bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal associations between dental caries increment and risk factors in late childhood and adolescence
Authors: Curtis Alexandra M. , VanBuren John , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Warren John J. , Marshall Teresa A. , Levy Steven M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess longitudinal associations between permanent tooth caries increment and both modifiable and non‐modifiable risk factors, using best subsets model selection.MethodsThe Iowa Fluoride Study has followed a birth cohort with standardized caries exams without radiographs of the permanent dentition conducted at about ages 9, 13, and 17 years. Questionnaires were sent semi‐annually to assess fluoride exposures and intakes, select food and beverage intakes, and tooth brushing frequency. Exposure variables were averaged over ages 7‐9, 11‐13, and 15‐17, reflecting exposure 2 years prior to the caries exam. Longitudinal models were used to relate period‐specific averaged exposures and demographic variables to adjusted decayed and filled surface increments (ADJCI) (n = 392). The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to assess optimal explanatory variable combinations.ResultsFrom birth to age 9, 9‐13, and 13‐17 years, 24, 30, and 55 percent of subjects had positive permanent ADJCI, respectively. Ten models had AIC values within two units of the lowest AIC model and were deemed optimal based on AIC. Younger age, being male, higher mother's education, and higher brushing frequency were associated with lower caries increment in all 10 models, while milk intake was included in 3 of 10 models. Higher milk intakes were slightly associated with lower ADJCI.ConclusionsWith the exception of brushing frequency, modifiable risk factors under study were not significantly associated with ADJCI. When possible, researchers should consider presenting multiple models if fit criteria cannot discern among a group of optimal models.
BryForTrait – A life‐history trait database of forest bryophytes
Authors: Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Poschlod Peter , Hentschel Jörn 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn ecological research, plant functional trait analyses are widely applied to understand to what extent the inter‐specific variation in trait attributes has an adaptive value or to predict ecosystem processes and changes. Compared to vascular plants, trait studies using bryophytes are scarce, which is likely due to missing trait information for bryophyte species. With the BryForTrait database, we want to reduce this deficit. Our database represents a compilation of autecological information and morphological and regenerative trait data on different stages of the life cycle of bryophytes occurring in forest ecosystems. The database contains information for 35 traits and 721 Central European bryophyte species; in total more than 23,000 trait values. The BryForTrait database will enable future trait studies, providing new insights into bryophyte‐dominated ecosystems.
Phoretic dispersal influences parasite population genetic structure
Authors: DiBlasi Emily , Johnson Kevin P. , Stringham Sydney A. , Hansen Angela N. , Beach Andrew B. , Clayton Dale H. , Bush Sarah E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDispersal is a fundamental component of the life history of most species. Dispersal influences fitness, population dynamics, gene flow, genetic drift and population genetic structure. Even small differences in dispersal can alter ecological interactions and trigger an evolutionary cascade. Linking such ecological processes with evolutionary patterns is difficult, but can be carried out in the proper comparative context. Here, we investigate how differences in phoretic dispersal influence the population genetic structure of two different parasites of the same host species. We focus on two species of host‐specific feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) that co‐occur on feral rock pigeons (Columba livia). Although these lice are ecologically very similar, “wing lice” (Columbicola columbae) disperse phoretically by “hitchhiking” on pigeon flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), while “body lice” (Campanulotes compar) do not. Differences in the phoretic dispersal of these species are thought to underlie observed differences in host specificity, as well as the degree of host–parasite cospeciation. These ecological and macroevolutionary patterns suggest that body lice should exhibit more genetic differentiation than wing lice. We tested this prediction among lice on individual birds and among lice on birds from three pigeon flocks. We found higher levels of genetic differentiation in body lice compared to wing lice at two spatial scales. Our results indicate that differences in phoretic dispersal can explain microevolutionary differences in population genetic structure and are consistent with macroevolutionary differences in the degree of host–parasite cospeciation.
Expression plasticity and evolutionary changes extensively shape the sugar‐mimic alkaloid adaptation of nondigestive glucosidase in lepidopteran mulberry‐specialist insects
Authors: Li Xiaotong , Shi Liangen , Dai Xiangping , Chen Yajie , Xie Hongqing , Feng Min , Chen Yuyin , Wang Huabing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDuring the co‐evolutionary arms race between plants and herbivores, insects evolved systematic adaptive plasticity to minimize the chemical defence effects of their host plants. Previous studies mainly focused on the expressional plasticity of enzymes in detoxification and digestion. However, the expressional response and adaptive evolution of other fundamental regulators against host phytochemicals are largely unknown. Glucosidase II (GII), which is composed of a catalytic GIIα subunit and a regulatory GIIβ subunit, is an evolutionarily conserved enzyme that regulates glycoprotein folding. In this study, we found that GIIα expression of the mulberry‐specialist insect was significantly induced by mulberry leaf extract, 1‐deoxynojirimycin (1‐DNJ), whereas GIIβ transcripts were not significantly changed. Moreover, positive selection was detected in GIIα when the mulberry‐specialist insects diverged from the lepidopteran order, whereas GIIβ was mainly subjected to purifying selection, thus indicating an asymmetrically selective pressure of GII subunits. In addition, positively selected sites were enriched in the GIIα of mulberry‐specialist insects and located around the 1‐DNJ‐binding sites and in the C‐terminal region, which could result in conformational changes that affect catalytic activity and substrate‐binding efficiency. These results show that expression plasticity and evolutionary changes extensively shape sugar‐mimic alkaloids adaptation of nondigestive glucosidase in lepidopteran mulberry‐specialist insects. Our study provides novel insights into a deep understanding of the sequestration and adaptation of phytophagous specialists to host defensive compounds.
Distribution, demography, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, 1998–2013
Authors: Mayo Charles A. , Ganley Laura , Hudak Christine A. , Brault Solange , Marx Marilyn K. , Burke Erin , Brown Moira W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe occurrence of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in Cape Cod Bay was documented during aerial surveys between 1998 and 2013. The seasonal occurrence remained relatively unchanged during the study, spanning the January through mid‐May timeframe. The number of individual whales visiting the Bay was positively correlated with the increasing Best Cataloged Estimate (BCE), the number of photographed whales alive, with a maximum in 2011 of 56.9% (n = 277) of BCE. However, the rate of increase in number of individuals during the study was significantly greater than that of the BCE (difference in slope: 12.72; P <  0.01) suggesting that increased visitation to the Bay was due in part to a change in habitat preference. Although the demographic composition of whales observed during the study differed little from that of the cataloged whales, the proportion of calves born in the North Atlantic that were documented in the Bay increased significantly (P < 0.01). Models of random visitation demonstrated an individual preference for or rejection of the Bay by the right whales of the North Atlantic population.
Targeted therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: the NRF2 signaling pathway as target
Authors: Ma Shaohua , Paiboonrungruan Chorlada , Yan Tiansheng , Williams Kevin P. , Major M. Ben , Chen Xiaoxin Luke 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease that requires extensive research. Here, we review the current understanding of the functions of the nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2–like 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway in the esophagus. Genomic data suggest that gene mutations and several other mechanisms result in NRF2 hyperactivation in human ESCC. As a consequence, NRF2high ESCC is more resistant to chemoradiotherapy and associated with poorer survival than NRF2low ESCC. Mechanistically, we believe NRF2, functioning as a transcription factor, causes an esophageal phenotype through regulation of gene transcription. We discuss metabolism, mitochondria, proteasomes, and several signaling pathways as downstream players that may contribute to an esophageal phenotype due to NRF2 hyperactivation. Finally, strategies are proposed to target the NRF2 signaling pathway for therapy of NRF2high ESCC.
Can endoscopic resection for Barrett's dysplasia and early cancer be curative?
Authors: Friedland Shai , Triadafilopoulos George 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEffective endoscopic treatments for dysplasia and early (intramucosal) cancer, together with expanded and rigorous screening programs to detect Barrett's esophagus, could help reverse the increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer and reduce esophageal cancer‐related mortality. In this review, we discuss the long‐term outcomes for mucosal resection for dysplasia and early cancer and compares them to esophagectomy as the standard of care choice. Eendoscopic resection for Barrett's dysplasia and early cancer can be curative but only when the lesion can be classified as: Paris type I (polypoid); Paris IIa (slightly elevated); Paris IIb (flat); Paris IIc (slightly depressed); histological grades G1 and G2; high‐grade dysplasia. The size of the lesion is important, since <20 mm diameter lesions can be removed using endoscopic mucosal resection or, if they are larger, by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Proper imaging and lesion characterization followed by endoscopic resection as needed are essential in diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. Mucosal (T1a) Barrett's cancer and low‐risk submucosal cancers have a minimal risk for lymph node metastasis and local endoscopic treatment is justified. Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic therapy are same as surgery.
Conservation lessons from large‐mammal manipulations in East African savannas: the KLEE, UHURU, and GLADE experiments
Authors: Goheen Jacob R. , Augustine David J. , Veblen Kari E. , Kimuyu Duncan M. , Palmer Todd M. , Porensky Lauren M. , Pringle Robert M. , Ratnam Jayashree , Riginos Corinna , Sankaran Mahesh , Ford Adam T. , Hassan Abdikadir A. , Jakopak Rhiannon , Kartzinel Tyler R. , Kurukura Samson , Louthan Allison M. , Odadi Wilfred O. , Otieno Tobias O. , Wambua Alois M. , Young Hillary S. , Young Truman P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAfrican savannas support an iconic fauna, but they are undergoing large‐scale population declines and extinctions of large (>5 kg) mammals. Long‐term, controlled, replicated experiments that explore the consequences of this defaunation (and its replacement with livestock) are rare. The Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia County, Kenya, hosts three such experiments, spanning two adjacent ecosystems and environmental gradients within them: the Kenya Long‐Term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE; since 1995), the Glade Legacies and Defaunation Experiment (GLADE; since 1999), and the Ungulate Herbivory Under Rainfall Uncertainty experiment (UHURU; since 2008). Common themes unifying these experiments are (1) evidence of profound effects of large mammalian herbivores on herbaceous and woody plant communities; (2) competition and compensation across herbivore guilds, including rodents; and (3) trophic cascades and other indirect effects. We synthesize findings from the past two decades to highlight generalities and idiosyncrasies among these experiments, and highlight six lessons that we believe are pertinent for conservation. The removal of large mammalian herbivores has dramatic effects on the ecology of these ecosystems; their ability to rebound from these changes (after possible refaunation) remains unexplored.
Novel data on aetosaur (Archosauria, Pseudosuchia) osteoderm microanatomy and histology: palaeobiological implications
Authors: Cerda Ignacio A. , Desojo Julia B. , Scheyer Torsten M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOne of the most striking features of aetosaurs is the possession of an extensive bony armour composed of dorsal, ventral and appendicular osteoderms. With the purpose of establishing the main histological changes during ontogeny and the degree of histological variation within the armour, we analysed the bone histology of dorsal (paramedian and lateral), ventral and appendicular osteoderms from different taxa from the Late Triassic of South America, includingAetosauroides scagliai,Aetobarbakinoides brasiliensisandNeoaetosauroides engaeus. Histological data support an intramembranous origin for osteoderms. Nevertheless, evidence for metaplastic ossification (i.e. structural fibres) at advanced ontogenetic stages, in at least some elements, is also present. A variant type of parallel fibred bone, which we have named ‘crossed parallel fibred bone’, is characterized for aetosaurs. In this pseudosuchian group, osteoderms exhibit very important microstructural changes during ontogeny, which can be useful for determining ontogenetic stages from isolated elements. Histological data suggest a relatively early onset of sexual maturity among aetosaurs. Microanatomical analysis from different taxa reveal that having high values of compactness is the plesiomorphic condition for Aetosauria. The notably increased compactness of the osteoderms does not appear to be related to size, ontogeny, sex or reproductive status of the individuals. Although a high degree of compactness of osteoderms and other bones has been considered as evidence for an aquatic lifestyle in vertebrates, such an inference contradicts the current concept of a fully terrestrial lifestyle in aetosaurs.
Correlation between duration of preoperative fasting and emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing ophthalmic examination under anesthesia: A prospective observational study
Authors: Khanna Puneet , Saini Kulbhushan , Sinha Renu , Nisa Niseville , Kumar Shailendra , Maitra Souvik 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundPreoperative fasting in children can cause anxiety, which may ultimately lead to postoperative emergence delirium. However, no data are available whether duration of preoperative fasting correlates with postoperative emergence delirium.AimsThe aim of this study was to identify if there is any correlation between the duration of preoperative fasting and emergence delirium in children undergoing ophthalmic examination under anesthesia.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, 100 children between the age group 2‐6 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, scheduled for examination of the eye under general anesthesia with sevoflurane were recruited. Data regarding preoperative fasting was recorded and presence of emergence delirium was assessed by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale at 5 minute interval till 30 minutes from the time of leaving the operation theater. No premedication was used in any patients but parental presence was allowed in all of them.ResultsMean (standard deviation) duration of fasting to clear liquid was 6.3 (1.7) hrs. Twenty‐four children (24%) had at least 1 recorded PAED score >10 at any time point in the postoperative period. PAED scores at 15 and 25 minutes were significantly correlated with duration of fasting (r2 [95% CI] = .24 [0.04, 0.41], P = .02, Pearsons's correlation and r2 [95% CI] = .23 [0.04, 0.41], P = .02, Pearsons's correlation, respectively). No correlation has been found between duration of fasting and blood glucose level (r2 [95% CI] = −.05 [−0.24, 0.15], P = .65, Pearsons's correlation) between fasting blood glucose and PAED score at any time point.ConclusionIncreased preoperative fasting duration may be a risk factor for postoperative emergence delirium in children undergoing ophthalmic examination under general anesthesia.
The influence of propofol anesthesia exposure on nonaversive memory retrieval and expression of molecules involved in memory process in the dorsal hippocampus in peripubertal rats
Authors: Pavković Željko , Milanović Desanka , Ruždijić Sabera , Kanazir Selma , Pešić Vesna 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe effects of anesthetic drugs on postoperative cognitive function in children are not well defined and have not been experimentally addressed.AimsThe present study aimed to examine the influence of propofol anesthesia exposure on nonaversive hippocampus‐dependent learning and biochemical changes involved in memory process in the dorsal hippocampus, in peripubertal rats as the rodent model of periadolescence.MethodsThe intersession spatial habituation and the novel object recognition tasks were used to assess spatial and nonspatial, nonaversive hippocampus‐dependent learning. The exposure to anesthesia was performed after comparably long acquisition phases in both tasks. Behavioral testing lasted for 2 consecutive days (24‐hour retention period). Changes in the expression of molecules involved in memory retrieval/reconsolidation were examined in the dorsal hippocampus by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, at the time of behavioral testing.ResultsExposure to propofol anesthesia resulted in inappropriate assessment of spatial novelty at the beginning of the test session and affected continuation of acquisition in the spatial habituation test. The treatment did not affect recognition of the novel object at the beginning of the test session but it attenuated overall preference to novelty, reflecting retrieval of a weak memory. The expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (involved in memory retrieval) was decreased while the level of phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIα and early growth response protein 1 (involved in memory reconsolidation) was increased in the dorsal hippocampus. The level of Finkel‐Biskis‐Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (neuronal activity indicator) was increased in the dorsal dentate gyrus. Enhanced exploratory activity was still evident in the propofol anesthesia exposure (PAE) group 48 hour after the treatment in both tasks.ConclusionIn peripubertal rats, propofol anesthesia exposure affects memory retrieval and acquisition of new learning in the spatial and nonspatial, nonaversive learning tasks 24 hour after the treatment, along with the expression of molecules that participate in memory retrieval/reconsolidation in the dorsal hippocampus. These results may have clinical implications, favoring control of basic cognitive functions in older children after the propofol exposure.
Dexmedetomidine for the reduction of emergence delirium in children undergoing tonsillectomy with propofol anesthesia: A double‐blind, randomized study
Authors: Tsiotou Adelais G. , Malisiova Anna , Kouptsova Elena , Mavri Maria , Anagnostopoulou Maria , Kalliardou Evagelia 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundPostanesthesia emergence delirium is a motor agitation state complicating pediatric anesthesia. We investigated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing emergence delirium in children undergoing tonsillectomy with and without adenoidectomy using total intravenous anesthesia with propofol.MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐center, double‐blind, randomized study. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of emergence delirium with and without dexmedetomidine. Secondary outcomes were emergence delirium severity, time to extubation, cardiovascular stability, and need for additional postoperative analgesia. Eligible were children 3‐14 years of age, ASA I or II, scheduled for tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Patients were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine 1 mcg kg−1 or a volume matched normal saline solution. Presence of emergence delirium and agitation severity was assessed with the Watcha scale 10, 20, and 30 minutes after arrival in the postanesthesia care unit.ResultsSixty children participated to the study, 31 (51.7%) of them were treated with dexmedetomidine. Their mean age was 6.2 years (SD 5.5). Duration of anesthesia and surgery and blood pressure measurements did not differ between groups. Extubation time was not different between groups. The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower frequency of emergence delirium compared with no dexmedetomidine after 20 and 30 minutes in postanesthesia care unit: 16.1% and 12.9% at 20 and 30 minutes in the dexmedetomidine group vs 48.3% and 41.4% in in the no dexmedetomidine group.ConclusionDexmedetomidine 1 mcg kg−1 reduces the incidence and severity of emergence delirium after tonsillectomy with propofol anesthesia without prolonging the extubation time.
Characterization of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Melanin and Degraded Synthetic Melanin Using Mass Spectrometry and In Vitro Biochemical Diagnostics
Authors: Yacout Sally M. , McIlwain Kelsey L. , Mirza Shama P. , Gaillard Elizabeth R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWith increasing age, there is an observable loss of melanin in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. It is possible that degradation of the pigment contributes to the pathogenesis of retinal disease, as the cellular antioxidant material is depleted. Functionally, intact melanin maintains protective qualities, while oxidative degradation of melanin promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and formation of metabolic byproducts, such as melanolipofuscin. Understanding the structural and functional changes to RPE melanin with increasing age may contribute to a better understanding of disease progression and risk factors for conditions such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, human donor RPE melanin is characterized using MALDI mass spectrometry to follow melanin degradation trends. In vitro models using ARPE‐19 cells are used to assess photo‐reactivity in repigmented cells. Significant protection against intracellular ROS produced by blue light is observed in calf melanin‐pigmented cells versus unpigmented and black latex bead controls (P < 0.0001). UV‐B exposure to aged human melanin‐pigmented cells results in a significant increase in nitric oxide production versus control cells (P < 0.001). Peroxide‐treated synthetic melanin is characterized to elucidate degradation products that may contribute to RPE cell damage.