bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size scaling of sea turtle reproduction may reconcile fundamental ecology and conservation strategies at the global scale
Authors: Wu Nicholas C. , Rusli Mohd Uzair , Broderick Annette C. , Barneche Diego R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe body size of marine megafauna can influence population dynamics because larger females have disproportionally greater reproductive output. We explored how this size scaling relationship can affect predictions of population size structure in nesting sea turtles by combining a phylogenetically controlled meta‐analysis with a long‐term field nesting survey.LocationGlobal (meta‐analysis) and Malaysia (field survey).Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedSea turtles.MethodsWe extracted body size and reproductive parameters of all sea turtle species from the literature and estimated the reproductive‐energy output using allometric models. We then examined the relationship between body size and the proportion of protected nesting beaches by country as an indicator of conservation efforts on body size. Long‐term monitoring (1993–2019) of body size and nesting data on green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Redang Island (Malaysia) was used to examine temporal changes in body size and fecundity and to test whether the size scaling of fecundity was isometric (linear) or allometric (curvilinear).ResultsWe show that the total reproductive‐energy output of larger nesting females was, on average, disproportionately greater in all sea turtle species. We found no strong correlations for countries with a higher proportion of protected nesting sites with female size. Finally, we showed that scaling‐derived calculations of population‐level yearly reproductive output in the green turtle population from Redang Island were more accurate when using a hyperallometric (rather than an isometric) relationship at the individual level.Main conclusionsUnderstanding ecosystem function and conservation effort requires accurate predictions of population trends. Our findings highlight the necessity to account for scaling effects of body size in predicting anthropogenically mediated population shifts, and the need to protect large females in order to facilitate effective population replenishment.
Supporting the involvement of older adults with complex needs in evaluation of outcomes in long‐term care at home programmes
Authors: Phillipson Lyn , Towers Ann‐Marie , Caiels James , Smith Louisa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIt is important to involve older people in evaluating public programmes that affect their lives. This includes those with physical and cognitive impairments (such as dementia) who may need support to live at home. Many countries have implemented new approaches to support older people to live well at home for longer. However, it can be challenging to involve disabled people in service evaluation, so we are unclear whether services are meeting their needs.AimThis study explored how a cascading methodology, offering different supports enabled the involvement of home care users with cognitive and physical impairments in the assessment of their care‐related quality of life.MethodWe used multiple tools from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) with n = 63 older adults who were recipients of home care in the Illawarra. We also offered different physical and cognitive supports as needed.ResultsWe started with the standard ASCOT questionnaire to assess the care‐related quality of life, but then offered alternative formats (including Easy Read) and supports (including physical and cognitive assistance) if the older person needed them to participate. This allowed us to involve a greater diversity of older people in the evaluation, and changed what we found out about whether their care needs were being met.ConclusionThere is a need to implement more flexible and inclusive methods to increase the involvement of vulnerable users of long‐term care in the assessment of service outcomes. This is important to ensure that the perspectives of all service users inform the delivery of person‐centred care. It is also critical to understand the extent to which programmes are meeting the needs of vulnerable service users.Patient or Public ContributionService users with dementia were involved in the design of the ‘Easy Read’ questionnaire used in the study.
lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 plays an important role in intestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease through the regulation of interleukin‐1β
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Xia Mengting , Liu Jiang , Cui Jinwei , Zhang Yanyu , Sun Runjie , Cui Xing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionAcute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is one of the major complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the liver, skin, and gastrointestinal tract are the main target organs. The most common type is intestinal aGVHD. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have coregulatory functions and participate in a variety of intracellular regulatory processes. We investigated the expression of lncRNAs and their mechanisms in the development of aGVHD.MethodsThe participants included 15 patients with aGVHD and 4 healthy controls (HCs). To generate profiles of abnormally expressed lncRNAs, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lncRNAs from four patients and four HCs were validated by high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). A number of databases, including Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, miRanda, TargetScan, and Metascape, were used for bioinformatics analysis. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that overexpression of lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 might induce aGVHD via the interleukin (IL)‐1β axis and a downstream miRNA. After the higher levels of lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 in other patients were confirmed by qRT‐PCR, serum IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsIn our study, a large number of lncRNAs were found in PBMCs of patients with intestinal aGVHD, and bioinformatics analysis showed that the upregulated lncRNA lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 probably affected the progression of intestinal aGVHD by regulating the hsa‐miR‐3064‐5p/IL‐1β axis. In addition, the changes in lncRNA expression levels were positively correlated with the clinical characteristics of intestinal aGVHD.ConclusionOur results suggest that lncRNAs in PBMCs may become new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intestinal aGVHD.
Marketplace or reselling: the pricing decisions and face value of the coupons under the Cap‐and‐Trade regulation
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Wu Jie , Fan Yiming , Yu Yugang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper considers a manufacturer selling his products with the marketplace or the reselling mode under the cap‐and‐trade regulation. Coupons are allocated when selling the products. We explore the optimal decisions, the selection and the coordination with the two modes. First, we analytically find that the increase of the cap and platform power (commission rate) increases (decreases) the total production quantity and the optimal production quantity for coupon‐sensitive consumers, and interestingly find that it reduces (increases) the production quantity for coupon‐insensitive consumers when the sensitivity of the coupons is high. Furthermore, the optimal profit of the manufacturer first increases and then decreases with the cap when the emission intensity is low, and it increases with the cap when the emission intensity is high. Second, the marketplace mode creates more (less) profits for the manufacturer if the order‐fulfillment cost is low (high). Whether the marketplace mode or the reselling mode will generate more carbon emission depends on the commission rate and the platform power. Finally, the marketplace mode is not capable of coordinating the manufacturer and the platform at all times, while the reselling mode can coordinate the two firms after considering a coupon‐sharing contract under considerable platform power, and they can achieve Pareto improvement with a two‐part tariff contract under the generalized Nash bargaining framework.
Therapeutic stem cell‐derived alveolar‐like macrophages display bactericidal effects and resolve Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐induced lung injury
Authors: Bouch Sheena , Litvack Michael L. , Litman Kymberly , Luo Lisha , Post Alex , Williston Emma , Park Amber J. , Roach Elyse J. , Berezuk Alison M. , Khursigara Cezar M. , Post Martin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBacterial lung infections lead to greater than 4 million deaths per year with antibiotic treatments driving an increase in antibiotic resistance and a need to establish new therapeutic approaches. Recently, we have generated mouse and rat stem cell‐derived alveolar‐like macrophages (ALMs), which like primary alveolar macrophages (1'AMs), phagocytose bacteria and promote airway repair. Our aim was to further characterize ALMs and determine their bactericidal capabilities. The characterization of ALMs showed that they share known 1'AM cell surface markers, but unlike 1'AMs are highly proliferative in vitro. ALMs effectively phagocytose and kill laboratory strains of P. aeruginosa (P.A.), E. coli (E.C.) and S. aureus, and clinical strains of P.A. In vivo, ALMs remain viable, adapt additional features of native 1'AMs, but proliferation is reduced. Mouse ALMs phagocytose P.A. and E.C. and rat ALMs phagocytose and kill P.A. within the lung 24 h post‐instillation. In a pre‐clinical model of P.A.‐induced lung injury, rat ALM administration mitigated weight loss and resolved lung injury observed seven days post‐instillation. Collectively, ALMs attenuate pulmonary bacterial infections and promote airway repair. ALMs could be utilized as an alternative or adjuvant therapy where current treatments are ineffective against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria or to enhance routine antibiotic delivery.
Accuracy of different laboratory scanners for scanning of implant‐supported full arch fixed prosthesis
Authors: Ebeid Kamal , Nouh Ingy , Ashraf Yasmine , Cesar Paulo F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the accuracy of different laboratory scanners (LS) for scanning of implant‐supported full arch fixed prosthesis with different implant angulations.Materials and MethodsTwo maxillary models that are designed to receive an all‐on‐four implant retained prosthesis were fabricated then scanned using five different LS. The models were divided into two groups according to the angulation of the posterior implant (Group 1; 30° and group 2; 45°). Each group was then subdivided into five subgroups according to the type of LS, subgroup T; Medit T710, subgroup I; IneosX5, subgroup E; 3ShapeE4, subgroup A; Autoscan DS‐Mix, and subgroup M; Ceramill Map600. An industrial 3D scanner was used as reference scanner, then each model was scanned with 5 LS 10 times. Trueness and precision were analyzed using Geomagic 3D analysis software.ResultsBoth scanner type and implant angle had a significant effect on the trueness (p < 0.001). Significant interaction was found between the scanner type and implant angle (p < 0.001). For scanner type tukeys post hoc test revealed highest trueness with the 3Shape E4 (21.3 ± 2.1) and the medit T710 (22.6 ± 2.1) and least trueness with the shining 3D autoscan ds‐mix (33.8 ± 3.0). Significantly better trueness was observed with the 30° than the 45° angle. Regarding precision, two‐way ANOVA revealed significant effect of the scanner type only (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the 3Shape E4, medit T710, Ineos X5, and the Ceramill map600. However, all showed significantly higher precision values when compared to shining 3D autoscan ds‐mix.ConclusionsAll tested scanners showed results within the clinically acceptable range with 3ShapeE4 and Medit T710 showing the highest accuracy.Clinical significanceTested scanners can be used for scanning of All‐on‐four implant supported prosthesis.
Implementation of a standardised perioperative nutrition care pathway in upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A multisite pilot study
Authors: Deftereos Irene , Hitch Danielle , Butzkueven Sally , Carter Vanessa , Arslan Janan , Fetterplace Kate , Fox Kate , Ottaway Aurora , Pierce Kathryn , Steer Belinda , Varghese Jessie , Kiss Nicole , Yeung Justin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative nutrition support is recommended for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer surgery; however, limited evidence exists regarding implementation of a nutrition care pathway in clinical practice. The aims of this pilot study were to determine whether implementation of a standardised perioperative nutrition pathway for patients undergoing UGI cancer surgery improves access to dietetics care, as well as to evaluate study feasibility, fidelity, resource requirements and effect on clinical outcomes.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed UGI cancer from four major metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, planned for curative intent surgery, were included in the prospective pilot study (n = 35), with historical controls (n = 35) as standard care. Outcomes were dietetics care (dietetics contacts) nutritional status, hand grip strength, weight change, preoperative hospital admissions, complications and length of stay, recruitment feasibility, fidelity and adherence, and resource requirements. Continuous data were analysed using independent samples t test accounting for unequal variances or a Mann–Whitney U test. Dichotomous data were analysed using Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe percentage of participants receiving preoperative dietetic intervention increased from 55% to 100% (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD dietetics contacts increased from 2.2 ± 3.7 to 5.9 ± 3.9 (p < 0.001). Non‐statistically significant decreases in preoperative nutrition‐related hospital admissions, and surgical complications were demonstrated in patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Recruitment rate was 81%, and adherence to the nutrition pathway was high (> 70% for all stages of the pathway). The mean ± SD estimated resource requirement for the preoperative period was 3.7 ± 2.8 h per patient.ConclusionsImplementation of this standardised nutrition pathway resulted in improved access to dietetics care. Recruitment feasibility and high fidelity to the intervention suggest that a larger study would be viable.
Clinical and histopathological improvement of scleromyxedema‐induced microstomia after hyaluronidase injection
Authors: Akaslan Tahsin Çağdaş , Yıldız Pelin , Onsun Nahide 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionScleromyxedema is a rare primary cutaneous mucinosis characterized by numerous firm, waxy, confluent papules. Recently, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is accepted by many authors as the first‐line treatment option for severe cases. We report a 69‐year‐old male patient who has been suffering from scleromyxedema, with reduced mouth opening. He has been on a high‐dose IVIG regime for 5 years.MethodsThe patient stated that he had difficulty in wearing and removing his dentures because of reduced mouth opening lately. Before considering to add any other immunosuppressants to his regime, we injected 1500 IU of hyaluronidase in total in one session periorally. The patient has been told open his mouth maximum and photographs have been taken before injections and after one month. We used a photo measurement application when evaluating microstomia to increase accuracy. We also took punch biopsies in order to evaluate effect of hyaluronidase histopathologically before and one month after injections.ResultsOne month later, he was able to reattach and remove his dentures without adding any adjuvant immunosuppressants other than hyaluronidase. Mouth opening was increased in measurements and histopathologically, mucin deposition, fibroblastic proliferation, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration were decreased.ConclusionsWe think hyaluronidase is a safe, easily accessible, and effective treatment option for microstomia caused by scleromyxedema.
Prevalence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of multidrug resistance Candida auris infections in Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients: A systematic review
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy Kalaiselvi , Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy , Prakash Hariprasath 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCandida auris is an emerging multidrug‐resistant pathogen in intensive care settings (ICU). During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic, ICU admissions were overwhelmed, possibly contributing to the C. auris outbreak in COVID‐19 patients.ObjectivesThe present systematic review addresses the prevalence, underlying diseases, iatrogenic risk factors, treatment and outcome of C. auris infections in COVID‐19 patients.MethodsMEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and LitCovid databases were systematically searched with appropriate keywords from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021.ResultsA total of 97 cases of C. auris were identified in COVID‐19 patients. The pooled prevalence of C. auris infections (encompassing candidemia and non‐candidemia cases) in COVID‐19 patients was 14%. The major underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (42.7%), hypertension (32.9%) and obesity (14.6%), followed by the iatrogenic risk factors such as a central venous catheter (76.8%%), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (75.6%) and broad‐spectrum antibiotic usage (74.3%). There were no significant differences in underlying disease and iatrogenic risk factors among C. auris non‐candidemia/colonisation and C. auris candidemia cases. The mortality rate of the total cohort is 44.4%, whereas, in C. auris candidemia patients, the mortality was 64.7%.ConclusionThis study shows that the prevalence of C. auris infections remains unchanged in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Hospital‐acquired risk factors may contribute to the clinical illness. Proper infection control practices and hospital surveillance may stop future hospital outbreaks during the pandemic.
Immunological recovery following HLA‐matched CD3+ TCR αß+/CD19+ depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Sperl Daniela , Lang Peter , Benesch Martin , Bainschab Antonia , Urban Christian , Wilfing Roland , Feuchtinger Tobias , Döring Michaela , Seitz Christian , Strenger Volker , Lackner Herwig , Seidel Markus G. , Perwein Thomas , Handgretinger Rupert , Sipurzynski Sabine , Rosskopf Konrad , Schwinger Wolfgang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative option for children with both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. T‐cell depletion techniques may result in reduced transplant‐related mortality compared with unmanipulated grafts due to a lower incidence of GvHD.MethodsImmune recovery and outcome were analyzed in a cohort of 23 patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases who received CD3+TCRαβ+ T‐ and B‐cell‐depleted allografts from matched donors after reduced‐intensity or myeloablative conditioning. The median number of CD34+, CD3+TCRαβ+, and CD19+B‐cells infused was 12.7 × 106/kg, 16.8 × 103/kg, and 96 × 103/kg bodyweight.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 36 (range 1–73) months, overall survival and disease‐free survival at 3 years were 65.2% and 60.8%. Eight patients died, six due to the underlying disease and two of extended visceral cGvHD. Immune reconstitution, disease‐free, and overall survivals were similar compared with a historical cohort of 23 patients transplanted with matched unmanipulated bone marrow. A significant lower rate of higher grade (III‐IV) aGvHD was observed in the manipulated HSCT group (8.7% vs. 26%; p = 0.001), whereas the incidence of cGvHD was equal.ConclusionsOur data suggest that this graft manipulation strategy could be a safe and effective alternative to conventional HSCT techniques in matched donors.
Philosophy of science at sea: Clarifying the interpretability of machine learning
Authors: Beisbart Claus , Räz Tim 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn computer science, there are efforts to make machine learning more interpretable or explainable, and thus to better understand the underlying models, algorithms, and their behavior. But what exactly is interpretability, and how can it be achieved? Such questions lead into philosophical waters because their answers depend on what explanation and understanding are—and thus on issues that have been central to the philosophy of science. In this paper, we review the recent philosophical literature on interpretability. We propose a systematization in terms of four tasks for philosophers: (i) clarify the notion of interpretability, (ii) explain the value of interpretability, (iii) provide frameworks to think about interpretability, and (iv) explore important features of it to adjust our expectations about it.
Investigation of neural and biomechanical impairments leading to pathological toe and heel gaits using neuromusculoskeletal modelling
Authors: Bruel Alice , Ghorbel Salim Ben , Di Russo Andrea , Stanev Dimitar , Armand Stéphane , Courtine Grégoire , Ijspeert Auke 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the pathological toe and heel gaits seen in human locomotion using neuromusculoskeletal modelling and simulation. In particular, it aims to investigate potential cause–effect relationships between biomechanical or neural impairments and pathological gaits. Toe and heel gaits are commonly present in spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy. Toe walking is mainly attributed to spasticity and contracture at plantar flexor muscles, whereas heel walking can be attributed to muscle weakness of biomechanical or neural origin. To investigate the effect of these impairments on gait, this study focuses on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles as they contribute to ankle plantarflexion. We built a reflex circuit model based on previous work by Geyer and Herr with additional pathways affecting the plantar flexor muscles. The SCONE software, which provides optimisation tools for 2D neuromechanical simulation of human locomotion, is used to optimise the corresponding reflex parameters and simulate healthy gait. We then modelled various bilateral plantar flexor biomechanical and neural impairments, and individually introduced them in the healthy model. We characterised the resulting simulated gaits as pathological or not by comparing ankle kinematics and ankle moment with the healthy optimised gait based on metrics used in clinical studies. Our simulations suggest that toe walking can be generated by hyperreflexia, whereas muscle and neural weaknesses partially induce heel gait. Thus, this ‘what if’ approach is deemed of great interest as it allows investigation of the effect of various impairments on gait and suggests an important contribution of active reflex mechanisms to pathological toe gait.Key points
Pathological toe and heel gaits are commonly present in various conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy.
These conditions present various neural and biomechanical impairments, but the cause–effect relationships between these impairments and pathological gaits are difficult to establish clinically.
Based on neuromechanical simulation, this study focuses on the plantar flexor muscles and builds a new reflex circuit controller to model and evaluate the potential effect of both neural and biomechanical impairments on gait.
Our results suggest an important contribution of active reflex mechanisms to pathological toe gait.
This ‘what if’ based on neuromechanical modelling is thus deemed of great interest to target potential causes of pathological gait.