bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Glucose and Insulin Concentrations after Octreotide Administration in Horses With Insulin Dysregulation
Authors: Frank N. , Hermida P. , Sanchez‐Londoño A. , Singh R. , Gradil C.M. , Uricchio C.K. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundOctreotide is a somatostatin analog that suppresses insulin secretion.HypothesisWe hypothesized that octreotide would suppress insulin concentrations in horses and that normal (N) horses and those with insulin dysregulation (ID) would differ significantly in their plasma glucose and insulin responses to administration of octreotide.AnimalsTwelve horses, N = 5,ID= 7.MethodsProspective study. An oral sugar test was performed to assign horses to N andIDgroups. Octreotide (1.0 μg/kgIV) was then administered, and blood was collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minute, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hour for measurement of glucose and insulin concentrations. Area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated.ResultsMeanAUCvalues for glucose and insulin did not differ between normal (n = 5) andID(n = 7) groups after octreotide injection. Significant time (P< .001) effects were detected for glucose and insulin concentrations. A group × time interaction (P= .091) was detected for insulin concentrations after administration of octreotide, but the group (P= .33) effect was not significant.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOctreotide suppresses insulin secretion, resulting in hyperglycemia, and then concentrations increase above baseline as glycemic control is restored. Our hypothesis that octreotide causes insulin concentrations to decrease in horses was supported, but differences between N andIDgroups did not reach statistical significance when blood glucose and insulin responses were compared. The utility of an octreotide response test remains to be determined.
Removal of perennial herbaceous species affects response of Cold Desert shrublands to fire
Authors: Chambers Jeanne C. , Board David I. , Roundy Bruce A. , Weisberg Peter J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionsTwo of the primary global change factors that threaten shrublands worldwide are loss of native perennial herbaceous species due to inappropriate livestock grazing and loss of native shrubs due to altered fire regimes. We asked: (1) how do the separate and interacting effects of removal of perennial herbaceous species and burning influence relative abundance of plant functional groups over longer time frames; and (2) how do interactions between perennial herbaceous species removal and burning differ along environmental gradients? We discuss implications of our findings for ecosystem resilience to these disturbances.LocationShoshone Mountain Range, Nevada and East Tintic Range, Utah, USA.MethodsWe used a factorial experiment to test effects of perennial herbaceous species removal (0%, 50% and 100%) and burning (burned and not burned) on plant functional group cover along elevation gradients within watersheds characterized by Artemisia tridentata Nutt. vegetation types. The experiment was conducted in two locations (Nevada and Utah) with sites located at low (1960 and 1710 m), mid (2190 and 2085 m) and high (2380 and 2274 m) elevations and was repeated in 2 yr. Percentage cover of native and exotic species and canopy area, density and size of the shrub A. tridentata were evaluated 12 and 13 yr after study implementation.ResultsOver a decade later, removal treatments resulted in highly significant decreases (40–62%) in perennial native grass and forb cover across site elevations. Burning decreased overall shrub and A. tridentata cover, but effects on perennial native grass cover differed among elevations. Removal had strong positive effects on A. tridentata seedling recruitment and resulted in progressive increases in density and canopy area following burning. A. tridentata canopy areas on burned plots with 0%, 50% and 100% removal were 0.19, 0.40 and 0.84 m2, respectively. Annual invasive grass density also increased with degree of removal, and both density and cover decreased with elevation.ConclusionsOur results show that loss of perennial herbaceous species, which can result from inappropriate livestock grazing, and loss of shrubs, which often results from fire, interact to affect key functional groups. The implications are that ecosystem resilience to disturbance in Cold Desert shrublands decreases when competition from perennial native grasses and forbs for available resources no longer prevents dominance by A. tridentata and other shrubs and/or annual invasive grasses. Managing livestock grazing to maintain or increase perennial herbaceous species, especially deep‐rooted grasses, which contribute to resilience along elevation gradients, can help prevent threshold crossings to undesirable states and retain critical ecosystem services following disturbances such as wildfire.
Addressing uncertainties in the environmental sustainability of limno‐reservoirs: insights from the synthesis of multidisciplinary research
Authors: Molina‐Navarro Eugenio , Martínez‐Perez Silvia , Sastre‐Merlín Antonio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLarge reservoirs in the Mediterranean area exhibit a variety of negative impacts resulting from exploitation of their water, many a result of large water‐level fluctuations. Water managers in Spain have implemented various mitigation measures to reduce these negative impacts. One such measure is construction of small dams in the riverine zone of large reservoirs to create a small waterbody with a constant water level (i.e. a ‘limno‐reservoir’) to provide the environmental and recreational services that the main reservoir cannot provide due to water‐level variations. To this end, the Pareja Limno‐reservoir was built in 2006 in a sidearm of the Entrepeñas Reservoir (Guadalajara, central Spain). As its environmental sustainability was not assessed prior to construction, however, there are some uncertainties about the ability of the limno‐reservoir to provide the expected environmental and recreational services. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary study was conducted on the Pareja Limno‐reservoir to shed on its environmental sustainability. This study addressed three relevant issues associated with the limno‐reservoir, focusing on water availability, water quality and the risk of sediment filling. This study reviews the research conducted to date, including an integrative discussion that endeavours to address these issues. The Pareja Limno‐reservoir is currently a successful tourist and recreational aquatic resource. The results of this study, however, reveal its recreational and environmental value may be reduced, especially as a constant water level at the maximum capacity of the limno‐reservoir cannot be guaranteed. The conclusions of this study may be useful for reservoir managers by providing guidelines for assessing the environmental sustainability of limno‐reservoirs.
Performance of mycology and histopathology tests for the diagnosis of toenail onychomycosis due to filamentous fungi: Dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte moulds
Authors: Lavorato Fernanda G. , Guimarães Dávson A. , Premazzi Mario G. , Piñeiro‐Maceira Juan M. , Bernardes‐Engemann Andréa R. , Orofino‐Costa Rosane 
Published: May 2017

SummaryImprovement of laboratory diagnosis of onychomychosis is important so that adequate treatment can be safely implemented. To evaluate and compare the performance of mycological and histopathological examinations in onychomycoses caused by dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte moulds. Patients with lateral/distal subungual onychomycosis in at least one hallux were enrolled in the protocol and assessed via mycological and histopathological tests. The isolation of filamentous fungi was considered the gold standard. Test performance was evaluated through sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values. A total of 212 patients were enrolled in the study. Direct microscopy (DM) was positive in 57.5% patients, and cultures in 34.4%. Among these patients, 23.3% were positive for dermatophytes, with Trichophyton rubrum the most frequently isolated, and 86.3% were positive for non‐dermatophytes, with Neoscytalidium dimidiatum predominance. Histopathology was positive in 41.0% samples. Direct microscopy showed better sensitivity for non‐dermatophyte moulds (P=.000) and nail clipping was more specific for dermatophyte (P=.018). Histopathology of the distal nail plate is a valuable complementary tool for the diagnosis of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and direct microscopy is especially useful for non‐dermatophyte molds.
Scedosporium apiospermum complex in cystic fibrosis; should we treat?
Authors: Noni Maria , Katelari Anna , Kapi Aikaterini , Stathi Angeliki , Dimopoulos George , Doudounakis Stavros‐Eleftherios 
Published: May 2017

SummarySpecies of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex are the second most frequent filamentous fungi after Aspergillus fumigatus that can be found in cystic fibrosis (CF). Mixed colonisation by S. apiospermum complex and A. fumigatus is also quite common. In this study we summarise all CF patients who were colonised by S. apiospermum complex during their childhood and we present two CF patients who were treated as fungal bronchitis due to S. apiospermum complex. The medical records of 400 CF patients were reviewed in order to identify those with positive respiratory cultures for S. apiospermum complex. Scedosporium apiospermum complex was isolated in 10 CF patients and six of them had more than two positive sputum cultures during the study period. By the time of first isolation, the median age was 14.5 years, the median BMI was 19.41 kg/m2, the median predicted FEV1% was 78.65% and six patients had a history of A. fumigatus isolation. Two patients presented symptoms of infection while they were colonised by S. apiospermum complex. A rapid remission of their symptoms was observed only when antifungal therapy was administered. Antifungal treatment should be considered in CF patients who present symptoms of infection not responding to antibacterial therapy and S. apiospermum complex is persistently growing in sputum cultures.
Antifungal prophylaxis in newly diagnosed AML patients–Adherence to guidelines and feasibility in a real life setting
Authors: Berking Sophie , Doedens Daphne , Horns Heidi , Fiegl Michael , Ostermann Helmut , Rieger Christina T. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAntifungal posaconazole prophylaxis for AML patients receiving induction chemotherapy has been routine at our centre since 2009. This retrospective study examined the feasibility and practicability of our prophylaxis guidelines in clinical practice. Data sets of 90 patients undergoing induction‐chemotherapy for AML between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated regarding adherence to local guidelines for the administration of antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. 75.5% of the 90 patients received posaconazole prophylaxis. All but eight patients received the recommended dosage. A total of 77.95% on prophylaxis had serum galactomannan measured twice weekly. Contradicting our guidelines, 89.70% of patients received concomitant therapy with PPI. Overall, 16.17% of patients had prophylaxis discontinued and started empirical antifungal treatment in the absence of diagnostic criteria for IFI. The breakthrough IFI rate was 36.76% (proven, probable and possible) with 7.35% of infections being classified as proven or probable. Although limited by a small sample size, our study demonstrates the feasibility of local guidelines in a real life setting and outlines areas for improvement in both guidelines and clinical practice. We also highlight the importance of ensuring awareness of guidelines and raise questions about a uniform approach to antifungal prophylaxis in AML patients.
Identification of factors required for m6A mRNA methylation in Arabidopsis reveals a role for the conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI
Authors: Růžička Kamil , Zhang Mi , Campilho Ana , Bodi Zsuzsanna , Kashif Muhammad , Saleh Mária , Eeckhout Dominique , El‐Showk Sedeer , Li Hongying , Zhong Silin , De Jaeger Geert , Mongan Nigel P. , Hejátko Jan , Helariutta Ykä , Fray Rupert G. 
Published: May 2017

Summary

N6‐adenosine methylation (m6A) of mRNA is an essential process in most eukaryotes, but its role and the status of factors accompanying this modification are still poorly understood.

Using combined methods of genetics, proteomics and RNA biochemistry, we identified a core set of mRNA m6A writer proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The components required for m6A in Arabidopsis included MTA, MTB, FIP37, VIRILIZER and the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI. Downregulation of these proteins led to reduced relative m6A levels and shared pleiotropic phenotypes, which included aberrant vascular formation in the root, indicating that correct m6A methylation plays a role in developmental decisions during pattern formation.

The conservation of these proteins amongst eukaryotes and the demonstration of a role in writing m6A for the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI is likely to be of considerable relevance beyond the plant sciences.
Nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities interact to modulate leaf trait scaling relationships across six plant functional types in a controlled‐environment study
Authors: Crous Kristine Y. , O'Sullivan Odhran S. , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana , Bloomfield Keith J. , Negrini A. Clarissa A. , Meir Patrick , Turnbull Matthew H. , Griffin Kevin L. , Atkin Owen K. 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have key roles in leaf metabolism, resulting in a strong coupling of chemical composition traits to metabolic rates in field‐based studies. However, in such studies, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of nutrient supply per se on trait–trait relationships.

Our study assessed how high and low N (5 mM and 0.4 mM, respectively) and P (1 mM and 2 μM, respectively) supply in 37 species from six plant functional types (PTFs) affected photosynthesis (A) and respiration (R) (in darkness and light) in a controlled environment.

Low P supply increased scaling exponents (slopes) of area‐based log–log A–N or R–N relationships when N supply was not limiting, whereas there was no P effect under low N supply. By contrast, scaling exponents of A–P and R–P relationships were altered by P and N supply. Neither R : A nor light inhibition of leaf R was affected by nutrient supply. Light inhibition was 26% across nutrient treatments; herbaceous species exhibited a lower degree of light inhibition than woody species.

Because N and P supply modulates leaf trait−trait relationships, the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models may need to consider how limitations in N and P availability affect trait−trait relationships when predicting carbon exchange.
Financial Risk Propensity, Business Cycles and Perceived Risk Exposure
Authors: Bucciol Alessandro , Miniaci Raffaele 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe analyse whether individual financial risk propensity changes over time with background financial conditions, as well as personal and subjective portfolio risk exposure. We elicit risk propensity from six different self‐assessed facets collected in a long panel data set from the DNB Household Survey, annually covering the period 1995–2015. Risk propensity is generally higher during periods of economic growth and lower during periods of recession, but is untrended when elicited, using questions referring to safe investments. Our risk propensity measure is also higher following positive stock market returns or subjectively large risk exposure in own past investments.
The difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic autorefraction and its association with progression of refractive error in Beijing urban children
Authors: Lin Zhong , Vasudevan Balamurali , Ciuffreda Kenneth J. , Zhou Hong Jia , Mao Guang Yun , Wang Ning Li , Liang Yuan Bo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic autorefraction and its association with the progression of refractive error in Beijing urban children.MethodsA total of 386 children aged 6–17 years were enrolled in the baseline investigation of the Beijing Myopia Progression Study in 2010. They were invited for follow‐up vision examinations in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013, including cycloplegic (cyclopentolate 1%, three times) autorefraction. We investigated the difference between the cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) and the non‐cycloplegic SE (DSE) provided by autorefraction and its association with refractive error progression. The progression of refractive error was defined as the difference between the cycloplegic SE at follow‐up and at baseline.ResultsTwo hundred and nineteen children (57%) with completed refractive data (mean ± standard deviation: −1.36 ± 2.44 D at baseline) were ultimately enrolled. The DSE reduced from 0.51 ± 0.72 D at baseline to 0.19 ± 0.43 D in the third year of follow‐up (p = 0.01). The baseline DSE was positively associated with the children's baseline cycloplegic refraction (β = 0.193 dioptre dioptre−1, p < 0.001). After further divided by refractive status, the DSE was consistently higher in the hyperopic group than in either the emmetropic or myopic groups at each follow‐up (all p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, the myopic children with larger baseline DSE (β = −0.404 dioptre dioptre−1, p = 0.01) exhibited more myopic refractive change. However, baseline DSE was not found to be a significant risk factor (relative risk, 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 0.79–1.41) for those with newly developed myopia.ConclusionIn this sample, the children's DSE was found to be increased as the hyperopic refraction increased. Furthermore, greater the DSE was associated with the progression of refractive error among the myopic children, but not with the onset of myopia.
Changing the paradigm for diagnostic MRI in pediatrics: Don't hold your breath
Authors: Masaracchia Melissa M. , Tsapakos Michael J. , McNulty Nancy J. , Beach Michael L. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIncreasingly complex pediatric patients and improvements in technology warrant reevaluation of the risk associated with anesthesia for diagnostic imaging. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for children given the potentially harmful effects of computerized tomography‐associated ionizing radiation, we dare to suggest that certain patients would benefit from the liberalization of our current standard. Incorporating the use of newer computerized tomography technology may improve safety for those that are already at higher risk for adverse events. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging is not risk‐free—what is often overlooked is the need for controlled ventilation and breath‐holding to minimize motion artifact. As physicians at the forefront of the development and sustainability of the perioperative surgical home, anesthesiologists must work to not only optimize patients preoperatively but should also act as gatekeepers for procedural safety.
Quantification of root water uptake in soil using X‐ray computed tomography and image‐based modelling
Authors: Daly Keith R. , Tracy Saoirse R. , Crout Neil M.J. , Mairhofer Stefan , Pridmore Tony P. , Mooney Sacha J. , Roose Tiina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSpatially averaged models of root–soil interactions are often used to calculate plant water uptake. Using a combination of X‐ray computed tomography (CT) and image‐based modelling, we tested the accuracy of this spatial averaging by directly calculating plant water uptake for young wheat plants in two soil types. The root system was imaged using X‐ray CT at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 d after transplanting. The roots were segmented using semi‐automated root tracking for speed and reproducibility. The segmented geometries were converted to a mesh suitable for the numerical solution of Richards' equation. Richards' equation was parameterized using existing pore scale studies of soil hydraulic properties in the rhizosphere of wheat plants. Image‐based modelling allows the spatial distribution of water around the root to be visualized and the fluxes into the root to be calculated. By comparing the results obtained through image‐based modelling to spatially averaged models, the impact of root architecture and geometry in water uptake was quantified. We observed that the spatially averaged models performed well in comparison to the image‐based models with <2% difference in uptake. However, the spatial averaging loses important information regarding the spatial distribution of water near the root system.
Recognizing Latinos’ range of skin pigment and phototypes to enhance skin cancer prevention
Authors: Robinson June K. , Penedo Frank J. , Hay Jennifer L. , Jablonski Nina G. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryLatinos in the United States may have the mistaken assumption that their natural pigmentation protects them from developing skin cancer that, effectively, serves as a barrier to Latinos receiving education in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer. Latino adults of Mexican or Puerto Rican heritage attending community health fairs in the greater Chicago area responded to a culturally informed and sensitive measure for sunburn and tan, which was previously adapted to capture skin irritation with tenderness from the sun occurring in darker skin types (n = 350). By self‐reported responses and spectrophotometry assessment of constitutive pigmentation, adapted Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) ranged from skin type I–IV in the Mexican American participants and from II to V in the Puerto Rican participants. The objectively measured proportion of adapted FST II skin type was greater than commonly perceived and demonstrated that many Latinos do indeed have sun‐sensitive skin.
Interactions Between phyB and PIF Proteins Alter Thermal Reversion Reactions in vitro
Authors: Smith Robert W. , Helwig Britta , Westphal Adrie H. , Pel Eran , Borst Jan Willem , Fleck Christian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe dynamic behavior of the plant red/far‐red light photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) has been elucidated in natural and synthetic systems. Red light switches phyB from the inactive Pr state to the active Pfr state, a process that is reversed by far‐red light. Alongside light signals, phyB activity is constrained by thermal reversion (that is prominent in the dark) and protein–protein interactions between phyB, other phytochrome molecules, and, among others, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs). Requirements for phyB‐PIF association have been well studied and are central to light‐regulated synthetic tools. However, it is unknown whether PIF interactions influence transitions of phyB between different conformers. Here, we show that the in vitro thermal reversion of phyB involves multiple reactions. Thermal reversion of phyB in vitro is inhibited by PIF6, and this effect is observed at all temperatures tested. We analyzed our experimental data using a mathematical model containing multiple Pfr conformers, in accordance with previous findings. Remarkably, each Pfr conformer is differentially regulated by PIF6 and temperature. As a result, we speculate that in vivo phytochrome signaling networks may require similar levels of complexity to fine‐tune responses to the external environment.