bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal fluctuation in shrub species preferences of two native rodents: The effect of infection status on habitat use
Authors: Donoso M. Isabel , Fonturbel Francisco E. , Cares Rocío A. , Oda Esteban , Ramirez Patricia A. , Botto‐Mahan Carezza 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSmall mammals use plant species for gathering food resources and for shelter. Preferences for certain plant species are related to nutritional restrictions and behavioural patterns, which could be altered in the presence of an infectious disease. Several native small mammals are part of the wild cycle of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease in humans. This is a vector‐borne disease transmitted by insects of the subfamily Triatominae. We examined the effect of T. cruzi infection status on the use and preference patterns of shrub species by two native rodent species: Octodon degus and Phyllotis darwini. This study was conducted during four sampling years (2010–2013) in a hyper‐endemic zone of Chagas disease located in a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem. We captured individuals of 599 O. degus and 575 P. darwini (89% of the total captures), which were related to nine shrub species and examined for T. cruzi infection. In a community‐level analysis, infected and non‐infected O. degus used individual shrub species within the shrub community significantly non‐randomly relative to their availability; the same pattern was detected for non‐infected P. darwini individuals, whereas infected individuals used the shrub community according to the abundance of each shrub species. Examining individual preferences, both rodents showed a strong preference for Flourensia thurifera and Colliguaja odorifera regardless of their infection status. Preferences for specific shrub species were variable among years, showing a ‘core’ of preferred shrub species and variable levels of use of the remaining ones. Our results show that T. cruzi infection in wild small mammals can modify habitat use patterns and preferences for certain shrub species, probably affecting processes acting at community level.
Interactions between fire and introduced deer herbivory on coastal heath vegetation
Authors: Crowther Mathew S. , Ortac Geetha , Pedersen Simen , McArthur Clare 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe coastal heathlands of the Royal National Park are impacted by both fire and herbivory by introduced deer, and to date these two factors have been dealt with independently in the management of natural areas. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition for a more integrated approach to manage these two disturbance agents. Fire and its role in Australian heathlands are well known, while impacts from introduced deer and the combined effects of fire and introduced deer are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of fire and Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) on both vegetation cover and floristics. The percentage cover of plants at different height layers and the presence/absence of individual species were recorded at sites representing two different burn histories (1993/1994 and 2000/2001) and deer presence or absence. Fire significantly reduced vegetation cover at low (<50 cm) and intermediate heights (50–100 cm), while deer presence affected grasses and sedges, and low vegetation at more recently burnt sites. Rusa deer also affected composition of the plant species assemblages, but no such effect was found for fire. Understanding the influence of each disturbance factor independently and together in the heathlands will be critical for implementing a more robust framework for future management.
The Politics of Judicial Procedures: The Role of Public Oral Hearings in the German Constitutional Court
Authors: Krehbiel Jay N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractModern liberal democracies typically depend on courts with the power of constitutional review to ensure that elected officials do not breach their constitutional obligations. The efficacy of this review, however, can depend on the public observing such breaches. One resource available to many of the world's constitutional courts to influence the public's ability to do so is public oral hearings. Drawing on the comparative judicial literature on separation of powers, public awareness, and noncompliance, I develop a formal model of public oral hearings. The model provides empirical implications for when a court will hold public oral hearings and how hearings correspond to a court's willingness to rule against elected officials. An empirical analysis of hearings at the German Constitutional Court supports the model's prediction that courts use hearings as a resource to address potential noncompliance.
Oleuropein induces mitochondrial biogenesis and decreases reactive oxygen species generation in cultured avian muscle cells, possibly via an up‐regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α
Authors: Kikusato Motoi , Muroi Hikaru , Uwabe Yuichiro , Furukawa Kyohei , Toyomizu Masaaki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIt has been shown that oleuropein, a phenolic compound in the fruit and leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) induces mammalian uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression via an increased secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline. This study investigated the effects of oleuropein on avian UCP (avUCP) expression as well as genes related to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and biogenesis in cultured avian muscle cells, together with reactive oxygen species generation. Oleuropein induced avUCP as well as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and ATP5a1 (a component of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase) gene expression and cytochrome c oxidase activity, indicating the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) gene expression was also up‐regulated by this compound, which could contribute to an increase in PGC‐1α activity. Oleuropein suppressed the level of superoxide generation per mitochondrion, possibly via the up‐regulation of avUCP and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression. Based on these findings, this study is the first to show that oleuropein may induce avUCP expression in avian muscle cells independent of the catecholamines, in which PGC‐1α may be involved.
Conventional bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs
Authors: Ramírez JM , Macías C 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the outcome of bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs treated with conventional bone plates.MethodsRecords of 15 toy breed dogs with distal radius and ulna fractures were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, method of fixation, complications and clinical and radiographic assessments. A telephone‐based owner questionnaire was conducted to determine long‐term function and client satisfaction.ResultsAge ranged from 4 months to 6 years. Body weight ranged from 1 to 4 kg. Dynamic compression plates were used in 13 dogs and veterinary cuttable plates were used in 2 dogs as the means of fixation. Full radiographic and clinical follow‐up data were available for 10 dogs and follow‐up was performed between 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively. At that time, all fractures had healed and return to function was considered excellent in all 10 dogs. Five dogs did not return for hospital evaluation because they were judged by their owners to be free of lameness. In two cases, owners could not be contacted by telephone, but the referring veterinarians reported the dogs to be asymptomatic. No major complications occurred.Clinical significanceConventional bone plates are suitable choices for stabilisation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs and are not necessarily correlated with high rates of complication.
A Novel Random Effect Model for GWAS Meta-Analysis and Its Application to Trans-Ethnic Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Jingchunzi , Lee Seunggeun 
Published: February 2016

Summary
Meta-analysis of trans-ethnic genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has proven to be a practical and profitable approach for identifying loci that contribute to the risk of complex diseases. However, the expected genetic effect heterogeneity cannot easily be accommodated through existing fixed-effects and random-effects methods. In response, we propose a novel random effect model for trans-ethnic meta-analysis with flexible modeling of the expected genetic effect heterogeneity across diverse populations. Specifically, we adopt a modified random effect model from the kernel regression framework, in which genetic effect coefficients are random variables whose correlation structure reflects the genetic distances across ancestry groups. In addition, we use the adaptive variance component test to achieve robust power regardless of the degree of genetic effect heterogeneity. Simulation studies show that our proposed method has well-calibrated type I error rates at very stringent significance levels and can improve power over the traditional meta-analysis methods. We reanalyzed the published type 2 diabetes GWAS meta-analysis (Consortium et al., 2014) and successfully identified one additional SNP that clearly exhibits genetic effect heterogeneity across different ancestry groups. Furthermore, our proposed method provides scalable computing time for genome-wide datasets, in which an analysis of one million SNPs would require less than 3 hours.
A New Flexible Dependence Measure for Semi-Competing Risks
Authors: Yang Jing , Peng Limin 
Published: February 2016

Summary
Semi-competing risks data are often encountered in chronic disease follow-up studies that record both nonterminal events (e.g., disease landmark events) and terminal events (e.g., death). Studying the relationship between the nonterminal event and the terminal event can provide insightful information on disease progression. In this article, we propose a new sensible dependence measure tailored to addressing such an interest. We develop a nonparametric estimator, which is general enough to handle both independent right censoring and left truncation. Our strategy of connecting the new dependence measure with quantile regression enables a natural extension to adjust for covariates with minor additional assumptions imposed. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and develop inferences accordingly. Simulation studies suggest good finite-sample performance of the proposed methods. Our proposals are illustrated via an application to Denmark diabetes registry data.
Early childhood profiles of sleep problems and self‐regulation predict later school adjustment
Authors: Williams Kate E. , Nicholson Jan M. , Walker Sue , Berthelsen Donna 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundChildren's sleep problems and self‐regulation problems have been independently associated with poorer adjustment to school, but there has been limited exploration of longitudinal early childhood profiles that include both indicators.AimsThis study explores the normative developmental pathway for sleep problems and self‐regulation across early childhood and investigates whether departure from the normative pathway is associated with later social–emotional adjustment to school.SampleThis study involved 2,880 children participating in the Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) – Infant Cohort from Wave 1 (0–1 years) to Wave 4 (6–7 years).MethodMothers reported on children's sleep problems, emotional, and attentional self‐regulation at three time points from birth to 5 years. Teachers reported on children's social–emotional adjustment to school at 6–7 years. Latent profile analysis was used to establish person‐centred longitudinal profiles.ResultsThree profiles were found. The normative profile (69%) had consistently average or higher emotional and attentional regulation scores and sleep problems that steadily reduced from birth to 5 years. The remaining 31% of children were members of two non‐normative self‐regulation profiles, both characterized by escalating sleep problems across early childhood and below mean self‐regulation. Non‐normative group membership was associated with higher teacher‐reported hyperactivity and emotional problems, and poorer classroom self‐regulation and prosocial skills.ConclusionEarly childhood profiles of self‐regulation that include sleep problems offer a way to identify children at risk of poor school adjustment. Children with escalating early childhood sleep problems should be considered an important target group for school transition interventions.
Genes encoding members of the JAK‐STAT pathway or epigenetic regulators are recurrently mutated in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: López Cristina , Bergmann Anke K. , Paul Ulrike , Murga Penas Eva M. , Nagel Inga , Betts Matthew J. , Johansson Patricia , Ritgen Matthias , Baumann Tycho , Aymerich Marta , Jayne Sandrine , Russell Robert B. , Campo Elias , Dyer Martin JS , Dürig Jan , Siebert Reiner 
Published: February 2016

SummaryT‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) is an aggressive leukaemia. The primary genetic alteration in T‐PLL are the inv(14)(q11q32)/t(14;14)(q11;q32) leading to TRD/TRA‐TCL1A fusion, or the t(X;14)(q28;q11) associated with TRD/TRA‐MTCP1 fusion. However, additional cooperating abnormalities are necessary for emergence of the full neoplastic phenotype. Though the pattern of secondary chromosomal aberrations is remarkably conserved, targets of the changes are largely unknown. We analysed a cohort of 43 well‐characterized T‐PLL for hotspot mutations in the genes JAK3, STAT5B and RHOA. Additionally, we selected a subset of 23 T‐PLL cases for mutational screening of 54 genes known to be recurrently mutated in T‐cell and other haematological neoplasms. Activating mutations in the investigated regions of the JAK3 and STAT5B genes were detected in 30% (13/43) and 21% (8/39) of the cases, respectively, and were mutually exclusive. Further, we identified mutations in the genes encoding the epigenetic regulators EZH2 in 13% (3/23), TET2 in 17% (4/23) and BCOR in 9% (2/23) of the cases. We confirmed that the JAK‐STAT pathway is a major mutational target, and identified epigenetic regulators recurrently mutated in T‐PLL. These findings complement the mutational spectrum of secondary aberrations in T‐PLL and underscore the potential therapeutical relevance of epigenetic regulators in T‐PLL.
Effect of mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition on T cell function: potential role in graft‐versus‐host disease control
Authors: Herrero‐Sánchez Ma Carmen , Rodríguez‐Serrano Concepción , Almeida Julia , San‐Segundo Laura , Inogés Susana , Santos‐Briz Ángel , García‐Briñón Jesús , SanMiguel Jesús F. , Del Cañizo Consuelo , Blanco Belén 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for the activation and function of T cells, which play an essential role in the development of graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD). Despite its partial ability to block mTOR pathway, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin has shown encouraging results in the control of GvHD. Therefore, we considered that simultaneous targeting of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes could exert a more potent inhibition of T cell activation and, thus, could have utility in GvHD control. To assess this assumption, we have used the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors CC214‐1 and CC214‐2. In vitro studies confirmed the superior ability of CC214‐1 versus rapamycin to block mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity and to reduce T cell proliferation. Both drugs induced a similar decrease in Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion, but CC214‐1 was more efficient in inhibiting naïve T cell activation and the expression of T‐cell activation markers. In addition, CC214‐1 induced specific tolerance against alloantigens, while preserving anti‐cytomegalovirus response. Finally, in a mouse model of GvHD, the administration of CC214‐2 significantly improved mice survival and decreased GvHD‐induced damages. In conclusion, the current study shows, for the first time, the immunosuppressive ability of CC214‐1 on T lymphocytes and illustrates the role of CC214‐2 in the allogeneic transplantation setting as a possible GvHD prophylaxis agent.
Outcomes for paediatric Burkitt lymphoma treated with anthracycline‐based therapy in Malawi
Authors: Stanley Christopher C. , Westmoreland Kate D. , Heimlich Brett J. , El‐Mallawany Nader K. , Wasswa Peter , Mtete Idah , Butia Mercy , Itimu Salama , Chasela Mary , Mtunda Mary , Chikasema Mary , Makwakwa Victor , Kaimila Bongani , Kasonkanji Edwards , Chimzimu Fred , Kampani Coxcilly , Dhungel Bal M. , Krysiak Robert , Montgomery Nathan D. , Fedoriw Yuri , Rosenberg Nora E. , Liomba N. George , Gopal Satish 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBurkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most common paediatric cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Anthracyline‐based treatment is standard in resource‐rich settings, but has not been described in SSA. Children ≤18 years of age with newly diagnosed BL were prospectively enrolled from June 2013 to May 2015 in Malawi. Staging and supportive care were standardized, as was treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) for six cycles. Among 73 children with BL, median age was 9·2 years (interquartile range 7·7–11·8), 48 (66%) were male and two were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Twelve (16%) had stage I/II disease, 36 (49%) stage III and 25 (34%) stage IV. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 17 (25%), and grade 3/4 anaemia in 29 (42%) of 69 evaluable children. Eighteen‐month overall survival was 29% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18–41%) overall. Mortality was associated with age >9 years [hazard ratio [HR] 2·13, 95% CI 1·15–3·94], female gender (HR 2·12, 95% CI 1·12–4·03), stage (HR 1·52 per unit, 95% CI 1·07–2·17), lactate dehydrogenase (HR 1·03 per 100 iu/l, 95% CI 1·01–1·05), albumin (HR 0·96 per g/l, 95% CI 0·93–0·99) and performance status (HR 0·78 per 10‐point increase, 95% CI 0·69–0·89). CHOP did not improve outcomes in paediatric BL compared to less intensive regimens in Malawi.
Berberine improves mesenteric artery insulin sensitivity through up‐regulating insulin receptor‐mediated signalling in diabetic rats
Authors: Geng Feng‐Hao , Li Guo‐Hua , Zhang Xing , Zhang Peng , Dong Ming‐Qing , Zhao Zhi‐Jing , Zhang Yuan , Dong Ling , Gao Feng 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeBerberine, a small molecule derived from Coptidis rhizome, has been found to be potent at lowering blood glucose and regulating lipid metabolism. Recent clinical studies have shown that berberine reduces blood pressure and increases systemic insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which berberine improves vascular insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats.Experimental ApproachDiabetes was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats by feeding a high‐fat diet and administration of a low dose of streptozotocin. These diabetic rats were treated with berberine (200 mg·kg−1·day−1, gavage) for 4 weeks. Vascular dilation was determined in isolated mesenteric artery rings. Effects of berberine on insulin signalling were also studied in human artery endothelial cells cultured in high glucose (25 mmol·L−1) and palmitate (500 μmol·L−1).Key ResultsBerberine treatment for 4 weeks significantly restored the impaired ACh‐ and insulin‐induced vasodilatation of mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats. In isolated mesenteric artery rings, berberine (2.5–10 μmol·L−1) elicited dose‐dependent vasodilatation and significantly enhanced insulin‐induced vasodilatation. Mechanistically, berberine up‐regulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and its downstream signalling molecules AMPK, Akt and eNOS, and increased cell viability and autophagy in cultured endothelial cells. Moreover, down‐regulating insulin receptors with specific siRNA significantly attenuated berberine‐induced phosphorylation of AMPK.Conclusions and ImplicationsBerberine improves diabetic vascular insulin sensitivity and mesenteric vasodilatation by up‐regulating insulin receptor‐mediated signalling in diabetic rats. These findings suggest berberine has potential as a preventive or adjunctive treatment of diabetic vascular complications.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23.
Endothelin‐1 shifts the mediator of bradykinin‐induced relaxation from NO to H2O2 in resistance arteries from patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Leurgans Thomas M , Bloksgaard Maria , Brewer Jonathan R , Bagatolli Luis A , Fredgart Maise H , Rosenstand Kristoffer , Hansen Maria L , Rasmussen Lars M , Irmukhamedov Akhmadjon , De Mey Jo GR 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeWe tested the hypothesis that in resistance arteries from cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, effects of an endothelium‐dependent vasodilator depend on the contractile stimulus.Experimental ApproachArteries dissected from parietal pericardium of cardiothoracic surgery patients were studied by myography and imaging techniques. Segments were sub‐maximally contracted by K+, the TxA2 analogue U46619 or endothelin‐1 (ET‐1).Key ResultsRelaxing effects of Na‐nitroprusside were comparable, but those of bradykinin (BK) were bigger in the presence of ET‐1 compared with K+ or U46619. BK‐induced relaxation was (i) abolished by L‐NAME in K+‐contracted arteries, (ii) partly inhibited by L‐NAME in the presence of U46619 and (iii) not altered by indomethacin, L‐NAME plus inhibitors of small and intermediate conductance calcium‐activated K+ channels, but attenuated by catalase, in ET‐1‐contracted arteries. This catalase‐sensitive relaxation was unaffected by inhibitors of NADPH oxidases or allopurinol. Exogenous H2O2 caused a larger relaxation of ET‐1‐induced contractions than those evoked by K+ or U46619 in the presence of inhibitors of other endothelium‐derived relaxing factors. Catalase‐sensitive staining of cellular ROS with CellROX Deep Red was significantly increased in the presence of both 1 μM BK and 2 nM ET‐1 but not either peptide alone.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn resistance arteries from patients with CVD, exogenous ET‐1 shifts the mediator of relaxing responses to the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator BK from NO to H2O2 and neither NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase nor NOS appear to be involved in this effect. This might have consequences for endothelial dysfunction in conditions where intra‐arterial levels of ET‐1 are enhanced.