bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the use of fauna underpasses by bandicoots and bobtail lizards
Authors: Chambers B. , Bencini R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe construction of fauna underpasses is becoming increasingly common in road construction projects. However, factors that affect their use by native fauna in Australia are still largely unknown. We monitored 10 fauna underpasses for 13 months to determine factors affecting their use by southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus fusciventer and western bobtail lizards Tiliqua rugosa rugosa. We trapped around each underpass five times to determine the size of the populations of these two species. Bandicoots and bobtail lizards were marked with passive implant transponders (PIT) and PIT readers and motion‐activated infrared cameras recorded the number of crossings and the number of individuals that used each underpass. For bandicoots the mean weekly frequency of use corrected for population size and the proportion of the marked population that used each underpass were modelled against factors hypothesized to impact underpass use using generalized linear models. These were underpass length, cross‐sectional area, vegetation cover at the entrances, presence or absence of logs and branches in the underpass (furniture), use by introduced predators and time since construction. Underpass length was negatively correlated with the frequency of use by bandicoots and time since construction was negatively correlated with the proportion of the population that used the underpasses. For western bobtail lizards none of the factors tested were strongly correlated with the frequency of use, or the proportion of the population that used the underpass. Based on these results, we recommend that the length of underpasses be kept to a minimum, possibly through the use of vegetated median strips allowing shorter underpasses to connect habitat on either side of the road. This would likely result in greater use than one long underpass spanning the entire width of the road.
Decreased circulating neopterin is associated with increased arterial elasticity: a beneficial role of periodontal treatment
Authors: Ren J , Chen Y‐B , Zhang Y‐Y , Zhou Q‐B , Chen S , Yang J‐Y , Tao J 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on arterial elasticity and circulating neopterin in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis in a Chinese population.MethodsOne hundred and eight patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were eligible to take part in the study and were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received intensive periodontal treatment, while the control group received control periodontal treatment. All parameters, including brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle brachial index (ABI), serum neopterin (NP), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), were evaluated before treatment and 1 month after treatment.ResultsThe parameters including NP, hs‐CRP, IL‐6 and baPWV decreased significantly after 1 month in the treatment group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons) but not in the control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of ABI between the two groups (p = 0.231). A positive correlation was found between the decreased circulating NP and increased arterial elasticity in the treatment group (r = 0.947, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates for the first time that the fall in circulating NP induced by periodontal treatment contributes to increased arterial elasticity in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis.
Climate and agricultural risk: measuring the effect of ENSO on U.S. crop insurance
Authors: Tack Jesse B. , Ubilava David 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPredictive models of climatic phenomena can aid in insurance program design and decision making. Extreme weather outcomes have been linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which globally impacts agricultural production. This study demonstrates that extreme ENSO events alter cotton yield distributions in the Southeastern United States. These impacts translate into economically meaningful effects on crop insurance premium rates. Commercial insurers can use publicly available information to determine if government‐set premium rates are mispriced, and in turn extract economic rents via the federally mandated Standard Reinsurance Agreement. By ceding underpriced policies in El Niño and La Niña years, we find that private insurance companies can reduce paid indemnities by 10–15% on average.
Trends in infant mortality rates in Hungary between 1963 and 2012
Authors: Nyári Csaba , Nyári Tibor András , McNally Richard J. Q. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThis study investigated annual and seasonal death trends for infants of <1 year of age in Hungary between 1963 and 2012 and analysed commonly accepted risk factors.MethodsData on the numbers of live births and infant deaths were obtained from the published nationwide population register. Negative binomial regression was applied to investigate the yearly trends in rates and also the effect of possible risk factors – low birthweight, maternal education and sex – on infant mortality. Cyclic trends were investigated using logistic regression.ResultsAnnual infant mortality declined significantly (p < 0.001) from 42.9 to 4.9 per 1000 live births per year during the study period and significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the low birthweight group and lower maternal education groups. A significant (p < 0.001) cyclic trend in mortality was revealed, with a peak in deaths in late February for all infants and a double peak, in May and November, in the group of cases who died during the early neonatal period.ConclusionThis Hungarian study suggests that there was a significant seasonal effect on neonatal and infant mortality at the end of winter between 1963 and 2012. We speculate that this may have been related to respiratory infections.
Neonatal hydrocortisone therapy does not have a serious suppressive effect on the later function of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis
Authors: Takayanagi Toshimitsu , Matsuo Koji , Egashira Tomoko , Mizukami Tomoko 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThis study investigated whether providing extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants with a large amount of hydrocortisone had a serious suppressive effect on the later function of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.MethodsWe evaluated the function of the HPA axis in 58 ELBW infants receiving 9.0 ± 7.2 mg/kg of intravenous and 68.1 ± 34.1 mg/kg of oral hydrocortisone using a human corticotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test. The mean age at investigation was 12.0 ± 5.2 months. The response was judged to be normal when the maximum to minimum ratio of the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration was >2, the peak value of the serum cortisol concentration was >552 nmol/L, or the increment was >193 nmol/L than baseline concentration.ResultsOf the 58 infants studied, 51 (88%) displayed a normal response to both the ACTH and cortisol secretion and seven infants (12%) who were judged to be poor responders exhibited a peak cortisol value of >386 nmol/L without any episode of adrenal insufficiency.ConclusionProviding ELBW infants with a daily low dose of long‐term hydrocortisone therapy should not lead to a serious suppressive effect on the later function of the HPA axis, regardless of the administration method.
Toll‐like receptor 2 subfamily gene polymorphisms are associated with Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin osteitis following newborn vaccination
Authors: Pöyhönen Laura , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Vuononvirta Juho , Kröger Liisa , Huhtala Heini , Mertsola Jussi , He Qiushui , Korppi Matti 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimToll‐like receptor (TLR) 1, 2, 6 and 10, the TLR2 subfamily, are known to be associated with immunity against tuberculosis. We evaluated whether polymorphisms in genes encoding TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 were associated with osteitis in infants who received the Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccination soon after birth.MethodsBlood samples from 132 adults aged 21–49 who had BCG osteitis in early childhood were analysed in a controlled study for TLR1 T1805G (rs5743618), TLR2 G2258A (rs5743708) and TLR6 C745T (rs5743810) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms.ResultsThe frequencies of the variant genotypes differed between the cases and controls: 11.4% versus 5.7% for TLR2 G2258A (p = 0.033) and 77.3% versus 61.6% for TLR6 C745T (p = 0.001). The TLR2 and TLR6 variant genotypes were associated with a higher risk of BCG osteitis, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 2.154 (95%CI 1.026–4.521) and 1.907 (95%CI 1.183–3.075), respectively. The frequency of the TLR1 T1805G variant genotype was 19.7% in the cases and 33.6% in the controls (p = 0.003). The TLR1 variant genotype was associated with a lower risk of BCG osteitis (aOR 0.554, 95%CI 0.336–0.911).ConclusionGene polymorphisms that regulate the function of the TLR2 subfamily play a role in the development of BCG osteitis in vaccinated infants.
A role for the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan in kidney dysfunction during ACE‐inhibitor fetopathy
Authors: Hansell P. , Palm F. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDespite data showing that inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin system increase the risks of fetal morbidity and dysfunctionality later in life, their use during pregnancy has increased. The fetopathy induced by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is characterized by anuria, hypotension and growth restriction, but can also be associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. In the kidney, this fetopathy includes atrophy of the medulla, reduced number of glomeruli, developmental lesions of tubules and vessels, tubulointerstitial inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation. Although angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibition during nephrogenesis interferes with normal growth and development, this review will focus on effects of the heavily accumulated matrix component hyaluronan (HA). An important mechanism of HA accumulation during nephrogenesis is disruption of its normal reduction as a consequence of lack of Ang II activation of hyaluronidase. Hyaluronan has very large water‐attracting properties and is pro‐inflammatory when fragmented. The ensuing inflammation and interstitial oedema affect kidney function. Hyaluronan is colocalized with CD44 overexpression and infiltrating immune cells. These properties make HA a plausible contributor to the observed structural and functional kidney defects associated with the fetopathy. Available data support an involvement of HA in kidney dysfunction of the foetus and during adulthood due to the physico‐chemical characteristics of HA. No clinical treatment for HA accumulation exists. Treatment with the HA‐degrading enzyme hyaluronidase and an HA synthesis inhibitor has been tested successfully in experimental models in the kidney, heart and pancreas. Reduced HA accumulation to reduce interstitial oedema and inflammation may improve organ function, but this concept needs to be tested in a controlled study before causal relationships can be established.
Effects of clay on fat necrosis and carcass characteristics in Japanese Black steers
Authors: Oka Akio , Iwamoto Eiji , Tatsuda Ken 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTwenty 10‐month‐old Japanese Black steers were used to evaluate the effects of clay on fat necrosis and carcass characteristics. Ten steers (Clay group) were fed the clay (50 g/day) during 10–30 months of age. The other 10 steers (Control group) were not fed it. There was no significant difference in body weight or average daily gain between the two groups (P > 0.05). The occurrence of fat necrotic mass in the Clay group (30%) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the Control group (90%) at slaughter. The size of necrotic masses in the Clay group was smaller (P < 0.05) than that in the Control group. There was no significant difference in the marbling score, beef color, Longissimus muscle area or subcutaneous fat thickness between the two groups. These results suggest that the clay prevented the occurrence of fat necrosis and did not affect the carcass characteristics in Japanese Black steers.
C1 inhibitor deficiency: 2014 United Kingdom consensus document
Authors: Longhurst H J , Tarzi M D , Ashworth F , Bethune C , Cale C , Dempster J , Gompels M , Jolles S , Seneviratne S , Symons C , Price A , Edgar D 
Published: January 2015

SummaryC1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare disorder manifesting with recurrent attacks of disabling and potentially life-threatening angioedema. Here we present an updated 2014 United Kingdom consensus document for the management of C1 inhibitor-deficient patients, representing a joint venture between the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network and Hereditary Angioedema UK. To develop the consensus, we assembled a multi-disciplinary steering group of clinicians, nurses and a patient representative. This steering group first met in 2012, developing a total of 48 recommendations across 11 themes. The statements were distributed to relevant clinicians and a representative group of patients to be scored for agreement on a Likert scale. All 48 statements achieved a high degree of consensus, indicating strong alignment of opinion. The recommendations have evolved significantly since the 2005 document, with particularly notable developments including an improved evidence base to guide dosing and indications for acute treatment, greater emphasis on home therapy for acute attacks and a strong focus on service organization.
High interindividual variability in the CD4/CD8 T cell ratio and natalizumab concentration levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Harrer A , Pilz G , Wipfler P , Oppermann K , Sellner J , Hitzl W , Haschke-Becher E , Afazel S , Rispens T , van der Kleij D , Trinka E , Kraus J 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Strongly decreased leucocyte counts and a reduced CD4/CD8 T cell ratio in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of natalizumab (NZB)-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may have implications on central nervous (CNS) immune surveillance. With regard to NZB-associated progressive multi-focal leucoencephalopathy, we aimed at delineating a relationship between free NZB, cell-bound NZB, adhesion molecule (AM) expression and the treatment-associated shift in the CSF T cell ratio. Peripheral blood (PB) and CSF T cells from 15 NZB-treated MS patients, and CSF T cells from 10 patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases and five newly diagnosed MS patients were studied. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), leucocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1), very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4), NZB saturation levels, and T cell ratios were analysed by flow cytometry. NZB concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lower NZB saturation levels (P &lt; 0·02) and a higher surface expression of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 (P &lt; 0·001) were observed on CSF CD8 T cells. CSF T cell ratios (0·3–2·1) and NZB concentrations (0·01–0·42 µg/ml) showed a pronounced interindividual variance. A correlation between free NZB, cell-bound NZB or AM expression levels and the CSF T cell ratio was not found. Extremely low NZB concentrations and a normalized CSF T cell ratio were observed in one case. The differential NZB saturation and AM expression of CSF CD8 T cells may contribute to their relative enrichment in the CSF. The reduced CSF T cell ratio appeared sensitive to steady-state NZB levels, as normalization occurred quickly. The latter may be important concerning a fast reconstitution of CNS immune surveillance.
Duration of post‐traumatic amnesia as a predictor of functional outcome in school‐age children: a systematic review
Authors: Briggs Rachel , Brookes Naomi , Tate Robyn , Lah Suncica 
Published: January 2015

AimIn adults, duration of post‐traumatic amnesia (PTA) is a powerful early predictor of functional outcomes in traumatic brain injury. The aim of this work was to assess the predictive validity of PTA duration for outcomes in children (6–18y).MethodPsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for papers published to January 2014. Ten studies met inclusion criteria: they used standardized instruments to assess PTA and functional outcomes, and examined relationships between the two. Outcomes were classified according to (1) the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core sets for neurological conditions for post‐acute care and (2) global functioning and quality of life. Methodological quality was rated for each study.ResultsThe search identified 10 studies of moderate mean quality (M=11.8 out of 18). Longer PTA duration related to worse functional outcomes: global functioning and in the two ICF categories (‘body function’, ‘activities and participation’). Relationships between PTA duration and quality of life and the ICF category of ‘body structure’ were not examined. PTA duration was, in 46 out of 60 (76.67%) instances, a stronger predictor of outcomes than other indices of injury severity.ConclusionLonger PTA duration is a valid predictor of worse outcomes in school‐age children. Thus, PTA should be routinely assessed in children after traumatic brain injury.
Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD): the TRIPOD Statement
Authors: Collins G. S. , Reitsma J. B. , Altman D. G. , Moons K. G. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPrediction models are developed to aid healthcare providers in estimating the probability or risk that a specific disease or condition is present (diagnostic models) or that a specific event will occur in the future (prognostic models), to inform their decision‐making. However, the overwhelming evidence shows that the quality of reporting of prediction model studies is poor. Only with full and clear reporting of information on all aspects of a prediction model can risk of bias and potential usefulness of prediction models be adequately assessed. The Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) initiative developed a set of recommendations for the reporting of studies developing, validating or updating a prediction model, whether for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. This article describes how the TRIPOD Statement was developed. An extensive list of items based on a review of the literature was created, which was reduced after a web‐based survey and revised during a 3‐day meeting in June 2011 with methodologists, healthcare professionals and journal editors. The list was refined during several meetings of the steering group and in e‐mail discussions with the wider group of TRIPOD contributors. The resulting TRIPOD Statement is a checklist of 22 items, deemed essential for transparent reporting of a prediction model study. The TRIPOD Statement aims to improve the transparency of the reporting of a prediction model study, regardless of the study methods used. The TRIPOD Statement is best used in conjunction with the TRIPOD explanation and elaboration document. To aid the editorial process and readers of prediction model studies, it is recommended that authors include a completed checklist in their submission (also available at www.tripod-statement.org).
Gender differences in patients with first‐episode psychosis in the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme
Authors: Pang Shirlene , Subramaniam Mythily , Abdin Edimansyah , Poon Lye Yin , Chong Siow Ann , Verma Swapna 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to identify the gender differences among multi‐ethnic, Asian patients with first‐episode psychosis attending the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) in Singapore.MethodsData for this study were derived from 533 (258 female, 275 male) patients aged 16–41 years old in the EPIP database. Socio‐demographic data, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for schizophrenia (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year were obtained.ResultsSignificant gender differences were identified in terms of age, marital status, referral source, PANSS scores, GAF scores, remission and recovery over 1 year in the cohort. At service entry, female participants were older, more likely to be married and more likely to be referred from general practitioner/polyclinics (P < 0.0001). They showed better improvement over 1 year in PANSS positive, PANSS total, GAF disability and GAF total scores.ConclusionsOverall, female participants in this sample show better improvement than male participants. They showed a better course of illness over 1 year with one‐third (33.3%) of female participants achieving recovery compared with approximately a quarter (23.6%) of male participants.
Cascading effects of climate extremes on vertebrate fauna through changes to low‐latitude tree flowering and fruiting phenology
Authors: Butt Nathalie , Seabrook Leonie , Maron Martine , Law Bradley S. , Dawson Terence P. , Syktus Jozef , McAlpine Clive A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractForest vertebrate fauna provide critical services, such as pollination and seed dispersal, which underpin functional and resilient ecosystems. In turn, many of these fauna are dependent on the flowering phenology of the plant species of such ecosystems. The impact of changes in climate, including climate extremes, on the interaction between these fauna and flora has not been identified or elucidated, yet influences on flowering phenology are already evident. These changes are well documented in the mid to high latitudes. However, there is emerging evidence that the flowering phenology, nectar/pollen production, and fruit production of long‐lived trees in tropical and subtropical forests are also being impacted by changes in the frequency and severity of climate extremes. Here, we examine the implications of these changes for vertebrate fauna dependent on these resources. We review the literature to establish evidence for links between climate extremes and flowering phenology, elucidating the nature of relationships between different vertebrate taxa and flowering regimes. We combine this information with climate change projections to postulate about the likely impacts on nectar, pollen and fruit resource availability and the consequences for dependent vertebrate fauna. The most recent climate projections show that the frequency and intensity of climate extremes will increase during the 21st century. These changes are likely to significantly alter mass flowering and fruiting events in the tropics and subtropics, which are frequently cued by climate extremes, such as intensive rainfall events or rapid temperature shifts. We find that in these systems the abundance and duration of resource availability for vertebrate fauna is likely to fluctuate, and the time intervals between episodes of high resource availability to increase. The combined impact of these changes has the potential to result in cascading effects on ecosystems through changes in pollinator and seed dispersal ecology, and demands a focused research effort.