bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of food supply in high‐productivity ecosystems: Short‐term experimental tests with small rodents
Authors: Prevedello Jayme A. , Vieira Marcus V. , Vieira Emerson M. , Dickman Chris R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFood availability is considered to be a primary factor affecting animal populations, yet few experimental tests have been performed to evaluate its actual importance in species‐rich ecosystems such as rainforests. It has been suggested that in such systems certain plant species may act as “keystone” resources for animals, but the importance of presumed keystone resources for populations has not been quantified experimentally. Using complementary seed removal and seed‐addition experiments, we determined how the supply of a presumed keystone resource, seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, affects short‐term demography of their main consumer group (small rodents) in a biodiversity hotspot, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized that (i) the harvest of A. angustifolia seeds by human populations has negative impacts on rodents, and (ii) these seeds are a limiting resource for rodent populations. To test these hypotheses, we monitored populations of two species of numerically dominant rodents (Delomys dorsalis and Akodon montensis) within replicated control‐experimental plots. Manipulations of seed supply over 2 years had little effect on population size, body condition, survival, or reproduction of the two rodents, suggesting that, in the short‐term (within one generation), their populations are not food limited in Araucaria forests. Despite apparently having all the characteristics of a keystone resource, as currently defined in the literature, the seeds of A. angustifolia had limited influence on the short‐term demography of their main consumer group. In situations where purported keystone resources are seasonally abundant, their actual importance may be lower than generally assumed, and these resources then may have only localized and temporary effects on consumer populations.
Metabolic and immunologic aspects of fetoplacental insufficiency
Authors: Bekmukhambetov Yerbol , Mamyrbayev Arstan , Dzharkenov Timur , Kravtsova Natalia , Utesheva Zhanar , Tusupkaliev Akylbek , Ryzhkova Svetlana , Darzhanova Klara , Bekzhanova Maral 
Published: August 2016

ProblemThe chronic placental insufficiency is the most common cause of intrauterine hypoxia, retardation of fetal growth, and other threatening conditions. Immune disturbances may occur in the system “mother–placenta–fetus.”Method of studyBiochemical blood indicators were studied on an automated biochemical analyzer. Pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations was detected by direct membrane immunofluorescence.ResultsStudy revealed imbalance of immune parameters, caused by placental insufficiency (increase natural killers (CD16+, CD56+), B lymphocytes (CD19+ CD3−), T and B lymphocytes with HLA‐DR+ antigen, and early activation of immune cells (by CD25+), as well as disorders in apoptotic mechanisms (by CD95+)).ConclusionPlacental insufficiency leads to abnormalities of the immune system in pregnant, parturient women and maternity patients which were evaluated by localization of activation markers CD25+ CD95+ on the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD56+ lymphocytes. This is reflected in the change of lymphocyte functions in newborns.
The delaying effect of stigma on mental health help‐seeking in Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Sunera M. , Deane Frank P. , McLeod Hamish J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundMental health stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment.AimsTo describe perceived stigma experienced by patients and carers in Sri Lanka and to determine the effects of stigma on help‐seeking delay.MethodsSurvey of outpatients and family carers (n = 118 dyads) attending two psychiatric hospitals in Sri Lanka, using the Disclosure and Discrimination subscales of the Stigma Scale.ResultsStigma was positively related to help‐seeking delay for carers but not patients. Public stigma experienced by carers accounted for 23% of the variance in help‐seeking delay.ConclusionReducing stigma may reduce help‐seeking delays during the course of treatment.
Unions and Collective Bargaining in the Wake of the Great Recession: Evidence from Portugal
Authors: Addison John T. , Portugal Pedro , Vilares Hugo 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of its industrial relations architecture, characteristic of the ‘southern European group’ and intimately linked to the recommendations of the Troika, this paper examines four key aspects of Portuguese collective bargaining. First, it provides definitive estimates of private sector union density for that nation. Second, it models the determinants of union density at firm level. Third, it yields estimates of the union wage gap for different ranges of union density. The final issue examined is contract coverage. The received notion that the pronounced reduction in the number of industry‐wide agreements and extension ordinances of late is to be equated with a fall in coverage is shown to be a chimera, the number of workers covered by new and existing agreements remaining largely unaffected by the economic crisis. The reduced frequency of new agreements and extensions is instead attributed to downward nominal wage rigidity in low‐inflation regimes.
Non‐enhanced MR lymphography of the thoracic duct: improved visualization following ingestion of a high fat meal–initial experience
Authors: Chen Shuo , Tan Xiangliang , Wu Renhua , Xu Yikai , Yang Canhong , Wang Maoqiang , Liu Fengyong , Wang Zhijun , Yuan Kai 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPurposeThe objective of this study was to compare the clarity of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) images of the thoracic duct (TD) obtained from subjects following an overnight fast with those obtained from the same subjects after ingestion of a high fat meal.MethodsNineteen healthy volunteers were included in this study. TD images were acquired on a 3·0T MRI system with the imaging sequence of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. TD MRL images were obtained from subjects following an overnight fast and from the same subjects 3–4 h after ingestion of a high fat meal. Images were displayed in maximum intensity projection format and degree of visualization was evaluated using a scoring system.ResultsThe mean TD score obtained following an overnight fast was significantly lower than the mean TD score obtained 3–4 h after ingestion of a high fat meal (P<0·05).ConclusionThe clarity of TD MRL images is improved if subjects have ingested a high fat meal 3–4 h prior to examination.
miR‐297 acts as an oncogene by targeting GPC5 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Yunchuan , Zhao Jianyong , Yin Xiaoming , Yuan Xiangkun , Guo Jianfei , Bi Jianqiang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectivesEmerging studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in carcinogenesis of many developing human tumours. However, the functions and mechanisms of miR‐297 in lung cancer have, up to now, been largely undefined.Materials and methodsHere, miR‐297 expression was measured in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines, using qRT‐PCR. Lung adenocarcinoma cell line was treated with an miR‐297 mimic. MTT and colony analysis were performed to detect cell proliferation and colony formation. The direct target gene of miR‐297 was assessed by qRT‐PCR, Western blotting and luciferase assays.ResultsWe demonstrated that miR‐297 expression was upregulated in lung adenocarcinomas compared to adjacent normal tissues. Expression of miR‐297 was also upregulated in tested lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR‐297 enhanced lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐297 promoted cell migration and invasion. In addition, we identified Glypican‐5 (GPC5) as a direct target gene of miR‐297 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Expression of GPC5 was downregulated in both lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines. Moreover, expression of GPC5 was inversely associated with expression of miR‐297 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.ConclusionsThese results suggest that miR‐297 acted as an oncogenic miRNA, partly by targeting GPC5, adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Intrahepatic NK cells function suppressed in advanced liver fibrosis
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Min , Liu Jing , Huang Zhanlian , Zhao Qiyi , Huang Yuehua , Li Xu , Gao Zhiliang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough numerous epidemiological studies indicate that hepatitis B virus‐related liver fibrosis (HBV‐LF), particularly cirrhosis, represents the main risk factor for liver cancer development, the mechanisms determining the persistence of fibrosis and liver cancer pathogenesis are still poorly defined. Few studies have investigated the status of NK cells during different stages of HBV‐LF.MethodsLiver tissues at least 3 cm away from the tumour site and peripheral blood were obtained simultaneously from 32 HBV‐infected patients undergoing surgery for HCC at the medical centre of Sun Yat‐sen University. We detected the amount of NK cells and analysed the phenotype and function of NK cells by flow cytometry.ResultsWe found that there was no difference in the amount of circulating and intrahepatic NK cells between early and advanced HBV‐LF. However, NKp46 expression on intrahepatic NK cells decreased and productions of IFN‐γ and perforin of intrahepatic NK cells declined apparently in patients with advanced HBV‐LF.ConclusionIn the present study, we displayed that in patients with advanced HBV‐LF, the expression of NKp46 on intrahepatic NK cells as well as productions of IFN‐γ and perforin of intrahepatic NK cells decreased significantly. These results indicated that the immune function of intrahepatic NK cells in patients with advanced HBV‐LF was suppressed distinctly, which provided new insight into the potential role of NK cells in the persistence of fibrosis and into the occurrence of HCC following cirrhosis.
Feeding behavioral response of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, to elevated CO2: EPG test with leaf microstructure and leaf chemistry
Authors: Jiang Shoulin , Liu Tongjin , Yu Fulan , Li Teng , Parajulee Megha N. , Zhang Limin , Chen Fajun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEffect of elevated CO2 on feeding behavior of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was investigated using electrical penetration graphs (EPG) on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae). Leaf microstructures and foliar soluble constituents were also measured simultaneously to quantify the impact of foliar changes on leaf nutritional quantity and quality, owing to elevated CO2, on stylet penetration and food‐quality plasticity of A. gossypii. Significant increases in fresh body weight, fecundity, and population abundances of A. gossypii were found in elevated CO2 in contrast to ambient CO2. Elevated CO2 influenced the feeding behavior, as evidenced by altered EPG recordings, including the increased non‐penetration period (walking and finding the feeding site), E2<8 min (probes with sustained ingestion of <8 min), and first E2>8 min (first occurrence of probes with sustained ingestion of >8 min), and decreased E2>8 min recordings. Moreover, leaf microstructures were significantly affected by CO2 levels, with thinner upside epidermis (UPE) and thicker underside epidermis (UDE), sponge tissues (ST), and fence tissues under elevated CO2 compared to that in ambient CO2. Therefore, it is expected that A. gossypii spend more time penetrating the thicker leaf UDE and ST when the host plant is exposed to elevated CO2. Furthermore, elevated CO2 significantly enhanced foliar soluble matter, including soluble sugars (SS), free amino acids and fatty acids (FFA), and total soluble matter (TSM), which was congruent with significant increase or decrease in leaf turgor or osmotic potential. Increased leaf turgor and leaf soluble constituents favored ingestion in A. gossypii, resulting in increases in fresh body weight, fecundity, and population abundances under elevated CO2. These feeding behaviors and resulting population growth parameters are consistent with the significant positive correlations between aphid fresh body weight and foliar FFA/TSM, between A. gossypii fecundity and foliar SS of cotton plants, and between the time of E2<8 min recordings and leaf turgor.
Impacts of nitrogen fertilizer on major insect pests and their predators in transgenic Bt rice lines T2A‐1 and T1C‐19
Authors: Yang Yajun , Liu Kai , Han Hailiang , Xu Hongxing , Zhang Facheng , Zheng Xusong , Tian Junce , Wang Guiyue , Chen Guihua , Lu Zhongxian 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNitrogen is a critical factor for plant development and nitrogen input is one of the important tactics to enhance the development and yield of crops. Nevertheless, nitrogen input could influence the occurrence of insects positively or negatively. Nitrogen is also one of the main elements composing the insecticidal crystal (Cry) protein. Cry protein production could affect nitrogen partitioning in Bt plants and as such nitrogen input may influence insect pest management in transgenic Bt rice, Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae). To test this possibility, we evaluated the impacts of nitrogen regimes on the main insect pests and their predators on two Bt rice lines, T2A‐1 and T1C‐19, expressing Cry2A and Cry1C, respectively, and their non‐transgenic parental counterpart MH63. The results showed that Cry proteins with different nitrogen regimes have enough insecticidal activity on rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in both laboratory and field experiments. Laboratory studies indicated that relevant parameters of ecological fitness in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a non‐target insect pest, were significantly affected by nitrogen input both on Bt and MH63 rice lines. Nymphal survival, female adult longevity, and egg hatchability in N. lugens differed significantly among rice varieties. The experiments conducted in rice fields also demonstrated that nitrogen was positively correlated with the abundance of N. lugens on Bt rice, similar to that on MH63 rice. The abundances of two predators – the wolf spider Pirata subpiraticus (Boesenberg & Strand) (Araneae: Lycosidae) and the bug Cyrthorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) – were significantly affected by rice growth stages but not by nitrogen input and rice varieties. In conclusion, the above results indicate that high nitrogen regimes for Bt rice (T2A‐1 and T1C‐19) and non‐Bt rice (MH63) cannot facilitate the management of insect pests.
Diel activity and preferred landing sites in Culicoides biting midges attacking Fjord horses
Authors: Elbers A.R.W. , van den Heuvel S‐J. , Meiswinkel R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn the summer of 2014, in the central part of The Netherlands, Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) attack rates, biting rates, and preferred landing sites were determined for a pair of Fjord horses maintained permanently at pasture in an area devoid of cattle. Eleven body regions of the horses were screened for midges, each region sampled randomly for 5 min using a handheld mouth aspirator (pooter). Observations were confined to the hour immediately before and after sunset. Culicoides spp. were obtained from every body region, of which the four most abundant species – Culicoides chiopterus (Meigen), Culicoides punctatus (Meigen), the species complex Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen), and Culicoides dewulfi Goetghebuer – all were proven or potential vectors for arboviral diseases in livestock. Culicoides spp. activity was distinctly bimodal across the day, surging at sunset and 1 h after sunrise. Midges were inactive between 11:00 and 16:00 hours, these hours marking the time of day when horses can be pastured most safely but, thereafter, to avoid escalating attacks, would have to be stabled protectively. Around sunset, the mean attack rate of the four most abundant species ranged from 3.0 to 11.7 midges per min; of these, C. dewulfi and C. chiopterus were reared out of the dung of experimental horses. The Netherlands is home to the world's densest horse population (11 per km2), of which half are estimated to stay outdoors permanently with no access to protective housing. In the absence of a preventive vaccination policy, it is difficult to envisage how horses in northern Europe will be protected from infection during an outbreak of a Culicoides‐transmitted disease like African horse sickness.
Butterflies and plants: preference/performance studies in relation to plant size and the use of intact plants vs. cuttings
Authors: Friberg Magne , Wiklund Christer 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPlants have evolved a number of defences to ameliorate herbivore attacks including chemicals induced by mechanical wounding. Such changes in plant chemical composition are potential confounding factors in experiments on plant–insect interactions, which often present cuttings of potential host plants to phytophagous insects. In particular, this could affect studies of female egg‐laying preference and larval performance, because the same plant chemicals that deter certain generalist insects can elevate attacks from more specialized insects. Furthermore, plant cuttings are by definition smaller than intact plants, and any female host size preference could thus affect experiments using plant cuttings. We first assessed female preference and larval performance of a specialist herbivore, Pieris napi (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Pierini), confronted with either intact plants or leaf‐cuttings of four Brassicaceae host plants, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande, Barbarea vulgaris (L.) WT Aiton, Berteroa incana (L.) DC., and Brassica napus (L.). Egg and larval survival did not differ between intact plants and leaf‐cuttings, whereas larval growth was slightly, but significantly, faster on leaf‐cuttings. Females, however, significantly preferred to lay eggs on intact plants of all four hosts, although the preference hierarchy for the intact plants was largely mirrored by that for leaf‐cuttings. We then tested the female preference for different size‐classes of intact B. napus plants. Small individuals received more eggs than larger individuals, and follow‐up experiments showed that this difference was largely generated by a strong female preference for cotyledon leaves; there was no significant difference in female preference for large and small individuals when both carried cotyledons, and females landing on cotyledons were more likely to oviposit compared to when landing on a true leaf. Our study concludes that plant cuttings can serve as adequate proxies for live plants for preference/performance studies, but that experimentalists should be aware of the variation imposed both by plant handling and plant phenology for female oviposition preference.
Detection and clinical significance of glomerular M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Liu H. , Luo W. , Gong S. , Ding X. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundGlomerular M‐type phospholipase A2
receptor (PLA2R) is important for diagnosing idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). The relation between glomerular PLA2R expression and response to treatment remains to be explored.AimsWe conducted the study to explore the positive rate and clinical significance of glomerular M‐type PLA2R in IMN patients.MethodsA total of 122 IMN patients receiving neither glucocorticoid nor immunosuppressant therapy prior to renal biopsies was included and followed for more than 1 year. The control group comprised 30 patients with secondary membranous nephropathy and 100 patients with non‐membranous forms of nephropathy. PLA2R level and IgG subclasses in glomeruli were detected. The primary end‐point was the reduction of proteinuria to less than 50% of baseline value.ResultsA total of 82.0% of patients with IMN had positive glomerular PLA2R deposits, compared with 16.7% in the secondary membranous nephropathy group (P < 0.001). Additionally, PLA2R‐positive expression combined with IgG4 ≥ 2+ was found in 94.3% IMN patients, compared with 40.0% in secondary membranous nephropathy patients (P < 0.01). Among IMN patients, the remission rate of proteinuria after either glucocorticoid or glucocorticoid combined immunosuppressant therapy for at least 6 months was 83.9% in the PLA2R‐positive group compared with 54.5% in the negative group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe positive rate of glomerular PLA2R was more prevalent in IMN patients. Both PLA2R and IgG4 glomerular deposits may help in discriminating between idiopathic and secondary membranous nephropathy. IMN patients with positive PLA2R expression probably have a more beneficial response to glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressant therapy.
Refining and validating a conceptual model of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery
Authors: Bender Miriam , Williams Marjory , Su Wei , Hites Lisle 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsTo empirically validate a conceptual model of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery.BackgroundThere is limited evidence of frontline care delivery models that consistently achieve quality patient outcomes. Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery is a promising nursing model with a growing record of success. However, theoretical clarity is necessary to generate causal evidence of effectiveness.DesignSequential mixed methods.MethodsA preliminary Clinical Nurse Leader practice model was refined and survey items developed to correspond with model domains, using focus groups and a Delphi process with a multi‐professional expert panel. The survey was administered in 2015 to clinicians and administrators involved in Clinical Nurse Leader initiatives. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to validate the measurement and model structure.ResultsFinal sample n = 518. The model incorporates 13 components organized into five conceptual domains: ‘Readiness for Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; ‘Structuring Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; ‘Clinical Nurse Leader Practice: Continuous Clinical Leadership’; ‘Outcomes of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; and ‘Value’. Sample data had good fit with specified model and two‐level measurement structure. All hypothesized pathways were significant, with strong coefficients suggesting good fit between theorized and observed path relationships.ConclusionsThe validated model articulates an explanatory pathway of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery, including Clinical Nurse Leader practices that result in improved care dynamics and patient outcomes. The validated model provides a basis for testing in practice to generate evidence that can be deployed across the healthcare spectrum.
What Effect Does Transition Have on Health and Well‐Being in Young People with Intellectual Disabilities? A Systematic Review
Authors: Young‐Southward Genevieve , Philo Christopher , Cooper Sally‐Ann 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundTransition to adulthood might be a risk period for poor health in people with intellectual disabilities. However, the present authors could find no synthesis of evidence on health and well‐being outcomes during transition in this population. This review aimed to answer this question.MethodPRISMA/MOOSE guidelines were followed. Search terms were defined, electronic searches of six databases were conducted, reference lists and key journals were reviewed, and grey literature was searched. Papers were selected based on clear inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from the selected papers, and their quality was systematically reviewed. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42015016905.ResultsA total of 15 985 articles were extracted; of these, 17 met the inclusion criteria. The results of these articles were mixed but suggested the presence of some health and well‐being issues in this population during transition to adulthood, including obesity and sexual health issues.ConclusionThis review reveals a gap in the literature on transition and health and points to the need for future work in this area.