bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear effect of density on trophic niche width and between‐individual variation in diet in a neotropical cichlid
Authors: Mateus Lúcia , Ortega Jean , Mendes Angélica , Penha Jerry 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDensity‐dependent dynamics have considerable effects in many ecological processes and patterns that characterize natural populations. In the present study, we aim at evaluating the effect of density on the diet width and between‐individual variability in nine different pike cichlid Crenicichla lepidota populations dwelling in floodplain lagoons. Our results indicated that low‐density populations exhibit small diet breadth as well as small between‐individual variability in their diet. In addition, these populations were characterized by a nested diet pattern, where the diet of specialist individuals represented a subset of the food items consumed by generalist individuals. Populations with intermediate densities had a larger populational diet breadth while the individual diet breadth remained unchanged. This pattern was due to an increase in between‐individual variability in diet, which consequently decreases the diet overlap among individuals and thus lower diet nestedness. Finally, under high densities, the niche width at the population level decreased because of lower between‐individual variability and higher diet overlap. Together, these results showed that niche width exhibits a non‐linear function with density. At first, an increase in density increased the niche width because of greater between‐individual diet variability. However, after a threshold density value, the effect was reversed, and the niche width decreased because of a higher diet overlap among individuals.
Helminth parasite diversity discloses age and sex differences in the foraging behaviour of southern lapwings (Vanellus chilensis)
Authors: Silveira Tiago S. , Calegaro‐Marques Cláudia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParasites with heteroxen cycles are important sources of information on the trophic relations of hosts. This is particularly instructive for species whose age‐based or sex‐based differences are hardly detected by behavioural observations. Here, we describe the helminth community of the omnivorous southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) and evaluate whether it is affected by the host's sex, age and body size. The species is sexually monomorphic in body length, but males are slightly heavier than females. We analysed 112 individuals collected in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 2010. All hosts were parasitized. The helminth community was composed of 10 species (the digeneans Leucochloridium parcum and Athesmia sp., the cestode Infula macrophallus, the acantocephalans Plagiorhynchus sp., Centrorhynchus sp., Mediorhynchus sp., and an unidentified Gigantorhynchida, and the nematodes Heterakis psophiae, Dispharynx nasuta and an unidentified Capillariidae), seven of which were novel reports for this host species. Prevalence ranged from <1% to 99%. Whereas I. macrophallus was the most prevalent species, D. nasuta showed the highest mean intensity and abundance of infection. The former was found in most hosts as single male–female pairs, suggesting the occurrence of intrasexual competition. The infracommunities of juvenile birds showed a higher parasite species richness than those of adult males and females, suggesting the exploitation of a wider array of prey. However, the three classes harboured seven parasite species. Differences in parasite diversity (lower in juveniles, intermediate in adult males and higher in adult females) reflect the evenness in the distribution of parasite specimens among taxa in each age–sex class and are compatible with differences in their foraging strategy. Finally, we conclude based on the cycles of the heteroxen species that southern lapwings preyed upon molluscs, coleopterans, woodlice and earthworms.
Skeletochronological estimation of age and growth of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the western South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Lenz Ana Júlia , Avens Larisa , Campos Trigo Cariane , Borges‐Martins Márcio 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAge and growth are important parameters for better understanding of life history and population dynamics of animal species, as well as for formulating management strategies. However, these data are difficult to obtain for sea turtles because of overall slow growth, delayed maturation and highly migratory behaviour. The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, is a widely distributed species, globally listed as endangered. Although the species has been well‐studied in some regions, little is known about various aspects of its biology in other populations, such as those in the waters of the western South Atlantic Ocean, especially outside nesting areas. To address age and growth, loggerhead turtles found dead stranded on the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul during a period of 16 years (1994–2010) were utilized for estimation of age and growth rates using skeletochronology. The individuals analyzed were predominantly neritic juveniles, ranging from 53 to 101 cm curved carapace length (CCL; mean = 71 cm), with estimated ages between 10 and 29 years (mean = 15 years). Mean estimated annual growth rate was 2.1 cm CCL year−1 (1.9 cm SCL yr−1), showing large variation among individuals and between successive years in the same individual. Generalized additive mixed models analysis indicated that growth response was influenced by age, CCL and year. The results demonstrated that the southern coast of Brazil is an important area for the development of neritic juveniles of this species, which appear to recruit to this region beginning at about 12 years of age and sizes greater than 55 cm CCL.
Targeted high‐throughput growth hormone 1 gene sequencing reveals high within‐breed genetic diversity in South African goats
Authors: Ncube K. T. , Mdladla K. , Dzomba E. F. , Muchadeyi F. C. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis study assessed the genetic diversity in the growth hormone 1 gene (GH1) within and between South African goat breeds. Polymerase chain reaction‐targeted gene amplification together with Illumina MiSeq next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to generate the full length (2.54 kb) of the growth hormone 1 gene and screen for SNPs in the South African Boer (SAB) (n = 17), Tankwa (n = 15) and South African village (n = 35) goat populations. A range of 27–58 SNPs per population were observed. Mutations resulting in amino acid changes were observed at exons 2 and 5. Higher within‐breed diversity of 97.37% was observed within the population category consisting of SA village ecotypes and the Tankwa goats. Highest pairwise FST values ranging from 0.148 to 0.356 were observed between the SAB and both the South African village and Tankwa feral goat populations. Phylogenetic analysis indicated nine genetic clusters, which reflected close relationships between the South African populations and the other international breeds with the exception of the Italian Sarda breeds. Results imply greater potential for within‐population selection programs, particularly with SA village goats.
Psoriasis and the liver: problems, causes and course
Authors: Tula Elona , Ergun Tulin , Seckin Dilek , Ozgen Zuleyha , Avsar Erol 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesPsoriasis patients have a higher risk of liver abnormalities such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug‐induced hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and neutrophilic cholangitis, than the general population. Associated liver disease limits therapeutic options and necessitates careful monitoring. The aim of the study was to identify liver problems in psoriasis patients and to investigate the underlying causes as well as their course.MethodsThe files of 518 psoriasis patients were retrospectively reviewed. Among these, 393 patients with relevant laboratory data were analysed for liver enzymes and their relation to the known risk factors for liver disease (obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, hepatotoxic medications, dyslipidemia, psoriatic arthritis and infectious hepatitis).ResultsAmong 393 patients, 24% and 0.8% developed liver enzyme abnormalities and cirrhosis, respectively. The most common factors associated with pathological liver enzymes were drugs (57%) and NAFLD (22%). Other rare causes were alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, neutrophilic cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis and toxic hepatitis due to herbal therapy. Drug‐induced liver enzyme abnormalities were reversible whereas in patients with NAFLD transaminases tended to fluctuate. One patient with herbal medicine‐related cirrhosis died of sepsis.ConclusionLiver enzyme abnormalities are common in psoriasis patients and are mostly associated with drugs and NAFLD. Although most cases can be managed by avoiding hepatotoxic medications and close follow up, severe consequences like cirrhosis may develop.
Discriminant ability of the Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) as a screening tool for the neurological follow‐up of high‐risk infants in Colombia
Authors: Charpak Nathalie , de la Hoz Ana María , Villegas Julieta , Gil Fabián 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the discriminative ability of the Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB), applied at 3, 6 and 9 months of corrected age (CA), on neurological outcomes at 1 year of CA.MethodAn observational analytic study was conducted on a cohort of 5857 infants, followed up to 1 year of CA in a Kangaroo Mother Care programme from 1993 to 2010 in Bogotá, Colombia. Infants were included if they had two complete INFANIB results at 3 or 6 or 9 months of CA and at 12 months of CA, including the Griffiths Scale. The outcome was defined as the presence of a neurological abnormality, as evidenced by the results of both the INFANIB and Griffiths Scale.ResultsThe sensitivity of the INFANIB at 3 months was 62.2%, and specificity was 76.1%, with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area of 0.69. At 6 months, the results were 77.5% for sensitivity and 74.4% for specificity (ROC 0.76), and at 9 months, they were 77.2% for sensitivity and 91.1% for specificity (ROC 0.84).ConclusionThe INFANIB was an appropriate neurological screening test with regard to determining which Colombian infants would benefit from a timely intervention for neuromotor disorders.
Propranolol was effective in treating cutaneous infantile haemangiomas in Thai children
Authors: Techasatian Leelawadee , Komwilaisak Patcharee , Panombualert Sunee , Uppala Rattapon , Jetsrisuparb Charoon 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of propranolol in treating infantile haemangiomas, the most common benign vascular tumours in children.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective chart review of infantile haemangioma patients admitted to the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, from January 2009 to January 2015.ResultsThere were 53 infantile haemangioma cases treated with oral propranolol. Treatment responses occurred as early as two weeks after propranolol administration in 91.5% of the follow‐up patients, with all 53 cases achieving the desired treatment responses two months after propranolol was initiated. No significant differences in treatment responses were found between propranolol as a mono‐therapy or as a combination therapy with prednisolone at the two‐week (p value 0.13) and one‐month follow‐ups (p value 0.98). Complications were documented in three cases (5.6%) when the propranolol dose was increased, and these were asymptomatic hypoglycaemia in two cases and one case of hypotension.ConclusionPropranolol was effective in treating infantile haemangiomas, and combining it with prednisolone achieved no significant differences in treatment outcome. Cases should be monitored for hypoglycaemia and hypotension. More data on using propranolol for infantile haemangiomas are needed, including long‐term follow‐up studies.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: diagnostic overlap of microscopic colitis and functional bowel disorders
Authors: Guagnozzi D. , Arias Á. , Lucendo A. J. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundMicroscopic colitis shares certain common clinical manifestations with functional bowel disorders, especially diarrhoea‐dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diarrhoea. However, the exact relationship between microscopic colitis and functional bowel disorders has not been systematically assessed.AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the diagnostic overlap between functional bowel disorders and microscopic colitis.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases, as well as the abstract books of the major gastroenterology meetings, to investigate the prevalence of microscopic colitis among patients with functional bowel disorders (considering all subtypes of both disorders) and vice versa. Data were pooled with a random‐effects model.ResultsOf 227 references identified, data were collected from 26 studies and a total of 5,099 adult patients. The pooled prevalence any type of functional bowel disorders in patients who present diagnostic criteria of microscopic colitis was 39.1% (95% CI: 22.8–56.6%; I2: 97%) and was higher for lymphocytic colitis than for collagenous colitis (40.7% vs. 28.4%, respectively; P = 0.58). The prevalence of microscopic colitis in functional bowel disorders patients was 7% (95% CI: 3.6–11.4%), reaching 9.8% (95% CI: 4.4–17.1%; I2: 95%) in patients exhibiting diarrhoea‐dominant IBS, nonsignificantly higher than microscopic colitis rates among patients with constipation‐dominant IBS (1.3%) or mixed‐dominant IBS (1.9%).ConclusionsThere is a significant overlap of symptoms between microscopic colitis and functional bowel disorders, especially in diarrhoeal subtypes. The high proportion of microscopic colitis among diarrhoea‐dominant functional syndromes should serve as a call for more active diagnosis in selected patients.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, short term efficacy and safety of RCT‐18, a novel BLyS/APRIL fusion protein, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhao Qian , Hou Yong , Jiang Ji , Zhong Wen , Wang Wenxiang , Yao Xuejing , Li Lin , Fang Jianmin , Zhang Fengchun , Hu Pei 
Published: February 2016

AimRCT‐18 is a recombinant fusion protein that interferes with the selection and survival of mature B‐lymphocytes by inhibiting B‐lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation‐inducing ligand.MethodsThis single blind, randomized, placebo controlled, clinical pharmacological study explored the short term efficacy and safety of RCT‐18 in 21 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with three different dosing regimens. The pharmacological behaviour of RCT‐18 was also characterized through a six level biomarker cascade approach to identify potential predictors for clinical responses.ResultsNine out of 10 patients (>80%) experienced moderate to good EULAR response at the end of 3 months with once or twice weekly doses of 180 mg RCT‐18, whereas weekly administration of 360 mg RCT‐18 or placebo, however, only resulted in moderate improvement in one patient in each group. Absence of IgM‐type rheumatoid factor reduction, recovery of IgM 2 weeks after drug cessation, lack of decrease in the count of CD27(+) B‐lymphocytes and a DAS28 change from baseline <6 in 4–6 weeks after the treatment initiation may indicate poor clinical response. No anti‐drug antibody of RCT‐18 was detected. The active treatments were well tolerated, although more mild to moderate infections were reported in patients receiving RCT‐18.ConclusionThe study results support further development of RCT‐18 in RA patients and provide important information for future dose selection.
Inhibition of Protein Disulfide Isomerase in Thrombosis
Authors: Bekendam Roelof H. , Flaumenhaft Robert 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis MiniReview addresses our current understanding of the mechanisms by which protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) mediates thrombus formation and discusses the potential of blocking thrombosis by targeting PDI. Thiol isomerases are ubiquitous oxidoreductases primarily localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where they serve a critical role in protein folding. PDI is the founding member of the thiol isomerase family. Although PDI is an essential intracellular enzyme, it can participate in pathological processes once released from cells. In particular, PDI serves a critical role in thrombus formation, the underlying cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. Both platelets and endothelial cells secrete PDI upon vascular injury. Secreted PDI appears to activate multiple extracellular substrates in the vasculature, enabling the initiation of thrombus formation. As an essential component of thrombus formation, extracellular PDI represents a new target for pharmacological inhibition of clinical thrombosis. Quercetin‐3‐rutinoside, a flavonol highly abundant in common foods, inhibits PDI and blocks thrombus formation both in vitro and in vivo. Such observations have prompted clinical trials targeting PDI in thrombotic diseases.
Hearing visuo‐tactile synchrony – Sound‐induced proprioceptive drift in the invisible hand illusion
Authors: Darnai Gergely , Szolcsányi Tibor , Hegedüs Gábor , Kincses Péter , Kállai János , Kovács Márton , Simon Eszter , Nagy Zsófia , Janszky József 
Published: February 2016

The rubber hand illusion (RHI) and its variant the invisible hand illusion (IHI) are useful for investigating multisensory aspects of bodily self‐consciousness. Here, we explored whether auditory conditioning during an RHI could enhance the trisensory visuo‐tactile‐proprioceptive interaction underlying the IHI. Our paradigm comprised of an IHI session that was followed by an RHI session and another IHI session. The IHI sessions had two parts presented in counterbalanced order. One part was conducted in silence, whereas the other part was conducted on the backdrop of metronome beats that occurred in synchrony with the brush movements used for the induction of the illusion. In a first experiment, the RHI session also involved metronome beats and was aimed at creating an associative memory between the brush stroking of a rubber hand and the sounds. An analysis of IHI sessions showed that the participants’ perceived hand position drifted more towards the body‐midline in the metronome relative to the silent condition without any sound‐related session differences. Thus, the sounds, but not the auditory RHI conditioning, influenced the IHI. In a second experiment, the RHI session was conducted without metronome beats. This confirmed the conditioning‐independent presence of sound‐induced proprioceptive drift in the IHI. Together, these findings show that the influence of visuo‐tactile integration on proprioceptive updating is modifiable by irrelevant auditory cues merely through the temporal correspondence between the visuo‐tactile and auditory events.
Surge dynamics of Aavatsmarkbreen, Svalbard, inferred from the geomorphological record
Authors: Sobota Ireneusz , Weckwerth Piotr , Nowak Marcin 
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the surge dynamics of Aavatsmarkbreen, a glacier in Svalbard and its geomorphological impact based on remote sensing data and field observations. The main objective was to analyse and classify subglacial and supraglacial landforms in the context of glacial deformation and basal sliding over a thin layer of thawed, water‐saturated deposits. The study also focused on the geomorphological evidence of surge‐related sub‐ and supraglacial crevassing and glacier front fracturing. From 2006 to 2013, the average recession of Aavatsmarkbreen was 363 m (52 m a−1). A subsequent surge during 2013–2015 resulted in a substantial advance of the glacier front of over 1 km and an increase in its surface area of more than 2 km2. The surface of Aavatsmarkbreen was severely fractured. Significant ice‐flow acceleration was noted whereby the highest surface velocity reached 4.9 m day−1. The ephemeral water‐escape structures and mini‐flutings on the fine‐grained till surface that formed during the surge are indicative of high subglacial pore‐water pressure and enhanced basal sliding. Two genetic types of clast pavements occur in the marginal zone of Aavatsmarkbreen. The results of this study will help to constrain glaciological and geomorphological processes involved in surge phenomena. Understanding the scale and effects of these processes provides insight into the behaviour of fast‐flowing glaciers and ice streams and reveals their relationships with external factors.
Aristolochic acid, a plant extract used in the treatment of pain and linked to Balkan endemic nephropathy, is a regulator of K2P channels
Authors: Veale Emma L , Mathie Alistair 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeAristolochic acid (AristA) is found in plants used in traditional medicines to treat pain. We investigated the action of AristA on TREK and TRESK, potassium (K2P) channels, which are potential therapeutic targets in pain. Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a renal disease associated with AristA consumption. A mutation of TASK‐2 (K2P5.1) channels (T108P) is seen in some patients susceptible to BEN, so we investigated how both this mutation and AristA affected TASK‐2 channels.Experimental ApproachCurrents through wild‐type and mutated human K2P channels expressed in tsA201 cells were measured using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in the presence and absence of AristA.Key ResultsTREK‐1‐ and TREK‐2‐mediated currents were enhanced by AristA (100 μM), whereas TRESK was inhibited. Inhibition of TRESK did not depend on the phosphorylation of key intracellular serines but was completely blocked by mutation of bulky residues in the inner pore (F145A_F352A). The TASK‐2_T108P mutation markedly reduced both current density and ion selectivity. A related mutation (T108C) had similar but less marked effects. External alkalization and application of flufenamic acid enhanced TASK‐2 and TASK‐2_T108C current but did not affect TASK‐2_T108P current. AristA (300 μM) produced a modest enhancement of TASK‐2 current.Conclusions and ImplicationsEnhancement of TREK‐1 and TREK‐2 and inhibition of TRESK by AristA may contribute to therapeutically useful effects of this compound in pain. Whilst AristA is unlikely to interact directly with TASK‐2 channels in BEN, loss of functional TASK‐2 channels may indirectly increase susceptibility to AristA toxicity.