bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen fertilizer decreases survival and reproduction of female locusts by increasing plant protein to carbohydrate ratio
Authors: Le Gall Marion , Word Mira L. , Thompson Natalia , Beye Alioune , Cease Arianne J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Nitrogen limitation theory predicts that terrestrial plants should benefit from nitrogen inputs and that herbivores should benefit from subsequent higher plant protein contents. While this pattern has generally been supported, some herbivorous insects have shown preference and higher performance on low protein (p), high carbohydrate (c) diets as juveniles.

However, little is known about the effects on reproduction in adults. Using nitrogen fertilizer, we demonstrate that high plant p:c has negative effects on Senegalese locust (Orthoptera: Oedaeleus senegalensis) reproduction and survival in an agroecological setting.

For this, we measured p:c in millet plants Pennisetum glaucum that received two levels of fertilizer (high and moderate) and a control, then we caged locusts on these plants for 2 weeks. In the laboratory, we gave locusts the choice between untreated millet leaves and leaves that received one of the two fertilization treatment.

We found that fertilization increased p:c ratio in a concentration‐dependent fashion. We counted the number of locusts alive over the course of 2 weeks and showed that fewer females survived on fertilized plants than on control plants. Females that ate plants from the high fertilization treatment laid lighter eggs. Finally, we showed that female locusts prefer unfertilized plants to plants with a high p:c.

We hypothesize that this pattern will apply broadly to species that have extensive carbohydrate needs, such as long‐distance migrators. Because many ecological studies focus primarily on nitrogen or protein, and fail to consider carbohydrates, this study has important implications for how ecologists consider nutrient limitation of primary consumers in ecosystems globally.
Interactions between seed‐dispersing ant species affect plant community composition in field mesocosms
Authors: Prior Kirsten M. , Meadley‐Dunphy Shannon A. , Frederickson Megan E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In generalized mutualisms, species vary in the quality of services they provide to their partners directly via traits that affect partner fitness and indirectly via traits that influence interactions among mutualist species that play similar functional roles. Myrmecochory, or seed dispersal by ants, is a generalized mutualism with ant species varying in the quality of dispersal services they provide to their plant partners. Variation in ant species identity can directly impact seed dispersal patterns and plant community composition; however, we know less about how interactions among seed‐dispersing ant species indirectly influence plant partners.

The invasive ant Myrmica rubra, is a high‐quality seed‐disperser in its native range that interacts with myrmecochores (ant‐dispersed plants) and the high‐quality seed disperser Aphaenogaster sp. in its invaded range. We use this system to examine how interactions between two functionally similar mutualist ant species influence the recruitment and community composition of ant‐dispersed plants.

We performed a field mesocosm experiment and a laboratory behavioural experiment to compare discovery and dominance behaviours between ant species, and seed dispersal and seedling recruitment of four myrmecochore species among intraspecific interaction treatments of each ant species and an interspecific interaction treatment.

We found that M. rubra was better at discovering and dispersing seeds, but Aphaenogaster sp. was dominantly aggressive over M. rubra. Interspecific interactions dampened seed dispersal relative to dispersal by the better disperser. Despite this dampening, we found no effect of interspecific interactions on seedling recruitment. However, community composition of seedlings in the interspecific interaction treatment was more similar to composition in the aggressively dominant ant (Aphaenogaster sp.) treatment than in the better discoverer ant M. rubra treatment.

We show that interspecific interactions between mutualist species in the same functional guild affect the outcome of mutualistic interactions with partner species. Despite the native ant dispersing fewer seeds, its dominance over the subordinate (invasive) ant has the potential to allow for some level of biotic resistance against the effects of M. rubra on plant communities when these species coexist.
Sequencing effort dictates gene discovery in marine microbial metagenomes
Authors: Duarte Carlos M. , Ngugi David K. , Alam Intikhab , Pearman John , Kamau Allan , Eguiluz Victor M. , Gojobori Takashi , Acinas Silvia G. , Gasol Josep M. , Bajic Vladimir , Irigoien Xabier 
Published: August 2020

SummaryMassive metagenomic sequencing combined with gene prediction methods were previously used to compile the gene catalogue of the ocean and host‐associated microbes. Global expeditions conducted over the past 15 years have sampled the ocean to build a catalogue of genes from pelagic microbes. Here we undertook a large sequencing effort of a perturbed Red Sea plankton community to uncover that the rate of gene discovery increases continuously with sequencing effort, with no indication that the retrieved 2.83 million non‐redundant (complete) genes predicted from the experiment represented a nearly complete inventory of the genes present in the sampled community (i.e., no evidence of saturation). The underlying reason is the Pareto‐like distribution of the abundance of genes in the plankton community, resulting in a very long tail of millions of genes present at remarkably low abundances, which can only be retrieved through massive sequencing. Microbial metagenomic projects retrieve a variable number of unique genes per Tera base‐pair (Tbp), with a median value of 14.7 million unique genes per Tbp sequenced across projects. The increase in the rate of gene discovery in microbial metagenomes with sequencing effort implies that there is ample room for new gene discovery in further ocean and holobiont sequencing studies.
Salivary and serum cathelicidin LL‐37 levels in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Cheah Chia Wei , Al‐Maleki Anis Rageh , Vadivelu Jamuna , Danaee Mahmoud , Sockalingam Sargunan , Baharuddin Nor Adinar , Vaithilingam Rathna Devi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) due to shared risk factors, immuno‐genetics and tissue destruction pathways. Human cathelicidin LL‐37 has been suggested as a possible mechanistic link for these diseases. This study investigated the levels of salivary and serum LL‐37 in subjects with RA and CP and their correlation with disease parameters.MethodSubjects were allocated into RA (n = 49) or non‐RA (NRA) (n = 55) groups, where 3 subgroups were further established; chronic periodontitis (CP), gingivitis (G) and periodontal health (H). Demographic and periodontal parameters were collected. Rheumatology data were obtained from hospital records. Serum and salivary LL‐37 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and compared for all groups.ResultsFor salivary LL‐37, RA‐CP was significantly higher than NRA‐G and NRA‐H (P = .047). For serum LL‐37, all RA and NRA‐CP were significantly higher than NRA‐G and NRA‐H (P = .024). Salivary LL‐37 correlated negatively with clinical attachment loss (CAL) (P = .048), but positively with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in RA‐H (P = .045). Serum LL‐37 showed positive correlation with ESR (P = .037) in RA‐G, with C‐reactive protein (P = .017) in RA‐H, but negative correlation with number of teeth (P = .002) in NRA‐CP. Rheumatology data correlated positively with periodontal parameters in RA‐CP group.ConclusionNRA‐CP subjects with high serum LL‐37 should receive comprehensive periodontal therapy. Positive correlation between rheumatology data and periodontal parameters showed that RA disease stability may be obtained by assessing the periodontal condition. Periodontal therapy is necessary to compliment RA treatment to achieve optimum outcome for RA patients with concurrent CP.
Stability and predictability of bird assemblages in an arid riparian woodland during contrasting periods of resource availability
Authors: Westerhuis Erin L. , Nano Catherine E.M. , Morton Stephen R. , Christian Keith A. , Schlesinger Christine A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRiver red gum woodlands associated with ephemeral river channels in arid Australia are recognised as important habitat for a suite of bird species, due to their distinctive structure, large canopies and abundant tree hollows. We tested the proposition that river red gum woodlands harbour a distinctive bird assemblage that is relatively stable through time. We examined patterns of bird composition between habitats (riparian woodland versus neighbouring habitat) over multiple years (from 2016 to 2018) and locations (three catchments), and we assessed these patterns in the context of variable food resource availability. Assemblages in river red gum woodlands differed from those of adjacent vegetation, despite strong temporal variability caused by arrival of nomadic species in both habitat types following above‐average rainfall. Species richness was reduced in the drier periods, yet bird assemblages in river red gum woodlands retained their distinctiveness from adjacent habitat. Flowering and fruiting of shrubs and trees were largely stimulated by rainfall; in contrast, invertebrate abundance was driven more by temperature and was higher in river red gum woodlands. Our data did not imply that river red gum woodland acted as a refuge in drier times for species from neighbouring habitat. Our study supports the hypothesis that arid bird community composition is influenced more by habitat than by temporal resource variability.
Emergent effects of light and temperature on hatching success of Streptocephalus cafer (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) resting eggs
Authors: Tladi Murphy , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Cuthbert Ross N. , Wasserman Ryan J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResting egg production is considered the most common form of dormancy in aquatic invertebrates. Given that many taxa at least partially terminate resting egg state using environmental cues, knowledge on environmental drivers of hatching success is important, particularly within the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Fairy shrimp (anostracans) are temporary wetland specialists that are reliant on resting egg production for population persistence. Temporary wetlands are common in many arid regions projected to experience increases in temperature, and in areas often compromised by human‐mediated activities. In this study, we assessed the combined effects of light and temperature on the hatching success of Streptocephalus cafer (Anostraca) dormant eggs from temporary wetlands in an arid environment. Both temperature and light altered hatching success, with emergent effects evident. Light caused a significant threefold increase in hatching success overall, while temperature effects were non‐linear, with hatching optimised at 27°C, and especially under light conditions. These results are discussed within the context of shifting climates and disturbances to temporary wetland ecosystems.
The impact of caregiving on the health status of regional carers in Australia: Findings from a mixed‐method study
Authors: Hutchinson Marie , Hurley John 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhile it is known that informal carers provide the majority of caregiving in Australia, there remains limited understanding of the challenges that regional carers face in their caring role and the impact of the caregiving role on carer well‐being.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to better understand the health status of caregivers as the person they care for was entering the National Disability Support Scheme.DesignThis is a mixed‐methods study.SettingThe study was undertaken in regional New South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsSeventy‐five carers were enrolled into the study. All lived in regional New South Wales.Main outcome measureThe World Health Organization Well‐being Index was used for quantitative data collection, and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken for the collection of qualitative data.ResultQuantitative data indicated that carers from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and those from low socio‐economic status had significantly lower scores on the well‐being index. Two key qualitative categories were evident describing carer's journey to resilience by (a) adjusting to reality predominantly through cognitive reframing strategies and (b) carers accessing external supports.ConclusionThe health status of regional carers who are predominantly women is experiencing low levels of well‐being. While many of these carers have initiated successful coping responses to the challenges of caring, there is an urgent need to increase the supports available to this population. As the recent National Disability Support Scheme is embedded, it is of importance to monitor if there are improvements in the health status of carers over time.
Histaminergic neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus as a control centre for wakefulness
Authors: Yoshikawa Takeo , Nakamura Tadaho , Yanai Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2020

Histamine plays pleiotropic roles as a neurotransmitter in the physiology of brain function, this includes the maintenance of wakefulness, appetite regulation and memory retrieval. Since numerous studies have revealed an association between histaminergic dysfunction and diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, a large number of compounds acting on the brain histamine system have been developed to treat neurological disorders. In 2016, pitolisant, which was developed as a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist by Schwartz and colleagues, was launched for the treatment of narcolepsy, emphasising the prominent role of brain histamine on wakefulness. Recent advances in neuroscientific techniques such as chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches have led to remarkable progress in the understanding of histaminergic neural circuits essential for the control of wakefulness. In this review article, we summarise the basic knowledge about the histaminergic nervous system and the mechanisms underlying sleep/wake regulation that are controlled by the brain histamine system.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
Comparative performance of insulinoma‐associated protein 1 (INSM1) and routine immunohistochemical markers of neuroendocrine differentiation in the diagnosis of endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Parra Ourania , Linos Konstantinos , Yan Shaofeng , Lilo Mohammed , LeBlanc Robert E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEndocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare cutaneous adnexal malignancy with predilection for the eyelids of older adults. It must be distinguished from metastatic adenocarcinomas of extracutaneous origin and from benign adnexal proliferations on partial samples when a solid growth component and mucin production are not evident. Thus, demonstration of neuroendocrine differentiation can help to ensure a correct diagnosis. Insulinoma‐associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a novel neuroendocrine marker that has recently shown greater sensitivity than synaptophysin (SYN) and chromogranin (CHR) in the diagnosis of various neuroendocrine neoplasms. We compared the performance of these three markers across 10 examples of EMPSGC. All EMPSGCs expressed INSM1. Eight of ten were also immunoreactive for SYN; however, INSM1 staining was generally more intense and stained a greater proportion of the tumor cells. CHR staining was weak and focal in most cases. INSM1 staining was present in hidrocystoma‐like components of cystic EMPSGC. These findings suggest that INSM1 may be more sensitive than SYN and CHR and thus valuable for establishing a diagnosis of EMPSGC.
The cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands
Authors: Van der Linden N. , Van Olst S. , Nekeman S. , Uyl‐de Groot C.A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimWhen glycaemic control for people with type 2 diabetes is not achieved with metformin and sulfonylurea alone, adding another oral anti‐diabetes drug, such as a sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, is an alternative to starting insulin. The aim of this study is to determine the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors when added to metformin and sulfonylurea in people with type 2 diabetes in the Netherlands.MethodsA cost–utility analysis is performed using the Cardiff diabetes model, a fixed‐time increment stochastic simulation model informed by ‘United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study 68’ risk equations. The base‐case analysis uses a 40‐year time horizon, a Dutch societal perspective and differential discounting (4% for costs, 1.5% for effects). Inputs are obtained from the literature and Dutch price lists. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis are performed.ResultsDapagliflozin is dominant compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors, resulting in a €990 cost saving and a 0.28 quality‐adjusted life year gain over 40 years. Cost savings are associated mainly with treatment costs and a reduced incidence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications, among others nephropathy, myocardial infarction and stroke. Results are robust to changes in input parameters.ConclusionsDapagliflozin is a cost‐saving alternative to DPP‐4 inhibitors when added to metformin and sulfonylurea. The incidence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications is lower for people treated with dapagliflozin. Uncertainty around this outcome is low.
Pregnancy and development of diabetes in First Nations and non‐First Nations women in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mackenzie M. L. , Yuan Y. , Shen Y. , Toth E. L. , Bell R. C. , Oster R. T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo conduct a retrospective population‐based study to examine the risk of developing diabetes after delivery in First Nations and non‐First Nations women in Alberta.MethodsDelivery records (1999–2014) were linked to provincial administrative data, which allowed for a maximum follow‐up of 16 years after delivery. Prevalence of pregnancy risk factors were compared by First Nations status. Hazard ratios for diabetes after delivery by First Nations status, high pre‐pregnancy body weight (≥91 kg) and gestational diabetes status were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsAge‐adjusted prevalence of gestational diabetes (7.9% vs 4.6%; P<0.0001), high pre‐pregnancy body weight (18.8% vs 10.2%; P<0.0001) and diabetes after delivery (3.9% vs 1.1%; P<0.0001) were higher in First Nations women than in non‐First Nations women. Development of diabetes after delivery was higher with First Nations status (hazard ratio 3.0, 95% CI 2.6–3.4), high pre‐pregnancy body weight (hazard ratio 3.6, 95% CI 3.3–4.0) and gestational diabetes status (hazard ratio 19.2, 95% CI 17.9–20.6). The highest risk was within First Nations women with high pre‐pregnancy body weight and gestational diabetes (hazard ratio 54.8, 95% CI 45.2–66.5) compared to women without these three risk factors. Reduced prenatal visits per pregnancy (8.4 vs 10.7; P<0.0001) and delayed first prenatal visit (time to delivery 23.7 vs 26.7 weeks; P<0.0001) were observed in First Nations women compared to non‐First Nations women.ConclusionFirst Nations women are at greater risk of developing diabetes after pregnancy, with gestational diabetes being the strongest predictor. Strategies that target the specific needs of First Nations women before, during and after pregnancy are required.
Depressive symptoms in Chinese adults with risk factors for diabetes: the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study
Authors: Xu J. , Bian Z. , Zhang Y. , Pan J. , Gao F. , Wang C. , Jia W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the relationship between newly diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and depressive symptoms among individuals with risk factors for diabetes in China. We also investigated the associations of depressive symptoms with pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance.MethodsWe used cross‐sectional data from the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) project. Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1728 participants were enrolled in this study and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and the modified Matsuda index. Pancreatic β‐cell function was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function, Stumvoll first‐ and second‐phase indexes. Elevated depressive symptoms were determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9 score ≥ 10).ResultsThe prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in the total study population was 4.8% (83 of 1728). Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes were less likely to have elevated depressive symptoms even after controlling for potential confounders [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.68; P = 0.002]. However, prediabetes was not associated with depressive symptoms. The odds for elevated depressive symptoms were increased in individuals with higher levels of the Stumvoll first‐phase index. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance.ConclusionElevated depressive symptoms were less prevalent in Chinese individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes among a high‐risk population for diabetes.