bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An allometric niche model for species interactions in temperate freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Vagnon Chloé , Cattanéo Franck , Goulon Chloé , Grimardias David , Guillard Jean , Frossard Victor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTrophic interactions are central in understanding ecosystem processes and the management of natural ecosystems but are frequently complex to estimate. To address this issue, body size has been shown to be a useful trait to reconstruct species interactions, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. An allometric niche model (aNM) considering body size as a niche trait is proposed to predict trophic interactions in temperate freshwater ecosystems. The aNM calibration was based on 26 ubiquitous freshwater species with known minimal and maximum prey body sizes that permitted the establishment of prey body size ranges for vertebrate and invertebrate consumers. The aNM inferences were validated for 13 empirical freshwater food webs, and the model was applied to an extensive inventory of 474 species (spanning six orders of body size magnitude) from the largest natural French lake (Lake Bourget). This application permitted to strengthen the aNM validation with predator‐prey mass ratio comparisons, predicted diet analyses, and allowed the exploration of the lake food web structure. The aNM provided appreciable intrinsic validity (specificity = 87 ± 12%, sensitivity = 59 ± 29%, accuracy = 81 ± 10%), and departures among inferred and empirical trophic interactions were explained by foraging specificities or limited sampling of stomach contents. In Lake Bourget, 26,037 trophic links were inferred. Predator–prey mass ratios for vertebrates and invertebrates were consistent with those empirically established and were occasionally higher for invertebrates as the aNM considers small prey (e.g., bacteria) as possible resources for invertebrates. The inferred diets for three species selected for their well‐known foraging ecology also revealed plausible outcomes of the aNM. The nested structure of the lake food web was determined by highlighting different topologies among the benthic and the pelagic food sub‐webs and the role of top predator fish in the coupling of both food sub‐webs. Due to the large number of species inventories available worldwide for freshwater ecosystems anchored in the ecological monitoring, the aNM may represent a valuable tool for both ecologists and managers to address complementary facets of applied biodiversity studies (e.g., reconstruct highly resolved food webs, predict pressures on important species or new interactions with invasive species).
Assessing stream restoration and the influence of scale, variable choice, and comparison sites
Authors: Wright Kristopher K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAssessing stream restoration remains an on‐going challenge. Conclusions about the effectiveness of stream restoration efforts vary throughout the literature. This uncertainty is likely due, in part, to the spectrum of scales at which restorations have been assessed, the different variables used for assessment, and the varying types of sites used for comparisons. Mitigating such uncertainty with stream restoration assessment requires perspectives that consider multiple sites, variables, and scales using approaches that are transferable and comparable. From 2004 to 2018, surveys of stream habitat and fish at 44 restored and unrestored sites were conducted in two adjacent watersheds in southwestern Wisconsin, USA. Using non‐parametric randomization tests, means of 42 variables were compared between (1) watershed vs. watershed sites; (2) all restored sites vs. all unrestored sites, (3) restored sites vs. pre‐treatment surveys, (4) restored sites vs. unrestored control sites, and (5) pre‐treatment surveys vs. unrestored control sites. When applicable, these comparisons were also made at nested scales ranging from all sites in both watersheds to only contiguous sites with common survey periods. Comparing sites between the two watersheds revealed natural variability between watersheds with similar geology and land‐use practices, though unexpectedly more differences were found between surveys of restored sites from the two watersheds than between unrestored sites. The most differences between surveys of restored and unrestored sites were observed at larger scales of consideration, but within a given watershed. Although relatively few variables differed between pre‐treatment surveys and control sites, there were marked differences when each type of unrestored sites was separately compared with restored sites. Habitat variable differences were more robust and consistent than fish community variables across all comparisons. Deviating from traditional multivariate approaches and independently comparing a broad spectrum of individual variable means at various, nested scales underscored the importance of context and variable choice when assessing stream restoration.
Prognostic significance of the HFA‐PEFF score in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sotomi Yohei , Iwakura Katsuomi , Hikoso Shungo , Inoue Koichi , Onishi Toshinari , Okada Masato , Fujii Kenshi , Okamura Atsunori , Tamaki Shunsuke , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Nakagawa Akito , Nakagawa Yusuke , Nakatani Daisaku , Yasumura Yoshio , Yamada Takahisa , Sakata Yasushi ,   the OCVC‐Heart Failure Investigators
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThe HFA‐PEFF score is a part of the stepwise diagnostic algorithm of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the HFA‐PEFF score on the clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.Methods and resultsThe Prospective mUlticenteR obServational stUdy of patIenTs with Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (PURSUIT‐HFpEF) study is a prospective, multicentre, observational study in which collaborating hospitals in Osaka record clinical, echocardiographic, and outcome data of patients with acute decompensated heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) [UMIN‐CTR ID: UMIN000021831]. Acute decompensated heart failure was diagnosed on the basis of the following criteria: (i) clinical symptoms and signs according to the Framingham Heart Study criteria; and (ii) serum N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level of ≥400 pg/mL or brain natriuretic peptide level of ≥100 pg/mL. The HFA‐PEFF score has functional, morphological, and biomarker domains. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the HFA‐PEFF score (calculated based on the data at hospital discharge) on post‐discharge clinical outcomes in this cohort. The primary endpoint of the present study was a composite of all‐cause death and heart failure readmission. Between June 2016 and December 2019, 871 patients were enrolled from 26 hospitals (mean follow‐up duration 399 ± 349 days). A total of 804 patients were finally analysed after excluding patients with scores of 0 (N = 5) and 1 (N = 15) from 824 patients with available HFA‐PEFF score based on the echocardiographic and laboratory data at discharge. According to the laboratory and echocardiographic data at the time of discharge, 487 patients (59.1%) were diagnosed as HFpEF (HFA‐PEFF score ≥ 5) while 317 patients (38.5%) had intermediate score. Kaplan–Meier analysis divided by the HFA‐PEFF score [low, score 2–5 (N = 494) vs. high, score 6 (N = 310)] indicated that the HFA‐PEFF score successfully stratified the patients for the primary endpoint (log‐rank test P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard model showed that the HFA‐PEFF score was significantly associated with the primary endpoint (high score with reference to low score, adjusted hazard ratio 1.446, 95% confidence interval [1.099–1.902], P = 0.008).ConclusionThe HFA‐PEFF score at discharge was significantly associated with the post‐discharge clinical outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. This study suggested clinical usefulness of the HFA‐PEFF score not only as a diagnostic tool but also a practical prognostic tool.
Fibrosis‐4 index reflects right ventricular function and prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nakashima Mitsutaka , Sakuragi Satoru , Miyoshi Toru , Takayama Shin , Kawaguchi Tatsuto , Kodera Nobuhisa , Akai Hiroaki , Koide Yuji , Otsuka Hiroaki , Wada Tadashi , Kawamoto Kenji , Tanakaya Machiko , Katayama Yusuke , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsFibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4 index), calculated by age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and platelet count, is a simple marker to evaluate liver fibrosis and is associated with right‐sided heart failure. However, the clinical relevance of FIB‐4 in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear. We investigated the prognostic implication of the FIB‐4 index regarding right ventricular dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.Methods and resultsThis prospective study included 116 consecutive HFpEF patients (mean age 79 years, 43% male) hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure. We evaluated the association of the FIB‐4 index with right ventricular function determined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′) before discharge. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the FIB‐4 index and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, readmission for heart failure, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. FIB‐4 index before discharge was significantly lower than that at admission (2.62 [1.92–3.46] and 3.03 [2.05–4.67], median [interquartile range], P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction, TAPSE, and S′ before discharge were 62.7 (55.9–68.6) %, 17.5 ± 4.6 mm (mean ± standard deviation), and 10.0 (8.0–12.0) cm/s, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, the FIB‐4 index before discharge was inversely correlated with TAPSE (β minus;0.244, P = 0.014) and S′ (β −0.266, P = 0.009). During a median follow‐up of 736 days, 37 MACE occurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a high FIB‐4 index before discharge (per 1 point) was a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.270, 95% confidence interval 1.052–1.532) after adjustment for male, serum creatinine, and haemoglobin. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the optimal cut‐off value of FIB‐4 index before discharge to predict MACE was 3.11. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with a FIB‐4 index before discharge ≥3.11 had a significantly poorer prognosis than patients with FIB‐4 index before discharge <3.11 (P = 0.029). Patients with an FIB‐4 index ≥3.11 had a 2.202‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.110–4.368) increased risk of MACE compared with those with an FIB‐4 index <3.11 after adjustment for male, serum creatinine, and haemoglobin.ConclusionsAn increase in the FIB‐4 index was associated with right ventricular dysfunction and a higher risk of future MACE in patients with HFpEF.
'Reassurance and healthcare seeking in people with persistent musculoskeletal low back pain consulting orthopaedic spine practitioners: A prospective cohort study'
Authors: Braeuninger‐Weimer Kathrin , Rooslien Hanna , Anjarwalla Naffis , Pincus Tamar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGuidelines recommend self‐management for most people living with persistent musculoskeletal low back pain (PMLBP) when surgery is ruled out. Conveying this message to patients can be challenging. This study examined patients' perceptions of reassuring communications from surgical spine team practitioners attempting to deliver this message in a single consultation.MethodsPre‐consultation baseline measures included levels of pain, disability and previous consultation history. Patients' perceptions of reassuring communications were measured within 1‐week post‐consultation. The outcome variables, measured at 3‐month follow‐up, included patients’ report of subsequent GP visits for back pain, the number of other healthcare providers consulted for back pain and distress.ResultsData from 296 patients (9.8% loss to follow‐up) were analysed using hierarchical regression models, controlling for demographic, clinical and study‐related factors. In each model, perceived reassurance accounted for a small but significant variance, above and beyond other predictors. Further GP visits were predicted by disability at baseline and perceived reassurance (adjusted R2 of 14.6%). Subsequent consultations with any healthcare professionals were predicted by a shorter duration of back pain, disability at baseline and perceived reassurance (adj. R2 = 10.6%). Distress was predicted by older age, disability and reassurance (adj. R2 = 59.5%).ConclusionFindings suggest that better communication in consultations with orthopaedic spine clinicians might help reduce unnecessary subsequent healthcare utilization and distress.SignificanceLow back pain patients' perceptions of their communication with orthopaedic spine practitioners are associated with subsequent healthcare seeking and distress at follow‐up. This study examines the intersection of two important but fairly neglected areas in the pain research: provider communication and patient healthcare utilization.
Unwillingness to participate in health checks for cardiometabolic diseases: A survey among primary health care patients in five European countries
Authors: de Waard Anne‐Karien M. , Korevaar Joke C. , Hollander Monika , Nielen Mark M. J. , Seifert Bohumil , Carlsson Axel C. , Lionis Christos , Søndergaard Jens , Schellevis François G. , de Wit Niek J. ,   SPIMEU project group
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsSince cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are a frequent cause of death worldwide, preventive strategies are needed. Recruiting adults for a health check could facilitate the identification of individuals at risk for CMD. For successful results, participation is crucial. We aimed to identify factors related to unwillingness to participate in CMD health checks.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, and Sweden. A questionnaire was distributed among persons without known CMD consulting general practice between January and July 2017 within the framework of the SPIMEU study.ResultsIn total, 1354 persons responded. Nine percent was unwilling to participate in a CMD health check. Male gender, smoking, higher self‐rated health, never been invited before, and not willing to pay were related to unwillingness to participate. The most mentioned reason for unwillingness to participate was “I think that I am healthy” (57%). Among the respondents who were willing to participate, 94% preferred an invitation by the general practitioner and 66% was willing to pay.ConclusionA minority of the respondents was unwilling to participate in a CMD health check with consistent results within the five countries. This provides a promising starting point to increase participation in CMD health checks in primary care.
Syringic acid regulates suppression of the STAT3/JNK/AKT pathway via inhibition of human ovarian teratoma cancer cell (PA‐1) growth—in vitro study
Authors: Yang Lina , Qu Changhong , Jin Jiaxi , Yang Hong , Pei Lipeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAmong the various gynaecological cancers, ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most severe cancer worldwide affecting women. Syringic acid (SRA) exhibits several hypoglycaemia, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The study aimed to examine the proapoptotic activities of SRA on OC in PA‐1 cells. SRA has been shown to decrease cell viability, increase the rate of cell apoptosis, and cause mitochondrial membrane potential to dissipate and induce over‐accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in PA‐1 cells after 24 h of exposure. We examined the anticancer efficacy of SRA with its responsible molecular mechanism in the PA‐1 cell lines of human OC. In a dose‐dependent manner, SRA substantially suppressed cell proliferation and migration. SRA exhibited significant downregulation of cyclins including CDK2, CDK4, and Cyclin D1 responsible for cell‐cycle regulation. The apoptosis‐mediated anticancer activity was mainly mediated through caspase‐3, caspase‐8, caspase‐9 and Bax upregulation, and Bcl‐2 downregulation. We report that SRA significantly inhibits the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), P65, and protein kinase B (AKT) pathways. These findings depict the effective inhibition of STAT3, p38, and AKT expression by SRA, making it a potential therapeutic candidate for human OC.
Particle size distribution of chemical oxygen demand in industrial effluents: impact on effective filtration size and modelling of membrane bioreactors
Authors: Doğruel Serdar , Orhon Derin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study reviews particle size distribution (PSD) analysis for industrial effluents. Evaluation of available experimental data indicated that the approach started with arbitrary selection of size distribution. Following a pioneering study on pulp and paper effluent, sequential filtration and ultrafiltration has established itself as a prescribed methodology complementing respirometric assessment of chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation based on biodegradation characteristics. Results indicated that most industrial effluents exhibited a COD distribution where soluble fractions accounted for the majority of the total COD, with significant implications for the understanding of membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. Observations on the accumulation of soluble COD in the reactor to levels much higher than the permeate COD paved the way to define an experimental PSD methodology for assessing the effective filtration size for the membrane module. This novel parameter considered in the light of reported PSD analyses showed that a portion of what was conventionally considered soluble COD would be retained by the size barrier of the membrane and recycled back to the reactor. Thus, MBR systems require a new mathematical model structure that would include a modified COD fractionation, account for the retained COD fractions as additional model components and utilize related mass balance relationships in order to yield an accurate mechanistic description of microbial reactions taking place in the system. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Selective reduction in the expression of type‐1 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the hippocampus of adult rats born by caesarean section
Authors: Zuena Anna Rita , Casolini Paola , Venerosi Aldina , Alemà Giovanni Sebastiano , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Calamandrei Gemma 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPerinatal hypoxia causes long‐term neurobiological consequences, including alterations in mechanisms of activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunction. Changes in neurotransmitter receptors have been associated with these alterations, but little is known on how early hypoxia influences the expression and function of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in adult life. This is an important issue because mGlu receptors are implicated in mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Here, we examined the expression of mGlu1, mGlu5, and mGlu2/3 receptor subtypes in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and dorsal striatum in 6‐month old Wistar rats (a) born by vaginal delivery; (b) born by caesarean section; and (c) born by caesarean section followed by 20 min of asphyxia. Unexpectedly, we found a large reduction of mGlu1α protein levels in the hippocampus of rats born by caesarean section regardless of the presence of asphyxia. No changes in mGlu1α receptor protein levels were found in the other brain regions. Levels of mGlu5 and mGlu2/3 receptors and levels of GluA2/3 and GluN1 subunits of AMPA and NMDA receptors did not differ among the three groups of rats in any brain region. These results are consistent with previous findings showing that changes in mGlu1 receptors occur within the epigenetic programming caused by early‐life events.
Drawings of complete graphs in the projective plane
Authors: Arroyo Alan , McQuillan Dan , Richter R. Bruce , Salazar Gelasio , Sullivan Matthew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHill's Conjecture states that the crossing number of the complete graph in the plane (equivalently, the sphere) is . Moon proved that the expected number of crossings in a spherical drawing in which the points are randomly distributed and joined by geodesics is precisely , thus matching asymptotically the conjectured value of . Let denote the crossing number of a graph in the projective plane. Recently, Elkies proved that the expected number of crossings in a naturally defined random projective plane drawing of is . In analogy with the relation of Moon's result to Hill's conjecture, Elkies asked if . We construct drawings of in the projective plane that disprove this.
Seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 in healthcare workers in a nonepidemic region, Japan: A hospital‐based study on May, 2020
Authors: Nakamura Akihiro , Ando Sanae , Endo Hideaki , Sato Ryoichi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing rate is low in our local area and the true rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection may include many asymptomatic individuals. We conducted a serosurveillance using antibody testing in an area where official report of COVID‐19 infection is not done yet. Blood samples were obtained from 1404 healthcare workers (41 ± 11 years) in our hospital on May 29–31, 2020. First, the potential infection frequency was confirmed using two quantitative antibody tests. In addition, the usefulness of rapid antibody kit testing for COVID‐19 serosurveillance was examined. A COVID‐19‐indected case was defined as showing positive results in both quantitative tests. None of 1404 samples had positive results from the two quantitative tests. The false positive rates were 0.36% and 0.07%, whereas those in rapid antibody kits were 3.3% and 3.0%. In conclusion, as of May, 2020, potential spread mainly by asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID‐19 was not found in our local area where there was no official report of COVID‐19, even if the PCR testing rate was low. Rapid antibody kits might not be useful due to the high false positive rate in an area with a low incidence of COVID‐19 infected individuals.
Assessment of the possible inhibitory effect of carrageenan in human papillomavirus DNA testing by polymerase chain reaction amplification
Authors: Laurie Cassandra , El‐Zein Mariam , Franco Eduardo L. , Coutlée François 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe assessed carrageenan's potential to inhibit human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA extraction and amplification in vaginal swab samples collected in a trial, assessing the efficacy of a carrageenan‐based gel against HPV infections. Experiment #1 consisted of adding gel (carrageenan‐containing or placebo) to swabs and comparing HPV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to unmanipulated samples collected from the same participants. For Experiments #2 and #3, we tested vaginal samples for inhibition by addition of an internal control and amplification by real‐time PCR. Experiment #4 investigated carrageenan's interference with the extraction process by assessing HPV45 detectability in undiluted and diluted HPV45 positive samples (n = 3) with carrageenan versus no gel. In Experiment #1, there was a loss of HPV positivity with the addition of carrageenan (n = 9), but none with placebo gel (n = 5). In Experiments #2 and #3, the absence of the amplified product was observed in samples from the carrageenan arm: 3.3% (1/30) and 0.5% (1/199) of samples. In Experiment #4, HPV45 was not detected in undiluted carrageenan‐containing samples, but after 1/50 dilution, the same HPV45 copy number was detected. Carrageenan does not affect the DNA extraction process, and inhibition of HPV DNA amplification by carrageenan occurs infrequently.