bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species–landscape interactions drive divergent population trajectories in four forest‐dependent Afromontane forest songbird species within a biodiversity hotspot in South Africa
Authors: Mulvaney Jake M. , Matthee Conrad A. , Cherry Michael I. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSpecies confined to naturally fragmented habitats may exhibit intrinsic population complexity which may challenge interpretations of species response to anthropogenic landscape transformation. In South Africa, where native forests are naturally fragmented, forest‐dependent birds have undergone range declines since 1992, most notably among insectivores. These insectivores appear sensitive to the quality of natural matrix habitats, and it is unknown whether transformation of the landscape matrix has disrupted gene flow in these species. We undertook a landscape genetics study of four forest‐dependent insectivorous songbirds across southeast South Africa. Microsatellite data were used to conduct a priori optimization of landscape resistance surfaces (land cover, rivers and dams, and elevation) using cost‐distances along least‐cost pathway (LCP), and resistance distances (IBR). We detected pronounced declines in effective population sizes over the past two centuries for the endemic forest specialist Cossypha dichroa and Batis capensis, alongside recent gene flow disruption in B. capensis, C. dichroa and Pogonocichla stellata. Landscape resistance modelling showed both native forest and dense thicket configuration facilitates gene flow in P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa. Facultative dispersal of P. stellata through dense thicket likely aided resilience against historic landscape transformation, whereas combined forest‐thicket degradation adversely affected the forest generalist B. capensis. By contrast, Phylloscopus ruficapilla appears least reliant upon landscape features to maintain gene flow and was least impacted by anthropogenic landscape transformation. Collectively, gene flow in all four species is improved at lower elevations, along river valleys, and riparian corridors— where native forest and dense thicket better persist. Consistent outperformance of LCP over IBR land‐cover models for P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa demonstrates the benefits of wildlife corridors for South African forest‐dependent bird conservation, to ameliorate the extinction debts from past and present anthropogenic forest exploitation.
Crack initiation and propagation characteristics of a dual‐phase Mg–Li alloy under high‐cycle and very‐high‐cycle fatigue regimes
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , He Chao , Li Xue , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan , Li Lang , Zhang Hong , Wang Chong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUltralight Mg–Li alloys are promising aerospace materials as they are the lightest structural alloys at present; however, their fatigue behaviors remain to be explored. This work focuses on the fatigue strength and crack initiation behavior of an extruded dual‐phase Mg–Li alloy (LZ91) under high‐cycle and very‐high‐cycle fatigue regimes. The fatigue limit of LZ91 alloy at 109 cycles was determined to be 78 MPa, and the fatigue ratio is 0.46. Microstructural characterization demonstrates that fatigue cracks tend to initiate at β‐Li phase‐enriched regions. The α‐Mg phase presents a <
> fiber texture with a basal plane that has low deformation in the extrusion direction and acts as an enhanced phase in relation to the β‐Li phase. Deformation discrepancies cause localized cyclic plasticity at the Li phase that leads to fatigue crack initiation.
Participation, retention and uptake in a multicentre pre‐exposure prophylaxis cohort using online, smartphone‐compatible data collection
Authors: Hovaguimian F , Martin E , Reinacher M , Rasi M , Schmidt AJ , Bernasconi E , Boffi El Amari E , Braun DL , Calmy A , Darling K , Christinet V , Depmeier C , Hauser C , Läuchli S , Notter J , Stoeckle M , Surial B , Vernazza P , Bruggmann P , Tarr P , Haerry D , Bize R , Low N , Lehner A , Böni J , Kouyos RD , Fehr JS , Hampel B 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a national pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection.MethodsThis was a multicentre cohort study (NCT03893188) enrolling individuals interested in PrEP in Switzerland. All centres participate in the SwissPrEPared programme, which uses smartphone‐compatible data collection. Feasibility was assessed after centres had enrolled at least one participant. Participants were HIV‐negative individuals presenting for PrEP counselling. Outcomes were participation (number enrolled/number eligible), enrolment rates (number enrolled per month), retention at first follow‐up (number with first follow‐up/number enrolled), and uptake (proportion attending first visit as scheduled). Participant characteristics were compared between those retained after baseline assessment and those who dropped out.ResultsBetween April 2019 and January 2020, 987 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 969 were enrolled (participation: 98.2%). The median enrolment rate was 86 per month [interquartile range (IQR) 52–137]. Retention at first follow‐up and uptake were both 80.7% (782/969 and 532/659, respectively). At enrolment, the median age was 40 (IQR 33–47) years, 95% were men who have sex with men, 47% had a university degree, and 75.5% were already taking PrEP. Most reported multiple casual partners (89.2%), previous sexually transmitted infections (74%) and sexualized drug use (73.1%). At baseline, 25.5% tested positive for either syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Participants who dropped out were at lower risk of HIV infection than those retained after baseline assessment.ConclusionsIn a national PrEP programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection, participation, retention and uptake were high. Participants retained after baseline assessment were at considerable risk of HIV infection. Younger, less educated individuals were underrepresented in the SwissPrEPared cohort.
Cost determinants among adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus in the United States, 2017–2019
Authors: Choi Yoonyoung , Hill‐Ricciuti Alexandra , Branche Angela R. , Sieling William D. , Saiman Lisa , Walsh Edward E. , Phillips Matthew , Falsey Ann R. , Finelli Lyn 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are common in adults, but data describing the cost of RSV‐associated hospitalization are lacking due to inconsistency in diagnostic coding and incomplete case ascertainment. We evaluated costs of RSV‐associated hospitalization in adult patients with laboratory‐confirmed, community‐onset RSV.MethodsWe included adults ≥ 18 years of age admitted to three hospital systems in New York during two RSV seasons who were RSV‐positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and had more than or equal to two acute respiratory infection symptoms or exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease. We abstracted costs from hospital finance systems or converted hospital charges to cost using cost‐charge ratios. We converted cost into 2020 US dollars and extrapolated to the United States. We used a generalized linear model to determine predictors of hospitalization cost, stratified by admission to intensive care units (ICU).ResultsCost data were available for 79% (601/756) of eligible patients. The mean total cost of hospitalization was $8403 (CI95 $7240–$9741). The highest costs were those attributed to ICU services $7885 (CI95 $5877–$10,240), whereas the lowest were radiology $324 (CI95 $275–$376). Other than longer length of stay, predictors of higher cost included having chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.38 [CI95 1.05–1.80]) for patients without ICU admission and antibiotic use (OR 1.49 [CI95 1.10–2.03]) for patients with ICU admission. The annual US cost was estimated to be $1.2 (CI95 0.9–1.4) billion.ConclusionThe economic burden of RSV hospitalization of adults ≥ 18 years of age in the United States is substantial. RSV vaccine programs may be useful in reducing this economic burden.
The importance of influenza vaccination during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McCauley John , Barr Ian G. , Nolan Terry , Tsai Theodore , Rockman Steven , Taylor Beverly 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its spread have had a dramatic effect on the circulation patterns of other respiratory viruses, most especially influenza viruses. Since April 2020, the global circulation of influenza has been markedly reduced; however, it is still present in a number of different countries and could pose a renewed threat in the upcoming Northern Hemisphere winter. Influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure that we have at our disposal against influenza infections and should not be ignored for the 2021–2022 season.
In vitro Inhibition of respiratory pathogens by lactobacillus and alpha haemolytic streptococci from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Authors: Coleman Andrea , Håkansson Alexander , Grahn Håkansson Eva , Cottrell Kyra , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Zaugg Julian , Cervin Anders 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
To explore the in vitro ability of alpha haemolytic streptococcus (AHS) and lactobacilli (LBs), from Indigenous Australian children, to inhibit the growth of respiratory pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis), also from Indigenous Australian children.

Methods and Results
The bacterial interference of 91 isolates, from Indigenous Australian children both with and without otitis media (OM) or rhinorrhoea, was investigated using agar overlay and cell-free supernatant. Promising isolates underwent whole genome sequencing to investigate upper respiratory tract tropism, antibiotic resistance and virulence. Antibiotic susceptibility was examined for ampicillin, amoxicillin +clavulanic acid and azithromycin. Differences in the strength of bacterial inferences in relation to OM was examined using a case series of three healthy and three children with OM. LBs readily inhibited the growth of pathogens. AHS were less effective, although several isolates inhibited S. pneumoniae. One L. rhamnosus had genes coding for pili to adhere to epithelial cells. We detected antibiotic resistance genes coding for antibiotic efflux pump and ribosomal protection protein. LBs were susceptible to antimicrobials in vitro. Screening for virulence detected genes encoding for two putative capsule proteins. Healthy children had AHS and LB that were more potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro than children with OM.

Conclusions
L. rhamnosus from remote Indigenous Australian children are potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro.

Significance and Impact of Study
Respiratory/ear disease are endemic in Indigenous Australians. There is an urgent call for more effective treatment/prevention; beneficial microbes have not been explored. L. rhamnosus investigated in this study are potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro and require further investigation.
Ultrasonic induced effect on mass transfer characteristics during osmotic dehydration of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) slices: A mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Mehta Aryan , Singh Amanjeet , Singh Akhand Pratap , Prabhakar Pramod K. , Kumar Nitin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe present work aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound pretreatment on osmotic dehydration of aonla slices. The aonla slices were subjected to an ultrasonic treatment with a frequency of 40 kHz for 10 min and then subjected to osmotic dehydration in 60°Bx sucrose solution for 300 min. Empirical models such as Azuara, Peleg, Weibull, Page, and Crank model were utilized to predict the kinetics of water loss and solid gain. Artificial Neural Network technique was also used to predict the parameters with immersion time and temperature as input. All models were found to have a good fit. From the analysis, the ultrasound pretreated samples were found to have enhanced rate of mass transfer compared to control samples especially at the early stages of the process. From Azuara Model, the equilibrium water loss and solid gain were ranged between 49.95–53.65 g/100 g and 11.10–22.01 g/100 g. From Crank model, the effective moisture diffusivities in osmotic dehydration were observed to be varied between 9.28 × 10−10–12.47 × 10−10 m2/s and 10.06 × 10−10–19.17 × 10−10 m2/s for atmospheric and ultrasonic conditions. While for solid gain, the values were ranged between 2.36–2.67 × 10−10 m2/s (untreated) and 2.49–2.73 × 10−10 m2/s (treated). The Vitamin C content and color of sample were found to be affected by ultrasound pretreatment (p <.05) and temperature (p <.05). The effective diffusivities attributed to have a significant Arrhenius relationship (R2 ≥.92, p ≤.05). The enhanced moisture loss and solid gain in the product can be explained by the microscopic channels and cell disruption caused by ultrasonic waves.Practical ApplicationThe aonla fruit, native to South Asia, is a very important commodity because of its health and nutritional benefits. Despite its advantages, it is less popular as table fruit because of its low shelf life and astringency. Osmotic dehydration can be used to preserve the fruit, and it causes the partial removal of water from the fruit and improves its taste. Osmotic dehydration being a slow process, can be enhanced by the ultrasound application. The data and findings can be applied to produce stable intermediate moisture content food that can be used as dried fruit or additive with other food products. This study investigates the modeling of ultrasound‐induced osmotic dehydration in order to design the process with low energy and cost.
Do Intermediaries Matter for Aggregate Asset Prices?
Authors: HADDAD VALENTIN , MUIR TYLER 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTPoor financial health of intermediaries coincides with low asset prices and high risk premiums. Is this because intermediaries matter for asset prices, or because their health correlates with economy‐wide risk aversion? In the first case, return predictability should be more pronounced for asset classes in which households are less active. We provide evidence supporting this prediction, suggesting that a quantitatively sizable fraction of risk premium variation in several large asset classes such as credit or mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) is due to intermediaries. Movements in economy‐wide risk aversion create the opposite pattern, and we find this channel also matters.
Atypical preeclampsia with systemic lupus erythematosus and elevated soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1/placental growth factor ratio
Authors: Mimura Kazuya , Tomimatsu Takuji , Endo Masayuki , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWhile systemic lupus erythematosus is often complicated by preeclampsia, it is difficult to differentiate between its exacerbation and preeclampsia. The soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is unknown in systemic lupus erythematosus with preeclampsia before 20 weeks of gestation. Three nulliparous women with systemic lupus erythematosus developed preeclampsia at 13, 13, and 17 weeks of gestation with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratios of 427, 865, and 525, respectively. Two patients terminated their pregnancies and delivered within 2 weeks, while one experienced intrauterine fetal death 4 weeks after the measurements. Their symptoms gradually improved, and all patients were discharged within 3 months. The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio may be used in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia and systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation before 20 weeks of gestation.
Effect of water salinity on the oxidative system of juveniles of the North Atlantic white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus reared in biofloc technology
Authors: Valenzuela‐Jiménez Manuel , Durruty‐Lagunes Claudia , Cuzon Gerard , Pacheco Eduardo , Arévalo Miguel , Aguilera‐Rivera Diana , Wasielesky Wilson , Rodríguez‐Fuentes Gabriela , Barreto Alvaro , Gaxiola Gabriela 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of biofloc technology (BFT) at 3 (lsBFT) and 35 (hsBFT) practice salinity units (psu) on the zootechnical performance, oxygen consumption, antioxidant activity, and oxidative damage of Litopenaeus setiferus juveniles reared in outdoor tanks. After 90 days, no significant differences were observed in terms of survival (p > .05). The final weight as well as wet weight gain, final biomass, and feeding conversion ratio (FCR) showed higher values for shrimp reared with hsBFT than those reared with lsBFT (p < .05). Compared to that for the hsBFT treatment, high oxygen consumption (VO2) was observed for the lsBFT treatment under fasting and postprandial conditions (p < .05). The activity of the enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase from shrimp muscle did not show significant differences between the treatments (p > .05). Regarding the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidized protein (PO) in muscle samples, no significant differences were observed in LPO, whereas the PO was significantly higher for the lsBFT treatment (p < .05), which was related to higher fasting and postprandial oxygen consumption of the juveniles (p < .05). The adaptation of L. setiferus juveniles reared in BFT at low salinity is relatively weak because of their low growth and excessive oxygen consumption and the oxidative damage (PO) produced.
Highly efficient transformation of the model zygnematophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex by square‐pulse electroporation
Authors: Kawai Junko , Kanazawa Manaki , Suzuki Rie , Kikuchi Nanako , Hayakawa Yasuhiko , Sekimoto Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2021

Summary

The zygnematophycean algae occupy an important phylogenetic position as the closest living relatives of land plants. Reverse genetics is quite useful for dissecting the functions of genes. However, this strategy requires genetic transformation, and there are only a few reports of successful transformation in zygnematophycean algae.

Here, we established a simple and highly efficient transformation technique for the unicellular zygnematophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex using a square electric pulse‐generating electroporator without the need for cell wall removal.

Using this method, the transformation efficiency increased > 100‐fold compared with our previous study using particle bombardment. We also succeeded in performing CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene knockout using this new method.

Our method requires only small amounts of labor, time and incubator space. Moreover, our technique could also be utilized to transform other charophycean algae with available genome information by optimizing the electric pulse conditions.
Early rhythm‐control ablation therapy to prevent atrial fibrillation recurrences: Insights from the CHARISMA Registry
Authors: Solimene Francesco , Giannotti Santoro Mario , Stabile Giuseppe , Malacrida Maurizio , De Simone Antonio , Pandozi Claudio , Pelargonio Gemma , Rossi Pietro , Battaglia Alberto , Pecora Domenico , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Zucchelli Giulio , Stocco Camilla , Arestia Alberto , Iuliano Sara , Russo Maurizio , Narducci Maria Lucia , Segreti Luca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAn early, comprehensive rhythm‐control therapy is needed in order to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) effectively and to improve ablation outcomes.MethodsA total of 153 consecutive patients from the CHARISMA registry undergoing AF ablation at eight centers were included. Patients with de novo PVI were classified as having undergone early treatment (ET) if the procedure was performed within 6 months after the first AF episode, and as having undergone delayed treatment (DT) if ablation was performed over 6 months after the first AF episode.ResultsOne‐hundred fifty‐three patients were enrolled (69.9% male, 59 ± 10 years, 61.4% paroxysmal AF, 38.6% persistent AF). The time from the first AF episode to the ablation procedure was 1034 ± 1483 days. The ET group comprised 36 patients (25.3%), the DT group 60 (39.2%) and Redo cases were 57 (37.3%). During a mean follow‐up of 366 ± 130 days, 18 patients (11.8%) suffered an AF/AT recurrence. More DT patients than ET patients suffered recurrences (15.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.0452) and the time to AT/AF recurrence was shorter in the group of patients who received an ablation treatment after 6 months (HR = 6.19, 95% CI: 1.7 to 21.9; p = 0.0474). On multivariate Cox analysis, only hypertension (HR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.6 to 14.98, p = 0.0062) was independently associated with recurrences. Beyond the hypertension risk factor, ET was associated with a low risk of recurrence; recurrence rate ranged from 0% (ET patients without hypertension) to 25.0% (DT patients with hypertension).ConclusionsAn early rhythm‐control ablation therapy in the absence of common risk factors was associated with the lowest rate of recurrences.
Long‐term nephrotic syndrome recurrence risk of kidney transplantation in two siblings with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy
Authors: Wang Si , Zhao Feng , Li Li , Yu Zihua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMutations in the ADCK4 gene cause steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (NS), namely ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy. Reportedly, 38.5% of patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy had end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) at the time of diagnosis of ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy, requiring renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. However, long‐term NS recurrence risk of kidney transplantation in patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy is unknown.MethodsThe clinical data and mutations in ADCK4 of two siblings with steroid‐resistant NS were collected. The long‐term prognosis of the two siblings who received kidney transplantation was evaluated.ResultsWe describe two siblings with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy who received deceased donor kidney transplantation and showed no clinical evidence of recurrence of NS during more than 10 years of follow‐up.ConclusionsThis suggests that long‐term NS recurrence risk of kidney transplantation is low in patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy who progress to ESRD.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Streptomyces species associated with potato crops in the central part of Colombia
Authors: Henao Laura , Guevara Marcela , Restrepo Silvia , Husserl Johana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn Colombia, Streptomyces scabiei (syn. S. scabies) is commonly believed to be the causal organism of scab disease in local potato crops. However, very little is known about this organism and about the diversity and pathogenicity of the Streptomyces species associated with potato crops in Colombia. This study, therefore, aimed to elucidate aspects regarding the diversity of these bacteria associated with potato crops in a particular region of Colombia and evaluate their pathogenicity. We obtained 33 isolates of Streptomyces from netted, superficial and deep‐pitted potato scab lesions from two main potato‐producing regions in Colombia. Of these, 17 were pathogenic based on in vitro and in planta assays. None of these isolates carried the txtA, txtB, or nec1 genes, commonly associated with pathogenicity in Streptomyces, and characteristic of the pathogenicity island (PAI). We also characterized all isolates based on phenotypic characteristics and analysed their phylogenetic relationships using the 16S rRNA, atpD, recA, rpoB, and trpB genes. The isolates were highly diverse, placed in nine clades with 15 different phenotypes. The 17 pathogenic isolates were placed into three clades, namely S. pratensis, S. xiamenensis, and unknown species. This study is a preliminary investigation towards understanding scab disease in Colombia through the study of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species present in scab disease lesions in potatoes. Also, this is the first report of Streptomyces species associated with potato tubers in Colombia.