bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reclamation strategies for mined forest soils and overstorey drive understorey vegetation
Authors: Chen Han Y.H. , Biswas Shekhar R. , Sobey Timothy M. , Brassard Brian W. , Bartels Samuel F. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Understorey vegetation accounts for the majority of plant diversity in boreal forest ecosystems and contributes to ecosystem functioning. In restoration of degraded forested ecosystems, however, understorey vegetation is often restored passively, contrasting to clear strategies such as informed species choice and site improvement intervention for overstorey vegetation. The choice of overstorey‐centred restoration strategy may have important consequences for understorey vegetation.

We examined the effects of substrate material, overstorey type and time since reclamation (age) on understorey vegetation following reclamation of oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. We sampled cover, richness, evenness and composition of understorey vegetation at 94 sites of conifer, mixedwood and broadleaf overstorey types on three reclamation substrates (overburden, secondary overburden and tailings sand), with age ranging from 4 to 30 years.

Total, woody and non‐woody understorey cover and species richness were the highest on secondary overburden and the lowest on tailings sand, and total cover also decreased with age. Woody cover and richness were the highest under broadleaf overstorey, while non‐woody cover and richness were the lowest under conifer overstorey. Overall species evenness was not significantly affected by substrate type, overstorey type or age, but woody evenness was the highest on secondary overburden and the lowest on tailings sand, and non‐woody evenness showed overstorey‐dependent responses to age. Species composition varied with substrate type, overstorey type and age. Indicator species analysis revealed that tailings sand with conifer overstorey favoured grasses, while overburden and secondary overburden supported a mix of grasses, forbs and shrubs.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates that overstorey‐centred reclamation strategies impact the abundance, diversity and composition of understorey plant communities following oil sands mining. Landforms constructed with secondary overburden substrates and revegetated with mixedwood or broadleaf tree species provide the most favourable habitats for understorey vegetation, while tailings sand provide a poor substrate for understorey species diversity and composition. We therefore recommend utilizing secondary overburden and overburden substrate material during landform construction, and employing revegetation prescriptions that target mixedwood and broadleaf overstorey types to promote productive and diverse understorey plant communities on the reclaimed landscape.
Synergistic effect of spexin and progesterone on pain sensitivity attenuation in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Moazen Parisa , Taherianfard Mahnaz , Ahmadi Soleimani Mohammad , Norozpor Mitra 
Published: September 2017

SummarySpexin is a central modulator of nociception. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of intra‐hippocampalCA3 (IHCA3) injection of spexin and spexin‐progesterone co‐administration on pain sensitivity in ovariectomized rat. Thirty‐five adult female rats were divided into five groups. Sham: the animals received injection of 0.5 μLACSFbyIHCA3. Experiments 1 and 2: the animals received injection of 0.5 μL of spexin bilaterally (10 and 30 nmol/rat respectively). Experiments 3 and 4: the animals received injection of 0.5 μL of spexin bilaterally (10 and 30 nmol/rat respectively) + subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of progesterone (5 mg/kg). Ovariectomy was performed in all groups to eliminate the effects of cyclic changes in the female rats. The formalin test (formalin 2.5%) was performed following the administration of spexin and progesterone. Results showed that bilateral injection of spexin inIHCA3 at both concentrations a significant (P < .05) decrease in the pain sensitivity in the two phases of formalin test. Similarly, the bilateral injection of spexin inIHCA3 at both concentrations following the s.c. injection of progesterone significantly (P < .05) decreases pain sensitivity in two phases of the formalin test. This pain attenuation due to the co‐administration of spexin and progesterone was more potent than spexin‐induced analgesia. According to the present results, spexin has a modulatory effect on pain sensitivity, which becomes more pronounced by progesterone administration.
Age‐dependent electrocardiographic changes in Pgc‐1β deficient murine hearts
Authors: Ahmad Shiraz , Valli Haseeb , Salvage Samantha C , Grace Andrew A , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Huang Christopher L‐H 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIncreasing evidence implicates chronic energetic dysfunction in human cardiac arrhythmias. Mitochondrial impairment through Pgc‐1β knockout is known to produce a murine arrhythmic phenotype. However, the cumulative effect of this with advancing age and its electrocardiographic basis have not been previously studied. Young (12‐16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks), wild type (WT) (n = 5 and 8) and Pgc‐1β−/− (n = 9 and 6), mice were anaesthetised and used for electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings. Time intervals separating successive ECG deflections were analysed for differences between groups before and after β1‐adrenergic (intraperitoneal dobutamine 3 mg/kg) challenge. Heart rates before dobutamine challenge were indistinguishable between groups. The Pgc‐1β−/− genotype however displayed compromised nodal function in response to adrenergic challenge. This manifested as an impaired heart rate response suggesting a functional defect at the level of the sino‐atrial node, and a negative dromotropic response suggesting an atrioventricular conduction defect. Incidences of the latter were most pronounced in the aged Pgc‐1β−/− mice. Moreover, Pgc‐1β−/− mice displayed electrocardiographic features consistent with the existence of a pro‐arrhythmic substrate. Firstly, ventricular activation was prolonged in these mice consistent with slowed action potential conduction and is reported here for the first time. Additionally, Pgc‐1β−/− mice had shorter repolarisation intervals. These were likely attributable to altered K+ conductance properties, ultimately resulting in a shortened QTc interval, which is also known to be associated with increased arrhythmic risk. ECG analysis thus yielded electrophysiological findings bearing on potential arrhythmogenicity in intact Pgc‐1β−/− systems in widespread cardiac regions.
Organic and Low‐Input Dairy Farming: Avenues to Enhance Sustainability and Competitiveness in the EU
Authors: Scollan Nigel , Padel Susanne , Halberg Niels , Hermansen John , Nicholas Pip , Rinne Marketta , Zanoli Raffaele , Zollitsch Werner , Lauwers Ludwig 
Published: September 2017

SummaryWhether farming strategies built on continuing input intensification or relying on integrated natural resource management are more sustainable and competitive is at the core of the agricultural development debate. The five‐year (2011–16) Sustainable Organic and Low Input Dairying (SOLID) project, funded by the European Commission, involved 25 partners across 10 European countries and was designed to support innovation in European organic and low‐input dairy farming. Results show that such systems are very diverse, and need tailor‐made farm‐specific strategies and related policy measures. This article shows that low‐input dairying has country‐specific farm characteristics, and is potentially competitive when compared to more intensive dairying systems. Certified organic dairy farms commonly receive a price premium. Such market differentiation to attract a premium is not currently an eligible strategy for low‐input systems, but cost savings on input use are possible. Both low‐input and organic dairy farming systems can adopt innovative farming strategies to improve competitiveness. SOLID adopted a participatory approach for research and dissemination, by undertaking innovative science to answer practical problems. In working with farmers and other stakeholders, methodologies were developed to identify opportunities and novel strategies to enhance profitability, such as changes in breeding and feeding strategies, and provide support systems for on‐farm use.
Structural Features, Antitumor and Antioxidant Activities of Rice Bran Polysaccharides Using Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Han Wenfang , Li Jiangtao , Ding Yuqin , Xiong Shanbai , Zhao Siming 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, rice bran polysaccharides (RBP) were extracted using the hydrothermal method (RBP‐H), microwave‐assisted extraction (RBP‐M) and enzyme‐assisted extraction (RBP‐E). The prepared RBP samples exhibited the typical spectral patterns of polysaccharides, but differed in chemical composition, molecular features, antitumor and antioxidant activities. The molecular weights (Mw) of RBP‐H, RBP‐M, and RBP‐E were 1.03 × 105, 2.62 × 105, and 0.46 × 105 g/mol, respectively. In vitro, all RBP samples significantly inhibited mouse sarcoma S180 cells viability in a dose‐dependent manner. In vivo, RBP‐M or RBP‐E could not only inhibit the growth of the tumor, but also enhance the spleen index. In addition, RBP‐E could induce an enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities and a scavenging effect on malondialdehyde. This study demonstrated that the effective antitumor activity of RBP may be owed to its enhancement of antioxidant activity function. The present work suggested that RBP, especially RBP‐E could be a safe and effective antitumor, bioactive agent or functional food.Practical ApplicationPolysaccharides is extracted from rice bran (RBP) using hydrothermal, microwave‐assisted and enzyme‐assisted extraction methods. The results suggested that the antitumor activity of RBP was associated with enhancement of immunization and antioxidant. RBP could be explored as a natural antitumor and antioxidant agent applied in medicines and functional foods.
Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Pseudomonas fluorescens with Biofilm Formation Ability
Authors: Xu Yu , Chen Wanyi , You Chunping , Liu Zhenmin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUnder the cold storage and processing conditions of raw milk, the psychrotrophic Pseudomonas fluorescens is usually found as predominant bacteria causing its spoilage. In this study, a multiplex PCR assay was developed for rapid and selective detection of P. fluorescens with biofilm formation ability. The target sequences were 2 genes (adnA and fliC) related to biofilm formation and flagella biosynthesis of P. fluorescens. The specificity of the mPCR assay was evaluated with 7 reference strains, isolated from raw milk, belonging to P. fluorescens, Pseudomonas fragi, Pseudomonas lundensis, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, and 2 unclassified Pseudomonas species (Pseudomonas sp1 and Pseudomonas sp8). The detection limit for the target strain was 102 CFU/mL. Seventy‐three strains were evaluated by the mPCR assay. The adnA gene was detected in 23 strains while fliC gene was detected in only 3 strains. However, both target genes (adnA and fliC) were detected by amplification in 12 strains belonging to P. fluorescens species. The biofilm formation ability of P. fluorescens following cultivation in 10% UHT milk at 30 °C or 4 °C were evaluated by the microtiter plate assay. The result showed that all the P. fluorescens strains with the target gene (adnA or fliC, or both 2 genes) had the biofilm‐forming ability. The phylogenetic analysis showed that adnA gene tree had a higher resolution than rpoB tree, and the strains in adnA phylogenetic dendrogram could be divided into 4 different groups according with the matrix of their biofilm‐forming ability. The results indicated a promising use of adnA gene as a taxonomic marker for subdividing P. fluorescens.Practical ApplicationA mPCR assay targeting adnA and fliC genes showed rapid and reliable detection of P. fluorescens with biofilm formation ability, which could be useful to detect this contamination in milk samples.
Risk factors of lymph node metastasis in 1620 early gastric carcinoma radical resections in Jiangsu Province in China: A multicenter clinicopathological study
Authors: Chen Ling , Wang Yao Hui , Cheng Yu Qing , Du Ming Zhan , Shi Jiong , Fan Xiang Shan , Zhou Xiao Li , Zhang Yi Fen , Guo Ling Chuan , Xu Gui Fang , He Ya Min , Zhou Dan , Zou Xiao Ping , Huang Qin , Team The Jiangsu Province Early Gastric Carcinoma Multicenter Stu 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVETo investigate risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric carcinoma (EGC) in four tertiary medical centers in Jiangsu Province, China.METHODSAmong 10 097 consecutive combined gastric cancer radical resections, 1903 EGC were identified and reviewed, 283 excluded and 1620 included in the study. All pathological and some endoscopic reports were reviewed for patients’ characteristics, tumor location, gross features, and the number of lymph nodes retrieved and involved. Two pathologists independently investigated the pathological features of tumor type, differentiation, invasion depth, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and perineural invasion. The data were statistically analyzed to identify risk factors for LNM.RESULTSThe average number of lymph nodes retrieved was 17.5 per patient. LNM was diagnosed in 15.5%. By univariate analysis, significant risk factors for LNM included age ≥ 41 years, female sex, size over 1 cm, submucosal invasion, poor differentiation, poorly cohesive carcinoma, micropapillary adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma mixed with signet‐ring cell carcinoma, LVI, perineural invasion, and distal gastric location. By multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for LNM were size ≥ 3 cm (odds ratio [OR] 1.9), poor differentiation (OR 2.5), adenocarcinoma mixed with signet‐ring cell carcinoma (OR 1.7), LVI (OR 5.8) and submucosal invasion (OR 2.9). In contrast, size < 3 cm and ulcer were not significant risk factors. Early cardiac carcinoma (OR 0.4) had significantly lower risk.CONCLUSIONSIndependent risk factors for LNM in EGC in Chinese patients included tumor size ≥ 3 cm, poor differentiation, submucosal invasion, adenocarcinoma mixed with signet‐ring cell carcinoma and LVI. Early cardiac carcinoma had a significantly lower risk for LNM.
Post‐embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in swine and bovine tissues in South America: implications for forensic entomology
Authors: Salazar‐Souza Mônica , Couri Marcia Souto , Aguiar Valéria Magalhães 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNecrophagous diptera are used in forensic entomology to measure the post‐mortem interval (PMI) of cadavers. PMI estimates based on fly larvae, however, can be inaccurate when larval development is retarded, or accelerated, by the nutritional composition of the cadaveric tissue. We compared the post‐embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1830) on different tissues of pigs and cows. Forty newly hatched fly larvae per treatment were placed on 60 g of the following swine tissues: liver (T1), swine lung (T2), swine heart (T3), swine muscle (T4), bovine heart (T5), bovine lung (T6) and bovine muscle (T7). There were four replicates/treatment. Experiments were conducted in controlled conditions (28°C day/26°C night, RH 70% ± 10% and 12 h of photophase). Fly larvae reared on swine liver took longer to develop (5.2 days) than flies reared on other substrates (from 3.5 to 4.5 days), and this difference was statistically significant. The total duration of development on swine liver (T1) was significantly slower (8.7 days) when compared to the other treatments. Larvae reared on swine lungs (T2) were significantly heavier in the third instar (
= 61.2 mg) than larvae reared on swine liver (T1), swine muscle (T4), bovine lung (T6) and bovine muscle (T7). Total larval survival was high (above 76%) in all treatments except for T1 (66%). There was no deviation from the expected adult sex ratio, and the percentage of abnormalities remained within the expected range. These results reinforce the idea that, to achieve greater accuracy in PMI estimates, the type of tissue on which the larvae develops needs to be taken into account.
Cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in practice: Results from a multi‐institutional quantitative survey and implications for policy change
Authors: Rankin Nicole M. , Lai Michelle , Miller Danielle , Beale Philip , Spigelman Allan , Prest Gabrielle , Turley Kim , Simes John 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimMultidisciplinary care is advocated as best practice in cancer care. Relatively little is documented about multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting functioning, decision making and the use of evidence to support decision making in Australia. This descriptive study aimed to examine team functioning, the role of team meetings and evidence use in MDTs whose institutions are members of Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer Research Centre.MethodsWe designed a structured 40‐item survey instrument about topics that included meeting purpose, organization, resources and documentation; caseload estimates; use of evidence and quality assurance; patient involvement and supportive care needs; and open‐ended items about the MDTs strengths and weaknesses. Participants were invited to participate via email and the survey was administered online. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.ResultsThirty‐seven MDTs from seven hospitals participated (100% response) and represented common (70%) and rare tumor groups (30%). MDT meeting purpose was reported as treatment (100%) or diagnostic decision making (88%), or for education purposes (70%). Most MDTs based treatment decisions on group consensus (92%), adherence to clinical practice guidelines (57%) or other evidence‐based medicine sources (33%). The majority of MDTs discussed only a proportion of new patients at each meeting emphasizing the importance of educational aspects for other cases. Barriers exist in the availability of data to enable audit and reflection on evidence‐based practice. MDT strengths included collaboration and quality discussion about patients.ConclusionsMDT meetings focus on treatment decision making, with group consensus playing a significant role in translating research evidence from guidelines into clinical decision making. With a varying proportion of patients discussed in each MDT meeting, a wider audit of multidisciplinary care would enable more accurate assessments of whether treatment recommendations are in accordance with best‐practice evidence.
Cigarette smoking significantly alters sperm DNA methylation patterns
Authors: Jenkins T. G. , James E. R. , Alonso D. F. , Hoidal J. R. , Murphy P. J. , Hotaling J. M. , Cairns B. R. , Carrell D. T. , Aston K. I. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryNumerous health consequences of tobacco smoke exposure have been characterized, and the effects of smoking on traditional measures of male fertility are well described. However, a growing body of data indicates that pre‐conception paternal smoking also confers increased risk for a number of morbidities on offspring. The mechanism for this increased risk has not been elucidated, but it is likely mediated, at least in part, through epigenetic modifications transmitted through spermatozoa. In this study, we investigated the impact of cigarette smoke exposure on sperm DNA methylation patterns in 78 men who smoke and 78 never‐smokers using the Infinium Human Methylation 450 beadchip. We investigated two models of DNA methylation alterations: (i) consistently altered methylation at specific CpGs or within specific genomic regions and (ii) stochastic DNA methylation alterations manifest as increased variability in genome‐wide methylation patterns in men who smoke. We identified 141 significantly differentially methylated CpGs associated with smoking. In addition, we identified a trend toward increased variance in methylation patterns genome‐wide in sperm DNA from men who smoke compared with never‐smokers. These findings of widespread DNA methylation alterations are consistent with the broad range of offspring heath disparities associated with pre‐conception paternal smoke exposure and warrant further investigation to identify the specific mechanism by which sperm DNA methylation perturbation confers risk to offspring health and whether these changes can be transmitted to offspring and transgenerationally.
Testosterone does not affect agrin cleavage in mobility‐limited older men despite improvement in physical function
Authors: Gagliano‐Jucá T. , Storer T. W. , Pencina K. M. , Travison T. G. , Li Z. , Huang G. , Hettwer S. , Dahinden P. , Bhasin S. , Basaria S. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn a subset of men, sarcopenia and physical dysfunction occur due to destabilization of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which is manifested by elevated serum concentrations of C‐terminal agrin fragment (CAF). Testosterone administration improves physical function in some studies; however, its effects on serum circulating CAF concentrations remain unknown. Here we evaluate the effects of testosterone administration on circulating CAF levels in mobility‐limited men with low testosterone aged 65 or older participating in the Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations (TOM) Trial. We analyzed the difference in change in serum CAF levels between testosterone and placebo groups, as well as its association with muscle strength and physical function. Association of change in serum CAF levels with serum total (TT) and free testosterone (FT) was also evaluated. Men randomized to testosterone experienced significant improvement in muscle strength and physical function (assessed by loaded stair‐climbing power). However; testosterone administration was not associated with a reduction in serum CAF levels (effect size = −50.3 pm; 95% CI = −162.1 to 61.5 pm; p = 0.374); there was no association between changes in CAF levels with changes in TT (p = 0.670) or FT (p = 0.747). There was no association between changes in serum CAF levels with improvement in either muscle strength or stair‐climbing power. In conclusion, testosterone treatment in mobility‐limited older men with low to low‐normal testosterone levels did not reduce serum CAF levels. Additionally, testosterone‐induced improvements in muscle strength and physical function were not associated with changes in serum CAF concentrations. These findings suggest that improvement in physical function with testosterone replacement in older men with mobility limitations and elevated CAF levels is mediated by mechanisms other than stabilization of the NMJ.