bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neotropical mustelids: fecal metabolome diversity and its potential for taxonomic discrimination
Authors: ALMEIDA Lana Resende de , ALVES Marina Amaral , MASTELLA Ana Maria Obino , GARRETT Rafael , PEREIRA Maria João Ramos 
Published: March 2022

AbstractChemical profiles of non‐invasive biological material, such as feces, have great potential to study elusive animals or those with low population densities. Here, we use a metabolomic approach to evaluate Neotropical mustelids as a biological model to describe the diversity of the metabolites present in fecal samples, as well as to evaluate the potential of chemical profiles for taxonomic discrimination. We collected fecal samples from captive individuals of 5 species of mustelids occurring in Brazil and analyzed them by liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Over 200 compounds have been annotated; “bile acids, alcohols and derivatives” was the most expressive class in the metabolome of all the species. We successfully discriminated 3 taxonomic groups: 1—tayra (Eira barbara); 2—otters (Lontra longicaudis and Pteronura brasiliensis; 1); and 3—grisons (Galictis vittata and Galictis cuja). Several compounds seemed to be associated with food intake and the digestive process, while others were found for the first time in Neotropical mustelids. We concluded that mustelids show high metabolome diversity and that species‐specific identification through metabolomic profiles is possible, thus contributing to the development and implementation of additional non‐invasive approaches in the study of mustelids.
Inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase by Morus australis fruit extract and its components iminosugar, anthocyanin, and glucose
Authors: Qiao Ying , Ikeda Yuki , Ito Masaaki , Kimura Toshiyuki , Ikeuchi Takeaki , Takita Teisuke , Yasukawa Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase are important for the maintenance of blood glucose level. Mammalian α‐glucosidase includes maltase–glucoamylase and sucrase–isomaltase complexes. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of Morus australis fruit extract and its components, that is, three iminosugars (1‐deoxynojirimycin [1‐DNJ], fagomine, and 2‐O‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyl deoxynojirimycin), two anthocyanins (cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside), and glucose, against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. We also quantified the concentration of each component in M. australis fruit extract. The IC50 values of the fruit extracts of four M. australis subspecies were >10 mg/ml for α‐amylase, 1.1–1.7 mg/ml for maltase, 6.9–8.6 mg/ml for glucoamylase, 0.13–1.0 mg/ml for sucrase, and 0.46–1.4 mg/ml for isomaltase. When the IC50 value of each component and the concentration of each component in the fruit extract were taken into consideration, our results indicated that glucose are involved in the inhibition of α‐amylase, and 1‐DNJ and glucose are involved in the inhibition of α‐glucosidase. This is in contrast to that in M. australis leaf, neither anthocyanin nor glucose are contained, and 1‐DNJ is a main inhibitor.Practical ApplicationIt is widely accepted that inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase is one of the strategies to treat type‐2 diabetes. Today, acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose are clinically used for this purpose. Our results that 1‐DNJ and anthocyanin are present in Morus australis fruit and are involved in the inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase suggest that M. australis fruit is a healthy sweetener.
Instability in Afghanistan and Non‐traditional Security Threats: A Public Good Problem?
Authors: Verma Raj 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMany analysts and policy makers agree that the withdrawal of the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces and formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will exacerbate the political, social, ethnic and religious fault lines in Afghanistan and may lead to civil war and chaos in Afghanistan reminiscent of the 1990s. This will also exacerbate non‐traditional security threats such as Islamic fundamentalist and transnational terrorism, drugs/narcotics trade and human migration/refugee crisis in the neighbouring countries and beyond. This article argues that tackling the non‐traditional security threats facing the region and beyond is a public good. It analyses the tackling of non‐traditional security threats – terrorism, narcotics trade and human migration/refugee inflow – through the prism of collective action problem that is joint production of a good or joint action to tackle the problem. It illustrates that difference in threat perception, clash/conflict of interests and geopolitical rivalries will hinder cooperation and intelligence sharing, and lead to uncoordinated action and free riding. It will also create problems of leadership and affect the choice and efficacy of the organisation/institution to tackle the threats. The article highlights that in the absence of collective action, it will be extremely difficult to overcome the non‐traditional security threats emanating from Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Non‐traditional Security Challenges
Authors: Shahab Ahmed Zahid 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has brought both opportunities and challenges for Pakistan. As Islamabad is relieved by India's exit from Afghanistan, it continues to worry more about the spill‐over of the situation in Afghanistan into Pakistan. Among key non‐traditional security challenges are extremism, terrorism, refugees and drug trafficking and Islamabad continues to express serious concerns on how the new development in Afghanistan can pose a serious threat to Pakistan's peace and security. With a friendly regime in Kabul, however, Pakistan has an opportunity to handle these challenges through a mix of bilateral and multilateral options. By examining historical and contemporary dynamics, this article assesses the seriousness of non‐traditional security threats vis‐à‐vis Afghanistan for Pakistan. Islamabad's immediate non‐traditional security concerns focus on how the new developments in Afghanistan will possibly influence religious extremism and terrorism at home. Finally, the article outlines policy recommendations for Pakistan's engagement in the Taliban‐led Afghanistan.
Non‐traditional Security Threats to India from Afghanistan?
Authors: Joshi Manoj 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe US withdrawal from Afghanistan is being seen as much of a setback for the US, as for India. New Delhi's perspectives are shaped by its concerns over security and, overwhelmingly, the role of Pakistan in the region. Afghanistan has, in the past, provided camps for training Pakistani and Kashmiri militants. But India has, in the meantime strengthened its border defences significantly and will be able to easily handle the challenge. As for narcotics, it operates on a plane of its own and is not related to the ebb and flow of terrorism and militancy in Indian Administered Kashmir (IAK). Pakistan is certainly flying high in the Af–Pak region with a government of its choice in place in Kabul. But it has its own constraints, not in the least its economic situation. An India–Pakistan reconciliation would go a long way in further reducing the non‐traditional security threats/challenges and enhancing stability in Afghanistan.
China’s Alternative Prudent Approach in Afghanistan
Authors: Niu Haibin , Huang Yuehan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAfter the catastrophic 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States (US) launched a war in Afghanistan to combat terrorism as a major non‐traditional security threat. Twenty years later, Afghanistan is still struggling for solidarity, stability, and development, and remains a hotbed for transnational terrorism. Although observers view China as a key player in Afghanistan, which will fill the strategic vacuum left by the US withdrawal, a successful Chinese approach in Afghanistan depends on many factors including the US competition strategy vis‐à‐vis China, the Taliban's rule, neighbouring countries’ interests and choices with respect to Afghanistan, and other factors. Therefore, China may devise a realistic, pragmatic, constructive, and cooperative approach to address the non‐traditional security challenges in Afghanistan. Taking due cognisance of the bitter stories of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, China maintained a low‐key stance in Afghanistan after the Soviets withdrew from the country. After 1991, to address the security concerns in Xinjiang, China supported the building of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan and seeks to avoid any military presence in the country. China will largely maintain this prudent approach in Afghanistan after US withdrawal from the country.
Russia, Central Asia and Non‐traditional Security Threats from Afghanistan following the US Withdrawal
Authors: Stepanova Ekaterina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the early 21st century, non‐traditional security threats such as terrorism and narcotics trafficking drove the revival of post‐Soviet Russia's interest in and concern about the Afghan problem. This article outlines main security threats for Russia and Central Asia in Afghanistan during two decades of the United States (US) presence, identifies new risks, aggravating circumstances, and threat reduction factors following the US forces’ final departure and Taliban's comeback to power since 2021, and explores ways to counter main Afghanistan‐related security risks. For Russia and broader Eurasia, actual and potential non‐traditional security threats emanating from Afghanistan are likely to persist under the Taliban's second rule. However, none of them are unmanageable. While inside Afghanistan, much depends on the new Taliban authorities’ performance, it is up to the Central Asian states themselves and to Russia as their Eurasian security ally to hedge against potential scenarios. If the security pillar of Russia's response is confined to Central Asia and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the political‐diplomatic one extends to broader region and beyond. Overall, Russia has learnt its own historical lessons on Afghanistan: Moscow now prioritizes collective action in cooperation with regional powers, under multilateral frameworks extending beyond the region, and at the United Nations (UN).
Reduced structural connectivity of the amygdala is associated with childhood trauma in adult patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Soravia Leila M. , Denier Niklaus , Moggi Franz , Grieder Matthias , Federspiel Andrea , Tschuemperlin Raphaela M. , Batschelet Hallie M. , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Wiest Roland , Stein Maria , Bracht Tobias 
Published: March 2022

AbstractChildhood trauma (CT) is frequent in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and may impact on adult drinking behaviour and treatment outcome. This study aimed to investigate the structural correlates of CT in AUD, focusing on the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in the neurobiology of trauma. We hypothesized reduced amygdala volume and reduced structural connectivity as quantified by fractional anisotropy (FA) and by number of streamlines in those AUD patients with a history of moderate to severe CT (AUD‐CT). T1‐weighted MP2RAGE and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) 3‐Tesla MRI‐scans were acquired in 41 recently abstinent patients with AUD. We compared bilateral amygdala volume and structural connectivity (FA and number of streamlines) of pathways emanating from the amygdala between AUD‐CT (n = 20) and AUD without CT (AUD‐NT, n = 21) using a mixed model multivariate analysis of variance (MANCOVA) controlling for age and gender. AUD‐CT displayed reduced FA and reduced number of streamlines of amygdalar tracts. There were no differences regarding amygdala volume. The severity of physical abuse, a subscale of the childhood trauma questionnaire, was negatively correlated with FA and with number of streamlines. AUD‐CT and AUD‐NT differ regarding structural connectivity of pathways projecting to and from the amygdala, but not regarding amygdala volume. Those alterations of structural connectivity in AUD‐CT may represent a distinguishable neurobiological subtype of AUD, which might be associated with the complex clinical picture and poorer outcome that patients with CT and AUD often present.
Observations of oviposition behaviour in the long‐tailed waspMegalyra fasciipennisWestwood, 1832 (Hymenoptera: Megalyridae)
Authors: Mesaglio Thomas , Shaw Scott R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMegalyridae is a small family of mostly Southern Hemisphere parasitoid wasps, with the females of some species having ovipositors up to eight times their body length. The largest genus,Megalyra, is represented by 22 Australian species. Despite the conspicuous morphology of females, the biology of this family is relatively poorly known, with few published field observations. We opportunistically observed a femaleMegalyra fasciipennisWestwood, 1832, in urban bushland in south‐western Sydney, New South Wales, and extensively describe our observations of oviposition behaviour. Although our observations are largely consistent with historical accounts of oviposition in this species, we also describe previously unreported behaviours such as abdominal rotation. We speculate thatM. fasciipennisemploys both chemoreception and passive vibration detection to find hosts inside wood and note the importance of urban habitat and standing dead trees for preserving biodiversity.
Geographic variation in referral practices for patients with suspected head and neck cancer: A survey of general practitioners using a clinical vignette
Authors: Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Tracy Marguerite , Clark Jonathan R. , Palme Carsten E. , Young Jane M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionGeneral practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in cancer care and GPs are often the first doctor that patients with symptoms suggestive of cancer will encounter. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a relatively uncommon presentation in primary care, and evidence suggests that times to diagnosis and treatment of HNC vary based on geographical location of patients. This may be due to barriers to referral faced by regional or rural GPs as compared to those in metropolitan cities in Australia.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of geographical location of GPs on management of patients with symptoms suggestive of HNC.DesignThis was a descriptive, analytical, cross‐sectional survey. Surveys were sent to GPs at practices in two primary health care networks in New South Wales, Australia (Mid North Coast Primary Healthcare Network and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Healthcare Network) between February and May 2020. Main outcome measures were perceived time from referral to specialist appointment, factors affecting timeliness of patient help‐seeking, and awareness and use of clinical guidelines.FindingsA total of 1803 GPs were sampled, of which 196 responded (45 regional GPs and 151 metropolitan GPs). Less than half (48%) of regional GPs reported patients could expect to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of referral, compared to 70% of metropolitan GPs (p = 0.001). Most metropolitan GPs stated they would refer a patient with suspected HNC to a surgeon subspecialising in HNC. Regional GPs were split between ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and general surgeons. Availability of services was the most common factor influencing referral practices for regional GPs, whereas for metropolitan GPs, this was the patient's symptoms. Awareness of government resources for cancer referrals was generally low.DiscussionRegional GPs report patients with HNC are less likely to be seen by a specialist within optimal time frames compared to metropolitan GPs. Respondents reported different barriers to early referral of patients with suspected HNC, with regional GPs more often citing system‐level factors while metropolitan GPs more often cited patient‐level factors.ConclusionEvaluating service provision and uptake with respect to community need, and addressing of barriers to implementation, may minimise unwarranted clinical variation.
The Return to Face‐to‐Face Classes as Culture Shock: A Letter to Students Returning to Campus
Authors: Stocker Karen 
Published: March 2022

SummaryUnable to travel during the COVID‐19 pandemic, I returned to past fieldnotes to stay ethnographically connected. There I found insights into culture shock that gave shape to varied feelings about returning to the classroom after more than a year of remote learning. These insights turned into a letter to returning students about culture shock and how to manage it. The advice offered stems from repeated experiences of returning home after prolonged fieldwork and managing the array of emotions that entails.
Outpatient transperineal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia is safe, well tolerated and feasible
Authors: Hong Anne , Hemmingway Sarah , Wetherell David , Dias Brendan , Zargar Homayoun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTransperineal biopsy (TPB) of the prostate has been increasingly utilized as it has reduced infection risks. Traditionally however, it is performed under general anaesthesia, thus it carries a differing set of risks. Recently, new studies have performed TPB under local anaesthesia with success. In the present study, we explored our experience of performing TPB under local anaesthesia in an Australian cohort.MethodsIn this prospective study based at a metropolitan outpatient clinic, patients were provided with TPB under local anaesthesia. We assessed prostate cancer detection rates, complication rates and patient tolerability. Pain tolerability was assess using patient reported pain score on the visual analogue scale. Follow up data was collected at days 7 and 30 post‐biopsy via telephone interview.ResultsA total of 48 patients were enrolled in this study between June 2020 and March 2021. Median age was 65.5 years and median PSA was 6.95 ng/mL. Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 58% of patients. During the procedure, pain scores were rated the highest during infiltration of local anaesthetic agent with a median score of 5. By the conclusion of the procedure, median pain score was 1. Vast majority of patients (85.4%) would opt for a repeat TPB under local anaesthesia should the need for prostate biopsy arise again. Two of our patients experienced infectious complications, and one experienced urinary retention.ConclusionOur data is in line with currently available data and confirms that TPB under local anaesthesia can be achieved in a safe and tolerable manner.
Defining normal pouch function in patients with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis: a pilot study
Authors: Quinn Kevin P. , Busciglio Irene A. , Burton Duane D. , Inoue Akitoshi , Lee Yong S. , Heiken Jay P. , Sheedy Shannon P. , Fletcher Joel G. , Raffals Laura E. 
Published: March 2022

SummaryBackgroundMost patients experience good functional outcomes following ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis.AimWe aimed to determine if asymptomatic patients with an IPAA had findings consistent with normal defecation on standard objective anorectal tests.MethodsPatients 18–65 years old with IPAA and self‐reported healthy pouch function were recruited. Patients with chronic pouchitis, Crohn’s disease, anastomotic stricture, or indication for IPAA other than ulcerative or indeterminate colitis were excluded. Patients underwent an interview with an abbreviated Rome Questionnaire followed by high‐resolution ano‐pouch manometry, balloon expulsion test, pouch barostat, and magnetic resonance (MR) defecography.ResultsTwenty patients completed all testing. Six patients were excluded from the final analysis due to symptoms suggestive of pouch evacuation disorder on the abbreviated Rome Questionnaire (n = 2), structural abnormality on MR imaging (n = 3), or both (n = 1). Of the remaining 14 patients, mean anal resting pressure during high‐resolution manometry was 72 ± 16 mmHg, mean anal squeeze pressure was 247 ± 69 mmHg, and mean pouch‐anal gradient during the simulated evacuation was −27 ± 37 mmHg. The meantime to balloon expulsion was 54 seconds. During dynamic MR defecography, the mean descent of ano‐pouch junction was 2.6 cm, and mean pouch evacuation was 44.5% and 74.2% pre‐ and posttoilet phase, respectively.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with IPAA and self‐reported healthy pouch function have anatomic and/or functional abnormalities of the pouch. In asymptomatic IPAA patients with an anatomically normal pouch, we have proposed normal parameters for high‐resolution ano‐pouch manometry, time to balloon expulsion, pouch barostat, and MR defecography.
Lower effectiveness of intravenous steroid treatment for moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis in hospitalised patients with older onset: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Okabayashi Shinji , Yamazaki Hajime , Tominaga Keiichi , Miura Miki , Sagami Shintaro , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Yoshiharu , Noake Toshihiro , Ozeki Keiji , Miyazaki Ryosuke , Kamano Toshiaki , Fukuda Tomohiro , Yoshioka Kyoko , Ando Katsuyoshi , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Andoh Akira , Yamamoto Yosuke , Hibi Toshifumi , Kobayashi Taku ,   IBD Terakoya Group
Published: March 2022

SummaryBackgroundThe increasing incidence of older‐onset ulcerative colitis (UC), which has a higher risk of surgery, is a global health issue. However, data regarding intravenous steroid treatment, one of the important treatment options to avoid surgery, for older‐onset UC is lacking.AimsTo evaluate the association between onset age and effectiveness of intravenous steroids in UC.MethodsThis retrospective multicentre (27 facilities) cohort study included moderate‐to‐severe hospitalised UC patients who underwent their first intravenous steroids between April 2014 and July 2019. The primary outcome was clinical remission at day 30, using two‐item patient‐reported outcome scoring. The key secondary outcomes were risks of surgery and adverse events (death, infection and venous thrombosis) within 90 days. A modified Poisson regression model was used for analysis.ResultsOverall, 467 UC patients (384 younger‐onset and 83 older‐onset) were enrolled. Clinical remission at day 30 was observed in 252 (65.6%) among younger‐onset patients and 43 (51.8%) among older‐onset patients (adjusted risk difference, −21.7% [95% CI, −36.1% to −7.2%]; adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 0.74 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.93]). The risks of surgery and adverse events were higher in older‐onset UC (20.5% vs. 3.1%; ARR, 8.92 [95% CI, 4.13 to 19.27], 25.3% vs. 9.1%; ARR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.22 to 3.92], respectively). Four deaths occurred, all involving older‐onset UC. The risks of infection and venous thrombosis were also higher in older‐onset UC (18.1% vs. 8.6%, 7.2% vs. 0.5%, respectively).ConclusionsOlder‐onset was associated with a lower effectiveness of intravenous steroids with higher risks of surgery and adverse events in UC.