bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical inference for home range overlap
Authors: Winner Kevin , Noonan Michael J. , Fleming Christen H. , Olson Kirk A. , Mueller Thomas , Sheldon Daniel , Calabrese Justin M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDespite the routine nature of estimating overlapping space use in ecological research, to date no formal inferential framework for home range overlap has been available to ecologists. Part of this issue is due to the inherent difficulty of comparing the estimated home ranges that underpin overlap across individuals, studies, sites, species, and times. As overlap is calculated conditionally on a pair of home range estimates, biases in these estimates will propagate into biases in overlap estimates. Further compounding the issue of comparability in home range estimators is the historical lack of confidence intervals on overlap estimates. This means that it is not currently possible to determine if a set of overlap values is statistically different from one another.As a solution, we develop the first rigorous inferential framework for home range overlap. Our framework is based on the autocorrelated‐Kernel density estimation (AKDE) family of home range estimators, which correct for biases due to autocorrelation, small effective sample size, and irregular sampling in time. Collectively, these advances allow AKDE estimates to validly be compared even when sampling strategies differ. We then couple the AKDE estimates with a novel bias‐corrected Bhattacharyya coefficient (BC) to quantify overlap. Finally, we propagate uncertainty in the AKDE estimates through to overlap and thus are able to put confidence intervals on the BC point estimate.Using simulated data, we demonstrate how our inferential framework provides accurate overlap estimates, and reasonable coverage of the true overlap, even at small sample sizes. When applied to empirical data, we found that building an interaction network for Mongolian gazellesProcapra gutturosabased on all possible ties, vs. only those ties with statistical support, substantially influenced the network’s properties and any potential biological inferences derived from it.Our inferential framework permits researchers to calculate overlap estimates that can validly be compared across studies, sites, species, and times, and test whether observed differences are statistically meaningful. This method is available via theRpackagectmm.
Mixed states in bipolar and major depressive disorders: systematic review and quality appraisal of guidelines
Authors: Verdolini N. , Hidalgo‐Mazzei D. , Murru A. , Pacchiarotti I. , Samalin L. , Young A. H. , Vieta E. , Carvalho A. F. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThis systematic review provided a critical synthesis and a comprehensive overview of guidelines on the treatment of mixed states.MethodThe MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from inception to March 21st, 2018. International guidelines covering the treatment of mixed episodes, manic/hypomanic, or depressive episodes with mixed features were considered for inclusion. A methodological quality assessment was conducted with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation‐AGREE II.ResultsThe final selection yielded six articles. Despite their heterogeneity, all guidelines agreed in interrupting an antidepressant monotherapy or adding mood‐stabilizing medications. Olanzapine seemed to have the best evidence for acute mixed hypo/manic/depressive states and maintenance treatment. Aripiprazole and paliperidone were possible alternatives for acute hypo/manic mixed states. Lurasidone and ziprasidone were useful in acute mixed depression. Valproate was recommended for the prevention of new mixed episodes while lithium and quetiapine in preventing affective episodes of all polarities. Clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy were effective in refractory mixed episodes. The AGREE II overall assessment rate ranged between 42% and 92%, indicating different quality level of included guidelines.ConclusionThe unmet needs for the mixed symptoms treatment were associated with diagnostic issues and limitations of previous research, particularly for maintenance treatment.
Stress‐gradient hypothesis and plant distribution along ecotonal gradients
Authors: Casalini Ana I. , Bisigato Alejandro J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) predicts that, although facilitation and competition occur together, facilitative interactions will be more prevalent with increasing abiotic stress. In water‐limited ecosystems, support for the SGH has been controversial. Because of the relevance of ecotones to local and regional diversity and the susceptibility to disturbance of the species inhabiting them, these systems represent interesting opportunities to test the SGH. Our aim was to determine whether the spatial pattern of species distribution along an arid ecotone is consistent with the SGH. Vegetation surveys were performed along topographical gradients found between several palaeochannels and bars where two communities dominated by Chuquiraga avellanedae and Larrea divaricata coexist. Daily precipitation and soil water potential at three depths were measured at a palaeochannel and a bar. Univariate and bivariate distribution patterns were investigated by second‐order spatial analysis based on Ripley's K function in order to evaluate the possible existence of positive or negative interactions among plants. Soil water potential was higher at palaeochannels, indicating that a gradient of water stress exists between the palaeochannels and the bars. Whereas palaeochannels showed regularity among C. avellanedae individuals, bars showed aggregation among L. divaricata individuals and among both species. These results suggest a change in dominant interactions along the gradient from facilitative at the more xeric bars to more competitive at the relatively wetter palaeochannels in accordance with the stress‐gradient hypothesis.
Storage losses, liquidity constraints, and maize storage decisions in Benin
Authors: Kadjo Didier , Ricker‐Gilbert Jacob , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Shively Gerald , Baco Mohamed N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article estimates how storage losses from mold, insects, and other pests, combined with liquidity constraints, influence a smallholder farm household's decision to store maize on farm after harvest. We analyze panel data from 309 smallholders in Benin covering the 2011 and 2013 harvest seasons. Results suggest that smallholders are driven to sell at harvest time for different reasons, depending on their motivation for storing. In households that report direct consumption as their primary goal for storing maize, liquidity constraints, not storage losses, reduce the amount they store. In contrast, households that store maize with the intention of selling it later in the year appear unaffected by liquidity constraints. Instead, these households store less when they expect to lose more during storage. These results suggest that policies to provide liquidity will be more helpful in motivating storage among consumption‐oriented households. Households motivated to store for later sale will benefit from modern storage technologies that mitigate the operational costs associated with storage losses.
Abnormal lymphatic vessel development is associated with decreased decidual regulatory T cells in severe preeclampsia
Authors: Jung Yun Ji , Park Yejin , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Lee Hwa Jin , Kim Yoo‐Na , Lee JoonHo , Kim Young‐Han , Maeng Yong‐Sun , Kwon Ja‐Young 
Published: May 2018

ProblemThe lymphatic vasculature controls leukocytes trafficking and limits the adaptive immune response. In previous models of preeclampsia (PE), defective immune function caused by disruption of lymphangiogenesis was shown to be involved in the disease pathophysiology. Especially, the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Treg) at the maternal‐fetal interface may be one of the causes of severe PE. In particular, activation of Tregs to obtain immune tolerance requires adequate antigen presentation through the lymphatic system. We hypothesized that impaired lymphangiogenesis and imbalanced Tregs at the maternal‐fetal interface are associated with the pathophysiology of severe PE. However, the current research addressing this hypothesis is limited. Therefore, to compare differences in lymphangiogenesis in severe PE and normal conditions, we aimed to examine the location of lymphatics at the maternal‐fetal interface and to investigate the association between lymphangiogenesis and Tregs in severe PE.Method of StudyWe obtained entire uterus from normal pregnant mice. Placental and fetal membranes, including decidua, were obtained from 10 pregnant women with severe PE and 10 gestational age‐matched controls. Immunohistochemistry for LYVE1 was used to localize the distribution of lymphatic vessels and CD4, CD25, and FOXP3 for Treg.ResultsLYVE1‐positive vessels were present in the uterine wall of mice. LYVE1‐positive lymphatic vessels were localized on the human decidua. Tubular lymphatics were abundant in the control decidua, but significantly reduced in severe PE. Furthermore, lymphatic vessel density correlated with the number of decidual Tregs.ConclusionAbnormal decidual lymphangiogenesis is associated with reduced numbers of decidual Tregs in severe PE.
Getting What You Pay For: Children's Use of Market Norms to Regulate Exchanges
Authors: Echelbarger Margaret , Gelman Susan A. , Kalish Charles W. 
Published: May 2018

Children are sensitive to a number of considerations influencing distributions of resources, including equality, equity, and reciprocity. We tested whether children use a specific type of reciprocity norm—market norms—in which resources are distributed differentially based strictly on amount offered in return. In two studies, 195 children 5–10 years and 60 adults distributed stickers to friends offering same or different amounts of money. Overall, participants distributed more equally when offers were the same and more unequally when offers were different. Although sensitive to why friends offered different amounts of money, children increasingly incorporated market norms into their distributions with age, as the oldest children and adults distributed more to those offering more, irrespective of the reasons provided.
Sputum‐to‐serum hydrogen sulphide ratio as a novel biomarker of predicting future risks of asthma exacerbation
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Saito J. , Kikuchi M. , Uematsu M. , Fukuhara A. , Sato S. , Munakata M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundIncreased level of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in sputum is reported to be a new biomarker of neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic airway disorders. However, the relationship between H2S and disease activity remains unclear.ObjectiveWe investigated whether H2S levels could vary during different conditions in asthma.MethodH2S levels in sputum and serum were measured using a sulphide‐sensitive electrode in 47 stable asthmatic subjects (S‐BA), 21 uncontrolled asthmatic subjects (UC‐BA), 26 asthmatic subjects with acute exacerbation (AE‐BA) and 15 healthy subjects. Of these, H2S levels during stable, as well as exacerbation states, were obtained in 13 asthmatic subjects.ResultsSputum H2S levels were significantly higher in the AE‐BA subjects compared to the UC‐BA and healthy subjects (P < .05). However, serum H2S levels in the AE‐BA subjects were lower than in the S‐BA subjects (P < .001) and similar to those in healthy subjects. Thus, the sputum‐to‐serum ratio of H2S (H2S ratio) in the AE‐BA subjects was significantly higher than in the S‐BA, UC‐BA and healthy subjects (P < .05). Among all subjects, sputum H2S levels showed a trend to decrease with FEV1 %predicted and significantly positive correlations with sputum neutrophils (%), sputum IL‐8 and serum IL‐8. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that sputum H2S was independently associated with increased sputum neutrophils (%) and decreased FEV1 %predicted (P < .05). The cut‐off level of H2S ratio to indicate an exacerbation was ≥0.34 (area under the curve; 0.88, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 72.7%, P < .001). Furthermore, half of the asthmatic subjects with H2S ratios higher than the cut‐off level experienced asthma exacerbations over the following 3 months after enrolment.ConclusionsThe H2S ratio may provide useful information on predicting future risks of asthma exacerbation, as well as on obstructive neutrophilic airway inflammation as one of the non‐Th2 biomarkers, in asthma.
Self‐efficacy beliefs, faecal incontinence and health‐related quality of life in patients born with anorectal malformations
Authors: Grano C. , Fernandes M. , Bucci S. , Aminoff D. , Lucidi F. , Violani C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimAnorectal malformations (ARMs) are rare congenital colorectal anomalies with long lasting consequences, among which faecal incontinence is one of the most relevant since it may strongly affect patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Although a growing body of literature supports the importance of self‐efficacy in chronic disease health outcomes, only few studies have focused on self‐efficacy in ARMs and in faecal incontinence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediational role of self‐efficacy in the path between faecal incontinence and HRQoL in patients born with ARMs.MethodNinety‐eight adult patients from the Italian Association for Anorectal Malformations (AIMAR) responded to measures of faecal incontinence, self‐efficacy for managing ARM consequences, and physical and mental HRQoL (SF‐36). Data were analysed by means of structural equation models.ResultsThe tested model provides support for the guiding hypothesis. Fit indices indicate that the model fits the data well (χ2 = 33.48, df = 23, P = 0.07; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.05). Faecal incontinence has negative effects on both physical and mental HRQoL, as well on self‐efficacy. In turn, self‐efficacy has a positive and direct effect on mental HRQoL.ConclusionFaecal incontinence is the most relevant and negative factor influencing HRQoL; in addition, self‐efficacy contributes in reducing emotional distress and in improving mental health outcomes. Longitudinal and controlled studies may be helpful to evaluate the effectiveness of self‐efficacy interventions in improving mental HRQoL in patients with faecal incontinence.
Dermatopathologische Hinweise auf Artefakte
Authors: Tittelbach Jörg , Peckruhn Melanie , Elsner Peter 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungEinleitungDie Dermatitis artefacta stellt eine relevante und oft verkannte klinische Entität selbstschädigenden Verhaltens dar, bei der eine meist unbewusste Manipulation der Haut zur Dermatose führt. Nicht selten besteht bei untypischen Läsionen oder Verläufen einer Hautkrankheit ein Verdacht auf eine artifizielle Komponente, die aber in der Exploration des Patienten keine Bestätigung beziehungsweise Aufklärung findet. Dann kann sich an den Histologen die Frage richten, ob es in einer Hautbiopsie spezifische Merkmale gibt, die den klinischen Verdacht einer Dermatitis artefacta untermauern können.MethodeEs erfolgte eine Recherche auf PubMed ohne zeitliche Begrenzung zu den Begriffen „dermatitis artefacta“, „factitious/factitial dermatitis“, „artefactual skin“ in Kombination mit „histology“ bzw. „pathology“. Aufgrund der geringen Trefferzahl wurde zur Identifikation spezifischer Muster eine weitere Suche mit Begriffen für Schädigungsarten (beispielsweise burn, cold) durchgeführt.ErgebnisseGenerell gibt es nur wenige Studien zu histologischen Befunden bei artifiziellen Dermatosen. Ein weiteres Problem ist, dass, auch wenn klinische und histologische Befunde hinweisgebend auf eine Dermatitis artefacta sind, häufig im Nachgang keine Bestätigung, sondern nur Annahmen zum Schädigungsmechanismus vorliegen. Das erschwert jedoch, je nach Schädigungsart, spezifische histologische Muster für verschiedene Schädigungsmechanismen zu definieren. Generell sollte bei den histologischen Befunden einer Blasenbildung mit geringem Entzündungsinfiltrat, bei Rissen von Kollagenfasern, bei mehrkernigen Keratinozyten und bei vertikal ausgerichteten und ausgezogenen Keratinozytenkernen an eine artifizielle Genese gedacht werden.
Die follikulotrope Mycosis fungoides
Authors: Mitteldorf Christina , Stadler Rudolf , Sander Christian A. , Kempf Werner 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie follikulotrope (syn.: follikuläre oder pilotrope) Mycosis fungoides ist eine von der WHO und EORTC anerkannte Variante der klassischen Mycosis fungoides. Sie weist ein breites klinisches und histologisches Spektrum auf, entsprechend sind die Differenzialdiagnosen vielfältig. Neue Untersuchungen konnten zeigen, dass sich die Entität in zwei prognostisch unterschiedliche Gruppen aufteilen lässt. Beiden Gruppen sind durch Unterschiede sowohl in der Histologie als auch in der klinischen Manifestation gekennzeichnet. Die Therapie sollte somit an die unterschiedlichen Formen und Verläufe angepasst werden. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden die klinischen und histologischen Manifestationsformen der follikulotropen Mycosis fungoides zusammengestellt sowie die neue Subgruppierung dargestellt. Zudem werden die wichtigsten Differenzialdiagnosen und mögliche Therapieoptionen diskutiert.
Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Andreadis Panagiotis , Karagiannis Thomas , Malandris Konstantinos , Avgerinos Ioannis , Liakos Aris , Manolopoulos Apostolos , Bekiari Eleni , Matthews David R , Tsapas Apostolos 
Published: May 2018

AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a recently approved glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) for type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsWe searched major electronic databases and grey literature sources for randomized controlled trials comparing semaglutide with placebo or other antidiabetic agents. Primary outcome was change from baseline in HbA1c. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in body weight, blood pressure, heart rate and incidence of hypoglycaemia, gastrointestinal adverse effects, pancreatitis and diabetic retinopathy.ResultsA total of 6 placebo‐controlled and 7 active‐controlled studies with subcutaneous semaglutide were included. We identified only 1 trial with oral semaglutide. Compared with placebo, subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1 mg reduced HbA1c by 1.01% (95% CI, 0.56‐1.47) and 1.38% (1.05‐1.70), respectively. Both doses demonstrated superior glycaemic efficacy compared to other antidiabetic agents, including sitagliptin, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and insulin glargine. Semaglutide also had a beneficial effect on body weight (mean difference vs placebo −4.11 kg, 95% CI −4.85 to −3.37 for semaglutide 1 mg) and systolic blood pressure. We did not observe increased hypoglycaemia rates with semaglutide; nevertheless, we noted an increased incidence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cases of pancreatitis were infrequent and the odds ratio for diabetic retinopathy compared with placebo was 1.32 (95% CI, 0.98‐1.77).ConclusionsSemaglutide is a potent once‐weekly GLP‐1 RA, significantly reducing HbA1c, body weight and systolic blood pressure. However, it is associated with increased incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Results for pancreatitis and retinopathy require further assessment in post‐approval pharmacovigilance studies.
The role of evidence in nutrition policy‐making in Ethiopia: Institutional structures and issue framing
Authors: Walls Helen , Johnston Deborah , Vecchione Elisa , Adam Abdulfatah , Parkhurst Justin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMalnutrition is the single greatest contributor to the global burden of morbidity and mortality, with most cases arising in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, the multi‐sectoral nature of nutrition policy‐making adds considerable complexity to the implementation of effective programmes. This raises questions about why or how relevant policy change can come about within different country settings. This article examines multi‐sectoral nutrition policy‐making from the health sector perspective, specifically focusing on different sectoral perspectives and the role and use of evidence within this. Ethiopia provides a unique example of the challenging nature of multi‐sectoral nutrition policy‐making, even with a strong co‐ordinating infrastructure. In December 2014 we undertook 23 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with stakeholders from key health sector organizations, along with a related documentary analysis. Participants represented a diverse range of perspectives, including government representatives, policy stakeholders, aid providers from multi‐lateral organizations and academic researchers. Our respondents described how nutrition framing in Ethiopia is changing, with greater consideration of overweight, obesity and non‐communicable diseases, as well as undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. However, overweight‐ and obesity‐related concerns are still less evident in key documents. Some health actors described the challenge of enacting structural policy changes when doing so requires engagement from the agriculture sector. While multi‐sectoral plans and infrastructure to address malnutrition are in place, respondents suggested that the mandate for addressing nutrition resting with the health sector was reinforced by the nature of evidence collected. This study of nutrition policy‐making in Ethiopia highlights the complex interaction of evidence within different conceptualisations of policy problems and responses. Despite Ethiopia's strategic framework and its progress in achieving terms of nutrition targets, it shares the challenge of countries elsewhere in addressing nutrition as a multi‐sectoral issue.
ADAM‐C score: New risk score for predicting diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Charbonnel Clément , Jego Christophe , Jourda François , Vinsonneau Ulric , Garçon Philippe , Turlotte Guillaume , Rivière Jean François , Maurin Marion , Lubret Rémy , Meimoun Patrick , Akret Chrystelle , Cournot Maxime , Sokic Charles , Michel Laurent , Lescure Maryse , Kenizou David , Melay Marie , Fayard Maxime , Gallet Bruno , Fouche Rémi , Janin‐Manificat Luc , Dijoux Nicolas , Martin Anne Céline , Tho‐Agostini Aurélia , Mann Hubert , Ricard Cécile , Pico Fernando , Georges Jean Louis , Belle Loïc , Jourdain Patrick ,   the TEA TOAST investigators
Published: May 2018

Background and aimThe clinical utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after brain ischemia (BI) remains a matter of debate. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of TEE and to build a score that could help physicians to identify which patients should better benefit from TEE.MethodsThis prospective, multicenter, observational study included patients over 18 years old, hospitalized for BI. TEE findings were judged discriminant if the results showed important information leading to major changes in the management of patients. Most patients with patent foramen ovale were excluded. Variables independently associated with a discriminant TEE were used to build the prediction model.ResultsOf the entire population (1479 patients), 255 patients (17%) were classified in the discriminant TEE group. Five parameters were selected as predictors of a discriminant TEE. Accordingly, the ADAM‐C score could be calculated as follows: Score = 4 (if age ≥60) + 2 (if diabetes) + 2 (if aortic stenosis from any degrees) + 1 (if multi‐territory stroke) + 2 (if history of coronary artery disease). At a threshold lower than 3, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of detecting discriminant TEE were 88% (95% CI 85–90), 44% (95% CI 41–47), 21% (95% CI 19–27), and 95% (95% CI 94–97), respectively.ConclusionA simple score based on clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic parameters can help physicians to identify patients who might not benefit from TEE. Indeed, a score lower than 3 has an interesting NPV of 95% (95% CI 94–97).