bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scatterhoarders drive long‐ and short‐term population dynamics of a nut‐producing tree, while pre‐dispersal seed predators and herbivores have little effect
Authors: Elwood Elise C. , Lichti Nathanael I. , Fitzsimmons Sara F. , Dalgleish Harmony J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Both seed predators and herbivores can have profound effects on individual plant growth, reproduction and survival, but their population‐level effects are less well understood. While most plants interact with a suite of seed predators and herbivores over their life cycle, few studies incorporate the effects of multiple interacting partners and multiple life stages on plant population growth.

We constructed a matrix model using 6 years of data from a rare, seed‐producing population of American chestnut (Castanea dentata). We combined field demographic data with published experimental results on the effects of pre‐dispersal seed predators (weevils) and post‐dispersal seed predators (scatter‐hoarding vertebrates) and incorporated the effect of vertebrate herbivores estimated from the field data. We explored the impact of these three different animal interactions for short‐term (transient) and long‐term (asymptotic) tree population growth. In addition, we used the model to explore the conditions under which scatter hoarding would function as a mutualism.

Seed predators had greater effect on both short‐ and long‐term population growth than herbivores. Although weevil infestation can greatly reduce the probability of germination, pre‐dispersal seed predators had smaller effects on both short‐ or long‐term population growth than post‐dispersal predators. The elasticities of weevil‐related parameters were also small. The effect of browsers on both the short‐ and long‐term population growth rate were the smallest of the effects studied. Post‐dispersal seed predation affected population growth the most in the interactions studied. The probability of seed removal was among the largest elasticities, similar in magnitude to survival of large trees.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that neither weevils nor the intensity of browse damage observed at our study site are likely to hinder tree regeneration or reintroduction, although both reduced population growth. Although researchers and forest managers often assume that seeds are unimportant for long‐lived tree populations, our test of this assumption shows that scatterhoarders and other post‐dispersal seed consumers can significantly limit natural regeneration. Forest management that alters scatterhoarder behaviour could have significant effects on tree population dynamics that are largely unexplored.
Role of mitochondria and mitochondria‐targeted agents in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ajith Thekkuttuparambil Ananthanarayanan 
Published: November 2017

SummaryMitochondria play a pivotal role in the fatty acid oxidation and have been found to be affected early during the macrovesicular fat accumulation in the hepatocytes. The fatty infiltration is the primary cause of oxidative stress and inflammation in the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to the peroxidation of phospholipids, such as cardiolipin. Oxidative stress‐induced damage to mitochondrial DNA can result in the impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and further increases the generation of reactive oxygen species. The mitochondrial damage may eventually lead to apoptotic death of hepatocytes. The apoptosis along with the generated cytokines from the stellate and Kupffer cells further augment the fibrotic changes to advance the disease. Hence, alleviation of the mitochondrial impairment, particularly in the early stages of NAFLD, may prevent the progression of the disease. Among the various experimentally studied mitochondrial‐targeted agents, triphenylphosphonium cation ligated ubiquinone Q10 and vitamin E, Szeto‐Scheller peptides, and superoxide dismutase mimetic‐salen manganese complexes (EUK‐8 and EUK‐134) have been found to be most promising. In addition to these mitochondrial‐targeted agents, a novel area of therapy called mitotherapy have also emerged. However, clinical studies conducted so far are still fragmentary to validate their efficacy. This review article discusses the mitochondria‐targeted molecules and their potential role in the treatment of NAFLD.
Dynamic changes of the composition of plasmaHDLparticles in patients with cardiac disease: Spotlight on sphingosine‐1‐phosphate/serum amyloid A ratio
Authors: Egom Emmanuel E , Shiwani Haaris A , Pharithi Rebabonye B , Canning Rebecca , Khan Barkat , Hiani Yassine El , Maher Vincent 
Published: November 2017

SummarySeveral epidemiological studies reported an inverse relationship between plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, therapeutic interventions targeted at raisingHDL‐cholesterol failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting thatHDLcomponents distinct from cholesterol may account for the anti‐atherothrombotic effects attributed to this lipoprotein. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) have been identified as integral constituents ofHDLparticles. Evidence suggests that S1P andSAAlevels withinHDLparticles may be affected by inflammation and oxidative stress, which are coexisting processes underlyingASCVD. BecauseSAA, an inflammation‐related marker, and S1P, an anti‐atherothrombotic marker, have relatively clear opposite characteristics among theHDL‐associated proteins, the approach of assessing the two markers simultaneously may provide new insights in clinical practice (S1P/SAAIndex). This review focuses on evidence in support of the concept that the S1P/SAAIndex may affect theHDLatheroprotective properties and may, therefore represent a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Current Trends in Ancient Grains‐Based Foodstuffs: Insights into Nutritional Aspects and Technological Applications
Authors: Boukid Fatma , Folloni Silvia , Sforza Stefano , Vittadini Elena , Prandi Barbara 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFor centuries, ancient grains fed populations, but due to their low yield, they were abandoned and replaced by high‐yielding species. However, currently, there is a renewed interest in ancient wheat and pseudocereal grains from consumers, farmers, and manufacturers. Ancient wheat such as einkorn, emmer, spelt, and Kamut®, are being reintegrated because of their low fertilizer input, high adaptability and important genetic diversity. New trends in pseudocereal products are also emerging, and they are mostly appreciated for their nutritional outcomes, particularly by the gluten‐free market. Toward healthier lifestyle, ancient grains‐based foodstuffs are a growing business and their industrialization is taking 2 pathways, either as a raw ingredient or a functional ingredient. This paper deals with these grain characteristics by focusing on the compositional profile and the technological potential.
Glutathione S‐transferase genes and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Role of sexual dimorphism, gene–gene and gene–smoking interactions in disease susceptibility
Authors: Azarova Iuliia , Bushueva Olga , Konoplya Alexander , Polonikov Alexey 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundCompromised defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered important in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, genes encoding antioxidant defense enzymes may contribute to disease susceptibility. This study investigated whether polymorphisms in genes encoding glutathione S‐transferase M1 (GSTM1), T1 (GSTT1), and P1 (GSTP1) jointly contribute to the risk of T2DM.MethodsIn all, 1120 unrelated Russian subjects (600 T2DM patients, 520 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects), were recruited to the study. Genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR; del/del polymorphisms ofGSTM1andGSTT1) and TaqMan‐based PCR (polymorphisms I105V and A114V ofGSTP1). Plasma ROS and glutathione levels in study subjects were analyzed by fluorometric and colorimetric assays, respectively.ResultsGenotype del/delGSTT1was significantly associated with the risk of T2DM (odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.21,P = 0.003). Gender‐stratified analysis showed that the deletion genotypes ofGSTM1(OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.05;P = 0.0002,Q = 0.016) andGSTT1(OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.22–4.09;P = 0.008,Q = 0.0216), as well as genotype 114A/V ofGSTP1(OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.44–5.62;P = 0.005,Q = 0.02) were associated with an increased risk of T2DM exclusively in males. Three genotype combinations (i.e.GSTM1+ × GSTT1+,GSTM1+ × GSTP1114A/A andGSTT1+ × GSTP1114A/A) showed significant associations with a decreased risk of T2DM in males.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates, for the first time, that genes encoding glutathione S‐transferases jointly contribute to the risk of T2DM, and that their effects on disease susceptibility are gender specific.
Iontophoretic collagen cross‐linking versus epithelium‐off collagen cross‐linking for early stage of progressive keratoconus – 3 years follow‐up study
Authors: Cantemir Alina , Alexa Anisia‐Iuliana , Galan Bogdan Gabriel , Anton Nicoleta , Ciuntu Roxana Elena , Danielescu Ciprian , Chiselita Dorin , Costin Danut 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo compare 3‐year iontophoretic corneal collagen cross‐linking (I‐CXL) outcomes with epithelium‐off corneal collagen cross‐linking (epi‐off CXL) for early stage of progressive keratoconus.MethodsEighty eyes of 80 patients with early progressive keratoconus treated by I‐CXL (n = 40) or epi‐off CXL (n = 40) were included in this study. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, corneal topography and pachymetry were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow‐up.ResultsVisual acuity (VA) showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) at the end of follow‐up in both groups. In the I‐CXL group, the UDVA showed a rapid recovery after 3 months (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant different trend in CDVA between groups with a more favourable outcome for the standard CXL group (p < 0.01). The cylinder improved beginning with 3 months after CXL in both groups. Maximum keratometry showed a significant reduction by 0.9 dioptres (D) in the I‐CXL group and by 1.2 D in the epi‐off CXL group after 36 months (p = 0.283). Pachymetry values decreased at 3 months while a statistically significant increase occurred in both groups at 24 months. Progression occurred to one patient (2.5%) in I‐CXL group. Adverse effects occurred to eight eyes (20%) in the epi‐off CXL group.ConclusionIontophoretic corneal collagen cross‐linking (I‐CXL) is non‐inferior to epi‐off CXL for stopping the progression of keratoconus in its early stages with a higher degree of safety for the patients and a faster recovery of VA.
Comparison of noncycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction in categorizing refractive error data in children
Authors: Sankaridurg Padmaja , He Xiangui , Naduvilath Thomas , Lv Minzhi , Ho Arthur , Smith Earl , Erickson Paul , Zhu Jianfeng , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo systematically analyse the differences between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic refractive errors (RE) in children and to determine if the predictive value of noncycloplegic RE in categorizing RE can be improved.MethodsRandom cluster sampling was used to select 6825 children aged 4–15 years. Autorefraction was performed under both noncycloplegic and cycloplegic (induced with 1% cyclopentolate drops) conditions. Paired differences between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) RE were determined. A general linear model was developed to determine whether cycloplegic SE can be predicted using noncycloplegic SE, age and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA).ResultsCompared to cycloplegia, noncycloplegia resulted in a more myopic SE (paired difference: −0.63 ± 0.65D, 95% CI: −0.612 to −0.65D, 6017 eligible right eyes) with greater differences observed in younger participants and in eyes with more hyperopic RE and smaller AL. Using raw noncycloplegic data resulted in only 61% of the eyes being correctly classified as myopic, emmetropic or hyperopic. Using age and uncorrected VA in the model, the association improved and 77% of the eyes were classified correctly. However, predicted cycloplegic SE continued to show large residual errors for low myopic to hyperopic RE. Applying the model to only those eyes with uncorrected VA <6/6 resulted in an improvement (R2 = 0. 93), with 80% of the eyes correctly classified. A higher VA cut‐off (i.e., ≤6/18) resulted in 97.5% of eyes classified correctly.ConclusionNoncycloplegic assessment of RE in children overestimates myopia and results in a high error rate for emmetropic and hyperopic RE. Adjusting for age and applying uncorrected VA cut‐offs to noncycloplegic assessments improves detection of myopic RE and may help in identifying myopic RE in situations where cycloplegia is not available but does not help in identifying the magnitude of refractive error and therefore is of limited value.
Review: How should child mental health services respond to the refugee crisis?
Authors: Eruyar Seyda , Huemer Julia , Vostanis Panos 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundChild mental health services and related agencies are faced with an increasing challenge in responding to the influx of refugee children around the world. There is strong evidence on the prevalence and complexity of these children's mental health problems and broader needs.AimsTo review the research literature on risk and protective factors, and associated mental health interventions for refugee children.MethodsPeer‐reviewed studies were included for the period 2004–2017; if they included refugee, asylum‐seeking or internally displaced children under 18 years; and adopted a quantitative design. Vulnerability and protective factors for refugee children were considered in this context, followed by the respective types of interventions at pre‐, peri‐ and postmigration stage, and across high‐ and low‐/middle‐income countries. Eighty‐two peer‐reviewed studies fulfilled the selection criteria.ResultsThe existing body of literature is largely based on identifying risk factors among children with mental health problems and predominantly designing trauma‐focused interventions to reduce their symptomatic distress. Recent research and services have gradually shifted to a broader and dynamic resilience‐building approach based on ecological theory, that is at child, family, school, community and societal level. There is increasing evidence for the implementation and effectiveness of multimodal interventions targeting all these levels, despite the methodological constraints in their evaluation.ConclusionsIn high‐income countries, child mental health services need to collaborate with all agencies in contact with refugee children, establish joint care pathways, and integrate trauma‐focused interventions with family and community approaches. In low‐ and middle‐income countries, where specialist resources are sparse, resilience‐building should aim at maximising and upskilling existing capacity. A six‐dimensional psychosocial model that applies to other children who experience complex trauma is proposed.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and docking study of 4‐isochromanone hybrids bearing N‐benzyl pyridinium moiety as dual binding site acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (part II)
Authors: Wang Jia , Wang Chaolei , Wu Zheng , Li Xinnan , Xu Shengtao , Liu Jie , Lan Qinying , Zhu Zheying , Xu Jinyi 
Published: November 2017

A series of novel 4‐isochromanone compounds bearing N‐benzyl pyridinium moiety were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The biological evaluation showed that most of the target compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activities against AChE. Among them, compound 1q possessed the strongest anti‐AChE activity with an IC50 value of 0.15 nm and high AChE/BuChE selectivity (SI > 5,000). Moreover, compound 1q had low toxicity in normal nerve cells and was relatively stable in rat plasma. Together, the current finding may provide a new approach for the discovery of novel anti‐Alzheimer's disease agents.
How Evolution Constrains Human Numerical Concepts
Authors: Cantlon Jessica F. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe types of cognitive and neural mechanisms available to children for making concepts depend on the problems their brains evolved to solve over the past millions of years. Comparative research on numerical cognition with humans and nonhuman primates has revealed a system for quantity representation that lays the foundation for quantitative development. Nonhuman primates in particular share many human abilities to compute quantities, and are likely to exhibit evolutionary continuity with humans. While humans conceive of quantity in ways that are similar to other primates, they are unique in their capacity for symbolic counting and logic. These uniquely human constructs interact with primitive systems of numerical reasoning. In this article, I discuss how evolution shapes human numerical concepts through evolutionary constraints on human object‐based perception and cognition, neural homologies among primates, and interactions between uniquely human concepts and primitive logic.
Circulating B‐type natriuretic peptide in women with and without recent gestational diabetes: The impact of current glucose intolerance
Authors: De Souza Leanne R. , Ye Chang , Hanley Anthony J. , Connelly Philip W. , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard , Retnakaran Ravi 
Published: November 2017

SummaryContextCirculating B‐type natriuretic peptide, as measured by the N‐terminal fragment of its prohormone (NT‐proBNP), is inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) but positively related to future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recognizing that gestational diabetes (GDM) identifies women at future risk for both T2DMandCVD, we sought to determine whether gestational glucose tolerance relates toNT‐proBNPin the years after delivery.Design/Patients/MeasurementsThree hundred and forty women underwent a glucose challenge test (GCT) and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in pregnancy, yielding 4 gestational glucose tolerance groups:GDM(n = 105); gestational impaired glucose tolerance (n = 59); abnormalGCTwith a normalOGTT(n = 98); and normalGCTwith normalOGTT(n = 75). At 3‐year postpartum, they underwent cardiometabolic characterization (including measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), adiponectin andNT‐proBNP) and repeated theOGTT, revealing 69 women with glucose intolerance (prediabetes/diabetes).ResultsAt 3‐year postpartum, serumNT‐proBNPdid not differ between the 4 original gestational glucose tolerance groups (P = .44), but instead progressively decreased across current glucose tolerance strata, from normal to prediabetes to diabetes (P = .006). Indeed, on logistic regression analysis,NT‐proBNPemerged as a negative predictor of prediabetes/diabetes (OR = 0.903, 95%CI0.825‐0.988,P = .026). On multiple linear regression analyses ofNT‐proBNP, the significant association with current glucose intolerance was ultimately attenuated in a fully adjusted model, revealing two independent determinants ofNT‐proBNP:eGFR(t = −2.71,P = .007) and adiponectin (t = 2.44,P = .015).ConclusionSerumNT‐proBNPrelates to current glucose intolerance, rather than preceding gestational dysglycaemia. Thus, the diabetic (rather than vascular) risk implications ofNT‐proBNPpredominate in young women.
Long non‐coding RNAs in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xingye , Jiang Chao , Qian Wenwei , Tse Gary , Chan Matthew T.V. , Wu William K.K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis, a disabling autoimmune disease, is associated with altered gene expression in circulating immune cells and synovial tissues. Accumulating evidence has suggested that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which modulate gene expression through multiple mechanisms, are important molecules involved in immune and inflammatory pathways. Importantly, many studies have reported that lncRNAs can be utilized as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognostication. Recently, dysregulation of lncRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases has been revealed. Experimental studies also confirmed their crosstalk with matrix metalloproteinases, nuclear factor‐κB signalling and T‐cell response pertinent to autoimmunity and inflammation. Circulating lncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, differentiated patients with rheumatoid arthritis from healthy subjects. Taken together, lncRNAs are good candidates as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis. Further investigation on in vivo delivery of these regulatory molecules and large‐cohort validation of their clinical applicability may be useful.
Sleep problems in Dravet syndrome: a modifiable comorbidity
Authors: Licheni Shane H , Mcmahon Jacinta M , Schneider Amy L , Davey Margot J , Scheffer Ingrid E 
Published: November 2017

AimMany children with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies experience significant sleep disturbance, causing major disruption to the family's quality of life. We aimed to determine the frequency and nature of sleep problems in individuals with Dravet syndrome.MethodsThe Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and a seizure questionnaire were distributed to the parents/guardians of 96 patients with Dravet syndrome. Sixteen patients had two nights of home oximetry.ResultsFifty‐seven out of 96 questionnaires were completed. Forty‐three out of 57 (75%) individuals had sleep problems. Twenty‐five out of 57 (44%) individuals had an abnormal total sleep score, with difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (22 out of 57, 39%), sleep–wake transition disorders (20 out of 57, 35%), and sleep breathing disorders (19 out of 57, 33%). Twenty‐two out of 57 (39%) individuals took medication to assist sleep, predominantly melatonin (n=14). Thirty out of 57 (53%) recently had nocturnal seizures. Overnight oximetry showed 14 out of 16 (88%) had a higher oxygen desaturation index (>3%), and six out of 16 (38%) had higher mean pulse rates than normative values. Home oximetry was normal or inconclusive in all patients.InterpretationSeventy‐five per cent of individuals with Dravet syndrome had sleep problems, highlighting the importance of routinely assessing sleep and initiating appropriate behavioural and pharmacological interventions to improve the patient and family's quality of life. A high oxygen desaturation index and mean pulse rates on pulse oximetry may reflect unrecognized nocturnal seizures.What this paper adds

More than 70% of patients with Dravet syndrome have sleep problems.

Difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep was most common, particularly in those older than 20 years.

Second most common were sleep–wake transition disorders, affecting more than 50% of those younger than 5 years.

Sleep breathing disorders were a frequent problem across all age groups.

Oximetry was not diagnostic of sleep‐disordered breathing or obvious seizures.