bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gone with the forest: Assessing global woodpecker conservation from land use patterns
Authors: Vergara‐Tabares David L. , Lammertink Martjan , Verga Ernesto G. , Schaaf Alejandro A. , Nori Javier 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimAs a result of their ecological traits, woodpeckers (Picidae, Aves) are highly sensitive to forest cover change. We explored the current land cover in areas of high species richness of woodpeckers to determinate regions where urgent conservation actions are needed. In addition, we identified woodpecker species that are sensitive to forest loss and that have high levels of human habitat modification and low levels of protection (through protected areas) in their distribution ranges.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe joined available range maps for all extant 254 woodpecker species with information of their conservation status and tolerances to human habitat modifications and generated a richness map of woodpecker species worldwide. Then, we associated this information (the richness pattern and individual species’ maps) with land cover and protected areas (PAs) maps.ResultWe found that the foremost woodpecker species richness hotspot is in Southeast Asia and is highly modified. At the second species richness hotspot in the eastern Andes, we observed a front of deforestation at its southern extreme and a greater deforested area in its northern extreme but most of its area remains with forest coverage. At the species level, 17 species that are sensitive to forest modification experience extensive deforestation and have low extents of PAs in their ranges.Main conclusionsThe most diverse woodpecker hotspots are mostly occupied by human‐modified landscapes, and a large portion of the species there avoids anthropogenic environments. The level of representation of woodpecker species in PAs is low as a global general pattern, although slightly better in Asia. Our global analysis of threats to woodpecker from land use patterns reiterates the urgent conservation needs for Southeast Asian forests. Finally, based on our results, we recommend a re‐evaluation for inclusion in the Red List of five woodpecker species.
Layer‐specific deformation analysis in severe aortic valve stenosis, primary mitral valve regurgitation, and healthy individuals validated against invasive hemodynamic measurements of heart function
Authors: Bakkestrøm Rine , Christensen Nicolaj L. , Wolsk Emil , Banke Ann , Dahl Jordi S. , Andersen Mads J. , Gustafsson Finn , Hassager Christian , Møller Jacob E. 
Published: January 2018

AimSpeckle tracking echocardiography is considered valuable in assessing left ventricular (LV) function. The method has been refined to assess deformation in different myocardial layers, but the effect of volume vs pressure overload on this pattern is unknown. The aim was to test whether layer‐specific myocardial strain (LSS) obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography exhibits different patterns in conditions with different loading conditions.Methods and resultsForty patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) (AVA 0.81 ± 0.15 cm2, LV ejection fraction [LVEF] 66% ± 7%), 43 patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic significant primary mitral regurgitation (MR) (effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) 0.51 (IQR 0.37–0.67) cm2, LVEF 70% ± 7%), and 23 healthy individuals (LVEF 65% ± 6%) were enrolled. Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed in all patients. In MR, strain values in each myocardial layer (endocardial/global longitudinal strain (GLS)/epicardial) were higher (25.0% ± 3.4%/21.6% ± 2.9%/18.8% ± 2.6%) compared to healthy individuals (22.6% ± 3.2%/19.6% ± 2.9%/17.1% ± 2.6%) and AS (20.5% ± 2.8%/17.7% ± 2.5%/14.0% ± 5.6%), P < .001. All 3 groups exhibited a similar LSS pattern with highest values in the endocardial and lowest values in the epicardial layer. The epicardial‐endocardial strain ratio was lower in AS (0.72 ± 0.04) than in MR (0.75 ± 0.04, P = .04). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) correlated significantly with LV wall stress (r = .39, P = .0003) but not with LV stroke work or contractility.ConclusionLayer‐specific myocardial strain (LSS) patterns differed in patients with severe AS, significant MR, and healthy individuals with highest values in MR. Strain irrespective of layer assessed was associated with LV wall stress but seemed less related to contractility and unrelated to stroke work in the setting of normal LVEF.
Utilizing transesophageal echocardiography for placement of pulmonary artery catheters
Authors: Baer John , Wyatt Matthew M. , Kreisler Kenneth R. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivePulmonary artery catheters (PACs) have routinely been positioned by wedging into the pulmonary artery before pulling back 1–2 centimeters or advancing the PAC several centimeters after achieving a pulmonary artery waveform. A rare, major complication is pulmonary artery rupture. This study presents transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for PAC placement by leaving the catheter tip at the one o'clock position, upper window short‐axis view of the ascending aorta at the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery (TEE distance).DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingLarge urban academic medical center.Participants30 males and 30 females undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.InterventionTEE was utilized to obtain an upper esophageal short‐axis view of the aorta with long‐axis view of the main and right pulmonary arteries.Measurements and ResultsThe distance between TEE position and wedge position was recorded along with patients’ gender, height, and weight. A correlation was found between TEE and wedge distances (P < .0001). There were significant gender differences in TEE distance, with a mean of 43.6 cm in females and 46.5 cm in males (P = .0004). The mean wedge distance was 47.5 cm in females and 51.9 cm in males (P < .0001). The differences between distances of wedge and TEE positions (5.39 cm, males; 3.93 cm, females) were also significant (P < .0001).ConclusionsBy securing the PAC at the one o'clock TEE position, physicians are assured of a safety margin of several centimeters. This direct visualization method for PAC placement may decrease the risk for accidental wedging intraoperatively.
Heart rate as a predictor of cardiovascular risk
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Grassi Guido 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundHeart rate (HR) is a predictor of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and all‐cause mortality in the general population, as well as in patients with cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases. We aimed to summarize current knowledge regarding the influence of HR on cardio‐ and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality.Materials and methodsPubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid and EMBASE databases were searched for large follow‐up studies or meta‐analysis published between January 1990 and September 2017 in the English language using the following keyword “heart rate,” “resting heart rate,” “mortality,” “outcome,” “hypertension,” “heart failure,” “ischaemic heart disease,” “coronary heart disease” and “stroke.”ResultsThe relationship between increased HR and cardio‐ and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality has been reported in a large number of studies, and the results regarding this association are concurrent. This connection is generally stronger in men than in women. The increase in HR usually occurs in parallel with elevation of blood pressure and metabolic disturbances (insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia). However, even after adjustment for the most important cardiovascular risk factors, HR remained an independent predictor of adverse events in global population or in patients with cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases.ConclusionHR has an important negative effect on cardio‐ and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Future longitudinal investigations should clarify HR significance and optimal HR reduction for primary and secondary prevention in cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events.
Alterations in glucose concentrations affect DNA methylation at Lrg1 in an ex vivo rat cortical slice model of preterm brain injury
Authors: Cartier Jessy , Piyasena Chinthika , Sparrow Sarah A. , Boardman James P. , Drake Amanda J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPreterm birth affects 5–18% of all babies and is associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and increased neuropsychiatric disease risk. Although preterm birth associates with differential DNA methylation at neurodevelopmental genes in buccal DNA, including leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), it is not known whether these differences also occur in the brain, or whether they persist. Thus, there is a need for animal models or in vitro systems in which to undertake longitudinal and mechanistic studies. We used a combination of in vivo rat studies and ex vivo experiments in rat cortical slices to explore their utility in modelling the human preterm brain. We identified temporal changes in DNA methylation at LRG1 in human buccal DNA over the first year of life and found persistent differences in LRG1 methylation between preterm and term infants at 1 year. These developmental changes also occurred in rat brains in vivo, alongside changes in global DNA hydroxymethylation and expression of the ten‐eleven translocation (Tet1) enzyme, and were reproducible in ex vivo rat cortical slices. On the basis of the observation that neonatal glucose homeostasis can modify neurodevelopmental outcome, we studied whether glucose concentration affects Lrg1 methylation using cortical slices. Culture of slices in lower glucose concentration was associated with lower Lrg1 methylation, lower global 5hmC and Tet1 expression. Our results suggest that ex vivo organotypic cultures may be useful in the study of biological and environmental influences on the epigenome and that perturbations during early life including glucose concentration can affect methylation at specific genes implicated in neurodevelopment.
Adaptation to stimulus orientation in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: King Jillian L. , Crowder Nathan A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInformation processing in the visual system is shaped by recent stimulus history, such that prolonged viewing of an adapting stimulus can alter the perception of subsequently presented test stimuli. In the tilt‐after‐effect, the perceived orientation of a grating is often repelled away from the orientation of a previously viewed adapting grating. A possible neural correlate for the tilt‐after‐effect has been described in cat and macaque primary visual cortex (V1), where adaptation produces repulsive shifts in the orientation tuning curves of V1 neurons. We investigated adaptation to stimulus orientation in mouse V1 to determine whether known species differences in orientation processing, notably V1 functional architecture and proportion of tightly tuned cells, are important for these repulsive shifts. Unlike the consistent repulsion reported in other species, we found that repulsion was only about twice as common as attraction in our mouse data. Furthermore, adapted responses were attenuated across all orientations. A simple model that captured key physiological findings reported in cats and mice indicated that the greater proportion of broadly tuned neurons in mice may explain the observed species differences in adaptation.
Catharsis and vicarious fear
Authors: Nanay Bence 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to give a new interpretation of Aristotle's account of the emotions evoked in the course of engaging with tragic narratives that would give rise to a coherent account of catharsis. Very briefly, the proposal is that tragedy triggers vicarious (or other‐centered) emotions and catharsis is the purgation of such emotions. I argue that this interpretation of “fear and pity” as vicarious emotions is consistent with both Aristotle's account of emotions and his account of catharsis and also with his choice of examples for tragedies that trigger catharsis.
Behavioural responses of male ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus, L.) to playbacks of drumming displays
Authors: O'Neil Nicholas P. , Charrier Isabelle , Iwaniuk Andrew N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBirds use a variety of sounds in their courtship displays, but the majority of behavioural studies have focused on vocalizations. In contrast, little is known about how non‐vocal sounds, or sonations, are used, even though many avian species produce them. The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a useful species to examine non‐vocal sounds because they lack vocal components in their courtship and rely on a non‐vocal sound to attract mates and defend their territory. Their courtship display, known as “drumming,” is created by the wings, and the number of pulses and speed (pulse rate) varies significantly among males. Anecdotal evidence suggested that males can affect the drumming behaviour of neighbouring males in drumming “duels” in an analogous way to song contests. Here, we test whether males do respond to the playback of drumming sounds of an unfamiliar male. Using a portable speaker system, we played recordings of drumming displays to males that were actively drumming themselves. Throughout each playback, we recorded the drumming behaviour of target males so that we could assess whether drumming activity changes following a playback as well as whether males change the speed of their display. Overall, male grouse were equally likely to approach the speaker or continue drumming following a playback. For those males that continued drumming, their drumming pulse rate was significantly faster following playbacks, but they drummed less often. These results indicate that male ruffed grouse do respond to drumming sounds, but the specific response differs among males. Because the differential response was not related to colour phase or whether a male was drumming in proximity to other males, we suggest that the response of individuals likely varies with other traits, such as hormone levels or behavioural syndrome.
Analysis of the skin mycobiome in adult patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Han Song Hee , Cheon Hye In , Hur Min Seok , Kim Min Jung , Jung Won Hee , Lee Yang Won , Choe Yong Beom , Ahn Kyu Joong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWith the recent availability of culture‐independent sequencing methods, studies have been conducted to analyse skin micro‐organisms present in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the database on the skin fungal communities, “mycobiome,” has been relatively restrictive compared with the bacterial world. We aimed to comparatively analyse the overall skin mycobiome between patients with AD and healthy individuals in the Korean population. We analysed skin swab samples obtained from the antecubital fossae of 8 patients with AD and 8 healthy controls. Using sequencing method followed by direct DNA extraction and molecular PCR, taxonomic compositions of fungi at stepwise level ranks were analysed. The phylogenic marker used was internal transcribed spacer 2 regions of DNA. We observed the tendency of higher intra‐ and interpersonal taxonomic diversity at genus and species levels in AD samples. Non‐Malassezia fungal diversity was also noticeable in the patient group compared with healthy controls. Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restricta were prevalent in all samples across both study groups, and some Malassezia species, including Malassezia sloofiae and Malassezia dermatis, characterized AD. Our data might provide a new insight into the mycobiome of adult AD, which contributes to building a systemic mycobiome database in AD.
Assessment of environmental flow scenarios using state‐and‐transition models
Authors: Bond Nick R. , Grigg Nicola , Roberts Jane , McGinness Heather , Nielsen Daryl , O'Brien Matthew , Overton Ian , Pollino Carmel , Reid Julian R. W. , Stratford Danial 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Numerous methods have been developed to support the assessment of environmental flow requirements for rivers. Most methods are based around models of hydrologic time series rather than models of the ecological endpoints of interest. Important limitations that arise from this include (1) an inability to represent the state dependency of response to future conditions (i.e. the effects of current ecosystem condition on future condition), (2) the inability to predict ecological states through time under alternative flow regimes and (3) limited sensitivity to compare the differences between flow regimes with similar return intervals of ecologically important events, but different sequencing of those events.

Here we outline a simple state‐and‐transition modelling approach to assess differences in ecological responses to alternative sequences of floodplain inundation events in a lowland river system. Our approach explicitly incorporates the state dependency of biotic response to flooding, thereby representing the influences of both antecedent conditions and current condition (in this case population state; good > medium > poor > critical).

Our approach thus captures the influence of the entire historical sequence of flow events via a first‐order Markov chain process. We use prior data and expert opinion to determine state transitions for a broad suite of ecological indicators. Despite being implemented with deterministic transitions, and drawing heavily on expert opinion, this approach greatly improves on existing methods used in environmental flows planning, particularly when comparing scenarios with the different sequencing of ecologically relevant flow events.

The outputs from these models are testable, and the approach is readily extensible to incorporate probabilistic state transitions and uncertainty, mechanistic links (via increased model complexity) and quantitative measures of population state (e.g. measures of abundance or tree condition). Most importantly, the adoption of such a framework represents a fundamental shift to modelling ecological endpoints rather than relying on just quantifying hydrologic surrogates to compare environmental flow scenarios.
Current protein and amino acid intakes among Japanese people: Analysis of the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Ishikawa‐Takata Kazuko , Takimoto Hidemi 
Published: January 2018

AimTo evaluate protein and amino acid intakes and distribution among Japanese people in terms of prevention of sarcopenia or frailty.MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional study using data from Japan’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. From the original dataset, we selected individuals aged ≥30 years, who were not pregnant or lactating, and for whom dietary intake, bodyweight and body height data were available. Protein intake was calculated using exclusive software developed for the survey. Amino acid intake was calculated using the database created by the National Institute for Longevity Sciences.ResultsMore than 95% of the participants met recommended levels of protein suggested by the Dietary Reference Intake in Japan. However, nearly half of the participants did not meet recommended levels in terms of prevention of sarcopenia. Leucine intake was not sufficient for each sex and age group, probably because of decreased intake of animal protein, especially protein from milk and dairy products. Distribution of protein and leucine in each meal tended toward dinner.ConclusionsThe Japanese population might have insufficient quality, quantity and distribution of protein intake required to prevent sarcopenia or frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 723–731.
Caregiver active participation in psychoeducational intervention improved caregiving skills and competency
Authors: Tang Sai‐Hung , Chio Oi‐I , Chang Ling‐Hui , Mao Hui‐Fen , Chen Li‐Hua , Yip Ping‐Keung , Hwang Jen‐Ping 
Published: January 2018

AimTo determine whether giving dementia caregivers active psychoeducational intervention is more efficacious than passive intervention for improving their caregiving skills and reducing their caregiving burden.MethodsThis study was a prospective, single‐blinded, controlled trial with 43 caregiver/person‐with‐dementia dyads. The dyads were randomly assigned to the active psychoeducational intervention (AP) group, which used role‐play, discussion, and development of problem‐solving capacity to build up their caregiving skills and competence, or the passive psychoeducational intervention (PP) group, which gave caregivers educational materials on common caregiving strategies. Primary outcomes were the levels of caregiver competence (Care Skill Inventory [CSI]), burden (Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory [CZBI]), and distress caused by the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire [NPI‐Q]). Outcomes were assessed pre‐test, post‐test and after 3 months. Repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance was used to compare mean‐change scores between time‐points, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare groups.ResultsPost‐test or 3‐month (or both) Care Skill Inventory, Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory and Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire distress levels were significantly (p < 0.05) better in the AP but not in the PP group. The generalized estimating equation intergroup comparison, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that Care Skill Inventory in the AP group was more significantly improved than in the PP group, and that Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory nearly reached significance.ConclusionsActive rather than passive psychoeducation, even in a short (3 months) intervention of six visits, was more efficacious for improving caregiving competence. Future studies will require larger samples. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 750–757.
Overweight or underweight and the risk of decline in activities of daily living in a 22‐year cohort study of a Japanese sample
Authors: Okamoto Shohei , Okamura Tomonori , Sugiyama Daisuke , Hayakawa Takehito , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Miyagawa Naoko , Kurita Shuji , Takashima Naoyuki , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Kadota Aya , Fujiyoshi Akira , Miura Katsuyuki , Okayama Akira , Ueshima Hirotsugu 
Published: January 2018

AimThe present study aimed to clarify the association between body mass index (BMI) and the activities of daily living (ADL). Although BMI is likely to be concerned regarding the relationship with specific diseases or mortality, few studies have focused on the relationship of BMI and ADL.MethodsA total of 3353 Japanese participants of a 22‐year cohort study from 1990 to 2012 aged 45–74 years at baseline were divided into four groups according to their BMI levels: ≤18.5, 18.5–21.9 (reference), 22.0–24.9 and ≥25.0 kg/m2. Outcomes were becoming dependent in ADL (including death after ADL decline) and death without observation of ADL decline as a competing risk. Sex‐specific multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out in 2017 to estimate the odds ratios (OR) after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and serum albumin.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, though the relationship between BMI and risk of ADL decline was U‐shaped among women, only those with BMI ≥25.0 showed a higher risk for ADL decline (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.92) compared with the reference. The OR for death without observation of ADL decline was significantly lower for men with BMI ≥25.0 (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.98).ConclusionsThis study suggests being overweight is a good predictor of future decline in ADL for women, whereas men with BMI 22.0–24.9 had lower risks of ADL decline. Appropriate management of weight in older women could prevent disabilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 799–805