bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isotopic niche partitioning between two apex predators over time
Authors: Drago Massimiliano , Cardona Luis , Franco‐Trecu Valentina , Crespo Enrique A. , Vales Damián G. , Borella Florencia , Zenteno Lisette , Gonzáles Enrique M. , Inchausti Pablo 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Stable isotope analyses have become an important tool in reconstructing diets, analysing resource use patterns, elucidating trophic relations among predators and understanding the structure of food webs.

Here, we use stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in bone collagen to reconstruct and compare the isotopic niches of adult South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis; n = 86) and sea lions (Otaria flavescens; n = 49) – two otariid species with marked morphological differences – in the Río de la Plata estuary (Argentina – Uruguay) and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean during the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Samples from the middle Holocene (n = 7 fur seals and n = 5 sea lions) are also included in order to provide a reference point for characterizing resource partitioning before major anthropogenic modifications of the environment.

We found that the South American fur seals and South American sea lions had distinct isotopic niches during the middle Holocene. Isotopic niche segregation was similar at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, but has diminished over time.

The progressive convergence of the isotopic niches of these two otariids during the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century is most likely due to the increased reliance of South American fur seals on demersal prey.

This recent dietary change in South American fur seals can be explained by at least two non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms: (i) the decrease in the abundance of sympatric South American sea lions as a consequence of small colony size and high pup mortality resulting from commercial sealing; and (ii) the decrease in the average size of demersal fishes due to intense fishing of the larger class sizes, which may have increased their accessibility to those eared seals with a smaller mouth gape, that is, South American fur seals of both sexes and female South American sea lions.
Ultrasound as a technology of reassurance? How pregnant women and health care professionals articulate ultrasound reassurance and its limitations
Authors: Thomas Gareth M. , Roberts Julie , Griffiths Frances E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe premise that ultrasound technologies provide reassurance for pregnant women is well‐rehearsed. However, there has been little research about how this reassurance is articulated and understood by both expectant mothers and health care professionals. In this article, we draw on two qualitative UK studies to explore the salience of ultrasound reassurance to women's pregnancy experiences whilst highlighting issues around articulation and silence. Specifically, we capture how expectant parents express a general need for reassurance and how visualisation and the conduct of professionals have a crucial role to play in accomplishing a sense of reassurance. We also explore how professionals have ambiguities about the relationship between ultrasound and reassurance, and how they subsequently articulate reassurance to expectant mothers. By bringing two studies together, we take a broad perspectival view of how gaps and silences within the discourse of ultrasound reassurance leave the claims made for ultrasound as a technology of reassurance unchallenged. Finally, we explore the implications this can have for women's experiences of pregnancy and health care professionals’ practices.
Race in an epigenetic time: thinking biology in the plural
Authors: Meloni Maurizio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe notion that biological memories of environmental experiences can be embedded in the human genome and even transmitted transgenerationally is increasingly relevant in the postgenomic world, particularly in molecular epigenetics, where the genome is conceptualized as porous to environmental signals. In this article I discuss the current rethinking of race in epigenetic rather than genetic terms, emphasizing some of its paradoxical implications, especially for public policy. I claim in particular that: (i) if sociologists want to investigate race in a postgenomic world they should pay more attention to this novel plastic and biosocial view of race; and (ii) there are no reasons to believe that an epigenetic view will extinguish race, or that soft‐inheritance claims will produce a less exclusionary discourse than genetics (hard heredity). Quite the opposite, the ground for a re‐racialization of social debates and the reinforcement of biological boundaries between groups are highlighted in the article.
Crowding‐in: how Indian civil society organizations began mobilizing around climate change
Authors: Ylä‐Anttila Tuomas , Swarnakar Pradip 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper argues that periodic waves of crowding‐in to ‘hot’ issue fields are a recurring feature of how globally networked civil society organizations operate, especially in countries of the Global South. We elaborate on this argument through a study of Indian civil society mobilization around climate change. Five key mechanisms contribute to crowding‐in processes: (1) the expansion of discursive opportunities; (2) the event effects of global climate change conferences; (3) the network effects created by expanding global civil society networks; (4) the adoption and innovation of action repertoires; and (5) global pressure effects creating new opportunities for civil society. Our findings contribute to the world society literature, with an account of the social mechanisms through which global institutions and political events affect national civil societies, and to the social movements literature by showing that developments in world society are essential contributors to national mobilization processes.
Endophytic fungi alter sucking bug responses to cotton reproductive structures
Authors: Sword Gregory A. , Tessnow Ashley , Ek‐Ramos Maria Julissa 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAll plants including cotton host a wide range of microorganisms as endophytes. There is a growing appreciation of the prevalence, ecological significance and management potential of facultative fungal endophytes in protecting plants from pests, pathogens and environmental stressors. Hemipteran sucking bugs have emerged as major pests across the U.S. cotton belt, reducing yields directly by feeding on developing reproductive structures and indirectly by vectoring plant pathogens. We used no‐choice and simultaneous choice assays to examine the host selection behavior of western tarnished plant bugs (Lygus hesperus) and southern green stink bugs (Nezara viridula) in response to developing flower buds and fruits from cotton plants colonized by 1 of 2 candidate beneficial fungal endophytes, Phialemonium inflatum or Beauveria bassiana. Both insect species exhibited strong negative responses to flower buds (L. hesperus) and fruits (N. viridula) from plants that had been colonized by candidate endophytic fungi relative to control plants under both no‐choice and choice conditions. Behavioral responses of both species indicated that the insects were deterred prior to contact with plant tissues from endophyte‐colonized plants, suggesting a putative role for volatile compounds in mediating the negative response. Our results highlight the role of fungal endophytes as plant mutualists that can have positive effects on plant resistance to pests.
Comorbidity of Internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: A focus on clinical characteristics and gaming patterns
Authors: Na Euihyeon , Lee Hyeseon , Choi Inyoung , Kim Dai‐Jin 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivesAlthough Internet gaming disorder (IGD), which has been considered as a behavioral addiction in DSM‐5, shares core features with alcohol use disorder (AUD), there has been minimal research on the clinical implications of the comorbidity between IGD and AUD. The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical psychopathologies and Internet game usage patterns of IGD, AUD, and their comorbid status.MethodsParticipants (n = 1819) completed a cross‐sectional web‐based survey. The survey questionnaire included socio‐demographic data, the IGD scale according to DSM‐5 criteria, the Korean version of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for AUD, the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII)‐short version for impulsivity, the Brief Self‐Control Scale (BSCS) for self‐control, the subscales of the Symptom Check‐List 90 Items‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) for depression and anxiety, and the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Approach System Scale, and the Internet game usage patterns.ResultsThe comorbidity group had substantially more severe clinical features such as impulsivity, impaired self‐control, and mood symptoms than either IGD or AUD only. Especially the depression scale for the comorbidity group (26.0) is considerably higher than 13.0 for IGD and 16.0 for AUD alone. Furthermore, the comorbidity group spent twice as much money on Internet gaming as IGD alone (all p < .05).Conclusions and SignificanceThe findings of this study indicate that the comorbidity between IGD with AUD showed more severe psychopathological impairments, and the respective persons spent more money on gaming than either IGD or AUD alone. These particular characteristics may serve as feasible therapeutic targets in clinical settings. (Am J Addict 2017;26:326–334)
Ex vivo infection of human placental chorionic villi explants with Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii induces different Toll‐like receptor expression and cytokine/chemokine profiles
Authors: Castillo Christian , Muñoz Lorena , Carrillo Ileana , Liempi Ana , Gallardo Christian , Galanti Norbel , Maya Juan Diego , Kemmerling Ulrike 
Published: March 2017

ProblemTrypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii present, respectively, low and high congenital transmission rates. The placenta as an immune regulatory organ expresses TLRs, leading to the secretion of cytokines. Both parasites are recognized by TLR‐2, TLR‐4, and TLR‐9. Here, we studied if the parasites induce differences in TLR protein expression, cytokine profiles, and whether receptor inhibition is related to parasite infection.Method of studyPlacental tissue explants were infected ex vivo with each parasite, TLRs protein expression, cytokine profile and parasite infection were determined by Western blotting, ELISA and qPCR.ResultsTrypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii infection is related to TLR‐2 and TLR‐4/TLR‐9, respectively. Trypanosoma cruzi elicits an increase in TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 cytokine secretion whereas T. gondii only increases the secretion of IL‐8.ConclusionThe susceptibility of the placenta to each parasite is mediated partially by the innate immune response.
MicroRNAs downregulated following immune activation of rat testis
Authors: Parker Mitchell I. , Palladino Michael A. 
Published: March 2017

ProblemLittle is known about how infection and the response to inflammation affect the microRNA (miRNA) profile of the male reproductive tract. We hypothesized that expression of inflammatory‐related miRNAs would be altered following immune activation of rat testis.Method of studyTestis total RNA was purified from Sprague‐Dawley rats 3 or 6 hours after receiving a 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and examined by qPCR using an 84‐panel miRNA array.ResultsFive inflammatory‐related miRNAs showed a greater than twofold downregulation (P<.05) in the 3‐hour group (rno‐let‐7f‐5p, rno‐miR‐200c‐3p, rno‐miR‐23a‐3p, rno‐miR‐23b‐3p, rno‐miR‐98‐5p) and five from the 6‐hour group (rno‐miR‐17‐5p, rno‐miR‐19a‐3p, rno‐miR‐34a‐5p, rno‐miR‐34c‐5p, rno‐miR‐449a‐5p).ConclusionReview of the literature has revealed that these miRNAs also play important roles in the maintenance of fertility, formation and elimination of cancer, and development of the male reproductive tract. Further study will lead to a greater understanding of male reproductive immunology and related health issues.
Asthma management: A new phenotype‐based approach using presence of eosinophilia and allergy
Authors: Terl M. , Sedlák V. , Cap P. , Dvořáková R. , Kašák V. , Kočí T. , Novotna B. , Seberova E. , Panzner P. , Zindr V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAsthma is a heterogeneous disease. The Czech Pneumology and Allergology Societies commissioned 10 experts to review the literature and create joint national guidelines for managing asthma, reflecting this heterogeneity. The aim was to develop an easy‐to‐use diagnostic strategy as a rational approach to the widening opportunities for the use of phenotype‐targeted therapy. The guidelines were presented on websites for public comments by members of both the societies. The reviewers’ comments contributed to creating the final version of the guidelines. The key hallmark of the diagnostic approach is the pragmatic concept, which assesses the presence of allergy and eosinophilia in each asthmatic patient. The guidelines define three clinically relevant asthma phenotypes: eosinophilic allergic asthma, eosinophilic nonallergic asthma and noneosinophilic nonallergic asthma. The resulting multifunctional classification describing the severity, level of control and phenotype is the starting point for a comprehensive treatment strategy. The level of control is constantly confronted with the intensity of the common stepwise pharmacotherapy, and the concurrently included phenotyping is essential for phenotype‐specific therapy. The concept of the asthma approach with assessing the presence of eosinophilia and allergy provides a way for more precise diagnosis, which is a prerequisite for using widening options of personalized therapy.
BTK inhibition is a potent approach to block IgE‐mediated histamine release in human basophils
Authors: Smiljkovic D. , Blatt K. , Stefanzl G. , Dorofeeva Y. , Skrabs C. , Focke‐Tejkl M. , Sperr W. R. , Jaeger U. , Valenta R. , Valent P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundRecent data suggest that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an emerging therapeutic target in IgE receptor (IgER)‐cross‐linked basophils.MethodsWe examined the effects of four BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, dasatinib, AVL‐292, and CNX‐774) on IgE‐dependent activation and histamine release in blood basophils obtained from allergic patients (n=11) and nonallergic donors (n=5). In addition, we examined the effects of these drugs on the growth of the human basophil cell line KU812 and the human mast cell line HMC‐1.ResultsAll four BTK blockers were found to inhibit anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from basophils in nonallergic subjects and allergen‐induced histamine liberation from basophils in allergic donors. Drug effects on allergen‐induced histamine release were dose dependent, with IC50 values ranging between 0.001 and 0.5 μmol/L, and the following rank order of potency: ibrutinib>AVL‐292>dasatinib>CNX‐774. The basophil‐targeting effect of ibrutinib was confirmed by demonstrating that IgE‐dependent histamine release in ex vivo blood basophils is largely suppressed in a leukemia patient treated with ibrutinib. Dasatinib and ibrutinib were also found to counteract anti‐IgE‐induced and allergen‐induced upregulation of CD13, CD63, CD164, and CD203c on basophils, whereas AVL‐292 and CNX‐774 showed no significant effects. Whereas dasatinib and CNX‐774 were found to inhibit the growth of HMC‐1 cells and KU812 cells, no substantial effects were seen with ibrutinib or AVL‐292.ConclusionsBTK‐targeting drugs are potent inhibitors of IgE‐dependent histamine release in human basophils. The clinical value of BTK inhibition in the context of allergic diseases remains to be determined.
Effect of Desmopressin on the Amount of Bleeding and Transfusion Requirements in Patients Undergoing Heart Transplant Surgery
Authors: Jahangirifard Alireza , Razavi Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Zargham Hosein , Forozeshfard Mohammad 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOne of the most common risks after a heart transplant is bleeding. In this study, the effect of desmopressin administration on the amount of bleeding and transfusion requirements after heart transplant surgery was investigated. In a double‐blind clinical trial, 48 patients who were candidates for heart transplant surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the intervention group, patients received desmopressin of 0.3 μg/kg, 30 min. before surgery. Patients in the control group received normal saline at the same amount and time. Homeostasis was evaluated using activated clotting time (ACT), PT, PTT and PLT before, 12 and 24 hr after surgery, and also, chest tube drainage, blood products transfusion requirements during the first day in both groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of ACT, PT, PTT and PLT at all times. Transfusion of packed red blood cells and the mean drainages of chest tube during the first 24 hr after surgery were significantly lower in the desmopressin group compared to the saline group. Desmopressin may reduce post‐operative bleeding in patients undergoing heart transplant surgery. Further studies are required to confirm the potential effect of desmopressin on establishing haemostasis after heart transplantation.
Oecophylla smaragdinaants provide pest control in Australian cacao
Authors: Forbes Samantha J. , Northfield Tobin D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEcosystem service‐driven methods of agricultural production that make optimal use of an ecosystem's natural services are often effective in smallholder crops, leading increases in habitat heterogeneity at large spatial scales that encourage beneficial species. Pollination services in cacao farms can be enhanced through efforts to conserve pollinator habitats, such as adding cacao fruit husks underneath trees to provide habitat and food resources for midge pollinators. However, it remains unclear how this habitat manipulation affects pest densities or biological control. Here, we evaluated the effects of the predaceous antOecophylla smaragdinaon three major pests of Australian cacao (Helopeltisspp.,Amblypeltaspp., andRhyparida nitida) in an Australian cacao farm, in the presence and absence of cacao fruit husks. We also evaluated the effect ofO. smaragdinaon their potentially plant‐damaging, mutualistic mealybug (Pseudococcidae) partners in the presence and absence of cacao fruit husks.Oecophylla smaragdinareduced the combined densities ofHelopeltisspp. andAmblypeltaspp., regardless of cacao fruit husk addition. The ants also reduced the densities ofR. nitidain the absence of cacao fruit husks, butR. nitidadensities were naturally low in the experimental plots that received the addition of cacao fruit husks, regardless of ant presence. In contrast, ants generally increased the densities of mealybugs. These data suggest thatO. smaragdinaants provide pest control services for three major insect pests in Australian cacao farms. Furthermore, this control may be compatible with habitat manipulations (i.e., the addition of cacao fruit husks) to improve pollinator habitat.
IL4Rα and ADAM33 as genetic markers in asthma exacerbations and type‐2 inflammatory endotype
Authors: Sunadome H. , Matsumoto H. , Petrova G. , Kanemitsu Y. , Tohda Y. , Horiguchi T. , Kita H. , Kuwabara K. , Tomii K. , Otsuka K. , Fujimura M. , Ohkura N. , Tomita K. , Yokoyama A. , Ohnishi H. , Nakano Y. , Oguma T. , Hozawa S. , Nagasaki T. , Ito I. , Oguma T. , Inoue H. , Tajiri T. , Iwata T. , Izuhara Y. , Ono J. , Ohta S. , Hirota T. , Tamari M. , Yokoyama T. , Niimi A. , Izuhara K. , Mishima M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundGenetic markers of susceptibility to asthma exacerbations in adults remain unclear.ObjectiveTo identify genetic markers of asthma exacerbations, particularly in patients with type‐2 inflammatory endotype.MethodsIn this observational study of patients enrolled in the Kinki Hokuriku Airway disease Conference multicenter study, frequency of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids during 2 years after enrolment and associated risk factors was determined. For genetic marker analysis, interleukin‐4 receptor α (IL4RA) rs8832 and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) S_2 (rs528557), T_1 (rs2280091), T_2 (rs2280090), and V_4 (rs2787094) variants were included. Elevated serum periostin levels at enrolment (≥95 ng/mL, defined as type‐2 inflammatory endotype) were considered in the analysis.ResultsAmong 217 patients who were successfully followed up for 2 years after enrolment, 60 patients showed at least one asthma exacerbation during the 2 years. Airflow limitation (%FEV1 <80%) and recent exacerbations but not genetic variants were identified as risk markers of exacerbations. A total of 27 patients showed type‐2 inflammatory endotype (serum periostin ≥95 ng/mL at enrolment) and subsequent exacerbations; risk factors in these patients were airflow limitation (odds ratio, 6.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–18.6; P=.0003), GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 (odds ratio, 4.01; 95% CI: 1.47–11.0; P=.007), and A allele of ADAM33 T_2 (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% CI: 1.05–7.67; P=.04) by multivariate analysis. In addition, GG genotype of IL4RA rs8832 was associated with type‐2 endotype, whereas A allele of ADAM33 T_2 was associated with mixed type of eosinophilic/type‐2 and neutrophilic inflammations.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceIL4RA and ADAM33 variants may be risk markers of asthma exacerbations in type‐2 inflammatory endotype. Precise endotyping may facilitate the identification of genetic risk markers of asthma exacerbations.
Conservation and the 4 Rs, which are rescue, rehabilitation, release, and research
Authors: Pyke Graham H. , Szabo Judit K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVertebrate animals can be injured or threatened with injury through human activities, thus warranting their “rescue.” Details of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and associated research (our 4 Rs) are often recorded in large databases, resulting in a wealth of available information. This information has huge research potential and can contribute to understanding of animal biology, anthropogenic impacts on wildlife, and species conservation. However, such databases have been little used, few studies have evaluated factors influencing success of rehabilitation and/or release, recommended actions to conserve threatened species have rarely arisen, and direct benefits for species conservation are yet to be demonstrated. We therefore recommend that additional research be based on data from rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animals that is broader in scope than previous research and would have community support.