bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Native and alien flower visitors differ in partner fidelity and network integration
Authors: Trøjelsgaard Kristian , Heleno Ruben , Traveset Anna 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGlobalisation persistently fuels the establishment of non‐native species outside their natural ranges. While alien plants have been intensively studied, little is known about alien flower visitors, and especially, how they integrate into natural communities. Here, we focus on mutualistic networks from five Galápagos islands to quantify whether alien and native flower visitors differ consistently in their pairwise interactions. We find that (1) alien flower visitors have more interaction partners and larger species strengths (i.e. plants are more connected to alien insects), (2) native insects tend to have higher partner fidelity as they deviate more from random partner utilisation, and iii) the difference between native and alien flower visitors in network integration intensifies with island degradation. Thus, native and alien flower visitors are not interchangeable, and alien establishment might have yet unforeseen consequences for the pairwise dynamics between plants and flower visitors on the Galápagos – especially on the heavily disturbed islands.
New Pseudococcidae species on Cupressus macrocarpa in Tunisia: first report of Planococcus vovae
Authors: Ben Halima Kamel M. , Mdellel L. , Zouari S. , Germain J. F. 
Published: May 2019

In May 2017 and 2018, Planococcus vovae (Nasonov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was collected in Hammam Sousse (Tunisia) on the ornamental plant Cupressus macrocarpa (Cupressaceae). The infestation was observed on needles which showed symptoms of desiccation and chlorosis. This is the first record of P. vovae in Tunisia and in North Africa.
The residual dentition among New Zealanders in aged residential care
Authors: Hyland Natalie , Smith Moira B. , Gribben Barry , Thomson William M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundDescriptions of the older population's dentition status are usually limited to indicators such as the edentulous proportion, the mean number of restored and missing teeth, and the proportion with a functional dentition, with very few reports describing in detail the nature of the residual dentition.ObjectivesThis study described the residual dentition among older New Zealanders living in residential aged care facilities.Material and MethodsUsing national data from the Older People's Oral Health Survey, we determined the residual dentition arrangement and Kennedy classification for each dental arch. Individuals were categorised according to their maxillary‐mandibular dental configuration. Data were weighted to make the estimates generalisable to the source population.ResultsAmong the dentate 45% of the 987 clinically examined participants, the most prevalent configuration was maxillary tooth‐bounded saddles against a partially dentate lower (24.7%; 95% CI: 20.4, 29.7). More younger participants generally had less tooth loss experience and had higher prevalence of Kennedy Classes II, III and IV. There were few sex differences, although more females had a fully dentate arch. Marked ethnic differences were observed: Māori were up to eight times as likely to have only mandibular anterior teeth remaining. Upper dentures were worn more than their lower counterpart. Age, sex and ethnic characteristics were associated with particular residual teeth configurations.ConclusionsHaving various degrees of tooth loss was the norm, with the upper tooth‐bounded saddles against any partially dentate lower combination most common, and limited to females. An edentulous maxilla opposed by some standing teeth was observed in over one‐quarter of the population, and most common among Māori and those who were older. Maxillary prostheses were much more common than mandibular ones. Caring for dentate older people in aged residential care is likely to be complicated by the wide range of dentition configurations.
Chronobiology and Sleep in Cluster Headache
Authors: de Coo Ilse F. , van Oosterhout Willebrordus P. J. , Wilbrink Leopoldine A. , van Zwet Erik W. , Ferrari Michel D. , Fronczek Rolf 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundCluster headache attacks follow a striking circadian rhythm with an intriguing influence of sleep. We aim to investigate differences in sleep quality, chronotype, and the ability to alter individual sleep rhythms in episodic and chronic cluster headache patients vs controls.MethodsCluster headache patients and non‐headache controls from the Dutch Leiden University Cluster headache neuro‐Analysis program aged 18 and above completed web‐based questionnaires in a cross‐sectional study.ResultsA total of 478 episodic, 147 chronic cluster headache patients and 367 controls participated. Chronic cluster headache patients had more often early chronotypes than controls, as measured by mid‐sleep phase (P = .021 adjusted B −15.85 minutes CI −29.30; −2.40). Compared to controls, chronic cluster headache participants were less able to alter their sleep rhythms (P < .001 adjusted B −1.65 CI −2.55; 0.74), while episodic cluster headache participants reported more difficulty in coping with reduced sleep (P = .025 adjusted B 0.75 CI 0.09; 1.40). Sleep quality was reduced in both types of cluster headache compared to controls (“poor sleepers”: 71.4% (105/147) in chronic and 48.3% (235/367) in episodic cluster headache vs 25.6% (94/367) in controls; both P < .001; episodic adjusted B −1.71 CI 0.10; 0.32; chronic adjusted B −0.93 CI 0.24; 0.65).ConclusionSleep quality is decreased in both episodic and chronic cluster headache, most likely caused by cluster headache attacks that strike during the night. Episodic cluster headache patients report more difficulty in coping with reduced sleep, while chronic patients are less able to alter their sleep rhythm. Although not directly proven, cluster headache patients will likely benefit from a structured, regular daily schedule.
Lower serum adiponectin level is associated with lipodystrophy amongHIV‐infected men in the Study to Understand the Natural History ofHIV/AIDSin the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN) study
Authors: Klos B , Patel P , Rose C , Bush T , Conley L , Kojic EM , Henry K , Brooks JT , Hammer J ,   the SUN study investigators
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesAdiponectin levels are inversely related to cardiovascular risk and are low in diabetics and obese persons. We examined the association between adiponectin concentration andHIV‐associated lipodystrophy, which remains unclear.MethodsThe Study to Understand the Natural History ofHIV/AIDSin the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN) was a prospective cohort study ofHIV‐infected adults conducted in four US cities. Lean body and fat masses were assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans. Using baseline data from 2004 to 2006, we defined lipodystrophy using a sex‐specific fat mass ratio and performed cross‐sectional analyses of associated risks using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 440 male participants (median age 42 years; 68% non‐Hispanic white; 88% prescribed combination antiretroviral therapy; medianCD4 lymphocyte count 468 cells/μL; 76% with viral load < 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL; 5% diabetic; median body mass index 25 kg/m2), median concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were 3.04 ng/L [interquartile range (IQR) 1.77–5.43 ng/L] and 8005 μg/mL(IQR4950–11 935 μg/mL), respectively. The prevalence of lipodystrophy was 14%. Lipodystrophy was significantly associated with increasing age [prevalence ratio (PR) 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–2.06, per 10 years], adiponectin < 8005 μg/mL(PR5.02; 95%CI2.53–9.95), ever stavudine use (PR2.26; 95%CI1.36–3.75),CD4 cell count > 500 cells/μL (PR2.59; 95%CI1.46–4.61), viral load < 400 copies/mL(PR3.98; 95%CI1.25–12.6), highly sensitive C‐reactive protein < 1.61 mg/L (PR1.91; 95%CI1.11–3.28) and smoking (PR0.42; 95%CI0.22–0.78).ConclusionsAmong men in thisHIV‐infected cohort, the prevalence of lipodystrophy was similar to previous estimates for persons living withHIV, and was associated with lower adiponectin levels, potentially indicating increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and metabolic syndrome – systematic review and adjusted meta‐analysis
Authors: Phan Kevin , Charlton Olivia , Smith Saxon D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating and distressing chronic systemic inflammatory skin disease. There have been several prior observational studies which reported a possibility link between HS and metabolic syndrome, however the current evidence is not definitive. It is unclear in HS whether this possible relationship is independent or driven by underlying risk factors and comorbidities.ObjectiveTo determine whether HS is independently associated with metabolic syndrome via adjusted meta‐analysis of case‐control studies.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed using six electronic databases (Ovid Medline, PubMed, CCTR, CDSR, ACP Journal Club, and DARE) from their inception until September 2018. Data were extracted and analyzed according to predefined clinical endpoints.ResultsWe identified six case‐control studies included for meta‐analysis. Based on unadjusted analysis, we found a significant association between adult cases of HS and metabolic syndrome (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.31–2.89, P = 0.001). Adjusted meta‐analysis, after adjustment for age, sex, other cardiovascular risk factors, and comorbidities, found a significant association (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.70–2.81, I2 = 32%, P < 0.00001).LimitationsStudies reviewed were observational by design which are susceptible to bias, and there was lack of randomization. The quality of the current systematic review is also limited by the quality of available evidence which was predominantly observational in nature.ConclusionsThis pooled analysis of existing case‐control studies supports an association between HS and metabolic syndrome. Clinicians treating patients with HS should be aware of this potential association.
Economic Migration and Communal Violence in Pakistan
Authors: Kuo Raymond 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOverseas employment provides multiple socioeconomic benefits for families and communities in sending countries. But communal violence can potentially disrupt these flows, causing lasting damage to local and national economic development.Under what conditions does political violence – and particularly low‐intensity sectarian conflict – increase or decrease economic migration?This article argues that the level of militant control over local political and social institutions conditions whether individuals emigrate for work. Using statistical analysis of Pakistani data on overseas employment and political violence, it finds that attacks by transnational/Islamist militants on local political institutions substantially reduce economic migration. Attacks against non‐political targets have no significant effect, further emphasizing the importance of these bodies.
Gold and inflation: Expected inflation effect or carrying cost effect?
Authors: Xu Yingying , Liu Zhi‐Xin , Su Chi‐Wei , Ortiz Jaime 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study examines whether the expected inflation effect hypothesis adequately explains the causal relationship between inflation expectations and gold returns. A bootstrap full‐sample Granger causality test shows that gold returns cause inflation expectations rather than the reverse. To account for possible structural changes, we apply bootstrap subsample Granger causality tests with 60‐month windows. The results suggest that both professional forecasters' and consumers' inflation expectations have negative effects on gold returns in some but not all sample periods, contradicting the expected inflation effect hypothesis. No causality is found in other periods, consistent with the carrying cost hypothesis that the expected gain from gold due to higher inflation is offset by its carrying cost. Holding gold will not necessarily hedge against inflation because gold returns do not necessarily correlate with inflation expectation. Therefore, the carrying cost hypothesis more accurately explains the relationship between gold returns and inflation expectation than the expected inflation effect hypothesis does.
A common variant of RIP3 promoter region is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure patients by influencing SOX17 binding
Authors: Hu Dong , Huang Jin , Hu Senlin , Zhang Ying , Li Shiyang , Sun Yang , Li Chenze , Cui Guanglin , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractReceptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) is a key determinant of necroptosis and participates in ischaemia—and oxidative stress‐induced necroptosis, myocardial remodelling and heart failure (HF). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that common variants in RIP3 gene were associated with the risk and prognosis of HF in the Chinese Han population. By re‐sequencing and luciferase assays, we identified a common functional variant in the RIP3 promoter region. The rs3212247‐T allele suppressed RIP3 promoter activity by facilitating transcription factor SOX17 binding, but not the C allele. We further recruited 2961 control participants and 3194 HF patients who underwent a mean follow‐up of 19 months (6‐31 months) for this study. Rs3212247 and another missense variant rs3212254 were genotyped. Although rs3212247 did not significantly associate with increased risk of HF (odds ratio = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.92‐1.08, P = 0.91), it raised the risk for cardiovascular death and cardiac transplantation (hazard ratio = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.13‐1.91, P = 0.004). Moreover, participants carrying the rs3212247 CC genotype had higher plasma levels of RIP3 than those carrying the TT or TC genotype (p for trend = 0.02) in New York Heart Association class III HF group. No association was found between the RIP3 missense variant rs3212254 and risk or prognosis of HF after adjustment for traditional risk factors. In conclusion, genetic variant in RIP3 promoter region is associated with increased RIP3 transcription, thus contributed to the poor prognosis of HF patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03461107?term=03461107&cond=Heart+Failure&cntry=CN&rank=1. Unique identifier: NCT03461107.
Gutting the brain of inflammation: A key role of gut microbiome in human umbilical cord blood plasma therapy in Parkinson's disease model
Authors: Lee Jea‐Young , Tuazon Julian P. , Ehrhart Jared , Sanberg Paul R. , Borlongan Cesario V. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCurrent therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD), including L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), and clinical trials investigating dopaminergic cell transplants, have generated mixed results with the eventual induction of dyskinetic side effects. Although human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) stem/progenitor cells present with no or minimal capacity of differentiation into mature dopaminergic neurons, their transplantation significantly attenuates parkinsonian symptoms likely via bystander effects, specifically stem cell graft‐mediated secretion of growth factors, anti‐inflammatory cytokines, or synaptic function altogether promoting brain repair. Recognizing this non‐cell replacement mechanism, we examined here the effects of intravenously transplanted combination of hUCB‐derived plasma into the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced rat model of PD. Animals received repeated dosing of either hUCB‐derived plasma or vehicle at 3, 5 and 10 days after induction into MPTP lesion, then behaviourally and immunohistochemically evaluated over 56 days post‐lesion. Compared to vehicle treatment, transplantation with hUCB‐derived plasma significantly improved motor function, gut motility and dopaminergic neuronal survival in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which coincided with reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both the SNpc and the intestinal mucosa and dampened inflammation‐associated gut microbiota. These novel data directly implicate a key pathological crosstalk between gut and brain ushering a new avenue of therapeutically targeting the gut microbiome with hUCB‐derived stem cells and plasma for PD.
What is the best biological parameter to predict erectile dysfunction in men aged >55 years with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Raharinavalona Sitraka A , Chevalier Nicolas , Gruel Claude , N'toutoum André‐Christian , Vélayoudom Céphise Fritz‐Line 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo date, there is no evidence regarding the best biological marker to predict erectile dysfunction (ED) in men aged >55 years with type 2 diabetes. This prospective study included data from men aged >55 years with type 2 diabetes. ED was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function 15‐item survey. Total testosterone (TT) levels and bioavailable testosterone were measured; the free testosterone index was calculated. Data from 155 men (aged 64 ± 7 years) were explored. The prevalence of ED and testosterone deficiency was 78.7% and 34.8%, respectively. After univariate analysis, TT and bioavailable testosterone were associated with ED (P = 0.01). After multivariate analysis, and adjustment for age, body mass index, tobacco, alcohol, duration of diabetes, TT, bioavailable testosterone, vitamin D and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, we found that only high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein was significantly predictive of ED. TT could predict ED, but it lacks specificity. We found a potential role of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein as a predictive marker of ED in this targeted population.
Effectiveness and safety of selenium supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Stróżyk A. , Osica Z. , Przybylak J. D. , Kołodziej M. , Zalewski B. M. , Mrozikiewicz‐Rakowska B. , Szajewska H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe role of selenium (Se) in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. We systematically assessed the effectiveness and safety of Se supplementation in adults with T2DM.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2018 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of Se against a comparator on DM‐related outcomes.ResultsFour RCTs (241 participants) were included. In individual RCTs, Se supplementation significantly reduced fasting insulin levels [mean difference (MD) = −3.6 μIU mL−1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.36 to −0.84; MD = −5.8 μIU mL−1; 95% CI = −9.23 to −2.37], homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (MD = −1; 95% CI = −1.79 to −0.21; MD = −1.6; 95% CI, −2.58 to −0.62) and homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated B cell function (HOMA‐B) (MD = −13.6; 95% CI = −23.4 to −3.8; MD = −22.6; 95% CI = −36.39 to −8.81). No effects of Se were noted on most of the other outcomes of interest. None of the RCTs assessed the mortality, diabetes‐related complications, non‐high‐density lipoprotein (non‐HDL), blood pressure and health‐related quality of life. The impact on HDL and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was ambiguous. Only one adverse event (nausea) was reported as a reason for discontinuing the intervention; however, among the studies, the reporting was not accurate. Furthermore, only one RCT reported increase in FPG level in the Se group (MD = 36.38 mg dL−1; 95% CI = 15.39–57.37).ConclusionsCurrently, there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of Se supplementation in the T2DM population.
Rutile inclusions in garnet from a dissolution‐reprecipitation mechanism
Authors: Hwang Shyh‐Lung , Shen Pouyan , Chu Hao‐Tsu , Yui Tzen‐Fu , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Schertl Hans‐Peter 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMetamorphic garnet commonly contains needle‐like rutile inclusions as well as equant rutile inclusions that surround quartz inclusions and range in size from submicrometer to nanometer. Although the origin of these equant rutile inclusions, that is, exsolution or non‐exsolution, has important implications for petrological and tectonic processes, the crystallographic characteristics of these inclusions have rarely been studied because of the small sizes and analytical difficulties involved. Here, we report the crystallographic characteristics pertinent to the genetic origin of minute equant rutile inclusions in cloudy, nearly spherically shaped garnet domains with Ti‐depleted compositions surrounding quartz inclusions in ultrahigh‐pressure garnet from several diamondiferous Erzgebirge quartzofeldspathic gneissic rock samples. TEM analyses show that the equant rutile crystals in cloudy garnet domains are partially bounded by the low‐energy {100}rt ± {110}rt ± {101}rt facets and have rather random crystallographic orientation relationships (CORs) with the garnet host, with preferential alignment of low‐energy lattice planes, for example, {100}rt//{112}grt, for some rutile crystals. Although the rather random CORs are unlikely to be attributed to solid‐state exsolution subjected to the stringent topotactic garnet lattice constraints, the characteristic subhedral {100}rt ± {110}rt ± {101}rt crystal forms of rutile can be rationalized by a metasomatic dissolution‐reprecipitation mechanism via a fluid phase. In this scenario, the quartz+fluid inclusions in garnet were first subjected to decompression microcracking during rock exhumation, followed by dissolution of Ti‐bearing garnet matrix at the crack tips or along the crack surfaces and subsequent reprecipitation of rutile, apatite, gahnite, akdalaite, and Ti‐depleted garnet. The rapid coalescence between rutile and garnet crystals in fluid or direct attachment of rutile crystals onto the dissolving crack surfaces would then yield the rather random CORs as reported here. These results, along with previous work on rutile needles, indicate rather diverse genesis of rutile inclusions in various crystal forms, thus shedding light on the controversial exsolution origin for other inclusion suite/microstructure in minerals.
Three‐dimensional structure of efferent and epididymal ducts in mice
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Iseki Shoichi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to clarify the detailed morphology of efferent and epididymal ducts in adult mice using three‐dimensional (3D) analysis. We reconstructed efferent and epididymal ducts in three adult mice using serial paraffin sections and high‐performance 3D reconstruction software to draw the core lines of all ducts. By comparing the 3D core lines with the histological features in serial sections, we obtained detailed information on the gross characteristics of the ducts and identified the duct divisions accurately. The intra‐testicular rete testis penetrated the tunica albuginea at one place and turned into the extra‐testicular rete testis, which branched once or twice to give rise to four efferent ducts within 0.5 mm from the tunica albuginea. As these ducts approached the epididymis, they converged into one again and changed abruptly into the initial segment (IS) of the epididymis. The average length from the tunica albuginea to the IS was 19.7 ± 3.1 mm. In one mouse, we found four additional efferent ducts diverging from the common region with blind ends. The epididymal duct was a single highly convoluted duct with no branch and an average length of 767 ± 26 mm. By dividing the epididymal duct into five regions based on its cytological features and periodic acid‐Schiff stainability, we calculated the length and diameter of individual regions accurately. Furthermore, we clearly showed locations of the connective tissue septa that divide the head epididymis into several segments. The epididymal duct followed a complicated, winding path within each segment while drawing a large spiral overall along the circumference of the epididymis. Sometimes the direction of this spiral reversed between adjacent segments. The present study revealed the detailed 3D structures of efferent and epididymal ducts in adult mice.