bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of roads on small mammal diversity and abundance in the northern Serengeti, Tanzania
Authors: Sangiwa Michael W. , Magige Flora J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe high biodiversity of small mammal species in the Serengeti ecosystem provides this ecosystem with important conservation value. However, whether the extensive development of roads has negative impacts on the small mammal population has not been tested. Small mammal population diversity and abundance were examined in this study using live trapping at sites close to (experimental) and away (control) from the main gravel road during the short rainy seasons in November and December 2011 and 2012. A total of 138 individuals from three orders representing six families and fourteen species were collected over 4,860 trap nights. There were no significant differences in the species richness, diversity or abundance of small mammals between the control and experimental sites (p > 0.05), suggesting that the current gravel road does not have a significant impact on the small mammal population. These findings were ascribed to the availability of favourable habitats at both distances as a result of little road usage due to poor conditions. Should the road be improved, the control of anthropogenic activities in the area should be given high priority. Continuous monitoring of the small mammal populations in the area is recommended.
The outcomes of pregnancies with reduced fetal movements: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bhatia Meena , Mitsi Vaia , Court Lisa , Thampi Premila , El‐Nasharty Mohamed , Hesham Saeed , Randall Wendy , Davies Rachel , Impey Lawrence 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to examine the outcomes and interventions in pregnant women presenting with a perception of reduced fetal movements (RFM), and to determine if repeated episodes of RFM increase the risk of adverse outcomes.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted in six NHS hospitals within the Thames Valley network region, UK and one neighboring hospital, an area with approximately 31 000 births annually. All women with a primary presentation of perceived RFM after 24 completed weeks of gestation during the month of October 2016 were included in the study.Prospective records in all units were examined and individual case‐notes were reviewed. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and their relation with recurrent presentations with RFM were examined using relative risks with 95% CI. The main outcome measures are described. Neonatal outcomes measured were perinatal mortality, neonatal unit admission, abnormal cardiotocography at presentation, a composite severe morbidity outcome of Apgar <7 at 5 minutes or arterial pH <7.0 or encephalopathy, and birthweight. Pregnancy outcomes measured were induction of labor, cesarean section, admission and ultrasound usage rates.ResultsIn all, 591 women presented with RFM during the month; using annual hospital birth figures, the incidence of RFM was estimated at 22.6% (range 14.9%‐32.5%). More than 1 presentation of RFM occurred in 273 (46.2%). All 3 deaths (0.5%) were at the first presentation. More than 1 presentation was associated with higher induction rates (56.0% vs 31.9%), but no increase in any adverse outcomes including small‐for‐gestational‐age.ConclusionsReduced fetal movements, and recurrent episodes, are common, and lead to considerable resource usage and obstetric intervention. We found no evidence to suggest that recurrent episodes increase pregnancy risk.
Review article: emerging role of the gut microbiome in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Jayakumar Saumya , Loomba Rohit 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent disorder associated with obesity and diabetes. Few treatment options are effective for patients with NAFLD, but connections between the gut microbiome and NAFLD and NAFLD‐associated conditions suggest that modulation of the gut microbiota could be a novel therapeutic option.AimTo examine the effect of the gut microbiota on pathophysiologic causes of NAFLD and assess the potential of microbiota‐targeting therapies for NAFLD.MethodsA PubMed search of the literature was performed; relevant articles were included.ResultsThe composition of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can enhance fat deposition, modulate energy metabolism and alter inflammatory processes. Emerging evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiome in obesity and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is often considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and there has been tremendous progress in understanding the association of gut microbiome composition with NAFLD disease severity. We discuss the role of the gut microbiome in NAFLD pathophysiology and whether the microbiome composition can differentiate the two categories of NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL, the non‐progressive form) vs nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, the progressive form). The association between gut microbiome and fibrosis progression in NAFLD is also discussed. Finally, we review whether modulation of the gut microbiome plays a role in improving treatment outcomes for patients with NAFLD.ConclusionsMultiple pathophysiologic pathways connect the gut microbiome with the pathophysiology of NAFLD. Therefore, therapeutics that effectively target the gut microbiome may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with NAFLD.
Hsa_circ_0005519 increases IL‐13/IL‐6 by regulating hsa‐let‐7a‐5p in CD4+ T cells to affect asthma
Authors: Huang Zhenli , Cao Yong , Zhou Min , Qi Xuefei , Fu Bohua , Mou Yong , Wu Guorao , Xie Jungang , Zhao Jianping , Xiong Weining 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non‐coding RNAs that could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. We hypothesized that circRNAs of CD4+ T cells are involved in asthma.ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the circRNA expression profile and the possible mechanism by which hsa_circ_0005519 participates in asthma.MethodsThe expression profiles of circRNAs in CD4+ T cells were revealed by circRNA microarray. Hsa_circ_0005519 expression in CD4+ T cells was confirmed in asthmatic patients (n = 65) and healthy subjects (n = 30). Hsa‐let‐7a‐5p, the target of hsa_circ_0005519, was predicted by online algorithms and verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Correlation assays between the expression of hsa_circ_0005519 and hsa‐let‐7a‐5p, the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)‐13 and IL‐6 in CD4+ T cells, and the clinical characteristics of asthmatic patients were performed. The role of hsa_circ_0005519 in proinflammatory cytokine expression was investigated in CD4+ T cells from asthmatic patients in vitro. Hsa_circ_0005519 expression in PBMCs was determined in another cohort including 30 asthmatic patients and 24 controls. Correlation assays of hsa_circ_0005519 expressions between CD4+ T cells and PBMCs were performed.ResultsHsa_circ_0005519 was up‐regulated and negatively correlated with hsa‐let‐7a‐5p expression in CD4+ T cells of asthmatic patients. Both the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the peripheral blood eosinophil ratio were positively correlated with hsa_circ_0005519 expression in CD4+ T cells. These outcomes were also different in asthmatic patients with low vs high hsa_circ_0005519 levels. Hsa_circ_0005519 expressions between CD4+ T cells and PBMCs were concordant in asthmatic patients. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0005519 might bind to hsa‐let‐7a‐5p and relieve suppression for IL‐13/IL‐6 in CD4+ T cells.Conclusions and clinical relevanceOur data suggest that hsa_circ_0005519 may induce IL‐13 and IL‐6 expression by regulating hsa‐let‐7a‐5p in CD4+ T cells to affect asthma. And hsa_circ_0005519 may be a potential biomarker of asthma.
Primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma of the ear: A case report
Authors: Ormerod Emma , Murigu Timothy , Pawade Joya , Beasley Matthew , Dunnill Giles 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrimary cutaneous acral CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma (TCL) is a rare, distinct type of cutaneous TCL. Despite its worrisome histological appearance it has a benign clinical course. It is therefore important to recognize this as a distinct entity from other more aggressive CD8+ lymphomas, for which the management is very different.
Perianal and perineal keratoacanthoma: Two cases demonstrating histologic similarity to subungual keratoacanthoma
Authors: Paulson Nathan , Gibson Joanna , Glusac Earl 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPerianal keratoacanthomas are rare, with 10 cases reported to date. Perineal keratoacanthoma has not previously been described. In this report, we describe two cases of keratoacanthoma, one perianal and one perineal. Both lesions show prominent dyskeratotic keratinocytes, with striking and curious histologic resemblance to subungual keratoacanthoma.
Joint roles of parenting and nutritional status for child development: Evidence from rural Cambodia
Authors: Berkes Jan , Raikes Abbie , Bouguen Adrien , Filmer Deon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSubstantial work has demonstrated that early nutrition and home environments, including the degree to which children receive cognitive stimulation and emotional support from parents, play a profound role in influencing early childhood development. Yet, less work has documented the joint influences of parenting and nutritional status on child development among children in the preschool years living in low‐income countries. Using panel data from 2016 to 2017 on the parenting, nutritional status, and early developmental outcomes (executive function, language, early numeracy, and socioemotional problems) of 6,508 Cambodian children ages 3–5 years, our findings demonstrate that inequities in early development associated with family wealth are evident at age 3 and increase among children ages 4 and 5 years. Using hierarchical regression analysis, a significant share of these inequalities is explained by differences in parenting and early nutritional status, measured by stunting. Better‐educated parents engage in more stimulating and supportive parenting practices. However, the positive association between parenting and language and early numeracy outcomes is 35–54% stronger for non‐stunted children, and parental activities explain only about 8–14% of the cognitive gap between the lowest and highest wealth quintiles. The results highlight the need for additional research outlining interactions between environmental factors that link family wealth and child development.
Interpreting the Reformation in Africa: Transformative hermeneutics of Manas Bethulezi in light of 500 years of the Reformation
Authors: Mtata Kenneth 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA cursory look at the various histories of religious renewal shows three interrelated aspects; there is an experience of injustice that is followed by the religious movement's new revitalization through the special encounter or reference to divine communication, and then an effort to reorganize the socio‐economic and political structures of society in light of the newly discovered religious vitality. This article observes in the phenomenology of religious renewal that cultural renewal and cultural distinctiveness tend to accompany religious renewal.
Big Data and diabetes: the applications of Big Data for diabetes care now and in the future
Authors: Rumbold J. M. M. , O'Kane M. , Philip N. , Pierscionek B. K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe review current applications of Big Data in diabetes care and consider the future potential by carrying out a scoping study of the academic literature on Big Data and diabetes care. Healthcare data are being produced at ever‐increasing rates, and this information has the potential to transform the provision of diabetes care. Big Data is beginning to have an impact on diabetes care through data research. The use of Big Data for routine clinical care is still a future application. Vast amounts of healthcare data are already being produced, and the key is harnessing these to produce actionable insights. Considerable development work is required to achieve these goals.
Diabetic foot ulcer incidence and survival with improved diabetic foot services: an 18‐year study
Authors: Paisey R. B. , Abbott A. , Paisey C. F. , Walker D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsTo ascertain the effects of improvements in diabetic foot services over 18 years on incidence of diabetic foot ulceration. We also compared survival time from first ulcer development with presence of neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, age and healing.MethodsPersons with new ulceration and those at high risk of ulcer development were referred to community podiatry from 1998. Their details were recorded, with verbal consent, on a central database. The effects of neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, healing and age on survival were analysed by Cox proportional hazards ratios.ResultsThe incidence of first ulcer presentation decreased from 11.1 to 6.1 per 1000 persons between 2003 to 2017 (P <0.0001). Recurrent ulceration incidence remained stable. Prevalence of chronic and new foot ulceration combined increased from 20.7 to 33.1 per 1000 persons (P <0.0001). Ten‐year survival was 85% for persons presenting with first ulcer and aged < 65 years, 50% for those aged 65–74 years and 25% for those aged 75–81 years (P < 0.0001). In those with peripheral vascular disease 5‐year survival was 35% (P <0.001).ConclusionsIntegrated care for the diabetic foot in one National Health Service (NHS) health service area over 18 years was associated with a reduction in first presentations of diabetic foot ulceration, but failed to reduce recurrent ulceration. Cumulative prevalence of all ulcers continues to increase. Monitoring ulceration incidence can inform audit and planning of diabetic foot care services. Survival is better than reported previously in persons < 65 years and in the absence of peripheral vascular disease.
Left atrial compliance index predicts exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction irrespective of right ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Bytyci Ibadete , Bajraktari Gani , Fabiani Iacopo , Lindqvist Per , Poniku Afrim , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Dini Frank L. , Henein Michael Y. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimPredictors of exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain of difficult determination. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of exercise capacity in a group of patients with HFpEF and right ventricle (RV) dysfunctionMethodsIn 143 consecutive patients with HFpEF (age 62 ± 9 years, LV EF ≥45) and 41 controls, a complete echocardiographic study was performed. In addition to conventional measurements, LA compliance was calculated using the formula: [LAV max − LAV min/LAV min × 100]. Exercise capacity was assessed using the six‐minute walking test (6‐MWT). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 1.7 cm was utilized to categorize patients with RV dysfunction (n = 40) from those with maintained RV function (n = 103).ResultsPatients with RV dysfunction were older (P = 0.002), had higher NYHA class (P = 0.001), higher LV mass index (P = 0.01), reduced septal and lateral MAPSE (all P < 0.001), enlarged LA (P = 0.001) impaired LA compliance index (P < 0.001) and exhibited a more compromised 6‐MWT (P = 0.001). LA compliance index correlated more closely with 6‐MWT (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) compared with the other LA indices (AP diameter, transverse diameter and volume indexed; r = −0.30, r = −0.35 and r = −0.38, respectively). In multivariate analysis, LA compliance index <60% was 88% sensitive and 61% specific (AUC 0.80, CI = 0.67–0.92 P = 0.001) in predicting exercise capacity.ConclusionAn impairment in LA compliance was profound in patients with HFpEF and RV dysfunction and seems to be most powerful independent predictor of limited exercise capacity.
Plant‐mediated interactions among above‐ground and below‐ground life stages of a root‐feeding weevil
Authors: Kraus Emily C. , Stout Michael J. 
Published: May 2019

1. Interactions among herbivores mediated by plant responses to herbivore injury may have large impacts on herbivore population densities. Responses may persist for weeks after injury and may affect not only the initial (inducing) herbivore, but also herbivores that are spatially or temporally separated from the initial attacker.2. In many plant–insect interactions, multiple life stages of the insect may be associated with the same plant, and these various stages may interact indirectly with one another via induced responses. The rice water weevil (RWW), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, a serious global pest of rice, is one such insect. A series of experiments were performed with root‐feeding larvae and leaf‐feeding adults of the RWW using three conventional rice varieties.3. The first objective of this study was to test whether RWW adult feeding on rice leaves resulted in altered oviposition by subsequent adults. The hypothesis for the first objective was that RWW adult feeding would decrease plant suitability, resulting in reduced oviposition by subsequent adults.4. The second objective was to test whether injury by RWW larvae to rice roots resulted in altered oviposition by subsequent adults. The hypothesis for the second objective was that below‐ground RWW larval feeding would decrease plant suitability of rice to above‐ground RWW adults, resulting in decreased oviposition.5. Results provided inconsistent support for the first hypothesis, indicating that responses differed among combinations of variety and injury level. Conversely, consistent support for the second hypothesis was found, indicating that larval feeding on roots decreased suitability of rice plants for oviposition.
Opportunities for behavioral rescue under rapid environmental change
Authors: Fey Samuel B. , Vasseur David A. , Alujević Karla , Kroeker Kristy J. , Logan Michael L. , O'Connor Mary I. , Rudolf Volker H. W. , DeLong John P. , Peacor Scott , Selden Rebecca L. , Sih Andy , Clusella‐Trullas Susana 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLaboratory measurements of physiological and demographic tolerances are important in understanding the impact of climate change on species diversity; however, it has been recognized that forecasts based solely on these laboratory estimates overestimate risk by omitting the capacity for species to utilize microclimatic variation via behavioral adjustments in activity patterns or habitat choice. The complex, and often context‐dependent nature, of microclimate utilization has been an impediment to the advancement of general predictive models. Here, we overcome this impediment and estimate the potential impact of warming on the fitness of ectotherms using a benefit/cost trade‐off derived from the simple and broadly documented thermal performance curve and a generalized cost function. Our framework reveals that, for certain environments, the cost of behavioral thermoregulation can be reduced as warming occurs, enabling behavioral buffering (e.g., the capacity for behavior to ameliorate detrimental impacts) and “behavioral rescue” from extinction in extreme cases. By applying our framework to operative temperature and physiological data collected at an extremely fine spatial scale in an African lizard, we show that new behavioral opportunities may emerge. Finally, we explore large‐scale geographic differences in the impact of behavior on climate‐impact projections using a global dataset of 38 insect species. These multiple lines of inference indicate that understanding the existing relationship between thermal characteristics (e.g., spatial configuration, spatial heterogeneity, and modal temperature) is essential for improving estimates of extinction risk.
Fixing a snag in carbon emissions estimates from wildfires
Authors: Stenzel Jeffrey E. , Bartowitz Kristina J. , Hartman Melannie D. , Lutz James A. , Kolden Crystal A. , Smith Alistair M. S. , Law Beverly E. , Swanson Mark E. , Larson Andrew J. , Parton William J. , Hudiburg Tara W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWildfire is an essential earth‐system process, impacting ecosystem processes and the carbon cycle. Forest fires are becoming more frequent and severe, yet gaps exist in the modeling of fire on vegetation and carbon dynamics. Strategies for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from wildfires include increasing tree harvest, largely based on the public assumption that fires burn live forests to the ground, despite observations indicating that less than 5% of mature tree biomass is actually consumed. This misconception is also reflected though excessive combustion of live trees in models. Here, we show that regional emissions estimates using widely implemented combustion coefficients are 59%–83% higher than emissions based on field observations. Using unique field datasets from before and after wildfires and an improved ecosystem model, we provide strong evidence that these large overestimates can be reduced by using realistic biomass combustion factors and by accurately quantifying biomass in standing dead trees that decompose over decades to centuries after fire (“snags”). Most model development focuses on area burned; our results reveal that accurately representing combustion is also essential for quantifying fire impacts on ecosystems. Using our improvements, we find that western US forest fires have emitted 851 ± 228 Tg CO2(~half of alternative estimates) over the last 17 years, which is minor compared to 16,200 Tg CO2from fossil fuels across the region.
Is low‐level HIV‐1 viraemia associated with elevated levels of markers of immune activation, coagulation and cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Elvstam O , Medstrand P , Jansson M , Isberg PE , Gisslén M , Björkman P 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesThe clinical significance of low‐level viraemia (LLV) during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is debated. We retrospectively investigated longitudinal levels of plasma markers associated with inflammation, altered coagulation and cardiovascular disease in Swedish HIV‐positive adults in relation to LLV or permanent virological suppression during long‐term ART.MethodsPlasma levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15), soluble CD14 (sCD14), soluble CD163 (sCD163), interferon‐γ‐induced protein 10 (IP‐10) and β‐2‐microglobulin were measured in 34 individuals with LLV (viral load 50–999 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) and in matched controls with persistent virological suppression. Biomarker levels were analysed in samples obtained during episodes of LLV and follow‐up samples obtained 1 year later (with similar timing for controls). All biomarkers were analysed using an independent sample t‐test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) after logarithmic transformation. Log‐rank analysis was applied for markers with concentration values out of range.ResultsCompared with controls, patients with LLV had significantly higher levels of GDF‐15 [geometric mean 3416 (95% confidence interval (CI) 804–14 516) pg/mL versus 2002 (95% CI 355–11 295) pg/mL in controls; P = 0.026] and D‐dimer [mean 1114 (95% CI 125–9917) ng/mL versus 756 (95% CI 157–3626) ng/mL; P = 0.038] after adjustment for age, CD4 count nadir and type of ART. In the unadjusted t‐test, only GDF‐15 was significantly higher and in the log‐rank test, both GDF‐15 and D‐dimer were significantly elevated. No significant differences were observed for the other biomarkers analysed.ConclusionsAlthough levels of inflammation markers were similar in ART recipients with and without LLV, persons with LLV had significantly higher levels of GDF‐15 and D‐dimer. These findings suggest a potential link between LLV and cardiovascular outcomes.