bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed release improves site fidelity but has little effect on survival or breeding success of reintroduced western quolls (Dasyurus geoffroii)
Authors: Jensen Melissa A. , Paton David C. , Moseby Katherine E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractReintroductions of threatened species can fail due to a lack of site fidelity and dispersal of individuals away from the release site. Delayed‐release techniques are commonly used in reintroduction programmes to acclimatise animals to novel sites to improve site fidelity and survival following release. However, some studies have found negative or little effect of initial containment on post‐release outcomes, suggesting that the benefits of a delayed release may be species‐specific or dependent on the methods used. The western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii) is a 900–1300 g carnivorous marsupial that has previously been found to travel long distances after release, potentially contributing to reintroduction failure. We investigated the effect of immediate versus delayed release on the survival, site fidelity and breeding success of western quolls reintroduced to the Ikara‐Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. Delayed‐release animals were confined to individual 10 × 10 m outdoor release pens and provided with supplementary food and water for ten days prior to release. Immediate‐release animals were released without any additional assistance provided. Monitoring of 39 radio‐collared quolls for three months after release failed to detect a difference in survival probability between release treatments. There was also no evidence to suggest that the success or timing of breeding differed between immediate‐ and delayed‐released quolls. However, a delayed release did significantly improve site fidelity. On average, delayed‐release quolls remained within a linear distance of 1.6 km (SE = 0.348, 95% CI = 0.98–2.39) of their release site over three months, compared to 3.26 km (SE = 0.36, 95% CI = 2.57–4.03) for immediate‐released animals. In unbounded release sites, delayed releases may assist with keeping western quolls within predator‐controlled release areas. Results from this study may be used to guide future reintroductions of this threatened species.
Morphometry of cervical spinal cord in cat using design‐based stereology
Authors: Sadeghinezhad Javad , Nyengaard Jens Randel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe spinal cord harbours nerve fibres that facilitate reflex actions and that transmit impulses to and from the brain. The cervical spinal cord is an area of particular interest in medicine and veterinary due to frequent pathologic alterations in this region. This study describes the morphometric features of the cervical spinal cord in cat using design‐unbiased stereological methods. The cervical spinal cords of four male cats were dissected and samples were taken according to systematic uniform random sampling. Each sample was embedded in agar and cut into 60‐µm thick sections and stained with cresyl violet 0.1% for stereological estimations. The total cervical spinal cord volume obtained by the Cavalieri estimator was 2,321.21 ± 285.5 mm3. The relative volume of grey matter and white matter was 23.8 ± 1.3% and 76.1 ± 1.3%. The dorsal horn and ventral horn volume were 12.3 ± 1.2% and 11.4 ± 0.7% of the whole cervical spinal cord. The volume of central canal was estimated to 3.8 ± 1 mm3. The total number of neurons was accounted 3,405,366.2 ± 267,469.4 using the optical disector/fractionator method. The number of motoneurons and interneurons was estimated to be 1,120,433.2 ± 174,796.7 and 2,284,932.9 ± 127,261.5, respectively. The average volume of the motoneurons and interneurons was estimated to 1980 µm3 and 680 µm3, respectively, using the spatial rotator method. This knowledge of cat spinal cord findings may serve as a foundation as a translational model in spinal cord experimental research and provide basic findings for diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord disorders.
Surgical technique for removing vitreous cortex remnants using a diamond‐dusted membrane scraper
Authors: Sartini Francesco , Menchini Martina , Loiudice Pasquale , Nardi Marco , Figus Michele , Casini Giamberto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new surgical technique to remove vitreous cortex remnants.MethodsNon‐consecutive retrospective interventional case series.ResultsWhen the posterior vitreous is split, its outermost layer may remain attached to the retina, developing vitreoschisis‐induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR). Their role in macular pathology etiopathogenesis has been well documented; however, recently, it has been proposed that VCR also play a crucial role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and consequent retinal redetachment. The prevalence of VCR is underestimated because triamcinolone acetonide is not routinely used for vitreous staining. Vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) removal is challenging, and several surgical techniques have been proposed. However, they require sclerotomy enlargement, material that may not be readily available, and manual fashioning. Alternatively, a diamond‐dusted membrane scraper (DDMS), already widely used in macular pathology treatment, can follow the contour of the retina, as it is a silicone tube, and remove VCR with its abrasive tip. A DDMS may also be introduced in the vitreous cavity through a standard trocar. Finally, the use of a DDMS provides predictable feedback, making the learning curve short. In this case series, 34 eyes affected by primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were enrolled. The retinal redetachment rate was 2.9% at six months of follow‐up, below the average literature value of 21%. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionA DDMS can be suitable for use in VCR removal, although further studies are warranted to understand the indications and extent of this surgical technique for improving the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Predictive value of non‐ocular findings for retinal haemorrhage in children evaluated for non‐accidental trauma
Authors: Giannakakos Vasiliki P , Dosakayala Neelima , Huang Danning , Yazdanyar Amirfarbod 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine non‐ocular examination findings in non‐accidental trauma (NAT) patients that are associated with retinal haemorrhage and warrant urgent examination by an ophthalmologist.MethodsA hospital‐ and clinic‐based retrospective cross‐sectional and cohort study of children age 0–12 years who underwent workup for NAT over a span of nine years in a level I trauma and tertiary referral centre. Details of ocular and non‐ocular examination and imaging findings at the time of NAT evaluation were collected by chart review. Univariate and logistic regression analysis for association between retinal haemorrhage and non‐ocular examination findings was performed.ResultsA total of 557 patients with ophthalmology evaluation and 425 without were included in this study. All ages combined, none of the cutaneous signs of trauma or non‐skull fractures were associated with retinal haemorrhage on univariate analysis (p > 0.05). By logistic regression, subdural or extra‐axial haemorrhage (OR = 16.2; 95% CI [5.11–51.3]), occipital lobe insult (OR = 6.2; 95% CI [1.77–21.6]) and Glasgow coma score (GCS) <15 (OR = 5.8; 95% CI [1.96–17.4]) were significant predictors of retinal haemorrhage.ConclusionSubdural or undistinguished extra‐axial haemorrhage, GCS <15, and occipital lobe insult are risk factors for the presence of retinal haemorrhage in patients with suspected NAT and their presence warrant urgent dilated fundus examination by an ophthalmologist. The presence of cutaneous trauma or non‐skull bone fractures without the aforementioned risk factors does not warrant ophthalmology evaluation.
Incidence and risk factors for macular oedema after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: a prospective single‐centre study
Authors: Gebler Marie , Pfeiffer Sebastian , Callizo Josep , Hoerauf Hans , Feltgen Nicolas , Bemme Sebastian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assess the incidence of cystoid macular oedema (CME) diagnosed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery.MethodsFrom April 2016 to October 2017, 150 eyes of 150 patients presenting with primary RRD were included consecutively in this prospective single‐centre study. Patients with the following characteristics were excluded: previous vitreoretinal surgery, combined cataract surgery, preoperatively presentation with any intraocular or systemic inflammatory condition, visible macular oedema or epiretinal membrane (ERM) on funduscopy. SD‐OCT (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering) was conducted 3 and 6 weeks after surgery.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐eight of the 150 patients completed the study, of whom 107 (age: 61.7 ± 11.5 years, mean ± SD) showed successful retinal attachment during follow‐up visits. The most frequent operation method was scleral buckling (54.2%), followed by vitrectomy (25.2%) and the combination of both techniques (20.6%). Postoperative SD‐OCT revealed CME, neurosensory detachment and ERM in 18.7, 31.8 and 32.7% of all cases, respectively. The risk of postoperative CME was significantly elevated in patients with ERM (42.9 versus 6.9%, p < 0.001). In addition, patients with initial detachment of the macula had more postoperative CME (26.5 versus 11.1%, p = 0.044). BCVA improvement was significantly lower in patients with CME compared to patients without 6 weeks after surgery for macula‐on RRD.ConclusionsThis prospective study confirmed that postoperative CME is a frequent complication after RRD surgery; we identified ERM and macula‐off RRD as potential risk factors. As CME potentially delays visual recovery, postoperative follow‐ups should include SD‐OCT.
Accuracy of post‐publication Financial Conflict of Interest corrections in medical research: A secondary analysis of pharmaceutical company payments to the authors of the CREATE‐X trial report in the New England Journal of Medicine
Authors: Ozaki Akihiko , Saito Hiroaki , Sawano Toyoaki , Shimada Yuki , Tanimoto Tetsuya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn June 2017, Japanese and Korean authors published the results of the CREATE‐X trial in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). After we identified their inadequate disclosures of Financial Conflict of Interests (FCOIs), the authors made a post‐publication correction of their FCOIs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the post‐publication corrections by the Japanese authors of the CREATE‐X trial. All the Japanese authors of the CREATE‐X trial were included in the study. We determined the payments received by these authors in 2016 using publicly available data published by 78 pharmaceutical companies based on the stipulated Japanese transparency guidelines. We retrieved the original and revised versions of the FCOI disclosures as published on the NEJM website, and compared the payments reported by the pharmaceutical companies and the original and revised FCOI disclosures of the authors. Of the 12 authors, nine received payments made by the drug manufacturer involved in the CREATE‐X trial. Of these nine, only three (33.3%) originally disclosed their relationships, and another three (33.3%) later disclosed such relationships in the post‐publication corrections. Similarly, of the 11 receiving at least one payment from other manufacturers of breast cancer products, none correctly disclosed the payments in the original or the revised disclosure. In the CREATE‐X trial, FCOIs with pharmaceutical companies were not properly disclosed by 11 of the 12 Japanese authors, even after the post‐publication corrections, which highlights the need to pay more attention to the accuracy of FCOI disclosures in academic publications.
Diverse roles of microbial indole compounds in eukaryotic systems
Authors: Kumar Prasun , Lee Jin‐Hyung , Lee Jintae 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTIndole and its derivatives are widespread across different life forms, functioning as signalling molecules in prokaryotes and with more diverse roles in eukaryotes. A majority of indoles found in the environment are attributed to bacterial enzymes converting tryptophan into indole and its derivatives. The involvement of indoles among lower organisms as an interspecies and intraspecies signal is well known, with many reports showing that inter‐kingdom interactions involving microbial indole compounds are equally important as they influence defence systems and even the behaviour of higher organisms. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the functional properties of indole and indole derivatives in diverse eukaryotes. Furthermore, we discuss current perspectives on the role of microbial indoles in human diseases such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancers. Deciphering the function of indoles as biomarkers of metabolic state will facilitate the formulation of diet‐based treatments and open unique therapeutic opportunities.
Rapid assessment to facilitate climate‐informed conservation and nature‐based solutions
Authors: Oakes Lauren E. , Cross Molly S. , Zavaleta Erika S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe need to ensure that rising investment in nature‐based climate solutions delivers expected outcomes hinges on incorporating current and future climate into design and implementation. Technical guidelines and formal planning processes serve a purpose in ensuring the quality of climate‐informed strategies for local projects. The inherent complexity, cost, and time required to use these tools, however, can make them inaccessible or daunting. Taking lessons learned from a decade of funding over 100 adaptation initiatives in conservation—some of which also provide mitigation benefits—we describe a simple rapid assessment framework for use by practitioners and funders. This framework, which we refer to as the 5Ws (what, when, where, why, and who) of climate‐informed action, serves as a guide to make projects more robust to future climate.
Diagnostic delay and characterization of the clinical prodrome in AL amyloidosis among 1523 US adults diagnosed between 2001 and 2019
Authors: Hester Laura L. , Gifkins Dina M. , M. Bellew Kevin , Vermeulen Jessica , Schecter Jordan M. , Strony John , Dishy Victor , Weiss Brendan M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLight‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a multisystem disorder with a high early mortality and diagnostic delays of >1 year from symptom onset. This retrospective observational study sought to characterize the clinical prodrome and diagnostic delay to inform early detection. We identified 1523 adults with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis in the Optum de‐identified Clinformatics® Datamart US healthcare claims database as those with ≥2 new diagnosis codes for AL or other amyloidosis in 90 days with ≥1 multiple myeloma treatment within 730 days, excluding patients with prior hereditary or secondary amyloidosis and Familial Mediterranean Fever. We considered 34 signs/symptoms using diagnosis codes in all observable time on or before AL amyloidosis diagnosis. Sign/symptom prevalence was compared to that of 1:4 matched population controls. The overlap and sequence of signs/symptoms and the median time from first sign/symptom to AL amyloidosis diagnosis were explored. Healthcare utilization was summarized. The most common individual AL amyloidosis signs/symptoms were malaise/fatigue (61%) and dyspnea (59%). Cardiac signs/symptoms were observed in 77% of patients, followed by renal (62%) and neurologic (59%) signs/symptoms. Multisystem involvement (≥3 systems) was present in 54%. Monoclonal gammopathy was detected in 29% before diagnosis. Median time from symptom onset to AL amyloidosis diagnosis was 2.7 years. Healthcare utilization was high between first AL amyloidosis signs/symptoms and diagnosis, with 50% visiting ≥5 physician types. AL amyloidosis patients have a lengthy and complex clinical prodrome. Novel approaches to early diagnosis are needed to improve outcomes.
Neonatal maternal separation affects metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 expression and anxiety‐related behavior of adult rats
Authors: Tsotsokou Giota , Nikolakopoulou Maria , Kouvelas Elias D. , Mitsacos Ada 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExposure to early life stress leads to long‐term neurochemical and behavioral alterations. Stress‐induced psychiatric disorders, such as depression, have recently been linked to dysregulation of glutamate signaling, mainly via its postsynaptic receptors. The role of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in stress‐induced psychopathology has been the target of several studies in humans. In rodents, blockade of mGluR5 produces antidepressant‐like actions, whereas mice lacking mGluR5 exhibit altered anxiety‐like behaviors and learning. In this study, we used well‐known rodent models of early life stress based on mother–infant separation during the first 3 weeks of life in order to examine the effects of neonatal maternal separation on mGluR5 expression and on anxiety‐related behavior in adulthood. We observed that brief (15 min) neonatal maternal separation, but not prolonged (3 h), induced increases in mGluR5 mRNA and protein expression levels in medial prefrontal cortex and mGluR5 protein levels in dorsal, but not ventral, hippocampus of adult rat brain. Behavioral testing using the open‐field and the elevated‐plus maze tasks showed that brief maternal separations resulted in increased exploratory and decreased anxiety‐related behavior, whereas prolonged maternal separations resulted in increased anxiety‐related behavior in adulthood. The data indicate that the long‐lasting effects of neonatal mother–offspring separation on anxiety‐like behavior and mGluR5 expression depend on the duration of maternal separation and suggest that the increased mGluR5 receptors in medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of adult rats exposed to brief neonatal maternal separations may underlie their heightened ability to cope with stress.
Diverticulum in buccal mucosa: A rare sac‐like oral pouch
Authors: Kaneko Takahiro , Hino Shunsuke , Yamada Miki , Suzuki Kyoko , Iijima Yosuke , Horie Norio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis article describes a rare case of oral diverticulum.BackgroundDiverticulum represents a sac‐like protrusion of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly arising in the colon wall of elder individuals. Zenker's diverticulum can also occur in the pharyngeal mucosa. However, oral diverticulum appears rare.Material and MethodThe patient was an 88‐year‐old man with dementia living in a geriatric facility. A dental hygienist incidentally identified a small pouch containing stagnant food residue in the left buccal mucosa during oral hygiene procedures.ResultsThe small pouch with stagnant food residue was identified as a diverticulum.ConclusionDiverticula may be identified from the stagnation of food residue. Dental specialists who practice oral hygiene should be aware of diverticula as a differential diagnosis.
Experiences of cervical screening participation and non‐participation in women from minority ethnic populations in Scotland
Authors: Nelson Mia , Patton Andrea , Robb Katie , Weller David , Sheikh Aziz , Ragupathy Kalpana , Morrison David , Campbell Christine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe introduction of screening in the UK and other high‐income countries led to a significant decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer and increase in survival rates. Minority ethnic groups are often underrepresented in screening participation for reasons that are poorly understood.ObjectiveTo explore experiences of cervical screening participation and non‐participation of women from minority ethnic populations in Scotland and gain insights to support the development of interventions that could potentially support screening participation and thereby reduce inequalities.DesignQualitative comparison group study using in‐depth, semi‐structured individual interviews that were thematically analysed.Setting and participantsThis study took place in Scotland. Fifty women were purposively sampled from four ethnic minority groups: South Asian; East European; Chinese; and Black African or Caribbean. White Scottish women were also interviewed.ResultsMany experiences described were common regardless of ethnicity, such as difficulties managing competing priorities, including work and care responsibilities. However, important differences existed across the groups. These included going abroad for more frequent screening, delayed introduction to screening and not accessing primary care services, language difficulties in health‐care settings despite proficiency in English and not being sexually active at screening commencement. Experiences of racism, ignorance and feeling shamed were also reported.ConclusionsKey differences exist in the experience of minority ethnic groups in Scotland. These offer potential opportunities to reduce disparity and support screening participation including maximizing co‐incidental interactions and developing outreach work.
Role of pH in skin cleansing
Authors: Hawkins Stacy , Dasgupta Bivash R. , Ananthapadmanabhan Kavssery P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of maintaining the acid‐mantle of human stratum corneum to maintain its healthy barrier and skin’s biological functions such as desquamation and lipid biosynthesis is well recognized in the literature. An outcome of this has been an increase in the number of skincare products formulated at or near the skin pH with an implication that a product formulated at skin pH will be good for skin. Such an assumption often does not take into account the specific interactions of ingredients in the product with the stratum corneum under skin pH conditions.ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to determine whether a skin cleansing product by virtue of its pH being same as “skin pH” is milder to skin.MethodsA well established Forearm Controlled Application Test (FCAT) protocol was used in clinical studies to compare “skin pH” cleansing systems with neutral pH cleansing systems. Specifically, certain commercially available “skin pH” cleansing bars were compared with a neutral pH syndet bar in two separate FCAT studies. Since these bars differed in their surfactant composition, in a separate FCAT study, two identical prototype bar formulations differed only in their pH were compared. Additionally, two body wash liquid prototypes, identical in composition but differing only in their pH were also compared in another FCAT study.ResultsThe results obtained showed that skin‐cleansing systems formulated solely or predominantly with anionic surfactants under skin pH conditions can result in increased skin dryness and irritation compared to those under neutral pH conditions. The results are explained in terms of the increased electrostatic interaction of anionic surfactants with stratum corneum under low pH conditions compared to neutral pH conditions.ConclusionSkin‐cleansing systems formulated solely or predominantly with anionic surfactants under skin pH conditions can result in increased skin dryness and irritation compared to those under neutral pH conditions. Any skin cleansing product by virtue of its pH being same as that of “skin pH” does not guarantee that it will be good for skin. The mildness of a cleanser will be determined by the interactions of its surfactants and other ingredients with stratum corneum under its formulated pH conditions.