bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of cutting frequency and position to tree line on herbage accumulation in silvopastoral grassland reveal potential for grassland conservation based on land use and cover information
Authors: Schmiedgen Andrea , Komainda Martin , Kowalski Katja , Hostert Patrick , Tonn Bettina , Kayser Manfred , Isselstein Johannes 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn agricultural grassland, high herbage utilisation efficiency (HEFF), which is the proportion of gross live‐green herbage production that is utilised before entering senescence, is ensured by frequent defoliation. The decision upon which defoliation frequency to apply depends on the farming intensity. Assuming a reduced total herbage accumulation near trees in silvopastoral systems, frequent defoliations with high HEFF become less worthwhile—at least in specific spatial configurations. This makes an extensive management near trees an interesting option because it promotes other grassland‐related ecosystem services such as biodiversity. The present study first analysed the interaction between defoliation frequency and position to trees on the total, dead and live herbage accumulation and the HEFF at two silvopastoral sites with short‐rotation coppices in Germany. In addition, the total grassland–tree interface in Germany was assessed from land use and land cover maps of Germany based on satellite data to approximate the potential of grassland extensification near trees. The total herbage accumulation near trees declined by up to 41% but the HEFF was not affected by the position. Consequently, any intensification is not paid‐off by adequate productivity and herbage quality in terms of HEFF and tree‐related losses in herbage accumulation are expected up to a distance of 4.5–6 m. Applying a 4.5 m border on satellite data, we found that up to 4.4% (approximately 2200 km2) of the total grassland area in Germany is at a tree interface and potentially suitable for extensification. These findings indicate substantial potential for biodiversity conservation in grasslands with low trade‐off for high‐quality yield.
Novel DNA methylation marker discovery by assumption‐free genome‐wide association analysis of cognitive function in twins
Authors: Mohammadnejad Afsaneh , Soerensen Mette , Baumbach Jan , Mengel‐From Jonas , Li Weilong , Lund Jesper , Li Shuxia , Christiansen Lene , Christensen Kaare , Hjelmborg Jacob V. B. , Tan Qihua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrivileged by rapid increase in available epigenomic data, epigenome‐wide association studies (EWAS) are to make a profound contribution to understand the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation in cognitive aging. Current statistical methods used in EWAS are dominated by models based on multiple assumptions, for example, linear relationship between molecular profiles and phenotype, normal distribution for the methylation data and phenotype. In this study, we applied an assumption‐free method, the generalized correlation coefficient (GCC), and compare it to linear models, namely the linear mixed model and kinship model. We use DNA methylation associated with a cognitive score in 400 and 206 twins as discovery and replication samples respectively. DNA methylation associated with cognitive function using GCC, linear mixed model, and kinship model, identified 65 CpGs (p < 1e‐04) from discovery sample displaying both nonlinear and linear correlations. Replication analysis successfully replicated 9 of these top CpGs. When combining results of GCC and linear models to cover diverse patterns of relationships, we identified genes like KLHDC4, PAPSS2, and MRPS18B as well as pathways including focal adhesion, axon guidance, and some neurological signaling. Genomic region‐based analysis found 15 methylated regions harboring 11 genes, with three verified in gene expression analysis, also the 11 genes were related to top functional clusters including neurohypophyseal hormone and maternal aggressive behaviors. The GCC approach detects valuable methylation sites missed by traditional linear models. A combination of methylation markers from GCC and linear models enriched biological pathways sensible in neurological function that could implicate cognitive performance and cognitive aging.
Concurrent chronic hyperplastic candidosis and oral lichenoid lesion as adverse events of secukinumab therapy
Authors: Farah CS 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSecukinumab (Cosentyx®) is an IL‐17A inhibitor which is used for the management of psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Oral adverse events of secukinumab therapy are not widely appreciated. This article highlights the presentation of two concurrent oral adverse events of secukinumab therapy; namely chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL). This is the first documented case report of CHC occurring as a consequence of secukinumab therapy, and represents a new adverse effect which general and specialist oral health practitioners should be aware of. This case highlights the importance of correlating the presence of oral lesions with the patient’s medical history, keeping up to date with the development of new medications and pharmacotherapeutics, having a deep understanding of underlying biological processes related to various oral diseases, and appreciating the use of clinical adjunctive devices. Accurate diagnosis is key to formulating a correct management plan.
A comparative analysis of sphenoid bone between domestic sheep (ovis aries) and goat (capra hircus) using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Parés‐Casanova Pere M. , Domènech‐Domènech Xènia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe sphenoid bone forms the rostral part of the base of the neurocranium and is composed of two segments, the presphenoid [os praesphenoidale] and the basisphenoid [os basisphenoidale]. Rarely studied in osteology, we tested whether it can provide distinctive features between domestic sheep (Ovis aries L., 1758) and goat (Capra hircus L., 1758). For this goal, we studied a sample comprised by 53 dry modern skulls of adult sheep (n = 36) and goat (n = 17) subjects from a modern comparative collection by means of geometric morphometric techniques using a total of 26 anatomical points (2 saggital landmarks and 24 semilandmarks). Results showed that form (size + shape) differences appear between both species: sphenoid among sheep tends to be bigger, longer and wider than in goats, differences of width being mainly located on basisphenoid width.
The lumbosacral Plexus of the Barn Owl (tyto alba): Formation, branches and distribution
Authors: Demiraslan Yasin , Gürbüz İftar , Demircioğlu İsmail , Dayan Mustafa Orhun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to reveal the anatomical structure of lumbosacral plexus of barn owl. Six barn owls were included in the study. Nerves originating from plexus were dissected individually, and findings of innervation areas of nerves were determined. Lumbosacral plexus of barn owl was observed to be formed by ventral rami of ten synsacral spinal nerves. It was found that while the r. cutaneus femoris lateralis, the n. obturatorius, the n. coxalis cranialis, the r. cutaneus femoris medialis, the n. cutaneus femoris cranialis and the n. femoralis originated from the lumbar plexus, the n. isciofemoralis, the n. cutaneus femoris caudalis, the n. coxalis caudalis and the n. ischiadicus originated from the sacral plexus. Consequently, when the results of the study were compared with information of different avian species, it was observed that differences focused on the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and innervation level of digits.
Biogeography of the Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon (Linnaeus, 1758) in Africa, with first records for Laikipia County, central Kenya
Authors: Ngatia Dedan Kabuu , Webala Paul Waswa , Mware Mugo J. , Butynski Thomas M. , de Jong Yvonne A. , Ferguson Adam Wesley 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paucity of studies on Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon (Linnaeus, 1758) in Africa highlights the need for baseline information on the geographic range of this species as well as factors that may determine its distribution. This study presents eight novel locality records of H. ichneumon in Laikipia County, central Kenya, addresses questions on the species’ distribution in Africa, and predicts environmental (climatic) suitability across its range. From a total of 4,822 H. ichneumon occurrence records, we used 4,432 georeferenced records to generate distribution maps, conduct ecological niche modelling, and identify environmental limits for this species across its range with a focus on Africa. 20% of all records originate from continental Africa, including 121 records for Kenya. Despite extensive field research and predicted habitat suitability, H. ichneumon has not been previously reported in Laikipia County. Our niche models, however, predicted parts of Laikipia to be environmentally suitable for H. ichneumon. Similarly, our new distribution maps show extended geographic ranges both in Laikipia and Kenya as compared to the 2016 IUCN map. The eight Laikipia records underscore the limited knowledge for this species, its distribution, and its environmental requirements in Africa.
Liquidity Management During the Covid‐19 Pandemic*
Authors: Almeida Heitor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the help of the United States Government and committed funding from bank credit lines, the United States corporate sector responded to the Covid‐19 cash flow shock by issuing long‐term debt to increase cash holdings. I use a case study, evidence from recent research, and a theoretical model to explain the logic behind the changes in corporate financial policy that happened during 2020, and to discuss the importance of United States Government policies to support the market for long‐term debt. I also point to open research questions about liquidity management, in particular questions that were highlighted by how companies reacted to the Covid‐19 pandemic.
Allergen‐specific immunotherapy induces the suppressive secretoglobin 1A1 in cells of the lower airways
Authors: Zissler Ulrich M. , Jakwerth Constanze A. , Guerth Ferdinand , Lewitan Larissa , Rothkirch Sandra , Davidovic Miodrag , Ulrich Moritz , Oelsner Madlen , Garn Holger , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Chaker Adam M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile several systemic immunomodulatory effects of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) have been discovered, local anti‐inflammatory mechanisms in the respiratory tract are largely unknown. We sought to elucidate local and epithelial mechanisms underlying allergen‐specific immunotherapy in a genome‐wide approach.MethodsWe induced sputum in hay fever patients and healthy controls during the pollen peak season and stratified patients by effective allergen immunotherapy or as untreated. Sputum was directly processed after induction and subjected to whole transcriptome RNA microarray analysis. Nasal secretions were analyzed for Secretoglobin1A1 (SCGB1A1) and IL‐24 protein levels in an additional validation cohort at three defined time points during the 3‐year course of AIT. Subsequently, RNA was extracted and subjected to an array‐based whole transcriptome analysis.ResultsAllergen‐specific immunotherapy inhibited pro‐inflammatory CXCL8, IL24, and CCL26mRNA expression, while SCGB1A1, IL7, CCL5, CCL23, and WNT5BmRNAs were induced independently of the asthma status and allergen season. In our validation cohort, local increase of SCGB1A1 occurred concomitantly with the reduction of local IL‐24 in upper airways during the course of AIT. Additionally, SCGB1A1 was identified as a suppressor of epithelial gene expression.ConclusionsAllergen‐specific immunotherapy induces a yet unknown local gene expression footprint in the lower airways that on one hand appears to be a result of multiple regulatory pathways and on the other hand reveals SCGB1A1 as novel anti‐inflammatory mediator of long‐term allergen‐specific therapeutic intervention in the local environment.
Guideline on the peri‐operative management of patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Walker I. , Trompeter S. , Howard J. , Williams A. , Bell R. , Bingham R. , Bankes M. , Vercueil A. , Dalay S. , Whitaker D. , Elton C. 
Published: February 2021

SummarySickle cell disease is a multisystem disease characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, painful vaso‐occlusive crises and acute and chronic end‐organ damage. It is one of the most common serious inherited single gene conditions worldwide and has a major impact on the health of affected individuals. Peri‐operative complications are higher in patients with sickle cell disease compared with the general population and may be sickle or non‐sickle‐related. Complications may be reduced by meticulous peri‐operative care and transfusion, but unnecessary transfusion should be avoided, particularly to reduce the risk of allo‐immunisation. Planned surgery and anaesthesia for patients with sickle cell disease should ideally be undertaken in centres with experience in caring for these patients. In an emergency, advice should be sought from specialists with experience in sickle cell disease through the haemoglobinopathy network arrangements. Emerging data suggest that patients with sickle cell disease are at increased risk of COVID‐19 infection but may have a relatively mild clinical course. Outcomes are determined by pre‐existing comorbidities, as for the general population.
Development and evaluation of a novel pre‐operative surgery school and behavioural change intervention for patients undergoing elective major surgery: Fit‐4‐Surgery School
Authors: Fecher‐Jones I. , Grimmett C. , Edwards M. R. , Knight J. S. , Smith J. , Leach H. , Moyses H. , Jack S. , Grocott M. P. W. , Levett D. Z. H. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryGroup pre‐operative education has usually been limited to conditioning expectations and providing education. Prehabilitation has highlighted modifiable lifestyle factors that are amenable to change and may improve clinical outcomes. We instituted a pre‐operative ‘Fit‐4‐Surgery School’ for patients scheduled for major surgery, to educate and promote healthy behaviour. We evaluated patients’ views having attended the school, and after surgery we asked how it had changed their behaviour with a lifestyle questionnaire. The school was launched in May 2016 and was attended by 586/1017 (58%) of invited patients. Patients who did not attend: lived further away, median (IQR [range]) 8 (4–19 [0–123]) miles vs. 5 (3–14 [0–172]) miles, p < 0.001; and were more deprived, Index of Multiple Deprivation Rank decile median (IQR [range]), 6 (4–8 [1–10]) vs. 7 (4–9 [1–10]), p = 0.04. Of the 492/586 (84%) participants who completed an evaluation questionnaire, 462 (94%) would recommend the school to a friend having surgery and 296 (60%) planned lifestyle changes. After surgery, 232/586 (40%) completed a behavioural change questionnaire, 106 (46%) of whom reported changing at least one lifestyle factor, most commonly by increasing exercise. The pre‐operative school was acceptable to patients.
Low BMI, but not high BMI, influences the timing of puberty in boys
Authors: Oehme Ninnie Helen Bakken , Roelants Mathieu , Bruserud Ingvild Særvold , Madsen Andre , Bjerknes Robert , Rosendahl Karen , Juliusson Petur B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies investigating the association between weight status and onset of puberty in boys have been equivocal. It is currently unclear to what extent weight class influences puberty onset and progression.ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between degree of sexual maturation and anthropometric measures in Norwegian boys.MethodsThe following endpoints were collected in a Norwegian cross‐sectional study of 324 healthy boys aged 9–16: ultrasound‐determined testicular volume (USTV), total serum testosterone, Tanner pubic hair stage, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), subscapular skinfolds (SSF), and body fat percentage (%BF). Testicular volume‐for‐age z‐scores were used to classify “early,” “average,” or “late” maturing boys. Ordinal logistic regression analyses with a proportional odds model were applied to analyze the association between anthropometric variables and age‐adjusted degree of pubertal development, with results expressed as age‐adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Cumulative incidence curves for reaching pubertal milestones were stratified by BMI.ResultsBoys with a low BMI for age (BMIz < −1) were less likely to have reached a pubertal testicular volume (USTV ≥ 2.7 mL) or a pubertal serum level of testosterone (≥0.5 nmol/L) compared to normal weight boys (AOR 0.3, p = 0.038, AOR 0.3, p = 0.026, respectively), and entered puberty on average with a delay of approximately eight months. Boys with high BMI for age (BMIz > 1) exhibited a comparable timing as normal weight boys. The same was found for WC. Pubertal markers were not associated with SSF or %BF.ConclusionBy examining the association between puberty and weight status classified as low, average, or high, we found that a low BMI or WC for age were associated with a less advanced pubertal development and delayed timing of puberty in boys. No significant association was observed for a high BMI or WC. Moreover, no significant effects of SSF or %BF were observed. A low weight status should also be considered when assessing pubertal development in boys.
Intraoperative fluoroscopy alone versus routine post‐operative X‐rays in identifying return to theatre after fracture fixation
Authors: Nair Sachin , Nambiar Mithun , Pope Alun , Parkes Muhajir , De Jong Kenneth , Hau Raphael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPost‐operative imaging aims to assess fracture reduction and fixation with better resolution than intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF). However, this routine practice may increase costs and delay the discharge of patients. The aim of this study is to assess the role of post‐operative imaging in identifying patients that require a return to theatre following the use of IF.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single health network comprising of two hospitals over 1 year. All fracture fixations that required IF were included. Patients who had post‐operative imaging were identified and complications requiring a return to theatre were obtained. Non‐trauma patients and those who did not have IF were excluded.ResultsA total of 1319 patients had IF. Of these patients, 1131 patients had post‐operative radiographs within 7 days of their operation. In total, 12 patients (1.1%) returned to theatre as a result of a finding identified in their post‐operative imaging. The calculated number of X‐rays required to be taken to identify a complication was 94. The main reasons identified for these cases to require a return to theatre despite having had IF included: (i) insufficient quality/views of IF, (ii) loss of position/new injury occurring in post‐operative period and (iii) poor reduction/fixation demonstrated intraoperatively that was missed/accepted.ConclusionThe use of post‐operative radiographs can identify significant complications despite the use of IF in trauma patients. However, further consideration needs to be made regarding the benefits and costs of this practice in evaluating its clinical effectiveness.
Effects of COVID‐19 lockdown measures on emergency plastic and reconstructive surgery presentations
Authors: Cordova Leonardo Z. , Savage Nicholas , Ram Rachna , Ellis Lisa , Tobin Vicky , Rozen Warren M. , Seifman Marc A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn Australia, the COVID‐19 pandemic has caused severe social disruptions, including restrictions to the movement of people. Healthcare centres around the world have seen changes in the nature of injuries acquired during the COVID‐19 pandemic; we therefore hypothesize that social isolation measures have changed the pattern of plastic and reconstructive surgery presentations.MethodsA prospective cohort study was designed comparing patient presentations during the enforced COVID‐19 lockdown to two previous periods. All emergency referrals requiring operative intervention by the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit of our institution were included. Patient demographics, place and mechanism of injury, drug and alcohol involvement, delays to presentation, length of admission and complication rates were collected.ResultsDemographics and complication rates were similar across all groups. A 31.8% reduction in total number of emergency cases was seen during the lockdown period. Increase in do‐it‐yourself injuries (P = 0.001), bicycle injuries (P = 0.001) and injuries acquired via substance abuse (P = 0.041) was observed. Head and neck injuries, mostly due to animal bites and falls, were also more prevalent compared to the same period the previous year (P = 0.007). As expected, over 80% of plastic surgery operations during the COVID‐19 period were due to injuries acquired at home, a significant increase compared to previous periods.ConclusionDespite changes in the pattern of presentations requiring plastic and reconstructive emergency surgery, traumatic injuries continued to occur during the pandemic. Thus, planning will be essential to ensure resource allocation for emergency procedures is sustained as second and third waves of COVID‐19 cases emerge worldwide.
Psychological impact and social support in pregnant women during lockdown due to SARS‐CoV2 pandemic: A cohort study
Authors: Brik Maia , Sandonis Miguel Angel , Fernández Sara , Suy Anna , Parramon‐Puig Gemma , Maiz Nerea , Dip Maria Emilia , Ramos‐Quiroga Josep Antoni , Carreras Elena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionAnxiety and depression during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The SARS CoV‐2 pandemic, and the complete lockdown required during the first wave in most countries are stressors for pregnant women and can lead to anxiety and depression during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore depression and anxiety symptoms, and social support in pregnant women during the SARS CoV‐2 lockdown, as well as to explore demographic risk factors.Material and methodsA prospective cohort study was performed at Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, including pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic during the SARS‐CoV2 lockdown period. Three questionnaires were administered to study depression (EPDS), anxiety (STAI) and Social Support (MOS‐SSS). STAI state (STAIs) described the actual state of anxiety and the STAI trait (STAIt) described the trait of anxiety. A cut‐off of 10 for EPDS and 40 for STAI was considered to be clinically relevant. The main outcome measures were depression and anxiety symptoms.ResultsA total of 217 women were invited to participate, and 204 accepted (94%). From these, 164 filled in the EPDS, 109 STAI and 159 MOS‐SSS questionnaires: 37.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.5%‐45.7%) (62/164) of women showed an EPDS result ≥10, 59.6% (95% CI 49.8%‐68.8%) (65/109) a STAI state (STAIs) ≥40, and 58.7% (95% CI 48.9%‐67.9%) (64/109) a STAI trait (STAIt) ≥40. Regression analysis showed that mental health disorder, Latin American origin and lack of social support were independent risk factors for anxiety symptoms in the STAIs (P = .032, P = .040 and P = .029, respectively). Regarding depressive symptoms, maternal body mass index, mental health disorders and social support were independent factors (P = .013, P = .015 and P = .000, respectively).ConclusionsA lockdown scenario during the first wave of the SARS‐CoV 2 pandemic increased the symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant women, particularly affecting those with less social support.