bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geogenic CO2 affects stabilization of soil organic matter
Authors: Rennert T. , Pfanz H. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe soil on mofette sites is affected by ascending geogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), which partially fills the soil atmosphere. We hypothesized that geogenic CO2 affects the stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) at lower partial pressures than had been discussed previously for mofette sites. We studied loamy Ah horizons (n = 22; pH 3.4–4) of the soil along a transect on a grassland mofette site in the northwest Czech Republic with CO2 partial pressures (p(CO2)) of up to 0.52. The samples were fractionated by particle size, density and solubility (water‐soluble organic matter (WSOM)), and analysed quantitatively for organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) and qualitatively (13C‐NMR spectroscopy). Soil OM with a narrower C:N ratio accumulated in the clay fraction, but at p(CO2) less than approximately 0.1 the proportion of SOM in the clay fraction relative to total SOM tended to decrease with increasing p(CO2), whereas that of particulate organic matter (POM) fractions increased with increasing p(CO2). We attribute the distribution of SOM among the mineral soil and POM to decreased interactions with minerals of the clay fraction. The formation of iron (Fe) hydroxides, which potentially sorb SOM, was not affected negatively by CO2. The potential reactivity of Fe hydroxides was even positively affected by increased p(CO2). Export of dissolved SOM into the subsoil might increase at mofette sites because of the large amounts of WSOM and decreasing interactions with minerals of the clay fraction. Therefore, our results show negative effects of CO2 on SOM stabilization even at moderate p(CO2).
Beyond a physical symptom: the importance of psychosocial factors in multiple sclerosis pain
Authors: Harrison A. M. , Silber E. , McCracken L. M. , Moss‐Morris R. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposePain affects around two‐thirds of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Biomedical treatments show limited efficacy. A recently developed cognitive‐behavioural model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pain suggests several psychosocial factors may worsen pain and related disability. The current study investigated whether psychosocial factors drawn from this model explain significant amounts of the variance in pain severity and interference over and above measures of disease severity and pain subtype.MethodsSix hundred and twelve pwMS experiencing pain completed a UK wide cross‐sectional survey including valid and reliable psychometric questionnaires. Hierarchical regressions determined the relative contribution of disease severity and psychosocial factors to predicting pain severity and interference.ResultsAll psychosocial factors including distress, negative beliefs about pain and its consequences, and avoidance of activity, were related to pain outcomes, explaining a further 24% and 30% of the variance in pain severity and interference after controlling for demographic and disease variables. Findings were similar for neuropathic and non‐neuropathic pain subgroups.ConclusionsAll pwMS reported significant pain and associated disability even though over 90% were taking pain medication. Psychosocial factors identified as important in predicting pain severity and, to a greater extent, pain interference are potentially modifiable and may be important treatment targets for both pain subtypes.
Patterns of anti‐inflammatory drug use and risk of dementia: a matched case–control study
Authors: Dregan A. , Chowienczyk P. , Armstrong D. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeThere is limited primary‐care‐based evidence about a potential association between anti‐inflammatory therapy and dementia subtypes. The present study addressed this limitation by using electronic health records from a large primary care database.MethodA case–control study was implemented using electronic medical records. Cases had a diagnosis of dementia between 1992 and 2014. Up to four controls matched on age, gender, family practice and index date were selected for each case. Use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoid drugs represented the exposure variables. Primary outcome measures included all‐cause dementia and main dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsThe study identified 31 083 patients with AD, 23 465 with VaD and 1694 with LBD. Ever‐used NSAIDs were associated with a modest increase in the risk of all‐cause dementia (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.05, P < 0.006), whilst no association was apparent for ever‐used glucocorticoids (0.98, 0.96–1.01, P = 0.152). There was no evidence for an association between NSAIDs and AD (1.03, 0.99–1.06, P = 0.07) or LBD (1.13, 0.99–1.29, P = 0.08). However, a significant increase in the risk for VaD (1.33, 1.29–1.38, P < 0.001) was observed. Similar patterns emerged for glucocorticoid therapy.ConclusionIn a large primary care population, there was no robust evidence for a potential association between anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of AD or LBD. NSAIDs and glucocorticoid drugs were associated with higher risk of VaD.
Guttural pouch perforation caused during nasogastric intubation
Authors: Gillen A. , Cuming R. , Schumacher J. , Taylor D. , Munsterman A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryA 19‐year‐old gelding presented with swelling of the pharyngeal region following evaluation for an episode of colic. Endoscopy, radiography and ultrasonography were utilised in diagnosis of a guttural pouch perforation, secondary to nasogastric intubation. Conservative treatment resulted in a fibrin seal over the perforation. Unfortunately, the horse succumbed to colitis and was subjected to euthanasia before resolution of the injury.
A recombinant fusion protein derived from dog hookworm inhibits autoantibody‐induced dermal–epidermal separation ex vivo
Authors: Kemmer Annette , Bieber Katja , Abadpour Aida , Yu Xinhua , Mitschker Nina , Roth Sara , Kauderer Claudia , Ludwig Ralf J. , Seeger Karsten , Köhl Jörg , Zillikens Detlef , Recke Andreas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe proteins secreted by parasitic nematodes are evolutionarily optimized molecules with unique capabilities of suppressing the immune response of the host organism. Neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF), which is secreted by the dog hookworm Ancylostoma caninum, binds to the β2 integrin CD11b/CD18, which is expressed on human neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and macrophages and inhibits neutrophil‐dependent lung injury and neutrophil invasion of ischaemic brain tissue. Neutrophils are key players in the pathogenesis of subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases (sAIBDs), and their pathogenic activities are crucially dependent on β2 integrin functionality. Based on the template of single‐stranded, dimerizing antibody derivatives, which are already used in cancer treatment, we designed a novel biologic, NIF‐IGHE‐CH4, comprising NIF and the dimerizing but otherwise inert constant heavy subdomain 4 (CH4) of human IgE (IGHE). This molecule was evaluated in a variety of in vitro assays, demonstrating its ability to inhibit pathogenically relevant neutrophil functions such as migration, adhesion and spreading, and release of reactive oxygen species. Finally, we confirmed that NIF‐IGHE‐CH4 inhibits blister formation in an ex vivo assay of sAIBD. These results suggest that NIF‐IGHE‐CH4 is a novel potential anti‐inflammatory drug for the treatment of neutrophil‐mediated diseases such as sAIBDs. This study promotes the drugs from bugs concept and encourages further research and development focused on turning parasite proteins into useful anti‐inflammatory biologics.
Identification of a possible susceptibility locus for UVB‐induced skin tanning phenotype in Korean females using genomewide association study
Authors: Kwak Taek‐Jong , Chang Yun‐Hee , Shin Young‐Ah , Shin Jung‐Min , Kim Ji‐Hye , Lim Seul‐Ki , Lee Sang‐Hwha , Lee Min‐Geol , Yoon Tae‐Jin , Kim Chang‐Deok , Lee Jeung‐Hoon , Koh Jae Sook , Seo Young Kyoung , Chang Min‐Youl , Lee Young 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA two‐stage genomewide association (GWA) analysis was conducted to investigate the genetic factors influencing ultraviolet (UV)‐induced skin pigmentation in Korean females after UV exposure. Previously, a GWA study evaluating ~500 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 99 Korean females identified eight SNPs that were highly associated with tanning ability. To confirm these associations, we genotyped the SNPs in an independent replication study (112 Korean females). We found that a novel SNP in the intron of the WW domain‐containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene yielded significant replicated associations with skin tanning ability (P‐value = 1.16 × 10−4). To understand the functional consequences of this locus located in the non‐coding region, we investigated the role of WWOX in human melanocytes using a recombinant adenovirus expressing a microRNA specific for WWOX. Inhibition of WWOX expression significantly increased the expression and activity of tyrosinase in human melanocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that genetic variants in the intronic region of WWOX could be determinants in the UV‐induced tanning ability of Korean females. WWOX represents a new candidate gene to evaluate the molecular basis of the UV‐induced tanning ability in individuals.
Priority threat management of invasive animals to protect biodiversity under climate change
Authors: Firn Jennifer , Maggini Ramona , Chadès Iadine , Nicol Sam , Walters Belinda , Reeson Andy , Martin Tara G. , Possingham Hugh P. , Pichancourt Jean‐Baptiste , Ponce‐Reyes Rocio , Carwardine Josie 
Published: July 2015

AbstractClimate change is a major threat to global biodiversity, and its impacts can act synergistically to heighten the severity of other threats. Most research on projecting species range shifts under climate change has not been translated to informing priority management strategies on the ground. We develop a prioritization framework to assess strategies for managing threats to biodiversity under climate change and apply it to the management of invasive animal species across one‐sixth of the Australian continent, the Lake Eyre Basin. We collected information from key stakeholders and experts on the impacts of invasive animals on 148 of the region's most threatened species and 11 potential strategies. Assisted by models of current distributions of threatened species and their projected distributions, experts estimated the cost, feasibility, and potential benefits of each strategy for improving the persistence of threatened species with and without climate change. We discover that the relative cost‐effectiveness of invasive animal control strategies is robust to climate change, with the management of feral pigs being the highest priority for conserving threatened species overall. Complementary sets of strategies to protect as many threatened species as possible under limited budgets change when climate change is considered, with additional strategies required to avoid impending extinctions from the region. Overall, we find that the ranking of strategies by cost‐effectiveness was relatively unaffected by including climate change into decision‐making, even though the benefits of the strategies were lower. Future climate conditions and impacts on range shifts become most important to consider when designing comprehensive management plans for the control of invasive animals under limited budgets to maximize the number of threatened species that can be protected.
Community assembly on isolated islands: macroecology meets evolution
Authors: Rominger A. J. , Goodman K. R. , Lim J. Y. , Armstrong E. E. , Becking L. E. , Bennett G. M , Brewer M. S. , Cotoras D. D. , Ewing C. P. , Harte J. , Martinez N. D. , O'Grady P. M. , Percy D. M. , Price D. K. , Roderick G. K. , Shaw K. L. , Valdovinos F. S. , Gruner D. S. , Gillespie R. G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimUnderstanding how ecological and evolutionary processes together determine patterns of biodiversity remains a central aim in biology. Guided by ecological theory, we use data from multiple arthropod lineages across the Hawaiian archipelago to explore the interplay between ecological (population dynamics, dispersal, trophic interactions) and evolutionary (genetic structuring, adaptation, speciation, extinction) processes. Our goal is to show how communities develop from the dynamic feedbacks that operate at different temporal and spatial scales.LocationThe Hawaiian islands (19–22° N, 155–160° W).MethodsWe synthesize genetic data from selected arthropods across the Hawaiian archipelago to determine the relative role of dispersal and in situ differentiation across the island chronosequence. From four sites on three high islands with geological ages ranging from < 1 Ma to 5 Ma, we also generate ecological metrics on plant–herbivore bipartite networks drawn from the literature. We compare the structure of these networks with predictions derived from the principle of maximum information entropy.ResultsFrom the perspective of the island chronosequence we show that species at lower trophic levels develop population genetic structure at smaller temporal and spatial scales than species at higher trophic levels. Network nestedness decreases while modularity increases with habitat age. Single‐island endemics exhibit more specialization than broadly distributed species, but both show the least specialization in communities on middle‐aged substrates. Plant–herbivore networks also show the least deviation from theoretical predictions in middle‐aged communities.Main conclusionsThe application of ecological theory to island chronosequences can illuminate feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary processes in community assembly. We show how patterns of population genetic structure, decreasing network nestedness, increasing network modularity and increased specialization shift from early assembly driven by immigration, to in situ diversification after > 1 Myr. Herbivore–plant communities only transiently achieve statistical steady state during assembly, presumably due to incomplete assembly from dispersal in the early stages, and the increasing influence of island ontogeny on older islands.
Ecological predictors of spider sociality in theAmericas
Authors: Guevara Jennifer , Avilés Leticia 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the relative importance of environmental factors relevant to specific hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the distribution of social and subsocialAnelosimusspiders in the American continent andEcuador. For social species, we test the seasonality and prey size hypotheses, which posit that species forming long‐lived multifemale colonies require aseasonal conditions and warm and productive environments in which large insects can develop. For subsocial species, we test the rain intensity and predation risk hypotheses, which posit that species whose colonies contain a single female and her offspring cannot occupy areas where strong rains cause frequent damage to their webs and where warm temperatures and high productivity promote greater predation.LocationAmerica,Ecuador.MethodsUsing generalized linear models, hierarchical variance partitioning,Maxent distribution modelling and phylogenetically controlled regressions, we analysed the relative importance of environmental variables that either directly or indirectly relate to these non‐exclusive hypotheses – temperature and precipitation seasonality (seasonality hypothesis), annual temperature and net primary productivity (insect size and predation hypotheses) and rain intensity (rain intensity hypothesis).ResultsTemperature seasonality, followed by annual temperature and rain intensity, were the most important predictors of the distribution of spider sociality across America, whereas temperature and rain intensity predominated in the largely aseasonalEcuador. In general, social species were associated with lower temperature seasonality, warmer temperatures and higher rain intensity than subsocial species.Main conclusionThe association of socialAnelosimuswith warm and wet areas in the tropics is consistent with both the seasonality and prey size hypotheses, i.e. both aseasonal conditions and warm temperatures, which allow large insects to develop, are needed for large social colonies to form. That subsocialAnelosimusdrop‐out from tropical areas with warm temperatures and high rain intensity is consistent with the hypotheses that high predation risk and disturbance by strong rains exclude subsocialAnelosimusfrom the lowland rain forest.
Efficacy of emergency department‐based interventions designed to reduce repeat visits and other adverse outcomes for older patients after discharge: A systematic review
Authors: Karam Grace , Radden Zoe , Berall Laura E , Cheng Catherine , Gruneir Andrea 
Published: July 2015

AimThere is an urgent need for effective geriatric interventions to meet the health service demands of the growing older population. In this paper, we systematically review and update existing literature on interventions within emergency departments (ED) targeted towards reducing ED re‐visits, hospitalizations, nursing home admissions and deaths in older patients after initial ED discharge.MethodsDatabases Medline, CINAHL, Embase and Web of Science were searched to identify all articles published up to June 2012 that focused on older adults in the ED, included a comparison group, and reported quantitative results in four primary outcomes: ED re‐visits, hospitalizations, nursing home admissions and death after initial ED discharge.ResultsOf the 2826 titles screened, just nine studies met our inclusion criteria. The studies varied in their design and outcome measurements such that results could not be combined. Two trends surfaced: (i) more intensive interventions more frequently resulted in reduced adverse outcomes than did simple referral intervention types; and (ii) among the lowest intensity, referral‐based interventions, studies that used a validated prediction tool to identify high‐risk patients more frequently reported improved outcomes than those that did not use such a tool.ConclusionOf the few studies that met the inclusion criteria, there was a lack of consistency and clarity in study designs and evaluative outcomes. Despite this, more intensive interventions that followed patients beyond a referral and the use of a clinical risk prediction tool appeared to be associated with improved outcomes. The dearth of rigorous evaluations with standardized methodologies precludes further recommendations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1107–1117.
Utility of video consultation to improve the outcomes of home enteral nutrition in a population of frail older patients
Authors: Orlandoni Paolo , Jukic Peladic Nikolina , Spazzafumo Liana , Venturini Claudia , Cola Claudia , Sparvoli Debora , Giorgini Natascia , Basile Redenta , Fagnani Donata 
Published: July 2015

AimTo determine whether the outcomes of home enteral nutrition for frail older patients can be improved by video consultation between home visiting staff and a hospital physician, specialized in clinical nutrition, during monthly home visits.MethodsA randomized prospective study out of patients aged older than 65 years receiving home enteral nutrition from the Department of Clinical Nutrition of an Italian geriatric hospital in 2013 was carried. A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to receive video consultation in addition to regular monthly home visits, 88 patients only had regular monthly home visits. Therapy outcomes – incidence rates of complications, outpatient hospital visits and hospitalizations – were compared between two groups. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of the video consultation to improve therapy outcomes.ResultsIncidence rates for metabolic and gastrointestinal complications were significantly lower for patients who received a video consultation, respectively: 0.032/year “video consultation” versus 0.055/year “no video consultation” (P = 0.0001) and 0.006/year “video consultation” versus 0.028/year “no video consultation” (P < 0.0001). No differences were found for incidence rates of mechanical complications, outpatient hospital visits and hospitalizations. Logistic regression showed that the video consultation was significantly correlated with a reduction of metabolic complications (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.00–6.91; P = 0.049 after adjustment for duration of home enteral nutrition and diabetes mellitus 2).ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that a video consultation between home visiting staff and hospital physicians specialized in clinical nutrition during monthly home visits is associated with a reduction of metabolic complications in a population of frail older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
Implementing global framework agreements: the limits of social partnership
Authors: FICHTER MICHAEL , MCCALLUM JAMIE K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGlobal framework agreements, negotiated between representatives of transnational corporations and trade unions, are a form of private regulation of labour relations on a global scale. Conceived and promoted by the global union federations, their numbers have increased considerably over the past two decades. However, as empirical research has shown, their record of implementation has been poor. We attribute this to them having been negotiated within the limits of a labour‐management relationship based on ‘social partnership’. This highly institutionalized setting of dialogue contrasts markedly with the widespread incidence of contested labour relations in subsidiaries of transnational corporations and in particular throughout their global production networks. Yet, workers and their unions at such sites, where global framework agreements are most needed, have mostly not been involved in their negotiation. Instead of relying on ‘social partnership’, we argue for unions to embrace a ‘conflict partnership’ approach, one that recognizes and addresses the tension between dialogue and conflict in labour relations. To highlight our arguments, we present two contrasting case studies from the service sector.
Geostatistical Borehole Image‐Based Mapping of Karst‐Carbonate Aquifer Pores
Authors: Sukop Michael C. , Cunningham Kevin J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuantification of the character and spatial distribution of porosity in carbonate aquifers is important as input into computer models used in the calculation of intrinsic permeability and for next‐generation, high‐resolution groundwater flow simulations. Digital, optical, borehole‐wall image data from three closely spaced boreholes in the karst‐carbonate Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida are used in geostatistical experiments to assess the capabilities of various methods to create realistic two‐dimensional models of vuggy megaporosity and matrix‐porosity distribution in the limestone that composes the aquifer. When the borehole image data alone were used as the model training image, multiple‐point geostatistics failed to detect the known spatial autocorrelation of vuggy megaporosity and matrix porosity among the three boreholes, which were only 10 m apart. Variogram analysis and subsequent Gaussian simulation produced results that showed a realistic conceptualization of horizontal continuity of strata dominated by vuggy megaporosity and matrix porosity among the three boreholes.