bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alien reptiles on Mediterranean Islands: A model for invasion biogeography
Authors: Silva‐Rocha Iolanda Raquel , Salvi Daniele , Carretero Miguel A. , Ficetola Gentile Francesco 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimThe Mediterranean basin has a long history of interactions between humans and biota, with multiple ancient and recent introductions of alien species. Such a multitude of introductions makes it difficult to distinguish between alien and native species but provides an excellent opportunity to investigate factors related to introductions and long‐term persistence of alien species. In this study, we combined genetic and distribution data to identify the factors promoting the presence of alien reptiles on islands, considering human‐related, geographic and species features. Furthermore, we assessed whether the use of genetic evidence to identify alien species improves inference of the factors determining their distribution.LocationMediterranean islands.MethodsWe combined genetic data and distribution databases to obtain information on biological traits and on the native/alien status of reptiles on >900 Mediterranean islands, and we gathered data on geographic and human features of islands. We then used spatially explicit generalized additive mixed models to identify the factors associated with the establishment of alien reptiles.ResultsAlien reptile populations are more frequent on islands far from the native range and with large human population. Alien populations of reptiles that are able to feed on plants are particularly frequent. Traditional data sources underestimate the frequency of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, and using genetic evidence to assess the status of populations provided a more complete picture of the factors associated with the presence of alien populations.Main conclusionsHumans are key drivers of the distribution of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, but the distributions are determined by a complex interplay between human activities, geographic factors and species features. Genetic data are essential for obtaining reliable biogeographic assessments of invasive species, particularly in systems with a long history of human influence.
A new on‐site detection method for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in infected pine trees
Authors: Cha Deok Jea , Kim Dong Soo , Lee Sun Keun , Han Hye Rim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which is a major problem in East Asia and West Europe. Quick identification of PWN is needed to prevent the dispersal of PWD to healthy forests. Various detection methods of PWN have been developed using anatomical characters and molecular markers. These methods are not suitable for rapid diagnosis because it is difficult to distinguish B. xylophilus from the non‐pathogenic species Bursaphelenchus mucronatus based on morphological characters without expertise in nematode taxonomy and most PCR or isothermal amplification detection methods require time‐consuming processes. In this study, we developed an on‐site PWN detection method using a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay with a novel extraction buffer (DAP buffer). This new PWN detection method is able to extract genomic DNA from PWN in pinewood by simple buffer consisting of sodium hydrate, polyethylene glycol 200 and dimethyl sulfoxide in 10 min without using the experimental devices and able to distinguish between B. xylophilus and other Bursaphelenchus spp. by amplifying the species‐specific 5S rDNA fragment of B. xylophilus in 10 min. Taken together, our protocol can obtain the result for the detection of PWN in pine tree samples within 30 min. This result suggests that RPA/DAP assay is much faster, easier and cheaper than the conventional methods for detecting PWN.
Survey of non‐physiotherapy department medical staff in China and their understanding of physiotherapy in comprehensive management of haemophilia
Authors: Liu Shufen , Li Kuixing , Zhao Xiaoyi , Cong Hui , Li Qing , Chen Lixia 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionPhysiotherapy plays a very important role in comprehensive care of patients with haemophilia. Due to limited resources and a lack of understanding among medical personnel, physiotherapy has not become a standard component of comprehensive management of haemophilia in China.AimTo investigate the understanding and practice of physiotherapy in the comprehensive management of haemophilia by non‐physiotherapy department medical staff engaged in haemophilia work in China.MethodsA specifically designed questionnaire was used to investigate the medical staff who participated in the 10th World Federation of Hemophilia—Hemophilia Conference China held in Xi'an, China, from 14 October to 16 October 2016.ResultsAmong all respondents, 97.2% believed that haemophilia patients needed physiotherapy. However, only 17.5% of the respondents were found to have a very accurate understanding of the timing of physiotherapeutic interventions for haemophilia patients; 83.9% of the respondents worried that physiotherapy would increase the incidence of new haemorrhagic episodes in haemophilia patients, and 11.1% of the respondents never recommended physiotherapy for haemophilia patients. Factors that independently affected the respondents’ knowledge of the timing of physiotherapy in haemophilia patients were their professional rank and participation in continuing education that included haemophilia physiotherapy. One factor that independently affected respondents’ recommendation of physiotherapy to patients was participation in continuing education that included haemophilia physiotherapy.ConclusionHaemophilia continuing education covering physiotherapy should be strengthened for new non‐physiotherapy medical staff in the haemophilia field.
Whole blood ristocetin‐induced platelet impedance aggregometry does not reflect clinical severity in patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease
Authors: Nakajima Yuto , Nogami Keiji , Yada Koji , Ogiwara Kenichi , Furukawa Shoko , Shimonishi Naruto , Shima Midori 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe haemorrhagic phenotype in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) is heterogeneous, and assays of von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) do not always reflect clinical severity, especially in those individuals classed as type 1 VWD. Recent studies have shown that whole blood ristocetin‐induced platelet agglutination (WB‐RIPA) using an easy‐to‐use analyzer, Multiplate® platelet impedance technique, could be informative as a diagnostic test in VWD, although inconsistencies were evident in patients with the type 1 disorder, possibly associated with clinical symptoms.AimTo investigate the relationship between WB‐RIPA, bleeding scores (BS) and VWF‐related measurements in type 1 VWD.MethodsWB‐RIPA assay using the Multiplate® was performed using whole blood from 55 patients with type 1 VWD. BS was determined using a standardized questionnaire.ResultsWB‐RIPA values were significantly lower in type 1 VWD than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Weak correlations were apparent between WB‐RIPA and VWF:RCo or VWF antigen (VWF:Ag; r = 0.22 or 0.28, respectively). There were significant differences in VWF:RCo (P = 0.036) and VWF:Ag (P = 0.0013) between patients with BS ≥4 (defined as abnormal bleeding tendency) and BS <4 (defined as no abnormal bleeding tendency), respectively. However, no significant difference was observed in WB‐RIPA between the BS ≥4 group and BS <4 group. Overall, VWD patients with a WB‐RIPA level >70 U did not seem to have an abnormal bleeding tendency, but low levels of WB‐RIPA did not correlate with BS.ConclusionWB‐RIPA did not reflect clinical severity in type 1 VWD patients.
Influence of Climate on the Incidence of RCVS – A Retrospective Study From Taiwan
Authors: Shih Yen‐Cheng , Chen Shih‐Pin , Fuh Jong‐Ling , Wang Yen‐Feng , Wang Shuu‐Jiun 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundCold weather is reportedly a precipitator of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in a few cases. We systematically investigated whether meteorological factors correlate with the occurrence of RCVS.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients diagnosed with RCVS or probable RCVS, based on International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD‐3) criteria, in a hospital‐based headache center from March 2005 to February 2014. Monthly averages of local weather data measured in Taipei were obtained from the Central Weather Bureau in Taiwan. Primary weather variables were compared with the number of monthly new‐onset cases of RCVS.ResultsWe recruited 226 patients with established RCVS and 72 patients with probable RCVS during a 108‐month study period. Incidence of RCVS was higher in winter than summer months (3.3 persons/month [SD: 2.0] vs 2.1 persons/month [SD: 1.5], P = .013). The monthly incidence of RCVS correlated negatively with mean daily temperature (r = −0.231, P = .016) and average precipitation (r = −0.269, P = .005), but positively with barometric pressure (r = 0.274, P = .004). These 3 correlated meteorological factors together explained about 10% of the variance in RCVS monthly incidence (R2 = 0.095, P = .015).ConclusionRCVS was found to be more common in winter months and to be associated with weather variables in Taiwan. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
The effect of different ceramic materials to improve hardness of organomineral fertilizer granules
Authors: Nascimento Carla O. , Mattos Bianca B. , Fialho Rosana L. , Cabral‐Albuquerque Elaine C. M. , Benites Vinícius M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractChicken litter (CL) is a waste generated by poultry farming and it that has increased significantly in recent years. Due to chicken litter levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, the CL has a potential use as fertilizer, nevertheless, this purpose has been threatened by the pollution of water resources owing to the leaching and disposal of these nutrients. The production of CL granular organomineral fertilizers (OMF) is one way of minimizing these problems and to add value to poultry waste. Thus, this study evaluates the potential of the use of different binder materials on the improvement of the hardness and nutrient release. For this, five ceramic materials were added in four different concentrations to the powder mixture containing Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) and CL. The fertilizers were granulated and through hardness evaluation, it was possible to observe that the positive effect on the hardness depended on the additive used and its concentration. The most promising additive was magnesium oxide that, was able to improve the strength of by up to four times, when compared to the OMF control. The results shown that the nutrient release is not affected with addition different binder materials.
Immune‐ and non‐immune‐mediated roles of regulatory T‐cells during wound healing
Authors: Zaiss Dietmar M. , Minutti Carlos M. , Knipper Johanna A. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe immune system has a well‐established contribution to tissue homeostasis and wound healing. However, in many cases immune responses themselves can cause severe tissue damage. Thus, the question arose to which extent cells of the immune system directly contribute to the process of wound healing and to which extent the resolution of excessive immune responses may indirectly contribute to wound healing. FoxP3‐expressing CD4 T‐cells, so‐called regulatory T‐cells (Tregs), have an important contribution in the regulation of immune responses; and, in recent years, it has been suggested that Tregs next to an immune‐regulatory, ‘damage‐limiting’ function may also have an immune‐independent ‘damage‐resolving’ direct role in wound healing. In particular, the release of the epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor Amphiregulin by tissue‐resident Tregs during wound repair suggested such a function. Our recent findings have now revealed that Amphiregulin induces the local release of bio‐active transforming growth factor (TGF)β, a cytokine involved both in immune regulation as well as in the process of wound repair. In light of these findings, we discuss whether, by locally activating TGFβ, Treg‐derived Amphiregulin may contribute to both wound repair and immune suppression. Furthermore, we propose that Treg‐derived Amphiregulin in an autocrine way may enable an IL‐33‐mediated survival and expansion of tissue‐resident Tregs upon injury. Furthermore, Treg‐derived Amphiregulin may contribute to a constitutive, low‐level release of bio‐active TGFβ within tissues, leading to continuous tissue regeneration and to an immune‐suppressive environment, which may keep inflammation‐prone tissues in an homeostatic state.
Serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio as a diagnostic marker for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yamada Kazutoshi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Seike Takuya , Horii Rika , Terashima Takeshi , Iida Noriho , Kitahara Masaaki , Sunagozaka Hajime , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Honda Masao , Takamura Toshinari , Harada Kenichi , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsAccurate diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is clinically important. Therefore, there is a need for easier ways of diagnosing NASH. In this study, we investigated the serum fatty acid composition and evaluated the possibility of using the serum fatty acid composition as a diagnostic marker of NASH.MethodsThe subjects were 78 NAFLD patients (non‐alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]: 30, NASH: 48) and 24 healthy individuals. Fatty acids extracted from the liver tissue and serum were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between serum and liver tissue fatty acid composition, patient background, and liver histology. The diagnostic performance of NASH was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC).ResultsThe results of the fatty acid analysis showed the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio to have the strongest correlation between serum and liver tissue (r = 0.865, P < 0.0001). The serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio in the NASH group was higher compared with that in the NAFL group (P = 0.0007). Evaluation of the association of the serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio with liver histology revealed significant correlation with lobular inflammation score, ballooning score, and fibrosis score. The AUROC for predicting NASH in all NAFLD patients was 0.7097. The AUROC was nearly equivalent even when the study subjects were restricted to patients with a fibrosis score ≤ 2 only (AUROC 0.6917).ConclusionMeasuring the serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio may be an effective non‐invasive method for diagnosing NASH, particularly in its early stages.
BIOMARKER GEOCHEMISTRY OF CRUDE OILS AND NEOGENE BITUMINOUS SHALES IN THE YENIKÖY AREA, EREĞLI‐ULUKIȘLA BASIN, CENTRAL ANATOLIA, TURKEY
Authors: Kara‐Gülbay R. , Korkmaz S. , Erdoğan M. S. , Kadınkız G. 
Published: March 2019

In the Ereğli‐Ulukıșla Basin, southern Turkey, crude oil shows have been observed in the subsurface in the shale‐dominated non‐marine Upper Miocene – Pliocene succession. Based on analyses of samples from four boreholes, the shales’ organic matter content, thermal maturity and depositional characteristics are discussed in this study. Geochemical correlations are established between shale extracts and a crude oil sampled from the shale succession. The shales have moderate to high hydrogen index (HI) and very low oxygen index (OI) values. Pyrolysis data show that the shales contain both Types I and II kerogen, and n‐alkane and biomarker distributions indicate that organic matter is dominated by algal material. Very high C26/C25 and C24/C23, and low C22/C21 tricyclic terpane ratios and C31 R/C30 hopane, C29/(C28+C29) MA and DBT/P ratios in shale extracts indicate that deposition occurred in a lacustrine setting. High gammacerane and C35 homohopane concentrations and low diasterane/sterane ratios with a very low Pr/Ph ratio suggest that both the shales and the source rocks for the oil were deposited in a highly anoxic environment in which the water column may have been thermally stratified.Although the shales analysed have very low Tmax values, the production index is quite high which suggests that the shales are early‐mature to mature. Biomarker ratios including C32 22S/(22R+22S) homohopanes, C29 20S/(20R+20S) and ββ(ββ+αα) steranes, moretane/hopane, TA(I)/TA(I+II) and MPI‐3 all suggest that the shales are within the oil window. Heavy components of free hydrocarbons (S1) within the shales may have been recorded as part of the Rock‐Eval S2 peak resulting in the low Tmax values.The oil and shale extracts analysed are similar according to their sterane and triterpane distributions, suggesting that the oil was generated by the shales. However burial depths of the Upper Miocene – Pliocene shale succession are not sufficient for thermal maturation to have occurred. It is inferred that intense volcanism during the Pliocene – Pleistocene may have played an important role in local maturation of the shale succession.
Tobacco Use Among Rural and Urban US Middle and High School Students: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2011‐2016
Authors: Wiggins Amanda T. , Huntington‐Moskos Luz , Rayens Emily A. , Rayens Mary Kay , Noland Melody , Butler Karen , Hahn Ellen J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeRural adolescents engage in higher smoking and smokeless tobacco use rates than those from urban communities; urban adolescents are more likely to use e‐cigarettes. The study investigated whether place of residence (rural vs urban) is associated with tobacco use prevalence and change in prevalence among middle and high school students over time.MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (2011‐2016). Multiple logistic regression methods for weighted survey data assessed the relationship of place of residence with current tobacco product use over time, adjusting for demographics.FindingsThere was no difference in rate of change in use of any tobacco product between rural and urban middle or high school students. Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and survey year, both middle and high school rural students were more likely to use cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, whereas urban high school students were more likely to use hookah. Significant polynomial trends were observed for e‐cigarette and hookah use patterns, whereas linear changes in use patterns were detected for cigarette and smokeless tobacco use over time.ConclusionsRural high school students are more likely to smoke cigarettes and use smokeless tobacco than their urban counterparts, although prevalence rates have decreased over time. However, use of hookah and e‐cigarettes among middle and high school students has increased over time regardless of place of residence. To stem the rapid increase in use of hookah and e‐cigarettes, comprehensive tobacco control policies are needed regardless of rural or urban location.
Evaluation of a low‐dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate treatment protocol for long‐term management of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl Nadia S. , Reusch Claudia E. , Hofer‐Inteeworn Nathalie , Kuemmerle‐Fraune Claudia , Müller Claudia , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regina , Boretti Felicitas S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundLowering the dose of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) for the treatment of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) decreases costs and could lead to increased owner motivation to treat their affected dogs.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a low‐dose DOCP treatment protocol in dogs with PH.AnimalsProspective study, 17 client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring PH (12 newly diagnosed, 5 previously treated with fludrocortisone acetate [FC]).MethodsDogs with newly diagnosed PH were started on 1.5 mg/kg DOCP SC; dogs previously treated with FC were started on 1.0‐1.8 mg/kg DOCP SC. Reevaluations took place at regular intervals for a minimum of 3 months and included clinical examination and determination of serum sodium and potassium concentrations. The DOCP dosage was adjusted to obtain an injection interval of 28‐30 days and to keep serum electrolyte concentrations within the reference interval.ResultsMedian (range) follow‐up was 16.2 months (4.5‐32.3 months). The starting dosage was sufficient in all but 2 dogs and had to be significantly decreased after 2‐3 months to a median dosage (range) of 1.1 mg/kg (0.7‐1.8). Dogs 3 years of age or younger needed significantly higher dosages compared to older dogs. None of them, however, needed the 2.2 mg/kg DOCP dosage, recommended by the manufacturer.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA starting dosage of 1.5 mg/kg DOCP is effective in controlling clinical signs and serum electrolyte concentrations in the majority of dogs with PH. An additional dose reduction often is needed to maintain an injection interval of 28‐30 days. Young and growing animals seem to need higher dosages.
Transparency, Policy Outcomes, and Incumbent Support
Authors: Aguiar‐Conraria Luís , Magalhães Pedro C. , Veiga Francisco J. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryGovernment transparency has been discussed both as a way to decrease informational asymmetries between officeholders and citizens and as part of what makes for procedurally fair governance. These two different lines of argument generate predictions about how transparency should change voters’ reactions to economic and policy outcomes. First, under high transparency, voters should respond less positively to fiscal expansions. Second, they should become more sensitive to incumbents’ ability to deliver outcomes that generate benefits in the long‐run than to current tangible benefits. We test these arguments using municipality level data in Portugal. Controlling for variables that previous research has shown to drive electoral support for incumbents in local elections, only in the least transparent municipalities is support positively related with increases in local current expenditures, budget deficits, and municipal wages. Instead, where transparency is higher, voters are more likely to reward improvements in the quality of education.
The Stability of Individual Differences in Basic Mathematics‐Related Skills in Young Children at the Start of Formal Education
Authors: O'Connor Patrick A. , Morsanyi Kinga , McCormack Teresa 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThe current study investigated the development of children's performance on tasks that have been suggested to underlie early mathematics skills, including measures of cardinality, ordinality, and intelligence. Eighty‐seven children were tested in their first (T1) and second (T2) school year (at ages 5 and 6). Children's performance on all tasks demonstrated good reliability and significantly improved with age. Correlational analyses revealed that performance on some mathematics‐related tasks were nonsignificantly correlated between T1 and T2 (number line and number comparison), showing that these skills are relatively unstable. Detailed analyses also indicated that the way children solve these tasks show qualitative changes over time. By contrast, children's performance on measures of intelligence and nonnumerical ordering abilities were strongly correlated between T1 and T2. Additionally, ordering skills also showed moderate to strong correlations with counting procedures both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. These results suggest that, initially, mathematics skills strongly rely on nonmathematical abilities.