bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline living‐donor kidney volume and function associate with 1‐year post‐nephrectomy kidney function
Authors: Hall Isaac E. , Shaaban Akram , Wei Guo , Sikora Magdalena B. , Bourija Hassan , Beddhu Srinivasan , Shihab Fuad
Published: January 2019

Living donors may develop kidney dysfunction more often than equally healthy populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether computed tomography‐assessed remaining kidney volume indexed to body surface area (RKV/BSA) was associated with 1‐year post‐nephrectomy renal function independent of baseline renal function. Using multivariable regression, we modeled 1‐year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and eGFR <60 mL /min/1.73 m2 and considered pre‐determined baseline eGFR subgroups in 151 consecutive donors. Mean ± SD baseline age, eGFR, RKV, BSA, and RKV/BSA were 38 ± 11 years, 97 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2, 153 ± 29 mL, 1.9 ± 0.2 m2, and 80.0 ± 12.8 ml/m2, respectively; 50% were female and 94% were white. Mean baseline eGFR was greater with increasing RKV/BSA tertiles (92 ± 14, 97 ± 16, 107 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001). Post‐nephrectomy eGFR remained separated by RKV/BSA tertiles. At baseline, each SD greater RKV/BSA and eGFR was independently associated with higher adjusted 1‐year eGFR by 2.4 and 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. Each SD greater age associated with 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower adjusted 1‐year eGFR. Adjusted odds of 1‐year eGFR <60 increased significantly for donors with RKV/BSA <80 mL/m2. With baseline eGFR <90, probability of 1‐year eGFR <60 increased to >80% with decreasing RKV/BSA values below 80 mL/m2. Those with baseline eGFR >100 rarely developed 1‐year eGFR <60 if RKV/BSA remained >60 mL/m2. RKV/BSA independently associated with 1‐year eGFR <60, especially with lower baseline eGFRs. Additional studies should evaluate the predictive utility of this measure and its potential role in donor evaluations and informed consent.
Rarity and beta diversity assessment as tools for guiding conservation strategies in marine tropical subtidal communities
Authors: Carlos‐Júnior Lélis A. , Spencer Matthew , Neves Danilo Mesquita , Moulton Timothy Peter , Pires Débora de Oliveira , e Castro Clovis Barreira , Ventura Carlos Renato Rezende , Ferreira Carlos Eduardo Leite , Serejo Cristiana Silveira , Oigman‐Pszczol Simone , Casares Fernanda Araújo , Mantelatto Marcelo Checoli , Creed Joel Christopher
Published: January 2019

Aim

Our aim was to uncover patterns of distribution of marine subtidal rocky reef communities across six taxonomic groups and decompose the relative roles of species loss and turnover in total community variation. Additionally, we propose an easily calculated index that can be used to highlight areas with unique species composition for conservation planning. We estimated the strengths of associations between environmental factors and species richness and rarity.

Location

Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, covering about 150,000 ha harbouring different marine habitats.

Methods

We used the Marine Rapid Assessment Protocol at 42 sites to gather information on environmental variables and species in six subtidal marine groups. We determined “singular” sites as the regions harbouring higher numbers of rare species. Then, we estimated the roles of species loss and turnover on the observed total variation among sites. We used Generalized Linear Model to partition the relative importance of the selected environmental factors in driving variation in species richness and singularity.

Results

The singularity index and richness showed that the bay could be divided into three subregions for subtidal communities. Richness and rarity were structured at different spatial scales and associated with environmental variables related to water productivity and nutrients but varied among taxonomic groups. Community variation over space was largely associated with turnover of species.

Main conclusions

Higher singularity and richness on the western side of the bay and around the main island suggested that these regions should be conservation priorities, but high species turnover across the whole bay indicated that portions of the central channel should be included in conservation strategies. This draws attention to the importance of community variation rather than just species numbers in conservation and management planning. The high species turnover indicated that these rocky reefs have high beta diversity when compared to other studied biological systems.
Healthcare utilization costs of emerging adults with mood and anxiety disorders in an early intervention treatment program compared to a matched cohort
Authors: John‐Baptiste Ava A. , Li Lihua , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Osuch Elizabeth , Anderson Kelly K.
Published: January 2019

Aim

The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Disorder Program (FEMAP) provides treatment to emerging adults with mood and anxiety disorders in an accessible, youth‐friendly environment. We sought to investigate FEMAP's impact on the costs of care.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of one‐year health service costs using linked administrative datasets to compare emerging adults treated at FEMAP (FEMAP users) to propensity‐score matched controls (non‐users). Costs from the perspective of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care, included drug benefit claims, inpatient, physician and ambulatory care services. We used bootstrapping to perform unadjusted comparisons between FEMAP users and non‐users, by cost category and overall. We performed risk‐adjusted comparison of overall costs using generalized estimating equations.

Results

FEMAP users (n = 366) incurred significantly lower costs compared to non‐users (n = 660), for inpatient services (−$784, 95% confidence interval [CI] −$1765, −$28), ambulatory care services (−$90, 95% CI −$175, −$14) and drug benefit claims (−$47, 95% CI ‐$115,‐$4) and significantly higher physician services costs ($435, 95% CI $276, $581) over 1 year. The unadjusted difference in overall costs was not significant (−$853, 95% CI −$2048, $142). Following adjustment for age, sex and age at first mental health diagnosis, the difference of −$914 (95% CI (−$2747, $919)) was also not significant.

Conclusions

FEMAP was associated with significantly lower costs of inpatient and ambulatory care services, and higher costs of physician services, however we are unable to conclude that FEMAP is cost‐saving overall.
Interacting influences of aging and Alzheimer's disease on circadian rhythms
Authors: Duncan Marilyn J.
Published: January 2019

Aging leads to changes in circadian rhythms, including decreased amplitude or robustness, altered synchrony with the environment, and reduced coordination of rhythms within body. These circadian rhythm alterations are more pronounced in age‐associated neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which they often precede the onset of other symptoms by many years. As well as their early onset, the findings that fragmentation of daily rest‐activity rhythms in non‐demented older subjects is associated earlier cognitive decline, increased risk of incident AD, and preclinical AD neuropathology, suggest that circadian rhythm disruption may contribute to the development and progression of the neuropathological changes occurring in AD. Conversely, other studies have implicated amyloid‐beta, a prominent neurotoxin that accumulates in AD, in the impairment of circadian rhythms. Thus, circadian rhythm disruption and AD‐associated neurodegeneration may interact to form a deleterious cycle. This article reviews the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying the age‐ and AD‐related changes in circadian rhythms. It also explores therapeutic strategies proposed to ameliorate circadian rhythm deficits in elderly and demented individuals.
Standing repair of an articular dorsal medial oblique fracture of the proximal third metacarpal bone in a racing Standardbred
Authors: Lean N. E. , Ahern B. J.
Published: January 2019

The third metacarpal bone (McIII) is a common site of long bone fractures in racehorses. However, articular fractures of the dorsomedial aspect ofMcIIIare a rare location of such injuries. This report describes the successful standing surgical repair of an articular fracture of the dorso‐medial proximalMcIIIin a 4‐year‐old Standardbred racing mare using lag screw fixation.
Habitat‐specific invertebrate responses to hydrological variability, anthropogenic flow alterations, and hydraulic conditions
Authors: White James C. , Krajenbrink Hendrik J. , Hill Matthew J. , Hannah David M. , House Andy , Wood Paul J.
Published: January 2019

Quantifying ecological responses to river flow regimes is a key scientific approach underpinning many environmental flow (e‐flow) strategies. Incorporating habitat‐scale influences (e.g. substrate composition and organic matter cover) within e‐flow frameworks has the potential to provide a broader understanding of the causal mechanisms shaping instream communities, which may be used to guide river management strategies.

In this study, we examined invertebrate communities inhabiting three distinct habitat groups (HGs—defined by coarse substrates, fine sediments, and the fine‐leaved macrophyte Ranunculus sp.) across four rivers (each comprising two study sites) within a single catchment. We tested the structural and functional responses of communities inhabiting different HGs to three sets of flow‐related characteristics: (1) antecedent hydrological (discharge—m3/s) variability; (2) antecedent anthropogenic flow alterations (percentage of discharge added to or removed from the river by human activity); and (3) proximal hydraulic conditions (characterised by the Froude number). The former two were derived from groundwater model daily time series in the year prior to the collection of each invertebrate sample, while the latter was collected at the point of sampling.

While significant effects of hydrological and anthropogenic flow alteration indices were detected, Froude number exerted the greatest statistical influence on invertebrate communities. This highlights that habitat‐scale hydraulic conditions to which biota are exposed at the time of sampling are a key influence on the structure and function of invertebrate communities.

Mixed‐effect models testing invertebrate community responses to flow‐related characteristics, most notably Froude number, improved when a HG interaction term was incorporated. This highlights that different mineralogical and organic habitat patches mediate ecological responses to hydraulic conditions. This can be attributed to HGs supporting distinct taxonomic and functional compositions and/or providing unique ecological functions (e.g. flow refuges), which alter how instream communities respond to hydraulic conditions.

While the individual importance of both flow and small‐scale habitat effects on instream biota has been widely reported, this study provides rare evidence on how their interactive effects have a significant influence on riverine ecosystems. These findings suggest that river management strategies and e‐flow frameworks should not only aim to create a mosaic of riverine habitats that support ecosystem functioning, but also consider the management of local hydraulic conditions within habitat patches to support specific taxonomic and functional compositions.
Discontinuation of dolutegravir, elvitegravir/cobicistat and raltegravir because of toxicity in a prospective cohort
Authors: Llibre JM , Montoliu A , Miró JM , Domingo P , Riera M , Tiraboschi J , Curran A , Homar F , Ambrosioni J , Abdulghani N , Force L , Peraire J , Casabona J ,   PISCIS Cohort group
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the rates of discontinuation of integrase inhibitor regimens because of any neuropsychiatric adverse event (NPAE) and the factors associated with discontinuation.

Methods

A population‐based, prospective, multicentre cohort study was carried out. Treatment‐naïve subjects starting therapy with a regimen containing integrase inhibitors, or those switching to such a regimen, with plasma HIV‐1 RNA < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL in 14 hospitals in Catalonia or the Balearic Islands (Spain) were included in the study. Every discontinuation because of adverse events (AEs) was double‐checked directly with treating physicians. Multivariable Cox models identified factors correlated with discontinuation.

Results

A total of 4165 subjects (37% treatment‐naïve) started regimens containing dolutegravir (n = 1650; 91% with abacavir), raltegravir (n = 930) or elvitegravir/cobicistat (n = 1585). There were no significant differences among regimens in the rate of discontinuation because of any AE. Rates of discontinuation because of NPAEs were low but higher for dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine [2.1%; 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0, 4.2) discontinuations/100 patients/year] versus elvitegravir/cobicistat (0.5%; 0.8 (95% CI 0.3, 1.5) discontinuations/100 patients/year], with significant differences among centres for dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine and NPAEs (P = 0.003). We identified an association of female gender and lower CD4 count with increased risk of discontinuation because of any AE [Incidence ratio (IR) 2.3 (95% CI 1.4, 4.0) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.1, 2.8), respectively]. Female gender, age > 60 years and abacavir use were not associated with NPAE discontinuations. NPAEs were commonly grade 1–2, and had been present before and improved after drug withdrawal.

Conclusions

In this large prospective cohort study, patients receiving dolutegravir, raltegravir or elvitegravir/cobicistat did not show significant differences in the rate of discontinuation because of any toxicity. The rate of discontinuations because of NPAEs was low, but was significantly higher for dolutegravir than for elvitegravir/cobicistat, with significant differences among centres, suggesting that greater predisposition to believe that a given adverse event is caused by a given drug of some treating physicians might play a role in the discordance seen between cohorts.
Micro‐computed tomographic evaluation of the shaping ability of four instrumentation systems in curved root canals
Authors: Stringheta C. P. , Bueno C. E. S. , Kato A. S. , Freire L. G. , Iglecias E. F. , Santos M. , Pelegrine R. A.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To compare the shaping ability of four instrumentation systems in curved molar root canals, using computerized microtomography (micro‐CT).

Methodology

Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars were submitted first to radiographic examination to determine their curvature and then to a micro‐CT scan to analyse other initial morphological characteristics. The specimens were distributed into four experimental groups, according to the endodontic instrumentation system used (n = 10): Group R, Reciproc; Group PTN, ProTaper Next; Group WOG, WaveOne Gold; Group PDL, ProDesign Logic. After root canal instrumentation, the specimens were submitted to a second micro‐CT scan, and the pre‐ and postoperative data were examined to evaluate the following parameters: volume of dentine removed (DR), increase in root canal volume (VI), untouched root canal surface area (UA), volume of accumulated hard tissue debris (AD) and structure model index (SMI). The data observed for these parameters after instrumentation were analysed using generalized linear models. R software was used for the analyses, and the level of significance adopted was 5%.

Results

There were no significant differences among the instrumentation systems regarding the DR, VI, UA and AD parameters (P > 0.05). PTN and WOG systems were associated with greater increases in SMI than the PDL system (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The four systems evaluated were similar regarding the parameters analysed, with the exception of the SMI, with the rate of variation of this parameter being greater after using the PTN and WOG systems than after using the PDL system. These results indicate that the four systems perform similarly in terms of their shaping ability, but that the PTN and WOG systems produced more rounded preparations than the PDL system.
Properties of soluble dietary fibre from defatted coconut flour obtained through subcritical water extraction
Authors: Du Xiaojing , Bai Xinpeng , Gao Wei , Jiang Zefang
Published: January 2019

Response surface methodology was employed to optimise the process parameters for subcritical water extraction of soluble dietary fibre (SDF) from defatted coconut flour. The obtained model was applied to predict the optimum response values and verified by validation experiment. The composition, structure, properties and bioactivities of the extracted SDF were studied. Effects of extraction temperature, extraction time, solid–liquid ratio and mesh number on the yield of SDF were investigated. The extraction at 140 °C for 30 min, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:30, and a mesh number of 80 resulted in the extraction rate of SDF of 14%. Moreover, monosaccharide analysis indicated that SDF primarily contains mannose and galactose respectively. As indicated by X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis, SDF has low degree of crystallinity and high thermal stability. Additionally, SDF has high water holding, oil holding and swelling capacities, while exhibits high antioxidant activity against DPPH, ABTS+ and ˙OH radicals, as well as high in vitro hypoglycaemic activity. The SDF also exhibits good biofunctions, such as good toxic ions and bile acid salts adsorption. This study demonstrates that defatted coconut flour, which is an inexpensive source of natural dietary fibre, can be suitably used as a functional food ingredient in the food industry.
Effects of vacuum degree on the water status, physicochemical properties and microstructure of fast frozen dumpling wrappers
Authors: Liu Xingli , Zhao Shuangli , Wei Qingqing , Zhao Xuewei , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2019

Vacuum mixing is a new method of dough making, and little literature is available regarding its effects on the product quality of frozen food. This research studied the effects of different degrees of vacuum (0.00, −0.02, −0.04, −0.06, −0.08 MPa) on the water state, thermal properties, cooking characteristics and microstructure of fast frozen dumpling wrappers during different storage times (0, 14 and 30 days). Vacuum mixing significantly decreased the spin–spin relaxation times (T2) and freezing water content, thus indicating that it decreased the mobility of moisture and enhanced the binding of dough components with water molecules. Furthermore, the increases in the cooking loss rate and hardness of fast frozen dumpling wrappers during storage were inhibited by vacuum mixing, especially after storage for 30 days, possibly because vacuum mixing formed a more continuous and compacted dough structure, thereby generating a smaller ice crystal structure. These results should provide a theoretical basis for the application of vacuum mixing to fast frozen dumplings.
A two‐year clinical trial comparing the retention of two fissure sealants
Authors: RAADAL MAGNE , UTKILEN ANNE BERIT , NILSEN OLAV LEO
Published: January 2019

A clinical evaluation of an experimental resin sealant (ICI 209085) was made by comparing it with a previously investigated and well recognized material (Light Cured Tinted Delton®). The two materials were bilaterally placed in 117 pairs of teeth (48 premolars and 69 molars) in 60 children aged 6–14 years. The children were re‐examined after 6, 12 and 24 months.

The overall rates offull retention were 97·4% in teeth sealed with the experimental sealant and 96·6% in those sealed with the control sealant, while the corresponding figures for partial retention were 2·6% and 3·4%. From none of the teeth were the sealants totally lost. No carious lesions developed in the sealed fissures during the trial. It is concluded that the experimental sealant is comparable with the control sealant with respect to retention and caries prevention.
Reticulate evolutionary history of a Western Palaearctic Bat Complex explained by multiple mtDNA introgressions in secondary contacts
Authors: Çoraman Emrah , Dietz Christian , Hempel Elisabeth , Ghazaryan Astghik , Levin Eran , Presetnik Primož , Zagmajster Maja , Mayer Frieder
Published: January 2019

Aim

There is an increasing evidence showing that species within various taxonomic groups have reticulate evolutionary histories with several cases of introgression events. Investigating the phylogeography of species complexes can provide insight into these introgressions, and when and where these hybridizations occurred. In this study, we investigate the biogeography of a widely distributed Western Palaearctic bat species complex, namely Myotis nattereri sensu lato. This complex exhibits high genetic diversity and in its western distribution range is composed of deeply diverged genetical lineages. However, little is known about the genetic structure of the eastern populations. We also infer the conservation and taxonomical implications of the identified genetic divergences.

Taxon

Myotis nattereri sensu lato including M. schaubi.

Location

Western Palaearctic.

Methods

We analysed 161 specimens collected from 67 locations and sequenced one mitochondrial and four nuclear DNA markers, and combined these with the available GenBank sequences. We used haplotype networks, PCA, t‐SNE and Bayesian clustering algorithms to investigate the population structure and Bayesian trees to infer the phylogenetic relationship of the lineages.

Results

We identified deeply divergent genetical lineages. In some cases, nuclear and mitochondrial markers were discordant, which we interpret are caused by hybridization between lineages. We identified three such introgression events. These introgressions occurred when spatially separated lineages came into contact after range expansions. Based on the genetic distinction of the identified lineages, we suggest a revision in the taxonomy of this species group with two possible new species: M. hoveli and M. tschuliensis.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that the M. nattereri complex has a reticulate evolutionary history with multiple cases of hybridizations between some of the identified lineages.
The current role and perceived benefits and barriers of secondary care pharmacists facilitating patient participation in Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) conducted within the NHS: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Watson Michelle , Bewick Bridgette M. , Tharmanathan Puvan
Published: January 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Secondary care pharmacists are well positioned within the healthcare system to communicate with patients and provide guidance and advice regarding drug treatments. They are able to broaden the opportunities to raise the profile of Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) and positively influence research. This research aimed to investigate the perceived benefits and barriers of secondary care pharmacists being involved in CTIMPs, their current role, and the perceived benefits and barriers of developing their role in facilitating patient participation for CTIMPs (eg, by identifying or recruiting potential participants).

Methods

A cross‐sectional quantitative online survey circulated to pharmacy professionals within the UK.

Results

Involvement in CTIMPs and the facilitation of patient participation offered several benefits including improved communication and relationships with other healthcare professionals, developing the profession, developing training and knowledge, and exploring a personal interest. The main barriers to involvement included a lack of opportunities or awareness of opportunities, time, and funding or resources. Those employed at sites with a larger number of CTIMPs agreed more with the disadvantages; however, they also showed greater agreeance towards the benefits of pharmacy being involved in facilitating patient participation.

Conclusions

Most respondents do not currently have a role in identifying or recruiting potential participants. Despite this, being involved in CTIMPs and the facilitation of patient participation was suggested to offer several benefits. Given many participants agreed there are barriers to their involvement, future research should focus on exploring organizational and individual challenges with the aim of enabling pharmacists to support recruitment activities.
Potentially Inappropriate Medication Prescriptions for Older Adults with Painful Conditions and Association with Return Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Chukwulebe Steve B. , Kim Howard S. , McCarthy Danielle M. , Courtney D. Mark , Lank Patrick M. , Gravenor Stephanie J. , Dresden Scott M.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To describe the frequency and risk of return visit to the emergency department (ED) by older adults after prescription of any of four potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) classes included in the 2015 Beers Criteria commonly used for the relief of acute pain in the ED.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Large urban academic ED from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015.

Participants

Patients age 65 and older discharged from the ED with an initial pain score of 1 or higher (11 822 visits).

Measurements

Prescriptions for PIM classes were collected from the medical record: nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), benzodiazepines, skeletal muscle relaxants, and opioids. The proportion of patients with ED returns within 9 days were compared by medication class and pain severity (mild, moderate, or severe). Multivariable logistic regression was performed for each pain category to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of ED return.

Results

Of 11 822 included patients, PIMs were prescribed in 3392 (28.7%): 2550 (21.6%) opioids, 826 (7.0%) NSAIDs, 277 (2.3%) benzodiazepines, and 68 (0.6%) nonbenzodiazepine skeletal muscle relaxants. Total 9‐day ED returns were 1125 (9.5%): mild 7.0%, moderate 8.3%, and severe pain 11.7%. Opioids were not associated with more frequent ED returns for mild or moderate pain, and they were associated with less frequent ED returns for severe pain (9.2% vs 12.7%; p < .001; aOR 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54‐0.87). Benzodiazepines were associated with more frequent ED returns for patients with moderate pain (15.5% vs 8.2%; p < .01; aOR = 2.01; 95%CI = 1.10‐3.70).

Conclusions

These results are consistent with recommendations to limit benzodiazepine prescriptions for older adults and that among older adults with severe pain, opioid prescribing is associated with less frequent ED visits within 9 days of discharge. However, this study was not designed to evaluate safety, adverse events, or other important patient‐centered outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:719–725, 2019.
Prediction effects of serum CA125 decrease ratio during different cycles in relapsed ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Jieyu , Liu Yuantao , Li Jun , Lu Xin
Published: January 2019

Aim

To investigate the prognostic value of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels during chemotherapy in relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to identify cut‐off values that distinguish patients who relapse beyond 12 months from those who relapse within 12 months.

Methods

About 93 relapsed EOC patients who received cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University between January 2003 and March 2015 were selected. Univariate regression analysis was used to determine the significant prognostic factors. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) rate.

Results

The CA125 decrease ratio of more than 97.6% after the fourth chemotherapy cycle was significantly associated with relapse time (P = 0.044). The sensitivity was 70.0%, and the specificity was 76.9%. Moreover, in all relapsed patients, the group with the CA125 decrease ratio after the fourth chemotherapy cycle of more than 97.6% had a significantly better OS than any other group (P = 0.0019).

Conclusion

The CA125 decrease ratio of less than 97.6% after the fourth chemotherapy cycle can be a predictive factor for relapse within 12 months. Patients without a significant decrease in CA125 after four cycles of chemotherapy should have a more frequent follow‐up and more active re‐examination.
Phylogenetic and functional structures of plant communities along a spatiotemporal urbanization gradient: Effects of colonization and extinction
Authors: Cui Yi Chong , Song Kun , Guo Xue Yan , van Bodegom Peter M. , Pan Ying Ji , Tian Zhi Hui , Chen Xiao Shuang , Wang Jie , Da Liang Jun
Published: January 2019

Question

Urbanization has remarkable impacts on the phylogenetic and functional structures of plant communities. Both temporal and spatial comparisons along urbanization gradients are widely used in related studies, but there has been a lack of consistency in the results. Moreover, there is a need for studies that determine species assembly mechanisms through immigration and extinction. Therefore, two questions were addressed: (a) How do the phylogenetic and functional structures of ruderal species respond to urbanization, and do their shifts follow a similar pattern along temporal and spatial urbanization gradients? (b) What are the key underlying processes, i.e., either extinction‐ or colonization‐caused clustering, that determine the phylogenetic and functional structures of ruderal species under urbanization?

Study site

Two metropoles (Shanghai and Harbin) experiencing rapid urbanization in China.

Methods

We collected occurrence data on ruderal species from 1955 and the present in two cities. Standardized effect sizes of mean pairwise phylogenetic distance and of mean pairwise functional distance values (MPDSES and MFDSES, resp.) were calculated to test whether there was phylogenetic and/or functional structure clustering along spatial or temporal urbanization gradients. β‐MPDSES and β‐MFDSES values were used to quantify the similarities among colonists, extinct species, and residents.

Results

Along both the spatial and temporal gradients, the MPDSES values in each city decreased from significantly positive to significantly negative with increasing urbanization. Inconsistently, along the temporal gradients, the β‐MPDSES values of the colonists/extinct species to the residents were significantly negative; along the spatial gradients, the β‐MPDSES values of extinct species to residents were significantly positive with increasing urbanization.

Conclusions

We found there was a clear phylogenetic clustering of ruderal species with increasing spatial and temporal urbanization gradients. Our analysis showed that the changes across the urban–rural gradient are mainly driven by species going extinct that are phylogenetically dissimilar to the resident species. The temporal dynamics are, however, primarily driven by colonist species that are phylogenetically similar to the resident species.
Extending the Reach of Research: Introducing Open Accessible Summaries at Language Learning
Authors: Marsden Emma , Trofimovich Pavel , Ellis Nick
Published: January 2019

Open science practices, which include efforts to enhance accessibility to data and materials and to improve the dissemination of findings to broader audiences, have been at the forefront of the open science movement worldwide. Language Learning is proud to extend its support of open science practices by participating in the OASIS (Open Accessible Summaries in Language Studies) initiative, which aims to make language‐related research openly available and easily accessible, both physically and conceptually. As part of the OASIS initiative, Language Learning now publishes accessible summaries of all accepted articles, including reviews and syntheses. Written in nontechnical language, accessible summaries provide information about each study's goals, its design and approach, and its results, highlighting findings that may be of interest to those outside academia, such as language educators. We outline key rationales leading to the development of accessible summaries, describe their core features, and discuss some of their strengths and weaknesses.
What is Antiphilosophy?
Authors: Djordjevic Charles M.
Published: January 2019

In certain philosophical quarters, a new metaphilosophical position is being discussed—antiphilosophy. Such a position seems to maintain that there is no distinction between philosophy and sophistry, reason and rhetoric, arguing and emoting. This paper examines antiphilosophy. Specifically, it aims to address three interrelated questions: Is antiphilosophy a possible metaphilosophical position? If it is, what characterizes it? And what ramifications would it have? The paper argues that antiphilosophy is possible and is best construed as an attempt to reconstruct philosophical discourse on noncognitive lines. Explicitly, “to assert” and the belief propositional attitude is replaced by “to convince” and a pro‐attitude desire to rhetorically talk someone into something. The paper examines one possible form such a position could take as well as various ramifications of it.
Species distribution and epidemiological characteristics of superficial fungal infections in Southeastern Serbia
Authors: Otašević Suzana , Momčilović Stefan , Golubović Milan , Ignjatović Aleksandra , Rančić Nataša , Đorđević Marina , Ranđelović Marina , Hay Roderick , Arsić‐Arsenijević Valentina
Published: January 2019

Background

Superficial fungal infections (SFI), one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, are infections of keratin‐rich structures of human body mostly caused by dermatophytes and yeasts.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine the possible changes in the epidemiology of SFI on the territory of Southeastern Serbia and to investigate epidemiological characteristics and the influence of SFI on the patient's quality of life.

Methods

From 2012 to the end of 2017, samples of 1643 patients (568 males and 1075 females, mean age 40.32 ± 22.44 years) with suspected SFI from Southeastern Serbia were examined using the standard mycological methods. The questionnaires were used to investigate epidemiological characteristics.

Results

Superficial fungal infections were diagnosed in 20.5% (n = 336) of patients. In the group of dermatophytes, the most prevalent was Microsporum canis (63.9%, n = 76) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (21.8%, n = 26). Non‐albicans Candida species were dominant aetiological agents of superficial candidosis (62.3%). BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P = 0.019) was determined as an independent risk factor for SFI. There was a statistically significant difference in the EQVAS score between the groups of patients and the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Results of conducted study indicate that SFI prevalence has not changed in the previous period. However, increase of Candida‐SFI prevalence, especially Candida onychomycosis, was established.
Pathogen and disease characteristics of marigold black spot in Beijing and surrounding areas
Authors: Cheng X. , Lu Y. , Chen D. , Luo C. , Li M. , Huang C.
Published: January 2019

Annual epidemics of black spot, a serious disease of marigold (Tagetes erecta), developed in Beijing and surrounding areas from 2011 to 2015. Alternaria tagetica was isolated from marigold showing symptoms from Beijing and Hebei province, and pathogen characteristics and meteorological factors influencing disease development were investigated. The optimum growth temperature of the fungus was 20–25 °C. Field experiments conducted from 2011 to 2014 to evaluate diseased residual branches indicated that marigold residues from the previous year are a likely source of primary inoculum. Regression analysis showed that temperature and precipitation were explanatory factors for disease development from 2013 to 2015. Structural equation modelling indicated that the contributions of temperature degree‐day and rainfall to disease intensity were 27% and 30%, respectively. Augmented Dickey–Fuller test results indicated stability in the residual sequence and co‐integration between the variables daily average temperature, daily average precipitation, daily average humidity and daily disease intensity. Error‐correction modelling showed that temperature, lagged order of temperature, precipitation, lagged order of precipitation, lagged order of disease intensity and the error term were significant. Research indicated that A. tagetica was the primary pathogen of marigold black spot, and that crop rotation could play a useful role in management of the disease, whilst increased rainfall and reduced temperature provide superior conditions for disease spread and infection. There is potential for the results of this study to be used by municipal agriculture authorities in the prediction of marigold black spot in Beijing.
On‐Ground extension of soil information to improve land management
Authors: Packer Ian J. , Chapman Greg A. , Lawrie John W.
Published: January 2019

The NSW Soil Knowledge Network (SKN) is a small group of senior ex‐government soil scientists concerned that more needs to be done to improve soil management and stem land degradation with on‐ground extension and training workshops. Widespread attendance and positive feedback from SKN training courses and workshops indicate their extension success and confirm a strong demand for practical independent soil management advice aided by government‐based databases to enhance on‐site workshops. We argue that effective soil knowledge transfer requires interaction and discussion between soil scientists and land managers. This can bridge the gap between data and useful knowledge about soil and land management. The workshop format, where specific soil management issues of specific interest, such as soil acidity, nutrient management or soil sodicity, are discussed between land managers and soil scientists, has been a useful approach. A major concern is that soil scientists with knowledge and practical experience are getting older and fewer in number but few replacements are being appointed in private or government agencies. Also, despite soil electronic data and information being freely available, many land managers and advisors have difficulties accessing and translating soil data into relevant land management decisions. Dialogue with SKN members helps solve this problem because of their hands‐on and face‐to‐face approach with their audiences. The combination of data with effective soil knowledge transfer is successfully exhibited at SKN workshops for advisory groups and the ‘pits and kits’ field days as shown in the paper.
Outcomes of Norovirus diarrheal infections and Clostridioides difficile infections in kidney transplant recipients: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Rolak Stacey , Di Bartolomeo Sarah , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Saddler Christopher M. , Singh Tripti , Astor Brad C. , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: January 2019

Recently, Norovirus has been recognized as an important cause of diarrheal infection in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We assessed the risk factors and outcomes of Norovirus diarrheal infections (NVDI) and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) on graft and patient survival following kidney transplant (KT). We examined KTRs transplanted at our center between 1994 and 2014, and compared those who suffered from NVDI and CDI with patients who did not develop either infection. Each patient with NVDI or CDI was matched with five controls based on time from transplant. Of the 4941 KTs performed during the study period, there were 2112 evaluable cases: 66 NVDI cases, 286 CDI cases, and 1760 controls. Median uncensored graft survival following infection was 497.5 days for the NVDI group, 440 days for the CDI group, and 1271 days for controls. Those with CDI had significantly inferior graft survival than controls (HR 2.41; CI 2.01, 2.90; P < 0.001), and those with NVDI had a 23% lower risk of graft survival than controls (HR 1.23; CI 1.0, 1.52; P = 0.054). Diarrheal infection after KT is associated with reduced long‐term graft survival.
Efficacy and safety of a new intravenous immunoglobulin (Panzyga®) in chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Arbach O. , Taumberger A. B. , Wietek S. , Cervinek L. , Salama A.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 10% (Panzyga®), a novel human normal IVIG 10%, in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Background

First‐line treatment options in ITP include IVIGs.

Methods

In this prospective, open‐label, non‐controlled, multicentre, phase III study, patients received a daily dose of IVIG 10% (1 g kg−1 body weight) for two consecutive days. The primary end point was clinical response rate; secondary end points included alternate response definitions, time to response, response duration, platelet counts, regression of bleeding and safety.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled (57·5% male, mean age 36·7 years); the full analysis set comprised 36 patients. A clinical response was seen for 29 of 36 patients (80·6%). Median time to response and response duration was 2 days and 14 days, respectively. IVIG 10% was well tolerated at a maximum infusion rate of 8 mg (kg min)−1 in all but one patient; adverse events were mainly mild to moderate in severity, and the most frequent was headache (42·5%).

Conclusion

IVIG 10% is well tolerated even at a high infusion speed and induces a rapid platelet count increase, thus decreasing the bleeding rate and the severity of bleeding events.

Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov record: NCT01349790.
Assessment of naturally acquired neutralizing antibodies against rabies Lyssavirus in a subset of Nunavik’s Inuit population considered most at risk of being exposed to rabid animals
Authors: Ducrocq Julie , Proulx Jean‐François , Lévesque Benoît , De Serres Gaston , Wood Heidi , Lemire Mélanie
Published: January 2019

Contact with infected saliva through the bite of a rabid animal is the main route of infection with the rabies Lyssavirus in humans. Although a few individuals have survived the infection, rabies remains the most lethal zoonotic infection worldwide. Over the last century, the dogma that rabies is invariably fatal has been challenged by the survival and recovery of infected animals. In humans, 11 studies have found rabies virus‐specific antibodies in unvaccinated individuals exposed to rabies virus reservoir species, suggesting the possibility of asymptomatic rabies virus infection, contact with non‐infectious virus or exposure to the virus without viral replication. Two of these studies were conducted in Arctic hunters. Considering the extensive exposure of Nunavik's Inuit to potentially infected animals through hunting, trapping, skinning and the preparation of Arctic carnivores, we analysed archived serum samples from the 2004 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey for the presence of rabies virus‐neutralizing antibodies (rVNA) in this sub‐population. A total of 196 participants who were considered at highest risk for exposure to rabies virus were targeted. Serum samples were tested for the presence of rVNA using a variation of the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test, an assay recommended for the quantification of neutralizing antibody titres following vaccination. Our study identified two seropositive individuals among the 196 participants but a review of their medical record and a phone interview revealed previous vaccination. Our results do not provide evidence for naturally acquired rVNA in Nunavik's Inuit population.
Loading the dice: The orientation of virus-like particles adsorbed on titanate assisted organosilanized surfaces
Authors: Moreno-Cerrada Daniel , Rodríguez Chloe , Moreno-Madrid Francisco , Selivanovitch Ekaterina , Douglas Trevor , de Pablo Pedro J. , Manso Silván Miguel
Published: January 2019

The organization of virus-like particles (VLPs) on surfaces is a relevant matter for both fundamental and biomedical sciences. In this work, the authors have tailored surfaces with different surface tension components aiming at finding a relationship with the affinity of the different geometric/surface features of icosahedral P22 VLPs. The surfaces have been prepared by titanate assisted organosilanization with glycidyloxy, amino, and perfluoro silanes. Vibrational and photoelectron spectroscopies have allowed identifying the different functional groups of the organosilanes on the surfaces. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that, irrespective of the organosilane used, the final root mean square roughness remains below 1 nm. Contact angle analyses confirm the effective formation of a set of surface chemistries exhibiting different balance among surface tension components. The study of the adsorption of P22 VLPs has involved the analysis of the dynamics of virus immobilization by fluorescence microscopy and the interpretation of the final VLP orientation by AFM. These analyses give rise to statistical distributions pointing to a higher affinity of VLPs toward perfluorinated surfaces, with a dominant fivefold conformation on this hydrophobic surface, but threefold and twofold symmetries dominating on hydrophilic surfaces. These results can be explained in terms of a reinforced hydrophobic interaction between the perfluorinated surface and the dominating hydrophobic residues present at the P22 pentons.
Toward epitaxial ternary oxide multilayer device stacks by atomic layer deposition
Authors: King Peter J. , Vehkamäki Marko , Mattinen Miika , Heikkilä Mikko J. , Mizohata Kenichiro , Noh Wontae , Leskelä Markku , Ritala Mikko
Published: January 2019

The authors demonstrate multilayer epitaxial films by atomic layer deposition and postdeposition annealing. Their example features two ABO3 type perovskite oxide films with different materials properties—a conductor (LaNiO3) and an insulator (SrTiO3)—that can be integrated epitaxially once the geometric interaction between the two oxides' lattices is understood. Once preliminary epitaxial materials had been developed, the pilot multilayer device fabricated was an epitaxial metal-insulator-metal structure with layers of ∼5 nm thickness. This work shows the potential for advanced device types based on epitaxial atomic layer deposited films, assuming that care is taken in the selection of processes and starting substrate.
Parametric direction-of-arrival estimation with three recurrence relations of spherical harmonics
Authors: Jo Byeongho , Choi Jung-Woo
Published: January 2019

The eigenbeam estimation of signal parameters via the rotational invariance technique (EB-ESPRIT) is a well-known subspace-based beamforming algorithm for a spherical microphone array. EB-ESPRIT uses a recurrence relation to directly estimate directional parameters expressing directions-of-arrival (DOAs) of sound sources without an exhaustive grid-search. In the conventional EB-ESPRIT, the directional parameter along the elevational direction is given by a tangent function, which inevitably produces two shortcomings. First, the tangent function becomes singular for sources near the equator in spherical coordinates. Furthermore, two sources lying in exactly opposite directions in the spherical coordinates are indistinguishable and a strong ambiguity problem arises. In this work, an EB-ESPRIT technique based on generalized eigenvalue decomposition (GEVD) is proposed to resolve the singularity and ambiguity problems. The proposed technique uses three independent recurrence relations for spherical harmonics, thus the singularity problem due to the tangent function can be completely avoided. A common transformation matrix for extracting DOAs from recurrence relations are found from the GEVD, and the use of cosine and sine functions makes it possible to find DOAs without ambiguity and without extra transforms or angle-pairing processes. It is demonstrated that the proposed method not only overcomes the singularity and ambiguity problems, but also outperforms conventional techniques in terms of DOA accuracy.