bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moving to the city: testing the implications of morphological shifts on locomotor performance in introduced urban lizards
Authors: Vaughn Princeton L , Mcqueen Wyatt , Gangloff Eric J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Understanding how morphology affects performance in novel environments and how populations shift their morphology in response to environmental selective pressures is necessary to understand how invaders can be successful. We tested these relationships in a global colonizer, the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), translocated to Cincinnati, OH, USA 70 years ago. We investigated how morphology shifts in this population inhabiting a novel environment, how these morphological shifts influence locomotor performance and how performance changes in novel conditions. We compared the morphology of museum specimens and current lizards to see which aspects of morphology have shifted over time. Although overall body size did not change, most body dimensions reduced in size. We measured sprint speed with a full-factorial design of substrate type, incline angle and obstacles. We identified a pattern of negative correlation in sprint performance between conditions with and without obstacles. The locomotor advantage of larger body size was diminished when obstacles were present. Finally, there was no relationship between individual variation in contemporary morphology and sprint performance, providing no support to the hypothesis that these shifts are attributable to selective pressures on locomotor performance in the conditions tested.
Enhanced Clostridioides difficile Infection Prevention With a Pharmacy-Controlled Policy That Adds a 3-Strain Lactobacillus Probiotic Concomitantly to Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Maziade Pierre-Jean , Ship Noam , Sniffen Jason C , Goldstein Ellie J C 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
When 70% of antibiotic users took a 3-strain Lactobacillus probiotic preparation the hospital-wide rate of healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection improved significantly. The incidence of C. difficile infection for those taking the probiotic along with multiple antibiotics or a single high-risk antibiotic was decreased by at least half.
Histopathological Features in Colonic Biopsies at Diagnosis Predict Long-term Disease Course in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Rezazadeh Ardabili Ashkan , Goudkade Danny , Wintjens Dion , Romberg-Camps Mariëlle , Winkens Bjorn , Pierik Marie , Grabsch Heike I , Jonkers Daisy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Crohn’s disease [CD] is characterised by a heterogeneous disease course. Patient stratification at diagnosis using clinical, serological, or genetic markers does not predict disease course sufficiently to facilitate clinical decision making. The current study aimed to investigate the additive predictive value of histopathological features to discriminate between a long-term mild and severe disease course.

Methods
Diagnostic biopsies from treatment-naïve CD patients with mild or severe disease courses in the first 10 years after diagnosis were reviewed by two gastrointestinal pathologists after developing a standardised form comprising 15 histopathological features. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify predictive features and compute receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves. Models were internally validated using bootstrapping to obtain optimism-corrected performance estimates.

Results
In total, 817 biopsies from 137 patients [64 mild, 73 severe cases] were included. Using clinical baseline characteristics, disease course could only moderately be predicted (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.738 [optimism 0.018], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.83, sensitivity 83.6%, specificity 53.1%). When adding histopathological features, in colonic biopsies a combination of [1] basal plasmacytosis, [2] severe lymphocyte infiltration in lamina propria, [3] Paneth cell metaplasia, and [4] absence of ulcers were identified and resulted in significantly better prediction of a severe course (AUROC: 0.883 [optimism 0.033], 95% CI 0.82–0.94, sensitivity 80.4%, specificity 84.2%).

Conclusions
In this first study investigating the additive predictive value of histopathological features in biopsies at CD diagnosis, we found that certain features of chronic inflammation in colonic biopsies contributed to prediction of a severe disease course, thereby presenting a novel approach to improving stratification and facilitating clinical decision making.
‘Ticagrelor alone vs. dual antiplatelet therapy from 1 month after drug-eluting coronary stenting among patients with STEMI’: a post hoc analysis of the randomized GLOBAL LEADERS trial
Authors: Gamal Amr S , Hara Hironori , Tomaniak Mariusz , Lunardi Mattia , Gao Chao , Ono Masafumi , Kawashima Hideyuki , Jüni Peter , Vranckx Pascal , Windecker Stephan , Hamm Christian , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor monotherapy beyond 1 month and up to 24 months vs. standard 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and ticagrelor followed by aspirin monotherapy among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the GLOBAL LEADERS trial.

Methods and results
We performed a post hoc analysis of STEMI patients in the GLOBAL LEADERS trial comparing experimental ticagrelor monotherapy (1062 patients) with standard 12-month DAPT (1030 patients). We evaluated predefined primary and secondary endpoints in both treatment arms. Rates of net adverse clinical events (NACE), patient-oriented composite endpoints (POCE), and bleeding academic research consortium (BARC)-defined bleeding Type 3 or 5 were also evaluated. At 2 years, there were no significant differences in rates of primary endpoints in patients who had STEMI [0.89 (0.61–1.31)]. There were similar rates of NACE and POCE in both experimental and reference treatment groups at 2 years post-PCI [hazard ratio (HR) 0.96 (0.77–1.20) and 0.96 (0.77–1.21), respectively]. BARC 3 or 5 bleeding events were numerically less in experimental compared to reference treatment groups at 1 year [HR 0.55 (0.27–1.13)] and 2 years [0.61 (0.32–1.16)].

Conclusion
Presentation with STEMI has not influenced the incidence of GLOBAL LEADERS defined primary endpoints. There were no significant differences in rates of NACE, POCE, and BARC bleeding between the two treatment groups up to 2 years of follow-up. Although these findings should be viewed as exploratory, they expand the evidence on potential safety of aspirin-free antiplatelet strategies after PCI in STEMI.
Trends in blood pressure, blood lipids, and smoking from 259 753 patients with hypertension in a Swedish primary care register: results from QregPV
Authors: Bager Johan-Emil , Mourtzinis Georgios , Andersson Tobias , Nåtman Jonatan , Rosengren Annika , Björck Staffan , Manhem Karin , Hjerpe Per 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims
To describe 8-year trends in blood pressure (BP) control, blood lipid control, and smoking habits in patients with hypertension from QregPV, a primary care register in the Region of Västra Götaland, Sweden.

Methods and results
QregPV features clinical data on BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and smoking habits in 392 277 patients with hypertension or coronary heart disease or diabetes mellitus or any combination of the three diagnoses. Data from routine clinical practice have been automatically reported on a monthly basis to QregPV from all primary care centres in Västra Götaland (population 1.67 million) since 2010. Additional data on diagnoses, dispensed drugs and socioeconomic factors were acquired through linkage to regional and national registers. We identified 259 753 patients with hypertension, but without coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus, in QregPV. From 2010 to 2017, the proportion of patients with BP &lt;140/90 mmHg increased from 38.9% to 49.1%, while the proportion of patients with LDL-C &lt;2.6 mmol/L increased from 19.7% to 21.1% and smoking decreased from 15.7% to 12.3%. However, in 2017, only 10.0% of all patients with hypertension had attained target levels of BP &lt;140/90 mmHg, LDL-C &lt; 2.6 mmol/L while being also non-smokers. The remaining 90.0% were still exposed to at least one uncontrolled, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions
These regionwide data from eight consecutive years in 259 753 patients with hypertension demonstrate a large potential for risk factor improvement. An increased use of statins and antihypertensive drugs should, in addition to lifestyle modifications, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
The spontaneous mutation rate of Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: Krasovec Marc 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The spontaneous mutation rate is a very variable trait that is subject to drift, selection and is sometimes highly plastic. Consequently, its variation between close species, or even between populations from the same species, can be very large. Here, I estimated the spontaneous mutation rate of Drosophila pseudoobscura and Drosophila persimilis crosses to explore the mutation rate variation within the Drosophila genus. All mutation rate estimations in Drosophila varied fourfold, probably explained by the sensitivity of the mutation rate to environmental and experimental conditions. Moreover, I found a very high mutation rate in the hybrid cross between D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis, in agreement with known elevated mutation rate in hybrids. This mutation rate increase can be explained by heterozygosity and fitness decrease effects in hybrids.
Impact of Media-Based Negative and Positive Age Stereotypes on Older Individuals’ Mental Health
Authors: Levy Becca R , Chang E-Shien , Lowe Sarah R , Provolo Natalia , Slade Martin D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objectives
During the COVID-19 pandemic, stigmatization of older persons increased in traditional and social media. It was unknown whether this negative messaging could be detrimental to the mental health of older individuals, and whether the relatively uncommon positive messaging about older individuals could benefit their mental health.

Method
To address these gaps, we designed age-stereotype interventions based on actual news stories that appeared during the pandemic, and divided them into negative and positive versions of what we term personified (i.e., individual-based) and enumerative (i.e., number-based) age-stereotype messaging. The negative versions of the 2 types of messaging reflected the age stereotype of decline, whereas the positive versions of the 2 types of messaging reflected the age stereotype of resilience.

Results
As expected, the exposure of older individuals to the negative-age-stereotype-messaging interventions led to significantly worse mental health (i.e., more anxiety and less peacefulness), compared to a neutral condition; in contrast, the positive-age-stereotype-messaging interventions led to significantly better mental health (i.e., less anxiety and more peacefulness), compared to a neutral condition. The findings were equally strong for the personified and enumerative conditions. Also as expected, the interventions, which were self-irrelevant to the younger participants, did not significantly impact their mental health.

Discussion
This is the first-known study to experimentally demonstrate that institutional ageism, and statistics that reflect stereotypes about older individuals, can impact mental health. The results demonstrate the need for media messaging aimed at empowering older individuals during the pandemic and beyond.
Characterization of the near-surface shear wave attenuation in the Groningen gas field using borehole recording
Authors: He Yicheng , Li Junlun , Tian Wen , Li Zhiwei 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYThe Groningen gas field located in the northern Netherlands is the largest gas field in Europe. Many induced earthquakes have occurred since the gas extraction commenced in the 1960s, especially in the last two decades, which have caused concerning social and economic problems. To better quantify the seismic hazards caused by the induced earthquakes, the near surface attenuation in the Groningen area needs to be characterized from actual earthquakes. The spectral ratio method based on multiwindow analysis has proven to be a powerful tool to estimate the S-wave attenuation parameters of shallow sediments. In this study, waveforms from earthquake events recorded by the dense network of 70 boreholes, each of which is equipped with four geophones are used to estimate the S-wave attenuation parameters of shallow sediments. There are strong lateral variations in the near-surface attenuation, which is structurally similar to the S-wave model from a previous study in the same area. Besides, the calculated $Q_S^{ - 1}$ values are inversely proportional to the frequency and depth. The averaged ${\rm{\ }}Q_S^{ - 1}$ values for depths between 0–150 m and 0–200 m are close to those of the soft soil Sendai basin in Japan. The $Q_S^{ - 1}$ values from this study have been used to model a surface peak ground acceleration (PGA) map. As expected, both near surface $Q_S^{ - 1}$ values and source mechanism have a profound effect on the modelled PGA.
The Effect of Urine Collection with a Novel External Catheter Device on Common Urine Chemistry and Urinalysis Results
Authors: Rose Gary , Pyle-Eilola Amy L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Urine collection from incontinent individuals can be challenging. Various methods have been devised to collect the sample without catheterization. Recently the PureWick external catheter was developed to draw the sample gently away from external female genitalia. While the primary purpose of the device is to prevent moisture and maintain skin integrity, the urine that is collected may be sent for laboratory analysis. We sought to validate the use of this collection method for common urine chemistry assays and urinalysis.

Methods
Twenty pools of residual urine samples were separated into “control” and “PureWick” treated samples. The control samples were maintained at room temperature while 15 mL of urine was added to the PureWick device which was connected to a vacuum line through a collection canister. The urine collected in the canister and the controls samples were all subject to urine chemistry strip, microscopic, and automated urine chemistry analysis. Results were compared between pairs of treated and control samples.

Results
No clear affect was noted on urine strip semi-quantitative or automated chemistry analysis from the PureWick collection. There was a statistically significant decrease in microscopic measurements of white blood cells and crystals in the PureWick urine samples.

Discussion
This study supports the use of the PureWick external catheter for collection of samples for most urinalysis and urine chemistry tests.
Effects of chicory polysaccharides on the growth, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae)
Authors: Wang Qing , Guo Li Y , Zhou Guo Q , Jiang Gong C , Ding Zheng F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An eight-week study was conducted to determine requirements for chicory polysaccharides (CP) and their effects on the growth and immunity in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853, followed by a challenge assay with the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) for ten days. Crabs were separately fed with CP-free, 0.5% CP, 1% CP, and 4% CP diets. Results showed that crabs fed with 1% and 4% CP diets exhibited significant higher growth rate than that of controls (P &lt; 0.05). The acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and peroxidase (POD) activities in the 1% CP group were clearly higher than those in the control groups (P &lt; 0.05). The contents of glutathione (GSH) in 1% CP and 4% CP groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in experimental groups, especially in the 1% CP group, decreased significantly relative to those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). When challenged by WSSV, the cumulative mortality was the lowest in the 4% CP group, whereas that in the control group was the highest (P &lt; 0.05). Our study revealed that CP-supplemented diets enhanced specific growth, antioxidant activity, and anti-WSSV resistance in E. sinensis. Based on our findings, we suggest a CP diet content of 10 g kg–1 (1%).
Penetrance of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes From the eMERGE III Network
Authors: Fan Xiao , Wynn Julia , Shang Ning , Liu Cong , Fedotov Alexander , Hallquist Miranda L G , Buchanan Adam H , Williams Marc S , Smith Maureen E , Hoell Christin , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J , Peterson Josh F , Wiesner Georgia L , Murad Andrea M , Jarvik Gail P , Gordon Adam S , Rosenthal Elisabeth A , Stanaway Ian B , Crosslin David R , Larson Eric B , Leppig Kathleen A , Henrikson Nora B , Williams Janet L , Li Rongling , Hebbring Scott , Weng Chunhua , Shen Yufeng , Crew Katherine D , Chung Wendy K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Unbiased estimates of penetrance are challenging but critically important to make informed choices about strategies for risk management through increased surveillance and risk-reducing interventions.

Methods
We studied the penetrance and clinical outcomes of 7 breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, and PTEN) in almost 13 458 participants unselected for personal or family history of breast cancer. We identified 242 female participants with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 1 of the 7 genes for penetrance analyses, and 147 women did not previously know their genetic results.

Results
Out of the 147 women, 32 women were diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of 52.8 years. Estimated penetrance by age 60 years ranged from 17.8% to 43.8%, depending on the gene. In clinical-impact analysis, 42.3% (95% confidence interval = 31.3% to 53.3%) of women had taken actions related to their genetic results, and 2 new breast cancer cases were identified within the first 12 months after genetic results disclosure.

Conclusions
Our study provides population-based penetrance estimates for the understudied genes CHEK2, ATM, and PALB2 and highlights the importance of using unselected populations for penetrance studies. It also demonstrates the potential clinical impact of genetic testing to improve health care through early diagnosis and preventative screening.
COVID-19 in a Subset of Hospitalized Children in Israel
Authors: Ben-Shimol Shalom , Livni Gilat , Megged Orli , Greenberg David , Danino Dana , Youngster Ilan , Shachor-Meyouhas Yael , Dabaja-Younis Halima , Scheuerman Oded , Mor Meirav , Somekh Eli , Yakub Hanna Husam , Givon-Lavi Noga , Guri Alex , Leibovitz Eugene , Alkan Yoav , Grupel Daniel , Rubinstein Uri , Steinberg Ben Zeev Zohar , Bamberger Ellen , Asher Kuperman Amir , Grisaru-Soen Galia , Tasher Diana , Gottesman Giora , Glikman Daniel , Stein Michal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Most pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mild. We assessed nationally severe COVID-19, including pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), in hospitalized children.

Methods
An ongoing, prospective, national surveillance was conducted from March 2020 through March 2021, at 20 hospitals treating children &lt;18 years across Israel (~75% of Israeli hospitals).

Results
Overall, 1007 cases (439 outpatients and 568 hospitalized) identified represent 0.35% of pediatric COVID-19 nationwide (n = 291 628). Of hospitalized cases, 464 (82%), 48 (8%), and 56 (10%) had mild, moderate/severe, and PIMS disease, respectively. The mean ± SD age was 5.6 ± 6.4 years. In mild, moderate/severe, and PIMS disease, 55%, 23%, and 4% of patients were &lt;1 year old, respectively. Obesity was reported in 1%, 4%, and 13% of patients, respectively (P &lt; .001). The most common symptom was fever in 67%, 60%, and 100%, respectively, whereas respiratory symptoms were documented in 33%, 41%, and 38% of patients, respectively. Lymphopenia was recorded in 25%, 60%, and 86% of cases, respectively. PIMS diagnosis was mainly serology-based (in 59%). Gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular involvement, rash, and conjunctivitis were noted in 82%, 61%, 57%, and 34% of PIMS episodes, respectively. Elevated C-reactive protein (100%), ferritin, troponin, D-dimer, low albumin, and thrombocytopenia were common in PIMS. Echocardiography revealed pathological findings in 33% of patients. PIMS mainstay treatment included corticosteroids (77%) and intravenous immunoglobulin (53%). No mortality was recorded.

Conclusions
At a national level, pediatric COVID-19 is mild, even in hospitalized cases, with only a third presenting with respiratory involvement. PIMS is rare, but necessitates a high index of suspicion, and with suitable treatment prognosis is favorable.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies a Recurrent Small In-Frame Deletion in MYO15A Causing Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss in 3 Iranian Pedigrees
Authors: Nasrniya Samane , Miar Paniz , Narrei Sina , Sepehrnejad Mahsa , Nilforoush Mohammad Hussein , Abtahi Hamidreza , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss (HL) is the most prevalent and genetically heterogeneous sensory disabilities in humans throughout the world.

Methods
In this study, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the variant causing autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) segregating in 3 separate Iranian consanguineous families (with 3 different ethnicities: Azeri, Persian, and Lur), followed by cosegregation analysis, computational analysis, and structural modeling using the I-TASSER (Iterative Threading ASSEmbly Refinement) server. Also, we used speech-perception tests to measure cochlear implant (CI) performance in patients.

Results
One small in-frame deletion variant (MYO15A c.8309_8311del (p.Glu2770del)), resulting in deletion of a single amino-acid residue was identified. We found it to be cosegregating with the disease in the studied families. We provide some evidence suggesting the pathogenesis of this variant in HL based on the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and Genomics guidelines. Evaluation of auditory and speech performance indicated favorable outcome after cochlear implantation in our patients.

Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate the utility of WES in genetic diagnostics of HL.
Chemically homogeneous evolution: a rapid population synthesis approach
Authors: Riley Jeff , Mandel Ilya , Marchant Pablo , Butler Ellen , Nathaniel Kaila , Neijssel Coenraad , Shortt Spencer , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
We explore chemically homogeneous evolution (CHE) as a formation channel for massive merging binary black holes (BBHs). We develop methods to include CHE in a rapid binary population synthesis code, Compact Object Mergers: Population Astrophysics and Statistics (compas), which combines realistic models of binary evolution with cosmological models of the star formation history of the Universe. For the first time, we simultaneously explore conventional isolated binary star evolution under the same set of assumptions. This approach allows us to constrain population properties and make simultaneous predictions about the gravitational-wave detection rates of BBH mergers for the CHE and conventional formation channels. The overall mass distribution of detectable BBHs is consistent with existing gravitational-wave observations. We find that the CHE channel may yield up to ${\sim} 70{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of all gravitational-wave detections of BBH mergers coming from isolated binary evolution.