bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adding ecological and evolutionary processes to restoration biodiversity offset models using neutral theory
Authors: Buschke Falko T. , Sinclair Samuel P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimBiodiversity offsets are being implemented or planned across all continents and biogeographical realms. Due to their popularity, new offset projects have developed faster than empirical evidence of their ecological effectiveness, so policy has been informed by quantitative models. However, these models have yet to incorporate ecological and evolutionary processes, which vary globally. Here we use the unified neutral theory of biodiversity to integrate speciation and dispersal into models of restoration biodiversity offsets.LocationA simulated one‐dimensional circular landscape.MethodsWe designed a simulation framework based on neutral theory that allowed us to compare restoration biodiversity offsets under various scenarios of speciation, dispersal and offset implementation: no offsets, passive restoration and translocation. This approach allowed us to evaluate time series of multiple metrics of biodiversity (richness, evenness and community similarity) at different spatial scales (patch and landscape), which were then compared using model‐based recursive partitioning.ResultsThe choice of offset implementation was the main determinant of successful offset outcomes; translocation consistently had the best outcomes. Passive restoration only improved offset outcomes for systems with high speciation rates. Speciation and dispersal mainly played a secondary role in offset outcomes, with dispersal only affecting offset outcomes at landscape scales. Outcomes also varied across different metrics of biodiversity, with species richness and evenness showing opposing trajectories for some scenarios.Main conclusionsAlthough ecological and evolutionary processes affect biodiversity offset outcomes, the type of offset implementation remains the most important determinant of offset success. This emphasizes the development—and effective implementation—of robust offset policies and guidelines that include active translocation and demand more than just passive restoration.
In the dental implant era, why do we still bother saving teeth?
Authors: Clark Danielle , Levin Liran 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTeeth are vital sensory organs that contribute to our daily activities of living. Unfortunately, teeth can be lost for several reasons including trauma, caries, and periodontal disease. Although dental trauma injuries and caries are more frequently encountered in a younger population, tooth loss because of periodontal disease occurs in the older population. In the dental implant era, the trend sometimes seems to be to extract compromised teeth and replace them with dental implants. However, the long‐term prognosis of teeth might not be comparable with the prognosis of dental implants. Complications, failures, and diseases such as peri‐implantitis are not uncommon, and, despite popular belief, implants are not 99% successful. Other treatment options that aim to save compromised or diseased teeth such as endodontic treatment, periodontal treatment, intentional replantation, and autotransplantation should be considered on an individual basis. These treatments have competing success rates to dental implants but, more importantly, retain the natural tooth in the dentition for a longer period of time. These options are important to discuss in detail during treatment planning with patients in order to clarify any misconceptions about teeth and dental implants. In the event a tooth does have to be extracted, procedures such as decoronation and orthodontic extrusion might be useful to preserve hard and soft tissues for future dental implant placement. Regardless of the treatment modality, it is critical that strict maintenance and follow‐up protocols are implemented and that treatment planning is ethically responsible and evidence based.
Prospective evaluation of minimal residual disease monitoring to predict prognosis of adult patients with Ph‐negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Nagafuji Koji , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Eto Tetsuya , Ogawa Ryosuke , Okumura Hirokazu , Takase Ken , Kawano Noriaki , Miyazaki Yasuhiko , Fujisaki Tomoaki , Wake Atsushi , Ohno Yuju , Kurokawa Toshiro , Kamimura Tomohiko , Takamatsu Yasushi , Yokota Shouhei , Akashi Koichi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated whether minimal residual disease (MRD) status in adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is useful for decision on clinical indications for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).MethodsWe prospectively monitored MRD after induction and consolidation therapy in adult patients with Ph‐negative ALL.ResultsAmong 103 adult ALL patients enrolled, 59 were Ph‐negative, and MRD status was assessed in 51 patients. The probability of 3‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) was 69% (95%CI 54‐80) and 50% (95%CI 36‐63), respectively. Patients who were MRD‐negative after induction therapy (n = 15) had a significantly better 3‐year DFS compared with those who were MRD‐positive (n = 30; 73% vs 41%, P = 0.018). Patients who were MRD‐positive after induction but became MRD‐negative after consolidation chemotherapy C in the first course (n = 11) showed a significantly worse 3‐year DFS compared with patients who were MRD‐negative after induction chemotherapy A in the first course (45% vs 73%, P = 0.025).ConclusionsThese results indicate that DFS of about 70% can be expected in MRD‐negative patients after induction therapy, and the patients did not benefit from HSCT in 1CR. This study was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN‐CTR), number UMIN000001519.
Soil microbiome mediates positive plant diversity‐productivity relationships in late successional grassland species
Authors: Wang Guangzhou , Schultz Peggy , Tipton Alice , Zhang Junling , Zhang Fusuo , Bever James D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWhich processes drive the productivity benefits of biodiversity remain a critical, but unanswered question in ecology. We tested whether the soil microbiome mediates the diversity‐productivity relationships among late successional plant species. We found that productivity increased with plant richness in diverse soil communities, but not with low‐diversity mixtures of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or in pasteurised soils. Diversity‐interaction modelling revealed that pairwise interactions among species best explained the positive diversity‐productivity relationships, and that transgressive overyielding resulting from positive complementarity was only observed with the late successional soil microbiome, which was both the most diverse and exhibited the strongest community differentiation among plant species. We found evidence that both dilution/suppression from host‐specific pathogens and microbiome‐mediated resource partitioning contributed to positive diversity‐productivity relationships and overyielding. Our results suggest that re‐establishment of a diverse, late successional soil microbiome may be critical to the restoration of the functional benefits of plant diversity following anthropogenic disturbance.
Clinical spectrum of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Kuo Y.‐C. , Lin C.‐H. 
Published: May 2019

Background and purposeHigh levels of autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD‐abs) are associated with stiff‐person syndrome (SPS). However, the full clinical spectrum associated withGAD‐abs in Asians is unclear. The clinical and immunological features of patients positive forGAD‐abs were reviewed in a large Taiwanese series.MethodsRetrospective case series and immunological investigations were conducted between July 2007 and July 2017 at a tertiary referral centre in Taiwan. Amongst 361 patients withGAD‐ab reactivity, 185 with detailed clinical records were included.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (14.59%), with a mean age at assessment of 54.8 ± 13.9 years, presented with neurological symptoms. The major neurological presentations (meanGAD‐ab concentrations) wereSPS(n = 9, 33.3%; 135.45 ± 27.84 U/ml), cerebellar ataxia (n = 3, 11.1%; 95.61 ± 49.63 U/ml), encephalopathy (n = 2, 7.4%; 51.8 ± 49.64 U/ml) and epilepsy (n = 1, 3.7%; 83.3 U/ml). Notably, eight patients fulfilling the clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy had relatively lowerGAD‐ab concentrations (2.57 ± 0.82 U/ml), which has not been reported previously. There was no correlation between disease severity andGAD‐ab concentration. Patients presenting with comorbid endocrinopathies (n = 15, 55.5%) had higherGAD‐ab concentrations than those without endocrinopathies (n = 12, 44.4%; 104.45 ± 22.51 U/ml vs. 34.08 ± 21.83 U/ml,P = 0.04). Of 158 patients (85.4%) without a neurological presentation, 133 had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 20 had diabetes of other aetiologies (type 2 or gestational diabetes mellitus, or diabetes secondary to pancreatitis); the remaining four patients had pure thyroid disorders.ConclusionsA clinical and immunological evaluation of East Asian patients positive forGAD‐abs is presented and a different clinical spectrum of anti‐GADsyndrome is identified compared to Caucasians.
Clinical efficacy of bronchodilators in equine asthma: Looking for minimal important difference
Authors: Calzetta L. , Crupi R. , Roncada P. , Pistocchini E. , di Cave D. , Rossi I. , Cito G. , Jacobson G. A. , Britti D. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundAirway obstruction is the main trait of severe equine asthma that affects respiratory function and elicits detrimental effects on clinical presentation. Only few and underpowered clinical studies have investigated the impact of improvement in lung function induced by bronchodilators on the clinical signs of asthma‐affected horses.ObjectivesTo identify the minimal important difference (MID) in lung function elicited by bronchodilator leading to a meaningful improvement in clinical signs.Study designPairwise meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis.MethodsLiterature searches were performed for studies that investigated the effect of bronchodilator therapy on lung function and clinical condition of asthmatic horses. The relationship between the change in lung function variables and clinical score was analysed via random‐effect meta‐regression. One‐point change of the Improved clinically Detectable Equine Asthma Scoring System (IDEASS) score was used to identify the MID.ResultsA significant (P<0.05) relationship was found between the changes in IDEASS score and maximum change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPplmax) or pulmonary resistance (RL). Since only the model resulting for RLpassed through the origin (Y‐intercept when X = 0: −0.31, 95% CI −0.75 to 0.14), this variable was used to identify the MID correlated with a meaningful improvement in clinical signs. The resulting MID value was a change in RLof 0.63 cm H2O/L/s (95% CI 0.33–0.94), representing the slope of meta‐regression model (high quality of evidence).Main limitationsNo long‐term studies investigated the effect of bronchodilator agents on both lung function and clinical signs in asthmatic horses.ConclusionsIn conclusion, bronchodilator pharmacotherapy in equine asthma elicits clinically meaningful effect when RLincreases ≥1 cm H2O/L/s, a value indicating the MID. Assessing the MID based on change in RLmay improve the quality of evidence and the scientific impact of future clinical trials as it extends beyond the simple, and limiting, evaluation of statistical significance.
Flow‐mediated predator–prey dynamics influence fish populations in a tropical river
Authors: Turschwell Mischa P. , Stewart‐Koster Ben , King Alison J. , Pusey Brad , Crook David , Boone Edward , Douglas Michael , Allsop Quentin , Jackson Sue , Kennard Mark J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPredator–prey interactions are an inherently local‐scale phenomenon, but the intensity of these interactions can be mediated by abiotic conditions that can exert a multi‐scaled influence through space and time. Understanding how multi‐scale abiotic factors may influence local‐scale biotic processes has proven challenging; however, the hierarchical nature of riverine flow regimes makes these environments an ideal setting to test how predator–prey relationships may vary with multi‐scaled flow variation.We developed a series of Bayesian hierarchical models to explore how predator–prey relationships between barramundiLates calcariferand their prey may be influenced by multi‐scaled flow variables in the Daly River, northern Australia.We found that spatio‐temporal variation in barramundi abundance was strongly related to both antecedent flow and the abundance of prey fishes (predictiver2 = 0.57), and that barramundi abundance is more likely to be influenced by bottom‐up, rather than top‐down predator–prey dynamics. We also found that the strength and direction of these relationships varied across the catchment and between seasons. We found stronger, positive relationships between barramundi abundance and prey abundance in the most downstream sites with higher mean annual flows, compared to upstream sites.These results indicate that the abundance of predatory fishes can be related to both recent abiotic (flow) conditions and the abundance of prey (biotic conditions), and provides strong support for the importance of bottom‐up trophic dynamics. Management of iconic predators such as barramundi should therefore consider both flow management and other key factors such as habitat maintenance to support their prey.
Spleen stiffness by 2‐D shear wave elastography is the most accurate predictor of high‐risk esophagogastric varices in children with biliary atresia
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Ishigami Masatoshi , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Ishizu Yoji , Ito Takanori , Hirooka Yoshiki , Tanaka Yujiro , Tainaka Takahisa , Shirota Chiyoe , Chiba Kosuke , Uchida Hiroo , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: May 2019

AimEsophagogastric variceal hemorrhage is a cause of poor prognosis in patients with biliary atresia (BA). To prevent variceal hemorrhage, simple and reliable screening methods for high‐risk esophagogastric varices (HR‐EGV) are needed. We evaluated the efficacy of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) as measured by 2‐D shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE), which was reported to be more accurate than transient elastography, for detecting HR‐EGV in children with BA.MethodsThirty‐four children with BA were enrolled. Both LS and SS were measured by 2D‐SWE. The presence of large esophageal varices or esophageal varices of any size with red wale marking and/or the presence of gastric varices along the cardia were defined as HR‐EGV. Clinical data were collected and previously reported prediction indices for varices were calculated.ResultsLiver stiffness and SS were obtained from all patients. Fourteen patients showed HR‐EGV. Significantly different variables between patients with and without HR‐EGV were as follows: spleen diameter (116 mm vs. 95 mm), clinical prediction rule (104.7 vs. 124.7), King's variceal prediction score (78.8 vs. 99.4), aspartic aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (2.03 vs. 0.98), LS (2.63 m/s vs. 1.87 m/s), and SS (4.44 m/s vs. 3.69 m/s). The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting HR‐EGV was that for SS (0.900), and the cut‐off SS of 4.12 m/s yielded 92.9% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The intraclass correlation coefficient for intra‐observer reproducibility was 0.828.ConclusionsSpleen stiffness from 2D‐SWE offered the most accurate predictor of HR‐EGV in BA children.
How can we support children, adolescents and young adults in managing chronic health challenges? A scoping review on the effects of patient education interventions
Authors: Stenberg Una , Haaland‐Øverby Mette , Koricho Absera Teshome , Trollvik Anne , Kristoffersen Liv‐Grethe Rajka , Dybvig Stine , Vågan André 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis scoping review aims to give a comprehensive and systematic overview of published evaluations and the potential impact of patient education interventions for children, adolescents and young adults who are living with chronic illness and/or impairment loss.MethodsRelevant literature published between 2008 and 2018 has been comprehensively reviewed, with attention paid to variations in study, intervention and patient characteristics. Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping studies guided the review process, and thematic analysis was undertaken to synthesize extracted data.ResultsOf the 7214 titles identified, 69 studies were included in this scoping review. Participant‐reported benefits of the interventions included less distress from symptoms, improved medical adherence and/or less use of medication, and improved knowledge. The majority of studies measuring physical activity and/or physiologic outcomes found beneficial effects. Interventions were also beneficial in terms of decreased use of urgent health care, hospitalization, visits to general practitioner and absence from school. By sharing experiences, participants had learned from each other and attained new insight on how they could manage illness‐related challenges.DiscussionStudy results corroborate previous research suggesting that different types of patient education interventions have a positive impact on children, adolescents and young adults, but research on this field is still in a starting phase. The results summed up in the current review supports the utility of patient education interventions that employ behavioural strategies tailored to the developmental needs of children, adolescents and young adults with different cultural backgrounds.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in a doctoral research project exploring self‐harm in older adults
Authors: Troya M. Isabela , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Babatunde Opeyemi , Bartlam Bernadette , Higginbottom Adele , Dikomitis Lisa 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe contribution of involving patients and public in health research is widely reported, particularly within mental health research. Less is written about such contributions to doctoral research. The research focus of this doctoral research, self‐harm in older adults, was put forward by a Patient Public Involvement Engagement (PPIE) group, who contributed to its development.AimsCritically reflect on the process, potential impact and identify challenges and opportunities in involving robust PPIE in a doctoral study.MethodsThree PPIE members contributed to a systematic review (SR) and a qualitative study through a series of four workshops to meet the aims of the study. PPIE contributed to developing the SR review questions, protocol, data analysis and dissemination of findings. For the qualitative study, they helped develop research questions, protocol, public‐facing documentation, recruitment strategies and data analysis. Involvement followed the GRIPP2‐SF reporting checklist.ResultsPPIE enhanced methodological rigour, data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of findings. Challenges included lack of ethical guidance, time‐related pressures and ensuring support for PPIE members. These were successfully managed through ongoing dialogue and regular communication.ConclusionsPPIE can enhance the quality and depth of doctoral research, as lived experiences shared by PPIE members add to research's components. Exposing early‐career researchers to PPIE can build research cultures sensitive to PPIE's potential contribution and develop the expertise needed to avoid tokenistic involvement. Capturing lay perspectives is essential in mental health research to ensure research findings are accessible and that findings inform clinical practice. However, clear guidance on the ethical dimensions to PPIE is needed.
Preparing for war in an interdependent world: German financial preparations before 1914
Authors: Mulligan William 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article examines German financial preparations for war. In the economically integrated world of Europe before 1914, war threatened to bring about a collapse in credit structures, undermining the war effort. States considered a range of measures to buttress confidence in credit and financial systems. In particular, this article focuses on the financial consequences of a war panic in the Moroccan crisis of 1911 and the German government's response to it.
Death in early America
Authors: Seeman Erik R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInterdisciplinary death studies was born in the 1970s amid critiques of the “high cost of dying” in the United States. In the field of history, this led to pioneering works that contrasted earlier, allegedly simple deathways with elaborate and expensive 20th‐century practices. But because the broader societal critiques were imagined to apply principally to the White middle class, this narrowed the scope of historical inquiry to Euro‐Americans. With the rise of Atlantic and Continental approaches to early American history in the 1990s, the history of death broadened to include American Indians and African Americans. Still, work remains to be done to bring those groups into the history of death in the 19th‐century United States.
Switching to dual antiretroviral regimens is associated with improvement or no changes in activation and inflammation markers in virologically suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients: the TRILOBITHE pilot study
Authors: Vallejo A , Molano MdC , Monsalvo‐Hernando M , Hernández‐Walias F , Fontecha‐Ortega M , Casado JL 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesWhile the use of dual antiretroviral therapies could reduce the toxicity of antiretroviral treatment in treatment‐experienced HIV‐1‐infected patients, it is crucial to know if reducing the number of drugs could lead to an adverse increase in inflammation and activation markers.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional pilot study conducted at the HIV‐1 Unit at the Tertiary University Hospital in Madrid, Spain, evaluating biomarkers of activation [interferon‐γ‐induced protein 10 (IP10), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and sCD163], inflammation [interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)], blood coagulation (d‐dimer), and immune response [interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐4] in three groups of suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients: patients continuing on triple therapy (26 patients), and patients who switched from triple to dual therapy, at 24 or 48 weeks after switching (13 and 36 patients, respectively).ResultsDemographic and immunovirological parameters were similar in the three groups of patients. IL‐6 and sCD14 levels were lower in patients at 48 weeks after switching to dual therapy compared with those found in patients who continued to receive triple therapy (P = 0.012 and P = 0.001, respectively), with no differences in the levels of the remaining biomarkers. Among patients with nadir CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL, sCD14 levels were lower in patients who had been on dual therapy for 48 weeks (14 patients) compared with those found in patients who received ongoing triple therapy (11 patients; P = 0.029), with no differences in the levels of the other biomarkers.ConclusionsHIV‐1‐infected patients receiving dual regimens showed similar or even lower levels of inflammatory and activation markers compared with those found in patients who received ongoing triple therapy. Of note, similar data were obtained in patients with low nadir CD4 count.