bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat fragmentation changes the adaptive value of seed mass for the establishment of a tropical canopy tree
Authors: Chávez‐Pesqueira Mariana , Núñez‐Farfán Juan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTo cope with the limiting light conditions in the rain forest understory, many tropical tree species have evolved large seeds that provide the emerging seedlings with nutritional reserves. Habitat fragmentation might change the adaptive value of seed size by modifying the biotic and physical conditions of the forest understory. We experimentally assessed the potential of fragmentation to alter how seed mass affects seedling survival, vigor, and attack by natural enemies of the tropical treeNectandra ambigens. Seeds from different mother trees (families) were individually weighed and sown in experimental sites established in continuous forest and in forest fragments. Seedling survival, vigor, and damage by herbivores and pathogens were recorded periodically. While seedlings derived from larger seeds had higher survival rates in both habitats, seedling survival and vigor were significantly greater in forest fragments, and the seedlings also suffered fewer attacks by natural enemies. We found genetic variance for seed mass among families with a heritability value (h2) of 0.66, and we found evidence for selection on seed size. Average seed size differed between dead and living seedlings in three sites. In one fragment, seed size was selectively neutral in relation to survival. Overall, selection for seed size promoted survival and thus appears to affect the distribution of this trait. The maintenance of genetic variance could be related to the stochastic nature of the formation of light gaps. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the adaptive value of traits susceptible to environmental changes for conservation purposes.
Exploitation of underground bee nests by three sympatric consumers in Loango National Park, Gabon
Authors: Estienne Vittoria , Mundry Roger , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Boesch Christophe 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHoney represents a highly nutritious resource for animals, but is difficult to obtain given bees' defensive strategies. We investigated exploitation of the underground nests of stingless bees (Meliplebeia lendliana) by three sympatric consumers in Loango National Park, Gabon: the central African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes), forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and honey badger (Mellivora capensis). Given the differences in their respective morphological traits and sensory abilities, we hypothesized that chimpanzees would be more limited in digging out the bee nests, compared to the other two competitors, and would show behavioral strategies to overcome such constraints. Our dataset comprised camera trap footage recorded over 60 mo at 100 different bee nests. Chimpanzees visited the nests more often than the other consumers, showing a frequency of extraction success comparable to that observed in honey badgers, the most efficient digger. Both chimpanzees and honey badgers increased their extractive attempts across the dry season, whereas elephants did not. The soil hardness was greater during the dry season than the wet season and, possibly in order to compensate for this, chimpanzees showed a tendency toward digging at nests found in relatively softer soil. They also seemed to be inhibited by indirect cues left by other consumers, possibly as a risk‐avoidance strategy. Overall, chimpanzees and honey badgers extracted the underground nests of stingless bees with similar frequencies, whilst forest elephants did so only occasionally. Moreover, chimpanzees can use tools and other behavioral strategies to overcome the physical limitations that may constrain their exploitation of this resource.
Potential impacts of a future persistent El Niño or La Niña on three subspecies of Australian butterflies
Authors: Beaumont Linda J. , Duursma Daisy , Kemp Darrell J. , Wilson Peter D. , Evans Jason P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOne of the major uncertainties of 21st century climate change is the potential for shifts to the intensity and frequency of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Although this phenomenon is known to have dramatic impacts on ecosystems regionally and globally, the biological consequences of climate change‐driven shifts in future ENSO events have been unexplored. Here, we investigate the potential impacts that a persistent El Niño, La Niña, or ‘Neutral' phase may have on species distributions. Using MaxEnt, we model the distribution of climatically suitable habitat for three northeast Australian butterfly subspecies (Doleschallia bisaltide australis, Hypolimnas alimena lamina, and Mycalesis terminus terminus) across the three ENSO phases. We find that the spatial extent and quality of habitat are lowest under conditions that would characterize a persistent El Niño (hot/dry). In contrast, suitable habitat is broadest under the warm/wet conditions associated with La Niña. Statistical analyses of the difference between pair‐wise combinations of suitability maps using Hellinger distance showed that projections for each subspecies and ENSO phase combination were significantly different from other combinations. The resilience of these, and other, butterfly (sub)species to changes in ENSO will be influenced by fluctuations in the strength of these events, availability of refugia, and life‐history characteristics. However, the population dynamics of wet‐ and dry‐season phenotypes of M. t. terminus and physiological limitations to high temperatures suggest that this subspecies, in particular, may have limited resilience should the strength and frequency of El Niño events increase.
Interleukin-2 reverses CD8+ T cell exhaustion in clinical malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer
Authors: Hu C Y , Zhang Y H , Wang T , Chen L , Gong Z H , Wan Y S , Li Q J , Li Y S , Zhu B 
Published: July 2016

Summary
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a poor prognostic sign for cancer patients, whereas the functional condition of MPE CD8+ T cells is unknown. Intracavitary immunotherapy with interleukin (IL)-2 has been proven effective in controlling MPE. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, 35 lung cancer (LC) patients with MPE and 12 healthy donors were included in this study. For the IL-2 therapy experiments, after draining partial MPE, we treated 14 patients by administrating IL-2 (3 or 5 × 106 U in 50 ml saline) into the thoracic cavity. Before and after IL-2 treatment (40-48 h), the MPE and peripheral blood (PB) were obtained from the subjects. PB from healthy volunteers was collected as control. The expression of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), granzyme B (GzmB), interferon (IFN)-γ and the proliferation were analysed in CD8+ T cells from MPE and PB. The CD8+ T cells in the MPE of LC patients showed lowest GzmB, IFN-γ and proliferation but highest PD-1 expression, compared with that in PB of LC patients and healthy donors. IL-2 treatment reduced the expression of PD-1, increased the expression of GzmB and IFN-γ and enhanced the proliferation of CD8+ T cells in MPE. In addition, IL-2 treatment reduced carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) level in MPE. These results indicate that MPE CD8+ T cells exhibit exhaustion phenotype which can be reversed by IL-2 therapy.
Incidence of melanoma in organ transplant recipients in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Tran Mimi , Sander Megan , Ravani Pietro , Mydlarski P. Régine 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundMany studies have documented the increased risk of non‐melanoma skin cancers in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). However, the incidence of melanoma is less well defined. To date, there have been no studies on the incidence of melanoma in Canadian OTRs. Herein, we determine the incidence and clinical features of melanoma in a cohort of OTRs in Southern Alberta, Canada.MethodsWe used the Southern Alberta Transplant database to identify kidney and liver transplant recipients between the years 2000 and 2012. This population was cross‐referenced with the Alberta Cancer Registry for a diagnosis of melanoma. The clinical features of all cases were obtained, and the standardized incidence rate was calculated.ResultsWe identified 993 OTR patients, representing 5955 person‐years. Only one patient developed a melanoma post‐transplant, and this was a nodular melanoma. The age‐standardized incidence rate was 11 per 100 000 (0.6 per 5955), compared to 13.4 per 100 000 in the general Alberta population (incidence rate ratio of 1.29, with 95% confidence interval of 0.17 to 9.82).ConclusionsThis is the first Canadian study to investigate the association between organ transplantation and melanoma. Our study did not identify an increased risk of developing a de novo melanoma post‐transplant.
Neotapirissus gen. nov. of the tribe Issini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) from Hainan Island
Authors: Meng Rui , Wang Yinglun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractNeotapirissus gen. nov., in the tribe Issini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae), is described from China, and type species Neotapirissus reticularis sp. nov. (China: Hainan) is described and illustrated. The female internal reproductive organs of the new species are also described and illustrated. The new genus is compared to the superficially similar genus Tapirissus Gnezdilov. The morphological diversity of the issids distributed in Hainan Island is discussed briefly.
Microbial diversity and activity in seafloor brine lake sediments (Alaminos Canyon block 601, Gulf of Mexico)
Authors: Crespo‐Medina M. , Bowles M. W. , Samarkin V. A. , Hunter K. S. , Joye S. B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe microbial communities thriving in deep‐sea brines are sustained largely by energy rich substrates supplied through active seepage. Geochemical, microbial activity, and microbial community composition data from different habitats at a Gulf of Mexico brine lake in Alaminos Canyon revealed habitat‐linked variability in geochemistry that in turn drove patterns in microbial community composition and activity. The bottom of the brine lake was the most geochemically extreme (highest salinity and nutrient concentrations) habitat and its microbial community exhibited the highest diversity and richness indices. The habitat at the upper halocline of the lake hosted the highest rates of sulfate reduction and methane oxidation, and the largest inventories of dissolved inorganic carbon, particulate organic carbon, and hydrogen sulfide. Statistical analyses indicated a significant positive correlation between the bacterial and archaeal diversity in the bottom brine sample and inventories. Other environmental factors with positive correlation with microbial diversity indices were DOC, H2S, and DIC concentrations. The geochemical regime of different sites within this deep seafloor extreme environment exerts a clear selective force on microbial communities and on patterns of microbial activity.
Land management: data availability and process understanding for global change studies
Authors: Erb Karl‐Heinz , Luyssaert Sebastiaan , Meyfroidt Patrick , Pongratz Julia , Don Axel , Kloster Silvia , Kuemmerle Tobias , Fetzel Tamara , Fuchs Richard , Herold Martin , Haberl Helmut , Jones Chris D. , Marín‐Spiotta Erika , McCallum Ian , Robertson Eddy , Seufert Verena , Fritz Steffen , Valade Aude , Wiltshire Andrew , Dolman Albertus J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn the light of daunting global sustainability challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food security, improving our understanding of the complex dynamics of the Earth system is crucial. However, large knowledge gaps related to the effects of land management persist, in particular those human‐induced changes in terrestrial ecosystems that do not result in land‐cover conversions. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of ten common land management activities for their biogeochemical and biophysical impacts, the level of process understanding and data availability. Our review shows that ca. one‐tenth of the ice‐free land surface is under intense human management, half under medium and one‐fifth under extensive management. Based on our review, we cluster these ten management activities into three groups: (i) management activities for which data sets are available, and for which a good knowledge base exists (cropland harvest and irrigation); (ii) management activities for which sufficient knowledge on biogeochemical and biophysical effects exists but robust global data sets are lacking (forest harvest, tree species selection, grazing and mowing harvest, N fertilization); and (iii) land management practices with severe data gaps concomitant with an unsatisfactory level of process understanding (crop species selection, artificial wetland drainage, tillage and fire management and crop residue management, an element of crop harvest). Although we identify multiple impediments to progress, we conclude that the current status of process understanding and data availability is sufficient to advance with incorporating management in, for example, Earth system or dynamic vegetation models in order to provide a systematic assessment of their role in the Earth system. This review contributes to a strategic prioritization of research efforts across multiple disciplines, including land system research, ecological research and Earth system modelling.
Association of metabolic syndrome and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with cognitive impairment among elderly Koreans
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Lee Su Jin , Kim Kyoung Min , Yun Young Mi , Song Bo Mi , Kim Jong Eun , Kim Hyeon Chang , Rhee Yumie , Youm Yoosik , Kim Chang Oh 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimMetabolic syndrome and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent in older adults, and are considered risk factors for cognitive impairment. We investigated the combined effects of MetS and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels on cognitive function in older adults.MethodsWe studied 2940 participants aged ≥65 years from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort study. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum 25(OH)D levels were categorized into four groups: <25, 25–49, 50–74 and ≥75 nmol/L. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination.ResultsParticipants with cognitive impairment had higher metabolic syndrome prevalence and lower serum 25(OH)D levels than those without cognitive impairment. In univariate analysis, both metabolic syndrome and low 25(OH)D levels were associated with cognitive impairment. These associations remained unchanged after adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, season and education. In addition, participants with metabolic syndrome and low 25(OH)D had significantly increased odds for cognitive impairment (odds ratio 3.06, 95% CI 1.61–5.80) when compared with those with no metabolic syndrome and high 25(OH)D.ConclusionsMetabolic syndrome was associated with cognitive impairment, and this risk was synergistically increased when metabolic syndrome was combined with low 25(OH)D. A focus on individuals with metabolic syndrome and low 25(OH)D might be helpful to identify older adults who are at risk of cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1069–1075.
Differences between older and young patients with autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Kalkan Çağdaş , Soykan Irfan 
Published: July 2016

AimElderly patients with autoimmune gastritis might have different symptoms than those of young patients. The aim of the present study was to compare presented symptoms and laboratory parameters associated with autoimmune gastritis in both old and young age groups.MethodsA total of 355 patients with autoimmune gastritis were stratified into two groups: 65 years or older (n = 119, mean age 69.47 ± 5.027 years), and under 65 years (n = 236, mean age 45.79 ± 10.51 years). These two groups were then evaluated and compared by means of clinical symptoms, concurrent autoimmune diseases, serum gastrin, vitamin B12 and chromogranin A levels, and the presence of enterochromograffin‐like cell hyperplasia.ResultsAmong 119 older patients, 35 had dyspeptic symptoms, and 84 patients were referred for vitamin B12 and/or iron deficiency. In the younger group (n = 236), there were more patients who had dyspeptic symptoms (36 vs 200, P < 0.001). Serum gastrin (726.68 ± 266.183 vs 214.36 ± 104.62 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and chromogranin A (301.26 ± 172.95 vs 106.59 ± 67.66 ng/mL, P < 0.001) levels were significantly higher, and the presence of enterochromograffin‐like cell hyperplasia was more frequent (113 vs 31, P < 0.001) in older patients than younger patients. Polyautoimmunity (66.3% vs 24.5%) and multiple autoimmune syndrome (17.6% vs 5.5%) were more common in older patients (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere are differences in the clinical characteristics and the laboratory parameters between patients with autoimmune gastritis that are older and younger than 65 years‐of‐age. Elderly patients with autoimmune gastritis were investigated more commonly for vitamin B12 and/or iron deficiency. Polyautoimmunity and multiple autoimmune syndrome were more common, and serum gastrin and chromogranin A levels were significantly higher in older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1090–1095.
Meta‐analysis: outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in the haemophilia population
Authors: Moore M. F. , Tobase P. , Allen D. D. 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionPeople with haemophilia (PWH) experience end stage joint disease as a result of repeated hemarthrosis, commonly leading to total knee arthroplasty (TKA).AimThe goal of this meta‐analysis is to calculate expected outcomes for range of motion (ROM), functional mobility, and complication rates in PWH following TKA.MethodsStudies published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Inclusion criteria: PWH having TKA, reporting Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score or Knee Society Score, knee ROM, and incidence of complications for more than 5 TKAs. Inhibitor status, haemophilia severity and HIV status were not criteria for inclusion or exclusion. Meta‐analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, or P‐value data to create effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals for each variable.ResultsTwenty studies met inclusion criteria; ten had sufficient data for meta‐analyses. A total of 336 TKAs in 254 PWH were analysed with mean follow‐up of 6.3 years. Statistically significant ROM improvements were found with 9.72° improvement of flexion contracture (−0.73 effect size (ES) (−0.91 to −0.56)), and 15.69°increase into flexion (0.63 ES (0.34–0.91)). Knee scores showed statistically significant improvements: clinically, 37.9 point increase (3.21 ES [1.79–4.63]) and functionally, 13.50 point increase (1.50 ES [0.80–2.21]). A 31.5% complication rate was calculated with 106 reported in 336 TKAs.ConclusionsTKA is an effective procedure for improving ROM and decreasing functional deficits resulting from haemophilic arthropathy. Knee score data shows TKA improves overall function. This study guides clinicians regarding outcome expectations post‐TKA in PWH.
Environmental factors of food literacy in Australian high schools: views of home economics teachers
Authors: Ronto Rimante , Ball Lauren , Pendergast Donna , Harris Neil 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study set out to examine environmental factors impacting on the food literacy of adolescents. It utilized data from a nation‐wide survey of home economics teachers regarding their experience of food literacy education in Australian high schools. Content analysis and the ANGELO framework were applied to analyse free‐text comments from 78 of the respondents that were collected as part of a more extensive data set. The analysis of environmental factors revealed three enablers and ten barriers that could influence food literacy education delivered by high schools in Australia. High schools are well positioned to improve adolescents’ food literacy through a comprehensive, hands‐on approach in home economics. However, many environmental barriers were reported that could influence food literacy education in Australian high schools such as: lack of teaching materials and facilities, and human resources; the perceived inadequacy of the Australian school curriculum; non‐supportive school canteens; and negative role modelling. This study points to the need to eliminate or reduce these environmental barriers impacting on the capacity for effective food literacy education in high schools to help adolescents increase their food literacy and thereby support them in making informed food choices.
Impact of icing systems with aqueous, ethanolic and ethanolic‐aqueous extracts of alga Fucus spiralis on microbial and biochemical quality of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius)
Authors: Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Miranda José M. , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat Marina , Aubourg Santiago P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe study focuses on the impact of icing systems with aqueous (AQ batch), ethanolic (ET batch) and ethanolic‐aqueous (ET‐AQ batch) extracts of alga Fucus spiralis on the microbial and biochemical quality of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius). After a 13‐day storage, comparison with fish kept under traditional ice proved a significant (P < 0.05) antimicrobial effect against aerobes, psychrotrophs, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria, derived of the presence of F. spiralis ethanolic extracts in the icing medium (ET and ET‐AQ batches). Additionally, an inhibitory effect of both ethanol extracts was also obtained concerning lipid oxidation development (i.e. secondary and tertiary lipid oxidation compounds). Additionally, lipid damage assessment showed lower mean values in tertiary oxidation compound formation in hake belonging to the ET‐AQ batch throughout the whole storage period. Present research indicates that ET‐AQ ice condition can lead to a marked quality and safety enhancement as well as to profitable commercial value increases.
Shelf life extension of fresh ginseng roots using sanitiser washing, edible antimicrobial coating and modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Jin Tony Z. , Huang Mingyang , Niemira Brendan A. , Cheng Liyang 
Published: July 2016

SummaryFresh American ginseng roots were washed with sanitiser solution (200 ppm sodium hypochlorite), surface‐coated with a coating solution consisting of 0.5% chitosan and three organic acids (lactic, levulinic and acetic acids) and then placed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 5% O2, 10% O2 or ambient air. Total aerobic bacteria, yeasts and moulds, weight loss and quality changes (texture, colour and appearance) of roots were monitored during storage at 4 °C. Throughout the 38‐week study, there were no significant changes in microbial loads, texture, colour and appearance of samples after sanitiser washing and coating treatments and packaged with air, 5% O2 or 10% O2. The weight loss of roots after 38 weeks was approximately 3%. The results demonstrate that the unique coating formulation (0.5% chitosan and multiple organic acids) and combination of sanitiser washing, coating treatment and MAP extend the shelf life of fresh ginseng roots to at least 38 weeks.