bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process‐based modelling shows how climate and demography shape language diversity
Authors: Gavin Michael C. , Rangel Thiago F. , Bowern Claire , Colwell Robert K. , Kirby Kathryn R. , Botero Carlos A. , Dunn Michael , Dunn Robert R. , McCarter Joe , Pacheco Coelho Marco Túlio , Gray Russell D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTwo fundamental questions about human language demand answers: why are so many languages spoken today and why is their geographical distribution so uneven? Although hypotheses have been proposed for centuries, the processes that determine patterns of linguistic and cultural diversity remain poorly understood. Previous studies, which relied on correlative, curve‐fitting approaches, have produced contradictory results. Here we present the first application of process‐based simulation modelling, derived from macroecology, to examine the distribution of human groups and their languages.LocationThe Australian continent is used as a case study to demonstrate the power of simulation modelling for identifying processes shaping the diversity and distribution of human languages.MethodsProcess‐based simulation models allow investigators to hold certain factors constant in order to isolate and assess the impact of modelled processes. We tested the extent to which a minimal set of processes determines the number and spatial distribution of languages on the Australian continent. Our model made three basic assumptions based on previously proposed, but untested, hypotheses: groups fill unoccupied spaces, rainfall limits population density and groups divide after reaching a maximum population.ResultsRemarkably, this simple model accurately predicted the total number of languages (average estimate 406, observed 407), and explained 56% of spatial variation in language richness on the Australian continent.Main conclusionsOur results present strong evidence that current climatic conditions and limits to group size are important processes shaping language diversity patterns in Australia. Our study also demonstrates how simulation models from macroecology can be used to understand the processes that have shaped human cultural diversity across the globe.
Ant species assembly in constructed grasslands is structured at patch and landscape levels
Authors: Campbell Kaitlin U. , Crist Thomas O. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Agri‐environmental incentive programmes encourage conversion of marginal agricultural land to grasslands to reduce soil erosion and support biodiversity of native flora and fauna. Most grassland animals colonise these constructed habitats as propagules from the surrounding landscape. Ants are slow to colonise and rely on resources within the patch, making them valuable as indicators of disturbance and recovery.

We studied how ant species diversity and composition are structured by patch and landscape variation of grasslands in Ohio, USA. Ant communities were collected from 23 constructed grasslands differing in area, age, vegetation, soils, management and surrounding land cover. We analysed trap frequency for 14 species that varied in habitat specialisation to identify species responses to patch‐ and landscape‐level predictors.

Grassland age and soil texture determined ant species richness and community composition. Trap frequency analysis showed contrasting species responses to patch and landscape characteristics: habitat specialists were more abundant in older, larger patches with more surrounding grassland, while disturbance‐tolerant species were more frequent in younger patches surrounded by intensive agriculture. Habitat generalists and open habitat species included a variety of patch‐ and landscape‐level factors in best models.

Ant community assembly in constructed grasslands is shaped by time and physical characteristics at the patch‐level, but the surrounding landscape acts as a filter for the colonising community. Our findings support the use of ants as ecosystem recovery indicators following disturbance in agricultural landscapes, but show that shifts in species composition are better indicators of grassland habitat variation than ant richness.
Ferrochelatase gene mutation in Singapore and a novel frame‐shift mutation in an Asian boy with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Alagappan Uma , Pramono Zacharias A. D. , Chong Wei‐Sheng 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundErythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disorder of heme biosynthesis caused by decreased activity of the enzyme ferrochelatase (FECH ). The frequency of the hypomorphic c.333‐48C allele in a population directly contributes to the prevalence of EPP in the same population. This study sought to identify the molecular basis of EPP in a Chinese patient from Singapore and the c.333‐48C allele frequency among the Chinese population in Singapore.Materials and methodsFECH gene was screened for mutation in the patient's DNA sample by polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequencing. To validate the identified mutation, the FECH region harboring the mutation was screened in DNA samples from all healthy controls. One patient and 46 ethnically matched healthy controls were included in the study.ResultsA novel c.474dupC which leads to a frameshift and premature stop codon was identified in one allele, while the other allele showed to carry c.333‐48C and c.337C>T variants in the patient's FECH. The frequency of the c.333‐48C hypomorphic allele is 27% among Chinese population in Singapore.Conclusionsc.474dupC in one allele trans to hypomorphic c.333‐48C and c.337C>T allele in FECH gene may be the underlying cause of the clinical EPP of the studied patient. The FECH hypomorphic c.333‐48C allele frequency in Singapore is lower than the Han Chinese (41.3%) and Japanese (43%) populations but nearly the same as the Southeast Asian (31%) population and higher than the European (2.7–11%) population.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Empiric Thoracic Vein Isolation for the Treatment of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: EJIMA KOICHIRO , HENMI RYUTA , IWANAMI YUJI , YAGISHITA DAIGO , SHODA MORIO , HAGIWARA NOBUHISA 
Published: January 2017

Empiric Thoracic Vein IsolationIntroductionThe guidelines suggest that an adjuvant substrate modification in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may be needed for persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) assuming that catheter ablation is less successful for PerAF than paroxysmal AF (PAF). To revisit the above assumption, we compared the outcome of the same catheter ablation strategy between PAF and PerAF.Methods and ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐three consecutive patients (mean age 60 ± 10 years, 53 PerAF and 8 long‐lasting PerAF) without structural heart disease underwent catheter ablation of AF by the same strategy using an empiric thoracic vein isolation (a wide circumferential PVI plus empiric superior vena cava isolation) as a major part of the strategy without any adjuvant substrate modification. The duration of AF in the patients with PerAF was 6 ± 4 months. During 25 ± 10 months of follow‐up after single procedures, 71 (30%) patients had atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences without antiarrhythmic drugs. A Kaplan–Meier analysis of the recurrence‐free survival rate after a single procedure and after repeat procedures revealed no significant difference between the patients with PAF and those with PerAF (log‐rank, P = 0.38 and P = 0.27, respectively). A Cox regression multivariate analysis of the variables including the age, gender, PerAF, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial volume index demonstrated that none of the variables were an independent predictor of an atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after a single ablation procedure.ConclusionIn patients without underlying heart disease, the procedural outcome of an empiric thoracic vein isolation is comparable for PAF and PerAF.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Targeting the Vein of Marshall in Difficult Mitral Isthmus Ablation or Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: LEE JI HYUN , NAM GI‐BYOUNG , KIM MINSU , HWANG YOU MI , HWANG JONGMIN , KIM JUN , CHOI KEE‐JOON , KIM YOU‐HO 
Published: January 2017

Vein of Marshall in AF AblationIntroductionThe ligament of Marshall may hinder the creation of mitral isthmus (MI) block or pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess the benefit of RF ablation targeting the vein of Marshall (VOM) in failed cases of MI block or PVI.Methods and ResultsWe reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent RF ablation targeting the VOM after failed MI ablation or left PVI using the conventional method, which included circumferential point‐by‐point ablation around the PV antrum and carina for PVI, and endocardial MI and epicardial distal coronary sinus (CS) ablation for MI block. The VOM was identified by using selective VOM venography with an external irrigation RF ablation catheter. RF ablation targeting the VOM was performed with RF application at the ostium of the VOM inside the CS or at the endocardial region facing the VOM course. During the set period, CS venography was performed in 42 patients after failure of left PVI (n = 5) or MI block (n = 37). Under CS venography, the VOM was visualized in 22 of 42 patients (MI = 19 and PVI = 3). During selective venography of the VOM, no procedure‐related complication was observed. RF application targeting the VOM successfully achieved MI block in 13 patients (68.4%) and PVI in 2 patients (66.7%).ConclusionSelective VOM venography using an irrigated ablation catheter is feasible and safe. RF ablation targeting the VOM may provide additional benefit in failed cases of MI block or PVI.
Comparison of effects of zoledronic acid and clodronate on the bone structure: imaginological and histomorphometrical study in vivo
Authors: Martelli Stephanie Joana Roman , Damian Melissa Feres , Gomes Ana Paula Neutzling , Schinestsck André Ribeiro , Silva Alexandre Emídio Ribeiro , Vasconcelos Ana Carolina Uchoa 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo compare histologically and imaginologically the bone structure of rats' mandibles treated with bisphosphonates (BPs) and rats that did not receive BPs.MethodsThirty‐four rat specimens (Rattus novergicus, Wistar strain) were divided into three groups: (i) 12 rats treated with zoledronic acid; (ii) 12 rats treated with clodronate; and (iii) the control group, containing 10 rats that received saline solution. All individuals were exposed to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The images were processed and analyzed to obtain the Hounsfield scores, using the software OsiriX 7.0. Sixty‐eight histological slides were obtained from the specimens and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Using the software Adobe Photoshop CS6, the histological areas containing non‐vital bone were identified and quantified.ResultsNon‐vital bone presented positive association with the zoledronic acid and clodronate groups. Statistically, no significant difference in bone density was observed among the groups.ConclusionsBased on the results, the BP therapy alone was sufficient to induce osteonecrosis. In addition, the CBCT was not a sensible method for detection of the early signs of bone modification in individuals under BP therapy.
Short‐term Effects of Genistein on the Reproductive Characteristics of Male Gibel Carp, Carassius auratus gibelio
Authors: Nezafatian Elham , Zadmajid Vahid , Cleveland Beth M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of genistein or 17β‐estradiol (E2) on the reproductive physiology in male gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. Maturing male gibel carp received intraperitoneal injections of E2 (10 µg/g body weight), one of two genistein doses (5 µg/g body weight, G5, or 50 µg/g body weight, G50), or the injection vehicle every other day for 10 d. Disruptions in reproductive capacity were determined by measuring indices of sperm quality, plasma metabolites and sex steroids, histological analyses of testes, fertilization rate, and offspring viability. E2 and genistein treatment reduced gonadosomatic index and milt volume, while reduction in spermatozoa concentration and spermatocrit occurred only in E2 and G50‐treated males. Histological examination of the testes indicates that E2 and genistein inhibited reproductive capacity through disruption of the spermatogenesis in males. Genistein reduced fertilization rate and offspring viability at 6 d after hatch (d.a.h.). Plasma testosterone and E2 decreased and increased, respectively, with E2 and G50 treatment. E2 and G50 treatment altered plasma metabolite phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, and triglyceride. These findings indicate that genistein can negatively affect reproductive capacity in male gibel carp, suggesting that high dietary genistein may impair gonad development.
Review: Tau in biofluids – relation to pathology, imaging and clinical features
Authors: Zetterberg H. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTau is a microtubule‐binding protein that is important for the stability of neuronal axons. It is normally expressed within neurons and is also secreted into the brain interstitial fluid that communicates freely with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and, in a more restricted manner, blood via the glymphatic clearance system of the brain. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), neuroaxonal degeneration results in increased release of tau from neurons. Furthermore, tau is truncated and phosphorylated, which leads to aggregation of tau in neurofibrillary tangles of the proximal axoplasm. Neuroaxonal degeneration and tangle formation are reflected by increased concentrations of total tau (T‐tau, measured using assays that detect most forms of tau) and phospho‐tau (P‐tau, measured using assays with antibodies specific to phosphorylated forms of tau). In AD CSF, both T‐tau and P‐tau concentrations are increased. In stroke and other CNS disorders with neuroaxonal injury but without tangles, T‐tau is selectively increased, whereas P‐tau concentration often stays normal. In tauopathies (diseases with both neurodegeneration and neurofibrillary tangles) other than AD, CSF T‐tau and P‐tau concentrations are typically unaltered, which is a puzzling result that warrants further investigation. In the current review, I discuss the association of T‐tau and P‐tau concentrations in body fluids with neuropathological changes, imaging findings and clinical features in AD and other CNS diseases.
Assessment of interfering factors in non‐adherence to oral appliance therapy in severe sleep apnea
Authors: Haviv Y , Zini A , Almoznino G , Keshet N , Sharav Y , Aframian DJ 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveOral appliances (OA) are recommended for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea who fail to comply with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This mixed‐methods study aimed to quantify adherence to OA therapy and evaluate subjective reasons associated with non‐adherence.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 52 patients with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 40, treated with OA after discontinuation of CPAP treatment, were examined for OA adherence. Patients were divided according to usage at the time of a phone interview. The USER group included all forms of usage, whereas those who completely ceased using the OA were in the NUSE group. The timing of the phone interview was from five months to six years (average 44.63 ± 17.17 months) after OA delivery.ResultsThe overall adherence rate was 57.7% (30/52 patients). The mean usage times were 10.07 ± 8.96 and 44.30 ± 17.3 months in the NUSE and NUSE groups, respectively. The main factors associated with non‐adherence were concerns about the effects of the OA on teeth (22%) and insufficient efficacy (22%). Other factors were discomfort (15%) and improved well‐being following weight loss (15%). The overall number of interfering and discontinuity factors was significantly higher in the NUSE group than in the USER group (P = 0.041). Nine (17.3%) of 52 patients resumed CPAP use. Subjective and objective outcomes, determined by using a second sleep test with OA in 69.2% of patients, were related to the continuation of treatment.ConclusionsOn‐adherence to OA is strongly associated with patient reservations regarding the effects of the device on teeth, possible lack of efficacy, and discomfort. Clinicians should closely monitor adherence patterns and assess potential interfering factors during their diagnostic workup. Patients should be reassured regarding device safety, particularly following dental work that may interfere with the insertion of the OA.
High-Dose Ampicillin-Sulbactam Combinations Combat Polymyxin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Hollow-Fiber Infection Model
Authors: Lenhard Justin R. , Smith Nicholas M. , Bulman Zackery P. , Tao Xun , Thamlikitkul Visanu , Shin Beom S. , Nation Roger L. , Li Jian , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Tsuji Brian T. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii
is emerging with resistance to polymyxins. In 24-h time-kill experiments, high-dose ampicillin-sulbactam in combination with meropenem and polymyxin B achieved additivity or synergy against 10
8
CFU/ml of two clinical
A. baumannii
isolates resistant to all three drugs (maximum reductions, 1.6 and 3.1 logs). In a 14-day hollow-fiber infection model, high-dose ampicillin-sulbactam (8/4 g every 8 h, respectively) in combination with meropenem (2 g every 8 h) and polymyxin B (1.43 mg/kg of body weight every 12 h with loading dose) resulted in rapid (96 h) eradication of
A. baumannii
.
Activity of a Long-Acting Echinocandin (CD101) and Seven Comparator Antifungal Agents Tested against a Global Collection of Contemporary Invasive Fungal Isolates in the SENTRY 2014 Antifungal Surveillance Program
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Messer Shawn A. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Castanheira Mariana 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The activity of CD101 and comparator antifungal agents against 606 invasive fungal isolates collected worldwide during 2014 was evaluated using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. All
Candida albicans
(
n
= 251),
Candida tropicalis
(
n
= 51),
Candida krusei
(
n
= 16), and
Candida dubliniensis
(
n
= 11) isolates were inhibited by ≤0.12 μg/ml of CD101 and were susceptible or showed wild-type susceptibility to the other echinocandins tested. Five
C. glabrata
isolates (
n
= 100) displayed CD101 MIC values of 1 to 4 μg/ml, had elevated MICs of caspofungin (2 to >8 μg/ml), anidulafungin (2 to 4 μg/ml), and micafungin (2 to 4 μg/ml), and carried mutations on
fks1
and
fks2
.
Candida parapsilosis
(
n
= 92) and
Candida orthopsilosis
(
n
= 10) displayed higher CD101 MIC values (ranges, 0.5 to 4 μg/ml and 0.12 to 2 μg/ml, respectively), and similar results were observed for the other echinocandins tested. Fluconazole resistance was noted among 11.0% of
Candida glabrata
isolates, 4.3% of
C. parapsilosis
isolates, and 2.0% of
C. albicans
and
C. tropicalis
isolates. The activity of CD101 against
Aspergillus fumigatus
(
n
= 56) was similar to that of micafungin and 2-fold greater than that of caspofungin but less than that of anidulafungin. These isolates had wild-type susceptibility to itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. The echinocandins had limited activity against
Cryptococcus neoformans
(
n
= 19). CD101 was as active as the other echinocandins against common fungal organisms recovered from patients with invasive fungal infections. The long half-life profile is very desirable for the prevention and treatment of serious fungal infections, especially in patients who can then be discharged from the hospital to complete antifungal therapy on an outpatient basis.
CodY Promotes Sporulation and Enterotoxin Production by Clostridium perfringens Type A Strain SM101
Authors: Li Jihong , Freedman John C. , Evans Daniel R. , McClane Bruce A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Clostridium perfringens
type D strains cause enterotoxemia and enteritis in livestock via epsilon toxin production. In type D strain CN3718, CodY was previously shown to increase the level of epsilon toxin production and repress sporulation.
C. perfringens
type A strains producing
C. perfringens
enterotoxin (CPE) cause human food poisoning and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Sporulation is critical for
C. perfringens
type A food poisoning since spores contribute to transmission and resistance in the harsh food environment and sporulation is essential for CPE production. Therefore, the current study asked whether CodY also regulates sporulation and CPE production in SM101, a derivative of
C. perfringens
type A food-poisoning strain NCTC8798. An isogenic
codY
-null mutant of SM101 showed decreased levels of spore formation, along with lower levels of CPE production. A complemented strain recovered wild-type levels of both sporulation and CPE production. When this result was coupled with the earlier results obtained with CN3718, it became apparent that CodY regulation of sporulation varies among different
C. perfringens
strains. Results from quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis clearly demonstrated that, during sporulation,
codY
transcript levels remained high in SM101 but rapidly declined in CN3718. In addition,
abrB
gene expression patterns varied significantly between
codY
-null mutants of SM101 and CN3718. Compared to the levels in their wild-type parents, the level of
abrB
gene expression decreased in the CN3718
codY
-null mutant strain but significantly increased in the SM101
codY
-null mutant strain, demonstrating CodY-dependent regulation differences in
abrB
expression between these two strains. This difference appears to be important since overexpression of the
abrB
gene in SM101 reduced the levels of sporulation and enterotoxin production, supporting the involvement of AbrB repression in regulating
C. perfringens
sporulation.
RAGE-Mediated Suppression of Interleukin-10 Results in Enhanced Mortality in a Murine Model of Acinetobacter baumannii Sepsis
Authors: Noto Michael J. , Becker Kyle W. , Boyd Kelli L. , Schmidt Ann Marie , Skaar Eric P. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition receptor capable of recognizing multiple pathogen-associated and danger-associated molecular patterns that contributes to the initiation and potentiation of inflammation in many disease processes. During infection, RAGE functions to either exacerbate disease severity or enhance pathogen clearance depending on the pathogen studied.
Acinetobacter baumannii
is an opportunistic human pathogen capable of causing severe infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, in impaired hosts. The role of RAGE signaling in response to opportunistic bacterial infections is largely unknown. In murine models of
A. baumannii
pneumonia, RAGE signaling alters neither inflammation nor bacterial clearance. In contrast, RAGE
−/−
mice systemically infected with
A. baumannii
exhibit increased survival and reduced bacterial burdens in the liver and spleen. The increased survival of RAGE
−/−
mice is associated with increased circulating levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Neutralization of IL-10 in RAGE
−/−
mice results in decreased survival during systemic
A. baumannii
infection that mirrors that of wild-type (WT) mice, and exogenous IL-10 administration to WT mice enhances survival in this model. These findings demonstrate the role for RAGE-dependent IL-10 suppression as a key modulator of mortality from Gram-negative sepsis.