bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sources of Variation in Growth of Tree Swallows
Authors: Quinney Terry E. , Hussell David J. T. , Ankney C. Davison 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We studied two populations of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) that differed primarily in the amount of food available to the breeding birds. We obtained an index of food abundance and performed field experiments to distinguish factors affecting variability in growth of nestlings. The experiments were designed to detect the influence of the location of egg laying, incubation, and nestling rearing, type of parent (natural or foster), and year of breeding on nestling growth. Some broods were transferred between nests and raised by foster parents, and some clutches and broods were transferred between populations. Variables were analyzed in two- and three-way factorial analyses of variance.
The insect biomass index during the nestling period differed about 7-fold between locations, regardless of year of breeding. Nestlings with more food grew and survived better. Type of parent (i.e. natural or foster) or prehatch factors such as location of incubation did not influence growth. The location where nestlings were raised, however, explained as much as 51% of the variation in growth, and genetic variation in offspring and variation in provisioning abilities of parents may have been important components of within-population variation in growth regardless of where parents nested.
Ecology and Physiology of Fasting in King Penguin Chicks
Authors: Cherel Yves , Stahl Jean-Claude , Maho Yvon Le 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Captive King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonica) chicks can fast for 5 months during the subantarctic winter with a 70% decrease in body mass. To investigate the adaptive value of this remarkable resistance to starvation, we compared captive chicks with free-ranging chicks in their colony at Possession Island, Crozet Archipelago. The chicks in the colony, from mid-April to beginning of September (i.e. all winter) were fed only every 39 days by their parents; some were not fed at all. In spring (October-December) the surviving chicks were fed every 6 days, and their growth was completed. Overall chick mortality in the colony during the winter and subsequent spring was about 50%. Mortality was highest in October, 6 months after the beginning of the winter, and may be attributed mainly to starvation. The decrease in body mass in the free-ranging chicks was remarkably similar to that for captive birds. In both groups, three periods were characterized according to the observed changes in the daily decrease in body mass per unit body mass (dm/mdt): dm/mdt dropped during the first period (I) of 5-6 days, was minimum and steady during period II, which lasted about 4 months, and increased in period III. Blood analysis of the captive chicks indicated the three periods correspond to modifications in protein breakdown. An initial decrease in uricacidemia indicates period I is a short period of transition, marked by a decrease in protein breakdown. In period II a minimum and constant uricacidemia, in parallel with a progressive increase in ketonemia, indicates efficient protein sparing while most of the energy is derived from lipids. Period III is critical because, from a rise in uricacidemia concomitant with a decreasing ketonemia, proteins are no longer spared. The extreme resistance of King Penguin chicks to starvation in winter may be explained partly by the ability to spare proteins for several months (period II). It occurs at a growth stage when the parents' feeding visits are rare. Other laboratory and field investigations of birds suggest that the means by which a wide variety of domestic and wild species adapt to fasting also may be interpreted in terms of three periods corresponding to changes in protein breakdown.
Feeding and Nesting Ecology of Sympatric South Polar and Brown Skuas
Authors: Pietz Pamela J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In the 1979-1980 and 1980-1981 austral summers, I examined nesting and feeding ecology of South Polar (Catharacta maccormicki) and Brown (C. lonnbergi) skuas near Palmer Station, Antarctica. As earlier studies had suggested, South Polar Skuas fed mostly at sea on fish, and Brown Skuas fed mostly on penguin eggs and chicks. These dietary differences correlated with differences in the skuas' time budgets, activity patterns, territory types, breeding chronologies, nest densities, clutch sizes, and fledging success. With combined data from this and other studies at Palmer, I calculated average productivity for both species over 7 breeding seasons. Brown Skuas fledged higher and more consistent numbers of young per pair, probably because of their more accessible and reliable food source.
A Classification of the Living Birds of the World Based on Dna-Dna Hybridization Studies
Authors: Sibley Charles G. , Ahlquist Jon E. , Monroe Burt L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We present a classification of the living birds of the world based on the results of DNA-DNA hybridization studies. Several family-group names are presented formally for the first time; some of these names have appeared earlier in various publications.
Molt in the Annual Cycle of Canvasbacks
Authors: Lovvorn James R. , Barzen Jeb A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We studied the intensity of molt of capital, down, and contour plumages of male and female Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) from late fall through winter, spring migration, and nesting. Molt intensities in both juvenile and adult males were highest among arriving fall migrants and during prewinter fat deposition, and molt in juvenile males increased during early spring migration. Among females, capital molt was high among arriving migrants in fall, and molt of all plumage types increased during spring migration and courtship. Paired females tended to molt more heavily than unpaired females during spring migration, but many females initiated intensive prebasic molt before pairing. Molt in females peaked in spring migration and early breeding, concurrently with accelerated fat storage and ovarian growth. Capital and contour molt in females decreased during laying and essentially ceased during incubation, perhaps to mitigate energetic constraints during these periods. Prewinter nutrient storage appeared independent of molt intensity, except for body protein among juveniles. During spring migration, molt intensities were greater in adult females with higher levels of body fat and protein, indicating that molt did not necessarily precede or interfere with nutrient storage. We suggest that outside the laying, incubation, and wing molt periods, the energetic costs of molt in Canvasbacks are not sufficient to mandate temporal separation of molt from nutrient storage, migration, courtship, or early stages of rapid ovarian growth.
Energy Expenditure in Reproductive Effort of Male and Female Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Authors: Brunton Dianne H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The reproductive investment strategies of the sexes during the breeding season are detailed for Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), a monogamous plover. I measured the energy investments of the sexes in reproductive, mating, and parental effort. As predicted, males expend more mating effort than females; however, the sexes expend equal amounts of parental effort. Total energy expenditure in reproductive effort (mating and parental effort) during a successful nesting attempt was also equal for the sexes. However, early parental effort expenditures by females, early mating effort expenditures by males, and high rates of nest failure combine to result in female reproductive energy expenditures being significantly higher over the breeding season. This suggests that energy expenditure alone is not adequate for accurate comparisons of the relative investments of the sexes. Studies investigating male and female investments need to consider the degree and pattern of nest failures along with patterns of energy expenditure.
The advantages to male and female Killdeer of sharing parental care is demonstrated using adult removal experiments. In general, a deserted parent expends more energy in parental effort than a bi-parental parent and has significantly lower reproductive success. However, males are able to hatch chicks, whereas females lose or abandon their nests within a few days of mate removal. Thus, monogamy in Killdeer appears to result from high nest failure rates, the necessity of two parents for any reproductive success, and the generalizable nature of Killdeer parental care.
Winter Survival and Territory Acquisition in a Northern Population of Black-Capped Chickadees
Authors: Desrochers André , Hannon Susan J. , Nordin Kelly E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We assessed the effects of winter food supplementation on differential survival between sex, age and dominance classes, and the effects of feeding and territorial defense on breeding density in a northern population of Black-capped Chickadees (Parus atricapillus). Survival rates were higher in a food-supplemented area than in a control area, which suggests that food abundance limited winter survival. Survival was greater among males than lower-ranking females in 1 of 2 years, and greater in dominants than in subordinates, within sex and age classes. Survival of adults and first-year birds, however, did not differ significantly. In the 2 years of this study, a sharp decline of population size occurred at the onset of territoriality in spring. Birds that disappeared in spring were mainly subordinates of each sex. Breeding densities in control and feeder areas were similar in the two years. Eight of 14 territorial birds removed in 2 years were replaced, implying that a nonbreeding surplus was present in early spring.
Phylogenomic Analysis Reveals the Evolutionary Route of Resistant Genes in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: John Jiffy , George Sinumol , Nori Sai Ravi Chandra , Nelson-Sathi Shijulal 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a leading concern worldwide. Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci are claimed to be the reservoir and source of important resistant elements in S. aureus. However, the origin and evolutionary route of resistant genes in S. aureus are still remaining unknown. Here, we performed a detailed phylogenomic analysis of 152 completely sequenced S. aureus strains in comparison with 7,529 non-Staphylococcus aureus reference bacterial genomes. Our results reveal that S. aureus has a large open pan-genome where 97 (55%) of its known resistant-related genes belonging to its accessory genome. Among these genes, 47 (27%) were located within the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec), a transposable element responsible for resistance against major classes of antibiotics including beta-lactams, macrolides, and aminoglycosides. However, the physically linked mec-box genes (MecA–MecR–MecI) that are responsible for the maintenance of SCCmec elements is not unique to S. aureus, instead it is widely distributed within Staphylococcaceae family. The phyletic patterns of SCCmec-encoded resistant genes in Staphylococcus species are significantly different from that of its core genes indicating frequent exchange of these genes between Staphylococcus species. Our in-depth analysis of SCCmec-resistant gene phylogenies reveals that genes such as blaZ, ble, kmA, and tetK that are responsible for beta-lactam, bleomycin, kanamycin, and tetracycline resistance in S. aureus were laterally transferred from non-Staphylococcus sources. In addition, at least 11 non-SCCmec-encoded resistant genes in S. aureus, were laterally acquired from distantly related species. Our study evidently shows that gene transfers played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus.
Carboplatin-based regimen in pediatric intracranial germ-cell tumors (IC-GCTs): effectiveness and ototoxicity
Authors: Worawongsakul Rasin , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Rojanawatsirivej Apimid , Boongird Atthaporn , Singhsnaeh Arunee , Swangsilpa Thiti , Dhanachai Mantana , Puataweepong Putipun , Ruangkanchanasetr Rawee , Pakakasama Samart , Anurathapan Usanarat , Songdej Duantida , Pongphitcha Pongpak , Khongkhatithum Chaiyos , Hansasuta Ake , Thokanit Nintita Sripaiboonkij , Lusawat Apasri , Yuthagovit Sarunya , Thammachantha Samasuk , Muangruk Danupon , Hongeng Suradej 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Induction chemotherapy with carboplatin followed by radiotherapy has been used for many years for treating intracranial germ-cell tumors (IC-GCTs) in Thailand. The objective of this study was to assess treatment outcomes, focusing on survival and ototoxicity.

Methods
The outcomes of all patients with IC-GCT treated at Ramathibodi Hospital and the Prasat Neurological Institute between 2000 and 2017 were reviewed and analyzed, including all patient characteristics and treatment modalities. Five-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and factors affecting survival were compared using the log-rank test.

Results
Fifty-three patients age 1-14 years (median, 11 years) were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 63 months. The 5-year EFS and OS rates were 94.3% and 96.2% for all patients, respectively. No statistical difference in OS or EFS was observed between the data of recipients in the carboplatin-based and historical cisplatin-based therapies in our institutes. Concerning radiotherapy, omission of radiotherapy or focal irradiation results in worse long-term survival outcomes, but reduction in dose of radiotherapy to less than 40 Gy did not cause any negative impact on survival rates. Furthermore, carboplatin was associated with lower rates of hearing loss than cisplatin (5.7% vs 87.5%).

Conclusions
Induction chemotherapy with carboplatin-based regimens was associated with excellent survival rates and low ototoxicity in patients with IC-GCT. Radiotherapy should be given to all patients with a minimal volume equivalent to whole-ventricular radiotherapy, during which doses of lower than 40 Gy can be effectively used.
P01 Incidence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the United Kingdom: estimates from a national primary care dataset
Authors: Costello Ruth , McDonagh Janet , Dixon Will , Hyrich Kimme , Humphreys Jenny 
Published: September 2019

Poster presentation Tuesday 8 October

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common childhood onset inflammatory arthritis. The last estimates of incidence of JIA in the UK are from nearly 30 years ago, prior to international classification consensus and the emergence of paediatric and adolescent rheumatology as a specialty. The aim of this study was to estimate incidence of JIA from primary care records in the UK since 2000.

Methods
The study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a database of UK primary care records broadly representative of the UK in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. A pre-defined list of JIA Read codes were used to identify incident cases annually from 2000-2018. Incidence rates (IR) with 95% confidence intervals(CI) were calculated and stratified by age and gender. The denominator was the population of CPRD <16 years old on the 31st December each year. Direct standardisation, applying Office for National Statistics population data, was used to estimate the UK IR. IRs in 5-year groupings were calculated 2000-2015 to identify change over time.

Results
Between 2000-2018, there were 1927 incident cases of JIA, from a total of 23,328,676 children <16 years old in CPRD. The total IR (95% CI) was 8.26 (7.90-8.64) per 100,000 population; for females and males respectively it was 9.83 (9.27-10.43) and 6.78 (6.33-7.27) per 100,000. Age-adjusted direct standardisation to the UK population estimated a total IR of 9.66 per 100,000 person-years. By age group, there appeared to be a lower incidence in middle childhood compared to early childhood and adolescents, as well as infancy where lower rates may be due to difficulties recognising the disease (Table 1). IRs over time did not appear to change.
P01 Table 1: Incidence rates by age group Age (years) Denominator Cases IR (95% CI) Per 100,000 0-2 1739417 113 6.5 (5.40-7.81) >2-6 5763003 534 9.27 (8.51 – 10.08) >6-12 9464988 693 7.32 (6.80-7.90) >12-15 6361268 587 9.22 (8.51-10.01)

Conclusion
This is the first study to provide contemporary UK estimates of the incidence of JIA for nearly 30 years. JIA was more common in females compared to males, and in early childhood and adolescence compared to other age groups. Incidence appeared to be stable over fifteen years. These data provide important information for patients, their families and healthcare providers; in addition, they are vital for appropriate resource planning and service provision in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
P29 Etanercept and IBD: can we identify at risk patients?
Authors: Shepherd Kathryn , Pai Nandita , Adams Daniella , Wilkinson Nick , Shivamurthy Vinay 
Published: September 2019

Poster presentation Tuesday 8 October

Background
We present four cases of patients on etanercept treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subsequently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesise that there may be identifiable characteristics of these patients which makes them more identifiable to the physician.
Etanercept is a recombinant dimer of human tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor proteins bound to human IgG1. It is an effective second line treatment option in JIA for those who have failed, or are intolerant to, methotrexate, and an effective first line treatment option in those who have axial disease at diagnosis. Anti-TNF treatments are effective in IBD, however etanercept in particular does not have therapeutic benefit, and in one trial there was a non-significant trend towards worsening of disease.

Methods
Please refer to the Results section.

Results
Four cases, in a 15 year old male, 11 year old female, 10 year old female and 11 year old female, have been identified at our site. The time from etanercept initiation and diagnosis of IBD was between 2 weeks and 2 years 1 month. None of the cases had gastrointestinal symptoms at JIA diagnosis. All four were ANA negative, and in the two with information, both were HLA-B27 negative. Three out of four had hip arthritis involvement. There was a family history of IBD (ulcerative colitis) in only one of the cases. Aside from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, there were no other immunomodulatory medications concurrently being taken in any of the cases while on etanercept. All four were anaemic (Hb < 120g/L) at diagnosis of IBD. Only one had raised ESR (43mm/hr) while all had normal CRP. Albumin was low in two (17g/L and 29g/L). Following gastroenterology review and endoscopy, two cases were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and two with ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion
It remains unclear whether etanercept plays a role in the development of IBD in these patients, whether it unmasks subclinical disease, or whether there is no association and it is simply a coincidence. However, there continue to be case reports and series suggesting an association between the two. We hope to identify further cases similar to these from sources such as the UK Biologics Registry and via surveys from teams at paediatric rheumatology centres throughout the UK. Further to the identification of cases, a retrospective review of patient characteristics will be carried out. This may allow for further determination of identifiable characteristics for these patients, and therefore suggest a subgroup of JIA patients with a higher risk of developing IBD, in which case caution when considering etanercept treatment would be advised.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
P02 Multi-trajectories of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Shoop-Worrall Stephanie , Hyrich Kimme , Wedderburn Lucy , Thomson Wendy , Geifman Nophar 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Composite disease scores in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), such as the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS), include multiple disease manifestations, presented as a single score. These overall scores aid understanding of disease holistically in each child or young person (CYP), and have been suggested as outcomes for clinical trials and targets in treat to target clinical strategies. However, signs and symptoms of disease may not follow similar patterns following a JIA diagnosis. It is not currently known what the patterns of disease activity are in CYP with JIA and how these cluster over time.

Methods
CYP with JIA were selected if enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS), a UK multicentre inception cohort, before January 2015. cJADAS10 components (active joint count 0-10, physician global, patient/parent global) were collected at diagnosis, six months, one year and then annually to three years.
Multivariate group-based trajectory models modelled cJADAS10 component scores using censored-normal (physician and parent global) and zero-inflated Poisson (active joint count) distributions. Within linear, quadratic and cubic polynomials, one to ten trajectories were tested. The optimal models were selected using Bayesian Information Criteria, model parsimony and clinical plausibility.

Results
Of 1,183 CYP selected, the majority were female (65%) and of white ethnicity (90%) with oligoarticular JIA the most common JIA category (45%).
The optimal model identified six multivariate patterns of disease. In four of these clusters, signs and symptoms of disease had similar patterns over time: Low-Remission (32%), Low-Low (20%), High-Low (16%) and High-Low-High (10%). However, in two groups, Low-Chronic (14%) and High Chronic (8%), manifestations of inflammation and wellbeing followed different trajectory severities and shapes over time. These groups demonstrated persistent poor wellbeing despite control of inflammatory signs.

Conclusion
Disease activity in CYP with JIA does not improve in a uniform manner following initial presentation to paediatric rheumatology. Six latent multivariate trajectories have been identified in young people with JIA, two of which persist with chronic poor wellbeing despite lowered inflammation.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.