bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulations of biomass dynamics in community food webs
Authors: Delmas Eva , Brose Ulrich , Gravel Dominique , Stouffer Daniel B. , Poisot Timothée 
Published: December 2016

Summary

Food webs are the backbone upon which biomass flows through ecosystems. Dynamical models of biomass can reveal how the structure of food webs is involved in many key ecosystem properties, such as persistence, stability, etc.

In this contribution, we present BioEnergeticFoodWebs, an implementation of Yodzis & Innes (The American Naturalist 139, 1151?1175, 1992) bio‐energetic model, in the high‐performance computing language Julia.

We illustrate how this package can be used to conduct numerical experiments in a reproducible and standard way.

A reference implementation of this widely used model will ease reproducibility and comparison of results across studies.
Purity, adulteration and price of drugs bought on‐line versus off‐line in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Gouwe Daan , Brunt Tibor M. , van Laar Margriet , van der Pol Peggy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground and aimsOn‐line drug markets flourish and consumers have high expectations of on‐line quality and drug value. The aim of this study was to (i) describe on‐line drug purchases and (ii) compare on‐line with off‐line purchased drugs regarding purity, adulteration and price.DesignComparison of laboratory analyses of 32 663 drug consumer samples (stimulants and hallucinogens) purchased between January 2013 and January 2016, 928 of which were bought on‐line.SettingThe Netherlands.MeasurementsPrimary outcome measures were (i) the percentage of samples purchased on‐line and (ii) the chemical purity of powders (or dosage per tablet); adulteration; and the price per gram, blotter or tablet of drugs bought on‐line compared with drugs bought off‐line.FindingsThe proportion of drug samples purchased on‐line increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 4.1% in 2015. The frequency varied widely, from a maximum of 6% for controlled, traditional substances [ecstasy tablets, 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA) powder, amphetamine powder, cocaine powder, 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C‐B) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)] to more than a third for new psychoactive substances (NPS) [4‐fluoroamphetamine (4‐FA), 5/6‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (5/6‐APB) and methoxetamine (MXE)]. There were no large differences in drug purity, yet small but statistically significant differences were found for 4‐FA (on‐line 59% versus off‐line 52% purity for 4‐FA on average, P = 0.001), MDMA powders (45 versus 61% purity for MDMA, P = 0.02), 2C‐B tablets (21 versus 10 mg 2C‐B/tablet dosage, P = 0.49) and ecstasy tablets (131 versus 121 mg MDMA/tablet dosage, P = 0.05). The proportion of adulterated samples purchased on‐line and off‐line did not differ, except for 4‐FA powder, being less adulterated on‐line (χ2 = 8.3; P < 0.02). Drug prices were mainly higher on‐line, ranging for various drugs from 10 to 23% higher than that of drugs purchased off‐line (six of 10 substances: P < 0.05).ConclusionsDutch drug users increasingly purchase drugs on‐line: new psychoactive substances in particular. Purity and adulteration do not vary considerably between drugs purchased on‐line and off‐line for most substances, while on‐line prices are mostly higher than off‐line prices.
Bat species diversity and distribution in a disturbed regime at the Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kenya
Authors: Wechuli David B. , Webala Paul W. , Patterson Bruce D. , Ochieng Raphael S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHuman population growth drives intrusion and progressive conversion of natural habitats for agriculture. We evaluated human impacts on bat species diversity and distribution among four vegetation types in and around Lake Bogoria National Reserve between November 2012 and July 2013. Plants were surveyed using the Braun–Blanquet cover/abundance method, whereas bats were sampled using standard mist nets erected on poles at ground level. Floristic similarity analysis revealed three broad vegetation assemblages, namely riverine vegetation, farmland and Acacia woodland/Acacia–Commiphora woodland. Two hundred and 33 bats representing eleven species in eleven genera and seven families were recorded. These were Epomophorus minimus, Rhinolophus landeri, Hipposideros caffer, Cardioderma cor, Lavia frons, Nycteris hispida, Chaerephon pumilus, Mops condylurus, Neoromicia capensis, Scotoecus hirundo and Scotophilus dinganii. Species richness estimators indicated that sampling for bats at ground level was exhaustive. Bat species richness and diversity were highest in the more structurally complex Acacia woodland compared to more homogenous farmlands where we recorded only common and generalist species that often occur in open habitats. The higher bat species richness and diversity in the Acacia woodland as compared to farmland underscore the importance of remnant natural savannah woodlands in the conservation of bats and other elements of biodiversity.
Management of early‐onset neonatal sepsis differs in the north and south of Scandinavia
Authors: Drageset Martin , Fjalstad Jon Widding , Mortensen Sven , Klingenberg Claus 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimThis study compared the management and outcomes of early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in two tertiary neonatal units in Denmark and Norway.MethodsWe retrospectively studied all infants diagnosed with EONS between April 2010 and March 2013 and managed at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, and the University Hospital of North Norway, Norway. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from patient records.ResultsWe identified 137 EONS cases in Denmark and 101 in Norway. There were 35 culture‐confirmed EONS cases: 16% of the Danish cases and 13% of the Norwegian cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently detected pathogen in 11 cases (31%), followed by Group B streptococci in nine (26%) and Escherichia coli in six (17%). In 85% of the 238 cases, the empiric therapy comprised gentamicin and a beta‐lactam, namely ampicillin in Denmark and benzylpenicillin in Norway. Patients with positive blood cultures had higher C‐reactive protein levels than patients with negative blood cultures and higher sepsis‐attributable mortality. Lumbar punctures were performed more frequently in Denmark.ConclusionThere were marginal differences in the management of EONS between units in Denmark and Norway, mainly in their choice of antibiotics and the use of lumbar punctures. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen.
Manipulating tablets and capsules given to hospitalised children in Norway is common practice
Authors: Bjerknes Kathrin , Bøyum Silje , Kristensen Solveig , Brustugun Jørgen , Wang Siri 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimThis study provided an overview of manipulating oral medicines given to hospitalised children and evaluated this practice in two hospitals. It focused on the type of manipulation and the dosage forms that were manipulated.MethodThis was a cross‐sectional, prospective study, carried out on the paediatric wards at two Norwegian hospitals for four weeks in 2013. A medicine was said to have been manipulated if it was not administered as described in the Norwegian summary of product characteristics.ResultsThis study showed that 17% of the 3070 administrations of oral medicines to the hospitalised children involved manipulation. Tablets, including modified release preparations, were the most frequently manipulated medicines. In approximately half of these cases, only a segment of the unit dose was administered. No manipulation of oral liquids was seen. The bioavailability of as much as 44% of the most frequent given substances may be sensitive to such manipulations due to limited aqueous solubility. Various routines for splitting and handling the unit doses were observed.ConclusionManipulation of oral medication was regularly performed on paediatric wards. There is an urgent need for age‐appropriate medicines, documented and standardised processes for manipulating medicines and staff training on the consequences of manipulation.
Effects of alpha‐lipoic acid supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters for ammonia‐exposed broilers
Authors: Lu Min , Bai Jie , Wei Fengxian , Xu Bin , Sun Quanyou , Li Jie , Wang Gaili , Tang Xiangfang , Zhang Hongfu , Yin Qingqiang , Li Shaoyu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn order to estimate the effect of alpha‐lipoic acid (LA) supplementation on relieving ammonia stress of broilers, 180 22‐day‐old male broilers were assigned to three groups, six replicates in each group and 10 birds per replicate. The three groups were: (1) a control group without ammonia stress; (2) exposure to 70 ppm atmospheric ammonia (AM); (3) exposure to 70 ppm atmospheric ammonia and administration of 300 mg/kg LA (AM + LA). The experimental period was 3 weeks. Results showed that average daily weight gain was increased and feed conversion ratio was decreased in the AM + LA group, compared with the AM group (P < 0.05). Total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum, and glutathione content in liver were higher in the AM + LA group than that in the AM group (P < 0.05); however, serum malondialdehyde content was decreased by LA addition (P < 0.05). Additionally, serum glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were reduced and albumin level was increased by LA addition (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LA addition could relieve ammonia stress to restore broiler production performance to normal levels.
CASP9 germline mutation in a family with multiple brain tumors
Authors: Ronellenfitsch Michael W. , Oh Ji‐Eun , Satomi Kaishi , Sumi Koichiro , Harter Patrick N. , Steinbach Joachim P. , Felsberg Jörg , Capper David , Voegele Catherine , Durand Geoffroy , McKay James , Le Calvez‐Kelm Florence , Schittenhelm Jens , Klink Barbara , Mittelbronn Michel , Ohgaki Hiroko 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe report a novel CASP9 germline mutation that may increase susceptibility to the development of brain tumors. We identified this mutation in a family in which three brain tumors had developed within three generations, including two anaplastic astrocytomas occurring in cousins. The cousins were diagnosed at similar ages (29 and 31 years), and their tumors showed similar histological features. Genetic analysis revealed somatic IDH1 and TP53 mutations in both tumors. However, no germline TP53 mutations were detected, despite the fact that this family fulfills the criteria of Li–Fraumeni‐like syndrome. Whole exome sequencing revealed a germline stop‐gain mutation (R65X) in the CASP9 gene, which encodes caspase‐9, a key molecule for the p53‐dependent mitochondrial death pathway. This mutation was also detected in DNA extracted from blood samples from the two siblings who were each a parent of one of the affected cousins. Caspase‐9 immunohistochemistry showed the absence of caspase‐9 immunoreactivity in the anaplastic astrocytomas and normal brain tissues of the cousins. These observations suggest that CASP9 germline mutations may have played a role at least in part to the susceptibility of development of gliomas in this Li–Fraumeni‐like family lacking a TP53 germline mutation.
Warmth and Demand: The Relation Between Students' Perceptions of the Classroom Environment and Achievement Growth
Authors: Sandilos Lia E. , Rimm‐Kaufman Sara E. , Cohen Julia J. 
Published: December 2016

Theory suggests that African American students benefit from warm and demanding teachers. This study examines the relation between students' perceptions of 634 teachers' warm demander characteristics and achievement growth in fourth and fifth grades (Mstudent age = 9–11.5 years). Analyses explored whether relations were moderated by the proportion of African American students in the classroom or the ethnic match or mismatch between African American students and their teachers. Results indicated that students' perceptions of teachers' demand (challenge and control) related to student achievement growth. Findings showed a stronger relation between challenge and academic growth in classrooms with more African American students, but no significant findings were identified for ethnic match or mismatch.
Autogenous bone grafting for treatment of osseous defect after impacted mandibular third molar extraction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ge Jing , Yang Chi , Zheng Jiawei , Hu Yingkai 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundExtraction of impacted mandibular third molar (M3) has been cited as causing osseous defect at the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar (M2).PurposeThis randomized controlled trial was aimed to evaluate the effect of autogenous bone grafting in situ for regeneration of periodontal osseous defect distal to the M2 compared with non‐grafting after impacted M3 removal.Materials and MethodsA total of 60 sites in 51 adult patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the control group or the test group. In both groups, the M3 was extracted using a piezosurgical device, and the distal root surface of M2 was scaled and root planned. In addition, the removed alveolar bone was grinded to particles and grafted to the distal osseous defect of M2 in the test group. The primary outcome variable was the osseous defect depth (ODD), the secondary outcome variables were probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) on the disto‐buccal aspect of the M2 during a 12‐month follow‐up period. Postoperative symptom at 7‐day postoperatively and adverse events were also recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe patient characteristics were homogeneous between the 2 groups. Six and 12 months after surgery, there were statistically significant bone fill in both groups (P ＜ .01). Moreover, the ODD and CAL in the test group were significantly lower than the control group at every postoperative re‐entry (P ＜ .01). The postoperative symptom was more severe in the test group than the control group, but the difference was not significant (P > .05).ConclusionsThe result of this study demonstrated that scaling and root planning was beneficial to periodontal healing of M2 after impacted M3 extraction. Addition of autogenous bone grafting for the treatment of osseous defects distal to M2 was safe and more effective than periodontal treatment alone.(Registry Number: ChiCTR‐IOC‐15006561)
Causes of mortality in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Amin Sam , Lux Andrew , Calder Nuala , Laugharne Matthew , Osborne John , O'callaghan Finbar 
Published: December 2016

AimThe causes of death in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have rarely been studied, with only one published account, which was reported from the Mayo Clinic in 1991. We aimed to investigate mortality in a large cohort of patients with TSC from one of two national referral clinics in the UK.MethodWe identified 284 patients who attended Bath TSC clinic between 1981 and 2015, and ascertained causes of death by reviewing medical records, death certificates, and postmortem reports.ResultsSixteen patients died from complications of TSC: eight from TSC kidney diseases; four from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP); two from lymphangioleiomyomatosis; one from a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma; and one from a pancreatic malignancy. The median age of death was 33 years (interquartile range [IQR] 26–46). Mortality was significantly more common in patients with learning disabilities than in those without (13/135 [9%] vs 3/131 [2%]; two‐tailed Fisher exact test p=0.020).InterpretationRenal disease is a major cause of mortality in TSC. Lifelong surveillance and early intervention is warranted. SUDEP is also an important cause of mortality. Patients with learning disabilities are at significantly greater risk of early mortality and this implies the need for greater vigilance for TSC‐related complications in this group. Female patients are vulnerable to pulmonary and renal disease. Pancreatic lesions are a rare but potentially treatable cause of mortality.
Screening and evaluation tools of dysphagia in children with neuromuscular diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Audag Nicolas , Goubau Christophe , Toussaint Michel , Reychler Gregory 
Published: December 2016

AimDysphagia is frequent in paediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases (pNMD). Its detection is important for initiating early diagnosis and treatment as well as for minimizing related complications. The aim of this study was to review the literature on dysphagia screening and evaluation tools in pNMD.MethodA systematic review was performed on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect) were searched. Measurement properties of tools and the quality index developed by Downs and Black were considered.ResultsOur search yielded four studies and four different tools for paediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The Sydney Swallow Questionnaire, surface electromyography, Neuromuscular Disease Swallowing Status Scale, and videofluoroscopic swallow study showed interesting properties for DMD. No data were available for other NMD and children under 9 years. The mean total score for the quality index was 17.5.InterpretationWe did not identify any superior validated tools, either for screening or for evaluation of dysphagia, and no widely accepted protocol. Further studies are needed to identify the simplest assessment with the best psychometric properties for pNMD. We recommend establishing a specific tool for pNMD.
Risk factors for dental caries among children with cerebral palsy in a low‐resource setting
Authors: Akhter Rahena , Hassan Nur Mohammad Monsur , Martin Elizabeth F , Muhit Mohammad , Haque Mohammad Raziul , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Jones Cheryl , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam 
Published: December 2016

AimTo describe the oral health status and investigate factors affecting dental caries experience among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural Bangladesh.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted among children with CP who are part of the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register (BCPR) study. Caries experience was measured by identifying decayed, missing, and filled teeth for deciduous and permanent teeth (dmft/DMFT). Clinical periodontal index, body mass index, oral hygiene behaviour, masticatory ability, and dietary habits were recorded. CP motor types and severity of functional mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]) were assessed.ResultsOf 90 children with CP (mean age 9y 7mo, range 2–17y, 37.8% female and 62.2% male), 35% of 2 to 6 year olds, and 70% of 7 to 11 year olds (p=0.014) experienced caries (dmft+DMFT>0). The mean values (standard deviation [SD]) of dmft and DMFT were 2.46 (3.75) and 0.72 (1.79) respectively. After adjusting for age and sex, binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship with dental caries for children who had quadriplegia (odds ratio [OR] 5.56, p=0.035), tooth cleaning less than one time/day (OR 0.08, p=0.016), using toothpowder or charcoal for cleaning (OR 7.63, p=0.015), and snacking between meals more than one time/day (OR 6.93, p=0.012).InterpretationEarly oral health preventive care is required for children with CP because dental caries is highly prevalent in these children.
Metformin in adults with type 1 diabetes: Design and methods of REducing with MetfOrmin Vascular Adverse Lesions (REMOVAL): An international multicentre trial
Authors: Petrie John R. , Chaturvedi Nish , Ford Ian , Hramiak Irene , Hughes Alun D. , Jenkins Alicia J. , E. Klein Barbara , Klein Ron , Ooi Teik Chye , Rossing Peter , Sattar Naveed , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Colhoun Helen M. ,   on behalf of the REMOVAL Trial Team
Published: December 2016

AimsCardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of reduced life expectancy in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Intensive insulin therapy prevents CV complications but is constrained by hypoglycaemia and weight gain. Adjunct metformin reduces insulin dose requirement and stabilizes weight but there are no data on its cardiovascular effects. We have therefore initiated an international double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial (REMOVAL: REducing with MetfOrmin Vascular Adverse Lesions in type 1 diabetes) to examine whether metformin reduces progression of atherosclerosis in adults with T1D. Individuals ≥40 years of age with T1D for ≥5 years are eligible if they have ≥3 of 10 specified CV risk factors. The enrolment target is 500 participants in 17 international centres.Materials and methodsAfter 12 weeks of single‐blind placebo‐controlled run‐in, participants with ≥ 70% adherence are randomized to metformin or matching placebo for 3 years with insulin titrated towards HbA1c 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The primary endpoint is progression of averaged mean far wall common carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) measured by ultrasonography at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. This design provides 90% power to detect a mean difference of 0.0167 mm in cIMT progression between treatment arms (α = 0.05), assuming that up to 20% withdraw or discontinue treatment. Other endpoints include HbA1c, weight, LDL cholesterol, insulin requirement, progression of retinopathy, endothelial function and frequency of hypoglycaemia.Conclusion
REMOVAL is the largest clinical trial of adjunct metformin therapy in T1D to date and will provide clinically meaningful information on its potential to impact CV disease and other complications.
The responses of a funnel‐web weaving spider, Agelena labyrinthica, to elevated CO2 concentration
Authors: Wang Xia , Zuo Lin , Yun Yueli , Chen Jian , Zhang Zengtao , Peng Yu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe effects of elevated CO2 concentration on the growth and development of the funnel‐web weaving spider Agelena labyrinthica (Clerck) (Araneae: Agelenidae) were studied in climate chambers with low (370 μl l−1) or high (750 μl l−1) CO2 concentration. Seventh‐instar A. labyrinthica cultured under each of these CO2 concentrations were randomly selected to determine nutrient composition (total protein, total amino acid, and free fatty acid) and digestive or detoxification enzymes activity (peroxidase, amylase, and superoxide dismutase) using test kits. When reared under high CO2 concentration, total development of A. labyrinthica was significantly faster. Carapace length and width and body weight did not differ between CO2 concentrations, nor the levels of protein and total amino acids in seventh‐instar A. labyrinthica. However, free fatty acid levels were significantly lower under high CO2 concentration. Specific activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in seventh‐instar A. labyrinthica did not differ between CO2 concentrations. The specific activity of amylase under high CO2 concentration was higher than that of the low CO2 group. The effects of elevated CO2 on A. labyrinthica varied from those on the wandering spider Pardosa astrigera L Koch, as found in an earlier study. Apparently, elevated CO2 has a species‐specific impact on spiders.