bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief coping strategy enhancement for the treatment of distressing voices in the context of borderline personality disorder: A comparison with outcomes in the context of psychosis
Authors: Morrice Frankie , Jones Anna‐Marie , Burgio Vincenzo , Strauss Clara , Hayward Mark 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundVoice hearing in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has traditionally been regarded as transient and an experience that lacks legitimacy. Consequently, there are no evidence‐based treatments for the voices reported by BPD patients. Contrary to the traditional view, there is a growing literature suggesting that voice hearing in the context of BPD can be an enduring and distressing experience which shares similarities with voice hearing in the context of psychosis. Given these similarities, the aim of this study was to explore whether brief Coping Strategy Enhancement developed in the context of psychosis can be used to treat distressing voice hearing in the context of BPD.MethodThis was a service evaluation carried out in a specialist NHS service delivering psychological therapies for distressing voices. Patients with either a BPD (n = 46) or a psychosis diagnosis (n = 125) received four sessions of Coping Strategy Enhancement (CSE). The primary outcome was voice‐related distress. The pre‐post outcomes for BPD patients were explored and compared with those achieved by the psychosis patients.ResultsBoth the BPD and psychosis groups experienced a significant reduction in voice‐related distress after CSE compared with baseline. The interaction between diagnosis group and time was small and statistically non‐significant.ConclusionThese findings suggest a brief CSE intervention developed in the context of psychosis can be an effective starting point in the treatment of distressing voice hearing in the context of BPD. Such interventions have the potential to be integrated into broader BPD treatment programmes for those who hear voices.
Capacity and BER performance improvement in integrated MIMO‐OFDM system using optimal power allocation, channel estimation, and turbo coding
Authors: Pyla Srinu , K Padma Raju , N Bala Subrahmanyam 
Published: July 2021

SummaryAmong communication systems, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system has the capability of providing spectral efficiency, high data rates, diversity gain, and improved reliability. Suitably designed orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmits the signal without inter symbol interference and multipath fading. Hence, MIMO‐OFDM is a strong candidate for 4G and 5G wireless systems. However, variations in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) due to the random nature of the channel and poor capacity at low SNR are critical issues in conventional MIMO‐OFDM system. This paper explains how optimal power allocation (OPA), channel estimation, and coding improve the capacity and bit error rate (BER) performance of MIMO‐OFDM system. In OPA, the transmitter power is distributed adaptively to the channels based on the SNR statistics using singular value decomposition and water filling algorithm. In case of low SNR, less number of channels are selected for power allocation. Least squares (LS), minimum mean square error (MMSE), and least mean square (LMS) estimators are considered in comb type pilot channel estimation while turbo code is used with code rates of 1/2 and 1/3. From the simulation results, capacity improvement of 5 b/s/Hz and 11 b/s/Hz is observed for MIMO‐OFDM systems with four antennas and eight antennas, respectively. It is also found that performance of LMS estimator improved by 3.5‐dB SNR over LS and 1 dB SNR over MMSE. In this paper is shown how LMS estimator and 1/3 turbo code have been integrated with MIMO‐OFDM, and this has resulted in around 4‐dB SNR improvement over conventional MIMO‐OFDM.
Emerging role of Piezo ion channels in cardiovascular development
Authors: Shah Vandit , Patel Sandip , Shah Jigna 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMechanical cues are crucial for vascular development and the proper differentiation of various cell types. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are mechanically activated cationic channels expressed in various cell types, especially in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. It is present as a transmembrane homotrimeric complex, regulating calcium influx. Local blood flow associated shear stress, in addition to blood pressure associated cell membrane stretching are key Piezo channel activators. There is rising proof, showcasing Piezo channels significance in myocytes, cardiac fibroblast, vascular tone maintenance, atherosclerosis, hypertension, NO generation, and baroreceptor reflex. Here, we review the role of Piezo channels in cardiovascular development and its associated clinical disorders. Also, emphasizing on Piezo channel modulators which might lead to novel therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
“Compulsive exercise is a socially acceptable prison cell”: Exploring experiences with compulsive exercise across social media
Authors: Hallward Laura , Duncan Lindsay R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveInvestigations into online eating disorder (ED) communities have allowed for a rich exploration of lived experiences focused on a number of aspects, such as recovery and support groups. There is a lack of understanding around compulsive exercise (CE), which is often a characterizing condition of EDs. Exploring the lived experiences of CE as discussed online could provide helpful insight towards a better understanding of CE. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore experiences around CE and EDs shared on social media sites.MethodSocial media posts related to CE and EDs from Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and forums were collected for 12 months. A thematic analysis of 881 posts was used to identify common themes among individuals' lived experiences with CE.ResultsFive themes (and three subthemes) were identified across the social media posts: (1) seeking control, but ultimately CE takes hold, (2) burning off binges, but at what expense?, (3) recovery is a battle, but worth it, (4) is my exercise healthy?, and (5) frustration with comments about CE.DiscussionThe lived experiences of CE among individuals with EDs have provided support for current definitions of CE and shared novel insight into the recovery experience. Individuals online also highlighted the need for improvement in treatment around CE specifically, and greater awareness around CE for the general public and healthcare providers.
Cross‐continental comparison of parasite communities in a wide‐ranging carnivore suggests associations with prey diversity and host density
Authors: Stronen Astrid V. , Molnar Barbara , Ciucci Paolo , Darimont Chris T. , Grottoli Lorenza , Paquet Paul C. , Sallows Tim , Smits Judit E. G. , Bryan Heather M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractParasites are integral to ecosystem functioning yet often overlooked. Improved understanding of host–parasite associations is important, particularly for wide‐ranging species for which host range shifts and climate change could alter host–parasite interactions and their effects on ecosystem function.Among the most widely distributed mammals with diverse diets, gray wolves (Canis lupus) host parasites that are transmitted among canids and via prey species. Wolf–parasite associations may therefore influence the population dynamics and ecological functions of both wolves and their prey. Our goal was to identify large‐scale processes that shape host–parasite interactions across populations, with the wolf as a model organism.By compiling data from various studies, we examined the fecal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in six wolf populations from two continents in relation to wolf density, diet diversity, and other ecological conditions.As expected, we found that the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted directly to wolves via contact with other canids or their excreta was positively associated with wolf density. Contrary to our expectations, the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted via prey was negatively associated with prey diversity. We also found that parasite communities reflected landscape characteristics and specific prey items available to wolves.Several parasite taxa identified in this study, including hookworms and coccidian protozoans, can cause morbidity and mortality in canids, especially in pups, or in combination with other stressors. The density–prevalence relationship for parasites with simple life cycles may reflect a regulatory role of gastrointestinal parasites on wolf populations. Our result that fecal prevalence of parasites was lower in wolves with more diverse diets could provide insight into the mechanisms by which biodiversity may regulate disease. A diverse suite of predator–prey interactions could regulate the effects of parasitism on prey populations and mitigate the transmission of infectious agents, including zoonoses, spread via trophic interactions.
A framework for understanding how biodiversity patterns unfold across multiple spatial scales in urban ecosystems
Authors: Swan Christopher M. , Brown Bryan , Borowy Dorothy , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Jeliazkov Alienor , Knapp Sonja , Lososová Zdeňka , Padullés Cubino Josep , Pavoine Sandrine , Ricotta Carlo , Sol Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWhether cities are more or less diverse than surrounding environments, and the extent to which non‐native species in cities impact regional species pools, remain two fundamental yet unanswered questions in urban ecology. Here we offer a unifying framework for understanding the mechanisms that generate biodiversity patterns across taxonomic groups and spatial scales in urban systems. One commonality between existing frameworks is the collective recognition that species co‐occurrence locally is not simply a function of natural colonization and extinction processes. Instead, it is largely a consequence of human actions that are governed by a myriad of social processes occurring across groups, institutions, and stakeholders. Rather than challenging these frameworks, we expand upon them to explicitly consider how human and non‐human mechanisms interact to control urban biodiversity and influence species composition over space and time. We present a comprehensive theory of the processes that drive biodiversity within cities, between cities and surrounding non‐urbanized areas and across cities, using the general perspective of metacommunity ecology. Armed with this approach, we embrace the fact that humans substantially influence β‐diversity by creating a variety of different habitats in urban areas, and by influencing dispersal processes and rates, and suggest ways how these influences can be accommodated to existing metacommunity paradigms. Since patterns in urban biodiversity have been extensively described at the local or regional scale, we argue that the basic premises of the theory can be validated by studying the β‐diversity across spatial scales within and across urban areas. By explicitly integrating the myriad of processes that drive native and non‐native urban species co‐occurrence, the proposed theory not only helps reconcile contrasting views on whether urban ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots or biodiversity sinks, but also provides a mechanistic understanding to better predict when and why alternative biodiversity patterns might emerge.
Urine DNA (uDNA) as a non‐lethal method for endoparasite biomonitoring: Development and validation
Authors: Duval Eloïse , Blanchet Simon , Quéméré Erwan , Jacquin Lisa , Veyssière Charlotte , Lautraite Armand , Garmendia Laurent , Yotte Allan , Parthuisot Nathalie , Côte Jessica , Loot Géraldine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChanges in environmental conditions alter host–parasite interactions, raising the need for effective epidemiological surveillance. Developing operational, accurate, and cost‐effective methods to assess individual infection status and potential for pathogen spread is a prerequisite to anticipate future disease outbreaks in wild populations. For endoparasites, effective detection of infections usually relies on host‐lethal approaches, which are barely compatible with wildlife conservation objectives. Here, we used the brown trout (Salmo trutta)—Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae host–parasite system to develop a non‐lethal method for endoparasite infection detection, hereafter called “uDNA” for urine DNA. The uDNA diagnostic test is based on the amplification of endoparasite DNA from host urine. We sampled wild fish (N = 111) from eight sites, let them excrete in individual buckets filled with mineral water and performed parasite DNA amplification from water filtration. We compared the results of the uDNA diagnostic test for host infection status and parasite load to those from kidney samples (the current standard method). uDNA was sensitive in determining host infection status (even for infected hosts showing no sign of the disease), since up to 90% of fish individuals were correctly assigned to their infection status. The quantity of uDNA detected from the hosts depended on the sampling sites, suggesting a spatial variation in the parasite spread. uDNA was positively, but weakly correlated with parasite load in the kidney. This correlation depended on the severity of macroscopic lesions caused by the disease and was negative in fish with severely damaged kidney, likely due to impaired urine excretion. The uDNA approach provides novel avenues to non‐lethally infer infection parameters from wildlife populations at large spatial scales. By targeting parasite transmission stage, uDNA is also valuable to get insights on the parasite fitness and the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of this host–parasite interaction.
Quantification of Environmental DNA (eDNA) shedding and decay rates for three commercially harvested fish species and comparison between eDNA detection and trawl catches
Authors: Kirtane Anish , Wieczorek Daniel , Noji Thomas , Baskin Liza , Ober Claire , Plosica Riley , Chenoweth Ashley , Lynch Katie , Sassoubre Lauren 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStock assessments are critical to inform decisions for sustainable fisheries management. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a potential tool for assessing fish biomass and populations to aid in stock assessments. To facilitate modeling of biomass based on eDNA data, shedding and decay rates are needed. We designed species‐specific, probe‐based qPCR assays for three economically important fish species: black sea bass (Centropristis striata), winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), and summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Winter flounder eDNA was measured using two qPCR assays (135 and 292 bp). We report the eDNA shedding and decay rates and the associated variability from two replicate experimental systems. The eDNA decay rates were not significantly different between all species. The eDNA shedding rates between the two replicate systems were significantly different for winter flounder (135 bp assay) and summer flounder. qPCR amplicon length did not affect the eDNA decay rates for winter flounder. The three new qPCR assays were tested in environmental waters alongside traditional trawl surveys. No eDNA from BSB, WF, or SF was detected by eDNA methods, and out of 13 bottom trawls over 6 days only 1 WF, 1 SF, and 2 BSB were caught. This research presents three new, efficient qPCR assays and shows agreement between eDNA methods and trawl surveys suggesting low abundance or absence of target fish.
Executive functions and depressive symptoms interplay in binge eating disorder: A structural equation model analysis
Authors: Rania Marianna , Aloi Matteo , de Filippis Renato , Carbone Elvira Anna , Caroleo Mariarita , De Fazio Pasquale , Segura‐Garcia Cristina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveExecutive functions (EF) have been so far investigated as potential endophenotypes for binge eating disorder (BED). However, major critical limitations in previous research, such as the influence of obesity and comorbid depression, prevented any consensus to be reached. The present study investigated the association between depressive symptoms, a broad range of EF and binge eating severity in individuals with obesity and with/without BED, and whether this association may be explained by a mediation or independency model.MethodOne hundred and seven participants completed clinical and psychometric examination. Associations between EF, depressive symptoms and binge eating severity were assessed through bivariate correlation analysis, and the magnitude, as well as the direction of associations between variables, was estimated with structural equation model.ResultsTwo reliable models were tested; results showed that depressive symptoms exhibited significant direct and indirect effects on the severity of binge eating; conversely, EF did not show either significant direct or indirect effect on binge eating severity.ConclusionDepression contributes more than EF to psychopathology of BED. Thus, clinicians should routinely assess and, eventually, tailor depressive symptoms in treatment to improve the outcomes of patients with BED.
Evaluating Multiple Biochemical Markers in Xenopus laevis Tadpoles Exposed to the Pesticides Thiacloprid and Trifloxystrobin in Single and Mixed Forms
Authors: Uçkun Miraç , Özmen Murat 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pesticide exposure is thought to be one of the common reasons for the decline in amphibian populations, a phenomenon that is a major threat to global biodiversity. Although the single effects of pesticides on amphibians have been well studied, the effects of mixtures are not well known. The present study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of the insecticide thiacloprid and the fungicide trifloxystrobin on early developmental stages of Xenopus laevis using various biochemical markers (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, Na+K+-adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase], Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, and total ATPase). The median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of thiacloprid and trifloxystrobin were determined to be 3.41 and 0.09 mg a.i. L–1, respectively. Tadpoles were exposed to the LC50, LC50/2, LC50/10, LC50/20, LC50/50, and LC50/100 of these pesticides. Both pesticides significantly affected (inhibited/activated) the biomarkers even at low concentrations. The pesticides showed a synergistic effect when applied as a mixture and altered the biomarkers more than when applied individually. In conclusion, we can assume that tadpoles are threatened by these pesticides even at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our findings provide important data to guide management of the ecotoxicological effects of these pesticides on nontarget amphibians. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2846–2860. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Evaluating multiple biochemical markers in Xenopus laevis tadpoles exposed to pesticides thiacloprid and trifloxystrobin in single and mixed forms. THI = thiacloprid; TFS = trifloxystrobin; LC50 = median lethal concentration.
Cytochrome P450 Inhibition by Antimicrobials and Their Mixtures in Rainbow Trout Liver Microsomes In Vitro
Authors: Pihlaja Tea L.M. , Niemissalo Sanna M. , Sikanen Tiina M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Antimicrobials are ubiquitous in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish. In the present study, we determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 7 environmentally abundant antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clotrimazole, erythromycin, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulfamethoxazole) on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver microsomes, using 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD, CYP1A) and 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-debenzylation (BFCOD, CYP3A) as model reactions. Apart from ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, all antimicrobials inhibited either EROD or BFCOD activities or both at concentrations &lt;500 µM. Erythromycin was the only selective and time-dependent inhibitor of BFCOD. Compared with environmental concentrations, the IC50s of individual compounds were generally high (greater than milligrams per liter); but as mixtures, the antimicrobials resulted in strong, indicatively synergistic inhibitions of both EROD and BFCOD at submicromolar (~micrograms per liter) mixture concentrations. The cumulative inhibition of the BFCOD activity was detectable even at picomolar (~nanograms per liter) mixture concentrations and potentiated over time, likely because of the strong inhibition of CYP3A by ketoconazole (IC50 = 1.7 ± 0.3 µM) and clotrimazole (IC50 = 1.2 ± 0.2 µM). The results suggest that if taken up by fish, the mixtures of these antimicrobials may result in broad CYP inactivation and increase the bioaccumulation risk of any other xenobiotic normally cleared by the hepatic CYPs even at biologically relevant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:663–676. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
Synergistic and time-dependent inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A activity by antimicrobial mixtures was observed in rainbow trout liver microsomes in vitro even at trace-level concentrations.
InTACT: An adaptive and powerful framework for joint‐tissue transcriptome‐wide association studies
Authors: Bae Ye Eun , Wu Lang , Wu Chong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTranscriptome‐wide association studies (TWAS) that integrate transcriptomic reference data and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully enhanced the discovery of candidate genes for many complex traits. However, existing methods may suffer from substantial power loss because they fail to effectively consider that expression of many genes tends to be consistent across tissues. Here we propose a computationally efficient testing method, referred to as Integrative Test for Associations via Cauchy Transformation (InTACT), that effectively combines information across multiple tissues and thus improves the power of identifying associated genes. Through simulation studies, we show that InTACT maintains high power while properly controls for Type 1 error rates. We applied InTACT to the largest GWAS of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to date and identified 227 genome‐wide significant genes, of which 130 were not identified by benchmark methods, TWAS and MultiXcan. Importantly, InTACT identified five novel loci for AD. We implemented InTACT in publicly available software, “InTACT.”
The Center's Highest Award
Authors: Gray Bradford H. , Solomon Mildred Z. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPrompted by a 2019 essay by Jonathan Moreno in the Hastings Center Report, the Center's board of directors undertook a careful examination of the name of its preeiminent award, the Henry Knowles Beecher Award, which has been given to twenty‐nine individuals who have made lifetime contributions to bioethics. citing new research that revealed that Beecher's earlier experimentation on drugs had involved nonconsenting adults, Moreno urged the Center to reevaluate honoring Beecher through this award. After reviewing the relevant published evidence and holding extensive discussions, the board decided to rename the award. We also took the opportunity to reframe the award to emphasize quality of scholarship and impact on thinking, practice, and policy rather than lifetime achievement. The new name—the Founders’ Award of The Hastings Center—reflects our desire to honor not only the Center's cofounders, Daniel Callahan and Willard Gaylin, but also others who helped found the field of bioethics.With great pride, the Center has announced that Patricia King of the Georgetown University Law Center is the 2021 recipient of the Founders’ Award. A distinguished civil rights lawyer, King was instrumental in ensuring justice as one of the three principles of The Belmont Report.