bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What's in a Name? The Incorrect Use of Case Series as a Study Design Label in Studies Involving Dogs and Cats
Authors: Sargeant J.M. , O'Connor A.M. , Cullen J.N. , Makielski K.M. , Jones‐Bitton A. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundStudy design labels are used to identify relevant literature to address specific clinical and research questions and to aid in evaluating the evidentiary value of research. Evidence from the human healthcare literature indicates that the label “case series” may be used inconsistently and inappropriately.ObjectiveOur primary objective was to determine the proportion of studies in the canine and feline veterinary literature labeled as case series that actually corresponded to descriptive cohort studies, population‐based cohort studies, or other study designs. Our secondary objective was to identify the proportion of case series in which potentially inappropriate inferential statements were made.DesignDescriptive evaluation of published literature.ParticipantsOne‐hundred published studies (from 19 journals) labeled as case series.MethodsStudies were identified by a structured literature search, with random selection of 100 studies from the relevant citations. Two reviewers independently characterized each study, with disagreements resolved by consensus.ResultsOf the 100 studies, 16 were case series. The remaining studies were descriptive cohort studies (35), population‐based cohort studies (36), or other observational or experimental study designs (13). Almost half (48.8%) of the case series or descriptive cohort studies, with no control group and no formal statistical analysis, included inferential statements about the efficacy of treatment or statistical significance of potential risk factors.ConclusionsAuthors, peer‐reviewers, and editors should carefully consider the design elements of a study to accurately identify and label the study design. Doing so will facilitate an understanding of the evidentiary value of the results.
Alpine cushion plants have species–specific effects on microhabitat and community structure in the tropical Andes
Authors: Hupp Nicole , Llambí Luis Daniel , Ramírez Lirey , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionSpecies–specific interactions can connect particular species to others, which has important implications for species interdependence and co‐existence. However, species‐specific effects of ecosystem engineers remain little explored, particularly in the alpine tropics. We investigated the effects of two cushion plants with subtle differences in morphological traits in a tropical Andean ecosystem. We asked whether these foundation species differed in their effects on local abiotic factors, species richness and the structure of plant assemblages growing within them.LocationLa Culata National Park, northern tropical Andes, Venezuela.MethodsWe determined shallow soil temperature, soil organic matter and water content within two co‐existing cushion species, the larger and more compact Azorella julianii and the smaller and denser Arenaria musciformis, and in adjacent open areas. We also recorded the total number of plant species growing within both cushion species, and in paired open areas at three sites. We then compared local species richness, total plant abundance and the abundance of each species within cushions and outside using the relative interaction index (RII), and community dissimilarity patterns using NMDS ordination. We also compared species accumulation curves across sites between the cushions and open areas.ResultsBoth cushions had similar positive effects on soil organic matter, but soil water content was increased only with Azorella. Both cushions had a positive effect on local species richness and total plant abundance. In addition, both species significantly modified species abundance patterns, showing a positive association with several species, many of them grasses. However, facilitative effects on other species were generally stronger for Azorella than Arenaria. Moreover, community structure of plants growing within the two cushion plants differed. The exotic invader Rumex acetosella increased in abundance within Azorella but not Arenaria.ConclusionsWe found evidence for species‐specific effects of ecosystem engineers in the alpine tropics; two cushion species with subtly contrasting traits had different effects on microhabitat conditions and plant assemblages. This could in turn increase abiotic and biotic heterogeneity and promote species co‐existence and emphasizes interdependence among species in alpine plant communities.
Intraspecific variation in traits reduces ability of trait‐based models to predict community structure
Authors: Read Quentin D. , Henning Jeremiah A. , Sanders Nathan J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionsIs it possible to predict the composition of local plant assemblages? Trait‐based approaches have offered some promise, especially in cases where deterministic processes such as environmental filtering and niche differentiation shape communities. In this study, we asked how much intraspecific variation contributes to trait distributions within and among plant communities, and whether trait distributions resulting from environmental filtering and niche differentiation can predict accurately the relative species abundances of montane plant species in local communities.LocationWest Elk Mountains, Colorado, USA.MethodsWe collected functional trait, species composition and environmental data from 14 sites along a broad climate gradient in Colorado, USA, ranging in elevation from 2480 to 3560 m. We partitioned the variation within and among sites into intraspecific and interspecific components, and compared the results to values from a recent global meta‐analysis, which examined intraspecific trait variability patterns. We also used these data to parameterize statistical models that have been shown to reproduce patterns associated with the processes of environmental filtering and niche differentiation. We fit two models to the data, one assuming that niche differentiation is invariant among sites, and another assuming that niche differentiation varies among sites.ResultsWe found that the trait‐based models were worse at predicting species relative abundances in local communities than a null model assuming equal abundances of all species. One plausible explanation for the poor performance of the models is that intraspecific variation in functional traits, which in our system was higher than the global averages documented in the meta‐analysis, swamped the effects of interspecific variation in functional traits along the climatic gradient. In particular, almost all variation in root traits was within rather than among species, even among sites.ConclusionOur results suggest that a greater focus be placed on measuring intraspecific trait variability and determining its consequences for community assembly and ecosystem properties.
Wild boar under fire: the effect of spatial behaviour, habitat use and social class on hunting mortality
Authors: Merli E. , Grignolio S. , Marcon A. , Apollonio M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe wild boar (Sus scrofa) is an ungulate of major management concern, often controlled only by indiscriminate, recreational hunting, which represents its main cause of death. Several studies have dealt with the effects of hunting on wild boar populations, pointing out controversial changes in spatial behavior and habitat use related to it. However, little information on the relationship between spatial behavior, habitat use and hunting mortality is available. In this study, 105 wild boars were monitored by means of radio‐tracking. Their cause of death was assessed, thus confirming the major role of hunting. For 89 of them, spatial behavior and habitat use as well as social class were related to hunting mortality. Spatial behavior, expressed as home range size, average daily distance among fixes and familiarity with the hunting area, resulted in having no strong effect on hunting mortality. Conversely, the relationship between the wild boar and the habitat, expressed in the proportion of forests in the home range, landscape complexity and habitat diversity, had a major role in predicting hunting mortality. In particular, the best model including social class and refuges pointed out a positive effect of landscape complexity on hunting mortality, while animals having a higher proportion of forests in their home range (assessed when this did not overlap the protected area) were less likely to be culled. Adult males and subadults of both sexes were more liable to be hunted than family groups. On the whole, behavioral and ecological differences in hunting vulnerability should be taken into account in management plans in order to optimize population management.
Suboptimal maternal and cord plasma pyridoxal 5′ phosphate concentrations are uncommon in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women and newborn infants
Authors: Plumptre Lesley , Masih Shannon P. , Sohn Kyoung‐Jin , Kim Denise , Visentin Carly E. , Ly Anna , Berger Howard , Croxford Ruth , O'Connor Deborah L. , Kim Young‐In 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVitamin B6 is important in fetal development, but little is known of the vitamin B6 status of pregnant women and newborns in North America and potential modifying factors. This prospective study determined maternal and cord plasma concentrations of pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP; an indicator of vitamin B6 status) in a convenience sample of 368 Canadian pregnant women and their newborns. The association of maternal intake of vitamin B6 and fetal genetic variants with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations was also examined. Dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin B6 were assessed in early and mid to late pregnancy. PLP concentrations were measured in maternal plasma in early pregnancy and at delivery, and in cord plasma. Six fetal variants of the MTHFR and CβS genes were assessed for their association with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Geometric mean (95% CI) PLP concentrations were 107 (98, 116) nmol/L in early pregnancy and 58 (53, 62) nmol/L at delivery, respectively, and 296 (275, 319) nmol/L in cord blood (p < .0001). During early pregnancy and at delivery, 3.6% and 5.5% of women had plasma PLP concentrations <20 nmol/L, respectively. Ninety eight percent of the women with supplemental B6 intake of at least the recommended dietary allowance had PLP concentrations >20 nmol/L. Fetal genetic variants were not associated with cord PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women due largely to prevalent vitamin B6 supplement use.
Childhood predictors of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ajala O. , Mold F. , Boughton C. , Cooke D. , Whyte M. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryChildhood obesity predicts the risk of adult adiposity, which is associated with the earlier onset of cardiovascular disease [adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, ACVD: hypertension, increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD)] and dysglycaemia. Because it is not known whether childhood obesity contributes to these diseases, we conducted a systematic review of studies that examine the ability of measures of obesity in childhood to predict dysglycaemia and ACVD. Data sources were Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, SCOPUS, ProQuest and reference lists. Studies measuring body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness and waist circumference were selected; of 1,954 studies, 18 met study criteria. Childhood BMI predicted CIMT: odds ratio (OR), 3.39 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.02 to 5.67, P < 0.001) and risk of impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood, but its ability to predict ACVD events (stroke, IHD; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.07; P < 0.001) and hypertension (OR, 1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27, P = 0.003) was weak–moderate. Body mass index was not predictive of systolic BP (r −0.57, P = 0.08) and weakly predicted diastolic BP (r 0.21, P = 0.002). Skin fold thickness in childhood weakly predicted CIMT in female adults only (rs0.09, P < 0.05). Childhood BMI predicts the risk of dysglycaemia and abnormal CIMT in adulthood, but its ability to predict hypertension and ACVD events was weak and moderate, respectively. Skin fold thickness was a weak predictor of CIMT in female adults.
The relationship between the lower third molar (M3) and mandibular angle/condyle fractures – a systematic review
Authors: Akadiri O.A. , Adeyemo W.L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe literature has been inundated with research evidence associating the incidence of mandibular angle and condyle fractures to the presence or absence of an impacted third molar respectively. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the level of risk associated with the status of the third molar and its predisposition to mandibular angle or condyle fracture. This systematic review seeks to articulate the existing evidence. After a rigorous search of medical databases, relevant articles were selected and critically appraised using a mixed model analysis. The findings confirmed an inverse relationship between mandibular angle and condyle fractures; angle fractures increase with the presence of impacted third molar, while condyle fractures reduce with the presence of impacted third molar. In a simple meta‐analysis, this relationship tested statistically significant (P = 0.04) with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.732. This evidence lies between Level III(Limited) and Level II (Limited) on the hierarchy of evidence. A simple guideline is proposed to guide clinical decisions on third molar surgery in trauma‐prone individuals.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Interspinous Fastener Provides Comparable Clinical Outcome and Fusion Rate to Pedicle Screws
Authors: Huang Wei‐min , Yu Xing‐ming , Xu Xiao‐duo , Song Ruo‐xian , Yu Li‐li , Yu Xiu‐chun 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical feasibility and validity of interspinous fastener (ISF) for lumbar degenerative diseases.MethodsFrom October 2013 to March 2014, a total of 46 patients suffering from lumbar degenerative diseases underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) randomly augmented by ISF or pedicle screws. The clinical outcome was primarily measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The minimal clinical important difference (MCID) was defined as an eight‐point decrease in ODI. The second clinical outcome measurement was Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Interbody fusion rates were evaluated by lumbar plain radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan. Complications were also compared between groups. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 13.0. Sample size calculation was performed before the study. The type I error α was set at 0.05 and the type II error β at 0.1. Based on these assumptions and adding 10% for possible drop‐outs, sample size calculations indicated that a total of 46 patients were required for the study. Parametric data was compared by independent t‐test and categorical variables were compared using χ2‐tests or Fisher exact tests depending on the sample size. A P‐value of less than 0.05 was considered significantly statistically different. Fleiss kappa coefficients were calculated for intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliability.ResultsA total of 43 patients completed the follow‐up, with 22 cases in the ISF group and 21 patients in the pedicle screws group, respectively. Less intraoperative blood loss and shorter operation time were observed in the ISF group. The mean ODI significantly declined in both groups, with the ISF group's decreasing from preoperative 43.3 ± 8.2 to 21.4 ± 3.5 at 24‐month follow‐up and the pedicle screws group's decreasing from preoperative 42.9 ± 7.9 to 22.5 ±3.8 at 24‐month follow‐up, respectively. The ODI changes between groups had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Of the 43 patients, 33 patients achieved an MCID. The bone fusion rate was 77.3% according to X‐rays and 68.2% according to CT scans in the ISF group, and 81.0% according to X‐rays and 76.2% according to CT scans in the pedicle screws group at the final follow‐up. The intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliability assessed by the kappa value were 0.93 and 0.89, respectively. One patient in the pedicle screws group demonstrated screw loosening at the 6‐month follow‐up but was asymptomatic. One patient with spondylolisthesis in the ISF group demonstrated cage subsidence during the follow‐up but also without related symptoms.ConclusionThe less invasive ISF combined with PLIF provided comparable clinical outcome and a similar bone fusion rate to pedicle screws. The ISF could potentially serve as a new alternative for lumbar degenerative diseases.
Synergic and antagonistic relationship between MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 with fibrosis and inflammation in Chagas' cardiomyopathy
Authors: Medeiros N. I. , Gomes J. A. S. , Correa‐Oliveira R. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryCardiomyopathy is the most important clinical manifestation in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease because of its frequency, severity and impact on morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix degradation during cardiac remodeling in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is driven by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily the MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinases. MMPs also regulate some molecules related to inflammation, such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. The involvement of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 is not yet fully understood in Chagas' disease. It has been proposed that the gelatinases may have opposite effect on inflammation/regulation and cardiac remodeling. MMP‐2 would participate in regulation, offering a protective role for cardiac damage in asymptomatic patients and would be a good marker for the initiation of changes in the heart. On the other hand, MMP‐9 can be used as a marker for serious changes on the heart and would be associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we consolidate all characteristics involving MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in Chagas' disease based on current studies to clarify their participation on the inflammation/regulation and fibrosis, and the synergistic or antagonistic role between them.
The hidden hand: Why religious studies need to take conspiracy theories seriously
Authors: Robertson David G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhat seemed like fringe concerns to most then have, with Trump's election and Brexit and the growth of the alt‐right across Europe, become of concerns of mainstream commentators. Moreover, the rise of ISIS and the increasingly overt religious language being employed in the political sphere have made the powerful combination of religion and conspiracy plain. This emerging subdiscipline cuts to the very core of some of the most pressing issues in the academic study of religion––and indeed, the social sciences more generally in this postcolonial environment. This article is intended to set out its scope and some of its future directions.
Prospecting Application of Nanoparticles and Nearly Nanoscale Particles Within Plant Tissues
Authors: Hu Guai , Cao Jianjin , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhengyang , Yi Zebang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractElement concentration analysis used in vegetation geochemical prospecting has acquired many achievements. Nevertheless, its limitations cannot be denied, which lead to the research subject of this paper. Plant samples were collected from Fankou lead–zinc deposit. Through high‐resolution analysis of transmission electron microscopy, here we show detailed information regarding nanoparticles and nearly nanoscale particles within natural plant tissues, whose compositions are mainly metallic elements (metal‐bearing particles). The particles exhibit a wide size range (from 30 nm to 1.5 µm in one dimension), diverse shapes and smooth edges. Natural Au particles could be observed. Pb‐, Zn‐, Ag‐, Cr‐bearing particles could be detected frequently as well, along with elemental S. Combined with the results of the background sample, a relationship between the particles contained in mine plant bodies and the known orebody buried underground was demonstrated. A continuous process whereby metallic elements are transferred from concealed orebody to the ground surface and then preserved within plant bodies has been taken into consideration. We verify the feasibility in theory and practice, and propose a model that particles contained in plant tissues can be applied to the exploration of deep concealed metal deposits, which may improve the accuracy and sensitivity of blind ore prospecting.
Methods for Estimating Complier Average Causal Effects for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: DiazOrdaz K. , Franchini A. J. , Grieve R. 
Published: May 2017

Summary
In randomized controlled trials with treatment non-compliance, instrumental variable approaches are used to estimate complier average causal effects. We extend these approaches to cost-effectiveness analyses, where methods need to recognize the correlation between cost and health outcomes. We propose a Bayesian full likelihood approach, which jointly models the effects of random assignment on treatment received and the outcomes, and a three-stage least squares method, which acknowledges the correlation between the end points and the endogeneity of the treatment received. This investigation is motivated by the REFLUX study, which exemplifies the setting where compliance differs between the randomized controlled trial and routine practice. A simulation is used to compare the methods’ performance. We find that failure to model the correlation between the outcomes and treatment received correctly can result in poor confidence interval coverage and biased estimates. By contrast, Bayesian full likelihood and three-stage least squares methods provide unbiased estimates with good coverage.
Late Oligocene to early Miocene humidity change recorded in terrestrial sequences in the Ili Basin (south‐eastern Kazakhstan, Central Asia)
Authors: Hellwig Alexandra , Voigt Silke , Mulch Andreas , Frisch Konstantin , Bartenstein Alexander , Pross Jörg , Gerdes Axel , Voigt Thomas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEnhanced aridification of Central Asia driven by the combined effects of orogenic surface uplift, Paratethys retreat, changes in atmospheric moisture transport and global cooling is one of the most prominent Cenozoic climate change events of the Northern Hemisphere. Deciphering regional long‐term patterns of Central Asian hydrology is, therefore, a key element in understanding the role of Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitude drying in the global hydrological system. This study characterizes long‐term palaeoenvironmental conditions between the late Oligocene and early Miocene in south‐eastern Kazakhstan based on stable isotopes, elemental geochemistry and laser ablation uranium–lead geochronology from alluvial, fluvial and pedogenic deposits. Sedimentary facies and geochemical weathering indices suggest an increased surface and groundwater discharge fed by orographically enhanced precipitation in the Tien Shan hinterland. In contrast, pedogenic stable isotope data and elevated rates of magnesium fixation in clay minerals mirror enhanced rates of evaporation in the vadose zone due to protracted aridification. This study posits that pronounced surface uplift of the Tien Shan Mountains during the Oligocene–Miocene transition promoted regionally increased orographic precipitation and the development of fluvial discharge systems.