bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem functions in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems across the East African coastal forest landscape
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Ulrich Werner 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHabitat identity and landscape configuration significantly shape species communities and affect ecosystem functions. The conservation of natural ecosystems is of particular relevance in regions where landscapes have already been largely transformed into farmland and where habitats suffer under resource exploitation. The spillover of ecosystem functions from natural ecosystems into farmland may positively influence agricultural productivity and human livelihood quality. We measured three proxies of ecosystem functioning: Pollinator diversity (using pan traps), seed dispersal (with a seed removal experiment), and predation (using dummy caterpillars). We assessed these ecosystem functions in three forest types of the East African dry coastal forest (Brachystegia forest, Cynometra forest, and mixed forest), as well as in adjoining farmland and in plantations of exotic trees (Eucalyptus mainly). We measured ecosystem functions at 20 plots for each habitat type, and along gradients ranging from the forest into farmland. We also recorded various environmental parameters for each study plot. We did not find significant differences of ecosystem functions when combining all proxies assessed, neither among the three natural forest types, nor between natural forest and plantations. However, we found trends for single ecosystem functions. We identified highest pollinator diversity along the forest margin and in farmlands. Vegetation cover and blossom density affected the level of predation positively. Based on our findings, we suggest that flowering gardens around housings and woodlots across farmland areas support ecosystem functioning and thus improve human livelihood quality. We conclude that levels of overall ecosystem functions are affected by entire landscapes, and high landscape heterogeneity, as found in our case, might blur potential negative effects and trends arising from habitat destruction and degradation.
Ultra‐Conserved Elements and morphology reciprocally illuminate conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses in Chalcididae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Cruaud Astrid , Delvare Gérard , Nidelet Sabine , Sauné Laure , Ratnasingham Sujeevan , Chartois Marguerite , Blaimer Bonnie B. , Gates Michael , Brady Seán G. , Faure Sariana , van Noort Simon , Rossi Jean‐Pierre , Rasplus Jean‐Yves 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent technical advances combined with novel computational approaches have promised the acceleration of our understanding of the tree of life. However, when it comes to hyperdiverse and poorly known groups of invertebrates, studies are still scarce. As published phylogenies will be rarely challenged by future taxonomists, careful attention must be paid to potential analytical bias. We present the first molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the family Chalcididae, a group of parasitoid wasps, with a representative sampling (144 ingroups and seven outgroups) that covers all described subfamilies and tribes, and 82% of the known genera. Analyses of 538 Ultra‐Conserved Elements (UCEs) with supermatrix (RAxML and IQTREE) and gene tree reconciliation approaches (ASTRAL, ASTRID) resulted in highly supported topologies in overall agreement with morphology but reveal conflicting topologies for some of the deepest nodes. To resolve these conflicts, we explored the phylogenetic tree space with clustering and gene genealogy interrogation methods, analyzed marker and taxon properties that could bias inferences and performed a thorough morphological analysis (130 characters encoded for 40 taxa representative of the diversity). This joint analysis reveals that UCEs enable attainment of resolution between ancestry and convergent/divergent evolution when morphology is not informative enough, but also shows that a systematic exploration of bias with different analytical methods and a careful analysis of morphological features is required to prevent publication of artifactual results. We highlight a GC content bias for maximum‐likelihood approaches, an artifactual mid‐point rooting of the ASTRAL tree and a deleterious effect of high percentage of missing data (>85% missing UCEs) on gene tree reconciliation methods. Based on the results we propose a new classification of the family into eight subfamilies and ten tribes that lay the foundation for future studies on the evolutionary history of Chalcididae.
Optoacoustic mesoscopy shows potential to increase accuracy of allergy patch testing
Authors: Hindelang Benedikt , Aguirre Juan , Berezhnoi Andrei , He Hailong , Eyerich Kilian , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Biedermann Tilo , Darsow Ulf 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundDifferentiation between irritant and allergic skin reactions in epicutaneous patch testing is based largely on subjective clinical criteria, with the risk of high intraobserver and interobserver variability. Novel dermatological imaging using optoacoustic mesoscopy allows quantitative three‐dimensional assessment of microvascular biomarkers.ObjectivesWe investigated the potential of optoacoustic imaging to improve the precision of patch test evaluation.MethodsSixty‐nine test reactions and 48 healthy skin sections in 52 patients with suspected type IV allergy were examined using raster‐scan optoacoustic mesoscopy.ResultsWe identified biomarkers from the optoacoustic images. Allergic reactions were associated with higher fragmentation of skin vasculature than irritant reactions (19.5 ± 9.7 vs 14.3 ± 3.7 fragments/100 pixels2; P < .05), as well as lower ratio of low‐ to high‐frequency acoustic signals (1.6 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.6, P < .05). Allergic reactions graded “++” showed higher vessel fragmentation than reactions graded “+” (25.4 ± 13.2 vs 17.1 ± 6.5 fragments/100 pixels2; P < .05). A linear model combining the biomarkers fragmentation and frequency ratio could differentiate allergic from irritant test reactions with an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.64‐0.91), reaching a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 63%.ConclusionsOptoacoustic mesoscopy shows potential to help in differentiating between allergic and irritant test reactions based on novel biomarkers that may reflect vasodilation, vessel tortuosity, and edema.
MUTYH‐associated polyposis – colorectal phenotype and management
Authors: Patel R. , McGinty P. , Cuthill V. , Hawkins M. , Moorghen M. , Clark S. K. , Latchford A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to determine the presentation, management and outcomes of MUTYH‐associated polyposis (MAP).MethodA prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with MAP. Demographic data and data on germline mutation, surgical management, histopathology of tumours and endoscopic surveillance were collected.ResultsIn all, 134 patients with MAP were identified. The majority presented symptomatically (n = 83). Sixty‐eight patients developed cancer (seven synchronous, 12 metachronous). The median age at diagnosis of first colorectal cancer was 47 years (range 33–74 years). Cancers occurred in the context of a few adenomas (< 10). The majority of patients (n = 108) had surgery as the first line management. One patient received palliative care. Twenty‐five patients had endoscopic surveillance as first line management; no cancers occurred in this group. Patients who had segmental resection and postoperative surveillance still appeared to be at risk of metachronous cancer (5/30, 17%).ConclusionsMUTYH testing should be considered even in the context of cancers occurring with fewer than 10 adenomas. In cases of primary colorectal cancers, extended surgery should be considered if patients do not have access to high quality endoscopic surveillance postoperatively. For some patients, endoscopic therapy is an appropriate and safe option in expert hands.
Serum KL‐6 levels in pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Bergantini Laura , Cameli Paolo , Lanzarone Nicola , Antonietta Mazzei Maria , Alonzi Valerio , Sestini Piersante , Bargagli Elena 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSerum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (sKL‐6) is an high‐molecular‐weight (200 kDa) glycoprotein predominantly expressed by damaged alveolar type II cells, and it has been proposed as a potential biomarker of different ILD. This is a prognostic biomarker for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), two diseases that share several clinical and radiological features. Little data are available on the potential role of KL‐6 in granulomatous and cystic interstitial lung diseases, including the orphan disease known as pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH).MethodsFor the first time, sKL‐6 concentrations were assayed and compared in 96 patients (17 PLCH, 22 IPF, 34 cHP) and 22 healthy controls.ResultsSerum KL‐6 concentrations were significantly higher in PLCH (599 ± 594 U/mL), IPF (1645 ± 846 U/mL) and cHP patients (1691 ± 1643 U/mL) than in healthy controls (268 U/mL) (P = .037). Area‐under‐the‐curve values of sKL‐6 were 73.4% between PLCH and healthy controls, 84.5% between IPF and PLCH and 78% between cHP and PLCH. An indirect correlation between sKL‐6 concentrations and peripheral CD1a‐positive cells was demonstrated (r = −0.82; P = .034).ConclusionSerum KL‐6 concentrations were higher in PLCH patients than in controls, reflecting the alveolar damage typical of this rare interstitial lung disease.
MR‐ proADM to detect specific types of organ failure in infection
Authors: Andrés Cristina , Andaluz‐Ojeda David , Cicuendez Ramón , Nogales Leonor , Martín Silvia , Martin‐Fernandez Marta , Almansa Raquel , Calvo Dolores , Esteban‐Velasco Maria Carmen , Vaquero‐Roncero Luis Mario , Ríos‐Llorente Alberto , Sanchez‐Barrado Elisa , Muñoz‐Bellvís Luis , Aldecoa César , Bermejo‐Martin Jesus F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundFollowing the SEPSIS‐3 consensus, detection of organ failure as assessed by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score, is mandatory to detect sepsis. Calculating SOFA outside of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is challenging. The alternative in this scenario, the quick SOFA, is very specific but less sensible. Biomarkers could help to detect the presence of organ failure secondary to infection either in ICU and non‐ICU settings.Materials and methodsWe evaluated the ability of four biomarkers (C‐Reactive protein (CRP), lactate, mid‐regional proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) and procalcitonin (PCT)) to detect each kind of organ failure considered in the SOFA in 213 patients with infection, sepsis or septic shock, by using multivariate regression analysis and calculation of the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC).ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, MR‐proADM was an independent predictor of five different failures (respiratory, coagulation, cardiovascular, neurological and renal). In turn, lactate predicted three (coagulation, cardiovascular and neurological) and PCT two (cardiovascular and renal). CRP did not predict any of the individual components of SOFA. The highest AUROCs were those of MR‐proADM and PCT to detect cardiovascular (AUROC, CI95%): MR‐proADM (0.82 [0.76‐0.88]), PCT (0.81 [0.75‐0.87] (P < .05) and renal failure: MR‐proADM (0.87 [0.82‐0.92]), PCT (0.81 [0.75‐0.86]), (P < .05). None of the biomarkers tested was able to detect hepatic failure.ConclusionsIn patients with infection, MR‐proADM was the biomarker detecting the largest number of SOFA score components, with the exception of hepatic failure.
Relative risks and odds ratios: Simple rules on when and how to use them
Authors: McKenzie Dean P. , Thomas Christopher 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimRelative risks and odds ratios are widely reported in the medical literature, but can be very difficult to understand. We sought to further clarify these important indices.MethodsWe illustrated both relative risks and odds ratios using bar charts, then looked at the types of study for which each statistic is suited. We demonstrated calculation of relative risks and odds ratios through analysis of tabled data from a recent published longitudinal study, using a 2 × 2 table and R, the open‐source statistical programming language. Simple rules for when and how to use relative risks and odds ratios are presented.ConclusionUnderstanding the difference between relative risks and odds ratios and when and how to use them may aid clinical interpretation, dissemination and translation of research findings.
The ‘Parma‐Early Psychosis’ programme: Characterization of help‐seekers with first episode psychosis
Authors: Landi Giulia , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Azzali Silvia , Pellegrini Clara , Pellegrini Pietro , Pelizza Lorenzo 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTAimResearch on early psychosis paradigm has demonstrated the importance of early intervention (EI) in reducing illness severity and persistence. From January 2013, the Parma Department of Mental Health developed a specific care pathway [the ‘Parma‐Early Psychosis’ (Pr‐EP) programme] as a diffused EI infrastructure aimed to offer an evidence‐based protocol of care to help‐seekers with a first episode psychosis (FEP). Aim of this study was to investigate sources of referral, drop‐out rate, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the Pr‐EP programme during the first 6 years of activity.MethodsParticipants (n = 279) were individuals (aged 12‐54 years) completing an ad‐hoc socio‐demographic/clinical schedule.ResultsAt baseline, the most frequent diagnoses were schizophreniform disorder (30.5%) and schizophrenia (29.4%). Only 31 (11.1%) subjects dropped out during the first year of treatment. FEP participants were mainly referred by general practitioners (36.9%) and emergency room/general hospital (28.7%). FEP individuals who were referred by emergency room/general hospital showed a higher percentage of current suicidal ideation compared to those entering the Pr‐EP protocol through other sources of referrals.ConclusionsEI in FEP help‐seekers within Italian public mental health services is feasible and desirable, also in adolescence, where the risk of falling through the child‐adult service gap is high.
Androgens stimulate erythropoiesis through the DNA‐binding activity of the androgen receptor in non‐hematopoietic cells
Authors: McManus Julie F. , Nguyen Nhu‐Y N. , Davey Rachel A. , MacLean Helen E. , Pomilio Giovanna , McCormack Matthew P. , Chiu Wan Sze , Wei Andrew H. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Curtis David J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAndrogens function through DNA and non‐DNA binding‐dependent signalling of the androgen receptor (AR). How androgens promote erythropoiesis is not fully understood.Design and methodsTo identify the androgen signalling pathway, we treated male mice lacking the second zinc finger of the DNA‐binding domain of the AR (ARΔZF2) with non‐aromatizable 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (5α‐DHT) or aromatizable testosterone. To distinguish direct hematopoietic and non‐hematopoietic mechanisms, we performed bone marrow reconstitution experiments.ResultsIn wild‐type mice, 5α‐DHT had greater erythroid activity than testosterone, which can be aromatized to estradiol. The erythroid response in wild‐type mice following 5α‐DHT treatment was associated with increased serum erythropoietin (EPO) and its downstream target erythroferrone, and hepcidin suppression. 5α‐DHT had no erythroid activity in ARΔZF2 mice, proving the importance of DNA binding by the AR. Paradoxically, testosterone, but not 5α‐DHT, suppressed EPO levels in ARΔZF2 mice, suggesting testosterone following aromatization may oppose the erythroid‐stimulating effects of androgens. Female wild‐type mice reconstituted with ARΔZF2 bone marrow cells remained responsive to 5α‐DHT. In contrast, ARΔZF2 mice reconstituted with female wild‐type bone marrow cells showed no response to 5α‐DHT.ConclusionErythroid promoting effects of androgens are mediated through DNA binding‐dependent actions of the AR in non‐hematopoietic cells, including stimulating EPO expression.
On religious and cultural objects: Articulate and inarticulate bodies in Spinoza's philosophy of nature
Authors: Thomas Christopher 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSpinoza's philosophy is often overlooked when it comes to thinking about matters concerning art and culture. While recent work has done much to address this, his philosophy remains ambiguously related to the theorisation of things such as temples, poems, and paintings. This article argues that it is by turning to Spinoza's theorisation of the sacred in the Theological‐Political Treatise, that we can best derive his philosophical position on culture and its objects. I argue that Spinoza locates the sanctity of a religious object–what he calls its “articulateness”–in its particular use‐relation with a people. In a similar manner, Spinoza locates the “meaning” and articulateness of words in the use that people make of them, thereby secularising the sanctification process for cultural objects. I argue that this relation of “use” between cultural‐religious objects and human beings and their societies is the way in which we can best discern Spinoza's philosophical position regarding art and culture, as well as further develop his potential contribution to cultural and art theory.
Emotional experience in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hälbig T. D. , Wüstenberg T. , Giess R. M. , Kunte H. , Bellmann‐Strobl J. , Ruprecht K. , Paul F. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeEvidence suggests that there are changes in the processing of emotional information (EP) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear which functional domains of EP are affected, whether these changes are secondary to other MS‐related neuropsychological or psychiatric symptoms and if EP changes are present in early MS. The aim of the study was to investigate EP in patients with early MS (clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing/remitting MS) and healthy controls (HCs).MethodsA total of 29 patients without neuropsychological or psychiatric deficits and 29 matched HCs were presented with pictures from the International Affective Picture System with negative, positive or neutral content. Participants rated the induced emotion regarding valence and arousal using nine‐level Likert scales. A speeded recognition test assessed memory for the emotional stimuli and for the emotional modulation of response time. A subgroup of participants was tested during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session.ResultsPatients in the MRI subgroup rated the experience induced by pictures with positive or negative emotional content significantly more weakly than HCs. Further, these patients were significantly less aroused when watching the pictures from the International Affective Picture System. There were no effects in the non‐MRI subgroup or effects on emotional memory or response times.ConclusionsEmotional processing changes may be present in early MS in the form of flattened emotional experience on both the valence and arousal dimensions. These changes do not appear to be secondary to neuropsychological or psychiatric deficits. The fact that emotional flattening was only found in the MRI setting suggests that EP changes may be unmasked within stressful environments and points to the potential yet underestimated impact of the MRI setting on behavioral outcomes.
Late drug‐resistance in mild MTLE: Can it be influenced by preexisting white matter alterations?
Authors: Labate Angelo , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Fortunato Francesco , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Aguglia Umberto , Gambardella Antonio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo identify early structural alterations preceding the development of drug‐resistance in mild mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mMTLE), a drug‐responsive syndrome ideal for investigating epilepsy pathophysiology and potential prognostic markers of long‐term clinical outcome, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 12‐year follow‐up.MethodsSince 2002, a total of 55 participants with a baseline diagnosis of mMTLE underwent three‐dimensional (3D) T1 1.5T MRI. Based on long‐term outcome (follow‐up 12 ± 3 years), we identified 39 patients with stable mMTLE (smMTLE) and 16 patients who had developed drug‐resistance overtime (refractory MTLE [rMTLE]). At follow‐up, 21 smMTLE and 13 rMTLE patients underwent 3T‐MRI including diffusion‐weighted scans. Structural images were processed using longitudinal voxel‐based morphometry and standard Freesurfer analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out accounting for age, age at onset, gender, hippocampal volume, and hippocampal sclerosis (Hs).ResultsPatients presented similar demographic, clinical, and Hs features. White matter volume of the arcuate fasciculi, corticospinal tracts, left retrosplenial cingulum, and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus was reduced only in rMTLE patients before the development of drug‐resistance. At follow‐up, rMTLE showed decreased fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum, superior longitudinal fasciculi, and major bundles of the right hemisphere.SignificanceWhite matter temporal and extratemporal abnormalities are preexisting in patients with mild MTLE who will develop drug‐resistance, independently from the presence of Hs. Thus, these changes might be due to an inherited genetic alteration rather than a subordinate worsening after repeated seizures, multiple antiepileptic drugs, or initial precipitating factors.
No evidence for memory retention of a learned association between a cue and roost quality after hibernation in free‐ranging bats
Authors: Hernández‐Montero Jesús R. , Schöner Caroline R. , Kerth Gerald 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHibernation is a physiological adaptation that allows animals to survive adverse environmental conditions. A commonly assumed cost of hibernation is impaired memory retention. So far, however, the effects of hibernation on memory retention have been assessed on only a few behavioral tasks, and exclusively under laboratory conditions. Taking advantage of the longevity and strict colony fidelity of female Bechstein's bats, we were able to evaluate memory retention in the same individuals over two consecutive summers in the field. We used a pairwise roost choice experiment with automatic monitoring of RFID‐tagged bats. Roosts’ suitability as day roost was associated with a distinctive external echo‐acoustic cue. Experiments were separated by a natural hibernation period of eight months. We determined associative learning and memory retention by comparing the bats’ proportion of visits to suitable roosts within and between breeding seasons, respectively. During the first breeding season, bats quickly learned to associate the suitable roosts with their external cue. After hibernating, we found no evidence that individuals remembered the association between the roosts’ suitability and their respective external cue, suggesting a lack of memory retention. Nevertheless, bats quickly re‐learned the same association during the second breeding season, emphasizing the high behavioral flexibility of Bechstein's bats.