bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen deposition drives loss of moss cover in alpine moss–sedge heath via lowered C : N ratio and accelerated decomposition
Authors: Britton Andrea J. , Mitchell Ruth J. , Fisher Julia M. , Riach David J. , Taylor Andy F. S. 
Published: February 2018

Summary

In alpine ecosystems, nitrogen (N) deposition has been linked to plant community composition change, including loss of bryophytes and increase of graminoids. Since bryophyte growth is stimulated by increased N availability, it has been hypothesized that loss of bryophyte cover is driven by enhanced decomposition. As bryophyte mats are a significant carbon (C) store, their loss may impact C storage in these ecosystems.

We used an N deposition gradient across 15 sites in the UK to examine effects of N deposition on bryophyte litter quality, decomposition and C and N stocks in Racomitrium moss–sedge heath.

Increasing N deposition reduced C : N in bryophyte litter, which in turn enhanced decomposition. Soil N stocks increased significantly in response to increased N deposition, and soil C : N declined. However, depletion of the bryophyte mat and its replacement by graminoids under high N deposition was not associated with a change in total ecosystem C stocks.

We conclude that decomposition processes in Racomitrium heath are very sensitive to N deposition and provide a mechanism by which N deposition drives depletion of the bryophyte mat. Nitrogen deposition did not measurably alter C stocks, but changes in soil N stocks and C : N suggest the ecosystem is becoming N saturated.
Quantifying with words: An investigation of the validity of narrative‐derived performance scores
Authors: Speer Andrew B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPerformance appraisal research has focused almost entirely on traditional numerical ratings despite narrative text comments regularly being collected within appraisals. This study investigated the theory and utility of leveraging narrative comments to better understand employee performance. Narrative sentiment scores were derived using text mining on a large sample of narrative comments. These scores were then applied to an independent set of 2 years of performance data. It was assumed that narrative comments would reflect true performance variance that overlaps with traditional ratings, but also that they would capture incremental variance due to increases in total information and a reduction in rater‐motivated biases in contexts in which narrative data were not explicitly linked to administrative outcomes. The derived narrative scores were reliable across years, converged with traditional numerical ratings and explained incremental variance in future performance outcomes (performance ratings, involuntary turnover, promotions, and pay increases). Collectively, this study highlights how narratives can enhance performance measurement and demonstrates how these data can be economically scored in applied settings.
Diastolic pressure indices offer a novel approach to predicting risk of graft loss after pediatric heart transplant
Authors: Albers Erin L. , Bradford Miranda C. , Friedland‐Little Joshua M. , Hong Borah J. , Kemna Mariska S. , Chen Jonathan M. , Law Yuk M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPH is a risk factor for GL after HTx. However, traditional parameters are not reliable predictors of risk in children. We hypothesized that DPI (dPAP and DPG) are predictive of GL in pediatric HTx recipients. The UNOS/SRTR database was reviewed to identify pediatric HTx recipients (age <18 years) between 1994 and 2013. Recipients with pretransplant hemodynamic data were grouped by diagnosis (CMP or CHD), and the groups were analyzed separately. Bivariate Cox regression analysis examined the association between hemodynamic variables and GL. DPI showed the strongest association with early GL in recipients with CMP (dPAP: HR = 1.25 [1.09‐1.42]; DPG: 1.24 [1.11‐1.38]). Among CHD recipients, DPI were associated with early GL in those with preexisting PH (dPAP: HR = 1.16 [1.01‐1.33]; DPG: HR = 1.10 [1.00‐1.21]). No cutoff values for “high‐risk” DPI were identified, but a continuous relationship between higher DPI and risk of early GL was observed. DPI are associated with early GL in select pediatric HTx recipients. Our findings suggest that DPI should be considered as part of routine hemodynamic assessment for pediatric HTx candidates.
Understanding biological and ecological factors affecting seed germination of the multipurpose tree Anogeissus leiocarpa
Authors: Mattana E. , Sacande M. , Bradamante G. , Gomez‐Barreiro P. , Sanogo S. , Ulian T. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae) has important economic and cultural value in West Africa as source of wood, dye and medicine. Although this tree is in high demand by local communities, its planting remains limited due to its very low propagation via seed.

In this study, X‐rays were used to select filled fruits in order to characterise their morphology and seed germination responses to treatment with sulphuric acid and different incubation temperatures.

Morphological observations highlighted a straight orthotropous seed structure. The increase in mass detected for both intact and scarified fruits through imbibition tests, as well as morphological observations of fruits soaked in methylene blue solution, confirmed that they are water‐permeable, although acid‐scarified fruits reached significantly higher mass increment values than intact ones. Acid scarification (10 min soaking in 98% H2SO4) positively affected seed germination rate but not final germination proportions. When intact fruits where incubated at a range of temperatures, no seeds germinated at 10 °C, while maximum seed germination (ca. 80%) was reached at 20 °C. T50 values ranged from a minimum of ca. 12 days at 25 °C to a maximum of ca. 34 days at 15 and 35 °C. A theoretical base temperature for germination (Tb) of ca. 10 °C and a thermal requirement for 50% germination (S) of ca. 195 °Cd were also identified for intact fruits.

The results of this study revealed the seed germination characteristics driven by fruit and seed morphology of this species, which will help in its wider propagation in plantations.
An innovative method to quantitate tissue integration of hyaluronic acid‐based dermal fillers
Authors: Dugaret A. S. , Bertino B. , Gauthier B. , Gamboa B. , Motte M. , Rival Y. , Piwnica D. , Osman‐Ponchet H. , Bourdès V. , Voegel J. J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/purposeFollowing intradermal injection, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based fillers tend to spread within the reticular dermis and to distribute between the dermal fibers. This biointegration is commonly measured qualitatively using histological methods. We developed a “toolbox” consisting of a visual scoring and a semi‐automatic image analysis method using internal developed algorithm to quantitate the biointegration of Restylane® in histological sections.MethodsRestylane® was injected intradermally in the abdominal skin of 10 healthy human subjects scheduled for abdominoplasty. The injections were performed either in vivo before surgery or ex vivo on samples taken post‐surgery at different time points. The samples were processed for histology by visual scoring and image analysis using algorithms developed in Definiens to assess biointegration.ResultsThe image analysis segmentation was accurate with <5% manual changes. Furthermore, the results calculated with the semi‐automatic method were consistent with the visual scores obtained on injected human skin samples by means of a 5‐grade photographic scale. A modified hematoxylin‐eosin staining was found adequate to visualize both, the filler and the general morphology, on the same section. An excellent correlation was observed between the integration results obtained with PAS/Alcian Blue and HE‐stained slides, allowing for a single staining in future studies.ConclusionWe developed a modified HE staining histological method and a new histomorphometric image analysis tool to quantitate biointegration of HA‐based fillers in human skin. The results obtained in this study confirmed the known intermediate biointegration properties of Restylane®, thus validating these innovative methods.
A new discussion of the cutaneous vascular reactivity in sensitive skin: A sub‐group of SS?
Authors: Chen S. Y. , Yin J. , Wang X. M. , Liu Y. Q. , Gao Y. R. , Liu X. P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSensitive skin (SS) seems not to be a one‐dimensional condition and many scholars concentrate on skin barrier disruption or sensorineural change, but few focus on its increased vascular reactivity. This study explored the possibility of using the different selection methods and measurement methods to verify a high vascular reactivity in SS without an impaired cutaneous barrier function.MethodsSixty “self‐perceived sensitive skin” volunteers were enlisted and each one completed three kinds of screening tests: assess cutaneous sensory using questionnaire survey and Lactic Acid Sting Test (LAST); assess barrier function using Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) skin irritation test and assess cutaneous vascular reactivity using 98% DMSO test and non‐invasive measurement. Volunteers were divided into different groups based on response to SLS. The DMSO clinical score and the biophysical parameters obtained by non‐invasive measurement were subsequently analysed.Results(1) The positive correlations could be seen between sum LAST score and sum DMSO score regardless of the observation time; (2) The biological parameters (CBF、a*values and L* values) are all keeping with DMSO score; (3) If the participants were divided into SLS reactors and non‐reactors, a composition ratio of DMSO score was significant difference in these two groups and in SLS non‐reactors, there were still seven participants showed high reaction to DMSO.ConclusionsThere is a sub‐group of SS for characteristics of a high vascular reactivity without an impaired cutaneous barrier function. The DMSO test and novel non‐invasive measurements which are conducive to assess cutaneous vascular reactivity, combined with SLS skin irritation test could help us to screen this kind of SS.
RAF2 is a RuBisCO assembly factor in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fristedt Rikard , Hu Chen , Wheatley Nicole , Roy Laura M. , Wachter Rebekka M. , Savage Linda , Harbinson Jeremy , Kramer David M. , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Yeates Todd , Croce Roberta 
Published: February 2018

SummaryRibulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) catalyzes the reaction between gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) and ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate. Although it is one of the most studied enzymes, the assembly mechanisms of the large hexadecameric RuBisCO is still emerging. In bacteria and in the C4 plant Zea mays, a protein with distant homology to pterin‐4α‐carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD) has recently been shown to be involved in RuBisCO assembly. However, studies of the homologous PCD‐like protein (RAF2, RuBisCO assembly factor 2) in the C3 plant Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) have so far focused on its role in hormone and stress signaling. We investigated whether A. thalianaRAF2 is also involved in RuBisCO assembly. We localized RAF2 to the soluble chloroplast stroma and demonstrated that raf2 A. thaliana mutant plants display a severe pale green phenotype with reduced levels of stromal RuBisCO. We concluded that the RAF2 protein is probably involved in RuBisCO assembly in the C3 plant A. thaliana.
Four Arabidopsis berberine bridge enzyme‐like proteins are specific oxidases that inactivate the elicitor‐active oligogalacturonides
Authors: Benedetti Manuel , Verrascina Ilaria , Pontiggia Daniela , Locci Federica , Mattei Benedetta , De Lorenzo Giulia , Cervone Felice 
Published: February 2018

SummaryRecognition of endogenous molecules acting as ‘damage‐associated molecular patterns’ (DAMPs) is a key feature of immunity in both animals and plants. Oligogalacturonides (OGs), i.e. fragments derived from the hydrolysis of homogalacturonan, a major component of pectin are a well known class of DAMPs that activate immunity and protect plants against several microbes. However, hyper‐accumulation of OGs severely affects growth, eventually leading to cell death and clearly pointing to OGs as players in the growth‐defence trade‐off. Here we report a mechanism that may control the homeostasis of OGs avoiding their deleterious hyper‐accumulation. By combining affinity chromatography on acrylamide‐trapped OGs and other procedures, an Arabidopsis thaliana enzyme that specifically oxidizes OGs was purified and identified. The enzyme was named OG OXIDASE 1 (OGOX1) and shown to be encoded by the gene At4g20830. As a typical flavo‐protein, OGOX1 is a sulphite‐sensitive H2O2‐producing enzyme that displays maximal activity on OGs with a degree of polymerization >4. OGOX1 belongs to a large gene family of mainly apoplastic putative FAD‐binding proteins [Berberine Bridge Enzyme‐like (BBE‐like); 27 members], whose biochemical and biological function is largely unexplored. We have found that at least four BBE‐like enzymes in Arabidopsis are OG oxidases (OGOX1–4). Oxidized OGs display a reduced capability of activating the immune responses and are less hydrolysable by fungal polygalacturonases. Plants overexpressing OGOX1 are more resistant to Botrytis cinerea, pointing to a crucial role of OGOX enzymes in plant immunity.
Immunosuppression by a subconjunctival implant releasing dexamethasone in a rabbit model of penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Crouzet Emmanuel , Garcin Thibaud , Gauthier Anne-Sophie , He Zhiguo , Perrache Chantal , Delavenne Xavier , Basset Thierry , Peoc’h Michel , Gain Philippe , Thuret Gilles 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of a subconjunctival dexamethasone-releasing implant in preventing rejection of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in an animal model.MethodsTwenty-two rabbits underwent allogenic PK. After randomisation, they received either a 700 µg dexamethasone implant under the conjunctiva at the end of surgery (n=10), one dexamethasone 1 mg/mL eye-drop thrice daily (n=6) or a placebo thrice daily (n=6). The suture was left in place. Animals were observed weekly by slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography with quantification of transparency, neovascularisation and central corneal thickness (CCT). At 5–6 weeks, they were euthanised for histology. The residual dexamethasone concentration in ocular tissues was measured with an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer.ResultsPlacebo group: early neovascularisation was systematic, penetrating the graft by 270–360° at 5–6 weeks. Rejection occurred in 50% of cases. Eye-drop and implant groups: similar course without rejection at 6 weeks and normal CCT. Neovascularisation was observed in 5/6 rabbits in the eye-drop group and in 6/8 in the implant group, with two cases of new vessels penetrating the graft from week 3. Neovascularisation scores did not differ significantly between the two treatments and were significantly lower than for the placebo. Histology was in agreement in all cases. Implants disappeared after 3–5 weeks. No local side effect was observed. Tissue concentrations were all higher at day 8 (n=2) in the implant group than in the eye drop group and lower at 6 weeks (n=8).ConclusionsIn this PK model characterised by a high rejection rate, a subconjunctival dexamethasone implant was for 6 weeks as effective as the topical form in preventing allograft rejection.
Impact of varying the definition of myopia on estimates of prevalence and associations with risk factors: time for an approach that serves research, practice and policy
Authors: Cumberland Phillippa M , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Rahi Jugnoo S 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundRefractive error is an increasing global public health concern that requires robust and reliable research to identify modifiable risk factors and provide accurate estimates of population burden. We investigated the impact of reclassification of individuals when using different threshold values of spherical equivalent (SE) to define myopia, on estimates of frequency, distribution and associations with risk factors, to inform current international initiatives to standardise definitions.MethodsA random sample of 1985 individuals from the 1958 British birth cohort, at age 44, had autorefraction and self-reported on educational attainment and social class.Refraction status assigned in three different models using SE: (A) moderate to high myopia −3 diopters (D) or more extreme (≤−3.00D), (B) hypermetropia +1.00D or more extreme (≥+1.00D) and (C) mild myopia using three different thresholds: −1.00D, −0.75D or −0.50D, hence reciprocal changes in definition of emmetropia.ResultsFrequency estimates and associations with risk factors altered significantly as the threshold value for myopia moved towards SE 0.0D: prevalence of mild myopia increased from 28% to 47%, the association with highest educational attainment attenuated and with higher social class strengthened, with changes in risk ratios of approximately 20%.ConclusionEven small changes in the threshold definition of myopia (±0.25D) can significantly affect the conclusions of epidemiological studies, creating both false-positive and false-negative associations for specific risk factors. An international classification for refractive error, empirically evidenced and cognisant of the question(s) being addressed and the population(s) being studied, is needed to serve better translational research, practice and policy.
Smoking cessation support for regular smokers in Hungarian primary care: a nationwide representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Sipos Valéria , Pálinkás Anita , Kovács Nóra , Csenteri Karola Orsolya , Vincze Ferenc , Szőllősi József Gergő , Jenei Tibor , Papp Magor , Ádány Róza , Sándor János 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesOur study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of general practitioners’ (GPs’) smoking cessation support (SCS).Study designWe carried out a cross-sectional study between February and April 2016.Setting and participantA sample of 2904 regular smokers aged 18 years or older was selected randomly from 18 general medical practices involved in a national representative, general medical practice-based morbidity monitoring system. The GPs surveyed the selected adults and identified 708 regular smokers.Main outcome measuresMultivariate logistic regression models have been applied to evaluate the determinants (age, gender, education, smoking-related comorbidity, smoking intensity, intention to quit smoking and nicotine dependence) of provision of GP-mediated SCS such as brief intervention, pharmacological and non-pharmacological programmatic support.ResultsAccording to the survey, 24.4% of the adults were regular smokers, 30% of them showed high nicotine dependence and 38.2% willing to quit smoking. Most of the smokers were not participated in SCS by GPs: brief intervention, programmatic non-pharmacological support and pharmacotherapy were provided for 25%, 7% and 2% of smokers, respectively. Low-nicotine-dependence individuals were less (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.75), patients with intention to quit were more (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.22) likely to receive a brief intervention. Vocational (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.59) and high school education (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.31), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular diseases (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 10.68; OR 3.91, 95% CI 2.33 to 6.54) increased the probability to receive support by GP.ConclusionsAlthough there are differences among smokers’ subgroups, the SCS in Hungarian primary care is generally insufficient, compared with guidelines. Practically, the pharmacological support is not included in Hungarian GPs’ practice. GPs should increase substantially the working time devoted to SCS, and the organisation of primary healthcare should support GPs in improving SCS services.
Effect of dietary fermented corn in different energy dense diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ileal microorganisms, and fecal noxious gas emission of growing pigs
Authors: Park J.W. , Kim I.H. 
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the efficacy of fermented corn (FC) in growing pigs. One hundred twenty-eight growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc)] with an initial body weight of 29.59 ± 1.34 kg were used in a 6 wk experiment. Pigs were assigned into one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of nutrient density (high energy: 3.37 Mcal kg−1, or low energy: 3.29 Mcal kg−1) and FC (0% or 20% substitute for corn). Pigs fed diets with FC increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) overall. Pigs fed with high-density (HD) diets increased (P < 0.05) ADG and gain to feed (G/F) ratio overall. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N) increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with FC diets compared with pigs fed the diets without FC. In addition, pigs fed with HD diets increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE compared with low-density (LD) diets. Furthermore, pigs fed with HD diets had a higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than those fed with LD diets. Both LD and FC supplementation led to lower (P < 0.05) fecal gas emission content. Pigs fed FC diets increased ileal Lactobacillus concentration and decreased Escherichia coli concentration. An interactive effect between nutrient density diet and FC was observed on the G/F, Lactobacillus on ileal microorganisms, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation of HD diets and FC improved performance in growing pigs.
Impact of rare earth element-enriched yeast on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and fecal microflora in finishing pigs
Authors: Cai L. , Nyachoti C.M. , Kim I.H. 
Published: February 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of rare earth element-enriched yeast (RY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and fecal microbial flora in finishing pigs. A total of 100 finishing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were used in a two-phase feeding trial. Pigs were randomly assigned to five treatments according to their initial body weight (five pens per treatment, two gilts and two barrows per pen). Treatments were basal diets, free of antibiotics [negative control (NC)]; NC + 500, 1000, and 1500 mg kg−1, respectively, of RY; antibiotics diets, NC + 500 mg kg−1 of tiamulin [positive control (PC)]. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly with increasing level of RY in diets. At the end of the experiment, blood lymphocyte concentration and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy increased linearly in pigs fed the increasing level of RY in diets. The better ADG, G:F, and fecal Lactobacillus counts were observed in both RY and PC groups compared with the NC group. In conclusion, diets with RY improved growth performance, digestibility, blood lymphocyte counts, and fecal Lactobacillus counts in finishing pigs, and RY may be considered as an alternative to antibiotics.