bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of functional diversity metrics to sampling intensity
Authors: van der Plas Fons , van Klink Roel , Manning Pete , Olff Han , Fischer Markus 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Functional diversity (FD) metrics are increasingly used in ecological research, particularly in the studies of community assembly and ecosystem functioning. However, studies using the FD metrics vary greatly in the intensity by which ecological communities were sampled and it is largely unknown how sensitive these metrics are to low sampling intensity (undersampling).

In this study, we used a combination of simulations with theoretically assembled communities and three comprehensive, independent, empirical datasets on plant, ground beetle, and bird communities to investigate the sensitivity of nine commonly used FD metrics to undersampling.

Simulations with both theoretical communities and empirical data showed that in a wide range of contexts, the measurement of various FD metrics requires a much higher sampling effort to reach an ‘adequate’ precision (defined as an r2 of at least 0·7 between different subsets of the same population), than that required for commonly used taxonomic diversity metrics (e.g. species richness), although the ‘accuracy’ (their deviation from the diversity value of a completely sampled community) of their measurements is not more sensitive to undersampling than species richness. We also found that some FD metrics (e.g. Functional Dispersion) are consistently less sensitive to undersampling than others (e.g. nearest neighbour distance‐metrics). Problems of undersampling were generally most severe in datasets with high overall species richness and low overall abundances.

We found that the precision of many FD metrics is highly sensitive to undersampling, and more so than commonly used taxonomic diversity metrics. Therefore, to ensure reproducible results in functional biodiversity research, we recommend that thorough sampling designs are used to sample communities and that datasets originally collected for studying taxonomic diversity should only be used for FD when it can be shown that undersampling is not a major issue. In cases where undersampling is suspected or logistically unavoidable, the FD metrics that are relatively insensitive to its effects (e.g. Functional Dispersion) should be prioritized.
Evaluation of short mitochondrial metabarcodes for the identification of Amazonian mammals
Authors: Kocher Arthur , de Thoisy Benoit , Catzeflis François , Huguin Mailis , Valière Sophie , Zinger Lucie , Bañuls Anne‐Laure , Murienne Jérôme 
Published: January 2017

Summary

DNA barcoding and metabarcoding are increasingly used as alternatives to traditional morphological identifications. For animals, the standard barcode is a c. 658‐bp portion of the COI gene, for which reference libraries now cover a large proportion of described mammal species. Unfortunately, because its sequence is too long and does not contain highly conserved primer binding sites, this marker is not adapted for metabarcoding. Although alternative metabarcodes have been developed, their performances are generally seldom assessed.

We evaluate the reliability of a short metabarcode located in the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA for the identifications of Amazonian mammals. We (i) constitute a nearly exhaustive reference library for species found in French Guiana, (ii) assess the taxonomic resolution of the marker and validate its use with dipteran blood meal analyses, (iii) assess the conservation of the primer binding sites, and (iv) compare its theoretical performances with that of a newly designed metabarcode located within the standard COI barcode.

About 576 specimens representing 164 species were gathered and sequenced. We show that the 12S marker allows remarkably accurate taxonomic assignations despite its very short size, and that primer binding sites are highly conserved, which is important to avoid PCR amplification bias potentially leading to detection failure. Additionally, our results stress that the identifications should only be considered at the generic level when they are based on incomplete reference libraries, even when a stringent similarity cut‐off is used. A new short COI metabarcode was designed based on 569 reference sequences of mammals retrieved on BOLD. Our results clearly show that, while both markers provide similar taxonomic resolution, much higher rates of primer mismatches are found with COI.

Besides demonstrating the accuracy of the short 12S marker for the identification of Amazonian mammals and providing a reliable molecular reference database, this study emphasizes that the accuracy of taxonomic assignations highly depends on the comprehensiveness of the reference library and that great caution should be taken for interpreting metabarcoding results based on scarce reference libraries. The comparison with a short COI metabarcode also provides novel evidence in support for the use of ribosomal markers in metabarcoding studies.
The effect of teeth in mandibular fracture lines
Authors: Sipahi Calis Aylin , Efeoglu Candan , Koca Huseyin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground/AimThe decision to retain or extract teeth in the line of mandibular fractures has been a subject of debate in the scientific literature, and there is a need for further evidence to clear this issue. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects on healing of teeth in the line of mandibular fractures in order to contribute to the field.Material and MethodsThe case notes of 100 patients with teeth in the line of 106 mandibular fractures were reviewed. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation (ORIF) was used if elastic intermaxillary reduction failed to achieve a satisfactory occlusion and/or anatomical reduction in the fragments as assessed by orthopantomogram (OPG) and clinical examination. The remaining cases had maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with an arch bar and bridle wire.ResultsThree of the 106 teeth involved in the fracture lines healed with complications. In the cases where the teeth had been removed prior to fracture treatment, or in cases of delayed extractions, no complications were noted.ConclusionThe factors which should be considered for removal include the condition of the teeth and alveolar bone, the timing and the type of treatment. This decision should be made on an individual basis considering potential risks to avoid complications.
Native arteriovenous fistula placement in three patients after implantation of a left ventricular assist device with non‐pulsatile blood flow
Authors: Schaefers Johannes F. , Ertmer Christian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with left ventricular assist device have an increased risk for postoperative acute kidney injury and long‐term requirement of dialysis. As a chronic access for dialysis, native arteriovenous fistulae are uncommon options due to suspected maturation failure. We present three patients who received successful arteriovenous fistulae placement after left ventricular assist device implantation with assisted long term patency.
Updating the neuropsychological test system in Japan for the elderly and in a modern touch screen tablet society by resetting the cut‐off values
Authors: Kawaguchi Takumi , Konishi Mika , Kato Akinobu , Kato Motoichiro , Kooka Yohei , Sawara Kei , Endo Ryujin , Torimura Takuji , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2017

AimCovert hepatic encephalopathy is frequently seen in cirrhotic patients. This condition can be diagnosed by a computerized neuropsychological test system (NPT); however, NPT has not been updated for approximately two decades in Japan. The aim of this study is to update the NPT to be more suitable for both the elderly and modern society by resetting of cut‐off values.MethodsWe enrolled 367 healthy subjects aged between 40 and 79 years old between 2003 and 2010. The NPT consists of the following eight tests: number connection tests (NCT)‐A and ‐B, a figure position test, a digit symbol test, a block design test, and reaction time tests (RTT)‐A, ‐B, and ‐C. All subjects were classified into eight groups (5‐year quartile ranges from 40 to 79 years old), and the cut‐off value for each test was compared to the former cut‐off value (NPT version 1).ResultsIn all eight tests, most of the cut‐off values were different from those in NPT version 1. The difference was minimal in RTT‐A, RTT‐B, and RTT‐C. However, the difference was evident in the NCT‐A, NCT‐B, digit symbol test, and block design test. In particular, a 57.8‐s decrease in the cut‐off value was seen in the 65–69‐year‐old group for the NCT‐B test (71.3 s vs. 129.1 s).ConclusionsWe updated the NPT by covering subjects aged 40–79 years and resetting the cut‐off values. Thus, the updated NPT is an elderly and modern subject‐compliant application. This update may improve the diagnostic ability of covert hepatic encephalopathy in contemporary cirrhotic patients.
Fatigue, depression, maternal confidence, and maternal satisfaction during the first month postpartum: A comparison of Japanese mothers by age and parity
Authors: Mori Emi , Tsuchiya Miyako , Maehara Kunie , Iwata Hiroko , Sakajo Akiko , Tamakoshi Koji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess fatigue, depressive symptoms, and maternal confidence or satisfaction among older primiparae during the first month postpartum. The number of older Japanese primiparae has rapidly increased. Older primiparae are believed to be at high risk for puerperal morbidity. A multicentre prospective cohort study design was used. Data were examined from 2854 Japanese women who participated in a 6‐month prospective cohort study conducted between May 2012 and September 2013. The women were classified into 4 groups based on maternal age and parity. All participants completed the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale, Japanese Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Postpartum Maternal Confidence Scale, and Postpartum Maternal Satisfaction Scale. Primiparae in all age groups were more severely fatigued and had a higher risk of postpartum depression than multiparous mothers during the first month postpartum. Older primiparae had significantly lower scores on maternal confidence and maternal satisfaction than the other 3 groups at 1 month postpartum. These findings suggest that postpartum nursing should focus on promoting adequate sleep, providing emotional support, and fostering the process of maternal role adaptation among older Japanese primiparae, particularly during the first postpartum month.
The Anopheles gambiae transcriptome – a turning point for malaria control
Authors: Domingos A. , Pinheiro‐Silva R. , Couto J. , do Rosário V. , de la Fuente J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMosquitoes are important vectors of several pathogens and thereby contribute to the spread of diseases, with social, economic and public health impacts. Amongst the approximately 450 species of Anopheles, about 60 are recognized as vectors of human malaria, the most important parasitic disease. In Africa, Anopheles gambiae is the main malaria vector mosquito. Current malaria control strategies are largely focused on drugs and vector control measures such as insecticides and bed‐nets. Improvement of current, and the development of new, mosquito‐targeted malaria control methods rely on a better understanding of mosquito vector biology. An organism's transcriptome is a reflection of its physiological state and transcriptomic analyses of different conditions that are relevant to mosquito vector competence can therefore yield important information. Transcriptomic analyses have contributed significant information on processes such as blood‐feeding parasite–vector interaction, insecticide resistance, and tissue‐ and stage‐specific gene regulation, thereby facilitating the path towards the development of new malaria control methods. Here, we discuss the main applications of transcriptomic analyses in An. gambiae that have led to a better understanding of mosquito vector competence.
The Association between Diffusion MRI‐Defined Infarct Volume and NIHSS Score in Patients with Minor Acute Stroke
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Herber Charlotte , Boehme Amelia K. , Andrews Howard , Willey Joshua Z. , Rostanski Sara K. , Siket Matthew , Jayaraman Mahesh V. , McTaggart Ryan A. , Furie Karen L. , Marshall Randolph S. , Lazar Ronald M. , Boden‐Albala Bernadette 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPrior studies have shown a correlation between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and stroke volume on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI); data are more limited in patients with minor stroke. We sought to determine the association between DWI lesion(s) volume and the (1) total NIHSS score and (2) NIHSS component scores in patients with minor stroke.METHODSWe included all patients with minor stroke (NIHSS 0–5) enrolled in the Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment study. We calculated lesion(s) volume (cm3) on the DWI sequence using Medical Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization (MIPAV, NIH, Version 7.1.1). We used nonparametric tests to study the association between the primary outcome, DWI lesion(s) volume, and the predictors (NIHSS score and its components).RESULTSWe identified 894 patients with a discharge diagnosis of minor stroke; 709 underwent magnetic resonance imaging and 510 were DWI positive. There was a graded relationship between the NIHSS score and median DWI lesion volume in cm3: (NIHSS 0: 7.1, NIHSS 1: 8.0, NIHSS 2: 17.1, NIHSS 3: 11.6, NIHSS 4: 19.0, and NIHSS 5: 23.6, P < .01). The median lesion volume was significantly higher in patients with neglect (105.6 vs. 12.5, P = .025), language disorder (34.6 vs. 11.9, P < .001), and visual field impairment (185.6 vs. 11.6, P < .001). Other components of the NIHSS were not associated with lesion volume.CONCLUSIONIn patients with minor stroke, the nature of deficit when used with the NIHSS score can improve prediction of infarct volume. This may have clinical and therapeutic implications.
Potential value of the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as an animal feedstuff: a review
Authors: Huang Y. F. , Gao X. L. , Nan Z. B. , Zhang Z. X. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe objective of this review was to systematically evaluate common vetch seeds as a potential feedstuff for animals, by summarizing and discussing the available published literature covering their nutritional composition as well as their content of antinutritional factors and potential techniques for their reduction. In addition, animal feeding studies that have investigated the effect of inclusion of common vetch seeds on animal growth and performance were identified and evaluated to stimulate interest in their use as a good source of nutrients for inclusion in animal diets. The collective literature shows that common vetch seeds are a less costly (in comparison with alternatives) and rich source of protein and minerals for farmed animals, are of high digestibility and have a high energy content, and can be used to partially or totally replace soya bean meal and/or to replace a large proportion of cereals in the diet. Furthermore, the literature shows that common vetch seeds contain a range of antinutritional factors which, if they are to be utilized in non‐ruminant diets and to increase their utilizing efficiency, need to be removed or inactivated. This can be achieved via certain pre‐processing methods, the combination of which may deliver better results.
Effect of gender and exercise on haematological and biochemical parameters in Holsteiner horses
Authors: Andriichuk A. , Tkachenko H. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe objective of this study was to assess the influence of exercise of average intensity in the haematological and biochemical values, as well as acidic resistance of erythrocytes in mares and stallions of Holsteiner breed. A total of seventeen horses of Holstein breed (seven mares and 10 stallions aged 6 years) were used in this study. The blood samples were assessed for haematocrit (HCT) value, haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the amount of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), leucogram, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as oxidative stress biomarkers were analysed. Stallions showed a significant increase in leucocytes and granulocytes amount, as well as erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels after exercise test. Pre‐exercise level of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was higher in stallions. At the same time, mares showed significant decrease in platelet volume after exercise test. Physical effort in stallions leads to significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity. Trained mares and stallions showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation after exercise. Exercise also caused increase in oxidative modified protein of erythrocytes in stallions indicating by exercise‐induced oxidative stress. The resistance of erythrocytes in 0.1 m HCl was similar between females and males. No statistically significant differences in the percentage of haemolysed erythrocytes before and after exercise were observed.
mRECIST to predict survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of two randomised phase II trials comparing nintedanib vs sorafenib
Authors: Meyer Tim , Palmer Daniel H. , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Hocke Julia , Loembé Arsène‐Bienvenu , Yen Chia‐Jui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsResponse Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) has been shown to be a poor surrogate for survival benefit with targeted therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe investigated whether response evaluated using modified RECIST (mRECIST) predicted overall survival (OS) using data from two Phase II clinical trials. Analyses were conducted on pooled data from 188 patients with advanced HCC treated with nintedanib or sorafenib, of whom 180 were evaluable for response. Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses were used to explore differences in OS between the responders and non‐responders according to RECIST 1.0 and mRECIST criteria. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, including factors known to influence survival, were used to compare survival according to RECIST and mRECIST response.ResultsDiscordance between RECIST and mRECIST evaluation was most common for assessment of partial response (12.2%) and stable disease (13.3%). OS was significantly longer in patients with response compared to patients without response—RECIST: hazard ratio (HR) 0.325 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.130‐0.815), P=.0122; mRECIST: HR 0.544 (95% CI 0.335‐0.881), P=.0122. HRs from the multivariate models used to evaluate response by RECIST or by mRECIST as predictors of OS approached significance for RECIST (0.40 [95% CI 0.16–1.01]; P=.053) and for mRECIST (0.62 [95% CI 0.38–1.01]; P=.053).ConclusionsResponse according to RECIST or mRECIST is associated with improved survival and should be considered as a valid endpoint for use in HCC clinical trials.
Performance of magnetic resonance imaging in pulmonary fungal disease compared to high‐resolution computed tomography
Authors: Sartori Ana , Souza Arthur , Zanon Matheus , Irion Klaus , Marchiori Edson , Watte Guilherme , Hochhegger Bruno 
Published: January 2017

SummaryTo evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to computed tomography (CT) in patients diagnosed with pulmonary mycosis. We prospectively included 21 patients diagnosed with pulmonary mycosis between January 2013 and October 2014. Inclusion criteria were presence of respiratory symptoms, histopathological diagnosis of mycosis and absence of mycosis treatment. Reviewers identified one predominant imaging pattern per patient: nodular, reticular or airspace pattern. Afterwards, all CT findings were analysed separately per lobe and compared to MRI. Nodular pattern was the most common found (CT: 76.20%; MRI: 80.96%), followed by airspace pattern (CT and MRI: 9.52%) and reticular (CT: 9.52%; MRI: 4.76%). Compared to CT, MRI performance varied according to radiological finding and pulmonary region. For nodules, MRI presented high sensitivity (100% [95% CI: 93.52‐100]) and specificity (100% [95% CI: 92.00‐100]). For bronchiectasis and septal thickening, there were poorer positive predictive values (33.33% [95% CI: 1.77‐87.47]; and 83.33% [95% CI: 50.88‐97.06] respectively). As specificity and negative predictive value had superior results than sensitivity and positive predictive value, rather than for diagnosis of this condition, MRI might be more considered for the follow‐up of patients with pulmonary mycosis, an alternative to multiple radiation exposures with CT follow‐up.
Dose rates of antimicrobial substances in boar semen preservation—time to establish new protocols
Authors: Schulze M , Grobbel M , Riesenbeck A , Brüning S , Schaefer J , Jung M , Grossfeld R 
Published: January 2017

ContentsTo achieve a standardized number of spermatozoa in the final AI dose, varying amounts of extender fluid with a fixed concentration of antimicrobial substances are currently added to boar ejaculates. This practice ignores the different degrees of dilution of the antimicrobials in the end product. In calculating the final concentration of gentamicin in AI doses from 27,538 processed boar ejaculates, we demonstrated varying gentamicin concentrations in the resultant extended boar semen samples. The median concentration was 220.37 mg/L. In 25 of the samples (0.09%), the gentamicin concentration fell below 5 mg/L, which is close to or below the epidemiological cut‐off value for many bacteria. We calculated the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin for bacteria isolated from raw and extended ejaculates. Five of the isolates from extended ejaculates exceeded the maximum test concentration of 512 mg/L. As a result, we are presenting an alternative method of boar semen preservation whereby a particular combination of gentamicin concentrate and antibiotic‐free extender is incorporated that standardizes the antibiotic concentration in the diluted semen. The addition of standardized antibiotic concentrations did not negatively affect sperm quality when compared to the use of ready‐to‐use extenders. In conclusion, an end volume‐based and standardized addition of gentamicin to boar ejaculates can be a helpful alternative to prevent insufficient dosage of antibiotics in liquid preserved boar semen without affecting semen quality.
Dialysate Sodium: Rationale for Evolution over Time
Authors: Flythe Jennifer E. , Mc Causland Finnian R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOligo‐anuric individuals receiving hemodialysis (HD) are dependent on the dialysis machine to regulate sodium and water balance. Interest in adjusting the dialysate sodium concentration to promote tolerance of the HD procedure dates back to the early years of dialysis therapy. Evolution of dialysis equipment technologies and clinical characteristics of the dialysis population have prompted clinicians to increase the dialysate sodium concentration over time. Higher dialysate sodium concentrations generally promote hemodynamic stabilization and reduce intradialytic symptoms but often do so at the expense of stimulating thirst and promoting volume expansion. The opposite may be true for lower dialysate sodium concentrations. Observational data suggest that the association between dialysate sodium and outcomes may differ by serum sodium levels, supporting the trend toward individualization of the dialysate sodium prescription. However, lack of randomized controlled clinical trial data, along with operational safety concerns related to individualized dialysate sodium prescriptions, have prevented expert consensus regarding the optimal approach to the dialysate sodium prescription.