bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rainfall‐dependent impacts of threatened ecosystem engineers on organic matter cycling
Authors: Decker Orsi , Leonard Steve , Gibb Heloise 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSpecies loss is often associated with a decline in ecosystem functions. Globally, digging mammals (or ecosystem engineers) are functionally important, altering soil processes at local scales. However, their effects on the process of decomposition are poorly understood, particularly at larger scales, where the environment may moderate the magnitude of effects.We tested the landscape‐scale effects of reintroducing ecologically extinct digging mammals on two aspects of nutrient cycling over a large environmental gradient in Australia, where many digging mammals became extinct or ecologically extinct following the arrival of Europeans.We measured the impacts of digging mammals on soil organic matter content and plant litter decomposition over a 3,000 km transect, where annual average rainfall varied between 166 and 877 mm. We set up paired study plots (n = 8–10) inside and outside five reintroduction reserves. We took soil samples to assess soil organic matter content and set up litter bags to measure plant litter decomposition over 4 and 12 months. We used macroinvertebrate exclusion and macroinvertebrate access treatments to determine the relative importance of macroinvertebrates in decomposition with and without digging mammals.Soil organic matter was greater in reintroduction areas, but the magnitude of the effect was driven by productivity (average annual rainfall as a proxy), with little effect of digging activity at the wettest sites. Short‐term plant matter decomposition was greater in the presence of digging mammals, and their effect was dependent on the amount of rain that fell during the study period. Long‐term litter decomposition increased with annual rainfall, independent of digging mammals. Unexpectedly, macroinvertebrate exclusion increased decomposition rates over 12 months.Reintroduction of digging mammals substantially alters soil processes and organic matter decomposition, but impacts are rainfall‐dependent. Restoring native digging mammals to their historical distribution is likely to reverse degradation of ecosystem processes, but the magnitude of this effect depends on the environment.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Eco‐evolutionary processes underlying early warning signals of population declines
Authors: Baruah Gaurav , Clements Christopher F. , Ozgul Arpat 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Environmental change can impact the stability of ecological systems and cause rapid declines in populations. Abundance‐based early warning signals have been shown to precede such declines, but detection prior to wild population collapses has had limited success, leading to the development of warning signals based on shifts in distribution of fitness‐related traits such as body size.

The dynamics of population abundances and traits in response to external environmental perturbations are controlled by a range of underlying factors such as reproductive rate, genetic variation and plasticity. However, it remains unknown how such ecological and evolutionary factors affect the stability landscape of populations and the detectability of abundance and trait‐based early warning signals.

Here, we apply a trait‐based demographic approach and investigate both trait and population dynamics in response to gradual and increasing changes in the environment. We explore a range of ecological and evolutionary constraints under which stability of a population may be affected.

We show both analytically and with simulations that strength of abundance‐ and trait‐based warning signals are affected by ecological and evolutionary factors.

Finally, we show that combining trait‐ and abundance‐based information improves our ability to predict population declines. Our study suggests that the inclusion of trait dynamic information alongside generic warning signals should provide more accurate forecasts of the future state of biological systems.
Agricultural Risk Management in the European Union: A Proposal to Facilitate Precautionary Savings
Authors: van Asseldonk Marcel , Jongeneel Roel , van Kooten G. Cornelis , Cordier Jean 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThrough a series of reforms, the European Union (EU) replaced most of its trade distorting price support programmes with safety net provisions and direct payments decoupled from production. This has resulted in greater market orientation and a situation in which farmers face increased price variability. Policy now emphasises the development of business risk management (BRM) programmes, such as crop and whole farm insurance. However, for various reasons EU‐wide adoption of BRM programmes and farmer uptake and use of risk instruments is below expectations. We recommend the use of farm‐specific savings accounts upon which farmers can draw when revenues fall below a proportion of expected revenue. Farmer‐Directed Precautionary Savings Accounts (FDPSAs) would complement traditional non‐financial, on‐farm risk management strategies and private/public risk transfer strategies. FDPSAs would protect farmers against shallow losses and, along with crop and/or index‐based insurance, also protect against deep losses. Further, this form of protection is easy to understand and administer and leaves complete control with the producer.
Will Brexit Impact on the Social Contributions Made by Agriculture?
Authors: Hill Berkeley , Bradley Dylan 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThere is some concern in the UK policy community that Brexit may damage the contribution that the farming industry makes to social networks, social capacity, community resilience and other aspects of social and cultural capital in rural areas. There is a perception that the impact may be particularly significant in the more remote and least densely populated parts of the UK, such as rural Wales. There the agricultural system, especially extensive sheep farming, coupled with land tenure laws and local inheritance norms that kept family farms small, created a need to co‐operate and share labour. This tradition appears to have had an enduring influence on the character of Welsh rural society. However, a lack of hard evidence could result in possible under‐ or over‐estimates of the importance of agriculture's social contributions to rural communities and thus lead to inappropriate policy responses – over‐ or under‐reacting – to mitigating any likely damage from Brexit. The Welsh Government commissioned a study to examine the available evidence and to propose ways of filling gaps. This article discusses the issues involved in identifying and evaluating evidence of agriculture's social contributions and the proposals for further research, with specific reference to Wales, against the backdrop of Brexit.
A profile of health status and demographics of aged care facility residents with gout
Authors: Nguyen Amy D. , Lind Kimberly E. , Day Richard O. , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna I. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate gout prevalence and examine associated factors in residential aged care facilities.MethodsElectronic data from 11 548 residents aged 65+ during 2014‐2017 from 68 residential aged care facilities in Australia were analysed. Gout prevalence was estimated, and regression was used to assess differences in comorbidities, sociodemographic factors and health status between residents with and without gout.ResultsOver 10% of residents had gout. Most common comorbidities in these residents were hypertension (71.3%), heart disease (37.9%) and diabetes (33.0%) and they were more likely to have renal disease and historical myocardial infarction. The interaction between comorbid gout had complex interactions between age, sex and comorbidities for diabetes and depression was complex.ConclusionsGout is common among older people in residential care but may be under‐recognised. Holistic management of gout is needed in this population, with careful consideration of chronic comorbidities and treatments.
Re‐Examining Advances in Occupational Licensing Research: Issues and Policy Implications
Authors: Bryson Alex , Kleiner Morris M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMuch has changed in the realms of occupational licensing since BJIR last ran a special issue on the subject in 2010. The number of occupations subject to licensing has been growing, the data available to investigate the incidence and effects of licensing have improved immeasurably, and the policy environment surrounding licensing has changed. This issue reflects these changes with eight papers from North America and Europe covering the incidence of licensing, and its effects on wages, inequality, employment, quality of service provision and rent extraction by the organizations who undertake licensing.
Patient‐derived xenograft models of non‐small cell lung cancer for evaluating targeted drug sensitivity and resistance
Authors: Kita Kenji , Fukuda Koji , Takahashi Hiro , Tanimoto Azusa , Nishiyama Akihiro , Arai Sachiko , Takeuchi Shinji , Yamashita Kaname , Ohtsubo Koshiro , Otani Sakiko , Yanagimura Naohiro , Suzuki Chiaki , Ikeda Hiroko , Tamura Masaya , Matsumoto Isao , Yano Seiji 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPatient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models are a useful tool in cancer biology research. However, the number of lung cancer PDX is limited. In the present study, we successfully established 10 PDX, including three adenocarcinoma (AD), six squamous cell carcinoma (SQ) and one large cell carcinoma (LA), from 30 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (18 AD, 10 SQ, and 2 LA), mainly in SCID hairless outbred (SHO) mice (Crlj:SHO‐PrkdcscidHrhr). Histology of SQ, advanced clinical stage (III‐IV), status of lymph node metastasis (N2‐3), and maximum standardized uptake value ≥10 when evaluated using a delayed 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) scan was associated with successful PDX establishment. Histological analyses showed that PDX had histology similar to that of patients’ surgically resected tumors (SRT), whereas components of the microenvironment were replaced with murine cells after several passages. Next‐generation sequencing analyses showed that after two to six passages, PDX preserved the majority of the somatic mutations and mRNA expressions of the corresponding SRT. Two out of three PDX with AD histology had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations (L858R or exon 19 deletion) and were sensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI), such as gefitinib and osimertinib. Furthermore, in one of the two PDX with an EGFR mutation, osimertinib resistance was induced that was associated with epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. This study presented 10 serially transplantable PDX of NSCLC in SHO mice and showed the use of PDX with an EGFR mutation for analyses of EGFR‐TKI resistance.
Interleukin‐17 is associated with expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Aotsuka Aeri , Matsumoto Yoko , Arimoto Takahide , Kawata Akira , Ogishima Juri , Taguchi Ayumi , Tanikawa Michihiro , Sone Kenbun , Mori‐Uchino Mayuyo , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 pathway was successfully targeted in cancer immunotherapy. Elevated interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), which is known in autoimmune diseases, has recently been recognized in cancer patients. We investigated the role of IL‐17 in the regulation of expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in ovarian cancer by evaluating changes in the number of IL‐17‐producing cluster of differentiation 4 helper T cells (Th17) and γδT cells (γδT17) in PBMC of 52 gynecological cancer patients (including 30 ovarian cancer patients) and 18 healthy controls. The occupancy ratio of Th17 and γδT17 was higher in ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer patients than in controls, determined by multi‐color flow cytometry (Th17: P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively; γδT17: P = 0.0020 and P = 0.0084, respectively). IL‐17 mRNA level was elevated in PBMC of ovarian cancer patients (P = 0.0029), as measured by RT‐PCR. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, which is a prognostic biomarker of ovarian cancer, correlated with Th17 occupancy ratio in patients (P = 0.0068). We found that programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression and its associated factors (IL‐6 and phospho‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) were induced by IL‐17 in an ovarian cancer cell line. These results suggest that increased Th17 counts and IL‐17 level, which correlated with high neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression, are potential biomarkers for poor prognosis in ovarian cancer and likely indications for application of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 pathway inhibitors.
Expanding the spectrum of genetic variants in the calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR) gene in hypercalcemic individuals
Authors: Nissen Peter H. , Rejnmark Lars 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveFamilial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder with overlapping biochemistry profile with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), making the correct diagnosis a challenge. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of the clinical work‐up of a large group of hypercalcemic individuals.DesignCross‐sectional study.PatientsPatients undergoing clinical work‐up of hypercalcemia.MeasurementsMolecular genetic analysis of the CASR gene and exon 2 of the AP2S1 gene. Plasma levels of ionized calcium and PTH as well as calcium creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR).ResultsA rare CASR variant was identified in 38 of 624 index patients (6.1%). A total of 18 CASR variants identified in this study were novel. No variants were identified in exon 2 of the AP2S1 gene. The majority of the variants (N = 16) were classified as likely pathogenic. The level of plasma calcium, plasma PTH and the CCCR was not affected by the type of variant (ie nonsense vs missense) (all P‐values >.05). The CCCR was found to be significantly lower for variants in the transmembrane domain compared with variants located in the extracellular domain (P < .05). Plasma levels of calcium and PTH were not associated with the location of the variant (P > .05).ConclusionsWe expanded the spectrum of CASR variants in hypercalcemia with 18 novel variants, and suggest that the location of the CASR variant may affect calcium excretion as determined by the CCCR.
Retinoblastoma vascular perfusion and intra‐arterial chemotherapy cycle requirements
Authors: Lim Li‐Anne S. , Dalvin Lauren A. , Ancona‐Lezama David , Yu Michael D. , Jabbour Pascal , Shields Carol L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractImportanceRetinoblastoma is a life‐ and sight‐threatening malignancy.BackgroundTo assess the relationship between tumour perfusion and intra‐arterial chemotherapy (IAC) requirements to achieve retinoblastoma control.DesignRetrospective case series at the Ocular Oncology Service of Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).ParticipantsFifty‐nine eyes of 55 patients.MethodsReview of medical and fluorescein angiography (FA) records for retinoblastoma treated with primary or secondary IAC from 2012 to 2017. Vascular supply of the main tumour was evaluated in the pre‐treatment FA.Main Outcome MeasuresTumour fluorescence was classified as partial <67% or complete tumour perfusion >67%. Partially vs completely perfused tumours were compared for IAC cycle requirements.ResultsThere were 59 eyes of 55 patients with pre‐treatment FA managed with IAC. Partially perfused tumours (n = 20, 34%) required fewer IAC infusions than completely perfused tumours (n = 39, 66%) (2.5 vs 3.7 infusions, P = .02), even after adjustment for confounding factors (tumour diameter, thickness and drug scheme, adjusted P = .04). Tumour perfusion correlated with number of IAC cycles required for tumour control (r = 0.46, P < .001). For primary IAC (n = 18, 31%), tumour perfusion was not associated with number of IAC cycles (P = .63). For secondary IAC (n = 41, 69%), partially perfused tumours (n = 15, 37%) required fewer IAC infusions than completely perfused tumours (n = 26, 63%) (2.1 vs 3.7 infusions, P < .01).Conclusions and RelevanceFA demonstrating partial retinoblastoma tumour perfusion is associated with fewer IAC cycle requirements for secondary but not primary IAC. FA might be useful in judging anticipated treatment cycles of retinoblastoma managed with primary or secondary IAC.
The role of epistemic and social characteristics in children’s selective trust: Three meta‐analyses
Authors: Tong Yu , Wang Fuxing , Danovitch Judith 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOver the last 15 years, researchers have been increasingly interested in understanding the nature and development of children’s selective trust. Three meta‐analyses were conducted on a total of 51 unique studies (88 experiments) to provide a quantitative overview of 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children’s selective trust in an informant based on the informant’s epistemic or social characteristics, and to examine the relation between age and children’s selective trust decisions. The first and second meta‐analyses found that children displayed medium‐to‐large pooled effects in favor of trusting the informant who was knowledgeable or the informant with positive social characteristics. Moderator analyses revealed that 4‐year‐olds were more likely to endorse knowledgeable informants than 3‐year‐olds. The third meta‐analysis examined cases where two informants simultaneously differed in their epistemic and social characteristics. The results revealed that 3‐year‐old children did not selectively endorse informants who were more knowledgeable but had negative social characteristics over informants who were less knowledgeable but had positive social characteristics. However, 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds consistently prioritized epistemic cues over social characteristics when deciding who to trust. Together, these meta‐analyses suggest that epistemic and social characteristics are both valuable to children when they evaluate the reliability of informants. Moreover, with age, children place greater value on epistemic characteristics when deciding whether to endorse an informant’s testimony. Implications for the development of epistemic trust and the design of studies of children’s selective trust are discussed.
Dental students’ and patients’ perceived importance and knowledge of dental anxiety
Authors: Korpela Ilona , Vaununmaa Katri , Tolvanen Mimmi , Suominen Auli , Freeman Ruth , Lahti Satu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the perceived importance and knowledge of the dental students’ in their treatment of dental anxiety according to their year of study and to find out patients’ perceived importance of the dental students’ knowledge of dental anxiety according to their level on dental fear.MethodsDental students (N = 219) at the University of Turku and non‐probability convenience sample of 100 of patients attending the Dental Teaching Clinic were given questionnaires with multiple choice and open‐ended questions. Students were categorised into three groups according to the year of study (1‐3, 4, 5). Patients were categorised into three groups using the established cut points for Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (no fear = 5‐9, low fear = 10‐18, high fear = 19‐25). The differences between groups were evaluated using cross‐tabulations, chi squared and Fisher's exact tests. The open‐ended questions were subjected to content analysis.ResultsStudents’ perceived importance of dental anxiety did not differ between three groups. Students with greater undergraduate education and clinical experience were more likely to have excellent or quite good knowledge (P < .001). Patients’ perceived importance of dental students’ knowledge of dental anxiety was greater in patients with high level of fear. The overlapping category that emerged from the open‐ended question analysis was communication skills. This appeared to be important for patients with dental anxiety and for dental students in their management of dental anxiety.ConclusionClinical communication skills should be part of dental anxiety management teaching. Dental students should be able to gain sufficient knowledge and skills in treating dental anxiety before graduating.
By protecting against cutaneous inflammation, epidermal pigmentation provided an additional advantage for ancestral humans
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Kai , Man Mao‐Qiang , Abuabara Katrina , Wakefield Joan S. , Sheu Hamm‐ming , Tsai Jui‐chen , Lee Chih‐Hung , Elias Peter M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPigmentation evolved in ancestral humans to protect against toxic, ultraviolet B irradiation, but the question remains: “what is being protected?” Because humans with dark pigmentation display a suite of superior epidermal functions in comparison with their more lightly pigmented counterparts, we hypothesized and provided evidence that dark pigmentation evolved in Africa to support cutaneous function. Because our prior clinical studies also showed that a restoration of a competent barrier dampens cutaneous inflammation, we hypothesized that resistance to inflammation could have provided pigmented hominins with yet another, important evolutionary benefit. We addressed this issue here in two closely related strains of hairless mice, endowed with either moderate (Skh2/J) or absent (Skh1) pigmentation. In these models, we showed that (a) pigmented mice display a markedly reduced propensity to develop inflammation after challenges with either a topical irritant or allergen in comparison with their nonpigmented counterparts; (b) visible and histologic evidence of inflammation was paralleled by reduced levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL‐1α and INFα); (c) because depigmentation of Skh2/J mouse skin enhanced both visible inflammation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels after comparable pro‐inflammatory challenges, the reduced propensity to develop inflammation was directly linked to the presence of pigmentation; and (d) furthermore, in accordance with our prior work showing that pigment production endows benefits by reducing the surface pH of skin, acidification of albino (Skh1) mouse skin also protected against inflammation, and equalized cytokine levels to those found in pigmented skin. In summary, pigmentation yields a reduced propensity to develop inflammation, consistent with our hypothesis that dark pigmentation evolved in ancestral humans to provide a suite of barrier‐linked benefits that now include resistance to inflammation.