bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NEOSQUIRREL: a data set of ecological knowledge on Neotropical squirrels
Authors: Mendes Calebe Pereira , Koprowski John L. , Galetti Mauro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe squirrels (Sciuridae), with 292 species, make up the second most diverse family of rodents. Squirrels play important roles as seed and spore dispersers and seed predators in all regions where they occur. In Neotropical regions, around 28 species of squirrel are recognised. However, our knowledge of the ecology of the Neotropical Sciuridae is severely incomplete, lacking in the most basic ecological information for most species.We reviewed the literature in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, for all squirrel species in the Neotropical biogeographic region, summarising ecological interactions between squirrels and the local biota, population density records, the number of publications, and the distribution of study sites.We found information for 20 squirrel species (71% of the recognised species), from 15 countries, in 48 publications containing 126 population density records and 155 publications containing 649 ecological interactions. The most studied species wereGuerlinguetus brasiliensis,Notosciurus granatensis, andSciurus variegatoides, with 53% of all publications, whereas for eight species ofMicrosciurus, we found no publications. The density of Neotropical squirrels varied from 0.08 to 100 individuals per km2and was negatively correlated with forest area.Neotropical squirrels were recorded eating 174 plant taxa, five fungus taxa, four invertebrate taxa, and one species of vertebrate. Palms were common in the diet of squirrels (30 palm species, 27% of feeding records). Squirrels cached 28 plant species, of which 15 were palms.Sixty‐five taxa of parasites are documented to occur in Neotropical squirrels, and the most common wereEnderleinelluslice. Zoonotic parasites, including trypanosomes,Leptospiraspp.,Leishmaniaspp., and plague were also reported.Our review reveals the main information gaps in the current knowledge about the ecology of Neotropical Sciuridae and maps the geographic distribution of the available information throughout South and Central America. Squirrels often thrive in small forest fragments and fulfil important roles as seed dispersers and prey for mesopredators.
Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and the role of inhibitory receptors in islet tolerance
Authors: Martinov Tijana , Fife Brian T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractType 1 diabetes (T1D) affects over a million Americans, and disease incidence is on the rise. Despite decades of research, there is still no cure for this disease. Exciting beta cell replacement strategies are being developed, but in order for such approaches to work, targeted immunotherapies must be designed. To selectively halt the autoimmune response, researchers must first understand how this response is regulated and which tolerance checkpoints fail during T1D development. Herein, we discuss the current understanding of T1D pathogenesis in humans, genetic and environmental risk factors, presumed roles of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as B cells, and implicated autoantigens. We also highlight studies in non‐obese diabetic mice that have demonstrated the requirement for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and B cells in driving T1D pathology. We present an overview of central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms and comment on existing controversies in the field regarding central tolerance. Finally, we discuss T cell– and B cell–intrinsic tolerance mechanisms, with an emphasis on the roles of inhibitory receptors in maintaining islet tolerance in humans and in diabetes‐prone mice, and strategies employed to date to harness inhibitory receptor signaling to prevent or reverse T1D.
Cortical surface architecture endophenotype and correlates of clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yamagata Bun , Itahashi Takashi , Fujino Junya , Ohta Haruhisa , Takashio Osamu , Nakamura Motoaki , Kato Nobumasa , Mimura Masaru , Hashimoto Ryu‐ichiro , Aoki Yuta Y. 
Published: April 2019

AimPrior structural magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated atypical gray matter characteristics in siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, they did not clarify which aspect of gray matter is related to the endophenotype (i.e., genetic vulnerability) of ASD. Further, because they did not enroll siblings of typically developing (TD) people, they may have underestimated the difference between individuals with ASD and their unaffected siblings. The current study aimed to address these gaps.MethodsWe recruited 30 pairs of adult male siblings (15 pairs with an ASD endophenotype and 15 pairs without) and focused on four gray matter parameters: cortical volume and three surface‐based parameters (cortical thickness, fractal dimension, and sulcal depth [SD]). First, we sought to identify a pattern of an ASD endophenotype, comparing the four parameters. Then, we compared individuals with ASD and their unaffected siblings in the cortical parameters to identify neural correlates for the clinical diagnosis accounting for the difference between TD siblings.ResultsA sparse logistic regression with a leave‐one‐pair‐out cross‐validation showed the SD as having the highest accuracy for the identification of an ASD endophenotype (73.3%) compared with the other three parameters. A bootstrapping analysis accounting for the difference in the SD between TD siblings showed a significantly large difference between individuals with ASD and their unaffected siblings in six out of 68 regions of interest.ConclusionThis proof‐of‐concept study suggests that an ASD endophenotype emerges in the SD and that neural bases for ASD diagnosis can be discerned from the endophenotype when accounting for the difference between TD siblings.
Electrophysiological correlates of prediction formation in anticipation of reward‐ and punishment‐related feedback signals
Authors: Wischnewski Miles , Schutter Dennis J.L.G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFeedback processing during decision making involves comparing anticipated and actual outcome. Although effects on ERPs of valence, magnitude, expectancy, and context during feedback processing have been extensively investigated, the electrophysiological processes underlying prediction formation in anticipation of feedback signals have received little attention. The aim of the present study was to explore these processes of prediction formation and their influence on subsequent feedback signals. Twenty healthy, right‐handed volunteers performed a forced‐choice task in which they had to indicate which of two presented objects was more expensive. After the volunteer's choice, an expert cue, which was accurate in 80% of trials, was presented to manipulate prediction formation about future reward and punishment. ERPs were recorded during presentation of the expert cue and during feedback. Results revealed that prediction formation of future rewards and punishments is accompanied by differences in the P2 component and a subsequent delay period. During feedback processing, the prediction‐related P2 was associated with the processing of valence reflected in the feedback‐related P2. Furthermore, the prediction‐related difference in the delay period was associated with error processing in feedback‐related medial frontal negativity. These findings suggest that prediction signals prior to feedback contain information about whether a prediction is correct or wrong (expectancy) and if the outcome will be a reward or punishment (valence).
A swan song for Kt/Vurea
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Van Biesen Wim , Lameire Norbert 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDialyzer clearance of urea multiplied by dialysis time and normalized for urea distribution volume (Kt/Vurea or simply Kt/V) has been used as an index of dialysis adequacy since more than 30 years. This article reviews the flaws of Kt/V, starting with a lack of proof of concept in three randomized controlled hard outcome trials (RCTs), and continuing with a long list of conditions where the concept of Kt/V was shown to be flawed. This information leaves little room for any conclusion other than that Kt/V, as an indicator of dialysis adequacy, is obsolete. The dialysis patient might benefit more if, instead, the nephrology community concentrates in the future on pursuing the optimal dialysis dose that conforms with adequate quality of life and on factors that are likely to affect outcomes more than Kt/V. These include residual renal function, volume status, dialysis length, ultrafiltration rate, the number of intra‐dialytic hypotensive episodes, interdialytic blood pressure, serum potassium and phosphate, serum albumin, and C reactive protein.
Architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of a mixed‐process humid‐tropical delta: Middle Miocene Lambir Formation, Baram Delta Province, north‐west Borneo
Authors: Collins Daniel S. , Johnson Howard D. , Baldwin Christopher T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe interaction of river and marine processes in the fluvial to marine transition zone fundamentally impacts delta plain morphology and sedimentary dynamics. This study aims to improve existing models of the facies distribution, stratigraphic architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of mixed‐process deltas, using a comprehensive sedimentological and stratigraphic dataset from the Middle Miocene Lambir Formation, Baram Delta Province, north‐west Borneo. Eleven facies associations are identified and interpreted to preserve the interaction of fluvial and marine processes in a mixed‐energy delta, where fluvial, wave and tidal processes display spatially and temporally variable interactions. Stratigraphic successions in axial areas associated with active distributary channels are sandstone‐rich, comprising fluvial‐dominated and wave‐dominated units. Successions in lateral areas, which lack active distributary channels, are mudstone‐rich, comprising fluvial‐dominated, tide‐dominated and wave‐dominated units, including mangrove swamps. Widespread mudstone preservation in axial and lateral areas suggests well‐developed turbidity maximum zones, a consequence of high suspended‐sediment concentrations resulting from tropical weathering of a mudstone‐rich hinterland. Within the fluvial to marine transition zone of distributary channels, interpreted proximal–distal sedimentological and stratigraphic trends suggest: (i) a proximal fluvial‐dominated, tide‐influenced subzone; (ii) a distal fluvial‐dominated to wave‐dominated subzone; and (iii) a conspicuously absent tide‐dominated subzone. Lateral areas preserve a more diverse spectrum of facies and stratigraphic elements reflecting combined storm, tidal and subordinate river processes. During coupled storm and river floods, fluvial processes dominated the fluvial to marine transition zone along major and minor distributary channels and channel mouths, causing significant overprinting of preceding interflood deposits. Despite interpreted fluvial–tidal channel units and mangrove influence implying tidal processes, there is a paucity of unequivocal tidal indicators (for example, cyclical heterolithic layering). This suggests that process preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone preserved in the Lambir Formation primarily records episodic (flashy) river discharge, river flood and storm overprinting of tidal processes, and possible backwater dynamics.
Comparison of three methods for the diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis in dogs and cats
Authors: Combarros Daniel , Boncea Ana Maria , Brément Thomas , Bourdeau Patrick , Bruet Vincent 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis is based on the visualization of the parasite, either directly by otoscopy or indirectly after microscopic examination of cerumen collected by several methods.ObjectivesTo compare the sensitivity of three techniques: conventional handheld otoscopy, Volkmann's curette sampling and cotton‐tipped swabbing.AnimalsFive dogs and 12 cats (30 naturally infested ears).Methods and materialsFor each case, following otoscopy, the order of examinations (swab or curette) was chosen randomly and the samples were observed on a slide mixed with lactophenol and covered with a coverslip. Parasite detection was noted as positive or negative and parasitic stages were counted separately.ResultsThe diagnostic sensitivity of otoscopy alone was 67% (positive in 20 of 30 cases), using the curette sampling it was 93% (28/30) and 57% (17/30) for the swabbing. The curette technique had a significantly higher sensitivity than classic ear‐swabbing (P = 0.001) or otoscopy alone (P = 0.02). Combining otoscopy and the curette, we obtained a sensitivity of 100% compared to 86% when otoscopy and swabbing were combined. Moreover, the parasite count in the curette samples (average 25 ± 30 SD) was significantly higher than the swab samples (4.5 ± 11) (P < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceWhen suspecting O. cynotis infestation, otoscopic examination should be performed. To confirm the nature of the parasites observed or whenever this examination result is negative, doubtful or cannot be performed, the curettage sampling method for microscopic cerumen examination is recommended.
Traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation in dogs: 8 cases (2009–2016)
Authors: Hansen Sonya C. , Bacek Lenore M. , Kuo Kendon W. , Taylor Amanda R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo demonstrate the utility of advanced imaging in dogs with traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation (TAAS), and to report the presentation, treatment, and outcome for these dogs.DesignRetrospective study (2009–2016).SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsEight dogs diagnosed with TAAS with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or both.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsEight dogs met criteria for inclusion. Of these, 6 were male, median age was 4 years (range, 1.5–11 years), and median body weight was 4.9 kg (range, 3.0–25.0 kg). On presentation, 6/8 (75%) dogs were nonambulatory tetraparetic and the most common injury was trauma inflicted by another animal 5/8 (62.5%). Diagnosis of TAAS was made using a combination of imaging modalities including vertebral column radiographs in 7/8 (87.5%) (of which 71.4% were suspicious for TAAS), CT in 7/8 (87.5%), and MRI in 7/8 (87.5%). In 7/8 (87.5%) dogs, CT and/or MRI offered additional information regarding the extent of injuries. Vertebral fractures were identified in 62.5% (5/8) of dogs. The majority of dogs underwent surgical repair (7/8 [87.5%]). The most common complication was aspiration pneumonia (3/8 [37.5%]). All 8 dogs survived to discharge. At the time of discharge, 4/8 (50%) were ambulatory tetraparetic. The 4 dogs that were nonambulatory tetraparetic at discharge progressed to being ambulatory within 2 months of surgery.ConclusionsAlthough TAAS is an uncommon occurrence it should be considered a differential for any trauma patient that is presenting with signs of a cranial cervical myelopathy. CT and MRI have been shown to be useful to identify the extent of injuries and to facilitate surgical planning. With appropriate care, these dogs can have an excellent prognosis.
Adjuvant therapies in venous leg ulcer management: A scoping review
Authors: Team Victoria , Chandler Peter G. , Weller Carolina D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCompression therapy is the current evidence‐based approach to manage venous leg ulcers (VLU); however, adherence is a major barrier to successful treatment. Combination approaches may relieve the burden of treatment by shortening the time to ulcer healing. This scoping review conducted by Australian researchers aimed to establish the evidence of effectiveness of various adjuvant methods on wound healing and recurrence. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), and Systematic Reviews (SR) and Meta‐Analyses (MA) on VLU management approaches published from January 2015 to December 2018 were included in this review. The articles included in the scoping review were grouped according to the management approaches, including (1) pharmaceutical interventions, (2) surgical interventions, (3) topical agents, (4) the use of devices, and (5) other, such as physiotherapy and psychological interventions. Results of this scoping review indicate that there is a limited high‐quality evidence of effectiveness in most adjuvant therapies on wound healing and recurrence. Given the low‐quality evidence observed in this scoping review for adjuvant treatments, the implication for practice is that current management guidelines be followed. Further rigorous studies have the potential to produce better quality evidence. Quality of evidence can be improved by ensuring large sample sizes of a single etiology wounds, standardizing reporting outcomes, and maintaining detailed and evidence‐based protocols in physiological or psychological interventions.
Exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia increases loop gain and the arousal threshold in participants with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Alex Raichel M. , Panza Gino S. , Hakim Huzaifa , Badr M. Safwan , Edwards Bradley A. , Sands Scott A. , Mateika Jason H. 
Published: April 2019

Key points
Repeated daily mild intermittent hypoxia has been endorsed as a therapy to promote the recovery of respiratory and limb motor dysfunction.
One possible side‐effect of this therapy is an increase in apnoeic event number and duration, which is particularly relevant to participants with motor disorders coupled with an increased incidence of sleep apnoea.
In this study, we report that increases in apnoeic event number and duration, following exposure to daily intermittent hypoxia, are the result of an increase in respiratory loop gain and the arousal threshold, in participants with obstructive sleep apnoea.
Daily exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia also led to an increase in the ventilatory response to arousal.
Accordingly, individuals with motor disorders receiving mild intermittent hypoxia as a therapy should be screened for the presence of sleep apnoea, and if present, administration of intermittent hypoxia during hours of wakefulness should be combined with continuous positive airway pressure treatment during sleep.
AbstractWe determined if exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia (MIH) causes an increase in loop gain (LG) and the arousal threshold (AT) during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Male participants with obstructive sleep apnoea (apnoea‐hypopnoea index > 5 events/h), matched for age, body mass index and race were divided into two groups (n = 13 in each group). Following a baseline sleep study, one group was exposed to twelve 4‐min episodes of hypoxia each day for 10 days and the other group to a sham protocol (SP). On Days 1 and 10, a sleep study was completed following exposure to MIH or the SP. For each sleep study, LG and the AT were measured during NREM sleep, using a model‐based approach, and expressed as a fraction of baseline measures. LG increased after exposure to MIH (Day 1: 1.11 ± 0.03, P = 0.002, Day 10: 1.17 ± 0.05, P = 0.001), but not after the SP (Day 1: 1.03 ± 0.04, P = 1.0, Day 10: 1.0 ± 0.02, P = 1.0). AT also increased after exposure to MIH (Day 1: 1.13 ± 0.05, P = 0.01, Day 10: 1.19 ± 0.08, P = 0.05) but not after the SP (Day 1: 1.04 ± 0.05, P = 0.6, Day 10: 0.96 ± 0.04, P = 1.0). Our results might account for increases in apnoea frequency and duration previously observed during NREM sleep following exposure to MIH. Our results also have implications for the use of MIH as a therapeutic modality.
Manipulation of Host Cell Organelles by Intracellular Pathogens
Authors: Omotade Titilayo O. , Roy Craig R. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT

In this article, we explore the unique adaptations of intracellular bacterial pathogens that manipulate conserved cellular pathways, organelles, and cargo to convert the phagosome into a pathogen-containing vacuole (PCV). The phagosome is a degradative organelle that rapidly acidifies as it delivers cargo to the lysosome to destroy microbes and cellular debris. However, to avoid this fate, intracellular bacterial pathogens hijack the key molecular modulators of intracellular traffic: small GTPases, phospholipids, SNAREs, and their associated effectors. Following uptake, pathogens that reside in the phagosome either remain associated with the endocytic pathway or rapidly diverge from the preprogrammed route to the lysosome. Both groups rely on effector-mediated mechanisms to meet the common challenges of intracellular life, such as nutrient acquisition, vacuole expansion, and evasion of the host immune response.
Mycobacteria
,
Salmonella
, and
Coxiella
serve as a lens through which we explore regulators of the canonical endocytic route and pathogens that seek to subvert it. On the other hand, pathogens such as
Chlamydia
,
Legionella
, and
Brucella
disconnect from the canonical endocytic route. This bifurcation is linked to extensive hijacking of the secretory pathway and repurposing of the PCV into specialized compartments that resemble organelles in the secretory network. Finally, each pathogen devises specific strategies to counteract host immune responses, such as autophagy, which aim to destroy these aberrant organelles. Collectively, each unique intracellular niche and the pathogens that construct them reflect the outcome of an aggressive and ongoing molecular arms race at the host-pathogen interface. Improving our understanding of these well-adapted pathogens can help us refine our knowledge of conserved cell biological processes.
Improving patient portal enrolment in an academic resident continuity clinic: quality improvement made simple
Authors: Rhudy Courtney , Broxterman Jane , Stewart Sara , Weaver Victoria , Gibson Cheryl , Shankweiler Caylin , Comfort Branden , Lowry Becky 
Published: April 2019

Electronic health record patient portal usage has been associated with improvement in chronic disease parameters, patient functional status and patient satisfaction. Our institution’s patient portal is a secure, online health management tool that connects patients to portions of their electronic health record.Our quality improvement project aimed to increase patient portal enrolment significantly in our Internal Medicine resident patient panels.This study was conducted in a large, multisite health system in Kansas City, Kansas that serves a diverse patient population. Our clinic includes 65 resident patient panels. We followed a subset of 16 resident patient panels in this quality improvement project. A baseline audit showed that 35% of the 1628 patients in these panels were enrolled in the patient portal system. A standardised, nurse-initiated portal sign-up process following patient rooming was implemented. Initial results indicated a 9.6% increase in patient portal sign-up at the end of the first 4-week cycle. We then implemented educational sessions for our clinic nurses as well as attending physicians, and achieved a 15.1% increase from baseline to the end of the second 4-week cycle, resulting in 86 patient portal activations (p<0.01).Resident physicians worked with clinic nurse partners in two formats for this project. Nurses assigned to patient rooming for residents during the clinic sessions being studied (rooming nurses) initiated the portal sign-up process. Nurses assigned to partner with the resident for longitudinal patient care management, anchor nurses, worked with residents on items such as phone messages or portal messages. Semi-structured interviews of the four anchor nurses aligned with the 16 residents were conducted at the end of the study and revealed that nursing staff perceived increased patient portal activity to be associated with a decrease in nursing workload and an increase in patient engagement.