bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From pots to plots: hierarchical trait‐based prediction of plant performance in a mesic grassland
Authors: Schroeder‐Georgi Thomas , Wirth Christian , Nadrowski Karin , Meyer Sebastian T. , Mommer Liesje , Weigelt Alexandra 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Traits are powerful predictors of ecosystem functions pointing to underlying physiological and ecological processes. Plant individual performance results from the coordinated operation of many processes, ranging from nutrient uptake over organ turnover to photosynthesis, thus requiring a large set of traits for its prediction. For plant performance on higher hierarchical levels, e.g. populations, additional traits important for plant‐plant and trophic interactions may be required which should even enlarge the spectrum of relevant predictor traits.

The goal of this study was to assess the importance of plant functional traits to predict individual and population performance of grassland species with particular focus on the significance of root traits. We tested this for 59 grassland species using 35 traits divided into three trait clusters: leaf traits (16), stature traits (8) and root traits (11), using individual biomass of mesocosm plants as a measure of individual performance and population biomass of monocultures as a measure of population performance. We applied structural equation models to disentangle direct effects of single traits on population biomass and indirect effects via individual plant biomass or shoot density.We tested multivariate trait effects on individual and population biomass to analyse whether the importance of different trait clusters shifts with increasing hierarchical integration from individuals to populations.

Traits of all three clusters significantly correlated with individual and population biomass. However, in spite of a number of significant correlations, above‐below‐ground linkages were generally weak, with few exceptions like N content.

Stature traits exclusively affected population biomass indirectly via their effect on individual biomass, whereas root and leaf traits showed also direct effects and partly indirect effects via density.

The inclusion of root traits in multiple regression models improved the prediction of individual biomass when compared with models with only above‐ground information only slightly (95% vs. 93% of variance prediction with and without root traits, respectively) but was crucial for the prediction of population biomass (77% and 49%, respectively). Root traits were more important for plant performance than leaf traits and were even the most important predictors at the population level

Synthesis. Upscaling from the individual to the population level reflects an increasing number of processes requiring traits from different trait clusters for their prediction. Our results emphasize the importance of root traits for trait‐based studies especially at higher organizational levels. Our approach provides a comprehensive framework acknowledging the hierarchical nature of trait influences. This is one step towards a more process‐oriented assessment of trait‐based approaches.
Novel viral genomes identified from six metagenomes reveal wide distribution of archaeal viruses and high viral diversity in terrestrial hot springs
Authors: Gudbergsdóttir Sóley Ruth , Menzel Peter , Krogh Anders , Young Mark , Peng Xu 
Published: October 2015

SummaryLimited by culture‐dependent methods the number of viruses identified from thermophilic Archaea and Bacteria is still very small. In this study we retrieved viral sequences from six hot spring metagenomes isolated worldwide, revealing a wide distribution of four archaeal viral families, Ampullaviridae, Bicaudaviridae, Lipothrixviridae and Rudiviridae. Importantly, we identified 10 complete or near complete viral genomes allowing, for the first time, an assessment of genome conservation and evolution of the Ampullaviridae family as well as Sulfolobus Monocaudavirus 1 (SMV1)‐related viruses. Among the novel genomes, one belongs to a putative thermophilic virus infecting the bacterium Hydrogenobaculum, for which no virus has been reported in the literature. Moreover, a high viral diversity was observed in the metagenomes, especially among the Lipothrixviridae, as indicated by the large number of unique contigs and the lack of a completely assembled genome for this family. This is further supported by the large number of novel genes in the complete and partial genomes showing no sequence similarities to public databases. CRISPR analysis revealed hundreds of novel CRISPR loci and thousands of novel CRISPR spacers from each metagenome, reinforcing the notion of high viral diversity in the thermal environment.
Europe Needs Consistent Teaching of the Economics of Animal Health
Authors: Jackson Elizabeth L. , Waret‐Szkuta Agnès , Raboisson Didier , Niemi Jarkko , Aragrande Maurizio , Gethmann Jörn , Martins Sara Babo , Höreth‐Böntgen Detlef , Sans Pierre , Stärk Katharina D. , Häsler Barbara , Rushton Jonathan 
Published: October 2015

SummaryEducation in the use of economics applied to animal health (EAH) has been offered as part of various veterinary degree programmes since the 1980s. However, it has never been institutionalised in under‐graduate curricula for animal health professionals and there is no systematic information on current teaching and education activities. An online survey was conducted in Europe to assess existing teaching programmes and the expectations of people using economics in animal health. The main conclusion is that there is insufficient EAH education on offer and there are disparate approaches to EAH‐related curricula. Respondents expressed concerns regarding for example the limited education relating to assessing economic impacts of animal diseases, evaluation of intervention decisions, or using economics for general business management and understanding markets. Both public and private organisations predicted an increasing need for EAH in the future. The overarching implication is that EAH teaching methods and materials need to be developed and philosophically embedded into animal health curricula to ensure that future policy decisions regarding animal health are based on strong, well‐founded knowledge of resource allocation.
Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism with preterm delivery and placental abruption: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jian , Chen Liang , Zhu Li‐Hua , Zhang Si‐Tong , Wu Yi‐Le 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to summarize evidence on the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and odds of preterm delivery and placental abruption.Material and MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, CBM (Chinese Biomedical Database) and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched to identify eligible studies published in English or Chinese before 12 August 2014. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated for the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with preterm delivery and placental abruption using random effects models.ResultsA total of 22 studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this meta‐analysis. Regardless of the genetic model tested we found no statistically significant association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with preterm delivery or placental abruption. Funnel plots inspections, Begg's test and Egger's test did not show evidence of publication bias.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis demonstrated that overall there was no association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with preterm delivery or placental abruption.
Clinical Weighting of Drug–Drug Interactions in Hospitalized Elderly
Authors: Juárez‐Cedillo Teresa , Martinez‐Hernández Cynthia , Hernández‐Constantino Angel , Garcia‐Cruz Juan Carlos , Avalos‐Mejia Annia M , Sánchez‐Hurtado Luis A. , Islas Perez Valentin , Hansten Philip D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAdverse drug reactions impact on patient health, effectiveness of pharmacological therapy and increased health care costs. This investigation intended to detect the most critical drug–drug interactions in hospitalized elderly patients, weighting clinical risk. We conducted a cross‐sectional study between January and April 2014; all patients 70 years or older, hospitalized for >24 hr and prescribed at least one medication were included in the study. Drug–drug interactions were estimated by combining Stockley's, Hansten and Tatro drug interactions. Drug–drug interactions were weighted using a risk‐analysis method based on failure modes, effects and criticality analysis. We calculated a criticality index for each drug involved in the drug–drug interactions based on the severity of the interaction mechanism, the frequency the drug was involved in drug–drug interactions and the risk of drug–drug interactions in patients with impaired renal function. The average number of drugs consumed in the hospital was 6 ± 2.69, involving 160 active ingredients. The most frequent were as follows: Furosemide, followed by Enalapril. Of drug–drug interactions, 2% were classified as contraindicated, 14% advised against and 83% advised caution during the hospital stay. Thirty‐four drug–drug interactions were assessed, of which 23 were pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions and 12 were pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions (1 was both). The clinical risk calculated for each drug–drug interaction included heparins + non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Digoxin + Calcium Gluconate, cases which are pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions with agonist effect and clinical risk of bleeding, one of the most common clinical risks in the hospital. An index of clinical risk for drug–drug interactions can be calculated based on severity by the interaction mechanism, the frequency that the drug is involved in drug–drug interactions and the risk of drug–drug interactions in an elderly patient with impaired renal function.
ACROSCORE: a new and simple tool for the diagnosis of acromegaly, a rare and underdiagnosed disease
Authors: Prencipe Nunzia , Floriani Irene , Guaraldi Federica , Di Giacomo Stellina V. , Cannavo Salvatore , Arnaldi Giorgio , Berton Alessandro , Torri Valter , Spinello Maurizio , Arvat Emanuela , Ghigo Ezio , Grottoli Silvia 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectiveAcromegaly, a disease caused by GH/IGF‐I hypersecretion, is associated with a high mortality rate; early recognition is therefore necessary to ensure successful treatment and to avoid comorbidities. We have created a symptom/sign scoring tool (ACROSCORE) for physicians to use to identify acromegaly.DesignTo compare cases of acromegaly diagnosed between 1990 and 2014 against a control group affected by non‐GH‐secreting pituitary tumours to identify symptoms and signs that are most discriminative for acromegaly.PatientsConfirmed acromegaly patients and patients affected by non‐GH‐secreting pituitary tumours.MeasurementsIn all patients, signs, symptoms and comorbidities were recorded from medical records and collected using a specifically designed questionnaire.ResultsA total of 194 acromegaly patients [115 women; mean (SD) age 47·2 (14·2) years] and 243 patients affected by non‐GH‐secreting pituitary tumours [131 women; mean (SD) age 45·8 (15·8) years] were included. A strong association was observed for type 2/secondary diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 3·7], hyperhidrosis (OR 6·1), thyroid hyperplasia (OR 13·9), colorectal polyps (OR 10·4), spaced teeth (OR 25·4) and carpal tunnel syndrome (OR 4·3). Based on this information, a multivariable logistic model was built and a 14‐point scoring system developed. A score of 0 excludes the risk of acromegaly [positive predictive value (PV+) = 0·6%]; scores 1–5 comprise a grey area; scores >5 indicate that a diagnosis of acromegaly cannot be excluded (PV+ = 46·1%).ConclusionsOnce validated in independent studies, ACROSCORE may represent a new tool for the clinical screening of acromegaly that can be used by general practitioners and nonendocrinology specialists.
Evaluation of extrashort 4‐mm implants in mandibular edentulous patients with reduced bone height in comparison with standard implants: a 12‐month results
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , López Torres José Alberto , Dard Michel , Javed Fawad , Pérez‐Albacete Martínez Carlos , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this research was to evaluate the primary stability, the marginal bone loss, the survival, and the success criteria, of 4‐mm‐length implants compared with implants of conventional length supporting fixed prostheses.Materials and MethodsTen patients were selected for treatment of their atrophic edentulous jaws. Each patient received the following treatment: six dental implants were inserted, two anterior implants of conventional length (10‐mm) in the interforaminal area and four posterior short implants of 4‐mm length (Standard Plus, Roxolid, SLActive, Institut Straumann AG). The implants supported screw‐retained fixed complete dentures. Examinations were conducted at day 0, three, six, and twelve months after surgery for the evaluation of the implant primary stability, secondary stability, crestal bone loss and survival by clinical evaluations, insertion torque values, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and periapical radiography, respectively.ResultsSixty implants were inserted in ten patients. Mean insertion torque was slightly lower for 4‐mm implants than 10‐mm implants (38.1 Ncm vs. 42.2 Ncm) but without statistically significant difference. Implant stability was similar for extrashort and conventional implants. Marginal bone loss was similar for both groups for all the time periods. One short implant was lost before loading. The survival rates twelve months after implant placement were of 97.5% and 100% for short and conventional implants, respectively. Similarly, implant stability as measured byRFAwas nonsignificantly lower for the 4‐mm implants compared to the 10‐mm implants. The marginal bone loss was lower for short implants three, six, and twelve months after the surgery without statistical significant difference.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, we conclude that short dental implants (8 mm or less in length) supporting single crowns or fixed bridges are a feasible treatment option with radiographic and clinical success rates similar to longer implants for patients with compromised ridges. Long‐term data with larger number of implants and subjects are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Meaning is Not a Reflex: Context Dependence of Spatial Congruity Effects
Authors: Casasanto Daniel , Brookshire Geoffrey , Ivry Richard 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn two experiments, Brookshire, Ivry, and Casasanto (2010) showed that words with positive and negative emotional valence can activate spatial representations with a high degree of automaticity, but also that this activation is highly context dependent. Lebois, Wilson‐Mendenhall, and Barsalou (2015) reported that they “aimed to replicate” our study but found only null results in the “Brookshire et al. replication” conditions. Here we express concerns about three aspects of this paper. First, the study was not an attempt to replicate ours; it was a different study that adapted our method. Second, Lebois et al. did not accurately represent our theoretical position. Third, Lebois et al.’s main conclusion, that spatial congruity effects depend on the task context, was not supported by their data. Despite these concerns, we agree with Lebois et al.'s overall message that spatial aspects of words' meanings are activated differently in different contexts. This was a main conclusion of our study as well.
Relative hypoaldosteronism in a patient with Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome
Authors: Uçar A. , Aydemir Y. , Doğan A. , Tunçez E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundWolcott‐Rallison syndrome is an autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder with onset of diabetes in the neonatal period or early infancy.Case reportA 9‐year‐old girl with diabetes and growth failure from 2 months of age presented with ketoacidosis and multiple organ failure. Evaluation for short stature revealed epiphyseal dysplasia. A homozygous mutation in the EIF2AK3 gene confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome. She was euthyroid. Biochemical evaluation for potential adrenal dysfunction because of persistently elevated serum potassium (range 5.9–6.3 meq/l) and low serum sodium levels (range 128–130 meq/l) 2 weeks after resolution of ketoacidosis yielded normal findings with respect to basal corticotropin (31 pg/ml) and cortisol (18.7 μg/dl) levels. Estimated GFR‐Schwartz (36.9 ml/min/1.73 m2) was consistent with stage 3 chronic renal failure. The transtubular potassium gradient was 1.39 (normal value in hyperkalemic states: > 4.1). The plasma aldosterone (upright: 241.3 pmol/l) was within normal ranges, and plasma renin [39 pg/ml (range 5.41–34.53 pg/ml)] was slightly elevated. The patient was diagnosed as having relative hypoaldosteronism and was started on a sodium‐rich diet and low potassium. Failure to respond to the dietary intervention prompted a trial of oral fludrocortisone with subsequent normalization of electrolyte levels.ConclusionsThis is the first case report of Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome complicated with relative hypoaldosteronism. Further research is needed to probe the causal inference of relative hypoaldosteronism with chronic renal failure in patients with Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome.
Low alanine aminotransferase levels and higher number of cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes: analysis of the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study
Authors: Williams K. H. , Sullivan D. R. , Veillard A. S. , O'Brien R. , George J. , Jenkins A. J. , Young S. , Ehnholm C. , Duffield A. , Twigg S. M. , Keech A. C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine whether alanine aminotransferase or gamma‐glutamyltransferase levels, as markers of liver health and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, might predict cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsData from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes study were analysed to examine the relationship between liver enzymes and incident cardiovascular events (non‐fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary and other cardiovascular death, coronary or carotid revascularization) over 5 years.ResultsAlanine aminotransferase measure had a linear inverse relationship with the first cardiovascular event occurring in participants during the study period. After adjustment, for every 1 sdhigher baseline alanine aminotransferase measure (13.2 U/l), the risk of a cardiovascular event was 7% lower (95%CI4–13;P = 0.02). Participants with alanine aminotransferase levels below and above the reference range 8–41 U/l for women and 9–59 U/l for men, had hazard ratios for a cardiovascular event of 1.86 (95%CI1.12–3.09) and 0.65 (95%CI0.49–0.87), respectively (P = 0.001). No relationship was found for gamma‐glutamyltransferase.ConclusionsThe data may indicate that in people with Type 2 diabetes, which is associated with higher alanine aminotransferase levels because of prevalent non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, a low alanine aminotransferase level is a marker of hepatic or systemic frailty rather than health.
Prevalence of depression in Type 1 diabetes and the problem of over‐diagnosis
Authors: Fisher L. , Hessler D. M. , Polonsky W. H. , Masharani U. , Peters A. L. , Blumer I. , Strycker L. A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine the prevalence of depression and diabetes distress in adults with Type 1 diabetes and the rate of false‐positives when compared with rates of major depressive disorder.MethodsThe sample consisted of 368 individuals with Type 1 diabetes, aged > 19 years. Individuals completed: the eight‐item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ8), which was coded using four scoring criteria (scores > 10, >12 and >15, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM) algorithm scores); the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale; and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) to assess major depressive disorder.ResultsThe prevalence rates of depression according to the eight‐item Patient Health Questionnaire were: score >10, 11.4%; score >12, 7.1%; score >15, 3.8%; and positive algorithm result, 4.6%. The prevalence of major depressive disorder was 3.5%; and the prevalence of at least moderate diabetes distress was 42.1%. Depending on the criterion used, the false‐positive rate when using the Patient Health Questionnaire compared with the results when using the SCID varied from 52 to 71%. Of those classified as depressed on the PHQ‐8 or Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders, between 92.3 and 96.2% also reported elevated diabetes distress. No significant association was found between any group classed as having depression according to the PHQ8 or the SCID and HbA1c concentration. Depression was significantly associated with more other life stress, more complications and a lower level of education.ConclusionsWe found an unexpectedly low rate of current depression and major depressive disorder in this diverse sample of adults with Type 1 diabetes, and a very high rate of false‐positive results using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes distress, much of what has been considered depression in adults with Type 1 diabetes may be attributed to the emotional distress associated with managing a demanding chronic disease and other life stressors and not necessarily to underlying psychopathology.
Economic evaluations of pharmacist‐managed services in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Y. , Yeo Q. Q. , Ko Y. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo review and evaluate the most recent literature on the economic outcomes of pharmacist‐managed services in people with diabetes.BackgroundThe global prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Although pharmacist‐managed services have been shown to improve people's health outcomes, the economic impact of these programmes remains unclear.MethodsA systematic review was conducted of six databases. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) original research; (2) evaluation of pharmacist‐managed services in people with diabetes; (3) an economic evaluation; (4) English‐language publication; and (5) full‐text, published between January 2006 and December 2014. The quality of the full economic evaluations reviewed was evaluated using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist.ResultsA total of 2204 articles were screened and 25 studies were selected. These studies were conducted in a community pharmacy (n= 10), a clinic‐ /hospital‐based outpatient facility (n= 8), or others. Pharmacist‐managed services included targeted education (n= 24), general pharmacotherapeutic monitoring (n= 21), health screening or laboratory testing services (n= 9), immunization services (n= 2) and pharmacokinetic monitoring (n= 1). Compared with usual care, pharmacist‐managed services resulted in cost savings that varied from $7 to $65,000 ($8 to $85,000 in 2014USdollars) per person per year, and generated higher quality‐adjusted life years with lower costs. Benefit‐to‐cost ratios ranged from 1:1 to 8.5:1. Among the 25 studies reviewed, 11 were full economic evaluations of moderate quality.ConclusionsPharmacist‐managed services had a positive return in terms of economic viability. With the expanding role of pharmacists in the healthcare sector, alongside increasing health expenditure, future economic studies of high quality are needed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of these services.