‐bp intronic deletion in another patient, resulting in a splicing error. Furthermore, we identified rare clinical findings: two patients with anEP300variant showed abnormal development of the neural tube, and one patient with aCREBBPvariant had anorectal atresia with a cloaca. Our findings expand the allelic heterogeneity of RSTS, underscore the utility of comprehensive genetic analysis, and suggest that WGS may be a practical diagnostic strategy.
A phase I, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple dose escalation study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VX‐128, a highly selective Nav1.8 inhibitor, in healthy adults
Authors: Hijma Hemme J. , van Brummelen Emilie M. J. , Siebenga Pieter S. , Groeneveld Geert Jan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSelective inhibition of certain voltage‐gated sodium channels (Navs), such as Nav1.8, is of primary interest for pharmacological pain research and widely studied as a pharmacological target due to its contribution to repetitive firing, neuronal excitability, and pain chronification. VX‐128 is a highly potent and selective Nav1.8 inhibitor that was being developed as a treatment for pain. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of VX‐128 in healthy subjects in a single‐ and multiple‐ascending dose (MAD) first‐in‐human study. Pharmacodynamics were evaluated in the MAD part using a battery of evoked pain tests. Overall, single doses of VX‐128 up to 300 mg were well‐tolerated, although adverse effect (AE) incidence was higher in subjects receiving VX‐128 (41.7%) compared with placebo (25.0%). After multiple dosing of up to 10 days, skin rash events were observed at all dose levels (up to 100 mg once daily [q.d.]), in five of 26 (19.2%) subjects, including one subject receiving VX‐128 (100 mg q.d.) who had a serious AE of angioedema. A trend in pain tolerance were observed for cold pressor‐ and pressure pain, which was dose‐dependent for the latter. VX‐128 was rapidly absorbed (median time to maximum plasma concentration between 1 and 2 h) with a half‐life of ~80 h at 10 mg q.d., and approximately two‐fold accumulation ratio after 10 and 30 mg q.d. Although VX‐128, when given in a multiple dose fashion, resulted in early study termination due to tolerability issues, effects were observed on multiple pain tests that may support further investigation of Nav1.8 inhibitors as pain treatments.
Detecting dysglycaemia in compensated liver cirrhosis: Comparison of oral glucose tolerance test and glycated haemoglobin, with continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Barron Cicely V. M. , Heenan Helen F. , Thompson Harmony , Chan Huan , Ngu Jeffrey , Lunt Helen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsLiver cirrhosis increases the risk of developing dysglycaemia (pre‐diabetes and diabetes), thus people with cirrhosis should undergo regular screening for dysglycaemia. The utility of screening using the laboratory glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test has been questioned in this setting. This study examines the relationship between different potential screening modalities: 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as a comparator.MethodsParticipants ≥18 years with no known diabetes, were recruited from a gastroenterology cirrhosis surveillance register. Study measurements included a 75 g OGTT, laboratory HbA1c and two weeks of ‘blinded’ CGM (Freestyle Libre Pro). The possibility of intravascular haemolysis affecting HbA1c interpretation was also assessed.ResultsAll 20 participants had compensated cirrhosis. OGTT tended to diagnose more dysglycaemia (N = 7) than did HbA1c (N = 4). Bland‐Altman analysis showed laboratory and CGM‐estimated HbA1c were broadly comparable, with a difference of 4mmol/mol (95% CI −3 to 12), or 0.4% (95% CI −0.3 to 1.1). Laboratory HbA1c tended to be higher than the CGM‐estimated HbA1c, perhaps reflecting positive lifestyle changes in participants during their two weeks of wearing ‘blinded’ CGM (Hawthorne effect). In the population studied, there was no evidence that haemolysis affected interpretation of HbA1c results.ConclusionsIn the setting of compensated cirrhosis, the OGTT and HbA1c remain standard screening test for diabetes, but multiple studies show the OGTT diagnoses more people with dysglycaemia than does the HbA1c. Blinded CGM in an ambulatory, real world setting provides additional insights into glycaemic excursions but cannot be used to diagnose dysglycaemia.
Effect of upper gastrointestinal disease on the pharmacokinetics of oral semaglutide in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meier Juris J. , Granhall Charlotte , Hoevelmann Ulrike , Navarria Andrea , Plum‐Moerschel Leona , Ramesh Chethana , Tannapfel Andrea , Kapitza Christoph 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate whether upper gastrointestinal (GI) disease has any effect on the exposure of oral semaglutide, an important consideration given that its absorption occurs primarily in the stomach.Materials and MethodsIn an open‐label, parallel‐group trial (NCT02877355), subjects aged 18‐80 years with type 2 diabetes with mild‐to‐moderate upper GI disease (N = 36; chronic gastritis [n = 5], gastroesophageal reflux disease [n = 8], and both [n = 23]) or without upper GI disease (N = 19) received oral semaglutide 3 mg once daily for 5 days, followed by 7 mg for 5 days. The primary and key supportive endpoints were the area under the semaglutide plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 hours after last trial product administration on day 10 (AUC0−24h,day10) and the maximum semaglutide plasma concentration (Cmax,day10), respectively.ResultsSemaglutide exposure was not statistically significantly different between subjects with and without upper GI disease. Estimated group ratios (subjects with/without upper GI disease) were 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80, 1.75) for AUC0−24h,day10 and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.77, 1.76) for Cmax. Time to Cmax and semaglutide half‐life were similar in subjects with and without upper GI disease. Oral semaglutide was well tolerated; all adverse events were mild‐to‐moderate, with no withdrawals because of adverse events.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in exposure to oral semaglutide in subjects with or without upper GI disease, hence no dose adjustment is required.