bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precipitation and elephants, not fire, shape tree community composition in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Rugemalila Deusdedith M. , Anderson Todd M. , Holdo Ricardo M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSavannas are spatially diverse, variable and are susceptible to high rates of disturbance from fire and herbivory. There is significant interest in woody cover dynamics in relation to disturbance regimes. Less effort has been devoted to understand processes that drive tree community composition. In this study, tree species composition data collected at the landscape scale in the Serengeti were used to identify key environmental factors driving variation in species composition. A system of 38 plots clustered within 10 sites spanning the mean annual precipitation (MAP) gradient was used to assess the relative role of bottom‐up (precipitation, soil nutrients and soil texture) vs. top‐down factors (fire and elephant herbivory) on tree community composition. We developed candidate models relating tree species composition (based on multivariate community analysis) to different combinations of plot‐level environmental covariates. Results suggest that tree community composition is largely driven by MAP and is associated with elephant population density. Strikingly, we found no evidence that fire influences species compositional turnover. In a second analysis, we used structural equation model (SEM) to explore the possible direction of association between elephant density and tree species composition. We compared a model that included elephant effects on composition to one that included community composition effects on elephant density. Results suggest that variation in elephant population density across space is more likely to drive tree community composition and not vice versa. We propose that precipitation and herbivory, rather than fire, determine tree species composition in Serengeti Acacia tree community.
Methylation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Promoter in Preschoolers: Links With Internalizing Behavior Problems
Authors: Parade Stephanie H. , Ridout Kathryn K. , Seifer Ronald , Armstrong David A. , Marsit Carmen J. , McWilliams Melissa A. , Tyrka Audrey R. 
Published: January 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that early adversity is linked to methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene, NR3C1, which is a key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Yet no prior work has considered the contribution of methylation of NR3C1 to emerging behavior problems and psychopathology in childhood. This study examined the links between methylation of NR3C1 and behavior problems in preschoolers. Data were drawn from a sample of preschoolers with early adversity (n = 171). Children ranged in age from 3 to 5 years, were racially and ethnically diverse, and nearly all qualified for public assistance. Seventy‐one children had child welfare documentation of moderate to severe maltreatment in the past 6 months. Structured record review and interviews in the home were used to assess early adversity. Parents reported on child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Methylation of NR3C1 at exons 1D, 1F, and 1H were measured via sodium bisulfite pyrosequencing from saliva DNA. Methylation of NR3C1 at exons 1D and 1F was positively associated with internalizing (r = .21, p < .01 and r = .23, p < .01, respectively), but not externalizing, behavior problems. Furthermore, NR3C1 methylation mediated effects of early adversity on internalizing behavior problems. These results suggest that methylation of NR3C1 contributes to psychopathology in young children, and NR3C1 methylation from saliva DNA is salient to behavioral outcomes.
Epigenetic Patterns Modulate the Connection Between Developmental Dynamics of Parenting and Offspring Psychosocial Adjustment
Authors: Naumova Oksana Yu. , Hein Sascha , Suderman Matthew , Barbot Baptiste , Lee Maria , Raefski Adam , Dobrynin Pavel V. , Brown Pamela J. , Szyf Moshe , Luthar Suniya S. , Grigorenko Elena L. 
Published: January 2016

This study attempted to establish and quantify the connections between parenting, offspring psychosocial adjustment, and the epigenome. The participants, 35 African American young adults (19 females and 16 males; age = 17–29.5 years), represented a subsample of a 3‐wave longitudinal 15‐year study on the developmental trajectories of low‐income urban mother–offspring dyads. Mothers were assessed on their perceptions of maternal stress at each wave. Offspring were assessed on their perceptions of maternal parenting at each wave and on their adaptive and maladaptive behavior at the last wave. Genome‐wide DNA methylation in peripheral T lymphocytes at the third wave was assayed using Methyl Binding Domain(MBD) sequencing. Statistically significant associations were identified between the change in offspring's perception of parenting from middle childhood to adulthood and the DNA methylation in offspring's adult genomes. Specifically, the slope of perceived parental rejection across the 3 time points was related to an increase in methylation, or a potential downregulation, of 565 genes thought to be involved in the control of a broad spectrum of biological functions generally related to cellular signaling. A subset of these epigenetic marks, clustered in 23 genes, some of which participate in the development and functioning of the CNS, were in turn associated with psychosocial adjustment as captured by interpersonal relationships and emotional self‐evaluation. This appears to be one of the first investigations of the modulating role of the methylome in associations between developmental dynamics of parenting throughout the formative years of child and adolescent development and psychosocial adjustment in adulthood.
Serotonin Transporter Gene (SLC6A4) Methylation Associates With Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Stay and 3‐Month‐Old Temperament in Preterm Infants
Authors: Montirosso Rosario , Provenzi Livio , Fumagalli Monica , Sirgiovanni Ida , Giorda Roberto , Pozzoli Uberto , Beri Silvana , Menozzi Giorgia , Tronick Ed , Morandi Francesco , Mosca Fabio , Borgatti Renato 
Published: January 2016

Preterm birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay are early adverse stressful experiences, which may result in an altered temperamental profile. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), which has been linked to infant temperament, is susceptible to epigenetic regulation associated with early stressful experience. This study examined a moderation model in which the exposure to NICU‐related stress and SLC6A4 methylation moderated infant temperament at 3 months of age. SLC6A4 methylation at 20 CpG sites was quantified in preterm infants (N = 48) and full‐term infants (N = 30) from Italian middle‐class families. Results suggested that in preterm infants NICU‐related stress might be associated with alterations of serotonergic tone as a consequence of SLC6A4 methylation, which in turn, might associate with temperamental difficulties assessed at 3 months of age.
Norovirus in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: cytokines and viral shedding
Authors: Newman K L , Moe C L , Kirby A E , Flanders W D , Parkos C A , Leon J S 
Published: January 2016

Summary
Noroviruses (NoV) are the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis world-wide. NoV infections are often asymptomatic, although individuals still shed large amounts of NoV in their stool. Understanding the differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals would help in elucidating mechanisms of NoV pathogenesis. Our goal was to compare the serum cytokine responses and faecal viral RNA titres of asymptomatic and symptomatic NoV-infected individuals. We tested serum samples from infected subjects (n = 26; 19 symptomatic, seven asymptomatic) from two human challenge studies of GI.1 NoV for 16 cytokines. Samples from prechallenge and days 1-4 post-challenge were tested for these cytokines. Cytokine levels were compared to stool NoV RNA titres quantified previously by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR). While both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had similar patterns of cytokine responses, the symptomatic group generally exhibited a greater elevation of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines and IL-8 post-challenge compared to the asymptomatic group (all P &lt; 0·01). Daily viral RNA titre was associated positively with daily IL-6 concentration and negatively with daily IL-12p40 concentration (all P &lt; 0·05). Symptoms were not associated significantly with daily viral RNA titre, duration of viral shedding or cumulative shedding. Symptomatic individuals, compared to asymptomatic, have greater immune system activation, as measured by serum cytokines, but they do not have greater viral burden, as measured by titre and shedding, suggesting that symptoms may be immune-mediated in NoV infection.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on measures of arterial stiffness: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rodríguez Alexander J. , Scott David , Srikanth Velandai , Ebeling Peter 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundLow vitamin D has been associated with poor arterial compliance in observational studies. Arterial stiffness has prognostic value for cardiovascular disease risk. The aim of this systematic review was to clarify the literature surrounding the use of vitamin D to ameliorate arterial stiffness.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the MEDLINE, Scopus and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled clinical trials investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and/or augmentation index (AI) as indicators of arterial stiffness. We meta‐analysed data and calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using inverse‐variance models on RevMan v5.3 software. Study quality was assessed using a modified Jadad scale.ResultsA total of 607 unique records were identified, of which 18 satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was high, ranging from 9 to 12 (of 13). Study design in terms of vitamin D dosing protocol (range: 1000–5700 IU/day), follow‐up times (range: 1–12 months), sample size (range: n = 29–183) and recruitment strategies varied markedly. Thirteen studies had data for meta‐analysis. Vitamin D was associated with nonsignificant reductions in PWV [SMD = −0·10; 95% CI: −0·24, 0·04; P = 0·17; n = 806 from ten studies] and AI [−0·15; −0·32, 0·02; 0·08; n = 551 from eight studies].DiscussionThere is inconsistent evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation improves indicators of arterial stiffness. This may be attributable to the heterogeneity in study design. Therefore, large and well‐designed randomized studies are required to determine the casual relationships between vitamin D and arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
User evaluation of patient counselling, combining nurse consultation and eHealth in hand eczema
Authors: Mollerup Annette , Harboe Gitte , Johansen Jeanne D. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackground and objectiveThis study reports the findings from a user evaluation of a counselling programme for hand eczema patients in which face‐to‐face encounters were supplemented with user access to a new website.Patients and methodsPatients treated for hand eczema in two different settings were included consecutively. Website utilization was examined by use of the transaction log. Comparisons were made between participants who used the website and those who did not. The patients' perspectives were explored by the use of interviews.ResultsAmong potential website users (n = 140), 88 patients (63%) had an average of 5.1 site visits. At follow‐up, the website users had improved more in quality of life (p = 0.014), current burden of disease (p = 0.053), and itching (p = 0.042). The website users reported more changes in habits than did the non‐website users (p = 0.024). No differences in clinical severity of hand eczema were found. The interviewees were generally satisfied with the counselling and the website. The strict log‐on procedures were considered to be an obstacle to using the site. The consecutive inclusion of participants was considered to be a barrier to engagement in the dialogue forum.ConclusionsThe website users benefited from the website, although this was not substantiated by clinical measurements. The trial design partly hampered website utilization. An initial feasibility study could have been warranted.
The rationale for targeting TGF‐β in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Giannelli Gianluigi , Mikulits Wolfgang , Dooley Steven , Fabregat Isabel , Moustakas Aristidis , ten Dijke Peter , Portincasa Piero , Winter Peter , Janssen Richard , Leporatti Stefano , Herrera Blanca , Sanchez Aranzazu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundTransforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is a pluripotent cytokine that displays several tissue‐specific biological activities. In the liver, TGF‐β is considered a fundamental molecule, controlling organ size and growth by limiting hepatocyte proliferation. It is involved in fibrogenesis and, therefore, in worsening liver damage, as well as in triggering the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF‐β is known to act as an oncosuppressor and also as a tumour promoter in HCC, but its role is still unclear.DesignIn this review, we discuss the potential role of TGF‐β in regulating the tumoural progression of HCC, and therefore the rationale for targeting this molecule in patients with HCC.ResultsA considerable amount of experimental preclinical evidence suggests that TGF‐β is a promising druggable target in patients with HCC. To support this hypothesis, a phase II clinical trial is currently ongoing using a TGF‐β pathway inhibitor, and results will soon be available.ConclusionsThe identification of new TGF‐β related biomarkers will help to select those patients most likely to benefit from therapy aimed at inhibiting the TGF‐β pathway. New formulations that may provide a more controlled and sustained delivery of the drug will improve the therapeutic success of such treatments.
Contemporary evolution and the dynamics of invasion in crop–wild hybrids with heritable variation for two weedy life–histories
Authors: Campbell Lesley G. , Teitel Zachary , Miriti Maria N. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGene flow in crop–wild complexes between phenotypically differentiated ancestors may transfer adaptive genetic variation that alters the fecundity and, potentially, the population growth (λ) of weeds. We created biotypes with potentially invasive traits, early flowering or long leaves, in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and F5crop–wild hybrid (R. sativus × R. raphanistrum) backgrounds and compared them to randomly mated populations, to provide the first experimental estimate of long‐term fitness consequences of weedy life‐history variation. Using a life table response experiment design, we modeledλof experimental, field populations in Pellston,MI, and assessed the relative success of alternative weed strategies and the contributions of individual vital rates (germination, survival, seed production) to differences inλamong experimental populations. Growth rates (λ) were most influenced by seed production, a trait altered by hybridization and selection, compared to other vital rates. More seeds were produced by wild than hybrid populations and by long‐leafed than early‐flowering lineages. Although we did not detect a biotype by selection treatment effect on lambda, lineages also exhibited contrasting germination and survival strategies. Identifying life‐history traits affecting population growth contributes to our understanding of which portions of the crop genome are most likely to introgress into weed populations.
Shifts in the climate space of temperate cyprinid fishes due to climate change are coupled with altered body sizes and growth rates
Authors: Ruiz‐Navarro Ana , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Britton J. Robert 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPredictions of species responses to climate change often focus on distribution shifts, although responses can also include shifts in body sizes and population demographics. Here, shifts in the distributional ranges (‘climate space’), body sizes (as maximum theoretical body sizes, L∞) and growth rates (as rate at which L∞ is reached, K) were predicted for five fishes of the Cyprinidae family in a temperate region over eight climate change projections. Great Britain was the model area, and the model species were Rutilus rutilus, Leuciscus leuciscus, Squalius cephalus, Gobio gobio and Abramis brama. Ensemble models predicted that the species' climate spaces would shift in all modelled projections, with the most drastic changes occurring under high emissions; all range centroids shifted in a north‐westerly direction. Predicted climate space expanded for R. rutilus and A. brama, contracted for S. cephalus, and for L. leuciscus and G. gobio, expanded under low‐emission scenarios but contracted under high emissions, suggesting the presence of some climate‐distribution thresholds. For R. rutilus, A. brama, S. cephalus and G. gobio, shifts in their climate space were coupled with predicted shifts to significantly smaller maximum body sizes and/or faster growth rates, aligning strongly to aspects of temperature‐body size theory. These predicted shifts in L∞ and K had considerable consequences for size‐at‐age per species, suggesting substantial alterations in population age structures and abundances. Thus, when predicting climate change outcomes for species, outputs that couple shifts in climate space with altered body sizes and growth rates provide considerable insights into the population and community consequences, especially for species that cannot easily track their thermal niches.
Predicting emerging care‐need with simple functional indicators: Findings from a national cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chung , Chen Li‐Ching , Wang Jiun‐Yi 
Published: January 2016

AimTo evaluate the predictive abilities of single items and their combinations in the instrumental activities of daily living and Nagi scales to predict emerging care‐need of older adults.MethodsWe analyzed the 1999 (baseline) and 2003 (end‐point) datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. After excluding the proxy respondents, incomplete data or those who had care‐need at baseline, 2521 of the 2890 participants (aged ≥65 years at baseline) were included in data analysis. Care‐need was defined as a person receiving formal or informal care, or having any activities of daily living dependency. The predictive abilities of the items in instrumental activities of daily living or Nagi scale, singly or in combination to predict emerging care‐need during the subsequent 4 years were evaluated by the improvement in values of Nagelkerke R2, Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion in logistic regression models.ResultsThe single item “doing heavy housework” showed the best predictive abilities among all others. When combined this item with “walking 200 m,” the two‐item indicator significantly improved the predictive abilities. However, no three‐item combined indicator improved the predictive abilities.ConclusionsThe two‐item indicator that combines “doing heavy housework” and “walking 200 m” from the instrumental activities of daily living and Nagi scales showed superior ability to predict emerging care‐need of older Taiwanese. The indicator could serve as the foundation for developing a scale to predict emerging care‐need of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 375–381.
The consumption of two or more fall risk‐increasing drugs rather than polypharmacy is associated with falls
Authors: Zia Anam , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul B , Tan Maw P 
Published: January 2016

AimThe presemt study aimed to determine the association between the risk of recurrent and injurious falls with polypharmacy, fall risk‐increasing drugs (FRID) and FRID count among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsParticipants (n = 202) were aged ≥65 years with two or more falls or one injurious fall in the past year, whereas controls (n = 156) included volunteers aged ≥65 years with no falls in the past year. A detailed medication history was obtained alongside demographic data. Polypharmacy was defined as “regular use of five or more prescription drugs.” FRID were identified as cardiovascular agents, central nervous system drugs, analgesics and endocrine drugs; multiple FRID were defined as two or more FRID. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders.ResultsThe use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs was independently associated with an increased risk of falls. Univariate analyses showed both polypharmacy (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.39–3.56; P = 0.001) and the use of two or more FRID (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9–4.5; P = 0.0001) were significantly more likely amongst fallers. After adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities, blood pressure, and physical performance scores, polypharmacy was no longer associated with falls (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9–2.9; P = 0.102), whereas the consumption of two or more FRID remained a significant predictor for falls (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4–5.3; P = 0.001).ConclusionsAmong high risk fallers, the use of two or more FRID was an independent risk factor for falls instead of polypharmacy. Our findings will inform clinical practice in terms of medication reviews among older adults at higher risk of falls. Future intervention studies will seek to confirm whether avoidance or withdrawal of multiple FRID reduces the risk of future falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 463–470.
Analysis of Wellbore Skin Samples—Typology, Composition, and Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Houben Georg J. , Halisch Matthias , Kaufhold Stephan , Weidner Christoph , Sander Jürgen , Reich Morris 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe presence of a wellbore skin layer, formed during the drilling process, is a major impediment for the energy‐efficient use of water wells. Many models exist that predict its potential impacts on well hydraulics, but so far its relevant hydraulic parameters were only estimates or, at best, model results. Here, we present data on the typology, thickness, composition, and hydraulic properties obtained from the sampling of excavated dewatering wells in lignite surface mines and from inclined core drilling into the annulus of an abandoned water well. Despite the limited number of samples, several types of skin were identified. Both surface cake filtration and particle straining in the aquifer occur. The presence of microcracks may be a determining feature for the hydraulic conductivity of skin layers. In the case of the well‐developed water supply well, no skin layer was detected. The observed types and properties of wellbore skin samples can be used to test the many mathematical skin models.