bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Dietary Correlates of Clutch Size in North American Woodpeckers
Authors: Koenig Walter D. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
There are diverse relations among ecological, morphological, and life-history traits in North American woodpeckers (family Picidae). Within the family as a whole, clutch size does not correlate with body size. However, clutch size increases with body size within the genus Melanerpes and decreases with size in Picoides. In the family as a whole, species that specialize on wood-boring larvae have small clutches. Such species use pecking as a major foraging technique, and pecking is associated with a wide suite of morphological specializations, including relatively wide first ribs, long pygostyle disks, short tibia, wide crania, wide maxillae, long mandibular symphyses, less cranial kinesis, and greater culmen sexual dimorphism. Hence, these morphological characters also correlate with clutch size, in two cases (length of the mandibular symphysis and cranial kinesis) even after controlling for both body size and generic effects. The observed correlations between clutch size and morphology are probably the result of dietary influences. These correlations, however, may at least in part be due to morphological constraints. Morphological design may thus constrain life-history evolution at the intrafamilial and intrageneric levels as well as at higher taxonomic levels.
Evaluating the surrogacy of multiple vaccine-induced immune response biomarkers in HIV vaccine trials
Authors: Dasgupta Sayan , Huang Ying 
Published: September 2019

Summary
Identifying biomarkers as surrogates for clinical endpoints in randomized vaccine trials is useful for reducing study duration and costs, relieving participants of unnecessary discomfort, and understanding vaccine-effect mechanism. In this article, we use risk models with multiple vaccine-induced immune response biomarkers to measure the causal association between a vaccine’s effects on these biomarkers and that on the clinical endpoint. In this setup, our main objective is to combine and select markers with high surrogacy from a list of many candidate markers, allowing us to get a more parsimonious model which can potentially increase the predictive quality of the true markers. To address the missing “potential” biomarker value if a subject receives placebo, we utilize the baseline immunogenicity predictor design augmented with a “closeout placebo vaccination” group. We then impute the missing potential marker values and conduct marker selection through a stepwise resampling and imputation method called stability selection. We test our proposed strategy under relevant simulation settings and on (partially simulated) biomarker data from a HIV vaccine trial (RV144).
Contrasting evolutionary processes drive morphological and genetic differentiation in a subtropical fir (Abies, Pinaceae) species complex
Authors: Cruz-Nicolás Jorge , Giles-Pérez Gustavo , González-Linares Eréndira , Múgica-Gallart Julia , Lira-Noriega Andrés , Gernandt David S , Eguiarte Luis E , Jaramillo-Correa Juan P 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInteracting stochastic and selective forces drive population and species divergence. Such interaction may generate contrasting clines between genetic and phenotypic factors, which can be related to either geographical or environmental variation depending on the predominant evolutionary force (which in its turn is partly determined by population size). Here, we investigated whether the morphological and genetic differentiation across a species complex in Abies in central Mexico fits isolation by distance (IBD) or isolation-by-adaptation (IBA) frameworks. This complex includes two species (A. religiosa and A. flinckii) with discernible morphological and environmental differences and dissimilar range sizes. After comparing variation at nuclear SSR loci and diagnostic morphological traits of needles with the climate variables contributing to ecological differentiation, we found that the widely distributed A. religiosa has more genetic diversity and is morphologically more heterogeneous than the geographically restricted A. flinckii. Morphological differentiation at three physiologically important traits (needle thickness, number of stomata rows and location of the resin duct) is significantly correlated with geography in A. flinckii (indicative of IBD), but is significantly associated with climate variation in A. religiosa (suggesting IBA). In agreement with quantitative genetics theory, PST (phenotypic differentiation)-G’ST (genetic differentiation) comparisons indicate contrasting contributions of putatively adaptive (A. religiosa) and stochastic (A. flinckii) factors to the morphological differentiation of species related to their population size. The integration of such quantitative genetic/evolutionary aspects may reinforce species descriptions and help in disentangling resilient taxonomic discordance.
Prepared for a journey into wounded communities – and into the self
Authors: van der Watt Phia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Community development workers inevitably engage with communal wounding, inflicted over generations by systemic oppression and deprivation. By ignoring this complexity and focussing on surface-level activities, we can unconsciously inflict new wounds. Or, we can consciously engage with the wounds and facilitate healing. The latter implies a complex process, because a journey into the heart of community implies that the workers look into the mirror of their own lived experiences and thereby becomes a journey into the self. Careful preparation of the workers is thus critical. The complexity of in-depth work with communities receives limited recognition in the literature; with the result that there is gap in research on the deliberate and systematic preparation of workers for such work. The aim of the article is to identify critical aspects of such preparation. A family support programme in South Africa was used as case study. The article suggests the healing journey of the workers (‘start-with-self’) as the basis of the approach. Increased self-knowledge is used to guide content and facilitation and protect workers from projecting unconscious issues onto participants’ processes, conflating the different journeys and compounding the fear-to-risk. The benefits of reflection/mirroring, metaphors, integrating the insider/outsider roles and ‘healing questions’ are discussed. The mentor plays a critical role. The article concludes that communal wounds cannot be allowed to fester; instead it is possible and critical to prepare workers to engage with integrity with intergenerational wounding, thereby limiting the unconscious inflicting of new wounds to the community and the worker.
Consensus Report on Shigella Controlled Human Infection Model: Introduction and Overview
Authors: MacLennan Calman A , Aguilar Anastazia Older , Steele A Duncan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In recent years, controlled human infection models (CHIMs) have become available for a range of infectious agents and have proved invaluable for understanding the disease process, pathogenesis, and mechanisms of immunity. CHIM studies have also contributed significantly to advancing development of a number of vaccines by providing an indication of vaccine efficacy. The Shigella CHIM has been established in 3 sites in the United States, and it is likely that the CHIM will play an important regulatory role for advancing the range of Shigella vaccine candidates that are currently in development. This supplement describes the harmonization of best practices across sites, with a view to maximizing the contribution that CHIM studies can make to Shigella vaccine development.
Scrub Typhus and the Misconception of Doxycycline Resistance
Authors: Wangrangsimakul Tri , Phuklia Weerawat , Newton Paul N , Richards Allen L , Day Nicholas P J 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Scrub typhus, a neglected infectious disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a major cause of fever across the Asia Pacific region with more than a billion people at risk. Treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline or chloramphenicol is effective for the majority of patients. In the 1990s, reports from northern Thailand raised a troubling observation; some scrub typhus patients responded poorly to doxycycline, which investigators attributed to doxycycline resistance. Despite the controversial nature of these reports, independent verification was neglected, with subsequent studies speculating on the role of doxycycline resistance in contributing to failure of treatment or prophylaxis. In this review, we have outlined the evidence for drug-resistant Orientia tsutsugamushi, assessed the evidence for doxycycline resistance, and highlight more recent findings unsupportive of doxycycline resistance. We conclude that doxycycline resistance is a misconception, with treatment outcome likely to be determined by other bacterial, host, and pharmacological factors.
Cellular origin and microRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in different stages of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Uil Melissa , Hau Chi M , Ahdi Mohamed , Mills James D , Kers Jesper , Saleem Moin A , Florquin Sandrine , Gerdes Victor E A , Nieuwland Rienk , Roelofs Joris J T H 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small cell-derived vesicles that can alter disease progression by microRNA (miRNA) transfer.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to characterize the cellular origin and miRNA content of EVs in plasma samples of type 2 diabetes patients at various stages of DN. Type 2 diabetes patients were classified in three groups: normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. The concentration and cellular origin of plasma EVs were measured by flow cytometry. A total of 752 EV miRNAs were profiled in 18 subjects and differentially expressed miRNAs were validated.ResultsDiabetic patients with microalbuminuria and/or macroalbuminuria showed elevated concentrations of total EVs and EVs from endothelial cells, platelets, leucocytes and erythrocytes compared with diabetic controls. miR-99a-5p was upregulated in macroalbuminuric patients compared with normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric patients. Transfection of miR-99a-5p in cultured human podocytes downregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein expression and downregulated the podocyte injury marker vimentin.ConclusionsType 2 diabetes patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria display differential EV profiles. miR-99a-5p expression is elevated in EVs from macroalbuminuria and mTOR is its validated mRNA target.
Precipitation of de novo atrial fibrillation during Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy® after pacing capture during the treatment of proximal right coronary artery disease: a case report
Authors: Curtis Elizabeth , Khan Ali , El-Jack Seif , Glenie Tim 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy® has been recently translated to the treatment of coronary artery disease with a long history of use for ureteric stones where it has been observed to have caused cardiac arrhythmias. The risk of arrhythmia with the use of this method in coronary artery disease is currently unknown.

Case summary
A 72-year-old man undergoing planned percutaneous intervention to a heavily calcified proximal right coronary artery (RCA) lesion using S-IVL developed pacing capture from the device and subsequently new atrial fibrillation (AF) during the procedure. The technique resulted in successful treatment of the coronary lesion and he spontaneously reverted within an hour of the procedure before discharge.

Discussion
We postulate the pulsed energy delivered to break apart the calcium has the capacity to cause depolarization, and therefore, affect cardiac rhythm as seen in treatment of renal stones in the past before the introduction of routine electrocardiogram (ECG) gating. In this case, the proximity of the RCA to the right atrium caused short circuiting and development of AF in a susceptible patient. Both the pacing implications and the risk of arrhythmia needs to be investigated further and the potential for ECG gating of the pulsed energy to mitigate this effect needs to be explored to enhance the safety of this technique.
Exploring the midline soft tissue surface changes from 12 to 15 years of age in three distinct country population cohorts
Authors: Richmond Stephen , Zhurov Alexei I , Ali Azrul Bin Mohd , Pirttiniemi Pertti , Heikkinen Tuomo , Harila Virpi , Silinevica Signe , Jakobsone Gundega , Urtane Ilga 
Published: September 2019

Summary

Introduction
Several studies have highlighted differences in the facial features in a White European population. Genetics appear to have a major influence on normal facial variation, and environmental factors are likely to have minor influences on face shape directly or through epigenetic mechanisms.

Aim
The aim of this longitudinal cohort study is to determine the rate of change in midline facial landmarks in three distinct homogenous population groups (Finnish, Latvian, and Welsh) from 12.8 to 15.3 years of age. This age range covers the pubertal growth period for the majority of boys and girls.

Methods
A cohort of children aged 12 were monitored for facial growth in three countries [Finland (n = 60), Latvia (n = 107), and Wales (n = 96)]. Three-dimensional facial surface images were acquired (using either laser or photogrammetric methods) at regular intervals (6–12 months) for 4 years. Ethical approval was granted in each country. Nine midline landmarks were identified and the relative spatial positions of these surface landmarks were measured relative to the mid-endocanthion (men) over a 4-year period.

Results
This study reports the children who attended 95 per cent of all scanning sessions (Finland 48 out of 60; Latvia 104 out of 107; Wales 50 out of 96). Considerable facial variation is seen for all countries and sexes. There are clear patterns of growth that show different magnitudes at different age groups for the different country groups, sexes, and facial parameters. The greatest single yearly growth rate (5.4 mm) was seen for Welsh males for men–pogonion distance at 13.6 years of age. Males exhibit greater rates of growth compared to females. These variations in magnitude and timings are likely to be influenced by genetic ancestry as a result of population migration.

Conclusion
The midline points are a simple and valid method to assess the relative spatial positions of facial surface landmarks. This study confirms previous reports on the subtle differences in facial shapes and sizes of male and female children in different populations and also highlights the magnitudes and timings of growth for various midline landmark distances to the men point.
Bedtime hypertension treatment improves cardiovascular risk reduction: the Hygia Chronotherapy Trial
Authors: Hermida Ramón C , Crespo Juan J , Domínguez-Sardiña Manuel , Otero Alfonso , Moyá Ana , Ríos María T , Sineiro Elvira , Castiñeira María C , Callejas Pedro A , Pousa Lorenzo , Salgado José L , Durán Carmen , Sánchez Juan J , Fernández José R , Mojón Artemio , Ayala Diana E ,   for the Hygia Project Investigators
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
The Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, conducted within the clinical primary care setting, was designed to test whether bedtime in comparison to usual upon awakening hypertension therapy exerts better cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction.

Methods and results
In this multicentre, controlled, prospective endpoint trial, 19 084 hypertensive patients (10 614 men/8470 women, 60.5 ± 13.7 years of age) were assigned (1:1) to ingest the entire daily dose of ≥1 hypertension medications at bedtime (n = 9552) or all of them upon awakening (n = 9532). At inclusion and at every scheduled clinic visit (at least annually) throughout follow-up, ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring was performed for 48 h. During the 6.3-year median patient follow-up, 1752 participants experienced the primary CVD outcome (CVD death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, heart failure, or stroke). Patients of the bedtime, compared with the upon-waking, treatment-time regimen showed significantly lower hazard ratio—adjusted for significant influential characteristics of age, sex, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, HDL cholesterol, asleep systolic blood pressure (BP) mean, sleep-time relative systolic BP decline, and previous CVD event—of the primary CVD outcome [0.55 (95% CI 0.50–0.61), P &lt; 0.001] and each of its single components (P &lt; 0.001 in all cases), i.e. CVD death [0.44 (0.34–0.56)], myocardial infarction [0.66 (0.52–0.84)], coronary revascularization [0.60 (0.47–0.75)], heart failure [0.58 (0.49–0.70)], and stroke [0.51 (0.41–0.63)].

Conclusion
Routine ingestion by hypertensive patients of ≥1 prescribed BP-lowering medications at bedtime, as opposed to upon waking, results in improved ABP control (significantly enhanced decrease in asleep BP and increased sleep-time relative BP decline, i.e. BP dipping) and, most importantly, markedly diminished occurrence of major CVD events.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00741585.
Vitamin D deficiency in a population of migrant children: an Italian retrospective cross-sectional multicentric study
Authors: Ceccarelli Manuela , Chiappini Elena , Arancio Rosangela , Zaffaroni Mauro , La Placa Simona , D’Andrea Marianna , de Waure Chiara , Da Riol Rosalia Maria , Valentini Piero ,   on the behalf of National Working Group for the Migrant Children of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (NWGMC-ISP)
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D is a hot topic in the scientific community. Its deficiency and the implications for the children’s health became increasingly discussed during the last 20 years. The main aim of this retrospective study was to determinate the prevalence of vitamin D metabolism disorders in a population of adopted children and their risk factors.MethodsWe gathered data from 2140 children observed in five different National Working Group for the Migrant Children of the Italian Society of Pediatrics centers, variously located in Italy. Serum 25-hydroxy (OH)-D concentration was used to determine every child’s vitamin D status, defined as severely deficient (serum 25-OH-D &lt; 10 ng/ml), moderately deficient (serum 25-OH-D {≥10 ng/ml U &lt; 20 ng/ml}), mildly deficient (serum 25-OH-D {≥20 ng/ml U &lt; 30 ng/ml}) and normal (serum 25-OH-D ≥ 30 ng/ml).ResultsMean value of serum 25-OH-D was 22.7 ng/ml (SD ± 12.1). Vitamin D status was deemed as normal in 483 (22.6%) children, mildly deficient in 718 (33.6%) children, moderately deficient in 730 (34.1%) children and severely deficient in 209 (9.8%) children.ConclusionsA very high percentage of migrant children is affected by hypovitaminosis D, with a strong association with age, geographic origin, season of blood sample collection and time spent in Italy after the arrival. This finding highlights the need for corrective measures. However, these measures cannot be applied without increasing the access of migrant populations to healthcare services.
Nutritional requirements for Lactobacillus vini growth in sugarcane derivative substrate of ethanol fermentation
Authors: da Silva Paula Katharina Nogueira , Mendonça Allyson Andrade , de Miranda Andre Ribas , Calazans Tiago Luiz Santana , de Souza Rafael Barros , de Morais Marcos Antonio 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
Lactobacillus vini is a bacterial contaminant found in industrial environments of winemaking and fuel-ethanol fermentation. However, there has been no standard analysis of its physiology that can pinpoint its adaptive traits to these kinds of environments. In view of this lack of information, the aim of this study is to determine the nutritional factors that lead to the growth of L. vini in the industrial plants of fuel-ethanol. First of all, the limited growth of this bacterium was studied in the industrial substrate, which was improved by nutritional supplementation with amino acids, and its homofermentative status was confirmed. Metabolite analysis showed that citrate is a growth factor of paramount importance for this bacterium in industrial processes through pyruvate metabolization, and increases ATP production and biomass formation. Furthermore,e acetate uptake, either from the medium or generated from citrate metabolism, was assimilated for biomass production. Hence, a metabolic model was designed to describe the role of citrate and acetate in the growth of L. vini that could be tested on other lactobacilli.
Endoscopic stricturotomy in the treatment of anastomotic strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD patients
Authors: Zhang Long-Juan , Lan Nan , Wu Xian-Rui , Shen Bo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Backgrounds
Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) has been shown to be effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated anastomotic strictures. However, the outcome of ESt in benign, non-IBD conditions has not been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ESt in the management of IBD and non-IBD-associated strictures.

Methods
Data of all consecutive IBD and non-IBD patients with benign anastomotic strictures treated with ESt from 2009 to 2016 were extracted. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and procedure-related complications.

Results
A total of 49 IBD and 15 non-IBD patients were included in this study. The IBD group included 25 patients with Crohn’s disease and 24 with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouches. Underlying diseases in the non-IBD group included colorectal cancer (n = 7), diverticulitis (n = 5), large bowel prolapse (n = 2), and constipation (n = 1). Immediate technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Bleeding complications occurred on five occasions (4.7% per procedure) in the IBD group, while no complication occurred in the non-IBD group (P = 0.20). Stricture improvement on follow-up endoscopy was found in 10 (20.4%) and 5 (33.3%) patients in the IBD and non-IBD groups, respectively (P = 0.32). Six (12.2%) patients in the IBD group and four (26.7%) patients in the non-IBD group eventually required stricture-related surgery (P = 0.23). IBD patients appeared to have a higher tendency for maintaining surgery-free after the procedure than non-IBD patients (P = 0.08).

Conclusions
Endoscopic stricturotomy was shown to have comparable outcomes, though non-IBD patients seem to have a higher need for subsequent surgery but a lower complication rate than IBD patients.