bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration of inland brackish vegetation by large‐scale transfer of coastal driftline material
Authors: Wolters Mineke , de Vries Saskia , Ozinga Wim A. , Bakker Jan P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractQuestionDoes large‐scale transfer of coastal driftline material enhance the establishment of inland brackish vegetation?LocationThe Klutenplas of 11 ha, a formerly reclaimed agricultural field, north coast of the Netherlands.MethodsA large quantity of coastal driftline material of local origin was transferred to the restoration site in 2006 after top soil removal in 2005 leaving bare areas for control plots. A priori species composition of the driftline was analysed in a greenhouse germination study. Target species were assigned to saline and brackish ecological species groups and present and historic regional occurrences. Our procedure for selecting target species resulted in a list of 98 species characteristic of terrestrial salt and brackish ecological species groups. The establishment of plant species in the field was recorded annually from 2006 to 2009, with a final survey in 2012. A comparison between locations with and without driftline was made. The entire study site was grazed with sheep.ResultsDriftline material contained 39 species, including 26 target species. During the first 4 yr, the mean number of target species in the established vegetation of driftline plots was significantly higher than in control plots. When corrected for spontaneous occurrence by natural colonization in control plots, 44% of the target species in the established vegetation of driftline plots during the first 4 yr could be attributed to the transferred material. After 7 yr driftline and control plots converged to similar levels, probably as a result of dispersal by wind and animals.ConclusionsTransfer of coastal driftline material enhanced the rate of establishment of inland brackish vegetation for at least the first 4 yr.
Quantifying edge influence on plant community structure and composition in semi‐natural dry grasslands
Authors: Labadessa Rocco , Alignier Audrey , Cassano Stefania , Forte Luigi , Mairota Paola 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimsWe investigated the influence of anthropogenic boundaries on semi‐natural grassland plant communities in terms of: (1) depth and magnitude of edge influence and (2) changes in plant community composition associated with boundary attributes.LocationAlta Murgia, Puglia, southeast Italy.MethodsSampling sites were selected taking into account three boundary attributes thought to be most important in the study area, i.e. adjacent land use, presence/absence of stone wall at the patch boundary and occurrence of slope. Plant communities were surveyed along 40‐m transects perpendicular to the patch boundary. Each transect was divided in six plots at given distances from patch boundary. Data were collected related to a set of plant community descriptors referring to structure, composition, life history traits and ecological attributes. A novel methodology that relies on the definition of inner plots as relative interior habitat was introduced for assessment of the depth and magnitude of edge influence. DCA was then used to characterize edge communities.ResultsSignificant edge influence on grassland plant communities was limited to the adjacent boundary (<2.5 m). For the majority of descriptors, magnitude of edge influence was higher in grasslands adjacent to crops rather than to roads, in sloping rather than flat edges, and in wall‐bounded rather than unbounded patches. Plant assemblages dominated by either ruderal species or xerothermic grassland species were, in all cases, associated with unbounded edges, while distinct assemblages were observed in wall‐bounded plots according to their different morphology. Wall‐bounded sloping edges were characterized by woodland species, whereas their non‐sloping analogues were associated with calcareous grassland species.ConclusionsOur findings provide new insights into the influence of anthropogenic boundaries on semi‐natural dry grassland by assessing the depth and magnitude of edge influence, as well as the changes in composition of edge plant communities as a function of the combination of boundary attributes. While the method implemented enabled us to address many of the issues experienced in quantification of edge influence in herbaceous communities, it also allowed us to demonstrate the major role of boundary attributes in modulation of edge community patterns.
Clinical and genetic features of 64 young male paediatric patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Wang Yi , Gong Chunxiu , Qin Miao , Liu Ying , Tian Yuanyuan 
Published: August 2017

SummaryContextThe diagnosis of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) in prepuberty has always been challenging. Here, we aimed at studying the clinical and genetic features of paediatric CHH, especially the phenotype of hypospadias and dual defects (patients showing hypothalamic and/or pituitary defects and testicular hypoplasia), so as to have a better understanding of CHH.DesignThe clinical and genetic features of patients with CHH were analysed, and the relationships between hypospadias, dual defects and genetics were investigated.PatientsPatients who visited Beijing Children's Hospital and were positively diagnosed with CHH.MeasurementsThe collected data included sex hormones, MRI of the olfactory bulb, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) test and genetic testing. We analysed clinical features and genetic results, especially hypospadias and dual defects, and compared the stimulated testosterone (T) levels in patients with and without cryptorchidism.ResultsSixty‐four patients were positively diagnosed, and forty‐seven (73.4%) had Kallmann syndrome (KS). Four patients (6.3%) had hypospadias, including 2 KS. Micropenis combined with cryptorchidism was the most common phenotype (39%). Approximately two‐third of patients showed a poor response to hCG; 15 cases were diagnosed with dual defects, and there were no significant differences between those with and without cryptorchidism. Twenty‐six cases (51%) of 51 patients were identified as having classical HH mutations, affecting 10 different genes, with oligogenic mutations in 5 cases (9.8%). The most common mutations were in PROKR2 (17.6%), FGFR1 (13.7%) and CHD7 (7.8%). The frequency of PROKR2 mutations was higher in dual HH when compared to other HH cases (6/15 vs 3/36, P = .021).ConclusionsMicropenis and/or cryptorchidism can serve as important signs for the diagnosis of HH in paediatrics, and the coexistence of hypospadias does not exclude the diagnosis of CHH, including KS or normosmic isolated HH (nHH). Testicular function may be impaired earlier than expected, and PROKR2 mutations need to be evaluated to identify presumed dual defects.
An Evaluation of Marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the Context of Spatial Conservation Prioritization
Authors: McGowan Jennifer , Smith Robert J. , Di Marco Moreno , Clarke Rohan H. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractImportant Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are sites identified as globally important for bird species conservation. Marine IBAs are one of the few comprehensive multi‐species datasets available for the marine environment, and their use in conservation planning will likely increase as countries race to protect 10% of their territorial waters by 2020. We tested 15 planning scenarios for Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone to guide best practice on integrating marine IBAs into spatial conservation prioritization. We found prioritizations based solely on habitat protection failed to protect IBAs, and prioritizations based solely on IBAs similarly failed to meet basic levels of habitat representation. Further, treating all marine IBAs as irreplaceable sites produced the most inefficient plans in terms of ecological representativeness and protection equality. Our analyses suggest that marine spatial planners who wish to use IBAs treat them like any other conservation feature by assigning them a specific protection target.
Direct evidence of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus infection pathway through the petiole‐shoot junction
Authors: Haňáčková Z. , Koukol O. , Čmoková A. , Zahradník D. , Havrdová L. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe symptoms of ash dieback caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus include wilting of the foliage followed by dieback of shoots, twigs and branches. Necroses in shoots are assumed to develop after infection through leaf petioles; however, clear evidence of this infection pathway has not yet been provided. Considering the multiple pathogen genotypes in dead ash petioles, we aimed to obtain a spatial overview of all H. fraxineus genotypes colonizing individual shoots and their corresponding petioles before leaf shedding to acquire precise information about the infection biology of H. fraxineus and its ability to cross the petiole‐shoot junction. Individual genotypes of H. fraxineus were characterized by the analysis of microsatellites using DNA extracted directly from petiole segments or cultures isolated from the segments. We detected 150 different multilocus genotypes in 10 analysed shoots and their respective petioles; the highest number of genotypes was eight for a single petiole and three for a single shoot. The genotypes of most shoot lesions were identical to particular genotypes from the proximal segments of petioles, implicating the main pathway of shoot infections. To test whether the amount of colonized substrate or intraspecific competition have an effect on successful infection, genotypes that reached the most proximal end of the petioles were scored for the number of invaded petiole segments and for the number of other H. fraxineus genotypes co‐occurring in the segments. However, the extent of colonization of the scored genotypes and intraspecific competition with other H. fraxineus strains did not influence pathogen success in entering the shoot. This study confirms that the majority of ash shoot infections are caused by genotypes of H. fraxineus originating from petioles. Compared to petioles, the frequency of shoot colonization as well as number of H. fraxineus genotypes in shoots was much lower.
European Stroke Organization guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis – endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology
Authors: Ferro J. M. , Bousser M.‐G. , Canhão P. , Coutinho J. M. , Crassard I. , Dentali F. , di Minno M. , Maino A. , Martinelli I. , Masuhr F. , Aguiar de Sousa D. , Stam J. ,   the European Stroke Organization
Published: August 2017

Background and purposeCurrent guidelines on cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) diagnosis and management were issued by the European Federation of Neurological Societies in 2010. We aimed to update the previous European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines using a clearer and evidence‐based methodology.MethodWe followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, formulating relevant diagnostic and treatment questions, performing systematic reviews and writing recommendations based on the quality of available scientific evidence.ResultsWe suggest using magnetic resonance or computed tomographic angiography for confirming the diagnosis of CVT and not routinely screening patients with CVT for thrombophilia or cancer. We recommend parenteral anticoagulation in acute CVT and decompressive surgery to prevent death due to brain herniation. We suggest preferentially using low‐molecular‐weight heparin in the acute phase and not direct oral anticoagulants. We suggest not using steroids and acetazolamide to reduce death or dependency. We suggest using antiepileptics in patients with an early seizure and supratentorial lesions to prevent further early seizures. We could not make recommendations concerning duration of anticoagulation after the acute phase, thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy, therapeutic lumbar puncture, and prevention of remote seizures with antiepileptic drugs. We suggest that, in women who have suffered a previous CVT, contraceptives containing oestrogens should be avoided. We suggest that subsequent pregnancies are safe, but use of prophylactic low‐molecular‐weight heparin should be considered throughout pregnancy and puerperium.ConclusionsMulticentre observational and experimental studies are needed to increase the level of evidence supporting recommendations on the diagnosis and management of CVT.
Impaired polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the oral cavity of edentulous individuals
Authors: Rijkschroeff Patrick , Loos Bruno G. , Nicu Elena A. 
Published: August 2017

Oral health is characterized by functional oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (oPMNs). Edentulism might be associated with a loss of oPMNs because these cells enter the oral cavity primarily through the gingival crevices. The main aim of this study was to investigate the numbers of oPMNs in rinse samples obtained from edentulous (n = 21) and dentate (n = 20) subjects. A second study aim was to investigate possible differences between oPMNs and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (cPMNs). Apoptosis/necrosis and cell‐activation markers (CD11b, CD63 and CD66b) were analyzed using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined either without stimulation (constitutive) or in response to 10 μM phorbol myristate acetate or Fusobacterium nucleatum. The edentulous subjects presented with lower oPMN counts and higher percentages of apoptotic/necrotic oPMNs compared with dentate subjects. Furthermore, oPMNs from edentulous donors expressed low levels of all three activation markers and low constitutive ROS. In contrast, oPMNs from dentate subjects expressed high levels of all three activation markers and a higher level of constitutive ROS than cPMNs. When challenged, oPMNs from edentulous subjects showed no upregulation in ROS production, whereas oPMNs from dentate subjects retained their ability to respond to stimulation. The functional characteristics of cPMNs were comparable between edentulous and dentate subjects. This study demonstrates that despite having functional cPMNs, edentulous subjects have low oPMN numbers that are functionally impaired.
An improved vitrification protocol for equine immature oocytes, resulting in a first live foal
Authors: Ortiz‐Escribano N. , Bogado Pascottini O. , Woelders H. , Vandenberghe L. , De Schauwer C. , Govaere J. , Van den Abbeel E. , Vullers T. , Ververs C. , Roels K. , Van De Velde M. , Van Soom A. , Smits K. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe success rate for vitrification of immature equine oocytes is low. Although vitrified‐warmed oocytes are able to mature, further embryonic development appears to be compromised.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare two vitrification protocols, and to examine the effect of the number of layers of cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte during vitrification of immature equine oocytes.Study designExperimental in vitro and in vivo trials.MethodsImmature equine oocytes were vitrified after a short exposure to high concentrations of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), or a long exposure to lower concentrations of CPAs. In Experiment 1, the maturation of oocytes surrounded by multiple layers of cumulus cells (CC oocytes) and oocytes surrounded by only corona radiata (CR oocytes) was investigated. In Experiment 2, spindle configuration was determined for CR oocytes vitrified using the two vitrification protocols. In Experiment 3, further embryonic development was studied after fertilisation and culture. Embryo transfer was performed in a standard manner.ResultsSimilar nuclear maturation rates were observed for CR oocytes vitrified using the long exposure and nonvitrified controls. Furthermore, a lower maturation rate was obtained for CC oocytes vitrified with the short exposure compared to control CR oocytes (P = 0.001). Both vitrification protocols resulted in significantly higher rates of aberrant spindle configuration than the control groups (P<0.05). Blastocyst development only occurred in CR oocytes vitrified using the short vitrification protocol, and even though blastocyst rates were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001), transfer of five embryos resulted in one healthy foal.Main limitationsThe relatively low number of equine oocytes and embryo transfer procedures performed.ConclusionsFor vitrification of immature equine oocytes, the use of 1) CR oocytes, 2) a high concentration of CPAs, and 3) a short exposure time may be key factors for maintaining developmental competence.
Eosinophils as putative therapeutic targets in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Simon Dagmar , Borradori Luca , Simon Hans‐Uwe 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease and is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230 that can be detected in the skin and serum of BP patients. Histologically, the dermal infiltration of eosinophils is obvious. The objective of this review was to present evidence that eosinophils play a key role in the pathogenesis of BP. Eosinophils, together with cytokines and chemokines regulating their production, recruitment and activation, are abundantly present in lesional skin, in blisters and in peripheral blood of patients with BP. Recently, using a cryosection model, eosinophils were demonstrated to induce dermal‐epidermal separation in the presence of BP antibodies. Thus, eosinophils and their products, as well as mediators regulating their function, present promising targets for the treatment of BP.
Manifestation of atopic dermatitis‐like skin in TNCB‐induced NC/Nga mice is ameliorated by topical treatment of substance P, possibly through blockade of allergic inflammation
Authors: Choi Hyeongwon , Kim Dong‐jin , Nam Seungwoo , Lim Sunki , Hwang Jae‐Sung , Park Ki Sook , Hong Hyun Sook , Shin Min Kyung , Chung Eunkyung , Son Youngsook 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesion. In this study, topically applied substance P (SP) significantly alleviated AD‐like clinical symptoms in 2, 4, 6‐trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)‐induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. This effect was nullified by pretreatment of the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R) antagonist CP99994. SP treatment significantly reduced the infiltration of mast cells and CD3‐positive T cells as well as inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in AD‐like skin lesions and decreased the levels of IgE and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine in serum. This SP‐induced alleviation of allergic inflammatory responses was also confirmed as reduced activation in the axillary lymph nodes (aLN) and spleen, suggesting the systemic effect of SP on immune responses in TNCB‐induced NC/Nga mice. Furthermore, SP‐mediated TSLP reduction was confirmed in human keratinocyte culture under pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that topically administered SP may have potential as a medication for atopic dermatitis.
Risk of malignancies in autoimmune hepatitis type 1 patients with a long‐term follow‐up in Japan
Authors: Arinaga‐Hino Teruko , Ide Tatsuya , Miyajima Ichiro , Ogata Kei , Kuwahara Reiichiro , Amano Keisuke , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Nakamura Toru , Kawaguchi Takumi , Koga Hironori , Yonemoto Koji , Torimura Takuji ,   the Kurume Autoimmune Hepatitis Study Group
Published: August 2017

AimThe risk of malignancies in autoimmune diseases is high and is regarded to be due to immunological abnormalities, the use of immunosuppressive agents, and/or chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk of malignancies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type 1 in Japan.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty‐six patients diagnosed with AIH were enrolled. A person‐year calculation was carried out for AIH patients, and the numbers of expected events were clarified using data from “The Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan Project” in order to examine the standard incident rate (SIR) of each type of malignancy. Biochemical data regarding carcinogenesis and its background factors were also examined.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (10.5%) developed malignancies; 11 (4.3%) with hepatobiliary cancer and 16 (6.3%) with extrahepatic malignancies. The overall SIR for malignancies in AIH was significantly high at 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–2.96), and was high among female patients at 2.49 (95% CI, 1.60–3.71). The SIR for hepatobiliary cancer was 14.14 (95% CI, 7.05–25.30), and was markedly high for female patients at 21.83 (95% CI, 10.45–40.16). The SIR for oral/pharyngeal cancer was significantly high for female patients at 14.61 (95% CI, 1.64–52.77). The risk factors for hepatobiliary cancer at the diagnosis of AIH were low levels of alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.0226), low platelet counts (P < 0.0001), and cirrhosis (P = 0.0004). The risk factor for extrahepatic malignancy was relapse of AIH (P = 0.0485).ConclusionThe risk of malignancies was generally high among AIH patients. Those with the risk factors of malignancies should be carefully followed up.
Prioritizing novel and existing ambulance performance measures through expert and lay consensus: A three‐stage multimethod consensus study
Authors: Coster Joanne E. , Irving Andy D. , Turner Janette K. , Phung Viet‐Hai , Siriwardena Aloysius N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundCurrent ambulance quality and performance measures, such as response times, do not reflect the wider scope of care that services now provide. Using a three‐stage consensus process, we aimed to identify new ways of measuring ambulance service quality and performance that represent service provider and public perspectives.DesignA multistakeholder consensus event, modified Delphi study, and patient and public consensus workshop.Setting and participantsRepresentatives from ambulance services, patient and public involvement (PPI) groups, emergency care clinical academics, commissioners and policymakers.ResultsNine measures/principles were highly prioritized by >75% of consensus event participants, including measures relating to pain, patient experience, accuracy of dispatch decisions and patient safety. Twenty experts participated in two Delphi rounds to further refine and prioritize measures; 20 measures in three domains scored ≥8/9, indicating good consensus, including proportion of calls correctly prioritized, time to definitive care and measures related to pain. Eighteen patient/public representatives attended a consensus workshop, and six measures were identified as important. These include time to definitive care, response time, reduction in pain scores, calls correctly prioritized to appropriate levels of response and survival to hospital discharge for treatable emergency conditions.ConclusionsUsing consensus methods, we identified a shortlist of ambulance outcome and performance measures that are important to ambulance clinicians and service providers, service users, commissioners, and clinical academics, reflecting current pre‐hospital ambulance care and services. The measures can potentially be used to assess pre‐hospital quality or performance over time, with most calculated using routinely available data.