bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon flux from decomposing wood and its dependency on temperature, wood N2 fixation rate, moisture and fungal composition in a Norway spruce forest
Authors: Rinne‐Garmston Katja T. , Peltoniemi Krista , Chen Janet , Peltoniemi Mikko , Fritze Hannu , Mäkipää Raisa 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobally 40–70 Pg of carbon (C) are stored in coarse woody debris on the forest floor. Climate change may reduce the function of this stock as a C sink in the future due to increasing temperature. However, current knowledge on the drivers of wood decomposition is inadequate for detailed predictions. To define the factors that control wood respiration rate of Norway spruce and to produce a model that adequately describes the decomposition process of this species as a function of time, we used an unprecedentedly diverse analytical approach, which included measurements of respiration, fungal community sequencing, N2 fixation rate, nifH copy number, 14C‐dating as well as N%, δ13C and C% values of wood. Our results suggest that climate change will accelerate C flux from deadwood in boreal conditions, due to the observed strong temperature dependency of deadwood respiration. At the research site, the annual C flux from deadwood would increase by 27% from the current 117 g C/kg wood with the projected climate warming (RCP4.5). The second most important control on respiration rate was the stage of wood decomposition; at early stages of decomposition low nitrogen content and low wood moisture limited fungal activity while reduced wood resource quality decreased the respiration rate at the final stages of decomposition. Wood decomposition process was best described by a Sigmoidal model, where after 116 years of wood decomposition mass loss of 95% was reached. Our results on deadwood decomposition are important for C budget calculations in ecosystem and climate change models. We observed for the first time that the temperature dependency of N2 fixation, which has a major role at providing N for wood‐inhabiting fungi, was not constant but varied between wood density classes due to source supply and wood quality. This has significant consequences on projecting N2 fixation rates for deadwood in changing climate.
Silage fermentation, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of king grass, cassava foliage and their mixture
Authors: Li Mao , Zi Xuejuan , Tang Jun , Zhou Hanlin , Cai Yimin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn order to improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of king grass (KG) by using available local feed resources, silages were prepared using KG, KG supplemented with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% fresh cassava foliage (CF), and CF. Their fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation were examined after 30 days of ensiling. The results showed that CF silage contained 22.67% crude protein (CP) and 41.19% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) per dry matter (DM), while KG silage contained 8.36% CP and 60.44% NDF, indicating that KG silage had poor fermentation quality and low ruminal degradability. In addition, silage prepared with increased CF content had increased lactic acid, ether extract (EE), CP contents and relative feed value (p < 0.05), decreased butyric acid, NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents (p < 0.05) and increased ruminal degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). The results confirmed that CF supplementation could improve fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of mixed silage, and the optimal ratio of CF to KG for mixed silage was 50:50.
Meta‐analysis of three‐in‐one single capsule bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Nyssen Olga P. , McNicholl Adrian G. , Gisbert Javier P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundBismuth‐containing quadruple therapy has been suggested as first‐line and rescue alternative for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Our objective was to perform a meta‐analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of single capsule Pylera® (bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline) plus a proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) in any line of treatment.MethodsStudies were selected up to October 2018. Outcomes were eradication and adverse events (AEs) rates pooled using the generic inverse variance method.ResultsIn total, 30 studies (6482 patients) were included in the systematic review. The intention‐to‐treat (ITT) efficacy was 90% (95% CI: 87%‐92%, 21 studies, I2 = 88%) in first‐line therapy, 89% (95% CI: 86%‐93%, 12 studies, I2 = 78%) in second‐line and 82% (95% CI: 78%‐87%, nine studies, I2 = 60%) in third‐line; with no differences by the type or dosage of PPI used. For metronidazole‐resistant infection, the ITT efficacy as first‐line therapy was 93% (95% CI: 90%‐96%, six studies, I2 = 0%). In second‐line therapies where patients had been previously treated with clarithromycin, the ITT efficacy was 90% (95% CI: 87%‐93%, 11 studies, I2 = 78%). The overall incidence of AEs was 43% (95% CI: 35%‐50%, 24 studies, I2 = 92%) and they were mostly mild. In nearly 3% of the cases, treatment was interrupted due to AEs.ConclusionsA 10‐day treatment with Pylera® achieved an effective eradication rate of approximately 90% both in first‐ and second‐line therapy. This applies regardless of the type and dose of the PPI, in patients with clarithromycin‐ or metronidazole‐resistant strains, and in those previously treated with clarithromycin.
Developing education materials for caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse patients: Insights from a qualitative analysis of caregivers' needs, access and understanding of information
Authors: Schaffler Jamie L. , Tremblay Sarah , Laizner Andréa M. , Lambert Sylvie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the information needs of caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, and how they access and understand health information related to the management of their care person's chronic illness(es).BackgroundCaregivers of CALD patients experience greater unmet needs compared to the general caregiver population. They experience many challenges in identifying resources and accessing formal supports to aid in self‐management behaviours.MethodsEleven caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Québec, Canada. Consenting caregivers participated in one face‐to‐face or phone interview. A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to identify themes.ResultsCaregivers described a “village” approach to caregiving in which more than one individual was involved in patient care. The specific roles ascribed to caregivers defined their information needs. Caregivers described two categories of information needs: perceived and unperceived. Perceived information needs were explicit, and centred on the medical management of illnesses. Unperceived needs were unrecognized knowledge gaps that emerged during interviews and focused on self‐care.ConclusionAlthough caregivers' perceived needs are often met, their unperceived needs remain unmet. Health‐care providers should perform need assessments to identify caregivers' unperceived needs, with the aims of providing culturally competent care and ongoing support.
Should businesses use religious cues in advertising? A comparison of consumer perceptions across Christianity and Islam
Authors: Zehra Saman , Minton Elizabeth 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhile religious cues are used in advertising efforts, research has yet to adequately understand perceived motives behind such religious cue use and how this influences consumers’ evaluations of a brand. Thus, this research addresses this gap through two studies examining cue measures, businesses’ motives for using cues, consumer affect, and brand evaluations. Specifically, Study 1 (an exploratory study) explores evaluations and associations evoked by religious cues representative of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Study 2 narrows down the focus to Christianity and Islam to probe the outcome of religious cue use on businesses employing them in their advertisements. Specifically, Study 2 finds that consumers perceive businesses’ motives behind religious cue use as primarily trying to reach a specific target market but also as trying to witness and communicating reverence to God. Surprisingly, religious cue condition (Christian, Muslim, or none) did not directly influence business evaluations. Further analysis revealed that when affect toward the ad with religious cue was included in the model, that Muslim cue condition had a significant influence on affect, and such affect significantly influenced business evaluations. Interestingly, no similar effect could be established for the Christian condition. Discussion builds on the theory of visual rhetoric. Implications for marketing practice are also provided. The studies are limited by data collection only in the United States.
Airway macrophages as the guardians of tissue repair in the lung
Authors: Puttur Franz , Gregory Lisa G , Lloyd Clare M 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe lungs present a challenging immunological dilemma for the host. Anatomically positioned at the environmental interface, they are constantly exposed to antigens, pollutants and microbes, while simultaneously facilitating vital gas exchange. Remarkably, the lungs maintain a functionally healthy state, ignoring harmless inhaled proteins, adapting to toxic environmental insults and limiting immune responses to allergens and pathogenic microbes. This functional strategy of environmental adaptation maintains immune defense, reduces tissue damage, and promotes and sustains lung immune tolerance. At steady state, airway macrophages produce low levels of cytokines, and suppress the induction of innate and adaptive immunity. These cells are primary initiators of lung innate immunity and possess high phagocytic activity to clear particulate antigens and apoptotic cell debris from the airways to regulate the response to infection and inflammation. In response to epithelial injury, resident and recruited macrophages drive tissue repair. In this review, we will focus on the functional importance of macrophages in tissue homeostasis and inflammation in the lung and highlight how environmental cues alter the plasticity and function of lung airway macrophages. We will also discuss mechanisms employed by pulmonary macrophages to promote resolution of tissue inflammation, and how and when this balance is perturbed, they contribute to pathological remodeling in acute and chronic infections and diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Higher levels of B‐cell mutation in the early germinal centres of an inefficient secondary antibody response to a variant influenza haemagglutinin
Authors: Tennant Richard K. , Holzer Barbara , Love John , Tchilian Elma , White Harry N. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryDesigning improved vaccines against mutable viruses such as dengue and influenza would be helped by a better understanding of how the B‐cell memory compartment responds to variant antigens. Towards this we have recently shown, after secondary immunization of mice with a widely variant dengue virus envelope protein with only 63% amino acid identity, that IgM+ memory B cells with few mutations supported an efficient secondary germinal centre (GC) and serum response, superior to a primary response to the same protein. Here, further investigation of memory responses to variant proteins, using more closely related influenza virus haemagglutinins (HA) that were 82% identical, produced a variant‐induced boost response in the GC dominated by highly mutated B cells that failed, not efficiently improving serum avidity even in the presence of extra adjuvant, and that was worse than a primary response. This supports a hypothesis that over a certain level of antigenic differences, cross‐reactive memory B‐cell populations have reduced competency for affinity maturation. Combined with our previous observations, these findings also provide new parameters of success and failure in antibody memory responses.
On secular stagnation and low interest rates: Demography matters
Authors: Ferrero Giuseppe , Gross Marco , Neri Stefano 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNominal and real interest rates in advanced economies have been declining since the mid‐1980s and reached historically low levels after the outbreak of the global financial crisis. Understanding why interest rates have fallen is of utmost importance for monetary policy. This paper focuses on one of the factors contained within the ‘secular stagnation’ view: adverse demographic developments. The empirical analysis shows that these developments have exerted a downward pressure on real interest rates in the euro area in the last decade. Building on the projections of the dependency ratios produced by the European Commission, we show that the foreseen changes in the age composition of the population may continue exerting downward pressure on real interest rates.
Extended surgical safety margins and ulceration are associated with an improved prognosis in pleomorphic dermal sarcomas
Authors: Persa O.D. , Loquai C. , Wobser M. , Baltaci M. , Dengler S. , Kreuter A. , Volz A. , Laimer M. , Emberger M. , Doerler M. , Mauch C. , Helbig D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPleomorphic dermal sarcomas (PDS) are frequent UV‐induced sarcomas of the skin of intermediate grade malignant potential. Despite the fact that PDS have a noteworthy potential to recur (up to 28%) as well as to metastasize (up to 20%), there are no specific clinical guidelines with respect to follow‐up these patients. Moreover, little is known about clinical, histological or molecular prognostic factors in PDS.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify risk factors to predict relapse in a large multicentre sample cohort of PDS which could aid to optimize personalized treatment recommendations regarding surgical safety margins and adjuvant radiotherapy.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of PDS were selected from nine European institutions based on the histopathologic criteria described by Fletcher. Clinicopathologic and follow‐up data were collected and statistically analysed calculating univariate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals by use of the Cox proportional‐hazards model and a significance level of P < 0.05. Patients with an incomplete excision of the tumour were excluded.ResultsUnivariate Cox regression analysis of possible prognostic factors for progression‐free survival (PFS) performed in 92 patients revealed that an excision margin of <2 cm is significantly associated with relapse of PDS [hazard ratio 4.478 (95% CI 1.536–13.055), P = 0.006]. Ulceration of the tumour was associated with a significantly better prognosis [0.396 (0.174–0.904), P = 0.028] whereas adjuvant radiotherapy did not reach statistical significance to improve prognosis in patients with PDS [0.775 (0.231–2.593), P = 0.679]. Gender, age, immunosuppression, intratumoural necrosis, tumour location, vertical thickness or horizontal diameter did not significantly influence PFS in PDS.ConclusionWe identified surgical safety margins of <2 cm and absence of ulceration as risk factors for relapse in patients with PDS. These findings may be implemented into both the primary treatment as well as the further monitoring of patients with PDS.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in dogs with stable or progressive kidney disease
Authors: Kim Yoojin M. , Polzin David J. , Rendahl Aaron , Granick Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundActive kidney injury may play a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in dogs. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), a novel tubular kidney injury biomarker, may help differentiate progressive CKD from stable CKD in dogs.ObjectivesTo determine if urinary NGAL : creatinine ratio (UNCR) differentiates stable and progressive CKD in dogs. We hypothesized that UNCR would be higher in dogs with progressive CKD versus stable CKD.AnimalsTwenty‐one healthy control dogs, 22 with prerenal azotemia, 19 with stable CKD, 30 with progressive CKD, and 27 with acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsProspective study. Azotemic (serum creatinine concentration >1.6 mg/dL) dogs or nonazotemic AKI dogs were enrolled and classified into 4 groups: (1) prerenal azotemia, (2) stable CKD, (3) progressive CKD, and (4) AKI. Urinary NGAL was measured by ELISA and UNCR compared among groups. Urine protein : creatinine ratio (UPC) in dogs with stable and progressive CKD was compared to UNCR for differentiating CKD groups.ResultsUNCR was significantly higher in dogs with progressive CKD than stable CKD. UNCR of the prerenal azotemia group was significantly lower than that of the progressive CKD and AKI groups. No significant difference was found in UNCR between stable CKD and prerenal azotemia groups. ROC curve analysis of UNCR for differentiating progressive CKD from stable CKD resulted in an AUC of 0.816 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.673‐0.959), greater than that of UPC (0.696; 95% CI, 0.529‐0.863).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUrinary NGAL could be helpful to predict the risk of progression in dogs with CKD.
The marrow stem cell niche in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Kaushansky Kenneth , Zhan Huichun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe hematopoietic niche is composed of endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells of several types, and megakaryocytes, and functions to support the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). An abundance of evidence from a range of hematological malignancies supports the concept that the niche also participates in the pathogenesis of malignant hematopoiesis, differentially supporting malignant stem or progenitor cells over that of normal blood cell development. In 2005, patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms were reported to harbor an acquired, activating, missense V617F mutation of the cytokine‐signaling Janus kinase (JAK)‐2, JAK2V617F, present in virtually all patients with polycythemia vera and half of patients with essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Using both in vitro and in vivo methods, several investigators have shown that in addition to driving cytokine‐independent proliferation in HSCs, JAK2V617F contributes to these neoplasms by altering the hematopoietic niche. The role of both endothelial cells and megakaryocytes bearing JAK2V617F will be presented, which involves altering cytokine production within the niche, resulting in their differential support of mutant kinase–bearing stem cells over their normal counterparts, and imparting relative radiation resistance to stem cells. The clinical correlates of these findings will be discussed, as will their therapeutic implications.
Tooth microwear and occlusal modes of euharamiyidans from the Jurassic Yanliao Biota reveal mosaic tooth evolution in Mesozoic allotherian mammals
Authors: Mao Fangyuan , Meng Jin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract‘Haramiyidans’ are extinct mammaliaforms often clustered with Multituberculata as Allotheria, and with a fossil record extending from the Upper Triassic to possibly the Upper Cretaceous. For many decades, ‘haramiyidans’ were known only from isolated teeth, and their relationships to other mammaliaforms remain unclear. With the discovery of several euharamiyidans represented by skeletal specimens from the Jurassic Yanliao Biota, north‐western China, our knowledge of this group has significantly advanced. Nonetheless, much morphology, including dentition and occlusal patterns, has only been briefly described for most taxa, and phylogenetic reconstruction and interpretation of the biology of the group still remain unclear or controversial. Here we provide systematic descriptions of the dental wear of shenshouids (Qishou and Shenshou) from the Yanliao Biota. We reconstruct the occlusal mode of shenshouids and compare it with those of other taxa based on our observation of specimens of most known ‘haramiyidan’ taxa. Several occlusal patterns are recognized. In particular, that of Thomasia, Haramiyavia and Maiopatagium is similar to the multituberculate M1/m1 occlusal relationship and probably represents the primitive occlusal condition in ‘haramiyidans’. The occlusal mode of shenshouids resembles the multituberculate M2/m2 occlusion. The double‐engaged mode in Arboroharamiya and Vilevolodon, as well as that of Eleutherodon, represents a more advanced occlusal pattern. The diverse dental occlusions suggest diverse diet adaptations and resource partitioning from co‐existing taxa in the Jurassic forests; they also reflect mosaic evolutionary transformations and complicated phylogenetic relationships within the group. Some aspects of the dental evolution remain challenging and require further vigorous testing.
Urine metabolic profiles in paediatric asthma
Authors: Tao Jia‐Lei , Chen Yan‐Zhen , Dai Qi‐Gang , Tian Man , Wang Shou‐Chuan , Shan Jin‐Jun , Ji Jian‐Jian , Lin Li‐Li , Li Wei‐Wei , Yuan Bin 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveAsthma is a global problem and complex disease suited for metabolomic profiling. This study explored the candidate biomarkers specific to paediatric asthma and provided insights into asthmatic pathophysiology.MethodsChildren (aged 6–11 years) meeting the criteria for healthy control (n = 29), uncontrolled asthma (n = 37) or controlled asthma (n = 43) were enrolled. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed on urine samples of the patients to explore the different types of metabolite profile in paediatric asthma. Additionally, we employed a comprehensive strategy to elucidate the relationship between significant metabolites and asthma‐related genes.ResultsWe identified 51 differential metabolites mainly related to dysfunctional amino acid, carbohydrate and purine metabolism. A combination of eight candidate metabolites, including uric acid, stearic acid, threitol, acetylgalactosamine, heptadecanoic acid, aspartic acid, xanthosine and hypoxanthine (adjusted P < 0.05 and fold‐change >1.5 or <0.67), showed excellent discriminatory performance for the presence of asthma and the differentiation of poor‐controlled or well‐controlled asthma, and area under the curve values were >0.97 across groups. Enrichment analysis based on these targets revealed that the Fc receptor, intracellular steroid hormone receptor signalling pathway, DNA damage and fibroblast proliferation were involved in inflammation, immunity and stress‐related biological progression of paediatric asthma.ConclusionMetabolomic analysis of patient urine combined with network‐biology approaches allowed discrimination of asthma profiles and subtypes according to the metabolic patterns. The results provided insight into the potential mechanism of paediatric asthma.