bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the distribution of Australian frogs and their overlap with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis under climate change
Authors: Sopniewski Jarrod , Scheele Benjamin C. , Cardillo Marcel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimAmphibians, with over 40% of assessed species listed as threatened, are disproportionately at risk in the global extinction crisis. Among the many factors implicated in the ongoing loss of amphibian biodiversity are climate change and the disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). These threats are of particular concern in Australia, where Bd has been implicated in the declines of at least 43 frog species, and climate change is emerging as an additional threat. We explore how climate change is likely to affect the distributions of Australian frog species and Bd to the year 2100, and how the spatial and climatic niche overlap between chytridiomycosis‐declined frogs and Bd could shift.LocationAustralia.MethodsWe used species distribution modelling to infer the current and future distribution of 141 Australian frog species and Bd, under two emissions scenarios. We used various metrics of niche similarity to quantify predicted alterations to spatial interactions between Bd and frog species.ResultsClimate change is likely to have a variable impact on frog distributions in Australia, with some 23 and 47 species, primarily in southern Australia, predicted to lose at least 30% of their current distributions under low and high emissions scenarios, respectively. In contrast, 69 and 68 species, respectively, have potential to increase their distributions, primarily in northern Australia. While the distribution of Bd is predicted to decrease, the proportional spatial and niche overlap between Bd and susceptible frog species is predicted to remain little changed, and in some cases, to increase.Main conclusionsAlthough effects will be variable across the continent, climate change is likely to be a threatening factor to many Australian frog species. Additionally, chytridiomycosis is likely to remain a significant threat to many frog species, as any reductions to the pathogen's distribution largely coincide with geographic range contractions of chytridiomycosis‐susceptible species.
Can training of a skilled pelvic movement change corticomotor control of back muscles? Comparison of single and paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Shraim Muath A. , Massé‐Alarie Hugo , Salomoni Sauro E. , Hodges Paul W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEvidence suggests excitability of the motor cortex (M1) changes in response to motor skill learning of the upper limb. Few studies have examined immediate changes in corticospinal excitability and intra‐cortical mechanisms following motor learning in the lower back. Further, it is unknown which transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigms are likely to reveal changes in cortical function in this region. This study aimed to (1) compare corticospinal excitability and intra‐cortical mechanisms in the lower back region of M1 before and after a single session of lumbopelvic tilt motor learning task in healthy people and (2) compare these measures between two TMS coils and two methods of recruitment curve (RC) acquisition. Twenty‐eight young participants (23.6 ± 4.6 years) completed a lumbopelvic tilting task involving three 5‐min blocks. Single‐pulse (RC from 70% to 150% of active motor threshold) and paired‐pulse TMS measures (ICF, SICF and SICI) were undertaken before (using 2 coils: figure‐of‐8 and double cone) and after (using double cone coil only) training. RCs were also acquired using a traditional and rapid method. A significant increase in corticospinal excitability was found after training as measured by RC intensities, but this was not related to the RC slope. No significant differences were found for paired‐pulse measures after training. Finally, there was good agreement between RC parameters when measured with the two different TMS coils or different acquisition methods (traditional vs. rapid). Changes in corticospinal excitability after a single session of lumbopelvic motor learning task are seen, but these changes are not explained by changes in intra‐cortical mechanisms.
International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: Position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Wirrell Elaine C. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Nabbout Rima , Riney Kate , Samia Pauline , Guerreiro Marilisa , Gwer Sam , Zuberi Sameer M. , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Yozawitz Elissa , Pressler Ronit , Hirsch Edouard , Wiebe Samuel , Cross Helen J. , Perucca Emilio , Moshé Solomon L. , Tinuper Paolo , Auvin Stéphane 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification has defined a three‐tier system with epilepsy syndrome identification at the third level. Although a syndrome cannot be determined in all children with epilepsy, identification of a specific syndrome provides guidance on management and prognosis. In this paper, we describe the childhood onset epilepsy syndromes, most of which have both mandatory seizure type(s) and interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. Based on the 2017 Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies, some syndrome names have been updated using terms directly describing the seizure semiology. Epilepsy syndromes beginning in childhood have been divided into three categories: (1) self‐limited focal epilepsies, comprising four syndromes: self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, self‐limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, childhood occipital visual epilepsy, and photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy; (2) generalized epilepsies, comprising three syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, epilepsy with myoclonic absence, and epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia; and (3) developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, comprising five syndromes: epilepsy with myoclonic–atonic seizures, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike‐and‐wave activation in sleep, hemiconvulsion–hemiplegia–epilepsy syndrome, and febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome. We define each, highlighting the mandatory seizure(s), EEG features, phenotypic variations, and findings from key investigations.
Exploring the limits to sustainable pellet production for international markets: The impact of increasing pellet production in the US Southeast on feedstock use, production cost and carbon sequestration in forest areas
Authors: Visser Lotte , Latta Greg , Pokharel Raju , Hoefnagels Ric , Junginger Martin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWith rising demand for wood pellets from the US Southeast (US SE), the environmental limits to additional biomass demand are increasingly questioned. This study analyses the impact of increased pellet production in the US SE until 2030 on feedstock allocation, carbon flux in forest areas and costs of pre‐treatment and transport of feedstock and pellets. This by linking locations of forest biomass supply and demand through supply‐side logistics, allocating feedstock based on lowest costs of pre‐treatment, transport of feedstock and pellets, for the entire wood products sector. The impact is analysed for different scenarios with varied pellet production levels, additional inclusion of logging residues and optimization either on costs or on maintaining total carbon stock in sourcing areas of new pellet mills. In a scenario of 20 Mt pellet production, the roundwood share increases from 0% in 2020 to 37% pulplogs and 11% sawlogs in 2030. Costs increase with 57% towards 2030 compared to 2020, largely because of higher costs for pulplogs and sawlogs. In a scenario without pellet production, forest carbon removal in the US SE is 3 Mt CO2/year lower than in 2020. In the Reference scenario, additional carbon removal of 6, 21 and 38 Mt CO2/year is observed for 10, 20 and 30 Mt pellet production, respectively. In all cases, the forests of the US SE remain a net sink until 2030. The impact of a selection criteria for new pellet mill locations based on keeping local growth/drain ratios above 1 in sourcing areas is small since this mostly results in displacement of impacts and does not affect the total feedstock availability. Additional mobilization of logging residues is a key strategy to reduce carbon impacts, resulting in a smaller additional flux of 2, 11 and 29 Mt CO2/year for 10–30 Mt pellet production.
The mediating effect of coping style on the relationship between perceived stress and mental health in Chinese rural older adults living alone: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Sha‐sha , Zhang Jia‐yuan , Wu Cong‐Wen , Lu Yu‐wei , Xu Li‐jun , Ni Ying‐Yuan , Liu Xiao‐Jing 
Published: May 2022

AimOlder adults living alone is becoming the main family structure in rural China. This study aimed to explore the mediating effect of coping style on the relationship between perceived stress and mental health in rural older adults living alone in China.Methods356 rural older adults living alone were recruited in Huzhou, China. Subjects were investigated using the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), Chinese Coping Style Questionnaire (CCSQ), and Mental Health Questionnaire (MHQ). Data were analysed using a structural equation. Bootstrapping was used to validate the mediation effects.ResultsMental health showed significant correlations with a sense of nervousness, of uncontrollability, and with positive and negative coping styles (P < 0.05). The results of structural equation modeling showed a good fit for the total sample (χ2/df = 2.684, NFI = 0.927, GFI = 0.944, RMSEA = 0.069). Perceived stress (sense of nervousness and uncontrollability) impacted the mental health of rural older adults living alone mainly through two mediating variables, including positive and negative coping styles. The double mediating contribution rates were 42.11%, and 61.82%.ConclusionCoping style partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and mental health of rural older adults living alone in China. Consequently, to improve the mental health of rural older adults living alone, perceived stress and coping styles should be the focus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 523–528.
Clinical application of extended half‐life factor VIII in children with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Dettoraki Athina , Michalopoulou Aikaterini , Mazarakis Michalis , Saslis Stefanos , Stamati Ioanna , Kapsimali Zoey , Pergantou Helen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionOnly few studies have presented results from real‐world clinical use of Extended Half‐Life (EHL) products in children with haemophilia (CWH).AimTo retrospectively examine real‐life experience with EHL factor VIII products use in CWH A, comparing with clinical experience from standard half‐life products (SHL).MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of CWH A who have been prescribed EHL factor concentrates was conducted. All before/after comparisons were performed with the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks test.ResultsTwenty‐three children with severe haemophilia A were enrolled in the study (3–6 years old:n = 4, 7–12 years old:n = 7 and 13–18 years old:n = 12). Median length of time that patients were treated with EHL products was 78 weeks. Median dosing interval was significantly lengthened from 2.3 to 3.5 days after switching from SHL to EHL concentrates. Mean trough FVIII levels were significantly increased from 2.3% to 4.1% after treatment with EHL products. Also, CWH A had a reduction of mean annual bleeding rate (ABR) and mean annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) from 1 and .8 to .3 and .2, respectively, following treatment with EHL concentrates (ABR:p = .02, AJBR:p = .05). However, after switching to factor EHL, actual FVIII consumption, including bleeds, was significantly increased from 94 IU/kg/week to 118 IU/kg/week in CWH A. There was no inhibitor development.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the successful transition of 23 CWH A from SHL to EHL factor concentrates.
Myeloid differentiation factor‐2 activates monocytes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Feldtmann Rico , Kümmel Andreas , Chamling Bishwas , Strohbach Anne , Lehnert Kristin , Gross Stefan , Loerzer Lisa , Riad Alexander , Lindner Diana , Westermann Dirk , Fielitz Jens , Dörr Marcus , Felix Stephan B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPlasma levels of myeloid differentiation factor‐2 (MD‐2), a co‐receptor of toll‐like‐receptor 4 (TLR4), independently predict mortality in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We tested whether monocyte activation by MD‐2 contributes to immune activation and inflammatory status in DCM patients. We found increased MD‐2 plasma levels in 25 patients with recent‐onset DCM (1250 ± 80.7 ng/ml) compared to 25 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (793.4 ± 52.0 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Monocytes isolated from DCM patients showed a higher expression (141.7 ± 12.4%; p = 0.006 vs. controls) of the MD‐2 encoding gene, LY96 and an increased NF‐κB‐activation. Further, the TLR4‐activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused a higher increase in interleukin (IL)‐6 in monocytes from DCM patients compared to controls (mean fluorescence intensity: 938.7 ± 151.0 vs. 466.9 ± 51.1; p = 0.005). MD‐2 increased IL‐6 secretion in a TLR4/NF‐κB‐dependent manner in monocyte‐like THP‐1‐cells as demonstrated by TLR4‐siRNA and NF‐κB‐inhibition. Since endothelial cells (ECs) are responsible for recruiting monocytes to the site of inflammation, ECs were treated with MD‐2 leading to an activation of Akt and increased secretion of monocyte‐chemoattractant‐protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Activation of ECs by MD‐2 was accompanied by an increased expression of the adhesion molecules CD54, CD106 and CD62E, resulting in an increased monocyte recruitment, which was attenuated by CD54 inhibition. In addition, in murine WT but not LY96‐KO bone marrow‐derived macrophages LPS increased the amount of CD54 and CD49d/CD29. MD‐2 facilitates a pro‐inflammatory status of monocytes and EC‐mediated monocyte recruitment via TLR4/NF‐κB. Elevated MD‐2 plasma levels are possibly involved in monocyte‐related inflammation‐promoting disease progression in DCM. Our results suggest that MD‐2 contributes to increasing monocytic inflammatory activity and triggers the recruitment of monocytes to ECs in DCM.
Disinfection of an ambulance using a compact atmospheric plasma device
Authors: Kramer Bernd , Warschat Daniela , Muranyi Peter 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
The worldwide spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the need for fast and simple disinfection processes, amongst others for ambulance cars on site. To overcome current drawbacks regarding room disinfection, the use of cold atmospheric plasma in remote operation represents a promising alternative for the disinfection of larger volumes. In this study, a compact plasma system was evaluated regarding its disinfection efficiency inside an ambulance car.

Methods and Results
The developed plasma device is based on a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and operates with ambient air as process gas. The humidified afterglow from the plasma nozzle was introduced into an ambulance car with a volume of approximately 10 m3 while Bacillus atrophaeus endospores, Staphylococcus aureus or Phi 6 bacteriophages dried on different surfaces (PET-films, glass slides or aluminum foil) were exposed to the reactive gas inside the ambulance vehicle at eight different positions. Reductions of spores by more than 4 orders of magnitude were found on all surfaces and positions within 2 h. Due to their higher susceptibility, Phi 6 bacteriophages and S. aureus counts were reduced by at least 4 orders of magnitude within 30 min on all surfaces.

Conclusion
The results show that different microorganisms dried on variable surfaces can be inactivated by several orders of magnitude inside an ambulance by plasma gas from of a compact DBD plasma nozzle.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Plasma gas generated on site by a DBD plasma nozzle proved to be highly efficient for the disinfection of the interior of an ambulance car. Compact plasma systems could be a viable alternative for the disinfection of vehicles or rooms.
Photocatalytic and biological activities of green synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles using Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Al-Enazi Nouf M. , Alwakeel Suaad , Alhomaidi Eman 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
To produce tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NP) with microalga for use in azo dye-polluted wastewater treatment and to optimize the conditions to synthesize as small NPs as possible.

Methods and Results
The green microalga Chlorella vulgaris mediated NPs were synthesized after an optimization process utilizing the statistical response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized synthesis conditions were 200 W microwave power, 0.5 mM SnCl2 concentration and 200°C calcination temperature. Methyl orange (MO) was studied for its photocatalytic degradation with UV. Antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria was studied using the well diffusion method. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MMT assay with lung cancer cell line A549, and antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging. Following the optimization of their production, the produced crystalline SnO2 NPs were on average 32.2 nm (by XRD) with a hydrodynamic size of 52.5 nm (by LDS). Photocatalytic degradation of MO under UV was nearly complete (94% removal) after 90 min and the particles could be reused for 5 cycles retaining 80% activity. The particles had antibacterial activity towards all five tested bacterial pathogens with the minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 22 to 36 μg/ml. The minimum bactericidal NP concentration varied between 83 and 136 μg/ml. Antioxidant activity was concentration dependent. A cytotoxicity was determined towards A549 cells with an LD50 of 188 μg/ml after 24 h of incubation, a concentration that is much higher than the active concentration for dye removal ranging from 22 to 36 μg/ml.

Conclusions
After optimization, SnO2 nanoparticles produced with C. vulgaris displayed high photocatalytic activity at concentrations below their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

Significance and Impact of the study
The SnO2 nanoparticles produced with the help of microalgae are suitable for the removal of MO dye from wastewater. Further applications of this green technology can be expected.
Starter inoculums assisted fermentation of Puntius sp.—Role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and staphylococcus piscifermentans to reduce fermentation time while increasing safety
Authors: Majumder Ranendra K. , Gupta Shubham 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the role of starter inoculums to reduce total fermentation time as well as to improve safety and quality of Sheedal, a fermented fish-product of India.

Methods and Results
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus piscifermentans were isolated from the Sheedal and used as starter inoculums. To justify fermenting and probiotic properties of the starter inoculums, characteristics like proteolytic and lipolytic activity, cell-surface hydrophobicity, cell auto-aggregation and co-aggregation, antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial assay were performed. Changes in the count of lactic acid bacteria, staphylococci and Enterobacteriaceae were studied periodically.

Conclusions
A higher increase in α-amino nitrogen and TCA-soluble peptides during fermentation was observed in treatment which was inoculated with both L. plantarum and S. piscifermentans. Poor competitiveness of staphylococci in presence of LAB was found. Inoculation of both L. plantarum and S. piscifermentans as starter showed a positive effect to reduce significantly the fermentation period from usual 4–5 months to 75 days, whereas, same was achieved after 105th and 120th by the use of either L. plantarum or S. piscifermentans respectively.

Significance and Impact of Study
Reduction of the total fermentation period is considered as an additional advantage in Sheedal technology in addition to the safety of the product as evidenced by low pH and high titratable acidity.
A frozen decade: Ten years outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation using a single shot device for pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Bergau Leonard , Sciacca Vanessa , Nesapiragasan Vinitha , Rubarth Kerstin , Konietschke Frank , Fink Thomas , El Hamriti Mustapha , Imnadze Guram , Dagher Lilas , Braun Martin , Khalaph Moneeb , Guckel Denise , Heintze Johannes , Noelker Georg , Vogt Jürgen , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsCryoballoon‐guided pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option with encouraging results in terms of safety and efficacy. Data reporting on long‐term data beyond a follow‐up (FU) period of 5 years is scarce. This prospective study aimed to evaluate very long‐term outcome after CB‐PVI for AF.MethodsData from consecutive patients treated with CB‐PVI for symptomatic and drug refractory AF between 2005 and 2012 were analyzed. Patients with a FU of ≥9 years after index CB‐PVI were included. All patients were continuously followed‐up in our outpatient clinic. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) lasting >30 s beyond a 3‐month blanking period.ResultsA total of 385 patients (71% male) were included. Mean age was 58 ± 10 years and paroxysmal AF was present in 93% of patients. Mean FU duration was 124 ± 24 months. At the end of the observational period, 73% of all patients were in stable sinus rhythm after a mean of 2 ± 0.8 ablation procedures. Patients with AF/AT recurrence were older (60 ± 8 vs. 57 ± 10 years; p = .019), had a higher CHA2DS2‐Vasc Score (2.47 ± 1.46 vs. 1.98 ± 1.50; p = .01) and presented with a larger left atrium (LA)‐diameter (43 ± 5.6 vs. 40 ± 5.1 mm; p = .002). The LA‐diameter was also a significant predictor for AF/AT recurrence after CB‐PVI (odds ratio: 0.939, 95% confidence interval: [0.886, 0.992], p = .03).ConclusionsCB‐PVI as index procedure for AF ablation resulted in favorable long‐term outcome in symptomatic AF. CB‐PVI might be recommended as interventional therapy in patients with lower LA remodeling.