bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep‐related symptoms and sleep‐disordered breathing in adult Pompe disease
Authors: Boentert M. , Karabul N. , Wenninger S. , Stubbe‐Dräger B. , Mengel E. , Schoser B. , Young P. 
Published: November 2014

Background and purposeRespiratory muscle weakness is the major cause of early death in patients with adult Pompe disease. It first manifests as nocturnal hypercapnia, eventually leading to sleep disruption. Sleep‐related symptoms along with motor performance, forced vital capacity (FVC) and respiratory symptoms were investigated in 65 adult patients with Pompe disease.MethodsPatients answered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Rotterdam Nine‐item Handicap Scale, the SF‐36 health‐related quality of life questionnaire, and a respiratory symptom questionnaire. In all patients, the 6‐min walk test was performed and FVC was obtained. Polysomnography and oxycapnometry results were available in 31 patients.ResultsSixty patients received enzyme replacement therapy, and 32 individuals were on home ventilatory support. Reduced sleep quality was highly prevalent (PSQI > 5; 43.1%) and correlated with both excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 10; 24.6%) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale > 4; 72.3%). The SF‐36 health‐related quality of life questionnaire was reduced in the physical domains, and was inversely correlated with sleep quality, FVC and motor performance. In 11 out of 17 non‐ventilated patients with polysomnography records, sleep‐disordered breathing was present, and duration of nocturnal oxygen desaturation (SaO2 < 90%) was significantly correlated to the PSQI global score.ConclusionsIn adult Pompe disease, sleep disturbances are a common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Sleep‐related symptoms may be indicative of respiratory muscle weakness and should give rise to further work‐up of sleep‐disordered breathing.
Reduced body mass index in essential tremor: a study of 382 cases and 392 matched controls
Authors: Louis E. D. , Michalec M. 
Published: November 2014

Background and purposeThere is mounting evidence that essential tremor (ET) is a neurodegenerative disease. Reduced body mass index (BMI) is a clinical feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, yet there has been little documentation of BMI in patients with ET.MethodsEssential tremor cases and controls were enrolled in a study of the environmental epidemiology of ET at Columbia University Medical Center. Weight and height were measured using a standard protocol; BMI was weight (kg) divided by height (m2). Daily calorie count (kcal) was calculated using the Willett Semi‐Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Tremor severity was assessed with a clinical rating scale (total tremor score, range 0–36).ResultsThe 382 ET cases and 392 controls were similar with respect to age, gender and other demographic variables. BMI was lower in ET cases than controls [26.7 ± 5.0 (median = 26.2) vs. 27.7 ± 5.6 (median = 26.7), P = 0.03] despite the fact that the daily caloric intake was marginally higher in ET cases than controls (P = 0.09). In ET cases, BMI was not associated with tremor severity (Spearman's r = −0.02, P = 0.66) but, among younger onset ET cases, longer tremor duration was associated with lower BMI (Spearman's r = −0.14, P = 0.049).ConclusionsThe observed lower BMI in ET is consistent with the neurodegenerative hypothesis of ET. The data also suggest that some mechanism other than decreased daily caloric intake or an involuntary movement‐related increased burning of calories is likely to account for this case−control difference.
Revisiting safe biological limits in fisheries
Authors: Froese Rainer , Coro Gianpaolo , Kleisner Kristin , Demirel Nazli 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe appropriateness of three official fisheries management reference points used in the north‐east Atlantic was investigated: (i) the smallest stock size that is still within safe biological limits (SSBpa), (ii) the maximum sustainable rate of exploitation (Fmsy) and (iii) the age at first capture. As for (i), in 45% of the examined stocks, the official value for SSBpa was below the consensus estimates determined from three different methods. With respect to (ii), the official estimates of Fmsy exceeded natural mortality M in 76% of the stocks, although M is widely regarded as natural upper limit for Fmsy. And regarding (iii), the age at first capture was below the age at maturity in 74% of the stocks. No official estimates of the stock size (SSBmsy) that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) are available for the north‐east Atlantic. An analysis of stocks from other areas confirmed that twice SSBpa provides a reasonable preliminary estimate. Comparing stock sizes in 2013 against this proxy showed that 88% were below the level that can produce MSY. Also, 52% of the stocks were outside of safe biological limits, and 12% were severely depleted. Fishing mortality in 2013 exceeded natural mortality in 73% of the stocks, including those that were severely depleted. These results point to the urgent need to re‐assess fisheries reference points in the north‐east Atlantic and to implement the regulations of the new European Common Fisheries Policy regarding sustainable fishing pressure, healthy stock sizes and adult age/size at first capture.
Detection and attribution of vegetation greening trend in China over the last 30 years
Authors: Piao Shilong , Yin Guodong , Tan Jianguang , Cheng Lei , Huang Mengtian , Li Yue , Liu Ronggao , Mao Jiafu , Myneni Ranga B. , Peng Shushi , Poulter Ben , Shi Xiaoying , Xiao Zhiqiang , Zeng Ning , Zeng ZhenZhong , Wang Yingping 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe reliable detection and attribution of changes in vegetation growth is a prerequisite for the development of strategies for the sustainable management of ecosystems. This is an extraordinary challenge. To our knowledge, this study is the first to comprehensively detect and attribute a greening trend in China over the last three decades. We use three different satellite‐derived Leaf Area Index (LAI) datasets for detection as well as five different process‐based ecosystem models for attribution. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration and nitrogen deposition are identified as the most likely causes of the greening trend in China, explaining 85% and 41% of the average growing‐season LAI trend (LAIGS) estimated by satellite datasets (average trend of 0.0070 yr−1, ranging from 0.0035 yr−1 to 0.0127 yr−1), respectively. The contribution of nitrogen deposition is more clearly seen in southern China than in the north of the country. Models disagree about the contribution of climate change alone to the trend in LAIGS at the country scale (one model shows a significant increasing trend, whereas two others show significant decreasing trends). However, the models generally agree on the negative impacts of climate change in north China and Inner Mongolia and the positive impact in the Qinghai–Xizang plateau. Provincial forest area change tends to be significantly correlated with the trend of LAIGS (P < 0.05), and marginally significantly (P = 0.07) correlated with the residual of LAIGS trend, calculated as the trend observed by satellite minus that estimated by models through considering the effects of climate change, rising CO2 concentration and nitrogen deposition, across different provinces. This result highlights the important role of China's afforestation program in explaining the spatial patterns of trend in vegetation growth.
Exotic Spartina alterniflora invasion alters ecosystem–atmosphere exchange of CH4 and N2O and carbon sequestration in a coastal salt marsh in China
Authors: Yuan Junji , Ding Weixin , Liu Deyan , Kang Hojeong , Freeman Chris , Xiang Jian , Lin Yongxin 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCoastal salt marshes are sensitive to global climate change and may play an important role in mitigating global warming. To evaluate the impacts of Spartina alterniflora invasion on global warming potential (GWP) in Chinese coastal areas, we measured CH4 and N2O fluxes and soil organic carbon sequestration rates along a transect of coastal wetlands in Jiangsu province, China, including open water; bare tidal flat; and invasive S. alterniflora, native Suaeda salsa, and Phragmites australis marshes. Annual CH4 emissions were estimated as 2.81, 4.16, 4.88, 10.79, and 16.98 kg CH4 ha−1 for open water, bare tidal flat, and P. australis, S. salsa, and S. alterniflora marshes, respectively, indicating that S. alterniflora invasion increased CH4 emissions by 57–505%. In contrast, negative N2O fluxes were found to be significantly and negatively correlated (P < 0.001) with net ecosystem CO2 exchange during the growing season in S. alterniflora and P. australis marshes. Annual N2O emissions were 0.24, 0.38, and 0.56 kg N2O ha−1 in open water, bare tidal flat and S. salsa marsh, respectively, compared with ‐0.51 kg N2O ha−1 for S. alterniflora marsh and −0.25 kg N2O ha−1 for P. australis marsh. The carbon sequestration rate of S. alterniflora marsh amounted to 3.16 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in the top 100 cm soil profile, a value that was 2.63‐ to 8.78‐fold higher than in native plant marshes. The estimated GWP was 1.78, −0.60, −4.09, and −1.14 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1 in open water, bare tidal flat, P. australis marsh and S. salsa marsh, respectively, but dropped to −11.30 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1 in S. alterniflora marsh. Our results indicate that although S. alterniflora invasion stimulates CH4 emissions, it can efficiently mitigate increases in atmospheric CO2 and N2O along the coast of China.
‘Low‐hanging fruit’ for conservation of marine vertebrate species at risk in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Coll Marta , Steenbeek Jeroen , Ben Rais Lasram Frida , Mouillot David , Cury Philippe 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimConservation priorities need to take the feasibility of protection measures into account. In times of economic pressure it is essential to identify the ‘low‐hanging fruit’ for conservation: areas where human impacts are lower and biological diversity is still high, and thus conservation is more feasible.LocationWe used the Mediterranean large marine ecosystem (LME) as a case study to identify the overlapping areas of low threats and high diversity of vertebrate species at risk.MethodsThis LME is the first in the world to have a complete regional IUCN Red List assessment of the native marine fish. We augmented these data with distributions of marine mammals, marine turtles and seabirds at risk, and we calculated the spatial distributions of species at risk (IUCN densities). Using cumulative threats we identified ‘priority areas for conservation of species at risk’ (PACS), where IUCN diversities are high and threats are low. We assessed whether IUCN diversities and PACS were spatially congruent among taxa and we quantified whether PACS corresponded to current and proposed protected areas.ResultsIUCN densities and PACS were not highly correlated spatially among taxa. Continental shelves and deep‐sea slopes of the Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean and Tunisian Plateau/Gulf of Sidra are identified as relevant for fish species at risk. The eastern side of the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea are identified as most relevant for endemic fish, and shelf and open sea areas distributed through the LME are most important for marine mammals and turtles at risk, while specific locations of the western Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean and Levantine seas are highlighted for seabirds.Main conclusionsLarge parts of the areas of PACS fell outside current or proposed frameworks to be prioritized for conservation. PACS may be suitable candidates for contributing to the 10% protection target for the Mediterranean Sea by 2020.
Environmental disturbance can increase beta diversity of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages
Authors: Hawkins Charles P. , Mykrä Heikki , Oksanen Jari , Vander Laan Jacob J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimFreshwater biodiversity is declining world‐wide as a result of human‐caused degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Declines in species richness are well documented for many taxonomic groups, but less is known about how and why species composition and beta diversity (β) change in response to environmental degradation in freshwater environments.LocationThe Mid‐Atlantic Highlands region of the USA (36–42° N, 74–82° E) and Finland in northern Europe (60–68° N, 20–32° E).MethodsWe used null models, occupancy analyses, ordinations and multitaxon niche models to assess how β of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages in two biogeographically distinct regions responded to environmental alteration and what mechanisms were most likely to have caused the observed differences in β.ResultsMacroinvertebrate assemblages at anthropogenically disturbed sites were significantly more dissimilar from one another than were reference sites, a result contrary to those reported in several other studies. In this study, anthropogenic disturbances decreased the regional prevalence of most common taxa and increased the prevalence of several less common taxa. These differences in taxon occupancies and β between the reference condition and disturbed streams are unlikely to be the result of a single mechanism, although environmental filtering was probably of primary importance.Main conclusionsThe effects of anthropogenic disturbance on assemblage composition can be variable and probably depend on: initial ecological conditions; the magnitude, type and uniformity of environmental alteration occurring in a region; and the sensitivity of individual taxa. It is unlikely that β is controlled by a single mechanism, and these variable mechanisms may have diverse effects on taxon occupancies and hence β. Restoration ecologists will need to consider how β varies naturally across different landscape settings and in response to different types of disturbance when developing region‐wide restoration strategies.
Fine‐scale heterogeneity across Manhattan's urban habitat mosaic is associated with variation in ant composition and richness
Authors: Savage Amy M. , Hackett Britné , Guénard Benoit , Youngsteadt Elsa K. , Dunn Robert R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Global urbanisation is rapidly expanding and most of the world's humans now live in cities. Most ecological studies have, however, focused on protected areas.

To address this issue, we tested predictions from studies of protected areas in urban ecosystems.

Because most cities are heterogeneous habitat mosaics which include habitats with varying levels of chronic environmental stress, we focused on predictions from studies of less modified ecosystems about community‐wide responses to variation in chronic stress.

We sampled ants across Manhattan's urban habitat mosaic, at sites with varying levels of chronic environmental stress.

Many predictions derived from less modified ecosystems were supported by our findings: despite being the most intensively sampled habitat, high stress urban medians had less variability in ant composition –both within and among sites – than either urban parks or urban forests, the lowest stress habitat – urban forests‐had significantly more accumulated species and a higher number of unique species than higher stress habitats, and urban parks, which have intermediate levels of chronic environmental stress, also had intermediate levels of variation in among‐site species composition, accumulated species richness, and the incidence of unique species. The most common species also differed across Manhattan's urban habitat mosaic.

Nevertheless, the prediction that exotic species would occur more frequently in higher stress habitats was not supported; exotic species were equally common across all habitats.

These findings suggest that fine‐scale heterogeneity in the chronic stress of urban habitats may be an underappreciated, but important structuring force for urban animal communities.
Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor diversity in Malay subethnic groups of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: NurWaliyuddin H. Z. A. , Edinur H. A. , Norazmi M. N. , Sundararajulu P. , Chambers G. K. , Zafarina Z. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe KIR system shows variation at both gene content and allelic level across individual genome and populations. This variation reflects its role in immunity and has become a significant tool for population comparisons. In this study, we investigate KIR gene content in 120 unrelated individuals from the four Malay subethnic groups (Kelantan, Jawa, Banjar and Pattani Malays). Genotyping using commercial polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) kits revealed a total of 34 different KIR genotypes; 17 for Kelantan, 15 for Banjar, 14 for Jawa and 13 for Pattani Malays. Two new variants observed in Banjar Malays have not previously been reported. Genotype AA and haplotype A were the most common in Jawa (0.47 and 0.65, respectively), Banjar (0.37 and 0.52, respectively) and Pattani (0.40 and 0.60, respectively) Malays. In contrast, Kelantan Malays were observed to have slightly higher frequency (0.43) of genotype BB as compared with the others. Based on the KIR genes distribution, Jawa, Pattani and Banjar subethnic groups showed greater similarity and are discrete from Kelantan Malays. A principal component plot carried out using KIR gene carrier frequency shows that the four Malay subethnic groups are clustered together with other South‐East Asian populations. Overall, our observation on prevalence of KIR gene content demonstrates genetic affinities between the four Malay subethnic groups and supports the common origins of the Austronesian‐speaking people.
Heparin‐based treatment to prevent symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or death in general medical inpatients is not supported by best evidence
Authors: Spencer A. , Cawood T. , Frampton C. , Jardine D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPrevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical patients is controversial. In contrast to surgical patients, the evidence supporting the use of heparin‐based treatment for prevention of VTE (HVTEp) may not justify current guidelines. This study aims to determine whether current clinical guidelines for HVTEp are appropriate for medical patients. We searched medical databases for original randomised placebo‐controlled studies of HVTEp in medical patients, excluding those with stroke and in intensive care. From 401 potentially relevant studies, we selected eight, which included over 16 000 patients. HVTEp decreased the incidence of all deep venous thromboses (DVT): 4.3% in the placebo group versus 2.3% in the treatment group, P = 0.002, number needed to treat, 50. However, this treatment effect was not seen for symptomatic DVT: 1.2% versus 0.9%, P = 0.18, odds ratio (OR) 0.72 (0.45–1.16). Similarly, HVTEp did not decrease the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE): 0.54% versus 0.27%, P = 0.3, OR 0.57 (0.21–1.53), or fatal PE: 0.1% versus 0.0%, P = 0.3, OR 0.2 (0.01–4.11). Furthermore, HVTEp did not decrease total mortality: 5.63% versus 5.39%, P = 0.92, OR 0.96 (0.78–1.18). The use of HVTEp in hospitalised general medical patients does not result in a significant reduction in symptomatic DVT, PE, fatal PE or total mortality. The best evidence does not support the recommendations of the current clinical guidelines.
Antithrombotic use following transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke among older Australians with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sluggett J. K. , Caughey G. E. , Ward M. B. , Gilbert A. L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHospital audits may underestimate anticoagulant use among acute ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), as treatment may commence after discharge. To account for this, antithrombotic use in the 4 months after hospitalisation for transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke among AF patients was assessed using claims data. Results suggest that treatment may be commenced soon after discharge and should be considered when assessing prevalence of use.
Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5 in a family with diabetes and mild kidney disease diagnosed by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Wentworth J. M. , Lukic V. , Bahlo M. , Finlay M. , Nguyen C. , Morahan G. , Harrison L. C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractExome sequencing is being increasingly used to identify disease‐associated gene mutations. We used whole exome sequencing to determine the genetic basis of a syndrome of diabetes and renal disease affecting a mother and her son. We identified a mutation in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1‐b (HNF1B) gene that encoded a methionine to valine amino acid change (M160V) in the HNF1B protein. This leads us to the previously unappreciated diagnosis of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5 and provided a basis for genetic counselling of other family members.
The Relations between Reactivity at 4 Months and Behavioral Inhibition in the Second Year: Replication across Three Independent Samples
Authors: Fox Nathan A. , Snidman Nancy , Haas Sara A. , Degnan Kathryn A. , Kagan Jerome 
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the predictive relations between two infant temperamental biases assessed at 4 months and inhibited behavior during the first 2 years of life in three independent samples from two research laboratories. Although each sample used slightly different criteria for classifying infants, the results across samples were consistent. Infants of both genders who displayed high levels of motor activity and distress to unfamiliar events were more inhibited at 14 months of age. By 24 months, there were significant sex differences: Boys identified as high reactive were more inhibited than high reactive girls.
Lived experience in teaching mental health nursing: Issues of fear and power
Authors: Happell Brenda , Bennetts Wanda , Harris Scott , Platania‐Phung Chris , Tohotoa Jenny , Byrne Louise , Wynaden Dianne 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAustralian mental health policy clearly articulates recovery focus as the underpinning of mental health services. Barriers to achieving a recovery focus are identified in the literature, with negative attitudes of health professionals receiving particular attention. The involvement of people with lived experience of significant mental health challenges and mental health service use is essential to enhancing more positive attitudes. Lived‐experience involvement in the education of nurses is evident; however, it is generally limited and implemented on an ad hoc basis. Overall, there is a paucity of literature on this topic. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken to elicit the views and perceptions of nurse academics and lived‐experience educators about the inclusion of lived experience in mental health nursing education. One major theme to emerge from the research was issues of fear and power, which included three subthemes: facing fear, demystifying mental illness, and issues of power. Lived‐experience involvement has an important role to play in the education of nurses in addressing fear and demystifying the experience of mental illness. The power that lived‐experience educators exercised in their roles varied considerably, and for many, was limited. Therefore, the effectiveness of lived‐experience involvement requires a more equitable distribution of power.