bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for an arginine‐dependent route for the synthesis of NO in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Franco‐Cano Antonio , Marcos Ana T. , Strauss Joseph , Cánovas David 
Published: August 2021

SummaryNitric oxide (NO) is a signalling molecule in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. NO levels transiently boost upon induction of conidiation in Aspergillus nidulans. Only one pathway for NO synthesis involving nitrate reductase has been reported in filamentous fungi so far, but this does not satisfy all the NO produced in fungal cells. Here we provide evidence for at least one additional biosynthetic pathway in A. nidulans involving l‐arginine or an intermediate metabolite as a substrate. Under certain growth conditions, the addition of l‐arginine to liquid media elicited a burst of NO that was not dependent on any of the urea cycle genes. The NO levels were controlled by the metabolically available arginine, which was regulated by mobilization from the vacuoles and during development. In vitro assays with protein extracts and amino acid profiling strongly suggested the existence of an arginine‐dependent NO pathway analogous to the mammalian NO synthase. Addition of polyamines induced NO synthesis, and mutations in the polyamine synthesis genes puA and spdA reduced the production of NO. In conclusion, here we report an additional pathway for the synthesis of NO in A. nidulans using urea cycle intermediates.
Impact on patient management of non‐mydriatic fundus photography compared to direct ophthalmoscopy in a regional Australian emergency department
Authors: Dunn Hamish P , Browning Samuel D , Thomson David , Yates William B , McCluskey Peter , Keay Lisa , White Andrew J , Fraser Clare L 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the management impact of non‐mydriatic fundus photography (NMFP) implementation for appropriate ED patients; compare the diagnostic accuracy of direct ophthalmoscopy (DO) and NMFP, and determine the prevalence of fundus pathology in a regional Australian ED.MethodsThis before/after crossover study prospectively enrolled patients presenting with headache, neurological deficit, visual disturbance and/or hypertensive urgency. Patients received DO examination, then separate NMFP examination. Emergency clinicians (ECs) were surveyed on their patient management plans following both DO examination and NMFP imaging. Telemedicine review of NMFP images was performed by an ophthalmologist within 48 h, and any additional management changes were documented.ResultsThe use of NMFP influenced changes in management in 52 (39%) of 133 enrolled patients (95% confidence interval 31–48%). Of these, 65% were escalations of management due to acute fundus pathology, while 35% were de‐escalating changes following normal fundus findings. ECs diagnostic accuracy for acute fundus pathology improved from 0% to 29% sensitivity, and 59% to 84% specificity using DO and NMFP respectively, and telemedicine registrar review increased this to 50% sensitivity and 86% specificity. The period prevalence of acute fundus pathology was 10.5% (95% confidence interval 6–17%).ConclusionThe addition of NMFP images can significantly impact the management of ED patients requiring fundus examination, facilitating expedited and optimised patient care. NMFP improves ECs diagnostic acumen for fundus pathology over DO examination and telehealth specialist review is important for diagnostic accuracy. There is a clinically important prevalence of fundus pathology in this regional ED setting.
scikit‐maad: An open‐source and modular toolbox for quantitative soundscape analysis in Python
Authors: Ulloa Juan Sebastián , Haupert Sylvain , Latorre Juan Felipe , Aubin Thierry , Sueur Jérôme 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Passive acoustic monitoring is increasingly being applied to terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments, providing cost‐efficient methods for surveying biodiversity. However, processing the avalanche of audio recordings remains challenging, and represents nowadays a major bottleneck that slows down its application in research and conservation.

We present scikit‐maad, an open‐source Python package dedicated to the analysis of environmental audio recordings. This package was designed to (a) load and process digital audio, (b) segment and find regions of interest, (c) compute acoustic features and (d) estimate sound pressure levels. The package also provides field recordings and a comprehensive online documentation that includes practical examples with step‐by‐step instructions for beginners and advanced users.

scikit‐maad opens the possibility to efficiently scan large audio datasets and easily integrate additional machine learning Python packages into the analysis, allowing to measure acoustic properties and identify key patterns in all kinds of soundscapes. To support reproducible research, the package is released under the BSD open‐source licence, which allows unrestricted redistribution for commercial and private use.

This development will create synergies between the community of ecoacousticians, such as engineers, data scientists, ecologists, biologists and conservation practitioners, to explore and understand the processes underlying the acoustic diversity of ecological systems.
What are the associations between thinning and fire severity?
Authors: Taylor Chris , Blanchard Wade , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThere has been concern globally about the impacts of wildfires on lives, property and biodiversity. Mechanical thinning has been proposed as a way to reduce fire severity. However, its effectiveness appears to vary between regions and ecosystems. Here, we sought to answer the question: Does thinning reduce the severity of wildfire in managed eucalypt forests? We did this by completing an empirical study of the factors affecting two levels of fire severity – crown burn and crown burn/crown scorch in lowland and wet/damp forest burned in 2019‐2020 in East Gippsland, Australia. We found complex interactions between thinning, forest type and time since the last major disturbance in the best‐fitting models for crown burn and crown burn/crown scorch. The probability of a crown burn was higher in younger stands of thinned forest than in unthinned forest. Crown burn risk in thinned forest was characterised by an inverse relationship with increasing time since the last disturbance; there were no such effects in unthinned forest. We found that the probability of crown burn/crown scorch increased with time since last disturbance in both thinned and unthinned lowland forest. The probability of crown burn/crown scorch also increased over time in wet/damp forest, but the patterns were different between unthinned and thinned stands. Risk of crown burn/crown scorch was lower in young thinned forest relative to unthinned forest, but this pattern reversed with increasing time since the last disturbance. Our analyses showed the efficacy of thinning was variable, depending on fire severity, type of forest targeted for management and the age of that forest (as reflected by the time since the last major disturbance). Therefore, thinning interventions to mitigate fire severity should not be implemented without consideration of these factors and are unlikely to be a viable management option in many circumstances. This is because, in some cases, thinning can lead to elevated fire severity (e.g. soon after thinning for crown burn and in older forests for crown burn/crown scorch) and hence have opposite effects to those intended from such activities.
Population pharmacokinetics and dose optimisation of colecalciferol in paediatric patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wan Mandy , Green Bruce , Iyengar Arpana Aprameya , Kamath Nivedita , Reddy Hamsa V. , Sharma Jyoti , Singhal Jyoti , Uthup Susan , Ekambaram Sudha , Selvam Sumithra , Rait Greta , Shroff Rukshana , Patel Jignesh P. 
Published: August 2021

AimsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, current dosing recommendations are based on limited pharmacokinetic (PK) data. This study aimed to develop a population PK model of colecalciferol that can be used to optimise colecalciferol dosing in this population.MethodsData from 83 children with CKD were used to develop a population PK model using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach. Serum creatinine and type of kidney disease (glomerular vs. nonglomerular disease) were investigated as covariates, and optimal dosing was determined based on achieving and maintaining 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of 30–48 ng/mL.ResultsThe time course of 25(OH)D concentrations was best described by a 1‐compartment model with the addition of a basal concentration parameter to reflect endogenous 25(OH)D production from diet and sun exposure. Colecalciferol showed wide between‐subject variability in its PK, with total body weight scaled allometrically the only covariate included in the model. Model‐based simulations showed that current dosing recommendations for colecalciferol can be optimised using a weight‐based dosing strategy.ConclusionThis is the first study to describe the population PK of colecalciferol in children with CKD. PK model informed dosing is expected to improve the attainment of target 25(OH)D concentrations, while minimising the risk of overdosing.
A real‐world study of immune thrombocytopenia management during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Rampotas Alexandros , Watson Edmund , Burton Kieran , Hill Quentin A. , Pavord Sue 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe COVID‐19 pandemic has created many challenges in the management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The recommendation for avoidance of steroids by WHO led to the off‐licence use, supported by NHS England, of thrombopoietin mimetics (TPO‐RA) for newly diagnosed or relapsed ITP. This is a real‐world prospective study which investigated the treatment patterns and outcomes in this setting. Twenty‐four hospitals across the UK submitted 343 cases. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of ITP treatment, but TPO‐RAs were more effective. Incidental COVID‐19 infection was identified in a significant number of patients (9·5%), while 14 cases were thought to be secondary to COVID‐19 vaccination.
Job mobility and heterogeneous returns to apprenticeship training in Italy
Authors: d'Agostino Giorgio , Raitano Michele , Scarlato Margherita 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper provides empirical evidence on the effect on wages of the mobility across firms and sectors of apprentices after graduation in Italy over the period 1997–2013. We use administrative data and employ an instrumental variable approach to account for endogenous mobility due to observed and unobserved worker characteristics. Our main finding is that job switchers not in the economic sector of the training firm faced a significant gap in wages in comparison to stayers, indicating a loss of firm‐ and sector‐specific human capital. In addition, under the new apprenticeship rules introduced in 2003 by theBiagi reform, which lessened the stringency of the norms on the training content delivered by firms, both within‐ and across‐sector job switches had large negative effect on wages, suggesting a reduction in the transferability of skills for trainees relatively to the previous regime.
Combining current knowledge of Cypripedium calceolus with a new analysis of genetic variation in Italian populations to provide guidelines for conservation actions
Authors: Gargiulo Roberta , Adamo Martino , Cribb Phillip J. , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Sarasan Viswambharan , Alessandrelli Claudia , Bona Enzo , Ciaschetti Giampiero , Conti Fabio , Di Cecco Valter , Di Martino Luciano , Gentile Carmelo , Juan Ana , Magrini Sara , Mucciarelli Marco , Perazza Giorgio , Fay Michael F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe split between conservation science and real‐world application is an ongoing issue despite several calls for unification. Researchers are empowered to partially bridge the research‐implementation gap by making their findings more accessible. Cypripedium calceolus is the most recognizable orchid of the European flora, and is currently facing habitat change and fragmentation, in addition to threats from collectors and illegal traders. Although several studies have focused on the ecological and genetic features of the species, a comprehensive account of how such aspects can be translated into concrete conservation recommendations is still missing. In this study, we describe microsatellite genetic variation in 188 individuals from different Italian populations of C. calceolus. Our results indicate the need for immediate conservation action for the most isolated populations in the Central Apennines and north‐western Italy. Although our genetic findings are specific to the Italian populations, our aim is to review ecological and population genetic aspects in C. calceolus and their implications for conservation against the existing threats. Therefore, our detailed guidelines for translocation, habitat management and post‐translocation monitoring can be used to inform conservation strategies in threatened populations of C. calceolus across its range.
Mitochondrial DNA may act as a biomarker to predict donor‐kidney quality
Authors: Hao Changzhen , Zhang Jiandong , Zhang Feilong , Wu Jiyue , Cao Huawei , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractKidney transplantation is the best therapy for end‐stage renal disease. Demand for kidney transplantation rises year‐on‐year, and the gap between kidney supply and demand remains large. To meet this clinical need, a gradual expansion in the supply of donors is required. However, clinics lack appropriate tools capable of quickly and accurately predicting post‐transplant renal allograft function, and thus assess donor‐kidney quality before transplantation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a key component of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and plays an important part in ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI), accelerating the progression of IRI by inducing inflammation and type I interferon responses. mtDNA is known to be closely involved in delayed graft function (DGF) and acute kidney injury (AKI) after transplantation. Thus, mtDNA is a potential biomarker able to predict post‐transplant renal allograft function. This review summarizes mtDNA biology, the role mtDNA plays in renal transplantation, outlines advances in detecting mtDNA, and details mtDNA's able to predict post‐transplant renal allograft function. We aim to elucidate the potential value of mtDNA as a biomarker in the prediction of IRI, and eventually provide help for predicting donor‐kidney quality.
The cognitive basis of dyslexia in school‐aged children: A multiple case study in a transparent orthography
Authors: Dębska Agnieszka , Łuniewska Magdalena , Zubek Julian , Chyl Katarzyna , Dynak Agnieszka , Dzięgiel‐Fivet Gabriela , Plewko Joanna , Jednoróg Katarzyna , Grabowska Anna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study focuses on the role of numerous cognitive skills such as phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), visual and selective attention, auditory skills, and implicit learning in developmental dyslexia. We examined the (co)existence of cognitive deficits in dyslexia and assessed cognitive skills’ predictive value for reading. First, we compared school‐aged children with severe reading impairment (n = 51) to typical readers (n = 71) to explore the individual patterns of deficits in dyslexia. Children with dyslexia, as a group, presented low PA and RAN scores, as well as limited implicit learning skills. However, we found no differences in the other domains. We found a phonological deficit in 51% and a RAN deficit in 26% of children with dyslexia. These deficits coexisted in 14% of the children. Deficits in other cognitive domains were uncommon and most often coexisted with phonological or RAN deficits. Despite having a severe reading impairment, 26% of children with dyslexia did not present any of the tested deficits. Second, in a group of children presenting a wide range of reading abilities (N = 211), we analysed the relationship between cognitive skills and reading level. PA and RAN were independently related to reading abilities. Other skills did not explain any additional variance. The impact of PA and RAN on reading skills differed. While RAN was a consistent predictor of reading, PA predicted reading abilities particularly well in average and good readers with a smaller impact in poorer readers.
Visual attention and dietary supplementation in children with perinatal brain injury
Authors: Atkinson Janette , Braddick Oliver , Montague‐Johnson Christine , Baker Bonny , Parr Jeremy R , Sullivan Peter , Andrew Morag J 
Published: August 2021

AimTo investigate whether children with perinatal brain injury have impairments in specific components of visual attention, and whether early dietary supplementation can reduce any deficits.MethodChildren participating in the Dolphin neonatal trial of dietary supplementation were tested at age 6 months with the Infant Fixation Shift Attention Test, and at 4 to 5 years with four subtests of the Early Childhood Attention Battery (ECAB) assessing different components of attention (selective, sustained, and executive function), and the Fluid Crystallized Intelligence Index of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC‐II). From 59 children originally assigned to trial groups, 33 were available for testing at 4 to 5 years (18 treatment group of whom seven, six, and five showed mild, moderate, or severe neonatal brain injury; 15 controls with one, seven, and seven in the neonatal brain injury categories respectively). Given the imbalance in numbers with mild brain injury, analysis of trial group differences is restricted to moderate and severe brain injury severities (n=25).ResultsChildren with perinatal brain injury showed poorer attention across all components relative to age norms (mean standard scores 75–87; p<0.001 for three of the four subtests), with the greatest impairment in sustained attention. These impairments remained when compared with cognitive age assessed using the Fluid Crystallized Intelligence Index. Impairment was reduced in the treatment compared to the control group (p=0.04 for flanker test, p=0.002 for counterpointing, and p=0.027 for the overall ECAB score).InterpretationPerinatal brain injury is associated with later impaired attention, beyond that predicted from any general cognitive disability. Impairment varies across attention components, being most severe for sustained attention. The effects on flanker and counterpointing suggest that dietary supplementation from 0 to 2 years of age may reduce attention problems. Measuring the different components of attention is important when considering assessment and interventions for children with perinatal brain injury.
Recurrent pain in adolescents with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal population‐based study
Authors: Larsen Selma Mujezinović , Terjesen Terje , Jahnsen Reidun B , Ramstad Kjersti 
Published: August 2021

AimTo investigate the pain characteristics, pain interference with activities of daily living, and use of analgesics in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and compare the results with previous findings.MethodSixty‐seven adolescents (median age 14y 4mo, range 12y 2mo–17y, 28 females, 39 males) classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V, who participated in a CP surveillance programme, were assessed on pain measures twice, 5 years apart. Primary caregivers marked recurrent pain sites and graded pain interference with activities of daily living and sleep. Information on pain severity was obtained through two questions from the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and were transformed into a pain score scaled from 0 to 100, where 100 represented no pain. The use of short‐acting analgesics was recorded.ResultsOver 5 years, the prevalence of recurrent pain, number of pain sites, pain intensity, and pain frequency all increased significantly. The most frequent pain sites were the hip/thigh in GMFCS level V and knee in GMFCS level III. The median CHQ pain score decreased from 60 to 40 (p<0.001). Pain interference with activities of daily living increased (p=0.011) but not for sleep. Twenty‐eight of 54 participants with moderate or severe pain (CHQ pain score ≤60) received no short‐acting analgesics.InterpretationIn adolescents with CP, pain increased over 5 years despite follow‐up in a surveillance programme. For enhanced management of pain, we propose that an algorithm on pain should be included in surveillance programmes.
Does the transfer of farmland use rights increase farmers’ long‐term intention to work in cities?
Authors: Huang Zhengxue , Zhou Jingkui , Huang Xiong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study investigates how the transfer of rural land contract management rights in China has influenced the choice of rural workers to work in cities in the long run. Using data from the Rural Household Survey and Migrant Household Survey from the China Household Income Project in 2007, 2008 and 2013, we find that rural land transfers and the subsequent human capital effect are found to play important roles in farmers’ decision to give up agricultural work and relocate to work in urban areas. Our findings indicate that the Chinese government should accelerate the implementation of policies that promote the separation of ownership rights, contracting rights and management rights of contracted land and continuously improve the rural land property rights system.
Using wind vanes to study how thrips reach colored traps
Authors: Ben‐Yakir David , Carvalho C. Jorge 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn agricultural crops, colored traps are often used to monitor the density of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), important pests and vectors of viral diseases. We used colored pole traps, mounted on wind vanes, to study thrips approach in two countries. In Israel, during periods of low wind speed (<1.1 km h‐1), 77% of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), reached the leeward side of traps by actively flying upwind. In New Zealand, during periods of high wind speed (>9 km h‐1), 83% of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, reached the windward side of traps passively. Consequences of these results for thrips monitoring are discussed.
Symptomatic and full remission rates in first‐episode psychosis: A 12‐month follow‐up study in Korea
Authors: Kang Shi Hyun , Piao Yan Hong , Li Ling , Kim Sung Wan , Kim Jung Jin , Lee Bong Ju , Yu Je Chun , Lee Kyu Young , Won Seung Hee , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Euitae , Rami Fatima Zahra , Chung Young Chul 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimIn the present study, the prevalence and predictors of symptomatic and full remission were investigated in patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) at the 12‐month follow‐up.MethodsA total of 308 participants aged 18–45 years fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and 214 completed the 12‐month follow‐up.ResultsAt the 12‐month follow‐up, 67.3% (142) and 25.9% (55) of the FEP patients met the criteria for symptomatic and full remission, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), no family history, lower Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative symptom scores at baseline and higher familial support predicted symptomatic remission at the 12‐month follow‐up. A higher educational level, shorter DUP, lower PANSS general symptoms scores at baseline and higher subjective well‐being under neuroleptics emotional regulation scores predicted full remission.ConclusionsOur findings regarding the rates of symptomatic and full remission are consistent with previous studies. The results indicate a large discrepancy between symptomatic versus full remission rates at a 12‐month follow‐up in patients with FEP. Effective psychosocial interventions are necessary to improve the outcomes of FEP patients.