bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invasive oaks escape pre‐dispersal insect seed predation and trap enemies in their seeds
Authors: BOGDZIEWICZ Michał , BONAL Raul , ESPELTA Josep M. , KALEMBA Ewa M. , STEELE Michael A. , ZWOLAK Rafał 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSpecies introduced to habitats outside their native range often escape control by their natural enemies. Besides competing with native species, an alien species might also affect the native herbivores by introducing a new source of different quality food. Here, we describe the case of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) invasion in Europe. We collected data on insect (moth Cydia spp. and weevil Curculio spp.) seed predation of northern red oak in its native (USA, North America) and invasive (Poland, Europe) range, as well as for sessile oaks (Quercus petrea) in Europe. We also evaluated the quality of acorns as hosts for weevil larvae by collecting infested acorns and measuring weevil developmental success, and quantifying acorn traits such as seed mass, tannins, lipids and protein concentration. We used DNA barcoding to identify insects to the species level. The predation by moths was similar and very low in both species and in both ranges. However, red oaks escape pre‐dispersal seed predation by weevils in Europe. Weevil infestation rates of northern red oak acorns in their invasive range were 10 times lower than that of sessile oaks, and also 10 times lower than that of red oaks in North America. Furthermore, even when weevils oviposited into northern red oaks, the larvae failed to develop, suggesting that the exotic host created a trap for the insect. This phenomenon might gradually decrease the local abundance of the seed predator, and further aid the invasion.
Acorn size and tolerance to seed predators: the multiple roles of acorns as food for seed predators, fruit for dispersal and fuel for growth
Authors: BARTLOW Andrew W. , AGOSTA Salvatore J. , CURTIS Rachel , YI Xianfeng , STEELE Michael A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFitness of parents and offspring is affected by offspring size. In oaks (Quercus spp.), acorns vary considerably in size across, and within, species. Seed size influences dispersal and establishment of oaks, but it is not known whether size imparts tolerance to seed predators. Here, we examine the relative extent to which cotyledon size serves as both a means for sustaining partial consumption and energy reserves for developing seedlings during early stages of establishment. Acorns of 6 oak species were damaged to simulate acorn predation by vertebrate and invertebrate seed predators. Seedling germination/emergence and growth rates were used to assess seedling performance. We predicted that if cotyledons are important for dispersal, acorns should show tolerance to partial seed consumption. Alternatively, if the cotyledon functions primarily as an energy reserve, damage should significantly influence seedling performance. Acorns of each species germinated and produced seedlings even after removing >50% of the cotyledon. Seed mass explained only some of the variation in performance. Within species, larger acorns performed better than smaller acorns when damaged. Undamaged acorns performed as well or better than damaged acorns. There was no pattern among individual species with increasing amounts of damage. In some species, simulated invertebrate damage resulted in the poorest performance, suggesting alternative strategies of oaks to sustain damage. Large cotyledons in acorns may be important for attracting seed dispersers and sustaining partial damage, while also providing energy to young seedlings. Success of oak establishment may follow from the resilience of acorns to sustain damage at an early stage.
Promoter mutagenesis for fine‐tuning expression of essential genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Boldrin Francesca , Degiacomi Giulia , Serafini Agnese , Kolly Gaëlle S. , Ventura Marcello , Sala Claudia , Provvedi Roberta , Palù Giorgio , Cole Stewart T. , Manganelli Riccardo 
Published: October 2017

SummaryA range of regulated gene expression systems has been developed for mycobacteria in the last few years to facilitate the study of essential genes, validate novel drug targets and evaluate their vulnerability. Among these, the TetR/Pip‐OFF repressible promoter system was successfully used in several mycobacterial species both in vitro and in vivo. In the first version of the system, the repressible promoter was Pptr, a strong Pip‐repressible promoter of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis, which might hamper effective downregulation of genes with a low basal expression level. Here, we report an enhanced system that allows more effective control of genes expressed at low level. To this end, we subjected Pptr to targeted mutagenesis and produced 16 different promoters with different strength. Three of them, weaker than the wild‐type promoter, were selected and characterized showing that they can indeed improve the performances of TetR/Pip‐OFF repressible system both in vitro and in vivo increasing its stringency. Finally, we used these promoters to construct a series of bacterial biosensors with different sensitivity to DprE1 inhibitors and developed a whole‐cell screening assay to identify inhibitors of this enzyme.
Warfarin prescription in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and one non–gender‐related risk factor (CHA2DS2VASc 1 or 2): A treatment dilemma
Authors: Denas Gentian , Zoppellaro Giacomo , Padayattil Jose Seena , Antonucci Emilia , Marongiu Francesco , Poli Daniela , Testa Sophie , Tripodi Armando , Palareti Gualtiero , Pengo Vittorio 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIntroductionThe issue of anticoagulation in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and 1 non–gender‐related (NGR) risk factor is subject to debate. The reported risk of stroke in untreated individuals is not uniform, and the rate of hemorrhage associated with anticoagulation in this group of individuals is not well defined. To this end, we assessed the rate of stroke and major hemorrhage in individuals treated with warfarin.Materials and Methodsindividuals were extracted from the START register, an observational, multicenter, dynamic inception cohort study that collects data on NVAF individuals starting anticoagulation therapy. Risk of stroke is stratified using the CHA2DS2VASc score upon entry into the registry.ResultsOverall, 431 individuals with 1 NGR risk factor were followed up for 604 person‐years. One nonfatal ischemic stroke was recorded (0.17 per 100 person‐years) during follow‐up. On the other hand, there were 9 major bleeding events (1.49 per 100 person‐years), with 4 being intracranial hemorrhage (0.66 per 100 person‐years), 1 of which was fatal. No difference in patient characteristics, bleeding risk factors, and quality of treatment were found between individuals who bled versus those who did not. However, a trend toward more bleeding events was observed in individuals <65 years old.ConclusionWe found an elevated risk of major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage in NVAF individuals treated with warfarin with 1 NGR risk factor for stroke. These data call for caution when treating with warfarin these individuals.
Prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas : a cross‐sectional study in northern India
Authors: Alok Ragini , Srivastava Ragini , Kumar Puneet , Das Siddharth K. , Agarwal Girdhar G. , Dhaon Pooja 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo study the prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas of Lucknow.MethodThe survey was carried out in a cluster of rural (n = 5118) and urban (n = 5053) communities of Lucknow through a door‐to‐door survey. Demographic data were collected and subjects with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) were identified. A Hindi adapted version of the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases questionnaire was used. Trained community volunteers completed the questionnaire.ResultsPresent and past MSK pain was the most common self‐reported problem in urban areas (34.1%), while it was the third most common self‐reported problem in rural areas (15.1%), after abdominal pain and cough. Females (214.9 and 419.5 per 1000) were more affected than males (118.8 and 265.2 per 1000) in rural and urban areas, respectively. Point prevalence of MSK pain (pain in last week) was higher in urban areas (28.2%) compared to rural areas (14.1%). In rural as well as urban areas, knee (rural: 49.3%, urban: 50.6%) and spine (rural: 56%, urban: 43.6%) were highly reported pain sites. Fatigue ([n] rural: 328, urban: 368) weakness ([n] rural: 310, urban: 324) and anorexia ([n] rural: 84, urban: 142) were most common systemic symptoms reported by urban as well as rural people. Urethritis/balanitis and ulcers in the mouth were the most common other symptoms reported by people in both the areas.ConclusionMSK pain is a predominant health problem of both rural and urban areas. Sex‐adjusted prevalence is higher among females than males. Knee and back were highly prevalent pain sites in both rural and urban areas of Lucknow.
A systematic review of the epidemiology, disease characteristics and management of systemic sclerosis in Australian adults
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveAustralia has one of the highest prevalence rates of systemic sclerosis (SSc) worldwide. In order to highlight management deficiencies and key areas for further research, it is essential to understand its local epidemiological patterns, natural history, prognosis and mortality trends over time.MethodsTo identify Australian SSc‐specific information through a systematic review focusing on areas of epidemiology, disease characteristics, treatment, functional ability, disease burden and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).ResultsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched on 14 September, 2016. All original full text articles on SSc in Australia were included. Of the 54 articles included in this review, the majority of studies recruited from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The prevalence of SSc in Australia is increasing and is similar among the general population and the Aboriginal population. Despite improvements in care over the last three decades, morbidity and mortality remain high, with an overall standardized mortality ratio of 3.4 and a 10‐year survival of 84% in a newly diagnosed patient. Cardiorespiratory manifestations are the leading cause of SSc‐related death. Malignancy is the leading cause of non‐SSc‐related death. The role of autoantibodies in predicting disease subtype, visceral involvement and their use as a prognostic marker is becoming increasingly recognized.ConclusionInformation on SSc in Australia, particularly unmet healthcare needs, HRQoL and economic burden, is limited. As a heterogenous condition, SSc requires a multi‐disciplinary approach to care. Research aimed at quantifying HRQoL and burden of disease in Australia is essential for advocacy and resource allocation.
Is the proportion of clonal species higher at higher latitudes in Australia?
Authors: Zhang Hongxiang , Bonser Stephen P. , Chen Si‐Chong , Hitchcock Timothy , Moles Angela T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe provide a large‐scale quantification of the relationship between latitude and the proportion of species with clonal reproduction. Parasite pressure is thought to be higher at low latitudes, while abiotic stress is thought to be higher at high latitudes. We therefore predicted that there would be a higher proportion of clonal species at high latitudes than at low latitudes. We collected data of 4386 native seed plant species from 446 genera and 99 families present in ABRSFlora of Australia. Species' occurrence records were taken from the Atlas of Living Australia, including 817 450 species‐site combinations spanning 34.5° of latitude. Logistic regression showed that the proportion of clonal species significantly increased with latitude, rising from 3.3% clonal species at 9.25°S to 26.7% clonal species at 43.75°S. The overall average proportion of clonal species in Australian seed plants was 9.4%. This study adds to our growing understanding of dramatic latitudinal gradients in the way plants grow and reproduce. It also reveals that Australian vegetation contains a relatively low proportion of clonally reproducing species.
Feeling the pressure at home: Predator activity at the burrow entrance of an endangered arid‐zone skink
Authors: Moore Danae , Kearney Michael Ray , Paltridge Rachel , McAlpin Steve , Stow Adam 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHabitat modification and invasive species are among the most important contemporary drivers of biodiversity loss. These two threatening processes are often studied independently and few studies have focused on how they interact to influence species declines. Here we assess the predation pressure placed on the threatened great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei) and how this interacts with fire‐induced habitat modifications. We collected daily track data of potential predators for 1 month at 30 great desert skink burrow‐systems where vegetation cover varied significantly after experimental burns. We used these data to evaluate potential predation pressure at the burrow‐system and assess whether fire influenced predator pressure. We supplemented this analysis by documenting predation via the inspection of large mammalian predator scats collected from great desert skink habitat. The level of feral cat activity at a burrow‐system entrance was significantly higher than that of any other potential predator, however fire had no effect on the visitation rates of feral cats, dingoes or large snakes to great desert skink burrow‐systems. The remains of great desert skink were found significantly more frequently in feral cat scats, compared to fox and dingo scats. We provide the first direct evidence that feral cats are a significant predator for great desert skink, thus supporting the hypothesis that feral cat predation is a key threatening process. Feral cat activity was not influenced by small‐scale experimental burns, however, this does not preclude an effect of larger scale fires and we recommend further research exploring this possible interaction.
Association of genetic variants and expression levels of porcine FABP4 and FABP5 genes
Authors: Ballester M. , Puig‐Oliveras A. , Castelló A. , Revilla M. , Fernández A. I. , Folch J. M. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe FABP4 and FABP5 genes, coding for fatty acid transport proteins, have long been studied as positional candidate genes for SSC4 QTL affecting fat deposition and composition traits in pigs. Polymorphisms in these genes, FABP4:g.2634_2635insC and FABP5:g.3000T>G, have previously been associated with fatness traits in an Iberian by Landrace cross (IBMAP). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the functional implication of these genetic variants. For this purpose, FABP4 and FABP5 mRNA expression levels in 114 BC1_LD animals (25% Iberian × 75% Landrace) were analyzed using real‐time quantitative PCR in backfat and muscle. FABP4 gene expression in backfat, but not in muscle, was associated with FABP4:g.2634_2635insC. In contrast, FABP5:g.3000T>G was not associated with gene expression levels. An expression‐based genome‐wide association study highlighted the FABP4:g.2634_2635insC polymorphism as the polymorphism most associated with FABP4 gene expression in backfat. Furthermore, other genomic regions associated in trans with the mRNA expression of FABP4 in backfat and FABP5 in muscle were also identified. Finally, two putative transcription binding sites for PPARG and NR4A2 may be affected by the FABP4:g.2634_2635insC polymorphism, modifying FABP4 gene expression. Our results reinforce FABP4 as a candidate gene for fatness traits on SSC4.
New Technology Mimics Physiologic Pulsatile Flow During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Sunagawa Gengo , Karimov Jamshid H. , Dessoffy Raymond , Byram Nicole , Grady Patrick , Sinkewich Martin , Naber Jeffrey P. , Vincent Douglas , Okano Shinji , Stewart Robert D. , Sale Shiva M. , Moazami Nader , Fukamachi Kiyotaka 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe VentriFlo True Pulse Pump (Design Mentor, Inc., Pelham, NH, USA) is the first blood pump designed to mimic human arterial waveforms in a standard oxygenation circuit. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this pump in preparation for future studies to determine possible clinical advantages. We studied four piglets (41.4–46.2 kg): three with an implanted VentriFlo pulsatile pump and one with the nonpulsatile ROTAFLOW pump (MAQUET Holding B.V. & Co. KG, Rastatt, Germany) as a control. Hemodynamics was monitored during 6‐h cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support and for 2 h after weaning off CPB. The VentriFlo demonstrated physiologic arterial waveforms with arterial pulse pressure of 24.6 ± 5.7 mm Hg. Pump flows (2.0 ± 0.1 L/min in ROTAFLOW; 1.9 ± 0.1 L/min in VentriFlo) and plasma free hemoglobin levels (27.9 ± 12.5 mg/dL in ROTAFLOW; 28.5 ± 14.2 mg/dL in VentriFlo) were also comparable, but systemic O2 extraction (as measured by arterial minus venous O2 saturation) registered slightly higher with the VentriFlo (63.2 ± 6.9%) than the ROTAFLOW (55.4 ± 6.5%). Histological findings showed no evidence of ischemic changes or thromboembolism. This pilot study demonstrated that the VentriFlo system generated pulsatile flow and maintained adequate perfusion of all organs during prolonged CPB.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – histological scoring systems: a large cohort single‐center, evaluation study
Authors: Rastogi Archana , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Agarwal Ayushi , Bihari Chhagan , Jain Priyanka , Jindal Ankur , Sarin Shiv 
Published: October 2017

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common cause of chronic liver disease. Till date, liver biopsy remains the gold standard for identification and quantification of the wide histological spectra of NAFLD. Histological scorings are very useful and widely applied for the diagnosis and management in clinical trials and follow‐up studies of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, in view of scarce published literature, there is a need to evaluate them in large cohort of NAFLD. This study was aimed to evaluate the two histological scoring systems (NAS‐CRN, SAF) in the diagnosis of NAFLD and to assess the role of histological characteristics as injury markers in NAFLD. Retrospective histological study of liver biopsies of 1000 patients diagnosed as NAFLD, between 2010 and 2016, was conducted. Histopathologic evaluation and semiquantiative scoring based on NAS‐CRN and SAF algorithm and their correlation with serum aminotransferase and fibrosis were performed. Liver biopsies were classified according to the NAS‐CRN scoring, as NAS <3 (not NASH) in 72 (7.2%), NAS 3–4 (borderline NASH) in 310 (31%), and NAS ≥5 (definite NASH) in 618 (61.8%), and SAF classified 117 (11.7%) not NASH and 883 (88.3%) definite NASH. There was excellent concordance for definite NASH and not NASH; however, 88.06% of borderline NASH was classified as NASH by SAF. 76.39% by NAS and 78.63% by SAF algorithm who were diagnosed as not NASH showed the presence of fibrosis; however, higher stages of fibrosis were significantly more prevalent in definite NASH, excluding burnt‐out cirrhosis. Serum ALT was significantly associated with increasing stages of fibrosis (p < 0.001) and the three categories (not NASH, borderline NASH, and definite NASH) when classified as with/without fibrosis (p < 0.001). Steatosis of higher grades, more ballooned cells, and more foci of Lobular Inflammation were found in significantly higher proportion of patients with NASH (p < 0.001), with higher fibrosis stages (p < 0.001) and higher serum ALT levels (p < 0.001). NAFLD classifications based on histological scoring NAS‐CRN and SAF algorithm are concordant for the category of definite NASH and not NASH, while borderline NASH shows discrepant interpretation. There was highly significant correlation between the NAS and SAF categories with high grades of histological characteristics, with serum ALT and with higher stages of fibrosis. Exclusion of fibrosis is a limitation with both scores.
Metastatic mineralisation caused by vitamin D intoxication in hand‐raised short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Scheelings TF , Slocombe RF , Bayley C 
Published: October 2017

Case reportTwo cases of metastatic mineralisation caused by dietary excess of vitamin D are reported in hand‐raised short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) puggles at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Oversupplementation was attributed to excessive levels of vitamin D in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer fed to the puggles. No information exists regarding the naturally occurring vitamin D levels in echidna milk, but, given the low serum levels that have been observed in free‐ranging animals, it is likely to be low.ConclusionThe vitamin D concentration in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer has been reduced.
The cost‐effectiveness of immediate treatment or watch and wait with deferred chemotherapy for advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma
Authors: Prettyjohns Matthew , Hoskin Peter , McNamara Christopher , Linch David ,   the NICE non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma Clinical Guideline Committee
Published: October 2017

SummaryRecent evidence has shown that immediate treatment with rituximab induction, with and without maintenance, substantially reduces the need for further treatment in patients with advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma. This analysis estimates the cost‐effectiveness of immediate treatment approaches in comparison to a watch and wait approach from the perspective of the UK National Health Service. A Markov decision model was developed to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of treatment strategies in patients with asymptomatic follicular lymphoma. The model was populated using effectiveness data from a systematic literature review with the key clinical data sourced from a randomised trial, in which the treatment strategies were compared. Costs were estimated using UK national sources. In comparison to watchful waiting, both rituximab strategies were found to be more effective and cost saving. In comparison to rituximab induction, the addition of rituximab maintenance marginally increased effectiveness but substantially increased costs, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £69 406 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, rituximab induction was found to have a 68% probability of being cost‐effective at a threshold of £20 000 per QALY. In conclusion, active treatment with rituximab induction is a cost‐effective strategy to adopt in patients with asymptomatic follicular lymphoma.