bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in canine immunoglobulin heavy chain gene cluster: a double‐edged sword for diabetes mellitus in the dog
Authors: Sanz C. R. , Sevane N. , Pérez‐Alenza M. D. , Valero‐Lorenzo M. , Dunner S. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryInsulin deficiency diabetes (IDD) in dogs is an endocrine disease similar to human type 1 diabetes. There are breeds more commonly affected, such as Yorkshire Terrier and Samoyed, suggesting an underlying genetic component. However, the genetic basis for canine diabetes mellitus (DM) is not fully established. We conducted both whole‐genome scans for selection signatures and GWASs to compare the genomes of 136 dogs belonging to 29 breeds previously described at low or high risk for developing DM. Candidate variants were tested in dogs with a diagnosis of IDD and controls attending the Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The only genomic region under selection (CFA8:72 700 000–74 600 000; CanFam3.1) retrieved by our analyses is included in the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene cluster, which has already been related to human human type 1 diabetes susceptibility. This region contains two non‐synonymous variants, rs852072969 and rs851728071, showing significant associations with high or low risk for IDD, respectively. The first variant, rs852072969, alters a protein poorly characterised in the dog. In contrast, rs851728071 was predicted to block the synthesis of an immunoglobulin variable (V) domain in breeds at low risk for DM. Although a large and diverse V gene repertoire is thought to offer a fitness advantage, we suggest that rs851728071 prevents the formation of an auto‐reactive immunoglobulin V domain probably involved in the pathophysiology of IDD and, thus, decreases the risk for the disease. These results should be interpreted with caution until the functional roles of the proposed variants have been proved in larger studies.
Estimating demand elasticities for rice in Benin
Authors: Codjo Ogoudélé S. , Durand‐Morat Alvaro , West Grant H. , Lanier Nalley Lawton , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Wailes Eric J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRice consumption in Benin is increasing simultaneously with a structural change in consumer demand toward higher quality rice. In this context of changing demands, experimental estimation methods provide an effective way to estimate consumer preferences. We conducted a hypothetical choice experiment in 15 open markets across Benin to analyze the demand for rice and the other staple crops. Our findings indicate that consumer preferences differ across different income groups and between urban and rural households, and that consumers in general are sensitive to changes in rice prices. Lastly, substitution between imported and domestic rice is limited. These findings are relevant for development strategies to foster the growth of the domestic rice industry in Benin.
Clinical features and prognosis of patients with COVID‐19 after lung surgery: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Bai Jie , Chu Hongling , Ma Shaohua , Ge Qinggang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether the history of lung surgery in patients was associated with poor prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsClinical data of patients with COVID‐19 in a single‐center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with and without lung surgery were matched in 1:4 ratio to compare the differences in clinical characteristics, laboratory results, computed tomography findings, treatment regimens, and prognosis between them.ResultsFour patients had a history of lung surgery. The time from surgery to COVID‐19 onset ranged from 3 to 10 days, with a median of 6.75 days. The mortality rate in the surgical group was higher than that in the nonsurgical group (25.0% vs. 6.3%).ConclusionPatients contracting COVID‐19 after lung surgery presented a higher death rate; hence, it is necessary to omit lung surgery in patients with active COVID‐19 infection.
People Made of Glass: The Collapsing Temporalities of Chronic Conditions
Authors: Madsen Ida Vandsøe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn increasing number of people worldwide are living with chronic conditions that have an aspect of bodily fragility as part of the condition or as an effect of treatment. In this article, I explore the temporal experience of bodily fragility and the particularities of consciousness states among people with the chronic condition osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in Denmark. My aim is threefold. First, my goal is to give an insight into life with OI, a rare and rarely studied condition. Second, I shed light on bodily fragility, a theme that lives in the shadows of other analytical foci in anthropology. Third, I will contribute to the anthropological understanding of the connection among body, physical environment, and consciousness. I argue that the lifeworlds of people with OI are haunted by mental and bodily memories and fearful future scenarios, which makes the past and the future collapse into the present.
Geologising Urban Political Ecology (UPE): The Urbanisation of Sand in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Dawson Katherine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper makes a call for an urban political ecology (UPE) which engages more extensively with Earth’s geological formations. As a material at the centre of global urbanisation process, sand is offered as a geological entry point. The paper presents an analysis of the urbanisation of sand, or the ways in which sand is brought into the urban realm, grounding this reading in Accra—a growing city on Ghana’s Atlantic coast. Drawing from 14 months of ethnographic fieldwork, the paper charts the socio‐natural politics through which sand is first unearthed from the edges of the city—an extractive processes otherwise known as “sand winning” in Ghana. By examining the forms of power which govern uneven revenue flows to communities, the displacement of farming groups, the widespread loss of farmland and a contested regime of governance, the analysis exposes the socio‐natural politics through which the city’s geological baseline is first unearthed.
Ibrutinib for mantle cell lymphoma at first relapse: a United Kingdom real‐world analysis of outcomes in 211 patients
Authors: McCulloch Rory , Lewis David , Crosbie Nicola , Eyre Toby A. , Bolam Simon , Arasaretnam Anita , Creasey Thomas , Goradia Harshita , McMillan Annabel , Dawi Safia , Harrison Samuel , Miles Oliver , Robinson Andrew , Dutton David , Wilson Matthew R. , McKay Pam , Follows George , Phillips Neil , Patmore Russell , Lambert Jonathan , Bishton Mark , Osborne Wendy , Johnston Rosalynd , Kirkwood Amy A. , Rule Simon 
Published: February 2021

SummaryIbrutinib is an established treatment for relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and clinical trial data supports use at second line compared to later relapse. We aimed to investigate outcomes and tolerability for ibrutinib when given second line in a real‐world setting. Our multicentre retrospective analysis included 211 R/R MCL patients, median age 73 years, receiving ibrutinib second‐line within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. Overall response to ibrutinib was 69% (complete response 27%). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 17·8 months (95% CI 13·1–22·2) and median overall survival (OS) 23·9 months (95% CI 15·0–32·8). Drug‐related adverse event led to dose reduction in 10% of patients and discontinuation in 5%. In patients with progressive disease, accounting for 100 of 152 patients stopping ibrutinib, 43% received further systemic therapy. Post‐ibrutinib rituximab, bendamustine and cytarabine (R‐BAC) showed a trend toward improved survival compared to alternative systemic treatments (post‐ibrutinib median OS 14·0 months, 95% CI 8·1–19·8, vs. 3·6 months, 95% CI 2·6–4·5, P = 0·06). Our study confirms the clinical benefit and good tolerability of ibrutinib at first relapse in a real‐world population. Patients progressing on ibrutinib had limited survival but outcomes with R‐BAC in select patients were promising.
‘Your face freezes and so does your life’: A qualitative exploration of adults’ psychosocial experiences of living with acquired facial palsy
Authors: Hamlet Claire , Williamson Heidi , Hotton Matthew , Rumsey Nichola 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesFacial palsy (FP) is a highly visible appearance‐affecting condition and can have a significant impact on facial function. Qualitative research focussing on adults’ experiences of living with acquired FP is limited. This study aimed to explore the psychosocial impact of acquired FP and to gain a greater understanding of patients’ experiences of treatment and care in the United Kingdom.DesignA qualitative interview study with individuals living with acquired FP.MethodsTen adults with acquired FP were recruited. Their experiences were explored using semi‐structured telephone interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive master themes were identified through the thematic analysis: 1) grappling with a new identity, 2) the psychosocial impact of living with facial palsy, 3) isolation: dealing with ‘one hell of a problem on your own’, 4) a life on hold, 5) coping strategies. Findings indicated high levels of distress and significant challenges in managing the functional and psychosocial changes associated with acquiring FP. Participants expressed grief for their former appearance and identity, with photographs and mirrors acting as agonizing reminders. Many reported a sense of abandonment due to uncoordinated care and, as a result, engaged in an endless and often fruitless pursuit to gain control over FP by experimenting with their own treatment. Many reported the negative impact of their altered facial expressions on social interactions and a fear of being negatively evaluated.ConclusionsThis study highlights a pressing need to review how FP is managed in the UK. To improve patient well‐being, health care professionals could benefit from FP education, and patients from timely access to psychological support and clearer standards of care following diagnosis.
Human impacts alter the distribution of fish functional diversity in Neotropical stream system
Authors: Pereira Lucas Milani , Dunck Bárbara , Benedito Evanilde 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEvaluation of traits and functional diversity make assessments more robust when determining the nature and strength of the relationship between species and ecosystem processes. We investigated how anthropic interference and physical and limnological characteristics of streams changed fish functional trait distribution and their functional diversity in Neotropical streams located in Southern Brazil, encompassing Paraná, Paranapanema, Ivaí, and Pirapó river basins. We tested the hypotheses (a) that streams with very low human pressure show higher values of functional diversity due to the great variety of habitats and food resources; (b) streams with higher human pressure and more deforested are more related to fish functional traits as body morphologies indicative of weaker swimming ability and scraping feed morphology. We found that current velocity and stream width were correlated with compression and depression indices of the ventral region of the animals. Faster‐flow environments favored higher values of relative height of the caudal peduncle, relative head width, and relative mouth height values. These functional traits relate to habitat use and the size of consumed food. Altogether, these findings indicate possible partitioning of resources that would enable the co‐occurrence of species. Our results showed that human impacts influenced functional diversity and functional trait distribution. Urban land use and high conductivity were correlated with detritivorous species and species with internal reproduction. Poecilia reticulata dominated urban streams. We argue that the conservation of fish diversity in Neotropical streams requires orderly land use and occupation to avoid reducing species and functional diversity, and hence ecosystem function.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Forest fires facilitate growth of herbaceous bamboos in central Amazonia
Authors: Ziccardi Leonardo Guimarães , dos Reis Mateus , Graça Paulo Maurício Lima de Alencastro , Gonçalves Nathan Borges , Pontes‐Lopes Aline , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , de Oliveira Reyjane Patricia , Clark Lynn , Fearnside Philip Martin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSevere droughts in Amazonia caused by El Niño and Atlantic dipole events are expected to become more frequent due to anthropogenic climate change. These droughts lead the tropical forests of central Amazonia to become increasingly exposed to fire. Forest‐fire disturbances can create ideal scenarios for opportunistic plants, such as some bamboos. In this study, we investigate the influence of forest fires, canopy openness, and vertical distance to channel network (VDCN—a proxy for soil moisture availability) on the growth and expansion ofOlyra latifoliaandTaquara micranthain the municipality of Autazes, Amazonas, Brazil. The density of these herbaceous bamboos was represented by the density of clumps (clumps ha‐1) and of culms (culms ha‐1), while bamboo growth was expressed as culms per clump and the average height of clumps. Forest disturbed by fire had a density of culms 116% higher than the value found in the control treatment. Plots affected by fire, which were at lower VDCN, showed evidence of higher potential for fire ignition in the low areas. The average number of culms per clump was significantly higher in post‐burn forests. While canopy opening revealed a significant positive linear relationship with the abundance of herbaceous bamboo in our study area, VDCN had a negative effect on bamboo growth, suggesting that, in addition to fire, light in the understory and access to the water table are limiting factors for these two species in the upland forests of central Amazonia.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Taurine and oxidative stress in retinal health and disease
Authors: Castelli Vanessa , Paladini Antonella , d’Angelo Michele , Allegretti Marcello , Mantelli Flavio , Brandolini Laura , Cocchiaro Pasquale , Cimini Annamaria , Varrassi Giustino 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRetinal disorders are leading causes of blindness and are due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant scavenger (in favor of pro‐oxidant species) or a disruption of redox signaling and control. Indeed, it is well known that oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of retinal degenerative diseases. Different approaches using nutraceuticals resulted in protective effects in these disorders. This review will discuss the impact of oxidative stress in retinal neurodegenerative diseases and the potential strategies for avoiding or counteracting oxidative damage in retinal tissues, with a specific focus on taurine. Increasing data indicate that taurine may be effective in slowing down the progression of degenerative retinal diseases, thus suggesting that taurine can be a promising candidate for the prevention or as adjuvant treatment of these diseases. The mechanism by which taurine supplementation acts is mainly related to the reduction of oxidative stress. In particular, it has been demonstrated to improve retinal reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Antiapoptotic effects are also involved; however, the protective mechanisms exerted by taurine against retinal damage remain to be further investigated.
Impact of pretreatment dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase genotype‐guided fluoropyrimidine dosing on chemotherapy associated adverse events
Authors: Wigle Theodore J. , Povitz Brandi L. , Medwid Samantha , Teft Wendy A. , Legan Robin M. , Lenehan John , Nevison Stephanie , Panuganty Veera , Keller Denise , Mailloux Jaymie , Siebring Victoria , Sarma Sisira , Choi Yun‐hee , Welch Stephen , Winquist Eric , Schwarz Ute I. , Kim Richard B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConsensus guidelines exist for genotype‐guided fluoropyrimidine dosing based on variation in the gene dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD). However, these guidelines have not been widely implemented in North America and most studies of pretreatment DPYD screening have been conducted in Europe. Given regional differences in treatment practices and rates of adverse events (AEs), we investigated the impact of pretreatment DPYD genotyping on AEs in a Canadian context. Patients referred for DPYD genotyping prior to fluoropyrimidine treatment were enrolled from December 2013 through November 2019 and followed until completion of fluoropyrimidine treatment. Patients were genotyped for DPYD c.1905+1G>A, c.2846A>T, c.1679T>G, and c.1236G>A. Genotype‐guided dosing recommendations were informed by Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who experienced a severe fluoropyrimidine‐related AE (grade ≥3, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0). Secondary outcomes included early severe AEs, severe AEs by toxicity category, discontinuation of fluoropyrimidine treatment due to AEs, and fluoropyrimidine‐related death. Among 1394 patients, mean (SD) age was 64 (12) years, 764 (54.8%) were men, and 47 (3.4%) were DPYD variant carriers treated with dose reduction. Eleven variant carriers (23%) and 418 (31.0%) noncarriers experienced a severe fluoropyrimidine‐related AE (p = 0.265). Six carriers (15%) and 284 noncarriers (21.1%) experienced early severe fluoropyrimidine‐related AEs (p = 0.167). DPYD variant carriers treated with genotype‐guided dosing did not experience an increased risk for severe AEs. Our data support a role for DPYD genotyping in the use of fluoropyrimidines in North America.
Assessing the reliability of species distribution projections in climate change research
Authors: Santini Luca , Benítez‐López Ana , Maiorano Luigi , Čengić Mirza , Huijbregts Mark A. J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimForecasting changes in species distribution under future scenarios is one of the most prolific areas of application for species distribution models (SDMs). However, no consensus yet exists on the reliability of such models for drawing conclusions on species’ distribution response to changing climate. In this study, we provide an overview of common modelling practices in the field and assess the reliability of model predictions using a virtual species approach.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe first review papers published between 2015 and 2019. Then, we use a virtual species approach and three commonly applied SDM algorithms (GLM, MaxEnt and random forest) to assess the estimated and actual predictive performance of models parameterized with different modelling settings and violations of modelling assumptions.ResultsMost SDM papers relied on single models (65%) and small samples (N < 50, 62%), used presence‐only data (85%), binarized models' output (74%) and used a split‐sample validation (94%). Our simulation reveals that the split‐sample validation tends to be over‐optimistic compared to the real performance, whereas spatial block validation provides a more honest estimate, except when datasets are environmentally biased. The binarization of predicted probabilities of presence reduces models’ predictive ability considerably. Sample size is one of the main predictors of the real model accuracy, but has little influence on estimated accuracy. Finally, the inclusion of ecologically irrelevant predictors and the violation of modelling assumptions increases estimated accuracy but decreases real accuracy of model projections, leading to biased estimates of range contraction and expansion.Main conclusionsOur ability to predict future species distribution is low on average, particularly when models’ predictions are binarized. A robust validation by spatially independent samples is required, but does not rule out inflation of model accuracy by assumption violation. Our findings call for caution in the application and interpretation of SDM projections under different climates.
Specialization and performance trade‐offs across hosts in cactophilic Drosophila species
Authors: Bouzas Santiago , Barbarich María F. , Soto Eduardo M. , Padró Julián , Carreira Valeria P. , Soto Ignacio M. 
Published: February 2021

1. We assessed the host‐related niche breadth for D. koepferae and D. buzzatii, a pair of sibling cactophilic species with contrasting backgrounds of host use. We tested for the ‘Jack of all trades‐ Master of none’ scenario predicting a more evident exhibition in D. buzzatii rather than in the supposedly specialist D. koepferae.2. Additionally, using laboratory strains of both species selected for tolerance to extremely high concentrations of a columnar cacti's secondary metabolites, we tested whether adaptation to a high‐demanding host involved the loss of performance capabilities in other hosts.3. D. buzzatii was more affected by the artificial host shifts than D. koepferae which presented an overall better performance when rearing in novel columnar hosts.4. Artificially selected strains of D. buzzatii performed poorer in both novel and native natural hosts compared with control strain indicating that adaptation carried associated costs regarding the potential to exploit other cacti. Conversely, artificial evolution of the D. koepferae's strains did not translate into decreased performance in other hosts.5. D. buzzatii complied better with the predictions of the Jack of all trades‐Master of none hypothesis.6. Host specialization is a dynamic feature in the repleta group and a major driver of diversification in its evolutionary history. As the group presents an Opuntia breeder as the ancestral condition, D. buzzatii would represent not only a plesiomorphic state of host use but also the ancestral ecological strategy of specialization.
High temperature and soil moisture reduce host‐plant quality for an insect herbivore
Authors: Kuczyk Josephine , Raharivololoniaina Ange , Fischer Klaus 
Published: February 2021

1. Anthropogenic climate change is a substantial threat to global biodiversity. It may affect insect herbivores directly and indirectly. Indirect effects are, among others, mediated by climate‐change induced variation in host‐plant quality. Although being potentially important, little is known on the significance of such indirect effects and on interactions among environmental stressors in plant–herbivore interactions.2. To simulate the potential impact of climate change, we investigated effects of host‐plant temperature and soil moisture on herbivore performance in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana under laboratory conditions.3. Maize grown at high temperatures or under wet conditions reduced herbivore performance, indicated by decreased body mass, storage reserves, phenoloxidase activity, and increased development time. Temperature and soil moisture acted largely independent of one another. Detrimental effects of the high plant temperature were restricted to males, indicating a higher vulnerability of this sex to environmental stress.4. In nature, B. anynana might be threatened by increasing temperatures during the wet season negatively affecting host‐plant quality. Our study shows that herbivore performance can be substantially affected by indirect effects mediated through changes in host‐plant quality, which deserves more attention in the current era of global climate change.