bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Method to determine van der Waals potential energy of particle interactions for soil clay by dynamic light scattering
Authors: Li Qinyi , Shi Weiyu , Yang Qingyan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSoil particle interaction forces/energies control aggregation and breakup/dispersion processes, which further profoundly affect a series of soil micro‐ and macro‐processes. For soils with complex compositions, it is the interaction energy of different particles that determines particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown/dispersion. However, measuring the interaction energy for complex systems remains a challenge. In this study we proposed a method to measure this van der Waals potential energy using the dynamic light scattering technique. Firstly, the mathematic relationship between the mean aggregation rate and van der Waals potential energy was established. The mean aggregation rates of particles for either simple or complex systems can be facilely determined by the dynamic light scattering technique. Secondly, for verifying the availability of the suggested method, montmorillonite suspensions in four different electrolyte solutions (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2) were respectively employed to measure the van der Waals potential energy, which equals −17,817 ± 857 J mol−1 or −7.22 ± 0.304 kT with an average deviation of 4.22%; this directly verified the reliability of the suggested method. Thirdly, the proposed method was also verified indirectly and independently by the ratio of the electrostatic potential energy of particles to the presence of K+ and Na+, as compared with the ratios from the determined van der Waals potential energy of this study and from cation adsorption selectivity. Considering the dynamic light scattering technique has been widely applied for characterizing soil/clay/humus/microbe aggregation, the proposed method should be appropriate for measuring the van der Waals potential energy for all those systems.Highlights
Develop a simple method to measure the mean interaction energy for complex systems.
The mathematic relationship between the mean aggregation rate and van der Waals energy was established.
A method to measure the van der Waals potential energy using the dynamic light scattering technique has been proposed.
The van der Waals potential energy in the soil system can be measured in different electrolyte solutions and KCl might be the best one.
Quantifying 25 years of disease‐caused declines in Tasmanian devil populations: host density drives spatial pathogen spread
Authors: Cunningham Calum X. , Comte Sebastien , McCallum Hamish , Hamilton David G. , Hamede Rodrigo , Storfer Andrew , Hollings Tracey , Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Kerlin Douglas H. , Brook Barry W. , Hocking Greg , Jones Manna E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInfectious diseases are strong drivers of wildlife population dynamics, however, empirical analyses from the early stages of pathogen emergence are rare. Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), discovered in 1996, provides the opportunity to study an epizootic from its inception. We use a pattern‐oriented diffusion simulation to model the spatial spread of DFTD across the species' range and quantify population effects by jointly modelling multiple streams of data spanning 35 years. We estimate the wild devil population peaked at 53 000 in 1996, less than half of previous estimates. DFTD spread rapidly through high‐density areas, with spread velocity slowing in areas of low host densities. By 2020, DFTD occupied >90% of the species' range, causing 82% declines in local densities and reducing the total population to 16 900. Encouragingly, our model forecasts the population decline should level‐off within the next decade, supporting conservation management focused on facilitating evolution of resistance and tolerance.
Variability of rituximab and tocilizumab trough concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Truffot Aurélie , Gautier‐Veyret Elodie , Baillet Athan , Jourdil Jean‐François , Stanke‐Labesque Françoise , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are eligible for treatment with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), as well as others, such as rituximab (RTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ). Although pharmacokinetic variability and the link between concentration‐clinical response of anti‐TNFα mAbs have been well‐described, little is known about RTX and TCZ. We aimed to evaluate the variability of RTX and TCZ serum concentrations in RA patients treated in second‐line and the relationship between RTX/TCZ concentrations and the clinical response. Serum mAb trough concentrations of RA patients treated with RTX (n = 35) or TCZ (n = 46) were determined at week 24 by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The clinical response was assessed at week 24 by the change in the disease activity score in the 28 joints‐erythrocyte sedimentation rate from baseline (ΔDAS28‐Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations were highly variable, with a coefficient of variation of 171.3% for RTX (median [10th‐90th percentiles]: <1.0 µg/mL [<1.0–5.1]) and 132.6% for TCZ (median [10th‐90th percentiles]: 5.4 µg/mL [<1.0–27.8]). Univariate analysis did not identify any determinants of such variability, except cotreatment with methotrexate, which was associated with lower RTX concentrations (P = 0.03). The response to treatment was not related to the RTX or TCZ trough concentration. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations at 24 weeks were highly variable in RA patients treated in the second line, without any link concentration‐clinical response having been demonstrated.
Climate change reshapes the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of a Neotropical seed dispersal system
Authors: Sales Lilian P. , Kissling W. Daniel , Galetti Mauro , Naimi Babak , M. Pires Mathias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimGlobal changes will redistribute biodiversity, reshaping ecological interactions and ecosystem processes. The decoupling in the distribution of plants and their mutualistic seed dispersers, for instance, may have overlooked eco‐evolutionary effects. How animal‐dispersed plants will respond to changes in the distribution of their seed dispersers remains largely an open question. Here, we forecast the consequences of climate change and frugivory interactions for the spatial distribution and seed size evolution of a Neotropical palm species.LocationAtlantic forests of South America.Time periodPresent day, end of 21st century.Major taxa studiedThirty‐two species of frugivorous birds, and a palm (Euterpe edulis).MethodsFuture patterns of animal–plant co‐occurrence were derived from ecological niche models, climate forecasts, projections of future forest loss, and seed dispersal simulations. We further explored the evolutionary effect of the spatial reorganization of interactions by modelling palm seed sizes as a function of changes in the distribution of frugivore traits.ResultsOur models indicate that future climate change and deforestation may reduce the palm’s suitable distribution by 20%–50%. However, our simulations suggest that 66% of all remaining future suitable distribution (76,200 km2) would still be inaccessible to the palm without the active dispersal of seeds by frugivores. In addition, novel frugivore communities are projected to have smaller mean body mass and gape size (−23% and −10%, respectively), due to the loss of large frugivores, which may translate into a 6%–17% reduction of seed sizes across the palm’s remaining distribution.Main conclusionsOur projections indicate that frugivore seed dispersal may be critical to allow occupancy of future habitat by animal‐dispersed plants. However, loss of large frugivores may affect trait selection regimes, creating hotspots of plant evolution towards smaller seeds. We argue that such complex dynamics emerging from species‐specific responses to global change may reshape the distribution and evolution of several interacting partners worldwide.
Polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds and supplementation support 3D and sphere culturing of human cancer cell lines by reducing apoptosis and promoting cellular proliferation
Authors: Okita Yukari , Zheng Ling , Kawanishi Kunio , Miyoshi Hirotoshi , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Kato Mitsuyasu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) culturing mimics the heterogeneous cellular conditions of the in vivo tumor microenvironment compared to 2D monolayer‐cultured cells and 3D cultures of established cancer cell lines (sphere culture) or patient‐derived cancer cells (organoid culture) are frequently used for cancer research or drug screening and evaluation. To establish more cost and time‐efficient 3D culture methods for cancer cell lines, we supplemented sphere culture medium with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and found that 3D sphere cultures of breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines were significantly increased. Mechanistically, we found that PVA prevented cell death and promoted cellular proliferation while maintaining levels of stemness‐related gene expression. Furthermore, we showed that polyvinyl formal resin (PVF) 3D scaffolds made by cross‐linked PVA can function in serum‐free, long‐term 3D cultures to support maintenance of sphere‐ or tumor‐like cell masses for diverse cancer cell types. Taken together, we demonstrate the effectiveness of PVA and PVF in human cancer cell line culture protocols.
Are oral hygiene instructions with aid of plaque‐disclosing methods effective in improving self‐performed dental plaque control? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Oliveira Leandro Machado , Pazinatto Josiele , Zanatta Fabrício Batistin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo systematically evaluate the literature on whether plaque‐disclosing (PD) methods, applied by dental professionals (FQ1) or at‐home (FQ2), combined with verbal oral hygiene instructions and brushing demonstration (standard OHI) lead to improvements in self‐performed dental plaque control in comparison to standard OHI alone.Materials and methodsSeven databases were searched by two independent reviewers according to pre‐specified eligibility criteria up to September 2020. No restrictions regarding language, date and type of report were imposed. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used for quality appraisal. Multiple comparisons referring to a single study were included if the articles evaluated different PD agents. Narrative synthesis using evidence tables were performed.ResultsSeven eligible studies were retrieved, including data of 430 individuals (159 wearers of orthodontic appliances). The studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity regarding outcome assessments and follow‐up. Eleven (eight corresponding to FQ1 and three to FQ2) out of 13 relevant comparisons found no significant difference between techniques for dental plaque outcomes and three (two corresponding to FQ1 and one to FQ2) out of five comparisons indicated a positive effect of standard OHI with aid of PD methods on gingival inflammation scores. With respect specifically to orthodontic patients, three out of four comparisons indicated significant improvements on gingival inflammation scores for individuals instructed with PD methods.ConclusionClinicians should consider PD agents as adjunct to standard OHI in orthodontic patients. For those without appliances, PD methods can be used as an alternative.
Comparison of performance between Fast Track Diagnostics Respiratory Kit and the CDC global reference laboratory for influenza rRT‐PCR panel for detection of influenza A and influenza B
Authors: Cissé Assana , Milucky Jennifer , Ilboudo Abdoul Kader , Waller Jessica L. , Bicaba Brice , Medah Isaïe , Mirza Sara , Whitney Cynthia G. , Tarnagda Zekiba 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundReliable diagnostics are a key to identifying influenza infections.ObjectivesOur objectives were to describe the detection of influenza among severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, to compare test results from the Fast Track Diagnostics (FTD) Kit for influenza detection to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) human influenza virus detection and characterization panel, and to assess seasonality of influenza in Burkina Faso.MethodsNasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens from SARI cases (hospitalized patients with fever, cough, and onset in the previous 10 days) were tested using the FTD‐33 Kit and the CDC rRT‐PCR influenza assays. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of the FTD‐33 Kit for detecting influenza A, influenza B, and the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strain using the CDC human influenza rRT‐PCR panel as the gold standard.ResultsFrom December 2016 to February 2019, 1706 SARI cases were identified, 1511 specimens were tested, and 211 were positive for influenza A (14.0%) and 100 for influenza B (6.6%) by either assay. Higher influenza circulation occurred between November and April with varying peaks of influenza A and influenza B. Sensitivity of the FTD‐33 assay was 91.9% for influenza A, 95.7% for influenza B, and 93.8% for A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype. Specificity was over 99% for all three tests.ConclusionsOur study indicates that Burkina Faso has one peak of influenza each year which is similar to the Northern Hemisphere and differs from other countries in West Africa. We found high concordance of influenza results between the two assays indicating FTD‐33 can be used to reliably detect influenza among SARI cases.
Multiple criteria analysis of the popularity and growth of research and practice of visual analytics, and a forecast of the future trajectory
Authors: Akpan Ikpe Justice , Akpan Asuama A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study employs Google trends and data from the web of science to evaluate the popularity, growth, and impacts of visual analytics (VA) as a research field and data science technique. The paper undertakes quantitative analyses and visualization of the temporal trends, from VA's emergence in 2000 to the end of 2019. The trend analysis helps to forecast future growth in the research and practice of VA. The study highlights four outcomes. First, there is a robust direct relationship among the variables, including VA's growth on the Google trends, the scientific literature production (SLP), and usage of the published documents. Second, the SLP's growth pattern highlights VA's popularity as an emerging field with an overall annual increase of 17.4%. The high citation counts of the published scholarship indicate a significant impact and a continuous growth of the VA field. Third, VA contributes to diverse disciplines other than computer science and information systems, from business and economics to engineering, healthcare, biomedical and chemical sciences, and arts and humanities. VA helps researchers and practitioners in multidisciplinary fields analyze multidimensional data, enhance data visualization, knowledge discovery, generating insights, and make informed decisions. On the reverse, other disciplines contribute to propelling VA's popularity through research productivity, usage, and citation impacts. Finally, a trend analysis predicts sustained future growth of VA technology in research and practice to dissect and sensemaking of the increasingly massive and complex data structures, which is now the norm in many fields.
Spontaneous, synchronous zinc spikes oscillate with neural excitability and calcium spikes in primary hippocampal neuron culture
Authors: Zhang Chen , Maslar Drew , Minckley Taylor F. , LeJeune Kate D. , Qin Yan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractZinc has been suggested to act as an intracellular signaling molecule due to its regulatory effects on numerous protein targets including enzymes, transcription factors, ion channels, neurotrophic factors, and postsynaptic scaffolding proteins. However, intracellular zinc concentration is tightly maintained at steady levels under natural physiological conditions. Dynamic changes in intracellular zinc concentration have only been detected in certain types of cells that are exposed to pathologic stimuli or upon receptor ligand binding. Unlike calcium, the ubiquitous signaling metal ion that can oscillate periodically and spontaneously in various cells, spontaneous zinc oscillations have never been reported. In this work, we made the novel observation that the developing neurons generated spontaneous and synchronous zinc spikes in primary hippocampal cultures using a fluorescent zinc sensor, FluoZin‐3. Blocking of glutamate receptor‐dependent calcium influx depleted the zinc spikes, suggesting that these zinc spikes were driven by the glutamate‐mediated spontaneous neural excitability and calcium spikes that have been characterized in early developing neurons. Simultaneous imaging of calcium or pH together with zinc, we uncovered that a downward pH spike was evoked with each zinc spike and this transient cellular acidification occurred downstream of calcium spikes but upstream of zinc spikes. Our results suggest that spontaneous, synchronous zinc spikes were generated through calcium influx‐induced cellular acidification, which liberates zinc from intracellular zinc binding ligands. Given that changes in zinc concentration can modulate activities of proteins essential for synapse maturation and neuronal differentiation, these zinc spikes might act as important signaling roles in neuronal development.
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Validity of Chronic Venous Disease Diagnoses and Epidemiology Using Validated Electronic Health Records From Primary Care: A Real‐World Data Analysis
Authors: Homs‐Romero Erica , Romero‐Collado Angel , Verdú Jose , Blanch Jordi , Rascón‐Hernán Carolina , Martí‐Lluch Ruth 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of lower limb chronic venous disease (CVD) diagnoses entered in a large electronic health record database in primary care in Catalonia, Spain; to investigate the reliability of these data for research purposes; and to estimate the prevalence and incidence of CVD, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and venous leg ulcer (VLU).DesignReal‐world data analysis based on a large electronic health record database in primary care in Catalonia, Spain.MethodsWe used a primary care research database (Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care [SIDIAP]), which contains anonymous data on some 5.8 million people from 279 primary care centers, accounting for more than 80% of the Catalonian population and 15% of the Spanish population. We evaluated the validity of the ICD‐10 codes for CVD in SIDIAP for 200 adult patients through the responses of 20 primary care physicians to a questionnaire.FindingsThe positive predictive value of CVD in SIDIAP was 89.95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.99–93.40). The prevalence rates for CVD, CVI, and VLU were 9.54% (95% CI 9.51–9.56), 3.87%, and 0.33%, respectively. The incidence rates for CVD, CVI, and VLU were 7.91/1,000 person‐years (95% CI 7.82–8.00), 3.37/1,000 person‐years (95% CI 3.31–3.43), and 0.23/1,000 person‐years (95% CI 0.21–0.24), respectively.ConclusionsThe Catalonian SIDIAP database contains valid CVD diagnoses. The prevalence and incidence rates found using real‐world data are low compared with those in the literature, possibly because CVD is an underdiagnosed entity.Clinical RelevanceReal‐world data can inform clinicians on lower limb venous health in a population, show changes as individuals age, and reveal aspects where healthcare can be improved.
Effect of type of diet on blood and plasma taurine concentrations, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiograms in 4 dog breeds
Authors: Adin Darcy , Freeman Lisa , Stepien Rebecca , Rush John E. , Tjostheim Sonja , Kellihan Heidi , Aherne Michael , Vereb Michelle , Goldberg Robert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAssociations of diet with dilated cardiomyopathy are under investigation.ObjectivesThat cardiac assessment would show abnormalities in healthy dogs eating grain‐free (GF) diets or diets with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐listed ingredients of concern (peas, lentils, or potatoes) as top 10 ingredients (FDA‐PLP), but not in dogs eating grain‐inclusive (GI) diets or diets without FDA‐listed ingredients of concern (PLP) in the top 10 ingredients (NoFDA‐PLP).AnimalsOne hundred eighty‐eight healthy Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Whippets.MethodsThis study was an observational cross‐sectional study. Echocardiograms, cardiac biomarkers, and blood and plasma taurine concentrations were compared between dogs eating GF (n = 26) and GI (n = 162) diets, and between FDA‐PLP (n = 39) and NoFDA‐PLP (n = 149) diets, controlling for age and breed. Demographic characteristics, murmurs, genetic status, and ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) during examination were compared between dogs eating different diet types.ResultsNo differences in echocardiographic variables, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide or whole blood taurine were noted between dogs eating different diet types. Dogs eating GF diets had higher median high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) (GF 0.076 ng/mL [Interquartile range (IQR), 0.028‐0.156] vs. GI 0.048 [IQR, 0.0026‐0.080]; P < .001) and higher median plasma taurine (GF 125 nmol/mL [IQR, 101‐148] vs GI 104 [IQR, 86‐123]; P = .02) than dogs eating GI diets. Dogs eating FDA‐PLP diets had higher median hs‐cTnI (0.059 ng/mL [IQR, 0.028‐0.122]) than dogs eating NoFDA‐PLP diets (0.048 [IQR, 0.025‐0.085]; P = .006). A greater proportion of dogs eating FDA‐PLP diets (10%) had VPCs than dogs eating NoFDA‐PLP diets (2%; P = .04).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHigher hs‐cTnI in healthy dogs eating GF and FDA‐PLP diets might indicate low‐level cardiomyocyte injury.
A retrospective study of 237 dogs hospitalized with suspected acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome: Disease severity, treatment, and outcome
Authors: Dupont Nana , Jessen Lisbeth Rem , Moberg Frida , Zyskind Nathali , Lorentzen Camilla , Bjørnvad Charlotte Reinhard 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated management and outcome in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), and there is a paucity of data on dogs with concurrent signs of sepsis.ObjectivesTo report outcome in dogs with suspected AHDS according to disease severity and antimicrobial treatment, and to evaluate effect of fluid resuscitation on clinical criteria.AnimalsTwo hundred thirty‐seven dogs hospitalized with suspected AHDS.MethodsRetrospective study based on medical records. Disease severity was evaluated using AHDS index, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) according to 3 treatment groups: No, 1, or 2 antimicrobials.ResultsSixty‐two percent received no antimicrobials, 31% received 1 antimicrobial, predominantly aminopenicillins, and 7% received 2 antimicrobials. At admission, median AHDS index was 13 (interquartile range, 11‐15), which decreased significantly after the first day's hospitalization (P < .001) for all groups. Compared with no antimicrobials (7%), more dogs had ≥2 SIRS criteria in the antimicrobial groups (15% and 36%, respectively). C‐reactive protein (CRP) correlated positively with AHDS index at hospitalization (P < .001). Across treatment groups, rehydration markedly reduced number of clinical SIRS criteria. Survival to discharge was 96%, lower for dogs receiving 2 antimicrobials (77%, P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe majority of dogs hospitalized with suspected AHDS improve rapidly with symptomatic treatment only, despite signs of systemic disease on initial presentation. The often‐used SIRS criteria might be a poor proxy for identifying dogs with AHDS in need of antimicrobial treatment, in particular when hypovolemic. The role of CRP in clinical decision‐making or prognostication warrants further investigation.