bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of plant species assemblages can decrease the transmission potential of malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Ebrahimi Babak , Jackson Bryan T. , Guseman Julie L. , Przybylowicz Colin M. , Stone Christopher M. , Foster Woodbridge A. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Knowledge of the link between a vector population's pathogen‐transmission potential and its biotic environment can generate more realistic forecasts of disease risk due to environmental change. It also can promote more effective vector control by both conventional and novel means.

This study assessed the effect of particular plant species assemblages differing in nectar production on components of the vectorial capacity of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae s.s., an important vector of African malaria.

We followed cohorts of mosquitoes for 3 weeks in greenhouse mesocosms holding nectar‐poor and nectar‐rich plant species by tracking daily mortalities and estimating daily biting rates and fecundities. At death, a mosquito's insemination status and wing length were determined. These life‐history traits allowed incorporation of larval dynamics into a vectorial capacity estimate. This new study provided both novel assemblages of putative host plants and a human blood host within a nocturnal period of maximum biting.

Survivorship was significantly greater in nectar‐rich environments than nectar‐poor ones, resulting in greater total fecundity. Daily biting rate and fecundity per female between treatments was not detected. These results translated to greater estimated vectorial capacities in the nectar‐rich environment in all four replicates of the experiment (means: 1,089.5 ± 125.2 vs. 518.3 ± 60.6). When mosquito density was made a function of survival and fecundity, rather than held constant, the difference between plant treatments was more pronounced, but so was the variance, so differences were not statistically significant. In the nectar‐poor environment, females' survival suffered severely when a blood host was not provided. A sugar‐accessibility experiment confirmed that Parthenium hysterophorus is a nectar‐poor plant for these mosquitoes.

Synthesis and applications. This study, assessing the effect of particular plant species assemblages on the vectorial capacity of malaria mosquitoes, highlights the likelihood that changes in plant communities (e.g. due to introduction of exotic or nectar‐rich species) can increase malaria transmission and that a reduction of favourable nectar sources can reduce it. Also, plant communities' data can be used to identify potential high risk areas. Further studies are warranted to explore how and when management of plant species assemblages should be considered as an option in an integrated vector management strategy.
The personality of past, present and future speech–language pathology students*
Authors: Byrne Nicole 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundAs allied health professions change over time to keep up with and reflect a rapidly changing society, it is quite possible that the people attracted to the profession may also change. If this is the case, then knowing this could be critical for future workforce marketing, training and planning.AimsThe aim was to investigate whether the personality of students entering a speech‐language pathology (SLP) program had changed over time and whether there were generational differences in personality.Methods & ProceduresThe study used the Big Five personality inventory to consider whether there were differences in the personality in speech–language pathology (SLP) students enrolled in the same regional university in Australia in 2005 and 2016.Outcomes & ResultsThe results showed there were significant differences between the two groups on the Agreeableness and Extroversion scales. The students who were more Conscientious were also more Confident in their ability to perform as an SLP. Generational differences across the two cohorts were also considered.Conclusions & ImplicationsSLP is a dynamic profession that is reflected through an evolving scope of practice, increasing utilization of technology and specialization. As careers evolve it is logical that the people attracted to those careers may also shift; as demonstrated here via changes in the personality of SLP students. Understanding the personality of current SLP students and future Generation Z students may assist universities to identify specific skills and experiences students need to be successful in the workforce.
Bayesian analysis of Hong Kong's housing price dynamics
Authors: Wu Tommy , Cheng Michael , Wong Ken 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper uses a Bayesian vector‐autoregressive model with sign restrictions to estimate the underlying drivers of Hong Kong's housing price dynamics in the short run. While existing studies are useful in analysing housing valuation, little attention has been paid to the short‐run dynamics. In contrast, the present paper identifies short‐run drivers of housing prices using structural identification with theoretical underpinnings. We find that among the shocks that we have identified, bank lending shock and housing supply shock were the main factors affecting Hong Kong's housing prices. Low mortgage rates were another key factor that led to the significant increase in housing prices after the global financial crisis.
Cognitive impairment and cardiovascular medication use: Results from wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Rohde Daniela , Hickey Anne , Williams David , Bennett Kathleen 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAimTo explore the association between cardiovascular medication use and cognitive impairment in adults aged 50 years and over.MethodThis cross‐sectional linked database study involved secondary quantitative analysis of 1903 participants from wave 1 of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing with available pharmacy claims data. Cognitive impairment was assessed using a cut‐off of ≤23 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Cardiovascular medication use was calculated using the proportion of days covered for antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and lipid‐modifying medications. For each class of cardiovascular medication, participants were categorized as belonging to one of three medication use groups: (1) not dispensed any medications (reference); (2) poor adherence (proportion of days covered <80%); and (3) good adherence (proportion of days covered ≥80%).ResultsControlling for demographic and health variables, there was no evidence of an independent association between impaired cognitive function and use of antihypertensives [good adherence OR (95% CI): 1.16 (0.88, 1.52), poor adherence OR (95% CI): 1.39 (0.95, 2.04)]; antithrombotics [good adherence OR (95% CI): 1.26 (0.93, 1.70), poor adherence OR 95% CI): 1.13 (0.80, 1.59)]; or lipid‐modifying agents [good adherence OR (95% CI): 0.95 (0.71, 1.25), poor adherence OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.64, 1.22)].ConclusionWe found no evidence of an association between cardiovascular medication use and cognitive function. Future studies should investigate the prospective associations between cognition and use of cardiovascular medications using longitudinal data.
Iron deficiency in heart failure: Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron therapy
Authors: Kang Chan‐Keat , Pope Michael , Lang Chim C. , Kalra Paul R. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAimTo discuss the pathophysiology of iron metabolism in chronic heart failure (CHF) and the current knowledge of the efficacy of intravenous (IV) iron therapy in patients with CHF and identify points of controversy as well as highlight areas for future research.DiscussionIron deficiency is a recognized complication of many chronic conditions. Numerous studies have reported that iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with CHF and is associated with exercise intolerance, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. Several small studies have demonstrated IV iron to be associated with improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity, quality of life, renal function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and reduction in NT‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in patients with CHF and iron deficiency. Two larger‐scale trials confirming these results (FAIR‐HF and CONFIRM‐HF) have led to guideline recommendations that IV iron therapy should be considered in patients with CHF with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency (serum ferritin <100 μg/L, or ferritin between 100 and 299 μg/L with transferrin saturation <20%) to provide symptomatic relief and improve exercise capacity and quality of life.ConclusionIntravenous iron therapy improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life, at least in the short‐to‐intermediate time. However, there are still currently no standardized criteria used to define iron deficiency and the underlying mechanism of iron deficiency in CHF remains incompletely understood. Further work is required to improve the ability to identify iron deficiency in patients with CHF and evaluate the effect of iron repletion on hard endpoints including hospitalization and mortality.
Thriving or surviving? Evaluating active microbial guilds in Baltic Sea sediment
Authors: Zinke Laura A. , Mullis Megan M. , Bird Jordan T. , Marshall Ian P. G. , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Lloyd Karen G. , Amend Jan P. , Kiel Reese Brandi 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMicrobial life in the deep subsurface biosphere is taxonomically and metabolically diverse, but it is vigorously debated whether the resident organisms are thriving (metabolizing, maintaining cellular integrity and expressing division genes) or just surviving. As part of Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 347: Baltic Sea Paleoenvironment, we extracted and sequenced RNA from organic carbon‐rich, nutrient‐replete and permanently anoxic sediment. In stark contrast to the oligotrophic subsurface biosphere, Baltic Sea Basin samples provided a unique opportunity to understand the balance between metabolism and other cellular processes. Targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA transcripts showed Atribacteria (an uncultured phylum) and Chloroflexi to be among the dominant and the active members of the community. Metatranscriptomic analysis identified methane cycling, sulfur cycling and halogenated compound utilization as active in situ respiratory metabolisms. Genes for cellular maintenance, cellular division, motility and antimicrobial production were also transcribed. This indicates that microbial life in deep subsurface Baltic Sea Basin sediments was not only alive, but thriving.
Effect of atopic dermatitis on quality of life and its psychosocial impact in Asian adolescents
Authors: Ng Michelle SY , Tan Shiyun , Chan Nicole HQ , Foong Alice YW , Koh Mark JA 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the paediatric population in Singapore. It is often associated with significant psychosocial morbidity and can affect patients' quality of life (QOL) tremendously. This study investigated the varying lifestyle impacts, and psychosocial domains most affected by AD in adolescent children in Singapore.MethodsA prospective study evaluating the impact of AD on the QOL of adolescents was conducted over a 6‐month period from July to December 2014. Adolescents aged 11–16 years with varying eczema severity were recruited. Eczema severity was determined by using the eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores. Lifestyle impact of AD was evaluated using patient‐reported children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) scores. Statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of one‐way variance and Student's t‐test.ResultsA total of 50 patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: mild (<10.3), moderate (10.3–20.9) and severe (>20.9) eczema based on EASI scores. Patients with mild and moderate eczema had lower CDLQI scores. Adolescents were most affected by the disruption that their symptoms had on their leisure and physical activities and sleep as a result of itch and scratching, respectively.ConclusionChronic sufferers of severe eczema experience poorer QOL than those with mild or moderate eczema. They also experience significant psychosocial impact as a consequence of their condition.
Systematic review: cost‐effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C genotypes 2‐6
Authors: He T. , Lopez‐Olivo M. A. , Hur C. , Chhatwal J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy; however, the cost and budget requirements for DAA treatment have been widely debated.AimsTo systematically review published studies evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of DAAs for HCV genotype 2‐6 infections, and synthesise and re‐evaluate results with updated drug prices.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of various electronic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EconLit for cost‐effectiveness studies published from 2011 to 2016. Studies evaluating DAAs for genotypes 2‐6 were included. Reported costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were abstracted. We re‐estimated ICERs by varying the price of DAAs from $20 000 to $100 000, and estimated the threshold price at which DAA regimens would be deemed cost‐effective (ICER≤$100 000/QALY).ResultsA total of 92 ICERs for 7 different DAA regimens from 10 published articles were included. Among the abstracted 92 ICERs, 20 were for genotype 2, 40 for genotype 3, 30 for genotype 4, 2 for genotype 5 and none for genotype 6; therefore, only genotypes 2‐5 were analysed. At the discounted price of $40 000, 87.0% analyses found DAA regiments to be cost‐effective, and 7.6% found to be cost‐saving. The median threshold price below which DAAs would be deemed cost‐effective was between $144 400 and $225 000, and cost‐saving between $17 300 and $25 400.ConclusionsHCV treatment with DAAs is highly cost‐effective in patients with HCV genotypes 2‐5 at a $100 000/QALY threshold. Timely HCV treatment would be an optimal strategy from both a public health and economic perspective.
Crossing the (Wallace) line: local abundance and distribution of mammals across biogeographic barriers
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Helmy Olga , Pangau‐Adam Margaretha , Ugiek Giyarto , Froese Graden , Granados Alys , Mohd‐Azlan Jayasilan , Bernard Henry , Giordano Anthony J. , Agil Muhammad , Haris Mustari Abdul 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPast and ongoing vertebrate introductions threaten to rearrange ecological communities in the Indo‐Malay Archipelago, one of Earth's most biodiverse regions. But the consequences of these translocations are difficult to predict. We compared local abundance and distributions in four tropical mammal lineages that have crossed from Asia to Wallacea or New Guinea. The local abundance of macaques (Macaca spp.), which naturally crossed Wallace's Line, was higher in Sulawesi (east of the line; mean = 3.7 individuals per camera station, 95% CI = 2.2: 5.1) than in Borneo (west of the line; mean = 1.1, CI = 0.8: 1.4), but the local abundance of Malay civets (Viverra tangalunga), Rusa deer, and Sus pigs was similar in their native ranges and where they had been introduced by humans east of Wallace's Line. Proximity to rivers increased Malay Civet local abundance and decreased the local abundance of pigs in parts of their introduced ranges (Maluku and New Guinea, respectively), while having no effect on local abundance in their native ranges (Borneo) or other areas where they have been introduced (Sulawesi). That local abundance was higher east of Wallace's Line in just one of four mammal lineages is consistent with findings from plant invasions, where most species have similar abundance in their native and introduced ranges. However, species’ ecology may change as they enter new communities, for example, their patterns of abundance at local scales. This could make it difficult to predict community structure in the face of ongoing species introductions.
Self-dsDNA in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bai Y , Tong Y , Liu Y , Hu H 
Published: August 2017

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic and poly-aetiological autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antibodies to autologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) which serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers. The defective clearance of apoptotic material, together with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), provides abundant chromatin or self-dsDNA to trigger the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies, although the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In SLE patients, the immune complex (IC) of dsDNA and its autoantibodies trigger the robust type I interferon (IFN-I) production through intracellular DNA sensors, which drives the adaptive immune system to break down self-tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the potential resources of self-dsDNA, the mechanisms of self-dsDNA-mediated inflammation through various DNA sensors and its functions in SLE pathogenesis.
Zika virus infection: Clinical overview with a summary of Japanese cases
Authors: Kutsuna Satoshi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractZika virus infection is a mosquito‐borne infection caused by the Zika virus, a member of the genus Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae. The infection is transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Sexual contact has also been reported to cause infection. It can be diagnosed based on the detection of the virus from blood or urine samples, detection of the viral genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, positive conversion of immunoglobulin M or neutralizing antibodies, or a significant increase in antibody titer in paired sera. No effective antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. On rare occasions, individuals infected with the Zika virus subsequently develop Guillain–Barré syndrome. In addition, pregnant women infected with the Zika virus can have an increased risk of fetal microcephaly, which has been recognized as a social problem. Finally, I summarized Zika virus infection in Japan as of June 2017.
Hepatic artery and biliary complications in liver transplant recipients with radioembolization bridging treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Radunz Sonia , Saner Fuat H. , Treckmann Jürgen , Rekowski Jan , Theysohn Jens M. , Müller Stefan , Best Jan , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Paul Andreas , Benkö Tamás 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundLocoregional bridging treatments are commonly applied in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation to prevent tumor progression during waiting time. It remains unknown whether pre‐transplant radioembolization treatment may increase the prevalence of hepatic artery and biliary complications post‐transplant.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 173 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation at our transplant center between January 2007 and December 2016.ResultsRadioembolization bridging treatment was applied in 42 patients while 131 patients received other or no forms of bridging treatment. The overall prevalence of intra‐operative and early post‐operative hepatic artery complications was 9.5% in the radioembolization group and 9.2% in the control group (P = 1.000). Biliary complications were significantly less frequent in the radioembolization group (4.8% vs 17.6%, P = .0442). In multivariable analysis, radioembolization was not significantly associated with an increased risk of arterial complications. Considering biliary complications, radioembolization bridging treatment was the only factor significantly associated with decreased odds (OR 0.187 (0.039, 0.892), P = .036).ConclusionsRadioembolization is not associated with higher odds of hepatic artery complications following liver transplantation. There may even be a protective effect regarding biliary complications. Radioembolization as a bridge to transplantation may effectively be applied without compromising successful liver transplantation.
Cover Image, Volume 19, Issue 9
Authors: Blundell John , Finlayson Graham , Axelsen Mads , Flint Anne , Gibbons Catherine , Kvist Trine , Hjerpsted Julie B. 
Published: August 2017

The cover image, by John Blundell et al., is based on the Original Article Effects of once‐weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity, DOI: 10.1111/dom.12932
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Competition and surface conditioning alter the adsorption of phenolic and amino acids on soil minerals
Authors: Gao J. , Jansen B. , Cerli C. , Helmus R. , Mikutta R. , Dultz S. , Guggenberger G. , Kalbitz K. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAdsorptive interactions of organic molecules with soil minerals often impair their bioavailability. However, little is known about the adsorption behaviour of phenolic and nitrogenous compounds on different minerals and their mutual interaction with respect to competition and surface conditioning (i.e. surface modification induced by preceding adsorption of the other class of compounds). Therefore, batch adsorption experiments were done to study the interaction between phenolic acids (PAs; salicylic acid, Sal; syringic acid, Syr; ferulic acid, Fer; vanillic acid, Van) and amino acids (AAs; lysine, Lys; glutamic acid, Glu; leucine, Leu; phenylalanine, Phe) during adsorption on goethite and Ca2+‐montmorillonite at pH 6 by applying adsorbate concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mm. Larger adsorption of PAs was observed on goethite than montmorillonite, whereas the phyllosilicate was a better adsorbent for AAs than the oxide. Among all tested PAs, Sal was preferentially adsorbed on both minerals. For the AAs, Glu was preferentially adsorbed on goethite and Lys on montmorillonite. The AAs were more competitive than PAs and partially suppressed the adsorption of PAs on both minerals. The adsorption of PAs or AAs on both minerals was enhanced by surface conditioning with the other group, with larger effects for goethite than montmorillonite. For goethite, surface conditioning by PAs enhanced the adsorption of AAs more (by 97–161%) than did AAs for PAs (9–48%). The results support the hypothesis that pre‐adsorption of one class of organic compound can enhance the retention of another class. This suggests that adsorbed organic matter on soil mineral phases might be subject to a self‐strengthening effect.Highlights
Phenolic acids (PAs) were preferentially retained on goethite.
Amino acids (AAs) were preferentially retained on montmorillonite.
AAs were more competitive than PAs for adsorption sites on both minerals.
Pre‐adsorption of one class of compound can enhance the retention of another class.