bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unmanned aerial systems measure structural habitat features for wildlife across multiple scales
Authors: Olsoy Peter J. , Shipley Lisa A. , Rachlow Janet L. , Forbey Jennifer S. , Glenn Nancy F. , Burgess Matthew A. , Thornton Daniel H. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAssessing habitat quality is a primary goal of ecologists. However, evaluating habitat features that relate strongly to habitat quality at fine‐scale resolutions across broad‐scale extents is challenging. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide an avenue for bridging the gap between relatively high spatial resolution, low spatial extent field‐based habitat quality measurements and lower spatial resolution, higher spatial extent satellite‐based remote sensing. Our goal in this study was to evaluate the potential forUASstructure from motion (SfM) to estimate several dimensions of habitat quality that provide potential security from predators, and forage for pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in a sagebrush steppe environment.At the plant and patch scales, we comparedUAS‐derived estimates of vegetation height, volume (estimate of food availability) and canopy cover to estimates from ground‐based terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and field‐based measurements. Then, we mapped habitat features across two sagebrush landscapes in Idaho,USA, using point clouds derived fromUASSfM.At the individual plant scale, theUAS‐derived estimates matched those fromTLSfor height (R2 = 0.85), volume (R2 = 0.94) and canopy cover (R2 = 0.68). However, there was less agreement with field‐based measurements of height (R2 = 0.67), volume (R2 = 0.31) and canopy cover (R2 = 0.29). At the patch scale,UAS‐derived estimates provided a better fit to field‐based measurements (R2 = 0.51–0.75) than at the plant scale. Landscape‐scale maps created fromUASwere able to distinguish structural heterogeneity between key patch types.Our work demonstrates thatUASwas able to accurately estimate habitat heterogeneity for a key terrestrial vertebrate at multiple spatial scales. Given that many of the vegetation metrics we focus on are important for a wide variety of species, our work illustrates a general remote sensing approach for mapping and monitoring fine‐resolution habitat quality across broad landscapes for use in studies of animal ecology, conservation and land management.
Are germination cues for soil‐stored seed banks different in structurally different fire‐prone communities?
Authors: Maikano Gloria Neo , Cohn Janet , Di Stefano Julian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMany plant species are dependent on soil‐stored seeds for their persistence in fire‐prone systems. Seed germination is often stimulated by fire‐related cues including heat and smoke, but the way these cues promote germination may differ between structurally distinct plant communities with historically different fire regimes. In this study, we examined the effects of heat, smoke and their interactions on the germination of soil‐stored seeds from shrubby woodlands and herbaceous forests in south‐east Australia. The effect of these treatments on species richness, diversity and composition, and species richness and density of germinants within life‐forms (grass, forb and shrub) were assessed. Soils from each community were subjected to low heat (40°C), low heat with smoke, smoke, high heat (80°C), high heat with smoke and untreated (control) before being placed in a glasshouse, where the germinants were identified and counted. Greater species richness was stimulated by high heat treatments and smoke in both communities, a trend driven by shrubs and forbs, rather than grasses. Greater species diversity was stimulated by high heat with smoke in both communities. Greater densities of grass germinants were stimulated by all treatments, except low heat, in both communities. For forbs and shrubs, the effect of treatment depended on community. Compared to the control, low heat with smoke (forbs) and both low heat and low heat with smoke (shrubs) increased densities in the woodland but not in the forest. There were unique species compositions, different from the control, in all treatments in the forest but not in the woodland, where composition in low heat was not different from the control. These results indicate the importance of high soil temperatures and smoke in both communities. In the absence of wildfires, recurring prescribed burns that heat the soil to low temperatures are likely to reduce plant richness, diversity, and density resulting in a change in understorey species composition and structure.
Peak hour in the bush: linear anthropogenic clearings funnel predator and prey species
Authors: Dawson Stuart J. , Adams Peter J. , Moseby Katherine E. , Waddington Kris I. , Kobryn Halina T. , Bateman Philip W. , Fleming Patricia A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLinear clearings, such as roads and tracks, are an obvious anthropogenic feature in many remote environments, even where infrastructure is sparse. Predator species have been shown to prefer moving down linear clearings, and therefore, clearings could increase predation risk for other species. We investigated whether tracks cleared for seismic surveys are preferentially used by predators and herbivores in a landscape inhabited by bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), a vulnerable species of conservation concern. We used a paired camera trap array to investigate the use of cleared seismic lines at four time points after clearing (1 month, 3 months, 7 months, 48 months) by six mammal species. Bilbies, cattle (Bos indicus/B. taurus), dingoes (Canis familiaris), feral cats (Felis catus) and agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) preferred to use seismic lines compared with adjacent undisturbed vegetation for almost all surveys, while spectacled hare wallabies (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) avoided them. Bilbies and agile wallabies showed similar temporal activity patterns on and off seismic lines but feral cats, dingoes and cattle used seismic lines at different times of day to control areas. We also investigated microhabitat selection by spool tracking individual bilbies. Bilbies selected a route through vegetation that was more open than surrounding vegetation. While spatial and temporal funnelling of bilbies and their predators (especially cats) may increase the frequency of encounter between the two, it is important to note that bilbies were active at significantly different times to predators both on and off seismic lines. The identified selection for seismic lines, and changes in spatial and temporal overlap between species, can be used to develop effective management strategies, to minimize potential impacts on native species.
Diagnostic relevance of IgE sensitization profiles to eight recombinant Phleum pratense molecules
Authors: Cipriani F. , Mastrorilli C. , Tripodi S. , Ricci G. , Perna S. , Panetta V. , Asero R. , Dondi A. , Bianchi A. , Maiello N. , Miraglia del Giudice M. , Frediani T. , Macrì F. , Lucarelli S. , Dello Iacono I. , Patria M. F. , Varin E. , Peroni D. , Chini L. , Moschese V. , Bernardini R. , Pingitore G. , Pelosi U. , Tosca M. , Paravati F. , Sfika I. , Businco A. Di Rienzo , Povesi Dascola C. , Comberiati P. , Frediani S. , Lambiase C. , Verga M. C. , Faggian D. , Plebani M. , Calvani M. , Caffarelli C. , Matricardi P. M. ,   the Italian Pediatric Allergy Network (I‐PAN)
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundGrass pollen‐related seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SARg) is clinically heterogeneous in severity, comorbidities, and response to treatment. The component‐resolved diagnostics disclosed also a high heterogeneity at molecular level. Our study aimed at analyzing the characteristics of the IgE sensitization to Phleum pratense molecules and investigating the diagnostic relevance of such molecules in childhood.MethodsWe examined 1120 children (age 4‐18 years) with SARg. Standardized questionnaires on atopy were acquired through informatics platform (AllergyCARD™). Skin prick tests were performed with pollen extracts. Serum IgE to airborne allergens and eight P. pratense molecules (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b, rPhl p 6, rPhl p 7, rPhl p 11, rPhl p 12) were tested by ImmunoCAP FEIA.ResultsThe analysis of IgE responses against eight P. pratense molecules showed 87 profiles. According to the number of molecules recognized by IgE, the more complex profiles were characterized by higher serum total IgE, higher grass‐specific serum IgE, and higher number and degree of sensitization to pollens. The most frequent IgE sensitization profile was the monomolecular Phl p 1. Sensitization to Phl p 7 was a reliable biomarker of asthma, whereas Phl p 12 of oral allergy syndrome. Sensitization to Phl p 7 was associated with a higher severity of SARg, and complex profiles were associated with longer disease duration.ConclusionsIn a large pediatric population, the complexity of IgE sensitization profiles against P. pratense molecules is related to high atopic features although useless for predicting the clinical severity. The detection of serum IgE to Phl p 1, Phl p 7, and Phl p 12 can be used as clinical biomarkers of SARg and comorbidities. Further studies in different areas are required to test the impact of different IgE molecular profiles on AIT response.
Pregnancy before recurrent pregnancy loss more often complicated by post‐term birth and perinatal death
Authors: Wagner Marise M. , Visser Jantien , Verburg Harjo , Hukkelhoven Chantal W.P.M. , Van Lith Jan M.M. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W.M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe cause of recurrent pregnancy loss often remains unknown. Possibly, pathophysiological pathways are shared with other pregnancy complications.Material and methodsAll women with secondary recurrent pregnancy loss (SRPL) visiting Leiden University Medical Center (January 2000–2015) were included in this retrospective cohort to assess whether women with SRPL have a more complicated first pregnancy compared with control women. SRPL was defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 22 weeks of gestation, with a previous birth. The control group consisted of all Dutch nullipara delivering a singleton (January 2000–2015). Information was obtained from the Dutch Perinatal Registry. Outcomes were preeclampsia, preterm birth, post‐term birth, intrauterine growth restriction, breach position, induction of labor, cesarean section, congenital abnormalities, perinatal death and severe hemorrhage in the first ongoing pregnancy. Subgroup analyses were performed for women with idiopathic SRPL and for women ≤35 years.ResultsIn all, 172 women with SRPL and 1 196 178 control women were included. Women with SRPL were older and had a higher body mass index; 29.7 years vs. 28.8 years and 25.1 kg/m2 vs. 24.1 kg/m2, respectively. Women with SRPL more often had a post‐term birth (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.10–3.17) and more perinatal deaths occurred in women with SRPL compared with the control group (OR 5.03, 95% CI 2.48–10.2). Similar results were found in both subgroup analyses.ConclusionsThe first ongoing pregnancy of women with (idiopathic) SRPL is more often complicated by post‐term birth and perinatal death. Revealing possible links between SRPL and these pregnancy complications might lead to a better understanding of underlying pathophysiology.
Longitudinal study showed that the quality of life of Finnish adolescents with cerebral palsy continued to be relatively good
Authors: Böling Sanna , Varho Tarja , Haataja Leena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThis longitudinal study examined what perceptions paediatric patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and their caregivers had of the patient's quality of life (QoL). It examined changing trends as children with CP became adolescents and examined the feasibility of the Finnish version of the CP QOL‐Teen questionnaire.MethodsCarried out in autumn 2015, this study formed part of the multi‐centre Finnish national CP project and aimed to validate the CP QOL‐Teen questionnaire, which was posted to 54 adolescents and their caregivers. They included 24 who had responded to CP QOL‐Child questionnaire in 2013.ResultsThe questionnaires were returned by 27 pairs of adolescents and caregivers and one extra caregiver also responded. Of these, 24 pairs had taken part in the 2013 survey. The internal consistencies of the sum variables were found to be acceptable in all cases. Overall QoL showed an average score of 81.8 on a scale from 0 to 100. Adolescents reported significantly higher QoL than their caregivers. There were no significant differences between the responses of the children and adolescents.ConclusionWe showed that QoL was relatively good in childhood and adolescence. The Finnish version of the CP QOL‐Teen questionnaire was an appropriate clinical tool for assessing QoL.
Systematic review found that there was moderate evidence that vaccinating healthcare workers prevented pertussis in infants
Authors: van den Hoogen A. , Duijn J.M. , Bode L.G.M. , Vijlbrief D.C. , de Hooge L. , Ockhuijsen H.D.L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis systematic review investigated the effectiveness of vaccinating healthcare workers against pertussis on the occurrence of nosocomial pertussis outbreaks or infections among unprotected infants. We focused on eight studies, with five different study designs, that involved 39,129 healthy adolescents and adults, 115 healthcare workers, 2000 simulated healthcare workers and a simulated population of 200,000 people.ConclusionThere was moderate evidence that tetanus–diphtheria acellular pertussis vaccinations for healthcare workers were effective in preventing pertussis in all age groups and specifically in infants. The results must be interpreted with caution due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the studies.
Acute mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1/2 inhibition improves functional recovery and vascular changes after ischaemic stroke in rat‐monitored by 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mostajeran M. , Wetterling F. , W. Blixt F. , Edvinsson L. , Ansar S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe aim was to evaluate the beneficial effect of early mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK)1/2 inhibition administered at a clinical relevant time‐point using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model and a dedicated rodent magnetic resonance imaging system (9.4T) to monitor cerebrovascular changes non‐invasively for 2 weeks.MethodTransient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male rats for two hours followed by reperfusion. The specific MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 was administered ip at 6 and 24 hours post‐reperfusion. Neurological functions were evaluated by 6‐ and 28‐point tests. 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging was used to monitor morphological infarct changes at day 2, 8 and 14 after stroke and to evaluate cerebral perfusion at day 14. Immunohistochemistry evaluation of Ki67 was performed 14 days post‐stroke.ResultsU0126 improved long‐term behavioural outcome and significantly reduced infarct size. In addition, cerebral perfusion in U0126‐treated animals was improved compared to the vehicle group. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in Ki67+ cells in U0126‐treated animals compared to the vehicle group.ConclusionEarly MEK1/2 inhibition improves long‐term functional outcome, promotes recovery processes after stroke and most importantly provides a realistic time window for therapy.
Functional interaction of Junctophilin 2 with small‐ conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel subtype 2(SK2) in mouse cardiac myocytes
Authors: Fan H. K. , Luo T. X. , Zhao W. D. , Mu Y. H. , Yang Y. , Guo W. J. , Tu H. Y. , Zhang Q. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimJunctophilins (JPs), a protein family of the junctional membrane complex, maintain the close conjunction between cell surface and intracellular membranes in striate muscle cells mediating the crosstalk between extracellular Ca2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ release. The small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels are activated by the intracellular calcium and play an essential role in the cardiac action potential profile. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of the SK channels are still uncertain. Here, we sought to determine whether there is a functional interaction of junctophilin type 2 (JP2) with the SK channels and whether JP2 gene silencing might modulate the function of SK channels in cardiac myocytes.MethodsAssociation of JP2 with SK2 channel in mouse heart tissue as well as HEK293 cells was studied using in vivo and in vitro approaches. siRNA knockdown of JP2 gene was assessed by real‐time PCR. The expression of proteins was analysed by Western blotting. Ca2+‐activated K+ current (IK,Ca) in infected adult mouse cardiac myocytes was recorded using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp technique. The intracellular Ca2+ transient was measured using an IonOptix photometry system.ResultsWe showed for the first time that JP2 associates with the SK2 channel in native cardiac tissue. JP2, via the membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN motifs) in its N‐terminus, directly interacted with SK2 channels. A colocalization of the SK2 channel with its interaction protein of JP2 was found in the cardiac myocytes. Moreover, we demonstrated that JP2 is necessary for the proper cell surface expression of the SK2 channel in HEK293. Functional experiments indicated that knockdown of JP2 caused a significant decrease in the density of IK,Ca and reduced the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient in infected cardiomyocytes.ConclusionThe present data provide evidence that the functional interaction between JP2 and SK2 channels is present in the native mouse heart tissue. Junctophilin 2, as junctional membrane complex (JMC) protein, is an important regulator of the cardiac SK channels.
The intersection of adolescent depression and peer violence: baseline results from a randomized controlled trial of 1752 youth in Pakistan
Authors: Asad Nargis , Karmaliani Rozina , McFarlane Judith , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Somani Yasmeen , Chirwa Esnat , Jewkes Rachel 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundDepression and peer violence are global issues impacting youth. We are presenting baseline data as part of a cluster randomized control trial underway, on adolescent depression, and associated factors among boys and girls in schools.MethodCluster randomized control trial is underway for measuring the effectiveness of school‐based play intervention program of the NGO Right to Play, in a sample of 1752 grade 6 youth in 40 public schools of Hyderabad, Pakistan. Students responded to Child Depression Inventory (CDI‐2), the Peer Victimization Scale (PVS), the Peer Perpetration Scale (PPS), and investigator‐driven seven‐item School Performance Scale.ResultsWe report baseline assessments to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and associated occurrence of peer perpetration and victimization. Boys report significantly more depressive symptoms as well as perpetration and victimization compared to girls (p ≤ .0001). Our analysis indicates that among boys, depression was found associated with greater age, food insecurity, poorer school performance and working for money, as well as being beaten at home and witnessing beating of their mother by their father or other relatives. Among girls, depression was associated with a younger age, greater food insecurity and poorer school performance. Depression was also associated with a great likelihood of engagement in peer violence, experience of punishment at home, and witnessing their father fighting with other men or beating their mother.ConclusionsEngagement in violent behaviors, exposure to violent acts and poverty surfaces as detrimental to mental health in youth age groups, suggesting strong measures to address youth violence, and poverty reduction for positive mental health outcomes in school age children.
Long‐term safety of growth hormone—A combined registry analysis
Authors: Stochholm Kirstine , Kiess Wieland 
Published: October 2017

SummaryObjectivesPreliminary data from the French cohort of the Safety and Appropriateness of Growth hormone treatments in Europe (SAGhE) study raised concerns regarding the safety of recombinant human GH, suggesting that GH may increase mortality and incidence of stroke in patients treated during childhood for GH deficiency or short stature. We evaluated published safety data, focusing on mortality, neoplasms, cerebrovascular events and diabetes across a number of large‐scale pharmaceutical company GH registries.DesignA literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar to identify all relevant safety data from manufacturers' GH registries published between 1988 and April 2016. Results were hand‐sorted to exclude nonrelevant publications; bibliographic references from retrieved articles were evaluated for any additional references.ResultsThe published data do not support an increased risk of mortality in children or adults treated with GH. There was no evidence of an increased risk of stroke, new malignancy, leukaemia, nonleukaemic extracranial tumours or recurrence of intracranial malignancy in patients without risk factors. The risk of a second neoplasm is increased, particularly if patients have received radiation therapy for a central nervous system tumour. There may be an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in GH‐treated patients, but this appears to be confined to those with pre‐existing risk factors.ConclusionsPatients with risk factors for malignancy or type 2 diabetes should be treated with caution and monitored during follow‐up, but current published data provide reassurance on the long‐term safety profile of GH in patients receiving GH treatment.
Current use of baseline medical treatment in chronic rhinosinusitis: Data from the National Chronic Rhinosinusitis Epidemiology Study (CRES)
Authors: Philpott C. , Erskine S. , Smith R. , Hopkins C. , Kara N. , Farboud A. , Salam M. , Robertson A. , Almeyda R. , Kumar B.N. , Anari S. , Ray J. , Cathcart R. , Carrie S. , Ahmed S. , Khalil H. , Clark A. , Thomas M. ,   the CRES group
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesAccording to clinical and comissioning guidelines for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), patients being referred to secondary care should have failed primary medical treatment with nasal douching (ND) and intranasal corticosteroids (INCS). The study objectives were to identify the rate of specific medical therapy in CRS patients and establish any differences in medication use, for both CRS and associated medical conditions, between CRS phenotypes.Design and settingCase–control study in a secondary care setting.MethodsParticipant‐reported study‐specific questionnaire capturing free text data on current medication use at the time of study entry. Qualitative interviews with 21 participants also explored their experience of CRS and its management.ParticpantsPatients both without (CRSsNPs) and with polyps (CRSwNPs).Main outcome measuresReported use of CRS‐related and non‐related medications.ResultsWithin a total of 1243 CRS participants, current INCS usage was low (18% in CRSwNPs, 12% in CRSsNPs); ND was being performed by only 1% of all participants. Bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids use was significantly higher in CRSwNPs participants (P < .0001). Antidepressant use was significantly higher in CRSsNPs (14% vs 7%, P < .0002). There were no significant regional variations in rates of INCS use, nor any significant influence of social deprivation.ConclusionsThe current use of baseline medical therapy in CRS appears to be very low, representing a combination of poor patient compliance, possible ineffectiveness of treatment and a lack of familiarity with current guidelines amongst general practitioners and some ENT specialists. Work is needed to disseminate guidelines to all practitioners involved and reduce unnecessary burden on existing healthcare resources for this common condition by ensuring timely referral and definitive management.