bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural networks accurately predict intra‐abdominal infection in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Qiu Qiu , Nian Yong Jian , Tang Liang , Guo Yan , Wen Liang Zhi , Wang Bin , Chen Dong Feng , Liu Kai Jun 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of artificial neural networks (ANN) in predicting intra‐abdominal infection in moderately severe (MASP) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) compared with that of a logistic regression model (LRM).MethodsPatients suffering from MSAP or SAP from July 2014 to June 2017 in three affiliated hospitals of the Army Medical University in Chongqing, China, were enrolled in this study. A univariate analysis was used to determine the different parameters between patients with and without intra‐abdominal infection. Subsequently, these parameters were used to build LRM and ANN.ResultsAltogether 263 patients with MSAP or SAP were enrolled in this retrospective study. A total of 16 parameters that differed between patients with and without intra‐abdominal infection were used to construct both models. The sensitivity of ANN and LRM was 80.99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.63‐87.33) and 70.25% (95% CI 61.15‐78.04), respectively (P > 0.05), whereas the specificity was 89.44% (95% CI 82.89‐93.77) and 77.46% (95% CI 69.54‐83.87), respectively (P < 0.05). ANN predicted the risk of intra‐abdominal infection better than LRM (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.923 [0.883‐0.952] vs 0.802 [0.749‐0.849], P < 0.001).ConclusionsANN accurately predicted intra‐abdominal infection in MSAP and SAP and is an ideal tool for predicting intra‐abdominal infection in such patients. Coagulation parameters played an important role in such prediction.
Predictors of long‐term abstinence rate by income level in the Korean smoking cessation programme
Authors: Seo Young‐Gyun , Paek Yu‐Jin , Jo Min‐Woo , Choi Jaekyung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsTo assess whether predictors of success in stopping smoking vary as a function of income level in Korean smoking cessation services.DesignProspective study of predictors of smoking cessation up to 6 months' follow up.ParticipantsA sample of 954 people (mean age 49.13 ± 10.69 years; 863 [90.5%] men) enrolled in the Korean National Health Insurance Service smoking cessation programme in 2015.MeasuresThe outcome measure was self‐reported continuous abstinence up to 6‐month follow up. Predictors were income and other sociodemographic variables as well as smoking‐related variables measured at baseline.ResultsThe continuous 6‐month abstinence rate was 30.5%. The adjusted odds of 6‐month continuous abstinence were lower among low‐income versus the middle‐ or high‐income smokers (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35–0.84), those with severe versus light/moderate cigarette dependence (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–0.98), and use of bupropion versus varenicline (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39–0.91). The association between cigarette dependence and outcome was only present among low‐income smokers.ConclusionsLower income, higher cigarette dependence, and choice of bupropion versus varenicline are associated with lower chances of stopping smoking in Korean smoking cessation services, but the association with cigarette dependence is only found in low‐income smokers.
A genomic prediction model for racecourse starts in the Thoroughbred horse
Authors: McGivney B. A. , Hernandez B. , Katz L. M. , MacHugh D. E. , McGovern S. P. , Parnell A. C. , Wiencko H. L. , Hill E. W. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryDurability traits in Thoroughbred horses are heritable, economically valuable and may affect horse welfare. The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that (i) durability traits are heritable and (ii) genetic data may be used to predict a horse's potential to have a racecourse start. Heritability for the phenotype ‘number of 2‐ and 3‐year‐old starts’ was estimated to be = 0.11 ± 0.02 (n = 4499). A genome‐wide association study identified SNP contributions to the trait. The neurotrimin (NTM), opioid‐binding protein/cell adhesion molecule like (OPCML) and prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) genes were identified as candidate genes associated with the trait. NTM functions in brain development and has been shown to have been selected during the domestication of the horse. PRCP is an established expression quantitative trait locus involved in the interaction between voluntary exercise and body composition in mice. We hypothesise that variation at these loci contributes to the motivation of the horse to exercise, which may influence its response to the demands of the training and racing environment. A random forest with mixed effects (RFME) model identified a set of SNPs that contributed to 24.7% of the heritable variation in the trait. In an independent validation set (n = 528 horses), the cohort with high genetic potential for a racecourse start had significantly fewer unraced horses (16% unraced) than did low (27% unraced) potential horses and had more favourable race outcomes among those that raced. Therefore, the information from SNPs included in the model may be used to predict horses with a greater chance of a racecourse start.
The hepatitis B birth‐dose immunisation: Exploring parental refusal
Authors: Gilmartin Christine E. , Daley Andrew J. , Leung Laura 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) immunisation is the first vaccine of infant life and one of the most commonly refused immunisations on the Australian Immunisation Schedule.AimsTo quantify the frequency of declined HBV immunisation birth‐doses, investigate reasons for refusal, and determine information sources used by parents.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted on postnatal women who declined their newborn's HBV birth‐dose immunisation during December 2016–July 2017 at an Australian tertiary referral hospital. Mothers who were non‐English‐speaking, unwell or medically unstable, or otherwise unavailable were excluded.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐seven of the 1574 (8.7%) eligible reviewed infants had HBV immunisation birth‐doses documented as declined; 113 mothers consented to complete the questionnaire. The most common reasons for declining the dose were: ‘baby too young’ (55.8%); preference for two, four and six‐month HBV immunisations only (56.6%); perceived low risk of contracting HBV (45.1%); and a fear of ‘overloading’ their baby's immune system (42.5%). General practitioners or nurses/midwives (43.3%) and the internet/media (33.6%) were the predominant information sources consulted, and 58.4% felt satisfied with the information they received antenatally. Eighty‐eight of 113 mothers (77.9%) would still consider future immunisations for their infant.ConclusionsThe majority of postnatal women decline HBV birth‐dose immunisation for their newborns citing age‐related safety concerns and vaccine misconceptions. Informal information sources such as the internet and media are often consulted. Addressing the need for antenatal and health professional education toward the birth‐dose may be instrumental in improving uptake.
Loss of nuclear ARC contributes to the development of cardiac hypertrophy in rats
Authors: Xie Fang , Mei Zhu‐Song , Wang Xue , Zhang Tao , Zhao Yun , Wang Shi‐Da , Qian Ling‐Jia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimCardiac hypertrophy and myocardial apoptosis are two major factors in heart failure. As a classical regulator of apoptosis, apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) has recently also been found to have a protective effect against hypertrophy. However, the mechanism underlying this effect is still not fully understood.MethodsIn the present study, we established animal and cellular models to monitor the changes in total and nuclear ARC during cardiac hypertrophic processes. The preventive effects of nuclear ARC in cellular hypertrophy were verified by ARC regulation and nuclear export inhibition. To further explore the mechanism for nuclear ARC superficially, we analysed proteins that interact with ARC in the nucleus via Co‐IP and mass spectrometry.ResultsThe expression of total ARC in hypertrophic myocardial tissue and H9C2 cells remained invariant, while the level of nuclear ARC decreased dramatically. By altering the content of ARC in H9C2 cells, we found that both nuclear ARC transfection and nuclear ARC export blockade attenuated norepinephrine or angiotensin II‐induced hypertrophy, while ARC knockdown had an inverse effect. Co‐IP data showed that ARC interacted with prohibitin (PHB) in the nucleus and might participate in maintaining the level of PHB in cells.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a novel mechanism for ARC in cardiac hypertrophy prevention and also indicate that the anti‐hypertrophic roles of ARC are probably associated with its localization in nucleus, which imply the nuclear ARC as a potential therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy.
Radical cystectomy pentafecta: a proposal for standardisation of outcomes reporting following robot‐assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Winter Matthew , Medina Luis G. , Ashrafi Akhbar N. , Miranda Gus , Tafuri Alessandro , Landsberger Hannah , Lin‐Brande Michael , Rajarubendra Nieroshan , De Castro Abreu Andre , Berger Andre , Aron Monish , Gill Inderbir S. , Desai Mihir M. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo propose a standardisable composite method for reporting outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) that incorporates both perioperative morbidity and oncological adequacy.Patients and methodsFrom July 2010 to December 2017, 277 consecutive patients who underwent robot‐assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (UD) for bladder cancer at our Institution were prospectively analysed. Patients who simultaneously demonstrated negative soft tissue surgical margins (STSMs), ≥16 lymph node (LN) yield, absence of major (grade III–IV) complications at 90 days, absence of UD‐related long‐term sequelae and absence of clinical recurrence at ≤12 months, were considered as having achieved the RC‐pentafecta. A multivariable logistic regression model was assessed to measure predictors for achieving RC‐pentafecta.Results and limitationsSince 2010, 270 of 277 patients that had completed at least 12 months of follow‐up were included. Over a mean follow‐up of 22.3 months, ≥16 LN yield, negative STSMs, absence of major complications at 90 days, and absence of UD‐related surgical sequelae and clinical recurrence at ≤12 months were observed in 93.0%, 98.9%, 76.7%, 81.5% and 92.2%, patients, respectively, resulting in a RC‐pentafecta rate of 53.3%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; P = 0.002), type of UD (OR 2.19; P = 0.01) and pN stage (OR 0.48; P = 0.03) as independent predictors for achieving RC‐pentafecta.ConclusionsWe present a RC‐pentafecta as a standardisable composite endpoint that incorporates perioperative morbidity and oncological adequacy as a potential tool to assess quality of RC. This tool may be useful for assessing the learning curve and calculating cost‐effectiveness amongst others but needs to be externally validated in future studies.
Inter‐annual monitoring improves diversity estimation of tropical butterfly assemblages
Authors: Luk Chung‐Lim , Basset Yves , Kongnoo Pitoon , Hau Billy C. H. , Bonebrake Timothy C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMonitoring programs for diverse tropical butterfly assemblages are scarce, and temporal diversity patterns in these assemblages are poorly understood. We adopted an additive partitioning approach to determine how temporal butterfly species richness was structured at the levels of days, months, and years in five tropical/subtropical sites across three continents covering up to 9 years of monitoring. We found that observed butterfly richness was not uniformly distributed across temporal extents. Butterfly species composition differed across months and years, potentially accounting for the fact that temporal butterfly species richness contributed a high proportion to total species richness. We further examined how species richness of common and uncommon species (> and <0.5% of total abundance, respectively) were structured across temporal extents. The results showed that the common species relative contribution to total species richness was higher at lower‐temporal levels, whereas uncommon species contributed more at higher‐temporal resolutions. This suggests that long‐term sampling will be more effective in capturing patterns of rare species and the total species pool while lower‐temporal level sampling (e.g., daily or weekly) may be more useful in examining common species demographic patterns. We therefore encourage careful consideration of temporal replication at different extents in developing butterfly monitoring schemes. Long‐term monitoring is essential for improvement in the resolution of species estimation and diversity patterns for tropical ecosystems.Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
Moth assemblages in Costa Rica rain forest mirror small‐scale topographic heterogeneity
Authors: Rabl Dominik , Gottsberger Brigitte , Brehm Gunnar , Hofhansl Florian , Fiedler Konrad 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn many tropical lowland rain forests, topographic variation increases environmental heterogeneity, thus contributing to the extraordinary biodiversity of tropical lowland forests. While a growing number of studies have addressed effects of topographic differences on tropical insect communities at regional scales (e.g., along extensive elevational gradients), surprisingly little is known about topographic effects at smaller spatial scales. The present study investigates moth assemblages in a topographically heterogeneous lowland rain forest landscape, at distances of less than a few hundred meters, in the Golfo Dulce region (SW Costa Rica). Three moth lineages—Erebidae–Arctiinae (tiger and lichen moths), the bombycoid complex, and Geometridae (inchworm moths)—were examined by means of automatic light traps in three different forest types: creek forest, slope forest, and ridge forest. Altogether, 6,543 individuals of 419 species were observed. Moth assemblages differed significantly between the three forest types regarding species richness, total abundance, and species composition. Moth richness and abundance increased more than fourfold and eightfold from creek over slope to ridge forest sites. All three taxonomic units showed identical biodiversity patterns, notwithstanding their strong differences in multiple eco‐morphological traits. An indicator species analysis revealed that most species identified as characteristic were associated either with the ridge forest alone or with ridge plus slope forests, but very few with the creek forest. Despite their mobility, local moth assemblages are highly differentially filtered from the same regional species pool. Hence, variation in environmental factors significantly affects assemblages of tropical moth species at small spatial scales.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Using digitized museum collections to understand the effects of habitat on wing coloration in the Puerto Rican monarch
Authors: Echevarría Ramos Mariangelí , Hulshof Catherine M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGiven the recent emphasis on Lepidoptera wing color and temperature in macroecology, we briefly describe known drivers of wing color and outline the use of images for understanding color variation across space and time. As a case study, we quantify wing color using museum specimens of the non‐migratory Puerto Rican monarch. In contrast to recent findings, we report darker individuals in coastal habitats, underscoring the need to include other selection factors. We detail how international digitization initiatives can resolve this paradox by adopting standards and protocols for high‐throughput image analysis.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Experiments with artificial nests provide evidence for ant community stratification and nest site limitation in a tropical forest
Authors: Mottl Ondřej , Yombai Jacob , Fayle Tom M. , Novotný Vojtěch , Klimeš Petr 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAnts are dominant in tropical forests and many species nest in hollow cavities. The manner in which species are vertically stratified in these complex habitats is not known, with lack of nest sites being proposed to limit ant populations. Here, we assess ant community stratification and nest site limitation in a lowland rainforest in New Guinea using experimental addition of artificial bamboo nests of two cavity sizes (small: ~12 mm large: ~32 mm diameter) placed at ground level, in the understorey, and in the canopy. We also conducted a pilot experiment to test the utility of nest translocation. Nests were checked for occupancy after 10 weeks and half of the occupied nests were then translocated between forest plots, while keeping same vertical position. Occupancy of small nests was much higher in the understorey and canopy than at ground level (~75% vs. ~25%). Translocation was successful, as a majority of nests was inhabited by the same species before and after translocation and there was no impact of translocation to a different plot compared to the control, except for a reduction in colony size at ground level. Our experiment demonstrates a vertical stratification in community composition of ants nesting in hollow dead cavities and shows that these ants are more nest site limited in the higher strata than at ground level. Use of small artificial cavities has great potential for future experimental studies, especially for those focused on arboreal ants, as occupancy is high and translocation does not negatively affect their colony size.Abstract in Tok Pisin is available with online material.
In search of novel protein drug targets for treatment of Enterococcus faecalis infections
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Das Satyajeet , Yadav Jyoti , Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Jyoti Anupam , Kaushik Sanket 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis (Ef) is one of the major pathogens involved in hospital‐acquired infections. It can cause nosocomial bacteremia, surgical wound infection, and urinary tract infection. It is important to mention here that Ef is developing resistance against many commonly occurring antibiotics. The occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive‐drug resistance (XDR) is now posing a major challenge to the medical community. In this regard, to combat the infections caused by Ef, we have to look for an alternative. Rational structure‐based drug design exploits the three‐dimensional structure of the target protein, which can be unraveled by various techniques such as X‐ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In this review, we have discussed the complete picture of Ef infections, the possible treatment available at present, and the alternative treatment options to be explored. This study will help in better understanding of novel biological targets against Ef and the compounds, which are likely to bind with these targets. Using these detailed structural informations, rational structure‐based drug design is achievable and tight inhibitors against Ef can be prepared.
Antifungal screening and in silico mechanistic studies of an in‐house azole library
Authors: Sari Suat , Kart Didem , Sabuncuoğlu Suna , Doğan İnci Selin , Özdemir Zeynep , Bozbey İrem , Gencel Melis , Eşsiz Şebnem , Reynisson Jóhannes , Karakurt Arzu , Saraç Selma , Dalkara Sevim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSystemic Candida infections pose a serious public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. C. albicans is the major pathogen identified in candidiasis; however, non‐albicans Candida spp. with antifungal resistance are now more prevalent. Azoles are first‐choice antifungal drugs for candidiasis; however, they are ineffective for certain infections caused by the resistant strains. Azoles block ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting fungal CYP51, which leads to disruption of fungal membrane permeability. In this study, we screened for antifungal activity of an in‐house azole library of 65 compounds to identify hit matter followed by a molecular modeling study for their CYP51 inhibition mechanism. Antifungal susceptibility tests against standard Candida spp. including C. albicans revealed derivatives 12 and 13 as highly active. Furthermore, they showed potent antibiofilm activity as well as neglectable cytotoxicity in a mouse fibroblast assay. According to molecular docking studies, 12 and 13 have the necessary binding characteristics for effective inhibition of CYP51. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations of the C. albicans CYP51 (CACYP51) homology model's catalytic site complexed with 13 were stable demonstrating excellent binding.
Use of the Martius advancement flap for low rectovaginal fistulas
Authors: Trompetto M. , Realis Luc A. , Novelli E. , Tutino R. , Clerico G. , Gallo G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThe percentage recurrence after any surgical treatment for low rectovaginal fistula (LRVF) is unacceptably high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term results of the Martius procedure in a carefully selected series of patients with a LRVF of at least 1 cm diameter who had had at least two previous surgeries or in the presence of chronically inflamed local tissues.MethodBetween January 2009 and April 2017, 24 patients with the abovementioned features were prospectively included in this study. Success was defined both as the absence of any subjective symptoms and the fistula, as confirmed by evaluation under anaesthesia. Postoperative complications were assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Quality of life (SF‐12 score), quality of sexual life [Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score] and continence [Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS)] were also determined pre‐ and postoperatively.ResultsThe mean follow‐up was 42 ± 29 months (range 3–101 months). The overall success rate was 91.3% (22/24 patients). The median operation time was 50 min (range 45–70 min), and the median hospital stay was 3.5 days (range 3–5 days). No major complications occurred. Pre‐ and postoperative CCIS did not differ [1 (range 0–3.5)]. The postoperative SF‐12 score improved both in terms of the physical (33.6 ± 7.2 vs 50.8 ± 7.8; P < 0.001) and mental (32.6 ± 6.7 vs 56.3 ± 7.8; P < 0.001) components. FSFI improved from 19.5 ± 6.6 to 24.4 ± 6.3 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe Martius procedure should be considered as the first‐line method of treatment in carefully selected cases of LRVF.