bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency in Chinese inflammatory bowel disease patients: A prospective, randomized, open‐label, pilot study
Authors: Tan Bei , Li Pan , Lv Hong , Yang Hong , Li Yue , Li Ji , Wang Ou , Qian Jia Ming 
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVETo assess the necessity and efficacy of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in Chinese ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.METHODSUC and CD patients were randomly assigned into one of the three arms for 12 months: arm A (VitD3 150 000 IU once per 3 months plus elemental calcium 200 mg thrice daily), arm B (elemental calcium 200 mg thrice daily) and arm C (vehicle control group), in addition to conventional treatment. Improvement in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes were changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and disease activity.RESULTSSixty‐five UC and 59 CD patients completed the study. The difference in the pre‐and post‐treatment 25(OH)D [Δ25(OH)D] of arm A was significantly higher than in arm B or C (UC: 17.47 ± 13.01 ng/mL vs 5.30 ± 6.28 ng/mL or 2.02 ± 6.19 ng/mL, P < 0.001; CD: 12.47 ± 9.15 ng/mL vs 4.73 ± 6.97 ng/mL or 1.36 ± 4.75 ng/mL, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment BMD and disease activity in arm A compared to those in arms B and C (P > 0.05). Although the Mayo score and Crohn’s disease activity index decreased by conventional treatment, serum 25(OH)D did not improve in arm C without vitamin D supplementation (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONVitD supplementation is necessary to treat hypovitaminosis D in UC and CD patients, even with background amelioration of disease activity.
Resuscitation of viable but non‐culturable bacteria to enhance the cellulose‐degrading capability of bacterial community in composting
Authors: Su Xiaomei , Zhang Shuo , Mei Rongwu , Zhang Yu , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Liu Jingjing , Lin Hongjun , Ding Linxian , Sun Faqian 
Published: March 2018

SummaryNowadays, much of what we know regarding the isolated cellulolytic bacteria comes from the conventional plate separation techniques. However, the culturability of many bacterial species is controlled by resuscitation‐promoting factors (Rpfs) due to entering a viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state. Therefore, in this study, Rpf from Micrococcus luteus was added in the culture medium to evaluate its role in bacterial isolation and enhanced effects on cellulose‐degrading capability of bacterial community in the compost. It was found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were two main phyla in the compost sample. The introduction of Rpf could isolate some unique bacterial species. The cellulase activity of enrichment cultures with and without Rpf treatment revealed that Rpf treatment significantly enhanced cellulase activity. Ten isolates unique in Rpf addition displayed carboxymethyl‐cellulase (CMCase) activity, while six isolates possessed filter paper cellulase (FPCase) activity. This study provides new insights into broader cellulose degraders, which could be utilized for enhancing cellulosic waste treatment.
Genetic constraints on wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies: A case study on mapping complex, multifaceted traits in structured populations
Authors: Lucas Lauren K. , Nice Chris C. , Gompert Zachariah 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPatterns of phenotypic variation within and among species can be shaped and constrained by trait genetic architecture. This is particularly true for complex traits, such as butterfly wing patterns, that consist of multiple elements. Understanding the genetics of complex trait variation across species boundaries is difficult, as it necessitates mapping in structured populations and can involve many loci with small or variable phenotypic effects. Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of complex wing pattern variation in Lycaeides butterflies as a case study of mapping multivariate traits in wild populations that include multiple nominal species or groups. We identify conserved modules of integrated wing pattern elements within populations and species. We show that trait covariances within modules have a genetic basis and thus represent genetic constraints that can channel evolution. Consistent with this, we find evidence that evolutionary changes in wing patterns among populations and species occur in the directions of genetic covariances within these groups. Thus, we show that genetic constraints affect patterns of biological diversity (wing pattern) in Lycaeides, and we provide an analytical template for similar work in other systems.
Integrating abundance and diet data to improve inferences of food web dynamics
Authors: Ferguson Jake M. , Hopkins John B. , Witteveen Briana H. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Both population abundances and chemical tracers are useful tools for studying consumer‐resource interactions. Food web models parameterized with abundances are often used to understand how interactions structure communities and to inform management decisions of complex ecological systems. Unfortunately, collecting abundance data to parameterize these models is often expensive and time‐consuming. Another approach is to use chemical tracers to estimate the proportional diets of consumers by relating the tracers in their tissues to those found in their food sources. Although tracer data are often inexpensive to collect, these diet proportions provide little information on the per‐capita consumption rates of consumers. Here, we show how coupling these data sources leads to better estimates of consumption rates.

Our modelling approach integrates traditional multispecies population abundance models with proportional diet estimates. We used simulations to determine whether integrated food web datasets were more informative than the standard abundance datasets and demonstrated the use of our integrated approach by estimating consumption rates of hump‐back whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the western Gulf of Alaska using abundances coupled with stable isotopes as tracers.

Our simulations demonstrated that integrated models improved the ability to resolve alternative hypotheses about the functional response and yielded more precise parameter estimates relative to standard food web models. The integrated data approach was especially informative under low sample sizes or high process variance. Our application of the integrated modelling approach to humpback whales indicated that fish averaged about 25% of whale diets, though this proportion declined over the course of the study. We also found that traditional abundance model estimates of humpback whale consumption were non‐estimable and that the integrated food web model led to estimable consumption rates.

Our results show that integrating stable isotopes and abundance datasets provides an exciting way forward for parameterizing multispecies models in data‐limited systems. We expect that future developments of these integrated approaches will extend current food web theory by allowing ecologists to study predation dynamics over seasonal time‐scales and at the individual level.
Genome‐wide association study in Finnish twins highlights the connection between nicotine addiction and neurotrophin signaling pathway
Authors: Hällfors Jenni , Palviainen Teemu , Surakka Ida , Gupta Richa , Buchwald Jadwiga , Raevuori Anu , Ripatti Samuli , Korhonen Tellervo , Jousilahti Pekka , Madden Pamela A.F. , Kaprio Jaakko , Loukola Anu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe heritability of nicotine dependence based on family studies is substantial. Nevertheless, knowledge of the underlying genetic architecture remains meager. Our aim was to identify novel genetic variants responsible for interindividual differences in smoking behavior. We performed a genome‐wide association study on 1715 ever smokers ascertained from the population‐based Finnish Twin Cohort enriched for heavy smoking. Data imputation used the 1000 Genomes Phase I reference panel together with a whole genome sequence‐based Finnish reference panel. We analyzed three measures of nicotine addiction—smoking quantity, nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal. We annotated all genome‐wide significant SNPs for their functional potential. First, we detected genome‐wide significant association on 16p12 with smoking quantity (P = 8.5 × 10−9), near CLEC19A. The lead‐SNP stands 22 kb from a binding site for NF‐κB transcription factors, which play a role in the neurotrophin signaling pathway. However, the signal was not replicated in an independent Finnish population‐based sample, FINRISK (n = 6763). Second, nicotine withdrawal showed association on 2q21 in an intron of TMEM163 (P = 2.1 × 10−9), and on 11p15 (P = 6.6 × 10−8) in an intron of AP2A2, and P = 4.2 × 10−7 for a missense variant in MUC6, both involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway). Third, association was detected on 3p22.3 for maximum number of cigarettes smoked per day (P = 3.1 × 10−8) near STAC. Associating CLEC19A and TMEM163 SNPs were annotated to influence gene expression or methylation. The neurotrophin signaling pathway has previously been associated with smoking behavior. Our findings further support the role in nicotine addiction.
Germination response of common annual and perennial forbs to heat shock and smoke treatments in the Chaco Serrano, central Argentina
Authors: Arcamone Julieta R. , Jaureguiberry Pedro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFire is a key ecological factor affecting plant dynamics. In the last few decades, fire occurrence in the Chaco region has increased noticeably, challenging the adaptive capacity of plants to regenerate after a fire. Broad‐leaved forb species have been much less studied than woody and graminoids, although they are an important component of fire dynamics. Here we analysed the germination response to heat shock of 70 and 110°C, smoke and their combination in 10 broad‐leaved herbaceous species frequently occurring in the Chaco Serrano of Córdoba province, central Argentina, including five annual (Bidens subalternans, Conyza bonariensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Tagetes minuta and Zinnia peruviana) and five perennial species (Borreria eryngioides, Sida rhombifolia, Solidago chilensis, Taraxacum officinale and Verbena litoralis). We also compared the response of annual versus perennial species. Six species had highest germination when treated with heat and smoke combined, whereas two had lowest germination under this treatment, indicating synergistic and antagonistic interaction of these factors respectively. Most of the species tolerated heat shock (i.e. germination was similar to that in control treatment), whereas others had higher germination in response to heat shock, especially under the moderate 70°C treatment. Germination was higher than control (i.e. no heat and no smoke) after smoke treatment in four species. Perennial species showed higher average germination than annuals in both heat treatments and in the control. Annual species had higher average germination for all treatments involving smoke. The high variability observed at the species level, and the limited number of species studied calls for precaution in interpreting and extrapolating results. Nevertheless, our study shows a general positive response of both perennial and annual species to fire cues, suggesting an advantage of these species for colonizing post‐fire environments, and being favoured under scenarios of increasingly frequent low‐to‐medium intensity fires.
Ocular ultrasonographic and biometric features of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus)
Authors: Meomartino L. , Pasolini M. P. , Lamagna B. , Mennonna G. , Auletta L. , Murino C. , Della Valle G. , Esposito L. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe aim of this work is to assess the normal ultrasonographic features and dimensions of eyes in European hares. Corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and eye axial length were measured by ultrasound in 40 healthy hares (Lepus europaeus), 20 males and 20 females, mean age of 5.5 months (range 2–15 months). The effects of sex, side, age and body weight on each feature were recorded. Results show that ocular dimensions were not affected by considered variables except for the lenses thickness and axial length that were correlated with age and body weight. Our study concludes that although ocular structures had similar feature compared to other species, the description of the characteristics of the eye of the European hare is important to widen the knowledge of a species not completely known from the normal anatomical point of view. The lens dimensions could have a predictive value in determining the age of young hares.
Tomographic and anatomical study of the orbit and nasolacrimal duct in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris—Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Hirota I. N. , Alves L. S. , Gandolfi M. G. , Félix M. , Ranzani J. J. T. , Brandão C. V. S. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe objective of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras, correlating the ocular orbit with the nasolacrimal duct. The documentation of its results can contribute to standardizing characteristics of anatomical normality and favouring the correct diagnosis and treatment of changes. The capybara carcasses, maintained by freezing, were distributed in two groups (G) designated GA (n = 12) adult animals (A) and GY (n = 13) for young animals (Y). All subjects underwent dacryocystography examination by computed tomography (CT) and cranial measurements. Descriptive analyses of cranial and nasolacrimal duct measurements and statistical analysis of the Pearson correlation with the variable weight were performed. In GA, there was no correlation between the nasolacrimal and cranial duct measurements. However, in the GY, a correlation was verified with facial length (r = .6233), facial width (r = .5771), cranial height (r = .6981), cranial length (r = .7116), total right length (r = .7517) and left length (r = .7999). Thus, in the young animals, cranial length measurements were strongly correlated with nasolacrimal duct lengths. However, this biological behaviour was not observed in adults, demonstrating stability in development. The capybara's ocular orbit was found to be circular and incomplete, with developed zygomatic process of the maxilla. CT dacryocystography is indicated to evaluate the nasolacrimal canal pathway in capybaras, emphasizing the importance of normal anatomical study to aid in treating animals affected by diseases.
Review of the surface architecture of the equine neopallium: Principle elements of a cartographic pattern of sulci revisited and further elaborated
Authors: Lang A. , Wirth G. , Gasse H. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe surface architecture of the equine telencephalon is far more complex and complicated than, for example, that of the carnivore's brain, and basic organization patterns are more difficult to recognize. This is due to species differences, to interindividual variations and even to asymmetries between right and left hemispheres. Moreover, a very heterogeneous anatomical terminology, especially in the pioneering older literature, does not allow easy access to a unanimous topographical orientation. This review article presents the key features of this heterogeneity and its anatomical and terminological backgrounds, focusing on the cerebral sulci. The abundant, often divergent data from the reviewed literature are displayed by means of graphical illustrations highlighting the key issues and comparing them with the terminology of the present Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. These illustrations are supposed to convey the relevant conformities and discrepancies regarding locations, courses and names of cerebral sulci in an easier and more effective manner than written texts could possibly do with such a complex and heterogeneous matter. The data from the selected literature are supplemented by and discussed together with photographs and drawings of brains from our own collection. This combination of a classic review article and own findings is supposed to confirm, to further elaborate and to evaluate the key sulci serving as landmarks for an orientation on the equine neopallium. These are, laterally, the Sulcus suprasylvius, coronalis and praesylvius; dorsally, the Sulcus marginalis; and medially, the Sulcus genualis, cinguli and splenialis. Special attention is also given to the Fissura sylvia; a Fissura sylvia accessoria is proposed.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 1D modulate trophoblast cell function
Authors: Qin Xiaoli , Liang Yan , Guo Yuna , Liu Xiaorui , Zeng Weihong , Wu Fan , Lin Yi , Zhang Yan 
Published: March 2018

ProblemTrophoblast cells regulate embryo implantation and placental development. Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is an initiator of translation involved in cellular processes, such as migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the function of eIF5A in trophoblast cells is unknown.Method of studyWe inhibited eIF5A and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 1D (CAMK1D) expression in HTR8 cells using RNA interference. The effects of eIF5A and CAMK1D on HTR8 cells were investigated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cell transfection assays, cell migration assays, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling.ResultseIF5A inhibition decreased CAMK1D expression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, but upregulated apoptosis, in HTR8 cells.ConclusionCross‐talk between eIF5A and CAMK1D enhances proliferation, migration, and invasion, but inhibits apoptosis, in trophoblasts.
ILC2 frequency and activity are inhibited by glucocorticoid treatment via STAT pathway in patients with asthma
Authors: Yu Q. N. , Guo Y. B. , Li X. , Li C. L. , Tan W. P. , Fan X. L. , Qin Z. L. , Chen D. , Wen W. P. , Zheng S. G. , Fu Q. L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundGroup 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were closely associated with asthma. However, there were no perspective studies about the effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s in asthma patients. Our objective was to perform a perspective study and evaluate the ILC2 activity after glucocorticoid therapy in asthma patients.MethodsThe asthma and asthma with allergic rhinitis patients were treated with glucocorticoid for 3 months. The circulating ILC2 levels were evaluated. The effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s and possible signalling pathways were investigated in vitro.ResultsThe patients were well‐controlled, and the high ILC2 levels were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood monocytes from allergic patients produced dramatic IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐9 in response to IL‐25, IL‐33 plus IL‐2, and glucocorticoid significantly decreased their levels. Moreover, ILC2s were identified to be the predominant source of IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐9, and glucocorticoid treatment was able to reverse their high levels. STAT3, STAT5, STAT6, JAK3 and MEK signalling pathways were proved to be involved in regulating ILC2 activity under the glucocorticoid treatment.ConclusionThe data suggested that glucocorticoid administration could be effective in treating asthma by regulating ILC2s via MEK/JAK‐STAT signalling pathways. This provides a new understanding of glucocorticoid application in regard to allergic diseases.
Morbidity and mortality with atrial fibrillation following colorectal surgery
Authors: Quinn Rakesh , Mansfield Marie , Brown Alexandra , Rangiah David 
Published: March 2018

Post‐operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common, self‐limiting complication following non‐cardiac surgery. It is associated with other complications such as pneumonia and sepsis, increased hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality. The aim of the study is to identify risk factors, morbidity and mortality associated with POAF.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 571 consecutive patients who presented for colorectal surgery at The Canberra Hospital. Seventy‐four patients were excluded due to history of atrial fibrillation and a further 124 patients were lost to follow‐up at 1 year. Patient characteristics, intraoperative factors and post‐operative outcomes were retrospectively collected. One‐year mortality data were collected for 373 patients in the cohort.ResultsA total of 497 patients were included, 33 (6.6%) developed POAF within 30 days of surgery. POAF is associated with ischaemic heart disease (24.2 versus 11.6%, P = 0.035), emergency (66.7 versus 34.1%, P = 0.0001) and open procedures (87.9 versus 70.9%, P = 0.036). There is a higher incidence of post‐operative complications including pneumonia (24.2 versus 9.1%, P = 0.006), abdominal collection (21.2 versus 9.7%, P = 0.049) and sepsis (21.2 versus 7.5%, P < 0.0001). POAF had a higher in‐hospital mortality (9.1 versus 2.6%, P = 0.035) and 1‐year mortality (33.3 versus 8.8%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionPOAF is a common presentation following colorectal surgery and is associated with infective complications, reflecting an inflammatory process. Risk factors for POAF have been clearly identified in the literature; however, further studies need to be conducted on preventative strategies. There is a significantly higher 1‐year mortality rate compared with the controls, the aetiology of which has not yet been widely reviewed.
Material Footprints: The Struggle for Borders by Bedouin‐Palestinians in Israel
Authors: Plonski Sharri 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn the following article, borders become an epistemology for reading the social and political history of settler geographies, and their particular manifestation in the southern Naqab region of Israel. It takes as its starting point the idea that borders are activated in an assemblage of encounters; and that they act as markers, not only of the power of the settler state to rupture and control indigenous life and mobility, but of the multiple resistances that divert, disrupt and unsettle settler movements and spaces. Based on more than three years of fieldwork with the Unrecognised Bedouin‐Palestinian communities of the Naqab, the article investigates the significance of borders in spaces the state has conceived and structured as empty and dead. In exploring the multiple modes of resistance and resilience that constitute Bedouin struggles for recognition in Israel, it finds relevance in the lines they carve out, and the living spaces that persist and evolve in their shadows.