bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait‐based numerical classification of mesic and wet grasslands in Poland
Authors: Lengyel Attila , Swacha Grzegorz , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Kącki Zygmunt 
Published: December 2019

AbstractQuestionsWhat vegetation types can be distinguished on the basis of plant functional traits using numerical classification? How do they match syntaxonomical units?LocationPoland.MethodsSix thousand nine hundred and eighty‐five vegetation plots representing mesic and wet grasslands (Molinio‐Arrhenatheretea, Polygono‐Poetea) were retrieved from the Polish Vegetation Database. Plant functional trait data were assembled from the LEDA and Clo‐Pla databases for most species occurring in the data set. Community‐weighted mean for five traits were calculated for each plot: specific leaf area, canopy height, seed mass, bud bank index and clonality index. Plots were classified using Ward's method and iterative relocation based on silhouette widths. The clusters were interpreted and characterized on the basis of species and trait composition, functional diversity, functional redundancy, Ellenberg indicator values, and geographical distribution. The similarity between the trait‐based classification and the syntaxonomical assignment of plots is evaluated both statistically and by expert knowledge.ResultsTwelve clusters were distinguished. The classification mirrored the main gradients structuring grasslands in Poland, although, some vegetation types with the strong dominance of functionally unique species appeared more distinct than they are treated in syntaxonomy. Clusters did not differ significantly in functional diversity and redundancy. The differences of clusters in species and trait composition and environmental background are discussed.ConclusionThe application of trait data and numerical methods is a promising approach for obtaining vegetation classifications. Such classifications can be in closer relationship with the most important ecosystem processes than floristic classifications because communities comprising different species but similar functional trait distribution are not separated. Trait‐based classifications match phytosociological units to a variable degree. Functional uniqueness and variation of abundance determines how individual species influence the delimitation of vegetation types using our approach.
Does HEV‐3 subtype play a role in the severity of acute hepatitis E?
Authors: Abravanel Florence , Dimeglio Chloé , Castanier Mathilde , Péron Jean‐Marie , Kamar Nassim , Lhomme Sébastien , Izopet Jacques 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV‐3) is a major aetiologic agent of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. Two main HEV‐3 subtypes are found in Europe: subtypes 3c and 3f. We have analysed the clinical and biological parameters from 100 French immunocompetent patients with an HEV subtype 3f or subtype 3c infection, included in a prospective multicentre study. Stepwise regression analysis found that infections with HEV subtype 3f were associated with fever (OR: 6.1 95%CI: 1.4‐26.1), have a greater virus load (OR: 7.4; 95%CI: 1.3‐42.2) and require more frequent hospitalization (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.1‐51.4) than those infected with subtype 3c. The directed acyclic graph strengthens the multivariate analyses indicating a direct link between the HEV subtype, HEV RNA concentration, fever and hospitalization. Further studies on patients in other European countries are needed to confirm this relationship and determine the underlying mechanism.
Among‐family variation in survival and gene expression uncovers adaptive genetic variation in a threatened fish
Authors: Harder Avril M. , Willoughby Janna R. , Ardren William R. , Christie Mark R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVariation in among‐family transcriptional responses to different environmental conditions can help to identify adaptive genetic variation, even prior to a selective event. Coupling differential gene expression with formal survival analyses allows for the disentanglement of treatment effects, required for understanding how individuals plastically respond to environmental stressors, from the adaptive genetic variation responsible for differential survival. We combined these two approaches to investigate responses to an emerging conservation issue, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, in a threatened population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Thiamine is an essential vitamin that is increasingly limited in many ecosystems. In Lake Champlain, Atlantic salmon cannot acquire thiamine in sufficient quantities to support natural reproduction; fertilized eggs must be reared in hatcheries and treated with supplemental thiamine. We evaluated transcriptional responses (via RNA sequencing) to thiamine treatment across families and found 3,616 genes differentially expressed between control (no supplemental thiamine) and treatment individuals. Fewer genes changed expression equally across families (i.e., additively) than exhibited genotype × environment interactions in response to thiamine. Differentially expressed genes were related to known physiological effects of thiamine deficiency, including oxidative stress, cardiovascular irregularities and neurological abnormalities. We also identified 1,446 putatively adaptive genes that were strongly associated with among‐family survival in the absence of thiamine treatment, many of which related to neurogenesis and visual perception. Our results highlight the utility of coupling RNA sequencing with formal survival analyses to identify candidate genes that underlie the among‐family variation in survival required for an adaptive response to natural selection.
Research advances in the Pyrenophora teres–barley interaction
Authors: Clare Shaun J. , Wyatt Nathan A. , Brueggeman Robert S. , Friesen Timothy L. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryPyrenophora teres f. teres and P. teres f. maculata are significant pathogens that cause net blotch of barley. An increased number of loci involved in P. teres resistance or susceptibility responses of barley as well as interacting P. teres virulence effector loci have recently been identified through biparental and association mapping studies of both the pathogen and host. Characterization of the resistance/susceptibility loci in the host and the interacting effector loci in the pathogen will provide a path for targeted gene validation for better‐informed release of resistant barley cultivars. This review assembles concise consensus maps for all loci published for both the host and pathogen, providing a useful resource for the community to be used in pathogen characterization and barley breeding for resistance to both forms of P. teres.
Nurses' perspectives of self‐awareness in nursing practice: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Rasheed Subia P. , Sundus Amara , Inayat Shahzad 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSelf‐awareness is essential for nurses for improving nurse–patient relationship and patient care. There are many theories about self‐awareness, but scant research explores nurses' perspectives regarding self‐awareness and its significance for themselves and patient care. This study explores nurses' perspectives regarding self‐awareness in nursing, the importance of self‐awareness for nurses, and its influence on patient care. We used a descriptive qualitative design. Face‐to‐face semistructured interviews were conducted, from October to December 2018, with a purposive sample of 13 nurses at two hospitals in Pakistan. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Five themes and 13 subthemes were generated. The themes included the meaning of self‐awareness: a personal, professional, and conscientious attribute, significance of self‐awareness for nurses, self‐aware nurses and its impact on patient care, behaviors, and actions signifying self‐awareness, and what is needed to enhance self‐awareness. Self‐awareness can increase nurses' confidence in managing challenging situations and providing culturally competent care to patients from various cultural and religious orientations.
Effectiveness of a self‐management retraining program improving the quality of life of people receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Pungchompoo Wanicha , Parinyajittha Saowaros , Pungchompoo Sirirat , Kumtan Paweena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPeople receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are often faced with technical difficulties while performing self‐dialysis, which can compromise outcomes and health‐related quality of life. This mixed‐methods exploratory sequential study aims to implement a repeated‐measures experimental design to assess the effectiveness of a self‐management retraining program. The sample consisted of 41 participants living with chronic kidney disease aged 20 to 80 years who were receiving CAPD. Participants were purposively selected and randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the self‐management retraining program. The control group received standard care. We compared health‐related quality of life, self‐management behavior, and perceived self‐management self‐efficacy levels at baseline and 3 and 6 months after enrollment. Participants demonstrated statistically significant increases in self‐management behavior (medical adherence) and mental health status. Perceived self‐efficacy in self‐management was improved; however, this change did not reach statistical significance. We conclude that an self‐management retraining program can improve self‐management, self‐efficacy behaviors, and health‐related quality of life in persons receiving CAPD.
RANK/RANKL/OPG gene polymorphisms and loss of orthodontic mini‐implants
Authors: Giacobbo Laís Cristina , Perin Maria Augusta Andrigo , Pereira Thaís Munhoz , Garmendia Mariana Oliveira , Reichow Alexandre , Melo Ana Cláudia , de Castilhos Bruno Borges , Trevilatto Paula Cristina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms (tagSNPs type) of RANK/RANKL/OPG genes with the loss of orthodontic mini‐implants (MIs). Setting and sample populationOne hundred and thirty‐five patients of both sexes, with mean age of 48.7 ± 10 (20‐76 years), were studied. The control group was composed of 104 patients, with no MI lost and functioning for at least 6 months and the case group, of 31 patients with at least one MI lost.Materials and methodsCells were obtained by mouthwash with 3% glucose solution for 1 minute and scraping the buccal mucosa with sterilized spatula. DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells with 10 M ammonium acetate and 1 mM EDTA. Genotyping was performed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed (P < .05).ResultsNo markers were associated with MI loss after Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate correction of Univariate tests. In the multivariate analysis, the variables that associated with MI loss were the number of MIs installed (P < .000) and the polymorphism rs8086340 in the RANK gene (P = .018).ConclusionA higher number of MIs installed (P < .000) and polymorphism rs8086340 in the RANK gene (P = .018) were associated with loss of orthodontic MIs after multivariate analysis.
The design of the perfect pediatric supraglottic airway device
Authors: Huang Andrea S. , Sarver Ashley , Widing Amanda , Hajduk John , Jagannathan Narasimhan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe design evolution of the pediatric supraglottic airway device has experienced a long and productive journey. We have a wealth of clinical studies to support progress and advancements in pediatric clinical practice. While all of the supraglottic airway devices have been used successfully in millions of children, it is important to be aware of design advantages and disadvantages of the different models of supraglottic airway devices. Current pediatric supraglottic airway devices may be improved in design to be more ideal. Industry‐changing technological advancements are likely to occur in the near future, which may further improve clinical performance of these devices.
The effectiveness of epidural blood patch in patients with cerebral palsy treated with intrathecal baclofen implantation
Authors: Imerci Ahmet , Rogers Kenneth , Dixit Divya , McManus Maura , Miller Freeman , Sees Julieanne P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCerebrospinal fluid leak and postdural puncture spinal headache following intrathecal baclofen therapy are known complications. Although primary treatments are conservative, epidural blood patch is an alternative in patients with persistent and severe symptoms.AimThe purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness of epidural blood patch for the treatment of spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy.MethodsOur database was reviewed for epidural blood patch in 341 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy who underwent primary intrathecal baclofen treatment from 2004 to 2018 at one institution. The number of patches, time frame of treatment, and effectiveness of the epidural blood patch were collected. All patients treated with epidural blood patch were evaluated for primary and secondary intrathecal baclofen‐related procedures, and subsequent treatment of intrathecal baclofen associated with cerebrospinal fluid leak and spinal headache.ResultsTwenty‐nine epidural blood patch procedures were performed on 26 patients who had received intrathecal baclofen procedures. Of these 26 patients, four had a secondary epidural blood patch. The incidence of spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak was 31% (107/341), and 81/107 (76%) patients with spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak responded to conservative treatments. Success rate for initial epidural blood patch was 79.3% (23/29). The second epidural blood patch was performed in four patients after failure of initial epidural blood patch. Second epidural blood patch success rate was 75% (3/4).ConclusionSpinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak are known complications after intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, epidural blood patch can be used with confidence for these patients. In patients with ongoing symptoms, it is possible to obtain success by repeating the epidural blood patch to continue intrathecal baclofen treatment and avoid aggressive surgery.
Clinical and Workplace Outcomes From a Virtually Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Pain
Authors: Mochari‐Greenberger Heidi , Andreopoulos Evie , Peters Aimee , Pande Reena L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate clinical and workplace outcomes from an evidence‐based virtual behavioral therapy program for individuals with pain and behavioral health issues.MethodsThis was a retrospective de‐identified data analysis among a cohort of 1,086 participants enrolled in a standardized, evidence‐based telebehavioral therapy program between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017 (mean age 53 ± 11.5 years; 29% male). The program was delivered over approximately 8 weeks by licensed therapists and behavior coaches by telephone or video, and tailored to the pain management and behavioral health goals of each participant. Structured measurements were documented in the electronic clinical record, including demographics, comorbidities, pain severity (Pain Intensity, Enjoyment of Life, General Activity tool), behavioral health symptoms (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale short form), and productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment survey).ResultsAt baseline, participants had high average pain severity (5.8/10 points), high frequencies of behavioral health symptoms (68%), and activity impairment (90%); absenteeism (34%) and presenteeism (75%) were observed among employed individuals. Pain severity and pain interference improved by 17% and 27%, respectively, over 8 weeks (P < 0.0001). Reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were significant and associated with reductions in pain interference (P < 0.0001). Absenteeism, presenteeism, and activity impairment ratings each improved by more than 25% (P < 0.0001).DiscussionParticipants in a virtually delivered behavioral therapy program for pain experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, behavioral health symptoms, and work productivity.
BGAL1 depletion boosts the level of β‐galactosylation of N‐ and O‐glycans in N. benthamiana
Authors: Kriechbaum Ricarda , Ziaee Esmaiel , Grünwald‐Gruber Clemens , Buscaill Pierre , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Castilho Alexandra 
Published: December 2019

SummaryGlyco‐design of proteins is a powerful tool in fundamental studies of structure–function relationship and in obtaining profiles optimized for efficacy of therapeutic glycoproteins. Plants, particularly Nicotiana benthamiana, are attractive hosts to produce recombinant glycoproteins, and recent advances in glyco‐engineering facilitate customized N‐glycosylation of plant‐derived glycoproteins. However, with exception of monoclonal antibodies, homogenous human‐like β1,4‐galactosylation is very hard to achieve in recombinant glycoproteins. Despite significant efforts to optimize the expression of β1,4‐galactosyltransferase, many plant‐derived glycoproteins still exhibit incomplete processed N‐glycans with heterogeneous terminal galactosylation. The most obvious suspects to be involved in trimming terminal galactose residues are β‐galactosidases (BGALs) from the glycosyl hydrolase family GH35. To elucidate the so far uncharacterized mechanisms leading to the trimming of terminal galactose residues from glycans of secreted proteins, we studied a N. benthamiana BGAL known to be active in the apoplast (NbBGAL1). Here, we determined the NbBGAL1 subcellular localization, substrate specificity and in planta biological activity. We show that NbBGAL1 can remove β1,4‐ and β1,3‐galactose residues on both N‐ and O‐glycans. Transient BGAL1 down‐regulation by RNA interference (RNAi) and BGAL1 depletion by genome editing drastically reduce β‐galactosidase activity in N. benthamiana and increase the amounts of fully galactosylated complex N‐glycans on several plant‐produced glycoproteins. Altogether, our data demonstrate that NbBGAL1 acts on galactosylated complex N‐glycans of plant‐produced glycoproteins.
Bring the Sunshine Indoors: Easy Dosimetry for Indoor Daylight Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: O'Mahoney Paul , Eadie Ewan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDaylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) is an effective and patient preferred treatment for the management of field change actinic keratosis. An important factor in DPDT is light dosimetry, to ensure that patients receive sufficient daylight for effective treatment, and this is the focus of the contribution to this issue by (La Rochelle et al. [2019] Photochem. Photobiol., https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13170). In this work, the authors present an easy‐to‐use method for obtaining real‐time information about patient received light dose during treatment and for determining indoor locations best suited to DPDT.
Effects of prenatal bacterial infection on cognitive performance in early childhood
Authors: Lee Younga H. , Papandonatos George D. , Savitz David A. , Heindel William C. , Buka Stephen L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious epidemiologic studies have reported adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae following prenatal infectious exposure, yet long‐term effects estimated from these observational studies are often subject to biases due to confounding and loss to follow‐up.ObjectivesWe demonstrate the joint use of inverse probability (IP) treatment and censoring weights when evaluating neurotoxic effects of prenatal bacterial infection.MethodsWe applied IP weighting for both treatment and censoring to estimate the effects of maternal bacterial infection during pregnancy on mean intelligence quotient (IQ) scores measured at age 7 using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Participants were members of a population‐based pregnancy cohort recruited in the Boston and Providence sites of the Collaborative Perinatal Project between 1959 and 1966 (n = 11 984). We calculated average treatment effects (ATE) and average treatment effects on the treated (ATT) using IP weights estimated via generalized boosted models.ResultsATE‐ and ATT‐weighted mean IQ scores were lowest among offspring exposed to multi‐systemic bacterial infection during pregnancy and highest for those unexposed. The effects of prenatal bacterial infection were greater among male offspring, particularly on performance IQ scores. Offspring who were exposed to multi‐systemic bacterial infection in the third trimester displayed the largest reduction in mean full‐scale, verbal, and performance IQ scores at age 7 compared to those unexposed or exposed in earlier trimesters.ConclusionsWe find that prenatal bacterial infection is associated with cognitive impairments at age 7. Associations are strongest for more severe infections, that occur in the third trimester, and among males. Public health intervention targeting bacterial infection in pregnant women may help enhance the cognitive development of offspring.
Vitamin C treatment of embryos, but not donor cells, improves the cloned embryonic development in sheep
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Gao Enen , Guan Hong , Wang Qianqian , Zhang Shuo , Liu Kexiong , Yan Fengxiang , Tian Hao , Shan Dehai , Xu Huijuan , Hou Jian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVitamin C is not only an antioxidant but also a regulator of epigenetic modifications that can enhance the activity of the ten‐eleven translocation (TET) family dioxygenases and promote the oxidation of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Here, we investigated the effects of vitamin C in regulating DNA methylation in sheep somatic cells or embryos in an effort to improve the cloned embryo development. Vitamin C treatment of sheep foetal fibroblast cells significantly increased the 5hmC levels but did not affect the 5mC levels in cells. After nuclear transfer, vitamin C‐treated donor cells could not support a higher blastocyst development rate than non‐treated cells. Although combination of serum starvation and vitamin C treatment could induce significant 5mC decrease in donor cells, it failed to promote the development of resultant cloned embryos. When cloned embryos were directly treated with vitamin C, the pre‐implantation development of embryos and the 5hmC levels in blastocysts were significantly improved. This beneficial role of vitamin C on embryo development was also observed in fertilized embryos. Our results suggest that vitamin C treatment of the embryos, but not the donor cells, can improve the development of cloned sheep embryos.
International investment positions revisited: Investor heterogeneity and individual security characteristics
Authors: Boermans Martijn A. , Vermeulen Robert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper contributes to the literature by empirically documenting the importance of investor heterogeneity and security level characteristics for international investment positions. We estimate a standard gravity model to explain holdings in individual bonds and stocks for euro area investors covering 2013Q4–2018Q4. First, our results confirm the importance of market size and distance, but there are significant differences between banks, insurance companies and pension funds, investment funds, households and other investors. Second, we show the statistical significance and economic relevance of security characteristics such as currency, bond maturity and dividend yield. Third, the results are robust to including domestic holdings.