bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visualising the pattern of long‐term genotype performance by leveraging a genomic prediction model
Authors: Arief Vivi N. , DeLacy Ian H. , Payne Thomas , Basford Kaye E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHistorical data from plant breeding programs provide valuable resources to study the response of genotypes to the changing environment (i.e. genotype‐by‐environment interaction). Such data have been used to evaluate the pattern of genotype performance across regions or locations, but its use to evaluate the long‐term pattern of genotype performance across environments (i.e. locations‐by‐years) has been hampered by the lack of common genotypes across years. This lack of common genotypes is due to the structure of the breeding program, especially for annual crops, where only a proportion of selected genotypes are tested in subsequent years. This has resulted in a sparse prediction of the performance of genotypes across years (i.e. a genotype‐by‐year table). A genomic prediction method that fitted both a relationship matrix among genotypes and a relationship matrix among environments (i.e. years) could overcome this limitation and produce a dense genotype‐by‐year table, thereby enabling some evaluation of long‐term genotype performance. In this paper, we applied the genomic prediction model to the yield data from CIMMYT's Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trials (ESWYT) to visualise the pattern of genotype performance over 25 years.
Proteomic analysis of vitreous humour of eyes with diabetic macular oedema: a systematic review
Authors: Hansen Mathilde Schlippe , Rasmussen Maja , Grauslund Jakob , Subhi Yousif , Cehofski Lasse Jørgensen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe pathophysiology of diabetic macular oedema (DME) remains poorly understood. Proteomic analysis of the vitreous using mass spectrometry (MS) can potentially identify proteins of pathophysiological importance. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence on protein changes in DME detected by MS. We systematically searched 13 literature databases on 19 September 2021. Eligible studies were defined as those using samples from human eyes with DME analysed with MS. Two authors assessed the studies for eligibility, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias independently. Six eligible studies were identified. All were designed in a cross‐sectional fashion comparing results to either a non‐diabetic control group or a control group without DME. A total of 62 eyes from 60 patients contributed as study group and 48 eyes from 48 patients served as control group. Proteomic analyses revealed significant differences in the vitreous protein levels in patients with DME when compared with controls. Three studies or more identified increased contents of apolipoprotein A‐I, apolipoprotein A‐II, apolipoprotein A‐IV, apolipoprotein C‐III, gelsolin, pigment epithelium‐derived factor, serum albumin, transthyretin, vitamin D‐binding protein in DME. Two studies found increased levels of complement factors B and C3. Protein changes reproduced across the studies suggested that DME was associated with retinal lipid accumulation, angiogenesis, retinal protective mechanisms, inflammation and complement activation. Proteome studies support the multifactorial pathogenesis of DME as proteins with highly different biological functions are regulated in DME. An important number of proteins differ, provide pathophysiological insight and suggest the direction for future research.
Effects of the methionine hydroxyl analog chelated microminerals on growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing–finishing pigs
Authors: Chen Juan , Wang Huakai , Ma Yongxi , Zhang Yawei , Wang Shangchu , Zang Jianjun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of methionine hydroxyl analog chelated microminerals (MHA‐M) replacing inorganic microminerals (ITMs) on the growth performance, fecal microminerals concentrations, immune function, and antioxidant status in growing‐finishing pigs; 253 pigs (average 33.68 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to six treatments with six replicates each treatment: (1) ITM: a basal diet with Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn from sulfates providing 20, 100, 40, and 60 mg/kg; (2–6): 1/5MHA‐M, 2/5MHA‐M, 3/5MHA‐M, 4/5MHA‐M, and MHA‐M was replaced with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% MHA‐M. Results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) in the 1/5MHA‐M and 2/5MHA‐M was greater than other groups in the whole period. Fecal Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations had decreased as the intake of trace minerals decreases. The ITM group decreased the fecal Zn concentration on Days 35, 70, and 91, and Fe concentration on Day 70, and increased the Mn concentration on Day 70 compared with MHA‐M group. Pigs fed 1/5MHA‐M, 2/5MHA‐M, and MHA‐M had a higher immune function and antioxidant status in serum compared with ITM, 3/5MHA‐M, and 4/5MHA‐M on Day 35. In conclusion, treatment with 1/5MHA‐M and 2/5MHA‐M could reduce the excretion of fecal microminerals and improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity compared with the ITM group.
Coherent Modeling of Longitudinal Causal Effects on Binary Outcomes
Authors: Wang Linbo , Meng Xiang , Richardson Thomas S. , Robins James M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Analyses of biomedical studies often necessitate modeling longitudinal causal effects. The current focus on personalized medicine and effect heterogeneity makes this task even more challenging. Toward this end, structural nested mean models (SNMMs) are fundamental tools for studying heterogeneous treatment effects in longitudinal studies. However, when outcomes are binary, current methods for estimating multiplicative and additive SNMM parameters suffer from variation dependence between the causal parameters and the noncausal nuisance parameters. This leads to a series of difficulties in interpretation, estimation, and computation. These difficulties have hindered the uptake of SNMMs in biomedical practice, where binary outcomes are very common. We solve the variation dependence problem for the binary multiplicative SNMM via a reparameterization of the noncausal nuisance parameters. Our novel nuisance parameters are variation independent of the causal parameters, and hence allow for coherent modeling of heterogeneous effects from longitudinal studies with binary outcomes. Our parameterization also provides a key building block for flexible doubly robust estimation of the causal parameters. Along the way, we prove that an additive SNMM with binary outcomes does not admit a variation independent parameterization, thereby justifying the restriction to multiplicative SNMMs.
Focused and inclusive actions could ensure the persistence of East Africa's last known viable dugong subpopulation
Authors: Trotzuk Evan , Findlay Ken , Taju Alima , Cockcroft Vic , Guissamulo Almeida , Araman Armindo , Matos Lorena , Gaylard Angela 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAlthough the dugongs of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago are the last known viable subpopulation along the East African coast, they remain threatened by a variety of anthropogenic and natural pressures that must be addressed to ensure their persistence. We aimed to establish recent trends in dugong abundance through a series of aerial surveys carried out between 2017 and 2021 over the Bazaruto seascape. We also assessed hotspots of dugong distribution in this region where targeted conservation measures may prove most effective. Finally, we modeled dugong population growth and mortality rates under varying scenarios to better understand the level of risk to anthropogenic mortality. We derived a total abundance of 325 SD 145 dugongs. While the estimates from this study and those from surveys in 2006–2007 (359 SD 137) suggest that dugong abundance has not changed significantly over the past 15 years, the confidence intervals of these estimates are too wide to detect potentially small changes relative to the subpopulation's size. The distribution of dugong sightings within the Bazaruto seascape over the 5‐year period indicates two core zones, one of which occurs outside the limits of established conservation areas. Population viability analyses demonstrated variability around rates of unnatural mortality that would cause long‐term decline in abundance. Together, these results provide strong motivations for higher level conservation actions such as the expansion and management of formal marine protected areas in the region and the listing of the East African dugong subpopulation within the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Our study also highlights the importance of developing alternative livelihoods and sustainably managing small‐scale fisheries in collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders in order to reduce the prevalence of fishing equipment and anthropogenic activities that directly or indirectly threaten dugongs in the Bazaruto seascape.
Multimodality imaging evaluation of incidentally discovered intracardiac mass
Authors: Saef Josh , Jellis Christine , Unai Shinya , Tan Carmela , Dresing Thomas , Ayoub Chadi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIncidentally discovered intracardiac masses often represent diagnostic dilemmas. No guideline‐directed algorithm exists for evaluation and management in these cases. Understanding the utility and limitations of different imaging modalities expedites evaluation of differential diagnoses and management, particularly when there are discordant imaging findings. This case further demonstrates that benign cardiac tumors may grow rapidly, and that new and rapid emergence of an intracardiac mass does not necessarily correlate with a diagnosis of thrombus or malignancy. It also highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis and a systematic management approach in patients with intracardiac masses.
Isolation and identification of Esteya vermicola and its potential for controlling pinewood nematode
Authors: Wang Xuan , Li Yong Xia , Liu Zhen Kai , Wen Xiao Jian , Zi Ze Sang , Feng Yu Qian , Zhang Wei , Li Dong Zhen , Zhang Xing Yao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPine wilt disease is a devastating forest disease worldwide caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). Esteya vermicola is widely recognized as a promising bio‐control agent effective against PWN. During a survey of associated microorganisms of Pinus yunnanensis in Southwest China, a novel isolate of E. vermicola was obtained. This isolate produced two types of conidia. One type of conidia was hyaline, unicellular, bacilloid, and non‐adhesive. The second type of conidia is solitary, hyaline, unicellular asymmetric elliptic or lunate, concave inward, ending slightly apiculate, adhesive on the concave surface, and contained an ovoid endospore‐like structure. Only the lunate conidia showed infection activity against PWN. This novel isolate produced a high proportion of infective lunate conidia and exhibited high adhesion and infection activity against PWN by adhering to the nematode within 48 h and killing 74.5% of the tested PWN individuals within 4 days. Given that the isolate was obtained from P. yunnanensis, it may be well adapted to the endogenous environment of pine trees. The isolate shows potential as a bio‐control agent against a plant‐parasitic nematode in the field.
Flow pulses shape periphyton differently according to local light and nutrient conditions in experimental lowland streams
Authors: Calvo Clementina , Pacheco Juan Pablo , Aznarez Celina , Jeppesen Erik , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Meerhoff Mariana 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Streams generally are affected by multiple stressors acting at different timescales. Periphyton, often the most important primary producer in these ecosystems, may respond to short‐term impacts as well as to different long‐term environmental conditions with potentially various changes in community structure.

Here, we experimentally investigated the effects of sudden flow pulses on periphyton communities as a way to mimic extreme precipitation events in lowland streams that are predicted to occur more often with climate change in some regions. Using outdoor flumes, we allowed periphyton to colonise nutrient‐diffusion substrates under two light conditions (50% shade and fully open) and nutrient availabilities (control, with access only to stream nutrients, and N–P‐enriched) along a gradient in baseflows (0.43 to 2.17 L/s). After one month, we exposed the communities to a flow pulse (two‐fold peak flow increase to simulate conditions of a potentially high disturbance) and analysed the responses of biomass and taxonomic composition.

Flow pulse promoted periphyton growth in the lowest range of the baseflow but led to biomass reduction in the highest range. Light was the second major driver of biomass accrual, whereas nutrient enrichment had a strong effect on community composition both before and after the pulse (i.e., diatom dominance vs. green algae dominance in scenarios without and with enrichment, respectively). In all treatments, the flow pulse promoted a higher taxonomic richness, suggesting a partial reset of the succession of the periphyton communities. However, independent of flow and resources, periphyton communities showed low ecological resistance against the pulse with changes in chlorophyll a, biovolume and taxonomic richness to the pulse.

We demonstrated that the effects of pulses on periphyton are similar in terms of biomass but varied strongly regarding composition depending on their initial structure, which is in turn mediated by the baseflow normally experienced by the systems, and on light and nutrient availability.

Our results highlight the importance of testing multiple stressors, such as an increase in extreme events, under a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e., flow regime, trophic state, light availability). This approach allows us to detect potential interaction effects and non‐linear responses, and highlights that the environmental settings ultimately determine the net effects of flow pulses on community structure and probably also on several important ecosystem processes.
Chronic liver disease questionnaire to manage patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Futsukaichi Yuka Hayashi , Murayama Aiko , Minemura Masami , Takahara Terumi , Yasuda Ichiro 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsAlthough patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) usually show few symptoms, they exhibit decreased health‐related QOL (HRQOL) with occurrence complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Health‐related QOL is an important indicator in the management of CLD. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) was established as a tool for assessment of HRQOL. In this study, we evaluate its usefulness for the management of daily clinical practice.MethodsPatients (N = 190, median age 70 years old) treated between 2016 and 2019 were registered and prospectively followed‐up with annual CLDQ. Associations of liver function and development of factors for admission or death were evaluated.ResultsOf the 190 patients registered, median age 70 years old, 140 were Child‐A, 121 were Fib‐4 index >2.67 and showed 80 HCC. All 6 domains including Systemic Symptoms (SS) were negatively correlated with Child‐Pugh score more than with albumin‐bilirubin score and Fib‐4 index. A hundred four admission events and 49 deaths were found during observation period, and median event‐free survival was 34.3 months. Treatment for HCC was the most frequent cause of admission, and 37 liver‐related deaths were found. Systemic Symptoms score 2 years after registration was decreased in both HCC‐ and non‐HCC cohort. Systemic Symptoms decreased and SS < 4 might be predictive for event occurrence.ConclusionsCLDQ is useful to assess HRQOL in patients with CLD and is well correlated with liver function especially Child‐Pugh. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire might be useful to predict the prognosis of CLD and can be a tool of management in clinical practice.
Cardiac activity in walleye (Sander vitreus) during exposure to and recovery from chemical anaesthesia, electroanaesthesia and electrostunning
Authors: Reid Connor H. , Raby Graham D. , Faust Matthew D. , Cooke Steven J. , Vandergoot Christopher S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHandling and conducting invasive procedures are necessary for aspects of fisheries science, invariably inducing a stress response and imposing energetic demands on fish. Anaesthesia or immobilisation techniques are often used in an attempt to mitigate stress and improve welfare, yet these also come with their own impacts on post‐release recovery. Here, the authors investigated whether changes in cardiac activity (heart rates over time, heart rate maxima, and scopes) differed in adult walleye (Sander vitreus) anaesthetised with AQUI‐S® 20E (eugenol), electroanaesthetised with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit or electrostunned with a commercially developed stunning unit. This experiment was divided into two trials. In the first trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers and left to recover for c. 4 days. In the second trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers, given 3 days to recover and re‐exposed to their initial treatments (excluding surgery). Post‐treatment cardiac activity was quantified for both trials. Although highly variable across individuals, the authors found no significant differences in heart rate changes over time or recovery times among treatments. Maximum heart rates were consistent among treatment groups, yet significant differences in heart rate scope provided further evidence of strong interindividual variation in the second trial. Based on these results, the authors did not identify any welfare‐relevant differences or concerns associated with one treatment over another. Further investigations of the relationships between measures of cardiac function and other physiological stress markers would be beneficial towards identifying best practices for fish handling in fisheries science.
Optical, mechanical, structural, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder, halloysite, and cinnamaldehyde nanocomposite films
Authors: Nath Debarshi , Santhosh Ravichandran , Ahmed Jasim , Sarkar Preetam 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWith paramount pressures from the laws enforcing agents and the general public in greenhouse gas emission and environmental issues, the importance of biodegradable materials with suitable properties for potential applications in the food packaging has received serious attention. In this work, tamarind kernel powder (TKP)/halloysite (HS)/cinnamaldehyde (CND) nanocomposite (NC) films were successfully developed using the solution casting method. CND with selected concentrations (0.5%–3%, w/w) were loaded into TKP (5% w/w)/HS (2% w/w) matrix. The NC films were characterized by optical measurement (e.g., color, transparency), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), barrier, and mechanical properties. The CND concentration significantly influenced the film properties. The developed nanocomposite films exhibited excellent antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium). Film with 2% CND was found to be a good candidate for active packaging application.Practical applicationsIn the present times, there have been increased interests in the fabrication of biodegradable films for food packaging applications to reduce the usage of plastic‐based materials. This trend has urged researchers to develop bio‐based packaging materials with increased functionality. Tamarind kernel powder possesses excellent film‐forming properties, and their reinforcement with nanoclays and essential oil makes them useful as a food packaging material. In the present study, the optical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder films were improved by incorporating halloysite nanoclay and cinnamaldehyde. Therefore, the developed antimicrobial films with improved functionality have high potential as a food packaging material.
Serologic biomarkers in Candida and Aspergillus infections of the central nervous system: A comparison of galactomannan, mannan and β‐1,3‐D‐gucan testing from serum and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Forster Johannes , Hoenigl Martin , Suerbaum Sebastian , Wagener Johannes , Dichtl Karl 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of Aspergillus and Candida CNS infection, which are characterised by high mortality rates, is underestimated. This underdiagnosis presumably results from the limitations of available diagnostic tools and the need for invasive sampling. Little is known about the role of serologic biomarkers in the setting of CNS aspergillosis and candidiasis.Patients, materials and methods: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; 10) samples of 19 patients, whose CNS specimens yielded growth of Aspergillus or Candida, were analysed for different biomarkers for fungal infection, that is galactomannan (GM), galactomannoprotein (GP), mannan, anti‐mannan‐antibodies and β‐1,3‐D‐glucan (BDG). Serum and CSF specimens of time‐matched patients (two each for every case of fungal CNS infection) were included as controls.ResultsGalactomannan, GP and BDG seropositivity was found in one, two and three of five cases of CNS aspergillosis. BDG and mannan/anti‐mannan‐antibody sensitivity in proven CNS candidiasis was 40% and 20%, respectively. Applying the serum cut‐off, sensitivity in CSF testing was 100% for GM and BDG and 50% for mannans. While serum specificity for all assays ranged from 89 to 97%, specificity for CSF BDG was only 70%. No false‐positive GM results from CSF were obtained.ConclusionSensitivity for diagnosing CNS aspergillosis and CNS candidiasis from serum is mediocre for all serological biomarkers. GM testing in CSF proved excellent performance. With a sensitivity of 100% but a specificity of only 70%, CSF BDG might be most useful when used in patients with a high pre‐test probability.
“Lumps of exasperation”: Editorial coverage of 60th anniversary of Nigeria's independence
Authors: Eze Ogemdi Uchenna 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study examined how selected Nigerian newspaper editorials covered the commemoration of its 60th independence anniversary. Frame theory provided the theoretical lens with which to make sense of the data. Drawing from van Dijk's (1992) model of editorial analysis, which focuses on Definition, Evaluation and Recommendation, this research investigated how Nigeria's journey as an independent nation in the last 60 years was framed in the editorials. The study found that there were divergent views as to whether there was a reason to celebrate or not. Defective structure, insecurity and poor leadership emerged as major problems to Nigeria's development. Consequently, these editorials framed restructuring, provision of security and rejigging of the recruitment process for political officeholders as solutions to the identified problems. The study indicated that these papers glossed over Nigerian Civil War experience, thus denying the younger generation the lessons of this important historical event.
An unusual case of pediatric embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with subsequent diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Spurr Alison , DeBiasio Celina , El Demellawy Dina , Gavigan Genevieve 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA 10‐month‐old girl presented with a 4‐month history of a rapidly growing lesion on the lower lip. Initial assessment and Doppler ultrasound supported a diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. However, emergent biopsy revealed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a highly malignant tumor commonly associated with cancer‐susceptible syndromes including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Despite having no apparent clinical features of NF1 at initial presentation, she was later found to have multiple café‐au‐lait spots and a subsequent diagnosis of NF1 was made.