bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The need for environmental surveillance to understand the ecology, epidemiology and impact of Cryptococcus infection in Africa
Authors: Edwards Hannah M , Cogliati Massimo , Kwenda Geoffrey , Fisher Matthew C 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Our understanding of the pathogenic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii has been greatly enhanced by use of genome sequencing technologies. Found ubiquitously as saprotrophs in the environment, inhalation of infectious spores from these pathogens can lead to the disease cryptococcosis. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at particular risk, most notably those living with HIV/AIDS. Genome sequencing in combination with laboratory and clinical studies has revealed diverse lineages with important differences in their observed frequency, virulence and clinical outcomes. However, to date, genomic analyses have focused primarily on clinical isolates that represent only a subset of the diversity in the environment. Enhanced genomic surveillance of these yeasts in their native environments is needed in order to understand their ecology, biology and evolution and how these influence the epidemiology and pathophysiology of clinical disease. This is particularly relevant on the African continent from where global cryptococcal diversity may have originated, yet where environmental sampling and sequencing has been sparse despite harbouring the largest population at risk from cryptococcosis. Here, we review what scientifically and clinically relevant insights have been provided by analysis of environmental Cryptococcus isolates to date and argue that with further sampling, particularly in Africa, many more important discoveries await.
Synergistic interactions prevail in multispecies biofilms formed by the human gut microbiota on mucin
Authors: Sadiq Faizan Ahmed , Wenwei Lu , Heyndrickx Marc , Flint Steve , Wei Chen , Jianxin Zhao , Zhang Hao 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Bacterial species in the human gut predominantly exist in the form of mixed-species biofilms on mucosal surfaces. In this study, the biofilm-forming ability of many human gut bacterial strains (133 strains recovered from human faeces) on mucin-coated and non-coated polystyrene surfaces was determined. A significant variation (P &lt; 0.05) in the biofilm-forming ability of many bacterial species on both surfaces was noticed. Based on some preliminary trials, four bacterial species were selected (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Parabacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides ovatus), which could not form any abundant biofilm individually under the in vitro conditions investigated, but produced abundant biofilms when co-cultured in different combinations of two, three and four species, giving an evidence of synergistic interactions in multispecies biofilm formation. There was a 4.74-fold increase in the biofilm mass when all strains developed a biofilm together. Strain-specific qPCR analysis showed that B. bifidum was the most dominant species (56%) in the four-species biofilm after 24 h, followed by B. longum subsp. infantis (36.2%). Study involving cell free supernatant of the cooperating strains showed that cell viability as well as physical presence of cooperating cells were prerequisites for the observed synergy in biofilms. The molecular mechanism behind these interactions and subsequent effects on the functionality of the strains involved were not determined in our study but merit further work.
Improved Assessment of Overall Health in Variably Aged Murine Models of Multiple Sclerosis With a Novel Frailty Index Tool
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Rita , Barros Catarina , Barateiro Andreia , Howlett Susan E , Fernandes Adelaide 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model is the most commonly used animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, phenotypic characterization of mice based on the traditional 5-point clinical paralysis scale does not fully capture disease progression. The frailty index (FI) conceptualizes frailty as the accumulation of health deficits and it is widely used to assess overall health in aging humans and preclinical models. Here, we adapted an established mouse FI tool for use in EAE mice and determined whether this could evaluate general signs of health in variably aged female EAE mice. The EAE-Clinical FI included 34 items related to clinical signs and deficits characteristic of aging and MS. This tool clearly showed more detailed EAE progression and severity at all ages, highlighting changes in systems other than motor paralysis measured with the traditional 5-point paralysis scale. When we induced disease at 3 and 6 months of age, mice showed typical EAE clinical manifestations with peak disease severity between 17 and 19 days post-induction and mean frailty scores of 0.36 ± 0.04 (3-month-old) and 0.43 ± 0.05 (6-month-old). By contrast, disease severity peaked after 14 days in 12-month-old mice. They showed atypical signs including wobbling, early belly drag, and splayed hindlegs that were better captured with the EAE-Clinical FI. Peak frailty scores also were higher than those of younger animals (0.54 ± 0.04). As MS most often develops in young to middle-aged people, this new tool may have significant value for use in EAE animal studies as a first step toward translation to people with MS.
Age-Related Susceptibility to Muscle Damage Following Mechanotherapy in Rats Recovering From Disuse Atrophy
Authors: Hettinger Zachary R , Hamagata Kyoko , Confides Amy L , Lawrence Marcus M , Miller Benjamin F , Butterfield Timothy A , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The inability to fully recover lost muscle mass following periods of disuse atrophy predisposes older adults to lost independence and poor quality of life. We have previously shown that mechanotherapy at a moderate load (4.5 N) enhances muscle mass recovery following atrophy in adult, but not older adult rats. We propose that elevated transverse stiffness in aged muscle inhibits the growth response to mechanotherapy and hypothesize that a higher load (7.6 N) will overcome this resistance to mechanical stimuli. F344/BN adult and older adult male rats underwent 14 days of hindlimb suspension, followed by 7 days of recovery with (RE + M) or without (RE) mechanotherapy at 7.6 N on gastrocnemius muscle. The 7.6 N load was determined by measuring transverse passive stiffness and linearly scaling up from 4.5 N. No differences in protein turnover or mean fiber cross-sectional area were observed between RE and RE + M for older adult rats or adult rats at 7.6 N. However, there was a higher number of small muscle fibers present in older adult, but not adult rats, which was explained by a 16-fold increase in the frequency of small fibers expressing embryonic myosin heavy chain. Elevated central nucleation, satellite cell abundance, and dystrophin−/laminin+ fibers were present in older adult rats only following 7.6 N, while 4.5 N did not induce damage at either age. We conclude that age is an important variable when considering load used during mechanotherapy and age-related transverse stiffness may predispose older adults to damage during the recovery period following disuse atrophy.
Conceptual and Analytical Overlap Between Allostatic Load and Systemic Biological Aging Measures: Analyses From the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States
Authors: Hastings Waylon J , Almeida David M , Shalev Idan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Indices quantifying allostatic load (AL) and biological aging (BA) have independently received widespread use in epidemiological literature. However, little attention has been paid to their conceptual and quantitative overlap. By reviewing literature utilizing measures of AL and BA, and conducting comparative analysis, we highlight similarities and differences in biological markers employed and approach toward scale construction. Further, we outline opportunities where both types of indices might be improved by adopting methodological features of the other.

Methods
Using data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (N = 2055, age = 26–86), we constructed 3 AL indices: 1 common literature standard and 2 alternative formulations informed by previous work with measures of BA. The performance of AL indices was juxtaposed against 2 commonly employed BA indices: Klemera-Doubal Method Biological Age and Homeostatic Dysregulation.

Results
All indices correlated with chronological age. Participants with higher AL and older BA performed worse on tests of physical and subjective functioning. Further, participants with increased life-course risk exposure exhibited higher AL and BA. Notably, alternative AL formulations tended to exhibit effect sizes equivalent to or larger than those observed for BA measures, and displayed superior mortality prediction.

Conclusions
In addition to their conceptual similarity, AL and BA indices also exhibit significant analytical similarity. Further, BA measures are robust to construction using a panel of biomarkers not observed in previous iterations, including carotenoids indexing antioxidant capacity. In turn, AL indices could benefit by adopting the methodological rigor formalized within BA composites, such as applying biomarker down-selection criteria.
Disease Activity Indices for Pouchitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sedano Rocio , Nguyen Tran M , Almradi Ahmed , Rieder Florian , Parker Claire E , Shackelton Lisa M , D’Haens Geert , Sandborn William J , Feagan Brian G , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Several indices exist to measure pouchitis disease activity; however, none are fully validated. As an initial step toward creating a validated instrument, we identified pouchitis disease activity indices, examined their operating properties, and assessed their value as outcome measures in clinical trials.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials including indices that evaluated clinical, endoscopic, or histologic pouchitis disease activity. A second search identified studies that assessed the operating properties of pouchitis indices.

Results
Eighteen randomized controlled trials utilizing 4 composite pouchitis disease activity indices were identified. The Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) was most commonly used (12 of 18; 66.7%) to define both trial eligibility (8 of 12; 66.7%), and outcome measures (12 of 12; 100%). In a separate search, 21 studies evaluated the operating properties of 3 pouchitis indices; 90.5% (19 of 21) evaluated validity, of which 42.1% (8 of 19) evaluated the construct validity of the PDAI. Criterion validity (73.7%; 14 of 19) was evaluated through correlation of the PDAI with fecal calprotectin (FCP; r = 0.188 to 0.71), fecal lactoferrin (r = 0.570 to 0.582), and C-reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.584). Two studies assessed correlation of the modified PDAI (mPDAI) with FCP (r = 0.476 and r = 0.565, respectively). Fair to moderate inter-rater reliability of the PDAI (k = 0.440) and mPDAI (k = 0.389) was reported in a single study. Responsiveness of the PDAI pre-antibiotic and postantibiotic treatment was partially evaluated in a single study of 12 patients.

Conclusions
Development and validation of a specific pouchitis disease activity index is needed given that existing instruments are not valid, reliable, or responsive.
“We the prosecutors”: Challenges to social participation in Brazilian public law litigation
Authors: Denari Gomes de Mattos Karina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The Brazilian Ministério Público (MP) is an agency that aims to monitor the enforcement of criminal law, prosecuting wherever necessary, in addition to protecting relevant collective goods, such as those included in consumer and environmental regulations. These latter types of powers—established for the first time in the 1934 Constitution and consolidated in the 1988 Constitution—are uncommon from a comparative perspective. Although at first glance they could be seen to be useful for enforcing important principles and fundamental rights, I argue that the gradual empowerment of the MP could potentially have damaged civil society associations’ (CSAs) capacity for legal mobilization, since the areas of competence of this legal institution largely overlap with the niche in which civil society advocacy organizations operate. The experimentalist constitutional design combined with the gradual activist behavior from its members, have positioned the MP as perhaps one of the major institutional guardians of the public interest after Brazil’s re-democratization. I conclude by suggesting that the MP should develop strategies to enhance the representativeness and effectiveness of CSAs by engaging in a fruitful dialogue with them, including the monitoring of those cases once they leave the courtroom. In turn, CSAs also have strategic incentives to align with the MP, mainly to withstand current judicial skepticism about its institutional capacity for public law litigation.
Differential habitat use by sympatric species of mouse lemurs across a mangrove–dry forest habitat gradient
Authors: Wuesthoff Eric F , Fuller Todd K , Sutherland Christopher , Kamilar Jason M , Ramanankirahina Rindrahatsarana , Rakotondravony Romule , Rouse Sarah , Radespiel Ute 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms by which similar species coexist in sympatry is a major driver of ecological research. Niche partitioning and ecological plasticity can facilitate spatial and habitat use overlap between generalist and specialist species. Mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) are a highly speciose group of small primates that are endemic to the forests of Madagascar. In northwestern Madagascar, the relatively widespread M. murinus occurs sympatrically with the microendemic M. ravelobensis. We investigated spatial distributions and densities of these two species across a mangrove–dry forest habitat gradient in Mariarano commune. We used capture-mark-recapture techniques and nocturnal line transect surveys along six transects during June and July 2017. Spatial capture-recapture and distance sampling models were used to estimate lemur densities across habitat types. The congeners displayed differential patterns of spatial distribution and densities. Microcebus murinus was found in similar densities across all habitat types, while M. ravelobensis was found at much higher densities in dry forests compared with mangroves. This suggests that the generalist M. murinus uses a wider array of habitats more evenly than the specialist M. ravelobensis. Our study provides empirical evidence of how cryptic lemur species differ in their habitat use and distribution across an environmental gradient and provides new insights into their ecology in an understudied habitat. Lemurs are one of the most threatened groups of mammals in the world, and understanding how these species are distributed across different forest types is crucial for planning and implementing conservation measures to protect lemur habitat.
Government Grants, Donors, and Nonprofit Performance
Authors: Coupet Jason , Schehl Madeline 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Nonprofits engaged in public service provision can receive funding from both donors and governments. Much of the nonprofit performance theory suggests that donors are unlikely to base donation decisions on nonprofit production. However, governments may prioritize performance in nonprofit funding decisions. We combine study internal production reports for the years 2010–2016 from 535 Habitat for Humanity Affiliates with financial data from IRS Form 990 reports and housing price data from the FHA. We then use a dynamic panel design to compare the effects of performance on donor and government funding. Production does not increase donations, but a 1% increase in production increases government grant revenue by 0.28%. Our findings indicate that nonprofit performance theory should move beyond the donor-nonprofit dyad and explicitly explore the role of government principals. Our findings also suggest that while requirements that accompany government funding might be cumbersome for nonprofits, government entities might use the data in future grant decisions.
Medication reviews in community pharmacy: a scoping review of policy, practice and research in Canada
Authors: Olufemi-Yusuf Damilola T , Kung Janice Y , Guirguis Lisa M 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This scoping review aims to systematically map the empirical evidence on publicly funded medication reviews provided by community pharmacists in Canada and identify gaps that could inform future research directions.

Methods
We used a scoping review framework and PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews to conduct the study. Three electronic databases were searched for papers published between January 2000 until August 2020. Data was charted on study characteristics, and a thematic synthesis was performed.

Key findings
Of 41 original studies included, most were conducted in Ontario (n = 21). Majority of the studies employed quantitative designs (70%). Five major themes identified were program uptake, patient health outcomes, stakeholder beliefs and attitudes, processes and collaboration and pharmacy workplace culture, which varied considerably. At the individual, organizational and policy levels, many factors were interrelated and influenced the implementation of reimbursed medication reviews by community pharmacists. Gaps in eligibility policy highlighted some patients who may have complex needs are excluded. Variation in clinical outcomes may relate to different types of medication review and pharmacist practice across Canada. Few researchers evaluated eligibility criteria, the impact of policy changes, strategies to engage patients and healthcare professionals, patient–pharmacist communication or compared practice models of medication reviews. About 12% of the research applied a theoretical framework.

Summary
Publicly funded medication reviews in Canadian community pharmacies reduce medication-related problems and potentially improve patient health outcomes. Future research and policies could consider addressing barriers and exploring models for sustainable delivery of high-quality medication reviews internationally.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Microbial Therapeutics for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bernard Rachel , Hourigan Suchitra K , Nicholson Maribeth R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and has high rates of recurrent disease. As a disease associated with intestinal dysbiosis, gastrointestinal microbiome manipulation and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have evolved as effective, although relatively unregulated therapeutics and not without safety concerns. FMT for the treatment of CDI has been well studied in adults with increasing data reported in children. In this review, we discuss the current body of literature on the use of FMT in children including effectiveness, safety, risk factors for a failed FMT, and the role of FMT in children with comorbidities. We also review emerging microbial therapeutics for the treatment of rCDI.
The lens SW05 J143454.4+522850: a fossil group at redshift 0.6?
Authors: Denzel Philipp , Çatmabacak Onur , Coles Jonathan , Cornen Claude , Feldmann Robert , Ferreras Ignacio , Gwyn Palmer Xanthe , Küng Rafael , Leier Dominik , Saha Prasenjit , Verma Aprajita 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Fossil groups are considered the end product of natural galaxy group evolution in which group members sink towards the centre of the gravitational potential due to dynamical friction, merging into a single, massive, and X-ray bright elliptical. Since gravitational lensing depends on the mass of a foreground object, its mass concentration, and distance to the observer, we can expect lensing effects of such fossil groups to be particularly strong. This paper explores the exceptional system J143454.4+522850 (with a lens redshift zL = 0.625). We combine gravitational lensing with stellar population synthesis to separate the total mass of the lens into stars and dark matter. The enclosed mass profiles are contrasted with state-of-the-art galaxy formation simulations, to conclude that SW05 is likely a fossil group with a high stellar to dark matter mass fraction (0.027 ± 0.003) with respect to expectations from abundance matching (0.012 ± 0.004), indicative of a more efficient conversion of gas into stars in fossil groups.
The first photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the extremely low mass-ratio contact binary NSVS 5029961
Authors: Zheng Shu-Yue , Li Kai , Xia Qi-Qi 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
We performed photometric and spectroscopic investigations of NSVS 5029961 for the first time. The new BV(RI)c-band light curves were obtained with the 1.0-m telescope at Weihai Observatory of Shandong University. Applying the Wilson–Devinney program, we found that NSVS 5029961 is an A-subtype shallow contact binary with extremely low mass ratio (q = 0.1515, f = 19.1 per cent). Six spectra have been obtained by LAMOST, and many chromospheric activity emission line indicators were detected in the spectra, revealing that the target exhibits strong chromospheric activity. We calculated the absolute parameters with the photometric solutions and Gaia distance, and estimated the initial masses of the two components and the age of the binary. The evolutionary status was discussed by using the mass–radius and mass–luminosity diagrams. The result shows the primary component is a little evolved star and the secondary component has evolved away from the main sequence. The formation and evolution investigations of NSVS 5029661 indicate that it may have evolved from a detached binary with short period and low mass ratio by angular momentum loss via magnetic braking and case A mass transfer, and is in a stable contact stage at present.
Dust environment of active asteroids P/2019 A4 (PANSTARRS) and P/2021 A5 (PANSTARRS)
Authors: Moreno Fernando , Licandro Javier , Cabrera-Lavers Antonio , Morate David , Guirado Daniel 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
We report on the characterization of the dust activity and dynamical evolution of two faint active asteroids, P/2019 A4, and P/2021 A5, observed with the 10.4 m GTC using both imaging and spectroscopy. Asteroid P/2019 A4 activity is found to be linked to an impulsive event occurring some ±10 d around perihelion, probably due to a collision or a rotational disruption. Its orbit is stable over 100 Myr time-scales. Dust tail models reveal a short-term burst producing (2.0 ± 0.7) × 106 kg of dust for maximum particle radius rmax = 1 cm. The spectrum of P/2019 A4 is featureless, and slightly redder than the Sun. P/2021 A5 was active ∼50 d after perihelion, lasting ∼5 to ∼60 d, and ejecting (8 ± 2) × 106 kg of dust for rmax = 1 cm. The orbital simulations show that a few percent of dynamical clones of P/2021 A5 are unstable on 20–50 Myr time-scales. Thus, P/2021 A5 might be an implanted object from the JFC region or beyond. These facts point to water-ice sublimation as the activation mechanism. This object also displays a featureless spectrum, but slightly bluer than the Sun. Nuclei sizes are estimated in the few hundred meters range for both asteroids. Particle ejection speeds (≈0.2 m s−1) are consistent with escape speeds from those small-sized objects.