bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploiting a readily available but hard to digest resource: A review of exudativorous mammals identified thus far and how they cope in captivity
Authors: CABANA Francis , DIERENFELD Ellen S. , Wirdateti  , DONATI Giuseppe , NEKARIS K. A. I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGum is a widely available carbohydrate, composed mainly of non‐digestible structural carbohydrates. No mammalian enzymes can digest gum; therefore, a mammal ingesting gum must rely on microbial fermentation to access the energy it possesses. Gums are relatively nutrient poor. Despite this, some mammals have evolved to exploit this food resource. We aim to review the literature for all mammal species which have been recorded to ingest gum, whether quantified or not, and discuss this in the context of their evolutionary adaptations. We also investigated the recommended captive diets for these species to look at whether gum is recommended. We conducted a literature search on ISI Web of Knowledge to tabulate all mammal species observed ingesting gum and classified them as obligate, facultative or opportunistic feeders. We encountered 94 mammal species that eat gum in the wild (27 obligate feeders, 34 facultative feeders and 33 opportunistic feeders). Obligate feeders have entirely evolved to exploit this resource but were found to not be given gum in captivity, which may explain why they are failing to thrive, as opposed to facultative feeders, which have fewer issues. Gum may be necessary for the health of obligate feeders in captivity. Future research should focus on the physiological effects that gum ingestion poses on different digestive systems.
The Relevance to Investors of Greenhouse Gas Emission Disclosures
Authors: Griffin Paul A. , Lont David H. , Sun Estelle Y. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study finds that investors price firms' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a negative component of equity value, and this valuation discount does not differ between firms that voluntarily disclose to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and nondisclosing firms. We derive the GHG emissions for nondisclosers from an estimation model that incorporates firm characteristics and industry. The finding that investors view CDP amounts and estimates of emissions as equally value‐relevant suggests that equity values reflect GHG information from channels other than the CDP. An event study of investors' response to emission‐related information in firms' 8‐K filings further supports this finding. Economically, our results suggest that, for the median S&P 500 firm, GHG emissions impose a market‐implied equity discount of $79 per ton, representing about one‐half of 1 percent of market capitalization.
The statistical need to include phylogeny in trait‐based analyses of community composition
Authors: Li Daijiang , Ives Anthony R. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryA growing number of studies incorporate functional trait information to analyse patterns and processes of community assembly. These studies of trait–environment relationships generally ignore phylogenetic relationships among species. When functional traits and the residual variation in species distributions among communities have phylogenetic signal, however, analyses ignoring phylogenetic relationships can decrease estimation accuracy and power, inflate type I error rates and lead to potentially false conclusions.Using simulations, we compared estimation accuracy, statistical power and type I error rates of linear mixed models (LMM) and phylogenetic linear mixed models (PLMM) designed to test for trait–environment interactions in the distribution of species abundances among sites. We considered the consequences of both phylogenetic signal in traits and phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions generated by an unmeasured (latent) trait with phylogenetic signal.When there was phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species among sites, PLMM provided better estimates (closer to the true value) and greater statistical power for testing whether the trait–environment interaction regression coefficient differed from zero. LMM had unacceptably high type I error rates when there was phylogenetic signal in both traits and the residual variation in species distributions. When there was no phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions, LMM and PLMM had similar performances.Linear mixed models that ignore phylogenetic relationships can lead to poor statistical tests of trait–environment relationships when there is phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions among sites, such as caused by unmeasured traits. Therefore, phylogenies and PLMMs should be used when studying how functional traits affect species abundances among communities in response to environmental gradients.
The application of statistical network models in disease research
Authors: Silk Matthew J. , Croft Darren P. , Delahay Richard J. , Hodgson David J. , Weber Nicola , Boots Mike , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Host social structure is fundamental to how infections spread and persist, and so the statistical modelling of static and dynamic social networks provides an invaluable tool to parameterise realistic epidemiological models.

We present a practical guide to the application of network modelling frameworks for hypothesis testing related to social interactions and epidemiology, illustrating some approaches with worked examples using data from a population of wild European badgers Meles meles naturally infected with bovine tuberculosis.

Different empirical network datasets generate particular statistical issues related to non‐independence and sampling constraints. We therefore discuss the strengths and weaknesses of modelling approaches for different types of network data and for answering different questions relating to disease transmission.

We argue that statistical modelling frameworks designed specifically for network analysis offer great potential in directly relating network structure to infection. They have the potential to be powerful tools in analysing empirical contact data used in epidemiological studies, but remain untested for use in networks of spatio‐temporal associations.

As a result, we argue that developments in the statistical analysis of empirical contact data are critical given the ready availability of dynamic network data from bio‐logging studies. Furthermore, we encourage improved integration of statistical network approaches into epidemiological research to facilitate the generation of novel modelling frameworks and help extend our understanding of disease transmission in natural populations.
The Association of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and Acute Coronary Syndrome in Emergency Patients With Chest Pain
Authors: Knowlman Thomas , Greenslade Jaimi H. , Parsonage William , Hawkins Tracey , Ruane Lorcan , Martin Paul , Prasad Sandhir , Lancini Daniel , Cullen Louise 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe electrocardiograph (ECG) is an essential tool in initial management and risk stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A six‐point reporting criterion has been proposed to facilitate standardized clinical assessment of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected ACS. We set out to evaluate the efficacy of these criteria in identifying patients with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), Type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI), Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI), and 1‐year mortality in a cohort of emergency patients with chest pain.MethodsThis was an analysis of data from 2,349 patients who presented to the ED with chest pain between 2008 and 2013. Data were collected as part of two prospective trials. ECGs were recorded at presentation and categorized according to the six‐point criteria by local cardiologists blinded to all clinical information. The primary outcome was 30‐day MACE, including T1MI, T2MI, unstable angina pectoris, revascularization, and 30‐day mortality. The outcome was adjudicated by cardiologists on the basis of all clinical information and test results. Likelihood ratios and odds ratios for 30‐day MACE were reported for each ECG category.ResultsMajor adverse cardiac events were diagnosed in 264 (11.3%) patients. Increasing ischemic abnormalities in ECGs, as categorized by the standardized reporting criteria, were associated with increasing rates of MACE. Within 30 days, T1MI occurred in 148 (6.3%) patients and T2MI occurred in 59 (2.5%) patients. Risk for T1MI increased with higher classification of ECG abnormalities. T2MI rates were highest in patients with ECGs of nonspecific changes.ConclusionsThe rates of MACE, T1MI, and 1‐year death can be stratified according to standardized ECG criteria in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain. The ECG findings in patients with T2MI are variable, and the ECG is less helpful in defining risk in this group.
Validating Harmful Alcohol Use as a Phenotype for Genetic Discovery Using Phosphatidylethanol and a Polymorphism in ADH1B
Authors: Justice Amy C. , McGinnis Kathleen A. , Tate Janet P. , Xu Ke , Becker William C. , Zhao Hongyu , Gelernter Joel , Kranzler Henry R. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundAlthough alcohol risk is heritable, few genetic risk variants have been identified. Longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) data offer a largely untapped source of phenotypic information for genetic studies, but EHR‐derived phenotypes for harmful alcohol exposure have yet to be validated. Using a variant of known effect, we used EHR data to develop and validate a phenotype for harmful alcohol exposure that can be used to identify unknown genetic variants in large samples. Herein, we consider the validity of 3 approaches using the 3‐item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption measure (AUDIT‐C) as a phenotype for harmful alcohol exposure.MethodsFirst, using longitudinal AUDIT‐C data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Biomarker Study Cohort (VACS‐BC), we compared 3 metrics of AUDIT‐C using correlation coefficients: (i) AUDIT‐C closest to blood sampling (closest AUDIT‐C), (ii) the highest value (highest AUDIT‐C), (iii) and longitudinal trajectories generated using joint trajectory modeling (AUDIT‐C trajectory). Second, we compared the associations of the 3 AUDIT‐C metrics with phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a direct, quantitative biomarker for alcohol in the overall sample using chi‐square tests for trend. Last, in the subsample of African Americans (AAs; n = 1,503), we compared the associations of the 3 AUDIT‐C metrics with rs2066702 a common missense (Arg369Cys) polymorphism of the ADH1B gene, which encodes an alcohol dehydrogenase isozyme.ResultsThe sample (n = 1,851, 94.5% male, 65% HIV+, mean age 52 years) had a median of 7 AUDIT‐C scores over a median of 6.1 years. Highest AUDIT‐C and AUDIT‐C trajectory were correlated r = 0.86. The closest AUDIT‐C was obtained a median of 2.26 years after the VACS‐BC blood draw. Overall and among AAs, all 3 AUDIT‐C metrics were associated with PEth (all p < 0.05), but the gradient was steepest with AUDIT‐C trajectory. Among AAs (36% with the protective ADH1B allele), the association of rs2066702 with AUDIT‐C trajectory and highest AUDIT‐C was statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the gradient was steeper for the AUDIT‐C trajectory than for the highest AUDIT‐C. The closest AUDIT‐C was not statistically significantly associated with rs2066702.ConclusionsEHR data can be used to identify complex phenotypes such as harmful alcohol use. The validity of the phenotype may be enhanced through the use of longitudinal trajectories.
Designing seed mixtures for restoration on alpine soils: who should your neighbours be?
Authors: Rydgren Knut , Hagen Dagmar , Rosef Line , Pedersen Bård , Aradottir Asa L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractQuestions(1) When alpine vegetation is actively restored by seeding, how is vegetation cover influenced by seeding treatments and soil conditions? (2) How does the cover of species differ when they are seeded in a mixture and how is their response influenced by soil conditions? (3) Do individual species perform better or worse in a mixture than when sown separately?LocationHjerkinn, Dovrefjell, Norway.MethodsIn a factorial, randomized field experiment, we recorded the percentage cover of Festuca ovina, Luzula multiflora subsp. frigida and Poa alpina seeded in four different soil types for 3 yr after seeding. We seeded the three species separately and in a mixture in organic topsoil, peat soil, mineral fine soil and mineral coarse soil. We also recorded seedling emergence in a greenhouse experiment, using the same seeding treatments.ResultsIn the field experiment, vegetation cover established fastest when F. ovina was sown in monoculture, followed by the seed mixture. After 3 yr, mean cover of F. ovina was 1.4 times higher than mean P. alpina cover and more than three times higher than mean L. multiflora cover for single species treatments, and four (P. alpina) and 15 (L. multiflora) times higher when the species were seeded together. L. multiflora germinated slowly in the greenhouse experiment, which could partly explain its poor field performance. In the field experiment, establishment was faster in organic soils than mineral soils for all seeding treatments. The largest difference between F. ovina and L. multiflora performance in the mixture treatment was found in the organic soil types, where overall cover was larger than in the mineral soils. In the organic soils, F. ovina was slightly facilitated in the mixture treatment, while the opposite was found for L. multiflora.ConclusionWhen the restoration goal is to quickly establish a vegetation cover, seeding monocultures of rapidly establishing species may be more effective than seeding mixtures, even in alpine sites, where interspecific facilitation may prevail.
Experiment‐based recommendations for biodiversity‐friendly management of mountain hay meadows
Authors: Lessard‐Therrien Malie , Humbert Jean‐Yves , Arlettaz Raphaël 
Published: March 2017

AbstractQuestionThe biodiversity of mountain hay meadows has historically been maintained through traditional, low‐intensity farming practices. In recent decades, however, agricultural intensification for hay production has led to dramatic declines in their biodiversity. This study asks: which management practices can contribute to maintaining the biodiversity value of mountain hay meadows without jeopardizing agricultural revenue?LocationEleven semi‐natural meadows, canton of Valais, inner Alps, southwest Switzerland.MethodsWe experimentally measured the effects of various intensities of fertilization (slurry) and aerial irrigation (sprinklers) on the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of plants. The experiment consisted of six different treatments, each randomly applied to one of six plots within a meadow. A plot therefore was (1) not irrigated and only fertilized with slurry, (2) not fertilized and only irrigated with a sprinkler, (3–5) receiving low, medium or high amounts of both fertilizer and water, respectively, or (6) receiving no input of irrigation or fertilizer (control plots).ResultsAfter 4 yr, all biodiversity metrics were negatively impacted under the highest management intensity (irrigation combined with fertilization at concentrations corresponding to the input necessary to achieve maximum local hay yield, i.e. three‐thirds of inputs). In contrast, at low‐ and mid‐intensity management levels (irrigation combined with fertilization at one‐third and two‐thirds of the maximum concentration, respectively) most diversity metrics did not differ from the controls, except for forb species richness, which was already reduced under mid‐intensity management compared to low‐intensity and control plots. Neither irrigation nor fertilization alone had a negative impact on plant biodiversity.ConclusionsLow to moderate agricultural intensification of hay production does not appear to be detrimental to plant biodiversity among mountain meadows. These results suggest that sustainable management would be obtained via irrigation and fertilization corresponding to one‐third to two‐thirds of the quantity necessary to achieve maximum local hay yield.
Use of oral antidiabetic agents and risk of community‐acquired pneumonia: a nested case–control study
Authors: Gorricho Javier , Garjón Javier , Alonso Alvaro , Celaya María Concepción , Saiz Luis Carlos , Erviti Juan , López Antonio 
Published: March 2017

AimsTo evaluate the association between use of different oral antidiabetic agents (OAD) and the risk of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients with type‐2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsCase–control study nested in a cohort of patients with T2DM and use of OAD between 2002 and 2013, based in a Spanish general practice research database. Cases were people diagnosed with T2DM, aged >18 years and with a validated diagnosis of CAP between 2002 and 2013. Ten controls were matched on age, sex and calendar year. Odds ratio (OR) of CAP was estimated comparing patients treated with: (1) metformin vs. other monotherapies or no antidiabetic treatment; (2) metformin + sulfonylureas vs. other antidiabetic combinations. OR of CAP was also assessed according to antidiabetic treatment duration.ResultsFrom a cohort of 76 009 T2DM patients, we identified 1803 cases of CAP. No difference in the incidence of CAP was observed when comparing any OAD in monotherapy with metformin. Compared with current use of metformin + sulfonylurea, thiazolidinediones + metformin was associated with an increased risk of CAP (adjusted OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.40–4.38). The use of any combination with thiazolidinediones was also associated with higher risk of CAP (adjusted OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.22–3.28). Current use of DPP‐4 inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of CAP.ConclusionsNo differences in the incidence of CAP were observed between the use of OAD in monotherapy vs. metformin. Thiazolidinedione use in combination was associated with an increase in the risk of CAP when compared to metformin + sulfonylureas. The use of DPP‐4 inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of CAP.
Sildenafil reduces neuroinflammation in cerebellum, restores GABAergic tone, and improves motor in‐coordination in rats with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Agusti Ana , Hernández‐Rabaza Vicente , Balzano Tiziano , Taoro‐Gonzalez Lucas , Ibañez‐Grau Andrea , Cabrera‐Pastor Andrea , Fustero Santos , Llansola Marta , Montoliu Carmina , Felipo Vicente 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAimsPatients with liver disease may develop hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with cognitive impairment and motor in‐coordination. Rats with HE due to portacaval shunts (PCS) show motor in‐coordination. We hypothesized that in PCS rats: (i) Motor in‐coordination would be due to enhanced GABAergic tone in cerebellum; (ii) increased GABAergic tone would be due to neuroinflammation; (iii) increasing cGMP would reduce neuroinflammation and GABAergic tone and restore motor coordination. To assess these hypotheses, we assessed if (i) treatment with sildenafil reduces neuroinflammation; (ii) reduced neuroinflammation is associated with reduced GABAergic tone and restored motor coordination.MethodsRats were treated with sildenafil to increase cGMP. Microglia and astrocytes activation were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, extracellular GABA by microdialysis, and motor coordination in the beam walking.ResultsPCS rats show neuroinflammation in cerebellum, with microglia and astrocytes activation, increased IL‐1b and TNF‐a and reduced YM‐1 and IL‐4. Membrane expression of the GABA transporter GAT1 is reduced, while GAT3 is increased. Extracellular GABA and motor in‐coordination are increased. Sildenafil treatment eliminates neuroinflammation, microglia and astrocytes activation; changes in membrane expression of GABA transporters; and restores motor coordination.ConclusionsThis study supports an interplay between cGMP‐neuroinflammation and GABAergic neurotransmission in impairing motor coordination in PCS rats.
Lacosamide in status epilepticus: Systematic review of current evidence
Authors: Strzelczyk Adam , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Willems Laurent M. , Jost Julie , Paule Esther , Schubert‐Bast Susanne , Rosenow Felix , Bauer Sebastian 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe intravenous formulation of lacosamide (LCM) and its good overall tolerability and safety favor the use in status epilepticus (SE). The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate studies reporting on the use of LCM in SE.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search of electronic databases using a combined search strategy from 2008 until October 2016. Using a standardized assessment form, information on the study design, methodologic framework, data sources, efficacy, and adverse events attributed to LCM were extracted from each publication and systematically reported.ResultsIn total, 522 SE episodes (51.7% female) in 486 adults and 36 children and adolescents were evaluated with an overall LCM efficacy of 57%. Efficacy was comparable between use in nonconvulsive (57%; 82/145) and generalized‐convulsive (61%; 30/49; p = 0.68) SE, whereas overall success rate was better in focal motor SE (92%; 34/39, p = 0.013; p < 0.001). The efficacy with later positioning of LCM decreased from 100% to 20%. The main adverse events during treatment of SE are dizziness, abnormal vision, diplopia, and ataxia. Overall, lacosamide is well tolerated and has no clinically relevant drug–drug interactions.SignificanceThe available data regarding the use of LCM in SE are promising, with a success rate of 57%. The strength of LCM is the lack of interaction potential and the option for intravenous use in emergency situations requiring rapid uptitration.
Neuronal inhibition and seizure suppression by acetoacetate and its analog, 2‐phenylbutyrate
Authors: Kadowaki Atsushi , Sada Nagisa , Juge Narinobu , Wakasa Ayaka , Moriyama Yoshinori , Inoue Tsuyoshi 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe ketogenic diet is clinically used to treat drug‐resistant epilepsy. The diet treatment markedly increases ketone bodies (acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate), which work as energy metabolites in the brain. Here, we investigated effects of acetoacetate on voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in pyramidal cells of the hippocampus. We further explored an acetoacetate analog that inhibited VDCCs in pyramidal cells, reduced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), and suppressed seizures in vivo.MethodsThe effects of acetoacetate and its analogs on VDCCs and EPSCs were evaluated using patch‐clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells of mouse hippocampal slices. The in vivo effects of these reagents were also evaluated using a chronic seizure model induced by intrahippocampal injection of kainate.ResultsAcetoacetate inhibited VDCCs in pyramidal cells of hippocampal slices, and reduced EPSCs in slices exhibiting epileptiform activity. More potent EPSC inhibitors were then explored by modifying the chemical structure of acetoacetate, and 2‐phenylbutyrate was identified as an acetoacetate analog that inhibited VDCCs and EPSCs more potently. Although acetoacetate is known to inhibit vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs), 2‐phenylbutyrate did not inhibit VGLUTs, showing that 2‐phenylbutyrate is an acetoacetate analog that preferably inhibits VDCCs. In addition, 2‐phenylbutyrate markedly reduced EPSCs in slices exhibiting epileptiform activity, and suppressed hippocampal seizures in vivo in a mouse model of epilepsy. The in vivo antiseizure effects of 2‐phenylbutyrate were more potent than those of acetoacetate. Finally, intraperitoneal 2‐phenylbutyrate was delivered to the brain, and its brain concentration reached the level enough to reduce EPSCs.SignificanceThese results demonstrate that 2‐phenylbutyrate is an acetoacetate analog that inhibits VDCCs and EPSCs in pyramidal cells, suppresses hippocampal seizures in vivo, and has brain penetration ability. Thus 2‐phenylbutyrate provides a useful chemical structure as a lead compound to develop new antiseizure drugs originating from ketone bodies.