bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are stacked species distribution models accurate at predicting multiple levels of diversity along a rainfall gradient?
Authors: Del Toro Israel , Ribbons Relena R. , Hayward Jodie , Andersen Alan N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe use observed patterns of species richness and composition of ant communities along a 1000 mm rainfall gradient in northern Australian savanna to assess the accuracy of species richness and turnover predictions derived from stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) and constrained by macroecological models (MEMs). We systematically sampled ants at 15 sites at 50 km intervals along the rainfall gradient in 2012 and 2013. Using the observed data, we created MEMs of species richness, composition and turnover. We built distribution models for 135 of the observed species using data from museum collections and online databases. We compared two approaches of stacking SDMs and three modelling algorithms to identify the most accurate way of predicting richness and composition. We then applied the same beta diversity metrics to compare the observed versus predicted patterns. Stacked SDMs consistently over‐predicted local species richness, and there was a mismatch between the observed pattern of richness estimated from the MEM, and the pattern predicted by S‐SDMs. The most accurate richness and turnover predictions occurred when the stacked models were rank‐ordered by their habitat suitability and constrained by the observed MEM richness predictions. In contrast with species richness, the predictions obtained by the MEM of community similarity, composition and turnover matched those predicted by the S‐SDMs. S‐SDMs regulated by MEMs may therefore be a useful tool in predicting compositional patterns despite being unreliable estimators of species richness. Our results highlight that the choice of species distribution model, the stacking method used, and underlying macroecological patterns all influence the accuracy of community assembly predictions derived from S‐SDMS.
Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome
Authors: Croese Alexander D. , Whiting Scott , Vangaveti Venkat N. , Ho Yik‐Hong 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundSphincter preserving surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer is very often feasible, avoiding a permanent colostomy. It is well recognized that a large proportion of patients will experience altered bowel habit following low anterior resection (LAR). Faecal incontinence is a common symptom associated with LAR syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term improvement in continence and quality of life (QoL) in LAR patients treated with sacral nerve modulation.MethodsPatients with ongoing faecal incontinence for >1 year after reversal of diverting ileostomy post ultra‐LAR were selected for the study. Eligible patients underwent sacral nerve modulator implantation as a two‐stage procedure. Bowel diaries and the Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score were used to measure faecal incontinence and QoL.ResultsTwelve patients underwent permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator. Median follow‐up was 34 months (interquartile range (IQR) 20.25–62.5 months). The median improvement in faecal incontinence was 90% (IQR 76.25–98.75%) and the median improvement in patient QoL was 80% (IQR 71.25–93.75%). Patients who had previously been treated with biofeedback showed a median improvement in incontinence of 75% compared to 90% which was found in patients who had not had prior biofeedback treatment. The mean percentage improvement in patients with an internal anal sphincter defect was 80% compared to 90% seen in patients with an intact sphincter.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that sacral nerve modulation should be more widely considered as an effective treatment strategy for patients with faecal incontinence following LAR.
The novel antidepressant ketamine enhances dentate gyrus proliferation with no effects on synaptic plasticity or hippocampal function in depressive‐like rats
Authors: Michaëlsson Henrik , Andersson Mats , Svensson Johan , Karlsson Lars , Ehn Johan , Culley Georgia , Engström Anders , Bergström Nicklas , Savvidi Parthenia , Kuhn Hans‐Georg , Hanse Eric , Seth Henrik 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimMajor depressive disorder is a common and debilitating condition with substantial economic impact. Treatment options, although effective, are aimed at relieving the symptoms with limited disease modification. Ketamine, a commonly used anaesthetic, has received substantial attention as it shows rapid antidepressant effects clinically. We studied the effects of ketamine on hippocampal function and dentate gyrus proliferation in rats showing a depressive‐like phenotype.MethodsAdolescent and adult animals were pre‐natally exposed to the glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone, and we verified a depressive‐like phenotype using behavioural tests, such as the sucrose preference. We subsequently studied the effects of ketamine on hippocampal synaptic transmission, plasticity and dentate gyrus proliferation. In addition, we measured hippocampal glutamate receptor expression. We also tested the ketamine metabolite hydroxynorketamine for NMDA‐receptor independent effects.ResultsSurprisingly, our extensive experimental survey revealed limited effects of ketamine or its metabolite on hippocampal function in control as well as depressive‐like animals. We found no effects on synaptic efficacy or induction of long‐term potentiation in adolescent and adult animals. Also there was no difference when comparing the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Importantly, however, ketamine 24 hours prior to experimentation significantly increased the dentate gyrus proliferation, as revealed by Ki‐67 immunostaining, in the depressive‐like phenotype.ConclusionWe find limited effects of ketamine on hippocampal glutamatergic transmission. Instead, alterations in dentate gyrus proliferation could explain the antidepressant effects of ketamine.
Persistent damage on magnetic resonance enterography in patients with Crohn’s disease in endoscopic remission
Authors: Rimola Jordi , Alfaro Ignacio , Fernández‐Clotet Agnès , Castro‐Poceiro Jesús , Vas Daniel , Rodríguez Sonia , Masamunt Maria Carme , Ordás Ingrid , Ricart Elena , Panés Julián 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn Crohn's disease, it is essential to distinguish between persistent damage and abnormalities that can heal with anti‐inflammatory therapy.AimTo assess magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) lesions that persist in patients in long‐standing endoscopic remission, analyse their relationship with baseline characteristics, and determine their prognostic implications.MethodsWe systematically reviewed pre‐ and post‐treatment MRE findings in patients with Crohn's disease and severe inflammation (segmental CDEIS ≥ 7 or ulcers in at least one segment) who achieved endoscopic remission (CDEIS < 2) after 1 year of treatment with TNF‐inhibitors or autologous haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of persistent abnormalities.ResultsEndoscopic remission was achieved in 73 intestinal segments in 28 patients (69% females; 9.95 years disease duration, 67.9% inflammatory phenotype; 39.3% ileal location). Creeping fat and intestinal wall fat deposits were unchanged on pre‐ and post‐treatment MRE despite the endoscopic remission. Luminal strictures persisted in 6 out of the 8 segments with baseline strictures, and wall thickening in 23 out of the 72 of segments with thickening at baseline. Predictors of persistent mural thickening were pre‐treatment wall thickness > 5.9 mm (OR = 4.38, P = 0.027) and refractory disease prior to baseline (OR = 2.35, P = 0.001). Creeping fat was the only predictor for persistence of creeping fat (OR = 36.43, P < 0.001). Persistence of strictures at MRE is associated with earlier recurrence (P = 0.014).ConclusionsPersistent MRE abnormalities are frequent in patients with Crohn's disease despite achieving endoscopic remission. Significant wall thickening, intestinal fat deposition, strictures, and creeping fat at baseline MRE are signs of established damage.
Repurposing blue laser autofluorescence to measure ocular sun exposure
Authors: Lingham Gareth , Burton Alex , Brown Holly A. , Huynh Emily , Yazar Seyhan , Coroneo Minas T. , Mackey David A. 
Published: October 2018

ImportanceExcessive ocular sun exposure is linked to various eye pathologies. Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) is a method of detecting sun‐related conjunctival damage; however, the custom‐built camera system required is not readily available.BackgroundWe investigated whether blue laser autofluorescence (BAF) on a commonly used confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) can be utilized to measure CUVAF area.DesignCross‐sectional evaluation of a diagnostic technology at a medical research institute.ParticipantsSixty‐four participants recruited from three on‐going observational eye studies in Western Australia.MethodsAll participants had four images, two of each eye, captured using the CUVAF camera and BAF on the same day. Participants with pterygium or poor quality images were excluded from the analysis. Two graders measured CUVAF area in each image twice. CUVAF area measured by BAF was then compared to measurements determined with the conventional camera system.Main Outcome MeasuresCUVAF area.ResultsAfter exclusions, 50 participants' images were analysed. Intra‐ and inter‐observer repeatability were similar between the two systems. When comparing CUVAF area measured by BAF to the camera measurement, grader 1 had a mean difference of +1.00 mm2, with 95% limits of agreement −5.75 to 7.77 mm2. Grader 2 had a mean difference of +0.21mm2, with 95% limits of agreement −7.22 to 7.64 mm2.Conclusions and RelevanceBAF on a commercially available cSLO is a valid method for measuring CUVAF area. This finding provides broader opportunity for identifying, monitoring and educating patients with sun‐exposure‐related ocular conditions and for researching the ocular impacts of sun exposure.
Influence of the keratinized mucosa on the stability of peri‐implant tissues and brushing discomfort: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Perussolo Jeniffer , Souza André B. , Matarazzo Flávia , Oliveira Ricardo P. , Araújo Mauricio G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present prospective follow‐up study was to evaluate the long‐term influence of the peri‐implant keratinized mucosa (KM) on marginal bone level (MBL), peri‐implant tissues health, and brushing discomfort.Material and MethodsEighty patients were initially recruited during their maintenance visit from January to October 2013 and allocated in two groups according to KM width around implants: Wide Group (KM ≥ 2 mm) and Narrow Group (KM < 2 mm). In the four‐year follow‐up examination (T4), marginal bone level (MBL), modified plaque index (mPI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), and brushing discomfort (BD) were reassessed and compared to the initial assessments (T0). Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and a multilevel model were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsFifty‐four patients with 202 implants returned at T4. Mean mPI (0.91 ± 0.60), BoP (0.67 ± 0.21), and BD (12.28 ± 17.59) were higher in the Narrow Group than in the Wide Group (0.54 ± 0.48, 0.56 ± 0.26, and 4.25 ± 8.39, respectively). Marginal bone loss was higher in the Narrow Group (0.26 ± 0.71) than in the Wide Group (0.06 ± 0.48). Multilevel analysis suggested that KM width and time in function had a statistically significant effect on MBL.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that KM width had an effect on MBL, plaque accumulation, tissue inflammation, and brushing discomfort over the studied period. Thus, the presence of a KM ≥ 2 mm around implants appears to have a protective effect on peri‐implant tissues.
An Extension Specialist's Reflections from the Field: Discovering Ag of the Middle in the Shift from Direct Sale to Wholesale Vegetable Production
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Jo , Gaskin Julia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough consumer demand for local and organic food continues to grow, some direct market outlets have tightened. In response, small and mid‐acreage farmers are beginning to consider the value of shifting from the direct marketing of hundreds of varieties for farmers markets or community supported agriculture to growing fewer crops for sale in a wholesale market. We report on one field study of a simplified crop rotation indicating that regionally adapted crop rotations may allow producers to achieve profitable harvests while maintaining or building soil health. However, this shift toward mid‐scale practice may be risky. Growers reduce variety and increase mechanization with the assumption that increased volume will compensate for lower prices; yet, it is unclear what the scale‐shift must be to make wholesale economically feasible. Farmers must also enact a series of organizational reforms to meet the regulations and expectations of wholesale markets, regardless of acreage.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer: 68 cases from the Food and Drug Administration database and review
Authors: Tanios Georges E. , Doley Peter B. , Munker Reinhold 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) are widely used in modern oncology and have improved the prognosis of lung cancer, malignant melanoma, and other malignancies. Unlike cytotoxic chemotherapy, drugs such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab are associated with immune‐related adverse effects. We recently observed a patient with lung cancer who developed a fulminant warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).ObjectivesInvestigate the frequency and prognosis of AIHA secondary to CPI in a public database and review the literature.ResultsA total of 68 cases were identified in the database of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 43 were associated with nivolumab, 13 with pembrolizumab, seven with ipilimumab, and five with atezolizumab. All episodes of AIHA were listed as serious. If the total number of adverse events cases reported to the FDA is taken as a reference, AIHA is rare, but occurred more frequently with PD‐1 or PD‐L1 targeting agents (0.15%‐0.25%) than with CTLA‐4 inhibitors (0.06%). In addition to our case, the literature review identified 11 similar cases. Most cases of AIHA responded to steroids, but two of 12 were fatal.ConclusionWe describe AIHA as a new and serious immune‐related side effect of CPI. Early aggressive management is necessary.
Range change evolution of peat mosses (Sphagnum) within and between climate zones
Authors: Shaw A. Jonathan , Carter Benjamin E. , Aguero Blanka , da Costa Denise Pinheiro , Crowl Andrew A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPeat mosses (Sphagnum) hold exceptional importance in the control of global carbon fluxes and climate because of the vast stores of carbon bound up in partially decomposed biomass (peat). This study tests the hypothesis that the early diversification of Sphagnum was in the Northern Hemisphere, with subsequent range expansions to tropical latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere. A phylogenetic analysis of 192 accessions representing the moss class Sphagnopsida based on four plastid loci was conducted in conjunction with biogeographic analyses using BioGeoBEARS to investigate the tempo and mode of geographic range evolution. Analyses support the hypothesis that the major intrageneric clades of peat‐forming species accounting for >90% of peat moss diversity originated and diversified at northern latitudes. The genus underwent multiple range expansions into tropical and Southern Hemisphere regions. Range evolution in peat mosses was most common within latitudinal zones, attesting to the relative difficulty of successfully invading new climate zones. Allopolyploidy in Sphagnum (inferred from microsatellite heterozygosity) does not appear to be biased with regard to geographic region nor intrageneric clade. The inference that Sphagnum diversified in cool‐or cold‐climate regions and repeatedly expanded its range into tropical regions makes the genus an excellent model for studying morphological, physiological, and genomic traits associated with adaptation to warming climates.
Genotypic variation in phenological plasticity: Reciprocal common gardens reveal adaptive responses to warmer springs but not to fall frost
Authors: Cooper Hillary F. , Grady Kevin C. , Cowan Jacob A. , Best Rebecca J. , Allan Gerard J. , Whitham Thomas G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpecies faced with rapidly shifting environments must be able to move, adapt, or acclimate in order to survive. One mechanism to meet this challenge is phenotypic plasticity: altering phenotype in response to environmental change. Here, we investigated the magnitude, direction, and consequences of changes in two key phenology traits (fall bud set and spring bud flush) in a widespread riparian tree species, Populus fremontii. Using replicated genotypes from 16 populations from throughout the species’ thermal range, and reciprocal common gardens at hot, warm, and cool sites, we identified four major findings: (a) There are significant genetic (G), environmental (E), and GxE components of variation for both traits across three common gardens; (b) The magnitude of phenotypic plasticity is correlated with provenance climate, where trees from hotter, southern populations exhibited up to four times greater plasticity compared to the northern, frost‐adapted populations; (c) Phenological mismatches are correlated with higher mortality as the transfer distances between provenance and garden increase; and (d) The relationship between plasticity and survival depends not only on the magnitude and direction of environmental transfer, but also on the type of environmental stress (i.e., heat or freezing), and how particular traits have evolved in response to that stress. Trees transferred to warmer climates generally showed small to moderate shifts in an adaptive direction, a hopeful result for climate change. Trees experiencing cooler climates exhibited large, non‐adaptive changes, suggesting smaller transfer distances for assisted migration. This study is especially important as it deconstructs trait responses to environmental cues that are rapidly changing (e.g., temperature and spring onset) and those that are fixed (photoperiod), and that vary across the species’ range. Understanding the magnitude and adaptive nature of phenotypic plasticity of multiple traits responding to multiple environmental cues is key to guiding restoration management decisions as climate continues to change.
Thromboelastography and thrombin generation assay in inherited afibrinogenemia
Authors: Young Guy Aaron , Carmona Roxana , Cano Garcia Viridiana 
Published: October 2018

Fibrinogen is a glycoprotein with a crucial role in blood coagulation. Upon enzymatic cleavage by thrombin, fibrinogen is converted from its soluble form to insoluble fibrin which is key structural protein of a clot. It also participates in platelet aggregation by binding to GPIIb/IIIa. Genetic alterations can lead to either complete or partial, quantitative or qualitative defects of fibrinogen. Inherited afibrinogenemia is a rare bleeding disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance due to a complete absence of fibrinogen. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether 70 mg/kg of human fibrinogen concentrate (HFC) is an adequate dose in subjects with inherited afibrinogenemia to reach normal levels of plasmatic fibrinogen (1.5‐2 g/L). Secondary aims included assessing changes in thromboelastography (TEG) and thrombin generation assay (TGA) before and after a dose of HFC. Four patients were included, and each underwent pre‐and post (one time‐point) HFC dose laboratory testing. Two patients needed dose adjustments to reach a normal post‐dose fibrinogen level. In addition, we noted that the TEG parameter maximum amplitude (MA) improved in accordance with correction of the fibrinogen levels. TGA results were normal in all subjects. Our results suggest that individualized dosing based on fibrinogen levels may be necessary.
Bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy versus concomitant quadruple therapy as first‐line treatment for Helicobacter Pylori infection in an area of high resistance to clarithromycin: A prospective, cross‐sectional, comparative, open trial
Authors: Macías‐García Fernando , Bastón‐Rey Iria , de la Iglesia‐García Daniel , Calviño‐Suárez Cristina , Nieto‐García Laura , Domínguez‐Muñoz Juan Enrique 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundConcomitant quadruple (CQT) or bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT) is recommended as first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection depending on antibiotic resistance.AimTo compare the efficacy, safety, and compliance of CQT and BQT as first‐line therapy for H. pylori eradication in real clinical practice in an area of high resistance to clarithromycin.MethodsA prospective, open, comparative cross‐sectional study including dyspeptic patients >18 years with H. pylori infection and with no previous eradication treatment was performed. CQT (omeprazole 20 mg + clarithromycin 500 mg + amoxicillin 1 g + metronidazole 500 mg, all given twice daily, for 14 days) or BQT (omeprazole 20 mg twice daily + 3 capsules of Pylera® 4 times a day, for 10 days) was prescribed at the discretion of the prescribing physician. Eradication was tested by 13C‐urea breath test. Efficacy was assessed by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses.ResultsOne hundred and four consecutive patients were included (64.4% female, age 52.9 years). Fifty patients received CQT and 54 BQT. Eradication rate was similar with both therapies at the PP (CQT 97.9%, 95% CI: 93.9‐100 vs BQT 96.2%, 95% CI: 90.9‐100, P = 0.605) and ITT analyses (CQT 98.0%, 95% CI: 94‐100 vs BQT 94.4%, 95% CI: 88.1‐100, P = 0.346). The rate of adverse events was also similar with CQT (56%) and BQT (46.3%). One patient in each group discontinued the treatment due to significant adverse events.ConclusionThe use of CQT and BQT as first‐line treatment against H. pylori is similarly effective and safe strategy in an area of high clarithromycin resistance.
Therapeutic approaches to pyogenic granuloma: an updated review
Authors: Plachouri Kerasia‐Maria , Georgiou Sophia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPyogenic granuloma is a benign vascular proliferation of the skin and mucous membranes, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. Despite its benign nature, it can have a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life, and therefore appropriate therapy is needed. Over the years, a lot of therapeutic modalities have been used in order to successfully treat this condition. This paper is an updated systematic overview of all the reported successful treatments described in the literature and was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Articles derived from the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, published between 1981 and 2018, were analyzed for this study. In the literature, there are several studies, case series, and case reports that demonstrate encouraging results with the use of various methods, such as surgical intervention or laser treatment, but also with more conservative approaches, including the application of topical and systemic agents. The selection of the appropriate treatment should be made individually, depending on severity of the disease and patient characteristics. Both research efforts as well as clinical reporting are necessary in order to provide more insight on the management of these vascular tumors. This paper aims to provide a summarized update on the reported therapies and to raise awareness for the need to conduct larger systematic studies in order to adequately evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the presented therapeutic strategies.