bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions among stressors may be weak: Implications for management of freshwater macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Kath Jarrod , Thomson James R. , Thompson Ross M. , Kefford Ben J. , Dyer Fiona J. , Mac Nally Ralph 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimEcological models that do not account for interactions among stressors, if interactions are important, could be inaccurate and lead to inefficient conservation strategies. Conversely, if interactions are not important (i.e., stressors operate largely independently), then actions concentrating on a stressor‐by‐stressor basis would be warranted. Here, we investigated whether interactions among multiple stressors affected widely used indices of freshwater macroinvertebrate biodiversity, which are sensitive to environmental change at management‐relevant scales (i.e., reaches and catchments).LocationState of Victoria, south‐eastern Australia.MethodsWe used a 7,418‐sample dataset for stream macroinvertebrates from 2,165 sites distributed over 237,630 km2 for 20 years. We calculated the interactive effects on stream macroinvertebrates of stressors operating at different scales, namely vegetation loss at the catchment and reach scales and hydrological change and salinization at the local scale. The importance of interactions among multiple stressors was assessed by comparing the cross‐validated predictive performance of models with and without multiple stressor interaction terms.ResultsCross‐validated models explained 31%–63% of the variation in the macroinvertebrate responses. The most important stressors were catchment vegetation loss (the proportion of remaining native vegetation cover) and salinity. The inclusion of interaction terms did not increase cross‐validated predictive performance, which indicates that there was little evidence that interactions among stressors were important for explaining variation in commonly used freshwater macroinvertebrate condition indices.Main conclusionsInteractions among vegetation, salinity and hydrological change stressors may not always be of importance for determining patterns of stream macroinvertebrate biodiversity, so that such interactions may not necessarily be critical considerations for catchment and reach scale management, at least if based on these or comparable condition indices. The mitigation of the impacts of vegetation loss, salinization and hydrological change stressors one‐by‐one probably is sufficient to guide conservation activities and might be advantageous if socio‐political contexts make it difficult to address interactions among stressors.
Are all data types and connectivity models created equal? Validating common connectivity approaches with dispersal data
Authors: Zeller Katherine A. , Jennings Megan K. , Vickers T. Winston , Ernest Holly B. , Cushman Samuel A. , Boyce Walter M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThere is enormous interest in applying connectivity modelling to resistance surfaces for identifying corridors for conservation action. However, the multiple analytical approaches used to estimate resistance surfaces and predict connectivity across resistance surfaces have not been rigorously compared, and it is unclear what methods provide the best inferences about population connectivity. Using a large empirical data set on puma (Puma concolor), we are the first to compare several of the most common approaches for estimating resistance and modelling connectivity and validate them with dispersal data.LocationSouthern California, USA.MethodsWe estimate resistance using presence‐only data, GPS telemetry data from puma home ranges and genetic data using a variety of analytical methods. We model connectivity with cost distance and circuit theory algorithms. We then measure the ability of each data type and connectivity algorithm to capture GPS telemetry points of dispersing pumas.ResultsWe found that resource selection functions based on GPS telemetry points and paths outperformed species distribution models when applied using cost distance connectivity algorithms. Point and path selection functions were not statistically different in their performance, but point selection functions were more sensitive to the transformation used to convert relative probability of use to resistance. Point and path selection functions and landscape genetics outperformed other methods when applied with cost distance; no methods outperformed one another with circuit theory.Main conclusionsWe conclude that path or point selection functions, or landscape genetic models, should be used to estimate landscape resistance for wildlife. In cases where resource limitations prohibit the collection of GPS collar or genetic data, our results suggest that species distribution models, while weaker, may still be sufficient for resistance estimation. We recommend the use of cost distance‐based approaches, such as least‐cost corridors and resistant kernels, for estimating connectivity and identifying functional corridors for terrestrial wildlife.
Combined exposure to hydroelectric expansion, climate change and forest loss jeopardies amphibians in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Silva Yuri B. da Silva e , Ribeiro Bruno R. , Thiesen Brum Fernanda , Soares‐Filho Britaldo , Loyola Rafael , Michalski Fernanda 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimHuman‐driven impacts constantly threat amphibians, even in largely protected regions such as the Amazon. The Brazilian Amazon is home to a great diversity of amphibians, several of them currently threatened with extinction. We investigated how climate change, deforestation and establishment of hydroelectric dams could affect the geographic distribution of Amazonian amphibians by 2030 and midcentury.LocationThe Brazilian Amazon.MethodsWe overlapped the geographic distribution of 255 species with the location of hydroelectric dams, models of deforestation and climate change scenarios for the future.ResultsWe found that nearly 67% of all species and 54% of species with high degree of endemism within the Legal Brazilian Amazon would lose habitats due to the hydroelectric overlapping. In addition, deforestation is also a potential threat to amphibians, but had a smaller impact compared to the likely changes in climate. The largest potential range loss would be caused by the likely increase in temperature. We found that five amphibian families would have at least half of the species with over 50% of potential distribution range within the Legal Brazilian Amazon limits threatened by climate change between 2030 and 2050.Main conclusionsAmphibians in the Amazon are highly vulnerable to climate change, which may cause, directly or indirectly, deleterious biological changes for the group. Under modelled scenarios, the Brazilian Government needs to plan for the development of the Amazon prioritizing landscape changes of low environmental impact and economic development to ensure that such changes do not cause major impacts on amphibian species while reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
Outcomes after endoscopic ultrasound‐guided ethanol‐lipiodol ablation of small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Choi Jun‐Ho , Park Do Hyun , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Hwang Hee Sang , Hong Seung‐Mo , Song Tae Jun , Lee Sang Soo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo 
Published: March 2018

Background and AimLittle is known about the standard care of small (<2 cm in diameter) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET). The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical outcomes of small PNET after endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided ethanol‐lipiodol ablation (EUS‐ELA).MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients who underwent EUS‐ELA for PNET were enrolled and were followed for ≥3 years. Treatment efficacy was the primary outcome measure.ResultsIn total, 33 patients who had 40 pathologically confirmed PNET (<2 cm in diameter) were enrolled for final analysis. A total of 63 EUS‐ELA sessions were successfully carried out (mean, 1.9 sessions per patient, 1.6 sessions per tumor), which included 40 initial sessions and 23 repeated sessions owing to incomplete ablation. Median actual volume of ethanol‐lipiodol mixture injected per session was 1.1 mL (IQR 0.8–1.9 mL). Complete ablation was achieved in 24 of 40 tumors (60%) with one (18 tumors, 45%) or two (24 tumors, 60%) sessions of EUS‐ELA. Lipiodol retention within tumor had better treatment outcomes (P = 0.004). Rate of procedure‐related adverse events was 3.2%. No malignancy or lymph node metastasis was discovered during a median follow up of 42 months (IQR 39–46 months).ConclusionsWe found that EUS‐ELA was a safe and effective alternative option in the management of PNET <2.0 cm in diameter; 60% of patients achieved complete ablation. Lipiodol retention within tumor may be a useful early predictor of treatment effectiveness. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01902238).
Progress in the genetics of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Woodbury‐Smith Marc , Scherer Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

A genetic basis for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now well established, and with the availability of high‐throughput microarray and sequencing platforms, major advances have been made in our understanding of genetic risk factors. Rare, often de novo, copy number and single nucleotide variants are both implicated, with many ASD‐implicated genes showing pleiotropy and variable penetrance. Additionally, common variants are also known to play a role in ASD's genetic etiology. These new insights into the architecture of ASD's genetic etiology offer opportunities for the identification of molecular targets for novel interventions, and provide new insight for families seeking genetic counselling.What the paper adds

A number of rare genetic variants are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with some showing recurrence.

Common genetic variants are also important and a number of loci are now being uncovered.

Genetic testing for individuals with ASD offers the opportunity to identify relevant genetic etiology.
The Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL): validation of a new assessment of gait function for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Thomason Pam , Tan Annie , Donnan Alice , Rodda Jill , Graham H Kerr , Narayanan Unni 
Published: March 2018

AimWe investigated the validity of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL), as an assessment of gait function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodWe studied a prospective cohort of 105 children with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–III; 65 males, 40 females; mean [SD] age 11y 11mo [3y 5mo], range 6–20y), who attended gait assessment over a 10‐month period. Parents completed the GOAL, Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), and Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) during their child's gait evaluation. Ninety children completed instrumented gait analysis (IGA). Total GOAL and domain scores, Gait Profile Score (GPS), and Gait Variable Scores were calculated.ResultsThe total GOAL discriminated between GMFCS levels (mean [SD] GMFCS level I, 72.5 [12.7]; GMFCS level II, 61.4 [13.0]; GMFCS level III, 38.8 [10.6]; [F2,97=42.4, p<0.001]). Moderate correlations were found between total GOAL and FMS (5m and 50m r=0.59; 500m r=0.66) and FAQ walking (r=0.77) and activities list (r=0.75, p<0.01). There was a moderate negative correlation between total GOAL and GPS (r=−0.59) and gait appearance domain and GPS (r=−0.52, p<0.01).InterpretationThe GOAL is a valid assessment of gait function in ambulant children with CP. It has the potential to improve understanding of the child's and parents’ priorities and thus, in conjunction with IGA, provide a more balanced assessment across the domains of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.What this paper adds

The Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) can discriminate between Gross Motor Function Classification System levels.

The GOAL correlates with standard functional assessments and gait analysis.

Used with gait analysis, the GOAL provides comprehensive assessment across all International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains.
The clinical outcome and neuroimaging of acute encephalopathy after status epilepticus in Dravet syndrome
Authors: Tian Xiaojuan , Ye Jintang , Zeng Qi , Zhang Jing , Yang Xiaoling , Liu Aijie , Yang Zhixian , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Xiru , Zhang Yuehua 
Published: March 2018

AimTo analyze the clinical outcome and neuroimaging over a long duration follow‐up in the currently largest series of acute encephalopathy after status epilepticus in patients with Dravet syndrome.MethodClinical and neuroimaging data of patients with Dravet syndrome with a history of acute encephalopathy (coma >24h) after status epilepticus from February 2005 to December 2016 at Peking University First Hospital were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsThirty‐five patients (15 males, 20 females) with a history of acute encephalopathy were enrolled from a total of 624 patients with Dravet syndrome (5.6%). The median onset age of acute encephalopathy was 3 years 1 month. The duration of status epilepticus varied between 40 minutes to 12 hours. Thirty‐four patients had a high fever when status epilepticus occurred, and only one had a normal temperature. Coma lasted from 2 to 20 days. Twelve patients died and 23 survived with massive neurological regression. The median follow‐up time was 2 years 1 month. Neuroimaging of 20 out of 23 survivors during the recovery phase showed diverse degrees of cortical atrophy with or without subcortical lesions.InterpretationAcute encephalopathy after status epilepticus is more prone to occur in patients with Dravet syndrome who had a high fever. The mortality rate is high in severe cases. Survivors are left with severe neurological sequelae but often with either no seizure or low seizure frequency.What this paper adds

Acute encephalopathy is more prone to occur in patients with Dravet syndrome with a high fever.

The mortality rate is high for acute encephalopathy after status epilepticus in patients with Dravet syndrome.

Survivors have neurological sequelae.
Determinants of change in home participation among critically ill children
Authors: Khetani Mary A , Albrecht Erin C , Jarvis Jessica M , Pogorzelski David , Cheng Emmy , Choong Karen 
Published: March 2018

AimTo estimate changes in home participation among critically ill children in the first 6 months after discharge from a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and to explore the effect of child, service, and environmental factors on change in home participation.MethodThis was a prospective bi‐center, longitudinal cohort study. Caregivers of 180 children, aged 1 to 17 years, who were admitted into the PICU for at least 48 hours were included. Patient‐reported outcomes were used to capture caregivers’ perspectives of their child's participation and environmental supports for participation in home activities. Data were collected at enrollment, and 3 and 6 months after discharge.ResultsThere were no significant changes in home participation frequency or involvement, but involvement rates across time were moderated by functional status. Age significantly predicted participation frequency. Pre‐PICU functional status and capabilities were significant predictors of participation frequency and involvement, and home environmental support significantly predicted home involvement.InterpretationResults suggest relatively stable participation trajectories in the 6 months after PICU admission. Children with abnormal baseline function experienced a greater increase in home involvement after PICU. Rehabilitation interventions targeting functional capabilities and home environment may be viable approaches during the early phase of recovery. Environmental interventions may be more time‐efficient after PICU stay and merit further study.What this paper adds

Children's pre‐pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) functional status and capabilities impact their participation after critical illness.

Children's trajectories of home involvement may differ over time based on their pre‐PICU functional status.

Caregiver perceptions of environmental support impact a child's home involvement after discharge from a PICU.
Minor neurological dysfunction and associations with motor function, general cognitive abilities, and behaviour in children born extremely preterm
Authors: Broström Lina , Vollmer Brigitte , Bolk Jenny , Eklöf Eva , Ådén Ulrika 
Published: March 2018

AimTo study the prevalence of minor neurological dysfunction (MND) at 6 years of age in a cohort of children born extremely preterm without cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate associations with motor function, cognitive abilities, and behaviour.MethodThis study assessed 80 children born at less than 27 weeks of gestation and 90 children born at term age between 2004 and 2007 at a mean age of 6 years 6 months. The assessments included a simplified version of the Touwen Infant Neurological Examination, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC‐2), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC‐IV), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the parent version of the Five to Fifteen questionnaire.ResultsFifty‐one of the children born preterm had normal neurology, 23 had simple MND, and six had complex MND compared with 88 who had normal neurology and two simple MND in the term‐born group (p<0.001). There were significant differences between the children with normal neurology and MND in the preterm group in MABC‐2‐assessed motor function (p<0.001), general cognitive abilities with WISC‐IV (p=0.005), and SDQ overall behavioural problems and peer problems reported by the parents (p=0.021 and p=0.003 respectively). SDQ teacher‐reported overall behavioural and hyperactivity problems were significantly different between children with normal and simple MND (p=0.036 and p=0.019).InterpretationChildren born extremely preterm, in the absence of CP, are at risk of MND and this is associated with motor function, cognitive ability, and behaviour.What this paper adds

Extremely preterm birth carries a risk of minor neurological dysfunction (MND).

MND in children born extremely preterm is associated with impaired motor function and cognitive abilities, and behavioural problems.

Male sex is associated with MND in children born extremely preterm.
Classic infantile Pompe patients approaching adulthood: a cohort study on consequences for the brain
Authors: Ebbink Berendine J , Poelman Esther , Aarsen Femke K , Plug Iris , Régal Luc , Muentjes Carsten , van der Beek Nadine A M E , Lequin Maarten H , van der Ploeg Ans T , van den Hout Johanna M P 
Published: March 2018

AimTo examine the long‐term consequences of glycogen storage in the central nervous system (CNS) for classic infantile Pompe disease using enzyme replacement therapy.MethodUsing neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we prospectively assessed a cohort of 11 classic infantile Pompe patients aged up to 17 years.ResultsFrom approximately age 2 years onwards, brain MRI showed involvement of the periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale. After 8 years of age, additional white‐matter abnormalities occurred in the corpus callosum, internal and external capsule, and subcortical areas. From 11 years of age, white‐matter abnormalities were also found in the brainstem. Although there seemed to be a characteristic pattern of involvement over time, there were considerable variations between patients, reflected by variations in neuropsychological development. Cognitive development ranged from stable and normal to declines that lead to intellectual disabilities.InterpretationAs treatment enables patients with classic infantile Pompe disease to reach adulthood, white‐matter abnormalities are becoming increasingly evident, affecting the neuropsychological development. Therefore, we advise follow‐up programs are expanded to capture CNS involvement in larger, international patient cohorts, to incorporate our findings in the counselling of parents before the start of treatment, and to include the brain as an additional target in the development of next‐generation therapeutic strategies for classic infantile Pompe disease.What this paper adds

In our long‐term survivors treated intravenously with enzyme replacement therapy, we found slowly progressive symmetric white‐matter abnormalities.

Cognitive development varied from stable and normal to declines towards intellectual disabilities.
Glucose alert system improves health professional responses to adverse glycaemia and reduces the number of hyperglycaemic episodes in non‐critical care inpatients
Authors: Kyi M. , Wraight P. R. , Rowan L. M. , Marley K. A. , Colman P. G. , Fourlanos S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of a novel glucose alert system, comprising the Melbourne Glucose Alert Pathway and glucose‐alert‐capable networked blood glucose meters, on nursing and hospital medical officer responses to adverse glycaemia.MethodsA prospective, pre‐ and post‐observational study was undertaken in non‐critical care wards of a tertiary hospital over 4 months (n=148 or 660 patient‐days). The intervention consisted of two components designed to promote a consistent staff response to blood glucose measurements: (1) a clinical escalation pathway, the Melbourne Glucose Alert Pathway, and (2) networked blood glucose meters, which provide a visual alert for out‐of‐range blood glucose measurement. All consecutive inpatients with diabetes were assessed for diabetes management and capillary blood glucose. The primary outcome was documented nursing and medical staff action in response to episodes of adverse glycaemia (blood glucose >15 mmol/l or <4 mmol/l). Secondary outcomes consisted of glycaemic measures.ResultsIn response to episodes of adverse glycaemia, nursing action increased (proportion with nursing action: 45% to 73%; P<0.001), and medical action increased (proportion with medical action: 49% to 67%; P=0.011) with the glucose alert system in place. Patient‐days with hyperglycaemia (any blood glucose value >15 mmol/l: 24% vs 16%; P=0.012) and patient‐days with mean blood glucose >15 mmol/l (7.4% vs 2.6%; P=0.005) decreased. There was no difference in hypoglycaemia incidence.ConclusionsUse of a novel glucose alert system improved health professional responses to adverse glycaemia and decreased hyperglycaemia in the hospital setting.