bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra‐Annual Variability in Responses of a Canopy Forming Kelp to Cumulative Low Tide Heat Stress: Implications for Populations at the Trailing Range Edge
Authors: Hereward Hannah F. R. , King Nathan G. , Smale Dan A. 
Published: October 2019

Anthropogenic climate change is driving the redistribution of species at a global scale. For marine species, populations at trailing edges often live very close to their upper thermal limits and, as such, poleward range contractions are one of the most pervasive effects of ongoing and predicted warming. However, the mechanics of processes driving such contractions are poorly understood. Here, we examined the response of the habitat forming kelp, Laminaria digitata, to realistic terrestrial heatwave simulations akin to those experienced by intertidal populations persisting at the trailing range edge in the northeast Atlantic (SW England). We conducted experiments in both spring and autumn to determine temporal variability in the effects of heatwaves. In spring, heatwave scenarios caused minimal stress to L. digitata but in autumn all scenarios tested resulted in tissue being nonviable by the end of each assay. The effects of heatwave scenarios were only apparent after consecutive exposures, indicating erosion of resilience over time. Monthly field surveys corroborated experimental evidence as the prevalence of bleaching (an indication of physiological stress and tissue damage) in natural populations was greatest in autumn and early winter. Overall, our data showed that L. digitata populations in SW England persist close to their upper physiological limits for emersion stress in autumn. As the intensity of extreme warming events is likely to increase with anthropogenic climate change, thermal conditions experienced during periods of emersion will soon exceed physiological thresholds and will likely induce widespread mortality and consequent changes at the population level.
Long‐term observation on hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in therapy experienced HIV/HBV co‐infected Chinese
Authors: Yang Rongrong , Gui Xien , Ke Hengning , Xiong Yong , Gao Shicheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective study was to observe hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and explore predictors of HBsAg loss in HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients receiving long‐term lamivudine or both tenofovir and lamivudine containing therapies. Quantification of HBsAg, hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA before and after initiation of HBV‐active antiretroviral therapy in a total of 268 HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients started treatment between 2005 and 2017 were performed. Over a median of 65.63 months of follow‐up, 10 (3.7%) were observed HBsAg loss and the quantification of HBsAg in 7 (2.6%) patients were less than 50 IU/mL. With the prolongation of antiretroviral therapy duration time, the rates of HBsAg seroclearance tended to increase gradually, rising from 1.8% (3/163) during 2‐4 years treatment to 29.4% (10/34) after antiretroviral therapy for up to 10 years. Lower baseline qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels and strong 12‐month declines in qHBsAg were significantly associated with HBsAg seroclearance. The event of HBsAg seroclearance is uncommon among Chinese individuals with HIV/HBV co‐infection who have been treated with anti‐HBV containing antiretroviral therapy, and lifelong therapy for HBV is needed for HIV/HBV co‐infected patients. Baseline qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels and qHBsAg decline rate were predictors for HBsAg seroclearance.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in geriatric cats
Authors: Sargent Hannah J. , Jepson Rosanne E. , Chang Yu‐mei , Biourge Vincent C. , Bijsmans Esther S. , Elliott Jonathan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphaturic hormone that is increased in azotemic cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and predictive of the onset of azotemia in older cats. The introduction of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) as a biomarker of glomerular filtration rate has led to the identification of cats in which SDMA is increased, but plasma creatinine concentrations remains within reference range. There is currently little understanding of the metabolic changes present in such cats.ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between plasma FGF23 and SDMA concentrations in non‐azotemic geriatric cats.AnimalsRecords of a cross section of client‐owned cats (n = 143) without azotemic CKD.MethodsClinicopathological information was obtained from cats (≥ 9 years) from records of 2 first opinion practices. The relationship between plasma SDMA and FGF23 concentrations was examined using Spearman's correlation and variables compared using the Mann‐Whitney U test.ResultsCats with increased SDMA concentrations had significantly higher plasma FGF23 (P < .001) and creatinine (P < .001) concentrations compared to cats with SDMA concentrations within reference range. A weak positive relationship was demonstrated between plasma FGF23 and SDMA concentrations (r = .35, P < .001) and between plasma FGF23 and creatinine (r = .23, P = .005) concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMore cats with increased SDMA concentrations had higher FGF23 concentrations than those with SDMA concentrations within the reference range, suggesting the presence of an alteration in phosphate homeostasis. Further studies are warranted to identify influencing factors and to explore the utility of FGF23 concentration to inform management of cats with early stage CKD.
Plant diversity in deciduous temperate forests reflects interplay among ancient and recent environmental stress
Authors: Šipoš Jan , Chudomelová Markéta , Vild Ondřej , Macek Martin , Kopecký Martin , Szabó Péter , Hédl Radim 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuestionsRecent studies have suggested that response patterns of species and phylogenetic diversity may differ. Here, we address the following questions: What are the most important drivers and is there a difference in the responses to environmental drivers between species and phylogenetic diversity? If so, which ecological mechanisms determine these patterns and will different habitat types host plants of different evolutionary lineages?LocationCzech Republic.MethodsWe used a unique data set of 419 permanent plots in thermophilous temperate deciduous forests. Vegetation of the herbaceous layer was sampled along a wide range of environmental gradients. Soil characteristics were measured in the laboratory from field‐collected samples. Topographic variables were derived from a digital elevation model.ResultsCommunities of shaded habitats on moist fertile soils were characterized by phylogenetically older lineages (pteridophytes and ancient lineages of lilioids and dicots) resulting in a higher phylogenetic diversity. On the other hand, dry oligotrophic habitats were distinguished by short‐lived light‐demanding species (some asterids) and showed higher species, but relatively lower phylogenetic diversity. Besides simple effects of soil, light availability and topographic properties, interactions between the factors played an important role.ConclusionsOur results indicate that both types of biodiversity were mainly driven by environmental stress created by the interplay among factors. Patterns of phylogenetic diversity suggest that historical factors, i.e., the shifting of species’ habitats at the evolutionary scale, could also provide plausible explanations.
Forest fragmentation shapes the alpha–gamma relationship in plant diversity
Authors: Almoussawi Ali , Lenoir Jonathan , Jamoneau Aurélien , Hattab Tarek , Wasof Safaa , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Garzon‐Lopez Carol X. , Spicher Fabien , Kobaissi Ahmad , Decocq Guillaume 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuestionsForest fragmentation affects biodiversity locally (α diversity) and beyond — at relatively larger scales (γ diversity) — by increasing dispersal and recruitment limitations. Yet, does an increase in fragmentation affect the relationship between α and γ diversity and what can we learn from it?LocationNorthern France.MethodsWe surveyed 116 forest patches across three fragmentation levels: none (continuous forest); intermediate (forest patches connected by hedgerows); and high (isolated forest patches). Plant species richness of both forest specialists and generalists was surveyed at five nested spatial resolutions across each forest patch: 1 m2; 10 m2; 100 m2; 1,000 m2; and total forest patch area. First, we ran log‐ratio models to quantify the α–γ relationship. We did that separately for all possible combinations of fragmentation level (none vs intermediate vs high) × spatial scale (e.g., α‐1 m2 vs γ‐10 m2) × species type (e.g., α‐specialists vs γ‐specialists). We then used linear mixed‐effects models to analyze the effect of fragmentation level, spatial scale, species type and all two‐way interaction terms on the slope coefficient extracted from all log‐ratio models.ResultsWe found an interaction effect between fragmentation level and species type, such that forest specialists shifted from a linear (i.e., proportional sampling) to a curvilinear plateau (i.e., community saturation) relationship at low and high fragmentation, respectively, while generalists shifted from a curvilinear to a linear pattern.ConclusionsThe impact of forest fragmentation on the α–γ relationship supports generalist species persistence over forest specialists, with contrasting mechanisms for these two guilds. As fragmentation increases, forest specialists shift from proportional sampling towards community saturation, thus reducing α diversity likely due to dispersal limitation. Contrariwise, generalists shift from community saturation towards proportional sampling, thus increasing α diversity likely due to an increase in the edge:core ratio. To ensure long‐term conservation of forest specialists, one single large forest patch should be preferred over several small ones.
Is it possible to diagnose fulminant Wilson's disease with simple laboratory tests?
Authors: Güngör Şükrü , Selimoğlu Mukadder A. , Bağ Harika G.G. , Varol Fatma İ. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundWilson's disease is a rare cause of acute liver failure and is highly fatal without liver transplantation. Fast and accurate diagnostic methods are needed for fulminant Wilson's disease (FWD). In this study, we aimed to develop an early, simple and accurate diagnostic method to differentiate FWD from nonwilsonian acute liver failure (NWALF) causes using routine biochemical data.MethodsThe medical records of 24 paediatric FWD and 120 paediatric NWALF cases diagnosed at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition between January 2007 and February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsUsing receiver operator characteristics curve (ROC) analysis, we have determined the best cut‐off point for laboratory findings in FWD. Patients meeting these cut‐off points were assigned one point and others were assigned zero point. We then formed a new variable consisting of the combination of 14 variables and performed a new ROC analysis. We obtained a cut‐off point of ≥4.5 for FWD. The diagnostic performance of the score was characterized by a sensitivity of 0.889, a specificity of 0.879 (P < .001). A scoring system based only on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, AST/ALT ratio, uric acid and haemoglobin had a best cut‐off point of ≥2.5 for FWD, which had a sensitivity of 0.875, a specificity of 0.867 (P < .001).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that biochemical markers offer almost as reliable, fast and accurate diagnosis of FWD as offered by ceruloplasmin and 24‐hour urinary copper.
Gene signature‐MELD score and alcohol relapse determine long‐term prognosis of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Deltenre Pierre , Trépo Eric , Fujiwara Naoto , Goossens Nicolas , Marot Astrid , Dubois Margaux , Spahr Laurent , Henrion Jean , Moreno Christophe , Hoshida Yujin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe gene‐signature‐model for end stage liver disease (gs‐MELD) score has been shown to be a strong predictor of 6‐month survival in severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Currently, only a few studies have evaluated the long‐term prognosis of patients with severe AH.AimTo assess the prognostic value of the gs‐MELD score at 5 years in patients with severe AH.MethodsForty‐eight consecutive patients with AH (25 males, median age 52 years [95% IC: 48‐56]) were included.ResultsThe median gs‐MELD score was 2.6 (95% CI: 2.2‐3.0). According to the gs‐MELD score, 22 patients (46%) were considered to have a poor prognosis. During a median follow‐up of 29 months (95% CI: 4‐43), 19 patients (40%) were abstinent and 24 patients (50%) died. At 5 years, rates of survival were 61% (95% CI: 41‐81) and 26% (95% CI: 11‐55) in patients with low and high gs‐MELD scores (P = .001), and 81% (95% CI: 58‐96) and 22% (95% CI: 10‐47) in abstainers and in consumers (P < .001) respectively. In multivariable competing risk regression modelling, gs‐MELD score (subdistribution hazard ratio: 5.78, 95% CI: 2.17‐15.38, P < .001) and recurrent alcohol consumption (subdistribution hazard ratio: 12.18, 95% CI: 3.16‐46.95, P < .001) were independently associated with 5‐year mortality.ConclusionsBoth gs‐MELD score and alcohol consumption drive AH long‐term prognosis. The gs‐MELD score may guide the development of molecularly targeted therapies in AH.
Cardiovascular safety of antimuscarinic add‐on therapy in patients with overactive bladder who had a suboptimal response to mirabegron monotherapy: A post hoc analysis from the Japanese MILAI II study
Authors: Katoh Takao , Igawa Yasuhiko , Yamaguchi Osamu , Kato Daisuke , Hamada Takuya , Kuroishi Kentaro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis analysis was conducted to investigate the cardiovascular (CV) safety outcomes from the MILAI II study. MILAI II was conducted to evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of antimuscarinic add‐on therapy to mirabegron over 52 weeks in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.MethodsMILAI II consisted of a 2‐week screening period (patients received mirabegron 50 mg once daily) plus a 52‐week treatment period (patients were randomized to receive a combination of mirabegron 50 mg/d plus solifenacin 5 mg/d, propiverine 20 mg/d, imidafenacin 0.2 mg/d, or tolterodine 4 mg/d). CV safety was assessed using treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs, and 12‐lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). Vital signs and ECG data were evaluated for each patient using worst post‐baseline values reported.ResultsOf 647 patients, 570 (88.1%) were female with a mean age of 65 years. CV history at baseline and CV‐related concomitant medication use throughout the study were balanced between groups. The incidences of overall and drug‐related CV TEAEs were ≤8.1% and ≤6.2%, respectively, for all groups. The most common TEAEs were ECG T wave amplitude decreased, ECG QT prolonged, and ventricular extrasystoles. Overall, 36 TEAEs of interest related to the CV system that were possibly/probably related to treatment were reported with similar incidences for each group. For the worst post‐baseline vital signs and ECGs, no relationships were noted in terms of either timing or treatment group.ConclusionA favorable CV safety profile was observed following long‐term combination treatment with mirabegron and an antimuscarinic in patients with OAB symptoms.
Learning to see
Authors: Millar Boyd 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is often assumed that the empirical literature on sight restoration tells us something important about the relationship between visual and haptic representations of shape. However, I maintain that, immediately after having their sight restored, at least some newly sighted individuals undergo visual experiences that instantiate basic shape phenomenology but which do not present the corresponding shape properties. Consequently, the empirical literature on sight restoration tells us something important about the role that perceptual phenomenology plays in our perceptual awareness of an object's properties—it tells us that the properties presented by perceptual experiences are not “built into” perceptual phenomenology.
Satiety testing in diabetic gastroparesis: Effects of insulin pump therapy with continuous glucose monitoring on upper gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity
Authors: Koch Kenneth L. , Hasler William L. , Van Natta Mark , Calles‐Escandon Jorge , Grover Madhusudan , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Snape William J. , Parkman Henry P. , Abell Thomas L. , McCallum Richard W. , Nguyen Linda A. , Sarosiek Irene , Farrugia Gianrico , Tonascia James , Lee Linda , Miriel Laura , Hamilton Frank ,   the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSymptoms induced by caloric or non‐caloric satiety test meals and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) have not been studied in patients with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) before and after intense glucose management.AimsWe determined the effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on GI symptoms, volume consumed, and GMA induced by the caloric meal satiety test (CMST) and water load satiety test (WLST) in DGP.MethodsForty‐five patients with DGP underwent CMST and WLST at baseline and 24 weeks after CSII with CGM. Subjects ingested the test meals until they were completely full. Visual analog scales were used to quantify pre‐ and postmeal symptoms, and GMA was recorded with cutaneous electrodes and analyzed visually and by computer.Key ResultsAt baseline and 24‐week visits, nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and fullness were immediately increased after CMST and WLST (Ps < 0.01). The meal volumes ingested were significantly less than normal controls at both visits in almost one‐third of the subjects. After the CMST, the percentage 3 cycle per minute GMA increased and bradygastria decreased compared with WLST (Ps < 0.05). After treatment for 24 weeks meal volumes ingested, postmeal symptoms and GMA were no different than baseline.Conclusions and inferences(a) Satiety test meals elicited symptoms of nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort; (b) CMST stimulated more symptoms and changes in GMA than WLST; and (c) CSII with CGM for 24 weeks did not improve symptoms, volumes ingested, or GMA elicited by the two satiety test meals in these patients with diabetic GP. Satiety tests in diabetic gastropresis are useful to study acute postprandial symptoms and GMA, but these measures were not improved by intensive insulin therapy.
Initial soil community drives heathland fungal community trajectory over multiple years through altered plant–soil interactions
Authors: Radujković Dajana , van Diggelen Rudy , Bobbink Roland , Weijters Maaike , Harris Jim , Pawlett Mark , Vicca Sara , Verbruggen Erik 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Dispersal limitation, biotic interactions, and environmental filters interact to drive plant and fungal community assembly, but their combined effects are rarely investigated.

This study examines how different heathland plant and fungal colonization scenarios realized via three biotic treatments – addition of mature heathland‐derived sod, addition of hay, and no additions – affect soil fungal community development over 6 yr along a manipulated pH gradient in a large‐scale experiment starting from an agricultural, topsoil removed state.

Our results show that both biotic and abiotic (pH) treatments had a persistent influence on the development of fungal communities, but that sod additions diminished the effect of abiotic treatments through time. Analysis of correlation networks between soil fungi and plants suggests that the reduced effect of pH in the sod treatment, where both soil and plant propagules were added, might be due to plant–fungal interactions since the sod additions caused stronger, more specific, and more consistent connections compared with the no addition treatment.

Based on these results, we suggest that the initial availability of heathland fungal and plant taxa, which reinforce each other, can significantly steer further fungal community development to an alternative configuration, overriding the otherwise prominent effect of abiotic (pH) conditions.
Defence compounds in pollen: why do they occur and how do they affect the ecology and evolution of bees?
Authors: Rivest Sébastien , Forrest Jessica R. K. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPollen plays two important roles in angiosperm reproduction, serving as a vehicle for the plant’s male gametes, but also, in many species, as a lure for pollen‐feeding animals. Despite being an important food source for many pollinators, pollen often contains compounds with known deterrent or toxic properties, as documented in a growing number of studies. Here we review these studies and discuss the role of pollen defensive compounds in the coevolutionary relationship between plants and bees, the preeminent consumers of pollen. Next, we evaluate three hypotheses that may explain the existence of defensive compounds in pollen. The pleiotropy hypothesis, which proposes that defensive compounds in pollen merely reflect physiological spillover from other plant tissues, is contradicted by evidence from several species. Although plants may experience selection to defend pollen against poor‐quality pollinators, we also find only partial support for the protection‐against‐pollen‐collection‐hypothesis. Finally, pollen defences might protect pollen from colonisation by antagonistic microorganisms (antimicrobial hypothesis), although data to evaluate this idea are scarce. Further research on the effects of pollen defensive compounds on pollinators, pollen thieves, and pollen‐colonising microbes will be needed to understand why many plants have chemically defended pollen, and the consequences of those defences for pollen consumers.
Brown adipocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells—how far have we come?
Authors: Brown Aaron C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA global increase in the number of individuals who are either overweight or obese is leading to a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Behavioral interventions for the treatment of obesity have yet to deliver desired outcomes, thus introducing a pressing need for molecular‐ and cellular‐based therapies. Excess energy from food is stored in the form of triglycerides in white adipose tissue, which expands during weight gain and can lead to insulin resistance and T2D. By contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) releases energy from metabolic substrates in the form of heat and secretes factors that can reverse metabolic disease by acting systemically. Therefore, the ability to increase BAT activity is a promising approach to improve energy balance and metabolic homeostasis. Methods are now being developed to generate brown adipocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which would (1) provide an unlimited source of cellular material to study human brown adipogenesis, and (2) could be used to develop drug‐ and cell‐based therapies for the treatment of metabolic complications associated with obesity. This article reviews basic BAT biology and details the current progress toward developing brown adipocytes from hiPSCs.