bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grazing reduces plant species diversity of Caatinga dry forests in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Schulz Katharina , Guschal Maike , Kowarik Ingo , Silva de Almeida‐Cortez Jarcilene , Valadares de Sá Barreto Sampaio Everardo , Cierjacks Arne 
Published: February 2019

AbstractQuestionsIn many arid and semi‐arid regions of the world, livestock husbandry is the main land use and grazing is one of the main challenges for biodiversity conservation. This also applies to the Caatinga, a unique seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. It is considered one of the most threatened ecosystems of Brazil. To protect semi‐arid regions from biodiversity loss, degradation, and desertification, sustainable management practices are urgently needed. However, the effect of different grazing intensities on plant diversity is not yet fully understood. In this study, we examined the effect of different grazing intensities on plant species composition, alpha and beta diversity.LocationVicinity of the Itaparica Reservoir, northeastern Brazil.MethodsWe assessed the effects of different grazing intensities (high, intermediate, no/low) on species composition, alpha and beta diversity of the tree and shrub, and the herb layer in a Caatinga area. Plant diversity of the tree and shrub layer was assessed on 45 study plots (each 20 m × 20 m), while the diversity of herbs was studied on a subset of 36 plots (four subplots, each 2 m × 2 m).ResultsIn total, we recorded 140 plant taxa including morphospecies. Grazing at high intensities significantly reduced almost all measures of alpha and beta diversity (tree and shrub layer) compared to areas with no or low grazing. In contrast, species composition was not significantly related to grazing but instead to altitude, which serves as an indicator of reduced anthropogenic impact such as slash‐and‐burn agriculture or tree harvesting.ConclusionOverall, the study results show that the current livestock management has negative effects on plant diversity in Caatinga ecosystems. These results have been incorporated into guidelines provided to regional stakeholders including recommendations for adapted land‐management practices that protect and foster the biodiversity of dry forests while sustaining local livelihoods.
Ethical classification of ME/CFS in the United Kingdom
Authors: O'Leary Diane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFew conditions have sparked as much controversy as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Professional consensus has long suggested that the condition should be classified as psychiatric, while patients and advocacy groups have insisted it is a serious biological disease that requires medical care and research to develop it. This longstanding debate shifted in 2015, when U.S. governmental health authorities fully embraced medical classification and management. Given that some globally respected health authorities now insist that ME/CFS is a serious biological disease, this paper asks whether it can be ethical for the U.K. practice guideline now in development to characterize the condition as a mental health disorder. Following a brief history of ME/CFS controversy, I offer three arguments to show that it would be unethical for the U.K. to now characterize ME/CFS as a mental health condition, considering the relevance of that conclusion for ME/CFS guidelines elsewhere and for other contested conditions.
Phase 2 multicentre study of single‐agent ofatumumab in previously untreated follicular lymphoma: CALGB 50901 (Alliance)
Authors: Rosenbaum Cara A. , Jung Sin‐Ho , Pitcher Brandelyn , Bartlett Nancy L. , Smith Sonali M. , Hsi Eric , Wagner‐Johnston Nina , Thomas Sachdev P. , Leonard John P. , Cheson Bruce D. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryRituximab monotherapy has proven efficacy in treatment‐naïve, asymptomatic advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma (FL). Ofatumumab is a fully humanized anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody with increased CD20 affinity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. This phase 2 trial (NCT01190449) evaluated ofatumumab in patients with untreated, low/intermediate‐risk FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), advanced‐stage FL to determine single‐agent efficacy. Patients with measurable disease in stages III/IV or bulky stage II, regardless of Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Folliculaires criteria, received 4 weekly 1000 mg doses followed by four extended induction doses once every 8 weeks. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) to 1000 mg; secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and safety. Fifty‐one patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients were randomized to 500 mg prior to discontinuing that arm for slow accrual. Among 36 patients on the 1000 mg arm, ORR was 84%, median PFS was 1·9 years and median response duration was 23·7 months. All patients remain alive. No grade 4 infusion reactions or grade 3/4 infections occurred. Grade 3 infusion reactions occurred in 25% in the 1000 mg arm only (all first infusion); all but two patients continued on study. Discontinuation was 6% for the total study population. Ofatumumab monotherapy administered by extended induction in untreated, low/intermediate‐risk FLIPI, advanced‐stage FL is well tolerated and active. Activity appears similar to that reported with single‐agent rituximab.
Hydrogen sulfide regulates muscle RING finger‐1 protein S‐sulfhydration at Cys44 to prevent cardiac structural damage in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sun Xiaojiao , Zhao Dechao , Lu Fangping , Peng Shuo , Yu Miao , Liu Ning , Sun Yu , Du Haining , Wang Bingzhu , Chen Jian , Dong Shiyun , Lu Fanghao , Zhang Weihua 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays important roles as a gasotransmitter in pathologies. Increased expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, muscle RING finger‐1 (MuRF1), may be involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here we have investigated whether and how exogenous H2S alleviates cardiac muscle degradation through modifications of MuRF1 S‐sulfhydration in db/db mice.Experimental ApproachNeonatal rat cardiomyocytes were treated with high glucose (40 mM), oleate (100 μM), palmitate (400 μM), and NaHS (100 μM) for 72 hr. MuRF1 was silenced with siRNA technology and mutation at Cys44. Endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, MuRF1 expression, and ubiquitination level were measured. db/db mice were injected with NaHS (39 μmol·kg−1) for 20 weeks. Echocardiography, cardiac ultrastructure, cystathionine‐γ‐lyase, cardiac structure proteins expression, and S‐sulfhydration production were measured.Key ResultsH2S levels and cystathionine‐γ‐lyase protein expression in myocardium were decreased in db/db mice. Exogenous H2S reversed endoplasmic reticulum stress, including impairment of the function of cardiomyocytes and structural damage in db/db mice. Exogenous H2S could suppress the levels of myosin heavy chain 6 and myosin light chain 2 ubiquitination in cardiac tissues of db/db mice, and MuRF1 was modified by S‐sulfhydration, following treatment with exogenous H2S, to reduce the interaction between MuRF1 and myosin heavy chain 6 and myosin light chain 2.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur findings suggest that H2S regulates MuRF1 S‐sulfhydration at Cys44 to prevent myocardial degradation in the cardiac tissues of db/db mice.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Clinical and immunological differences between asymptomatic HDM‐sensitized and HDM‐allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Zidarn Mihaela , Robič Maša , Krivec Anja , Šilar Mira , Resch‐Marat Yvonne , Vrtala Susanne , Kopač Peter , Bajrović Nissera , Valenta Rudolf , Korošec Peter 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundConfirmation of the clinical relevance of sensitisation is important for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.ObjectiveTo investigate the usefulness of an in vitro basophil activation test and component‐resolved diagnosis in distinguishing between symptomatic allergic rhinitis patients and asymptomatic sensitization to house dust mites (HDMs).MethodsThirty‐six subjects with a positive skin prick test (SPT) for HDM were divided into a symptomatic (n = 17) and an asymptomatic (n = 19) group on the basis of their clinical history and a nasal provocation test. A basophil CD63 response to in vitro stimulation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus whole allergen extract and the IgE reactivity profiles for Der p 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 23 were evaluated. Serum IgE and IgG specific to D pteronyssinus whole allergen extract and total IgE were measured.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in the levels of IgE (IgE levels were higher in symptomatic patients with P = 0.055) and IgG specific to D pteronyssinus and total IgE. Symptomatic patients showed a lower threshold for in vitro basophil activation (3.33 ng/mL vs 33.3 ng/mL), a higher area under the curve (AUC) of basophil activation (171 vs 127) (P = 0.017), a higher response to positive control with anti‐FcεRI stimulation (97% vs 79%) (P < 0.001), a recognition of more HDM allergens (4 vs 2) and more frequent sensitization to rDer p 7 (P = 0.016) and rDer p 23 compared to asymptomatic subjects (P = 0.018). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.63; P < 0.001) between the number of recognized allergens and the AUC of basophil activation.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceIn the subjects studied, the differences in the basophil response to D pteronyssinus allergen extract, number of recognized HDM allergens and reactivity to rDer p 7 and rDer p 23 distinguish symptomatic from asymptomatic HDM sensitisation better than SPT or allergen extract‐specific IgE. Information regarding the clinical relevance of sensitization is important for the prescription of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.
Brain lateralization of phonological awareness varies by maternal education
Authors: Younger Jessica W. , Lee Keun‐Woo , Demir‐Lira Ozlem E. , Booth James R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSocioeconomic status (SES) has been shown to influence language skills, with children of lower SES backgrounds performing worse on language assessments compared to their higher SES peers. While there is abundant behavioral research on the effects of SES, whether there are differences in the neural mechanisms used to support language skill is less established. In this study, we examined the relation between maternal education (ME), a component of SES, and neural mechanisms of language. We focused on Kindergarten children, at the beginning of formal reading education, and on a pre‐reading skill, phonological awareness—the ability to distinguish or manipulate the sounds of language. We determined ME‐related differences in neural activity by examining a skill‐matched sample of typically achieving 5‐year‐old children as they performed a rhyme judgment task. We examined brain lateralization in two language processing regions, the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and superior temporal gyrus (STG). In the IFG, lateralization was related to ME but not skill: children with low ME showed bilateral activation compared to children with higher ME who showed leftward lateralization. In the STG, there was a skill by ME interaction on lateralization, such that children with high ME showed a positive relation between rightward lateralization and skill and children with low ME showed a positive relation between leftward lateralization and skill. Thus, we demonstrated ME is related to differences in neural recruitment during language processing, yet this difference in recruitment is not indicative of a deficit in linguistic processing in Kindergarten children.
Ectopic fat and aerobic fitness are key determinants of glucose homeostasis in nonobese Asians
Authors: Chan Zhiling , Ding Cherlyn , Chooi Yu Chung , Choo John , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Sasikala S. , Chang Amanda , Michael Navin , Velan Sambasivam Sendhil , Leow Melvin K.‐S. , Magkos Faidon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of ectopic fat deposition and physical fitness in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction in subjects from the nonobese Asians is not known.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study and measured insulin sensitivity (M value; 4‐hour hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp), insulin secretion rate (3‐hour mixed meal tolerance test with oral minimal modelling), percent body fat, visceral adipose tissue, intramyocellular and intrahepatic lipid contents (magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max; graded exercise test) and habitual physical activity (short International Physical Activity Questionnaire) in 60 healthy nonobese Asian subjects (BMI = 21.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2, age = 41.8 ± 13.4 years).ResultsM was inversely associated with percent body fat (r = −0.460, P < 0.001), visceral fat (r = −0.623, P < 0.001) and liver fat (r = −0.601, P < 0.001), whereas insulin secretion correlated positively with these adiposity indices (percent body fat: r = 0.303, P = 0.018; visceral fat: r = 0.409, P = 0.010; hepatic fat: r = 0.393, P = 0.002). VO2max correlated negatively with insulin secretion rate (r = −0.420, P < 0.001) and positively with M (r = 0.658, P < 0.001). The amount of vigorous physical activity was positively associated with VO2max (r = 0.682, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analyses indicated that VO2max, age, and IHTG or VAT were independent determinants of insulin sensitivity and secretion (adjusted R2 = 69% and 33%, respectively, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIncreased ectopic fat deposition is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and increased insulin secretion in healthy nonobese Asians. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness, likely due to inadequate participation in vigorous exercise, is strongly related to suboptimal metabolic function. Interventions to encourage engagement in physical activity may thus be important for improving metabolic health in nonobese Asians.
The kinetics of siderophore‐mediated olivine dissolution
Authors: Torres Mark A. , Dong Sijia , Nealson Kenneth H. , West A. Joshua 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSilicate minerals represent an important reservoir of nutrients at Earth's surface and a source of alkalinity that modulates long‐term geochemical cycles. Due to the slow kinetics of primary silicate mineral dissolution and the potential for nutrient immobilization by secondary mineral precipitation, the bioavailability of many silicate‐bound nutrients may be limited by the ability of micro‐organisms to actively scavenge these nutrients via redox alteration and/or organic ligand production. In this study, we use targeted laboratory experiments with olivine and the siderophore deferoxamine B to explore how microbial ligands affect nutrient (Fe) release and the overall rate of mineral dissolution. Our results show that olivine dissolution rates are accelerated in the presence of micromolar concentrations of deferoxamine B. Based on the non‐linear decrease in rates with time and formation of a Fe3+‐ligand complex, we attribute this acceleration in dissolution rates to the removal of an oxidized surface coating that forms during the dissolution of olivine at circum‐neutral pH in the presence of O2 and the absence of organic ligands. While increases in dissolution rates are observed with micromolar concentrations of siderophores, it remains unclear whether such conditions could be realized in natural environments due to the strong physiological control on microbial siderophore production. So, to contextualize our experimental results, we also developed a feedback model, which considers how microbial physiology and ligand‐promoted mineral dissolution kinetics interact to control the extent of biotic enhancement of dissolution rates expected for different environments. The model predicts that physiological feedbacks severely limit the extent to which dissolution rates may be enhanced by microbial activity, though the rate of physical transport modulates this limitation.
Responses of nitrogen concentrations and pools to multiple environmental change drivers: A meta‐analysis across terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Yue Kai , Peng Yan , Fornara Dario A. , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Vesterdal Lars , Yang Wanqin , Peng Changhui , Tan Bo , Zhou Wei , Xu Zhenfeng , Ni Xiangyin , Zhang Li , Wu Fuzhong , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimWe sought to understand how the individual and combined effects of multiple environmental change drivers differentially influence terrestrial nitrogen (N) concentrations and N pools and whether the interactive effects of these drivers are mainly antagonistic, synergistic or additive.LocationWorldwide.Time periodContemporary.Major taxa studiedPlants, soil, and soil microbes in terrestrial ecosystems.MethodsWe synthesized data from manipulative field studies from 758 published articles to estimate the individual, combined and interactive effects of key environmental change drivers (elevated CO2, warming, N addition, phosphorus addition, increased rainfall and drought) on plant, soil, and soil microbe N concentrations and pools using meta‐analyses. We assessed the influences of moderator variables on these effects through structural equation modelling.ResultsWe found that (a) N concentrations and N pools were significantly affected by the individual and combined effects of multiple drivers, with N addition (either alone or in combination with another driver) showing the strongest positive effects; (b) the individual and combined effects of these drivers differed significantly between N concentrations and N pools in plants, but seldom in soils and microbes; (c) additive effects of driver pairs on N concentrations and pools were much more common than synergistic or antagonistic effects across plants, soils and microbes; and (d) environmental and experimental factors were important moderators of the individual, combined and interactive effects of these drivers on terrestrial N.Main conclusionsOur results indicate that terrestrial N concentrations and N pools, especially those of plants, can be significantly affected by the individual and combined effects of environmental change drivers, with the interactive effects of these drivers being mostly additive. Our findings are important because they contribute to the development of models to better predict how altered N availability affects ecosystem carbon cycling under future environmental changes.
A mechanistic model to scale up biophysical processes into geographical size gradients in ectotherms
Authors: Rubalcaba Juan G. , Gouveia Sidney F. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimUnderstanding the mechanisms behind broad‐scale gradients in animal body size remains challenging. In contrast to endotherms, the extent to which biophysical properties of ectotherms scale up into interspecific size gradients at macroecological scales remains elusive. Our aim here is to investigate what latitudinal body size gradients are expected to emerge from first biophysical principles regarding heat and water balances in terrestrial vertebrate ectotherms.LocationNearctic and Western Palaearctic.Time periodTheoretical model under current climatic conditions.Major taxa studiedTerrestrial vertebrate ectotherms.MethodsWe developed a biophysical model to derive heat balances and rates of water loss of lizard‐like reptiles and anuran‐like amphibians from microclimatic variables. We projected geographically model predictions for different size classes to explore how body temperature (Tb) and cutaneous evaporative water loss (EWL) are influenced by body size at macroscales.ResultsLarge‐bodied ectotherms (over 100 g) attain a slightly higher Tb and conserve it for longer than small animals (5 g), owing to the lower convective heat dissipation and their greater thermal inertia. While large animals are more at risk of overheating in warm regions, all organisms, irrespective of body size, are constrained by low temperatures experienced at boreal latitudes. Furthermore, because of the nonlinear decrease in EWL with increasing size, larger size allows reduction of water loss of small wet‐skinned ectotherms in more evaporative environments.Main conclusionsSize differences in heat balance offer a mechanistic explanation for the pattern of increasing body size northwards, as well as for the associated decrease in species richness. Water conservation is also identified as a potential mechanism for larger body sizes in dryer areas in wet‐skinned ectotherms such as amphibians. Moreover, our model reveals nonlinear relationships involving size and optimum states of thermal and hydric functions, accounting for complexities that are unnoticeable by traditional, correlative investigations.
Competition in the acquisition market and acquirers' long‐run performance
Authors: Shams Syed , Gunasekarage Abeyratna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUsing a large sample of completed acquisition deals in Australia, this study examines the influence of competition in the acquisition market on the long‐run operating performance of acquirers of private target firms in comparison to that of acquirers of public target firms. We find that, in contrast to acquirers targeting private firms, those targeting public firms improve their performance in the long run through competition‐induced bids. However, in a competitive takeover market, public target acquirers experience significant declines in performance when acquiring targets that are labelled high performers. Additionally, public target acquirers report improved performance when acquiring a significant ownership stake in target firms.
Medical‐surgical nurses’ documentation of client teaching and discharge planning at a Jamaican hospital
Authors: Abdul‐Kareem K. , Lindo J.L.M. , Stennett R. 
Published: February 2019

AimThis study sought to review documentation of client teaching and discharge planning performed on the medical wards of an urban Jamaican hospital.BackgroundAmid a chronic disease epidemic in Jamaica, adequate discharge planning and client education among hospitalized clients are essential to ensure optimal health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.MethodA total of 131 records from six medical wards were audited. The audit instrument was developed based on the Ministry of Health, Jamaica guidelines, and appraised the completeness of assessment, use of the nursing process, client teaching and discharge planning. Quota sampling facilitated the selection of medical records which met the inclusion criteria. The SPSS® version 22 for Windows® facilitated data analysis.ResultsEighty‐eight adult (67.2%) and 43 (32.8%) paediatric records were audited; 89.3% indicated the clients were diagnosed with at least one non‐communicable disease. Fourteen percent of records reflected documented evidence of client teaching within the first 72 h of admission. On the day of discharge, only 18.3% reflected client teaching. Nurses seldom began discharge planning within the first 24 h of admission as only 6.9% records had documented evidence. These trends were common to adult and paediatric units.Discussion and ConclusionThe requisite client teaching and discharge planning appeared to be lacking in the records reviewed and may be contributory to deficiencies noted in self‐care management. Research is needed to determine factors which could facilitate improved client teaching and discharge planning in the local context. Failure to address this gap in nursing care can significantly affect the country's ability to the reduce the economic burden associated with chronic diseases.Implications for nursing and health policyThis study highlighted an opportunity for advocacy among nurses and requires nursing leadership to collaboratively develop policies and guidelines to address discharge planning and client education among hospitalized clients. Given the significant health costs associated with non‐communicable diseases this should be made a priority in the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control Non‐communicable Diseases in Jamaica with clear articulations.