bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The responses of microbial temperature relationships to seasonal change and winter warming in a temperate grassland
Authors: Birgander Johanna , Olsson Pål Axel , Rousk Johannes 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMicroorganisms dominate the decomposition of organic matter and their activities are strongly influenced by temperature. As the carbon (C) flux from soil to the atmosphere due to microbial activity is substantial, understanding temperature relationships of microbial processes is critical. It has been shown that microbial temperature relationships in soil correlate with the climate, and microorganisms in field experiments become more warm‐tolerant in response to chronic warming. It is also known that microbial temperature relationships reflect the seasons in aquatic ecosystems, but to date this has not been investigated in soil. Although climate change predictions suggest that temperatures will be mostly affected during winter in temperate ecosystems, no assessments exist of the responses of microbial temperature relationships to winter warming. We investigated the responses of the temperature relationships of bacterial growth, fungal growth, and respiration in a temperate grassland to seasonal change, and to 2 years’ winter warming. The warming treatments increased winter soil temperatures by 5–6°C, corresponding to 3°C warming of the mean annual temperature. Microbial temperature relationships and temperature sensitivities (Q10) could be accurately established, but did not respond to winter warming or to seasonal temperature change, despite significant shifts in the microbial community structure. The lack of response to winter warming that we demonstrate, and the strong response to chronic warming treatments previously shown, together suggest that it is the peak annual soil temperature that influences the microbial temperature relationships, and that temperatures during colder seasons will have little impact. Thus, mean annual temperatures are poor predictors for microbial temperature relationships. Instead, the intensity of summer heat‐spells in temperate systems is likely to shape the microbial temperature relationships that govern the soil‐atmosphere C exchange.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: A multicenter, nationwide study conducted in 2015 and 2016
Authors: Lee Jeong Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Baik Gwang Ho , Park Jong Kyu , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Byung‐Wook , Hong Su Jin , Lim Hyun , Shin Cheol Min , Lee Si Hyung , Jeon Seong Woo , Kim Ji Hyun , Choi Cheol Woong , Jung Hye‐Kyung , Kim Jie‐Hyun , Choi Suck Chei , Cho Jin Woong , Lee Wan Sik , Na Soo‐Young , Sung Jae Kyu , Song Kyung Ho , Chung Jun‐Won , Yun Sung‐Cheol ,   Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has studied Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence since 1998 and found a dynamic change in its prevalence in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the recent H. pylori prevalence rate and compare it with that of previous studies according to socioeconomic variables.MethodsWe planned to enroll 4920 asymptomatic Korean adults from 21 centers according to the population distribution of seven geographic areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Kyungsang, Cholla, and Jeju). We centrally collected serum and tested H. pylori serum IgG using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.ResultsWe analyzed 4917 samples (4917/4920 = 99.9%) from January 2015 to December 2016. After excluding equivocal serologic results, the H. pylori seropositivity rate was 51.0% (2414/4734). We verified a decrease in H. pylori seroprevalence compared with previous studies performed in 1998, 2005, and 2011 (P < .0001). The H. pylori seroprevalence rate differed by area: Cholla (59.5%), Chungcheong (59.2%), Kyungsang (55.1%), Jeju (54.4%), Gangwon (49.1%), Seoul (47.4%), and Gyeonggi (44.6%). The rate was higher in those older than 40 years (38.1% in those aged 30‐39 years and 57.7% in those aged 40‐49 years) and was lower in city residents than in noncity residents at all ages.ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Korea is decreasing and may vary according to population characteristics. This trend should be considered to inform H. pylori‐related policies.
Cell death under epithelial–mesenchymal transition control in prostate cancer therapeutic response
Authors: Begemann Diane , Anastos Harry , Kyprianou Natasha 
Published: January 2018

AbstractProstate cancer is a widespread problem among men, with >160 000 new cases in 2017 alone. Androgen deprivation therapy is commonly used in prostate cancer treatment to block androgens required for cancer growth, but disease relapse after androgen deprivation therapy is both common and severe. Changes in androgen receptor signaling from androgen deprivation therapy have been linked to therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. Resistant cells can become reprogrammed to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a phenotypic switch from benign, epithelial cells to a mobile cell with mesenchymal traits. In these cells, attachment to their epithelial cell layer is no longer required for survival. Anoikis is a form of cell death that occurs when detachment from other cells and the basement membrane occurs. Epithelial cells have been shown to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, avoid anoikis induction and progress to a metastatic phenotype. In prostate cancer progression to advanced disease, epithelial–mesenchymal transition induction (characterized by loss of epithelial cellular attachment protein E‐cadherin) correlates with a higher Gleason score, tumor progression, increased metastasis and higher biochemical recurrence. The concept of interfacing epithelial–mesenchymal transition with anoikis in the tumor microenvironment landscape will be discussed here, with focus on the significance of the functional exchange between the two processes in therapeutic targeting of advanced disease. The current evidence on the impact of loss of cell–cell contact, acquisition of chemoresistance, immune escape and metastatic spread in advanced tumors in response to transforming growth factor‐β on prostate cancer metastasis will be also discussed. The signaling cross‐talk between transforming growth factor‐β and androgen receptor signaling will be interrogated as a new therapeutic platform for the development of combination strategies to impair prostate cancer metastasis.
Abdominal paracentesis: use of a standardised procedure checklist and equipment kit improves procedural quality and reduces complications
Authors: Fyson Jeremy , Chapman Laura , Tatton Michael , Raos Zoë 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundParacentesis is a common invasive procedure performed by junior doctors. Audit of procedure conduct at two New Zealand hospitals in 2012 revealed poor performance across a range of quality measures, including documentation of informed consent, excessive catheter dwell times and inappropriate albumin prescription. Complication rates were 12.7%, compared with published rates of around 9%. A local procedure protocol did not exist.AimTo evaluate the effect of a standardised procedure checklist (PC) and equipment kit (EK) on procedural quality and complication rates for abdominal paracentesis.MethodsAfter presenting the 2012 audit results to resident doctors, we reviewed the paracentesis literature and developed a local procedure protocol (PC and EK). These tools were made readily available after an education campaign. Paracenteses performed after the intervention were studied to determine the impact on procedural quality and safety.ResultsSeventy‐four paracenteses (14 diagnostic; 60 therapeutic) were performed in 10 months after the introduction of PC and EK. Significant improvements were observed with the use of PC including documentation of informed consent (97% vs 74%, P = <0.01) and aseptic technique (100% vs 62%, P = <0.01). Catheter dwell times <6 h improved (72% vs 48%, P = 0.02). Inappropriate albumin prescriptions were less frequent (21% vs 66%, P = <0.01). Complication rates decreased from 12.7% to 2.8% (P = <0.01).ConclusionsThe PC and EK improved rates of informed consent, appropriate documentation and protocol adherence. Significantly fewer procedure‐related complications occurred after introduction of these tools.
Walking The Talk: from theory to practice in delivering community based design education
Authors: Charlesworth Esther 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses the model of ‘walking the talk’, when running design studios based on the ‘live projects’ model within a university setting for vulnerable communities. This model is examined through exploring emerging humanitarian and community‐based design approaches in architectural education. It is tested through two case studies of design studios in Mostar and Beirut, led by the author between 1998 and 2002. Lessons from these community‐engagement studios are applied through a third case study, a design project for a disability day‐care centre in Hoi An, Vietnam. The project was led by RMIT University students and staff between 2009‐2011 and built in April 2012.
Detecting selection signatures on the X chromosome of the Chinese Debao pony
Authors: Liu X.‐X. , Pan J.‐F. , Zhao Q.‐J. , He X.‐H. , Pu Y.‐B. , Han J.‐L. , Ma Y.‐H. , Jiang L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe X chromosome shows a special interaction between demographic factors and genetic variation, and the analysis of X‐linked genomic variation can therefore provide insights into the unique effects of demography and selection on the horse genome that cannot be readily detected by autosomal markers. Debao (DB) ponies have experienced intense selective pressure for the development of their small stature (<106 cm at adult height). To identify selective sweeps on the X chromosome of the DB pony, we performed a genome‐wide scan of three Chinese horse breeds using an Equine SNP70 BeadChip. Using Yili and Mongolian horses (>134 cm at adult height) as reference groups, both FST and XP‐EHH revealed that five regions on the X chromosome were under strong selection, resulting in 95 overlapping genes. Seven of these genes, SMS, PHEX, ACSL4, CHRDL1, CACNA1F, DKC1 and CDKL5, are involved in bone development, growth hormone secretion and fat deposition. The region showing the strongest selection pressure was located at the position of 86.6–87.5 Mb. The subsequent genome‐wide association analysis of the adult height of three Chinese horse breeds detected the two most significant SNPs in the same region, and these two SNPs overlapped with the gene CHRDL1. As a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) superfamily, CHRDL1 antagonizes the function of BMP4 and plays an important role in embryonic bone formation and cartilage generation. Our results provide new insights into the X‐linked selection in Chinese Debao pony.
A global analysis of elevational distribution of non‐native versus native plants
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Fei Songlin , Shen Zehao , Iannone Basil V. , Knott Jonathan , Chown Steven L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimMuch is known about the elevational diversity patterns of native species and about the mechanisms that drive these patterns. A similar level of understanding is needed for non‐native species. Using published data, we examine elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plants and compare the resulting patterns with those observed for native plants.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe compiled data from 65 case studies on elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plants around the world (including 32 cases in which both non‐native and native plants were sampled). We compared the elevational distributions (upper and lower limits, and extents) and diversity patterns of non‐native and native species.ResultsCompared to native plant species, the elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plant species were more negative (47% vs. 13%) and less unimodal (44% vs. 84%). That is, non‐native species richness tended to be highest at lower elevations, whereas native species richness peaked at mid‐elevations. In cases where species richness for both non‐native and native species on the same mountains showed unimodal patterns in relation to elevation, maximum values in species richness occurred at lower elevations for non‐native species.Main conclusionsAt present levels of invasion, non‐native and native species show different patterns in both distribution and diversity along elevational gradients worldwide. However, our observations constitute a snapshot of ongoing, long‐term invasion processes. As non‐native species typically show strong associations with human activities, future changes in human population (e.g. growth and migration), land use and climate change may promote upward spread of non‐native species and may thus increase risks of impact on native species and communities.
Susceptibility of table grape varieties grown in south‐eastern Italy to Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Baser N. , Broutou O. , Verrastro V. , Porcelli F. , Ioriatti C. , Anfora G. , Mazzoni V. , Rossi Stacconi M. V. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSince 2008, Drosophila suzukii, the spotted wing drosophila, has colonized most of the American and European continents, being able to adapt to very different climates. In Italy, this pest has been captured from northern Alpine to southern Mediterranean regions where it can infest a broad range of fruits, including wine grapes. Studies have shown that oviposition levels and developmental rates of D. suzukii on wine grapes are lower than on other berries, although recent observations indicate that grapes may become a suitable host plant in particular conditions. Here, we report, for the first time, the results of a series of no‐choice oviposition experiments using berries of five table grape varieties sampled in the provinces of Taranto and Bari (Apulia region, south‐eastern Italy) during 2013 from both organic and conventional farming systems. The sugar content (SC) and skin hardness of each sample were analysed to assess the influence of these physiological parameters on the susceptibility of table grapes to D. suzukii infestation. A negative correlation was found between the number of eggs laid and berry skin penetration force, whereas there was a positive one between the number of eggs and Brix values, as well as sampling date. In organic grapes, SC and skin hardness of two varieties (“Crimson” and “Scarlotta”) were measured, respectively, higher and lower than in conventional grapes, thus making them more susceptible to pest infestation. The study hence shows that in laboratory conditions D. suzukii is able to heavily infest and develop on table grapes and that susceptibility to its infestation significantly depends on both variety and farming system.
Clinical Intentions of Antibiotics Prescribed Upon Discharge to Hospice Care
Authors: Servid Sarah A. , Noble Brie N. , Fromme Erik K. , Furuno Jon P. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo better understand the clinical intentions for antibiotic prescribing upon discharge from acute care to hospice care.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingFive hundred forty‐four–bed academic, acute‐care, tertiary referral hospital in Portland, Oregon.ParticipantsAdults (≥18) who received an outpatient prescription for antibiotics on discharge from an acute care hospital to hospice care between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 (N = 149).MeasurementsWe determined whether antibiotics were indicated for treatment of an active infection, palliative treatment, prophylaxis, or prescribed according to family or participant preference.ResultsAntibiotics were prescribed to 17.6% (n = 149) of individuals discharged to hospice care over the 3‐year study period. Antibiotics were most frequently prescribed for pneumonia (19.5%), urinary tract infections (18.9%), and gastrointestinal tract infections (17.0%). The explicit rationale for antibiotic prescription was documented for only 72 prescriptions (45.3%). For 84 (52.8%) participants, antibiotics were used to treat an active infection in the hospital. Of prescriptions with a documented rationale, 37.5% indicated that the intent was curative, 26.4% prophylaxis, and 22.2% to suppress an infection. For 19.4% of prescriptions, participants or their family members specifically wanted to be treated with antibiotics. Only 9.7% of prescriptions specifically indicated that antibiotics were prescribed for palliative reasons.ConclusionAntibiotics were frequently prescribed for treatment of active infection in individuals discharged to hospice care. Further research is needed to document antibiotic benefits and risks and optimize medication management at the end of life.
Evaluation of the implementation of a 24‐hr stroke thrombolysis emergency treatment for patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Zhao Jun , Li Xingqiang , Liang Yingchun , Zhao Liang , Zhang Xinping , Liu Yunlin 
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectivesTo assess the trends of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) among patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) admitted to our hospital between 2012–2014 and investigate the effects of a 24‐hr stroke thrombolysis emergency treatment on the intrahospital clinical data and outcomes of these patients treated with IV rt‐PA thrombolysis.BackgroundAlthough prenotification of stroke by emergency medical services has been endorsed by the national recommendations and implemented in some developed countries, the development in China is limited.DesignA retrospective, single‐centre, observational study.MethodsPatients with AIS admitted to our hospital between January 2012–December 2014 were included; those who received IV rt‐PA thrombolysis within 4.5 hr of onset were investigated. Demographic characteristics, including age and sex, and clinical data and outcomes, including onset‐to‐treatment time (OTT), door‐to‐needle time (DNT), premorbid modified Rankin Scale score and proportion of patients treated per year, were all recorded.ResultsThe proportion of patients with AIS who received thrombolytic therapy within 4.5 hr increased from 2012–2014. The baseline characteristics of all patients were similar. Since the implementation of 24‐hr stroke thrombolysis emergency treatment in 2013, the median DNT significantly decreased in 2014 after implementation (42 min) compared with that in 2012 before implementation (81 min) (p < .05). Moreover, the admission‐to‐imaging time (37 vs. 33 vs. 36 min) and OTT (176 vs. 147 vs. 124 min) significantly decreased during the 3 years (p < .05).ConclusionsThe 24‐hr stroke thrombolysis emergency treatment reduced in‐hospital delay before thrombolytic therapy but had no effect on the functional outcomes of the patients with AIS.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study provides opportunities to improve the experiences in using 24‐h stroke thrombolysis emergency treatment in patients with AIS in clinical practice.
Serum amyloid A, procalcitonin, highly sensitive C reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels and acute inflammatory response in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) and eclampsia
Authors: Uckan Kazım , Sahin Hanım Guler 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (ProC), highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha activity in patients with pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP), and the pathogenesis and severity of the disease.MethodNinety patients at ≥ 32 gestational weeks, according to the last date of menstruation and ultra‐sonographic measurements, diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia (30 patients), eclampsia (30 patients) or HELLP syndrome (30 patients) were included in the study. Thirty healthy pregnant women from the outpatient clinic during the same period were recruited as the control. The age, gravida, parity, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, proteinuria, hemoglobin, thrombocyte count, liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, SAA, TNF alpha, ProC and hsCRP levels during pregnancy) were determined and recorded.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were detected between the four groups in terms of age, gravida, parity, gestational age and hemoglobin parameters (P > 0.05). When compared to the control, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, spot and 24 h urine protein levels, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, SAA, ProC, hsCRP and TNF alpha levels were significantly high and thrombocyte levels were low in the pre‐eclamptic, eclamptic and HELLP groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe investigated parameters were useful to gain an understanding of the maternal inflammatory profile of pre‐eclampsia and might be beneficial as markers to predict complications such as HELLP and eclampsia and to provide the necessary preventive approach in these patients.
A novel nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting Plasmodium mitochondrial DNA in field‐collected Anopheles mosquitoes
Authors: Calzetta M. , Perugini E. , Seixas G. , Sousa C. A. , Guelbeogo W. M. , Sagnon N. , Della Torre A. , Pinto J. , Pombi M. , Mancini E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSensitive techniques for the detection of Plasmodium (Aconoidasida: Plasmodiidae) sporozoites in field‐collected malaria vectors are essential for the correct assessment of risk for malaria transmission. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) protocol targeting Plasmodium mtDNA proved to be much more sensitive in detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes than the widely used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay targeting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP‐ELISA). However, because of the relatively high costs associated with equipment and reagents, RT‐PCRs are mostly used to assess the outcomes of experimental infections in the frame of research experiments, rather than in routine monitoring of mosquito infection in the field. The present authors developed a novel mtDNA‐based nested PCR protocol, modified from a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Plasmodium recognition in human blood samples, and compared its performance with that of routinely used CSP‐ELISAs in field‐collected Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae) samples. The nested PCR showed 1.4‐fold higher sensitivity than the CSP‐ELISA. However, nested PCR results obtained in two laboratories and in different replicates within the same laboratory were not 100% consistent, probably because the copy number of amplifiable Plasmodium mtDNA was close in some specimens to the threshold of nested PCR sensitivity. This implies that Plasmodium‐positive specimens should be confirmed by a second nested PCR to avoid false positives. Overall, the results emphasize the need to use molecular approaches to obtain accurate estimates of the actual level of Plasmodium circulation within malaria vector populations.