bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Panama as an intercontinental land bridge for large mammals
Authors: Meyer Ninon F. V. , Moreno Ricardo , Sutherland Christopher , de la Torre J. Antonio , Esser Helen J. , Jordan Christopher A. , Olmos Melva , Ortega Josué , Reyna‐Hurtado Rafael , Valdes Samuel , Jansen Patrick A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHabitat fragmentation is a primary driver of wildlife loss, and establishment of biological corridors is a common strategy to mitigate this problem. A flagship example is the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC), which aims to connect protected forest areas between Mexico and Panama to allow dispersal and gene flow of forest organisms. Because forests across Central America have continued to degrade, the functioning of the MBC has been questioned, but reliable estimates of species occurrence were unavailable. Large mammals are suitable indicators of forest functioning, so we assessed their conservation status across the Isthmus of Panama, the narrowest section of the MBC. We used large‐scale camera‐trap surveys and hierarchical multispecies occupancy models in a Bayesian framework to estimate the occupancy of 9 medium to large mammals and developed an occupancy‐weighted connectivity metric to evaluate species‐specific functional connectivity. White‐lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), jaguar (Panthera onca), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and tapir (Tapirus bairdii) had low expected occupancy along the MBC in Panama. Puma (Puma concolor), red brocket deer (Mazama temama), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), which are more adaptable, had higher occupancy, even in areas with low forest cover near infrastructure. However, the majority of species were subject to ≥1 gap that was larger than their known dispersal distances, suggesting poor connectivity along the MBC in Panama. Based on our results, forests in Darien, Donoso–Santa Fe, and La Amistad International Park are critical for survival of large terrestrial mammals in Panama and 2 areas need restoration.
An Innovative Disease‐Drug‐Trial Framework to Guide Binge Eating Disorder Drug Development: A Case Study for Topiramate
Authors: Kalaria Shamir N. , McElroy Susan L. , Gobburu Jogarao , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi 
Published: August 2019

As with other psychiatric disorders, development of drugs to treat binge‐eating disorder (BED) has been hampered by high placebo response and dropout rates in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although not approved for use in BED, several RCTs have suggested that topiramate is efficacious for BED in obese individuals. Using data from a positive investigator‐initiated RCT of topiramate in 61 obese individuals with BED, the objective of the present study is (i) to develop a quantitative disease‐drug‐trial framework to inform future BED clinical trial designs, and (ii) to determine the optimal topiramate dose to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Disease‐drug‐trial models were developed separately for the two efficacy measures, namely, longitudinal normalized weekly binge‐eating episode frequency (BEF) and binge day frequency (BDF). Model building consisted of (i) developing a placebo effect model that describes response from the placebo group, (ii) adding a drug effect to the placebo model to describe dose‐response relationships, and (iii) developing a parametric time to event model to characterize patient dropout patterns. The placebo effect on normalized BEF and BDF over time demonstrated a maximum decrease of ~ 57% by 5 weeks. Participants had a higher dropout probability if no weight loss occurred during the trial period. The identified dose‐response relationship demonstrated a daily dose of 125 mg was needed to exhibit a marked reduction in weekly BEF. The developed comprehensive disease‐drug‐trial model will be utilized to simulate different clinical trial designs to increase the success for future BED drug development programs.
Health‐related behaviours in a remote Indigenous population with Type 2 diabetes: a Central Australian primary care survey in the Telehealth Eye and Associated Medical Services Network [TEAMSnet] project
Authors: Xu D. , Jenkins A. , Ryan C. , Keech A. , Brown A. , Boffa J. , O'Dea K. , Bursell S.E. , Brazionis L. ,   the CRE in Diabetic Retinopathy and the TEAMSnet Study Group
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimThere is a wealth of data concerning the health behaviours of Indigenous Australians, but the health behaviours of Indigenous Australians with diabetes are not systematically documented. At the clinical level, understanding a person's health behaviours can help identify and address barriers to diabetes care and promote good clinical outcomes.MethodsWe used a novel survey tool to systematically collect health behaviour data on Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol consumption, Physical activity and Emotional well‐being (SNAPE) from Indigenous Australians with Type 2 diabetes in a remote primary care setting in Alice Springs.ResultsAt least one of the five surveys in the SNAPE tool was completed by 210 participants: 30% male, mean age 52.6 years (range 22.9 – 87.4). Fifty per cent of men and 23% of women were current smokers (P < 0.001). None of the participants reported an adequate intake of vegetables. Only 9.6% reported an adequate fruit intake. Some 49% of men and 32% of women consumed alcohol in the past year (P = 0.022), and 46% of drinkers were considered high‐risk or likely‐dependent drinkers. On average, participants walked 10 min or more at a time 6.0 days a week and spent 4.8 h sitting on a weekday. Mean adapted Patient Health Questionnaire 9 score was 4.61, with 34% of participants having mild depressive symptoms and 11% having moderate‐severe depressive symptoms.ConclusionsOur SNAPE survey tool results present a high‐risk, disadvantaged Indigenous population with Type 2 diabetes. More resources will be needed to sustainably implement interventions with the goal of improving health behaviours and subsequent long‐term health.
IDegLira improves patient‐reported outcomes while using a simple regimen with fewer injections and dose adjustments compared with basal–bolus therapy
Authors: Miller Eden , Doshi Ankur , Grøn Randi , Jódar Esteban , Őrsy Petra , Ranthe Mattis F. , Sugimoto Danny , Tentolouris Nikolaos , Viljoen Adie , Billings Liana K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsBasal–bolus therapy is associated with greater treatment burden and lower adherence compared with more simplified regimens. This post hoc analysis studied the difference between insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) and basal–bolus therapy on number of injections, dose adjustments and patient outcomes in the DUAL VII trial.Materials and methodsDUAL VII was a 26‐week, open‐label trial in which patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who were using metformin and insulin glargine 100 units/mL (20–50 U) were randomized 1:1 to IDegLira (N = 252) or basal–bolus (insulin glargine U100 + insulin aspart ≤4 times/day) (N = 254). This post hoc analysis reports the observed mean number of injections and cumulative dose adjustments during 26 weeks of treatment. Patient‐reported outcomes (Treatment‐Related Impact Measure – Diabetes [TRIM‐D] and Short Form‐36 Health Survey version 2 [SF‐36v2]) were collected at scheduled visits and change from baseline scores calculated.ResultsThe clinical benefits (non‐inferior HbA1c reductions, weight benefit, less hypoglycaemia) of IDegLira vs basal–bolus therapy were achieved with fewer cumulative dose adjustments (16.6 vs 217.2, respectively) and fewer injections (1 vs ≥3 per day, respectively). Patients treated with IDegLira experienced significant improvements across all TRIM‐D domains compared with those undergoing basal–bolus therapy. The SF‐36v2 showed improvements in both treatment arms with no significant difference between arms in the physical component summary, but there was a significant improvement in patients treated with IDegLira in the mental component summary (P = .0228).ConclusionsThese findings, combined with the DUAL VII results, suggest that IDegLira, through a more simplified regimen versus basal–bolus therapy, may help improve patient adherence and improve patient outcomes related to diabetes management, treatment burden and mental health, which in turn may assist in the timely achievement of glycaemic control in clinical practice.
A standardized imaging protocol improves quality and reduces practice variability in echocardiographic assessment of ventricular function by first‐year pediatric cardiology fellows
Authors: White Brian R. , Ho Deborah Y. , Rogers Lindsay S. , Natarajan Shobha S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundEchocardiography education for pediatric cardiology fellows has been a recent focus leading to the implementation of “boot camps.” Less is described about continuing education through fellowship and improving image quality. We noticed practice variation in echocardiograms assessing ventricular function performed on nights and weekends. Thus, we implemented a standardized protocol and assessed its impact on imaging and reporting completeness.MethodsWe created an imaging protocol for the assessment of ventricular function in the acute setting. The protocol included demographic information, a list of images to be obtained, and the methods to quantify ventricular function. The protocol was explained to first‐year fellows and distributed on an electronic quick reference card. Echocardiograms independently performed by first‐year fellows during their first 4 months of on‐call time were assessed pre‐ and postintervention using a standard rubric.ResultsCompliance with demographic reporting was high pre‐ and postintervention, but significantly improved after the standardized protocol (P < 0.001). Use of the protocol increased the median number of unique images obtained per echocardiogram from 13 to 17 (out of 23 required views, P < 0.001). Particularly improved was the performance of quantitative evaluations of function, including Simpson's method for left ventricular ejection fraction (four chamber: 40% vs 67%, P < 0.001; two chamber: 33% vs 67%, P < 0.001) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (45% vs 80%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe introduction of a standardized imaging protocol and its distribution to first‐year fellows resulted in improvements in echocardiographic reporting completeness and increased the quality of information obtained by providing more quantitative assessments of ventricular function.
Egg concealment is an antipredatory strategy in a cavity‐nesting bird
Authors: Saavedra Irene , Amo Luisa 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBirds have developed different behavioural strategies to reduce the risk of predation during the breeding period. Bird species that nest in the open often cover their eggs to decrease the risk of predators detecting the clutches. However, in cavity nesters, the potential functions of egg covering have not been explored despite some bird species that nest in cavities also covering their eggs as open nesters do. We analysed whether egg covering is an antipredatory behaviour in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We simulated an increase in the perceived risk of predation at experimental nests by adding predator scent inside the nest boxes during the egg‐laying period, whilst adding lemon essence or water to control nest boxes. Birds exposed to predator chemical cues in the nest of experimental pairs more frequently covered their eggs than birds exposed to an odorous control. These results suggest that egg covering may have evolved as an antipredatory behaviour also in cavity nesters to reduce the risk of egg predation and thus increase reproductive success in birds.
Training practices, speed and distances undertaken by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Morrice‐West A. V. , Hitchens P. L. , Walmsley E. A. , Stevenson M. A. , Whitton R. C. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundMusculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are commonly due to bone fatigue, a function of the number of cycles (strides) and the magnitude of load applied to the limb. These parameters can be estimated using speed and distance, with greater than 6000 m/month at a gallop (>14 m/s), in combination with canter distances greater than 44,000 m/month, reported to increase fracture risk. Despite their importance, there are limited data on the distances and speeds horses are exposed to during training.ObjectivesEstimate training volume at different speeds undertaken by Australian Thoroughbred racehorses.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsRegistered trainers (n = 66) in Victoria, Australia were surveyed. Questions were designed to assess the full training workload from initial pre‐training to training performed to achieve and maintain race fitness, as well as information on rest periods. Descriptive analyses were stratified by trainer‐ and horse‐level factors, with assessment of variance within and between groups. Cluster analyses were used to identify similar workload intensity groups.ResultsHorse‐level factors (age, targeted race distance) were associated with workload (younger<older, sprinters<stayers). Trainer categorisation did not influence workload, but there was significant variation in volume of total gallop exercise between trainers (median gallop distance 8000 m/month [IQR 6400–12,000]). Cluster analyses identified four workload programmes (medians): low‐intensity (4800 m/month), medium‐volume (8000 m/month), medium‐volume with a higher proportion of high‐speed workouts (12,800 m/month) and high‐volume programmes (19,200 m/month), with 23, 50, 17 and 9% of trainers predominately training racehorses under each of the respective programmes. Horses 3‐years and older were rested twice yearly for 6.3 (95% CI 5.7, 6.8) weeks, with more experienced trainers resting horses for shorter periods (P = 0.03).Main limitationsPossible selection bias, subjective reporting of workloads by trainers.ConclusionsAustralian Thoroughbred training programmes include high volumes of galloping with more than half exceeding previously reported risk levels for MSI.
Plasmodium falciparum Apn1 homolog is a mitochondrial base excision repair protein with restricted enzymatic functions
Authors: Tiwari Anupama , Kuldeep Jitendra , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Habib Saman 
Published: August 2019

The malaria parasite carries two organelles, the apicoplast and mitochondrion, whose DNA genomes must be maintained for optimal function and parasite survival under genotoxic stress. DNA repair mechanism(s) operative within these organelles were explored by mining the Plasmodium falciparum nuclear genome for sequences encoding proteins of major DNA repair pathways with predicted targeting to either organelle. Of the panel of enzymes identified for base excision repair (BER), we characterized the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease PfApn1—an EndoIV whose homolog is not known in humans. PfApn1 targeted to the mitochondrion and functioned as an AP endonuclease requiring both Zn2+ and Mn2+ ions for maximal activity. Mutation of the critical third metal‐binding site residue H542 resulted in the loss of Mn2+ (but not Zn2+) binding indicating that Mn2+ bound PfApn1 at this site; this was further supported by molecular dynamic simulation. CD spectra analysis further showed requirement of both metal ions for the attainment of PfApn1 β‐strand‐rich optimal conformation. PfApn1 also functioned as a 3′‐phosphatase that would enable removal of 3′‐blocks for DNA polymerase activity during BER. Interestingly, unlike Escherichia coli and yeast EndoIV homologs, PfApn1 lacked 3′–5′ exonuclease activity and also did not cleave damaged bases by nucleotide incision repair (NIR). Uncoupling of endonuclease/phosphatase and exonuclease/NIR in PfApn1 suggests that amino acid residues distinct from those critical for endonuclease function are required for exonuclease activity and NIR. Characterization of a critical mitochondrion‐targeted AP endonuclease provides evidence for a functional BER pathway in the parasite organelle.
An evaluation of European initiatives established to encourage industry‐led development of selective fishing gears
Authors: Feekings Jordan , O’Neill Finbarr G. , Krag Ludvig , Ulrich Clara , Veiga Malta Tiago 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere are numerous examples from across Europe where collaborative science‐industry initiatives, which provide a bottom‐up approach to trawl gear development, have been successful in developing selective gears. For fishers, the collaborative approach creates a sense of ownership and control over the gears developed and often a greater desire for them to achieve their objectives. Despite the many benefits of collaborative initiatives, a lack of clarity and transparency, incorrect incentives, unclear communication, and distrust or diverging perceptions can inhibit their performance. The present review examines the different collaborative approaches to fishing gear development that have been established within Europe, highlighting their salient features, comparing their objectives, and discussing the types and effectiveness of the incentives offered. Also examined is how the reform of the European Union's (EU) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), together with the proposed reform of the technical measures framework, can potentially improve the flexibility in the technical regulations and allow for such initiatives to be a central part in improving the state of fish stocks throughout the EU. Finally, a framework is proposed on how initiatives pertaining to industry‐led fishing gear development might look like under the reformed CFP.
Precipitation amount and event size interact to reduce ecosystem functioning during dry years in a mesic grassland
Authors: Felton Andrew J. , Slette Ingrid J. , Smith Melinda D. , Knapp Alan K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOngoing intensification of the hydrological cycle is altering rainfall regimes by increasing the frequency of extreme wet and dry years and the size of individual rainfall events. Despite long‐standing recognition of the importance of precipitation amount and variability for most terrestrial ecosystem processes, we lack understanding of their interactive effects on ecosystem functioning. We quantified this interaction in native grassland by experimentally eliminating temporal variability in growing season rainfall over a wide range of precipitation amounts, from extreme wet to dry conditions. We contrasted the rain use efficiency (RUE) of above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) under conditions of experimentally reduced versus naturally high rainfall variability using a 32‐year precipitation–ANPP dataset from the same site as our experiment. We found that increased growing season rainfall variability can reduce RUE and thus ecosystem functioning by as much as 42% during dry years, but that such impacts weaken as years become wetter. During low precipitation years, RUE is lowest when rainfall event sizes are relatively large, and when a larger proportion of total rainfall is derived from large events. Thus, a shift towards precipitation regimes dominated by fewer but larger rainfall events, already documented over much of the globe, can be expected to reduce the functioning of mesic ecosystems primarily during drought, when ecosystem processes are already compromised by low water availability.
Visualization of sequential conversion of human intermediately reprogrammed stem cells into iPS cells
Authors: Teshigawara Rika , Hirano Kunio , Nagata Shogo , Huang Denggao , Tada Takashi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAnalysis of gene expression in single cells is required to understand somatic cell reprogramming into human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). To facilitate this, we established intermediately reprogrammed stem cells (iRSCs), pre‐iPSC lines. The iRSC‐iPSC conversion system enables the reproducible monitoring of reprogramming events and the analysis of progressive gene expression profiles using single‐cell microarray analysis and genome editing. Here, single‐cell microarray analysis showed the stage‐specific sequential gene activation during the conversion of iRSCs into iPSCs, using OCT4, TDGF1 and E‐CADHERIN as marker genes. Out of 75 OCT4‐related genes, which were significantly up‐regulated after the activation of OCT4, and entry into the mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition (MET), LIN28 (LIN28A) and FOXO1 were selected for applying to gene expression visualization. Multicolored visualization was achieved by the genome editing of LIN28 or FOXO1 with mCherry into OCT4‐GFP iRSCs. Fluorescent analysis of gene activity in individual cells showed that OCT4 was dispensable for maintenance, but required for activation, of the LIN28 and FOXO1 expression in reprogramming.
Increase in subjective well‐being and psychological health after application of C8‐silk lipoamino acid functionalized pigments included in a foundation
Authors: Cabannes M. , Risselada C. , Chaisemartin L. , Pasquet J. , Couval E. , Berthon J.Y. , Filaire E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two foundations before (D0) and after 5 days of application (D6) on psychophysiological parameters in order to compare C8‐silk lipoamino acid functionalized pigments (FA) versus pure pigments (FP).MethodsAssessment of self‐esteem, stress, mood and emotion using psychological tests and evaluation of salivary cortisol concentrations were realized on 40 healthy females using a crossover study design at D0 and D6. Four saliva samples were taken on the awakening (C1), 30 min after the awakening (during the foundation application (C2)), 1 h after the foundation application (C3) and at 1900 h (C4) at DO and D6. Area under the curve was calculated in order to obtain information about the total amount of a given substance excreted in a specific time period.ResultsFive days of daily application of the foundation containing the pigments treated with the C8‐silk lipoamino acids induced a significant increase (P < 0.001) in self‐esteem and pleasant emotion (P < 0.05), and a significant decrease in general stress (P < 0.05). This was not the case after the FP application. Cortisol concentrations presented a pronounced diurnal rhythm whatever the foundation used. At DO, no significant differences were observed between the groups. At D6, cortisol concentrations measured 30 min and 1 h after the FA application were significantly lower (P < 0.05: C6.2, P < 0.05 C6.3, respectively) than those reported after FP application. AUC, a global stress response indicator, was significantly lower in FA group as compared to FP group after 5 days of application. Subjects found a decrease in tiredness signs and thought that FA has a good coverage.ConclusionOur results show that incorporation of C8‐silk lipoamino acid as agent of pigment functionalization brings new benefits to a foundation. Adopting a psychophysiological approach, which is not invasive to the subjects, we show the measurement of cortisol at the same time that psychological indicators provide a scientific approach to examine the beneficial effects of a cosmetic product.