bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The repeatability of an oral glucose test in ponies
Authors: de Laat M. A. , Sillence M. N. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyInsulin dysregulation can be difficult to diagnose from basal insulin and glucose concentrations, so a field‐based oral glucose test (OGT) is preferred. However, the repeatability of this test has not been reported.ObjectivesTo determine the repeatability of an in‐feed OGT in ponies and examine some factors affecting the palatability of the test meal.Study designA repeated measures, longitudinal study.MethodsAn in‐feed OGT was performed at 08.00 h on 3 consecutive occasions under controlled conditions in 8 mixed breed ponies. d‐glucose (0.75 g/kg bwt) was dissolved in water and combined with wheat bran and lucerne chaff. Blood samples were taken before and 90, 120, 180 min and 24 h after d‐glucose. The repeatability of the test was analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. Insulin and glucose responses to d‐glucose were also compared to an equivalent dose of dietary carbohydrate provided with a commercial grain mixture.ResultsThe overall insulin responses to the OGTs did not differ between tests. Individual insulin responses were more variable (P<0.05) than glucose responses. There was no difference in insulin concentration in post d‐glucose samples over time. Insulin and glucose responses to grain and d‐Glucose were not different.ConclusionsAn OGT is reasonably repeatable in ponies. The currently recommended post‐glucose sampling time point of 2 h is acceptable, with sampling at 90 min also likely to produce a consistent result. The use of an alternative carbohydrate source to d‐glucose, such as a commercial grain‐based product, may be a viable and more palatable option for the test.
Long‐term persistence, density dependence and effects of climate change on rosyside dace (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Grossman Gary D. , Sundin Gary , Ratajczak Robert E. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWe used long‐term population data for rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides), a numerically dominant member of a stochastically organised fish assemblage, to evaluate the relative importance of density‐dependent and density‐independent processes to population persistence.We also evaluated the potential impacts of global climate change (GCC) on this species and predicted how directional environmental changes will affect dace.We sampled two 30 m permanent sites in spring and autumn in the Coweeta catchment for rosyside dace density using three‐pass electrofishing between 1984 and 1995, and a single 100 m site from 1991 to 2003.Habitat availability and flow variation data for this 20‐year period demonstrated that two droughts (1985–1988 and 1999–2002) produced smaller wetted areas, lower mean, maximum and minimum flows, fewer high flow events and greater amounts of depositional substrata in the sites.Droughts produced significant increases in abundance, and significant decreases in standard length and mass of rosyside dace. Increases in abundance were mainly due to increased survival/immigration of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY).Model selection analysis using multiple single and multivariable models indicated that density dependence in various forms possessed substantial explanatory power with respect to long‐term variation in the per‐capita rate of increase (r) in all sites and seasons. Density‐dependent effects onrwere stronger in autumn than spring, whereas negative density‐independent models (flow variation) had the greatest explanatory power in spring.Results for growth data were similar to those for rosyside dace density and confirm density dependence likely through intraspecific competition for food or foraging sites leading to reduced growth at higher densities.These data support the hypothesis that species may persist in stochastic animal assemblages via strong intraspecific density dependence. Greater flow variability or increased high flows produced by GCC may destabilise this population leading to reduced compensation and possibly eventual extinction.
A neutral‐metabolic theory of latitudinal biodiversity
Authors: Tittensor Derek P. , Worm Boris 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimLatitudinal gradients of species richness represent Earth's first‐order biodiversity pattern. Most species groups display a near‐monotonic decline in richness from the equator to the poles, yet there exists little mechanistic theory to derive such patterns from first principles. Here we integrate two key advances – neutral theory and the metabolic theory of ecology – to reconstruct global species richness gradients and test underlying causes.LocationSimulated global meta‐community.MethodsWe constructed a spatially explicit global meta‐community with constant per capita rates of disturbance, speciation and dispersal. No gradient emerged in this neutral base model. Focusing on the oceans as a model system, we added a water temperature gradient of 0–30°C that independently affected rates of community turnover and speciation based on established metabolic scaling laws. We also added a gradient in habitat area that roughly parallels the observed decrease in ocean area from tropical to polar waters.ResultsThermal effects on the community turnover rate caused a transient latitudinal gradient that ultimately disappeared. Thermal effects on speciation produced a dynamically stable but relatively weak gradient. Increasing habitat area towards the equator in combination with thermal effects on speciation rate produced a more realistic gradient that emerged from the combined effects of species–area and species–energy theory.Main conclusionsThis reasonably simple model provides a platform to explore support for processes underpinning large‐scale biodiversity gradients, and the ability of prominent ecological theories, independently or in combination, to capture them.
Micro‐CT evaluation of the quality of root fillings when using three root filling systems
Authors: Başer Can E. D. , Keleş A. , Aslan B. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the percentage volumes of filling materials and voids in single‐rooted teeth filled with three different filling systems using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).MethodologyThirty single‐rooted human teeth were used. After preparation of the root canals, the teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10). The canals were filled with EndoREZ, ActiV GP or AH Plus/gutta‐percha. Each specimen was scanned using a micro‐CT device at a resolution of 13.68 μm. Percentage volumes of root filling materials and voids were calculated and data were analysed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test with Bonferroni adjustment. Within each group, the Friedman test was performed with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to detect discrepancies.ResultsThe percentage volume of filling material was significantly lower in the ActiV GP group than in the other groups (P < 0.05), whilst the percentage volume of voids was significantly higher in the ActiV GP group than in the other groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionNone of the systems were associated with void‐free root fillings. The ActiV GP system had a significantly higher percentage volume of voids than the other systems.
Controlled transurethral resection and incision of the bladder neck to treat female primary bladder neck obstruction: Description of a novel surgical procedure
Authors: Shen Wenhao , Ji Huixiang , Yang Chao , Zhang Heng , Xiong Tailing , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Jiahua , Zhou Zhansong 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy and complications of controlled transurethral resection and incision of the bladder neck to treat female primary bladder neck obstruction.MethodsA total of 59 patients who were diagnosed with female primary bladder neck obstruction by urodynamic examination underwent surgical procedures at Urological Institute of the People's Liberation Army, First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China, between March 2010 and March 2014. For all patients, neurogenic, anatomical and dysfunctional voiding causes of bladder outlet obstruction had been excluded. Perioperative and follow‐up data, including operative time, maximum urine flow rate, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life Score, were prospectively investigated.ResultsAll of the operations were completed uneventful. The median operative time was 15 ± 8 min (range 10–22 min). No massive hemorrhage or infection was reported. Follow‐up data were available for 59, 59, and 57 of the patients at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean maximum urine flow rate increased from 7.2 ± 3.9 mL/s preoperatively to 26.1 ± 5.2 mL/s postoperatively. The mean residual urine volume decreased from 162 ± 75 to 20 ± 7 mL. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 24.5 ± 7.2 to 5.5 ± 3.6. The mean Quality of Life Score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.7 to 1.9 ± 1.1. All of the differences between the preoperative and postoperative values were significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe novel technique described here shortens the length of the urethra to 2.5 cm, which both released the obstruction and maintained continence. The results of the present preliminary study show that this method represents a safe and effective treatment for female primary bladder neck obstruction.
Helpful and unhelpful responses after suicide: Experiences of bereaved family members
Authors: Peters Kath , Cunningham Colleen , Murphy Gillian , Jackson Debra 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIndividuals who are bereaved by suicide and other traumatic natured deaths are thought to be at greater risk of psychological complications, than people bereaved by other means. While it is recognized that interventions can influence the bereavement process, there remains limited communications about both helpful responses and those that may adversely influence the grieving process for the suicide bereaved. This paper presents findings from a narrative study, which sought the experiences of family members after the loss of a loved one as a result of suicide. The study findings demonstrated that responses by agencies are often insensitive and not aligned with the needs of those bereaved. We argue that training is paramount for all services to increase awareness of the needs of people bereaved by suicide and available support services. Changes to organizational policies in relation to finance support would greatly support the bereaved during their time of grief and heightened distress.
Heterogeneity in Economic Shocks and Household Spending in the US
Authors: Devlin‐Foltz Sebastian , Sabelhaus John 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLarge swings in aggregate household sector spending, especially for big‐ticket items such as cars and housing, have been a dominant feature of the macroeconomic landscape in the past two decades. Income and wealth inequality increased over the same period, leading some to suggest the two phenomena are interconnected. Indeed, there is supporting evidence for the idea that heterogeneity in economic shocks and spending are connected, most notably in studies using local‐area geography as the unit of analysis. The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) provides a household‐level perspective on changes in wealth, income and spending across different types of families. The SCF confirms that inequality is indeed increasing in recent decades, and the data provide support for the proposition that shocks to income and wealth are indeed related to large swings in spending across and within birth cohorts. However, the economic shocks associated with the Great Recession and changes in spending and debt to income ratios are widespread, and inconsistent with a narrow focus on the experiences and changes in behaviour of particular (especially low‐ and modest‐income) households.
Comparing Retirement Wealth Trajectories on Both Sides of the Pond
Authors: Blundell Richard , Crawford Rowena , French Eric , Tetlow Gemma 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe use comparable data from the US and England to examine similarities and differences in the level and trajectories of assets among households aged 70 and over. We find that in the US assets on average decline gradually with age, while in England older households actually accumulate wealth. These differences appear to be driven largely, though not entirely, by housing wealth: over the period we consider, house price growth drove increases in housing wealth in England that more than offset the slow drawdown of non‐housing wealth. This suggests the illiquid nature of housing is likely to be an important factor in explaining wealth drawdown at older ages. We also consider the potential importance of bequest motives and savings to insure against the risk of medical and long‐term care expenses.
Lifetime Receipt of Inheritances and the Distribution of Wealth in England
Authors: Crawford Rowena , Hood Andrew 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe investigate the impact of inheritances and gifts received on the distribution of wealth. Whereas previous work has looked only at marketable wealth, we consider broader measures of wealth including state and private pensions. We find that once pension wealth is included, inheritances and gifts no longer have an equalising impact on the distribution of wealth. Without pension wealth, including wealth transfers reduces the Gini coefficient for wealth from 0.57 to 0.52. With pension wealth, the impact is negligible. We argue that this latter effect gives a better indication of the impact of inheritances on the distribution of lifetime income.
Incipient radiation versus multiple origins of the GalápagosCroton scouleri(Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Rumeu Beatriz , Vargas Pablo , Riina Ricarda 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimIsland radiations imply the emergence of numerous species in a short period of time. Downscaling at the infraspecific level, considerable differentiation among populations can be a sign of ‘incipient radiation’. However, this process remains largely unexplored. We focus on one of the most outstanding cases of infraspecific morphological variation in the Galápagos flora. Our hypothesis is that the phenotypic variation ofCroton scouleriis a sign of incipient radiation, in which a single colonization has generated new lineages with considerable morphological differentiation.LocationThe Galápagos Islands and Neotropics.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐four nuclear ribosomalDNA(ITS) and plastidtrnL‐Fsequences ofCrotonsect.Adenophylliwere used to test the hypothesis of a single ancestry (monophyly) ofC. scouleriusing a phylogenetic approach. Sequence data were analysed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML). A complementary phylogeographical analysis ofC. scouleriand phylogenetically related species was also performed using 123 plastid sequences (trnL‐F,petL‐psbE,trnH‐psbA) in search for common ancestry of Galápagos lineages.ResultsThe phylogenetic approach revealed that the closest relatives ofC. scouleriwereC. alnifolius,C. pavonisandC. rivinifolius. However, we failed to support monophyly ofC. scouleripopulations. Despite finding numerous haplotypes (14 polymorphic sequences/9 substitution‐based sequences), their distribution acrossCrotonspecies prevented us from inferring common ancestry forC. scouleri. The phylogeographical reconstruction revealed multiple lineages related to the origin ofC. scouleri.Main conclusionsLack of monophyly likely indicates that an incipient radiation from a single ancestor does not account for the striking infraspecific phenotypic variation inC. scouleri. This morphological diversity could be explained by recurrent biogeographical connections between Galápagos and the mainland, involving multiple colonizations to the islands from the continent rather than back colonizations from the islands to the mainland. Morphological, reproductive, geographical and ecological evidence better support the scenario of recurrent colonizations from the continent in different periods of time.
Localized aggressive periodontitis immune response to healthy and diseased subgingival plaque
Authors: Shaddox Luciana M. , Spencer William P. , Velsko Irina M. , Al‐Kassab Hiba , Huang Hong , Calderon Nadia , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Wallet Shannon M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe objective of this case–control study was to compare the inflammatory response of peripheral blood from localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) patients when stimulated with healthy or diseased plaque samples.Materials and MethodsWhole blood and subgingival plaque samples were collected from 13 LAP subjects, 14 siblings of LAP subjects and six periodontally healthy individuals. Whole blood was stimulated for 24 h with plaque samples generated from healthy or diseased sites. The levels of 14 cyto/chemokines were detected using multiplex technology.ResultsLocalized aggressive periodontitis‐derived cultures displayed higher levels of G‐CSF, INFγ, IL10, IL12p40, IL1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, and TNFα, than control cultures regardless of stimulus used. Whole blood from healthy siblings displayed higher levels of IL‐6 compared to control subjects, but lower levels than those observed in cultures from LAP participants.ConclusionsThis study suggests that although bacteria is an important factor in eliciting the hyper‐inflammatory response observed in LAP patients, the predisposition of host's response to bacterial presence may play a more significant role than the components of the stimulatory plaque.
A four‐phase strategy for the implementation of reflectance confocal microscopy in dermatology
Authors: Hoogedoorn L. , Gerritsen M.J.P. , Wolberink E.A.W. , Peppelman M. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , van Erp P.E.J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is gradually implemented in dermatology. Strategies for further implementation and practical ‘hands on’ guidelines are lacking.ObjectiveThe primary outcome was to conduct a general strategy for further implementation ofRCM. The secondary outcome was the diagnosis of psoriasis and differentiation of stable from unstable psoriatic plaques by means of the ‘hands on’ protocol, derived from the strategy.MethodsWe used a four‐phased model; an exploring phase, a systematic literature search, a clinical approach and, finally, an integration phase to develop a clinical guideline forRCMin psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve statistics was applied to define the accuracy for the diagnosis of unstable psoriasis.ResultsA general strategy for further implementation ofRCMand practical approach was developed to examine psoriasis byRCMand to distinguish stable from unstable psoriasis. Unstable psoriasis was diagnosed by epidermal inflammatory cell counts with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 98.3%, respectively, and with an accuracy of 0.92 (area under the curve). In addition, a monitoring model was proposed.ConclusionThis is the first study that shows a method for implementation ofRCMin dermatology. The strategy and hands on protocol for psoriasis may serve as a model for other dermatological entities and additionally may lead to specialized ready‐to‐useRCMprotocols for clinical dermatological practice.
Sharp acoustic boundaries across an altitudinal avian hybrid zone despite asymmetric introgression
Authors: Halfwerk W. , Dingle C. , Brinkhuizen D. M. , Poelstra J. W. , Komdeur J. , Slabbekoorn H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBirdsong is a sexually selected trait that could play an important evolutionary role when related taxa come into secondary contact. Many songbird species, however, learn their songs through copying one or more tutors, which complicates the evolutionary outcome of such contact. Two subspecies of a presumed vocal learner, the grey‐breasted wood‐wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), replace each other altitudinally across the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. These subspecies are morphologically very similar, but show striking differences in their song. We examined variation in acoustic traits and genetic composition across the altitudinal range covered by both subspecies and between two allopatric populations. The acoustic boundary between the subspecies was found to be highly abrupt across a narrow elevational range with virtually no evidence of song convergence. Mixed singing and use of hetero‐subspecific song occurred in the contact zone and was biased towards the use of leucophrys song types. Hetero‐subspecific song copying by hilaris and not by leucophrys reflected a previously found asymmetric pattern of response to song playback. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) markers, we detected hybridization in the contact zone and asymmetric introgression in parapatric populations, with more leucophrys alleles present in hilaris populations than vice versa. This pattern may be a trail of introgression due to upslope displacement of leucophrys by hilaris. Our data suggest that song learning may impact speciation and hybridization in contrasting ways at different spatial scales: although learning may speed up population divergence in songs, thereby enhancing assortative mating and reducing gene flow, it may at a local level also lead to the copying of heterospecific songs, therefore allowing some level of hybridization and introgression.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS)‐associated alterations within the gut‐liver axis evolve early and persist long‐term in the piglet model of short bowel syndrome
Authors: Pereira‐Fantini Prue M , Bines Julie E , Lapthorne Susan , Fouhy Fiona , Scurr Michelle , Cotter Paul D , Gahan Cormac GM , Joyce Susan A 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and AimShort bowel syndrome (SBS) is primarily characterized by malabsorption and malnutrition, resulting from loss of intestinal absorptive area following massive small bowel resection (SBR). Bile acids and the gut microbiota are functionally linked within the gut‐liver axis; however, SBS‐associated disturbances within the gut‐liver axis remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to characterize the evolution of bile acid alterations within the gut‐liver axis at both short‐term and long‐term time points and to relate these changes to alterations in colonic bacterial composition.MethodsFour‐week‐old piglets were assigned to 75% SBR, sham‐operation or non‐operation control groups. High throughput sequencing was employed to determine bacterial abundance in colonic content and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography used to determine the bile acid concentration of gall bladder, portal serum, and fecal samples.ResultsBile acid complexity and relative abundance are altered in the SBS piglet model at two weeks post‐SBR, and these changes persisted at six weeks post‐SBR. Our examination of the microbial profile revealed an early and persistent loss in bacteria belonging to the Clostridiales order.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of an early and persistent disturbance of the bile acid profile throughout the entero‐hepatic circulation with an increase in the proportion of primary bile acids and a decrease in secondary bile acids following SBR. These changes were associated with a loss of bacteria belonging to the Clostridiales order consistent with a disturbance in the bile‐microbial axis following SBR.