bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple parametric tests for trait–environment association
Authors: ter Braak Cajo J. F. , Peres‐Neto Pedro R. , Dray Stéphane 
Published: July 2018

AbstractQuestionThe CWM approach is an easy way of analysing trait–environment association by regressing (or correlating) the mean trait per plot against an environmental variable and assessing the statistical significance of the slope or the associated correlation coefficient. However, the CWM approach does not yield valid tests, as random traits (or random indicator values) are far too often judged significantly related to the environmental variable, even when the trait and environmental variable are extrinsic to (not derived from) the community data. Existing solutions are the ZS‐modified test (Zelený & Schaffers,) and the max (or sequential) test based on the fourth‐corner correlation. Both tests are based on permutations which become cumbersome when many tests need to be carried out and many permutations are required, as in methods that correct for multiple testing. The main goal of this study was to compare these existing permutation‐based solutions and to develop a quick and easy parametric test that can replace them.MethodsThis study decomposes the fourth‐corner correlation in two ways, which suggests a simple parametric approach consisting of assessing the significances of two linear regressions, one plot‐level test as in the CWM approach and one species‐level test, the reverse of the CWM approach, that regresses the environmental mean per species (i.e. the species niche centroid) on to the trait. The tests are combined by taking the maximum p‐value. The type I error rates and power of this parametric max test are examined by simulation of one‐ and two‐dimensional Gaussian models and log‐linear models.ResultsThe ZS‐modified test and the fourth‐corner max test are conservative in different scenarios, the ZS‐modified test being even more conservative than the fourth‐corner. The new parametric max test is shown to control the type I error and has equal or even higher power than permutation tests based on the fourth‐corner, the ZS‐modified test and variants thereof. A weighted version of the new test showed inflated type I error.ConclusionThe combination of two simple regressions is a good alternative to the fourth‐corner and the ZS‐modified test. This combination is also applicable when multiple trait measurements are made per plot.
Monitoring age‐related trends in genomic diversity of Australian lungfish
Authors: Schmidt Daniel J. , Fallon Stewart , Roberts David T. , Espinoza Thomas , McDougall Andrew , Brooks Steven G. , Kind Peter K. , Bond Nick R. , Kennard Mark J. , Hughes Jane M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAn important challenge for conservation science is to detect declines in intraspecific diversity so that management action can be guided towards populations or species at risk. The lifespan of Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) exceeds 80 years, and human impacts on breeding habitat over the last half century may have impeded recruitment, leaving populations dominated by old postreproductive individuals, potentially resulting in a small and declining breeding population. Here, we conduct a “single‐sample” evaluation of genetic erosion within contemporary populations of the Australian lungfish. Genetic erosion is a temporal decline in intraspecific diversity due to factors such as reduced population size and inbreeding. We examined whether young individuals showed signs of reduced genetic diversity and/or inbreeding using a novel bomb radiocarbon dating method to age lungfish nonlethally, based on 14C ratios of scales. A total of 15,201 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) loci were genotyped in 92 individuals ranging in age from 2 to 77 years old. Standardized individual heterozygosity and individual inbreeding coefficients varied widely within and between riverine populations, but neither was associated with age, so perceived problems with recruitment have not translated into genetic erosion that could be considered a proximate threat to lungfish populations. Conservation concern has surrounded Australian lungfish for over a century. However, our results suggest that long‐lived threatened species can maintain stable levels of intraspecific variability when sufficient reproductive opportunities exist over the course of a long lifespan.
Renal expression of trefoil factor 3 mRNA in association with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Yamanari Toshio , Mise Koki , Morinaga Hiroshi , Kitagawa Masashi , Onishi Akifumi , Ogawa‐Akiyama Ayu , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Eguchi Jun , Ohmoto Yasukazu , Shikata Kenichi , Wada Jun 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTAimTrefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a small peptide that is involved in mucosal protection. TFF3 is widely expressed in multiple tissues including kidney tissue. Previous studies have reported that the levels of urinary TFF3 are significantly increased in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is to detect the TFF3 mRNA in kidney and elucidate the relationship between renal TFF3 mRNA and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).MethodsWe investigated the renal mRNA expression of TFF3 by real‐time PCR analysis in biopsy specimens from patients with IgAN, other glomerulonephritis (OGN) and minor glomerular abnormalities (MGA). We also determined the renal localization of TFF3 and the levels of urinary TFF3 by immunostaining and ELISA, respectively.ResultsThe renal TFF3 mRNA expression was significantly associated with the urinary TFF3 secretion and the tubulointerstitial fibrosis score in the IgAN group alone. Immunostaining of the renal specimen of IgAN patients revealed that TFF3 is located in the renal tubular epithelial cells. The locations were almost the same as those that showed uromodulin positivity; specifically, the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle and the early portion of the distal tubule. The urinary TFF3 levels were positively correlated with the levels of urinary biomarkers of tubulointerstitial injury in such patients.ConclusionRenal TFF3 mRNA is associated with renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgAN patients. The TFF3 located in the renal tubular epithelial cells may play a role in the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgAN patients.
Rapid drinking challenge during high‐resolution manometry is complementary to timed barium esophagogram for diagnosis and follow‐up of achalasia
Authors: Ponds F. A. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal stasis is a hallmark of achalasia. Timed barium esophagogram (TBE) is used to measure stasis but exposes patients to ionizing radiation. It is suggested that esophageal stasis can be objectified on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) as well using a rapid drinking challenge test (RDC). We aimed to assess esophageal stasis in achalasia by a RDC during HRM and compare this to TBE.MethodsThirty healthy subjects (15 male, age 40 [IQR 34‐49]) and 90 achalasia patients (53 male, age 47 [36‐59], 30 untreated/30 treated symptomatic/30 treated asymptomatic) were prospectively included to undergo HRM with RDC and TBE. RDC was performed by drinking 200 mL of water. Response to RDC was measured by basal and relaxation pressure in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and esophageal pressurization during the last 5 seconds.Key ResultsEGJ basal and relaxation pressure during RDC were higher in achalasia compared to healthy subjects (overall P < .01). Esophageal body pressurization was significantly higher in untreated (43 [33‐35 mm Hg]) and symptomatic treated patients (25 [16‐32] mm Hg) compared to healthy subjects (6 [3‐7] mm Hg) and asymptomatic treated patients (11 [8‐15] mm Hg, overall P < .01). A strong correlation was observed between esophageal pressurization during RDC and barium column height at 5 minutes on TBE (r = .75, P < .01), comparable to the standard predictor of esophageal stasis, IRP (r = .66, P < .01).Conclusions & InferencesThe RDC can reliably predict esophageal stasis in achalasia and adequately measure treatment response to a degree comparable to TBE. We propose to add this simple test to each HRM study in achalasia patients.
Orthogonal contrast based models for quantitative genetic analysis in autotetraploid species
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Fengjun , Wang Lin , Leach Lindsey , Luo Zewei 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDissecting the genetic architecture of quantitative traits is a crucial goal for efficient breeding of polyploid plants, including autotetraploid crop species, such as potato and coffee, and ornamentals such as rose. To meet this goal, a quantitative genetic model is needed to link the genetic effects of genes or genotypes at quantitative trait loci (QTL) to the phenotype of quantitative traits.We present a statistically tractable quantitative genetic model for autotetraploids based on orthogonal contrast comparisons in the general linear model. The new methods are suitable for autotetraploid species with any population genetic structure and take full account of the essential features of autotetrasomic inheritance. The statistical properties of the new methods are explored and compared to an alternative method in the literature by simulation studies.We have shown how these methods can be applied for quantitative genetic analysis in autotetraploids by analysing trait phenotype data from an autotetraploid potato segregating population. Using trait segregation analysis, we showed that both highly heritable traits of flowering time and plant height were under the control of majorQTL.The orthogonal model directly dissects genetic variance into independent components and gives consistent estimates of genetic effects provided that tetrasomic gene segregation is considered.
Lack of association between LTF gene polymorphisms and different caries status in primary dentition
Authors: Wang Mengchen , Qin Man 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveDental caries is related to cariogenic bacteria, salivary components, oral hygiene and host susceptibility. Lactoferrin is an important antimicrobial glycoprotein in saliva; however, the role of the LTF gene in caries susceptibility is unclear. We investigated the association between LTF polymorphisms and the severity of caries.DesignOur study included 910 healthy paediatric subjects (aged 24–48 months) categorised into three groups: 403 with no caries or white‐spot lesions; 230 with moderate caries (8 ≤ dmft ≤ 12); and 277 with severe caries (13 ≤ dmft ≤ 20). Information regarding the subjects’ oral habits was gathered using questionnaires. The LTF rs1126477 and rs1126478 polymorphism alleles were genotyped by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe three groups showed no significant differences in LTF polymorphisms alleles, genotypes or haplotypes distribution. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis showed that the interactions between breastfeeding for a duration >24 months, night feeding >24 months and high frequency of sweet food intake increased the risk of caries (p = 0.0014); however, we detected no interaction effect between the LTF polymorphisms and oral habits on caries susceptibility.ConclusionsThe LTF rs1126477 and rs1126478 polymorphisms showed no association with the different levels of caries risk in our Chinese paediatric cohort.
Prospective survey of implantable defibrillator shock anxiety in Japanese patients: Results from the DEF‐Chiba study
Authors: Miyazawa Kazuo , Kondo Yusuke , Ueda Marehiko , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Nakano Masahiro , Inagaki Masayuki , Schwab Joerg O. , Sears Samuel F. , Kobayashi Yoshio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatient‐reported outcomes of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), such as those with shock anxiety, have emerged as important endpoints that are related to quality of life (QOL), but they have not been well studied in a sample of the Japanese population. Therefore, we prospectively examined changes in shock anxiety in a large sample of Japanese patients with an ICD.MethodsWe recruited 214 consecutive patients with an ICD who visited the outpatient clinic. At registration and 12 months later, all patients completed the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) questionnaire to allow us to examine changes in shock anxiety over the course of the first year after registration.ResultsDuring the 12‐month follow‐up period, 10.5% of the patients received ICD shock therapy. Female sex, secondary prevention, and experience of ICD shock therapy were associated with high FSAS scores at registration. The FSAS scores in both patients with appropriate and inappropriate shock were significantly higher at the 12‐month follow‐up interval than at registration, and there was no significant difference in the extent of changes in FSAS scores (Δ = 5.2 ± 5.1 and Δ = 6.3 ± 9.9, respectively, P = 0.62).ConclusionsFemale sex, secondary prevention, and experience of ICD shock therapy are important risk factors affecting shock anxiety in Japanese patients. Attention should be paid to the after‐effects of ICD shock in these patients, regardless of the shock type, with particular attention to women and patients who require secondary prevention.
Lipidomic reprogramming associated with drought stress priming‐enhanced heat tolerance in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Zhang Xiaxiang , Xu Yi , Huang Bingru 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStress priming by exposing plants to a mild or moderate drought could enhance plant tolerance to subsequent heat stress. Lipids play vital roles in stress adaptation, but how lipidomic profiles change, affecting the cross‐stress tolerance, is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to perform lipidomics, to analyse the content, composition, and saturation levels of lipids in leaves of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) following drought priming and subsequent heat stress, and to identify major lipids and molecular species associated with priming‐enhanced heat tolerance. Plants were initially exposed to drought for 8 days by withholding irrigation and subsequently subjected to 25 days of heat stress (38/33°C day/night) in growth chambers. Drought‐primed plants maintained significantly higher leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, and lower electrolyte leakage than nonprimed plants under heat stress. Drought priming enhanced the accumulation of phospholipids and glycolipids involved in membrane stabilization and stress signalling (phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, and digalactosyl diacylglycerol) during subsequent exposure to heat stress. The reprogramming of lipid metabolism for membrane stabilization and signalling in response to drought priming and subsequent exposure to heat stress could contribute to drought priming‐enhanced heat tolerance in cool‐season grass species.
Antipsychotic drugs and risk of newly diagnosed tuberculosis in schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Hsing‐Cheng , Hung Galen Chin‐Lun , Yang Shu‐Yu , Liao Ya‐Tang , Pan Chun‐Hung , Chen Chiao‐Chicy , Kuo Chian‐Jue 
Published: July 2018

AimPatients with schizophrenia have a higher incidence of tuberculosis than do people in the general population. Information is limited regarding the association between antipsychotic agents and the risk of tuberculosis in patients with schizophrenia. This exploratory study assessed the risk of tuberculosis among patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic therapy.MethodsAmong a nationwide schizophrenia cohort derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan (n = 32 399), we identified 284 patients who had developed newly diagnosed tuberculosis after their first psychiatric admission. Ten or fewer matched controls were selected randomly from the cohort for each patient based on risk‐set sampling. We categorized exposure to antipsychotic medications by type and defined daily dose. Using multivariate methods, we explored individual antipsychotic agents for the risk of tuberculosis and employed a propensity‐scoring method in sensitivity analyses to validate any associations.ResultsAmong the antipsychotic agents studied and after adjustment for covariates, current use of clozapine was the only antipsychotic agent associated with a 63% increased risk of tuberculosis (adjusted risk ratio = 1.63, P = 0.014). In addition, the association did not show a clear dose‐dependent relationship. Clozapine combined with other antipsychotic agents showed a potential synergistic risk for tuberculosis (adjusted risk ratio = 2.30, P = 0.044).ConclusionThis exploratory study suggests the potential risk of clozapine on the risk of tuberculosis, especially for those on clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Future studies are needed to verify the association.
Possible effect of maternal safe food preparation behavior on child malnutrition in Benin, Africa
Authors: Nagahori Chikako , Kinjo Yoshihide , Vodounon Assogba Joseph , Alao Maroufou Jules , Padonou Batossi Geneviève , Hounkpatin Benjamin , Amoule Houenassi Eve , Yamauchi Taro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn many developing countries, faulty complementary feeding practises and frequently contaminated foods are contributing factors to child malnutrition. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition status of, and clarify the maternal safe food preparation behaviors associated with malnutrition in, children aged <5 years in Cotonou, Benin.MethodsThis study targeted 300 mother–child pairs visiting the University Hospital of Mother and Child Cotonou Lagoon. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Child height/length and weight measurements were determined and Z‐scores were calculated using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Children with Z‐score < −2 were considered to have stunting or be underweight. On logistic regression analysis, significant variables on bivariate analysis, the associations of which were clarified in previous studies, were established as independent variables. Approximately 80% of the children who participated in this study were aged < 1 year. Being underweight was analyzed as a dependent variable.ResultsRegarding nutrition status, 11.0% of the children had stunting and 14.7% were underweight. On logistic regression analysis, underweight was correlated significantly with birthweight. As a remarkable point, food refrigeration was statistically significant. Food refrigeration can possibly be regarded as a maternal safe food preparation behavior.ConclusionsMaternal safe food preparation behaviors can prevent child malnutrition, even after considering biological and socioeconomic factors.
Development and implementation of a health education station by community health nursing students
Authors: Niemi Charlene A. , Payne Alysha M. , Bates Ricky 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the development and implementation of a health literacy/education station at a large free clinic in a metropolitan city in southern California. The station was made possible through a partnership between the leadership team at the clinic and senior nursing students at a large university located in southern California. This paper outlines the importance of health literacy, the partnership between the community health senior nursing students and faculty and a yearly 3‐day health clinic, the Core Competencies of Public Health Nursing met by the event, student preparation prior to the event, outcomes, and recommendations for future clinics and for future collaborations.
Knowledge and attitudes of older psychiatric patients and their caregivers towards electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Zhang Qing‐E , Zhou Fu‐Chun , Zhang Ling , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Wang Gang , Xiang Yu‐Tao 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for older patients with severe psychiatric disorders, but their knowledge and attitudes regarding ECT have not been well studied. This study examined the knowledge and attitudes of older Chinese patients and their caregivers towards ECT.MethodA total of 216 participants comprising older patients treated with ECT (n = 108) and their caregivers (n = 108) were recruited. Their knowledge and attitudes regarding ECT were assessed using self‐reported questionnaires.ResultsMost caregivers received sufficient information on the therapeutic effects of ECT, but inadequate information about the ECT process, its adverse effects, and risks was provided to caregivers and patients before treatment. Although ECT was generally viewed as beneficial, effective, and safe, around two‐thirds of patients and caregivers believed that ECT should be used only for critically ill patients. Over half of the patients reported adverse effects caused by ECT, with memory impairment being the most commonly reported.ConclusionsClinicians in Chinese psychiatric hospitals need to provide sufficient information on ECT to older patients and their caregivers before treatment, particularly regarding the treatment process and adverse effects.
Predictors of potentially harmful behaviour by family caregivers towards patients treated for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in Japan
Authors: Toda Daisuke , Tsukasaki Keiko , Itatani Tomoya , Kyota Kaoru , Hino Shoryoku , Kitamura Tatsuru 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPotentially harmful behaviour (PHB) by caregivers is detrimental to the physical and psychological well‐being of care recipients. In Japan, few studies have investigated caregivers’ PHB towards dementia patients. This study examined PHB in family caregivers of dementia patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and identified factors related to PHB.MethodsFollowing primary consultations at an elderly psychiatric patient department, we enrolled 133 pairs of dementia patients and their family caregivers. We assessed PHB using the Japanese version of the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. We defined the presence of PHB as two or more points (PHB frequency of ‘sometimes’ or more) on at least one indicator of the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. We investigated the prevalence of PHB in relation to the clinical characteristics of the patients and their family caregivers. We evaluated BPSD using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and caregiver burden using the eight‐item Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview.ResultsOf the family caregivers, 48.9% showed PHB. Multivariate analysis identified the following association with PHB: caregiver's Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview total score (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.02–1.16), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores for patient irritability (OR, 1.22 per unit increase; 95%CI, 1.06–1.40), appetite/eating disorders (OR, 1.41 per unit increase; 95%CI = 1.08–1.84) and daughters‐in‐law caregivers (OR, 0.17, 95%CI, 0.05–0.57).ConclusionsSpecific BPSD symptoms could contribute to the expression of PHB. In addition to decreasing caregiver burden, more intensive treatment and care strategies are required to manage individual symptoms.