bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchially instilled IgY‐antibodies did not decrease pulmonaryp. aeruginosaconcentration in experimental porcine pneumonia
Authors: Otterbeck Alexander , Skorup Paul , Hanslin Katja , Larsson Anders , Stålberg Johan , Hjelmqvist Hans , Lipcsey Miklós 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundP. aeruginosapossesses antibiotic resistance, making treatment difficult. Polyclonal anti‐P. aeruginosaIgY‐antibodies (Pa‐IgY) have antibacterial effects, but have not been studied in large animal pneumonia.ObjectivesTo test ifPa‐IgY decreases the concentration ofP. aeruginosain bronchoalveolar lavage in experimental porcine pneumonia over 27 hours.MethodNorwegian landrace pigs were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and subject to invasive monitoring. The animals were randomized to receive eitherP. aeruginosa(control, n = 12) orP aeruginosa + Pa‐IgY antibodies with a repeated dose ofPa‐IgY after 12 hours (intervention, n = 12) in the right lower pulmonary lobe. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures and physiological measurements were obtained repeatedly for 27 hours after which the pigs were sacrificed.ResultsBAL bacterial concentration increased in both groups and peaked at 107.28 ± 100.21 CFU/mL in the intervention group vs 107.36 ± 100.50 CFU/mL in the control group (n.s.). BAL bacterial concentration decreased during the experiment to 105.35 ± 100.39 CFU/mL in the intervention group vs 105.19 ± 100.37in the control group (n.s.). The intervention group had lower heart rate (P < .001), lower cardiac index (P < .01), and lower arterial lactate (P < .001) compared to the control group. The core temperature was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .001).ConclusionThe chosen dose ofPa‐IgY did not decrease concentrations ofP. aeruginosain BAL over 27 hours. We conclude that it is unlikely that there is a large effect of this specific dose and route of administration ofPa‐IgY in this type of model.
Impact of removal on occupancy patterns of the invasive rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) in Tasmania
Authors: Cobden McLean , Alves Fernanda , Robinson Sue , Heinsohn Robert , Stojanovic Dejan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroduced species may threaten both biodiversity and agriculture, necessitating an understanding on the factors that influence their distribution, and the efficacy of control measures. In Tasmania, Australia, the introduced rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) may be widespread, but data on where they occur and the efficacy of control methods are limited. We used an occupancy modelling framework (presence–absence data) to undertake a survey of two populations of invasive rainbow lorikeets to: (i) understand their distribution across the north and south of the island, and (ii) evaluate the impact of removing birds from the southern population by quantifying occupancy before (2016) and after (2018) removal. The best model explaining occupancy in both populations included a negative relationship with distance from central urban areas. We found no change in site occupancy or detectability in the southern population after removal of 208 birds (potentially comprising >50% of their original population size). This result may be explained by one of three possibilities: (i) the population is larger than previously thought, (ii) the population recovered quickly after reduction, or (iii) removal of birds reduced population density but not area of occupancy. We highlight the importance of urban habitats for the invasive rainbow lorikeet and suggest that alternative methods (e.g. abundance/density‐based monitoring) may better detect impacts of removal.
Biting off more than you can chew: Attempted predation on a human by a giant snake (Simalia amethistina)
Authors: Natusch Daniel , Lyons Jessica , Mears Lea‐Ann , Shine Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOn 10 March 2014, a radio‐tracked Australian scrub python (Simalia amethistina) made a predatory attack on a 64 kg sleeping woman. The snake was unsuccessful, but data from our radio‐tracking programme suggest that predation attempts on oversized prey are not uncommon – even if they threaten the survival of the predator. We explore hypotheses about why snakes attempt to consume such large meals.
The effect of heat and smoke on the soil seed banks of heathlands on permanent freshwater swamps
Authors: Trezise James E. , Facelli Jose M. , Paton David C. , J.‐P. Davies Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn South Australia, Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula are critically endangered due to past vegetation clearance and changes in hydrology, but still contain a high diversity of threatened plant species. This vegetation community provides habitat for 82 threatened ground‐stratum plant species, including the nationally critically endangered subshrub Hibbertia tenuis which is endemic to these swamps. With infrequent burning, native ferns and taller shrubs outcompete these species. We conducted glasshouse trials to determine the potential of fire to regenerate threatened and other swamp plant species. Soil samples from eight swamps were used in germination trials with half of each sample treated with heat plus smoke, and half left untreated. Samples were spread onto trays (n = 188), and seedling emergence was recorded for twelve months. Emergence was dominated by native species (2649 seedlings m−2) compared to exotics (675 seedlings m−2). In total, 48 native and 25 introduced species germinated, with 21% of germinated native species absent from the above‐ground vegetation. The dominant native fern Gleichenia microphylla did not emerge from any soil samples, indicating that recovery likely lags behind that of ground‐strata species, giving them time to establish and set seed before being outcompeted. Thirty‐four rare or threatened species germinated, including five species absent from above‐ground vegetation. Of all native species that emerged, only five were confined to heat plus smoke treatments, suggesting most species will regenerate without fire if overstorey competition is reduced. However, seedling emergence of native shrubs/subshrubs more than doubled with the fire treatment. Of particular importance, H. tenuis showed an 18‐fold increase in germination when treated with heat plus smoke. This study supports the utility of ecological burns as a management tool to regenerate threatened plant species in long‐undisturbed peaty heathlands on permanent swamps.
Habitat structure and association with ungulates drive habitat selection and grouping behaviour of lesser rhea (Rhea pennatasubsp.pennata)
Authors: Iranzo Esperanza C. , Traba Juan , Mata Cristina , Acebes Pablo , Malo Juan E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSocial prey species respond to predation risk by modifying habitat selection and grouping behaviour. These responses may depend on both actual predation risk (predator probability of occurrence) and/or on perceived predation risk associated with habitat structure. Other factors like food availability and co‐occurrence with other species may also affect habitat selection and group formation. We analyse habitat selection and grouping behaviour (group size and cohesion) of lesser rhea (Rhea pennatasubsp.pennata), a ratite endemic of South America inhabiting steppe shrublands and grasslands, in relation to actual (puma probability of occurrence) and perceived (habitat structure: openness, visibility) predation risk, co‐occurrence with other herbivore species and forage availability in the Chilean Patagonia. We used data from 9 sampling seasons in 5 years. Results show that habitat selection, group size and cohesion in lesser rhea were mainly driven by variables associated with perceived predation risk and by co‐occurrence with other herbivores both during breeding and non–breeding season. As expected, lesser rhea preferred open habitats (vegas and grasslands) that allow a behaviour of ‘watch and run’ to avoid predation and formed larger groups in them. Moreover, lesser rhea positively selected year‐round habitats where livestock occur, forming large groups during non–breeding season there. Group size and co‐occurrence with other herbivores significantly decreased group cohesion, suggesting a reduction of perceived predation risk. Therefore, lesser rhea seems to take advantage of forming mixed interspecific groups to reduce predation risk. These results suggest that lesser rhea habitat selection and grouping behaviour are preferentially driven by factors related to perceived predation risk than by actual predator occurrence or food availability.
Ecological and historical legacies on global diversity gradients in marine elapid snakes
Authors: Martinez Pablo A. , F. Gouveia Sidney , dos Santos Luiza M. , Carvalho Fernando H. A. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlobal diversity gradients have been extensively investigated for several biological groups. However, little is known whether the diversity drivers of clades that underwent major environmental transition (e.g., from land to sea) are equivalent across these different environmental settings. Here, we ask if the pattern of diversity of marine elapid snakes is determined by factors analogous to those previously found for terrestrial lineages. Through a model selection framework, we compare the effect of factors that represent five ecological and historical hypotheses. We found that both ecological and historical factors play significant roles, but habitat structure, which can be linked to historical climatic changes, was better supported. This result agrees with that previously found for terrestrial elapids, despite the different environmental pressures in terrestrial and marine contexts. Our findings suggest an equivalence of the underlying process of diversity gradient within the same lineage from land and sea, irrespective of the different physiological, spatial and historical constraints.
Fossorial rodents and applied zooarchaeology to ecosystem conservation in Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Medina Matías E. , De Santi Nahuel A. , Rivero Diego E. , Verzi Diego H. , Tonni Eduardo P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the zooarchaeological research carried out on Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) bone remains recovered at Quebrada del Real 1 (ca. 7400–360 years BP), an archaeological site located in the Sierras of Córdoba upper mountain grassland range of Argentina. Here, we focus on the importance of Ctenomys implications to wild‐life management and conservation biology rather than its classical archaeological view as a subsistence resource. The primary aim was to provide critical information about the recent past biogeography of Ctenomys that may not be evident from modern fauna surveys. From the description of a highly specialised fossorial rodent extinct at the end of the Holocene, the study points out the extreme fragility of the Sierras of Córdoba high mountain environments under climate change and anthropogenic threat, drawing on data that are relevant to those who make decisions and write guidelines for wild‐life management. The analysis of the Ctenomys assemblage from Quebrada del Real 1 revealed information related to the management, conservation and restoration of the mountain top environments that cannot be ignored by conservation biologists and wild‐life managers, moreover when the causes that lead to the extinction of C. viarapaensis are the same ones affecting to modern plant and animal communities. The zooarchaeological record reflects past conditions to assess preindustrial ecological states of the upper mountain grassland range that otherwise would have never been known as a baseline for environmental management. Thus, applied zooarchaeology to conservation biology requires further exploration at Sierras of Córdoba in order to produce accurate knowledge about the high‐altitude ecosystems function, fragility and biodiversity loss, which is necessary to understand the present and improve the future of three million people who depend on the ecological services from these environments.
Pros and cons: Is faecal microbiota transplantation a safe and efficient treatment option for gut dysbiosis?
Authors: Marrs Tom , Walter Jens 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFaecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is well established as an effective treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), restoring gut microbiome diversity and function. The utility of FMT is currently being explored in relation to other immune‐mediated pathologies, such as allergic disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials in these areas are ongoing, and the altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) that is often observed in these pathologies provides a rationale for the application of FMT to restore the microbiome. However, there is controversy on the risk‐benefit ratio as it relates to the use of FMTs in pathologies other than CDI. In this Pro and Con article, we present the arguments for and against the use of FMT in immune‐mediated pathologies, such as allergic disease. We further identify research gaps and recommend how these may be addressed in future studies.
A multicenter observational survey of management strategies in 442 pregnancies with suspected placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: van Beekhuizen Heleen J. , Stefanovic Vedran , Schwickert Alexander , Henrich Wolfgang , Fox Karin A. , MHallem Gziri Mina , Sentilhes Loïc , Gronbeck Lene , Chantraine Frederic , Morel Oliver , Bertholdt Charline , Braun Thorsten , Rijken Marcus J. , Duvekot Johannes J. ,   the International Society of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (IS‐PAS) group
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionManagement options for women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) comprise termination of pregnancy before the viable gestational age, leaving the placenta in situ for subsequent reabsorption of the placenta or delayed hysterectomy, manual removal of placenta after vaginal delivery or during cesarean section, focal resection of the affected uterine wall, and peripartum hysterectomy. The aim of this observational study was to describe actual clinical management and outcomes in PAS in a large international cohort.Material and methodsData from women in 15 referral centers of the International Society of PAS (IS‐PAS) were analyzed and correlated with the clinical classification of the IS‐PAS: From Grade 1 (no PAS) to Grade 6 (invasion into pelvic organs other than the bladder). PAS was usually diagnosed antenatally and the operators performing ultrasound rated the likelihood of PAS on a Likert scale of 1 to 10.ResultsIn total, 442 women were registered in the database. No maternal deaths occurred. Mean blood loss was 2600 mL (range 150‐20 000 mL). Placenta previa was present in 375 (84.8%) women and there was a history of a previous cesarean in 329 (74.4%) women. The PAS likelihood score was strongly correlated with the PAS grade (P < .001). The mode of delivery in the majority of women (n = 252, 57.0%) was cesarean hysterectomy, with a repeat laparotomy in 20 (7.9%) due to complications. In 48 women (10.8%), the placenta was intentionally left in situ, of those, 20 (41.7%) had a delayed hysterectomy. In 26 women (5.9%), focal resection was performed. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 9 (2.0%), of whom 5 had fetal abnormalities. The placenta could be removed in 90 women (20.4%) at cesarean, and in 17 (3.9%) after vaginal delivery indicating mild or no PAS. In 34 women (7.7%) with an antenatal diagnosis of PAS, the placenta spontaneously separated (false positives). We found lower blood loss (P < .002) in 2018‐2019 compared with 2009‐2017, suggesting a positive learning curve.ConclusionsIn referral centers, the most common management for severe PAS was cesarean hysterectomy, followed by leaving the placenta in situ and focal resection. Prenatal diagnosis correlated with clinical PAS grade. No maternal deaths occurred.
Intrauterine device use is safe among nulligravidas and adolescent girls
Authors: Bahamondes M. Valeria , Bahamondes Luis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), including the copper‐bearing device and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), is safe among nulligravidas and adolescent girls. However, several misconceptions limit their use in clinical practice; health‐care providers are hesitant to prescribe IUDs, and several myths associated with their usage in nulligravidas and adolescents exist among both providers and women themselves. The high rates of unplanned pregnancies (which in many settings constitute a public health issue, primarily among adolescent females) can be attributed at least partially to lack of awareness and limited use of highly effective contraceptives such as IUDs. In this review, we discuss the role of non‐hormonal and hormonal IUDs as effective contraceptives in nulligravidas and adolescent girls. We present a literature review of data that highlight contraceptive efficacy, side effects (including reasons for discontinuation), and continuation rates with the method. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases for all articles published in English between January 1990 through September 2020. A large body of evidence confirmed the effectiveness of IUD/IUS, independent of age and parity. Studies showed a high expulsion rate among adolescents but not among nulligravidas. Additionally, bleeding patterns among adolescents and nulligravidas were similar to those observed among adults and parous women. The high early removal rates observed in adolescents were attributable to bleeding and/or pain, which indicate that compared with adults, adolescents are less likely to accept IUD‐induced side effects. IUD placement is an excellent strategy to avoid the high rates of unplanned pregnancies in adolescents and nulligravidas. IUDs are more effective than short‐acting reversible contraceptives with failure rates that are equivalent to those observed with permanent contraception. However, few long‐term studies have investigated this category of women to definitively establish the role of IUD/IUS as effective means of contraception.
Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is associated with a lower risk of cystic periventricular leukomalacia
Authors: Hershkovich Shporen Calanit , Reichman Brian , Zaslavsky‐Paltiel Inna , Lerner‐Geva Liat , Flidel‐Rimon Orna ,   in collaboration with the Israel Neonatal Network
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy on the risk for cystic periventricular leukomalacia (c‐PVL) in very low birth weight (VLBW), very preterm infants, whilst accounting for the occurrence of major neonatal morbidities; sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.MethodsPopulation‐based observational cohort study applying data collected by the Israel national VLBW infant database from 1995–2016.ResultsCystic PVL was diagnosed in 692 (6.8%) of the 10,170 study infants. Among 7522 infants exposed to ACS, the rate of c‐PVL was 5.4%, compared to 10.7% among those not exposed (p < 0.0001). ACS was associated with significantly lower odds for c‐PVL (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.84). In subgroup analyses, excluding infants with one or more morbidities the rates of c‐PVL ranged from 2.7% to 5.4% among infants exposed to ACS compared to 5.6% to 10.7% in those not exposed (all p < 0.0001). ACS was associated with significantly lower OR's for c‐PVL in all subgroups, ranging from 0.52 (95% CI 0.40–0.66) to 0.62 (95% CI 0.50–0.77).ConclusionInfants exposed to ACS had a significantly lower risk of c‐PVL. Subgroup analyses excluding infants with major neonatal comorbidities showed a consistent reduction of 40%–50% in the risk for c‐PVL following ACS therapy.
When preservice teachers’ prior beliefs contradict evidence from educational research
Authors: Thomm Eva , Gold Bernadette , Betsch Tilmann , Bauer Johannes 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundKnowledge from educational research frequently contradicts preservice teachers’ prior beliefs about educational topics. Such contradictions can seriously affect their attitudes towards educational research and can counteract efforts taken to establish teaching as a research‐based profession.AimsInspired by Munro’s (2010,J.Appl.Soc.Psychol.,40, 579) work on science discounting, this study examined whether preservice teachers tend to devalue the potency of educational research when evidence contradicts their beliefs.SampleWe used data from 145 preservice teachers from different German universities.MethodsIn an experimental design, participants indicated their prior beliefs about an educational topic (i.e., effectiveness of grade retention) before and after reading either confirming or disconfirming scientific evidence. Dependent variables were, first, whether participants devalued the potency of science to study this focal topic and whether they generalized this devaluation to further related and unrelated topics; second, whether participants preferred non‐scientific over scientific sources to inform themselves about the focal topic as an indirect measure of science devaluation.ResultsInteraction effects on both outcome variables confirmed that participants devalued educational research and its sources when scientific evidence conflicted with their prior belief. Yet, results did not corroborate any generalization of devaluation to further topics. Despite the devaluation, participants indicated belief revision in the direction of the evidence read.ConclusionsPreservice teachers may indeed critically question educational research when scientific evidence conflicts with their prior beliefs. However, they may also adapt their assumptions in light of strong evidence. More research is needed to clarify the conditions of devaluation and belief revision.
Early mortality benefit with COVID‐19 convalescent plasma: a matched control study
Authors: Shenoy Aarthi G. , Hettinger Aaron Z. , Fernandez Stephen J. , Blumenthal Joseph , Baez Valentina 
Published: January 2021

SummaryConvalescent plasma can provide passive immunity during viral outbreaks, but the benefit is uncertain for the treatment of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Our goal is to assess the efficacy of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP). In all, 526 hospitalized patients with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 at an academic health system were analyzed. Among them, 263 patients received CCP and were compared to 263 matched controls with standard treatment. The primary outcome was 28‐day mortality with a subanalysis at 7 and 14 days. No statistical difference in 28‐day mortality was seen in CCP cases (25·5%) compared to controls (27%, P = 0·06). Seven‐day mortality was statistically better for CCP cases (9·1%) than controls (19·8%, P < 0·001) and continued at 14 days (14·8% vs. 23·6%, P = 0·01). After 72 h, CCP transfusion resulted in transitioning from nasal cannula to room air (median 4 days vs. 1 day, P = 0·02). The length of stay was longer in CCP cases than controls (14·3 days vs. 11·4 days, P < 0·001). Patients with COVID‐19 who received CCP had a decreased risk of death at 7 and 14 days, but not 28 days after transfusion. To date, this is the largest study demonstrating a mortality benefit for the use of CCP in patients with COVID‐19 compared to matched controls.