bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of variation: ecological and evolutionary applications and beyond
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Poulin Robert , Mengersen Kerrie , Reinhold Klaus , Engqvist Leif , Lagisz Malgorzata , Senior Alistair M. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Meta‐analysis has become a standard way of summarizing empirical studies in many fields, including ecology and evolution. In ecology and evolution, meta‐analyses comparing two groups (usually experimental and control groups) have almost exclusively focused on comparing the means, using standardized metrics such as Cohen's / Hedges’ d or the response ratio.

However, an experimental treatment may not only affect the mean but also the variance. Investigating differences in the variance between two groups may be informative, especially when a treatment influences the variance in addition to or instead of the mean.

In this paper, we propose the effect size statistic lnCVR (the natural logarithm of the ratio between the coefficients of variation, CV, from two groups), which enables us to meta‐analytically compare differences between the variability of two groups. We illustrate the use of lnCVR with examples from ecology and evolution.

Further, as an alternative approach to the use of lnCVR, we propose the combined use of ln s (the log standard deviation) and (the log mean) in a hierarchical (linear mixed) model. The use of ln s with overcomes potential limitations of lnCVR and it provides a more flexible, albeit more complex, way to examine variation beyond two‐group comparisons. Relevantly, we also refer to the potential use of ln s and lnCV (the log CV) in the context of comparative analysis.

Our approaches to compare variability could be applied to already published meta‐analytic data sets that compare two‐group means to uncover potentially overlooked effects on the variance. Additionally, our approaches should be applied to future meta‐analyses, especially when one suspects a treatment has an effect not only on the mean, but also on the variance. Notably, the application of the proposed methods extends beyond the fields of ecology and evolution.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory markers in school‐aged children with early trauma
Authors: Bücker J. , Fries G. R. , Kapczinski F. , Post R. M. , Yatham L. N. , Vianna P. , Bogo Chies J. A. , Gama C. S. , Magalhães P. V. , Aguiar B. W. , Pfaffenseller B. , Kauer‐Sant'Anna M. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThe impact of childhood trauma (CT) on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines levels remains unclear. We investigated the association between CT and changes in BDNF and cytokines plasma levels in children.MethodWe recruited 36 children with trauma (CT+) and 26 children without trauma (CT‐). The presence of CT was based on a clinical interview and by Criteria A of DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD. Blood samples were drawn from all children to assess BDNF and cytokines. ancova was performed with psychiatric symptoms and BMI as covariates to evaluate group differences in plasma levels.ResultsCT+ showed increased levels of BDNF and TNF‐α after excluding children with history of inflammatory disease (P < 0.05) when compared with those CT‐. IL‐12p70, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐1β levels were not statistically different between groups.ConclusionCT+ showed increased BDNF and proinflammatory cytokines levels. The increase in BDNF levels may be an attempt to neutralize the negative effects of CT, while an increase in TNF‐a levels be associated with a proinflammatory state after CT. How these changes associated with trauma relate to other biological changes and illness trajectory later in life remain to be further studied.
Adolescent pre‐treatment with oxytocin protects against adult methamphetamine‐seeking behavior in female rats
Authors: Hicks Callum , Cornish Jennifer L. , Baracz Sarah J. , Suraev Anastasia , McGregor Iain S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), given acutely, reduces self‐administration of the psychostimulant drug methamphetamine (METH). Additionally, chronic OT administration to adolescent rats reduces levels of alcohol consumption in adulthood, suggesting developmental neuroplasticity in the OT system relevant to addiction‐related behaviors. Here, we examined whether OT exposure during adolescence might subsequently inhibit METH self‐administration in adulthood. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered vehicle or OT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily from postnatal days (PND) 28 to 37 (adolescence). At PND 62 (adulthood), rats were trained to self‐administer METH (intravenous, i.v.) in daily 2‐hour sessions for 10 days under a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) reinforcement schedule, followed by determination of dose‐response functions (0.01–0.3 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) under both FR1 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Responding was then extinguished, and relapse to METH‐seeking behavior assessed following priming doses of non‐contingent METH (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, plasma was collected to determine pre‐treatment effects on OT and corticosterone levels. Results showed that OT pre‐treatment did not significantly inhibit the acquisition of METH self‐administration or FR1 responding. However, rats pre‐treated with OT responded significantly less for METH under a PR reinforcement schedule, and showed reduced METH‐primed reinstatement with the 1 mg/kg prime. Plasma OT levels were also significantly higher in OT pre‐treated rats. These results confirm earlier observations that adolescent OT exposure can subtly, yet significantly, inhibit addiction‐relevant behaviors in adulthood.
Circadian hormone profiles and insulin sensitivity in patients with Addison's disease: a comparison of continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion with conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy
Authors: Björnsdottir Sigridur , Øksnes Marianne , Isaksson Magnus , Methlie Paal , Nilsen Roy M. , Hustad Steinar , Kämpe Olle , Hulting Anna‐Lena , Husebye Eystein S. , Løvås Kristian , Nyström Thomas , Bensing Sophie 
Published: November 2014

SummaryContextConventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with Addison's disease (AD) is unphysiological with possible adverse effects on mortality, morbidity and quality of life. The diurnal cortisol profile can likely be restored by continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare circadian hormone rhythms and insulin sensitivity in conventional thrice‐daily regimen of glucocorticoid replacement therapy with CSHI treatment in patients with AD.Design and settingAn open, randomized, two‐period, 12‐week crossover multicentre trial in Norway and Sweden.PatientsTen Norwegian patients were admitted for 24‐h sampling of hormone profiles. Fifteen Swedish patients underwent euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp.InterventionThrice‐daily regimen of oral hydrocortisone (OHC) and CSHI treatment.Main outcome measureWe measured the circadian rhythm of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor‐1, (IGF‐1), IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), glucose, insulin and triglycerides during OHC and CSHI treatment. Euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp was used to assess insulin sensitivity.ResultsContinuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion provided a more physiological circadian cortisol curve including a late‐night cortisol surge. ACTH levels showed a near normal circadian variation for CSHI. CSHI prevented a continuous decrease in glucose during the night. No difference in insulin sensitivity was observed between the two treatment arms.ConclusionContinuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion replacement re‐established a circadian cortisol rhythm and normalized the ACTH levels. Patients with CSHI replacement had a more stable night‐time glucose level compared with OHC without compromising insulin sensitivity. Thus, restoring night‐time cortisol levels might be advantageous for patients with AD.
Reliability of rehabilitative ultrasonographic imaging for muscle thickness measurement of the rhomboid major
Authors: Jeong Ju Ri , Ko Young Jun , Ha Hyun Geun , Lee Wan Hee 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveThis study was to establish inter‐rater and intrarater reliability of the rehabilitative ultrasonographic imaging (RUSI) technique for muscle thickness measurement of the rhomboid major at rest and with the shoulder abducted to 90°.ParticipantsTwenty‐four young adults (eight men, 16 women; right‐handed; mean age [±SD], 24·4 years [±2·6]) with no history of neck, shoulder, or arm pain were recruited.MethodsRhomboid major muscle images were obtained in the resting position and with shoulder in 90° abduction using an ultrasonography system with a 7·5‐MHz linear transducer. In these two positions, the examiners found the site at which the transducer could be placed. Two examiners obtained the images of all participants in three test sessions at random. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to estimate reliability.ResultsAll ICCs (95% CI) were >0·75, ranging from 0·93 to 0·98, which indicates good reliability. The ICCs for inter‐rater reliability ranged from 0·75 to 0·94. For the absolute value of the difference in the intra‐examiner reliability between the right and left ratios, the ICCs ranged from 0·58 to 0·91.ConclusionIn this study, the intra‐ and interexaminer reliability of muscle thickness measurements of the rhomboid major were good. Therefore, we suggest that muscle thickness measurements of the rhomboid major obtained with the RUSI technique would be useful for clinical rehabilitative assessment.
How global biodiversity hotspots may go unrecognized: lessons from the North American Coastal Plain
Authors: Noss Reed F. , Platt William J. , Sorrie Bruce A. , Weakley Alan S. , Means D. Bruce , Costanza Jennifer , Peet Robert K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBiodiversity hotspots are conservation priorities. We identify the North American Coastal Plain (NACP) as a global hotspot based on the classic definition, a region with > 1500 endemic plant species and > 70% habitat loss. This region has been bypassed in prior designations due to misconceptions and myths about its ecology and history. These fallacies include: (1) young age of the NACP, climatic instability over time and submergence during high sea‐level stands; (2) climatic and environmental homogeneity; (3) closed forest as the climax vegetation; and (4) fire regimes that are mostly anthropogenic. We show that the NACP is older and more climatically stable than usually assumed, spatially heterogeneous and extremely rich in species and endemics for its range of latitude, especially within pine savannas and other mostly herbaceous and fire‐dependent communities. We suspect systematic biases and misconceptions, in addition to missing information, obscure the existence of similarly biologically significant regions world‐wide. Potential solutions to this problem include (1) increased field biological surveys and taxonomic determinations, especially within grassy biomes and regions with low soil fertility, which tend to have much overlooked biodiversity; (2) more research on the climatic refugium role of hotspots, given that regions of high endemism often coincide with regions with low velocity of climate change; (3) in low‐lying coastal regions, consideration of the heterogeneity in land area generated by historically fluctuating sea levels, which likely enhanced opportunities for evolution of endemic species; and (4) immediate actions to establish new protected areas and implement science‐based management to restore evolutionary environmental conditions in newly recognized hotspots.
Influence of aortic regurgitation after TAVI on left ventricular filling pattern
Authors: Caballero Luis , Saura Daniel , García‐Lara Juan , Oliva Maria José , Pinar Eduardo , González‐Carrillo Josefa , García‐Navarro Miguel , Espinosa Maria Dolores , Valdés Mariano , de la Morena Gonzalo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundParavalvular aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is associated with a hemodynamic deterioration and a poor outcome. We aim to determine the early hemodynamic effect of paravalvular aortic regurgitation in relation with the change in the left ventricle filling pattern and to assess their clinical outcome.Material and methodsEighty‐two consecutive patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation were included. Patients were classified according to the change in the left ventricular filling pattern, and significant paravalvular aortic regurgitation (grade ≥ 2) was reported. Follow‐up and incidence of death and hospitalization for heart failure were reported.ResultsSixteen patients (19·5%) presented a worsening of left ventricular filling pattern. The incidence of significant paravalvular aortic regurgitation was higher in the group with a worsening of left ventricular filling pattern (56·3% vs. 19·7%; P = 0·009). In the multivariate analysis, the only variable significantly associated with the worsening of left ventricular filling pattern was the significant paravalvular aortic regurgitation (OR 4·84; 95% CI 1·23 – 19·1; P = 0·024). During the follow‐up (642·5 days), there was a higher incidence of the endpoint of death or hospitalization for heart failure in the group with a worsening of left ventricular filling pattern (62·5% vs. 31·8%; P = 0·042) and a lower event‐free survival rate (long rank test = 0·013).ConclusionsThe presence of a significant paravalvular aortic regurgitation is associated with a worsening in parameters of diastolic function. This finding should alert the cardiologist as patients with a worsening of left ventricular filling pattern present a higher incidence of paravalvular aortic regurgitation and a less favourable outcome.
Not just about sunburn – the ozone hole's profound effect on climate has significant implications for Southern Hemisphere ecosystems
Authors: Robinson Sharon A. , Erickson David J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractClimate scientists have concluded that stratospheric ozone depletion has been a major driver of Southern Hemisphere climate processes since about 1980. The implications of these observed and modelled changes in climate are likely to be far more pervasive for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems than the increase in ultraviolet‐B radiation due to ozone depletion; however, they have been largely overlooked in the biological literature. Here, we synthesize the current understanding of how ozone depletion has impacted Southern Hemisphere climate and highlight the relatively few documented impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Reviewing the climate literature, we present examples of how ozone depletion changes atmospheric and oceanic circulation, with an emphasis on how these alterations in the physical climate system affect Southern Hemisphere weather, especially over the summer season (December–February). These potentially include increased incidence of extreme events, resulting in costly floods, drought, wildfires and serious environmental damage. The ecosystem impacts documented so far include changes to growth rates of South American and New Zealand trees, decreased growth of Antarctic mosses and changing biodiversity in Antarctic lakes. The objective of this synthesis was to stimulate the ecological community to look beyond ultraviolet‐B radiation when considering the impacts of ozone depletion. Such widespread changes in Southern Hemisphere climate are likely to have had as much or more impact on natural ecosystems and food production over the past few decades, than the increased ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion.
Formulation and evaluation on human skin of a water‐in‐oil emulsion containing Muscat hamburg black grape seed extract
Authors: Sharif A. , Akhtar N. , Khan M. S. , Menaa A. , Menaa B. , Khan B. A. , Menaa F. 
Published: November 2014

SynopsisBackgroundVitis vinifera ‘muscat hamburg’ (Vitaceae) is a blue‐black grape variety commonly found in Pakistan. It has been consumed and used in traditional medicine for centuries. Compared to other grapes, M. hamburg records one of the greatest amount of polyphenols and displays potent antioxidant activities, which make it a great candidate for its exploitation in the development of stable cream emulsions destined to improve the skin appearance.ObjectiveEvaluate the effects of stable water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion containing 2% M. hamburg grape seed extract (‘formulation’) on human cheek skin in comparison with the placebo (‘base’).MethodsAn occlusive patch test, containing either the formulation or the base, was topically tested for 8 weeks during a winter period in young adult and healthy Pakistani male volunteers. The subjects were instructed to use twice a day the base and the formulation on their right and left cheek skin, respectively. Non‐invasive measurements on these skin areas were carried out every week to assess any effects produced on melanin, elasticity and sebum. Skin compatibility assay (Burchard test) was used to report any potential skin reactivity. ANOVA, paired sample t‐test and LSD test were applied to determine the statistical data significance.ResultsSignificant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between the placebo and the formulation in terms of their respective skin effects elicited on melanin, elasticity and sebum content. Nevertheless, placebo and formulation exerted similar effects on skin erythema and moisture contents. Importantly, no skin hypersensitivity cases were reported during the whole course of the study.ConclusionThe developed grape‐based cream could be efficiently and safely applied to improve a number of skin conditions (e.g. hyper‐pigmentation, premature ageing, acne).
Peanut exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding: perceptions of practices in four countries
Authors: Boulay Annabelle , Gancheva Vyara , Houghton Julie , Strada Anna , Sora Beatriz , Sala Roser , Rowe Gene 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFood allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular concern, given that this is rarely outgrown and may be associated with life‐threatening anaphylaxis. However, it is unclear what factors are responsible for a perceived increase in prevalence rates. One matter on which scientists agree, however, is that exposure to peanuts early in life is significant – although whether early exposure protects or sensitizes to allergy is unclear. There is no significant research that currently records differences in early life exposure either within or between populations. This exploratory study makes a first step in this direction using focus groups conducted in four countries with disparate ‘peanut experiences’ to characterize early exposure in these. The ultimate aim is to help in the development of a survey instrument to attain nationally representative samples of consumers and hence to use the results from this to compare with allergy prevalence data collected in other parts of the European Union‐funded ‘EuroPrevall’ project. The results in this study not only reveal considerable similarities across countries (e.g. in terms of lack of knowledge of guidelines; lack of changes in feeding behaviour during/after pregnancy, feelings that diet variety in children is important) but also one or two interesting and potentially important differences, such as increased consumption in Bulgarian (and some Spanish) breastfeeding mothers because of the ability of peanuts to facilitate lactation. Study limitations and future study intentions are also discussed.
Obstructive pyelonephritis as a result of urolithiasis in Japan: Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
Authors: Hamasuna Ryoichi , Takahashi Satoshi , Nagae Hiroshi , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Yamamoto Shingo , Arakawa Soichi , Matsumoto Tetsuro 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo study the current scenario of diagnosis, treatment and mortality of obstructive pyelonephritis secondary to urolithiasis in Japan.MethodsThe study was a retrospective and multicenter survey for hospitalized patients with obstructive pyelonephritis as a result of urolithiasis in educational facilities for specialists by the Japanese Urological Association. Patients' characteristics including physical or laboratory examinations, treatment and prognosis were recorded, and the risk factors for disease death were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1363 patients from 208 hospitals were analyzed. The median age of patients was 68 years, and there were 2.2‐fold more female patients than male patients. From 844 patients, 891 species of bacteria or fungi were isolated, and Gram‐negative rods accounted for 76.5% of cases. The mortality of patients was 2.3%. The risk factors related to disease death by univariate analysis were identified as older age, solitary kidney, ambulance use to visit hospital, disturbance of consciousness, severe appetite loss, higher performance status, disseminated intravascular coagulation status or systemic inflammatory response syndrome, vasopressors and anti‐disseminated intravascular coagulation therapies, increased pulse rates, lower hemoglobin, lower serum albumin, and high blood urea nitrogen values. The predictive risk factors for disease death of patients' status at hospitalization were age over 80 years, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation status, disturbance of consciousness and solitary kidney by multivariate analysis.ConclusionsObstructive pyelonephritis as a result of urolithiasis represents an emergent disease in the urological field with relatively high mortality. Patients with older age or poor conditions should be hospitalized, and intervention by a urology specialist is likely to be required.
Loss of Local Capture of the Pulmonary Vein Myocardium After Antral Isolation: Prevalence and Clinical Significance
Authors: SQUARA FABIEN , LIUBA IOAN , CHIK WILLIAM , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , ZADO ERICA S. , CALLANS DAVID J. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: November 2014

Loss of Pulmonary Vein Capture After IsolationIntroductionCapture of the myocardial sleeves of the pulmonary veins (PV) during PV pacing is mandatory for assessing exit block after PV isolation (PVI). However, previous studies reported that a significant proportion of PVs failed to demonstrate local capture after PVI. We designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical significance of loss of PV capture after PVI.Methods and ResultsThirty patients (14 redo) undergoing antral PVI were included. Before and after PVI, local PV capture was assessed during circumferential pacing (10 mA/2 milliseconds) with a circular multipolar catheter (CMC), using EGM analysis from each dipole of the CMC and from the ablation catheter placed in ipsilateral PV. Pacing output was varied to optimize identification of sleeve capture. All PVs demonstrated sleeve capture before PVI, but only 81% and 40% after first time and redo PVI, respectively (P < 0.001 vs. before PVI). In multivariate analysis, absence of spontaneous PV depolarizations after PVI and previous PVI procedures were associated with less PV sleeve capture after PVI (40% sleeve capture, P < 0.001 for both). Loss of PV local capture by design was coincident with the development of PV entrance block and importantly predicted absence of acute reconnection during adenosine challenge with 96% positive predictive value (23% negative predictive value).ConclusionLoss of PV local capture is common after antral PVI resulting in entrance block, and may be used as a specific alternate endpoint for PV electrical isolation. Additionally, loss of PV local capture may identify PVs at very low risk of acute reconnection during adenosine challenge.