bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonic gas homeostasis: Mechanisms of adaptation following HOST‐G904 galactooligosaccharide use in humans
Authors: Mego M. , Accarino A. , Tzortzis G. , Vulevic J. , Gibson G. , Guarner F. , Azpiroz F. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundWe have shown that a galactooligosaccharide prebiotic administration (HOST‐G904) initially increased intestinal gas production and this increase declined back to baseline after 2 week administration. Our aim was to determine the mechanism of microbiota adaptation; i.e., to determine whether the net reduction is due to decreased overall production or increased gas consumption.MethodsIn 10 healthy subjects, intestinal gas production and intraluminal disposal was measured before, at the beginning and after 2 week of HOST‐G904 prebiotic administration. Anal gas was collected for 4 hour after a probe meal. Paired studies were performed without and with high‐rate infusion of exogenous gas (24 mL/min) into the jejunum to wash‐out the endogenous gas produced by bacterial fermentation. The exogenous gas infused was labeled (5% SF6) to calculate the proportion of endogenous gas evacuated.Key ResultsThe volume of intestinal gas produced i.e., endogenous gas washed‐out, increased by 37% at the beginning of HOST‐G904 administration (P=.049 vs preadministration) and decreased down to preadministration level after 2 week administration (P=.030 vs early administration). The proportion of gas eliminated from the lumen before reaching the anus tended to increase after 2‐week administration (87±3% vs 78±5% preadministration; P=.098).Conclusions & InferencesAdaptation to regular consumption of HOST‐G904 prebiotic involves a shift in microbiota metabolism toward low‐gas producing pathways, with a non‐significant increase in gas‐consuming activity. Hence, regular consumption of HOST‐G904 regulates intestinal gas metabolism: less gas is produced and a somewhat larger proportion of it is consumed.
A signature of tree health? Shifts in the microbiome and the ecological drivers of horse chestnut bleeding canker disease
Authors: Koskella Britt , Meaden Sean , Crowther William J. , Leimu Roosa , Metcalf C. Jessica E. 
Published: April 2017

Summary

Host susceptibility to pathogens can be shaped by genetic, ecological, and evolutionary factors. The ability to predict the spread of disease therefore requires an integrated understanding of these factors, including effects of pests on pathogen growth and competition between pathogens and commensal microbiota for host resources. We examined interactions between the leaf‐mining moth Cameraria ohridella, the bacterial causal agent of bleeding canker disease Pseudomonas syringae pv aesculi, and the bark‐associated microbiota of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees.

Through surveys of > 900 trees from 60 sites in the UK, we tested for ecological or life history predictors of leaf miner infestation, bleeding canker, or coinfection. Using culture‐independent sequencing, we then compared the bark microbiomes from 46 trees to measure the association between microbiome composition and key ecological variables, including the severity of disease.

Both pest and pathogen were found to respond to tree characteristics, but neither explained damage inflicted by the other. However, we found a clear loss of microbial diversity and associated shift in microbiome composition of trees as a function of disease.

These results show a link between bark‐associated microbiota and tree health that introduces the intriguing possibility that tree microbiota play key roles in the spread of disease.
Explaining the apparent paradox of persistent selection for early flowering
Authors: Austen Emily J. , Rowe Locke , Stinchcombe John R. , Forrest Jessica R. K. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryDecades of observation in natural plant populations have revealed pervasive phenotypic selection for early flowering onset. This consistent pattern seems at odds with life‐history theory, which predicts stabilizing selection on age and size at reproduction. Why is selection for later flowering rare? Moreover, extensive evidence demonstrates that flowering time can and does evolve. What maintains ongoing directional selection for early flowering? Several non‐mutually exclusive processes can help to reconcile the apparent paradox of selection for early flowering. We outline four: selection through other fitness components may counter observed fecundity selection for early flowering; asymmetry in the flowering‐time–fitness function may make selection for later flowering hard to detect; flowering time and fitness may be condition‐dependent; and selection on flowering duration is largely unaccounted for. In this Viewpoint, we develop these four mechanisms, and highlight areas where further study will improve our understanding of flowering‐time evolution.
In vitro evaluation of the influence of velocity on sliding resistance of stainless steel arch wires in a self‐ligating orthodontic bracket
Authors: Savoldi F. , Visconti L. , Dalessandri D. , Bonetti S. , Tsoi J. K. H. , Matinlinna J. P. , Paganelli C. 
Published: April 2017

Structured AbstractIntroductionOf the variables used by in vitro studies of resistance to sliding (RS) in orthodontics, sliding velocity (SV) of the wire is often the one farthest from its clinical counterpart. We investigated whether velocity influences the RS at values approximating the orthodontic movement.MethodsA SS self‐ligating bracket with a NiTi clip was fixed onto a custom‐made model. Different shaped orthodontic SS wires of four sizes and two types (round, 0.020″ and 0.022″; rectangular, 0.016″×0.022″ and 0.017″×0.025″) were tested using an Instron® testing machine. Wires were pulled at four velocities (1×10−2 mm/s, 1×10−3 mm/s, 1×10−4 mm/s, 1×10−5 mm/s). Shapiro‐Wilk test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of the data; two‐way ANOVA was performed to compare means in the RS with wire characteristics and SV. Significance level was set at P<.05.ResultsRS was higher for rectangular wires, and for those with larger diameters. Lower SV was associated with lower RS, with wire type and size having an interaction effect. The RS relatively to SV can be represented as: RS ∝ α[ln(SV)]+β, where α and β are constants.ConclusionsAt very low SV and low normal forces, SV influences the RS of SS archwires in orthodontic brackets, and the proportionality is logarithmic. Although respecting these parameters in vitro is challenging, quantitative evaluations of RS should be carried out at clinically relevant velocities if aiming at translational application in the clinical scenario.
Healthcare Costs and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Fibromyalgia: Combination Medication vs. Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Venlafaxine, and Pregabalin Initiators
Authors: Marlow Nicole M. , Simpson Kit N. , Vaughn Ivana A. , Jo Ara , Zoller James S. , Short Edward B. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine medication adherence and healthcare costs for combination prescription initiators (duloxetine/milnacipran/venlafaxine with pregabalin) vs. monotherapy initiators (duloxetine, milnacipran, venlafaxine, and pregabalin) among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).MethodsOur retrospective cohort study used claims data for the South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield State Health Plan (SHP). Patients with FMS ≥ 18 years of age, with prescription initiation from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2010, and SHP enrollment for 12 months pre‐ and post‐index periods were included (combination: n = 100; pregabalin: n = 665; duloxetine: n = 713; milnacipran: n = 131; venlafaxine: n = 272). Medication adherence measures included high adherence (medication possession ratio ≥ 80%) and total supply days. Healthcare costs comprised direct medical expenditures. Propensity score methods of inverse probability of treatment weights were used to control for selection bias due to differing pre‐index characteristics.ResultsOdds ratios for high adherence were significantly increased (P < 0.05) among the combination cohort vs. the venlafaxine (2.15), duloxetine (1.39), and pregabalin (2.20) cohorts. Rate ratios for total supply days were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for combination vs. venlafaxine (1.23), duloxetine (1.08), and pregabalin (1.32) cohorts. Expenditures for total health care were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for combination vs. duloxetine ($26,291 vs. $17,190), milnacipran ($33,638 vs. $22,886), and venlafaxine ($26,586 vs. $16,857) cohorts.ConclusionsMedication adherence was considerably better for combination prescription initiators; however, expenditures for total health care were higher. Still, our findings suggest important clinical benefits with the use of combination prescription therapy, and prospective studies of medication adherence are warranted to examine causal relationships with outcomes not captured by healthcare claims databases.
Defensive High‐Anxious Individuals Demonstrate Difference Responses to Pain Management to Those with Lower Levels of Defensiveness and Anxiety
Authors: Franklin Zoe C. , Fowler Neil. E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesFew studies have considered the effect of Weinberger et al.'s personality types on the management of pain. The aims of this study were to (1) identify whether the relationships between pain intensity, cognitive factors, and disability at 3 and 6 months postbaseline differ as a result of personality type; and (2) identify whether personality type affects the likelihood of achieving a minimal clinically important change in pain intensity or disability at 3 and 6 months.MethodPatients completed a set of validated questionnaires assessing personality type, cognitive factors, pain intensity, and disability at 3 and 6 months postbaseline.ResultsA greater proportion of defensive high‐anxious individuals reported improvement for both pain (3 months = 25%; 6 months = 38%) and disability (3 months = 35%; 6 months = 50%) and showed stronger links between improvements in pain and disability and baseline psychological factors than nonextreme individuals.ConclusionsThe high proportion of defensive high‐anxious individuals highlights the need for psychologically based interventions to be delivered earlier in the care process. Stratifying the population, based on personality type, may allow for more targeted interventions, which could be more cost effective and reduce the number of patients remaining in the care system.
Desmoid‐type fibromatosis in a boy with Down syndrome
Authors: Ishida Hisashi , Chayama Kousuke , Kanamitsu Kiichiro , Washio Kana , Tanaka Takehiro , Shimada Akira 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPatients with Down syndrome (DS) have a markedly higher incidence of childhood leukemia, but a lower incidence of most solid tumors, compared with age‐matched euploid individuals. Trisomy 21 might be protective against tumorigenesis because of several tumor suppressive mechanisms. Desmoid‐type fibromatosis (DF) is a rare monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferation characterized by a variable clinical course. In recent reports, almost all cases of DF involved genomic alterations associated with activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Here, we report the case of a boy with DS who developed DF without activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of DS involving DF.
Provenance effect on carbon assimilation, photochemistry and leaf morphology in Mediterranean Cistus species under chilling stress
Authors: Puglielli G. , Cuevas Román F. J. , Catoni R. , Moreno Rojas J. M. , Gratani L. , Varone L. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

The potential resilience of shrub species to environmental change deserves attention in those areas threatened by climate change, such as the Mediterranean Basin. We asked if leaves produced under different climate conditions through the winter season to spring can highlight the leaf traits involved in determining potential resilience of three Cistus spp. to changing environmental conditions and to what extent intraspecific differences affect such a response.
We analysed carbon assimilation, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and leaf morphological control of the photosynthetic process in leaves formed through the winter season into spring in C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus (CE), C. salvifolius (CS) and C. monspeliensis (CM) grown from seed of different provenances under common garden conditions.
Intraspecific differences were found in Fv/Fm for CE and CS. Carbon assimilation‐related parameters were not affected by provenance. Moreover, our analysis highlighted that the functional relationships investigated can follow seasonal changes and revealed patterns originating from species‐specific differences in LMA arising during the favourable period.
Cistus spp. have great ability to modify the structure and function of their leaves in the mid‐term in order to cope with changing environmental conditions. The Fv/Fm response to chilling reveals that susceptibility to photoinhibition is a trait under selection in Cistus species. Concerning carbon assimilation, differing ability to control stomatal opening was highlighted between species. Moreover, seasonal changes of the functional relationships investigated can have predictable consequences on species leaf turnover strategies.
Labor Informality: Choice or Sign of Segmentation? A Quantile Regression Approach at the Regional Level for Colombia
Authors: García Gustavo A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe labor market in developing countries is remarkably heterogeneous, with a small productive formal sector characterized by high wages and attractive employment conditions, and a large informal sector characterized by low productivity and volatile wages. The informal sector is particularly diverse. In this paper, we examine the heterogeneity of the informal sector at the regional level in Colombia. In general, our findings suggest that both voluntary and involuntary informal employment co‐exist by choice and as a consequence of labor market segmentation. We also find that there are striking differences in labor market characteristics across cities, particularly with respect to informal employment.
‘Making it Count’: Incentives, Student Effort and Performance
Authors: Chevalier Arnaud , Dolton Peter , Lührmann Melanie 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe paper examines how incentives to participate in on-line assessments (quizzes) affect students’ effort and performance. Our identification strategy exploits within-student weekly variation in incentives to attempt on-line quizzes. We find that tournament incentives and participation incentives are ineffective in increasing quiz participation. In contrast, making the quiz count towards the final grade substantially increases participation. We find no evidence of displacement of effort between weeks. Using a natural experiment which provides variation in assessment weighting of the quizzes between two cohorts, we find that affected students obtain better examination grades. We estimate the return to 10% assessment weighting to be around 0.27 of a standard deviation in the in-term examination grade. We find no evidence that assessment weighting has unintended consequences, i.e. that increased quiz effort displaces effort over the year, reduces other forms of effort or reduces (effort and thus) performance in other courses. Finally, assessment weighting induced effort increases most for students at and below median ability, resulting in a reduction of the grade gap by 17%.
Understanding intergroup relations through the lens of implicit theories (mindsets) of malleability
Authors: Rattan Aneeta , Georgeac Oriane A.M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis review argues that implicit theories of malleability are essential constructs for the study of intergroup dynamics. As one of people's core meaning‐making tools, mindsets about malleability shed light on the mechanisms behind perceivers' tendency to stereotype and feel prejudiced towards targets, as well as on the mechanisms underlying targets' ability to shield against, and potentially confront, bias. In addition to illuminating cross‐group interaction dynamics between individuals, mindsets contribute to explaining the harmful processes at play in real‐world protracted conflicts and suggest interventions that may help lay the ground for peace processes. This review also aims to highlight areas of research that remain open for further investigation or that have been overlooked to date. We argue that research integrating mindsets and intergroup relations will advance our understanding of intergroup dynamics, as well as possibly offering insights on how to improve them, and that this approach will also further the study of lay theories of malleability.
A psychology of the human brain–gut–microbiome axis
Authors: Allen Andrew P. , Dinan Timothy G. , Clarke Gerard , Cryan John F. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn recent years, we have seen increasing research within neuroscience and biopsychology on the interactions between the brain, the gastrointestinal tract, the bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract, and the bidirectional relationship between these systems: the brain–gut–microbiome axis. Although research has demonstrated that the gut microbiota can impact upon cognition and a variety of stress‐related behaviours, including those relevant to anxiety and depression, we still do not know how this occurs. A deeper understanding of how psychological development as well as social and cultural factors impact upon the brain–gut–microbiome axis will contextualise the role of the axis in humans and inform psychological interventions that improve health within the brain–gut–microbiome axis. Interventions ostensibly aimed at ameliorating disorders in one part of the brain–gut–microbiome axis (e.g., psychotherapy for depression) may nonetheless impact upon other parts of the axis (e.g., microbiome composition and function), and functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome represent a disorder of the axis, rather than an isolated problem either of psychology or of gastrointestinal function. The discipline of psychology needs to be cognisant of these interactions and can help to inform the future research agenda in this emerging field of research. In this review, we outline the role psychology has to play in understanding the brain–gut–microbiome axis, with a focus on human psychology and the use of research in laboratory animals to model human psychology.
A national survey of screening and management of hypogammaglobulinemia in Canadian transplantation centers
Authors: Bourassa‐Blanchette Samuel , Knoll Greg , Tay Jason , Bredeson Christopher , Cameron Donald W. , Cowan Juthaporn 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundInfection remains one of the most common transplant‐related causes of death in patients undergoing transplantation. Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) as a component of immune suppression and deficiency is associated with both solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Available data and clinical experience for the supplementation of immunoglobulin (Ig) in these patients is conflicting, and differing clinical opinion accounts for non‐uniform practice in the use of Ig treatment. We aimed to survey lead transplant practitioners for current practice around polyvalent Ig use in post‐transplant recipients across Canada.MethodsWe performed a survey study using short questionnaires to estimate rate of screening of HGG, use of polyvalent Ig, and physician's opinion on Ig treatment and infection prevention. Directors of 24 SOT and 23 HCT centers across Canada were invited to participate in the survey via an electronic mail.ResultsOverall response rate was 63.8%. Twenty percent of SOT programs routinely measured Ig levels pre‐transplant compared to 33% of allogeneic (allo‐) and 21% of autologous (auto‐) HCT programs. Post‐transplant Ig levels were measured in 13%, 75%, and 29% in SOT, allo‐HCT, and auto‐HCT, respectively. The SOT and auto‐HCT groups indicated that they do not prescribe Ig therapy (100% and 86%), contrary to the allo‐HCT group (42%). Of the respondents in the SOT, allo‐HCT, and auto‐HCT groups, 60%, 67%, and 36%, respectively, thought infections could be prevented with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg). A majority of respondents indicated they would be interested in participating in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of IVIg in the SOT and in both HCT groups (100%, 83%, and 57%, respectively).ConclusionsOur study shows significant variation in practice between SOT and HCT centers with respect to screening and management of HGG. There is willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial to address whether Ig treatment reduces infection in post‐transplant recipients.
Biofilms of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses with reduced azole susceptibility: a complicating factor for the treatment of keratomycosis?
Authors: Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Bittencourt Paula Vago , de Souza Collares Castelo‐Branco Débora , de Melo Guedes Glaucia Morgana , de Oliveira Jonathas Sales , Alencar Lucas Pereira , de Aguiar Cordeiro Rossana , Pinheiro Mariana , Nogueira‐Filho Evilázio Fernandes , de Aquino Pereira‐Neto Waldemiro , Sidrim José Júlio Costa , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the biofilm‐forming ability of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses and to investigate the antifungal susceptibility of these biofilms.ProceduresInitially, the biofilm‐forming ability of 15 strains was assessed by crystal violet staining, which reveals the fungal biomass adhered to the polystyrene plates, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and caspofungin were initially determined against strains in planktonic form. Afterward, antifungal susceptibility of mature biofilms was evaluated by exposing them to 10 × MIC and 50 × MIC of the tested drugs, followed by the assessment of their metabolic activity, using the oxidoreduction indicator XTT. Results were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey's post‐test, and P‐values below 5% led to significant conclusions.ResultsEight strains produced biofilms and were classified as strong (1/15), moderate (3/15) and weak (4/15) producers, according to the amount of crystal violet retained by the adhered fungal biomass. Biofilm metabolic activity of one C. tropicalis did not decrease after exposure to the tested antifungals, while biofilm metabolic activity of five strains was reduced by amphotericin B, but not the other drugs. One C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and one C. glabrata showed significant reduction in biofilm metabolic activity after exposure to fluconazole, itraconazole, and caspofungin, but not amphotericin B.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that Candida from the ocular conjunctiva of horses can pose as a risk to animal health as they are capable of forming biofilms, which are commonly involved in fungal keratitis.