bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine‐producing B cells: a translational view on their roles in human and mouse autoimmune diseases
Authors: Lino Andreia C. , Dörner Thomas , Bar‐Or Amit , Fillatreau Simon
Published: December 2015

B‐cell depletion therapy has beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases. This is only partly explained by an elimination of autoantibodies. How does B‐cell depletion improve disease? Here, we review preclinical studies showing that B cells can propagate autoimmune disorders through cytokine production. We also highlight clinical observations indicating the relevance of these B‐cell functions in human autoimmunity. Abnormalities in B‐cell cytokine production have been observed in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In the first two diseases, B‐cell depletion erases these abnormalities, and improves disease progression, suggesting a causative role for defective B‐cell cytokine expression in disease pathogenesis. However, in the last two disorders, the pathogenic role of B cells and the effect of B‐cell depletion on cytokine‐producing B cells remain to be clarified. A better characterization of cytokine‐expressing human B‐cell subsets, and their modulation by B cell‐targeted therapies might help understanding both the successes and failures of current B cell‐targeted approaches. This may even lead to the development of novel strategies to deplete or amplify selectively pathogenic or protective subsets, respectively, which might be more effective than global depletion of the B‐cell compartment.
Apoptotic cell recognition receptors and scavenger receptors
Authors: Penberthy Kristen K. , Ravichandran Kodi S.
Published: December 2015

Phosphatidylserine recognition receptors are a highly diverse set of receptors grouped by their ability to recognize the ‘eat‐me’ signal phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells. Most of the phosphatidylserine recognition receptors dampen inflammation by inducing the production of anti‐inflammatory mediators during the phagocytosis of apoptotic corpses. However, many phosphatidylserine receptors are also capable of recognizing other ligands, with some receptors being categorized as scavenger receptors. It is now appreciated that these receptors can elicit different downstream events for particular ligands. Therefore, how phosphatidylserine recognition receptors mediate specific signals during recognition of apoptotic cells versus other ligands, and how this might help regulate the inflammatory state of a tissue is an important question that is not fully understood. Here, we revisit the work on signaling downstream of the phosphatidylserine recognition receptor BAI1, and evaluate how these and other signaling modules mediate signaling downstream from other receptors, including Stabilin‐2, MerTK, and αvβ5. We also propose the concept that phosphatidylserine recognition receptors could be viewed as a subset of scavenger receptors that are capable of eliciting anti‐inflammatory responses to apoptotic cells.
Ncf1 polymorphism reveals oxidative regulation of autoimmune chronic inflammation
Authors: Holmdahl Rikard , Sareila Outi , Olsson Lina M. , Bäckdahl Liselotte , Wing Kajsa
Published: December 2015

The current review on the function of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is based on a genetic search for the major genes controlling autoimmune inflammatory disorders. Surprisingly, the disease‐promoting allele determined a lower ROS response and was therefore in complete contrast to the prevailing dogma. Once cloned, it opened the possibility to dissect this complex field from a new angle and with the possibilities to study the role of ROS in vivo. We found that NCF1 and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) complex‐derived ROS is an important regulator of several chronic inflammatory disorders by using models for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis, gout, and lupus. ROS could therefore affect many different types of diseases and the common denominator seems to be that ROS regulate macrophages, which prevents inflammation from going chronic. The role of ROS is currently changing from being seen as toxic agents that will promote inflammation toward a more complex view with ROS as crucial regulators of immune and inflammatory pathways.
Age‐associated B cells: key mediators of both protective and autoreactive humoral responses
Authors: Naradikian Martin S. , Hao Yi , Cancro Michael P.
Published: December 2015

A subset of B cells with unique phenotypic and functional features—termed Age‐associated B cells (ABCs)—has recently been identified in both mice and humans. These cells are characterized by a T‐BET driven transcriptional program, robust responsiveness to TLR7 and TLR9 ligands, and a propensity for IgG2a/c production. Beyond their age‐related accumulation, these cells play roles in both normal and pathogenic humoral immune responses regardless of host age. Thus, B cells with the ABC phenotype and transcriptional signature appear during viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, but also arise during humoral autoimmune disease in both mouse models and humans. These observations suggest that both autoantigens and certain classes of pathogens provide the signals required for ABC differentiation. Herein, we review the discovery and features of ABCs, and propose that they are a memory subset generated by nucleic acid‐containing antigens in the context of a promoting inflammatory cytokine milieu.
Apoptotic cell responses in the splenic marginal zone: a paradigm for immunologic reactions to apoptotic antigens with implications for autoimmunity
Authors: McGaha Tracy L. , Karlsson Mikael C. I.
Published: December 2015

Apoptotic cells drive innate regulatory responses that result in tolerogenic immunity. This is a critical aspect of cell physiology as apoptotic cells expose potentially dangerous nuclear antigens on the surface in apoptotic blebs, and failure in their recognition, phagocytosis, or destruction can cause dramatic autoimmunity in experimental models and is linked to development and progression of systemic pathology in human. The marginal zone is a specialized splenic environment that serves as a transitional site from circulation to peripheral lymphoid structures. The marginal zone serves a key role in trapping of particulates and initiation of innate responses against systemic microbial pathogens. However in recent years, it has become clear the marginal zone is also important for initiation of immune tolerance to apoptotic cells, driving a coordinated response involving multiple phagocyte and lymphocyte subsets. Recent reports linking defects in splenic macrophage function to systemic lupus erythematosus in a manner analogous to marginal zone macrophages in lupus‐prone mice provide an impetus to better understand the mechanistic basis of the apoptotic cell response in the marginal zone and its general applicability to apoptotic cell‐driven tolerance at other tissue sites. In this review, we discuss immune responses to apoptotic cells in the spleen in general and the marginal zone in particular, the relationship of these responses to autoimmune disease, and comparisons to apoptotic cell immunity in humans.
The Effect of Immigration from Mexico on Social Capital in the United States
Authors: Levy Morris
Published: December 2015

Has mass migration from Mexico since the 1980s contributed to a well-documented decline in US social capital? Theories linking ethnic diversity to lower social cohesion and participation (e.g., Putnam 2007, 30, 137) would strongly predict this effect. Yet the impact of immigration in particular, rather than ethno-racial diversity generally, on US social capital has not been examined. Assessing the impact of immigration is important because some have speculated that associations between measures of diversity and social capital found in the United States are a byproduct of the country's distinctively fraught history of black–white relations. This scope condition would greatly limit the applicability of Putnam's thesis. To assess the impact of Mexican immigration, this study leverages a dynamic measure of social capital and an instrumental variables design. The results address an important recent methodological critique of the broader literature and strongly corroborate the hypothesis that immigration erodes social capital.
Estimating Mortality Levels and Patterns among Natives, Immigrants, and Selected Ethnic Groups in Greece: 2010–2012
Authors: Verropoulou Georgia , Tsimbos Cleon
Published: December 2015

This study addresses for the first time in Greece the issue of levels and patterns of mortality among natives and immigrants, using vital statistics and census data by citizenship. Life tables are constructed for the two most numerous communities, Albanians and Bulgarians as well as for all immigrant populations combined; standardized mortality ratios are estimated for smaller migrant groups. Albanian males have a slight mortality advantage compared to natives; all other groups experience higher mortality. Some support for the “selectivity of migrants” hypothesis is provided as immigrants in several cases have significantly lower mortality compared to their countries of origin. Implications for public health policy in Greece are discussed.
Design‐based Estimators Calibrated on Estimated Totals from Multiple Surveys
Authors: Guandalini Alessio , Tillé Yves
Published: December 2015

The use of auxiliary variables to improve the efficiency of estimators is a well‐known strategy in survey sampling. Typically, the auxiliary variables used are the totals of appropriate measurement that are exactly known from registers or administrative sources. Increasingly, however, these totals are estimated from surveys and are then used to calibrate estimators and improve their efficiency. We consider different types of survey structures and develop design‐based estimators that are calibrated on known as well as estimated totals of auxiliary variables. The optimality properties of these estimators are studied. These estimators can be viewed as extensions of the Montanari generalised regression estimator adapted to the more complex situations. The paper studies interesting special cases to develop insights and guidelines to properly manage the survey‐estimated auxiliary totals.
Late Cretaceous–Early Eocene origin of yams (Dioscorea, Dioscoreaceae) in the Laurasian Palaearctic and their subsequent Oligocene–Miocene diversification
Authors: Viruel Juan , Segarra‐Moragues José Gabriel , Raz Lauren , Forest Félix , Wilkin Paul , Sanmartín Isabel , Catalán Pilar
Published: December 2015

Aim

Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae) is a predominantly pantropical genus (< 600 species) that includes the third most important tropical tuber crop and species of pharmacological value. Fossil records from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were used to test hypotheses about the origin of the genus Dioscorea, and to examine potential macroevolutionary processes that led to its current distribution.

Location

Pantropical distribution.

Methods

Divergence times were estimated using the most comprehensive phylogeny of the group published to date based on plastid sequences and fossil calibrations, applying a relaxed‐clock model approach. Ancestral areas and range shifts were reconstructed using time‐stratified likelihood‐based models, reflecting past continental connectivity and biogeographical models incorporating the spatial range of fossils.

Results

Fossil‐informed biogeographical analysis supported colonization of the Nearctic by ancient yam lineages from the western Palaearctic and subsequent migration to the South. Most of the pantropical South American, African and Southeast Asian lineages experienced a relatively recent diversification in the Oligocene–Miocene. Long‐distance dispersals were inferred for the colonizations of the New World, Africa and Madagascar.

Main conclusions

Dioscorea likely originated between the Late Cretaceous and the Early Eocene in the Laurasian Palaearctic, followed by possible dispersal to South America via the Eocene North Atlantic Land Bridge.
Implicit cognition about self‐injury predicts actual self‐injurious behavior: results from a longitudinal study of adolescents
Authors: Glenn Catherine R. , Kleiman Evan M. , Cha Christine B. , Nock Matthew K. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: December 2015

Background

The implicit association hypothesis of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) proposes that individuals who engage in self‐injury develop, over time, strong associations between themselves and NSSI, and their identification with this behavior guides their future selection of NSSI to cope. Prior research has established a relationship between implicit NSSI associations (using an Implicit Association Test for Self‐Injury) and engagement in NSSI. However, previous studies have been small and cross‐sectional, and thus underpowered to examine the nature of this association and the extent to which implicit associations predict the persistence of NSSI.

Methods

This study builds on previous research in a prospective, longitudinal examination of implicit self‐identification with NSSI in a large sample of middle school students. NSSI behavior and implicit NSSI associations were assessed annually in school at three time points.

Results

Adolescents who engaged in NSSI exhibited stronger implicit self‐identification with NSSI than adolescents who did not engage in NSSI. Moreover, implicit NSSI identification was stronger among adolescents who engaged in cutting, frequent NSSI, and recent NSSI. A reciprocal association was observed between NSSI frequency and implicit NSSI identification over 1 year. Notably, implicit NSSI identification uniquely and prospectively predicted engagement in NSSI over the subsequent year.

Conclusions

Implicit self‐identification with NSSI may track both trait‐ and state‐related changes in the behavior and, importantly, may help predict continued engagement in NSSI.
Endogenous Group Formation in Contests: Unobservable Sharing Rules
Authors: Baik Kyung Hwan
Published: December 2015

We study contests in which players compete by expending irreversible effort to win a prize, the prize is awarded to one of the players, the winner shares the prize with other players in his group, if any, and each group's sharing rule is unobservable to the other groups and the singletons, if any, when the players expend their effort. The number of groups, their sizes, and the number of singletons are exogenous in the first model, whereas they are endogenous in the second model. We show that group formation occurs if the number of players is four or smaller, but does not occur otherwise. We examine the effect of endogenous group formation on total effort level and the profitability of endogenous group formation. In each of the two models, comparing the outcomes of the case of unobservable sharing rules with those of the case of observable sharing rules, we show that the two cases yield quite different outcomes.
Human Capital Investment and Work Incentives
Authors: Kräkel Matthias
Published: December 2015

Traditional human capital theory based on the work by Gary Becker shows that firms do not invest in general human capital but offer firm‐specific training that is only useful for the training firm. I extend the traditional approach by adding two natural assumptions—workers cannot be forced to acquire new knowledge, and they exert unobservable effort to produce valuable output for their employer. I show under which conditions firms do not offer firm‐specific training but invest in general human capital, which increases the workers' outside option. This investment behavior is well in line with the documented prevalence of industry‐specific and occupation‐specific human capital over firm‐specific human capital.
Customer Privacy and Competition
Authors: Shy Oz , Stenbacka Rune
Published: December 2015

We analyze how different degrees of privacy protection affect industry profits, consumer welfare, and total welfare in a model with switching costs. Firms earn higher profits under weak privacy protection compared with strong or no privacy protection. The relationship between the degree of privacy protection and equilibrium profits is not monotonic. Consumer surplus and total welfare increase with the degree of privacy protection unless firms recognize consumer‐specific switching costs. In that case, pricing conditional on switching costs has favorable implications for consumer surplus and total welfare.
Evolving technologies for growing, imaging and analyzing 3D root system architecture of crop plants
Authors: Piñeros Miguel A. , Larson Brandon G. , Shaff Jon E. , Schneider David J. , Falcão Alexandre Xavier , Yuan Lixing , Clark Randy T. , Craft Eric J. , Davis Tyler W. , Pradier Pierre‐Luc , Shaw Nathanael M. , Assaranurak Ithipong , McCouch Susan R. , Sturrock Craig , Bennett Malcolm , Kochian Leon V.
Published: December 2015

A plant's ability to maintain or improve its yield under limiting conditions, such as nutrient deficiency or drought, can be strongly influenced by root system architecture (RSA), the three‐dimensional distribution of the different root types in the soil. The ability to image, track and quantify these root system attributes in a dynamic fashion is a useful tool in assessing desirable genetic and physiological root traits. Recent advances in imaging technology and phenotyping software have resulted in substantive progress in describing and quantifying RSA. We have designed a hydroponic growth system which retains the three‐dimensional RSA of the plant root system, while allowing for aeration, solution replenishment and the imposition of nutrient treatments, as well as high‐quality imaging of the root system. The simplicity and flexibility of the system allows for modifications tailored to the RSA of different crop species and improved throughput. This paper details the recent improvements and innovations in our root growth and imaging system which allows for greater image sensitivity (detection of fine roots and other root details), higher efficiency, and a broad array of growing conditions for plants that more closely mimic those found under field conditions.
Late‐stage α‐synuclein accumulation in TNWT‐61 mouse model of Parkinson's disease detected by diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Khairnar Amit , Ruda‐Kucerova Jana , Drazanova Eva , Szabó Nikoletta , Latta Peter , Arab Anas , Hutter‐Paier Birgit , Havas Daniel , Windisch Manfred , Sulcova Alexandra , Starcuk Zenon , Király András , Rektorova Irena
Published: December 2015

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) by measuring non‐Gaussian diffusion allows an accurate estimation of the distribution of water molecule displacement and may correctly characterize microstructural brain changes caused by neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of DKI to detect changes induced by α‐synuclein (α‐syn) accumulation in α‐syn over‐expressing transgenic mice (TNWT‐61) in both gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) using region of interest (ROI) and tract‐based spatial statistics analyses, respectively, and to explore the relationship between α‐syn accumulation and DKI metrics in our regions of interest. Fourteen‐month‐old TNWT‐61 mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates underwent in vivo DKI scanning using the Bruker Avance 9.4 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system. ROI analysis in the GM regions substantia nigra, striatum, hippocampus, sensorimotor cortex, and thalamus and tract‐based spatial statistics analysis in WM were performed. Immunohistochemistry for α‐syn was performed in TNWT‐61 mice and correlated with DKI findings. We found increased kurtosis and decreased diffusivity values in GM regions such as the thalamus and sensorimotor cortex, and in WM regions such as the external and internal capsule, mamillothalamic tract, anterior commissure, cingulum, and corpus callosum in TNWT‐61 mice as compared to WT mice. Furthermore, we report for the first time that α‐syn accumulation is positively correlated with kurtosis and negatively correlated with diffusivity in the thalamus. The study provides evidence of an association between the amount of α‐syn and the magnitude of DKI metric changes in the ROIs, with the potential of improving the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

image

We propose diffusion kurtosis imaging as a sensitive method for detecting human α‐synuclein accumulation‐induced changes in brain tissue, which may be reflective of Parkinson disease stage. Boxplots show the averaged mean kurtosis (orange) and mean diffusivity (blue) under the results of the analysis (*p < 0.05) in brains of wild‐type (WT) and α‐synuclein over‐expressing (TNWT‐61) mice. This approach might represent a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 1117.
Effect of Reinforcement on the Flexural Properties of Injection‐Molded Thermoplastic Denture Base Resins
Authors: Sasaki Hirono , Hamanaka Ippei , Takahashi Yutaka , Kawaguchi Tomohiro
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of reinforcement on the flexural properties of injection‐molded thermoplastic denture base resins.

Materials and Methods

Three injection‐molded thermoplastic denture base resins (polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate) were selected for this study, and a conventional heat‐polymerized denture base resin (PMMA) was used as a control. Continuous unidirectional glass fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) and metal wire were used for reinforcement. Reinforced bar‐shaped specimens (65 mm long, 10 mm wide, 3.3 mm high) were fabricated (n = 10). The flexural strength at the proportional limit (FS‐PL) and the elastic modulus were measured using a three‐point bending test.

Results

All the denture base material specimens reinforced with FRC possessed a significantly higher FS‐PL compared to those without reinforcement. The FS‐PL of the polycarbonate specimens reinforced with metal wire was significantly higher than that without reinforcement, and there was no significant difference in the FS‐PL between the polycarbonate specimens reinforced with FRC and those with metal wire. The order of the elastic modulus according to the denture base material, arranged in terms of statistical significance, was as follows: PMMA (3.46 ± 0.53 GPa) > polycarbonate (2.69 ± 0.48 GPa) > polyester (2.00 ± 0.39 GPa) > polyamide (1.14 ± 0.35 GPa). The order of the elastic modulus according to the reinforcement, arranged in terms of statistical significance, was as follows: metal wire (2.74 ± 0.96 GPa) > FRC (2.40 ± 0.89 GPa) > no reinforcement (1.82 ± 0.83 GPa).

Conclusion

Continuous unidirectional glass fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) reinforcement had a satisfactory reinforcing effect for the injection‐molded thermoplastic denture base resins.
Effects of Simulated Gastric Juice on CAD/CAM Resin Composites—Morphological and Mechanical Evaluations
Authors: Backer Adriana D. , Münchow Eliseu A. , Eckert George J. , Hara Anderson T. , Platt Jeffrey A. , Bottino Marco C.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of simulated gastric juice on CAD/CAM resin composites by means of morphological and mechanical (i.e., hardness) evaluations.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen specimens of each resin composite (Lava Ultimate and Paradigm MZ100) were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. They were submitted to erosive challenges in a simulated gastric juice (pH = 1.2) solution for 6 and 24 hours. Vickers microhardness and surface roughness (Ra, Rq) evaluations were taken before (baseline) and after acid exposure. Morphological analysis was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using two‐way repeated measures ANOVA and Student‐Newman‐Keuls's test (α = 0.05).

Results

Paradigm MZ100 demonstrated higher microhardness than Lava Ultimate regardless of the storage time period (p ≤ 0.001), and microhardness was not affected by the acidic challenge (p = 0.58). After 6 hours of acid exposure, a significant decrease in Ra and Rq was seen for Paradigm MZ100 when compared to the baseline (Ra p = 0.032; Rq p = 0.013); however, for Lava Ultimate only Rq decreased (p = 0.021), while Ra remained unchanged (p = 0.38). After 24 hours of acid exposure, while Paradigm MZ100 exhibited no additional changes in surface roughness (p ≥ 0.75), Lava Ultimate became rougher (Ra p = 0.041; Rq p = 0.014), as confirmed by SEM imaging.

Conclusions

The acidic scenario tested in the present study changed the surface roughness of the resin composites but not their Vickers microhardness. Moreover, both resin composites seem suitable for use under acidic scenarios, although Paradigm MZ100 showed enhanced stability compared to Lava Ultimate.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Alumina, Zirconia, and Lithium Disilicate Surface Roughness Caused by Two Scaling Instruments
Authors: Vigolo Paolo , Buzzo Ottavia , Buzzo Maurizio , Mutinelli Sabrina
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Plaque control is crucial for the prevention of inflammatory periodontal disease. Hand scaling instruments have been shown to be efficient for the removal of plaque; however, routine periodontal prophylactic procedures may modify the surface profile of restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to assess in vitro the changes in roughness of alumina, zirconia, and lithium disilicate surfaces treated by two hand scaling instruments.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight alumina specimens, 48 zirconia specimens, and 48 lithium disilicate specimens, were selected. All specimens were divided into three groups of 16 each; one group for each material was considered the control group and no scaling procedures were performed; the second group of each material was exposed to scaling with steel curettes simulating standard clinical conditions; the third group of each material was exposed to scaling with titanium curettes. After scaling, the surface roughness of the specimens was evaluated with a profilometer. First, a statistical test was carried out to evaluate the difference in surface roughness before the scaling procedure of the three materials was effected (Kruskal‐Wallis test). Subsequently, the effect of curette material (steel and titanium) on roughness difference and roughness ratio was analyzed throughout the entire sample and within each material group, and a nonparametric test for dependent values was conducted (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). Finally, the roughness ratios of the three material groups were compared by means of a Kruskal‐Wallis test and a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Upon completion of profilometric evaluation, representative specimens from each group were prepared for SEM evaluation to evaluate the effects of the two scaling systems on the different surfaces qualitatively.

Results

After scaling procedure, the roughness profile value increased in all disks. Classifying the full sample according to curette used, the roughness of the disks treated with a steel curette reached a higher median value than that of the titanium group. Zirconia demonstrated the least significant increase in surface roughness. The result was 3.9 times of the initial value as compared to 4.3 times for alumina and 4.6 times for lithium disilicate.

Conclusions

Comparison of profilometer readings before and after instrumentation, carried out with different hand scaling instruments, highlighted both a statistically and clinically relevant increase in material roughness.
Two‐Colored Dental Surveying Tool as an Alternative for Carbon Marker
Authors: Patil Pravinkumar G. , Nimbalkar‐Patil Smita
Published: December 2015

Various tools are used with a dental surveyor, including analyzing rods, carbon markers, undercut gauges, and protective sheaths for a specific function. A carbon marker is a parallel‐sided carbon rod used to mark the survey line on a cast or a crown on a cast. The carbon marker (with or without protective sheath) cannot differentiate more than one survey line on the cast if needed. The wear of the carbon marker along the parallel walls after repeated use may give an incorrect survey line. We suggest a simple modification in the analyzing rod to prepare a two‐colored surveying tool. An analyzing rod is a parallel‐sided rod used to analyze the relative parallelism of two or more surfaces of a cast and to mark survey lines on wax patterns. With the modified analyzing rod, the survey lines can be marked with two colors, and the problem of breaking of the carbon marker also can be eliminated.
PlasmaHMGB‐1 and Nucleosome Concentrations in Horses with Colic and Healthy Horses
Authors: Bauquier J.R. , Forbes G. , Nath L. , Tudor E. , Bailey S.R.
Published: December 2015

Background

Acute gastrointestinal disease occurs commonly in horses. Novel biomarkers might improve the understanding ofSIRSand aid diagnosis and determination of prognosis.

Hypotheses

Increased plasma concentrations of the biomarkersHMGB‐1 and nucleosomes are associated with severity of gastrointestinal lesions in horses; concentrations of these biomarkers will be greater in horses with lesions more likely to causeSIRS; and will provide additional information compared with standard biomarkers fibrinogen andSAA.

Animals

Thirty horses with gastrointestinal disease, 22 healthy horses.

Methods

Prospective study. Plasma samples taken on admission were used for measurement ofHMGB‐1, nucleosomes, fibrinogen, andSAA. Values were compared between healthy horses and those with gastrointestinal disease, and between horses with gastrointestinal disease grouped by lesion type (inflammatory, strangulating, and nonstrangulating). Correlations between biomarkers were assessed.

Results

Plasma concentrations of all biomarkers were significantly higher in horses with gastrointestinal disease compared to healthy horses (P≤ .001).HMGB‐1 and nucleosomes were significantly higher in inflammatory and strangulating groups compared to healthy horses (3.5‐fold and 5.4‐fold increases, respectively, forHMGB‐1 (P< .05) and 4.8‐fold and 5.6‐fold increases for nucleosomes (P< .05)), but concentrations in the group with nonstrangulating disease did not differ from healthy horses. There was significant correlation betweenHMGB‐1 and nucleosomes (Spearman'sr= 0.623;P< .001), and fibrinogen andSAA(Spearman'sr= 0.801;P< .001) but not between other biomarkers.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

High mobility group box‐1 and nucleosomes might have use as biomarkers for horses with gastrointestinal disease. Further studies are required to determine kinetics and prognostic value of serial measurements of these biomarkers in horses.
Dynamic response of a Philippine dipterocarp forest to typhoon disturbance
Authors: Yap Sandra L. , Davies Stuart J. , Condit Richard
Published: December 2015

Questions

Natural hazards can wreak catastrophic damage to forest ecosystems. Here, the effects of typhoon disturbance on forest structure and demography of the 16‐ha Palanan Forest Dynamics Plot in the northeast Philippines were examined by comparing census intervals with (1998–2004) and without (2004–2010) a strong typhoon. Category 4 Typhoon Imbudo, with wind gusts exceeding 210 kph, hit Palanan in July 2003. In this study, we ask: (1) was there an effect of the typhoon on stand structure and biomass; (2) was there an impact on species diversity; (3) did annual mortality, growth and recruitment change significantly between typhoon and non‐typhoon periods; and (4) did the typhoon's impact vary with local topography, from leeward to windward sides of a ridge?

Location

Lowland mixed dipterocarp forest, Palanan, Isabela, Philippines.

Methods

Census data from 1998, 2004 and 2010 for all trees ≥1 cm DBH in a 16‐ha permanent plot in Palanan, Isabela, were used to assess tree demography. Recorded in the census were species identification and measurements of DBH and tree locations. Biomass was calculated from published allometry.

Results

Species diversity and stand structure remained stable, except for an increase in small‐sized trees (1–2 cm) recorded in the census conducted within a year of the typhoon disturbance. Tree mortality was significantly higher during the typhoon interval at 2.27%·yr−1 and more so in windward than leeward habitats. Above‐ground biomass loss in the typhoon interval was minimal (2.64%) and biomass exceeded pre‐typhoon levels after 6 yrs. Recruitment rate during the typhoon interval was almost four times the rate in the non‐typhoon interval that followed, attributed to the rapid growth of seeds and seedlings of pioneer species due to the open, defoliated canopy. Negative population growth was recorded for the early successional species in the non‐typhoon interval. Significantly higher growth rates of trees in the non‐typhoon interval also contributed to biomass gain.

Conclusions

Mortality, recruitment and growth rates vary across a heterogeneous landscape and are related to typhoon disturbances. The relatively low mortality and fast recovery of the Palanan forest demonstrates the resistance and resilience of the forest to intense episodic typhoon disturbances.
Epibiotic community on the acorn barnacle (Balanus amphitrite) from a monsoon‐influenced tropical estuary
Authors: Sahoo Gobardhan , Khandeparker Lidita
Published: December 2015

The epibiotic communities (diatoms and metazoans) on the outer surfaces of the shell of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite (BSh) and its opercular valves (the scutum and tergum; BST) were investigated on a monthly basis for 1 year in a tropical monsoon‐influenced estuary and compared with that of the surrounding rock biofilm. BSh and BST were rich in the diatoms Achnanthes longipes and Melosira nummuloides and amongst the invertebrates, nematodes and tardigrades were abundant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of epibiosis on the acorn barnacle. Diatom abundance was at its maximum during the monsoon season on all the inter‐tidal substrata i.e. BSh, BST and rock. A significant correlation was found between the density of diatoms and invertebrates associated with the BSh and BST, possibly because of the trophic relationship between them or the suitability of the physical environment. The possible role of these epibionts on the settlement of this barnacle species is currently unknown and needs further investigation.
The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific
Authors: López‐Pérez Andrés , Cupul‐Magaña Amilcar , Ahumada‐Sempoal Miguel Angel , Medina‐Rosas Pedro , Reyes‐Bonilla Héctor , Herrero‐Pérezrul María Dinorah , Reyes‐Hernández Cristóbal , Lara‐Hernández Julio
Published: December 2015

Various authors have suggested that the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico, may play a significant biogeographic role in the dispersal of Indo Pacific coral species into the Eastern Pacific; however, the coral communities of this archipelago have received scarce attention to date. Here, we first addressed coral community structure across the islands and, by employing ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments, used this information to evaluate the relevance of the archipelago for coral dispersal. Twenty‐four coral communities were recorded in the archipelago. Coral cover varied significantly among islands: Maria Cleofas had large values (38.5%), intermediate values were observed for Maria Madre (26.5%) and Maria Magdalena (22.84%), and relatively low values were recorded for San Juanito (18.5%). Coral communities mainly consisted of Pocillopora (57.3%) and Porites (25.5%) species, while species of Pavona (16%) and Psammocora (0.6%) made relatively minor contributions. Thirteen stony coral species were identified in the archipelago; of these Psammocora profundacella and Pavona duerdeni represent new records. Ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments suggested similar connecting paths in the studied area; in general, the Islas Marias stands as a route for coral dispersal of Indo Pacific species into the Northeastern Pacific. In a regional context, the Islas Marias has three major biogeographic implications to coral dispersal: (i) the archipelago stands as a major stepping stone for the transport of species and individuals among the Revillagigedo archipelago, the Gulf of California and the tropical Mexican Pacific; (ii) the Islas Marias may play a seminal role in maintaining the genetic connectivity between southern and northern coral populations along the Mexican Pacific and (iii) because of its relatively pristine status and low levels of human impact, the archipelago may potentially serve as a source of coral propagules for ecosystem recovery in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of the Mexican mainland following natural and/or human induced perturbations.
Maintained functional diversity in benthic communities in spite of diverging functional identities
Authors: Weigel Benjamin , Blenckner Thorsten , Bonsdorff Erik
Published: December 2015

Ecological studies based on time‐series often investigate community changes centered on species abundance or biomass but rarely expose the consequential functional aspects underlying such changes. Functional diversity measures have proven to be more accurate predictors for ecosystem functioning than traditional taxonomic approaches and hence gained much attention. There are only limited studies available that analyse the functional implications behind decadal changes of entire communities. We studied zoobenthic communities of two habitats, sheltered and exposed, of a coastal system subject to contrasting changes in community composition over the past four decades. Besides eutrophication and climate‐related impacts, the system has been invaded by a non‐native polycheate Marenzelleria spp., adding altered functional properties to the communities. The functional dispersion (FDis) metric was used as a measure for comparing the functional diversity of the contrasting habitats, with special focus on the role of Marenzelleria for the entire communities. We highlight changes in the functional identity of the communities, expressed as community‐weighted means of trait expression (CWM), using multivariate techniques, and investigate the relationship between taxonomic and functional changes. Despite contrasting community developments in the two habitats, with characteristics traditionally suggesting different environmental quality, we found that the FDis in both habitats remained similar and increased with the introduction of Marenzelleria. Although showing maintained functional diversity across time and space, the functional identity (CWM) of communities changed irrespective of taxonomical differences. Examples include inter alia alterations in palatability proxies, feeding position and sediment transportation types, indicating changed functionality of zoobenthos in coastal systems. We show, when focussing on qualitative functional changes of communities, it is important to evaluate the underlying functional identity, and not only rely on measures of the diversity of functions per se, as the quality indication of expressed functional traits can be concealed when using multi‐functionality approaches.
Ecological strategies in stable and disturbed environments depend on species specialisation
Authors: Büchi Lucie , Vuilleumier Séverine
Published: December 2015

Ecological strategies are integral to understanding species survival in different environments. However, how habitat specialisation is involved in such strategies is not fully understood, particularly in heterogeneous and disturbed environments. Here, we studied the trait associations between specialisation, dispersal ability, competitiveness, reproductive investment and survival rate in a spatially explicit metacommunity model under various disturbance rates. Though no unique trait values were associated with specialisation, relationships were uncovered depending on environmental factors. We found strong trait associations mainly for generalist species, while specialist species exhibited a larger range of trait combinations. Trait associations were driven first by the disturbance rate and second by species' dispersal ability and generation overlap. With disturbance, low dispersal ability was strongly selected against, for specialists as well as for generalists. Our results demonstrate that habitat specialisation is critical for the emergence of trait strategies in metacommunities and that disturbance in interaction with dispersal ability limits not only the range of trait values but also the type of possible trait associations.
Associations of maternal and fetal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels with childhood eczema: The Generation R Study
Authors: Gazibara Tatjana , Elbert Niels J. , den Dekker Herman T. , de Jongste Johan C. , Reiss Irwin , McGrath John J. , Eyles Darryl W. , Burne Thomas H. , Tiemeier Henning , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: December 2015

Background

Exposure to low levels of vitamin D in fetal life might affect the developing immune system, and subsequently the risk of childhood eczema. We examined whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in mid‐gestation and at birth were associated with the risk of eczema until the age of 4 years.

Methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study of 3019 mothers and their children, maternal blood samples in mid‐gestation and umbilical cord blood samples at birth were used to determine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels (severely deficient <25.0 nmol/l, deficient 25.0–49.9 nmol/l, sufficient 50.0–74.9 nmol/l, optimal ≥75.0 nmol/l). Eczema was prospectively assessed by annual questionnaires until the age of 4 years. Eczema patterns included never, early (age ≤1 year only), late (age >1 year only), and persistent eczema (age ≤ and >1 year). Data were assessed using the generalized estimating equations and multinomial regression models.

Results

Compared with the optimal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D group, sufficient, deficient, and severely deficient groups of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in mid‐gestation were not associated with the risk of overall eczema (odds ratios [95% confidence interval]: 1.09 [0.82, 1.43], 1.04 [0.87, 1.25], and 0.94 [0.81, 1.10], p‐values for trend >0.05), nor with eczema per year or eczema patterns in children up to the age of 4 years. Similarly, we observed no associations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D groups at birth with any eczema outcome.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in mid‐gestation and at birth are not associated with the risk of overall eczema, eczema per year, or eczema patterns among children until the age of 4 years.
A Dilemma for Non‐Analytic Naturalism
Authors: Forcehimes Andrew T.
Published: December 2015

In recent years, an impressive research program has developed around non‐analytic reductions of the normative. Nevertheless, non‐analytic naturalists face a damning dilemma: either they need to give the same reductive analysis for epistemic and practical reasons, or they can give a different analyses by treating epistemic and practical reasons as a species of the larger genus, reasonhood. Since, for example, a desire‐based account of epistemic reasons is implausible, the reductionist must opt for the latter. Yet, if the desire‐based account of practical reasons is merely a species of the larger genus, then, due to a violation of irreflexivity, the reduction fails.
The intermediate host immune response in cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Tamarozzi F. , Mariconti M. , Neumayr A. , Brunetti E.
Published: December 2015

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic, complex and neglected zoonotic infection. In most cases, CE cysts and the intermediate host co‐habit for a long time in the absence of symptoms and elicit very little inflammation. However, the immune interplay between the parasite and the host is complex, encompassing effective parasite‐killing immune mechanisms implemented by the host, which in turn are modulated by the parasite. The immune response to the parasite has been exploited for the diagnosis of the disease and for the development of an effective vaccine to use in the natural intermediate host, but the mechanisms of parasite killing and immunomodulation are still unknown. Here, we reviewed the immune effector mechanisms and the strategies of immune evasion in the intermediate host.
Exogenous Estradiol Benzoate Induces Spermatogenesis Disorder through Influencing Apoptosis and Oestrogen Receptor Signalling Pathway
Authors: Lei X , Cui K , Liu Q , Zhang H , Li Z , Huang B , Shi D
Published: December 2015

Contents

As the exact role for exogenous oestrogen in spermatogenesis is not fully understood, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) exposure to male mice on their spermatogenesis and fertility. Sixty male mice aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, including a control group and two treatment groups. The mice of the control group were injected with 250 μl paraffin oil only by every other day subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks. Meantime, the mice of the treatment groups were injected with EB at the concentration of 5 or 10 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that EB slowed down the body weight gains and generated testicular atrophy with spermatogenesis disorder compared with that of the control mice, and consequently induced their infertility. Moreover, the number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the testis of EB‐treated mice was significantly increased with the EB concentration rise. In comparison with controls, the mRNA expression level of pro‐apoptosis factors (Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Apaf1, Chop, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐8, Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐12) and key genes in oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling pathway (ER α, ER β, Erk1/2, Hsp90 and DAX‐1) were upregulated in the testes of the treatment groups. Furthermore, Western blotting results proved the protein expression level of Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Chop, Caspase‐3, cleaved Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, Erk1/2 and Hsp90 were upregulated, and the phosphorylation level of Erk1/2 was also increased. These results indicate that EB may impair spermatogenesis through influencing the apoptosis and ER signalling pathway.
Using turf transplants to reintroduce native forest understory plants into smelter‐disturbed forests
Authors: Santala Kierann R. , Monet Stephen , McCaffrey Tina , Campbell Daniel , Beckett Peter , Ryser Peter
Published: December 2015

This study investigated factors affecting transplantation success of native forest understory vegetation on metal‐contaminated soils. One year after transplantation along a gradient of historical Cu–Ni smelter pollution in Sudbury, Canada, community‐level characteristics of the transplanted plots and short‐term indicators expressing the performance of selected species were assessed. Thirty 16‐m2 plots were studied, each established with 45 transplanted 0.56 × 0.64−m turfs 10 cm thick, extracted from mixed‐hardwood forests slated for development. Species richness, diversity, and evenness were not affected by environmental conditions but short‐term responses of root growth and sexual reproduction of selected species to environmental variables indicate a need for long‐term monitoring. Root growth of Clintonia borealis (Aiton) Raf. and Gaultheria procumbens L. was positively related to soil temperature. Root growth of G. procumbens correlated negatively with soil Ni availability, but in all plots, root growth was comparable with the literature values from unaffected forests. Flowering frequency of G. procumbens correlated negatively with soil pH and positively with tree cover, corresponding to ecological requirements of this species. Soil had a negative effect on sexual reproduction of C. borealis. Unexpectedly, fruiting of C. borealis responded positively to Ni, and fruiting of Maianthemum canadense Desf. positively to As, possibly due to interdependencies among soil variables. The results are encouraging with respect to transplant success, as effects of smelter‐related variables were relatively minor, but species‐specific responses of the selected species to environmental factors indicate that species performance is dependent on site‐specific conditions, potentially influencing long‐term success of the transplants.