bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifting microbiomes complement life stage transitions and diet of the bird parasite Philornis downsi from the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Jose Polpass Arul , Ben‐Yosef Michael , Lahuatte Paola , Causton Charlotte E. , Heimpel George E. , Jurkevitch Edouard , Yuval Boaz 
Published: February 2021

SummaryDomestication disconnects an animal from its natural environment and diet, imposing changes in the attendant microbial community. We examine these changes in Philornis downsi (Muscidae), an invasive parasitic fly of land birds in the Galapagos Islands. Using a 16S rDNA profiling approach we studied the microbiome of larvae and adults of wild and laboratory‐reared populations. These populations diverged in their microbiomes, significantly more so in larval than in adult flies. In field‐collected second‐instar larvae, Klebsiella (70.3%) was the most abundant taxon, while in the laboratory Ignatzschineria and Providencia made up 89.2% of the community. In adults, Gilliamella and Dysgonomonas were key members of the core microbiome of field‐derived females and males but had no or very low representation in the laboratory. Adult flies harbour sex‐specific microbial consortia in their gut, as male core microbiomes were significantly dominated by Klebsiella. Thus, P. downsi microbiomes are dynamic and shift correspondingly with life cycle and diet. Sex‐specific foraging behaviour of adult flies and nest conditions, which are absent in the laboratory, may contribute to shaping distinct larval, and adult male and female microbiomes. We discuss these findings in the context of microbe–host co‐evolution and the implications for control measures.
Emergency department presentations in the Southern District of New Zealand during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown
Authors: Allen Manurereau T , Thompson Brianna C , Atkinson Brad , Fyfe Christie E , Scanlan Meghan J , Stephen Rachel E , Thomas Sophie I , Welsh Grace N , Wrigley Rebekah , McLeay Adam , Beck Sierra , Dockerty John D 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess changes in presentations to EDs during the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown in the Southern Region of New Zealand.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective audit of patients attending EDs in the Southern District Health Board (SDHB), from 1 March to 13 May 2020. We made comparisons with attendances during the same period in 2019. The 2020 study period included ‘pre‐lockdown’ (1 March–25 March), ‘level 4 (strict) lockdown’ (26 March–27 April) and ‘level 3 (eased) lockdown’ (28 April–13 May).ResultsPatient volumes reduced in all SDHB EDs during levels 4 and 3, mostly representing a loss of low acuity patients (Australasian Triage Scale 3, 4 and 5), although high‐acuity presentations also declined. Average patient age increased by 5 years; however, the proportions of sexes and ethnicities did not change. Presentations of cerebrovascular accidents and appendicitis did not change significantly. Trauma, mental health, acute coronary syndrome and infectious respiratory presentations decreased significantly during level 4, and infectious respiratory presentations decreased further in level 3.ConclusionsWithin the SDHB, patient volumes reduced during levels 4 and 3 of our lockdown, with reduced low‐acuity presentations. High‐acuity patient numbers also declined. Trauma, mental health, alcohol‐related, infectious respiratory and acute coronary syndrome presentations declined while cerebrovascular accident and appendicitis numbers showed little to no change.
Speed of electroconvulsive therapy for depression: Effects of electrode placement
Authors: Fox Celine A. , McLoughlin Declan M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a rapidly effective treatment for severe depression. Treatment with right unilateral (RUL) or bitemporal (BT) ECT may explain individual differences in speed of ECT effectiveness. There is limited evidence for demographic and clinical factors that predict speed of response and remission with ECT. We aimed to investigate differences in speed of improvement as well as achieving response and remission between twice‐weekly brief‐pulse high‐dose (6 × seizure threshold) RUL ECT and moderate‐dose (1.5 × seizure threshold) BT ECT. We also explored demographic and clinical characteristics that predict speed of response and remission.MethodsWeekly 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were assessed among patients with severe depression who participated in the EFFECT‐Dep trial (ISRCTN23577151). Speed of improvement in patients randomised to RUL ECT (n = 69) or BT ECT (n = 69) was compared using independent sample t tests. Pearson's chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests compared proportions of responders and remitters at each weekly assessment. Predictors of speed of response and remission were explored using Cox regression analyses.ResultsThere were no significant differences between RUL and BT ECT in speed of improvement, response or remission. Exploratory analyses indicated that speed of response and remission were not predicted by a wide variety of demographic and clinical characteristics.ConclusionECT electrode placement did not have predictive value when determining speed of improvement, response and remission with ECT. Other clinical factors, such as cognitive side‐effects, may be more relevant when making the clinical choice between RUL and BT ECT.
Trends in anticholinergic and opioid dispensing in older adults from 2004 to 2015: Results from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Study
Authors: Neelamegam Malinee , Zgibor Janice , Chen Henian , O'Rourke Kathleen , Bakour Chighaf , Rajaram Lakshminarayan , Anstey Kaarin J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveDue to potential adverse effects, guidelines recommend that anticholinergics and opioids be avoided in older adults unless necessary. This study examines the dispensing trends of these medications among older Australians.MethodsData of 2222 PATH study (60+ cohort) participants were analysed. Medication dispensing data were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from April 2004 to March 2015. Temporal trends of prescriptions dispensed were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis.ResultsOf all dispensed prescriptions, 5.5% were for anticholinergics and opioids, and 46.2% of anticholinergics dispensed were anti‐depressants. Anticholinergic dispensing trend increased in 2004‐2015 (annual per cent change, APC = 3.4%), particularly for moderately anticholinergic medications (APC = 6.8%). Dispensing trend for opioids increased in 2004‐2011 (APC = 11.3%) and declined in 2011‐2015 (APC = −4.4%).ConclusionWhile guidelines urge caution in prescribing these medications to older adults, dispensing increased over time in this study population.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation of tafamidis in healthy subjects and patients with transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Huh Yeamin , Riley Steve , Harnisch Lutz , Nicholas Timothy 
Published: February 2021

AimsSince the first approval for transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy patients, new formulations and different strength of tafamidis have been developed and tested in a different population (transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy). The objective of this analysis was to develop a unified population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of tafamidis, which can describe the PK of various different formulations in healthy subjects as well as patients with TTR amyloidosis, and to understand effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the PK variability.MethodsPooled data from 23 clinical studies (17 Phase 1 and 6 Phase 2/3 studies) were used for the analysis. The plasma concentration–time data were analysed using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling methodology. Covariate analysis was performed using a stepwise covariate model building procedure.ResultsThe final model was a 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination coupled with an absorption lag time for nonsolution formations. Body weight, food and tafamidis formulations were incorporated as structural covariates on PK parameters. Covariate analysis further identified age ≥65 years (14.5% decrease) and moderate hepatic impairment effects (57.6% increase) on apparent clearance and transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy effect (17.3% decrease) on F. However, model‐based clinical trial simulation results indicated that tafamidis steady‐state exposure changes were not clinically meaningful under the tested conditions.ConclusionsThe unified population PK model of tafamidis was developed based on 23 studies. Subsequent clinical trial simulations indicated that no significant changes in tafamidis exposure necessitating a dose modification are expected due to either extrinsic or intrinsic factors. The model was used to support labelling statements for dose recommendations in special populations.
High‐resolution sedimentary budget quantification – Example from the Cenozoic deposits in the Pelotas Basin, South Atlantic
Authors: Rohais S. , Lovecchio J. P. , Abreu V. , Miguez M. , Paulin S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a high‐resolution (HR) sedimentary budget quantification at basin‐scale for the Cenozoic deposits of the Pelotas Basin (South Atlantic). A new workflow is implemented including five main steps: (1) basin‐scale analysis and characterization, (2) quality control and selection of reference 2D dip‐sections, (3) HR seismic stratigraphy analysis, (4) sediment supply estimation taking into account lithology and porosity corrections and then (5) the estimation of the sedimentary budget curve including 41 time‐intervals for the last 65 Myr. Variance ranges were determined considering the parameters of the method on the case study. The main uncertainties are related to the seismic velocities for the time‐to‐depth conversion (5%–22%), the method for lithological parameters quantification and associated porosity correction (4.4%–14.3%), the absolute ages of stratigraphic markers (1%–25%), and the proportion of in‐situ sediment production (0.3%–0.5%). For the very first time, this method allows the identification of several cycles from an entire sedimentary basin fill characterized by pulses of sediment supply (Qs) whose growth phase lasts less than 1 Myr, followed by a constant phase lasting 1–2 Myr, and finally an exponentially decreasing phase lasting 2–5 Myr. These pulses alternate with phases where the sediment supply was very low for intervals of ca. 1–5 Myr. Ten major pulses were recognized during the Cenozoic. We propose that the sediment supply dynamic in the Pelotas basin records the orogenic phases of the Andes located more than 2,000 km upstream. The recorded Qs pulses in the basin are out of phase with respect to the active tectonic phases of the Central Andes. Finally, by comparing the volume of preserved sediment and the production capacity of the catchment, we suggest that a source of sediment in addition to the Brazilian craton and the Andes should be envisaged, potentially associated with deep‐water oceanic circulation.
Checkpoint inhibitor–induced autoimmune central nervous system disorder in patients with metastatic melanoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Möhn Nora , Sühs Kurt‐Wolfram , Angela Yenny , Stangel Martin , Ivanyi Philipp , Beutel Gernot , Gutzmer Ralf , Skripuletz Thomas , Grimmelmann Imke 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the management of multiple cancers with previously poor prognosis. Despite its efficacy the therapy is associated with a wide spectrum of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) including neurological deficits ranging from peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, and myasthenic syndromes to encephalopathy or meningitis. Up to now, neurological irAEs, especially those with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, have been reported rather sporadically. Symptoms can be unspecific, which results in a diagnostic challenge.MethodsIn the study at hand, we report 5 patients who presented with symptoms of the CNS during ICI therapy indicating autoimmune encephalitis.ResultsSymptoms ranged from headache and hallucinations to symptoms of the brainstem to cerebellar syndrome. Radiological findings according to brain magnetic resonance imaging were unspecific, and analysis of autoantibodies remained negative in all cases. All patients underwent lumbar puncture, and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed an elevated cell count, and thus an indication of inflammation, in 4 cases (80%). Consequently, all patients received high‐dose steroid treatment, and symptoms of all patients with elevated cerebrospinal fluid cell count significantly improved.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that symptoms of immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced encephalitis can be unspecific, and radiological findings are often inconspicuous. Thus, cerebrospinal fluid analysis is the most important examination to achieve a correct diagnosis, which in turn is decisive for a rapid start of therapy.
Corporate governance dynamics of political tie formation in emerging economies: Business group affiliation, family ownership, and institutional transition
Authors: Chung Chi‐Nien , Zhu Hongjin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractResearch Question/IssueDespite the importance of political ties to firm strategy and performance, little is known about why and how firms form political ties. This study examines how firm‐specific governance structures function as important determinants of the formation of political ties and how the impact of governance structures evolves during institutional transition of emerging economies.Research Findings/InsightsOur empirical analysis is based on a longitudinal data set involving manually coded political ties of listed firms in Taiwan between 1996 and 2005. We find that business group affiliation and family ownership facilitate the formation of political ties but that such effects diminish as market infrastructures and regulatory institutions develop.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study systematically examines how corporate governance structures affect the formation of political ties. It identifies an overlooked explanation for the dynamics of political ties that resides in the internal governance structures of firms. It contributes to the corporate governance research by demonstrating how governance structures other than the board of directors can provide resources to facilitate strategic actions such as political tie establishment. It also enriches research on corporate governance bundles by showing the interdependence among multilevel governance mechanisms in the context of political tie formation.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study offers insights for business executives interested in managing interdependence with government. While business group affiliates and family firms are better able to link to politicians, such advantages diminish during institutional transition. Hence, group leaders and family owners should consider other political activities to effectively manage political risks as institutions develop.
Carbon Budget and Molecular Structure of Natural Organic Matter in Bank Infiltrated Groundwater
Authors: Jylhä‐Ollila Maija , Laine‐Kaulio Hanne , Schilder Jos , Niinikoski‐Fuβwinkel Paula , Kekäläinen Timo , Jänis Janne , Koivusalo Harri 
Published: February 2021

AbstractManaged aquifer recharge (MAR) provides means to remove natural organic matter (NOM) from surface waters. Recent studies have explored the degree of NOM removal in groundwater. In this study, we further elaborate the NOM removal at a lakeside natural bank infiltration site that functions as a surrogate for MAR. Our objective was to quantify the carbon budget in the aquifer based on concentration measurements of dissolved (in)organic carbon, and the molecular changes in NOM using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS). According to the carbon budget, only 25% of the dissolved carbon entering the aquifer was organic, and it predominantly originated from lake water. Of the inorganic majority, on average 40% was produced in the vadose zone above the groundwater table, 31% in the lake bank, 22% in the aquifer as a result of degrading organic matter of lake water, and 7% in the lake. Seasonal concentration variations suggested that the lake bank was the main carbon source in the summer, increasing the carbon concentration of infiltrating lake water, that is, 3.0 mg/L to 7.9 mg/L. FT‐ICR MS results showed 4960 to 5330 individual compounds in lake and groundwater. NOM removal in the aquifer was selective: the relative abundance of oxygen‐containing species decreased from 75 to 31%, while the relative abundance of sulfur‐containing species increased from 15 to 57%. The average molecular weights of both species remained unchanged. The study highlighted the role of lake bank processes and sulfur‐containing species in groundwater quality.
The magnitude of airway remodeling is not altered by distinct allergic inflammatory responses in BALB/c versus C57BL/6 mice but matrix composition differs
Authors: Parkinson James E , Pearson Stella , Rückerl Dominik , Allen Judith E , Sutherland Tara E 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAllergic airway inflammation is heterogeneous with variability in immune phenotypes observed across asthmatic patients. Inflammation has been thought to directly contribute to airway remodeling in asthma, but clinical data suggest that neutralizing type 2 cytokines does not necessarily alter disease pathogenesis. Here, we utilized C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice to investigate the development of allergic airway inflammation and remodeling. Exposure to an allergen cocktail for up to 8 weeks led to type 2 and type 17 inflammation, characterized by airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia and increased expression of chitinase‐like proteins in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. However, BALB/c mice developed much greater inflammatory responses than C57BL/6 mice, effects possibly explained by a failure to induce pathways that regulate and maintain T‐cell activation in C57BL/6 mice, as shown by whole lung RNA transcript analysis. Allergen administration resulted in a similar degree of airway remodeling between mouse strains but with differences in collagen subtype composition. Increased collagen III was observed around the airways of C57BL/6 but not BALB/c mice while allergen‐induced loss of basement membrane collagen IV was only observed in BALB/c mice. This study highlights a model of type 2/type 17 airway inflammation in mice whereby development of airway remodeling can occur in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice despite differences in immune response dynamics between strains. Importantly, compositional changes in the extracellular matrix between genetic strains of mice may help us better understand the relationships between lung function, remodeling and airway inflammation.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2‐SiC/Nb joints brazed with CoFeNiCrCuTix high‐entropy alloy filler
Authors: Yang Yunlong , Wang Gang , He Rujie , Shu Da , Tan Caiwang , Cao Wei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractZrB2‐SiC ceramics and Nb alloy were brazed at 1160°C for 60 min with CoFeNiCrCuTix high‐entropy alloy filler. The influence of Ti content on the interface structure and mechanical properties of ZrB2‐SiC/Nb joint was systematically studied. It is found that the rich‐Ti Laves phase was formed due to the addition of large atomic size Ti fill into the filler alloy or brazing joint, and its content increases with Ti content. The joint brazed by high‐entropy alloys filler without Ti can be divided into a tooth‐shaped Cr2B reaction layer and a central area composed of a eutectic mixed structure of FCC phase and rich‐Nb lamellar Laves phase. Ti and Nb are mutual solid solution elements. The increase of Ti content in the joint makes the FCC phase and the rich‐Nb lamellar Laves phase to transform into a big bulk Ti‐rich Laves phase and the quadrilateral (Ti, Nb)B phase. The tooth‐shaped Cr2B was disappeared. The residual stress generated in the joint during the brazing process tends to cause defects such as holes and microcracks in the bulk Ti‐rich brittle Laves phase. Therefore, with the addition of Ti, the normal temperature performance of the joint decreases from 216 MPa to 52 MPa. However, with the increase of Ti, the high‐temperature mechanical properties of the joint first decrease, and then increase. It was mainly due to the formation of rich‐Ti Laves phase and quadrilateral (Ti, Nb)B with excellent high‐temperature mechanical properties. When brazing with CoFeNiCrCuTi1.5 filler, the high‐temperature performance of the joint reached 92% of its room temperature performance.
Innate immunity, oxidative stress and body indices of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis after two weeks of exposure to artificial light at night
Authors: Kupprat Franziska , Hölker Franz , Knopf Klaus , Preuer Torsten , Kloas Werner 
Published: February 2021

AbstractArtificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt biological rhythms of fish and other vertebrates by changing the light information of the nocturnal environment. Disrupted biorhythms can impair the immune system of vertebrates as it has been shown for conditions with continuous illumination or long‐day photoperiod in many vertebrates, including fish. Nonetheless, this has not been shown so far for typical ALAN scenarios with high light intensities during day and low light intensities at night. Therefore, in this study, proxies for the innate immune system and oxidative stress as well as body indices of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis were measured under a wide range of intensities of nocturnal illumination. The authors found no changes in parameters of the innate immune system and no significant changes in proxies for oxidative stress after 2‐week exposures to nocturnal illuminance ranging from 0.01 lx to 1 lx in one experiment or from 1 lx to 100 lx in a second experiment. A decrease in the hepato‐somatic index at the highest tested light intensity of 100 lx compared to the dark control was the only significant difference in all parameters among treatments. After 2 weeks of exposure, ALAN does not seem to seriously challenge the innate immune system and seems to cause less oxidative stress than expected. The results of this study contradict the findings from other studies applying continuous illumination or long‐day photoperiod and highlight the importance of further research in this field. Because ALAN represents a sustained modulation of the environment that may have cumulative effects over time, long‐term studies are required for a better understanding of how ALAN modulates the health of fish.