bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental‐mechanistic modelling of the impact of global change on human zoonotic disease emergence: a case study of Lassa fever
Authors: Redding David W. , Moses Lina M. , Cunningham Andrew A. , Wood James , Jones Kate E. 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Human infectious diseases are a significant threat to global human health and economies (e.g. Ebola, SARs), with the majority of infectious diseases having an animal source (zoonotic). Despite their importance, the lack of a quantitative predictive framework hampers our understanding of how spillovers of zoonotic infectious diseases into the human population will be impacted by global environmental stressors.

Here, we create an environmental‐mechanistic model for understanding the impact of global change on the probability of zoonotic disease reservoir host–human spillover events. As a case study, we focus on Lassa fever virus (LAS). We first quantify the spatial determinants of LAS outbreaks, including the phylogeographic distribution of its reservoir host Natal multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis) (LAS host). Secondly, we use these determinants to inform our environmental‐mechanistic model to estimate present‐day LAS spillover events and the predicted impact of climate change, human population growth and land use by 2070.

We find phylogeographic evidence to suggest that LAS is confined to only one clade of LAS host (Western clade Mastomys natalensis) and that the probability of its occurrence was a major determinant of the spatial variation in LAS historical outbreaks (69·8%), along with human population density (20·4%). Our estimates for present‐day LAS spillover events from our environmental‐mechanistic model were consistent with observed patterns, and we predict an increase in events per year by 2070 from 195 125 to 406 725 within the LAS endemic western African region. Of the component drivers, climate change and human population growth are predicted to have the largest effects by increasing landscape suitability for the host and human–host contact rates, while land‐use change has only a weak impact on the number of future events.

LAS spillover events did not respond uniformly to global environmental stressors, and we suggest that understanding the impact of global change on zoonotic infectious disease emergence requires an understanding of how reservoir host species respond to environmental change. Our environmental‐mechanistic modelling methodology provides a novel generalizable framework to understand the impact of global change on the spillover of zoonotic diseases.
A protocol for conducting and presenting results of regression‐type analyses
Authors: Zuur Alain F. , Ieno Elena N. 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Scientific investigation is of value only insofar as relevant results are obtained and communicated, a task that requires organizing, evaluating, analysing and unambiguously communicating the significance of data. In this context, working with ecological data, reflecting the complexities and interactions of the natural world, can be a challenge. Recent innovations for statistical analysis of multifaceted interrelated data make obtaining more accurate and meaningful results possible, but key decisions of the analyses to use, and which components to present in a scientific paper or report, may be overwhelming.

We offer a 10‐step protocol to streamline analysis of data that will enhance understanding of the data, the statistical models and the results, and optimize communication with the reader with respect to both the procedure and the outcomes. The protocol takes the investigator from study design and organization of data (formulating relevant questions, visualizing data collection, data exploration, identifying dependency), through conducting analysis (presenting, fitting and validating the model) and presenting output (numerically and visually), to extending the model via simulation. Each step includes procedures to clarify aspects of the data that affect statistical analysis, as well as guidelines for written presentation. Steps are illustrated with examples using data from the literature.

Following this protocol will reduce the organization, analysis and presentation of what may be an overwhelming information avalanche into sequential and, more to the point, manageable, steps. It provides guidelines for selecting optimal statistical tools to assess data relevance and significance, for choosing aspects of the analysis to include in a published report and for clearly communicating information.
Shock treatment in a cohort of Scandinavian intensive care units in 2014
Authors: Kollind M. , Wickbom F. , Wilkman E. , Snäckestrand M. S. C. , Holmén A. , Oldner A. , Perner A. , Åneman A. , Chew M. S. ,   for the Scandinavian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: June 2016

BackgroundShock is common in intensive care units, and treatment includes fluids, vasopressor and/or inotropic drugs, guided by hemodynamic monitoring. The aim of this study was to identify current practice for treatment of shock in Scandinavian intensive care units.MethodsSeven‐day inception cohort study in 43 intensive care units in Scandinavia. Patients ≥ 15 years old receiving more than 4 h of cardiovascular acting drug infusion were included. The use of fluids, vasopressor and inotropic drugs, type of monitoring, and target values were recorded.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐one patients were included. At inclusion, 136/168 (81%) had received vasopressor and/or inotropic drug therapy for less than 24 h, and 143/171 (84%) had received volume loading before the onset of vasoactive drug treatment. Ringer's solution was given to 129/143 (90%) of patients and starches in 3/143 (2%) patients. Noradrenaline was the most commonly used cardiovascular acting drug, given in 168/171 (98%) of cases while dopamine was rarely used. Mean arterial pressure was considered the most important variable for hemodynamic monitoring. Invasive arterial blood pressure was monitored in 166/171 (97%) of patients, arterial pulse wave analysis in 11/171 (7%), and echocardiography in 50/171 (29%).ConclusionIn this survey, Ringer's solution and noradrenaline were the most common first‐line treatments in shock. The use of starches and dopamine were rare. Almost all patients were monitored with invasive arterial blood pressure, but comprehensive hemodynamic monitoring was used only in a minority of patients.
The distribution and occurrence of mosquito larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Tongatapu Island Group, Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Swan Tom , Harding Jon 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe global expansion of air, sea and land transport networks has greatly enhanced the spread of mosquitoes internationally. In the Pacific, the incidence of mosquito‐borne diseases has been increasing in recent years. The Kingdom of Tonga has had numerous disease outbreaks from dengue fever and chikungunya viruses over recent years. Previous research has catalogued mosquito species occurrences and distributions throughout Tonga. However, it is unknown whether new species have arrived in Tonga, and if distribution of previously found species has changed since the last comprehensive survey in 2006. Consequently, we conducted a mosquito larval survey between November and December 2013 at 84 sites across four islands (Tongatapu, Pangaimotu, 'Oneata and 'Eua) in the Tongatapu Island Group to record the distribution and occurrence of mosquito larvae. Larvae were more frequently collected in artificial (e.g. abandoned car tyres, 55‐gallon plastic drums and plastic containers) than natural (e.g. pools, ponds and tree holes) habitats. Larvae of nine mosquito species were collected in the Tongatapu Island Group: Aedes aegypti, A. albopictus, A. tongae, A. horrescens, A. vexans nocturnus, Culex annulirostris, C. albinervis, C. quinquefasciatus and C. sitiens. Eight species were collected on Tongatapu Island (A. horrescens being absent), four species on 'Oneata Island (A. albopictus, A. horrescens, C. quinquefasciatus and C. annulirostris), four species on 'Eua Island (A. aegypti, A. albopictus, A. tongae and C. quinquefasciatus) and one on Pangaimotu Island (A. aegypti). Species collected from 'Eua and 'Oneata islands represent first‐time collections of these species on these islands. Aedes aegypti, A.albopictus and C. quinquefasciatus were the three most common species collected and have markedly increased their distribution since the 2006 survey. The collection of A. albopictus is the second time that this species has been recorded in Tonga; however, the spatial extent of this species throughout Tongatapu was far greater than previously recorded. Management should focus on reducing the number of artificial habitats by covering, emptying or infilling these habitats with soil to minimise mosquito oviposition. This should reduce the abundance of mosquitoes and help prevent disease outbreak in Tonga.
The interleukin‐6/Janus kinase/STAT3 pathway in pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland
Authors: Andreasen Simon , Heegaard Steffen , Grauslund Morten , Homøe Preben 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPurposePleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common tumour of the lacrimal gland, but very little is known about its biology. It has a tendency to recur and an ability to transform into the high‐grade malignancy carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (ca‐ex‐PA), which is also largely unexplored. In this study, we examine the expression of the interleukin‐6/Janus kinase/STAT3 (IL‐6/JAK/STAT3) pathway components in PA and ca‐ex‐PA.MethodsSixteen PAs and two ca‐ex‐PAs were examined with immunohistochemistry. Seven PAs were subjected to microdissection and subsequent qPCR.ResultsThe IL‐6/JAK/STAT3 pathway was overexpressed in PA compared to normal lacrimal gland. Overexpression of phosphorylated JAK1 (p‐JAK1) and cyclin D1 was significantly overexpressed in ductal cells compared with myoepithelial cells in PA. A shift from p‐JAK1 to p‐JAK2 and p‐Tyk2 overexpression was seen between PA and ca‐ex‐PA, combined with a high p‐STAT3 expression in the latter.ConclusionThe IL‐6/JAK/STAT3 pathway is overexpressed in PA, and this overexpression was even more pronounced in ca‐ex‐PA, with a shift in the JAKs mediating STAT3 phosphorylation. Future studies are needed to clarify whether PA and ca‐ex‐PA could be treated with targeted therapy directed against components of the IL‐6/JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Approaches to teaching online: Exploring factors influencing teachers in a fully online university
Authors: Badia Antoni , Garcia Consuelo , Meneses Julio 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn recent years there has been widespread interest in the implementation of online courses in universities. While most studies about online learning environments primarily focus on technology‐related issues or instructional methods, little attention has been given to online teachers and their teaching approaches. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how teachers approach online teaching and the factors affecting individual teachers’ approaches to teaching online, particularly in a fully online university. Nine hundred and sixty‐five (965) online teachers belonging to the Open University of Catalonia were surveyed. The dependent variables include three approaches to teaching online: the Content Acquisition approach, the Collaborative Learning approach, and the Knowledge Building approach. The explanatory variables are socio‐demographics, academic background, online teaching experience, studies taught, online teaching dedication, and teachers’ roles in teaching online. Multiple regression analyses are used to make inferential judgements and test the effects of the independent variables. Findings suggest that age, academic background, online teaching dedication, and especially teachers’ roles in teaching online are important predictors of the adoption of a particular approach to teaching online.
Elevated levels of macromolecular damage are correlated with increased nitric oxide synthase expression in erythrocytes isolated from twin neonates
Authors: Dugmonits Krisztina N. , Ferencz Ágnes , Zahorán Szabolcs , Lázár Renáta , Talapka Petra , Orvos Hajnalka , Hermesz Edit 
Published: June 2016

SummaryPregnancy is a state associated with an enhanced metabolism and demand for O2, which may lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hence to oxidative stress. An elevated ROS level may result in delayed development and a low birth weight. The aim of this study was to reveal the consequences of multiple pregnancies on the redox status of neonatal human red blood cells (RBCs) and evaluate the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) – expressing RBCs in the generation of oxidative stress. The study presents evidence of higher levels of production of hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite and nitrate content in the RBCs of twin neonates, clearly reflected by an elevated level of protein and lipid damages. This phenotype appears to be a consequence of multiple pregnancies, regardless of the level of maturity or the birth weight of the twins. Besides the higher level of ROS, there was a general decrease in the expression of genes coding for antioxidants. The first data are presented on NOS3‐expressing neonatal human RBCs. The number of RBCs producing NOS3 was more than twice as high in twin neonates compared to singletons, with no correlation to maturity.
Visual–motor integration performance in children with severe specific language impairment
Authors: Nicola K. , Watter P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated (1) the visual–motor integration (VMI) performance of children with severe specific language impairment (SLI), and any effect of age, gender, socio‐economic status and concomitant speech impairment; and (2) the relationship between language and VMI performance. It is hypothesized that children with severe SLI would present with VMI problems irrespective of gender and socio‐economic status; however, VMI deficits will be more pronounced in younger children and those with concomitant speech impairment. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that there will be a relationship between VMI and language performance, particularly in receptive scores.MethodsChildren enrolled between 2000 and 2008 in a school dedicated to children with severe speech‐language impairments were included, if they met the criteria for severe SLI with or without concomitant speech impairment which was verified by a government organization. Results from all initial standardized language and VMI assessments found during a retrospective review of chart files were included.ResultsThe final study group included 100 children (males = 76), from 4 to 14 years of age with mean language scores at least 2SD below the mean. For VMI performance, 52% of the children scored below −1SD, with 25% of the total group scoring more than 1.5SD below the mean. Age, gender and the addition of a speech impairment did not impact on VMI performance; however, children living in disadvantaged suburbs scored significantly better than children residing in advantaged suburbs. Receptive language scores of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals was the only score associated with and able to predict VMI performance.ConclusionsA small subgroup of children with severe SLI will also have poor VMI skills. The best predictor of poor VMI is receptive language scores on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals. Children with poor receptive language performance may benefit from VMI assessment and multidisciplinary management.
Effect of testosterone on hepcidin, ferroportin, ferritin and iron binding capacity in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dhindsa Sandeep , Ghanim Husam , Batra Manav , Kuhadiya Nitesh D. , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Green Kelly , Makdissi Antoine , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh 
Published: June 2016

SummaryContextAs the syndrome of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is associated with anaemia and the administration of testosterone restores haematocrit to normal, we investigated the potential underlying mechanisms.DesignRandomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.MethodsWe measured basal serum concentrations of erythropoietin, iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin (saturated and unsaturated), ferritin and hepcidin and the expression of ferroportin and transferrin receptor (TR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of 94 men with type 2 diabetes. Forty‐four men had HH (defined as subnormal free testosterone along with low or normal LH concentrations) while 50 were eugonadal. Men with HH were randomized to testosterone or placebo treatment every 2 weeks for 15 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 3 and 15 weeks after starting treatment. Twenty men in testosterone group and 14 men in placebo group completed the study.ResultsHaematocrit levels were lower in men with HH (41·1 ± 3·9% vs 43·8 ± 3·4%, P = 0·001). There were no differences in plasma concentrations of hepcidin, ferritin, erythropoietin, transferrin or iron, or in the expression of ferroportin or TR in MNC among HH and eugonadal men. Haematocrit increased to 45·3 ± 4·5%, hepcidin decreased by 28 ± 7% and erythropoietin increased by 21 ± 7% after testosterone therapy (P < 0·05). There was no significant change in ferritin concentrations, but transferrin concentration increased while transferrin saturation and iron concentrations decreased (P < 0·05). Ferroportin and TR mRNA expression in MNC increased by 70 ± 13% and 43 ± 10%, respectively (P < 0·01), after testosterone therapy.ConclusionsThe increase in haematocrit following testosterone therapy is associated with an increase in erythropoietin, the suppression of hepcidin, and an increase in the expression of ferroportin and TR.
Heparin infusion in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation reduces graft thrombosis and improves graft survival
Authors: Aboalsamh Ghaleb , Anderson Patrick , Al‐Abbassi Amira , McAlister Vivian , Luke Patrick P. , Sener Alp 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionThrombosis of the pancreas after transplantation is the most common cause of relaparotomy and resultant graft loss. There is currently no standard protocol consistently proven to prevent thrombosis following transplantation. Our objective was to determine whether our protocol of post‐operative low‐dose intravenous (IV) heparin infusion would prevent graft thrombosis without additional complications in our patients.MethodsA total of 66 simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplants were performed at our institution from 2004 to 2014. Patients were divided into 2 retrospective cohort groups. Group 1 patients received only acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 81 mg/d started on post‐operative day 1. Group 2 patients received IV heparin infusion beginning in the recovery room at a rate of 500 IU/h for the first 24 hours, reduced by 100 IU/h every day to stop on day 5, and then received ASA 81 mg/d afterward. Outcome and complication rates were compared between the two groups for 5 years post‐transplant.ResultsWe observed a significant reduction in graft thrombosis and graft loss with (0/29) patients in the heparin group vs (7/33) 25.7% from the non‐heparin (P<.01) with no differences in complication rates.ConclusionsWe present a heparin infusion protocol which may help prevent graft thrombosis and graft loss in SPK transplantation.
African horse sickness: The potential for an outbreak in disease‐free regions and current disease control and elimination techniques
Authors: Robin M. , Page P. , Archer D. , Baylis M. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryAfrican horse sickness (AHS) is an arboviral disease of equids transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. The virus is endemic in parts of sub‐Saharan Africa and official AHS disease‐free status can be obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health on fulfilment of a number of criteria. AHS is associated with case fatality rates of up to 95%, making an outbreak among naïve horses both a welfare and economic disaster. The worldwide distributions of similar vector‐borne diseases (particularly bluetongue disease of ruminants) are changing rapidly, probably due to a combination of globalisation and climate change. There is extensive evidence that the requisite conditions for an AHS epizootic currently exist in disease‐free countries. In particular, although the stringent regulations enforced upon competition horses make them extremely unlikely to redistribute the virus, there are great concerns over the effects of illegal equid movement. An outbreak of AHS in a disease free region would have catastrophic effects on equine welfare and industry, particularly for international events such as the Olympic Games. While many regions have contingency plans in place to manage an outbreak of AHS, further research is urgently required if the equine industry is to avoid or effectively contain an AHS epizootic in disease‐free regions. This review describes the key aspects of AHS as a global issue and discusses the evidence supporting concerns that an epizootic may occur in AHS free countries, the planned government responses, and the roles and responsibilities of equine veterinarians.
Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia: climate trends and regional pasture production in Brazil
Authors: Pezzopane J. R. M. , Santos P. M. , Evangelista S. R. M. , Bosi C. , Cavalcante A. C. R. , Bettiol G. M. , de Miranda Gomide C. A. , Pellegrino G. Q. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractProjected change in forage production under a range of climate scenarios is important for the evaluation of the impacts of global climate change on pasture‐based livestock production systems in Brazil. We evaluated the effects of regional climate trends on Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia production, predicted by an agro‐meteorological model considering the sum of degree days and corrected by a water availability index. Data from Brazilian weather stations (1963–2009) were considered as the current climate (baseline), and future scenarios, based on contrasting scenarios in terms of increased temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations (high and low increases), were determined for 2013–2040 (2025 scenario) and for 2043–2070 (2055 scenario). Predicted baseline scenarios indicated that there are regional and seasonal variations in P. maximum production related to variation in temperature and water availability during the year. Production was lower in the Northeast region and higher in the rainforest area. Total annual production under future climate scenarios was predicted to increase by up to 20% for most of the Brazilian area, mainly due to temperature increase, according to each climate model and scenario evaluated. The highest increase in forage production is expected to be in the South, Southeast and Central‐west areas of Brazil. In these regions, future climate scenarios will not lead to changes in the seasonal production, with larger increases in productivity during the summer. Climate risk is expected to decrease, as the probability of occurrence of low forage productions will be lower. Due to the predicted increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall in the Northeast area, P. maximum production is expected to decrease, mainly when considering scenarios based on the PRECIS model for the 2055 scenario.