bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progressively excluding mammals of different body size affects community and trait structure of ground beetles
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Steiner Magdalena , Schütz Martin , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , Risch Anita C. 
Published: May 2018

Mammalian grazing induces changes in vegetation properties in grasslands, which can affect a wide variety of other animals including many arthropods. However, the impacts may depend on the type and body size of these mammals. Furthermore, how mammals influence functional trait syndromes of arthropod communities is not well known.We progressively excluded large (e.g. red deer, chamois), medium (e.g. alpine marmot, mountain hare), and small (e.g. mice) mammals using size‐selective fences in two vegetation types (short‐ and tall‐grass vegetation) of subalpine grasslands. We then assessed how these exclusions affected the community composition and functional traits of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae), and which vegetation characteristic mediated the observed effects.Total carabid biomass, the activity densities of carabids with specific traits (i.e. small eyes, short wings), the richness of small‐eyed species and the richness of herbivorous species were significantly higher when certain mammals were excluded compared to when all mammals had access, regardless of vegetation type. Excluding large and medium mammals increased the activity density of herbivorous carabid species, but only in short‐grass vegetation. Similarly, excluding large mammals (ungulates) altered carabid species composition in the short‐, but not in the tall‐grass vegetation. All these responses were related to aboveground plant biomass, but not to plant Shannon diversity or vegetation structural heterogeneity.Our results indicate that changes in aboveground plant biomass are key drivers of mammalian grazers’ influence on carabids, suggesting that bottom–up forces are important in subalpine grassland systems. The exclusion of ungulates provoked the strongest carabid response. Our results, however, also highlight the ecological significance of smaller herbivorous mammals. Our study furthermore shows that mammalian grazing not only altered carabid community composition, but also caused community‐wide functional trait shifts, which could potentially have a wider impact on species interactions and ecosystem functioning.
Pediatric post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis: Clinical and laboratory data
Authors: Demircioglu Kılıc Beltinge , Akbalık Kara Mehtap , Buyukcelik Mithat , Balat Ayse 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcute post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is the most common post‐infectious glomerulonephritis in childhood. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the possible risk factor(s) responsible for decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in APSGN.MethodsThe data of patients followed up with a diagnosis of APSGN in the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic of Gaziantep University Hospital between October 2014 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThe total number of subjects was 75 (male/female, 42/33) with a mean age of 8.20 ± 3.25 years. The most common presentations were edema (86.7%), macroscopic hematuria (82.7%) and hypertension (73.3%, n = 55). On laboratory examination, 28 children (37.3%) had hypoalbuminemia, 58 (77.3%) had proteinuria, 20 (26.7%) had increased C‐reactive protein (CRP), while 74 (98.7%) and 12 (16%) had decreased complement (C)3 and C4, respectively. The number of children with GFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 22 (29.3%). The risk of decreased GFR was significantly higher in patients with increased CRP (P = 0.001; OR, 3.58), hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.006; OR, 4.83), and decreased C4 (P = 0.010; OR, 11.53). Additionally, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher (P = 0.02, P = 0.006, P = 0.004, respectively) in patients with low GFR.ConclusionsAlthough the prognosis of APSGN in children is good, severe systemic complications and renal failure may develop during the follow‐up period. Decreased C4, presence of hypoalbuminemia, and increased inflammatory markers (WBC, CRP, neutrophil count and NLR) might be possible risk factors for severity of renal involvement. Decreased C4, in particular, may be a risk factor for decreased GFR in those children.
The Role of Dynamic m6A RNA Methylation in Photobiology
Authors: Robinson Myles , Shah Palak , Cui Yan‐Hong , He Yu‐Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification among numerous post‐transcriptional modifications identified in eukaryotic mRNA. m6A modification of RNA is catalyzed by the “writer” m6A methyltransferase enzyme complex, consisting of METTL3, METTL14, WTAP and KIAA1429. The m6A modification is reversible and can be removed by “eraser” m6A demethylase enzymes, namely, FTO and ALKBH5. The biological function of m6A modification on RNA is carried out by RNA‐binding effector proteins called “readers.” Varied functions of the reader proteins regulate mRNA metabolism by affecting stability, translation, splicing or nuclear export. The epitranscriptomic gene regulation by m6A RNA methylation regulates various pathways, which contribute to basic cellular processes essential for cell maintenance, development and cell fate, and affect response to external stimuli and stressors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the regulation and function of m6A RNA methylation, with a focus on UV‐induced DNA damage response and the circadian clock machinery. Insights into the mechanisms of m6A RNA regulation and post‐transcriptional regulatory function in these biological processes may facilitate the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for various diseases related to dysregulation of UV damage response and circadian rhythm.
An Adaptation of the Original Fresno Test to Measure Evidence‐Based Practice Competence in Pediatric Bedside Nurses
Authors: Laibhen‐Parkes Natasha , Kimble Laura P. , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Sudia Tanya , Codone Susan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTPurposeInstruments used to assess evidence‐based practice (EBP) competence in nurses have been subjective, unreliable, or invalid. The Fresno test was identified as the only instrument to measure all the steps of EBP with supportive reliability and validity data. However, the items and psychometric properties of the original Fresno test are only relevant to measure EBP with medical residents. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to describe the development of the adapted Fresno test for pediatric nurses, and provide preliminary validity and reliability data for its use with Bachelor of Science in Nursing–prepared pediatric bedside nurses.MethodsGeneral adaptations were made to the original instrument's case studies, item content, wording, and format to meet the needs of a pediatric nursing sample. The scoring rubric was also modified to complement changes made to the instrument. Content and face validity, and intrarater reliability of the adapted Fresno test were assessed during a mixed‐methods pilot study conducted from October to December 2013 with 29 Bachelor of Science in Nursing–prepared pediatric nurses.ResultsValidity data provided evidence for good content and face validity. Intrarater reliability estimates were high.Linking Evidence to ActionThe adapted Fresno test presented here appears to be a valid and reliable assessment of EBP competence in Bachelor of Science in Nursing–prepared pediatric nurses. However, further testing of this instrument is warranted using a larger sample of pediatric nurses in diverse settings. This instrument can be a starting point for evaluating the impact of EBP competence on patient outcomes.
Adolescent Girls’ Experiences With Sexual Pressure, Coercion, and Victimization: #MeToo
Authors: Morrison‐Beedy Dianne , Grove Linsey 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe #MeToo social media campaign in the United States has highlighted what is a pervasive problem in many cultures—the sexual intimidation and victimization of women by men, especially those in roles of authority.MethodsIn a study of 735 girls, ages 15–19 years, enrolled in a sexual risk reduction randomized controlled trial, we captured baseline data using audio‐computer assisted self‐interviews to increase validity and reliability of responses to questions regarding such behaviors.ResultsDespite their age, one‐half of these girls reported being coerced into sex acts (excluding intercourse) with 1 in 5 reporting such victimization by a man who used his position of authority. Alarmingly, 12–28% of girls reported being forced into penetrative sex acts against their will. Far too many girls reported they had had multiple episodes of such violence.Linking Evidence to ActionIt is clear that this study captures a common, but minimally documented, threat faced by adolescent girls ranging from men pressuring them to engage in sex activities through the use of victimization, intimidation, or provision of substances to underage girls to gain compliance. Using such evidence to enhance and tailor sexual risk reduction, health, safety, and communication interventions for both males and females is essential. Identifying triggers to at‐risk situations, providing skill building in communication, negotiation and refusal skills, as well as clearly discussing consent issues among both genders are important components in evidence‐based interventions if we are to impact positively the next generation to curtail sexual pressure, coercion, and violence.
Need to improve awareness and treatment compliance in high-risk patients for diabetic complications in Nepal
Authors: Sapkota Raju P , Upadhyaya Tirthalal , Gurung Govind , Parker Mike , Raman Rajiv , Pardhan Shahina 
Published: May 2018

Objective/introductionIt is known that knowledge, awareness, and practice influence diabetic control. We compared factors pertaining to healthy lifestyle (exercising, avoiding smoking), self-help (attending appointments, following treatment regimens), and diabetic awareness in high-risk patients for diabetic complications, specifically, those on insulin versus non-insulin treatment, and also those with a longer diabetic duration (≥5 years) versus a shorter duration.Methods200 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes (52.0±11.6 years) attending diabetic clinic at a referral hospital in Nepal were recruited. A structured questionnaire explored non-clinical parameters including age, gender, diabetic duration, awareness about diabetes control, self-help, and lifestyle. Clinical data were also measured: HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure, and treatment type (insulin, diet/tablet).ResultsA significantly higher proportion of patients on insulin (vs non-insulin) or with diabetic duration ≥5 years (vs <5 years) self-reported not doing regular exercise, forgetting to take medicine, and not knowing whether their diabetes was controlled (p≤0.005). HbA1c/FBS levels were significantly higher for patients on insulin or with a longer diabetic duration (p≤0.001). 92% of those on insulin (vs 31% on non-insulin) and 91% with diabetic duration ≥5 years (vs 28% of <5 years) self-reported to seeking medical help due to episodes of uncontrolled blood sugar in the last year (p<0.001).ConclusionPoor self-help/lifestyle and reduced knowledge/awareness about diabetic control was found in patients on insulin or with longer diabetic duration. This is a worrying finding as these patients are already at high risk for developing diabetic complications. The findings highlight need for targeting this more vulnerable group and provide more support/diabetic educational tools.
Autoantibodies in chronic hepatitis C virus infection: impact on clinical outcomes and extrahepatic manifestations
Authors: Gilman Andrew J , Le An K , Zhao Changqing , Hoang Joseph , Yasukawa Lee A , Weber Susan C , Vierling John M , Nguyen Mindie H 
Published: May 2018

GoalsTo examine the role that autoantibodies (auto-abs) play in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) regarding demographics, presence of extrahepatic manifestations and long-term outcomes in a large US cohort.BackgroundAuto-abs have been reported to be prevalent in patients with chronic HCV infection, but data on the natural history of these patients are limited.StudyThe study included 1556 consecutive patients with HCV without concurrent HIV and/or HBV who had testing for antinuclear antibody (ANA), antimitochondrial antibody (AMA), antismooth muscle antibody (ASMA) and/or antiliver kidney microsomal antibody (LKM). Primary outcomes included development of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensations, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mortality and/or sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy.ResultsA total of 388 patients tested positive for any auto-ab (ANA 21.8%, ASMA 13.3%, AMA 2.2% and LKM 1.2%). Patients who tested positive versus negative were more likely to be women (29.3% vs 20.9%, p<0.001) and less likely to achieve SVR with most treated patients receiving interferon-based therapies (37.2% vs 47.1%, p=0.031). There was no difference between groups for baseline laboratory data, disease state or rate of extrahepatic manifestations (42.8% vs 45.0%, p=0.44). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between groups for the 10-year development of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensations, HCC nor survival. Furthermore, auto-ab positivity was only found to be a predictor for a lower rate of SVR on multivariate analysis (adjusted OR=1.61, 95 %  CI 1.00 to 2.58, p=0.048).ConclusionsIn our cohort, auto-ab positivity was common, especially in women, and predicted a lower rate of SVR but otherwise had no impact on the natural history of chronic HCV or presence of extrahepatic manifestations.
Period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a longitudinal study
Authors: Tanji Fumiya , Tomata Yasutake , Sekiguchi Takuya , Tsuji Ichiro 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported that displacement from one’s own home after a natural disaster is associated with a higher degree of psychological distress. The present study investigated the longitudinal association between the period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a longitudinal observation of 284 adults (aged ≥18 years) who had lived in prefabricated temporary housing in Miyagi, Northeastern Japan. The period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing was classified into three categories: <3, 3–4 and >4 years (ie, still living in prefabricated temporary housing).OutcomesThe Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was assessed in both a baseline survey (2011) and a follow-up survey (2016). Higher psychological distress was defined by a K6 score of ≥5. We used Firth’s penalised likelihood method in the multivariate logistic regression model to estimate the adjusted ORs and 95% CIs.ResultsAmong the total participants, the proportion of individuals with higher psychological distress at the follow-up survey was significantly higher in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=4.00, 95% CI 1.67 to 10.16) than in the <3 years category. Among participants who had a lower degree of psychological distress at the baseline, the proportion of those whose psychological distress deteriorated was significantly higher in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=4.87, 95% CI 1.26 to 20.28) than in the <3 years category. On the other hand, among the participants who had a higher degree of psychological distress at the baseline, the proportion of those whose psychological distress ameliorated was significantly lower in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.85) than in the <3 years category.ConclusionsThe proportion of individuals with more severe psychological distress was higher among participants who had lived in prefabricated temporary housing for a long period.
Assessing health, quality of life and urogenital function in a sample of the Swedish general population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bock David , Angenete Eva , Gonzales Elisabeth , Heath Jane , Haglind Eva 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveEvaluate the urinary, bowel and sexual function as well as stress symptoms and depression in a sample of the Swedish population.DesignA random sample of Swedish men and women in age groups from 30 to 89 years, a total of 3000 individuals, were contacted and after receiving informed consent, a questionnaire was sent.Main outcome measuresMeasures of urinary, bowel, sexual function and quality of life.ResultsThe questionnaire was sent to 2094 individuals who gave informed consent. The questionnaire was answered by 1078 individuals. Quality of life, stress symptoms and depressed mood were relatively constant across age groups for both men and women. Urinary function differed significantly across gender and age groups, but bowel function was relatively unaffected by age. Overall bowel dysfunction was slightly more prevalent among women compared with men. For both men and women, the frequency of intercourse or other sexual activities decreased with age, whereas sexually associated distress increased by age in men, but decreased among women.ConclusionsIn a general population, the urinary function varied across age and sex. Overall bowel dysfunction was slightly more prevalent among women compared with men. Sexually associated distress increased by age for men, but decreased for women.Trial registration numberNCT02392923; Results.
Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced tumour necrosis factor alpha responses are lower in children with asthma compared with non-asthma
Authors: Smith-Norowitz Tamar Anne , Chotikanatis Kobkul , Weaver Diana , Ditkowsky Jared , Norowitz Yitzchok Meir , Hammerschlag Margaret R , Joks Rauno , Kohlhoff Stephan 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionChlamydia pneumoniaerespiratory tract infection has been implicated in the pathogenesis of reactive airway disease and asthma. Innate cytokine responses that are protective of infection with intracellular pathogens may be impaired in patients with asthma. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine related to functions of monocytes and may inhibitC. pneumoniaeinfection. We investigated TNF-α responses inC. pneumoniae-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with asthma and non-asthma, and whether ciprofloxacin, azithromycin or doxycycline affects TNF-α responses.MethodsPBMC (1.5×106) from paediatric patients with asthma (n=19) and non-asthmatic controls (n=6) were infected or mock infected for 1 hour with or withoutC. pneumoniaeAR-39 at a multiplicity of infection=0.1, and cultured+ciprofloxacin, azithromycin or doxycycline (0.1 ug/mL) for 48 hours. TNF-α levels were measured in supernatants by ELISA.ResultsWhen PBMC from patients with asthma were infected withC. pneumoniae, levels of TNF-α were significantly lower than in subjects without asthma (48 hours) (5.5±5.6, 38.4±53.7; p=0.0113). However, baseline responses (no infection withC. pneumoniae) were similar in asthma and non-asthma (1.0±1.7, 1.1±1.2; p=0.89). When PBMC frompatiens with asthma were infected withC. pneumoniae+ciprofloxacin, azithromycin or doxycycline, TNF-α levels increased (25%–45%); this affect was not observed in PBMC from patients without asthma.ConclusionsWe identified differences in the quantity of TNF-α produced byC. pneumoniae-infected PBMC in asthma compared with non-asthma.
Efficacy of pharmacological therapies for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Luthra Pavit , Burr Nicholas E , Brenner Darren M , Ford Alexander C 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveOpioids are increasingly prescribed in the West and have deleterious GI consequences. Pharmacological therapies to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) are available, but their relative efficacy is unclear. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to address this deficit in current knowledge.DesignWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMBASE Classic and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials through to December 2017 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological therapies in the treatment of adults with OIC. Trials had to report a dichotomous assessment of overall response to therapy, and data were pooled using a random effects model. Efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapies was reported as a pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs to summarise the effect of each comparison tested and ranked treatments according to their P-score.ResultsTwenty-seven eligible RCTs of pharmacological therapies, containing 9149 patients, were identified. In our primary analysis, using failure to achieve an average of ≥3 bowel movements (BMs) per week with an increase of ≥1 BM per week over baseline or an average of ≥3 BMs per week, to define non-response, the network meta-analysis ranked naloxone first in terms of efficacy (RR=0.65; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.80, P-score=0.84), and it was also the safest drug. When non-response to therapy was defined using failure to achieve an average of ≥3 BMs per week, with an increase of ≥1 BM per week over baseline, naldemedinewas ranked first (RR=0.66; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.77, P score=0.91) and alvimopan second (RR=0.74; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.94, P-score=0.71).ConclusionIn network meta-analysis, naloxone and naldemedine appear to be the most efficacious treatments for OIC. Naloxone was the safest of these agents.
Deep learning Radiomics of shear wave elastography significantly improved diagnostic performance for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Wang Kun , Lu Xue , Zhou Hui , Gao Yongyan , Zheng Jian , Tong Minghui , Wu Changjun , Liu Changzhu , Huang Liping , Jiang Tian’an , Meng Fankun , Lu Yongping , Ai Hong , Xie Xiao-Yan , Yin Li-ping , Liang Ping , Tian Jie , Zheng Rongqin 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the performance of the newly developed deep learning Radiomics of elastography (DLRE) for assessing liver fibrosis stages. DLRE adopts the radiomic strategy for quantitative analysis of the heterogeneity in two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) images.DesignA prospective multicentre study was conducted to assess its accuracy in patients with chronic hepatitis B, in comparison with 2D-SWE, aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index and fibrosis index based on four factors, by using liver biopsy as the reference standard. Its accuracy and robustness were also investigated by applying different number of acquisitions and different training cohorts, respectively. Data of 654 potentially eligible patients were prospectively enrolled from 12 hospitals, and finally 398 patients with 1990 images were included. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed to calculate the optimal area under the ROC curve (AUC) for cirrhosis (F4), advanced fibrosis (≥F3) and significance fibrosis (≥F2).ResultsAUCs of DLRE were 0.97 for F4 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), 0.98 for ≥F3 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.00) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.89) for ≥F2, which were significantly better than other methods except 2D-SWE in ≥F2. Its diagnostic accuracy improved as more images (especially ≥3 images) were acquired from each individual. No significant variation of the performance was found if different training cohorts were applied.ConclusionDLRE shows the best overall performance in predicting liver fibrosis stages compared with 2D-SWE and biomarkers. It is valuable and practical for the non-invasive accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis stages in HBV-infected patients.Trial registration numberNCT02313649; Post-results.