bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin reprogramming of gut microbiota improves lipid dysmetabolism in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Yin Jie , Li Yuying , Han Hui , Chen Shuai , Gao Jing , Liu Gang , Wu Xin , Deng Jinping , Yu Qifang , Huang Xingguo , Fang Rejun , Li Tiejun , Reiter Russel J. , Zhang Dong , Zhu Congrui , Zhu Guoqiang , Ren Wenkai , Yin Yulong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMelatonin has been shown to improve lipid metabolism and gut microbiota communities in animals and humans; however, it remains to know whether melatonin prevents obesity through gut microbiota. Here, we found that high‐fat diet promoted the lipid accumulation and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice, while oral melatonin supplementation alleviated the lipid accumulation and reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis, including the diversity of intestinal microbiota, relative abundances of Bacteroides and Alistipes, and functional profiling of microbial communities, such as energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. Interestingly, melatonin failed to alleviate the high‐fat‐induced lipid accumulation in antibiotic‐treated mice; however, microbiota transplantation from melatonin‐treated mice alleviated high‐fat diet‐induced lipid metabolic disorders. Notably, short‐chain fatty acids were decreased in high‐fat diet‐fed mice, while melatonin treatment improved the production of acetic acid. Correlation analysis found a marked correlation between production of acetic acid and relative abundances of Bacteroides and Alistipes. Importantly, sodium acetate treatment also alleviated high‐fat diet‐induced lipid metabolic disorders. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin improves lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet‐fed mice, and the potential mechanisms may be associated with reprogramming gut microbiota, especially, Bacteroides and Alistipes‐mediated acetic acid production. Future studies are needed for patients with metabolic syndrome to fully understand melatonin’s effects on body weight and lipid profiles and the potential mechanism of gut microbiota.
Comparison of UVB effects on growth and induction of UVB screening compounds in isolates of metaphytic algae from temperate zone streams and ponds
Authors: O'Neal Steven W. , Hoover Angie M. 
Published: September 2018

Filaments in the surface layers of metaphytic mats are exposed to high photon flux densities of PAR and UVBR. We investigated the effect of UVBR exposure on growth of eight isolates of common metaphytic algae (Cladophora, Mougeotia, Oedogonium, Pithophora, Spirogyra, and Zygnema) acclimated to either high or low PAR levels prior to UVBR exposure. All isolates acclimated to low PAR exhibited significant reductions in growth rate caused by the UVBR exposure (P < 0.05). Acclimation to high PAR resulted in seven of the isolates being more tolerant of the UVB exposure. The two Zygnema isolates exhibited the most pronounced effect of high PAR acclimation with growth rates of UVB exposed treatments being equal to that of controls (P > 0.05). High PAR acclimation also protected chlorophyll a levels in the Zygnema isolates. Absorption of UVB by methanol extracts increased 322%–381% for the two Zygnema isolates when high PAR acclimated. The broad absorption peak at 270 nm suggests that phenolic compounds were responsible. Previous studies have shown that Zygnema isolates from extreme environments tolerate UVBR and contain UVB screening compounds, but our results extend these adaptions to Zygnema from typical temperate zone habitats. Although none of the other metaphytic algae produced UVB absorbing compounds, they all exhibited higher growth rates under UVBR exposure following high PAR acclimation. This suggests that the algae evaluated have inducible defenses against UVBR exposure that coupled with their mat structure would provide an adaption to the challenging light environment in shallow‐water habitats.
Low‐dose ACTH stimulation testing in dogs suspected of hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Botsford Annabel , Behrend Ellen N. , Kemppainen Robert J. , Gaillard Philippe R. , Oprandy Frank , Lee Hollie P. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundLow‐dose ACTH stimulation testing would lower cost and may increase sensitivity for identification of partial ACTH deficiency.Hypothesis(1) The low‐dose ACTH stimulation test will provide comparable results to the standard‐dose ACTH stimulation test in dogs suspected of hypoadrenocorticism and (2) partial ACTH deficiency exists in dogs and can result in chronic, intermittent gastrointestinal signs.AnimalsThirty‐one client‐owned dogs suspected of having hypoadrenocorticism.MethodsProspective study. Dogs suspected of having hypoadrenocorticism received 1 μg/kg cosyntropin IV for the first ACTH stimulation test; the second test was performed 4 h later and dogs received 5 μg/kg cosyntropin IV. Blood samples were obtained pre‐ACTH and 1 hour post‐ACTH for each dose (4 measurements total). Samples for endogenous ACTH measurement were obtained at the time of initial blood collection.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in the basal cortisol concentration before administration of a 1 μg/kg versus before a 5 μg/kg dose of cosyntropin (P= .544). For dogs suspected of having hypoadrenocorticism, the ACTH‐stimulated cortisol concentrations in response to both doses of ACTH were equivalent (90% confidence interval [CI], 80.5‐97.2%;P= .04). No cases with partial ACTH deficiency were identified conclusively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA 1 μg/kg dose of cosyntropin is equivalent to a 5 μg/kg dose of cosyntropin for screening dogs suspected of hypoadrenocorticism. The existence of partial ACTH deficiency was not identified in this small group of dogs.
Cutaneous infections by dematiaceous opportunistic fungi: Diagnosis and management in 11 solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Ferrándiz‐Pulido Carla , Martin‐Gomez M. Teresa , Repiso Trinidad , Juárez‐Dobjanschi Cecilia , Ferrer Berta , López‐Lerma Ingrid , Aparicio Gloria , González‐Cruz Carlos , Moreso Francesc , Roman Antonio , García‐Patos Vicente 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of cutaneous infections by dematiaceous fungi is rising in our environment due to the high number of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR).ObjectiveTo review our experience in the management of cutaneous phaeohyphomycoses in a Spanish reference centre for dermatological care of SOTR.MethodsRetrospective clinical, histopathological and microbiological review of all SOTR diagnosed of a phaeohyphomycosis in a 7‐year period.ResultsEleven SOTR were identified (8 lung and 3 kidney). The lesions were solitary in six patients and multiple in five, affecting mostly the lower extremities. Early lesions showed epidermal hyperplasia and a diffuse dermal suppurative granulomatous infiltrate that was progressively substituted by fibrosis when the lesions were treated. Septated fungal structures with refractile walls were identified. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Alternaria spp (8 cases), Cladosporium cladosporioides, Microsphaeropsis arundinis and Exophiala oligosperma. Three patients with single lesions were treated with surgery, while the other 8 required long‐term antifungal therapy, including itraconazole, voriconazole and/or terbinafine, combined with surgery and reduction in tacrolimus doses.ConclusionA clinical, histopathological and microbiological correlation is essential to corroborate this diagnosis. Solitary lesions are easily treated with surgery, but larger or multiple lesions may require long medical treatments combined with surgery and modification of immunosuppressive medication. The list of dematiaceous fungi implicated in cutaneous infections is expanding, in line with the availability of more sophisticated identification methods and the increasing number of immunosuppressed patients.
Dispersal biophysics and adaptive significance of dimorphic diaspores in the annual Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Arshad Waheed , Sperber Katja , Steinbrecher Tina , Nichols Bethany , Jansen Vincent A. A. , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard , Mummenhoff Klaus 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Heteromorphic diaspores (fruits and seeds) are an adaptive bet‐hedging strategy to cope with spatiotemporally variable environments, particularly fluctuations in favourable temperatures and unpredictable precipitation regimes in arid climates.

We conducted comparative analyses of the biophysical and ecophysiological properties of the two distinct diaspores (mucilaginous seed (M+) vs indehiscent (IND) fruit) in the dimorphic annual Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae), linking fruit biomechanics, dispersal aerodynamics, pericarp‐imposed dormancy, diaspore abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, and phenotypic plasticity of dimorphic diaspore production to its natural habitat and climate.

Two very contrasting dispersal mechanisms of the A. arabicum dimorphic diaspores were revealed. Dehiscence of large fruits leads to the release of M+ seed diaspores, which adhere to substrata via seed coat mucilage, thereby preventing dispersal (antitelechory). IND fruit diaspores (containing nonmucilaginous seeds) disperse by wind or water currents, promoting dispersal (telechory) over a longer range.

The pericarp properties confer enhanced dispersal ability and degree of dormancy on the IND fruit morph to support telechory, while the M+ seed morph supports antitelechory. Combined with the phenotypic plasticity to produce more IND fruit diaspores in colder temperatures, this constitutes a bet‐hedging survival strategy to magnify the prevalence in response to selection pressures acting over hilly terrain.
Trachelas tranquillus envenomation with presumed bacterial superinfection in a child
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Osterhoudt Kevin , Lin Richard J. , Yan Albert C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA 27‐month‐old girl with a history of congenital myopathy presented with two indurated, pink plaques involving the right arm and left thigh. Closer examination identified central puncta within these plaques, which reportedly occurred at sites of witnessed arachnid bites. After confirmation of the spider species as Trachelas tranquillus, she was treated to address cutaneous inflammation and suspected superinfection using oral and topical antibiotics as well as topical corticosteroid resulting in prompt resolution of her lesions. Trachelas tranquillus should be considered as a possible source of inflammatory spider bites that can become superinfected.
Soil‐transmitted helminth parasites and allergy: Observations from Ecuador
Authors: Chico Martha E. , Vaca Maritza G. , Rodriguez Alejandro , Cooper Philip J. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThere is considerable interest as to potential protective effects of soil‐transmitted helminths (STH) against allergy and allergic diseases. Here, we discuss findings of studies done of the effects of STH parasites on atopy and allergic diseases in Ecuador. While cross‐sectional studies have consistently shown a reduced prevalence of allergen skin prick test (SPT) reactivity among infected schoolchildren, the removal of these infections by repeated deworming did not affect SPT prevalence over the short‐term (ie, 12 months) but may have increased SPT prevalence over the long‐term (ie, 15‐17 years). In the case of allergic symptoms, cross‐sectional studies have generally not shown associations with STH and intervention studies showed no impact on prevalence. However, a birth cohort suggested that early STH infections might reduce wheeze by 5 years. Allergic sensitization to Ascaris, however, explained a significant proportion of wheezing among rural schoolchildren. Studies of the effects of STH on immune and inflammatory responses indicated a potential role of STH in contributing to more robust regulation. The effects of STH on allergy are likely to be determined by history of exposure over the life‐course and by interactions with a wide variety of other infectious and non‐infectious factors.
Genetic structure of the Canarian palm tree (Phoenix canariensis) at the island scale: does the ‘island within islands’ concept apply to species with high colonisation ability?
Authors: Saro I. , García‐Verdugo C. , González‐Pérez M. A. , Naranjo A. , Santana A. , Sosa P. A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Oceanic islands are dynamic settings that often promote within‐island patterns of strong population differentiation. Species with high colonisation abilities, however, are less likely to be affected by genetic barriers, but island size may impact on species genetic structure regardless of dispersal ability.

The aim of the present study was to identify the patterns and factors responsible for the structure of genetic diversity at the island scale in Phoenix canariensis, a palm species with high dispersal potential. To this end, we conducted extensive population sampling on the three Canary Islands where the species is more abundant and assessed patterns of genetic variation at eight microsatellite loci, considering different within‐island scales.

Our analyses revealed significant genetic structure on each of the three islands analysed, but the patterns and level of structure differed greatly among islands. Thus, genetic differentiation fitted an isolation‐by‐distance pattern on islands with high population densities (La Gomera and Gran Canaria), but such a pattern was not found on Tenerife due to strong isolation between colonised areas. In addition, we found a positive correlation between population geographic isolation and fine‐scale genetic structure.

This study highlights that island size is not necessarily a factor causing strong population differentiation on large islands, whereas high colonisation ability does not always promote genetic connectivity among neighbouring populations. The spatial distribution of populations (i.e. landscape occupancy) can thus be a more important driver of plant genetic structure than other island, or species′ life‐history attributes.
From Ideal to Real Risk: Philosophy of Causation Meets Risk Analysis
Authors: Anjum Rani Lill , Rocca Elena 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA question has been raised in recent years as to whether the risk field, including analysis, assessment, and management, ought to be considered a discipline on its own. As suggested by Terje Aven, unification of the risk field would require a common understanding of basic concepts, such as risk and probability; hence, more discussion is needed of what he calls “foundational issues.” In this article, we show that causation is a foundational issue of risk, and that a proper understanding of it is crucial. We propose that some old ideas about the nature of causation must be abandoned in order to overcome certain persisting challenges facing risk experts over the last decade. In particular, we discuss the challenge of including causally relevant knowledge from the local context when studying risk. Although it is uncontroversial that the receptor plays an important role for risk evaluations, we show how the implementation of receptor‐based frameworks is hindered by methodological shortcomings that can be traced back to Humean orthodoxies about causation. We argue that the first step toward the development of frameworks better suited to make realistic risk predictions is to reconceptualize causation, by examining a philosophical alternative to the Humean understanding. In this article, we show how our preferred account, causal dispositionalism, offers a different perspective in how risk is evaluated and understood.
Gone with the wind: Demographic transitions and domestic saving
Authors: Cavallo Eduardo , Sánchez Gabriel , Valenzuela Patricio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between demographic factors and saving rates using a panel dataset covering 110 countries between 1963 and 2012. In line with predictions from theory, this paper finds that, on average, lower dependency rates and greater longevity are associated with higher domestic saving rates. However, these correlations are statistically robust only in Asia. In particular, Latin America, which is a region that has undergone a remarkably similar “saving friendly” demographic transition since the 1970s, did not experience the same boost in saving rates as Asia. The paper highlights that the potential dividends arising from a favorable demographic transition are not automatically accrued. This is a sobering message at a time when the demographic tide is shifting in the world.
Productivity, capital intensity, and ISO 14001 adoption: Theory and evidence
Authors: Ni Bin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe determinants of ISO 14001 adoption have been considered to fall into two categories: external pressure from environment‐oriented stakeholders or customers and internal need due to expected future benefits. In this study, we further elaborate the mechanism underlying firms’ adoption of the standard by investigating the inter‐relationship among firms’ productivity, capital intensity, and decision making regarding adoption. Applying a general equilibrium model, we show that under optimal conditions, highly productive firms can benefit more from adoption. Moreover, technological advancements potentially drive up firms’ capital intensity and this positively affects their incentive for adoption. The empirical practice using firm‐level data in Vietnam verifies our predictions with robustness. In addition, we find that the phenomenon outlined above becomes even more obvious in the manufacturing sectors.
It Takes Three: How Mass Media Coverage Conditions Public Responsiveness to Policy Outputs in the United States*
Authors: Williams Christopher J. , Schoonvelde Martijn 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveDemocratic governance requires that policy outcomes and public demand for policy be linked. While studies have shown empirical support for such a relationship in various policy domains, empirical evidence also indicates that the public is relatively unaware of policy outputs. This raises a puzzle: Why do policy outputs influence public attitudes if the public knows little about them?MethodsThis study seeks to address this paradox by examining the conditioning role of media coverage. We rely on data derived from the Policy Agendas Project in the United States, allowing us to analyze the relationship between policy outcomes, public preferences, and newspaper content across a long span of time (1972–2007).ResultsOur results indicate that public policy preferences respond to policy outputs, and that this relationship is strengthened by greater media attention to a policy area. Importantly, our findings also indicate that without media attention to a policy area, there is no direct effect of policy outputs on public demand for policy.ConclusionsMedia coverage appears to be a key factor for public responsiveness to occur. In the absence of policy coverage by the media, public responsiveness to policy outputs is greatly reduced.
Export product range and economic growth in theEUcountries
Authors: Kaitila Ville 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe analyse the number of differentHS8 products in theEUcountries’ exports in 1995–2015. We review what share, or coverage, of the total possible number of these products the countries have exported each year. TheEU15 countries have typically witnessed a slow rise in this coverage rate, that is, a widening of their extensive margins. The exception is Finland where the share has declined considerably. On the other hand, Ireland, Greece, Portugal and the new member countries have seen a dramatic increase in their export product coverage. We analyse how the development in the coverage rate and, as a comparison, the diversification of exports as measured by the Herfindahl–Hirschman index are associated withGDPper capita growth. We find that changes in the former measure are positively associated with economic growth after we have controlled forGDPper capita catching‐up as well as investment and export activity. We also find that smallerEUeconomies do not specialise more than large ones in their exports as could perhaps be assumed.
Trade openness and the environmental Kuznets curve: Evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Fang Zheng , Huang Bihong , Yang Zhuoxiang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of economic growth and trade openness on environment in 261 Chinese cities over the period of 2004–2013, using recently developed continuously updated fully modified method which allows for both cross‐sectional dependence and endogeneity. Two types of pollutants, industrial waste water and sulphur dioxide are investigated, and three measures of openness are employed in the regression. From the results, we find that the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis holds not only for the whole China, but also in different regions. It is estimated that wastewater pollution increases with economic development until per capita GDP reaching the turning point of 42,991–48,828 yuan (in constant 2002 price), which varies depending on the specific measure of trade openness. The turning point for sulphur dioxide is found to occur at a much lower income level around 9,588–10,663 yuan per capita GDP. Furthermore, export is mostly found to be positively related with pollution and the impact of import is likely to be negative for both the whole China and across regions, if the significance is identified in the estimation results.
A case of canine high‐grade T‐cell lymphoma immunophenotypically consistent with T‐zone lymphoma
Authors: Parachini‐Winter Cyril , Curran Kaitlin M. , Russell Duncan S. , Gorman Elena 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA 9‐year‐old spayed female Curly Coated Retriever was referred for evaluation of generalized peripheral lymphadenomegaly. The dog was clinically healthy on presentation with no anomalies detected on complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, or three‐view thoracic radiographs. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology of the peripheral lymph nodes were consistent with lymphoma with an intermediate‐sized lymphoid population. Flow cytometry of peripheral lymph nodes was consistent with a homogeneous population of CD4+ T cells that had lost expression of the pan‐leukocyte antigen CD45. Variable expression of CD21, CD25, and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were also noted. This was considered consistent with T‐zone lymphoma (TZL), although the T cells were noted to be larger than usual based on flow cytometry. Due to the suspected indolent nature of this patient's disease and clinical progression, a careful monitoring approach was initially discussed with the owner. However, additional diagnostic testing was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Bone marrow cytology did not show any significant anomalies. The largest lymph node (left mandibular) was extirpated and submitted for histopathology. Based on the lymph node architecture, cellular features, and high mitotic activity, an unexpected diagnosis of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) was made. The dog was started on CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. This case illustrates the limitations of using flow cytometry as the sole means of diagnosing TZL and highlights the importance of using complementary tests when subtyping canine lymphoma, which is significant when considering a patient's treatment plan and prognosis.