bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and structure in Arizona pronghorn following conservation efforts
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Culver Melanie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractArizona pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) population numbers have declined over the last century due to unregulated‐harvest, population fragmentation, urban expansion, and habitat loss. Captive breeding, reintroductions, and translocations have helped to curb decline and boost population numbers of the endangered Sonoran subspecies (A. a. sonoriensis). To assess the effect of on‐going management actions on the Sonoran subspecies, we collected multi‐locus genotype data and performed tests of genetic differentiation and population structure in comparison to the non‐endangered American subspecies (A. a. americana). We provide updated estimates of genetic diversity and relatedness to serve as a benchmark for future management toward further recovery of Sonoran pronghorn. Management actions have upheld distinction between the two subspecies in Arizona and stemmed further genetic diversity loss while avoiding an increase in inbreeding within the captive‐bred Sonoran population.
Altered gray matter development in pre‐reading children with a family history of reading disorder
Authors: Ostertag Curtis , Reynolds Jess E. , Dewey Deborah , Landman Bennett , Huo Yuankai , Lebel Catherine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReading disorders are common in children and can impact academic success, mental health, and career prospects. Reading is supported by network of interconnected left hemisphere brain regions, including temporo‐parietal, occipito‐temporal, and inferior‐frontal circuits. Poor readers often show hypoactivation and reduced gray matter volumes in this reading network, with hyperactivation and increased volumes in the posterior right hemisphere. We assessed gray matter development longitudinally in pre‐reading children aged 2–5 years using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (N = 32, 110 MRI scans; mean age: 4.40 ± 0.77 years), half of whom had a family history of reading disorder. The family history group showed slower proportional growth (relative to total brain volume) in the left supramarginal and inferior frontal gyri, and faster proportional growth in the right angular, right fusiform, and bilateral lingual gyri. This suggests delayed development of left hemisphere reading areas in children with a family history of dyslexia, along with faster growth in right homologues. This alternate development pattern may predispose the brain to later reading difficulties and may later manifest as the commonly noted compensatory mechanisms. The results of this study further shows our understanding of structural brain alterations that may form the neurological basis of reading difficulties.
A higher taxonomic richness does not ensure the functional resilience of saproxylic beetle communities in evergreenQuercusforests
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Diana , Mason Norman W. H. , Brustel Hervé , Galante Eduardo , Micó Estefanía 
Published: July 2021

1. Despite the fact that insects are suffering a global decline, little is known about the extent to which species loss affects functional diversity. Thus, to understand the relationship between taxonomic and functional diversity metrics, we focused on saproxylic beetles, which perform vital functions in forest ecosystems.2. Beetles were collected monthly for a year using flight interception traps placed in three protected areas of mature evergreen MediterraneanQuercusforests. Five morphological traits, one phenological trait, and one physiological surrogate trait were measured, and trophic guild identities were determined. Two taxonomic and six functional metrics were assessed to determine their relationships.3. Taxonomic and functional diversity patterns, as well as trait patterns, differed depending on the protected areas, as they were influenced by habitat and microhabitat characteristics. Generally, a high number of species tended to support high values of functional richness, but did not ensure high values of functional redundancy, thus affecting the resilience of communities.4. A 5% of species loss strongly affected the functional redundancy of communities, making them more vulnerable. Functional richness, however, was not affected, since it was associated with a high number of redundant species. Thus, the way species loss affected communities is highly dependent on the presence of rare or redundant species.5. Taxonomic and functional diversity metrics should be used as complementary tools for conservation purposes. In this way, the comparative analysis of taxonomic and functional patterns may help to predict the vulnerability of saproxylic assemblages to changes or disturbances.
Motor impairments in early onset schizophrenia
Authors: Byrial Pernille , Nyboe Lene , Thomsen Per Hove , Clausen Loa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimMotor impairments are frequent both at and before diagnosis. In childhood, impairments in general fine and gross motor function are among others identified using test batteries, and while elements of coordination are assessed in onset schizophrenia, the assessment of general motor functions is absent. Thus, we aimed to assess general motor function including childhood motor function in adolescents with schizophrenia in comparison with healthy controls and examine clinical correlates to general motor function.MethodGeneral fine and gross motor function was assessed using two standardized age‐normed test batteries and a questionnaire in 25 adolescents with schizophrenia compared with age and gender‐matched controls using t‐test and χ2‐test. Stepwise linear regression assessed potential developmental predictors on motor function including complications during childbirth, reported childhood motor function, executive function including false discovery rate q‐values. Associations with schizophrenia symptom severity, executive function, cognitive function were assessed using Pearson's correlation and the impact of antipsychotic medication using t‐test.ResultAll measures of motor function but one significantly differentiated adolescents with schizophrenia from healthy controls. The presence of schizophrenia (β =4.41, β = 10.96), explained the main part of the variance however, childhood motor function (β = .08) also added significantly to motor function. Executive function (β = −.45) was important for childhood motor function. Severity of schizophrenia was associated with strength (p < .0011) and manual coordination (p = .0295), and receiving antipsychotics affected manual dexterity (p = .0378).ConclusionThe documentation of significant differences in general motor function in early onset schizophrenia compared with healthy controls highlights the need for general motor assessments and potential interventions.
Young people's attitudes towards integrating physical activity as part of mental health treatment: A cross‐sectional study in youth mental health services
Authors: Parker Alexandra G. , Trott Emma , Bourke Matthew , Klepac Pogrmilovic Bojana , Dadswell Kara , Craike Melinda , McLean Sîan A. , Dash Sarah , Pascoe Michaela 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionDue to the significant burden associated with mental disorders that have their onset in youth, there is a critical need to improve treatments and treatment outcomes. Given the evidence for physical activity (PA) as an effective intervention for reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in young people, we examined young people's attitudes towards and acceptability of PA as part of mental health treatment, predictors of current engagement in PA and predictors of attitudes towards PA as a treatment option.MethodsParticipants in this cross‐sectional study were 88 young people (15–25 years) who were engaged in treatment at youth mental health services in Melbourne, Australia.ResultsYoung people's attitudes towards PA as a treatment option were generally positive. The acceptance of PA as a treatment option was predicted by fewer perceived barriers and more benefits to exercise, higher autonomous motivation and lower amotivation; whereas, the only significant predictor of current engagement in PA was autonomous motivation.DiscussionThe integration of PA interventions within mental health treatment appears to be acceptable to young people; however, acceptance of PA as a treatment option is influenced by perceived barriers and benefits of PA and autonomous motivation. A focus on increasing autonomous motivation by enhancing the perceived value of PA and choosing preference‐based, enjoyable activities may assist in addressing the complex range of factors that impact the ability of these young people to become more physically active. Addressing these factors may assist with implementing PA interventions within psychological treatments for mental disorders.
Topic modelling in precision medicine with its applications in personalized diabetes management
Authors: Ni Ki Chong , Hosseinian‐Far Amin , Daneshkhah Alireza , Salari Nader 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAdvances in Internet of Things (IoT) and analytic‐based systems in the past decade have found several applications in medical informatics, and have significantly facilitated healthcare decision making. Patients' data are collected through a variety of means, including IoT sensory systems, and require efficient, and accurate processing. Topic Modelling is an unsupervised machine learning algorithm for Natural Language Processing (NLP) that identifies relationships and associations within textual data. The application of Topic Modelling has been widely used on raw text data, where meaningful clusters (topics) are generated by the model. The purpose of this paper is to explore the varying methods of Topic Modelling, mostly the Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model, and its applicability on personalized diabetes management. The proposed study evaluates the possibility of applying topic modelling methods on diabetes literature and genomic data in order to achieve precision medicine.
Going with the flow: Spatio‐temporal drift patterns of larval fish in a large alpine river
Authors: Nagel Christoffer , Mueller Melanie , Pander Joachim , Stoeckle Bernhard C. , Kuehn Ralph , Geist Juergen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Fish larval drift is an essential step in the life cycle of riverine fish species as it determines dispersal and colonisation. Anthropogenic flow alterations and interruption of longitudinal and lateral connectivity by river damming and straightening can severely affect larval drift patterns. In this study, we characterised spatio‐temporal drift patterns of fish larvae in the heavily regulated large alpine River Inn and within a constructed nature‐like fish bypass.

Drift was investigated in the main reproduction period of the fish fauna in this river, ranging from mid‐April to end of June. Diel patterns were assessed by samples taken during day, dusk, night, and dawn each day of sampling. To obtain robust species identification, we used DNA barcoding for genetic verification of phenotypically pre‐sorted groups.

From a total of 1,069 fish larvae and 283 fish eggs caught, DNA barcoding revealed 16 species from five families, including several target species of conservation. We found strong evidence that several endangered species, such as Chondrostoma nasus, Thymallus thymallus, Cottus gobio, and Aspius aspius successfully reproduced in the bypass system. Genetic species verification showed a high level of homogeneity in most phenotypically pre‐sorted groups.

Distinct seasonal patterns were observed, with the majority of fish species in the drift observed in mid‐June. Thymallus thymallus and Cottus gobio dominated larval drift at the beginning of the observation followed by mainly unimodal abundance peaks of several Cyprinid species. Nocturnal drift prevailed in all species.

Our results on the spatial occurrence and abundances of fish larvae highlight the importance of bypass systems in heavily modified waterbodies to provide valuable spawning habitats and drift corridors around dams. Moreover, the distinct species‐specific time patterns of larval drift represent a first basis to direct future discharge and river management plans in large alpine rivers towards a protection of the sensitive larval stages of specific target species of conservation. This includes bypass and turbine operation modes in the period of highest drift activity, as well as the construction of nature‐like bypass systems and creation of spawning grounds therein.
Unrecognized threat to global soil carbon by a widespread invasive species
Authors: O’Bryan Christopher J. , Patton Nicholas R. , Hone Jim , Lewis Jesse S. , Berdejo‐Espinola Violeta , Risch Derek R. , Holden Matthew H. , McDonald‐Madden Eve 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMost of Earth's terrestrial carbon is stored in the soil and can be released as carbon dioxide (CO2) when disturbed. Although humans are known to exacerbate soil CO2 emissions through land‐use change, we know little about the global carbon footprint of invasive species. We predict the soil area disturbed and resulting CO2 emissions from wild pigs (Sus scrofa), a pervasive human‐spread vertebrate that uproots soil. We do this using models of wild pig population density, soil damage, and their effect on soil carbon emissions. Our models suggest that wild pigs are uprooting a median area of 36,214 km2 (mean of 123,517 km2) in their non‐native range, with a 95% prediction interval (PI) of 14,208 km2–634,238 km2. This soil disturbance results in median emissions of 4.9 million metric tonnes (MMT) CO2 per year (equivalent to 1.1 million passenger vehicles or 0.4% of annual emissions from land use, land‐use change, and forestry; mean of 16.7 MMT) but that it is highly uncertain (95% PI, 0.3–94 MMT CO2) due to variability in wild pig density and soil dynamics. This uncertainty points to an urgent need for more research on the contribution of wild pigs to soil damage, not only for the reduction of anthropogenically related carbon emissions, but also for co‐benefits to biodiversity and food security that are crucial for sustainable development.
Does obesity lead to loneliness and perceived social isolation in the second half of life? Findings from a nationally representative study in Germany
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans‐Helmut 
Published: July 2021

AimLittle is known about the link between obesity and loneliness as well as perceived social isolation. Therefore, the objective of this longitudinal study is to clarify whether the onset and the end of obesity is associated with changes in perceived social isolation as well as loneliness (stratified by sex) in older age.MethodsLongitudinal data were used from wave 5 (year 2014) and 6 (year 2017) of the German Ageing Survey – a nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling individuals aged ≥40 years in Germany. Established tools were used to quantify loneliness and perceived social isolation. A body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 was used to classify individuals as being obese. Asymmetric fixed effects regressions were used.ResultsRegressions showed that the end of obesity was associated with decreases in perceived social isolation among women (β = −0.24, P = 0.01), but not in men (with significant sex differences). The onset of obesity was not associated with changes in perceived social isolation. Neither the beginning of obesity nor the end of obesity was associated with changes in loneliness.ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of overcoming obesity for women in the second half of life. As most of the existing studies were conducted in Germany, studies from other countries are of importance to understand this association better. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 836–841.
Treatment patterns and medical costs after hepatectomy in real‐world practice for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Higashibeppu Yoichi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Sakata Yukinori , Azuma Mie , Fujimoto Kenichi , Munakata Hiroaki , Ishii Mika , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimTo examine the treatment patterns and medical costs in real‐world practice among patients who received hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan.MethodsData of patients who underwent hepatectomy as an initial therapy for primary HCC were extracted from a Japanese medical claims database from April 2008 to December 2019. The types of additional treatments for recurrent HCC and medical costs for up to 3 years from the first hepatectomy were analyzed. The average cumulative cost per patient starting on the date of the first hepatectomy was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier sample‐average method.ResultsData from 2 342 patients (median age, 71 years) were analyzed. Overall, 35.6% of patients received at least one HCC treatment within 3 years of the first hepatectomy. The total average cumulative 3‐years medical cost was JPY 4 993 300 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4 804 100 to 5 220 500). Surgical procedures were the most costly components in the first month after hepatectomy, whereas the costs of drugs, which mainly included antiviral and antineoplastic medications, increased thereafter. Patients with advanced stage HCC, hepatitis C, or a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index at hepatectomy, or those who required additional treatment, especially with antineoplastic drugs for recurrent HCC, incurred higher medical costs.ConclusionsPatients with HCC after hepatectomy experienced a large economic burden, which was more serious for those with advanced stage HCC, higher comorbidities, and hepatitis at baseline and for patients treated with antineoplastic drugs. A treatment selection that considers its medical cost burden would help to reduce some of these economic burdens.
Fertility and reproductive technology use in testicular cancer survivors in Japan: A multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Kakimoto Kenichi , Uemura Motohide , Kishida Takeshi , Kawai Koji , Nakamura Terukazu , Goto Takayuki , Osawa Takahiro , Yamada Shigeyuki , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio , Kojo Kosuke , Shiraishi Takumi , Ukimura Osamu , Ogawa Osamu , Shinohara Nobuo , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Ito Akihiro , Arai Yoichi 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate fertility and use of reproductive technology of testicular cancer survivors in a multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study recruited testicular cancer survivors who were followed after treatment for testicular cancer at eight high‐volume institutions between 2018 and 2019. The participants completed the questionnaires on marital status, fertility and use of reproductive technology.ResultsA total of 567 testicular cancer survivors, with a median age of 43 years, responded to the questionnaire. Chemotherapy was given to 398 survivors, including three cycles of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in 106 patients and four cycles in 147 patients. Among 153 survivors who attempted sperm cryopreservation, 133 (87%) could preserve sperm. Of the 28 survivors whose cryopreserved sperm was used, 17 (61%) fathered children. Of the 72 survivors who fathered children without the use of cryopreserved sperm, 59 (82%) fathered naturally. Whereas 33 (20%) of 169 survivors treated without chemotherapy fathered children without using cryopreserved sperm, 39 (10%) of 398 treated with chemotherapy fathered children (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the paternity rate was 12% and 5% in testicular cancer survivors with three and four cycles of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, respectively (P < 0.05). However, of 121 survivors who wanted to have children, 14 (12%) received counseling about infertility treatment.ConclusionsTesticular cancer survivors preserving their sperm have a higher paternity rate after chemotherapy, especially after four cycles, than those not using cryopreserved sperm. Physicians who give chemotherapy for testicular cancer need to take particular care not only with respect to recurrence of testicular cancer, but also to post‐treatment fertility.
Comparison of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for complex (RENAL scores ≥10) and non‐complex renal tumors: A single‐center experience
Authors: Wakita Naoto , Hinata Nobuyuki , Suzuki Kotaro , Bando Yukari , Okamura Yasuyoshi , Hara Takuto , Terakawa Tomoaki , Furukawa Junya , Harada Kenichi , Fujisawa Masato 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesTo compare functional and surgical outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for complex tumors with RENAL scores ≥10 and non‐complex tumors at a single academic institution.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy at Kobe University Hospital (Kobe, Hyogo, Japan) from 2011 to 2020. Functional and surgical outcomes for complex tumors (RENAL score ≥10) were compared with those of patients with non‐complex tumors (RENAL <10). Outcomes analyzed included blood loss, warm ischemia time, console time, perioperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative renal function.ResultsA total of 348 patients were included in our present study, with a median follow‐up time of 35.1 months. Of these, 299 patients (85.9%) had non‐complex tumors and 49 patients (14.1%) had complex tumors. Warm ischemia time and console time were significantly longer in the complex tumors group. Major perioperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification system ≥3) were significantly more frequent in the complex tumors group than the non‐complex tumor group (16.3% vs 5.7%, P = 0.018). Postoperative preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate and percentage of chronic kidney disease upstage by 1 year were significantly inferior in the complex tumors group. The positive surgical margin rate was 0% and 0.3% in the complex and non‐complex tumor groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in recurrence‐free survival between the two groups (P = 0.11).ConclusionsRobot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors is safe, with no difference in oncological outcomes, although more postoperative complications and decreased renal function can be observed than non‐complex tumors.
Management of diabetes‐related foot disease in the outpatient setting during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pang Bingyan , Shah Priyal M. , Manning Laurens , Ritter J. Carsten , Hiew Jonathan , Hamilton Emma J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe use of telephone and/or video consultation in routine management of acute diabetes‐related foot disease (DFD) before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic at a tertiary hospital is unprecedented. In March 2020, the Diabetes Feet Australia (DFA) released a national guideline to inform DFD management during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The present study aimed to describe the adherence to the DFA guideline of managing acute DFD using telephone and/or video consultation at a Western Australian tertiary hospital during this period. We found >80% adherence rate to the DFA guideline and the management of active DFD using telephone and/or video consultations was feasible and acceptable in carefully selected patients.
Changes in prescribing habits for the treatment of metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Australia
Authors: Balasubramanian Adithya , Qu Liang , Weickhardt Andrew , Bolton Damien , Perera Marlon 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe availability of efficacious systemic therapies for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma has heralded improved survival for Australians. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule registry was interrogated to assess nation‐wide prescribing patterns. Sunitinib remained the most commonly prescribed agent. Prescribing rates were significantly lower in Northern Territory than in other states, raising questions of disparities in access to care.