bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutualistic relationship between Nitrospira and concomitant heterotrophs
Authors: Murakami Chiho , Machida Koshi , Nakao Yoichi , Kindaichi Tomonori , Ohashi Akiyoshi , Aoi Yoshiteru 
Published: December 2021

SummaryNitrifying chemoautotrophs support the growth of diverse concomitant heterotrophs in natural or engineered environments by supplying organic compounds. In this study, we aimed to investigate this microbial association, especially (i) to distinguish whether the relationship between nitrifying chemoautotrophs and heterotrophs is commensal or mutualistic, and (ii) to clarify how heterotrophs promote the growth of autotrophic nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (Nitrospira). Pure cultured Nitrospira (Nitrospira sp. ND1) was employed in this study. Heterotrophs growing with metabolic by‐products of Nitrospira as a sole carbon source were isolated from several environmental samples and used to test the growth‐promoting activity of Nitrospira. Furthermore, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to evaluate how heterotrophs consumed chemical compounds produced by Nitrospira and newly produced during co‐cultivation. Notably, Nitrospira growth was stimulated by co‐cultivation with some heterotrophs and the addition of spent media of some strains, suggesting that not only heterotrophs but also Nitrospira received benefits from their mutual co‐existence. Furthermore, the data suggested that some of the growth‐promoting heterotrophs provided as‐yet‐unidentified growth‐promoting factors to Nitrospira. Overall, Nitrospira and heterotrophs thus appear to exhibit a mutualistic relationship. Such mutualistic relationships between autotrophs and heterotrophs would contribute to the stability and diversity of microbial ecosystems.
An assessment of minimum sequence copy thresholds for identifying and reducing the prevalence of artefacts in dietary metabarcoding data
Authors: Drake Lorna E. , Cuff Jordan P. , Young Rebecca E. , Marchbank Angela , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Symondson William O. C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Metabarcoding provides a powerful tool for investigating biodiversity and trophic interactions, but the high sensitivity of this methodology makes it vulnerable to errors, resulting in artefacts in the final data. Metabarcoding studies thus often utilise minimum sequence copy thresholds (MSCTs) to remove artefacts that remain in datasets; however, there is no consensus on best practice for the use of MSCTs.

To mitigate erroneous reporting of results and inconsistencies, this study discusses and provides guidance for best‐practice filtering of metabarcoding data for the ascertainment of conservative and accurate data. Several of the most commonly used MSCTs were applied to example datasets of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and cereal crop spider (Araneae: Linyphiidae and Lycosidae) diets.

Changes in both the method and threshold value considerably affected the resultant data. Of the MSCTs tested, it was concluded that the optimal method for the examples given combined a sample‐based threshold with removal of maximum taxon contamination, providing stringent filtering of artefacts while retaining target data.

Choice of threshold value differed between datasets due to variation in artefact abundance and sequencing depth, thus studies should employ controls (mock communities, negative controls with no DNA and unused MID tag combinations) to select threshold values appropriate for each individual study.
Drought risk and capital structure dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Bai Min , Hou Greg , Truong Cameron 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUsing a fractional dependent estimator (DPF) approach and 130,511 US firm‐year observations over the period 1970–2015, this paper examines the impact of drought risk on firms’ capital structure and the adjustment speed of capital structure (SOA). We demonstrate that drought risk has negative effects on both leverage and the speed of leverage adjustment. We also find evidence of the spillover effect of drought on the adjustment speed of capital structure among firms operating in non‐water dependent industries. The effects are stronger for firms with no credit ratings. Interestingly, firms with strong cash flows can adjust their capital structure more quickly. Collectively, our findings suggest that climate risk in the form of drought not only affects firm risk but also the capital structure of firms, thereby highlighting that externality from climatic conditions are relevant to business operations and corporate polices.
Self‐rated oral and general health among Aboriginal adults in regional South Australia
Authors: Parker EJ , Mejia G , Spencer AJ , Roberts‐Thomson KF , Haag D , Jamieson LM 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn Australia, Aboriginal adults experience higher levels of poor oral and general health than the non‐Aboriginal population. This study compared self‐rated oral and general health among Aboriginal adults in regional South Australia with participants in the National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH).MethodsData were obtained from the Indigenous Oral Health Literacy Project (IOHLP) based in South Australia. Three sub‐populations from the NSAOH were utilised for comparison: National Aboriginal, National non‐Aboriginal and South Australian Regional Non‐Aboriginal adults. All data were standardised by age group and sex, utilising Census data.ResultsJust over 70% of South Australian Regional Aboriginal participants gave a rating of ‘excellent, very good or good’ for general health, more than 17% lower than each of the other groups. Just over 50% rated their oral health highly, 20% fewer than the proportion for each other group. Stratifying by key socio‐demographic factors did not account for all differences.ConclusionsProportionally fewer South Australian Regional Aboriginal adults had high ratings of oral and general health than the Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal adults from the national survey, indicating that national‐level data might underestimate the proportion of regional Aboriginal Australians with poor oral health.
An assessment of introducers used for airway management
Authors: Price L. , Carter P. , Hodzovic I. , Alderman M. , Hughes G. , Phillips P. , Varadarajan V. , Wilkes A. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryDifferent introducers are available to assist with tracheal intubation. Subtle differences in the design of introducers can have a marked effect on safety and performance. The Difficult Airway Society’s Airway Device Evaluation Project Team proposal states that devices should only be purchased for which there is at least a case–control study on patients assessing airway devices. However, resources are not currently available to carry out a case–control study on all introducers available on the market. This study comprised a laboratory and manikin‐based investigation to identify introducers that could be suitable for clinical investigation. We included six different introducers in laboratory‐based assessments (design characteristics) and manikin‐based assessments involving the participation of 30 anaesthetists. Each anaesthetist attempted placement in the manikin’s trachea with each of the six introducers in a random order. Outcomes included first‐time insertion success rate; insertion success rate; number of attempts; time to placement; and distance placed. Each anaesthetist also completed a questionnaire. First‐time insertion success rate depended significantly on the introducer used (p = 0.0016) and varied from 47% (Armstrong and P3) to 77% (Intersurgical and Frova). Median time to placement (including oesophageal placement) varied from 10 s (Eschmann and Frova) to 20 s (P3) (p = 0.0025). Median time to successful placement in the trachea varied from 9 s (Frova) to 22 s (Armstrong) (p = 0.037). We found that the Armstrong and P3 devices were not as acceptable as other introducers and, without significant improvements to their design and characteristics, the use of these devices in studies on patients is questionable. The study protocol is suitable for differentiating between different introducers and could be used as a basis for assessing other types of devices.
Erector spinae plane block vs. peri‐articular injection for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shanthanna H. , Czuczman M. , Moisiuk P. , O’Hare T. , Khan M. , Forero M. , Davis K. , Moro J. , Vanniyasingam T. , Foster G. , Thabane L. , Alolabi B. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryInterscalene brachial plexus block is the standard regional analgesic technique for shoulder surgery. Given its adverse effects, alternative techniques have been explored. Reports suggest that the erector spinae plane block may potentially provide effective analgesia following shoulder surgery. However, its analgesic efficacy for shoulder surgery compared with placebo or local anaesthetic infiltration has never been established. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the analgesic efficacy of pre‐operative T2 erector spinae plane block with peri‐articular infiltration at the end of surgery. Sixty‐two patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder repair were randomly assigned to receive active erector spinae plane block with saline peri‐articular injection (n = 31) or active peri‐articular injection with saline erector spinae plane block (n = 31) in a blinded double‐dummy design. Primary outcome was resting pain score in recovery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores with movement; opioid use; patient satisfaction; adverse effects in hospital; and outcomes at 24 h and 1 month. There was no difference in pain scores in recovery, with a median difference (95%CI) of 0.6 (−1.9–3.1), p = 0.65. Median postoperative oral morphine equivalent utilisation was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane group (21 mg vs. 12 mg; p = 0.028). Itching was observed in 10% of patients who received erector spinae plane block and there was no difference in the incidence of significant nausea and vomiting. Patient satisfaction scores, and pain scores and opioid use at 24 h were similar. At 1 month, six (peri‐articular injection) and eight (erector spinae plane block) patients reported persistent pain. Erector spinae plane block was not superior to peri‐articular injection for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Safety and feasibility of a telemonitoring‐guided exercise program in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Koike Asami , Sobue Yoshihiro , Kawai Mayumi , Yamamoto Masaru , Banno Yukina , Harada Mashide , Kiyono Ken , Watanabe Eiichi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundTelerehabilitation is an alternative clinic‐based rehabilitation. A remote monitoring (RM) system attached to a cardiac rhythm device can collect physiological data and the device function. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of telerehabilitation supervised by an RM in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).MethodsA single group pre–post exercise program was implemented for 3 months in 18 CRT recipients. The exercise regimen consisted of walking a prescribed number of steps based on a 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) achieved at baseline. The patients were asked to exercise 3 to 5 times per week for up to 30 min per session, wearing an accelerometer to document the number of steps taken. The safety was assessed by the heart failure hospitalizations and all‐cause death. The feasibility was measured by the improvement in the quality of life (QOL) using the EuroQol 5 dimensions, and daily active time measured by the CRT, 6MWD, B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).ResultsNo patients had heart failure hospitalizations or died. No patients had any ventricular tachyarrhythmias. One patient needed to suspend the exercise due to signs of exacerbated heart failure by the RM. Compared to baseline, there were significant improvements in the QOL (−0.037, p < .05), active time (1.12%/day, p < .05), and 6MWD (11 m, p < .001), but not the BNP (–32.4 pg/ml, p = .07) or LVEF (0.28%, p = .55).ConclusionsThree months of RM‐guided walking exercise in patients with CRT significantly increased the QOL, active time, and exercise capacity without any adverse effects.
Variation in characteristics and conservation values of plant communities on abandoned agricultural lands with and without fires
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Schetter Timothy A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractQuestionWhich plant community characteristics most consistently vary with prior land use?LocationOak Openings Preserve, Ohio, USA.MethodsIn 2020, we measured plant communities on 22 sites encompassing three prior land uses: (a) contemporary Quercus forests continuously forested since before the 1930s; (b) former agricultural lands, under cultivation in the 1930s and abandoned 70–80 years before our study and that were unburned; and (c) former agricultural lands also abandoned 70–80 years earlier and that were burned in 2013 prescribed fires. Among the three land uses, we compared 12 plant community variables, categorized into four groups characterizing different sets of community properties (structure, diversity, composition, and conservation values).ResultsA multivariate combination of the 12 community variables differed among all three land uses, each of the four categories of variables differed between at least two land uses, and eight of 12 individual variables differed between at least two land uses. Community structure displayed a gradient of decreasing tree canopy and understorey plant cover and increasing lichen–moss cover from continuously forested to unburned and burned formerly cultivated sites. Understorey plant species richness did not vary with land use, but species diversity was higher on cultivated sites, irrespective of fire history. While all three land uses now contain Quercus tree overstories, each land use exhibited unique understorey species composition. Only formerly cultivated sites contained state‐listed endangered species. Cultivated sites had a lower proportion of native species cover than did continuously forested sites, but native species still comprised over 90% of the plant cover on cultivated sites. Compared with continuous forests, the soil organic layer (O horizon) was five times thinner and loss on ignition in the 0–15 cm mineral soil 49% (unburned) and 66% (burned) lower on previously cultivated sites.ConclusionsCommunity characteristics varied in their sensitivity to land use history, with species composition among the most sensitive to prior land use. A dense sapling layer of Acer rubrum forming in long‐unburned Quercus forests across much of eastern North America was absent in our study on formerly cultivated sites, possibly due to dry, infertile soil. From a restoration and conservation standpoint of the study region's pre‐settlement, frequently burned and open savannas and woodlands, previously cultivated sites may be easier to keep open via prescribed fire. Moreover, perhaps precisely because much of the flora historically developed in open savannas and woodlands which previously cultivated sites on the contemporary landscape most closely mimicked, previously cultivated sites presently contain higher species diversity and more conservation priority species than do continuously forested sites.
The impact of treatment choices on potential drug–drug interactions in hypertensive patients
Authors: Perić Aneta , Udilović Ana , Dobrić Silva , Vezmar Kovačević Sandra 
Published: December 2021

AimsThe aim of this study was to analyse potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) and their potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among hypertensive patients. Moreover, we investigated the possibility of reducing pDDIs with different treatment choices.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study including all outpatients with hypertension and two or more medications, treated in a university hospital in Serbia. Lexicomp Interact (Lexi‐Comp, Inc., Hudson, OH) was used for identification of pDDIs and potential ADRs. Treatment choices were explored according to patient characteristics, treatment guidelines and the interacting potential of drugs. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression.ResultsA total of 350 patients were included in this study, with average age (77 [36–98] years and 6.1 [2.5]) medications. The majority of patients (86.0%) had at least one clinically significant pDDI, and the average was 3.78 (3.90) (range 1–25). Suggestions for treatment change aimed mainly at eliminating drug duplications, reducing the use of thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, alpha‐lipoic acid and pentoxifylline and increasing the use of calcium‐channel blockers, when appropriate. pDDIs would have decreased to 2.10 (2.52), P <.001, yet male gender, ≥6 medications, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia, would be predictive of two or more pDDIs. The main potential adverse outcomes of pDDIs were hypotension, renal failure, hypoglycaemia, bradycardia and lactic acidosis.ConclusionCareful choice of drugs can reduce but not eliminate pDDIs and their potential ADRs in hypertensive patients. Close monitoring for hypotension, renal failure, hypoglycaemia, bradycardia and lactic acidosis is necessary.
Bipolar disorder and regretted behavior in relation to use of social media and online dating
Authors: Rydahl Klara F. K. , Brund René B. K. , Medici Clara R. , Straarup Krista M. N. , Straszek Sune P. V. , Østergaard Søren D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesIndividuals with bipolar disorder are prone to risk‐taking behavior that is subsequently regretted. Here, we investigated whether this also occurs in relation to the use of social media and online dating.MethodsA questionnaire‐based survey focusing on the use of social media and online dating was conducted among individuals attending an outpatient clinic for bipolar disorder, and among individuals attending two general practices in the same region (controls). The association between bipolar disorder and self‐reported regretted behavior on social media/online dating sites was investigated using logistic regression with adjustment for age and sex.ResultsA total of 124 individuals with bipolar disorder and 196 individuals without affective disorder from the general practices (controls) formed the study sample. Among the individuals with bipolar disorder who used social media, 66% reported regretted behavior as a consequence of this use, whereas only 31% of the controls reported such behavior. The corresponding numbers for individuals who used online dating were 65% for those with bipolar disorder and 31% for the controls. Following adjustment for age and sex, bipolar disorder was associated with elevated risk of regretted behavior in relation to the use of both social media (adjusted odds ratio: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 5.9) and online dating (adjusted odds ratio: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.1, 8.0).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that risk‐taking behavior and subsequent regret among individuals with bipolar disorder extend to social media and online dating. Cautious use of these platforms may be particularly relevant for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Implementing Essential Coaching for Every Mother during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A pre‐post intervention study
Authors: Dol Justine , Aston Megan , Grant Amy , McMillan Douglas , Tomblin Murphy Gail , Campbell‐Yeo Marsha 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective of this project was to evaluate the preliminary impact of Essential Coaching for Every Mother on maternal self‐efficacy, social support, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression. The secondary objective was to explore the acceptability of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program provided during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective pre‐post study was conducted with first‐time mothers in Nova Scotia, Canada, between July 15 and September 19, 2020. Participants completed a self‐report survey at enrollment (after birth) and 6 weeks postpartum. Various standardized measures were used, and qualitative feedback on the program was also collected. Paired t tests were carried out to determine changes from baseline to follow‐up on psychosocial outcomes, and qualitative feedback was analyzed through thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 88 women enrolled. Maternal self‐efficacy increased between baseline (B) and follow‐up (F) (B: 33.33; F: 37.11, P = 0.000), whereas anxiety (STAI) declined (B: 38.49; F: 34.79, P = 0.004). In terms of acceptability, 89% of participants felt that the number of messages was just right, 84.5% felt the messages contained all the information they needed relative to caring for a newborn, and 98.8% indicated they would recommend this program to other new mothers.ConclusionsEssential Coaching for Every Mother may play a role in increasing maternal self‐efficacy and decreasing anxiety, although future work with a control group is needed to delineate the true effects of the program. Overall, mothers were satisfied with the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program and would recommend it for other mothers, during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.
Elevated intraocular pressure in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A prospective study
Authors: Barzilai‐Birenboim Shlomit , Elitzur Sarah , Nirel Ronit , Ehrenberg Miriam , Zahavi Alon , Avrahami Galia , Gabbay Itay E. , Gilad Gil , Dotan Gad , Izraeli Shai , Daood Rabeea Haj , Geffen Noa 
Published: December 2021

SummaryMost childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) protocols include high‐dose steroid therapy. However, the known potential of high‐dose steroids to significantly elevate intraocular pressure (IOP) and lead to glaucomatous optic neuropathy has not been intensively investigated in children with ALL. Moreover, as children with ALL do not routinely undergo IOP measurements, the need for IOP monitoring and therapy is unknown. We prospectively measured IOP in 90 children with newly diagnosed ALL attending a tertiary paediatric haematology/oncology centre, at diagnosis and at the middle and end of induction therapy. Ocular hypertension (IOP > 21 mm Hg) at any time point was documented in 64 children (71%), and the prevalence increased during induction. Thirty‐six children (40%) had elevated IOP at ALL diagnosis before therapy initiation, and stratification to non‐standard ALL was a risk factor. IOP reduction therapy was administered to 13 children (14%); none required surgery. Values normalised in all cases. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, dexamethasone therapy was a significant risk factor for ocular hypertension. High body mass index was an additional risk factor in children with elevated IOP at ALL diagnosis. Routine evaluation of IOP during steroid therapy is very important in children with ALL to ensure early intervention which may prevent permanent ocular damage.