bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of elevated CO2on predator avoidance behaviour by reef fishes is not altered by experimental test water
Authors: Munday Philip L. , Welch Megan J. , Allan Bridie J.M. , Watson Sue-Ann , McMahon Shannon , McCormick Mark I. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPioneering studies into the effects of elevated CO2on the behaviour of reef fishes often tested high-CO2reared fish using control water in the test arena. While subsequent studies using rearing treatment water (control or high CO2) in the test arena have confirmed the effects of high CO2on a range of reef fish behaviours, a further investigation into the use of different test water in the experimental arena is warranted. Here, we used a fully factorial design to test the effect of rearing treatment water (control or high CO2) and experimental test water (control or high CO2) on antipredator responses of larval reef fishes. We tested antipredator behaviour in larval clownfishAmphiprion perculaand ambon damselfishPomacentrus amboinensis, two species that have been used in previous high CO2experiments. Specifically we tested if: 1) using control or high CO2water in a two channel flume influenced the response of larval clownfish to predator odour, and 2) using control or high CO2water in the test arena influenced the escape response of larval damselfish to a startle stimulus. Finally, 3) because the effects of high CO2on fish behaviour appear to be caused by altered function of the GABA-A neurotransmitter we tested if antipredator behaviours were restored in clownfish treated with a GABA antagonist (gabazine) in high CO2water. Larval clownfish reared from hatching in control water (496 μatm) strongly avoided predator cue whereas larval clownfish reared from hatching in high CO2(1022 μatm) were attracted to the predator cue, as has been reported in previous studies. There was no effect of testing fish using control or high CO2water in the flume. Larval damselfish reared for 4 days in high CO2(1051 μatm) exhibited a slower response to a startle stimulus, slower escape speed and a shorter escape distance compared with fish reared in control conditions (464 μatm). There was no effect of test water on escape responses. Treatment of high-CO2reared clownfish with 4 mg l−1gabazine in high CO2seawater restored the normal response to predator odour, as has been previously reported with fish tested in control water. Our results show that using control water in the experimental trials did not influence the results of previous studies on antipredator behaviour of reef fishes and also supports the results of novel experiments conducted in natural reef habitat at ambient CO2levels.
Soil Protists in Three Neotropical Rainforests are Hyperdiverse and Dominated by Parasites
Authors: Mahé Frédéric , de Vargas Colomban , Bass David , Czech Lucas , Stamatakis Alexandros , Lara Enrique , Singer David , Mayor Jordan , Bunge John , Sernaker Sarah , Siemensmeyer Tobias , Trautmann Isabelle , Romac Sarah , Berney Cédric , Kozlov Alexey , Mitchell Edward A.D. , Seppey Christophe V. W. , Egge Elianne , Lentendu Guillaume , Wirth Rainer , Trueba Gabriel , Dunthorn Micah 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTAnimal and plant richness in tropical rainforests has long intrigued naturalist. More recent work has revealed that parasites contribute to high tropical tree diversity (Bagchiet al., 2014; Terborgh, 2012) and that arthropods are the most diverse eukaryotes in these forests (Erwin, 1982; Bassetet al., 2012). It is unknown if similar patterns are reflected at the microbial scale with unicellular eukaryotes or protists. Here we show, using environmental metabarcoding and a novel phylogeny-aware cleaning step, that protists inhabiting Neotropical rainforest soils are hyperdiverse and dominated by the parasitic Apicomplexa, which infect arthropods and other animals. These host-specific protist parasites potentially contribute to the high animal diversity in the forests by reducing population growth in a density-dependent manner. By contrast, we found too few Oomycota to broadly drive high tropical tree diversity in a host-specific manner under the Janzen-Connell model (Janzen, 1970; Connell, 1970). Extremely high OTU diversity and high heterogeneity between samples within the same forests suggest that protists, not arthropods, are the most diverse eukaryotes in tropical rainforests. Our data show that microbes play a large role in tropical terrestrial ecosystems long viewed as being dominated by macro-organisms.Contact:dunthorn@rhrk.uni-kl.de
Characterisation of a mouse cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) after oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation
Authors: Ku Jacqueline M , Taher Mohammadali , Chin Kai Yee , Grace Megan , McIntyre Peter , Miller Alyson A 
Published: April 2016

SummaryStudies have utilised immortalised mouse cerebral endothelial cells (bEnd.3) exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) to study blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption after ischaemia. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the duration of OGD (and reoxygenation [RO]) required to best simulate BBB disruption in vivo. In this study we assessed BBB disruption in bEnd.3 cells after exposure to a range of OGD periods, and also after OGD + RO. Exposure of bEnd.3 monolayers to 4, 6, 16, or 24 hours of OGD resulted in a significant increase in permeability. The hyperpermeability after 16 or 24 hours was associated with decreased expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin‐5). Furthermore, there was a decrease in cell viability and increased expression of the pro‐apoptotic protein, cleaved caspase‐3. Exposure of bEnd.3 monolayers to 1 hour OGD+ 23 hours RO exacerbated hyperpermeability relative to 1 hour OGD, which was associated with decreased expression levels of occludin and ZO‐1, but no change in cell viability or caspase‐3. 4 hours OGD + 23 hours RO exacerbated hyperpermeability, decreased expression levels of tight junction proteins, decreased cell viability, and increased caspase‐3 expression. Thus, bEnd.3 cells exhibit hyperpermeability, a loss of tight junction proteins, and undergo cell death, after exposure to prolonged periods of OGD. Moreover, they exhibit exacerbated hyperpermeability, a loss of tight junction proteins, and increased expression of caspase‐3 after OGD + RO. These findings will facilitate the use of this cell line in studies of BBB disruption and for the testing of therapeutics.
Why women with previous caesarean and eligible for a trial of labour have an elective repeat caesarean delivery? A national study in France
Authors: Bartolo S , Goffinet F , Blondel B , Deneux‐Tharaux C 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo identify the characteristics of women and maternity units associated with elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) in women eligible for trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC).DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingFrance.Population and sampleUsing data from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey, a representative sample of births in France (n = 14 681 women), we studied two groups of women with prior caesarean section: (i) women eligible for TOLAC according to guidelines (n = 1179) and (ii) a subgroup of these women without any medical characteristics that might indicate ERCD (n = 575).MethodsAssociations were analysed by multilevel logistic regression.Main outcome measuresAdjusted odds ratios.ResultsAmong the 1584 women with a previous caesarean, 1179 (74.4%) were eligible for TOLAC according to guidelines (group 1); 490 (41.6%) had ERCD. Risk of ERCD increased with increasing maternal age and body mass index, pre‐existing condition and suspected macrosomia and decreased with previous vaginal deliveries. Among the unit characteristics, private status (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.1) and low level of care (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.5]) were independently associated with a higher risk of ERCD after adjustment on patient/pregnancy characteristics. The variability of ERCD rate between hospitals was mainly (78%) explained by the status and level of care, and not (0%) by patient/pregnancy characteristics. Associations with unit characteristics were similar for group 2.ConclusionFor women eligible for TOLAC, the rate of ERCD is high and not in agreement with guidelines. Some characteristics of women are associated with ERCD, but the main determinants are at the unit level, which suggests that non‐medical reasons are involved in the decision process.Tweetable abstractElective repeat caesarean in women eligible for trial of labour mainly depends on maternity unit characteristics.
Escape to the high canopy—thermal deficiency causes niche expansion in a forest‐floor ant
Authors: Seifert Bernhard , Fiedler Patrick , Schultz Roland 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe small formicoxenine ant Temnothorax saxonicus was known from about 40 localities in Central Europe nesting in anorganic substrates on floor of xerothermous forests whereas investigations of 198 tree canopies in 19 forest sites of the same region provided no indication for arboreal nesting or foraging. We present the first evidence for canopy‐nesting populations of T. saxonicus on old Quercus trees in 3 sites having maximum calibrated topsoil temperatures of 17.9 ± 0.3 °C which were significantly (P < 0.007) lower than 22.8 ± 2.0 °C measured in 5 sites with ground‐nesting populations. The thermal deficit on forest floor inhibits brood development in ground nests and caused a moving to canopy were maximum calibrated temperatures of the, now wooden, substrates are at least 26.1 °C for the whole canopy and 30.8 °C in more sun‐exposed spots. T. saxonicus competed here successfully with the obligatory canopy ants T. affinis and T. corticalis. The distributional data of this rope‐climbing study support former results that highest nest densities of small arboreal ants occur in temperate climate over the entire canopy mantle of single trees situated in open land or in park‐like environments but occur in the top of the canopy in tree stands with high degree of canopy closure.
Molecular assessment of vitamin D receptor polymorphism as a valid predictor to the response of interferon/ribavirin‐based therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Abdelsalam Ahmed , Rashed Laila , Salman Tarek , Hammad Lamiaa , Sabry Dina 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to find an association between serum concentration of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR).MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study in which 250 participants were recruited and divided into three groups (100 chronic hepatitis C [CHC] patients who achieved SVR, 100 CHC patients who did not achieve SVR and 50 apparently healthy individuals as controls). Blood samples were collected to measure serum vitamin D concentration, and four VDR polymorphisms (FokI, ApaI, TaqI, and BsmI) were detected using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism.ResultsNon‐responders were found to have significantly low vitamin D concentration compared with responders and control groups. Concerning VDR polymorphisms, both FokI and TaqI polymorphisms were associated with successful treatment.ConclusionVitamin D concentration, FokI, and TaqI may be considered as the predictors for the response of CHC patients to a combination therapy of pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
Epidemiology of globus symptoms and associated psychological factors in China
Authors: Tang Bei , Cai Hou Da , Xie Hai Li , Chen Dong Yun , Jiang Shu Man , Jia Lin 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the lifetime prevalence, epidemiological characteristics and psychological factors of globus symptoms in Guangzhou (Guangzhou Province, China).MethodsA total of 3 360 individuals were randomly selected and participated in the study. Respondents completed questionnaires about their physical and psychological characteristics, globus symptomatology and the Glasgow‐Edinburgh throat scale questionnaires and quality of sleep and life. Those who had experienced a globus sensation with no history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, odynophagia or alerting symptoms such as weight loss and hoarseness were diagnosed as having globus.ResultsA total of 3 006 respondents completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 89.5%. The overall lifetime prevalence of globus was 21.5%, with a peak age at disease onset of 35–54 years. The prevalence of globus was higher in participants from the urban region than those from the rural areas (26.5% vs 16.4%, P = 0.001). No sex‐related difference was observed (P = 0.082). Anxiety (39.8% vs 22.3%, P = 0.001), depression (31.2% vs 18.0%, P = 0.001) and sleep disorders (23.7% vs 13.6%, P = 0.001) were significantly more common in respondents with globus than in those without. Scores on all dimensions of the 36‐item short‐form health survey, except physical function, were lower in respondents with globus than in those without (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsGlobus symptoms are common and often accompanied by psychological and sleep disorders. The medical community should pay more attention to globus in clinical setting.
Safety of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in patients with a prior malignancy
Authors: Bae Seung‐Hyeon , Ahn Soo Min , Lim Doo‐Ho , Hong Seokchan , Kim Yong‐Gil , Yoo Bin , Lee Chang‐Keun 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThere is insufficient evidence to determine whether tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy is safe in patients with a recent history of cancer. The purpose of our study was to explore the influence of TNFi therapy on cancer‐related outcomes in patients who had undergone curative cancer treatment.MethodsThe medical records of 814 patients who received TNFi therapy at a single rheumatology clinic, between June 2005 and May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, the data from patients having received anticancer treatment before starting TNFi therapy were collected and cancer‐related outcomes were evaluated.ResultsTwenty patients of 814 had a history of malignancy before initiating TNFi therapy. Over the duration of TNFi exposure (median, 54.0 months; interquartile range [IQR], 23.25–72.0 months), there was no recurrence of the previous cancer. In eight patients with early‐stage cancer, TNFi therapy was initiated < 5 years after conclusion of previous anticancer treatments. Notably, over the duration of the ongoing treatment follow‐up period (median, 33.5 months; IQR, 13.0–75.75 months), cancer recurrence was also not identified.ConclusionTNFi therapy in patients with a history of an early‐stage localized cancer may not be contraindicated, even if TNFi is initiated < 5 years from completion of curative cancer treatment.
Tacrolimus successfully used to control refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis complicated by invasive aspergillosis and chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hirano Fumio , Mizoguchi Fumitaka , Harigai Masayoshi , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Kohsaka Hitoshi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhile several alternatives to cyclophosphamide have been proposed for refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), therapeutic options are limited in patients with chronic infections. We report a case of refractory EGPA complicated by invasive aspergillosis and chronic hepatitis B. Although multiple immunosuppressants, including cyclophosphamide, were not effective, tacrolimus was used successfully to control disease without exacerbating concomitant infections in the long term. Tacrolimus could be an alternative choice in the treatment of EGPA, especially when aggressive immunosuppression is unfeasible.
Development of a Sexual Health Screening Tool for Adolescent Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Goyal Monika K. , Shea Judy A. , Hayes Katie L. , Badolato Gia , Chamberlain James M. , Zaoutis Theoklis , Fein Joel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to develop a content‐valid audio computer‐assisted self‐interview (ACASI) sexual health survey (SHS) that is understandable and acceptable to adolescents and can be feasibly implemented in a pediatric emergency department (ED) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk assessment.MethodsMultistep iterative qualitative study utilizing a Delphi panel of key informants for survey development and content validity, cognitive interviews with end‐users to evaluate understanding, and pilot testing with end‐users to evaluate acceptability and feasibility.ResultsWe developed a 20‐item questionnaire through an iterative modified Delphi process with experts in adolescent and pediatric emergency medicine. All items were assessed as understandable by >90% of adolescents during the cognitive interviews. All respondents found the SHS easy to use. A total of 76.5% preferred answering questions related to sexual health through the SHS compared to face‐to‐face interviews. Mean (±SD) length of survey completion was 17.5 (±6.7) minutes and 88.6% of participants found survey length to be “just right.” With respect to feasibility testing, there was no statistically significant difference in median ED LOS between those who piloted the SHS and those who did not (230.0 minutes vs. 219.0 minutes; p = 0.7).ConclusionsWe developed a content‐valid ACASI for the identification of adolescents at risk for STIs that was understandable, acceptable, and easy to use by adolescent patients and feasible for implementation in the pediatric ED. Future planned steps include the evaluation of the SHS in providing clinical decision support for targeted STI screening in the ED.
Randomised clinical trial: mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium for chronic constipation
Authors: Erdogan A. , Rao S. S. C. , Thiruvaiyaru D. , Lee Y. Y. , Coss Adame E. , Valestin J. , O'Banion M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundFibre supplements are useful, but whether a plum‐derived mixed fibre that contains both soluble and insoluble fibre improves constipation is unknown.AimTo investigate the efficacy and tolerability of mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium in a randomized double‐blind controlled trial.MethodsConstipated patients (Rome III) received mixed fibre or psyllium, 5 g b.d., for 4 weeks. Daily symptoms and stool habit were assessed using stool diary. Subjects with ≥1 complete spontaneous bowel movement/week above baseline for ≥2/4 weeks were considered responders. Secondary outcome measures included stool consistency, bowel satisfaction, straining, gas, bloating, taste, dissolvability and quality of life (QoL).ResultsSeventy‐two subjects (mixed fibre = 40; psyllium = 32) were enrolled and two from psyllium group withdrew. The mean complete spontaneous bowel movement/week increased with both mixed fibre (P < 0.0001) and psyllium (P = 0.0002) without group difference. There were 30 (75%) responders with mixed fibre and 24 (75%) with psyllium (P = 0.9). Stool consistency increased (P = 0.04), straining (P = 0.006) and bloating scores decreased (P = 0.02) without group differences. Significantly more patients reported improvement in flatulence (53% vs. 25%, P = 0.01) and felt that mixed fibre dissolved better (P = 0.02) compared to psyllium. QoL improved (P = 0.0125) with both treatments without group differences.ConclusionsMixed fibre and psyllium were equally efficacious in improving constipation and QoL. Mixed fibre was more effective in relieving flatulence, bloating and dissolved better. Mixed fibre is effective and well tolerated.
Gossypol inhibits LH‐induced steroidogenesis in bovine theca cells
Authors: Myat Thet Su. , Tetsuka Masafumi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractGossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde found in cottonseed, has been shown to perturb steroidogenesis in granulosa and luteal cells of rats, pigs and cattle. However, little is known about the direct effect of gossypol on theca cell functions in any species. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of gossypol on the steroidogenesis and the expression of genes involved in it in cultured bovine theca cells. Theca cells were isolated from healthy preovulatory follicles and were cultured in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) for up to 7 days. During the culture period, main steroid products of the theca cells shifted from androstenedione (A4) at day 1 to progesterone (P4) from day 2 onward. At days 1 and 7, theca cells were treated with gossypol (0‐25 μg/mL) for 24 h. Gossypol inhibited LH‐stimulated theca cell A4 and P4 production in a dose‐dependent manner at both occasions. The viability of theca cells was not affected by gossypol at any doses used. Gossypol down‐regulated expressions of steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, HSD3B1 and CYP17A1, but not that of LHR. These results indicate that gossypol inhibits thecal steroidogenesis through down‐regulating gene expressions of steroidogenic enzymes but without affecting cell viability in cattle.
Determinants of subjective well‐being in people with psychosis referred for psychological therapy in South London
Authors: Broyd Annabel , Jolley Suzanne , Johns Louise 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesImproving subjective well‐being (SWB) for people with mental health problems is a United Kingdom national health priority and is increasingly important in justifying funding of mental health services. Aside from the economic advantages, maximizing SWB confers obvious individual and clinical benefits for people with severe mental illness, such as psychosis. Gaining a better understanding of well‐being and its determinants will enable current evidence‐based interventions to be targeted and refined appropriately. This study therefore sought to identify the cross‐sectional correlates of SWB in an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies for people with Severe Mental Illness psychosis demonstration site, to inform a future longitudinal investigation.MethodsParticipants with a psychosis or bipolar spectrum diagnosis referred to the demonstration site (n = 410) rated SWB as part of their initial assessment before starting psychological therapy. Potential influencing factors including age, gender, ethnicity, employment status, illness duration, perceived social support, perceived coping, and psychotic symptoms (voices and beliefs) were also assessed.ResultsRegression analyses showed that unemployment (β = −.16, p < .001), lack of social support (β = −.20, p < .001), distressing beliefs (β = −.12, p = .004), and poorer coping (β = −.43, p < .001) were associated with reduced SWB, together accounting for 43% of the variance in well‐being, F(5, 392) = 58.42, p < .001; mean SWB = 39.09, SD = 11.61.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary insights into the determinants of SWB in a large sample of people with psychosis. Improving employability, social interactions, coping strategies, and psychotic symptoms may improve SWB. Further longitudinal investigation will determine the potential value of preferentially targeting these areas in therapy to meet national requirements to prioritize well‐being outcomes.Practitioner points

Average well‐being in people with psychosis was lower than SWB previously reported for the general population.

Unemployment, lack of social support, poorer coping, and distressing beliefs were all associated with lower levels of well‐being in people with psychosis.

Psychological interventions targeting the positive symptoms of psychosis may impact on well‐being.

Greater focus on promoting social contact and inclusion and facilitating a return to employment may further improve well‐being outcomes following psychological intervention.

The cross‐sectional design of the study does not allow for firm conclusions about the causal relationship between well‐being and associated factors in psychosis.

The study was carried out within a particular service context, and the findings need replicating before they can be considered to be generalizable outside this setting.