bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population collapse and retreat to fire refugia of the Tasmanian endemic conifer Athrotaxis selaginoides following the transition from Aboriginal to European fire management
Authors: Holz Andrés , Wood Sam W. , Ward Carly , Veblen Thomas T. , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUntangling the nuanced relationships between landscape, fire disturbance, human agency, and climate is key to understanding rapid population declines of fire‐sensitive plant species. Using multiple lines of evidence across temporal and spatial scales (vegetation survey, stand structure analysis, dendrochronology, and fire history reconstruction), we document landscape‐scale population collapse of the long‐lived, endemic Tasmanian conifer Athrotaxis selaginoides in remote montane catchments in southern Tasmania. We contextualized the findings of this field‐based study with a Tasmanian‐wide geospatial analysis of fire‐killed and unburned populations of the species. Population declines followed European colonization commencing in 1802 ad that disrupted Aboriginal landscape burning. Prior to European colonization, fire events were infrequent but frequency sharply increased afterwards. Dendrochronological analysis revealed that reconstructed fire years were associated with abnormally warm/dry conditions, with below‐average streamflow, and were strongly teleconnected to the Southern Annular Mode. The multiple fires that followed European colonization caused near total mortality of A. selaginoides and resulted in pronounced floristic, structural vegetation, and fuel load changes. Burned stands have very few regenerating A. selaginoides juveniles yet tree‐establishment reconstruction of fire‐killed adults exhibited persistent recruitment in the period prior to European colonization. Collectively, our findings indicate that this fire‐sensitive Gondwanan conifer was able to persist with burning by Aboriginal Tasmanians, despite episodic widespread forest fires. By contrast, European burning led to the restriction of A. selaginoides to prime topographic fire refugia. Increasingly, frequent fires caused by regional dry and warming trends and increased ignitions by humans and lightning are breaching fire refugia; hence, the survival Tasmanian Gondwanan species demands sustained and targeted fire management.
Global assessment of relationships between climate and tree growth
Authors: Wilmking Martin , van der Maaten‐Theunissen Marieke , van der Maaten Ernst , Scharnweber Tobias , Buras Allan , Biermann Christine , Gurskaya Marina , Hallinger Martin , Lange Jelena , Shetti Rohan , Smiljanic Marko , Trouillier Mario 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTree‐ring records provide global high‐resolution information on tree‐species responses to global change, forest carbon and water dynamics, and past climate variability and extremes. The underlying assumption is a stationary (time‐stable), quasi‐linear relationship between tree growth and environment, which however conflicts with basic ecological and evolutionary theory. Indeed, our global assessment of the relevant tree‐ring literature demonstrates non‐stationarity in the majority of tested cases, not limited to specific proxies, environmental parameters, regions or species. Non‐stationarity likely represents the general nature of the relationship between tree‐growth proxies and environment. Studies assuming stationarity however score two times more citations influencing other fields of science and the science–policy interface. To reconcile ecological reality with the application of tree‐ring proxies for climate or environmental estimates, we provide a clarification of the stationarity concept, propose a simple confidence framework for the re‐evaluation of existing studies and recommend the use of a new statistical tool to detect non‐stationarity in tree‐ring proxies. Our contribution is meant to stimulate and facilitate discussion in light of our results to help increase confidence in tree‐ring‐based climate and environmental estimates for science, the public and policymakers.
Monitoring of older HIV‐1‐positive adults by HIV clinics in the United Kingdom: a national quality improvement initiative
Authors: Ekong N , Curtis H , Ong E , Sabin CA , Chadwick D ,   the British HIV Association (BHIVA) Audit and Standards Sub‐Committee
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to describe a UK‐wide process to assess adherence to guidelines for the routine investigation and monitoring of HIV‐positive adults aged ≥ 50 years and provide clinical services with individual feedback to support improvement in quality of care.MethodsThe British HIV Association (BHIVA) invited HIV clinical care sites to provide retrospective data from case notes of up to 40 adults aged ≥ 50 years with HIV‐1 infection attending the clinic for care during 2017 and/or 2018, using a structured dynamic online questionnaire.ResultsA total of 4959 questionnaires from 141 clinical services were returned. Regarding the key targets specified in the BHIVA monitoring guidelines, 97% of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) had had their viral load measured in the last 9 months, or 15 months if on a protease inhibitor, and 94% had had all medications recorded in the last 15 months. Only 67% of patients on ART without cardiovascular disease (CVD) had had a 10‐year CVD risk calculated in the last 3 years. It was reported that 80% and 92% had had their smoking status documented in the last 2 years and blood pressure checked in the last 15 months, respectively. HIV services had communicated with the general practitioners of 90% of consenting individuals, but consulted electronic primary care records for only 10%.ConclusionsNationally, targets were met for viral load and blood pressure monitoring but not for CVD risk assessment, smoking status documentation and recording of comedication. There was variable performance in relation to other outcomes; adherence and laboratory measurements were carried out more regularly than lifestyle and wellbeing assessments.
Inhibition of PLK4 might enhance the anti‐tumour effect of bortezomib on glioblastoma via PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Jing , Ren Dengpeng , Sun Yan , Xu Chao , Wang Chunhong , Cheng Rui , Wang Lina , Jia Guijun , Ren Jinrui , Ma Jiuhong , Tu Yue , Ji Hongming 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common aggressive cancers of the central nervous system in adults with a high mortality rate. Bortezomib is a boronic acid–based potent proteasome inhibitor that has been actively studied for its anti‐tumour effects through inhibition of the proteasome. The proteasome is a key component of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway that is critical for protein homeostasis, regulation of cellular growth, and apoptosis. Overexpression of polo‐like kinase 4 (PLK4) is commonly reported in tumour cells and increases their invasive and metastatic abilities. In this study, we established a cell model of PLK4 knockdown and overexpression in LN‐18, A172 and LN‐229 cells and found that knockdown of PLK4 expression enhanced the anti‐tumour effect of bortezomib. We further found that this effect may be mediated by the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and that the apoptotic and oxidative stress processes were activated, while the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was down‐regulated. Similar phenomenon was observed using in vitro experiments. Thus, we speculate that PLK4 inhibition may be a new therapeutic strategy for GBM.
Osteoporosis and bone health in autoimmune blistering skin disease—an evidenced based review
Authors: Kang M. , Bilgic A. , Radjenovic M. , Murrell D.F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAutoimmune blistering skin diseases (AIBD) encompass a group of diseases characterised by cutaneous and/or mucocutaneous fragility. Multiple risk factors contributing to osteoporosis exist in AIBD patients, including use of long‐term systemic corticosteroid therapy (SCT), decreased mobility and the presence of chronic inflammation. Despite this, there is no consensus on the prophylaxis of osteoporosis in AIBD, especially in the absence of SCT. To systemically review the current literature on the association between osteoporosis/osteopenia and AIBD, a comprehensive literature search was performed on six online databases with search terms related to bone mineral density (BMD) and AIBD. A total of 314 articles were screened by their abstract and/or full text. A total of 20 peer‐reviewed full‐text articles addressing BMD in patients with AIBD were identified. Eight articles examined the association between osteoporosis and pemphigus. Only two articles examined the association between osteoporosis and pemphigoid patients. Three articles examined the effectiveness of osteoporosis prophylaxis in AIBD patients. Seven papers examined the levels of vitamin D in AIBD patients. Few case‐control studies examine osteoporosis in pemphigus in the context of SCT, with consistent findings. However, there is scarce literature examining the risk of osteoporosis in pemphigoid, or in AIBD without SCT. Prophylaxis and screening of osteoporosis in AIBD is suboptimal and more attention in this area is required to avoid future complications related to osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Comparison of Fracture Load and Surface Wear of Microhybrid Composite and Ceramic Occlusal Veneers
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Lv Pin , Du Wenyu , Jiang Ting 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeTo compare in vitro fracture load, surface wear, and roughness after thermal cycling and cyclic mechanical fatigue loading among cemented microhybrid resin‐based composite and ceramic occlusal veneers fabricated at two thicknesses (1.5 and 2.5 mm).Materials and methodsSixty‐four extracted premolars without root canal treatment were prepared and restored with occlusal veneers of two thicknesses (1.5 and 2.5 mm), using four different materials: microhybrid composite (MC), fiber‐reinforced microhybrid composite (FMC), heat‐pressed lithium disilicate ceramic (HPC), and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufactured lithium disilicate ceramic (CCC). The specimens underwent thermal cycling and cyclic mechanical fatigue loading, and were then subjected to fracture testing, with loads at failure recorded as fracture load. Wear and surface roughness were recorded before and after fatigue loading. Results were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA, two‐way ANOVA (α = 0.05).ResultsAll specimens survived thermal cycling and cyclic mechanical fatigue loading. At 1.5‐mm thickness, the mean fracture load of FMC was highest (3926.48 ± 556.54 N), while that of CCC was highest (3066.45 ± 559.94 N) at 2.5 mm. Regardless of thickness, the fracture load of CCC was higher than that of HPC (p = 0.004 and p = 0.023). The wear of MC and FMC was significantly higher than those of HPC and CCC (p ≤ 0.001), but was similar in terms of the wear rate of tooth enamel. HPC exhibited the lowest surface roughness after fatigue loading (p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionAll tested occlusal veneers exhibited a fracture load considerably exceeding the maximum occlusal force in the posterior dentition. When the attainable space for restoration varies, different occlusal veneer materials should be considered. The surface wear and roughness also need to be considered when selecting materials.
Effect of cognitive behavioural therapy on sleep and opioid medication use in adults with fibromyalgia and insomnia
Authors: McCrae Christina S. , Curtis Ashley F. , Miller Mary Beth , Nair Neetu , Rathinakumar Himangshu , Davenport Mattina , Berry Jasmine R. , McGovney Kevin , Staud Roland , Berry Richard , Robinson Michael 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSleep and opioid medications used to treat insomnia and chronic pain are associated with adverse side effects (falls and cognitive disturbance). Although behavioural treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) and pain (CBT‐P) improve sleep and clinical pain, their effects on sleep and opioid medication use are unclear. In this secondary analysis of published trial data, we investigated whether CBT‐I and CBT‐P reduced reliance on sleep/opioid medication in patients with fibromyalgia and insomnia (FMI). Patients with FMI (n = 113, Mage = 53.0, SD = 10.9) completed 8 weeks of CBT‐I (n = 39), CBT‐P (n = 37) or waitlist control (WLC; n = 37). Participants completed 14 daily diaries at baseline, post‐treatment and 6‐month follow‐up, assessing sleep and opioid medication usage. Multilevel modelling examined group by time effects on days of medication use. A significant interaction revealed CBT‐P reduced the number of days of sleep medication use at post‐treatment, but usage returned to baseline levels at follow‐up. There were no other significant within‐ or between‐group effects. CBT‐P led to immediate reductions in sleep medication usage, despite lack of explicit content regarding sleep medication. CBT‐I and CBT‐P may be ineffective as stand‐alone treatments for altering opioid use in FMI. Future work should explore CBT as an adjunct to other behavioural techniques for opioid reduction.
The influence of hyperglycemia on neutrophil extracellular trap formation and endothelial glycocalyx damage in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hirota Tatsuhiko , Levy Jerrold H. , Iba Toshiaki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesHyperglycemia induces vascular dysfunction that is thought to be initiated by neutrophils. Neutrophil activation produces endothelial injury by pathways that include NETosis, a type of specific cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperglycemia on neutrophil activation, cell death, NETosis, and endothelial glycocalyx damage using a mouse diabetes model.MethodsWe used db/db mice as a type 2 diabetes model, and C57BL/6 mice were the controls. At 5, 8, and 12 weeks of age, the proportion of CD11b+ granulocytes/monocytes, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)‐forming granulocytes/monocytes, and damaged and nonviable granulocytes/monocytes was analyzed. In addition, serum levels of high mobility group box 1, histone H3, and glycocalyx components that included syndecan‐1 and hyaluronan were measured.ResultsIn diabetic mice, we observed an increased proportion of CD11b+ granulocytes/monocytes. The proportion of NET‐forming granulocytes/monocytes increased from the early stages of the experiments. The proportions of damaged and nonviable granulocytes/monocytes increased over time. In the 12‐week‐old diabetic mice, serum histone H3 levels increased. Circulating levels of syndecan‐1 and hyaluronan decreased over time and were lower in diabetic mice.ConclusionNeutrophil activation and cell death induce endothelial glycocalyx damage, and NET formation also participates in the mechanisms of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.
Weight counseling in pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients
Authors: Reichert Barbara , Fernandez Faith Esteban , Harfmann Katya 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesHidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, painful, debilitating disease that may present in the pediatric years. Overweight and obesity are believed to worsen disease severity, but many patients do not receive counseling regarding weight control. The objective of this study is to examine the percentage of hidradenitis suppurativa patients who receive weight counseling as a part of their disease management and which specialties primarily care for these patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients between January 2011 and October 2018. Demographic data, height, weight, body mass index, body mass index percentiles, number of visits per department, referrals to the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, and referring provider department data were collected.ResultsA total of 535 pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients were reviewed; 79.6% were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 14.5 years. 11.6% of patients were overweight, and 54.2% were obese. 32.1% of overweight and obese hidradenitis suppurativa patients received a referral to the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition. The majority of referrals were placed by Primary Care. Dermatology placed 7.1% of the referrals to the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition for these patients.ConclusionsThe results suggest that there is a need for increased awareness, education, and counseling on weight management and nutrition for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients. Further studies are needed to determine the success of counseling on weight control and disease severity.
Factors influencing platelet normalization of transient abnormal myelopoiesis
Authors: Nakamura Wataru , Goto Hiroaki , Hayashi Akiko , Keino Dai , Sugiyama Masanaka , Miyagawa Naoyuki , Iwasaki Fuminori , Hamanoue Satoshi , Yokosuka Tomoko , Goto Shoko , Toyoshima Katsuaki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal blood cell counts are characteristic of patients with Down syndrome and transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM). Although some patients with TAM experience prolonged anemia or thrombocytopenia, hematological factors predicting blood cell count recovery have not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing platelet normalization in TAM.MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of 21 patients with TAM admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center between January 2007 and October 2014 was undertaken.ResultsIn the 16 of 21 patients (76%) experiencing transient thrombocytopenia, a large number of blasts at diagnosis was found to be significantly associated with late platelet recovery (R = 0.669, P < 0.05), and higher platelet counts at diagnosis were significantly associated with later recovery (R = 0.719, P < 0.01). Indeed, a strong positive correlation between blast and platelet counts at diagnosis was found (R = 0.730, P < 0.01).ConclusionsOur data suggest that high platelet counts at TAM diagnosis might reflect abnormal thrombocyte production from blasts. Thus, physicians should be aware of the possibility of prolonged thrombocytopenia in patients with TAM who exhibit a high platelet and/or blast count at diagnosis.
Performance study on enlarged‐clarifier hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for treating the slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Loganath Radhakrishnan , Mazumder Debabrata 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe performance of an Enlarged‐Clarifier Hybrid Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (EC‐HUASB) reactor in treating slaughterhouse wastewater under the mesophilic temperature was studied. The reactor was started‐up with the well‐grown anaerobic digested sludge from a dairy farm, which was subsequently acclimated with real slaughterhouse wastewater. The Clarifier section of the HUASB was also enlarged to improve its performance for removal of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The reactor performance was monitored in respect of pH, MLSS, MLVSS, COD, Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) and Alkalinity. The performance of EC‐HUASB reactor was studied under the organic loading rate (OLR) ranging between 3.03 and 38.19 kg COD/m3/day under the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 and 6 h respectively. Maximum values of COD and TSS removal were recorded as 95.8 and 98% respectively under the OLR of 18.75 kg COD/m3/day at 10 h HRT, which also exhibited 61.5 L/day of methane production.
A revised classification of temperate lowland groundwater‐fed headwater streams based on their flora
Authors: Westwood Christian G. , England Judy , Johns Tim , Stubbington Rachel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProlonged drought leads to the temporary simplification or loss of aquatic biological communities, as surface water is progressively reduced or dry phases are extended in intermittent streams. Using surveys of aquatic and semi‐aquatic plants, and recording non‐aquatic grasses and herbs, we classify the communities within 24 groundwater‐fed streams in south England. We examine changes over a 21‐year period following a 3‐year drought. Our classification reveals a simplification of communities driven by a decline in the abundance of obligate aquatic taxa and an increase in the abundance of semi‐aquatic taxa. We demonstrate plant community structure as a strong indicator of a site’s flow history, including intermittence, but interactions with channel morphology also influence communities and need further investigation. We recommend that future surveys encompass terrestrial, semi‐aquatic and aquatic plants, as well as habitat assessments, to improve the understanding of how instream communities change between flowing, ponded and dry phases in intermittent streams.
Potential role of angiotensin‐(1–7) in the improvement of vascular insulin sensitivity after a bout of exercise
Authors: Gallardo‐Ortíz Itzell A. , Villalobos‐Molina Rafael , Echeverría‐Rodríguez Omar 
Published: March 2020

NEW FINDINGS
What is the central question of this study?
What is the mechanism by which a bout of exercise increases subsequent insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Angiotensin‐(1–7) through the Mas receptor participates in enhanced insulin‐induced vasorelaxation after a bout of exercise in healthy rats. This new potential role of angiotensin‐(1–7) could help in understanding how physical activity improves vascular insulin sensitivity in normal and insulin‐resistant states.
AbstractExercise increases insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. This study was performed to investigate the possible involvement of angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)), a vasoactive peptide of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), in enhanced vascular insulin sensitivity after a bout of exercise. Male Wistar rats were subjected to swimming for 2.5 h. After exercise, carbachol‐ or insulin‐induced relaxation in aorta was assessed. Prior exercise improved insulin‐stimulated vasorelaxation; however, this insulin‐sensitizing effect was prevented by the selective Mas receptor (MasR; an Ang‐(1–7) receptor) antagonist A779. Carbachol‐mediated vascular relaxation was not modified by exercise. These results suggest that Ang‐(1–7) acting through MasR participates in the enhancement of vascular insulin sensitivity after an exercise session. This new potential role of Ang‐(1–7) could help in understanding how exercise improves vascular insulin sensitivity in normal and insulin‐resistant states.