bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An inverse latitudinal gradient in infection probability and phylogenetic diversity for Leucocytozoon blood parasites in New World birds
Authors: Fecchio Alan , Bell Jeffrey A. , Bosholn Mariane , Vaughan Jefferson A. , Tkach Vasyl V. , Lutz Holly L. , Cueto Victor R. , Gorosito Cristian A. , González‐Acuña Daniel , Stromlund Chad , Kvasager Danielle , Comiche Kiba J. M. , Kirchgatter Karin , Pinho João B. , Berv Jacob , Anciães Marina , Fontana Carla S. , Zyskowski Kristof , Sampaio Sidnei , Dispoto Janice H. , Galen Spencer C. , Weckstein Jason D. , Clark Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Geographic variation in environmental conditions as well as host traits that promote parasite transmission may impact infection rates and community assembly of vector‐transmitted parasites.

Identifying the ecological, environmental and historical determinants of parasite distributions and diversity is therefore necessary to understand disease outbreaks under changing environments. Here, we identified the predictors and contributions of infection probability and phylogenetic diversity of Leucocytozoon (an avian blood parasite) at site and species levels across the New World.

To explore spatial patterns in infection probability and lineage diversity for Leucocytozoon parasites, we surveyed 69 bird communities from Alaska to Patagonia. Using phylogenetic Bayesian hierarchical models and high‐resolution satellite remote‐sensing data, we determined the relative influence of climate, landscape, geography and host phylogeny on regional parasite community assembly.

Infection rates and parasite diversity exhibited considerable variation across regions in the Americas. In opposition to the latitudinal gradient hypothesis, both the diversity and prevalence of Leucocytozoon parasites decreased towards the equator. Host relatedness and traits known to promote vector exposure neither predicted infection probability nor parasite diversity. Instead, the probability of a bird being infected with Leucocytozoon increased with increasing vegetation cover (NDVI) and moisture levels (NDWI), whereas the diversity of parasite lineages decreased with increasing NDVI. Infection rates and parasite diversity also tended to be higher in cooler regions and higher latitudes.

Whereas temperature partially constrains Leucocytozoon diversity and infection rates, landscape features, such as vegetation cover and water body availability, play a significant role in modulating the probability of a bird being infected. This suggests that, for Leucocytozoon, the barriers to host shifting and parasite host range expansion are jointly determined by environmental filtering and landscape, but not by host phylogeny. Our results show that integrating host traits, host ancestry, bioclimatic data and microhabitat characteristics that are important for vector reproduction are imperative to understand and predict infection prevalence and diversity of vector‐transmitted parasites. Unlike other vector‐transmitted diseases, our results show that Leucocytozoon diversity and prevalence will likely decrease with warming temperatures.
Evaluation of a tracheostomy education programme for speech–language therapists
Authors: Miles Anna , Greig Lucy , Jackson Bianca , Keesing Melissa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTracheostomy management is considered an area of advanced practice for speech–language therapists (SLTs) internationally. Infrequent exposure and limited access to specialist SLTs are barriers to competency development.AimsTo evaluate the benefits of postgraduate tracheostomy education programme for SLTs working with children and adults.Methods & ProceduresA total of 35 SLTs participated in the programme, which included a 1‐day tracheostomy simulation‐based workshop. Before the workshop, SLTs took an online knowledge quiz and then completed a theory package. The workshop consisted of part‐task skill learning and simulated scenarios. Scenarios were video recorded for delayed independent appraisal of participant performance. Manual skills were judged as (1) completed successfully, (2) completed inadequately/needed assistance or (3) lost opportunity. Core non‐medical skills required when managing a crisis situation and overall performance were scored using an adapted Ottawa Global Rating Scale (GRS). Feedback from participants was collected and self‐perceived confidence rated prior, immediately post and 4 months post‐workshop.Outcomes & ResultsSLTs successfully performed 94% of manual tasks. Most SLTs (29 of 35) scored > 5 of 7 on all elements of the adapted Ottawa GRS. Workshop feedback was positive with significant increases in confidence ratings post‐workshop and maintained at 4 months.Conclusions & ImplicationsPostgraduate tracheostomy education, using a flipped‐classroom approach and low‐ and high‐fidelity simulation, is an effective way to increase knowledge, confidence and manual skill performance in SLTs across patient populations. Simulation is a well‐received method of learning.
Performance of different microbial cultures in potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts from cow and goat milks
Authors: Lucatto Juliana Nunes , da Silva‐Buzanello Rosana Aparecida , de Mendonça Saraspathy Naidoo Terroso Gama , Lazarotto Tassyana Crespan , Sanchez Jorge Leonardo , Bona Evandro , Drunkler Deisy Alessandra 
Published: October 2019

Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 and green banana pulp were used in order to obtain potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts, which were compared over a 45‐day storage period. Goat milk yoghurts demonstrated probiotic effects up to 45 days of storage. Cow milk yoghurts produced with B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 showed a probiotic effect reduction during the storage period (1.74 log CFU/g). The type of milk affected the yoghurts’ chemical and physicochemical properties. Sensory acceptance was also affected, where cow milk yoghurts were better accepted than goat milk ones.
Preterm birth phenotypes in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kolstad KD , Mayo JA , Chung L , Chaichian Y , Kelly VM , Druzin M , Stevenson DK , Shaw GM , Simard JF 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate preterm birth (PTB) phenotypes in women with different autoimmune rheumatic diseases in a large population‐based cohort.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingCalifornia, USA.PopulationAll live singleton births in California between 2007 and 2011 were analysed. Patients with autoimmune disease at delivery were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision , Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM), codes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (DM/PM), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsMaternally linked hospital and birth certificate records of 2 481 516 deliveries were assessed (SLE n = 2272, RA n = 1501, SSc n = 88, JIA n = 187, DM/PM n = 38). Multivariable Poisson regression models estimated the risk ratios (RRs) for different PTB phenotypes (relative to term deliveries) for each autoimmune disease compared with the general obstetric population, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, education, payer, parity, and prenatal care.Main outcome measuresPreterm birth (PTB) was assessed overall (20–36 weeks of gestation) and by subphenotype: preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), spontaneous birth, or medically indicated PTB. The risk of PTB overall and for each phenotype was partitioned by gestational age: early (20–31 weeks of gestation) and late (32–36 weeks of gestation).ResultsRisks for PTB were elevated for each autoimmune disease evaluated: SLE (RR 3.27, 95% CI 3.01–3.56), RA (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.79–2.33), SSc (RR 3.74, 95% CI 2.51–5.58), JIA (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.54–3.23), and DM/PM (RR 5.26, 95% CI 3.12–8.89). These elevated risks were observed for the majority of PTB phenotypes as well.ConclusionsWomen with systemic autoimmune diseases appear to have an elevated risk of various PTB phenotypes. Therefore, preconception counselling and close monitoring during pregnancy is crucial.Tweetable abstractThis study found that women with systemic autoimmune diseases have an elevated risk of preterm birth phenotypes.
The association between vaginal bacterial composition and miscarriage: a nested case–control study
Authors: Al‐Memar M , Bobdiwala S , Fourie H , Mannino R , Lee YS , Smith A , Marchesi JR , Timmerman D , Bourne T , Bennett PR , MacIntyre DA 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo characterise vaginal bacterial composition in early pregnancy and investigate its relationship with first and second trimester miscarriages.DesignNested case–control study.SettingQueen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London.Population161 pregnancies: 64 resulting in first trimester miscarriage, 14 in second trimester miscarriage and 83 term pregnancies.MethodsProspective profiling and comparison of vaginal bacteria composition using 16S rRNA gene‐based metataxonomics from 5 weeks’ gestation in pregnancies ending in miscarriage or uncomplicated term deliveries matched for age, gestation and body mass index.Main outcome measuresRelative vaginal bacteria abundance, diversity and richness. Pregnancy outcomes defined as first or second trimester miscarriage, or uncomplicated term delivery.ResultsFirst trimester miscarriage associated with reduced prevalence of Lactobacillus spp.‐dominated vaginal microbiota classified using hierarchical clustering analysis (65.6 versus 87.7%; P = 0.005), higher alpha diversity (mean Inverse Simpson Index 2.5 [95% confidence interval 1.8–3.0] versus 1.5 [1.3–1.7], P = 0.003) and higher richness 25.1 (18.5–31.7) versus 16.7 (13.4–20), P = 0.017), compared with viable pregnancies. This was independent of vaginal bleeding and observable before first trimester miscarriage diagnosis (P = 0.015). Incomplete/complete miscarriage associated with higher proportions of Lactobacillus spp.‐depleted communities compared with missed miscarriage. Early pregnancy vaginal bacterial stability was similar between miscarriage and term pregnancies.ConclusionsThese findings associate the bacterial component of vaginal microbiota with first trimester miscarriage and indicate suboptimal community composition is established in early pregnancy. While further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism, vaginal bacterial composition may represent a modifiable risk factor for first trimester miscarriage.Tweetable abstractVaginal bacterial composition in first trimester miscarriage is associated with reduced Lactobacillus spp. abundance and is independent of vaginal bleeding.
A Study of the Background Levels of Male DNA on Underpants Worn by Females
Authors: Murphy Charlotte , Kenna June , Flanagan Lorna , Lee Gorman Marce , Boland Clara , Ryan Jennifer 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study is the first to examine the background level of male DNA on underpants worn by females in the absence of sexual contact. Here, we examined 103 samples from the inside front of underpants from 85 female volunteers. Samples were examined for the presence of male DNA using NGM SElect and PowerPlex Y23 kits. Only five samples gave a “complete” Y‐STR profile, even though 83.5% of our volunteers cohabited with a male. In all cases where a partner reference sample was available, the Y‐STR profile matched the cohabiting partner. We have demonstrated that a Y‐STR profile is not expected on the inside front of underpants worn by females after social contact alone. The results of this study are informative for evaluating the significance of a Y‐STR profile on underpants in cases of alleged sexual assault.
Postmortem Fluid Concentrations of Heroin Biomarkers and Their Metabolites
Authors: Al‐Asmari Ahmed I. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOnly limited data exist concerning the utility of complementary specimens in heroin‐related deaths. As such, this report employed a validated LC‐MS‐MS method to quantify 6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM), 6‐acetylcodeine (6‐AC), and their metabolites morphine and codeine in blood with (BN) and without preservative (B) and the additional unpreserved specimens of vitreous humor, urine, stomach contents, and bile from 20 postmortem cases in which heroin was the primary cause of death. The median concentration of 6‐MAM in BN was 0.011 mg/L, B was 0.008 mg/L, urine was 0.186 mg/L, vitreous humor was 0.022 mg/L, stomach contents was 0.147 mg/L, and bile was 0.012 mg/L. Only one case was found to be positive for 6‐AC in B (case 6, 0.002 mg/L), and the median concentration of 6‐AC was 0.002 mg/L in BN, 0.012 mg/L in urine, 0.003 mg/L in vitreous humor, 0.057 mg/L in stomach contents, and 0.004 mg/L in bile. These findings present new information on the distribution of these analytes in complementary matrices and support their inclusion for accurately determining the role of heroin in opioid‐related deaths.
Randomized controlled trial comparing hydroxychloroquine with pioglitazone as third‐line agents in type 2 diabetic patients failing metformin plus a sulfonylurea: A pilot study
Authors: Hsia Stanley H. , Duran Petra , Lee Martin L. , Davidson Mayer B. 
Published: October 2019

Highlights

The anti‐inflammatory agent, hydroxychloroquine, improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients when used as a third‐line agent added to metformin and a sulfonylurea.
In comparison to pioglitazone, hydroxychloroquine lowered hemoglobin A1c levels less effectively and did not improve insulin sensitivity, but also did not cause any weight gain, hypoglycemia, or pedal edema.
In this small, proof‐of‐concept study, hydroxychloroquine was well tolerated and may be an alternative treatment choice in combination with other agents.
Abundance, diversity and plant‐specific adaptations of plant‐associated lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Yu Annabelle O. , Leveau Johan H. J. , Marco Maria L. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are essential for many fruit, vegetable and grain food and beverage fermentations. However, the numbers, diversity and plant‐specific adaptions of LAB found on plant tissues prior to the start of those fermentations are not well understood. When measured, these bacteria have been recovered from the aerial surfaces of plants in a range from <10 CFU g−1 to over 108.5 CFU g−1 of plant tissue and in lower quantities from the soil and rhizosphere. Plant‐associated LAB include well‐known generalist taxa such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which are essential for numerous food and beverage fermentations. Other plant‐associated LAB encompass specialist taxa such as Lactobacillus florum and Fructobacillus, many of which were discovered relatively recently and their significance on plants and in foods is not yet recognized. LAB recovered from plants possess the capacity to consume plant sugars, detoxify phenolic compounds and tolerate the numerous biotic and abiotic stresses common to plant surfaces. Although most generalist and some specialist LAB grow rapidly in food and beverages fermentations and can cause spoilage of fresh and fermented fruits and vegetables, the importance of living plants as habitats for these bacteria and LAB contributions to plant microbiomes remain to be shown.
HOXB7 mediates cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through involvement of DNA damage repair
Authors: Zhou Ting , Fu Hao , Dong Bin , Dai Liang , Yang Yongbo , Yan Wanpu , Shen Luyan 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundDNA damage repair is an important mechanism of platinum resistance. HOXB7 is one member of HOX family genes, which are essential developmental regulators and frequently dysregulated in cancer. Recently, its relevance in chemotherapy resistance and DNA damage repair has also been addressed. However, little is known regarding the association between HOXB7 and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsThe association between HOXB7 expression detected by immunohistochemisty and tumor regression grade (TRG) and long‐term survival was analyzed in 143 ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CCK8 assay was used to examine the effect of cisplatin in a panel of four ESCC cell lines. A stable cell strain with HOXB7 knockdown of KYSE150 and KYSE450 was established to explore the effect on cisplatin sensitivity. The interaction of HOXB7 with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs was determined by GST‐pull down, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent colocalization. Finally, we investigated whether disrupting HOXB7 function by a synthetic peptide HXR9 blocking the formation of HOXB7/PBX could enhance cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo.ResultsHigh expression of HOXB7 was associated with cisplatin resistance and worse chemotherapy efficacy. HOXB7 knockdown reinforced cisplatin sensitivity. It was identified that HOXB7 interacts with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs. HOXB7 knockdown was related to the downregulation of Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs as well as arrested cell cycle in S phase. HOXB7 inhibition by HXR9 had a synergistic effect to improve cisplatin sensitivity.ConclusionHOXB7 may be a biomarker for the prediction of chemoresistance of ESCC and serves as a promising therapeutic target.
Optimal first‐line treatment for advanced thymic carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xue , Zhuo Minglei , Shi Anhui , Yang Shengnan , Wang Ziping , Wu Meina , An Tongtong , Wang Yuyan , Li Jianjie , Zhong Jia , Chen Hanxiao , Jia Bo , Dong Zhi , Zhao Jun 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThymic carcinomas (TCs) are rare aggressive tumors with no standard first‐line treatment. This study was conducted to determine the optimal chemotherapy regimen for advanced TC.MethodsThis retrospective study included 67 patients treated for stage IV TC in 2006–2015. The primary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and progression‐free survival (PFS) with different chemotherapy regimens. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PFS, including metastatic status, radiotherapy post‐chemotherapy, primary lesion resection before chemotherapy, and chemotherapy regimen.ResultsA total of 36 patients received a paclitaxel‐platinum regimen, 31 received a gemcitabine‐platinum regimen, 14 underwent primary lesion resection, and 33 underwent radiotherapy. ORR was 31% (11/36) and 29% (9/31) in the paclitaxel‐platinum and gemcitabine‐platinum groups, respectively (P = 0.890). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 7.0 months, 26%, and 6% with paclitaxel‐platinum treatment and 12 months, 48%, and 24% with gemcitabine‐platinum treatment (log‐rank P = 0.030). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 18.0 months, 57%, and 33% with surgical resection and 7.3 months, 31%, and 7% without resection (log‐rank P = 0.030). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 13.0 months, 52%, and 20% with radiotherapy and 4.3 months, 22%, and 7% without radiotherapy (log‐rank P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, metastatic status (hazard ratio [HR], 0.33, P = 0.004), surgical resection (HR, 0.32; P = 0.004), and radiotherapy (HR, 0.32; P < 0.001) were associated with superior PFS.ConclusionsBoth gemcitabine‐platinum and paclitaxel‐platinum regimens were efficacious for advanced TC. Primary lesion resection and radiotherapy may also benefit selected patients.
Technology‐Delivered Cognitive‐Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Use: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kiluk Brian D. , Ray Lara A. , Walthers Justin , Bernstein Michael , Tonigan Jeffery S. , Magill Molly 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) has long‐standing evidence for efficacy in the treatment of alcohol use, yet implementation in clinical practice has been challenging. Delivery of CBT through technology‐based platforms, such as web‐based programs and mobile applications, has the potential to provide widespread access to this evidence‐based intervention. While there have been reviews indicating the efficacy of technology‐based delivery of CBT for various psychiatric conditions, none have focused on efficacy for alcohol use. The current meta‐analysis was conducted to fill this research gap.MethodsDescriptive data were used to characterize the nature of the literature on technology‐delivered, CBT‐based interventions for alcohol use (“CBT Tech”). Inverse‐variance‐weighted effect sizes were calculated, and random effects, effect sizes were pooled in 4 subgroups.ResultsFifteen published trials conducted primarily with at‐risk or heavy drinkers were identified. Of these studies, 60% explicitly targeted alcohol use moderation. The content of CBT Tech programs varied, ranging from 4 to 62 sessions/exercises, with many programs combining elements of motivational interviewing (47%). With respect to efficacy, CBT Tech as a stand‐alone treatment in contrast to a minimal treatment control showed a positive and statistically significant, albeit small effect (g = 0.20: 95% CI = 0.22, 0.38, kes = 5). When CBT Tech was compared to treatment as usual (TAU), effects were nonsignificant. However, when CBT Tech was tested as an addition to TAU, in contrast to TAU only, the effect size was positive, significant (g = 0.30: 95% CI = 0.10, 0.50, kes = 7), and stable over 12‐month follow‐up. Only 2 studies compared CBT Tech to in‐person CBT, and this pooled effect size did not suggest superior efficacy.ConclusionsThese results show a benefit for technology‐delivered, CBT‐based interventions as a stand‐alone therapy for heavy drinking or as an addition to usual care in specialty substance use settings.
Lifetime Drinking Trajectories and Nonfatal Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Russell Marcia , Fan Amy Z. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Dorn Joan , Trevisan Maurizio 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThe relation of lifetime drinking trajectories to coronary heart disease is not well understood.MethodsCases hospitalized for a nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and healthy population‐based controls matched on age and sex completed a physical examination and an interview covering known AMI risk factors and a detailed lifetime drinking history. Distinct lifetime drinking trajectories based on ounces of ethanol consumed per decade between ages 10 and 59 years were derived and characterized according to lifetime drinking patterns associated with each. Sex‐specific multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate AMI risk among participants who never drank regularly compared to lifetime drinking trajectories and risk associated with distinct trajectories among former and current drinkers.ResultsTwo lifetime drinking trajectories were derived, early peak and stable. Early peak trajectories were characterized by earlier onset of regular drinking, less frequent drinking, more drinks per drinking day, fewer total drinks, more frequent drunkenness per drinking year, and reduced alcohol intake or abstention by middle age. Never drinking regularly, reported by significantly more women than men, was associated with significantly higher AMI risk than stable lifetime drinking trajectories among men and in the sex‐combined analysis of former drinkers only. Compared to stable lifetime drinking trajectories, early peak trajectories were associated with significantly higher AMI risk among male former drinkers, among sex‐combined former drinkers, and among female current drinkers.ConclusionsEpidemiological studies of alcohol and health in populations over age 35 may have underestimated the impact of heavy episodic drinking during adolescence and emerging adulthood on the cardiovascular system.