bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns and dynamics of European vegetation change over the last 15,000 years
Authors: Giesecke Thomas , Brewer Simon , Finsinger Walter , Leydet Michelle , Bradshaw Richard H.W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimPalaeoecological reconstructions document past vegetation change, with estimates of fast shifts in species distributions. The resulting rates of plant spread are often not matched by model simulations of climate‐driven vegetation dynamics. Genetic surveys of extant plant populations document directions of the post‐glacial spread of trees, challenging traditional interpretations. Our aim is to examine an updated continental pollen data set from Europe in the light of the new ideas about vegetation dynamics emerging from genetic research and vegetation modelling studies.LocationEurope.MethodsWe use pollen data from the European Pollen Database (EPD) to construct interpolated maps of pollen percentages documenting changes in the distribution and abundance of major plant genera and the grass family in Europe over the last 15,000 years.ResultsOur analyses confirm high rates of post‐glacial spread with at least 1000 m year−1 for Corylus, Ulmus and Alnus and average rates of 400 m year−1 for Tilia, Quercus, Fagus and Carpinus. The late Holocene expansions of Picea and Fagus populations in many European regions cannot be explained by migrational lag. Both taxa shift their population centres towards the Atlantic coast suggesting that climate may have played a role in the timing of their expansions. The slowest rates of spread were reconstructed for Abies.Main conclusionsThe calculated rates of post‐glacial plant spread are higher in Europe than those from North America, which may be due to more rapid shifts in climate mediated by the Gulf Stream and westerly winds. Late Holocene anthropogenic land use practices in Europe had major effects on individual taxa, which in combination with climate change contributed to shifts in areas of abundance and dominance. The high rates of spread calculated from the European pollen data are consistent with rapid tracking of early Holocene climate change by common tree species, documenting that plants can spread fast tracing their climate space, regardless of their dispersal strategy.
Biogeographical assessment of myxomycete assemblages from Neotropical and Asian Palaeotropical forests
Authors: Dagamac Nikki Heherson A. , Novozhilov Yuri K. , Stephenson Steven L. , Lado Carlos , Rojas Carlos , dela Cruz Thomas Edison E. , Unterseher Martin , Schnittler Martin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimLowland/highland and Neotropical/Asian Palaeotropical assemblages of myxomycetes were compared to test the null hypothesis that neither species diversity nor species composition differs between the two ecoregions. This can be expected if myxomycetes behave as ubiquists and are capable of unlimited long distance dispersal.LocationFour pairs (lowland/highland) of comprehensive regional surveys encompassing c. 7500 specimens were compared; these represented Neotropical (Yasuni/Maquipucuna in Ecuador; Guanacaste/Monteverde in Costa Rica) and Asian Palaeotropical forests (Cat Tien/Bi Dup Nui Ba in Vietnam; Chiang Mai in Thailand/South Luzon in the Philippines).MethodsEach survey was carried out in an area characterized by relatively homogenous vegetation consisting of natural or near‐natural forests, and incorporated both field collecting and the use of moist chamber cultures, and all observed fructifications were recorded. Analyses of diversity (i.e. richness) and community composition were carried out with EstimateS and R.ResultsBetween 400 and 2500 records per survey were obtained. Species accumulation curves indicated moderate to nearly exhaustive completeness (70–94% of expected species richness recorded). Multivariate analyses suggest that geographical separation (Neotropic versus Palaeotropic) explained the observed differences in composition of myxomycete assemblages better than habitat differences (lowland versus highland forests).Main ConclusionBoth geographically restricted morphospecies and differences in myxomycete assemblages provide evidence that myxomycetes are not ubiquists but tend to follow the moderate endemicity hypothesis of protist biogeography.
Different antibiotic protocols in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis: A 1‐year randomized trial
Authors: Borges Ivan , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Retamal‐Valdes Belén , Montenegro Sheyla Christinne Lira , Feres Magda 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the clinical effects of different dosages of metronidazole (MTZ) and durations of MTZ + amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis (GChP).Material and MethodsSubjects with severe GChP were randomly assigned to receive scaling and root planing (SRP)‐only, or combined with 250 or 400 mg of MTZ + AMX (500 mg) thrice a day (TID), for 7 or 14 days. Subjects were monitored for 1 year.ResultsOne hundred and nine subjects were enrolled. At 1 year, 61.9% and 63.6% of the subjects receiving AMX + 250 or 400 mg of MTZ for 14 days, respectively, reached the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤4 sites with probing depth ≥5 mm), against 31.8% of those taking 250 or 400 mg of MTZ for 7 days (p < .05) and 13.6% of those receiving SRP‐only (p < .05). Fourteen days of MTZ + AMX was the only significant predictor of subjects reaching the clinical endpoint at 1 year (OR, 5.26; 95% CI, 2.3–12.1, p = .0000). The frequency of adverse events did not differ among treatment groups (p > .05).ConclusionThe adjunctive use of 400 or 250 mg of MTZ plus 500 mg of AMX/TID/14 days offers statistically significant and clinically relevant benefits over those achieved with SRP alone in the treatment of severe GChP. The added benefits of the 7‐days regimen in this population were less evident. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02735395).
Performance of scoring systems to predict mortality of patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Yi‐Xiang , Zhong Xiao , Li Ya‐Jun , Fan Xue‐Gong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and AimAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) has characteristic feature of multisystem organ failure, rapid progression, and low early transplant‐free survival. We performed a meta‐analysis to determine the accuracy of five scoring systems in predicting mortality of ACLF patients.MethodsA systematic database search was performed, and retrieved articles were graded according to methodological quality. Collated data was meta‐analyzed by hierarchical summarized receiver operating characteristic model and bivariate model to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of scoring systems.ResultsOf 4223 studies identified, 26 studies involving 4732 ACLF patients were included. The model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was found to have largest the area under summarized receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) (0.82) compared with other estimated scoring systems, especially for 3‐month mortality. MELD serum sodium (MELD‐Na) score showed homologous high accuracy, with the AUROC was 0.81. However, meta‐analyses of 16 studies showed that Child–Pugh–Turcotte score had least AUROC (0.71). Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score presented moderately lower diagnostic accuracy, with AUROC being 0.73. Moreover, chronic liver failure‐SOFA score presented excellent accuracy of prognostication with highest diagnostic odds ratios.ConclusionThis review demonstrated that MELD had moderate diagnostic accuracy to predict mortality of ACLF patients. Considering the expectative diagnostic value, chronic liver failure‐SOFA could be regarded as a promising replacement of MELD. To improve the predictive power of scoring systems, multicenter prospective studies of large sample sizes with long‐term follow‐up are needed.
Transcript profiling of a novel plant meristem, the monocot cambium
Authors: Zinkgraf Matthew , Gerttula Suzanne , Groover Andrew 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWhile monocots lack the ability to produce a vascular cambium or woody growth, some monocot lineages evolved a novel lateral meristem, the monocot cambium, which supports secondary radial growth of stems. In contrast to the vascular cambium found in woody angiosperm and gymnosperm species, the monocot cambium produces secondary vascular bundles, which have an amphivasal organization of tracheids encircling a central strand of phloem. Currently there is no information concerning the molecular genetic basis of the development or evolution of the monocot cambium. Here we report high‐quality transcriptomes for monocot cambium and early derivative tissues in two monocot genera, Yucca and Cordyline. Monocot cambium transcript profiles were compared to those of vascular cambia and secondary xylem tissues of two forest tree species, Populus trichocarpa and Eucalyptus grandis. Monocot cambium transcript levels showed that there are extensive overlaps between the regulation of monocot cambia and vascular cambia. Candidate regulatory genes that vary between the monocot and vascular cambia were also identified, and included members of the KANADI and CLE families involved in polarity and cell‐cell signaling, respectively. We suggest that the monocot cambium may have evolved in part through reactivation of genetic mechanisms involved in vascular cambium regulation.
Molecular regulation of sucrose catabolism and sugar transport for development, defence and phloem function
Authors: Li Jun , Wu Limin , Foster Ryan , Ruan Yong‐Ling 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSucrose (Suc) is the major end product of photosynthesis in mesophyll cells of most vascular plants. It is loaded into phloem of mature leaves for long‐distance translocation to non‐photosynthetic organs where it is unloaded for diverse uses. Clearly, Suc transport and metabolism is central to plant growth and development and the functionality of the entire vascular system. Despite vast information in the literature about the physiological roles of individual sugar metabolic enzymes and transporters, there is a lack of systematic evaluation about their molecular regulation from transcriptional to post‐translational levels. Knowledge on this topic is essential for understanding and improving plant development, optimizing resource distribution and increasing crop productivity. We therefore focused our analyses on molecular control of key players in Suc metabolism and transport, including: (i) the identification of promoter elements responsive to sugars and hormones or targeted by transcription factors and microRNAs degrading transcripts of target genes; and (ii) modulation of enzyme and transporter activities through protein‐protein interactions and other post‐translational modifications. We have highlighted major remaining questions and discussed opportunities to exploit current understanding to gain new insights into molecular control of carbon partitioning for improving plant performance.
The effect of smoking on inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival microbiota following periodontal therapy
Authors: Bunæs D. F. , Mustafa M. , Mohamed H. G. , Lie S. A. , Leknes K. N. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivePeriodontal health is mediated by suppressing microorganisms inducing a local inflammatory host response. Smoking may impair this process. This study compares gingival crevicular fluid levels of inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in heavy smokers and non‐smokers following active and supportive periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.Material and MethodsGingival crevicular fluid and subgingival plaque were collected from the deepest periodontal pocket in 50 patients, 25 smokers and 25 non‐smokers, at baseline (T0), following active (T1) and 12 mo of supportive periodontal therapy (T2). Smoking status was validated measuring serum cotinine levels. Gingival crevicular fluid levels of 27 inflammatory and two bone remodeling markers were analyzed using multiplex and singleplex micro‐bed immunoassays, and subgingival plaque samples using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Amounts of markers in smokers and non‐smokers were compared calculating the effect size.ResultsExpression of inflammatory and bone‐remodeling markers in smokers demonstrated an overall reduced effect size at T0 and T2 (p < 0.001). In particular, proinflammatory markers (p < 0.001), chemokines (p = 0.007) and growth factors (p = 0.003) at T0, osteoprotegerin (p = 0.003) at T1, proinflammatory markers (p = 0.019) and chemokines (p = 0.005) at T2. At T2, interleukin‐8 was detected in significantly higher levels in smokers. Ten different markers in non‐smokers and none in smokers responded to periodontal therapy (p < 0.05). An overall negative association was revealed between smoking and subgroups of markers at sites presenting ≥ 105 red complex periodontal microbial species.ConclusionExcept for an upregulation of interleukin‐8, smokers exhibited reduced gingival crevicular fluid levels of several inflammatory markers at baseline and following active and supportive periodontal therapy. Only inflammatory responses in non‐smokers adapted to periodontal therapy. Apparently, there seems to be an immunosuppressant effect of smoking regulating the local inflammatory response and bone remodeling markers captured in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal therapy.
Heterogeneity in Labour Supply Responses: Evidence from a Major Tax Reform
Authors: Mastrogiacomo Mauro , Bosch Nicole M. , Gielen Miriam D. A. C. , Jongen Egbert L. W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe use a large and rich administrative household panel data set to estimate labour supply responses for a large number of subgroups in the Netherlands. The identification of the parameters benefits from a major tax reform in the data period. We uncover large differences in behavioural responses. In particular, we find differences in labour supply responses between households with and without children that are much bigger than suggested by previous studies that had to pool these household types in the estimation of preferences. An efficient tax‐benefit system should take the substantial heterogeneity in behavioural responses into account.
SyntEyes KTC: higher order statistical eye model for developing keratoconus
Authors: Rozema Jos J. , Rodriguez Pablo , Ruiz Hidalgo Irene , Navarro Rafael , Tassignon Marie‐José , Koppen Carina 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeTo present and validate a stochastic eye model for developing keratoconus to e.g. improve optical corrective strategies. This could be particularly useful for researchers that do not have access to original keratoconic data.MethodsThe Scheimpflug tomography, ocular biometry and wavefront of 145 keratoconic right eyes were collected. These data were processed using principal component analysis for parameter reduction, followed by a multivariate Gaussian fit that produces a stochastic model for keratoconus (SyntEyes KTC). The output of this model is filtered to remove the occasional incorrect topography patterns by either an automatic or manual procedure. Finally, the output of this keratoconus model is matched to that of the original model for normal eyes using the non‐corneal biometry to obtain a description of keratoconus development.ResultsThe synthetic data generated by the model were found to be significantly equal to the original data (non‐parametric Mann–Whitney equivalence test; 145/154 passed). The variability of the synthetic data, however, was often significantly less than that of the original data, especially for the higher order Zernike terms of corneal elevation (non‐parametric Levene test; p < 0.05/154). These results remained generally the same after applying either filter procedure to remove the synthetic eyes with incorrect topographies. Interpolation between matched pairs of normal and keratoconic SyntEyes appears to provide an adequate model for keratoconus progression.ConclusionThe synthetic data provided by the proposed keratoconus model closely resembles actual clinical data and may be used for a range of research applications when (sufficient) real data is not available.
Tracheal extubation practices following adenotonsillectomy in children: effects on operating room efficiency between two institutions
Authors: Kako Hiromi , Corridore Marco , Seo Sarah , Elmaraghy Charles , Lind Meredith , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAdenotonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed operative procedures in children. It is imperative to find the most efficient and cost‐effective methods of practice to facilitate operating room management while maintaining patient safety. We investigated the efficiency of two different approaches of tracheal extubation in pediatric patients following adenotonsillectomy at two tertiary care pediatric hospitals with large surgical volumes. The primary aim of the study was to determine the difference in the operating room time according to the institutional practice of tracheal extubation in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) as compared to the operating room.MethodsAfter obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed over a 12‐month period at two large, tertiary care children's hospitals including the first hospital, where patients undergo tracheal extubation in the operating room after completion of the surgical procedure and a second hospital, where patients are brought directly to the PACU and undergo tracheal extubation in the PACU by nurses, with immediate availability of the pediatric anesthesiology faculty. Patients ≤12 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease or scheduled for recovery in the critical care unit were excluded. Patient demographics, total time in the operating room, surgical time, total time in the PACU, and, when applicable, time until tracheal extubation, were noted.ResultsThe study cohort included 672 patients from the first hospital and 700 patients from the second hospital. Average operating room time was 17 min shorter at the first hospital than at the other, with most of the difference due to a reduction in the time between surgery end and transport from the operating room. PACU times were also 26 min shorter at the first hospital than at the second children's hospital.ConclusionTracheal extubation in the PACU is an efficient use of operating room time and resources.
Perceptions of health among Black adults living in a diverse urban community
Authors: Sachs Dahnika , Peltzer Jill N. , McGee Jerrihlyn L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's culture of health initiative advocates for making health a shared value. Health cannot be a shared value without an understanding of how health is defined and perceived. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine community members’ perceptions of health and influencing factors, including health care services.Design and SampleData were collected through a purposive sample of nine focus groups with 52 participants who were primarily Black (94%) and female (65%). The mean age was 50 years. The average education was 14 years. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsFour themes were developed: health is resilience to deal with life's challenges describes health as necessary to deal with daily challenges; external perceptions affect community identity represents perceptions that other metropolitan counties are flourishing while this county remains depressed, negatively impacting individual and community identity; structural barriers negatively impact health describes a lack of adequate resources to achieve or maintain health, as defined by the participants; and mistrust influences health‐seeking behaviors reflects perceptions of differential treatment.ConclusionsThis study provides unique information to nurses and other health care providers about urban‐residing community members’ perceptions of health and health care services. Providing a voice to residents regarding personal, family, and community health is imperative in making health a shared value to achieve the goals of population health, well‐being, and equity.
The Phototoxic Potential of the Flavonoids, Taxifolin and Quercetin
Authors: Rajnochová Svobodová Alena , Ryšavá Alena , Psotová Michaela , Kosina Pavel , Zálešák Bohumil , Ulrichová Jitka , Vostálová Jitka 
Published: March 2017

AbstractQuercetin, one of the most abundant polyphenols in the plant kingdom has been shown to be photodegraded on exposure to UV light. Despite the fact, it is a component of several dermatological preparations. Its phototoxic potential has not been evaluated to date. The aim of this study was to assess whether photo‐induced degradation of quercetin is linked to phototoxic effects on living cells. Its dihydro derivative, taxifolin, was included in the study. For evaluation, the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test according to OECD TG 432 was used. To better approximate human skin, HaCaT keratinocytes, normal human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts were used, apart from the Balb/c 3T3 cell line. Quercetin showed a dose‐dependent photodegradation in aqueous and organic environments and a phototoxic effect on all used cells. Quercetin pretreatment and following UVA exposure resulted in increased reactive oxygen species production and intracellular glutathione level depletion in human dermal fibroblasts. Taxifolin was found completely nonphototoxic and photostable. As only in vitro methodology was used, further studies using 3D skin models and/or human volunteers are needed to confirm whether exposure to sunlight, tanning sunbeds and/or phototherapy in people using cosmetics containing quercetin is a health risk.